Month: August 2023

Edinburgh opticians to treat hundreds of patients in week-long Kenyan charity trip

Optometrists from a high street practice in Edinburgh are travelling to Kenya to help deliver eye care clinics that will see 500 people access the service in just one week.

Brenda Rainford and Maria Sawe, of Birrell & Rainford Opticians in William Street in Edinburgh’s West End, will head to Africa this October as part of the SeeKenya initiative.

The charity was established 10 years ago and provides trustworthy, high quality and life-enhancing eye care to prevent blindness, restore sight and improve eye health in Kenya.

Maria, who is joining Birrell & Rainford Opticians on a permanent basis having spent seven years as a locum, said: “I have been working with SeeKenya for a while now and it’s a hugely rewarding experience.

“Anyone can attend our clinics and we carry out full eye tests, check for infections and allergies, administer eye drops and fit glasses.

“We even have a fully functioning onsite lab where we can dispense glasses while the patient waits – they choose a frame and we fit a single vision lens with their prescription.

“It ensures people have access to good quality eye care and it’s very well received. People ask for months in advance when we are coming next.”

Plans are underway to build a permanent clinic at the site in Meru, with a £500,000 online fundraising campaign launched. For more details see www.seekenya.org.

The trip will be the first time Brenda has been part of a SeeKenya clinic and she added: “I’m really looking forward to going out there and experiencing it.

“The work the charity does is incredible and it will be a privilege to be able to give back some of my years’ of experience and make a difference to those who need it the most.”

Maria will be a familiar face to patients at Birrell & Rainford and is looking forward to making the practice her permanent professional home from November.

She said: “It’s exciting and although I already feel very much part of the team having the consistency of a permanent position will make a difference. If patients have recurring problems then they know they always have someone there to help them.

“I’m looking forward to introducing new methods and techniques to the practice and we will have a new focus on the growing prevalence of short-sightedness, particularly among children.”

Levels of short-sightedness, also known as myopia, have risen sharply in recent decades with one in three people classed as having the condition. It is predicted to affect half of the world’s population by 2050.

With a qualification in pioneering treatments such as myopia management – using speciality lenses to slow the progression of shortsightedness – Maria brings a new skillset to the team and is urging patients to book their children in for an eye exam and ensure they receive the best possible care and service.

She said: “With myopia rates rising steeply, it’s become something of a ticking timebomb for global eye health. This is a chance to put into practice techniques that are proven to slow its progression and keep children seeing better for longer.

“Use of digital screens, lots of up-close work and a lack of outdoor play are all contributory factors to myopia so I would urge all parents to book their children in for an eye exam. The earlier we can see them, the sooner we can spot a potential issue and we can get them on the most appropriate treatment pathway.”

Established in 2011, Birrell & Rainford is an independent optometrist offering a range of clinical services and beautiful eyewear for everyone in a family-friendly environment, tailored to each individual’s needs.

Brenda added: “Our experienced team is dedicated to providing the highest quality of care, giving our patients the best vision possible. I have known Maria for many years and I know she is going to be a real asset to the team.”

For more details on booking in for an eye examination call 0131 226 7833 or visit https://www.birrellrainford.co.uk/

Aberdeen cannabis cultivations: Two arrested in Edinburgh police swoop

Two men aged 27 and 35 have been arrested following a pre-planned police operation in the Muirhouse and Niddrie areas of Edinburgh yesterday (Tuesday, 22 August, 2023).

Aberdeen officers were supported by colleagues in Edinburgh in this operation.

It resulted in both men being charged in connection with a number of cannabis cultivations discovered in the Aberdeen area between Tuesday, 4 July and Tuesday, 15 August, 2023. They have an estimated street value of over £800,000.

Both men are due to appear at Aberdeen Sheriff Court today.

Detective Inspector Andrew Machray from the CID Proactive Unit in Aberdeen said: “A significant amount of cannabis has been taken off the streets and I hope this operation highlights our determination to tackle drugs activity.

“We will continue to use every tool at our disposal to disrupt those involved in serious and organised crime who are intent on bringing harm and misery to our local communities.

“The majority of cultivations that we uncover come from information given to us from our communities. We rely on the support of the public, so if you have any information or concerns about drug misuse, do not hesitate to contact Police Scotland on 101 or report this anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

HAVE YOU SEEN DEAN?

TEN YEAR OLD BOY MISSING FROM WEST PILTON TRACED

*** UPDATE ***

!! Dean Campbell, 10, who was last seen in the Pilton area has been traced safe !!

Original message:

POLICE are appealing for your help to trace Dean Campbell aged 10 who was last seen at Forthview Primary School, West Pilton Place, Edinburgh, around 10am yesterday (Wednesday 23 August 2023).

Dean is described as white, 4ft tall, slim build with short blond hair.

When last seen he was wearing black tracksuit bottoms with yellow markings, a white polo shirt and black trainers.

Sergeant Michael Thomson said: “There are growing concerns for Dean’s welfare. Anyone who may have seen Dean since this time, or who has any information on his whereabouts, is urged to contact Police Scotland via 101 quoting incident number 1065 of 23 August 2023.”

Protecting Scotland’s wildlife

Views sought on snare trap ban

The use of snare traps could be banned as part of new plans to protect vulnerable wildlife and promote sustainable wildlife management.

The Scottish Government is seeking the public’s views on whether an outright ban should be put in place or if any exemptions should be considered. A snare is a thin wire noose used for catching a wild animal for the purposes of wildlife management.

The consultation is also asking for opinions on extending the investigative powers of the Scottish SPCA – a new measure which will help tackle wildlife crime. This will involve giving SSPCA inspectors more authority to search, examine and seize evidence related to incidents of illegal hunting and other offences related to wildlife persecution.

Environment Minister Gillian Martin said: “Snare traps lead to unnecessary suffering for animals and these proposals are part of our ongoing efforts to ensure that wildlife management is both sustainable and humane.

“Currently, only a small number of farmers and land managers use snare traps. More effective and humane forms of managing wildlife are available and we will continue to support the industry to make use of these methods.

“Wildlife crime and the illegal killing of wild mammals continues to blight our rural communities. By extending the investigative powers of SSPCA inspectors, we can ensure that the destructive impact that these criminals have on our environment is diminished and that they are brought to justice.”

Scottish SPCA Chief Superintendent Mike Flynn said: “The Scottish SPCA strongly supports this announcement by the Scottish Government. As Scotland’s animal welfare charity, we have long called for an outright ban on the use of snares due to the level of suffering an animal is caused.

“Animals that are caught in snares can be caused unimaginable physical and mental anguish. Following reports from members of the public, we have found domestic animals, protected species and target animals that have all suffered dreadfully in both illegal and legal snares.

“A ban on all snaring is the only way to stop this unacceptable suffering. We are very pleased with the announcement of a ban, which will be a historic moment for animal welfare in Scotland.”

Subject to consultation, the new provisions would be included in the Scottish Government’s upcoming Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Bill which will aim to protect the environment and help end the persecution of birds of prey.

The consultation will run for 6 weeks from 22 August to 3 October 2023. 

The League Against Cruel Sports Scotland has welcomed yesterday’s (Tuesday) announcement by the Scottish Government that it will consult with a view to banning snares. 

The consultation, which will form part of the Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Bill, will seek views on whether an outright ban should be put in place for the use of snares, or if any exemptions should be considered. 

A snare is a thin wire noose used for catching a wild animal, most commonly used for predator control on shooting estates. 

Robbie Marsland, Director of the League Against Cruel Sports, Scotland, said: “The League has been proud to join the loud and anguished call over many years for the use of cruel, primitive and indiscriminate snares to be banned.

“While we welcome and applaud the Scottish Government’s intent to consider a ban, we are under no illusions the strength of feeling among those who wish to use snares in the countryside. 

“The Government will face fierce opposition to these proposals but the arguments to outlaw their use once and for all, far outweigh any arguments to continue using this as a method of trapping and killing hundreds of thousands of wild animals, and non-target species, every year.”

The consultation is also asking for opinions on extending the investigative powers of the Scottish SPCA – a new measure which will help tackle wildlife crime. 

Robbie Marsland added: “Our field workers have had to document and photograph an appalling array of mutilated foxes, exhausted badgers and even snared cats and dogs in order to demonstrate why these devices should be consigned to history.

“But with snares gone, the killing will continue. While we welcome the removal of one cruel and inhuman method of killing, we still deeply question why hundreds of thousands of animals will continue to be killed each year to make sure there are more grouse to shoot for sport.”

The consultation will run for six weeks from late August until the beginning of October 2023. Following this, the new provisions would be included in the Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Bill which is currently at Stage 1 in the Scottish Parliament.

ASH Scotland celebrates 50th anniversary with event at Pilton Community Health Project

ASH Scotland celebrates 50 years of taking action of smoking and health by highlighting its collaborative community work in North Edinburgh


ASH Scotland kickstarted a series of nationwide community-focused events celebrating the charity’s 50th anniversary by highlighting its collaborative work with Pilton Community Health Project (PCHP) in raising awareness of the harms caused by tobacco, and the free support that is available from the NHS to support people aiming to give up smoking.

Lord Provost of Edinburgh, Councillor Robert Aldridge, Foysol Choudhury MSP along with Edinburgh City Councillors Tim Pogson and Max Mitchell attended the celebration.

Founded in 1973 by the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, ASH Scotland is one of four Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) charities, which were initially one UK-wide organisation and became independent of each other in 1993.

ASH Scotland’s headquarters are located on Frederick Street in the city centre and, as part of its engagement work, the charity offers information, training and support to help community groups and charities operating in communities in Edinburgh, across Lothian and throughout Scotland to tackle the use of tobacco and related products.

Lord Provost of Edinburgh, Councillor Robert Aldridge, said: “I’m delighted on behalf of the city of Edinburgh to congratulate ASH Scotland for reaching 50 years and delivering successful work taking action on smoking and health. 

“We all hope Scotland will soon become tobacco-free and I’d particularly like to commend ASH Scotland on its work to prevent future generations growing up from addiction to tobacco and related products.”

Former MP, MSP and Health Minister Malcolm Chisholm, a PCHP Board member, said: “It’s great to get together to celebrate 50 years of ASH Scotland and the charity’s amazing work in partnership with Pilton Community Health Project who, next year, will commemorate our 40th anniversary.

“ASH Scotland is a community wellbeing partner for our project, and we have shared origins with Sir John Crofton being instrumental in founding both organisations.

“At PCHP we work to address health inequalities, both social circumstances and behaviours such as smoking where there are much higher rates in the most deprived areas compared to the least disadvantaged. NHS Lothian has an important role in offering smoking cessation services, and project like ours, which has close relationships with communities, are also vital in encouraging local people to take steps towards better health.

“We very much look to ASH Scotland to continue to point the way forwards for all the actions that are needed to deliver a tobacco-free Scotland.”

Sheila Duffy, Chief Executive of ASH Scotland, said: “Pilton Community Health Project, the oldest community health project in Scotland, was an ideal location to celebrate ASH Scotland’s 50th anniversary as both organisations have a shared heritage in the form of the late Sir John Crofton, a world leader in respiratory medicine who was a key figure in starting the charity, and his wife Dr Eileen Crofton, who became our first Director.

“Working in communities to support pioneering organisations such as PCHP in Pilton along with NHS in Scotland’s Quit Your Way services is a priority for ASH Scotland as we seek to raise much-needed awareness about the expert person-centred advice that is freely available from qualified health professionals to support people to quit smoking and help Scotland progress towards becoming a tobacco-free generation.”

Anyone with the goal of giving up smoking can contact a Quit Your Way adviser by calling the free helpline on 0800 848484 or create a quit plan at:

www.quityourway.scot. 

To keep updated about ASH Scotland’s 50th anniversary activities, follow the charity’s social media channels: 

instagram.com/ash.scotland and youtube.com/@ashscotlandmedia/videos

ww.ashscotland.org.uk/about-us/ash-scotlands-strategy

Decrease in drug-related deaths

Figures show biggest year-on-year reduction since statistics series began

Drugs and Alcohol Policy Minister Elena Whitham has welcomed a record fall in the number of drug-related deaths – and has reaffirmed her commitment to continue the National Mission to reduce deaths and improve lives impacted by drugs.  

The figures, published by National Records of Scotland, found that 1,051 people died due to drug misuse in 2022, a decrease of 279 deaths (21%) compared with 2021 and the lowest annual total since 2017.

During a visit to ‘Back on the Road’ employability project which helps people in recovery from addiction issues, Ms Whitham said: “My sympathy goes out to all those affected by the loss of a loved one through drugs.

“While I am pleased to see that hundreds of families have been spared this agony and lives have been saved, every life lost is a tragedy and the number of deaths is still too high.

“I will never underestimate the scale of the challenge we continue to face, including responding to new threats such as synthetic opioids and stimulant use. I can see that our work across Scotland, where we have already supported 300 grass-roots projects, including ‘Back on the Road’, is gathering pace, and I’m grateful to all those delivering vital services.

“As part of our £250 million National Mission on drugs, we’ll continue to focus on getting more people into the form of treatment and support they need, expand access to residential rehabilitation and drive the rollout of life-saving Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) Standards where we are making significant progress.

“As we highlighted in our recent Drug Law Reform proposals, the UK Government could do more to work with us to help introduce harm reduction measures.”

Back on the Road is based in Bridgeton Bus Garage in Glasgow’s East End and is one of hundreds of grassroots projects across Scotland helping save and improve lives.

Its delivery of training in the restoration of vintage vehicles has now returned to pre-pandemic operating level thanks to £244,000 funding over five years from the Scottish Government’s Local Support Fund, administered by the CORRA Foundation.

Back on the Road and Glasgow Vintage Vehicle Trust chair Steven Booth said: “Our aim is to do our best to ensure our participants go on to lead a more fulfilling life, taking advantage of opportunities that might lie ahead for them.“

Drug related deaths decrease | National Records of Scotland (nrscotland.gov.uk)

Will To Win: Encourage new catering talent, says local MSP

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. 

You can watch the programme and schedule on SKY 779 or at https://atnbanglauk.tv/

Launch of Edinburgh Waverley Taxi Zone

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.”