Month: October 2023

Good luck, bad luck, a witch’s pet – black cat myths debunked this Halloween

We’re a nation of cat lovers with an estimated 11 million living as pets in the UK*. However, sometimes certain characteristics mean pets can be a little overlooked and sadly, black cats are one of them.

Not only do rehoming charities often have black cats waiting longer to find homes than other cats, but in a world dominated by social media, black cats are also often said to be ‘less photogenic’ than other more ‘colourful’ cats.  

PDSA vets together with PDSA Pet Insurance have debunked some of the most common myths about black cats.

“Good luck, bad luck, a witch’s pet… there’s a lot of myths around our mysterious feline friends and we’ll admit that not all of them are great,” explains PDSA Vet Lynne James.

“We, however, think black cats are wonderful and there’s loads of reasons they can make brilliant pets.”

Lynne has debunked some of the biggest myths surrounding black cats:

  1. We don’t live in the middle ages.

“It’s thought that the black cats and witches myth started sometime in the middle ages. We’re talking a thousand years ago here. They’ve gotten a whole negative reputation based on myth, when really they’re no different to any other cat.

  1. Black cats are actually good luck!

“Sailors used to take black cats aboard ships not only to catch mice but also because they believed they brought them good luck. In Scotland, a black cat turning up at your door is a sign of prosperity!

  1. They *might* live longer.

“According to researchers at the National Institute of Health, the gene that causes their fur to be black could also protect them against certain diseases. So your black cat may be scientifically less likely to fall ill with certain diseases.

  1. Black cats can help your love life.

“Believe it or not, in some parts of the world black cats are considered ‘matchmakers’ and are thought to help their owners find true love! They’re even believed to be the perfect wedding gift in some areas of the UK as they are thought to bring luck and happiness to the bride.

  1. They were worshipped.

“In Ancient Egypt, all cats were worshipped – including black cats. All cats were seen as sacred. In fact, the Egyptian goddess Bastet (who protected the home from evil spirits and disease) is often portrayed as having the body of a woman and the head of a black cat. Bastet is still worshipped today and her protection is believed by some to be cast over modern cats.”

PDSA is the UK’s largest vet charity providing a vital service for pets across the UK whose owners struggle to afford treatment costs for their sick and injured pets. For many vulnerable pets, PDSA is there to help when there is nowhere else for their owners to turn.

The charity’s insurance arm, PDSA Pet Insurance, offers a range of policies to cover cats and dogs for accidents and illness, as well as providing access to a 24/7 veterinary helpline. Every policy sold raises funds for the charity’s life-saving veterinary work.

To find out more visit pdsa.org.uk/pdsa-petinsurance

*According to the PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report 2023.

FOUR SPOOKY SHOWINGS AT FORT KINNAIRD ODEON THIS HALLOWEEN

The Exorcist: Believer

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When two girls disappear into the woods and return three days later with no memory of what happened to them, the father of one girl seeks out Chris MacNeil, who’s been forever altered by what happened to her daughter fifty years ago.

Saw X

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Set between the events of SAW I and II, a sick and desperate John travels to Mexico for a risky and experimental medical procedure in hopes of a miracle cure for his cancer – only to discover the entire operation is a scam to defraud the most vulnerable.

A Haunting in Venice

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In post-World War II Venice, Poirot, now retired and living in his own exile, reluctantly attends a seance. But when one of the guests is murdered, it is up to the former detective to once again uncover the killer.

Five Nights At Freddy’s

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The film follows a troubled security guard as he begins working at Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza. While spending his first night on the job, he realises the night shift at Freddy’s won’t be so easy to make it through.

For more information, please visit https://www.fortkinnaird.com/cinema

Pregnancy and Counselling Care Scotland is looking for volunteers

Our Granton-based Baby Bank needs your help to sort donations and create vital newborn packs for vulnerable families across Edinburgh and the Lothians.

We currently have very few regular volunteers, and we really, really need to have more help. Demand for our Baby Packs is increasing and we can only increase the number we send out if we have more hands on deck.

We’re a friendly bunch, so if you have a few hours to spare regularly on a Monday to Wednesday – would love to hear from you!

Help us make a huge difference today and sign up here >>

https://counsellingandcare.co.uk/babybankvolunteering

Help to Save customers receive £146 million in bonus payments

Help to Save customers have received £146 million in bonus payments since the scheme launched in September 2018 and HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is urging individuals in Scotland to take advantage of the generous savings scheme this World Savings Day (31 October).

Help to Save is the UK Government savings scheme for low-income earners and offers savers a 50% bonus payment worth up to £1,200 over a maximum of 4 years.  

Latest figures reveal that 31,600 customers in Scotland opened a Help to Save account between September 2018 and March 2023, with more than £25.6 million paid into accounts during that time.

It takes less than 5 minutes to open an account. Customers can check eligibility and open an account on GOV.UK or via the HMRC app.

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said: “Hundreds of thousands of people are benefitting from Help to Save.

“It’s a great way of saving whatever you can and the UK Government will top up your savings by 50%. It’s quick and easy to apply online or via the HMRC app. Just search ‘Help to Save’ on GOV.UK to find out more and apply today.”

HMRC has prepared a video on YouTube to help customers find out more about Help to Save. 

Customers can open a Help to Save account if they are receiving:

  • Working Tax Credit
  • Child Tax Credit  and are entitled to Working Tax Credit 
  • Universal Credit and they (with their partner, if it is a joint claim) had take-home pay of £722.45 or more in their last monthly assessment period

Savers can deposit between between £1 and £50 each month. They will earn an extra 50 pence for every £1 saved and bonuses are paid in the second and fourth years of the account being opened. The bonus payment applies to the highest amount saved within the period. Savers who deposit the maximum amount of £2,400 will receive a bonus of £1,200 from the UK Government.

Nearly 383,000 account holders across the UK have made a deposit into their accounts and the average monthly deposit is £48. More than 90% of savers invest the maximum £50 each month. They can make as many deposits they like each month via debit card, bank transfer or standing order. Money can be withdrawn at any time, although this may affect their 50% bonus payments.

Customers can easily manage their savings account online or through the HMRC app. They can check their balance, view savings and bonus details, find out when they’ll be paid a bonus, read any messages, set up a standing order or make withdrawals.

Victoria Todd, Head of the Low Incomes Tax Reform Group, said: “For those who are able to take part, the Help to Save account is a very attractive savings scheme, especially when the saver is able to maximise their bonuses.

“They can do this by paying in the maximum amount each month and making no withdrawals. Those who are eligible can still get bonus payments, even if they can’t save the maximum. That is why we recently welcomed the extension of the scheme to April 2025.” 

 video on YouTube

The UK Government is offering Help for Households. Check GOV.UK to find out what cost of living support individuals could be eligible for.

Gillespie Macandrew donates record £48,000 to its charity partners

Scottish law firm Gillespie Macandrew has donated a record £48,000 to the Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity (ECHC) and Alzheimer Scotland as part of its annual commitment to its charity partners. 

The firm donates 1% of its pre-tax profits each year and this year announced double digit income growth for the second consecutive year with turnover reaching £16.8m.

These donations are part of a wider programme of engagement with the charities, which includes volunteering and fundraising activities.

The firm began its partnership with ECHC and Alzheimer Scotland in 2021 after both charities were nominated and chosen by staff.  The firm’s overall financial contributions now total over £126,000, shared between the two charities during this period.

Gillespie Macandrew’s commitment to supporting charitable causes is a key element of its overall ESG programme, having donated more than £250,000 to Scottish charities over the past eight years.  

Robert Graham-Campbell, Chief Executive Officer at Gillespie Macandrew commented: “We are delighted to be able to share the firm’s success with these two very important charities who provide invaluable support to families in Scotland. 

“We continue to offer practical support to our charity partners and our staff regularly take part in volunteer days with both ECHC and Alzheimer Scotland, from working in the hospital garden to setting up fundraising events. 

“This year Gillespie Macandrew staff also had the opportunity to join Dementia Friends training sessions to learn more about dementia and the small ways in which people can help.”

Roslyn Neely, Chief Executive Officer at Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity, commented: “We are so pleased to be the recipients of this incredible support from Gillespie Macandrew which will help provide our life changing work in The Royal Hospital for Children and Young People. 

“No child wants to be in hospital, but for those who must be, ECHC is there to make that experience as positive as possible. Thank you to everyone in Gillespie Macandrew for their kindness and for choosing to help babies, children, and young people with this generous gift.”

Jonathan Mitchell, Head of Stakeholder Engagement at Alzheimer Scotland, commented: “We are delighted to receive this very generous donation of £24,000.

“Alzheimer Scotland depends on fundraising and every penny raised will help us to continue to fund our vital network of Dementia Advisors, Dementia Centres and 24-hour Freephone Dementia Helpline (0808 808 3000), that provide critical support for people living with dementia and those who care for them.

“Without the amazing efforts of our supporters, we would not be able to deliver this vital help. This donation from Gillespie Macandrew helps us to Prevent Today, Care Now and Cure Tomorrow.”

Gillespie Macandrew has offices in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Perth, advising clients on all areas of land and rural business, private client, commercial real estate, renewable energy, tax and disputes, combining a personal approach with industry-leading expertise. 

Online form for coastguard volunteers is launched

Applying to enrol as a volunteer with HM Coastguard is becoming quicker and easier. After successful trials throughout the UK, a new online volunteer enrolment form has been launched nationally by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).

With a tap or click of a mouse, applicants can access the form online to complete at home or on the go and submit on any internet-enabled device, including smartphones.

It’s the first MCA project to benefit from the government’s new digital form-builder, GOV.UK Forms, launched this year by the Government Digital Service, part of the Cabinet Office.

Coastguard rescue officers (CROs) undertake lifesaving search and rescue activities all around the UK coastline in diverse environments including mud, cliffs and water.

As members of coastguard rescue teams, they work closely with the other emergency services and volunteer organisations. As a volunteer role, attendance as a CRO is quite flexible. Full training and kit are provided.

Virginia McVea, Chief Executive of the MCA, said: “Coastguard rescue officers are the lifeblood of our service, ready 24/7 to go to the aid of people around the UK.

“Working with the Government Digital Service, we’ve put enrolment online to make it easier for people to apply for such a rewarding role and to maintain the strength of our response.

“Becoming a CRO means joining a close-knit team who enjoy camaraderie, personal development and the satisfaction of making a lifesaving difference.”

The digital enrolment form rolls out nationally tomorrow on 1 November 2023.

To apply to become a volunteer coastguard rescue officer, see the Volunteer as a coastguard information on GOV.UK.

To find out more about HM Coastguard, visit hmcoastguard.uk.

Schools upgrades: Latest phase of £2 billion programme announced

NOTHING FOR EDINBURGH IN LATEST PHASE

More school building projects across Scotland will benefit from a share of the £2 billion Learning Estate Investment Programme (LEIP) to build new, modern, state of the art facilities – but Edinburgh loses out this time around.

Ten local authorities are to be awarded funding in the third phase worth  £450-500 million, which includes three Additional Support Needs (ASN) schools and a total of six projects which include ASN capacity.

The £2 billion Learning Estate Investment Programme is a joint programme with COSLA and follows on from the successful £1.8 billion Scotland’s Schools for the Future Programme, which delivered 117 new or refurbished learning facilities across Scotland from 2009 to 2021.

The successful projects are:

  • Hazlehead Academy (Aberdeen City) 
  • Mull Campus (Argyll and Bute) 
  • Lochies ASN School (Clackmannanshire) 
  • Lenzie Academy (East Dunbartonshire) 
  • Carrongrange ASN School Extension (Falkirk) 
  • Forres Academy (Moray) 
  • Chryston High School Extension (North Lanarkshire) 
  • Kirkwall ASN Centre (Orkney) 
  • Brae Campus (Shetland) 
  • Riverside and Letham Primary School (West Lothian) 

Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said: “I am determined to deliver excellence and equity across Scotland’s schools, and ensuring that pupils are educated in modern, state of the art facilities is an important part of that.

“This latest phase of the £2 billion Learning Estate Investment Programme will continue to support local authorities to deliver improvements in our school estate, and ensures continued progress in ASN provision in particular. This latest round of investment means that every Scottish local authority which submitted a bid has now received funding for a project in Phases 1, 2 or 3 the Learning Estate Investment programme.

“As a direct result of Scottish Government investment, the proportion of schools in “good” or “satisfactory” condition has increased from 61% in April 2007 to 90.7% in April 2023 and this investment will build on this remarkable progress.

“We will continue working with COSLA to explore how we can deliver further improvements in the school estate, as well as ensuring provision in those areas experiencing population growth.”

Councillor Tony Buchanan, COSLA Spokesperson for Children and Young People, said: “We welcome today’s announcement of the projects which will benefit from phase three of this joint Learning Estate Investment Programme.

“Creating the very best possible learning environments to allow children to thrive is a top priority for our councils. Scottish Local Government funds 50% of the programme and we are delighted to that more children and families will benefit from access to the improved educational environments while also contributing to our net zero goals.

“These council led projects really demonstrate the innovation from Local Government and partners that makes positive change a reality in people’s lives.”

Stephen Long, Learning Estate Team Lead at the Scottish Futures Trust, said: “We are pleased to continue our support to improving the learning estate in a wide range of communities across all parts of Scotland.

“This new phase will build on the ambition of previous phases by addressing embodied carbon, utilising zero emission heating, creating healthier learning environments and encouraging outdoor learning.”

Phase 3 projects are expected to be completed by 2027.

Aussie rules football umpire ditches Hawaii for Edinburgh to pick up degree during honeymoon

A top-level umpire in Australian rules football has called half-time on his honeymoon to attend his Edinburgh Napier University graduation ceremony.

John Howorth and his wife Morgan, who are from Melbourne, decided to combine the trip to collect his MSc Performance Enhancement in Sports Officiating with their first holiday as a married couple.

The pair tied the knot in January – following two Covid-related postponements – while John continued his studies online from Australia.

The 30-year-old AFL whistler had no hesitation in planning the romantic getaway around his walk across the stage at Edinburgh’s Usher Hall – braving the rain and donning a kilt for the occasion.

He said: “Originally Morgan wanted to go to Hawaii, but when our wedding got postponed it didn’t work with the footy calendar. When I found out my graduation date, coming here worked perfectly.

“I’ve always wanted to come to Scotland to play golf, so coming here because of uni was no problem.

“When I brought it up with Morgan she said she’d be happy to pack the big jumpers!”

John credits his time at ENU for bringing about a big improvement in his performance as an AFL umpire – where he takes charge of big matches in Australia’s most popular sport.

He had been officiating at the top level for two years, before he decided to apply.

John said: “I’d made the jump to elite level and found it quite confronting, so I wanted to find a way to improve. I was looking for any avenue to get better – because I had to.

“In my first year in the course I was in the bottom 10% of the umpires’ ranking. Within 12 months I was in the top 40%. It was a jump you’d normally be expected to take five or six years to make.

“Consciously I wasn’t doing anything different, but the stats told it all. The course was a little golden nugget for me.

“It wasn’t a big cohort, but we had a great range of people from different sports to compare experiences with.

“I hadn’t done anything like this before. I found it very challenging at first, but the lecturers held my hand all the way through.”

Edinburgh Napier’s MSc Performance Enhancing in Sports Officiating is the first course of its kind at a Masters level, offering teaching tailored to the students’ needs – including skills like communication, game management, high-pressure decision making and leadership.

The first cohort graduated last year, with current and past students including officials from football, basketball, cricket and rugby.

Programme Leader and Associate Professor of Sport Psychology & Coaching with Edinburgh Napier University’s School of Applied Sciences, Dr Duncan Mascarenhas, said: “John will be the first to admit that when he began he was not an experienced academic, but he brought incredible drive, enthusiasm and energy to the group.

“He soon showed that his studies were innovative – and because he operated at the highest level of AFL he was able to show real measurable improvements in his decision accuracy levels.

“In one ‘what happened next?’ study, he developed a training package designed to develop game understanding in a group of community level umpires, which increased his accuracy levels.

“Johnny was class representative for the cohort and other staff have commented how they’re going to miss him at meetings, for his no-nonsense approach and positivity.”

Following their trip to Scotland – with John even making time for a round of golf at St Andrews – the happy couple will conclude the honeymoon in France before heading home.

Edinburgh Napier’s autumn graduation ceremonies were held between 24-26 October at Edinburgh’s Usher Hall. Tthe nearby Shakespeare’s pub, on Lothian Road, was renamed The Napier Graduate for the occasion.

Charity shopping night at Dobbies’ Edinburgh stores in aid of Teenage Cancer Trust

Garden centre unveils fundraising festivities

Dobbies’ Edinburgh store and Stockbridge little dobbies are celebrating the festive season this November with a Christmas Shopping Night fundraiser in aid of National Charity Partner, Teenage Cancer Trust.

Families in Edinburgh are invited to join Dobbies for an evening of seasonal shopping on Thursday 30 November from 5-9pm, with tickets priced at £1 available in store and online now. To help raise awareness, vital funds and spread kindness, all proceeds from ticket sales will go to Teenage Cancer Trust, alongside additional fundraising efforts from activities on the night.

Customers can explore Dobbies brand-new Christmas themes for 2023, be inspired with great value decorations that will adorn any home and take advantage of exclusive deals. Attendees can immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere, enjoy seasonal songs and book in to experience Santa’s Grotto where children can meet Mr Claus himself.

Cancer kills more teenagers and young adults in the UK than any other disease, and for those that are lucky enough to survive, getting the right physical and emotional support is vital for recovery.

Every day, seven young people aged 13-24 are told they have cancer, and it’s projected that by 2030 this number will be closer to 10. Supporting Teenage Cancer Trust with donations helps fund specialist nurses and youth workers to be there for a young person that’s battling cancer.

Dobbies’ CSR and Community Communications Executive, Chloë Bell, has been working closely with Teenage Cancer Trust to raise awareness of the fantastic work they carry out.

She said: “Our late-night shopping events in Edinburgh are a great chance to gather the family, get into the festive spirit and support a charity that’s making such a difference to teenagers and young adults across the UK.

“Last year our fundraising efforts saw over £100k donated to the charity, and we’re hoping to top this benchmark with the help of our customers.”

Donna Bednarek, Senior Relationship Manager for Teenage Cancer Trust, added: “Dobbies’ Christmas Shopping Night is a memorable occasion and one our team, supporters and volunteers look forward to every year.

It’s a great chance for communities to get together, share a magical experience and raise vital funds to help us deliver life-changing work to teenagers and young adults battling cancer.”

November is TCT Takeover month for Dobbies, with a social takeover on 2 November, donation weekends in store, donations encouraged for event bookings and the Christmas Shopping Night.

Tickets for the Christmas Shopping Night are £1 per person, with all funds raised going to TCT. Santa’s Grotto will be available to pre book at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store. In addition, customers can enjoy 2 courses for £16.99 in the restaurant, allowing visitors to get a taste of the Christmas menu.

This is only bookable online for Dobbies’ Edinburgh store and reservations can be made by visiting Events | Dobbies Garden Centres.

For more information about Dobbies Christmas Shopping Night in partnership with Teenage Cancer Trust, visit Events | Dobbies Garden Centres 

Business confidence in Scotland falls during October 

·           Business confidence in Scotland falls seven points in October to 26%, but firms remain optimistic in their own trading prospects, at 44% 

·           Scottish businesses identified their top target areas for growth in the next six months as evolving their offer (37%), introducing new technology (37%) and entering new markets (31%)  

·           Overall UK business confidence increased three points in October to 39% with firms’ outlook on the economy also up by four points at 34% 

Business confidence in Scotland fell seven points during October to 26%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking. 

Companies in Scotland reported higher confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, up five points at 44%. When taken alongside their optimism in the economy, down 19 points to 10%, this gives a headline confidence reading of 26%.  

Scottish businesses identified their top target areas for growth in the next six months as months as evolving their offer (37%), introducing new technology (37%) and entering new markets (31%).

The Business Barometer, which surveys 1,200 businesses monthly, provides early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide. 
 
A net balance of 33% of businesses in the region expect to increase staff levels over the next year, up two points on last month. 

National picture

Overall UK business confidence rose three points in October from 36% to 39%, and firms’ outlook on the overall UK economy increased four points to 34%. Businesses’ confidence in their own trading prospects also continued the upward trend, rising four points to 45%.

Companies’ hiring intentions reached their highest level since May last year, with 32% of firms intending to increase staff levels over the next 12 months, up six points month-on-month.

Firms in Yorkshire reported the highest levels of business confidence, jumping 12 points to 52% – the highest reading for the region since March 2022. Companies in the South West reported the biggest uptick in business confidence, increasing 26 points month-on-month to 47%.

Following a fall in confidence in September, the retail and service industries both saw an increase in business confidence, with retail business confidence increasing by five points to 37% and services rising seven points to 43%. Levels are still lower than seen in August, however, when retail business confidence was at 44% and services at 42%.

Manufacturing confidence was 36%, unchanged from last month when confidence rose to a three-month high. Construction fell for a second month in a row to 31% (down five points).

Martyn Kendrick, regional director for Scotland at Bank of Scotland, said: ““Despite the drop in overall business confidence, it’s reassuring to see that firms across the country remain optimistic about their own trading prospects as we head into the final quarter of the year.

“As we approach Christmas, and what’s the busiest trading period of the year for many Scottish firms, those in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors companies will benefit from maintaining a steady cashflow to remain resilient and be well-placed to seize any opportunities to grow.

“It’s no secret that Christmas can be a frenetic and expensive time for businesses and their customers, so firms need to have a plan in place to manage this, as well as having some money aside to cover unexpected costs.

“We’ll remain by the side of Scottish businesses to help them capitalise on avenues for growth in the final months of the year.”

Paul Gordon, managing director for SME and Mid Corporates at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: ““Retail and service sectors have clearly felt reassured this month, after confidence fell in September. While others have commented that consumers may be feeling the strain, our data shows that in terms of their future appetite, it certainly isn’t ‘doom and gloom’ for retailers.

“However, higher energy costs and rising oil prices will undoubtedly have an impact on consumers and businesses alike. If businesses can look to their future financial stability now and ensure cash-flow remains a priority, that should put them in good stead for the months ahead.”

Hann-Ju Ho, Senior Economist Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “Business confidence this month reflects a more positive outlook as we head into the important festive period, with trading prospects and economic optimism both at their second highest levels this year.

“The level also underlines the wider upward trend of steadily rising confidence in 2023. If you look at the year in quarterly time periods, confidence has steadily risen from 20% in the first quarter, 26% in the second and in September an average of 27% in the third.

“However, our data shows that firms are still safeguarding their profit margins in response to the possibility of interest rates remaining high, wage increase pressures, and the prospect of higher energy prices again this winter.

“Therefore, businesses will be keeping a keen eye on the forthcoming Autumn Statement and Bank of England policy announcements as they navigate through a challenging economic period ahead.”