ATN Bangla UK filmed their ‘Will to Win‘ programme in local restaurant Britannia Spice, with local representative Foysol Choudhury MSP, local hero Dr Wali Uddin and host Amina Khanom.
The programme will be travelling around the UK to visit local restaurants and businesses, discussing their endeavours in the restaurant industry and also the challenges facing the sector today.
Following the filming of the programme, Foysol Choudhury MSP said: “”Thank you to ATN Bangla UK for highlighting the challenges faced by the Indian and Bangladeshi restaurant industry in Scotland.
“Restaurants are struggling for the skilled staff they need. A culmination of issues such as VAT rates, the cost-of-living crisis increasing material costs and immigration laws are hitting the sector hard.
“This environment is meaning that the next generation are often not able or willing to take on the roles they once were.
We urgently need to do more to support the restaurant industry in these key sectors and to encourage new talent into the catering and restaurant world.“
Mr Choudhury notes that he will continue to raise the challenges faced by his constituents in the Scottish Parliament, to continue to support Scotland’s restaurants which contribute to a diverse and enriched society and economy.
This week sees the official launch of a new dedicated taxi zone at Edinburgh Waverley station. It’s the result of a collaboration between Network Rail and APCOA which is designed to enhance the overall journey experience for passengers using the station.
With space to accommodate up to 40 taxis, the facility in the New Street car park is the largest in Edinburgh city centre, offering a dedicated fleet of both hackney cab and private hire vehicles, including people carrier options for groups of up to eight, and standard TX taxis for customers with mobility impairments.
Agents are on standby throughout the station to take specific bookings at no extra cost, and passengers will receive real-time waiting updates if a vehicle isn’t available immediately.
Edinburgh Waverley’s station manager Chris King commented: “We’re delighted to have worked with APCOA to create a dedicated facility within the station area which will be great for passengers, particularly for those with reduced mobility, or those travelling with children, prams or luggage.
“It has also generated employment opportunities for local people and offers convenient onward travel options to those who need it, with the reassurance of either getting a taxi straight away or knowing for certain that one is on its way.”
Scotland’s public bodies receive vital funding from water retailer
ONE of the UK’s largest water retailers has donated £50,000 to public sector organisations throughout Scotland to help fund water efficiency projects.
Edinburgh-based Business Stream set up its annual Public Sector Scotland (PSS) Water Efficiency Fund to help organisations such as local councils, schools and universities deliver environmental and financial savings.
This year, the retailer has awarded funding to Midlothian Council which is looking to generate efficiencies at two of its primary schools. Funding has also been awarded to South Lanarkshire College and Glasgow Kelvin College, both of which are using the money to invest in water saving devices, rainwater harvesting apparatus and water efficiency audits.
Scottish Fire and Rescue has also been awarded funding for a water efficiency audit across nine stations, and East Ayrshire Council and charity body, Glasgow Life, is hoping the investment will improve their urinal flow facilities.
In addition to providing funding, Business Stream will also support the delivery of each project.
Chief Executive of Business Stream, Jo Dow said: “It’s important to us that we do everything we can to help organisations become more water efficient. We’re delighted that our fund is supporting the public sector throughout Scotland to generate environmental and financial savings for the fourth year running.
“Our fund provides an opportunity for forward thinking organisations to implement steps that will directly benefit their bottom line and support their sustainability goals.”
The fund allocation process was overseen by a judging panel comprising of representatives from Business Stream, the Advanced Procurement for Universities and Colleges (APUC), public sector bodies and Scottish Procurement.
Sheona McIntyre, Environment Officer, Scottish Fire and Rescue, said: “Business Stream’s fund will not only help the Scottish Fire and Rescue service deliver water efficiencies, but also help to further educate our teams on the importance of using water wisely and being conscious of waste water.
“We’re delighted to have been awarded funding.”
Business Stream recently announced it had saved Scotland’s public sector a record £2.85million over the course of the last year, taking total savings over three years to £6.4million. As a result of the retailer’s activities, the sector has also saved more than 1.365 billion litres of water over the past year, equivalent to the volume of 546 Olympic swimming pools.
Headquartered in Edinburgh, with a presence in Worthing, West Sussex and in Bradford, West Yorkshire, Business Stream is guided by its ambitious vision to make a positive difference (MAPD) to its customers, its people, the environment and local communities.
Since launching that vision in 2019, the UK’s second largest water retailer has introduced more than 30 initiatives, several of which have contributed to its latest reduction of 50% in carbon emissions over the past year.
While the company achieved a 25% reduction in 2021-22, the 2022-23 figure, which has been externally verified, is a significant step toward Business Stream becoming net zero by 2030 – well ahead of the Scottish Government’s 2045 target.
In recognition of its efforts to operate as a responsible business, the retailer was awarded a Gold rating by global sustainability assessors, EcoVadis, in November 2022, placing it within the top 5% of companies measured across four key sustainability areas – the environment, sustainable procurement, labour and working conditions and ethics.
Eddie Brown winner of the 2022 Andrew Fairlie scholarship.
Picture Robert Perry 17th November 2022
Hospitality Industry Trust (HIT) Scotland has announced that the Andrew Fairlie Scholarship is once again open for applications from aspiring chefs working in Scotland.
An invaluable opportunity for chefs looking to gain first-hand experience within some of the world’s most renowned establishments, the Andrew Fairlie Scholarship provides the ultimate education for up-and-coming chefs.
Launched in 2019 with the late Andrew Fairlie fronting the initiative, the scholarship is provided in partnership with HIT Scotland, an industry charity Andrew was closely associated with. Now in its fourth year, the Andrew Fairlie Scholarship is supported by HIT Scotland, Restaurant Andrew Fairlie, Perth College UHI and The Gleneagles Hotel.
Eddie Brown was awarded the scholarship last year, earning him industry-wide recognition as an Andrew Fairlie scholar and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build on his culinary education.
An all-star panel of the country’s finest chefs will judge the 2023 competition.
Stephen McLaughlin, Head Chef at Restaurant Andrew Fairlie, will be joined by fellow 2 Michelin starred Chef Sat Bains, 1 star Head Chef at Cail Bruich and winner of Great British Menu, Lorna McNee, and Masterchef winner and National Chef of Scotland, Gary Maclean.
The winner of this year’s Scholarship will be taken on a 2-day educational trip to France with Grand Cuisine, and gain hands-on experience at the 2-star Restaurant Andrew Fairlie at Gleneagles, the 3-star Core by Clare Smyth in London, and the 2-star Mélisse in Los Angeles, as well as a bespoke chef’s jacket.
These highly informative experiences will be taken over two years, allowing the scholar to develop their learnings over a period of time.
Eddie Brown winner of the 2022 Andrew Fairlie scholarship.
Picture Robert Perry 17th November 2022
Head Chef at Restaurant Andrew Fairlie, Stephen McLaughlin, commented: “The search for the 2023 Andrew Fairlie scholar has now started! I am very much looking forward to seeing what Scotland’s aspiring chefs will create and serve up to us this year.
“The judges will be looking to see a clear demonstration of the applicants’ skills and knowledge but also want to see and feel their creativity, flair, and personality.
“At the end of the day, we are not necessarily looking for a Michelin starred chef. What we are searching for is someone with a sharp eye for details and really clean set of skills. Someone who is driven to learn and improve their craft and to elevate themselves and others toward a higher level.”
Eddie Brown winner of the 2022 Andrew Fairlie scholarship.
Picture Robert Perry 17th November 2022
David Cochrane MBE, Chief Executive of HIT Scotland, added: “We are delighted to once again open up applications for the Andrew Fairlie Scholarship.
“The scholarship is a fantastic opportunity for chefs that are looking to advance their career and to continue their professional development in this remarkable industry.”
To apply, potential candidates should complete an application which can be found on the HIT Scotland website. They will be asked what inspires them to be the best chef they can be, and about their proudest career moment to date. They will also have to design a dish to create on finals day.
This year candidates will need to display their innovation and expertise by creating a potato dish which will be cooked and served to the judges at the final, along with some other culinary challenges which will be revealed on the day!
The finalists will take part in the final skills test on Wednesday 22nd November at Perth College UHI, followed by a presentation at The Gleneagles Hotel.
The test will focus on the candidates’ skills, knowledge, and creativity, with the recipient of the scholarship striking a fine balance between personality and professionalism throughout.
Applications are open now and close midnight 24 September 2023.
Eligible candidates can find out more information about the application process on the HIT Scotland website here.
Do you have a little one(s) aged 6 months – 3 years? Would you like to learn more about encouraging positive behaviours around food in a safe and supportive environment?
Why not join Sally and Jules this Wednesday from 10am-11am Pilton Community Health Project , we’d love to welcome you and your wee one(s).
Booking is essential and these sessions run each week for a total of 4 weeks. Please register using the link below or by contacting us via email (details on poster).
The North British Distillery (NBD) has released a uniquely packaged run of 60-year-old Single Grain Scotch Whisky, with all proceeds going to charity.
Distilled in 1960, the liquid for this rare expression comes from a single cask, which lay resting in the NBD warehouse in the outskirts of Edinburgh for 60 years. Bottled at natural cask strength of 50.6% ABV, the release is limited to just 60 individually numbered bottles.
Each has been hand filled into an elegant wax dipped decanter and packaged in a luxury moleskin coffret, which comes complete with a signed certificate of authenticity.
Available to purchase for £3,000 + VAT, the NBD aims to raise £60,000 for each of the three charities it is supporting in 2023 – Big Hearts, Scottish Autism and Four Square.
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Managing director of NBD, Alan Kilpatrick, said: “North British is a modern company founded on traditional values. We’ve manufactured whisky for 138 years and recycle our by-products for animal feed and electricity. We value our roots and respect our environment, which is why it’s important for us to give back to the community around us as we safeguard our future.
“We have a long history of supporting local charities, which is something we’re really proud of. This 60-year-old gives us, and whisky lovers and collectors around the world, a chance to boost these fundraising efforts and make a real difference.
“Creating great whisky for three great causes, the 60-year-old is the perfect harmony of flavours, with rich spiced fruit, deep oak, and velvety caramel notes. With every sip, you can indulge in one of the finest grain whiskies, having secured an exclusive piece of North British Distillery history while supporting these important causes.”
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Established in 1885 on the outskirts of Edinburgh, The North British Distillery is one of Scotland’s oldest and largest Scotch Grain Whisky producers. It serves leading brands across the world where its grain whisky forms a key component of many well-known blends, but rarely releases eponymous single grain whiskies straight to the consumer.
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Having supported neighbouring charity Big Hearts, the official charity of Heart of Midlothian FC, for over five years, proceeds from the 60-year-old sale will raise vital funds to help bring community resources together to offer adults and children at risk of social isolation and poverty free opportunities to help them live a safe and fulfilling life.
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New charity partners Scottish Autism and homeless charity Four Square will also benefit from the bottling, with an equal share of all proceeds.
The North British Distillery 60-year-old Single Grain Scotch Whisky is now available to purchase for £3,000 + VAT per 70cl bottle: nb60.squarespace.com/
Richard Evans, head of technical services at webuyanycar comments; “With more and more callouts for breakdowns likely caused by defective roads, many drivers and cars are at risk of damage from potholes.
“Our research showed that over half of drivers (54%) have had their car damaged as a result of potholes, with 40% actively avoiding routes that they know are prone to them.
“If drivers think that their tyres have burst or their car has broken down, they should try to pull over somewhere safe to avoid obstructing other road users.
Using hazard lights and if necessary a warning triangle will also help to ensure you are visible to other drivers.
“Breaking down can be a stressful and potentially dangerous experience, so it’s important to know the steps to take to keep you and your passengers safe.
“Using our tips for breakdown, drivers can find out the correct steps to take depending on which type of road they are on should their car break down.”
Government urged to take action on the UK’s worsening pothole problem
Drivers are being warned about the worsening condition of roads across the UK, following news pothole-related breakdowns are at a five-year high.
Experts from leading price comparison website Quotezone.co.uk are calling on the government and local councils to not let the pothole problem get even worse.
After one of the wettest months of July on record, the road’s potholes are filled with water and not visible to motorists, causing a record number of pothole-related breakdowns.
Motorists will run an increased risk of damaging vehicles by driving over potholes if UK roads are not properly maintained.
Spending on road maintenance has almost halved since the financial crisis just over a decade ago, and the recent cost of living crisis has further reduced potholes on the priority list.
Even temporary pothole fixtures – which involves filling the hole with a form of asphalt treatment – have also decreased by almost half in some counties.
Credit: Shutterstock
There are also claims from members of the public that councils are not properly inspecting potholes that have been reported online.
Several county councils have admitted that filling in potholes is no longer a priority as a result of the rising cost of living, with less funding for UK highways.
And with an expected bad weather spell to last well into the New Year with rising levels of snow, ice and rain – it will no doubt make potholes even worse.
With a combination of bad weather and lack of funding, the UK is likely sitting on a disaster waiting to happen and the pothole problem may soon get out of hand.
Quotezone.co.uk are calling for councils and the government to urgently act on what is a UK wide problem.
Data shows that the worst pothole affected area in the UK is by far Northumberland with over 180,000 potholes reported over four years, followed by Cornwall and Kirklees in West Yorkshire.
Newcastle, Liverpool and Suffolk also have some of the worst potholed roads in the UK as well as Fife and Glasgow in Scotland, and Newry, Mourne & Down joined by Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon in Northern Ireland.
Greg Wilson, Founder and CEO of Quotezone.co.uk said: “We all know how bad it can be to drive down roads which are full of potholes, and unfortunately the problem does not seem to be going away.
“Most, of us have had damage caused by a pothole, or know someone that has. We are expecting a winter of extreme weather and with spending on road maintenance on the decline, we could expect to see a significant increase in pothole related claims.
“This will make UK roads more dangerous for all road users, and that’s why we’re calling on local authorities and the government to act now ahead of the worsening weather and make a start on fixing the UK’s pothole problem.”
Support for parents who have had children taken into care will continue through a £435,000 award, delivered through the Corra Foundation,
Many of the parents have dealt with multiple traumatic life events, such as childhood trauma, substance misuse, mental health issues, or experience of domestic abuse.
The group helps those who see their mental health decline following the loss of their children, helping empower parents to take control of their lives, develop new skills and build their self-confidence.
Public Health Minister Jenni Minto met Corra Foundation staff to hear how the funding awards to councils and charities is improving the lives of birth parents.
Ms Minto said: “Taking a child into care should only be done in the best interests of the wellbeing of that child. It is a hugely traumatic experience that impacts on the whole family, and doesn’t just stop.
“Sadly birth parents have been left with little support leaving them isolated having to deal with the situation alone often when they are at their lowest point. However, much evidence and positive outcomes have been gathered by those working with birth parents in this project.
“Our previous funding supported services that users called life changing and I am pleased we can continue this and show our appreciation for NHS Grampian, the Corra Foundation and all the groups they work with and the parents they support.”
Carolyn Sawers, CEO of the Corra Foundation said: “Corra Foundation are delighted to be able to continue to support this vital work.
These projects are a wonderful example of the importance of relational ways of working.”
Hundreds of dogs and their owners descended on Cammo Estate in Edinburgh on Sunday (20th August) for the annual dog show on behalf of the Lewis Leap charity.
The show aims to raise awareness and funds for the charity which was set up to honour the memory and spirit of Cammo schoolboy Lewis Johnson, who died suddenly whilst on a family holiday aged just 13.
The charity’s vision is to introduce a new service later this year to offer early support to local families who have suddenly and traumatically lost a child, sibling or parent.
They are partnering with national bereavement support group Cruse Scotland and the new service will support family members collectively and individually in the early stages of grief.
