Our first Afternoon Tea was a resounding success last Friday, and spaces are filling up for the next one! So much so that we’ve added a new date on Saturday 17th February!
These delicious teas are made by our chefs in house, and as well as being a delicious treat to brighten up any weekend, they also raise funds for the Hospice!
You can book yours today by emailing iona@stcolumbashospice.org.uk , booking in person in the Iona Cafe, or by going to our online shop!
The Chinese New Year is celebrated by cultures across the globe and this year retailers in Multrees Walk Edinburgh are inviting shoppers to celebrate The Year of the Dragon in style.
The Lunar New Year is a time for joy and celebration and is also an opportunity for many to buy gifts that represent good fortune and blessings.
A symbol of good luck, strength and prosperity, the dragon represents a hopeful year ahead. From beautifully designed dragon motifs to an abundance of red – a colour that represents luck, joy, and happiness in Chinese culture – Multrees Walk has curated a Lunar New Year gift guide to help celebrate the Chinese New Year.
The dragon motif has been adopted by several fashion brands to help bring in the Year of the Dragon in style:
Louis Vuitton
Louis Vuitton will host an in-store event on Thursday 8th February between 12-6pm. Throughout the day, a calligrapher will illustrate a collection of stylish gift cards and there will be a selection of tea and sweet treats to enjoy.
Harvey Nichols
Harvey Nichols Edinburgh welcomes Scotland’s leading Palmist Kalem Turner for a day of astrology and tarot card reading on Saturday 10th February. Kalem will be hosting 1:1 appointments within the private, luxury surrounds of the Private Shopping suite at Harvey Nichols, Edinburgh.
Intricate dragon designs are commemorated on Limited edition Laura Mercier festive products to welcome the Lunar New Year.
Red and gold envelopes will also be given away to customers who spend over £250 within the Beauty/Retail department or £100 within the Forth Floor Foodmarket between 9th – 12th February. These envelopes will present customers with good fortune and the potential for what the year lies ahead.
And, red and gold envelopes will also be within a funfair Claw Grabber Machine, where chances to win tokens are given to customers who spend over £250 within the Beauty/Retail department or £100 within the Forth Floor Foodmarket between 9th – 12th February. These envelopes will present customers with good fortune and the potential for what the year lies ahead.
Mulberry
This Chinese New Year, designer Mira Mikati refreshes a series of Mulberry styles with her bright and bold signature colour palettes in a collaboration that perfectly encapsulates the joyful spirit of the Year of the Dragon.
Strathberry
Taking inspiration from traditional Chinese paintings, that depict the dragon in its most mesmerising form, Strathberry is delighted to release an exclusive, limited-edition collection, celebrating the Year of Dragon with a vibrant floral motif.
– Cardholder – £95
– Silk Skinny Scarf – £75
Strathberry customers are also invited to celebrate Chinese New Year by experiencing the art of Chinese calligraphy which is taking place in store on Saturday 3rd February.
Customers will also receive a Strathberry bespoke Red Envelope Set for the year of Dragon, which symbolises good luck and prosperity for the forthcoming year.
Johnstons of Elgin
Johnstons of Elgin have introduced a Limited Edition Cashmere Scarf, celebrating The Year of the Dragon. Made with the softest Cashmere yarn, this generously sized scarf features an embroidered image of a dragon, symbolising health, luck and strength in Chinese culture. Available in muted camel and light grey shades.
Michael Kors Edinburgh
Book a private stylist between 4th – 10th February to explore the new collection and receive a complimentary glass of prosecco. Customers that spend £100 or more will also receive a special gift with their purchase to celebrate Chinese New Year.
The Whisky Shop
The Whisky Shop in Multrees Walk introduces the Lunar Year with Johnnie Walker Blue Label’s spectacularly sweet and fruity limited-edition release. This is their latest addition to their yearly Lunar New Year Series.
Multrees Walk will join Edinburgh Tourism Action Group (ETAG) as part of the Edinburgh Chinese New Year Festival, which is the largest celebration of its kind in Scotland and runs from 3rd – 13th February 2024.
For further information on when and what the Multrees Walk retailers have to offer, please visit www.multreeswalk.co.uk/whats-happening/
2022 saw UK temperatures soar to above 40°C for the first time, while 2023 was the world’s hottest year on record. Westminster’s Environmental Audit Committee has raised concerns over the UK’s lack of preparedness in its report on ‘Heat resilience and sustainable cooling’.
The “silent killer” of heatwaves could claim up to 10,000 lives annually in the UK without concerted action, with the most vulnerable at greatest risk. Physical and mental health can be severely impacted: the Committee heard that suicide risk is twice as high in the UK when the temperature was 32°C rather than 22°C.
Work-related injuries also increase, and interrupted sleep patterns due to high temperatures can cost the UK economy £60bn a year, or 1.5% to 2% of GDP.
The social and economic case for accelerating heat adaptation measures in the UK is clear-cut, and EAC recommends measures around prioritising passive cooling – that do not involve expending energy – and clear Government messaging on the risks of heat events, underpinned by a national strategy on heat resilience.
Nature based solutions offer important passive cooling measures and additional co-benefits. Parks, trees, water bodies and green infrastructure – such as green roofs – can have significant cooling effects and also help biodiversity and air quality.
The Government must adopt a range of these measures, particularly in areas where the ‘urban heat island’ effect typically raises temperatures: for example, London can be up to 8°C warmer than surrounding rural areas.
Over 4.6 million English homes experience summertime overheating, and with 80% of homes that will exist in 2050 having already been built, retrofitting for net zero and thermal comfort will be needed on a vast scale.
Existing initiatives on insulation and energy efficiency should be developed into a national retrofit programme which should be delivered by local authorities, supported by long term funding, focusing on insulation and ventilation, as well as passive measures, above active cooling mechanisms.
Fans may also have a role, and the Government should consider amending Building Regulations to encourage the use of ceiling fans. The Government must urgently bring forward proposals to encourage access to low-cost finance for householders to retrofit passive cooling measures.
Some of the passive measures EAC heard about included installing external shutters, which could reduce incidences of heat mortality by around 40%, and coating the roofs of buildings with reflective white paint.
Passive cooling measures would reduce the need for energy intensive air conditioning units, which in 2022 and 2023 led to a surge in demand for electricity causing coal fired power stations to fire up once more. A repeat of this surge risks a vicious cycle of increased greenhouse gas emissions that in turn make the world even hotter. Action to increase the energy efficiency of air conditioners is therefore also required.
Any national retrofit programme must be well-funded but also address concerns of a “net zero tradespeople crisis” amid concerns that by 2030, there will be a shortfall of 250,000 people in suitable roles.
Information on coping with extreme heat does not always appear to be reaching those in need. Repeating calls the predecessor Committee made in its 2018 Heatwaves report, EAC urges the Government to launch a public information campaign on the developing threat of heatwaves and their significant impact on human health and activities.
The Met Office should trial naming heatwaves to boost public recognition of the threat to health and wellbeing in the same way as named storms. Humidity levels should also be incorporated into weather forecasts and heat-health alerts.
At COP28, the UK signed the Global Cooling Pledge, which saw nations commit to reduce cooling related emissions by 68% from 2023 by 2050. EAC hopes its report assists the Government’s production of a national cooling action plan as the pledge calls for, and in response to its report, the Government should set out its timetable for this plan.
Environmental Audit Committee Chair, Rt Hon Philip Dunne MP, said: “The world is heating up, and in the coming year we may exceed an increase of over 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels: breaking a key ambition of the Paris Agreement. The record temperatures we are seeing in UK summers, triggered by climate change, pose significant risks to health and wellbeing, and swift action must now be taken to adapt to the UK’s changing climate.
“Projections suggest that without action, there could be 10,000 UK heat-related deaths annually. High temperatures are costing the UK economy £60 billion a year: so measures to address the risks from overheating are simply a no-brainer.
“There are a number of relatively simple ways to mitigate overheating risk, such as installing shutters, increasing the size of green spaces and using reflective paint on roofs. Yet none of these measures are being rolled out at scale. There is now a real opportunity to focus on these measures in tandem with improving the energy efficiency of the country’s homes in a new national retrofit programme.
“Tackling overheating at scale will not be a quick or easy undertaking. Clear collaboration between Government departments and local authorities is necessary, supported by a clear messaging campaign and a pipeline of funding and skilled retrofitters to undertake the work needed.
“Existing Government policy fails to grasp the urgency of the task at hand. A Minister with oversight on heat resilience must be appointed to oversee this important work.”
Dr Radhika Khosla, Associate Professor at the Smith School of Enterprise and Environment, University of Oxford, who acted as Specialist Adviser for the EAC’s inquiry, said: “We were delighted to partner with the EAC for this timely and important inquiry.
“Sustainable cooling has rightly been pushed up the global agenda in recent years as temperatures rise around the world. But now that we recognise the problems from extreme heat, it is imperative we commit to the solutions.
“Our hope is that this report helps the UK take action to meet its Global Cooling Pledge commitments and, most importantly, helps to save lives and protect people’s wellbeing while reducing emissions from cooling.”
Fashion fans set to flock to the official open weekend to shop new collections from Vivienne Westwood, Temperley London and Suzanne Neville
Good news for fashion fans – the award-winning Rachel Scott Couture is marking its 20th anniversary with an exciting expansion.
The new boutique will feature a carefully curated selection of eveningwear, bespoke jewellery and accessories from top designers such as Vivienne Westwood, Temperley London and Suzanne Neville, and Scottish style enthusiasts can get an exclusive first look from tomorrow – Thursday 1st February.
Located in the heart of the Scottish capital on Edinburgh’s Queensferry Street, fashion aficionados can book a private appointment at the boutique from Thursday 1st February.
Alternatively, fashionistas can drop in and browse the full collection without an appointment during the open weekend on Saturday 3rd – Sunday 4th February. Here, they can take full advantage of the launch offers which include 20% off all Rachel Scott bespoke jewellery and a £250 discount on Rachel Scott bespoke jewellery pieces with any dress purchase.
The new premises will showcase a range of colourful cocktails dresses, beautiful black tie gowns and the finest couture formalwear, as well as handcrafted headwear and jewellery for any occasion.
Designer names include Vivienne Westwood whose exclusive made-to-order collection will be available for the very first time in Scotland at Rachel Scott Couture.
What’s more, the new made-to-order eveningwear collection from celebrity favourite Suzanne Neville will also be available for the first time in Scotland at Rachel Scott Couture.
Speaking ahead of the launch, boutique owner Rachel Snedden explains the benefits of buying made-to-order pieces; “Fit is such a huge issue for many people when buying ‘off-the-rack’ clothing, and even more so when shopping online.
“Now imagine you can have something made to your exact measurements and specifications, for example – you don’t like the neckline, the colour, or you don’t want to have to worry about a bra – we can change it and have it made the way you really want it!”
As well as offering this made-to-order service, the new Rachel Scott Couture boutique will also provide the same exceptional level of expertise and personal attention that has resulted in the couture experts winning an impressive collection of accolades and awards throughout their 20 years in business.
There has been a rise in young people in Scotland vaping in recent years, with more than 40 per cent of children and teenagers saying they’ve tried vapes by the time they reach S4.1
Vaping is a new and emerging pattern of disruptive behaviour in schools, with staff reporting reduced attendance as young people gather to vape in toilets through the school day.2
Nicotine, often found in vapes, can also be linked to stress, anxiety and struggles with sleeping. Research shows that you can become addicted to nicotine within days of starting to use it and a quarter of teens who tried vaping say they are addicted.3
To help tackle this issue the Scottish Government has launched a campaign which encourages and supports teachers to have conversations with pupils about the serious health risks of vaping.
Public Health Minister Jenni Minto said: “Smoking damages lives and kills more than 8,000 people a year in Scotland and is burden on our NHS and social care services. Research also suggests that almost one in five adolescents have tried vapes.
“While E-cigarettes are one of a range of tools for adult smokers to quit smoking, they should never be used by young people or adult non-smokers. We must take action to prevent young people using vapes and becoming addicted which will damage their health, and that’s why we launched a marketing campaign. It is much easier to never start than it is to give up.”
Allie Cherry-Byrnes, CEO of Fast Forward, a voluntary education organisation, said: “We know from speaking to schools and parents during our vaping workshops that schools have seen a notable increase of vaping among pupils recently.
“The nicotine addiction associated with vaping can affect pupils’ ability to concentrate in school and schools are also seeing a negative impact on attendance.
“The campaign resources are a useful tool for teachers as they continue to speak to pupils about vaping and help young people understand the health risks involved.”
Resources linking to Curriculum for Excellence have been shared with all Scottish schools, including information and facts about vaping, posters, newsletter copy, social media assets and an expert film featuring Professor Linda Bauld talking about the impacts of vaping on young people.
Professor Linda Bauld from the University of Edinburgh said “There is a rise in young people in Scotland who vape and this is a concern. These are products that should be used by adult smokers trying to quit and not other groups.
“Although we don’t have long term evidence on health harms, we do know that many vaping products contain nicotine that can be addictive. Cravings for nicotine can lead to irritability, restlessness, feeling anxious or depressed, trouble concentrating and sleeping.
“It’s important that we communicate to young people and parents about risks and support them to have informed discussions about these products.”
Nicotine withdrawal can have an impact on a young person’s mental health making them tired, stressed and anxious. It can also affect young people’s concentration and impact their ability to learn and study. The first symptoms of nicotine dependence can appear within days or weeks of starting to occasionally vape.
The ‘Take Hold’ campaign also offers advice for parents about talking to their about vaping and features a striking image of a young person being ‘taken hold of’ by vape smoke, to highlight how vaping can quickly take hold of and impact your life.
Members of the public are being asked to give their views on how climate change is currently impacting Scotland.
A newly-launched public consultation is also seeking views on how to protect and restore nature, improve green spaces in local areas and help prepare businesses for both the risks and the opportunities presented by climate change.
The consultation focuses on a draft Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024-2029 (SNAP3), setting out proposals for managing the current and future impacts of climate change in Scotland. The increasing frequency of extreme weather such as storms, flooding, and heat will have impacts across society, ranging from agricultural production to critical supply chains for vital foods, goods and services.
The draft plan also outlines the potential economic opportunities for Scotland, such as the development of new, innovative products and services which support Scotland’s resilience to climate change. Examples include battery storage, new insurance products and expertise in areas such as heritage restoration.
Responses from the consultation will help shape actions to prepare Scotland for climate change, as well as provide direction for future Government investment.
Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Just Transition Màiri McAllan marked the publication of the draft plan at a visit to the Levern Water River Restoration project in East Renfrewshire.
The recently completed adaptation project is already providing multiple benefits to the local community, including lowering the risk of flooding, connecting nature networks to restore habitats and protect wildlife, and providing active travel opportunities for people including for staff and pupils at Carlibar Primary School.
Ms McAllan said: “As we have seen in recent times Scotland is not immune from the impacts of climate change – 2023 was the hottest year on record and storms have battered the country this winter, impacting families, communities and businesses.
“As highlighted in the UK’s Climate Change Committee’s latest assessment report, we are taking notable steps forward on adaptation policy, however planning and preparation is always better than response and recovery. The decisions we make today must stand the test of time.
“Businesses, public sector, the third sector, communities and individuals all stand to benefit from learning more about their exposure to climate change risks and – crucially – how they can respond and what support is available. And just like our work to reduce carbon emissions, adaptation action also needs to be grounded in fairness, equality and seizing economic opportunities.
“I urge everyone to take part in the consultation so we can build a more climate resilient Scotland for future generations.”
East Renfrewshire Council Leader, Owen O’Donnell said: “We are very proud of the recent transformation of the Levern Water – an area which had previously been derelict for decades.
“A wider, more natural river channel has been restored to the river, encouraging more fish and wildlife and helping to future proof it against flooding and the impact of climate change. It’s been fantastic to see that the new flood plain has successfully held up against the various storms experienced this winter.
“Attractive and accessible greenspace is so important to communities and this project has been able to provide over a hectare of wildflower meadows, woodlands and a riverside path network – connecting schools, shops and the train station.
“Pupils from Carlibar Primary have been doing a great job in helping to monitor the ongoing health and biodiversity of the Levern Water with support from the Clyde River Foundation, even rearing trout in their classrooms to be released into the river in spring.”
Nicole Paterson, Chief Executive of SEPA, said: “As Scotland’s Environment Protection Agency, we’re on the front line of global action to tackle our climate and nature emergencies. Through innovation and collaboration, we aim to help build a stronger, fairer and more sustainable nation.
“Projects like the Levern Water restoration underscore that effort, and stand as a testament to the positive outcomes that can be achieved through working together on regenerative initiatives.
“The adaption plan is crucial to future success, and with early engagement, we ensure that our decisions today pave the way for a Scotland that’s not just ready for change, but thrives in the midst of it.”
The Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024-29 = https://consult.gov.scot/energy-and-climate-change-directorate/scottish-climate-adaptation-plan will be open for public consultation until the 24 April.
Staff at Barchester Healthcare’s Strachan House care home, in Edinburgh have welcomed a new General Manager to head up the team.
Fran Fisher will oversee the running of the 83 bed home and will be responsible for a team of 114 staff. Prior to starting in this position Fran was a Regional Director within the care sector bringing a wealth of experience to home.
Fran returned to Barchester in late 2023 before transferring to Strachan House as General Manager, where she had worked as a student nurse 11 years ago.
Strachan House is one of over 200 care homes owned by Barchester Healthcare that offers high quality care to its local communities. The home regularly holds events and activities for its residents and surrounding neighbours.
The new General Manager, Fran Fisher said: “I am delighted to join the team here at Strachan House and am enjoying meeting and getting to know our residents.
“Some of the staff team are familiar from my time here as a student and it’s a great chance to lead the team and get to know staff old and new. I’m looking forward to managing this home and continuing to provide high quality care.”
Mandy Hurst the Regional Operations Director for Strachan House said: “I am pleased to welcome this addition to the team here at Strachan House.
“We are committed to providing high quality care and I really think Fran will be a big hit with our residents.”
Strachan House care home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering personalised care across its care homes and hospitals. Strachan House provides residential care, nursing care and dementia care for 83 residents from respite care to long term stays.
A Freedom of Information request, lodged by Labour Lothians MSP, Sarah Boyack, has revealed that the average wait times for patients at Edinburgh’s Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion, has more than DOUBLED since 2014.
The average wait for inpatient appointments in 2014 was 56.6 days, compared to a staggering 132 days in 2023.
This is an increase of over 130% from when the Eye Pavilion was deemed not fit for purpose in 2014.
A replacement Eye Pavilion was deemed as a top priority of NHS Lothian, but the Scottish Government have not yet committed to the project.
This is despite promises by then First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon that the Scottish Government would proceed with a replacement building.
The outpatient average waiting times has also skyrocketed by similar margins. In 2014, the average wait times for outpatients stood at 49.8 days – by 2023, it had increased dramatically to 136.6 days.
Commening on the figures, Sarah Boyack said: “These soaring waiting times illustrates that the current Eye Pavilion, is not fit for purpose.
“Patients deserve top notch services, but instead they face ever increasing waiting times and a government that is looking the other way.
“The Scottish Government must look at these waiting times and realise that their decision not to go ahead with the hospital will only make things worse.
“I urge the Scottish Government to do the right thing and finally fulfil their pledge to build a new eye hospital in Edinburgh.”
Craig Spalding, Chief Executive, Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans, commented: “The soaring waiting times at Edinburgh’s Princess Alexandra Hospital unfortunately come as no surprise, as the building and its facilities are severely outdated.
“The Scottish Government’s decision to not go ahead with a new hospital is letting so many vulnerable people down.
“Growing waiting times are causing lives to be put on hold, and unless positive action is taken, there will likely be more cancellations, prolonged delays, and heightened risks for both patients and staff.”
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), working with law enforcement partners, seized more than 15.5 million doses of illegally traded medicines with a street value of more than £30 million during 2023.
his includes more than two million doses seized during Operation Pangea, the international initiative of global enforcement partners that targets the illegal internet trade in medical products.
Last year’s seizures included prescription-only anti-anxiety medicines, opioids and sleeping pills and falsified and unlicensed lifestyle products such as erectile dysfunction and hair loss medications, as well as a small number of aesthetic products such as Botox and semaglutide-containing ‘weight loss’ products.
Working with partners, the MHRA also disrupted more than 12,000 websites illegally selling medical products to the public and shut down almost 3,000 social media profiles during the year.
The MHRA works with many online marketplaces, social media platforms and technology providers, as well as a wide range of law enforcement agencies at home and abroad to investigate and remove potentially harmful medical products that are offered illegally to the public.
Support and advice provided by the MHRA to online marketplaces resulted in the successful removal of more than half a million unregulated prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines and medical devices before they could even be offered for sale to the public.
Andy Morling, MHRA Deputy Director (Criminal Enforcement), said: Public safety is our number one priority. Our Criminal Enforcement Unit works hard to prevent, detect and investigate illegal activity involving medicines and medical devices, to protect people and defeat this harmful trade.
“This year, working with partners across public and private sectors, our efforts have led to more medicines seizures than ever, custodial sentences for offenders, the removal of criminal profits and considerable success in disrupting the trade online.
“We would urge everyone to think very carefully before buying medicines they see online and to take the necessary steps to assure themselves the seller is legitimate. Buying powerful medicines from illegitimate sellers poses a real and immediate danger to your health, as you have no idea what they might actually contain.
“If you suspect that you have seen illegal products being sold online, you can help us take action by reporting your concerns through our Yellow Card scheme.
If a medicine is unlicensed, it will not have been assessed by the MHRA for its safety, effectiveness or the quality of its manufacturing and distribution processes. Anyone buying such a product cannot be sure what it contains or whether it will cause them harm.
The sale of medicines and medical devices is strictly controlled in the UK, with certain products only permitted for sale through registered pharmacies or supplied on prescription from a qualified healthcare professional.
Last year, six MHRA investigations resulted in significant custodial sentences for many of those convicted. These prosecutions followed detailed investigations, the seizure of millions of doses of medicines and the removal of hundreds of thousands of pounds of criminal profits.
Be careful when buying medicines online
Medicines are not ordinary consumer goods and their sale and supply is tightly controlled. Websites operating outside the legal supply chain may seem tempting, for example, offering a prescription medicine without a prescription. Not only are these sites breaking the law – they are putting your health at risk.
Criminals use a variety of techniques to sell medicines illegally online. Some are sold using websites designed to look like legitimate pharmacies or online retailers, while others might be advertised via online marketplaces or social media sites.
Visit the #FakeMeds website for tools and resources to help people purchase medicines or medical devices safely online.
Anyone who suspects that their product is fake is encouraged to report it directly to the Yellow Card scheme, through the website (https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/) or by searching the Google Play or Apple App stores for MHRA Yellow Card.
Police are appealing for information after two bicycles were stolen in Edinburgh.
They were stolen from a garden shed at an address in Buckstone Avenue around 6.45pm on Thursday, 25 January, 2024.
The first is a green/bronze coloured Ragley Mountain Bike with purple handle bar end caps and the second is a blue coloured Giant Fantom Mountain Bike.
Inspector Keith Forrester said: “One of the bikes holds a great deal of sentimental value to the family as it belonged to their 18-year-old son who died in February 2023.
“The family are distraught and described the bike as their late son’s pride and joy and provided them with many fond memories.
“We are appealing for anyone who has any information to come forward. If you were in the area and have private CCTV or dash-cam footage which could help, please get in touch.
“If you have unknowingly bought one of the stolen bikes recently, it would mean so much to the family to get the bikes back.
“Anyone with any information is asked to contact 101 quoting reference incident 3430 of 25 January.”
