Day: December 1, 2023

That’s the Spirit! Walker’s Shortbread partners with The Scotsman Group to create the ultimate festive serve

Experience the magic of shortbread with Walker’s 125 Old Fashioned, a limited-edition whisky-based cocktail with a twist! Now available in 28 Scotsman Group bars across Scotland.

Walker’s Shortbread has joined forces with leading leisure operator The Scotsman Group, to create a special serve to kickstart Edinburgh’s festive season in style.

Introducing The Walker’s 125 Old Fashioned: a limited-edition whisky-based cocktail that honours Walker’s impressive 125-year heritage while spreading the joy of shortbread over the festive season and winter months.

Making and sharing shortbread is an age-old Christmas tradition in Scotland and Walker’s is bringing this to life with a modern twist. Inspired by the mighty ‘Old Fashioned’, The Walker’s 125 incorporates delicious Walker’s Shortbread fingers, The Glenlivet Founders Reserve and Liquid Oats Honey to create a luxurious cocktail that is the ultimate toast to the holiday season.

The Walkers 125 is now listed on menus at 28 Scotsman Group bars across Scotland, including in stunning venues in Edinburgh such as The Scotsman Bar, The Grand Café and The Ghillie Dhu. The Walker’s 125 is available to order in selected Scotsman Group venues until 31st January 2024.

Walker’s all-butter shortbread dates to 1898, when 21-year-old Joseph Walker opened the doors of his own bakery with a loan of £50 and the ambition to bake ‘The World’s Finest Shortbread’. Over a century on, Joseph’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren have remained true to his original ideal – to bake ‘The World’s Finest Shortbread’.

Sarah Macaulay, Head of Marketing at Walker’s Shortbread, said: “At Walker’s, we love that our shortbread is enjoyed at Christmas and that it plays a part in generations of families’ festive traditions.  As December marks the end of our 125th anniversary celebrations, it’s only right that we create a cocktail with another Scottish icon; single malt Scotch whisky.

“That’s why we’ve teamed up with The Scotsman to not only create The Walkers 125, but also to serve it in 28 of their unique and popular venues across Scotland. It’s the perfect tipple for anyone in Scotland enjoying the festivities and looking for a unique whisky-based cocktail to try.”

The Walker’s 125 Old Fashioned is a well-balanced cocktail with sweet creamy notes of honeysuckle and a long-lasting finish of toffee notes, finished with a satisfying Walker’s shortbread crunch.

Roddy Coyle, Head of Beverage Operations at The Scotsman Group, said: “It’s a pleasure to be partnering with Walker’s Shortbread to bring The Walkers 125 to life. Shortbread is a classic treat and one of the nation’s favourite – so we wanted to create a cocktail fit for its worthy title and Walker’s Scottish heritage.

“Scotland is known for its impressive and high-quality whisky, making The Glenlivet Founders Reserve an obvious choice to form the base of the cocktail. The vegan Liquid Oats Vanilla & Honey Liqueur is a nod to our nation’s love for oats – and of course, we’ve incorporated Walker’s delicious shortbread fingers to level up the recipe and give it the special Walker’s touch!”

Please drink responsibly and for advice or support about drinking alcohol please visit drinkaware.co.uk.

Edinburgh:

  • The Scotsman Bar
  • The Grand Café
  • The Granary
  • Inn on the Mile
  • The Murrayfield
  • Southpour
  • Ghillie Dhu

Granton History Hub: Volunteers needed

If you are interested & want to know more, please visit our website, or come along to Granton:hub any time between 1-4pm on Tuesdays 12th and 19th December.

Stay as long as you like – simply say ‘hello’ or we can set you to work!

Contact Tamsin at history@grantonhub.org

Charity shop set to reopen after fire calls for public donations

Earlier this year, a fire broke out in the building above the PDSA South Bridge charity shop, causing the shop to close for the foreseeable future. The shop located at 88-89 South Bridge, EH1 1HN, closed in June, but is very nearly ready to officially re-open again.

Before the shop reopens its doors again to eager shoppers, the team are hoping the supportive local community will head over there to donate any unwanted goodies.

PDSA Cluster Shop Manager, Fiona Lawrie, said: “Since the unavoidable closure of South Bridge five months ago, we’ve had a flurry of support from locals at our nearby Nicolson Street shop. We’re hoping before we re-open South Bridge, lovely locals will pop by to donate any unwanted items they may have, so we can open the doors again, stocked with fresh finds!

“We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported us, the fire was a big shock to our team, but we’re more than ready to head back into the shop and welcome previous supporters, and new faces through the door.”

The shop is not yet open for people to browse around, however the official re-opening date will be announced very soon. 

For anyone who wishes to donate any items, please drop any goods off at PDSA South Bridge, 88-89 South Bridge, EH1 1HN. 

Drylaw schoolboy missing

HAVE YOU SEEN AHMAD?

POLICE are asking for your help to trace a 13-year-old boy reported missing in Drylaw. Ahmad Bader was last seen at Broughton High School around 12 pm yesterday (Thursday, 30th November).

He has links throughout the Edinburgh area.

Any info, please call 101 and quote ref 3740 of 30/11.

Alcohol marketing consultation

Further discussions to be held on reducing alcohol harm

The Scottish Government will hold more talks with public health stakeholders and the alcohol industry early next year to discuss ways of limiting young people’s exposure to alcohol promotions.

The development comes following publication of the Scottish Government’s recent consultation analysis on restricting alcohol advertising and promotions.

The report shows the majority of individuals and most organisations with links to the alcohol industry thought the proposals as set out would not achieve the intended outcomes of reducing alcohol consumption and alcohol harm, and/or were disproportionate to the scale of the problem. However, there were high levels of agreement with the proposals among public health, third sector, local authorities and academic organisations.

Following targeted stakeholder engagement, the public will be asked for their views on a narrower range of proposals which take into account the views expressed and international public health evidence, including a recommendation from the World Health Organization (WHO) that restricting alcohol marketing is one of the most cost-effective ways of tackling alcohol harm.

Drugs and Alcohol Policy Minister Elena Whitham said: “My sympathy goes to all those affected by the loss of a loved one through alcohol.

“We’re determined to reduce the harm caused by alcohol, particularly to young people, while minimising any impacts on Scotland’s world class drinks industry or tourism sector.

“International evidence shows that alcohol marketing increases the likelihood that children and young people will start to drink alcohol or, if they already drink alcohol, drink more, while young people and their families have told us that they want us to take action.

“While almost all responses to the consultation acknowledged that children and young people should not be exposed to alcohol advertising and promotions, it is clear there are a range of views on how this might be achieved. Since the consultation was launched, the First Minister and other Ministers have engaged with a wide range of businesses and stakeholders.

“So we will continue to engage with all interested parties on specific, narrower, proposals that meet our aims. I’m confident this collaborative approach will ensure that we develop policies understanding the full range of opportunities and impacts.”

Consultation on Restricting Alcohol Advertising and Promotion: Analysis of responses

STUC Disabled Workers’ Conference: Usdaw seeks to tackle gender-based violence and poverty

Retail trade union Usdaw has a delegation of reps and officials attending the annual Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) Disabled Workers’ Conference in Glasgow, Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 December.

The union has submitted motions on tackling gender-based violence against disabled workers, along with building a movement of protest against poverty.

Tracy Gilbert – Usdaw Regional Secretary for Scotland says: “The number of disabled people living in poverty in Scotland has increased in recent years with more than half of all people in poverty living in a household with at least one disabled worker.

“We reject any suggestion that this is inevitable, poverty and the failure to tackle inequality are political decisions. The disability employment gap in Scotland remains high with disabled women facing even greater discrimination, larger pay gaps and higher unemployment.

“As well as taking action to offset the immediate impacts of the cost-of-living crisis on disabled people and their families; the Scottish and Westminster governments must also act to address the underlying historical inequalities experienced by disabled people including the disproportionate impact of austerity policies.”

Usdaw welcomes the important role the Disabled Workers Committee play setting the record straight and is asking the STUC to:

  • Support the efforts of unions and disabled people’s organisations to tackle disability discrimination and change the way disabled people are viewed, valued and included in Scottish and wider UK society.
  • Campaign for improvements to social security so that as well as protecting disabled workers from poverty, it also prevents poverty; takes into account the significant and additional costs of being disabled; and fully supports independent living.
  • Continue to build a movement of protest against the current cost of living crisis that highlights the specific impact of the current crisis on disabled people and puts their voices centre stage.

Tracy Gilbert continues: “Studies show that disabled women are disproportionately likely to experience gender-based violence but are far less likely to report it.

“Workplace trade union reps have a vital role in supporting women workers to recognise and recover from abuse and this is particularly the case for disabled women who are often less able to access appropriate support and to have their voices heard.

“Changes to domestic violence legislation to include coercive control are important in understanding how specific abuse against disabled women may manifest itself in a variety of ways, for example where the abuser controls someone through their impairment or support needs.

“We commend the work union reps are doing to support disabled survivors of domestic abuse.”

Usdaw is seeking greater recognition by employers of the challenges disabled women face in escaping abuse and is calling on the STUC to:

  • Support affiliated unions to negotiate domestic abuse policies with employers that recognise the specific needs of disabled women workers.   
  • Involve disabled women in developing the trade union and labour movement’s work on gender-based violence.

New Chief sets out her vision for policing

Scotland’s new Chief Constable Jo Farrell has outlined her vision to deliver effective policing for communities.

Chief Constable Farrell prioritised threat, harm and risk; prevention, problem solving and proactivity; and the wellbeing of officers and staff so they can deliver for the public.

Speaking at a Scottish Police Authority Board meeting in Edinburgh, the Chief Constable said she would progress a second phase of policing reform to deliver the full integration of Police Scotland while building even closer ties with public services to drive efficiency.

The Service is also reviewing senior posts and corporate services to ensure resources support frontline policing.

Chief Constable Farrell urged government to invest £128m in policing next year to continue reform of policing. She said the establishment of Police Scotland was a successful example of government spending to save, with policing returning £200m to the public purse every year compared to legacy arrangements.

Chief Constable Farrell said: “Reform of policing represented an innovative, ambitious and optimistic response to austerity and Police Scotland is now a national asset known for compassion and high standards.

“A changing, ageing population; a cost of living crisis driving vulnerability and pressure on other services; civil unrest; new laws and increasingly complex investigations all contribute to growing community need and increasing contacts to policing from the public.

“Police Scotland must focus intensely on our core duties and what matters to the people we serve. If what we do doesn’t protect the vulnerable from harm, prevent crime or support our officers and staff, we will challenge that and redirect resources.”

The Chief Constable also said officers must spend less time on mental health calls; in accident and emergency and attending court for trials that don’t happen.

She said: “Policing is determined to play our part in criminal justice reform – to make efficiencies, but more importantly deliver better service for the people we serve.

“We will make appropriate use of direct measures at the lowest end of offending so the entire system can focus on delivering justice in the more serious cases.

“We will work with the Scottish Government and the Crown Office to capture digital evidence, including on body worn video, and share the evidence to support better and quicker court outcomes.

“At the same time, policing must redefine our responsibilities around mental health.

“We must respond to people in crises but policing is not the best agency to provide people living with poor mental health with all the care and support they need and deserve.

“Officers should not routinely be performing welfare checks or sitting in hospital waiting rooms for lengthy periods of time.”

The Chief Constable said £128m including an uplift to capital funding would restart officer recruitment for the year ahead; fund the cost of this year’s 7% pay award for officers and staff and make a credible offer next year; enable a programme of voluntary retirement and redundancy; and rapidly reshape Police Scotland to deliver more savings in years ahead while ensuring effective service.

Chief Constable Farrell added: “Without funding over and above flat cash, we will be unable to recruit police officers in 2024-25. My experience in England is that would significantly impact community policing and proactivity like drugs raids.”

Watch Chief Constable Farrell’s report here.

Support for new public libraries projects

Funding to connect libraries with local communities

A group of eight innovative new library projects designed to enrich communities across Scotland will be brought to life through a share of £106,868 support received through the Public Library Improvement Fund (PLIF).

These projects include the introduction of a comprehensive library outreach offer in East Lothian, a digital project focusing on celebrating Dundee’s Maritime Pasts and Future, and High Life Highland’s sensory project, which aims to engage with those with autism and dementia among many others.

Culture Minister Christina McKelvie said: “The Scottish Government places great importance on public libraries. We believe that everyone should have access to library services. So I’m pleased to announce this first round of projects for the 2023-24 year – eight new programmes that will make a positive difference to local communities across Scotland.

“Congratulations also to Midlothian Library Service, who were awarded the 2023 SLIC Service Excellence Award for its work with supporting communities during the cost-of-living crisis. It is fantastic to see the central role Loanhead Library plays in the everyday lives of local people – bringing the values of the #MidlothianCares initiative to life.

“I understand first-hand the valuable service libraries provide across Scotland – during my childhood, my local library was a real sanctuary for enjoyable learning and it played an important role in my development.”

Pamela Tulloch, Chief Executive of the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC), said: “Public libraries, through their diverse offerings and inclusive nature, contribute to all areas of social, cultural and daily life.

“They allow people equal access to services, resources and information, and many are continually building on their offering to further transform and thrive in line with the changing demands and requirements of their users.

“Investing in our public libraries is not just about enhancing physical spaces; it’s about empowering minds, fostering a love for learning and bridging gaps to ensure equal access for all. The Public Library Improvement Fund (PLIF), from the Scottish Government, allows services across Scotland to enhance their offering to provide further support which benefits the communities in which they operate.

“With people, place and partnership at the heart, we can’t wait to see how the eight projects awarded funding flourish over the next 12 months and would encourage public libraries across Scotland to consider how they can help lead the way in developing our services and apply for the second round of funding today.” 

Project Title/ServiceProject AimAmount Awarded (of £106, 868)
Carnoustie Creatorspace in AngusTo create a space on the upper floor of Carnoustie Library which is currently used as an Exhibition Space to exhibit work by local artists and creative clubs. This space will focus on the provision of tools, equipment and resources to foster artistic design and creativity.£14,715
Dundee’s Maritime Pasts and Future in DundeeThis project will be a partnership between the Local History and Steam Hub departments in Dundee Central Library. Volunteers will work with Local History staff to create a digital resource which presents logbooks in their historical context, exploring the whaling industry in Dundee, its environmental impact, and the city’s relationship with nature and the sea over the years.£6,400
East Lothian Libraries – Community Centred Service in East LothianTo establish a dedicated resource for a comprehensive library outreach offer in East Lothian, work with Families Together East Lothian (FTEL), to offer families support with budgeting, parenting, neurodiversity and bereavement. Participation sessions will also be offered to families not using libraries to enhance take up of the ‘Every Child a Library Member’ programme.£3,960
Return Journeys: developing pathways back to the library for identified under-reached groups in FalkirkThis project aims to work with partners, and identified groups (traveller community, refugees and asylum seekers and care-experienced individuals) to identify barriers to library use and develop strategies that will enable effective use of services. The project will then develop library services that meet their specific needs of identified groups.£10,484
High Life Highland Libraries Making ‘Sense’ for Communities in HighlandHigh Life Highland’s sensory project aims to engage with and improve the health and wellbeing of hard-to-reach groups including those with autism, dementia, physical impairment, and those who are socially isolated.£6,000
Making a Noise in the North: Fair Access to Reading for the Visually Impaired in Orkney/ShetlandThis project concentrates on improving the reading experience for users with additional needs, such as visually impaired and dyslexic customers. Also key to the project is promotion of library services and staff development.£5,500
Lending Voices: Portable Podcasting in Your Library in South LanarkshireThis project offers accessible podcasting services in public libraries. This will enable users to create, learn, and engage with podcasts. The project aligns with the library’s mission to foster learning, share knowledge, and engage with communities through digital literacy and enriched cultural expression.£6,770
Evidencing the social impact of public libraries in StirlingThis project seeks to evidence and better understand the social impact Stirling Council Libraries have within their local communities; and to produce a methodological toolkit from lessons learnt which other public libraries can use to conduct similar evaluations

FM joins world leaders at COP28

Official opening of the Heriot-Watt University Dubai Campus

First Minister Humza Yousaf has joined global leaders to set out Scotland’s ambitions and objectives for COP28 as the climate conference opened in Dubai yesterday.

His first engagement was the official opening of the new Heriot-Watt Dubai Campus with His Majesty King Charles III, showcasing Scotland’s influential higher education sector. The First Minister said the campus helped showcase the leading role Scotland is playing in finding solutions for the biggest challenges facing the planet. 

The First Minister also opened the Scottish Government-supported Multi-Level Action and Urbanisation Pavilion, and met with Global South partners and youth activists to discuss priorities for COP28.

The First Minister later joined senior business and trade leaders, Scottish university representatives, and representatives of the Global Scots network at a St Andrew’s Day reception, with industry-leading Chef Adam Tracey showcasing the best of Scotland’s food and drink.

First Minister Humza Yousaf said: “I am proud of Scotland’s leadership in advocating for climate justice and progressing a just transition to net zero, so it is fitting the official opening of Heriot-Watt University Campus in Dubai takes place on the first day of the world’s largest global climate conference. 

“This new campus will play a leading role in demonstrating the skills and ideas we have in Scotland to help find solutions for the biggest challenges facing the planet.

“The ambitions, enthusiasm and dedication of young people around the world are crucial in tackling climate change and advocating for climate action.

“Globally we need to harness this energy and ensure we are using our collective talent, innovation, and enthusiasm to contribute to finding the solutions that will deliver a net zero future.

“The Scottish Government will continue to call for loss and damage funding that prioritises the needs of vulnerable communities and take a lead on addressing the biodiversity and the climate crisis. I am confident these shared ambitions will be keenly felt by those who attend this vital climate summit, and at home.”

The lone voice of older victims highlighted during Safer Ageing Week

Hourglass (Safer Ageing) announces fourth Safer Ageing Week – starting on 01/12/23 highlighting the lone voices of older victim survivors and how Hourglass is helping to challenge this.

Safer Ageing Week, launched by Hourglass in 2020, is an opportunity to raise awareness of the abuse of older people and shine a light on older victim-survivors and the relative taboo nature of this unspoken issue.

The theme this year is ALONE VOICE – focusing on the unique lone voice of Hourglass in dealing with the abuse of older people and the often-forgotten voice of an older victim survivor.

Currently not all abuse types, victims or perpetrators are treated equitably in the UK. The Government’s Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) strategy has been a one useful development. But Hourglass is partly using this Safer Ageing Week to call for a unique strategy and specialist support for older people and therefore removing the additional barriers this group face.

Older people, as Hourglass states, should not be the last in line for support.

During this week the charity will also launch the Safer Ageing Index for Wales and, later in the week, the Safer Ageing Index for London, in partnership with the Hallmark Foundation.

These studies assess and compare how well local areas perform in helping people grow old safely. In 2022 the charity launched the first-ever Safer Ageing Index for Northern Ireland and by early 2024 the organisation plans to unveil a Safer Ageing Index for every part of the UK.

2023 also marks the 30th anniversary of Hourglass and during this week the charity will be looking at the advances made over the last three decades and what progression is needed in coming years.

The week of events, supported by a range of like-minded charities and organisations, will also see the launch of Hourglass’s Economic Abuse Hub in Wales. This unique provision will deliver vital specialist support to older people – as Financial or Economic abuse numbers and instances have steadily grown to be the majority of Hourglass casework.

Throughout the week we will be releasing messages from policy makers and thought leaders on how we can add our voices in support of older victim-survivors who too often are ALONE VOICE.

Richard Robinson, CEO of Hourglass, said: “This will be the fourth Safer Ageing Week. This year we will focus on the lone voices in our community who speak out against abuse and neglect of older victim-survivors.

“It’s our collective duty to create environments where older people can thrive free from abuse, fear, and neglect.

“For Safer Ageing Week 2023, we hope more people will add their voices to our calls for a strategy to tackle abuse and neglect of older people.”

Baroness Margaret Ritchie, Hourglass Patron, said: “Safer Ageing Week plays a vital role in amplifying the voices of older victim-survivors of abuse and neglect.

“Let’s build communities where every older person feels cherished, valued, and secure – where age is celebrated, and safety is assured. And most of all, where the voices of older victim survivors are heard and believed”

Hourglass operates in England, Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland. It runs the only 24/7 helpline for older people suffering abuse or neglect.

The helpline, instant message service, SMS and chatbot provides unique support and advice – as well as Europe’s only Knowledge Bank on the abuse and neglect of older people. The team can be reached on 0808 808 8141.

The charity is urging those keen to support the charity to make a donation by visiting www.wearehourglass.org.uk/donate or Text SAFER to 70460 to donate £10. Texts cost £10 plus one standard rate message and you’ll be opting in to hear more about our work and fundraising via telephone and SMS.

If you’d like to give £10 but do not wish to receive marketing communications, text SAFERNOINFO to 70460.