Detectives are treating the death of a man as murder following a firearms incident which occurred in the Granton area last night (Sunday, 31 December).
Around 11.50pm police were called to reports of two men being seriously injured after a firearm was discharged in Granton Crescent.
Emergency services attended and the two men were taken to hospital.
A 38-year-old man was pronounced dead a short time later and a 39-year-old man remains in hospital in a serious but stable condition.
Road closures remain in place on Granton Road and Granton Crescent while police enquiries continue to establish the full circumstances.
Detective Superintendent Graham Grant said: “This is believed to have been a targeted incident and our thoughts and condolences are with the family and friends of both men involved.
“Enquiries are at a very early stage to establish the full circumstances surrounding what happened, and while officers have already gathered CCTV and spoken to various people who were in the area at the time, I’d urge anyone with information who hasn’t yet spoken to us to come forward.
“In particular if anyone has private CCTV, doorbell footage or dashcam of the Granton Crescent/Road area around the time of the incident, please bring it to our attention.
“This incident will undoubtedly have caused concern in the local community and officers will be carrying out extra patrols of the area and I’d like to reassure the public that everything possible is being done to trace whoever is responsible.”
The murdered man has been named locally as Marc Webley.
Anyone with information is urged to call 101 quoting reference 3819 of 31 December. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.
BRITAIN is in the grip of a new mould crisis, a leading property association has warned. The National Association of Property Buyers says they are seeing more and more cases of mould infestations inside properties.
And they’ve warned the problem is going to get worse and wll become a bigger issue for many homeowners and renters in the New Year.
Spokesman Jonathan Rolande has now called for a national awareness campaign to drive up knowledge and information about the problem.
He said: “Damp and mouldy homes don’t just make life a misery – they put lives at risk. I fear the cost of living crisis is only making this issue more acute.
“I am seeing more and more cases of this at the moment in properties I am viewing and in pictures shared with me by colleagues in the industry.”
Explaining the main reasons properties suffer with dampness, Mr Rolande said: “Rain is a massive contributory factor. This can enter the home through a porous external wall or because of defective guttering or roofing. Once it has penetrated it soaks into insulation and plasterwork. This is a perfect environment for mould to grow. The UK is experiencing increasing amounts of torrential rainfall.
“Rising damp is a problem too. A more unusual cause as most properties built after 1930 have an adequate damp proof course (DPC) to stop moisture from the ground from entering the home. However, the DPC can be breached if soil or paving is built up around the outside walls.
“Condensation often creates damp as well. We all experience condensation in our homes when cooking or after a shower. Good ventilation is key, moisture has to be allowed to escape. Many people don’t ventilate adequately in an effort to preserve warmth in the home.”
TIPS ON HOW TO BEST DEAL WITH MOULD
*Switching on the heating for at least twenty minutes in the morning will even out the temperature and stop the cold spots where condensation settles. Warmer air increases airflow too which allows moisture to escape more easily.
*Ventilate. If safe to do so, leave a window slightly open whenever you can and always when cooking or bathing.
*Dry clothes outside when possible or in a ventilated room. Tumble driers cause less condensation.
*Use moisture traps or a dehumidifier to catch excess water.
*Remember that our homes are now more airtight – double glazing and insulation keeps the bills down but stops normal airflow.
*Some plants – ferns and orchids – reduce humidity and they look nice too
*Check the structure, damp can be a pipe leak or rain getting in through the brickwork. Check tiles and gutters are sound too.
*Use lids on cooking pans – it saves money too.
*Keep furniture away from walls to increase air movement
New data from HelloFresh Ireland has unveiled the world’s top 10 comfort foods
Chocolate chip cookies, lasagne and mac and cheese take the top spots
Culinary expert reveals what makes foods comforting and recommends recipes to try this winter
As the weather gets chillier and evenings darker, many of us are making ourselves cosy and cooking up our favourite comfort foods. It’s no surprise then, that the demand for comfort food rises each winter, with a 19% increase in Google searches last month in Ireland and a 8% increase in TikTok searches.
But which comforting recipes are people turning to?
New data from HelloFresh Ireland has uncovered the world’s top 10 favourite comfort foods. Using a comprehensive analysis of Reddit and Google data, the foods that have been found to bring the most solace are:
World’s Favourite Comfort Foods
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Lasagne
Mac and Cheese
Mashed Potatoes
Brownie
Guacamole
Pizza
Cornbread
Chicken Noodle Soup
Chocolate Cake
Head of Culinary at HelloFresh Ireland, Hannah Duxbury, who specialises in designing recipes with mass appeal, discusses why she believes these foods are favoured: “Comfort foods often have a nostalgic or emotional connection to our past.They provide a sense of familiarity and security, triggering positive feelings.
“The top 10 foods identified in this study are rich in flavours, textures, and often associated with happy memories, making them irresistible choices for people seeking comfort in a plate. At HelloFresh Ireland, we find that many hearty Irish recipes are among our most popular for similar reasons.”
Carbohydrates stimulate the production of serotonin, which is associated with mood regulation and a sense of well-being. The consumption of hearty carbs can lead to a temporary increase in serotonin levels, contributing to feelings of comfort and happiness. What’s more, the satisfying and filling nature of carb dishes also provides a physical feeling of fullness and contentment, further enhancing their appeal as comfort foods.
Hannah has also provided recipes that she recommends turning to for comfort:
“Mashed potatoes are the world’s fourth favourite comfort food and rightly so. They’re a good source of carbohydrates, which we know can boost serotonin levels. Add spinach for extra nutrients and turn into colcannon for the ultimate Irish nostalgia meal.”
“Guacamole is another great comfort food because not only is it rich and creamy, but avocado’s superfood properties mean it’s packed with mood-boosting nutrients. Serve with cheesy crispy potatoes in a Mexican hash for even more comfort.”
More comfort food recipes can be found at HelloFresh Ireland’s recipe hub.
Medical advisor, Dr Rashid Bani of Orange County CBD has just dropped a bombshell on traditional hangover cures. Forget the bland toast and black coffee; the real heroes for battling post-party blues are none other than the beloved duo: pasta and pizza!
The Hangover Conundrum:
Hangovers are more than just dehydration. They’re a complex cocktail of electrolyte imbalance, blood sugar fluctuations, and sleep disturbances, all thanks to our friend, alcohol. The symptoms? Headaches, nausea, and a feeling akin to being trampled by a herd of elephants.
Enter the Carb Crusaders: Pasta and Pizza
Now, here’s the twist in the tale. While you’ve probably been advised to stick to light, easy-to-digest foods, hearty carbohydrates found in pasta and pizza can be surprisingly effective in combating hangover symptoms. Let’s break it down:
Carb Power
Pasta: It’s not just comfort food; it’s a science-backed energy restorer. Pasta slowly replenishes your blood sugar levels, helping to banish that hangover lethargy.
Pizza: More than just a midnight snack, the crust delivers a much-needed blood sugar boost. Opt for healthier toppings to add nutritional value.
Secret Hydration
That tomato sauce isn’t just delicious – it’s also helping rehydrate your body, a key to hangover recovery.
Electrolyte Magic:
Cheese and tomatoes are more than toppings; they’re a powerhouse of sodium and potassium, vital for restoring electrolyte balance.
Mood Lifter:
Comfort foods have a psychological effect. A slice of pizza or a bowl of pasta might be the hug your serotonin levels need.
The Full Recovery Package: It’s Not Just About Food
While pasta and pizza can be surprisingly effective, they’re part of a broader hangover recovery strategy:
Hydration Station: Water is your best friend. Rehydrate to help your body bounce back.
Snooze to Soothe: Give your body the rest it needs to heal.
Move a Little: Light exercise can elevate your mood and energy.
Avoid More Alcohol: It only postpones the hangover.
Dr. Rashid Bani of Orange County CBD says: “In a surprising twist to hangover recovery, pasta and pizza emerge as unlikely yet effective heroes.
“So next time you find yourself battling the aftermath of a night out, remember this doctor’s advice: a slice of pizza and a bowl of pasta might just be your best allies.”
New and improved tax credit system for film, TV and video game production companies starts from today
An extra £42,500 in relief for children’s TV, animated TV and animated film production
£5,000 in relief for high-end TV, film or video game production
British film, TV and video game producers will benefit from new, more generous tax credits that start today (1 January 2024).
To maximise the potential of the UK’s cutting-edge production industry and help incubate unique British talent, the government’s Audio-Visual Expenditure Credit and the Video Games Expenditure Credit replace the previous tax reliefs for film, TV and video games.
All companies will receive more tax relief than they did under the previous system, greater flexibility over production decisions and greater clarity about the amount of credit companies can expect to receive.
Nigel Huddleston, Financial Secretary to the Treasury, said: “We are backing the makers of the next Barbie, Happy Valley and Grand Theft Auto with this new, more generous, tax credit system for British production talent.
“The UK is a world leader in creativity, and we want to ensure that continues well into the future by making it easier for British film, TV and video games to thrive.”
Under the new system, a children’s TV production, animated TV production or film with £1 million of qualifying expenditure will receive an additional £42,500 in relief. A high-end TV production, film production or video game will receive £5,000 in relief. To ensure fairness, the uplift in relief for animation will be extended to include animated films as well as TV programmes.
The credits will be calculated directly from a production or game’s qualifying expenditure, instead of being an adjustment to the company’s taxable profit.
Animation and children’s TV productions will be eligible for a higher credit rate of 39%, a rate increase of 5.5% under the previous reliefs. The 34% credit rate for film, high end TV and video games is roughly equivalent to a rate increase of 0.5% under the previous tax reliefs.
The new system applies to the whole of the UK.
The government has listened to feedback from industry that companies will need sufficient time to adapt to the new expenditure credits. For this reason, productions and games in development on 1 April 2025 may continue to use the previous tax reliefs until they end on until 1 April 2027.
The move to reform tax relief for entertainment productions and video games was announced at the Spring Budget in March 2023. The system implemented today was developed hand in glove with the UK entertainment industry, with consultations on both the policy itself and the draft legislation. It is being legislated as part of the Finance Bill 2023-24.
The UK’s creative industry is already worth £126bn and the UK has the largest video game employee base in Europe, at nearly 21,000 by the last estimate.
Today’s new tax credit system is the latest move by UK Government in support for British creative industries. The Chancellor also announced that full-expensing will be made permanent in 2023’s Autumn Statement, helping creative businesses invest for the less by saving them 25p in every £1 they spend on qualifying equipment and machinery.
At Spring Budget 2023, the Chancellor also extended the rates of relief for theatre, orchestra and museums for two additional years to April 2025.
In September last year, coinciding with a visit by the Chancellor Jeremy Hunt to Warner Bros. Studios in Los Angeles, it was announced that the production giant would expand their studio in Leavesden, Hertfordshire, in 2024. The move is expected to create 4,000 new jobs in the UK and contribute more than £200m to the UK economy.
Shelter Scotland’s much loved January Stockbridge new year launch event returns for its 21st year on Wednesday 3rd January 2024.
Running since 2003, the event attracts excited shoppers from across Edinburgh and beyond.
Every year, staff and volunteers at the Stockbridge shop offer up a huge range of some of the most exciting and intriguing items donated over the course of the year.
With a scintillating selection on offer, this year’s extravaganza is sure to create a real buzz among the Capital’s collectors, connoisseurs, and fashionistas.
Bookworms can grab a signed first edition of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets or a first edition of HG Wells iconic The War of the Worlds.
The designer brands on offer include Armani, Gucci, and Ralph Lauren.
For homeware enthusiasts there are beautiful vintage coffee sets tea-sets, and Portmerion China.
All that in addition to a range of records, pop-culture collectables, board games, jewellery, art, and more.
Shelter Scotland Director, Alison Watson, said: “For more than two decades now the Shelter Scotland’s January Stockbridge launch event has been marked in the calendars of Edinburgh’s discerning shoppers.
“Scotland is in a housing emergency: there are more than 9,500 children in Scotland with nowhere to call home, more and more people are becoming homeless, while the housing budget has just been slashed.
“Your support keeps us in the fight against homelessness, so ahead of this exciting event I’d like to thank all our customers and donors for their generosity.”
Shetler Scotland Stockbridge Shop Manager, Peter Jew, added:“I can’t wait to welcome all our customers to what is at this point an almost legendary event in Edinburgh.
“This is a chance to showcase and celebrate our donations and we’re immensely grateful to everyone who contributed.
“This year we have a truly magnificent selection on offer, this is a great opportunity to grab something special while supporting Shelter Scotland in the fight against the Housing Emergency.”
Women to save up to £2 on period pants as government scraps VAT today
Retailers, including M&S, Primark and Tesco, have committed to pass on the savings, worth 16%
Move follows scrapping of tampon tax in 2021, removing VAT from sanitary products, following the UK’s decision to leave the EU
From today [1 January 2024] women will save up to £2 on period pants on average – up to 16% – as the government scraps VAT on the underwear.
The pledge to scrap the tax was made by the Chancellor Jeremy Hunt at the Autumn Statement 2023 and follows the end of the tampon tax in January 2021.
Around 80 MPs, charities and retailers called on the government to scrap the VAT in August 2023.
With Marks & Spencer spearheading the campaign, other retailers including Primark and Tesco have committed to pass the tax cut straight to the consumer.
Financial Secretary to the Treasury, Nigel Huddleston, said: “This is a victory for women across the UK and for the campaigners who’ve helped raise awareness of the growing importance of period pants.
“It’s only right that women and girls can find more affordable options for what has become an essential and environmentally friendly product.”
Since reforming the ‘tampon tax’, the market for period underwear has expanded and they are now a mainstream choice for many women. The scrapping of the current VAT will ensure that period underwear is treated the same as traditional period products.
Having left the European Union, the UK is no longer legally bound by EU laws which saw sanitary products subject to five different rates of VAT between 1973 and 2021.
The move comes after the ‘Say Pants to the Tax’ campaign, led by retailers such as Marks & Spencer, women’s groups and environmentalists, called to scrap the tax.
Victoria McKenzie-Gould, Corporate Affairs Director at Marks & Spencer, said: “Paying tax on period pants was a bum deal for women everywhere so we’re thrilled that the Treasury has done the right thing by axing the tax and levelling the playing field on period products for good.
“Nearly 25% of women cite cost as a barrier to using period pants so we know the new legislation that comes into effect from today will make a big difference to women’s budgets across the UK.
“A big thank you to WUKA, the tens of thousands of individuals, politicians, brand and retailers, who threw their weight behind our campaign – Say Pants to the Tax – and of course a big thank you to the Chancellor and HM Treasury team who made the change we were campaigning for a reality.”
Women with sensory issues who find conventional period products difficult to use will also benefit from period pants becoming more affordable.
The savings for women are subject to the VAT cut being passed on, with the army of retailers behind the campaign pledging themselves to play their part to pass on the 20% VAT cut.
Laura Coryton, tampon tax campaigner and founder of social enterprise Sex Ed Matters, said: “Ending the tax on period underwear will make a huge difference, particularly given skyrocketing levels of period poverty across the UK. It will also help to tackle the stigma associated with periods, which stops at least 10% of girls going to school every month.
“Now, it is important for retailers to pass savings on to consumers, not only in relation to period underwear, but all period products.”
