Month: September 2023

Over two-thirds of patients in Scotland say recent NHS changes do NOT benefit them

  • Almost half of respondents desire more same-day appointments (49%)
  • Almost two-thirds (61%) would like to see prioritisation systems to help with hospital backlogs
  • Almost one in five (19%) have seen benefits from the addition of more over-the-phone appointments

Recent research has shown a deepening public concern about NHS services, as only 10% of people in Britain believe ministers are tackling the NHS’s many problems in the right way.

With this in mind and following rising waiting times and growing pressure on the NHS from strike action, healthcare management consultancy, Acumentice, surveyed 1,000 UK adults to explore the public’s opinion of the current healthcare system and how it could be improved in the future.²

Over two-thirds (68%) of patients in Scotland do not believe that any recent NHS changes have benefitted them personally. In particular, text availability with doctors for advice appears to have been the least popular initiative in the region, with no respondents acknowledging the benefit.

In contrast, the survey suggests the most impactful NHS offering for Scotland was the addition of more over-the-phone appointments, with almost one in five (19%) professing they have seen the most advantage to their care from this out of all recent NHS changes.

When questioned about which changes Scotland would like to see from the NHS to improve their experience, the most popular suggestions were: the ability to book appointments online and/or in the NHS app (54%), more same-day appointments (49%) and the option to book double appointments for multiple concerns (41%). 

In addition, over 6 in 10 (61%) respondents felt that using prioritisation systems to ensure that patients with the most urgent needs are seen first would help the backlog of patients waiting for hospital treatment. 

Looking at average perception across the whole of the UK, the survey suggests people desire an updated approach to accessing NHS health services to improve service and efficiency, with a remarkable half of respondents (50%) saying that none of the recent changes already made by the NHS has benefitted them.

Respondents from Wales, in particular (68%), found the least benefit from recent initiatives, while Yorkshire and the Humber were the areas least critical of recent changes (38%). 

Nationally, when asked what they would like to see implemented by the NHS to improve experience, the biggest priority across the UK was A&E waiting times, with nearly half of the respondents (47%) looking for shorter waiting times, followed by an increase in same-day appointment availability (46%) and more flexibility when booking future appointments over the phone (44%).

Interestingly, more than one in four (27%) respondents would like to see the introduction of fines and consequences for cancelled or no-show appointments in a bid to improve the availability of bookings.

Stephen Hall, Director of Consulting Services at Acumentice and former Executive Director for Performance and Planning across Kingston Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and Hounslow and Richmond Community Healthcare NHS Trust, commented on the findings: “This research indicates that, despite recent changes to the NHS, people in the UK believe it has not been successful and have little faith in the future.

“They feel that the approach to NHS care has not changed much in the past and that there is a need for more investment in digital innovation and data-driven healthcare.

“The outcome is that there is undoubtedly scope for a serious debate regarding access to data and analytics within the NHS as it undergoes a period of significant change. It’s also hugely important that digital transformation support plays an increasing role in ensuring these programmes deliver the benefits they should.”

You can find the full study here: https://acumentice.com/the-future-of-healthcare-survey-through-the-public-eye/ 

Exciting opportunities with Screen Education Edinburgh

Screen Education Edinburgh is delighted to announce two exciting opportunities aimed at young people passionate about film

BFI Film Academy Short Course for Edinburgh and South East Scotland, delivered by Screen Education Edinburgh (SEE), and the SEE Young Filmmakers Hub

The BFI Film Academy Short Course for Edinburgh and South East Scotland, delivered by Screen Education Edinburgh (SEE), and SEE Young Filmmakers Hub are both projects designed to help aspiring young filmmakers gain practical knowledge and experience, while highlighting the various pathways into the screen industries.

These courses seek to empower learners to pursue their passion for filmmaking, inspiring them to future careers and success within the screen industries

BFI Film Academy Short Course 2023 for Edinburgh and South East Scotland, delivered by Screen Education Edinburgh: 

The BFI Film Academy Short Courses offer opportunities for ambitious 16 to 19-year-olds to get to know more about film and how to forge a career in the screen industries. Delivered by Screen Education Edinburgh and supported by the BFI, awarding National Lottery funding, and Screen Scotland, this introductory, hands-on course builds knowledge and skills and shows the different pathways into the industry.

BFI Film Academy Short Courses take place across the UK for talented and committed young people aged 16-19, and they have proven to have an excellent track record of inspiring the next generation of filmmakers and crew.

Participants of the Course will make short films, learn from top talent working in the industry through masterclasses, and acquire the necessary knowledge and experience to build a career within the screen industries.

Not only does this course provide practical filmmaking experience, but also instils confidence, develops teamwork skills and creates a sense of being a part of a community of aspiring screen industry professionals. Along with filmmaking experience, these soft skills are crucial in finding success within the industry.

‘Prior to the BFI, I really lacked in confidence with film equipment and experience on set, and now I feel comfortable vocalising what I need done and know how to achieve it.

‘My biggest achievement on the course was when we were filming, my teammates and I worked well together, communicating and asking each other for help and advise.

‘This cemented the fact that I want film to be my chosen career and that I have new found skills. The course has given me a realistic understanding, as well as an appreciation of the film industry – inspiring me to make films of my own.’ – BFI Film Academy Short Course Participant 2022

Subject to successful completion of required assessments, this course can award learners the Preparing to Work in the Film Industry qualification, an NCFE Level 2 award. This qualification will benefit their professional development, whether through further film education courses or entering the industry.   

This course is open to young people aged 16-19 years old, living in the Edinburgh, Clackmannanshire, East Lothian, Falkirk, Fife, Midlothian, Scottish Borders, Stirling and West Lothian areas. No prior experience is required.

The deadline for applications is the 24th of September 2023, at 5pm.

More information and the application form can be found at https://www.screen-ed.org/bfifilmacademy.

The BFI Film Academy Edinburgh and South East Scotland Short Course will take place on the following dates:

October 2023 – 16th, 17th, 18th, 19th, 20th, 24th, 28th.   

November 2023 – 4th, 11th, 12th, 14th, 18th, 19th, 25th, 26th.   

Sessions will take place from 11am to 6pm, while shooting days will last from 10am to 6pm. The sessions taking place on the 24th of October and 14th of November will be online, from 6pm to 8pm.

The course fee is £25; however, for those unable to pay this, we still encourage applying. Bursaries will be available for those who require assistance with fees or travel costs.

We understand that people have different accessibility needs, and that some communicate better through different mediums. Therefore, there is an option to submit a video application, rather than a written online form; further details regarding this can be found here.

In addition, we will be holding an open day for applicants at SEE on the 9th of September, 10am – 1pm. During this drop-in session, we will be on hand to help with the application process, as well as answer any questions.

SEE Young Filmmakers Hub: 

Supported by the Sean Connery Foundation, the SEE Young Filmmakers Hub offers young people the opportunity to learn more about the art of filmmaking, regardless of their circumstances. Aimed at those aged 12-18 living in Edinburgh, learners will gain experience of working in a variety of filmmaking roles.

From sound and lighting design to cinematography and directing, this practical course provides valuable hands-on training in all aspects of filmmaking, allowing young people the chance to discover new interests and strengths. 

Working in groups learners will be tasked with developing, shooting and editing their very own narrative short film. Through this course, we seek to empower young people to create their own ideas and tell stories that are meaningful to them, gaining self-confidence and fostering good teamwork skills. 

‘My long term goal is to get into the film industry. I haven’t decided exactly what I want to do but I think I have a clearer idea after this course.

‘It feels like a very effective introduction to film as you gain an understanding of a wide range of different aspects of film, such as directing as well as sound and editing, rather than just one. I gained a lot of confidence with the technical side of filmmaking.’ – Participant Young Filmmakers Hub

The next stage of the Young Filmmakers Hub will take place from September/October to December 2023. Young people aged 12-15 years old living in Edinburgh are eligible to apply. More information and an application form can be found at https://www.screen-ed.org/yfh.

Learners will be split into groups based on age, with the course running on the following dates:

Group 1 (12-14): starting 21st September and continuing every Thursday

Group 2 (14-15): starting 19th September and continuing every Tuesday

Group 3 (16-18): starting 6th September and continuing every Wednesday

SEE is dedicated to making filmmaking accessible to people of all backgrounds and experience levels. The Hub is free, and no previous filmmaking experience is necessary; the only requirement is a love for films, and a desire to make your own. 

Upon completion of this course, learners will be invited to enrol in more year-round filmmaking activities here at SEE. We are committed to providing ongoing support and development, nurturing the talents of aspiring filmmakers and empowering them to pursue their passion further.

New programme launches to help Scottish businesses cut costs and protect the planet

Environmentally conscious SMEs are being offered the chance to reduce their carbon footprint and lower energy bills thanks to a new partnership between Royal Bank of Scotland, the Edinburgh Climate Change Institute (ECCI) and the University of Edinburgh.

The free course allows businesses to identify the simple, cost-effective steps they can take to reduce emissions and save on outgoings while also helping the planet at the same time. 

Successful applicants will take part in three 2-hour workshops that begin by helping SMEs to understand their own energy and carbon usage data and how they can build their own tailored ‘Carbon Reduction Plan’.  

The free workshops also explain how taking positive environmental action can result in lower energy usage and therefore lower bills. Organisations can become more cost efficient by making positive changes such as changing boiler settings, installing smart lighting systems, swapping to sustainable suppliers and upgrading insulation. 

The scheme is currently accepting applications from all sectors, having already supported over 60 participants from industries such as manufacturing, charity and education.  

Applications for the next cohort close on 3rd October, with a later session set to launch at the start of November also welcoming candidates.  

Code Hostels completed the course earlier this year and has used the learnings from the programme to make sustainable improvements across the business, including buying more produce from local suppliers and switching to eco-friendly cleaning products. 

Talking of his experience, Jamie Greig, Operations and Design Consultant at Code Hostels, said: “The programme was a game changer for us. As a business, when you start looking at reducing emissions it can seem like an incredibly daunting process, and net zero targets can seem a long way off.  

“We found it really valuable to chat to the other groups on the cohort, and we quickly realised we weren’t alone in the challenges we were facing. 

“Sustainability in the hospitality industry is a personal passion of mine and we know that many other SMEs across the hospitality sector are experiencing the same challenges as we had at Code. I now run my own separate business, Our Property Bear, using energy monitors to help hotels and hostels monitor and reduce their energy consumption.” 

Judith Cruickshank, Chair, One Bank Scotland said: “Royal Bank of Scotland is delighted to work with the University of Edinburgh’s Edinburgh Climate Change Institute to deliver a programme which can make a real difference to SMEs across all sectors. 

“It offers the insight, learnings and access to experts to help businesses see the opportunities it can offer them – and see the potential tackling climate change could make.”  

Prof Dave Raey, Executive Director of ECCI, University of Edinburgh said: “The Climate Springboard programme is inspiring. The great engagement and responses from participating businesses is a testament to the fantastic work of the team here at Edinburgh Climate Change Institute and our partners at the Royal Bank of Scotland.  

“In simultaneously helping to cut energy costs and carbon emissions for such a wide array of businesses, they are delivering exactly the kinds of cost-effective climate action so desperately needed in every sector.” 

The scheme is currently accepting applications from all sectors, having already supported over 60 participants from industries such as manufacturing, charity and education.  

Applications for the next cohort close on 3rd October, with a later session set to launch at the start of November also welcoming candidates.  

SMEs looking to learn more about their emissions and how they can start reducing them are invited to register their interest here. More information about the programme is available here.  

NSPCC research reveals offenders are using virtual reality to groom, sexually abuse and share illegal images of children

  • New NSPCC research highlights children are at risk of being sexually abused or exploited when using immersive technology such as VR headsets.
  • Study reveals insight from offenders who are desensitised and say viewing child sexual abuse material on VR headsets is “stupidly easy”.
  • Child Safeguarding & Immersive Technologies includes recommendations for technology companies, government, regulators, and law enforcement on how to tackle abuse in VR environments.

Today, the NSPCC have released a new study highlighting how virtual reality is putting children at risk of child sexual abuse and exploitation.

The new research entitled, Child Safeguarding & Immersive Technologies, was undertaken by Limina Immersivewho were commissioned by the children’s charity to assess what present and future risks children may face when using virtual reality.

The research paints a concerning picture of abuse taking place through immersive technology and illustrates the harm that children are already facing in these spaces.

This comes ahead of the Online Safety Bill being debated in the House of Lords this week and emphasises the important role regulation will play in tackling technology assisted child sexual abuse once this ground-breaking piece of legislation has been passed.

Key findings from the research include:

  • VR multiuser spaces provide opportunities for offenders to commit child sexual abuse and exploitation against a child.
  • ‘Phantom touch’* can mean that victims of VR sexual abuse experience the physical sensation of being touched without their consent.
  • Offenders are using simulated child sexual abuse games on the dark web and through private networks that “mirror” the way they would abuse children offline.
  • VR multiuser spaces can desensitise offenders with avatar disguise and anonymity ‘normalising’ their abusive behaviour.
  • Multiuser VR worlds invite the creation of tighter knit offender ‘communities’, allowing for the sharing of child sexual abuse material and harmful behaviours to amplify and escalate.

The research includes insight from law enforcement agencies and experts and contains in-depth interviews with specialist coverts, who for the first time are sharing their information about emerging technologies that may pose risks to children.

UK law enforcement’s Online CSA Covert Intelligence Team (OCCIT) said in the study: “Virtual reality and the metaverse have the potential to be a monumental hurdle for law enforcement, criminal justice, and the safeguarding of vulnerable people. The proposed technology may have implications not seen since the global explosion of internet technologies”.

Crucially, the research includes key recommendations for technology companies, government, regulators, and law enforcement agencies on how to address abuse that takes place on immersive platforms.

Recommendations include:

  • Technology companies must ensure immersive environments are safe by design for children by implementing robust child safety features and reporting systems.
  • Ofcom should work closely with other UK regulatory bodies to develop clear guidance on how immersive technology platforms must assess and respond to the child safety risks on their products.
  • Government must provide more guidance, funding and learning opportunities to law enforcement on how to deal with VR and simulated offences.
  • Government must review the Online Safety Bill (Act) on a rolling basis to ensure that emerging harms are adequately covered under the law.

The research includes testimony from victims who have been groomed in VR and includes an excerpt from “Exposing a VR Cult” by documentary filmmaker BrandonFM.

In the film, one victim who wished to remain anonymous, described their experience of being groomed in virtual reality. They said: “The mental scars that this whole experience has put on my mind are so extreme that I was recently diagnosed with Stockholm Syndrome… it was so normal for [the offender] to have relationships with minors, in the bubble that we lived in… I came out of that situation with severe trust issues, and I am not sure when things will go back to normal”.

The findings from this research are due to be presented to key politicians, government officials and charity partners at an event in Parliament today where the research and its recommendations will be presented to those influencing the new online safety regulatory regime currently making its way through Parliament.

This comes as YouGov research commissioned by the NSPCC shows that the public are concerned about the risks children may face in VR spaces.

When asked, three quarters (75%) of the public said they believe that 6–12-year-olds are at major or significant risk of child sexual abuse on the metaverse while 80% believe that 13-16 year olds are at risk.

Richard Collard, Head of Child Safety Online Policy at the NSPCC, said: “These shocking findings should be a wake-up call to us all about the harm young people are facing when engaging with immersive technology.

“Technology will continue to progress, and so must we to ensure that we can understand the existing and emerging risks that young people face in these virtual spaces.

“As the Online Safety Bill completes its passage through Parliament, it is vital that new and emerging technology forms a crucial part of the online safety regime. This will only be made possible through clear collaboration between educators, parents, policymakers, and the technology industry.”

A specialist covert officer, who was interviewed in the research, said: “Virtual reality headsets and VR spaces are already being misused by those with ill intentions.

“These technologies further expose children to the risk of abuse, whilst at the same time reducing opportunities for intervention, safeguarding and appropriate prosecutions. 

“2023 sees technology being abused in ways that we would not have accurately predicted 12 months ago.

“This underlines the need for legislators, law enforcement and technology companies to work closer together and at a pace that better reflects the rapidly evolving tech landscape.”    

child-safeguarding-immersive-technologies-key-conceptsDownload

Magic and mystery to be unveiled at Edinburgh Castle this winter, as Castle of Light returns to the capital

Tales of magic, mystery and spectacular sorcery are set to storm the capital this winter, as Castle of Light conjures a charming start to the festive season.

Returning to transform the city’s skyline for a fourth fantastic year, Castle of Light promises to bring even more unmissable moments to Edinburgh Castle as the iconic landmark is illuminated with extraordinary light and sounds displays.

An enchanting experience for all ages, guests can uncover the secrets of Scotland’s past in the unique after-dark walking trail as a tapestry of all-new storytelling projections dance across the castle walls.

Brought together by a consortium of the finest digital and visual talent in Scotland, in partnership with Historic Environment Scotland, the larger-than-life installations are set to bring magic to locals and visitors alike throughout the festive season.

Andy McGregor, creative director of Castle of Light, said: “As Edinburgh’s summer season draws to a close and the darker evenings begin to creep in, the countdown to this year’s Castle of Light event can officially begin.

“This year’s theme of ‘Magic and Mystery’ allows us to bring tales from years gone by back to life through spectacular displays of visual ‘sorcery’ designed to brighten up the winter months. This year’s immersive trail will include interactive elements and unique experiences which truly bring the magic of Scotland’s history alive.”

A limited run of discounted early bird tickets will be available until midnight on Saturday 30 September for the popular light trail. Running for six weeks throughout the festive season, on select dates from Friday 24 November 2023 to Wednesday 3 January 2024, let immersive illuminations and enchanting installations guide you through the castle grounds in a sea of twinkling lights and colourful displays, with help from Rex, the beloved lion.

Ticketed entry slots will run every 15 minutes between 4.30pm and 7.30pm each evening, with last entry between 7.30pm and 7.45pm. The event closes at 9pm. Visitors can also enjoy bespoke offerings from a variety of local vendors who will be on site throughout the event run.

Adult early bird tickets cost £19.80 (using the promo code: COLSM23 at checkout). Concession rates, family tickets and discounts for Historic Scotland members are also available.

For more information and to get your tickets, visit www.CastleofLight.scot. Advance booking required.

Programme for Government: First Minister urged to put fossil fuel phase-out at core of plan

Climate campaigners have urged the First Minister to “put action to wind down fossil fuels at the core” of his Programme for Government today. 

Campaigners point to the fact that the major environmental interventions during the first six months of the First Minister’s term have included scrapping key measures including enhanced protection of the marine environment and delaying the deposit return scheme. 

The First Minister has refused to unequivocally speak out against the controversial Rosebank oil field – the largest undeveloped field in the North Sea – and members of his cabinet criticised UK Labour announcement that they would not grant permission for new oil fields if they won the next general election. 
 


As Europe was gripped by the deadly heatwave and the Greece wildfires began, Humza Yousaf travelled to Peterhead gas-fired power station – the single biggest source of pollution in Scotland – to demand subsidy for Shell’s carbon capture scheme at Acorn Porject, a scheme which would only enable yet more drilling for oil. 

Friends of the Earth Scotland climate and energy campaigner Caroline Rance commented: “The time for timid climate politics must be over. Humza Yousaf must quickly get to grips with the climate science and the severity of the climate crisis and put action to wind down fossil fuels at the very core of his Government’s plans for coming years.   

“This deadly summer of wildfire, floods and even water shortage warnings in Scotland show that there is no more time to waste with half measures or to listen to those demanding delays to environmental progress. Ministers need to speed to the transition away from fossil fuels, reject plans for a new polluting power station at Peterhead and finally join the campaign to stop the Rosebank oil field.  

“Yousaf’s Government needs to supercharge plans that will improve lives as we move beyond fossil fuels such as delivering warm homes, prioritising public transport and putting a credible plan in place to transition workers from oil and gas to good green jobs.” 

On the Scottish Government’s Circular Economy Bill which is at Stage 1 of its legislative progress. Friends of the Earth Scotland Circular Economy Campaigner Kim Pratt said: “The forthcoming Circular Economy Bill must tackle Scotland’s resource use, which has serious and extensive environmental and social impacts internationally.

“The vast majority of Scotland’s carbon footprint comes from the products and services we buy so we need strong consumption targets to change this. This would mean policies to encourage producers to make products last for longer, ensure they are easy to reuse and repair and to shift consumption patterns away from carbon intensive goods and services.  

“The climate crisis is a global problem, so we need to take responsibility for the impact which happens outside of our borders due to our consumption of materials.” 

Programme for Government: Boost for childcare to be announced

Support with cost of living pressures

Childcare provision will be expanded to increase access for more families across Scotland, as part of a new package of measures to tackle poverty.

The First Minister will outline the proposals as part of this year’s Programme for Government, which will be focussed on reducing poverty and offering practical help and support, particularly to those families who need it most.

Further support is to be announced for frontline staff working in private, voluntary and independent (PVI) providers in the early learning and childcare sector.

The First Minister will set out details of the expansion plans in an address to Parliament today.  Speaking ahead of his statement he said: “Helping families deal with cost of living pressures is one of my key priorities, and providing further funding to expand childcare provision will help deliver that.

“Scotland already has the most generous and high quality early learning and childcare offer in the UK and the measures I am setting out today will help make it even fairer and more affordable for those who need it most.                              

“Supporting families is not only fundamentally the right thing to do, it is critical to our mission – affordable and accessible childcare supports employment and the economy, and secure and sustainable employment helps lift families out of poverty.

“This will be a Programme for Government focused on what really matters to the people of Scotland – reducing poverty, delivering growth, helping to tackle climate change, and providing high quality public services.”

The First Minister met parents who have benefitted from early learning and childcare provision at Rowantree Primary School Nursery, Dundee, on Monday. 

In 2022-23 the Scottish Government delivered on a commitment to start designing and building a system of school age childcare to help tackle child poverty through work in four ‘early adopter’ communities in Glasgow, Dundee, Clackmannanshire and Inverclyde – supported by £15 million of funding.

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines to partner with Go Stargazing for 26 cruises in 2024

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has teamed up with astronomy organisation Go Stargazing for a series of cruises setting sail next year.

The new partnership will see astronomers join a selection of 26 cruises on board Bolette, Borealis and Balmoral to destinations including Norway, Iceland, the Azores and the Canary Islands throughout 2024, encouraging guests to look up at the night skies.

The stargazing experts will spend time on deck helping guests aboard navigate the dark skies with laser-guided tours of the constellations, observing fascinating celestial objects from the Moon’s craters to distant galaxies and experiencing phenomena including meteor showers and the Aurora Borealis.

James Moss, Journey Experience Coordinator at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said: “We know that our guests love sitting on the open deck, snuggled in a blanket with a hot chocolate or a toddy, looking up at the beauty of the night sky.

“Now, thanks to our partnership with Go Stargazing, we will be able to offer 26 incredible itineraries where an astronomer will join our guests on-board and bring the darkness to life.

“The itineraries include the likes of the Natural Wonders and Wildlife of the Azores and Madeira in April and In Search of the Northern Lights at Christmas in December.

“To have the Go Stargazing experts on-board, sharing their vast expertise and insight, is something that we know our guests will enjoy and enable them to get even more from cruising with Fred. Olsen.”

In addition, the Go Stargazing team will host various presentations and answer questions about all things astronomical.

The new partnership ties in with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ Signature Experience, the Sky at Sea, which celebrates a sunrise at sea or the beauty of the night sky from the deck of the ship.

Neill Sanders, Director of Go Stargazing, said: “The entire Go Stargazing team are delighted to be embarking on this exciting new journey with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, working in partnership to truly showcase magnificent dark skies.

“These itineraries offer an incredible opportunity to see some truly phenomenal sights including the Milky Way, the Aurora, star clusters, nebulae and galaxies as well as witness the likes of the solar eclipse in April and the Perseid Meteor Shower in August.

“Out at sea there is little to no light pollution, meaning the skies are at their darkest. It’s the perfect place for people to look up, and for us to share our passion and enthusiasm for astronomy.”

The cruises that Go Stargazing will be joining include a host of specially timed sailings to coincide with natural wonders and destination events with departures from Liverpool, Newcastle, Dover, Southampton and Portsmouth.

Details of some of Go Stargazing’s sailings with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines are as follows:

Balmoral’s 14-night L2402 ‘Discovering Cultural Morocco’ cruise, departing from Southampton on 18th January 2024. Prices start from £1,799 per person.

  • See Saturn and Jupiter and observe the changing phases of the Moon
  • Visit impressive mosques and explore bustling souks
  • Enjoy time taking in the Moorish sites of Lisbon

Itinerary: Southampton, UK – Funchal, Portugal – Agadir, Morocco – Casablanca, Morocco (overnight stay) – Tangier, Morocco – Lisbon, Portugal – Leixões, Portugal – Southampton, UK
For more details: Visit Balmoral’s L2402 ‘Discovering Cultural Morocco’ cruise

Bolette’s 14-night T2408 ‘Natural Wonders and Wildlife of the Azores and Madeira’ cruise, departing from Liverpool on 19th April 2024. Prices start from £1,899 per person.

  • Explore volcanic sites in the Azores
  • Learn to take night-time photos with an experienced astrophotographer
  • Go in search of whales with ORCA

Itinerary: Liverpool, UK – Praia da Vitoria, Portugal – Ponta Delgada, Portugal – Cruising by Santa Maria, Portugal – Cruising by Cabo Girao, Portugal – Funchal, Portugal (overnight stay) – Lisbon, Portugal – Leixões, Portugal – Liverpool, UK
For more details: Visit Bolette’s T2408 ‘Natural Wonders and Wildlife of the Azores and Madeira’ cruise

Balmoral’s 14-night L2437 ‘In Search of the Northern Lights at Christmas’ cruise, departing from Southampton on 22nd December 2024. Prices start from £2,599 per person.

  • Witness the Northern Lights around the time of peak solar activity
  • Celebrate Christmas Day on board Balmoral
  • Experience the maritime tradition of crossing the Arctic Circle

Itinerary: Southampton, UK – Crossing the Arctic Circle, Norway – Bodø, Norway – Cruise Tjeldsundet, Norway – Tromsø, Norway (overnight stay), Alta, Norway – Cruise Tjeldsundet Strait, Norway – Trondheim, Norway (overnight stay) – Ålesund, Norway – Southampton, UK
For more details: Visit Balmoral’s L2437 ‘ In Search of the Northern Lights at Christmas’ cruise


For further information on Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, visit the website at www.fredolsencruises.com Book online, call Reservations on 0800 0355 242 (Monday to Friday 8.30am to 6pm, Saturday 9am to 5pm, Sunday 10am to 4pm), or contact your ABTA travel agent.

To find out more about Go Stargazing, visit www.gostargazing.co.uk

To celebrate this new partnership, a competition to win a cruise for two to see the Northern Lights will be announced at 12noon on 1st September. Follow Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines and Go Stargazing on social media for updates.

Majority of major UK theme and adventure parks yet to provide EV charging points

Only five of the UK’s biggest theme and adventure parks currently offer electric charging facilities but the situation is set to improve in the coming months, according to a new study by the RAC.

Just Thorpe Park in Surrey, Chessington in London, Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Crealy in Devon and M&Ds in Scotland provide EV chargers for visitors, with many other popular and well-loved attractions in other regions currently offering none at all. At the five parks that have some provision, the average number of chargers on offer is four.

The parks that currently don’t offer any charging facilities include such well-known names as Legoland Windsor in Berkshire, Alton Towers in Staffordshire, Gulliver’s sites in Cheshire, Yorkshire and Buckinghamshire and Oakwood in Wales. But the good news is that the first two of these parks have publicly committed to installing chargers before the end of the year.

The RAC study also looked at the nearest ultra-rapid chargers to top theme parks as the next most convenient place to charge on a day out and found they were an average of seven miles away, with each offering an average of only five chargers each. In some parts of the country however, drivers need to travel much further, with the closest ultra-rapid chargers to Pleasurewood Hills in Suffolk and Flamingo Land in North Yorkshire being some 25 miles away.

RAC Charge Watch data shows that drivers currently pay on average 73p per kWh of electricity at an ultra-rapid (100kW+) charger, making an 80% charge of a family-sized EV currently cost £37.39. If public chargers were only subject to 5% VAT like home chargers, that cost would be around £4 cheaper.

Comparisons with major theme parks elsewhere in Europe show just how different the situation can be when it comes to on-site electric vehicle charging. Efteling in the Netherlands has capacity for 174 electric cars to charge at once, while PortAventura in Spain can accommodate 150 cars charging and Europa Park in Germany offers 32 chargers.

It’s far from a perfect picture everywhere however, with Disneyland Paris and Gardaland in Italy having just four chargers each.

RAC spokesman Rod Dennis said: “Even though most people visiting adventure and theme parks in electric cars will be starting out fully charged from home, many will still need to charge on the way back depending on the length of their journey and their vehicle’s range.

“For those travelling considerable distances to reach them it surely makes sense to have some chargers at theme parks as cars will be parked for long periods, making slower chargers ideal.

“It’s a little disappointing therefore to find some big-name attractions aren’t yet providing any charging facilities, but the situation is thankfully changing with several having stated they’re looking into installing chargers in the near future. We look forward to these plans becoming a reality to make drivers’ lives easier.

“As things stand, families with electric cars who need to recharge after enjoying a day out will no doubt be relying on ultra-rapid chargers to get on the move again as quickly as possible.

“Our research shows drivers will have to travel only an average of seven miles from a theme park to reach one of these, although in some parts of the country the distance is considerably further. Fortunately, with every month that passes provision is improving and in fact over the last 12 months the number of ultra-rapid chargers in the UK has nearly doubled to 8,772.

“Some leading theme parks in other parts of Europe are currently putting the UK in the shade when it comes to more extensive electric charging infrastructure. As they’ve decided it’s right to put chargers for their visitors in place, we now need all major theme park operators in the UK to come to the same conclusion.”

Quentin Willson, automotive journalist and founder of theEV campaign FairCharge, added: “Theme parks are an obvious example of how we need to make sure the UK’s future charging infrastructure really is joined up.

“Parks, attractions, museums, holiday centres, hotels and leisure facilities need to have plenty of chargers for visitors in EVs. Drivers will base their leisure choice destinations – as many already do – on if there are reliable charging facilities. This is the future.”

In a bid to stimulate the take-up of electric vehicles and make public charging more cost-effective, the RAC is supporting the FairCharge campaign’s call to get VAT on public electricity reduced from 20% to match the 5% domestic rate.