RECORD BREAKING YEAR FOR BARRHEAD TRAVEL CAMERON TOLL
Barrhead Travel Cameron Toll is set to close 2023 as its “best ever” trading year as demand for travel continues to soar.
The Glasgow-headquartered travel agency group has celebrated 11 consecutive record-breaking months since January 2023 and has forecast that the month of December will also conclude with record sales. Year to date bookings for the group are up by 26 percent, compared with 2019 sales which, before 2023, was the company’s best trading year.
Barrhead Travel’s performance is bucking the trend on the high street. Despite recent ONS figures indicating that October retail sales fell to the lowest levels since the 2021 lockdowns, the travel group says its retail network is “busier than ever” with sales in-store growing by more than 25 percent. The group attributes its strong retail performance to the continued demand for travel as well as consumers returning to reputable travel agents to book their holidays.
Forward bookings for 2024 are performing particularly well with the agency reporting that customers have been securing their annual holiday plans earlier than usual. Last-minute bookings for winter holidays remain a popular option with around 25 percent of new bookings travelling across the 2023/24 winter period.
Earlier this year, Barrhead Travel confirmed it would pursue further expansion during 2024 with multiple store openings planned for the year ahead. Investment will also be channelled into existing stores for refurbishments, additional full and part time roles, and new technology.
Victoria Dodds, Manager at Barrhead Travel Cameron Toll said:“Over the last year, we prioritised smart and sustainable growth, which has seen us deliver record breaking results. This year, we will have recorded our highest ever sales and we expect to continue that pace in 2024.
“Holidays remain a spending priority for consumers of all ages. The demand for a reputable travel agent is at an all-time high which is why we believe that now is the time to move ahead with further expansion throughout the UK.
“Retail travel is thriving, and communities across the country are benefiting from busy travel agency stores. Our commitment to investing in retail has never wavered and we’re excited to be bringing new jobs and opportunities as our expansion progresses over the coming 12 months.
“We are in the process of reviewing our new locations and we expect to announce details in the first quarter of 2024.”
Barrhead Travel has also announced the addition of a USA specialist division which will be launching in early 2024 as part of its wider plans for organic growth.
Scots united in their love of a Hogmanay steak pie
Seven in ten (69%) Edinburgh locals say steak pie is an important part of their Hogmanay and New Year’s Day traditions, with 80% planning to tuck into the dish this year.
A Make It Scotch survey of 1,000 Scots has ignited a debate about when steak pie should be enjoyed and what to drink with it.
Scots are divided about when to eat steak pie
While traditionally eaten on New Year’s Day, the Make It Scotch survey has found a third (34%) prefer to eat it on Hogmanay to kick start the celebrations with friends and family (21%), as a meal before a big night out (7%) or enjoy it on their own (6%) before the bells. The research found that two-thirds (66%) of Scots plan on keeping tradition and will enjoy their steak pie on the first day of the year.
IRN-BRU is the nation’s favourite steak pie accompaniment
While Scots are united in their love of the traditional steak pie, some are washing it down with a more modern accompaniment. Beloved Scottish beverage IRN-BRU came out on top as the drink of choice to enjoy with a steak pie for nearly a quarter (22%) of Scots – rising to a whopping 41% of those in Stirling.
IRN-BRU overtakes Scotland’s national drink – a dram of Scotch whisky
Scots planning on eating steak pie to welcome in 2024 are as likely to wash it down with a dram of Scotch whisky (9.5%) as they are a glass of fizz from the continent – with 1 in 10 Scots saying they prefer to enjoy the dish with a glass of champagne or prosecco (9.2%).
Gordon Newlands, Scotch Butchers Club Manager, said: “With many of us reimagining how we celebrate the festive season, it’s heartening to see that some classic Scottish traditions haven’t been broken.
“For the majority of Scots, our research has shown steak pie is an important part of Hogmanay and New Year’s Day celebrations. Enjoying some Scotch Beef steak pie can remind us of fond memories of feasting with friends and family and remains a great way to welcome in the new year, whether on our own or with those we love.
“Whether you’re buying a pie from your local butchers or you fancy trying to make it yourself from scratch, looking out for the Scotch logos and opting for Scotch Beef will ensure you’re plating up the best quality pie to welcome in 2024.”
Regional splits across Scotland
While most Scots are united in their fondness for traditional steak pie, this new research has also revealed some interesting regional variations across the country.
When asked if steak pie was an important part of their Hogmanay or New Year’s Day traditions, 84% of Glaswegians agreed versus just 59% of people living in Inverness.
While 71% of people living in Perth prefer to eat their steak pie as part of a New Year’s Day feast with friends or family, just 37% of Aberdonians say this is their preferred way to enjoy the dish with as many as 1 in 4 (25%) preferring to enjoy it on their own either before or after the bells.
Glaswegians are more likely than those living in other cities to say they prefer to eat their steak pie before drinking on Hogmanay (10%). In comparison, Aberdonians are more likely to eat it as a New Year’s Day hangover cure (8%) than those living in other Scottish cities.
When pairing a drink with their steak pie, the beverage of choice in Glasgow is beer (26%), whereas those in Perth were more likely than any other Scottish city to prefer to pair their steak pie with a glass of champagne or prosecco (21%) and Scotch whisky is most popular in Inverness (12%).
Make It Scotch
For those seeking high-quality, local produce to make steak pie this festive period, Scotch Beef will have the ideal cut to suit. The Scotch Beef logo indicates that products are locally sourced from selected Scottish farms that adopt best practices, including animal welfare and production methods, as well as supporting Scotland’s rural communities.
For budget-friendly recipes to inspire your festive feasting, visit www.makeitscotch.com and @makeitscotch on Instagram.
Soldiers from The Royal Regiment of Scotland have revealed their army hacks to help civilians stick to their 2024 goals
Nearly a third of the Brits will be setting New Year’s resolutions just now, with ambitions around health and wellbeing, from reducing stress to exercising more, being among the most popular.
But despite these good intentions, one in five resolution setters will call it quits by the end of January, with many citing feelings of pressure and lack of perseverance as their main setback.
With characteristics of resilience and dedication built into them from the start of their army careers, soldiers from The Royal Regiment of Scotland have shared their top tips help the British public stick to the commitments they’ve made to themselves this year.
The key to success? Visualise it.
“Don’t let negative thoughts embed themselves. A positive and can-do mindset is the bedrock of success. Take the time to visualise your goals – it will make the path to success much clearer. Flexibility is key too. If one day doesn’t go as planned, get up and start over afresh the next.” – Cpl Fraser Hall, 3rd Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland
10 minutes is all you need to set yourself up for success tomorrow
“I always make sure to set aside 10 minutes after every working day to sit and digest my tasks and goals for the next day. That small space of time is crucial to help me mentally prepare for the next day.” – WO2 Sean McKnight, Regimental Sergeant Major, 6th Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland
Keep cool and carry on
“An ice bath is a great way to de-stress and think clearly. Whilst taking the initial plunge may be a bit daunting, it forces you to focus on being present in the moment and concentrate solely on your breathing, helping you to feel calmer. But, if it’s really not for you things like the headspace app are great for mental health and wellbeing, and getting you into the right space of mind for the day ahead.” WO1 Ryan Robertson, Regimental Sergeant Major, 1st Battalion The Ranger Regiment.
Embracing the outdoors? Be prepared
“To help you spend more time outside, rain or shine, it’s a good idea to ‘waterproof your waterproofs’. What this means is layering up and wearing the correct fabrics to make sure you don’t end up soaked through!
Your mid layer fleece or jacket shouldn’t be cotton either, as this will retain moisture and not protect you from any wind or rain – a polyester-base is best as it will keep you protected against the elements. We always keep a dry kit in our bags, too. Using it is an absolute last resort, but can be a life saver when out in tough weather, so it’s definitely something to consider if you plan to be outdoors for longer periods of time, or on tough terrain.” Capt Scott McFadden, Regimental Adjutant, The Royal Regiment of Scotland
Work movement into everyday
“Try to work movement into activities that would usually be stationary. Can your meeting be done while taking a walk round the block? Then what’s stopping you? Life at the regiment requires you to balance a lot of different training, activities and information, so one thing I always do is make any sit down meeting a moving meeting. When you get up and start moving, your ideas flow a lot more and a change of environment can help when needing a fresh perspective.” – WO1 Bradley Warwick, Regimental Sergeant Major, 7th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland
Scottish households have saved more than £3.5 billion in council tax since the Council Tax Reduction (CTR) scheme was introduced a decade ago.
The latest figures published by the Scottish Government show 460,860 recipients received CTR in October 2023, meaning one-in-five households were benefiting from the scheme.
People on low incomes are eligible for CTR if they live in Scotland – there is no equivalent benefit in England where most councils require each household to contribute a minimum amount of council tax, irrespective of ability to do so.
People who receive CTR save on average £800 a year and become eligible for up to 35% off their water and waste charges.
As part of the 2024-25 Scottish Budget the Deputy First Minister also made £144 million available to enable local authorities to freeze Council Tax rates at their current levels, benefitting every Council Tax payer in Scotland.
Public Finance Minister Tom Arthur said: “The Council Tax Reduction scheme celebrated its tenth anniversary in April and these latest figures show the scale of support it has provided to people in Scotland over the last decade.
“Our social contract with the people of Scotland means we are committed to giving an extra helping hand through targeted additional support to those who need it most and it is important everyone is aware of the help that is available to them.
“Some people are also eligible for other council tax discounts or sometimes full exemptions, including students, people with disabilities and carers amongst others.
“I urge people to check their eligibility for council tax reduction , council tax discounts and other financial support by visiting our online resources or by contacting their local council.”
People can check whether they are eligible for Council Tax Reduction through mygov.scot or by contacting their local council.
Details of other help available including extra financial support or for things like food, heating and electricity can be found on the Scottish Government’s cost of living crisis support website.
Racegoers urged get on the front foot or risk missing out
THE UK’S leading racecourse is urging First Footers to get on the front foot if they want to secure their place at one of the most exciting days on the Scottish horse racing calendar.
Musselburgh Racecourse, recently named Champion Racecourse by its racing industry peers, reports that tickets are selling fast for its Tote New Year’s Day Meeting, signposting another potential 6,000 sell-out event.
The East Lothian track is pulling out the stops to make 1 January a day to remember with a Golden Ticket hunt featuring 24 top prizes, a Best Dressed Dog contest, and on the turf six thrilling jumps races with prize money of over £100,000.
Famous for its fashionable atmosphere, this event also invites New Year Day revellers to dress to impress and participate in the inaugural Style Awards hosted in partnership with Scottish fashion boutique, Tiger Lily Boutique.
Aisling Johnston, Commercial Manager at Musselburgh Racecourse, said: “We’re making this year’s event the biggest we’ve put on yet, with a host of thrilling competitions that could see some people win big.
“We’re excited about all of the fun aspects of the day, such as our best-dressed dog contest. I’m looking forward to seeing all the imaginative and wonderful outfits that our guests come up with for their furry friends.
“The Festive Luxe Domes have made a return this year which are always a hit, adding an extra layer of festive fun for racegoers who are lucky enough to bag one.
“I know everyone is just as excited as we are to see everyone well-dressed and having the time of their lives as they kick off 2024 with us.”
The New Year’s Day fixture is one of the most prestigious in Musselburgh’s jumps calendar, attracting top horses, jockeys, and trainers alike, and boasting huge prize money to match.
At £40,000, the most valuable race on the card is the ‘Auld Reekie’ Handicap Chase.
Last year’s winner was Minella Drama, ridden by champion jockey Brian Hughes and trained by Donald McCain.
The £30,000 Hair of The Dog Handicap Hurdle, also over a similar distance, was recently won by Benson, trained by Sandy Thomson, ridden by Ryan Mania, and owned by Dundee United director Jimmy Fyffe.
“First Footer” bus services – which have to be booked in advance – will ferry racegoers to and from the racecourse leaving from Penicuik, Dalkeith, Galashiels, Gorebridge, Dunbar, Haddington, and Edinburgh, ensuring easy transport to and from the East Lothian venue.
Additionally, attendees can experience the vibrant Highland Fling Marquee, with Scotland’s renowned ceilidh band, ‘Kilter’, delivering an electrifying performance to keep the energy high throughout the day.
Aisling added: “This year our Golden Ticket hunt will return, and we’ll be offering 24 hidden prizes around the venue. Those who come down to the racecourse will have the chance to win some fantastic prizes.
“We’ve been blown away by the response to the event so far and I’d urge anyone who is considering attending to grab tickets while you can and bring your family and friends too as it will be a fantastic day.”
Racegoers can enjoy a selection of Scotland’s finest street food, including offerings from Bonnie Burrito, Cheese on Coast, and special boozy hot chocolates.
Adult tickets are priced at £40 when booked online in advance, and entry is free for children aged 17 and under when accompanied by an adult.
Gates open at 10.30 am, the first race is at 12.35 pm and the last race at 3.30 pm (subject to change) more information is available here:
Those planning on attending the Tote New Year’s Day Meeting are encouraged to book their tickets quickly to avoid disappointment. To get a £5 discount per person, bookings must be made before midnight on December 31st.
Musselburgh hosts 25 race days annually and its ‘Sensational 6’ key race days include New Year’s Day, the bet365 Scottish Cheltenham Trials Weekend, Easter Saturday, The Edinburgh Cup, Ladies Day, and The Summer Finale weekend.
For further information on New Year’s Day and to book tickets now, visit:
LAST FEW TICKETS REMAINING FOR FOUR-DAY FESTIVAL TO RING IN 2024
The countdown to the New Year has begun as Edinburgh’s Hogmanay prepares for its 30th anniversary celebrations with four days of events to ring in 2024.
Local residents and visitors from across the globe will come together to bid farewell to the final few days of 2023 and welcome in the New Year with an unmissable programme of live music, exceptional entertainment including the world-class Midnight Moment fireworks and a celebration like no other at Edinburgh’s Street Party extravaganza.
This year’s events will mark 30 years since the very first Edinburgh Hogmanay Festival in 1993, with a four-day take-over of venues across the city’s Old and New Towns from Friday 29 December 2023 until Monday 1 January 2024 including live music, comedy, candlelit concerts, ceilidhs and family-friendly events.
The jam-packed programme will see a host of musicians and performers entertain audiences across the city at 14 events across four days including; 10,000 flaming torches, 24 hours of live music, 30 Vikings at the Torchlight Procession, over 50 street performers at Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Street Party including drummers and stilt walkers, and four firework moments including the all-important New Year fireworks at the highly anticipated Midnight Moment.
The 30th anniversary celebrations begin on Friday 29 December as the Torchlight Procession returns for the first time since 2019 with up to 20,000 participants blazing a trail through Edinburgh, creating a river of fire through the Old Town led by Shetland’s South Mainland Up Helly Aa’ Jarl Squad.
The procession begins in the Meadows for the first time ever, with pre-procession family-friendly entertainment from fire performers, street theatre, pipe bands and drummers, culminating with participants extinguishing their torches through an Avenue of Fire on Castle Terrace
Over in the city’s New Town, enjoy a side-splitting night of live comedy at Ho-Ho-Hogmanay with an all-star line-up at the Assembly Rooms including Susie McCabe, Larry Dean, Fred MacAulay and hosted by Emmanuel Sonubi.
Getting into the party spirit, the Night AforeDisco Party with Greatest Hits Radio in West Princes Street Gardens on Saturday 30 December sees a headline performance from ABBA sensations Björn Again joined by the fringe festival smash-hit Massaoke, for the ultimate party night out and the perfect Saturday night soundtrack to round off the year with ABBA’s greatest hits and pop classics.
Meanwhile, it will be a hometown show to remember for Edinburgh born singer-songwriter Ross Wilson aka Blue Rose Code addressing universal themes of love, loss, home and faith in a deeply personal way and seamlessly blend folk, Americana, jazz, soul and pop influences into something truly unique at the Night Afore Hoolie with special guests Caley Soul Band, Dean Owens and more at the Assembly Rooms.
A Scottish Film Series in the Piccolo at St Andrews Square sees Scottish classics – From Scotland with Love, favourite coming of age romantic comedy Gregory’s Girl, rounding off with Irvine Welsh’s modern classic Trainspotting.
For Hogmanay itself, ensure the kids aren’t left out of the celebrations with Bairns New Year Revels – a family-friendly daytime party in the Assembly Rooms including live music, Massaoke and ceilidh dancing.
One for the grown-ups, enjoy Edinburgh’s original indoor Hogmanay party as the New Year Revels returns to Assembly Rooms with a dedicated ceilidh room so revellers can birl’ through the bells and the ultimate singalong soundtrack with Massaoke.
Plus, the stunning sold out Candlelit Concert in St. Giles’ Cathedral will see guests enjoy music from J.S.Bach’s Christmas Oratorio.
The main event kicks off from 9pm on Sunday 31 December as the world-famous Street Party welcomes 40,000 attendees from across the globe to bring in the bells in the way only Scotland can.
This year visitors can enjoy everything from a Silent Disco with partners Silent Adventures in the Disco Zone, to thrill rides; stilt walkers to steel drums, street food and Hogmanay Bars, as well as festival headliners Pulp relayed onto Giant Screens across the arena, plus a night of Scottish music at the Tartan Zone on Waverley Bridge from the Hannah Fisher Ceilidh Band and Kinnaris Quintet, headlined by Elephant Sessions.
Whilst at the Concert in the Gardens, cultural icons Pulp play the final show of 2023 and the very first of 2024 with support from Hot Chip (DJ set) punctuated by breathtaking fireworks from Edinburgh Castle. Visible across the Edinburgh Skyline, hourly countdown fireworks from 9pm will culminate in the all-important spectacular Midnight Moment firework and music display from Edinburgh Castle.
The party doesn’t end with the bells, with a full day of free entertainment across the city on New Year’s Day. Family-friendly fun continues with Sprogmanay at the National Museum of Scotland and Assembly Roxy with from Sprog Rock, Magic Gareth, live ceilidhs and the very special Unicorn Dance Party.
Finally, wrapping up the epic four days of festivities is First Footin’, a free music and cultural trail showcasing a programme of live music throughout the city featuring performances from Lau, Bemz, Hot Chip, Kathryn Joseph and many more in iconic venues such as Greyfriars Kirk, Virgin Hotel, Assembly Rooms and more.
Council Leader Cammy Day said: “I’m sure I speak for the whole city when I say how excited I am for the 30th anniversary edition of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay.
“From the incredible Torchlight Procession through to Pulp seeing us into 2024 and so much more we’re really fortunate to have such excellent events on offer for our residents and visitors. The First Footin’ showcases an excellent range of free music and performance from Scottish rap artists to jazz, alt-rock and more.
“Not only is Hogmanay an Edinburgh institution but it is also a major contributor to our city’s economy, providing jobs and commercial opportunities for our local residents and businesses.
“This is a time where we can celebrate the best of our city as one-year closes and look ahead with pride and positivity to the next. I want to thank the organisers, our partners and of course Council colleagues who have worked tirelessly on this event and will continue to in the coming days.
“I wish everyone in the Capital a fantastic Hogmanay and a very happy New Year.”
Festival Directors for UniqueAssembly who produce Edinburgh’s Hogmanay on behalf of City of Edinburgh Council added: “It’s a particularly special year as we mark the 30th anniversary of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay with a spectacular four-day programme jam-packed with events.
“We’re thrilled to bring back traditional Hogmanay events such as the Torchlight Procession and the original indoor Hogmanay party the New Year Revels, as well as welcoming this year’s incredible headliners Pulp to entertain the Concert in the Gardens.
“Whether you’re heading along for a disco dance at the Night Afore, a family ceilidh at Bairns New Year Revels or enjoying some laughs at Ho-Ho-Hogmanay, we’re looking forward to welcoming old friends and new across this year’s events.”
Further information and final tickets for Edinburgh’s Hogmanay 30th anniversary celebrations are available www.edinburghshogmanay.com.
Edinburgh’s Hogmanay is created and produced by UniqueAssembly on behalf of City of Edinburgh Council, with Major Event Partners EventScotland, Scottish Government’s Festivals Expo Fund and supported by Essential Edinburgh, Innis & Gunn and Cold Town Beer.
A third of organisations reported recruitment as one of their top challenges
Third Sector organisations in Scotland are increasingly facing shortages of staff and volunteers, a new report has warned.
The Scottish Third Sector Tracker has found that issues relating to staffing and volunteers are one of the top challenges for a third of voluntary sector organisations.
Data from the tracker observes the emergence of the sector from the Covid-19 pandemic through 2021, followed by the development of the cost-of-living crisis and associated organisational concerns during 2022 and 2023.
In August 2021, 35% of organisations reported a significant concern about staff and volunteer numbers. Just two years on, that figure has now risen to 65%, with only finances currently proving a bigger challenge for the sector.
While staff and volunteer support remain a growing concern, third sector groups report an ongoing increase in demand for their core services and activities over the six waves of the tracker. In Wave 1 (Aug 2021), 56% of organisations reported an increased demand, rising to 63% by Wave 6 (Apr 2023).
These factors, on top of growing financial pressures due to the rising costs crisis and public sector funding cuts, are leading to a perfect storm for charities and voluntary groups, with strain put on already stretched teams.
Anna Fowlie, Chief Executive of the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO), said: “The Scottish voluntary sector is a significant employer, providing jobs for 5% of the Scottish workforce.
“At a time where many organisations are facing recruitment challenges, the funding environment means that many voluntary organisations are struggling to keep pace with salary increases needed to attract and retain staff.
“Existing staff and volunteers have been working flat out since Covid, helping organisations and communities to weather the cost-of-living crisis. We can no longer afford to rely on their goodwill to go the extra mile. The invaluable services and supports provided by Scotland’s voluntary sector need sustainable investment to ensure their survival.”
Volunteer Scotland are also concerned by the staff and volunteer crisis facing the sector, highlighted by the Third Sector Tracker. The recent release of the 2022 Scottish Household survey results reinforces the volunteer crisis, with formal volunteer participation rates falling by 4 percentage points since 2019 to 22% – this equates to less than one million Scottish adults volunteering.
In light of the current crisis, the actions that can be undertaken by volunteer involving organisations include ensuring that volunteer expense policies are clear and considering how roles can be made more flexible to fit with the decreased time volunteers have available.
Alan Stevenson, CEO of Volunteer Scotland said: “The many impacts of the cost-of-living crisis on volunteering has meant that we can no longer take for granted the contribution of our volunteers.
“While recruitment and retention issues are being felt more acutely by some, the first step for all must be the focus on good volunteering practice, appropriately supported.”
The Scottish Third Sector Tracker is a growing research community made up of representatives from third sector organisations based across the whole of Scotland, who are willing to share their experiences, views and concerns as the sector faces both new and ongoing challenges.
The Tracker is run by an independent research company called DJS Research on behalf of SCVO, the Scottish Government, the William Grant Foundation and the National Lottery Community Fund.
Those involved in the running of a third sector organisation operating in Scotland are invited to represent their organisation as a member of the Scottish Third Sector Tracker.
An Executive Summary of the Scottish Third Sector Tracker’s First Phase of research can be found here:
The NHS is launching a brand new smokefree campaign to encourage all 5.3 million smokers in England to make a quit attempt this January
Former England goalkeeper and ex-smoker David James urges parents to quit for their kids’ sake in poignant video campaign discussing own struggles to kick the habit
Research shows teens more than three times as likely to smoke if their parents, caregivers or friends do
Comes as NHS Smokefree campaign encourages 5.3 million smokers in England to make a quit attempt this January to improve health and reduce likelihood of young people starting
Major new survey shows three quarters of people in England back government’s historic plans to create the first smokefree generation – regardless of age or region
First 259,000 vapes to be provided to authorities nationwide to support smokers to quit under world-first Swap to Stop scheme
In a hard-hitting campaign film released today, former England goalkeeper and ex-smoker David James joins a number of other ex-smokers to discuss the influence their parents’ smoking had on them taking up the habit themselves, and how being around children was their motivation to quit.
It comes as the NHS launches a brand new smokefree campaign to encourage all 5.3 million smokers in England to make a quit attempt this January – not only for their health, but also to help ensure young people are not being influenced to start smoking.
Research lays bare the stark reality – teens are more than three times as likely to smoke if their parents, caregivers, or friends do. In a new, poignant film released today, the former England goalkeeper discusses how his family members and friends smoked around him when he was a youngster, which led to him taking up the habit. In the film, he describes how smoking impacted his performance on the football world stage.
The UK is now in the lead to be the first country in the world to create a smokefree generation by phasing out the sale of tobacco, and is set to introduce a new law to stop children who turned 14 in 2023 – or are younger – from ever legally being sold tobacco in England.
Three quarters (76%) of people in England support the principle of creating a smokefree generation a YouGov survey – commissioned by campaign group Action on Smoking and Health –has found with only 9% opposing. Support for creating a smokefree generation is similar regardless of age or region.
Former England goalkeeper, David James, said: “I smoked for about 15 years and at the time, it was normal. My mum smoked, my friends smoked, it was around me. It didn’t take long for me to be hooked.
“Looking back, it had a huge impact on my health and performance at the time, I wish I never started.
“My health, my children and my fans were huge motivators for me to quit – I didn’t want younger people to see me smoking and think it was okay.”
David James is joined by a number of other ex-smokers in the film to discuss the influence their parents’ smoking had on them taking up the habit themselves.
They are accompanied by Nick Hopkinson, Professor of Respiratory Medicine at Imperial College London, who was involved with the UK Millennium Cohort Study research, and TV doctor, Dr Sarah Jarvis, who talks through the wider impact of generational smoking.
Chief Medical Officer for England, Professor Sir Chris Whitty, said: “Smoking causes a range of diseases that affect people throughout their lives.
“Stopping people becoming addicted to smoking, and helping those who have been addicted to quit are two of the most important measures we can take to improve health.
“Quitting will improve your health whatever your age and no matter how long you have smoked, it’s never too late to stop.”
The government continues to go further and faster to support people to quit smoking. Under the world-first Swap to Stop scheme, the government has so far received requests from local authorities nationwide for an unprecedented 259,000 vapes.
Vaping is rightly used by adults as a tool to quit smoking, but the health advice is clear: if you don’t smoke, don’t vape – and children should never vape.
As part of the scheme, almost 1 in 5 of all smokers in England will be provided with a vape starter kit alongside behavioural support to help them quit the habit. This is part of a series of new measures to help the government meet its ambition of making England smokefree.
Public Health Minister, Andrea Leadsom, said: “Smoking is the biggest preventable killer in the UK and places a huge burden on our NHS.
“Cigarettes are responsible for 64,000 deaths a year in England alone – no other consumer product kills up to two-thirds of its users.
“That’s why we need to act now to prevent our children from ever lighting one. Our historic Tobacco and Vapes Bill will protect the next generation from the harms of smoking and risk of addiction.”
Smoking is still the single largest preventable cause of death in England. Almost every minute of every day someone is admitted to hospital with a smoking related disease.
Smoking costs the economy and wider society £17 billion a year. This includes an annual £14 billion loss to productivity, through smoking related lost earnings, unemployment, and early death, as well as costs to the NHS and social care of £3 billion. This is equivalent to the annual salaries of over half a million nurses, 390,000 GPs, 400,000 police officers, or 400 million GP appointments.
Reducing the prevalence of smoking will reduce those costs, lower pressure on the NHS, and help the economy become more productive.
Professor of Respiratory Medicine at Imperial College London, Nick Hopkinson, said: “We know that most people who smoke start as teenagers, and taking up smoking at a young age is linked to a greater risk of health problems later in life.
“Our research shows that the influence of family and friends is a significant driving force in young people taking up cigarettes in the first place, making them more than three times as likely to start smoking if their parents, caregivers or friends do.
“We must do what we can now to ensure our children are the first smokefree generation.”
Research suggests that people who start smoking under the age of 18 have higher levels of nicotine dependency and are less likely to quit smoking later in life.
Imperial College London’s analysis of UK Millennium Cohort Study data also found that 1 in 10 (10.6%) teenagers were regular smokers at the age of 17 – this equates to approximately 160,000 young people in the UK being regular smokers by the age of 17.
Currently, 4 in 5 smokers start before the age of 20 and smoking from a younger age is linked to being more likely to smoke in later years. This has a significant lasting impact, as someone who quits before turning 30 could add 10 years to their life.
Deborah Arnott, chief executive of Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) said: “Over three quarters of the public support the Prime Minister’s ambition to create a smokefree generation.
“Legislation to end cigarette sales to anyone born on or after the 1 January 2009 will be crucial to delivering that ambition. But as role models for their children, parents who smoke can play their part too.
“Stopping smoking will not only improve their health and put money in their pocket, but also significantly increase the chances their children will grow up to be part of the smokefree generation.”
TV doctor, Dr Sarah Jarvis, said: “Smoking is highly addictive, particularly for our children. We know that most smokers start in their youth and many want to quit – but the addictive nature of cigarettes means they cannot.
“But there’s help available for those looking to stop smoking. The NHS has a range of free support, including local stop smoking services.
Better Health offers a range of free quitting support, including a local stop smoking services look-up tool, as well as advice on stop smoking aids including information on how vaping can help you quit smoking.
For free support to quit this January, search ‘Smokefree’.
A meeting of the Scottish Government’s Resilience Room (SGoRR) – chaired by Justice Secretary and Minister for Resilience Angela Constance and attended by a number of Ministers – was held last night to ensure appropriate measures are in place to deal with the impacts of Storm Gerrit.
Met Office yellow warnings for rain, wind and snow were live until midnight across much of Scotland last night and a warning for wind and snow remained in place across Shetland until 06:00am today (Thursday 28 December).
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) have also issued a number of flood alerts and warnings across the country.
Some train services and ferry services were cancelled and a major incident was declared by Police Scotland on the A9 at Dalnaspidal, which is now fully reopened between Inverness and Perth.
Winter weather response plans are in full effect with teams working hard across the transport network to restore services and routes as far as possible – with improvements in weather conditions anticipated today.
The storm has also left some homes across Scotland without power and Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) are working to restore power where it is safe to do so.
Ms Constance said:“Following a combination of rain, wind and snow across the country, I have chaired a meeting of SGoRR to ensure that we’re acting as quickly and safely as possible to mitigate the impacts of Storm Gerrit.
“We know that there are areas across the country where people are without power and SSEN are working to restore this where they can. Due to the strong winds, flooding and snow, it is not always safe for SSEN to access areas for repair. Local resilience partnerships are working to put in place welfare support for individuals who may be without power overnight.
“There have already been a number of disruptions across the transport network. It’s good to see that the incident on the A9 has been cleared and the road has now reopened but people should pass with care.
“Some roads remain closed with operatives working to reopen them as quickly as possible.
“Some railway lines will remain closed tomorrow (Thursday) morning as they require safety inspections within daylight hours. People should be mindful that there will still be areas where surface water continues to cause disruption – so we would urge everyone to plan their journeys in advance, exercise caution on the roads by driving appropriately to the conditions, and follow the latest travel advice at traffic.gov.scot.
“The Scottish Government’s resilience committee will continue to monitor the situation overnight and into Thursday, and keep Ministers fully updated.
“Advice and information for the public is available at Ready.Scot and the Scottish Government will continue to work with all relevant agencies to closely monitor the storm and its impacts and ensure support is provided to those affected.”
Joanne Maguire Scotrail’s Chief Operating Officer said:“ScotRail and Network Rail teams have been working flat out to keep people moving where possible, but we have faced extreme conditions in different parts of the country which has resulted in significant disruption. The safety of our staff and passengers is our top priority.
“We will be working overnight and early in the morning to inspect the railway and restore services, but disruption is expected to continue into Thursday. Our advice to passengers is to check before travelling via the ScotRail website or app.”
