In Scotland, over 70,000 people have a ‘silent killer’ which is one of the leading causes of serious strokes – and many more may be unaware that they have it.
Atrial fibrillation – or AF – is a cause in around one in five strokes and these are often more severe, with higher mortality and greater disability.
AF is when your heart beats with an irregular rhythm. When this happens, your heart won’t empty all of the blood out of its chambers with every beat. Then, if your heart chambers aren’t empty, the leftover blood can form clots which travel from your heart into the brain, blocking off blood flow and causing a stroke.
AF sometimes has symptoms including palpitations – feeling as if your heart is fluttering, thumping or skipping a beat – fatigue, feeling breathless or having chest pain. But often it’s symptomless, which is why it often goes undiagnosed, until it’s too late.
The good news is that AF can be picked up and treated after a simple check.
So, on Stroke Prevention Day, Thursday 25 January, we are encouraging the public to check their own pulse at home.
A video on our website shows how you can quickly and easily test yourself by placing two fingers on your wrist or neck www.stroke.org.uk/spd24.
Normal heart rate: your pulse should feel regular. Most people have a resting heart rate between 60 and 100 beats per minute (bpm).
Abnormal heart rate: your pulse may feel uneven or skip a beat. Your resting heart rate could be over 120 bpm.
If your pulse is irregular, or very fast when you are at rest, you should contact your GP.
New research commissioned by Beavertown Brewery has shone a light on the challenges adults in Scotland face in making new friends, revealing that over a third (39%) would love to make new friendships, but over half (61%) feel either anxious or nervous about it.
The study, which surveyed 2,000 participants, found that adults typically stop making new friends around the age of 30 to 34, with 1 in 10 (10%) of those in Scotland not having formed a new friendship since then.
According to the OnePoll.com data, over half (55%) of Scots think it’s harder to make friends or meet new people as you get older, with a third admitting they’d be nervous at the prospect.
The study also found that out of those who feel most lonely in January, 29% put it down to people not wanting to socialise after Christmas, 57% say it’s due to the weather, and 71% blame it on the fact that it’s too dark to go out anywhere.
According to the survey, nearly half (47%) of all adults in Scotland would be unlikely to admit feelings of loneliness to someone else, with over half (62%) believing there is a societal taboo around adult loneliness.
Despite this, 40% of Scots would take a class to learn a new skill in a bid to make new friendships, while 16% would give meet-up apps a go.
Tom Rainsford, Marketing Director of Beavertown Brewery, said:“Let’s be honest, January can feel like a month of Mondays, and with people out and about, it can also be a month when feelings of loneliness surface.
“At Beavertown we’re all about creating moments that bring people together, which is why, with our charity partner CALM – we’ve launched our series of community events in a month where going out and meeting mates might normally feel like a challenge.
“Why not give it a try – and join us in our shout to crush loneliness this January.”
Matt Jennings, CMO at Campaign Against Living Miserablysaid: “Let’s face it, with the festive fun over, getting through January can feel like a mountain to climb. And with millions of people reporting that they feel lonely some or most of the time, finding ways to bring people together couldn’t be more important.
“That’s why we’re excited to team up with Beavertown to help make this notorious month feel less miserable with a series of free climbing events to hopefully spark new friendships and hobbies – and show that we’re not alone.”
This January, Beavertown Brewery and CALM invite everyone to Crush Loneliness together and take a proactive step toward building meaningful connections.
RIO Brazilian Steakhouse announces opening date of Edinburgh restaurant
The first Scottish venue opens Friday 9th February 2024
Edinburgh food lovers can now mark their calendars as RIO Brazilian Steakhouse announces its arrival to the capital for Friday 9th February.
The popular Brazilian Steakhouse offering an authentic Brazilian Churrasco dining experience will open its doors on George Street, within the historic Assembly Rooms building in a 150-cover space formerly home to Jamie’s Italian.
From early February, RIO will welcome guests to enjoy exquisite cuts of meat carved tableside in a traditional Rodizio style, while watching skilled chefs prepare authentic dishes from a stunning central sushi bar, with an unlimited gourmet salad bar lining the walls with an array of imported cheeses, meats and Brazilian flavours for diners to choose from.
The opening will be the restaurant’s first venue north of the border, bringing its non-stop meats concept to Scotland with a set price boasting a competitive alternative to other steakhouses in the city.
The expansion follows RIO’s success in England, marking the 8th location since the brand was established. Founded in Jesmond in November 2019, the Edinburgh site adds to its current locations in Jesmond, Newcastle’s Quayside, Middlesbrough, Durham City Centre, Warrington, Chester and York.
Rodrigo Grassi, Co-owner of RIO Brazilian Steakhouse, said: “It’s an exciting moment for us to announce RIO’s arrival into Edinburgh on the 9th of February, bringing our unique concept to Scotland for the first time.
“We look forward to welcoming our first guests through the doors in a month’s time in true Brazilian fashion, with plenty of good food, drink, and celebration!”
RIO Brazilian Steakhouse’s expansion into Edinburgh will also bring a range of employment opportunities, with recruitment underway for roles throughout the restaurant.
In response to the ongoing challenges faced by communities across the country, NFU Mutual has announced £3.25m of funding for local and national charities during 2024.
The leading UK rural insurer is pledging this support to help tackle the ongoing effects of the pandemic and assist with the impact of the rising cost of living.
NFU Mutual will be donating £1.92m to local front-line charities through its Agency Giving Fund. First launched in 2020 in response to the pandemic, the insurer is keeping this annual fund going into 2024 to further help local charities and communities across the UK.
Once again, NFU Mutual Agency and branch offices, covering more than 280 locations nationwide, will be invited to nominate front-line charities to receive a share of the fund. This will ensure that donations reach all corners of the UK and are directed where they are needed most.
To support national and regional charities, NFU Mutual is pledging £1m to the NFU Mutual Charitable Trust.
The Trust is an independent charity the insurer set up in 1998 to support other charities and organisations working in the interests of agriculture, rural communities and the countryside. Since it was founded, the Trust has distributed donations totalling more than £8.6m and made a positive difference to education, research, social welfare and poverty relief.
Alongside this, NFU Mutual has also committed £30,000 to its Community Champions scheme, to support causes close to the heart of its people, by donating to staff fundraising events and initiatives.
The £3.25m funding is completed with a £300,000 donation to the Farm Safety Foundation (Yellow Wellies), an independent registered charity founded and funded by NFU Mutual.
As it celebrates its tenth anniversary, the 2024 support will help the Foundation to carry on delivering their education programme, award-winning campaigns, research and engagement throughout the UK, so they can continue raising awareness of, and addressing the attitudes and behaviours around, risk-taking and poor mental health in the industry.
Nick Turner, Group Chief Executive of NFU Mutual, said:“We’re proud to be maintaining significant levels of charitable giving in 2024. We recognise these are challenging times, and our initiatives will support national and local charities right across the UK who are delivering vital services to those in need.”
With the start of the New Year also being the introduction of the XL Bully ban in England and Wales, the countdown is now officially on for owners to comply with the new legislation before time runs out.
In the latest news from the Scottish Government, there are now plans for an XL Bully ban to come into force in Scotland as well, with little known detail just yet, but it was shared the ban will mirror the measures that have been introduced in England and Wales.
PDSA Vet Lynne James shares a breakdown of the timeline impacting owners in England and Wales, plus some key information, as well as some of the charity’s concerns.
Timeline of the ban
“The timeline of the ban is one of the most important factors, especially now, as owners in England and Wales do not have very long to ensure they comply with the new rules soon to come into force.”
Right now, all XL Bully type dogs must be wearing a muzzle and kept on a lead when in public. It is also now illegal to breed, sell, advertise, exchange, gift, rehome, abandon or allow an XL Bully type dog to stray.
Owners can no longer apply for a Certificate of Exemption by email or by post (deadline was 15 Jan) – the only way to now apply is through the government website.
The deadline to apply for an Exemption through the Government website is by midday on 31 January.
From 1 February, XL Bully type dogs must have a Certificate of Exemption.
By 30 June 2024, all XL Bully type dogs over 1 year old on 31 January 2024 must be neutered.
By 31 December 2024, all XL Bully dogs under 1 year old on 31 January 2024, must be neutered.
What we know
“Although there is now a ban in England and Wales, the current population of XL Bully type dogs is going to be around for years to come, and this will likely be the same in Scotland too. With the average lifespan being around 10-12 years, the ban does not mean these dogs will suddenly disappear.
“The government has determined the physical characteristics which will decide if a dog fits the ‘breed type’ of the XL Bully. They have shared DNA or simply what owners were told their dog was when they were bought or rehomed will not count as evidence of breed.
“However, they have confirmed that other established breeds, such as those recognised by the UK Kennel Club, who may meet some of the characteristics of the XL Bully breed type, are not covered by the ban.
“The Government has also stated that owners are responsible for determining themselves if their dog is classified as an XL Bully type or not, and whether that means they should apply for an Exemption.
“We also know, regardless of personal thoughts about the ban, all owners of dogs deemed to fit the XL Bully type will now need to follow the guidance. Owners found not complying with the legislation may face a criminal record and an unlimited fine if they are found to be in possession of an XL Bully type without a Certificate of Exemption, and their dog could be seized, or in some cases, dogs may even be put to sleep by the authorities.
“We’re aware this a worrying time for many, in England, Wales and now Scotland, and we maintain our position that Breed Specific Legislation is not the right course of action to protect the public.
PDSA’s concerns
“In addition to our concerns about this rushed through legislation, the timeline of the ban in England and Wales is adding unnecessary pressure on owners who are already in a stressful situation.
“We know recent years have been financially tough for many, with PDSA seeing an increase in demand for our low-cost services. Finding the funds in a short space of time to cover the cost of an Exemption, as well as what is needed to comply, including neutering, may not be easy for many, and may have long-term impacts. With no help to cover these costs announced from the Government, it leaves animal charities like PDSA left to pick up the pieces.
“We’re also concerned that the potential stigma of owning a ‘banned breed’ could sadly lead to owners feeling unable to walk or socialise their dogs. This will no doubt have a severe negative impact upon the welfare of these dogs, whose health and welfare must remain an upmost priority.
“We know the announcement in Scotland may not be the news many want to hear, but we will continue to support owners across England, Wales and Scotland however we can. PDSA’s main focus remains supporting owners with our aim being to keep people and pets together.”
As the weeks go by, and the deadlines get closer in England and Wales, and more information is shared about the upcoming ban in Scotland, PDSA will continue to update their website to ensure all of the information is up to date and relevant for owners.
Gearing up for the celebrations of this year’s World Book Day on 7 March 2024, the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) is inviting children with a vision impairment to submit a piece of creative writing for its World Book Day writing competition.
The final competition winners will be judged by multi- award-winning children’s writer Sir Michael Morpurgo – author of books including War Horse and Private Peaceful. The overall winner will receive ten signed copies of Michael Morpurgo’s books.
Writing submissions must be on the theme of ‘adventure’. Taking the lead from RNIB’s motto, ‘See differently’, the charity wants to celebrate different ways of seeing, sensing and taking part in an adventure that children have been on, or that they can imagine.
No previous experience of creative writing is required and RNIB is keen to receive submissions from as many young people aged 5-12 as possible.
Writing and being creative is hugely beneficial and enjoyable for everyone, especially when going through big life-changes such as growing up.
Hearing the unique perspectives of young writers who have a vision impairment will be a real privilege and I can’t wait to read the fabulous work that I’m sure will be created. We are delighted that Michael Morpurgo has agreed to pick the winner for us as part of his support for RNIB’s World Book Day celebrations.
Competition Rules
The competition is open to any child or young person between the ages of 5-12 years with a vision impairment in the UK.
The competition runs from 9am on 1 January 2024, to midnight 18 February 2024.
Send in an original piece of writing up to 500 words in a Word document, MP3 audio or MP4 video, via email.
The piece of writing must be based on the theme ‘Adventure’.
Submissions must be in English.
The use of AI, such as ChatGPT is not permitted.
One submission per author: this will be the first entry emailed to us.
In December 2023 Police Scotland opened formal consultation on proposals to close a number of police stations across the country and we would like your feedback.
You can help shape our estate proposals by submitting your views by visiting:
We’re delighted to let you know that the second edition of the North Edinburgh Film Festival will take place on Saturday 3 February at West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre
Presented by Screen Education Edinburgh and North Edinburgh Arts, the Festival is a day celebrating community cinema and filmmaking in North Edinburgh.
Look out for friends, family and neighbours on the big screen as we showcase some of the best locally-made films, as well as 5-star family favourite Song of the Sea! From screenings and workshops to food and an exhibition on local history, there’s something for everyone!
The Festival will be held from 12.30pm to 5pm. It’s completely free to attend – you can join us from the beginning, or drop-in throughout the day.
Eligible low income households urged to make sure they get £150 in Warm Home Discount before 29 February
Low income households who qualify for the Warm Home Discount are urged to make sure they get the £150 discount.
Most of the 3 million households who qualify will automatically receive this energy bill support.
Households who need to confirm their details must do so by the end of February.
People on low incomes could benefit from a £150 rebate on their energy bills – and are being urged to act now where they need to, so they can get the support before this year’s scheme closes.
The help is available to over 3 million households across Great Britain that are most at risk of fuel poverty, with many receiving the discount automatically. However, some customers in England and Wales have been sent a letter asking them to confirm their details by calling the Warm Home Discount Helpline so they can check their eligibility and get the rebate.
To mark Big Energy Saving Week, Minister for Affordability and Skills Amanda Solloway is today urging any of these households who need to provide more information to call the helpline by 29 February and get the support they are entitled to.
The scheme forms part of measures to keep costs down for families and put more money in their pockets. It targets support to protect those most at risk of fuel poverty this winter, following a significant drop in energy prices since their peak last year and the Government delivering on its pledge to halve inflation – which is now at a two-year low of 3.9%.
Tax cuts announced at the start of the year will also support 27 million people across the UK, meaning a household with two average earners will save nearly £1,000 a year.
Minister for Affordability and Skills Amanda Solloway said: “We will always act to support the most vulnerable – and this means making sure those most in need are getting the right support.
“Today, I am urging people on low incomes who have been notified about the Warm Home Discount to make sure they act now to get £150 off their energy bill.
“Please check your letter and call our helpline before the end of February if you need to provide more information.”
The UK government’s Warm Home Discount offers targeted energy bill support for those most in need. This includes low income pensioners and households in England and Wales with high energy costs.
These customers received a letter at the end of last year explaining the discount and instructions on any action they may need to take.
For the vast majority of these customers, the discount is automatically applied to bills between October 2023 and March 2024, or is available as a top-up voucher for those with a prepayment meter.
However, some people in England and Wales who received a letter and could qualify for the support have been asked ring the government helpline number provided in their letter to confirm their details.
In Scotland, customers on low incomes who have not received a letter may still be eligible and should apply via a different route, by contacting their energy supplier as soon as possible.
The support comes on top of wider action to protect vulnerable households, including a £900 payment for those on means-tested benefits, £300 for pensioner households and an extra £150 available for those on disability benefits.
The Government has also invested over £2 billion into the Household Support Fund over the last two years, increased the Local Housing Allowance Rate so £1.6 million private renters on Housing Benefit or Universal Credit gain an average of nearly £800 a year and £600 in tax-free cash for pensioner households to help with energy bills through Winter Fuel Payments.
Cold Weather Payments have also been triggered to help households receiving certain benefits to stay warm this winter. The scheme – which runs until March 2024 – provides low-income households with an automatic payment of £25 following periods of cold weather.
Anyone can access advice on how to reduce energy costs and heat their home for less via the government’s Help for Households website. This includes energy saving tips as part of the It All Adds Up campaign, which helped British households an estimated £120 million on their energy bills last winter.
Legislation which would give councils the power to introduce a visitor levy to raise funding for local tourism facilities and services has passed its first vote in Parliament.
MSPs have voted to endorse the general principles of the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Bill, which would enable councils to apply a levy on overnight stays in line with many tourist destinations across Europe. All money raised would be reinvested in facilities and services that are substantially used by visitors, benefitting tourists and local economies.
The proposals were backed in a Scotland-wide consultation led by the Scottish Government. Should they wish to use the powers, councils would be required to consult local communities, businesses and tourism organisations on whether a visitor levy should be brought in and how any revenue should be spent.
Representatives from the tourism industry, COSLA, the Scottish Government and other partners have formed an expert group to consider how the legislation could be best implemented if passed.
Speaking after the Stage One vote in Parliament, Public Finance Minister Tom Arthur said: “I strongly believe that a visitor levy can be a force for good, offering councils the opportunity to use the proceeds to invest in their local economy, bringing benefits to residents and visitors alike.
“This Bill is about giving local government a new power, which they can use as appropriate. It fits with our ambition of fiscally empowering local government and strengthening local democracy, and the New Deal for Business and the New Deal for Local Government are at the heart of the Scottish Government’s approach to this measure.
“We have already taken on board the helpful input we have had from business, councils and others and I am committed to continuing that meaningful and constructive engagement as we move forward.”
COSLA’s Resources Spokesperson Councillor Katie Hagmann said: “I am delighted to see the progression of the Visitor Levy Bill through Parliament.
“The introduction of visitor levy powers is a small but significant step towards maximising the revenue raising powers available to local government, enabling those closest to the community, your democratically elected councillors, the power to decide what works best for their local communities, and recognising the great diversity of needs across Scotland.
“The revenue raised by the levy has the potential to provide much-needed additional investment in our communities, in areas from the natural environment to cultural and leisure facilities, at a time when local government is facing significant strain on resources. Meanwhile, we are keen to ensure that this additional revenue stream helps us to maintain Scotland’s position as a world-leading tourist destination.
“We are fully committed to further joint work with the Scottish Government as the Bill continues its journey through Parliament, as well as continued engagement with colleagues across our important tourism industry.”
Having passed Stage One, the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Bill will be considered for line-by-line amendments by the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee before Stage Three when the full Parliament considers further amendments and makes a final vote on whether or not to pass the Bill.
If passed, the legislation will give local authorities the power to introduce a visitor levy in all or parts of their area. The levy would be a percentage of the overnight accommodation cost, with the rate set by the local council.
The levy would be collected by the accommodation providers and remitted to the relevant local authority. It would apply to almost all types of overnight accommodation, including hotels, self-catering accommodation and campsites.
Of the 27 European Union member states, 21 charge occupancy taxes.
