Pupils at East Linton Primary School are working to revamp their school garden with support from Stewart Milne Homes.
The leading housebuilder recently awarded £1,000 of funding to the school as part of its Eco-Gardens initiative.
Overseen by Gill Gardner, Head Teacher at East Linton Primary School, children from the school’s P3 and P4 class have started to get underway with the ambitious project and are learning positive skills that promote health and wellbeing, with their efforts providing a vibrant space for pupils to learn and play.
Funding from five-star developer Stewart Milne Homes has been used to purchase a planter for each class in the school, with parent volunteers helping to clear spaces of weeds, ready for planting.
Gill Gardner, Head Teacher at East Linton Primary School, said: “Pupils have had a brilliant time working together to bring the school’s garden to life over the last few weeks.
“It has been amazing to be involved with Stewart Milne Homes’ Eco-Gardens initiative, and we’re looking forward to unveiling the final garden design to the rest of the school to enjoy now we are into the new school year. A huge thanks to our parent council who have played such an important role in this exciting project.”
Launched in 2022, Stewart Milne Homes’ Eco-Gardens Initiative provides funding for primary schools near some of its developments throughout Scotland and north-west England and forms part of the housebuilder’s sustainability strategy. Stewart Milne Homes aims to be a leading independent net zero carbon developer by 2045.
The programme supports schools to purchase outdoor gardening equipment, materials and plants, which are used by pupils to renovate outdoor areas in their school grounds and importantly enhances the opportunity for children to learn outdoors. Stewart Milne Homes has also donated 30 high-vis jackets for the pupils to use when playing and gardening outdoors, which will be used year-round.
Isobel Warnock, Head of Sales Scotland at Stewart Milne Homes, said: “Engaging with the communities we work in is essential to our commitment to creating people-shaped places, helping to create a sense of belonging both in and around Stewart Milne Homes developments.
“It was an absolute delight to support the staff and pupils at East Linton Primary School and see how their hard work has enhanced their school garden space.
“We are continuing to engage with communities surrounding our developments, helping enhance neighbourhoods in a way that is tailored specifically to the needs of each area.”
The Orchard is a recently completed development by Stewart Milne Homes. featuring a premium collection of two, three, four, five and six-bedroom detached family homes. Set within the quaint and picturesque conservation village of East Linton, this family-friendly, semi-rural retreat benefits from good local amenities just a short drive away.
Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Tip, written by the Health Promotion and Education Team at Heart Research UK
Healthy Heart Tip: Working out your heart
Did you know that your heart is a muscular organ and beats about 100,000 times a day? This varies depending on your level of fitness, but the bottom line is it has a BIG job to do.
Although the cardiac muscle isn’t under voluntary control like the skeletal muscles in your body (you don’t have to tell your heart to beat!), it still requires working out.
Here we share some tips on how to get started working out your heart.
What exercise?
A great way to work out your heart is to partake in some heart-pumping aerobic exercise, which is basically anything that gets your heart pumping faster.
Lots of different activities fall into this type of workout such as brisk walking, running, cycling, swimming, playing tennis and many fitness classes such as boxercise or Zumba.
Resistance training also contributes to a healthy heart, including working out with free weights or on weight machines. You can even do hand weight exercises while sat at your desk.
How much?
Doctors recommend a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate intensity, aerobic exercise per week. This could look like 30 minutes a day, five days a week, or maybe some longer sessions on fewer days.
In addition to aerobic exercise, aim for two sessions of resistance training per week.
If you don’t already take part in exercise, start small, as any exercise is better than none. You can gradually work up to the recommended amount.
The benefits
Regular exercise has the potential to lower our blood pressure and heart rate which reduces the risk of heart diseases. It can also reduce the risk of developing other conditions such as type 2 diabetes.
A combination of aerobic exercise and resistance training can contribute to healthy cholesterol levels. Moving more is one of the best things you can do for your heart health.
For more tips on how to stay healthy, sign up for weekly healthy tips at:
The Lammermuir Festival 2023 came to a close this week while urgently working to secure its future.
Nicola Benedetti and Sir James MacMillan add their support for Lammermuir Festival.
Open Letter to Creative Scotland signed by 362 musicians, composers, educationalists, politicians, participants, supporters, audience members and local businesses.
The Lammermuir Festival closed its 14th festival earlier this week, one of its most successful yet. The programme was met with great acclaim cited by some music critics as the best programme presented.
Audiences flocked with over 80% of tickets sold, over 30% of which were to new customers. Initial analysis indicates that a little over half of those audiences were local with the remaining travelling to East Lothian to enjoy one of the UK’s best loved classical music events.
This successful edition was set against the backdrop of the festival finding out just days before it opened that Creative Scotland was not supporting its 14th festival, having invested in the event for thirteen years.
Losing the cultural funder’s support this year leaves the festival in an urgent financial position, working hard to find a secure future.
Many of Scotland’s leading musicians have lent their support to the festival’s campaign, most recently Nicola Benedetti and Sir James MacMillan.
Nicola Benedetti said: “Being able to share the best, world-class music making with audiences not residing in our cities but in rural areas is a really important part of our nation’s cultural fabric.
“An aspect we must support and nurture. The Lammermuir Festival has done this brilliantly over the last 14 festivals creating acclaimed events that also enable young artists to develop in the industry, and engage young people in the region to give them deep and extraordinary experiences.
“It would be tragic for Scotland’s music scene if this festival wasn’t supported to continue this work which benefits so many.”
An Open Letter to Creative Scotland has been signed by 362 musicians, composers, education workers, participants, supporters, audience members and local businesses including Steven Obsorne, Andrea Baker, Sean Shibe, Stuart MacRae, Dinis Sousa, Ryan Corbett, Sue Baxendale, Craig Hoy MSP, Douglas Alexander, Martin Brabbins, Sian Edwards, Ruth Ellis, Monica Wilkinson and Alfonso Leal del Ojo.
James Waters, Chief Executive and Joint Artistic Director of the Lammermuir Festival said: “The support and affection for Lammermuir Festival that we have seen pouring in from musicians, education providers, local businesses, supporters and audiences across Scotland and beyond has been incredible.
“We have never been more proud of the festival and what it brings to so many and we will continue to do everything we can to secure its future.”
Letter from supporters of Lammermuir Festival
To Iain Munro, Chief Executive of Creative Scotland and its Chair, Robert Wilson,
We the undersigned appeal to you to save what one audience member has described as a ‘precious jewel of originality and joy’.
According to the panels judging Open Fund applications at Creative Scotland, Lammermuir Festival does not sufficiently align to your priorities.
This is despite having the full support of the Music Officers at Creative Scotland who approved its application and strongly recommended funding without conditions.
This is one of the most acclaimed classical music festivals in the UK, recipient of an RPS award, the highest accolade in its field, and giving work to 350 musicians a year, many of them Scottish. It has a proven record of achievement, appeals to ever-growing audiences and supports performers at all stages in their careers.
It is also a festival which returns £750,000 in economic benefits for East Lothian, on top of its social and cultural benefits, bringing visitors to a region which is underserved for arts, offering audiences international quality music performances and participation opportunities.
If the festival were to not exist, neither would its work with McOpera which engaged 1,700 children, young people and adults as participants and audience through their outreach strand over the last two years. This proved a formative part of so many young musicians’ lives in East Lothian.
This strand of the festival’s work reached out to multiple and diverse local community groups, nurturing children and young people from across 31 different schools, supporting the growth of an Instrumental Music Service and creative organisations (such as Dunbar Voices), bringing to the region international conductors and Scottish creatives, composers, singers and instrumentalists.
It has also regularly provided career placements to students from Edinburgh College, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh and Edinburgh Napier Universities, National Youth Orchestra of Scotland and the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.
This decision by Creative Scotland flies in the face of the expressions of support for culture in Scotland, and in particular for festivals, that the First Minister Humza Yousaf, Cabinet Secretary for Wellbeing Economy, Fair Work and Energy Neil Gray, and Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, External Affairs and Culture Angus Robertson have made in recent days.
The Open Fund process appears to have no strategic overview of provision, and no clear artistic, quality or geographic priorities.
Your process places huge pressure on organisations. Lammermuir Festival was invited to make multiple applications for the same activity with funding decisions taking their nerves to the wire – in this case Creative Scotland passed their verdict on a third application just 16 days before the festival started.
The system needs to change. As it stands it places Scotland’s cultural ecology on a downward trajectory.
Without Creative Scotland’s support the Lammermuir Festival’s future is under threat. Your decision not to fund the 2023 festival, destabilises the organisation and undermines the festival’s ability to plan for or run a festival in 2024 and beyond. In order to secure the future of this festival beyond 2023, urgent support is needed.
As musicians, educators, audience members, supporters, participants, businesses in East Lothian, and community leaders we are utterly appalled at your decision and urgently appeal to Creative Scotland to reverse it in order to save this cultural gem.
This festival cannot be allowed to disappear.
362 signatures which can be viewed on the Lammermuir Festival website:
According to Universities UK, in 2021-2022 there were 2,185,560 studying at UK higher education providers.As another academic year approaches, the excitement of that first taste of independence will be setting in for another record number of students due to start their university journey this September.
Summer preparations will be essential – however one area that might be overlooked is the priority of electrical safety in their halls of residence.
When embarking on a new journey at university, there can be a lot to think about. And one thing that may be far from students’ minds is the potential electrical hazards and necessary precautions which need to be taken to ensure their safety.
According to data released by Electrical Safety First, electrical fires are one of the leading causes of domestic fires, with an estimated nine out of ten (89%) fires in the home caused by electrical products.[2] Faulty appliances, overloaded sockets and misuse of electrical equipment are all common culprits.
To address these concerns, NICEIC, the UK’s leading body for certified electrical businesses, is urging students to stay safe. Paul Collins, Technical Director at NICEIC, offers five top essential tips to follow when it comes to electrical safety in private university accommodation.
“Electrical safety is of utmost importance, especially in shared living environments such as university halls. By being aware, informed and responsible, students can create a safer living space for themselves and their fellow housemates.
Know the location of your consumer unit (fuse box)
It’s vital for them to be familiar with the location of the consumer unit or to give it is more common name the fuse box in their accommodation, should they ever need to point an electrician in the right direction or check if the circuit-breakers have tripped. Also, attending any induction sessions or safety briefings provided by the university or accommodation provider is recommended so they know what to do in an emergency.
Be responsible, Think Safety First
Don’t overload socket-outlets or use multiple adapters in socket-outlet’s and always unplug or switch off appliances when not in use before leaving the room or the premises – this is a good tip for keeping energy bills lower too and being more eco-friendly. It’s also advisable to carry out regular visual checks of cables and plugs and look for any signs of damage and report any issues immediately.
Stay Safe in the Kitchen
When using the kitchen, although it may seem obvious, always follow the appliance guidelines and refrain from leaving the likes of laundry appliances, toastie machines or air fryers unsupervised while in use. Avoid overloading the microwave and never put aluminium foil or metal objects in it. Always keep electrical appliances away from sources of water to prevent potential electrocution. Electricity and water DON’T mix.
Test Safety Alarms and Understand the Escape Route
To stay safe in case of a fire, be sure to test the smoke alarms regularly where you have been instructed to do so and report any faults immediately. If you are in a block these should be tested regularly by the estates team. It’s important to plan and know the escape route in case of a fire emergency and ensure that everyone in the flat is aware of the procedure. Don’t be tempted to tamper with or cover smoke detectors as they are crucial in providing early warning signs of a fire.
Be Smart and Always Seek a Professional
Finally, and vitally, do not attempt to fix electrical problems and be sure to report any maintenance issues such as electrical faults, flickering lights or other electrical concerns to the accommodation provider as soon as possible. Always, rely on a qualified electrician authorised by the accommodation provider.
“At NICEIC we strongly advise students to prioritise their safety and be mindful of the potential risks associated with electrical installations in university halls. Taking these precautions can significantly reduce the chances of accidents, property damage and personal injuries.”
For more information, additional electrical safety tips or to search for your nearest NICEIC certified business, visit niceic.com.
One of Scotland’s largest shopping malls, The Centre, Livingston has this week announced a two-year sponsorship deal with local team Livingston FC, ahead of this weekend’s home game against Celtic.
The deal with the Scottish Premiership club includes The Centre logo on the sleeve of the home and away strips of the men’s first team and pitch-side banners.
It follows on from the recent sponsorship of the Mid Calder Colts 2014s full kits, after a community-wide competition to support a local sports club.
Robert Graham, Deputy Centre Director at The Centre, said: “We are delighted to be sponsoring our local football club, Livingston FC, which is on our doorstep and at the heart of the community, and seemed a natural partnership for us.
“We wish everyone at the club all the very the best for the season ahead.”
Dave Black, Chief Executive Officer of Livingston FC added: “I’m delighted that we’ve agreed this partnership with The Centre, Livingston.
“The Centre is synonymous with the town, so it was a natural conversation to have and it’s great to now have their logo proudly displayed on our men’s first-team shirts.
“I look forward to working with everyone at The Centre over the duration of the partnership and seeing how we can work together to strengthen the relationship and help grow both their presence in the town and ours.”
Authentic Mexican street food eatery Barburrito is getting Fresher’s celebrations off to a stylish start by offering FREE bedroom makeovers worth over £1000!
To win a university bedroom makeover students are asked to post a photo of themselves on Instagram featuring any Barburrito logo and tag them @barburritouk by October 15.
The winners will be selected at random and will get a cool Barburrito branded bedroom makeover or a food drop to their dorm for up to ten people. The makeover is top secret but think Barburrito branded everything! From bed sheets to taco shaped neon lights and everything in between.
As well as the amazing makeover prize Barburrito has launched their own Food Van offering free Loaded Nachos, (students need to download the app to receive the offers), and games with other freebies to be won such as free tacos, free sides, free desserts. The Food Van will visit Manchester University on October 3, Nottingham University on October 4 and Edinburgh University on October 5.
For Manchester students, Barburrito will also be having some fun at The Trafford Centre, taking part in a student lock-in on the evening October 3 from 6pm, with free samples, games, drinks and a Mariachi band.
Students can bag the freebies and perks through Barburrito’s app including a £1 burrito exclusively for students that are new to the app by October 8, free burrito on their birthday, access to the Barburrito loyalty programme (collect 4 stamps for free side/dessert, collect 9 for free burrito) as well as students always getting 20% off everything!
And to kick off the Fresher’s celebrations there will be a DJ event at their Glasgow Queen Street store Friday September 29 from 7pm. Everyone is welcome where there will be games with prizes, free food and entertainment.
Sophie Green, the Marketing Manager of Barburrito, said: “As we eagerly anticipate the arrival of new students, we are thrilled to create vibrant and exciting activations featuring games and free food. We can’t wait to warmly welcome everyone and make their journey with us truly unforgettable!”
Barburrito has just launched their exciting and innovative new menu influenced by some of Mexico’s most popular dishes.
The menu features the introduction of Tortas, Tacos, a new range of salsas as well as lots of recipe improvements including their cheese sauce, guacamole, pink onions and many more.
Introducing the first new dish, the Torta. A light, sweet bun is filled with all favourites (think Barbacoa Beef, Smoky Chipotle salsa, cheese, slaw, jalapeños and sour cream) – as you always choose the fillings at Barburrito.
Another new addition to the menu is Tacos, bursting with authentic flavours. You create your own tacos by choosing what goes inside but think tender Pork Carnitas nestled in warm, soft tortillas, loaded with cheese, lettuce, pink onions and a new Mango & Habanero salsa. Each bite is a fiesta of flavours as they use fresh ingredients and traditional spices to create a truly unforgettable experience.
Whether you’re a fan of classic favourites like Barburrito’s Grilled Chicken or adventurous enough to try their vegan This™ Isn’t Chicken, they’ve got something for everyone.
Customers can download the app by searching ‘Barburrito Rewards’ on the app store, where they can get exclusive access to the student discount and the loyalty stamp cards. Getting three stamps just for downloading.
Katie Scott was awarded Tourism Individual of the Year at the 2023 Thistle Awards
The Real Mary King’s Close is celebrating success as Operations Manager, Katie Scott, was honoured at the 2023 Scottish Thistle Awards this week.
Katie was awarded Tourism Individual of the Year for the Central and East Regional category by Visit Scotland. This follows on from her recent achievement in being named one of the Top 100 Women in Tourism in Scotland in March 2022.
Katie joined The Real Mary King’s Close as a Tour Guide in 2016 and has since moved her way up the ranks, most recently becoming Operations Manager in January 2023 and overseeing all on-site activity at the celebrated attraction.
The Real Mary King’s Close is one of the UK’s Top Ten visitor attractions, according to the number of positive reviews received by Trip Advisor in 2023. Katie is an integral part of the company, responsible for every new experience that has been launched at the attraction over the past four years.
Katie is passionate about community and inclusivity, which has been demonstrated through the development of special tours that interrogate lesser-known or less often studied narratives from Edinburgh’s past, such as the ‘Herstory’ tours and Pride History tours.
These initiatives have not only helped to promote diversity but forge meaningful partnerships with organisations like Edinburgh’s Strut Safe and LGBT Youth Scotland, making The Real Mary King’s Close a welcoming space for all.
After winning Tourism Individual of the Year, Katie Scott, Operations Manager at The Real Mary King’s Close, said: “I am delighted to have won the Tourism Individual of the Year award, something I would never have imagined when I started as a Tour Guide at The Real Mary King’s Close in 2016.
“I am incredibly grateful that my dedication to developing the attraction and creating a welcoming and creative workplace culture that supports inclusivity within the industry has been recognised”.
For more information on The Real Mary King’s Close, please visit:
Top 10 Visitor Attraction in 2023 as rated on TripAdvisor
Scottish Thistle award winner for Best Heritage Tourism Experience 2019
Since opening in 2003, the visitor attraction has welcomed over 2.75 million guests.
The site offers a range of bespoke themed events, group activities, educational visits, venue hire, and a retail area filled with authentic Scottish gifts and produce.
The Real Mary King’s Close is proud to be a Silver Investors in People.
Since opening, the attraction has donated over £60k to charities both at home and nationally.
Lothian and Borders regional winner of the two Scottish Thistle awards for Best Visitor Attraction and Best Heritage Tourism Experience in 2019.
Winner of the first Service Excellence award at the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce business awards 2019.
Produced by Imaginate and National Theatre of Scotland
Theatre in Schools Scotland brings MESS by Tenterhooks to ASN schools in Scotland as part of its touring schools programme of live dance and theatre productions
MESS is visiting ASN schools in Edinburgh, Livingston, Dundee, Tain, Dingwall, Inverness and Aberdeen in September and October 2023 with a first performance at Oaklands School in North Edinburghon Monday (25 September 2023).
Theatre in Schools Scotland (TiSS), the National Theatre of Scotland and Imaginate’s successful schools touring project is, for the first time, touring a show exclusively to ASN schools in Scotland, as part of its new 23/24 schools programme.
TiSS is bringing the playful, bold show, MESS by Scottish company Tenterhooks, to schools for young people with complex additional support needs in September and October 2023. The show will be touring to ASN schools in Edinburgh, Livingston, Dundee, Tain, Dingwall, Inverness and Aberdeen. Following the tour to schools as part of TiSS, Tenterhooks will bring MESS to CHAS children’s hospices Rachel House in Kinross and Robin House in Balloch.
Created by Tenterhooks and produced by Scottish Theatre Producers, MESS is a bold, playful and emotionally engaging theatre performance made especially for young audiences (age 5-18) with complex additional support needs. In the performance, an ordinary day in the life of a team of caretakers turns unpredictable when, for the first time ever, they attempt to clean a space which has people in it. MESS features comedy, surprise, celebration and mild peril!
Tenterhooks is led by Diane Thornton, Suzie Ferguson, and Fergus Dunnet, two theatre clowns and one visual artist putting audiences at the heart of their bold and playful performances. MESS was co-devised by the cast and creative team from an original idea by Ben Winger.
The MESS company includes performers/devisers: Ben Winger, Diane Thornton, Suzie Ferguson, Kerry Cleland, Ronan McMahon, Carmen Pieraccini and Lucy McGreal.
A number of the MESS ensemble performers work together as Clowndoctors (Hearts & Minds) and their therapeutic clowning practice, which includes spontaneity, complicity and playfulness has informed the development of the performance.
Julian Almeida, Theatre in Schools Scotland Project Managersays: “We’re delighted to be touring our first ever show made especially for young people with complex additional learning needs, which will exclusively visit ASN schools.
“The opportunity for children to experience and participate in performances in their own school environment is invaluable, and TiSS is committed to creating and developing new relationships with schools and teachers throughout Scotland.”
Theatre in Schools Scotland, produced by Imaginate and National Theatre of Scotland brings inspiring live theatre and dance productions, made specially for children and young people, into schools and nurseries.
The new TiSS programme also sees the welcome return of Cloud Man by Constellation Points/Ailie Cohen & Lewis Hetherington which had its original schools tour curtailed due to Covid-19 in 2020; and an extended second tour of Going for Gold: Me and Linford Christie by Victoria Beesley/Catherine Wheels Theatre Company which was first off the TiSS blocks to great acclaim in 2022.
TiSS is excited to be offering younger primary school pupils a brand new dance theatre performance, The Last Forecast, from Catherine Wheels Theatre Company/Bridie Gane.
The TiSS programme is available for schools to book anywhere in Scotland, offering performances in primary schools for all ages. TiSS continues to offer subsidised bookings to schools and create partnerships with local support organisations, ensuring live performances reach schools not only in cities and towns but in remote and rural communities.
KYIV IS THE UNBREAKABLE HEART OF EUROPE exhibition
A photography exhibition entitled ‘Kyiv is the Unbreakable Heart of Europe’ will open today (Saturday 23 September) at the Museum of Edinburgh.
The exhibition is made up of 32 images of Kyiv and its surrounding areas and was commissioned by the Kyiv City State Administration. These images illustrate the stark reality of Russia’s illegal war and the horrific impact on the daily lives of Ukrainians in the capital and beyond.
Before arriving in Edinburgh, the exhibition had been displayed in Prague, Lublin, Giessen, Mexico City and Berlin.
In a special preview hosted on Thursday at the Museum, Council Leader Cammy Day, alongside members of the Association for Ukrainians in Great Britain (AUGB) Edinburgh branch, had a chance to see the exhibition firsthand.
Council Leader Cammy Day said: “I was incredibly moved today upon seeing these images from Kyiv. These are an important reminder of the terrible human cost of Russia’s illegal war against Ukraine.
“I’ve been clear for the past 18 months that Edinburgh stands in solidarity with Ukraine and with the Ukrainians who have made their new lives here in Edinburgh. I am incredibly proud of the support we have provided as a Council and as a city to those fleeing the most grave and terrible circumstances. We will continue this support for as long as is necessary.
“I would encourage all residents and visitors in Edinburgh to visit this exhibition from this weekend. “
Ukrainian Consul to Edinburgh, Andrii Kuslii said: “Russia’s illegal war against Ukraine has had detrimental consequences for the Ukrainian people. They have faced unimaginable hardships and loss, yet their resilience and determination to reclaim their sovereignty is inspiring.
“By attending the exhibition, you have the opportunity to show your unwavering support for Ukraine. Together, we can shed light on the war crimes committed by Russia in Ukraine.
“The exhibition serves as a declaration that Ukrainian people’s fight for independence and stability will not be forgotten or diminished. By attending, you can add your collective voice to the chorus of support and ensure that the world recognizes the strength and resilience of the people of Ukraine.”
Chair of the AUGB Edinburgh Branch, Hannah Beaton-Hawryluk: “This photo exhibition is a powerful opportunity to show the world what is happening in Ukraine so that the world doesn’t forget about the brutal war in the centre of Europe and the destruction to the Ukrainian people.
The exhibition runs from September 23 to November 12, 2023. Entry is free.
Accessibility guidelines for the Museum of Edinburgh can be found on our website.
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has issued fines totalling £590,000 to five companies for collectively making 1.9 million unwanted marketing calls which targeted the elderly and people with vulnerabilities.
This latest action is part of a wider crackdown to tackle rogue companies using pressurised sales techniques to sell insurance for white goods, such as washing machines and fridges, and other household appliances, including TVs.
£1.45 million in fines have now been issued by the ICO since October 2021 to 16 companies for making illegal, unwanted marketing calls, many to people who had taken steps to block nuisance calls by registering with the Telephone Preference Service (TPS). The fines resulted from detailed investigations by the ICO, assisted by intelligence from National Trading Standards
The companies often target older people and people with vulnerabilities, and in most instances, people who already had or did not need the service.
Andy Curry, Head of ICO Investigations, said: “We’ve heard harrowing stories of people being hounded with these nuisance calls, and feeling forced into handing over bank details for unwanted and unnecessary insurance.
“We’re working to protect people who are being deliberately targeted because they’re seen as easy pickings by unscrupulous cold callers.”
CASE STUDY:
Jonathan Young’s parents made payments totalling more than £2,000 to around a dozen companies after receiving marketing calls for insurance policies that they didn’t need.
Mr Young tracked the payments through his parents’ bank statements and spent months trying to recover the money. The ICO has today fined two of those companies as part of the latest round of its action.
Jonathan said: “Despite opting out of receiving marketing calls, my parents were bombarded by calls from companies selling insurance products. They were often left confused about who was calling them and high-pressure sales tactics led to them paying thousands of pounds for policies they didn’t need or really want.
“During one call, I believe my mother may have been coerced into making a payment using my father’s debit card while he was asleep. Companies should not be targeting elderly people and those with vulnerabilities in this way and I am grateful to the ICO for its continuing action to help prevent distress to other families.”
It is against the law to make a live marketing call to anyone who is registered with the TPS, unless the individual has informed the specific organisation that they do not object to receiving calls from them.
Andy added: “Registering with the TPS makes it illegal for companies to call you without your consent.
“We’d encourage anyone who wants to block unsolicited marketing calls, to either a land line or mobile phone, to sign up to this free service. Then, if you or your loved one is on the receiving end of this kind of call, contact the ICO so we can investigate.”
Jenny Ross, Editor of Which? Money, said: ““It is unacceptable that rogue companies are targeting elderly, vulnerable people through illegal and unwanted marketing calls pressuring them into buying appliance cover that they don’t need, and positive that the ICO is taking action on this issue.
“Which? has been warning about rogue firms cold-calling people about insurance for white goods or other household appliances for years and has reported over 100 firms to the ICO and Trading Standards.
“If you or someone you know has been cold-called about appliance cover, ask for the company name and report it to the ICO. If you are being inundated with cold calls, ask your phone network about the call blocking services it offers.”
