The Met Office has issued an Amber weather warning for wind. As such, there may be a high risk of disruption for road users in the following areas:
Central, Tayside and Fife
Clackmannanshire
Falkirk
Fife
Stirling
South West Scotland, Lothian Borders
Dumfries and Galloway
East Lothian
Midlothian Council
Scottish Borders
West Lothian
Strathclyde
Argyll and Bute
East Ayrshire
East Dunbartonshire
East Renfrewshire
Glasgow
Inverclyde
North Ayrshire
North Lanarkshire
Renfrewshire
South Ayrshire
South Lanarkshire
West Dunbartonshire
The Amber warning is effective from 1800 hrs Sunday 21st January to 0900 hrs Monday 22nd January.
The Met Office has also issued a yellow weather warning for rain. Combined with the win there may be a high risk of disruption for road users in the following areas
Central, Tayside & Fife
Angus
Clackmannanshire
Dundee
Fife
Stirling
Perth and Kinross
Grampian
Aberdeenshire
Moray
Highlands & Eilean Siar
Highland
South West Scotland, Lothian Borders
Dumfries and Galloway
Scottish Borders
Strathclyde
Argyll and Bute
East Ayrshire
East Dunbartonshire
Inverclyde
North Lanarkshire
Renfrewshire
South Lanarkshire
West Dunbartonshire
The yellow warning is effective from 1200 hrs Sunday 21st January to 0600 hrs Monday 22nd January.
General advice for road users:
Plan ahead and avoid unnecessary travel
All road users should consider if they really need to travel during adverse weather
Consider delaying travel until conditions improve
If you are travelling on the roads, prepare yourself and your vehicle for the conditions
Ensure your mobile phone is charged and plan your journey, including an alternative route
Have sufficient fuel, warm clothing, food and water in case you’re delayed
Do not ignore road closure signs – they are for your safety
Congestion caused by vehicles may restrict emergency services and recovery vehicles from providing essential assistance
Follow @policescotland and @trafficscotland on Twitter for up-to-date travel information.
Wind:
HGV and bus drivers should drive with extreme caution and be aware you may be asked to park at a suitable position by the police.
Drivers of vehicles vulnerable to being blown over should plan their route to avoid exposed areas or consider cancelling your journey until conditions improve.
Cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians should consider the risk of being blown over or into the path of other road users.
Rain:
Drive to the conditions. Spray can reduce driver visibility.
Be aware of increased stopping distances. In wet weather, stopping distances will be at least double those required for stopping on dry roads.
Driving through areas of flooding can result in catastrophic damage to your vehicle. It may also result in the road becoming blocked with recovery required and may delay emergency services and road maintenance workers.
Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Tip, written by the Health Promotion and Education Team at Heart Research UK
Healthy Heart Tip: Dry January
Dry January is back, challenging you to become alcohol-free for one whole month. Drinking alcohol on a regular basis can increase your risk of developing heart diseases, increase your blood pressure and cause weight gain.
Getting used to a new alcohol-free lifestyle can be hard, see our tips below to help you this January:
Changing your behaviour
Changing your behaviours can be difficult and it may be beneficial to find alternative habits to distract you when you would usually be drinking.
You might find it useful to try cooking healthy meals or go for a walk in the local park instead of having a drink. You could even take up a new hobby or sport!
Finding alternatives
Finding an alternative drink to the alcoholic one you usually have will help you to refrain from drinking.
There are many non-alcoholic options for you to try mocktails, alcohol-free beer or soft drinks are a few.
Knowing the benefits
There are a number of benefits to reducing your alcohol intake, you will be reducing your calorie intake which could help you to lose weight, lower your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and ultimately reduce your risk of developing heart diseases.
You may also feel improvements in your sleep quality, mental health and energy levels.
Reducing your intake
It is perfectly acceptable to enjoy an alcoholic drink from time to time but by reducing your overall consumption you will be benefitting your health.
Below are some tips to help you:
Have a glass of water after every alcoholic drink Have smaller drinks or bottled beer Have lower-strength drinks Have several alcohol-free days each week Cut down with your friends and family by supporting each other.
The average price of car insurance in Scotland is now £806, following a 62% increase in the past 12 months
Significant increases across the 4 main Scottish regions put prices at the highest on record, with some drivers paying £897 for their car insurance.
In particular, motorists in Central Scotland are seeing the steepest changes to their premiums, with year-on-year prices increasing the most of all UK regions (64% / £350).
It’s a similar picture across the rest of the UK, where drivers are now paying £995, on average. That’s a £366 (58%) increase compared to 12 months ago.
But further research(1) suggests that those opting to renew could be paying even more. Three in 4 (75%) UK drivers who received their renewal last quarter saw their price increase by £93, on average.
Why are car insurance prices so high? Louise Thomas, car insurance expert at Confused.com, explains why drivers are seeing such a significant shift in their costs.
New data has revealed that drivers in Scotland face record high car insurance costs, as the average price in Scotland reaches £806.
That’s following a £309 (62%) increase in prices in the past 12 months, according to the latest car insurance price index by Confused.com, powered by WTW. Based on more than 6 million quotes per quarter, it’s the most comprehensive car insurance price index for new business premiums in the UK.
Significant increases across the region means that some drivers are paying out as much as £897 for their car insurance. This is the case for those living in Central Scotland, where prices have accelerated at a staggering pace over the past 12 months. According to the data, prices in this Scottish region rose by 64%, equivalent to £350, in the past 12 months. This is the steepest increase seen across all UK regions when it comes to the percentage of their premium. This makes it the most expensive Scottish region for car insurance.
Those in East and North East Scotland have seen a similar change to their car insurance costs. Prices in this region increased by 61%, or £279, in the past 12 months. This puts the average cost of insurance here at £735.
Meanwhile, those in the Scottish Highlands and Islands, and Scottish Borders pay slightly less, despite premiums also increasing significantly in the past year. The average cost of car insurance in these regions is now £712 and £657, respectively.
On a more granular level, some drivers in Central Scotland have seen even bigger shifts in their prices, compared to the regional average.
Those in Glasgow and Edinburgh have seen the steepest changes in their premiums in the past 12 months, compared to the rest of the UK areas. The average price of insurance in Glasgow, for example, increased by 65% (£394) over the last year.
While a 65% increase in Edinburgh meant prices rose by £318, on average. This means drivers in these 2 Scottish areas can now expect to pay £998 and £806 for their car insurance, respectively, on average.
Prices in Central Scotland
Region
Average £
Annual £ change
Annual % change
Quarterly £ change
Quarterly % change
Central Scotland
£897
£350
64%
£77
9%
East & North East
£735
£279
61%
£60
9%
Highlands & Islands
£712
£264
59%
£58
9%
Scottish Borders
£657
£239
57%
£55
9%
Significant annual increases in premiums can be seen across the rest of the UK. The average driver is now paying £995 for their car insurance, on average – the highest price on record in the UK.
According to the data, prices have increased by an average of £366 (58%) in the past 12 months. However, in the past 3 months, prices only increased by 8%, or £71, on average. While this is a significant change over a short time, it’s still considerably lower than the changes over the last 6 months. Between March and September last year, prices increased by 41%, or £267, on average. This worked out at increases of 18% and 19% for each 3 month period
However, as it stands, prices are still rising, and some drivers could be paying significantly more for their premiums if they choose to renew. That’s as further research suggests renewing customers are now even more likely to see significant annual price increases.
In a survey of 2,000 UK drivers(1), around 3 in 4 (75%) of those who renewed their policy in the last 3 months saw their premium increase. This is around 10% more than those who renewed at any other point last year, on average. And those who received a higher renewal price were quoted £98 more than the previous year, on average.
In comparison with Confused.com’s data, this is more expensive than the price they could be paying if they took out a new policy. Of these, 37% went on to shop around and took out a new policy with a different insurer, saving £96, on average. Meanwhile, only 7% received a cheaper renewal price, on average.
So while prices are up across the board, it’s clear from the data that those who choose to shop around rather than renewing their policy could be better off. And this could be a key consideration for some drivers, who are paying significantly more than the UK average.
Motorists aged between 17 and 20 have seen their premiums rise by more than £1,000, on average, compared to 12 months ago. For 17 year olds, this is a 98% increase year-on-year, equivalent to £1,423, on average. This brings the average price of a policy to £2,877.
Meanwhile, a £1,447 (84%) increase in prices for 18-year-olds means they’re paying more than £3,000 for the first time. Their premiums reached £3,162 on average. Hefty increases also means that drivers up to the age of 43 can expect to pay £1,000 or more for their car insurance, on average.
It’s a similar picture for different regions across the UK too, with some paying significantly more than others. In particular, prices in Northern Ireland have tipped over the £1,000 mark for the first time on record. This is after prices increased by £383 (57%) in the past 12 months. This brings the average premium in the region to £1,051. Meanwhile, a 64% (£350) increase in prices in Central Scotland means premiums have doubled in 2 years, with the average driver now paying £897.
However, London remains the most expensive region in the UK for car insurance. Drivers in Inner and Outer London pay £1,607 and £1,291 respectively, on average.
With prices increasing significantly, it’s a bleak time for drivers and their car insurance. That’s even if they’re able to save compared to the year before. But experts at Confused.com urge drivers to review their policies to see if there are other ways they can save. Especially as the cost of living crisis continues to impact many.
There are some tips drivers can try to keep costs down when it comes to renewal:
Use a price comparison site – When it comes to keeping costs down, the best thing you can do is compare prices. That way you can ensure you’re getting the best deal to suit your needs and not paying more than you need to. And it’s likely that you can make a saving.
Pay for your car insurance annually – If you can afford it, pay for your insurance in one go rather than monthly. That’s because insurance companies often charge interest for spreading the cost of your cover over the year.
Increase your voluntary excess – Increasing your voluntary excess can help you get cheaper car insurance. But you need to make sure you can afford to pay it, if you need to claim.
Be accurate with mileage – Generally, the more miles you drive, the more likely you are to have an accident and make a claim. This means the higher your mileage, the more you pay for your car insurance. So, driving fewer miles can be a great way to save money on your car insurance policy. But don’t assume that a low mileage always means low prices. If you barely drive at all, your insurance company could see that as a risk as well.
Enhance your car security – The harder it is to steal your car, the less of a risk it is. This usually means cheaper car insurance. There are several ways to improve your car security including:
= Installing a Thatcham-approved car alarm or immobiliser, if it doesn’t already have one
= Adding secondary levels of security like a steering lock
= Parking overnight in a secure, well-lit car park, or at home in a garage or driveway, if possible
Inflation has played a key role in the rise of car insurance costs, due to the impact on the cost of repairs and claims. Since the end of the pandemic, the number of cars on the road has increased to a normal, if not inflated level. This means the risk of accidents and claims is a lot higher than before.
And the amount insurers are having to pay for these claims has increased too, as parts and labour costs are all impacted by inflation. Similarly, cars are holding their value for longer, or are generally equipped with more technology or expensive equipment. This means the cost to replace a car is more than before too.
So while inflation remains high, insurers are paying more to cover the cost of claims. This is reflected in the prices they’re offering drivers for their car insurance.
While it seems from Confused.com’s data that there’s some respite from steep increases, the car insurance market remains incredibly volatile. This is why it’s so important that drivers are shopping around and comparing policies. By doing this, they can make sure they’re getting the best price, as prices are probably going to be high for some time.
Louise Thomas, motoring expert at Confused.com car insurance comments, “Like a lot of our expenses, car insurance is getting more costly. And this is to be the case for some time.
“Claiming is one of the biggest factors when it comes to insurers pricing up policies. And with the cost of paying out for claims being considerably high, insurance prices are going to be too.
“While it looks like increases could be slowing down for now, we still need to be doing what we can to keep these costs as low as possible. Things like increasing security, reviewing how many miles you drive or adjusting your excess could bring your overall cost down. But it’s important to remember that the information you’re providing should be accurate otherwise you risk invalidating your policy if you need to make a claim.
“Ultimately, shopping around is the only way to know you’re paying the cheapest price available to you. With prices so high, it’s a very competitive market. So if you look around, there’s likely to be an insurer out there willing to offer a cheaper price.
“We’re so certain that we offer a guarantee to beat your renewal, or pay you the difference, plus £20(2). In this scenario, you not only get the best price, but you also get more cash. So there’s nothing to lose and lots to be gained.”
Jean Johansson, Eilish McColgan, Gary Maclean and Scarlette and Stuart Douglas encourage others to take on new challenges while fundraising for charity
Running, baking and craft-making are just some of the activities that celebrities are taking up at the start of 2024 as we all embark upon our New Year’s resolutions.
Jean Johansson, Eilish McColgan, Gary Maclean and Scarlette and Stuart Douglas are all supporters of international school feeding charity, Mary’s Meals.
Mary’s Meals feeds more than 2.4 million children every school day in 18 of the world’s poorest countries including Haiti, Malawi and Syria. The promise of a nutritious meal encourages children into the classroom, so that instead of working or looking for food, they can gain an education and hope for a brighter future.
There are a number of different ways to fundraise for the charity and top TV and sporting stars are asking others to share in their goals for the year ahead to help feed more hungry children in 2024.
Scottish long-distance running champion Eilish McColgan, who is training for this year’s summer Olympics, is encouraging people to sign up for Move For Meals to help them stick to their New Year’s fitness plans.
She says: “The Move For Meals challenge is a really simple way to turn your moves into meals and make a life-changing difference to hungry children across the world. From walking to running, swimming and playing football, you can take part in Move For Meals in any way you choose.”
Meanwhile, if you’re looking to brush up on your baking skills this year, celebrity chef Gary Maclean is urging families to pull on their aprons and fundraise through Raise Some Dough.
The MasterChef: The Professionals winner says: “A bake sale is a great way to perfect your favourite cake, while raising funds to enable this incredible charity to reach the next child waiting for Mary’s Meals.
“Baking is also an excellent activity to keep the kids entertained and by Raising Some Dough, you can help instil that charitable spirit in your little ones too!”
The start of a new year often sees people take up new hobbies, including arts and crafts. A Place In The Sun presenter Jean Johansson believes sewing, knitting or crocheting can be a wonderful way to unwind, while fundraising for those in need through Make For Meals.
Jean says: “Maybe you’re already a nifty knitter or a master maker, or perhaps 2024 will be your first foray into the world of crafting.
“Either way, you can turn your creativity into life-changing meals for children. By simply selling your crafts to family and friends, or setting up a making marathon fundraiser, you can raise vital funds for Mary’s Meals.”
And if you’re perhaps lacking motivation to maintain those New Year’s resolutions, why not team up with a sibling or family member to tackle them together?
Brother and sister-presenting duo Scarlette and Stuart Douglas have joined forces to Double The Love this January. Until the end of January, donations made to Mary’s Meals will be doubled by a group of generous supporters, up to £1.1 million.
Scarlette says: “Stuart and I are competitive siblings and we’re always challenging each other to achieve our goals.
“At the start of this year, we’ll both be Doubling The Love and donating to Mary’s Meals. The fact that Mary’s Meals can feed a child for a whole school year for just £19.15 is an amazing feat.
“And with Double The Love, £19.15 will feed two children for a school year, so there’s never been a better time to donate!”
To find out how you can support Mary’s Meals while achieving your 2024 goals, visit marysmeals.org.uk.
No change in Scotland’s house price over last twelve months
· East Renfrewshire prices rise by 12.0%
· Dumfries and Galloway prices fall by -5.4%
· Transactions down by 12.3% on 2022 levels
Scott Jack, Regional Development Director at Walker Fraser Steele, comments: “At a national level, the picture this month shows Scotland’s average house price in November 2023 barely changed over the last year. However, it also reveals some significant regional differences in average house prices over the same period.
“This is remarkable when you consider the affordability pressures experienced by the housing market since the autumn of ’22. The average house price now is just -£16 lower than twelve months earlier and stands at £222,637.
“The reality is that regional hotspots like East Renfrewshire which enjoyed price gains of 12% during the period have been offset by dips elsewhere, such as Dumfries and Galloway which has endured a fall of -5.4%.
“We have also seen variance in property types. Over the last year, the average price of detached properties has increased by +1.2%, and flats by +0.5%, while semi-detached and terraced properties have fallen by -1.8% and -0.9% respectively.
“With underlying trends such as mortgage affordability improving now, more buyers will re-enter the market providing competition for the cash purchasers, who currently represent 36% of all sales in Scotland, which will further boost confidence.”
House Price
Index
Monthly Change %
Annual Change %
£222,637
291.6
-0.3
0.0
Table 1. Average House Prices in Scotland for the period November 2022 – November 2023
(The prices are end-month smoothed over a 3 month period)
Month
Year
House Price
Index
Monthly Change %
Annual Change %
November
2022
£222,653
291.6
0.1
6.7
December
2022
£222,399
291.3
-0.1
6.5
January
2023
£221,162
289.7
-0.6
4.5
February
2023
£219,827
287.9
-0.6
2.9
March
2023
£219,531
287.5
-0.1
1.3
April
2023
£221,173
289.7
0.7
1.5
May
2023
£223,391
292.6
1.0
1.6
June
2023
£223,831
293.2
0.2
1.4
July
2023
£223,308
292.5
-0.2
0.5
August
2023
£223,079
292.2
-0.1
0.4
September
2023
£223,803
293.1
0.3
0.7
October
2023
£223,403
292.6
-0.2
0.5
November
2023
£222,637
291.6
-0.3
0.0
Note: The Walker Fraser Steele Acadata House Price Index (Scotland) provides the “average of all prices paid for houses”, including those made with cash.
Commentary: John Tindale, Acadata Senior Housing Analyst
November’s housing market
Scotland’s average house price in November 2023 has barely changed over the last year, being just £16 lower than twelve months earlier, and now stands at £222,637. Looking at Table 1 above, it can be seen that for eight of the last twelve months, the average house price has been in a range between £222,400 and £223,830, with the peak occurring in June 2023.
However, referring to Table 2 (on page 4 of this report), there is only one local authority area where the annual rate of change in house prices is zero, which is Glasgow City.
All 31 other areas in Scotland will therefore have been seeing some movement in their average house prices over the previous twelve months. Excluding annual price changes in the range of ±1% only removes a further 4 authorities, leaving 27 authorities that have annual price movements in excess of ±1%.
Indeed, an annual rate of ±3.6% would need to be reached before excluding half of the 32 areas in Scotland. It would therefore be wrong to conclude that all of Scotland’s local housing markets have been static over the last twelve months – rather, the more correct conclusion is that “it just so happens” that when you add all the movements in house prices in Scotland together, they sum to minus £16.
A similar picture emerges when looking at property types – over the last year, the average price of detached properties has increased by +1.2%, and flats by +0.5%, while semi-detached and terraced properties have fallen by -1.8% and -0.9% respectively.
Again, the sum of these changes will amount to (minus) £16 – but that is by chance. There are however underlying trends, such as the level of interest rates (discussed later) and the increase in household living costs which will affect all properties, but even then, these factors don’t necessarily apply to all.
Cash purchasers, for example – who currently represent 36% of all sales in Scotland – may be less influenced by high interest rates, compared to having to take out a loan to purchase a property.
Figure 1.Scotland’s average house price for the period from March 2020 to November 2023
Figure 1 shows how average house prices in Scotland have changed since the start of the Covid pandemic in March 2020.
It can be seen that the average price has barely moved over the twelve months from November 2022 to November 2023, although values have risen by £39,640 from March 2020. This increase of 21.7% over the period compares to a figure of 19.7% in the CPIH Index – so in real terms (after allowing for consumer price inflation) the average house price in Scotland since the start of the pandemic has risen by 2.0%.
Local Authority Analysis
Table 2. Average House Prices in Scotland, by local authority area, comparing November 2022, October 2023 and November 2023
Table 2 shows average house prices, calculated on a seasonal- and mix-adjusted basis, by Local Authority Area, for November 2022 and October and November 2023, together with the corresponding percentage price changes over the last month and year.
The ranking figures are based on average house prices in November 2022 and 2023. Line items are shaded in blue in cases where average house prices in the Local Authority Area have experienced record highs in November 2023.
Annual change
The average house price in Scotland in November 2023 has fallen by a minimal £16, or 0.0%, over the last twelve months, which is 0.5% lower than the rate seen in October, one month earlier. This is the lowest annual growth rate since May 2016, some seven and a half years earlier.
14 of the 32 local authorities in Scotland were reporting a positive movement in prices over the previous twelve months, compared with 17 in October. However, as with the previous month, Edinburgh had the largest fall in prices over the year when measured on a weight-adjusted basis (which takes into account both the number of sales and the nominal fall in its average price of -£7,660), which on its own counterbalanced some 27% of the positive movement in values in the 14 areas with price gains.
In November, on the mainland, East Renfrewshire had the highest increase in its annual rate of price growth, at 12.0%, which enabled the authority to remain in top position in Table 2 for the third month running.
In fact, East Renfrewshire has occupied first place in Table 2 – indicating it has had the highest average property values – for six of the last twelve months, trumping the City of Edinburgh which has only been in first place for four months over this period. In East Renfrewshire, all property types have seen an increase in values over the last twelve months, but particularly semi-detached homes, with average prices rising from £300k in November 2022 to £350k twelve months later.
Staying on the mainland, Midlothian has the second-highest annual growth rate at 10.7%. Again, similar to East Renfrewshire, all property types have seen an increase in their average prices, but in Midlothian it is terraced properties that have had the most significant increase, up from an average £205k in November 2022 to £235k one year later.
At the other end of the scale, the area on the mainland with the largest percentage fall in prices over the last twelve months was Dumfries and Galloway, at -5.4%. In Dumfries and Galloway, all property types saw prices fall over the year, with the largest fall on a weight-adjusted basis being terraced homes, down from an average £140k in November 2022 to £125k one year later.
Monthly change
In November 2023, Scotland’s average house price fell by some -£750, or -0.3%, which contrasts with the revised -£400, or -0.2%, change in prices seen in October. This is the seventh monthly fall of 2023: however, as discussed above, it would appear that prices have been gently oscillating over the last eight months, with the average price ranging between £221,000 and £224,000.
In November 2023, 12 of the 32 Local Authority areas in Scotland experienced rising prices in the month, the same number as in October. The area with the highest increase in its average price in the month was Inverclyde, up by 6.0%, although it still remains the authority with the lowest-priced housing in Scotland. The increase in the area’s price in the month was assisted by the sale of a modern 2-bedroom apartment, in Cloch Road, Gourock, overlooking the Clyde estuary, for £350k.
By way of contrast, the area on the mainland with the largest monthly fall in its average price was Fife, down by -3.6%. All property types in Fife saw a fall in their average prices over the month, with the most significant fall in prices being semi-detached homes, down from £207k in October 2023 to £192k in November.
For interest, the highest-priced home to have been sold in Scotland in November was a £2.9 million five-bedroom detached home in Dirleton, North Berwick, East Lothian, overlooking The Renaissance Golf Club course and the Firth of Forth. Golf is a recurrent theme in the sale of high value homes.
Transactions analysis
Figure 2 below shows the monthly transaction count for purchases during the period from January 2019 to November 2023, based on Registers of Scotland (RoS) figures for the Date of Entry (except for November 2023, which is based on RoS Application Dates).
The first year on the Chart, 2019 (light blue line), was relatively “normal” having an average 8,560 sales per month, some 2.1% higher than the total for 2018, but -0.3% lower than 2017.
As can be seen, 2020 (the turquoise line) was more varied, the Covid pandemic having manifested itself in March 2020, with the first lockdown taking place in April 2020, when the market slumped to just 2,637 sales.
There was then a slow path to recovery during the remainder of 2020 with a peak in transactions in October 2020 of 13,045 sales, as the benefit of the LBTT tax holiday and the mantras of the “race for space” and “work from home” came to the fore.
There was a second peak in transactions in March 2021 (the brown line), as purchasers scrambled to take advantage of the tax holiday, before its cessation on April 1st 2021.
In 2022 (the red line), house purchases returned to near normality, with the first nine months of 2022 seeing an average 8,600 sales per month. However, Liz Truss came into power on 6 September 2022, with her mini-budget, which resulted in the bank base rate being raised to 2.25%. The bank rate was further increased on 3rd November and 15th December 2022, ending the year at 3.5%.
Figure 2.The number of sales per month recorded by RoS based on entry date from 2019 – 2023
This brings us to the current year of 2023 (the black line) – the relatively high bank rate of 3.5% had an adverse effect on property transactions, with only 5,893 sales for January 2023 – the lowest January total since 2013. Although the housing market in 2023 did enjoy the spring bounce in transactions that occurs traditionally in March, the bank base rate was increased a further five times in 2023, reaching 5.25% on 3rd August 2023 (the current rate). Over the first eleven months of 2023, sales are down by 12.3% compared to the equivalent period in 2022.
Scotland transactions of £750k or higher
Table 3. The number of transactions by month in Scotland greater than or equal to £750k, January 2015 – November 2023
Garden centre hosts free gardening workshops on the UK’s most popular vegetable
Potatoes are the most important food crop globally after rice, wheat and corn, and have been named by YouGov as the most popular vegetable at the end of 2023.1
Dobbies knows just how much the nation loves this hearty vegetable and is encouraging gardeners of all abilities and ages to give growing their own spuds a go this year at its free workshops in its Edinburgh store.
Grow How, a 15-minute interactive how-to session where gardeners of all abilities will have the opportunity to learn from Dobbies’ horticultural experts is taking place in its Edinburgh store at 10:30am on Saturday 3 February. Little Seedlings Club, designed for children aged 4-10 years old, is taking place the morning of Sunday 4 February, spotlighting this humble vegetable.
Dobbies’ Grow How sessions encourage local communities near its stores to give gardening a go, whether you’re a novice, seasoned gardener or enthusiast. Attendees can go to the demonstration section of the Edinburgh store, where Dobbies’ experts will share knowledge on the different types of potato varieties, reveal tips such as ‘chitting’, share advice on how to care for and protect your crop, alongside gardening tips to ensure a successful potato harvest.
Dobbies’ Little Seedlings Club is designed to educate and inspire the next generation of gardeners, getting children of all ages together in a friendly group setting to learn something new.
February’s session will unveil the history of the spud and different parts of the vegetable. Children will also gain an understanding of how they grow, what you need to help them thrive, when it’s best to sow or know when it’s time to harvest, an insight into ‘chitting’ to give spuds a head start, and the varieties that can be grown. From red potatoes, yellow potatoes, brown potatoes to even purple potatoes, there’s plenty of variation.
In addition to this, children will learn how potatoes are enjoyed from different countries and cultures around the globe.
Dobbies’ Plant Buyer, Nigel Lawton, tells us why this versatile vegetable is one of the easiest to grow at home. He said: “From Maris Piper to Potato Charlotte, there is a wide variety of potatoes to choose from that you can grow for yourself at home.
“All you need is a potato sack or tub, filled with a quarter of good quality peat-free compost, three seed potatoes evenly spaced on top of the soil covered with another layer of compost and then water regularly to keep the compost moist. Your potatoes will be ready to be harvested in as little as 12 weeks.”
For more information about February’s free events in Dobbies’ Edinburgh store and to make a booking, visit dobbies.com/events
UKHSA and ONS have published the latest data from the Winter Coronavirus (COVID-19) Infection Study, known as the Winter CIS
Winter COVID-19 Infection Study shows a continued decline in COVID-19 in England and Scotland.
The latest data from the Winter COVID-19 Infection Study, an epidemiological study run in partnership by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Office for National Statistics (ONS), shows a clear decline in the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in England and Scotland in the 2 weeks up to 10 January.
Analysis by UKHSA suggests that prevalence in the community is 2.3%, or around one in every 43 people. This represents a decrease in prevalence from 3.1% (one in every 32 people) in the previous report.
Positivity data from the ONS indicates that of the approximately 26,000 participants who reported LFD test results in the last reporting period, 1.9% tested positive for COVID-19, compared to 2.7% in the last report.
The most recent data shows a clear decline in prevalence in Scotland and most of the regions in England. This decline was also observed for the age groups between 18 to 74.
Professor Steven Riley, Director General for Data and Surveillance at UKHSA said: “This week’s data confirms the early signs of a decline in COVID-19 across the country that we saw in last week’s report.
“While this is welcome, it is important to recognise that this does not mean that the risk of becoming ill with COVID-19 has gone away.
“In previous years, we have sometimes seen a decline in early January followed by an increase over the next few weeks, so it remains important that we continue to do what we can to reduce transmission.
“Those people who are most at risk of severe illness from COVID-19 can still receive a seasonal vaccination until the end of this month, and we urge anyone eligible who has not already done so to come forward. You can get a vaccine through your GP, by booking with a local NHS vaccination service, or you can find a COVID-19 vaccination walk-in site.
“If you are showing symptoms of COVID-19 or other respiratory illnesses, you should try to limit your contact with other people as much as possible, especially those who are older or more vulnerable.”
Proposals to increase reuse and recycling and cut waste are being put forward as part of a consultation.
Reducing single-use, disposable items like cups, banning the destruction of unsold goods and promoting the reuse of construction materials are just some of the actions being suggested as part of the draft Circular Economy and Waste Route Map consultation.
Over the past ten years, the total amount of waste going to landfill in Scotland has dropped by over a third, with the most recent official statistics showing that Scotland met its 2025 target to reduce all waste by 15%.
Following an initial consultation in 2022, the new route map sets out a plan for new, national reuse and recycling targets along with priority actions needed between now and the end of the decade to help drive Scotland’s transition to a circular economy.
The actions complement provisions in the draft Circular Economy Bill which is currently at stage 1 in Parliament and include proposals for the creation of local recycling targets, reflecting the success of Wales which has one of the highest household recycling rates in the world.
Circular Economy Minister Lorna Slater said: “We have already made good progress across Scotland, significantly reducing the amount of waste we generate and landfill, but we need to go further if reusing and recycling goods is to become the default choice for households, businesses and the public sector.
“For people to do the right thing for the planet, it is crucial that everyone experiences a modern, easy to use waste service. This second consultation sets out our priority actions and the tools we will put in place to help everyone play their part in cutting waste and capitalising on the economic opportunities that a circular economy presents to businesses. I urge everyone to take part.”
Wildlife Photographer of the Year – 20 January to 6 May 2024
National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street
Wildlife cameraman and presenter Hamza Yassin yesterday attended an event to mark the opening of the world-renowned Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition at the National Museum of Scotland.
The exhibition, on loan from the Natural History Museum in London, features exceptional images which capture fascinating animal behaviour, spectacular species and the breathtaking diversity of the natural world.
Using photography’s unique emotive power to engage and inspire audiences, the images shine a light on stories and species around the world and encourage a future of advocating for the planet.
Hamza Yassin said: “I was delighted to be among the first people in Scotland to view this thought-provoking exhibition.
“As a wildlife cameraman and photographer myself, it was great to see such a variety of incredible images and to appreciate the skill, knowledge of nature and ingenuity that must have gone into capturing them.
“Photography like this can really inspire us all to think about the beauty and fragility of our natural world, as well as the things we can do to protect it.”
Wildlife Photographer of the Year is the most prestigious photography event of its kind, providing a global platform that showcases some of the best photography talent from around the world for nearly 60 years.
Launched in 1965, today the competition receives entries from countries all over the world, highlighting its enduring appeal. This year’s award-winning images will embark on an international tour that will allow them to be seen by well over a million people.
This year’s competition attracted 49,957 entries from photographers of all ages and experience levels from 95 countries. Over the course of a week at the Natural History Museum in London, entries were judged anonymously on their creativity, originality, and technical excellence by an international panel of industry experts.
French underwater photographer and marine biologist Laurent Ballesta was awarded Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2023 for The golden horseshoe, an otherworldly image of a tri-spine horseshoe crab accompanied by a trio of golden trevallies. Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2023 was awarded to 17-year-old Carmel Bechler from Israel for his Owls’ roadhouse, a dynamic frame of barn owls in an abandoned roadside building.
Dr Nick Fraser, Keeper of Natural Sciences at National Museums Scotland, said: “These images taken together tell a powerful story, balancing the wonder and beauty of the natural world with its fragility and vulnerability to climate change and biodiversity loss.
“It is perhaps less well understood how the work of in-house natural sciences teams and external researchers on collections such as ours at National Museums Scotland and those at the Natural History Museum contributes hugely to global understanding of human impact on the environment. We look forward to welcoming visitors to the exhibition when it opens this weekend.”
Dr Doug Gurr, Director of the Natural History Museum said: “We are facing urgent biodiversity and climate crises, and photography is a powerful catalyst for change.
“The Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition reveals some of nature’s most wondrous sights whilst offering hope and achievable actions visitors can take to help protect the natural world.”
Chair of the judging panel, Kathy Moran said: “What most impressed the jury was the range of subjects, from absolute beauty, rarely seen behaviours and species to images that are stark reminders of what we are doing to the natural world. We felt a powerful tension between wonder and woe that we believe came together to create a thought-provoking collection of photographs.”
The exhibition at the National Museum of Scotland is supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery and will be supported by a range of public events and activities.
Laura Chow, Head of Charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, said: “The Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition is truly stunning and inspiring, helping us discover untold stories of species from around the world.
“Our players have raised more than £3.3 million for National Museums Scotland and I’m delighted their support makes exhibitions like this accessible to everyone, allowing more people to learn about our natural world”.
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