Following news that the fire in Cambridge that killed a mother and her children last Friday was likely caused by an e-bike battery, Nathan Davies, Head of Policy and Portfolio at RoSPA, said: “Fires from unregulated e-powered vehicle batteries are becoming commonplace and we are very concerned that we are sitting on a ticking timebomb of cases.
“It is only a matter of time until we see a battery failure cause a devastating large-scale fire in a block of flats, hotel or public space.
“Unfortunately, e-bike batteries are designed to be charged indoors, and mostly overnight. Critically, this is where the risk to life from a fire is the greatest.
“It doesn’t have to be this way. We have been using certified lithium-ion batteries safely for years, the technology is well understood and these can be manufactured to the correct standards.
“The problem lies in a series of failings in the supply of unregulated units, meaning products with poor construction can be supplied by internationally based sellers on third party platforms. Action needs to be taken to address this situation to prevent future deaths.
“We urge people to only buy from reputable sellers and to purchase electrical items from a known and trusted brand that complies with legislation. If you think your battery is faulty, damaged or you just aren’t sure, then we advise that you dispose of it at a waste centre, not in the bin.”
Scotland will mark the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty Queen Camilla with a series of events in Edinburgh today.
The King, accompanied by The Queen, will be presented with the Honours of Scotland – Scotland’s crown jewels – at a National Service of Thanksgiving and Dedication at St Giles’ Cathedral.
The service will be preceded by a ‘People’s Procession’ of 100 people representing different aspects of Scottish life, which will travel from Edinburgh Castle to St Giles’ Cathedral, and the Royal Procession, which will travel to the Cathedral from the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
Public opportunities will be available along the Royal Mile to view the procession, and the accompanying military bands and escorts.
The St Giles’ Service will be followed by a 21-Gun Salute fired from Edinburgh Castle and a flypast down the Royal Mile by the RAF Red Arrows.
The First Minister, Humza Yousaf, who is a republican, said: “Scotland will mark the visit of The King and Queen this week with a series of events to celebrate the Coronation, and I’m looking forward to representing the people of Scotland at today’s historic service at St Giles’ Cathedral.
“Those who wish to be involved will be able to follow TV or radio coverage of the proceedings, or view events in person along the Royal Mile. Space will be limited and a number of roads in the area will be closed, so I strongly encourage anyone attending to arrive early, use public transport if possible, and come prepared for whatever the weather may hold.”
Lord Lieutenant Robert Aldridge said:“The eyes of the world will be upon us once again as we mark the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty Queen Camilla. I’m quite sure it will be another proud day for the Capital.
“Given the scale and significance of these ceremonial events, we have to be prepared for disruption across the city, but particularly in the Old Town. We’re working with our partners to manage this as best we can and to keep residents, businesses and visitors updated on the events.
“For those who wish to enjoy the Royal and People’s Processions, I urge you to please plan ahead and keep an eye on our website and social media channels for the latest advice and guidance.”
Health Secretary Michael Matheson has paid tribute to the staff who have helped deliver the NHS throughout its 75 year existence.
Mr Matheson praised the extraordinary efforts of those involved with the service, particularly in the recent years of the pandemic. He also expressed his gratitude to those whose spirit of innovation has helped the NHS adapt over the years.
He said: “We are fortunate beyond words to have a National Health Service free at the point of need for every single one of us. Looking around the globe, it is clear that what we accept as a basic human right is not enjoyed by the majority of the world’s population.
“On this day, the 75th anniversary of our NHS, I cannot express enough how grateful I am to the people who have delivered this extraordinary service through all these years.
“Working in the NHS has not always been easy – particularly during the covid pandemic, but along with their colleagues in social care, NHS staff worked in tremendously difficult circumstances to care for those who needed them. Together they saved countless lives and their contribution will never be forgotten.
“From the world’s first ‘test tube baby’, through to robotic surgery, and then vaccinations and treatments for Covid-19 being rolled out at incredible pace – our health service has always been ready to adapt to new technologies and scientific developments.
“That spirit of innovation will be ever more crucial in the years to come, as the NHS and social care face new and different challenges, and it’s something we are determined to harness here in Scotland.
“With the continued support of people across the country, and the unwavering dedication of NHS staff, I have no doubt the NHS will be celebrating many more anniversaries in the years to come.”
A 21-year-old male pedestrian has died after being struck by a car on Calder Road. The incident happened around 7am this morning (Tuesday, 4 July).
The man was pronounced dead at the scene. The male driver of the silver Toyota Auris involved in the collision was uninjured.
The road was closed until around 12.10pm to allow for investigation at the scene.
Sergeant Barry Sommerville said: “Our thoughts are with the man’s family and friends at this difficult time.
“We are working to establish the full circumstances and I would urge anyone who may have information which has not yet been passed to police to get in touch.
“We would also be keen to speak to anyone who may have dashcam footage from the area.
“Anyone with information can call 101, quoting reference 0497 of 4 July, 2023.”
Join ‘The Broken Book – Mythical Monster Hunt’ and Protect the Realm from Legendary Creatures!
The grounds of Borders stately home Floors Castle are soon to transform into a world of interactive monster-hunting fun for all the family this summer, with an educational and exciting summer trail set within the magnificent grounds.
John Kerr, 3rd Duke of Roxburghe lived in Floors Castle until his death in 1804, over 220 years ago. Duke John was a great collector of many things, but his favourite thing to collect was books.
In the years following the duke’s death, most of the library was sold, but there was one book – The Great Book of Monsters, that was never accounted for. This book was very old indeed, and very valuable, and contained ancient knowledge on how to defeat and imprison many dangerous and terrible monsters.
Recently, around the Gardens and Grounds of Floors Castle, many of these beasts have been spotted. Somehow, they have escaped from the book …
From the 7th July and running 7 days a week (10am until 5pm) until 31st August, Floors Castle Summer Trail, promises monstrous thrills for adults and children alike, as they help to find them, capture them, and imprison them once again safely within its pages.
Everyone (adults & children) will need a ticket to participate in the Mythical Monster Hunt. Children’s tickets are £2 and adults will need either a valid Annual Pass, Castle Gardens & Grounds Broken Book Ticket (£18 online or £19.50 onsite) or a Gardens & Grounds Broken Book Ticket (£8). Last trail admission is 4pm.
All customers who have pre-purchased tickets online are advised to enter via the main Golden Gates (TD5 7RL) and pick up their trail booklets from the Gate Ticket Kiosk on arrival – these are essential for taking part in the trail.
*Adult Annual Pass Holders will receive unlimited free entry to the Mythical Monster Hunt as part of their Annual Pass scheme, however, ALL children taking part in the trail will require a trail ticket.
Monster Hunt tickets do not need to be booked in advance, tickets will be available to purchase on the day from both the Garden Ticket Kiosk and Golden Gates Ticket Kiosk.
Summer of fun promises to foster the next generation of performers
AN ESTEEMED performing arts school in the heart of the capital is geared up to welcome budding young performers to its summer programmes.
The MGA Academy of Performing Arts has launched two summer schools that will run this summer, aimed at inspiring young talents, and offering an insight into life at the school.
A Week in the Life will give budding young talent a first-hand insight into the daily routine of a student at MGA, providing a genuine taste of the challenges and rewards of being a full-time student.
Designed for ages 13 and above, the programme offers a comprehensive five-day journey, mirroring the intense schedule of a full-time student in acting, musical theatre, or dance.
On the other hand, specially tailored for children aged between 7-14, Once Upon a Fairy tale will be an action-packed week of musical theatre, acting and dance training.
Marcella Macdonald, Principal of The MGA Academy, said: “Our summer schools are always very popular, so we’re really excited to launch these two exclusive opportunities.
“A Week in the Life is exactly what it says on the tin – the perfect chance to experience the training that our full-time students receive on their way to achieving a degree with us, giving a real insight to life at the Academy.
“Once Upon a Fairytale is aimed at slightly younger children and is an exciting journey into classic stories like Shrek, Descendants, Enchanted and more. It promises to be a magical week.
“We’re lucky to work with vastly experienced performers and tutors who are experts in their field. Our summer schools are a golden opportunity for those looking to get a taste of the industry.
“Not only will applicants benefit from the high-quality teaching and confidence building skills, but they can also get a real taste of MGA student life before making a full-time commitment.”
Applications are open to performers of all levels, who will learn invaluable techniques and skills from the academy while also honing their confidence, with many a long-lasting friendship having originated at these events.
Once Upon a Fairytale runs from Monday 31 July to Friday 04 August. A Week in the Life runs the following week from Monday 07 August to Friday 11 August. Both will be held in the academy’s Balgreen campus, ahead of the new Livingston campus opening in September.
Marcella added: “Our summer schools provide an immersive and unforgettable experience, fostering a lifelong love for dance and empowering participants to shine on and off the stage.
“The programmes are a testament to our commitment in providing opportunity for performers in Scotland. The places are likely to get snapped up fast, so make sure to get your applications in!”
The MGA Academy is Scotland’s only fully accredited performing arts college, holding Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA), Council of Dance, Drama and Musical Theatre (CDMT) and Imperial Society for the Teachers of Dance (ISTD) certifications.
Based in Balgreen, the academy’s mission is to provide a platform for aspiring performers to remain in Scotland while studying at a level equivalent to prestigious London colleges. The academy is set to expand its footprint, with a new multi-million pound campus in Livingston opening in September 2023.
Learn more about The MGA Academy and how to enrol for courses here:
Scotland’s first-ever free, book recycling vending machine is unveiled at The Centre, Livingston – ‘Read. Swap. Repeat.’ – to give shoppers the chance to swap their old books for a reused one, for free, to help keep them in circulation and prevent them from going to landfill.
The ‘swapping’ vending machine stocks 200 books for adults and children.
Shoppers simply hand in old books, which are in a good condition, to the Customer Service Desk, near New Look, and collect a token to use in the machine, which is full of pre-loved books from all genres, and simply choose another one for free! Books are regularly restocked to ensure shoppers find something different every time they visit.
Shoppers have the chance to swap up to three books at a time and also donate books to help keep the stock up without swapping. Any books which can’t be used will be donated to charity.
Katie Gallacher, Marketing Manager at The Centre, Livingston said: “Our Read. Swap. Repeat. free book vending machine is a great way for book lovers to share their favourite reads and help the environment at the same time.
“We’re delighted to be the first in Scotland to launch it and are confident it will be a big hit with visitors to the shopping centre.”
George Gellatly from Balerno, who regularly visits The Centre, Livingston with his wife Sandra, said: “I think the book vending machine is a great idea!
“I’ve seen lots of vending machines like this but never one with recycled books in it!
“Being big readers, my wife and I will definitely be using it – it is such a great way to reuse books and may be even pick one up that we wouldn’t normally go for.”
The book vending machine is situated next to Gregg’s Café and the Post Office.
Snooker’s biggest names will return to the Meadowbank Sports Centre in Edinburgh later this year for the BetVictor Scottish Open.
The world ranking event will be back in Scotland’s capital city from December 11 to 17, 2023. Tickets are NOW ON SALE, for full details visit www.wst.tv/tickets
Standard tickets start at just £15, or only £12 if you take advantage of our special opening offer. Book quickly for the chance to see the world’s best on the green baize!
The tournament was staged at the Meadowbank Sports Centre for the first time in 2022 and Gary Wilson lifted the trophy, beating Joe O’Connor in the final.
Also in the field were all-time greats including home favourite John Higgins, World Champion Luca Brecel, world number one Ronnie O’Sullivan, Judd Trump, Mark Selby and Neil Robertson – and a strong line-up is expected again in 2023.
Televised by Eurosport, discovery+ and many other broadcasters worldwide, the BetVictor Scottish Open is part of the BetVictor Scottish Open Home Nations Series, alongside events in England, Northern Ireland and Wales.
OPENING OFFER – ENDS MONDAY 9 OCTOBER
Booking fast to secure discounted tickets!
Book tickets before midnight on Monday 9 October and receive 20% discount off tickets between Monday 11 December and Thursday 14th December.
Terms and conditions apply. A limited number of tickets are available at this special price.
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has welcomed commitments made this week by the UK’s leading online marketplaces, including Gumtree, Preloved and Pets4Homes, to sign up to new best-practice advertising standards for pets advertised for sale online.
Alongside the minimum legal requirements for pets advertised online, the 26 voluntary standards will help classified websites crack down on misleading, illegal or unethical adverts. This will improve animal welfare and help prevent unsuspecting buyers from getting ‘petfished’, where unscrupulous sellers pretend the pet they are selling is from a happy home, when in reality they have been bred or kept in poor conditions.
The new Advertising Standards were launched last week (30 June) by the Pet Advertising Advisory Group (PAAG), a leading group of animal welfare organisations, trade associations and veterinary bodies including BVA. The group has been engaging with popular UK pet classifieds websites for over two decades to help websites better moderate the online pet marketplace.
Responding to the new standards, British Veterinary Association Senior Vice President Justine Shotton said:“Online marketplaces are extremely popular and so the commitment of these websites to the new advertising standards is hugely positive, and we hope other websites follow suit.
“Together, we can continue our work to rein in the Wild West nature of buying and selling pets online and make sure that animal welfare and buyer safety are front and centre.
“With these standards, websites will now block sellers from advertising animals with illegal mutilations like docked tails and cropped ears, banned breeds and prohibited species, underage kittens and puppies, or even postal deliveries for live vertebrates. They will also crack down on sellers advertising animals frequently without a local authority licence.
“Anyone thinking of buying a pet should always take the extra time to consider if they will be able to look after the animal’s health and welfare requirements. If an ad does not share basic information such as a photo, age, country of origin and relevant health tests, you should flag it to the website and be prepared to walk away to avoid dodgy sellers and animals that might have a poor quality of life because of how they have been bred.”
BVA has been actively involved in drafting the new advertising standards and will continue to support PAAG’s important work. The websites currently engaging with PAAG and who have committed to meet the Advertising Standards are:
Gumtree
Pets4Homes
Preloved
Puppy Choices
Friday Media Group
Freeads
Forever Puppy
Wightbay
For more information on the new PAAG Advertising Standards and advice on buying a pet responsibly, see: https://paag.org.uk/
Strachan House in Blackhall will be opening their doors to the local community for an afternoon of tea and entertainment on Saturday (8th July).
Taking place between 10am – 4pm guests will be able to enjoy a selection of home-made cakes prepared by the home’s Head Chef Paul, and will have the chance to meet the team and take a tour of the home.
Gordon Philp, General Manager at Strachan House, says: “I’m excited about welcoming new visitors and existing friends of the home to our open day.
“Looking for care can be a little bit daunting, but our team here at Strachan House will do all we can to provide all of our guests with the guidance and support they may need, and answer all of their questions, big or small.
“Our open day is a great chance to enjoy some delightful entertainment in a homely and friendly setting- hope to see you all there!”
Our varied life enrichment programme keeps residents active, and provides a daily choice of engaging physical, mental and spiritual activities tailored to residents’ interests and abilities.
Strachan House care home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering personalised care across its care homes and hospitals. Strachan House provides residential care, nursing care and dementia care for 83 residents from respite care to long term stays.
