Day: January 5, 2024

Climate conscious kids reveal most important factors when considering their dream university

  • 89% of 17–18-year-olds in Scotland plan to attend university
  • Nearly half of prospective students in Scotland said a university’s impact on the climate was important to them when choosing their university
  • 52% said a university’s energy efficiency and its use of renewable energy sources was important to them in their university choices

Environmental consciousness has firmly taken its place in students’ minds when making decisions about the university they wish to attend, according to latest research from corporate finance advisor, Centrus.

With 89% of 17–18-year-olds in Scotland actively planning to pursue higher education, universities are increasingly under pressure to align with their expectations, that are placing a growing emphasis on sustainability and climate responsibility.

47% of prospective university students in Scotland regard a university’s impact on the climate as an important factor in their selection decision making, with one-in-five (19%) categorising it as ‘very important’.

52% of survey respondents said a university’s energy efficiency and its use of renewable energy sources was important to them when choosing, whilst 52% said how involved the institution is in the local community weighed in on their decision-making.

Educational factors of a university remain steady in prospective students’ selection process, with the appeal of the course having the highest impact on choosing which one to attend (88%). This is closely followed by the teaching style (84%), and where the university is located (84%).

What is noteworthy however, is that a university’s environmental footprint is now considered almost as important as traditional metrics like the diversity of societies (52%), the university’s size (44%), or how old it is (33%).

Beyond the initial selection phase, students’ expectations extend to the ‘green’ credentials of their chosen university. A resounding 75% expect their university to actively engage in protecting the local environment and eco-system.

In addition, 70% expect university accommodation to use green energy, and 70% also expect all university buildings to be energy efficient. Half of respondents also confirmed that they do not want their university to invest in fossil fuels.

George Roffey, Chief Sustainability Officer of corporate finance advisor Centrus said: “There is a clear mindset among prospective university students about the importance of environmental issues and how green a university’s credentials are.

“These institutions are facing mounting pressure to meet the expectations of students, alongside other tangible social and environmental impacts.  It is abundantly clear that sustainability and climate responsibility are becoming pivotal factors in the university selection process.

“For universities, this calls for a shift in some fundamental aspects of their identity. Climate change is not going away, and it must remain a core mission for higher education institutions to integrate renewable energy sources and environmental activism into their operations.

“In doing so, they will not only instil a competitive edge in attracting prospective students, but will also play a pivotal role in fostering a sustainable and responsible future, that aligns with the evolving curriculum content and the values of our new generation of students.”

Bridgestone makes New Year resolution suggestion for Scottish motorists

Bridgestone has come up with a timely New Year Resolution suggestion for Scottish motorists, after more than half failed to recognise an ‘extremely serious’ risk associated with illegal tyre usage.

The tyre manufacturer is urging drivers across the country to check their tyres regularly throughout 2024, after 58% of Scottish motorists didn’t regard driving on illegal tyres as being potentially life threatening, with only 12% describing them as the most important safety feature on their cars, according to latest research1.

A survey amongst 1,000 drivers across Scotland revealed that despite tyres being the only contact points between a vehicle and the road – and responsible for 159 deaths or serious injuries from defective tyres related accidents2 – 81% admitted to never checking their tyresfor signs of wear or damage.

The Bridgestone results tie in with a recording of 4,596 total casualties from tyre-related incidents on roads in the past years2  and there being in the region of 10 million illegal tyres on Britan’s roads each year2 With all this in mind, Bridgestone’s North Region Vice President Andrea Manenti has come up with a New Year Resolution suggestion.

He said: “Regular tyre checks, preferably once a fortnight, is a great resolution, as it can be the difference between life and death.

“Periodically check traction, or available grip, when driving in challenging conditions. Apply the brakes with moderate pressure to determine the available grip and modify your driving, if needed, to respond to ever-changing road conditions.

“The legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm. Insert a 20p coin in the tread; if you can see the border, it’s time to change the tyres. Thereafter, maximise available grip by separating driving manoeuvres when negotiating a curve.

“Brake to an appropriate speed while travelling in a straight line prior to a curve. This allows you to use all the available grip for negotiating the curve. Accelerate gradually when you are able to straighten the steering wheel at the exit of the turn.

Bridgestone’s New Year’s Resolution suggestion represents part of its mission to continue to provide social and customer value as a sustainable solutions company.

It also embodies Bridgestone’s E8 Commitment – a set of eight commitments (Energy, Ecology, Efficiency, Extension, Economy, Emotion, Ease, Empowerment) which provide a compass to guide their strategic priorities, decision making and actions throughout every area of the business and operations.

Bridgestone’s road safety tips provides Ease, by bringing comfort and peace of mind to mobility life and Extension, by committing to nonstop mobility and innovation that keeps people and the world moving ahead.

For more information and advice about tyre safety from Bridgestone, visit:

https://promotion.bridgestone.co.uk/bridgestone-tyre-care-guide/. 

NHS Greater Greater Glasgow & Clyde launches Home for Lunch initiative

As winter poses increasing demand on our healthcare system, NHSGGC is encouraging family members to help get their loved ones ‘Home for Lunch’. 
 
Almost all patients that are ready to go home are discharged on the same day, but a number remain in hospital causing flow issues throughout the health care system. 
 
Doctors are reminding families of patients who are ready to be discharged to help make the required arrangements to get them back to their own home or care setting, at the earliest opportunity. 
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde ward staff and discharge teams work in parallel to create pathways for families to ensure that, when their loved ones are healthy enough to return home, they are supported in doing so.
 
As part of NHSGGC’s ABC winter campaign, the health board are attempting to ease pressure on our services and staff from the emergency department, through to patients being discharged. 
 
Dr Scott Davidson, Deputy Medical Director for Acute Services, said: “Winter places increasing demands on our health care services and families play an important role in helping to ease those pressures. 
 
“Our staff are working extremely hard to ensure we provide the best possible care for our patients and we are looking for your help to get loved ones home at the earliest opportunity. 
 
“We do not want patients spending any longer than they need to within our hospitals and want people to be in the comfort of their own home, without the risks associated with lengthy hospital stays. 
 
“I would like to thank families and members of the public who are doing their best to support our patients and staff as we continue to tackle winter pressures.” 

Age Scotland produce new Help with the Cost of Living Guide

AGE Scotland has produced a new guide to support older people through the #costofliving crisis.

It’s packed with advice on energy bills, tips on how to shop smart and eat well when food prices bite, cost-effective recipes, and a directory on where to go for help:

The cost of living crisis is forcing many older people to make incredibly difficult financial choices between powering and heating their homes and the food they can afford to buy.

Age Scotland’s helpline is hearing from an increasing number of older people who are finding it near impossible to pay their energy bills, having cut down on all but the essentials, and are now at risk of falling into unmanageable debt as a result.

Their Big Survey 2023 really highlights the stark reality and toll the cost of living crisis has taken on older people’s financial and physical wellbeing.

Age Scotland has pulled together this guide to support older people as we believe nobody should face the ongoing cost of living crisis alone.

It’s packed with advice on energy bills, tips on how to shop smart and eat well when food prices bite, recipes from top Scottish chefs, including Tom Kitchin and Tony Singh, and a directory on where to go for help.

We hope you find it useful. For further help and advice or to get a benefits check please call our free Helpline on 0800 12 44 222.

cost-of-living-guide-v-onlineDownload

Rangers Women’s Players learn CPR with the British Heart Foundation

It took just 15 minutes for Victoria Esson, Libby Bance, and Sarah Ewens to learn CPR using the British Heart Foundation’s free online RevivR training tool.

Rangers Charity Foundation has partnered with British Heart Foundation and pledged to raise £25,000 and to encourage as many people as possible to learn CPR.

For Victoria Esson, 32, the New Zealand-born goalkeeper who joined Rangers in 2022, it is a particularly personal cause as she was diagnosed with Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome, a condition which causes the heart to beat abnormally fast.

“It can beat up to 200-300 BMP and in the worst-case scenario, it can lead to a heart attack,” she explains.

“I could feel it happening, but I didn’t know any different as I’d always had them as a kid. When you say to someone my heart is beating fast, it doesn’t always flag up an issue. I remember trying to explain that I’ve got a stitch in my heart, but I didn’t really know how to explain it as a child.

“It was picked up at some pre-World Cup screening back in 2010, so I was lucky. It made sense and became clear when they identified it, and I finally knew. 

“It was told it was inherited but no-one else in the family had it. I had surgery within a couple of days and again six months later, and I’m all clear now.”

Victoria believes that learning CPR is a vital lifesaving tool that everyone should know: “You may need it when you are least expecting it.

A person holding a sign Description automatically generated

Above: Victoria Esson

“It’s not something that you can plan for, whether it’s a loved one or a family or a friend or just a person that is sitting beside you in the stand here at Ibrox – it could save someone’s life.”

Libby Bance, 20, who joined the team in September 2023 on loan from Brighton, agreed: “My grandad had a heart attack a few years ago. You hope you never have to use CPR but I’m glad I know how to do it should I ever have to. I like to think I could help someone now. Knowing how to do it is important.

“It only took 15 minutes and that can give someone their whole entire life back, so it’s definitely worth it.”

Striker Sarah Ewens, 31, also welcomed the chance to learn the vital skills: “Before today I would not have had the confidence, but the training means I’d now definitely step in and help someone if they needed it.”

Over 700,000 people in Scotland have heart and circulatory diseases, which also cause the deaths of nearly 50 people in Scotland every day.

A group of people holding a sign Description automatically generated

L-R Sarah Ewens, Libby Bance, Victoria Esson

Less than 1 in 10 people will survive an out of hospital cardiac arrest and performing the emergency lifesaving procedure can more than double their chance of survival.

RevivR allows people to learn CPR in just 15 minutes and aims to give people the skills and confidence to save a life. It teaches people how to recognise a cardiac arrest, gives feedback on chest compressions and outlines the correct steps in using a defibrillator. All people need is a mobile phone and a firm cushion. 

David McColgan, head of BHF Scotland, said: “Heart and circulatory diseases are some of Scotland’s biggest killers and we hope this partnership will help us raise awareness in Scotland’s footballing community about the importance of looking after your heart health, while also enabling more people to learn lifesaving CPR skills.”

It couldn’t be simpler – you just need your mobile phone or tablet and a cushion to practise on.

You can access RevivR here – revivr.bhf.org.uk/

New Year, new career? Scottish foster dads needed

Fosterplus is encouraging more men in the Edinburgh area to become foster carers.

Sadly, there are more than 80,000 children and young people in care, and that number is set to rise to more than 100,000 by 2025. Thousands more foster parents are needed throughout the country to keep up with demand.

“At first, it didn’t matter to me that I was going to be a male foster carer, I was just going to be a foster carer but now I understand just how important it is.”

Steven is an electrical engineering lecturer and has been fostering with his partner, Jill, since September 2022.

The Scottish foster carers now look after one little boy, a ‘curious and cheeky’ 10-year-old and are based in Bathgate. He’s the first foster child that they have looked after, and they both balance his care between working full time at a local college. 

So, why foster? Steven said: “We talked about fostering for quite a number of years and then we just took the plunge and went for it. We just wanted to try and give someone a better start in life or to change their circumstances.”

Why male foster carers are so important

For Steven, giving someone a better start isn’t limited to their physical needs but also extends to being a positive male role model for his foster child.

Male foster carers are incredibly important for a variety of reasons, but especially with the decrease in Scottish foster care households (down 4.8% in December 2022 from 2021). 

Boys and young men in the foster system may not have any good male influences in their lives, and this can prove to be pivotal for young people who may identify more with and learn from male role models. The diversity that male foster carers can bring to the role can also help provide different and balanced perspectives for young people needing guidance and support.

“I thought I could be someone to look up to. At first, it didn’t matter to me that I was going to be a male foster carer, I was just going to be a foster carer but now I understand just how important it is. Not just for a child that might be in your care, but also for the entire fostering community.

“The sooner we can normalise men fostering, the sooner we can be rid of stigma and the sooner we can get more positive father figures for vulnerable young people.”

Small Acorns grow to mighty oaks

Steven is also part of a group, Acorns, where male foster carers and their foster children gather to socialise. Thanks to Steven’s help, the group now meets at one of the local colleges to take part in activities that require more specialist equipment. It gives them the opportunity to do things like cooking, joinery, motor vehicle maintenance and repair and beauty therapy. 

He described Acorns as being a safe place for carers and foster children.

“Sometimes people see fostering as a ‘woman’s job’, and it can be a difficult thing to do, even without all of the stigma. For me, one of the best parts of Acorns is that a group of men, all foster carers, can meet up, have a chat, and even rant if they need to, to people that ‘get it’.

“All while enjoying really valuable bonding time with their foster child. We have something really special and I feel grateful to be a part of it.”

National Museum of Scotland: Cold War Scotland exhibition

13 July 2024 to 26 January 2025
National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh
Admission: Free

nms.ac.uk/ColdWarScotland 
#ColdWarScot 

A new exhibition at the National Museum of Scotland will explore Scotland’s critical position on the frontline of the Cold War.

Over 190 objects, many on display for the first time, will be brought together in Cold War Scotland (13 Jul 2024 – 26 Jan 2025) to tell the stories of the Scots at the centre of this global conflict.

Scotland’s unique geography and topography provided a useful base for Allied military preparations and research during the Cold War, a 40-year nuclear stand-off between the USA and the Soviet Union following the end of the Second World War.

ERKM4Y Polaris Demonstration at Holy Loch, 3rd Feb 1961

Atomic power brought jobs and investment to some of the country’s most remote areas, but as global tensions mounted the threat of attack or nuclear disaster became part of everyday life. Opening on 13 July 2024, Cold War Scotland will explore both the visible and invisible legacies of the war in Scotland.

The impact of the war still lingers in Scottish politics, culture and memory. Scots played an active role in the global conflict as soldiers, for example, within intelligence services and as part of voluntary civil defences.

The exhibition will also draw on Scotland’s rich history of Cold War-era protest and activism. Firsthand accounts include a young mother who decorated her daughter’s pram with Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) badges. A rattle made from an old laundry detergent bottle emblazoned with the CND logo was given to her baby during the Peace Marches of the early 1980s and will go on display in the exhibition.

The exhibition will also reveal the physical remains of the Cold War; the ruined bases, forgotten bunkers and decommissioned nuclear power stations still evident across the Scottish landscape. This infrastructure became part of the fabric of local communities, none more so than the US-controlled radar base at Edzell in Angus, now commemorated with its own bespoke tartan.

Meredith Greiling, Principal Curator of Technology at National Museums Scotland, said: “From nuclear submarines to lively peace protests and observation stations perpetually monitoring for devastating attack, the Cold War permeated every aspect of life in Scotland for decades.

“This conflict is so often remembered on a global scale, but this thought-provoking exhibition will offer a Scottish perspective of the period, allowing Scots from all walks of life to tell their remarkable stories for the first time.”

Further highlights of the exhibition include artwork from Glasgow’s 1951 Exhibition of Industrial Power and a toy nuclear power station, operated by steam and hot to the touch when played with.

Both these examples highlight the spirit of optimism, progress and modernity associated with atomic energy in postwar Britain. In contrast, a Geiger counter used by farmers in East Ayrshire to test for radiation in sheep following the Chernobyl Disaster illustrates the enduring but unseen impact of the Cold War on Scotland’s landscape.

Cold War Scotland is an output of Materialising the Cold War, a collaborative research project between National Museums Scotland and the University of Stirling.

The project explores how the Cold War heritage is represented and how museums can adapt to tell this story in future. Materialising the Cold War is funded by a major grant from the Arts and Humanities Research Council. 

Revitalise Your Fitness Journey: Edinburgh Leisure unleashes innovative New Year workouts

New Year, new workouts! If you’re craving something different in 2024, Edinburgh Leisure is introducing two new limited edition Les Mills classes in January.

Les Mills Shapes and Strength Development are being launched at Edinburgh Leisure’s most popular fitness class venues, Meadowbank, Leith Victoria, and the Royal Commonwealth Pool.

Shapes is a Mind and Body class that mixes elements of Power Yoga, Pilates, and Barre, while Strength Development is a sequence of 12 progressive workouts that are designed to build muscle and improve lifting techniques.

Alex Smith, Fitness Manager at Edinburgh Leisure explained: “Studio strength and toning based products is a big growing area within group exercise. If you’re not into using the free weights areas within a gym, then a studio strength and toning session will appeal to you. You get all the benefits of group-based training and still get to develop a sweat.

“The classes have been developed as something different from Les Mills regular-based workouts, and we’re aiming to capture the Gen Z market, a group historically underrepresented in group fitness.  However, we see them appealing to our current fitness class customer too who may wish to try something new – especially our Mind/Body customers and those who are fans of weight training in classes such as Body Pump.”

“Both workouts are suitable for people of any fitness level so don’t worry if you’re a beginner. Even if you’re new to fitness classes, these new classes lower the intimidation barrier. Our instructors will invite you to work at your own pace and effort level within timed intervals of work.

“You also have the option to lose any equipment being used throughout the workout at any time you need to press pause. We want you to have full autonomy of your workout – not feeling tied to match the level of the person next to you who might have been doing classes for 10 years.

“The great thing about group fitness is that no matter your fitness level, everyone works to their personal best, and there’s a great sense of group and individual achievement within that training on your own in the gym can’t capture.”

Classes are available to book online and on the Edinburgh Leisure app from 4 January 2024.

Launch Weekend

To celebrate the new classes, Edinburgh Leisure will be holding a launch weekend on 13th and 14th January at 2024 at The Royal Commonwealth Pool, Leith Victoria Swim Centre, and Meadowbank Sports Centre, with new music releases of the classes customers know and love, which include BodyPump 127, BodyCombat 97, BodyBalance 102, RPM 100 and a special focus on the new products, Les Mills Shapes and Strength Development.

Meadowbank will host two one-off Les Mills Shapes classes delivered by Les Mills master trainer Holly Mason on Saturday, 13th.

RPM release 100 will also be hosted at Edinburgh Leisure’s cycle venues, which includes Ainslie Park Leisure Centre, Craiglockhart Leisure Centre, Drumbrae Leisure Centre, Leith Victoria Swim Centre, the Royal Commonwealth Pool, and Meadowbank Sports Centre, celebrating 25 years of RPM and 20 years of RPM at Edinburgh Leisure.

To find out more and to book, go to the Edinburgh Leisure website and the Edinburgh Leisure app.

With unlimited access to their 12 pools,17 gyms, indoor climbing and over 750+ fitness classes each week, Edinburgh Leisure has a new membership promotion that runs from 1st – 31st January 2024 and offers new members joining in January a no-joining-fee offer.

As we step into 2024, wherever you’re at on the map or in life, Edinburgh Leisure provides a diverse array of fitness options, catering to individual preferences and goals.

Whether you’re a tech-savvy tracker, a studio enthusiast, or someone embracing a holistic wellness approach, embrace the New Year and let your fitness journey unfold with the guidance and support of Edinburgh Leisure.

#januREADY.

More information:  www.edinburghleisure.co.uk

Granton shootings: Two Arrested

Two people have been arrested in connection with the death of a 38-year-old man in West Granton. A 32-year-old man and 25-year-old woman have been arrested in connection with the shooting.

Emergency services were called around 11.50pm on Sunday, 31 December, 2023, after a firearm was discharged in West Granton Road, seriously injuring two men.

Both men, aged 38 and 39, were taken to hospital, where the 38-year-old man was pronounced dead a short time later. The dead man has been named locally as Marc Webley.

Enquiries are ongoing and police continue to appeal for information.

Detective Superintendent Graham Grant, Major Investigation Team, said: “We’d like to thank the local community for their support and patience while enquiries are ongoing.

“There will continue to be an increased police presence in the area and anyone with further concerns should speak to officers, call 101, or in the case of an emergency, 999.”

Eight organisations share Victim Surcharge Fund backing

Organisations that support victims of crime have been awarded a total of £405,451 from a fund financed by penalties imposed on offenders who received a court fine.

Eight organisations – including Victim Support Scotland, Dumbarton District Women’s Aid, Migrant Help, The  Moira Fund, The Manda Centre, Survivors of Human Trafficking in Scotland (SOHTiS), Action Against Stalking and Dundee Women’s Aid – will share the funding to provide practical help directly to victims.

This is the fourth round of payments from the Victim Surcharge Fund, which was established in November 2019, and takes the latest funding to £1,322,437.

Victims and Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown said:  “I am pleased the fund has provided support to so many people.

“Since financial awards were first made in January 2021, 14 different victim support organisations have benefited from this fund –  all of which have used the money to help people impacted by crime.

“It is only right that the people who commit crimes should pay towards helping those impacted to recover from the trauma and move on with their lives.”

Kate Wallace, Chief Executive of Victim Support Scotland, said: “Funding to VSS Emergency Assistance Fund made it possible to reach more than 1,400 victims of crime and their families with awards last year totalling over £400,000.

“Too many people face financial hardship as a result of crime, and this funding allows us to cover the costs of essential items such as food vouchers, rent, property repairs, alarms and funeral costs.”

The following organisations are set to benefit from the Victim Surcharge Fund in this round:

Victim Support Scotland (VSS)                                                           £300,000

Dumbarton District Women’s Aid                                                          £11,750

Migrant Help                                                                                         £28,540

The Moira Fund                                                                                    £14,500

The Manda Centre                                                                                £10,000

Survivors of Human Trafficking in Scotland (SOHTIS)                         £20,661

Action Against Stalking                                                                         £15,000

Dundee Women’s Aid                                                                           £5,000