Day: July 10, 2023

Taking your dog abroad this summer? Time to get your pooch travel ready

Vets are advising anyone planning to travel abroad this summer with their pets or assistance dogs to book an appointment with their vet practice well in advance to allow plenty of time to complete all the required health checks and paperwork.

With school summer holidays here, the British Veterinary Association (BVA) is calling on owners to first carefully consider if it would be in their pets’ best interests to travel overseas with them.

For anyone choosing to holiday abroad with their pet, BVA has issued a handy checklist to remind owners about the checks their animal will need before travel. This includes trips from Great Britain and Northern Ireland to the European Union, as post-Brexit rules mean owners now have to get the more complex and time-consuming Animal Health Certificate (AHC) from a vet trained to issue them no more than ten days before travel.

British Veterinary Association Senior Vice President Justine Shotton said: “The countdown to summer break has begun. While we should all consider whether a holiday abroad is appropriate for our pets’ welfare or their carbon pawprint, if you are making plans that include travelling with your pet or assistance dog, now is the time to contact your local vet for information on pet travel requirements.

“Book an appointment as soon as possible to make sure your pet has all the necessary paperwork and is fully protected against diseases they may encounter in their travels.

“We’d like to remind owners that the post-Brexit requirements for travel to the EU are a significant change from the previous and much simpler ‘pet passport’ system, so they will take longer to complete and cost more. A pet travel consult at the vets can now take around an hour and even longer where there are multiple animals.

“Vet practices are already under a huge workload pressure. To help make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible for yourself, your pet and your vet, we would urge you to contact your vet as early as you can ahead of travel to make sure there’s a vet available for this certification work and enough time to complete the required health checks and paperwork.”

Prior to Brexit, as many as 250,000 cats and dogs from the UK were taken to the EU on holiday every year.

BVA has prepared a seven-point checklist for to help pet owners:

  • Timings: Contact your vet well in advance to ensure that you can get an appointment at least three weeks before your planned travel. Dogs, cats and ferrets need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) for each trip from Great Britain to an EU country or Northern Ireland. Unlike pet passports, AHCs are 9-12 pages long, which means a much more complex, time consuming and costly paperwork process. Some vaccinations, like rabies, are time-sensitive, so even a one-day delay could result in your papers being rejected at the border. As Northern Ireland remains part of the EU pet travel scheme, travellers from the country can use an EU pet passport as an alternative to an AHC. Contact your vet to update the pet passport.
  • Destination: Be clear about the countries you intend to travel to so that your vet can identify specific health risks your pet may be exposed to, such as ticks, sandflies, heartworm or tapeworm.
  • Rabies: Check that your pet’s rabies vaccination is up to date.
  • Microchip: Ensure your pet’s microchip is working and contact details are up to date.
  • Heat: Talk to your vet if going somewhere hot to discuss prevention of heatstroke and how to recognise symptoms in your dog.
  • Emergencies: Identify a local vet in the area where you will be holidaying in case of an emergency and to administer compulsory tapeworm treatment to dogs one to five days before arrival back into the UK. 
  • Return: If your pet becomes ill after returning to the UK, it is very important to tell your vet that you have been abroad with your pet, even if it was some time ago.

More information for travellers from Great Britain is available on the government website: https://www.gov.uk/taking-your-pet-abroad/travelling-to-an-eu-country-or-northern-ireland

From kitchen table to top table …

LS Productions – a global production company that started life on a kitchen table by a former air stewardess – is officially recognised as one of the UK’s fastest growing private companies

  • Set up in Edinburgh by Marie Owen – with 3 kids under the age of 5 – the company has gone from strength to strength being named on two prestigious lists of fastest growing UK private companies
  • LS Productions was Grammy-nominated for its work on its second Harry Styles music video (‘Adore You’) and works with high profile celebrities including Zendaya, Ed Sheeran and Cristiano Ronaldo
  • With ambition to become a £40 million turnover business in the next two years, the company provides production services to clients for commercials, fashion, sport, music videos and film and TV projects working across the globe.

LS Productions – whose headquarters are in Leith – is celebrating appearances on The Sunday Times 100 and FEBE Growth 100 lists – which recognise the UK’s fastest growing private companies.

Both lists celebrate British business at its best – highlighting founders that are driving their companies to deliver significant sales, revenue and profit, against a backdrop of unprecedented economic challenges.

With their headquarters in Edinburgh, LS Productions are the UK’s largest production service company with additional offices in London and Manchester.

LS’s recent growth is down in part to the expansion of their services into the international film & TV sectors, taking on global TV and film production service projects over the last 18 months, with recent projects including  Ghosted (Skydance / Apple TV),episodes of the Bachelor (NZK Productions / Warner Bros Entertainment / ABC) and a Kind of Spark (CBBC / BYUtv America).

As part of this growth they have also added a warm water production and location facility in Malta to further bolster their international offering.

In conjunction with this expansion, the LS growth can also be directly attributed to a commitment to invest in and recruit talent in the LS’s core production specialisms, including commercials, fashion, music and sport.

Mimi Webb, Aviemore, Scotland, 5th April 2023

The diversification of these business streams was a deliberate move to weather the storm faced by the production industry in a post Covid landscape.

Across this period LS has worked on a succession of high profile service production projects ranging from Ed Sheeran’s latest album Subtract (Freenjoy / Directed by Mia Barnes), Harry Styles ‘Adore You (Freenjoy / Directed by Dave Meyers), Valentino’s Pink Dreams starring Zendaya (Marcell Rev / Michael Bailey Gates) and ‘You’re Up’ featuring Cristiano Ronaldo for Nike (Wieden & Kennedy/ Directed by Megaforce).

Not only this but Covid also provided cause for reflection about where the business saw itself creatively in the long term and how they could look to continue to stay true to their values of being ‘creative at heart’ which drove further diversification with the arrival of an original content arm in the form of LS Films.

Thanks to this successful business strategy, LS has seen a two year growth of 273% and boasts sales of £20 million.

Speaking about the recognition, CEO and Founder Marie Owen – who has lived in Edinburgh her whole life, said: “I’m beyond thrilled to see LS Productions name appear on such prestigious lists, in fact I can’t quite believe it!

“If you could have told me that we’d be appearing on lists like these when I started the business back in 2006 from my kitchen table I’d probably have laughed and said ‘are you joking’! I

“t’s such a fantastic achievement and so rewarding to see all the incredible hard work and dedication that myself and the team have put in to get recognised.

“Both in terms of growing a world-class global production company, but also a business that people genuinely love working for that is firmly rooted in the values of kindness, hard work and learning.”

Marie continued: “”Post Covid we had to completely re-evaluate where we wanted to go – not just professionally but personally. So we went, quite literally back to our roots – which meant investing heavily in specialised expertise to develop focused business streams; Fashion, Sport, Commercial, Music Videos, Film & TV Service and an original content division called LS Films.

“This robust diversification gives LS a solid foundation in an industry that is notorious for huge highs and steep lows because we’re not overly dependent on one particular stream and it also allows us to explore our creative passion with LS Films.”

The full 100 rankings can be viewed:

www.febe.com

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/sunday-times-100-fast-growth

Edinburgh parents more anxious than ever about the cost of school uniforms

The Leith Collective launches free school uniform exchange to help worried parents this summer  

School’s out for summer but far from signalling the start of a care-free holiday, many Edinburgh parents are already worrying about how they will afford new school uniforms when the holiday is over and the new academic year begins. 

That’s according to one local Community Interest Company, The Leith Collective, who are reporting a higher level of anxiety than ever amongst Edinburgh parents, many of whom have said they will be cutting back on summer holiday treats this year to meet the rising cost of essentials such as school uniforms.

And so, The Leith Collective is acting now to help alleviate some of that anxiety with the launch of their free school uniform exchange.

Taking place at The Leith Collective stores in Edinburgh’s Ocean Terminal and Fort Kinnaird as well as the Glasgow’s St Enoch Centre, this initiative will see locals donate good quality uniforms, schoolbags, pencil cases and school essentials to those in need. Items will be available for anyone to collect completely free of charge, no questions asked. 

Speaking ahead of the launch, The Leith Collective founder, Sara Thomson said; “Demand for our free school uniform exchange last year was high. Sadly, due to the ongoing cost of living crisis, there is an increasing number of families from all walks of life who are genuinely anxious about how they will kit out their kids again this year.

“So, we felt it was essential that we launch our free school uniform exchange as soon as possible – so that parents have at least one less thing to worry about throughout the school holidays.”

This summer’s free school uniform exchange follows The Leith Collective’s winter coat exchange which received an overwhelming response, with over 7,000 coats donated and collected by locals.  

People can donate and collect items at The Leith Collective in Ocean Terminal, Fort Kinnaird, and the St Enoch Centre during opening hours. No tights or socks can be accepted but all other good quality school items are welcome.

  • The Leith Collective at Ocean Terminal
    Ocean Drive, Edinburgh
    EH6 6JJ
    Opening hours: Monday – Saturday 11am – 6pm, and Sunday 11am – 5pm.
  • The Leith Collective at Fort Kinnaird
  • Newcraighall, Edinburgh
  • EH15 3RD
  • Opening hours: 10am – 8pm seven days a week
  • The Leith Collective at St Enoch Centre,
  • Glasgow G1 4BW
  • Opening hours: 10am – 5pm, seven days a week

Survey reveals the struggles families face this summer

National charity Family Action polled over 1,000 parents/carers to find out how this summer looks for families facing increasing financial pressures.

Over three quarters (76%) of parents/carers are worried about activity and entertainment costs for the summer holidays due to the rising cost of living.

A third (33%) of parents/carers surveyed will be going without a family holiday, and over a quarter (26%) will be going without days out for their family during or in preparation for this summer holiday, when compared to previous years.

Almost half (46%) of parents/carers surveyed think they will compare the school summer holiday they give their child/ren, this year, with what other parents around them give their children. The same figure feel more stressed and anxious about the school summer holidays this year than excited.

Over a third (36%) of parents/carers anticipate they will need to seek financial and/or emotional support to get through the school summer holidays this year.

Family Action’s free advice line FamilyLine is available 24/7 for families looking for support this summer

National charity Family Action polled over 1,000 parents/carers to find out how this summer looks for families facing increasing financial pressures.

Findings revealed that 76% of families are worried about the cost of days out, such as travel, entry fees and equipment costs, because of the cost of living crisis. In the run up to and during the school summer holidays, 26% of families will be going without days out completely, and 33% will be forgoing a family holiday this year, due to the rising cost of living.

Further findings from Family Action also highlighted an increase in mental health issues facing families this summer, with nearly half (46%) of parents/carers feeling more stressed and anxious about the school summer holidays, rather than excited.

The survey reveals that this year the school summer holidays are set to be a time when inequalities are amplified, with almost half (46%) of parents/carers surveyed set to compare the school summer holiday they give their child/ren, this year, with what other parents around them give their children.

David Holmes CBE, CEO at Family Action said: “Every family wants to make happy memories during the school holidays but, for many, this summer will be more difficult than ever. From juggling childcare to coping with the cost-of-living crisis and searching for affordable ways to have fun, the pressures can really build up.

“At Family Action we are here to help to make the summer a memorable one for the families we work with, and our services will be providing a range of ideas for simple and often free activities that all families can participate in. As our survey shows, 80% of parents/carers agree that making happy memories with their children can be free, so providing free or low cost activities is a great way to take some of the pressure off families this summer.”

Family Action runs over 170 services across the UK and this summer they will be coming together to make happy memories for the families they support, and providing the financial, practical or the emotional support needed to reduce shame and reassure families that making happy memories doesn’t have to cost a lot.

Family Action Service Manager, Leanne Best, said: “The families, volunteers, staff and colleagues we work alongside share with us that there is an expectation that summer school holidays should be a really happy time, where we spend lots of quality time together as families, doing fun activities, going on summer holidays and making special memories, but it is sadly not the reality for most this year.

“Many families are worrying that due to the cost of living crisis they will have to find more money for the basics, such as food, bills, childcare and school uniform. This means that they aren’t going to be able to afford holidays, days out, or activities which can result in stressful households and can leave people feeling guilty about ‘not being good enough’ or ‘not doing enough’ for their families.

Sanna uses our service and said: “I’m worried about trying to save up for 6 weeks because it will be quite a struggle financially because obviously the gas and electricity bill increased twice and the support we were getting from the government has stopped and has taken a chunk off the family budget, so I am worried about how I am going to keep the children entertained through the holidays.

“Family Action trips are the only time I’ll go out on a trip, as I don’t have the budget to take my kids out. Even if you go on a train its expensive and then you worry about the entry tickets. I do all the free things I can do with my kids I go to the park, for picnics, take them for a walk, but if you think about taking them somewhere where you need transport, entry tickets and food it can come to easily £100!

“When you do it by yourself you have all these worries, all these stresses, and all these anxieties, but when everything is provided, like the Family Action trips, all you need to do it sit, relax and make beautiful memories with your children.”

Leanne Best adds: “We have listened to these worries and in response, we will be enhancing the support we already offer to children, young people and families in Stockton, with the addition of our Summer Action Packs.

“Summer Action Packs will contain a variety of summer essentials, activities, tips & ideas, vouchers and information – which will hopefully enable families to worry a little less and have more resources and affordable opportunities, which will help them to enjoy some special family times over the Summer.”

David Holmes concludes: “At Family Action we believe that all children and families have the right to thrive. Together we can overcome the summer struggle and make it one to remember for all the right reasons.

“We know that families agree that the best memories don’t have to be expensive to make, but we also see the stress families feel under to provide the best possible summer holidays for their children, and we can help.

“Our services provide a lifeline to families with direct, practical, emotional and, where we can, financial support, all year long and our free adviceline FamilyLine is there for families across the UK, to provide advice and support.”

If you know someone who needs support, they can contact FamilyLine on 0808 802 6666, text 07537 404 282, email familyline@family-action.org.uk or visit  Family Action .

“We have become friends by going on this journey”

Afghan students who fled their home country celebrate Edinburgh Napier graduation

A group of Afghan students who came to Edinburgh Napier University following the evacuation of their home country have spoken of their pride at graduation.

Tens of thousands of people fled Afghanistan when the country’s government fell in 2021, amid the Taliban insurgency and withdrawal of international troops.

Amin Ul Haq Majeed, Bilal Rafi, Rafi Ullah Jabarkhail, Ahmad Reshad Halimi, Allahdad Afghan, Idress Rasooly, Mujeeb Rahman Fazli, Ibrahim Anwari and his brother, Abdur Rahim Anwari, have since made Edinburgh their home and completed their studies at ENU in several different subjects, including Computing and Business Management.

They picked up degrees during the University’s summer graduation ceremonies at the Usher Hall.

Abdur Rahim Anwari already had an offer to attend ENU when the evacuation of Kabul took place two years ago.

The 29-year-old said: “Suddenly everything changed. I informed Edinburgh Napier and they replied very quickly, offering me support such as hardship funds so I could study. This was a turning point for me.

“I didn’t even have ten pounds in my pocket when I arrived.

“It was a very difficult time, but thanks to the support from the University we have made it through.

“My fellow Afghan students were in the same situation. We have become friends by going on this journey together. We’re very thankful to the University.

“It is impossible now, but one day I want to go back home to Afghanistan with what I have learned.”

Bilal Rafi said: “2021 in Afghanistan was a very big problem – we lost everything when it all happened. But when we came here, Edinburgh Napier University helped us get started, and I am very thankful for that.

“It was a very scary time. We didn’t know anyone here and our families weren’t safe back home. Everything was at risk. Everything was unstable.

“On the first day when I came to the University, I didn’t know anyone – except Amin. We didn’t know anyone and we didn’t have anything.

“But it gave us the motivation, the inspiration to complete our education, and finally complete our degree.

“You can feel it when you are here in a safe place and your family is at risk. It was very difficult, mentally, especially for the first four, six months – I couldn’t sleep at night.

“But later on, with the help of Edinburgh Napier University, especially the Safeguarding Team, we did it.”

Edinburgh’s Festivals ‘strengthen recovery of businesses and jobs’


Independent research has confirmed the huge contribution that Edinburgh’s Festivals make to the economic vitality of Edinburgh and Scotland.

The latest study – conducted across the festivals in 2022 and surveying 22,000 people – shows that the Edinburgh Festivals continue to be Scotland’s world-leading cultural brands.

These unrivalled cultural programmes deliver a major economic uplift to businesses, jobs and livelihoods in the city and further afield – helping to rebuild sectors devastated by the pandemic and an especially important boost during the cost-of-living crisis, with the Festivals themselves having a stronger focus on fair work and local suppliers.

Key findings from the study show that the Edinburgh Festivals in 2022 are:

Edinburgh Festivals are World leading cultural brands

FACT: 3.2 million attendances generated by around 700,000 attendees
FACT: Remain on a par with FIFA World Cup [3.4m], despite reduced scale in 2022
Edinburgh Festivals are Increasing economic powerhouses
FACT: Economic impact increased in Edinburgh from £280m [2015] to £407m [2022]
FACT: Economic impact increased in Scotland from £313m [2015] to £367m [2022]
Edinburgh Festivals are Important drivers in the national economy
FACT: Proportion of non-Scottish staying visitors increased from 25% [2015] to 31% [2022]
FACT: Spend by non-Scottish staying visitors increased from £95m [2015] to £137m [2022]
FACT: Impact supported 5000 FTE jobs across Scotland
Edinburgh Festivals provide Crucial support to city jobs and livelihoods
FACT: Impact created 5850 FTE jobs in Edinburgh [5650 in 2015]
FACT: 51% of spend on accommodation (c£85m), 25% on food & drink (c£42m) and a further 19% on shopping (c£31m)
Edinburgh Festivals offer Incredible value for money
FACT: Generate £33 in economic impact for every £1 invested from the public purse

For the first time this Impact Study also identifies what the figures look like when the economic actions of locals are included in the calculations – previous impact studies have focussed solely on the Festivals’ role in bringing new money into the economy.

This further analysis shows the importance, previously only anecdotal, of local and Scottish audience spending driven by the Festivals rather than by other activities:

Edinburgh Festivals are Loved by locals

FACT: Had 1.5m attendances by residents of Edinburgh/Scotland [c50% of total audience]
FACT: Contribute £492m to Edinburgh and £620m to Scotland in gross impact
FACT: Support 7,150 FTE jobs in Edinburgh and 8,500 FTE jobs in Scotland
FACT: Overnight audience spend from across Scotland has doubled since last report

Introducing the Study, Dr Simon Gage, Chair of Festivals Edinburgh commented: “The positive impact our Festivals have on businesses, jobs and livelihoods is great news for the people of our city and country – and we need to ensure that this economic recovery is built on a solid foundation of good responsible growth, looking after our people, our place and our planet.

“In this instance our impact is primarily felt by the tourism and hospitality sectors, not by the festivals themselves and the people who make them happen – in fact, their unique cultural programmes are hanging each year by a precarious financial thread, damaged by Covid lockdowns and over 15 years of declining investment.

“We call on all funders and supporters to come together to consider their long-term role in helping the Edinburgh Festivals remain Scotland’s world leading cultural brands and a crucial economic powerhouse for people’s jobs and livelihoods.”

Commenting on the Study, Richard Naylor, Director of Research at BOP consulting said: “This Study confirms and further strengthens the key message from the earlier Impact Studies that the Festivals are a major contributor to both the local Edinburgh economy and the national Scottish economy.

“This economic impact spreads far beyond the immediate cultural economy, with the biggest beneficiary businesses being those in the tourism and hospitality sectors.

“That the Festivals have bounced back so strongly shows the importance of communal events in our post-pandemic world, with audiences and visitors increasingly seeking out unique cultural experiences such as the Edinburgh Festivals.”

Edinburgh_Festivals_Impact_Study__digital__originalDownload

Barratt Developments Scotland pledges £50,000 fund to aid food inequality and support for cancer care

Funds to go to charities supporting those who are facing food inequality, and which offer cancer care across Scotland

Barratt Developments Scotland, which includes Barratt Homes, David Wilson Homes, has donated £50,000 to charities providing support for individuals living with cancer and families impacted by food inequality.  

Five charities spanning the length and breadth of Scotland have received a share of the funds, which will go towards helping low-income families struggling with the cost of food  and supporting organisations which provide lifeline care for those affected by cancer.

Beneficiaries include Empty Kitchens, Full Hearts in Edinburgh, Launch Foods in Glasgow, Dundee-based Dundee Bairns, Abbie’s Sparkle Foundation in Elgin and Friends of ANCHOR in Aberdeen, which all received a £10,000 donation from Barratt Developments Scotland.

Douglas McLeod, Regional Managing Director for Barratt Developments Scotland, said: “As Scotland’s leading housebuilder, with a national footprint, we’re committed to giving back to the areas in which we build.

“The charities we are supporting through this fund provide vital support to families and individuals across the country who are faced with difficult circumstances.We’re pleased to be able to provide some support, and hope that it will help the charities in continuing their life-changing work across Scotland.”

The donation to Empty Kitchens, Full Hearts, will go towards helping the charity carry out its work of turning surplus food into nourishing meals for families in need, reaching marginalised groups across Edinburgh. 

Emily Gifford, Fundraising Manager at Empty Kitchens, Full Hearts, said: “This generous support from Barratt Developments Scotland will go directly towards cooking, packing, and delivering meals to people in need across Edinburgh, as well as signposting towards other relevant support services.

“At the moment, we’re working with around 700 people each week who are facing diverse challenges including poverty, short and long-term physical and mental health conditions, social isolation, unemployment and debt. We are looking forward to working with the Foundation over the coming year to provide support to people throughout the city.”  

With a coffee shop, Launch Coffee, on Bothwell Street in Glasgow, Launch Foods works all year round to provide children with free hot and nutritious food after their school day and during the holidays.

Craig Johnston, founder of Launch Foods, said: “For every pound we get we can feed a child in Glasgow – proving that a little can go a long way.

“We’re only a small team and not government funded, which means we rely heavily on donations. We’re grateful to have Barratt Developments on board and helping to support something that makes such a difference to so many children’s lives.”

A third of children in Dundee are living in poverty. Through Barratt Developments’ donation, Dundee Bairns can continue to provide basic needs for children in the city, helping them access food, clothing, activity, and other essentials they need to thrive. 

Genna Millar, Project Coordinator at Dundee Bairns, said: “Dundee Bairns is grateful to Barratt Developments for such a generous donation of £10,000.

“The funding has come along at an especially busy time for Dundee Bairns – we are set to deliver our 7th annual summer ‘Fun and Food’ programme, delivering meals and funding for activities to over 100 schools and community projects, targeting some of the most vulnerable children in the city.”

Based in Aberdeen, Friends of ANCHOR has a collection of specialised wards and clinics within Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, giving treatment and support to those diagnosed with cancer. Barratt Development’s donation will go towards funding specially crafted experiences for those receiving end of life care for an oncology or haematology illness in the North-east of Scotland and the Northern Isles.

Sarah-Jane Hogg, Director at Friends of ANCHOR, said: “With such a generous gift from Barratt Developments, we’ll be able to fund at least 10 Making Memories experiences for patients and their loved ones.

“We’re incredibly grateful to the Foundation and the Barratt team for choosing Friends of ANCHOR to benefit from this donation, every penny of which will go to the cause.”

Abbie’s Sparkle Foundation, based in Elgin, provides support for children with cancer across the UK. The organisation gives children gifts and grants – referred to as ‘sparkles’ – in memory of Abbie who passed away aged 15 on Christmas Day in 2017, after living with Sarcoma – a rare form of cancer.

Tammy Main, Abbie’s mother and Abbie’s Sparkle Foundation Charity Manager, said: “Abbie’s Sparkle Foundation is delighted to receive this hugely generous donation from Barratt Developments. We are all volunteers and they made their giving as easy as possible for us.

“It was lovely to meet Doug McLeod at the David Wilson development in Elgin to share Abbie’s inspirational story and for him to hear the amazing difference this donation will make. We really do appreciate all the support we receive from our kind community.”

For more information on Barratt Developments Scotland, which includes Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes, visit: www.barrattdevelopments.co.uk 

Dobbies team members in Edinburgh won’t miss a beat with new lifesaving CPR training

Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre retailer, has rolled out a potentially lifesaving defibrillator and CPR training programme in Edinburgh supporting the British Heart Foundation (BHF), to help improve survival rates from cardiac arrest.  

There are more than 30,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests in the UK each year, but less than one in ten people survive, often because those around them don’t have the skills or confidence to perform CPR.   

Now to help save more lives, Dobbies’ 4,000 team members across all 76 of its stores, including Edinburgh, and its Central Support Office are being encouraged to complete RevivR – the BHF’s online tool which teaches vital CPR skills for free in just 15 minutes – and all that is needed is a mobile phone and a firm cushion to practice on.   

RevivR shows how to recognise a cardiac arrest, gives feedback on chest compressions and outlines the correct steps of using a defibrillator, giving anyone the confidence to help in the ultimate medical emergency.  

The retailer has also committed to registering all of its 77 defibrillators, one in each store and Central Support Office, on The Circuit2, the national defibrillator network, which connects defibrillators to NHS ambulance services across the UK. This ensures in those crucial moments after a cardiac arrest, they can be accessed quickly to help save lives. 

Paul Green, Head of People Experience, at Dobbies, said: “We are proud to be working with the British Heart Foundation on this important initiative, which we hope will help save lives.

“We want to enable all our team at the Edinburgh store to learn CPR and to know how simple defibrillators are to use. We are committed to creating a safe environment for our customers and our team, and I am proud to celebrate this landmark moment for our stores.” 

Dr Charmaine Griffiths, Chief Executive of the British Heart Foundation said: “A cardiac arrest can happen to anyone at any time and it could happen to someone you love.

“Knowing what to do in those vital moments could mean the difference between life and death. We want to thank Dobbies for their support and for working with us to make sure even more people have the skills they need to save a life.” 

To find out more about RevivR please visit: https://www.bhf.org.uk/how-you-can-help/how-to-save-a-life/how-to-do-cpr/learn-cpr-in-15-minutes  

Visit TheCircuit.UK for more information or to register your defibrillator.   

Edinburgh performers celebrate huge medal haul at Dance World Cup

EDA performers representing Team Scotland grab four golds at international competition

Performers from Edinburgh Dance Academy (EDA) are celebrating after securing FIFTEEN medals, including four golds, at this year’s Dance World Cup which wrapped up over the weekend in Portugal.

EDA’s 10–13-year-old Contemporary Group were among its gold medal winners, taking the top honours for their “Lovely” routine, choreographed by teacher Jenni Inglis.

Ms Inglis, who was named the top choreographer for the UK and Ireland at the Dance Inspirations competition held in Blackpool earlier this year, was also the creator of two other gold medal winning dances: “Someone to Stay,” a Lyrical solo performance by Finn McFeely, and “Hip Hip, Chin Chin,” a Jazz Trio which also featured 15-year-old Finn along with 17-year-old Paige Gay, and 16-year-old Rhianne McAllister (above).

Rhianne (below) took a further gold in the 14-17-year-old category for her Commercial solo dance “Fancy,” which was choreographed by EDA teacher Hannah Boyle.

Finn McFeely (below) also picked up two of EDA’s silver medals, for his Jazz solo “Jumpin Jack” and as part of “Embers,” a Ballet duo performed with 14-year-old Megan Hannay, which was choreographed by teacher Millie Thomas.

Ava Robinson also secured a Team Scotland silver for EDA for her Lyrical solo “I will wait” in the 10-13-year-old category.

A further eight bronze medals were won for Team Scotland by EDA dancers across a range of group performances.

In total, 52 of the dances performed by competitors from the highly-regarded Edinburgh school secured Top 10 placings at the week-long Dance World Cup, staged in Braga, Portugal. The competition featured more than 7500 dancers from all parts of the globe.

EDA, founded by its Principal Julie Mitchell, brought 72 pupils to the event, making up the largest group of the Team Scotland contingent.

The school’s delegation was comprised of dancers from its Performance Group, aged between seven and 18, with teacher Hannah Boyle also competing for Scotland in the Over-18 section.