Day: November 1, 2023

Try before you buy – Meadowbank Open Day

Edinburgh Leisure’s state-of-the-art and newest venue, Meadowbank Sports Centre is hosting an Open Day on Sunday, 19 November to entice the people of Edinburgh to try before they buy.

Opened in July 2022, it will be an opportunity for people to try out the range of facilities at this £47m venue, and encourage customers, old and new to try something different, including the racquet and track facilities. 

The programme on offer will include the gym, gym-based and fitness classes.  Customer can also try racquet sports including badminton, table tennis, squash, and the newest ‘kid’ on the block, Pickleball, which is fast growing a big following. And if running is your thing, there will be a chance to try the indoor and outdoor running tracks. The Café Refresh will be open from 8.30 am – 5 pm for a range of drinks and snacks.

Picture – Chris Watt Photography 07887554193 info@chriswatt.com www.chriswatt.com

Josh Anderson, Operations Manager at Meadowbank Sports Centre said: “Meadowbank Sports Centre has been a sporting and social hub for so many people in the Edinburgh area over the years.  But we’re conscious that a lot of people still haven’t paid us a visit to our incredible £47m refurbishment. 

“Hence why we are opening our doors and hosting an Open Day, which will be a great opportunity for existing adult members to perhaps try something new, such as the track and racquet facilities and for potential new members to come and try for free before they buy and see just how great our facilities are.

“And as an added incentive for new members, there will be an opportunity to sign up for an adult Meadowbank Gym or Fitness Class membership on the day at the Meadowbank reception with a £0 joining fee.”

Picture – Chris Watt Photography 07887554193 info@chriswatt.com www.chriswatt.com

The new Meadowbank has much to offer the local community and communities throughout Edinburgh and includes the following facilities:

  • An outdoor eight-lane athletics track with a 499-seat stand and outdoor throwing and jumps area.
  • A 60m six-lane indoor athletics track and jumps space.
  • Two multi-sport halls with fixed and moveable spectator seating
  • A hall for dance and other events, including hosting bouncy castle birthday parties.
  • Two fitness studios (capacity – 30 each), which include world-renowned Les Mills programme of classes, smart tech bars and weights.
    • A fitness class timetable with 77 classes
  • A Cycle Studio (capacity – 30) with Life Fitness IC7 bikes and ICG myride and Les Mills RPM classes
  • A gym with Life Fitness equipment, dumbbells up to 50kg, Watt bikes, SkiErg, row and Cybex SPARC machines (capacity – 90)
    • Combined bumped plates weighs in the gym – 2927.5kg
    • Combined dumbbell weight in the gym – 1,918kg
    • 40+ pieces of resistance and free weights equipment
  • Two squash courts
  • A purpose-built dojo for martial arts
  • A boxing gym
  • Two 3G (synthetic) pitches, including one with a 499-seat stand.
  • A hospitality Suite and event-hosting facilities
  • Cafe and meeting rooms

To get involved in Meadowbank Sports Centre Open Day, gym sessions do not need to be booked but fitness and gym-based classes, and racquet sports, and use of the track need to be booked. 

The activities are now available to book online or via the Edinburgh Leisure app.

Find out more – https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/venues/meadowbank-sports-centre/open-day

Edinburgh urged to celebrate safely ahead of Bonfire Night

Campaign offers advice as new research gives insight to safety behaviours

The Scottish Government and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service are urging people in Edinburgh to plan ahead and stay safe this Bonfire Night (5th November).

While new research highlights that 86 per cent of respondents1 in Edinburgh are concerned about the impact of fireworks on others, it also shows that 43 per cent2 stated they would give sparklers to children under five. Sparklers can get five times hotter than cooking oil and are the most common type of firework to injure children3.

David McGill, Lead Clinician for the Care of Burns in Scotland (COBIS) network and Consultant Plastic Surgeon at Scotland’s Burn Hub said: “Children are frequently burned with sparklers.

“There’s a misunderstanding of how hot they can get, causing severe burns to fingers and hands, or catching clothing alight. Sparklers should never be given to children under the age of five.

“Unfortunately we see a rise in burn injuries around Bonfire Night, in both adults and children, with 41 injuries recorded over the four-week period around Guy Fawkes night last year.

“The majority of these occurred at private properties, ranging from minor, such as burns to the fingers, to severe, including loss of fingers and complex eye injuries with loss of vision.”

As part of the new drive, people are also being encouraged to consider attending an organised public display, something almost half of those surveyed (48 per cent4) plan to do.

This remains the safest way to enjoy fireworks and helps minimise their impact on other members of the community, with 42 per cent of respondents5 in Edinburgh stating they have a family member or pet who is negatively affected.

For those still planning on using their own fireworks, the Scottish Government and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is asking people to consider others, ensure they know how to keep themselves and loved ones safe, and to follow regulations.

It is illegal to set off fireworks in public places, including streets and parks, and to buy or give fireworks to someone under the age of 18, other than category F1 fireworks6. 

It is also illegal to set off fireworks before 6pm and after 11pm, extending to midnight on 5th November and 1am on Hogmanay, Chinese New Year and Diwali.

Deputy Assistant Chief Officer (DACO) Iain Macleod is the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s Head of Prevention and Protection. He said: “Every year people are injured by bonfires and fireworks and admitted to hospital, with children particularly affected.

“We encourage the public to follow the safety guidance in the lead up to Bonfire Night and we always recommend attending an organised event if possible.

“People should also be aware of the laws around the use of fireworks, consider the risks and always follow the Firework Code to keep everyone safe.

“Please respect our staff who are working hard to ensure the wider community is safe on one of the busiest nights of the year for our service.”

Fireworks can be particularly distressing for those who experience sensory impairment, and can also cause stress in animals.

Scottish SPCA Director of Innovation and Strategic Relations Gilly Mendes Ferreira said: ‘‘Every year thousands of animals suffer stress and anxiety caused by the use of fireworks.

“Animals can panic and flee at the sound of a bang and this can lead them towards danger such as being the cause of a road traffic accident, also putting human lives at risk.

“Our advice for those with animals includes not walking your dog at night when fireworks are being set off, bringing all pets indoors and stabling horses. Make sure doors, windows and cat flaps are kept closed so your pet doesn’t become distressed and try to escape. If you’re setting a bonfire, always check for cats or wildlife before setting it alight.

“We’d always encourage the public to attend organised displays. If you are going to hold a private display, let your neighbours know so they can safeguard against any distress pets and farm animals may face.”

The Firework Code, details of legislation in Scotland and a list of organised events can be found on firescotland.gov.uk.

To report the misuse of fireworks anonymously call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Healthy Heart Tip: Keeping stress in check

Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Tip, written by the Health Promotion and Education Team at Heart Research UK

Healthy Heart Tip: Keeping Stress in check

We’re coming up to a busy time of year, and if you find the lead-up to Christmas a little overwhelming, you are not alone. Stress is very personal and experienced differently by everyone.

The key is to recognise when you are feeling stressed and put things in place to reduce it before it gets too much.

There are many things you can do to manage stress and build resilience, so you cope better next time you find yourself feeling overburdened or in a stressful situation. Stress is linked to heart health because when we are feeling stressed, we can adopt unhealthy lifestyle habits which contribute to the development of heart diseases.

Here are three things to consider building into your routine to help keep stress at bay:

Prioritise your physical health

Getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, and ensuring we are physically active can help us deal with stress better and increase our resilience.

Research has shown that when we are sleep deprived, we report higher levels of stress, so ensuring you get seven to nine hours of sleep a night is essential.

These things can seem out of reach in the midst of stress, however, they can make a big impact so start small, making little, sustainable changes.

Spend time in nature

There is a growing body of evidence to suggest that spending time in nature can reduce our perceived stress levels and increase our overall wellbeing.

Similarly, bringing nature indoors can help you feel less stressed, so think about getting some houseplants to take care of.

You can tick two things off your stress-buster list by taking part in some movement in a green space, such as going for a jog or brisk walk in your local park.

Get creative

Spending time doing activities you enjoy can give you a much-needed break from daily life, and doing something creative that requires your concentration can give your mind some quiet time.

Think about starting a new hobby such as pottery, knitting or even block printing. We have recently partnered with the Indian Block Printing Co. to create a block printing tea towel kit which would be a great first crafty project to start with.

Scots mum celebrates Online Safety Act becoming law

  • The Online Safety Act became law last week
  • Abuse survivors, young people and bereaved families – including Scottish mum Ruth Moss, join NSPCC Chief Executive and head of Ofcom to mark momentous achievement
  • NSPCC says children and young people must be central to implementation and call for bold and ambitious regulation
  • Pictures available of installation outside Parliament thanking 147,000 campaigners who backed the legislation

Young people, abuse survivors and bereaved families celebrated the Online Safety Act becoming law at an NSPCC reception in Parliament yesterday.

After years of campaigning, legislation that will put a legal duty on tech companies to protect children from sexual abuse and harmful material on social media sites, gaming apps and messaging services was given Royal Assent on Thursday.

Ruth Moss, a member of the Bereaved Families for Online Safety – who were integral in achieving stronger protection for children in the legislation, joined fellow campaigners who have worked tirelessly for new laws that will protect children online, politicians, civil society and regulators to welcome the legislation.

Ruth’s daughter Sophie Parkinson tragically took her own life in March 2014 when she was only 13 years old after she was exposed to harmful content online.

Sophie was self-harming and viewing self-harm and suicide content from the age of 12. She had also had online relationships with older men and looked at violent pornography.

Ruth, a nurse from Dalkeith near Edinburgh, said: “For at least two years, we struggled to keep Sophie safe online.

“In spite of removing devices, restricting internet use, implementing parental controls and having conversations about internet safety, these were not enough to prevent her from being exposed to content that promoted self-harm, suicide and dark, graphic, harmful material. She managed to view violent pornography and have online conversations with adult male strangers.

“Complaining to internet and social media companies was either impossible or futile. As parents, it felt like one step forward and two steps back, especially when balancing her need to use the internet for school and controlling her use. We quickly realised that parents alone can’t control what their child sees on the internet.

“The impact of Sophie viewing this harmful material was a deterioration in her existing mental health struggles, with devastating consequences. We will never truly recover from her death, and it is rightly every parent’s worst nightmare.

“This legislation is a good first step. It sends a message to tech companies that safety should not be compromised for the sake of profit and that tech companies can’t deny responsibility for keeping their service users safe on their websites.

“In my opinion, the enforcement of the bill is key. This will be challenging. It will require Ofcom going up against some of the most powerful and influential organisations in the world. Ofcom will have a difficult job.”

Young people who campaigned with the NSPCC and a mum whose daughter was sexually abused on social media, spoke at the event. They joined the NSPCC Chief Executive Sir Peter Wanless and Ofcom Chief Executive Dame Melanie Dawes who will be responsible for the Act’s implementation.

The event was chaired by Sajid Javid MP who was Home Secretary when regulation to help protect children online was first promised by the Government in 2018, following the launch of the NSPCC’s Wild West Web campaign.

At the reception there was a clear focus on ensuring young people’s voices and experiences are central to the implementation of the Online Safety Act, so it results in meaningful change for children as soon as possible.

The event came as Ofcom prepares to set out the rules which tech companies will have to follow to tackle child sexual abuse and protect children from harmful material.

The codes of practice will be consulted on before being implemented, but those at the event were united in their expectation that tech companies should not wait to begin putting concrete measures in place to make their sites safe by design for children.

Sir Peter Wanless, NSPCC Chief Executive, said: “It was an honour to bring together so many people from different walks of life whose campaigning and dedication has helped make the Online Safety Act possible.

“I want to particularly thank everyone who has been impacted by online abuse and unimaginable harm who have campaigned selflessly to help protect others.

“While we rightly celebrated today, it was also a catalyst towards working together to ensure the legislation results in the protections online children desperately need.

“We look forward to seeing the landmark Act implemented with bold ambition to ensure there is a rigorous focus on children as regulation comes into force.”

Dame Melanie Dawes, Ofcom’s Chief Executive, said: “We’re grateful for all the hard work that went into getting these new laws onto the statute books. It means we now have regulation that will make a real difference in creating a safer life online for people – particularly children – in the UK. This is a big job, and we’re ready, but we won’t be doing it alone.

 “Young people’s voices have shaped the foundations, and now we want to hear from them again to make sure we get the technical detail right. Next week, we’ll be consulting on the specific measures that tech firms can take to protect their users from illegal harms online, including child sexual abuse and grooming, and pro-suicide content.”

Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan said: “I am immensely proud of the work that has gone into the Online Safety Act from its very inception to it becoming law.

“At the heart of this Act is the protection of children. I would like to thank the campaigners, parliamentarians, survivors of abuse and charities including the NSPCC, that have worked tirelessly, not only to get this Act over the finishing line, but to ensure that it will make the UK the safest place to be online in the world.”

Many volunteers with lived experience of abuse who have campaigned with the NSPCC for robust legislation also joined the reception.

The NSPCC set up an installation outside the Houses of Parliament thanking the over 147,000 campaigners who backed the legislation. The charity has released a video with young people welcoming the Online Safety Act.

Fa-boo-lous! Shoppers’ ‘spirits’ lifted on Halloween

The ‘fa-boo-lous’ team at one of Scotland’s largest shopping malls, The Centre, Livingston lifted shoppers ‘spirits’ on Halloween, leaving them ‘under their spell’ with ‘pumpkin’ to talk about! 

Donned in different scary outfits they embarked on a walkabout during their lunch hour handing out sweets to shoppers en route.

They also popped into to their retailers, with many of them joining in the dressing up fun.

The team re-fueled halfway around the mall at the recently opened Dnisi café for a well-earned witches brew. 

Patrick Robbertze, Centre Director at The Centre, Livingston, said: “We had such great fun with our shoppers on our Halloween tour of the mall.  

“It really brought a smile to people of all generations and our retailers too!

NHS Scotland launches national Menopause and Menstrual Health Workplace Policy

Measures to support women experiencing difficult menopause or menstrual health symptoms in the workplace are being introduced by NHS Scotland across their workforce.

As one of the medium term actions in the Women’s Health Plan, the policy reflects recommendations from a study of NHS employees by Professor Kathleen Riach, supported by the Scottish Government.

The new policy aims to create an environment where women feel confident in raising health issues so solutions can be put in place.

Minister for Women’s Health Jenni Minto said: “It’s important to foster a culture of awareness and compassionate management in the workplace so women feel confident and comfortable in raising issues around their menopause or menstrual health.

“NHS Scotland’s policy will recommend a number of measures that will make work life easier such as flexible breaks and working arrangements.  

“This is a positive example of an employer taking proactive steps to reduce barriers to women’s health in the workplace and we hope it promotes equivalent efforts across the public, private and third sectors.”

Professor Kathleen Riach said: “NHS Scotland’s new Menopause and Menstrual Health Workplace Policy marks a vital step in ensuring all employees are valued, supported, and recognised as an integral part of the country’s workforce, no matter their age or stage of their reproductive lives.

“Healthier women mean a healthier economy. By identifying and scaling some of the best practice currently existing across the NHS Scotland workforce, as well as introducing new evidence-based practises, this policy will ensure the menstrual status of women is no barrier to jobs and careers in healthcare.”

Women’s health plan – gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

NHS Scotland National Menopause and Menstrual Health Workplace Policy

Tree Time at Gyle Shopping Centre

Our first Free Tree Giveaway event will be taking place this week!

You can find us at Gyle Shopping Centre on Friday 3rd November and Saturday 4th November! Just drop-in at anytime between 10am – 2pm to pick your free garden tree.

Gyle Shopping Centre

The City of Edinburgh Council

The Woodland Trust Scotland

Alba Trees Ltd

Friends of the Gyle Park

#FreeTrees#

TreeGiveaway

#EdinburghTrees

#GardenTrees

#EdinburghMillionTreeCity

Police Scotland hails ‘world leading’ homicide detection rate

Every homicide committed in Scotland since 2013 has been detected by Police Scotland, new figures have confirmed.

In 2022-23, all 52 homicides committed in Scotland were detected.

Latest statistics from Scottish Government, published yesterday, show the number of homicides committed in Scotland continues to reduce.

Police Scotland’s 100 per cent homicide detection rate means that every one of the 605 murders committed since the inception of the single national service in 2013, has been solved.

In addition, a significant number of ‘cold cases’, some committed many decades ago, have also been detected with the culprits identified, often using the latest technologies, and brought to trial. These have included the murders of Brenda Page (1978) and Renee MacRae (1976).

Detective Chief Superintendent Paul Livingstone, Head of Major Crime, said: “Every murder is a tragedy for individuals, families, and local communities.

“Our dedicated murder investigators bring a high level of professional practice, compassion, competence and commitment to each investigation. As a single national service we are able to bring a consistent approach, working with partners, to every investigation.

“We hope this commitment gives the public confidence in their police service.

“The pursuit of justice, regardless of the passage of time, is a core duty of policing and central to public confidence and police legitimacy. We apply the same level of commitment and professionalism to unresolved cases from the past, to provide answers and justice for families, even after decades.”

The Scottish Government Homicide Statistics can be found here.

Increased fees for NHS dentists

New payment system to expand services comes into force

 NHS dental teams will receive increased fees under a new payment structure from today (1 November) to help them to provide a comprehensive range of NHS care and treatment.

Examinations will continue to be free for all patients, with pregnant and new mothers, those claiming certain benefits, and the under 26s remaining exempt from treatment charges – around a quarter of all adult NHS dental patients.

A new awareness campaign called Brush Up will help people know where to get information and help to meet the costs.

For dentists, the new fee structure will streamline payments, cut bureaucracy and give them greater authority over the treatments offered.

In line with guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), dentists will now also be able to advise patients on how often they need check ups based on their oral health, rather than everyone being seen every six months.

Public Health Minister Jenni Minto said: “Our aim with this payment reform is to incentivise dentists to remain in the NHS, provide long term sustainability to the sector, and improve access for patients.

“Replacing the existing fees with a new improved set will allow dentists to provide a full range of NHS care and treatment, while those unable to pay will continue to get help.

“All patients will continue to receive free NHS dental examinations and I want to reassure those who are exempt from NHS dental charges – including children and young people under 26, and those on certain benefits – they will continue to receive free care and treatment. People on a low income are also eligible for support, details of which can be found on NHS Inform.”

Supporting the Brush Up campaign, Chair of the General Dental Council, Lord Toby Harris, said: “It’s important that everyone knows what to expect from dental healthcare. Dental professionals across the UK understand that patients’ interests must come first.

“They also know that this principle is woven through their professional standards. Everyone should have confidence that the whole dental team will continue to prioritise patients’ interests.”

Samhuinn lights up Edinburgh

REVELRY AND JOY IN HOLYROOD PARK FOR SAMHUINN FIRE FESTIVAL 

THOUSANDS of revellers gathered at Holyrood Park last night to take part in an ancient Celtic celebration to observe the end of the warmer months, and welcome in the start of the winter season.

Samhuinn Fire Festival is inspired by the Celtic tales of the turning of the wheel. Witness the epic battle between the Summer and Winter Kings unfold as the Cailleach prepares for transition into winter. 

More than 5,000 people gathered at Holyrood Park, in the centre of the city to watch the revelries and welcome in the colder season. We were very grateful for the break in wind and rain that seems to persist over Edinburgh at this time for a moment that we could collectively take to celebrate the turning of the wheel into the winter months. 

Sammi Searle, Chair of Beltane Fire Society, said: “Last night’s Samhuinn Fire Festival was truly spectacular and a hearty welcome to the winter season.

“Our festivals are living, breathing entities that bring together both the community and the landscape and it’s always so inspiring to see how our incredible volunteers come together as the seasons turn to unite us all with their passion and talent.

“Enormous and heartfelt thanks go out to everyone involved who gave it their all and made this night so special, and to our audience who never fail in helping us create such a magical atmosphere. We hope this was truly a night to remember.“ 

The modern Samhuinn Fire Festival has been running since 1988 and is the autumn and winter counterpart to Beltane Fire Festival, which is held at Calton Hill on 30th April.

The events are immersive experiences, which involve modern re-imaginings of ancient Celtic festivals to mark the turning seasons, and the turning of the wheel. 

The Beltane Fire Society is a charity run by volunteers, dedicated to marking the fire festivals of the ancient Celtic calendar and keeping traditional Scottish skills of street theatre, music and pageantry alive.

PICTURES: Alessandra Fais, Clarissa Gurd, Matt Scott, Beltane Fire Society