An eleven-strong team based in and around Larkhall, South Lancashire is set to step off for SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity on the last Kiltwalk of the 2023 season.
Wearing their finest red SSAFA T-shirts and striking red tartankilts, the team – led by former WO2 Karen Macdonald – will make their colourful way around Edinburgh on September 17.
It is not, however, Karen’s – or the Larky Belters’ – first Kiltwalk. Karen organised a smaller team for last year’s Kiltwalk and has expanded her fundraising team for 2023, which comprises her, another Karen, Fliss, Jen, Caterina, Fiona, Rosie, Sharon, Claire, Debbie, and Lisa.
Karen enjoyed a long and varied career in the Army, which she joined in 1989 with WRAC (Women’s Royal Army Corps, which became the Adjutant-General Corps in 2002).
Leaving in 2004, she served in – deep breath – the MoD, 4 Signal Group Germany, Headquarters Northern Ireland (where she was awarded the Queen’s Commendation for Valuable Service), 1st Battalion Queen’s Lancashire Regiment, 7 Parachute Regiment, the Army Training Regiment, and finished with 1st Bn The Highlanders in Edinburgh. She completed three operational tours in Bosnia.
Now a civil servant, Karen has been a fitness fan since joining the Army, and says:“I spend many Sundays putting in the miles encouraging others to join as feel walking is good for the soul and head space especially during these difficult times.”
“The atmosphere is tremendous, and you get to talk to so many people on the way round from all walks of life supporting their chosen charities.
“For us it’s SSAFA, which we support so proudly. The charity – it’s the UK’s oldest tri-service charity – does amazing by supporting serving military personnel and their families, older veterans, those who might need some help with their mental wellbeing, as well as its transitional mentoring for service leavers.
“All of these aspects are so important to individuals and their families, and really, it’s like SSAFA’s part of your family, always there to support you.”
The Larky Belters enthusiasm for and belief in SSAFA is perhaps all the more remarkable as Karen is the only member of this year’s team with personal military service.
Karen concludes: “So, if you see us on the 17th in Edinburgh, give us a wave and if you can’t make it to the Kiltwalk, then drop us a donation so that SSAFA can carry on its life-changing and sometimes life-saving work, just as it has since 1885.”
Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Tip, written by the Health Promotion and Education Team at Heart Research UK
Healthy Heart Tip: Do you know your numbers?
This week is Know Your Numbers Week which encourages everyone to take ownership of their heart health numbers.
Cholesterol levels and blood pressure are two key markers to understanding your risk of heart disease. In this week’s healthy tip, we explain what these two markers are, give you the healthy ranges you should be aiming for and explain how you can get yours tested.
Cholesterol
There are two main types of cholesterol, LDL, sometimes called ‘bad’ cholesterol, and HDL, sometimes called ‘good cholesterol’. We need some of both types of cholesterol, but the incorrect balance can be harmful.
When LDL cholesterol builds up in the arteries, it can contribute to plaque formation, whilst HDL cholesterol removes harmful cholesterol from the bloodstream. Simply consuming more fibre can have a positive impact on your cholesterol reading.
Blood pressure is the measure of the force that your heart uses to pump blood around your body. It is measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg) and is given as two figures: 1) Systolic pressure – the pressure when your heart pumps blood out, 2) Diastolic pressure – the pressure when your heart is at rest, between pumps.
Systolic pressure is always shown on top, and diastolic pressure is always shown on the bottom. A simple lifestyle step like reducing your salt intake can help reduce your blood pressure.
Get a test
The only way to know if your blood pressure or cholesterol is high is to have it checked. Checks are quick and easy, and it could be lifesaving. Adults aged 40 years or over should aim to have their blood pressure checked at least every five years.
You can ask your GP to check your blood pressure, or you may be able to have your blood pressure checked with your local pharmacy or gym.
You could also consider investing in a home blood pressure monitor to keep track of your numbers – check out our ‘How to take your Bp video’ for a guide on measuring your blood pressure at home.
For more tips on how to stay healthy, sign up for weekly healthy tips at
A blind woman footballer from Edinburgh was left traumatised after she feared falling in front of a speeding train when rail staff never showed up to help her.
Samantha Gough – who plays blind football for England despite being a Scot – booked assistance before starting her journey at Edinburgh Waverley, but when she got to Doncaster station en-route to a competition, no-one was there to help.
The station also did not have tactile paving – a system of textured ground surface indicators on platforms to assist the visually impaired.
Samantha, 20, from Lasswade, (pictured, in glasses) who attended the Royal Blind School in Edinburgh, said: “It was a nightmare, a really horrendous situation to be in. People have died falling on the tracks before and I thought it was about to happen to me.
“I was in full panic mode and there was not one person there to help despite me booking assistance before I set out. I waited for about five minutes and then really began to panic. I had no idea how close I was to the platform edge as there was no tactile paving.
“Fast trains were screaming past with the wind hitting me and despite screaming on the platform for help, no one heard. I called my mum at home in Scotland and she had to phone the police. A few trains later, a guard got off and asked if I was ok and took me to station staff. They said my assistance request was not on the system but I had been told at Edinburgh that staff were phoning Doncaster to inform them that I was on the way.”
The news comes as train operators are preparing to cut 2,000 staff in line with plans to close almost every train station ticket office in Britain.
Rail companies have already outlined proposals to make thousands of job cuts by October – even though the UK government is yet to approve the planned ticket office closures.
Plans to close 974 out of 1,007 railway station ticket offices were first announced by industry body Railway Delivery Group in July. Scotland’s busiest station Glasgow Central, which serves 15.3 million passengers each year, could also lose its ticket office.
EDINBURGH, UK – 21st June 2022: Royal Blind School pupils and families take part in a fun filled Fiesta Day at the school. (Photograph: MAVERICK PHOTO AGENCY)
Samantha added: “I was travelling on to an event in Conisbrough. I was just left outside Doncaster station in a distressed state and had to wait for someone to come and get me from Conisbrough.
“It is a disgrace and has really knocked my confidence. It has really made me think twice about going anywhere without support.”
Samantha has been visually impaired from birth due to cerebral visual impairment (CVI) – a condition which means the eyes are healthy but the brain’s visual pathways do not work, resulting in sight loss.
She competes in a number of sports and plays for the England women’s blind football side as Scotland does not have a team in the sport.
Last year, Samantha, who is severely sight impaired, competed in the European Para Youth Games and was the only Scot representing her country at goalball. She scooped bronze with Team. The para sport consists of three players on each side of the court, with 18 metres wide goals at either end. Players use a blue ball with bells in it which is thrown by hand and never kicked.
Samantha said: “We complained about this situation and we were offered two first class tickets as compensation. But I don’t want to go near their trains after my experience so it completely misses the point.
“This is the most extreme situation I have faced on the train. Sports people need to use the rail network all the time to get to training and events. There is a real issue here about accessibility and fairness. It really is a disgrace.”
Midlothian MP Owen Thompson has written to LNER demanding action. He said: “I was extremely concerned to hear about this constituent’s traumatic experiences. It is simply unacceptable. I find it hard to comprehend how something like this can happen in this country in the 21st century.
“There is a real issue about accessibility, equality and fairness here. Blind and partially sighted people should be able to travel safely and comfortably at all times. I wrote to LNER a couple of weeks ago and have still to receive a response. I am concerned that tactile paving is not an essential at every station in the UK.
“I do not think that the Secretary of State for Transport’s statement that tactile paving will appear in all mainline railway stations in Britain by the end of 2025 at the latest is good enough. Samantha has my full support. We have already met with Samantha and her mum to hear their concerns and I will stay in touch as we battle to get this resolved.”
Craig Spalding, chief executive of Sight Scotland, said: “We’re deeply concerned at Sam’s experience and the dangerous situation she was left in.
“Being left without any assistance and on a platform with no tactile paving highlights just how inaccessible travelling can be for people with visual impairments. Sadly, train journeys like this are not uncommon for blind and partially sighted people.
“We’ve heard first hand of other cases where people have waited for assistance to arrive and nobody turn up. This has a knock-on effect on someone’s confidence to travel independently and being able to safely get from A to B.
“Urgent action is needed now to ensure all train stations have tactile paving, in person ticket booths and assistance to ensure rail travel is accessible for all.”
£12.4 million awarded to six innovative new projects to understand barriers to getting into work.
Projects include investigating the impact of endometriosis on women’s work choices and how programmes to reduce obesity and type 2 diabetes can improve workforce participation.
Funding will help overcome barriers facing those who need the most support getting into work
Six ground-breaking projects including an investigation looking at how endometriosis impacts women in the workplace have been awarded £12.4 million, the UK Government has announced today (Tuesday 12 September).
The projects comprise the first round of the Labour Market Evaluation and Pilots Fund, and take place over the next two years. The results will help to transform the government’s approach to the jobs market and drive forward research into best practice in employment.
While the UK’s employment rate is higher than a number of other advanced economies, the government is committed to ensure that those who most need help getting into the workplace are supported.
The Chancellor announced a range of interventions to address this at Spring Budget 2023 – including a significant expansion of childcare support, making 30 hours of free childcare a week available to parents from children aged 9 months.
The Labour Market Evaluation and Pilots Fund is part of that and will be used to test new approaches and generate better evidence to help specific groups back into work or to work longer hours.
Financial Secretary to the Treasury, Victoria Atkins, said:“Our jobs record is incredibly strong, with high employment that means millions of people are benefiting from work. But for some, that’s not happening.
“We need to look for solutions that are tailored to help people thrive in the jobs market. This analysis is the first step towards that – looking at specific health conditions or living arrangements to find out what works to help people work.”
Minister for Social Mobility, Youth and Progression Mims Davies MP said:“The vital opportunities and confidence employment gives, helps to transform lives. This is why we are determined to support all those who want to progress to do so, while also driving down inactivity and importantly growing the economy.
“This key new funding for our pilots will enable us to support even more people to move forward in work, including vitally those in supported accommodation and more disadvantaged communities, to help people to break down any barriers to work, so more people can fulfil their employment potential.”
National Statistician, Sir Ian Diamond, said: “The ONS welcomes the opportunity to shine light on this important area with these projects.
“This new analysis will provide crucial insight for decision makers in helping to understand how health conditions impact on people’s working lives and what interventions can help people stay in work.”
One of the projects includes a first-of-its-kind Office for National Statistics (ONS) evaluation which will investigate the impact of endometriosis on women’s participation and progression in the workforce.
Endometriosis can affect around 1 in 10 women, with symptoms including chronic pain and fatigue which can disrupt daily routines, fertility and mental health and time off work may be needed for coping with symptoms.
Previous work has shown that women with the condition often take this into consideration when making career choices, including the likelihood they will need to take significantly more sick leave. This project will improve understanding and help inform government plans to support women with the condition in their careers.
A second project by the ONS will evaluate whether programmes to reduce the risk of developing type two diabetes and obesity improve people’s ability to join the labour market.
Around 3.8 million people in the UK have type 2 diabetes and 2.4 million are at high risk of developing the disease which can have a strong effect on quality of life, including the ability to work. The evaluation will include reviewing the impact of the Healthier You NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme (DPP), a large scale nine-month, evidence-based lifestyle change programme aimed at people at risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
There will also be a new pilot to address barriers to work faced by those aged 18-24 living in supported housing, which is accommodation provided alongside care, support or supervision to help people live as independently as possible in the community and can act as a pathway to transitioning into work.
To support young people in making that transition, DWP and the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) have developed a Proof of Concept that will test financial support and simplification of the benefits system for 18-24 year olds living in supported housing who move into work or increase their working hours.
This will help them to build their employment prospects further, work towards becoming financially independent and progress into move on accommodation in a planned way.
Funding will also be allocated to two HMRC projects to evaluate the impact of Tax-Free Childcare on parents’ work choices and women’s return to work after maternity leave. In addition, funding will be provided to DWP to trial employment support and rent incentives to move people out of work or on low earnings into work or onto higher earnings.
Hundreds of start-ups supported in first year of programme
Almost 400 of Scotland’s tech start-up businesses have been supported during the first year of the Techscaler programme.
A total of 387 fledgling firms received assistance from the £42 million Scottish Government project – the most comprehensive of its kind in Europe – which provides free mentoring and advice to early stage business owners.
The seventh Techscaler hub will open in Dumfries during this financial year, joining others already operating around the country and underlining the Scottish Government’s commitment to innovative businesses.
The 2023-24 Programme for Government includes an additional £15 million to support entrepreneurs from all walks of life.
First Minister Humza Yousaf visited the Techscaler hub in Stirling to meet start up business owners and learn more about the programme.
The First Minister said: “Growing businesses are fundamental to a thriving Scotland, and the Scottish Government I lead is committed to doing whatever we can to help businesses unleash the enormous economic potential of accelerating a fair, green and growing economy.
“That is why our Programme for Government is investing in the entrepreneurs of the future, building on the valuable work already taking place within Techscalers.
“Tech start-ups right across Scotland now have access to world-class education and mentoring and opportunities for peer learning and networking through the Techscalers – a hugely impressive programme which has made Scotland one of the most tech start-up friendly places in the world.
“We are taking action now, in partnership with business, to help stimulate sustainable and fair economic growth across Scotland.”
ONE of Scotland’s most luxurious care homes will open its doors to the public this week with an exclusive tour around its facilities.
Located in north Edinburgh, Cramond Residence is offering people the chance to view its high-end care home on Friday 15 September from 3pm.
Fronted by a guided tour, guests will able be able to enjoy home baking and a ‘cuppa’ as they learn more about the benefits of the home; from its care package offerings to its bespoke digital care systems – ensuring that all residents have their individual needs met.
Client Liaison Manager Christian Daraio said: “This Open Day offers a unique opportunity for individuals and families to explore the top-notch care and facilities offered by the residence.
“If you or a loved one are considering residential, respite, or recuperative care, the Cramond Residence Open Day is a must-attend event.
“Visitors can expect to immerse themselves in the warm and welcoming atmosphere of the residence, enjoying a cup of tea and sampling delightful home baking, while also having the chance to ask any questions they might have.
“This event also provides a chance to meet the dedicated team as well as engage in conversations with our current residents.”
Cramond Residence is divided into nine individual homes, each named after an area of Edinburgh, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie among residents.
With private dining and living rooms in each home, socialising and forming lasting connections are a natural part of life at Cramond Residence.
Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the main communal areas, including a spacious dining rooms, a well-stocked library, a private ‘fine dining’ room, a cinema, a physiotherapy area, and a hairdressing salon.
Additionally, Cramond Residence offers cutting-edge facilities, such as high-tech therapy baths, to cater to the diverse needs of its residents.
The stunning gardens and summer house also invite attendees to take a leisurely stroll and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
Cramond Residence is proud of its commitment to providing a high quality of life to its residents and invites the community to witness it firsthand. There is no need to book in advance; simply come along on the day.
For further information about Cramond Residence, call 0131 336 1064 or visit the care home’s website at cramondresidence.co.uk.
Schools in the Lothians have helped to contribute to a new national record in on-road cycle training in the last academic year, with East Lothian coming out on top in the area.
Figures collated by Cycling Scotland reveal that in the 2022-23 academic year, East Lothian successfully delivered on-road cycle training in every primary school in the area; one of only nine local authorities in the country to achieve 100% delivery.
Overall, almost two-thirds of Scottish schools participated in on-road cycle training in the last academic year, setting a new national record.
In total, figures collated by Cycling Scotland reveal that in the 2022-23 session, more than 60,000 children took part in Bikeability Scotland training. This is in stark contrast to the nearly three in four adults in Scotland who have never received any formal cycle training.
Bikeability
Bantaskine primary, Falkirk
Bikeability Scotland, the national cycle training programme for school children, helps to increase road safety awareness in young people, equipping them with the skills and confidence to make everyday trips by bike more safely. The programme is free for pupils and is funded by Cycling Scotland, the national cycling charity, through grant funding from Transport Scotland.
When Bikeability Scotland was introduced in 2010 only 31.5% of primary schools delivered on-road cycle training. Since then, the programme has grown significantly, with the last academic year seeing a 20% increase in participation from the previous year.
Apart from Glasgow, every participating local authority in Scotland has increased or maintained their delivery of school cycle training in the last year. Nine local authorities delivered Bikeability in every school.
Bikeability Scotland level-2 on-road training session on streets near Holy Family Primary School in Lenzie.
David Collins, Bikeability Scotland Manager, said: “Learning to cycle is an essential life skill so it’s phenomenal to see record numbers of young people gaining the skills and confidence to travel by bike. It proves that investment delivers results, and we really hope to see these numbers continue to grow into the future.
“The training that schoolchildren receive through Bikeability Scotland unlocks a whole range of benefits that will serve them throughout their lives, creating greater transport independence and supporting healthier, more environmentally friendly lifestyles. The positive impact of Bikeability Scotland on bike ownership and amount of cycling is greatest in schools with a higher proportion of pupils eligible for Free School Meals.
“Our research highlights the importance of teaching at school, to maximise the number of people reached who can use the training now and later in life. Countries with the highest levels of cycling, such as the Netherlands, still provide national cycle training schemes for school children.
“Together with building a network of safe, dedicated cycle lanes and preventing dangerous driving, Bikeability Scotland training is essential to support children to cycle.”
Burnbrae Primary School in Midlothian were Highly Commended in the Bikeability Scotland ‘School of the Year’ category earlier this year.
Primary six children at St Marnock’s in Barrhead participate in Cycling Scotland’s Bikeability programme to increase their cycling skills ability and road safety awareness.
Harry, a P7 pupil from Williamston Primary School, West Lothian, commented on the training:“I thought we would just be doing different games or different activities on the bikes.
“It was more like what you would actually do on the road or in real life. Teaching you those skills that you actually need. And I think that’s what we really did when we did Bikeability.”
Jon Purdie, class teacher at Burnbrae Primary School said:“Bikeability has been a fantastic way for our pupils to learn and grow outside of the classroom environment and is a superb opportunity for those who struggle with academic learning to achieve and see themselves in a positive light.”
Bikeability at St Marnocks primary, Barrhead.
More information, including which schools are currently offering the training, along with more guidance and support for schools, parents, instructors and local authorities, can be found on the Bikeability Scotland website.
Conifox Adventure Park in Edinburgh has announced its series of Halloween events, with spooky days out and dazzling fireworks evenings making fun for all the family this October.
From Saturday 14 October, families can ‘creep’ it real at the Conifox Pumpkin Patch where they’ll get to pick their own pumpkin to take home and carve. Adults and children alike will love the themed photo backdrops available around the park, where they can take cute photos to keep as momentos for years to come.
And there are even prizes up for grabs – kids can delight in finding all the enchanted creatures around the Adventure Park, collecting the special letters and spelling out a secret password to win a yummy surprise.
The Halloween Fireworks kick off from Friday 20 October where the spectacular show-stopping display will leave attendees seeing stars in the beautiful autumn night skies. Those who like their Halloween events on the spooky side will love The Witches Labyrinth and the Dark Forest Maze, and the whole family will be entertained by the amazing flame-throwing talents of Labyrinth Circus or the Rave’N Dance Disco.
Professors Snotbutt and Crinklebottom will be giving lessons in the Broomstick Flying School and the Pumpkin Patch will also be open in the evenings, with pumpkins included in the ticket price.
Kids and adults alike can take a whirl on Taylor’s of Edinburgh Funfair, try their hand at axe-throwing, marshmallow toasting or get their faces painted as a range of spooky characters for an extra cost.
Halloween Fireworks are on Fridays and Saturdays from 20 – 28 October, with a special Halloween night on Tuesday 31 October. Tickets are available at www.conifox.co.uk from £15 for adults and £22.50 for children. Babies under one year old go free.
Halloween Days at Conifox Adventure Park are on Saturdays and Sundays from 14 – 29 October. Tickets are available at www.conifox.co.uk from £5 for adults and £10 for children. Babies under one year old go free.
Following Police Scotland’s previous appeal on two cars stolen from outside a property on Mill Road, Stow in the early hours of Wednesday 30 August, please note:
The Volvo XC60 was traced in a car park in the Granton area by road policing officers on Saturday, 9 September.
Enquiries are continuing into this incident and Police re-appeal to anyone with information that may assist to contact 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, quoting incident number 0441 of Wednesday, 30 August, 2023.
