Day: February 8, 2024

Commons Club serves up a global gastronomic dining experience

Commons Club, Virgin Hotels Edinburgh’s flagship restaurant, will bring a new and exclusive culinary experience to its dining offering, The Chef’s Table

 Guests will be given a taste of the finest cuisine from around the world through an internationally themed menu each month throughout 2024

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh’s flagship restaurant, Commons Club, is set to offer a new and unique dining experience, immersing guests in a global culinary journey through collaborations with globally renowned chefs.

Beginning in February, the month-long takeovers will give guests a taste of the finest cuisine from around the world through internationally themed menus as part of Commons Club’s exclusive dining offering, The Chef’s Table, which gives guests a front row seat to experience the creativity behind the culinary craft.

With prices starting at £75 per person, the exclusive menus will draw on inspiration from the finest international flavours. From Peru to Japan, Chef de Cuisine Emma Hanley will collaborate with chefs from around the world to carefully curate bespoke six course tasting menus featuring global culinary delights from their own kitchens.

To begin the series, The Chef’s Table will go to Japan with a menu that allows guests to experience authentic oriental flavours with a twist and paired perfectly with locally sourced ingredients such as the Pan Seared Halibut, caught inScottishwater.

As the Pièce de résistance, this menu features Japanese Black Wagyu Ribeye from Kagoshima Prefecture – of A3 to A5 grade, the highest rating of this delicacy. Praised for its marbling, Wagyu is widely renowned as the best beef in the world and boasts a buttery flavour, tenderness, and juiciness unmatched by other steaks.

Showcasing an array of delicious Japanese inspired treats, guests can also expect an Amuse Bouche of Miso soup, followed by Seven Spiced Seared Tuna, rounded off with the Cherry Blossom and Petit Fours, yuzu pâte de fruits, sesame ice cream cones, which promise a sweet conclusion to an extraordinary dining experience.

Tying in with the flavours of Japan, Commons Club has also partnered with House of Suntory – a House of Japanese artisans, crafting world-class spirits, inspired by Japanese nature and mastered with Japanese craft – to curate a cocktail menu that pairs perfectly with The Chef’s Table dishes.

Expertly chosen by Commons Club’s Head Mixologist, Leon Back, each drink has been skilfully mixed to complement the flavour profile of every dish, from the Japanese Inspired White Negroni, Roku gin, Luxardo Bitter Bianco, Martini Ambrato, Lucky Orange liqueur, to the Umami Flavoured Manhattan, featuring Toki Whiskey, Martini Rhubino, Aelder and soy sauce.

Emma Hanley, Chef de Cuisine at Commons Club, said: “Offering a completely unique experience for guests, we want to create an exclusive evening of dining to remember, with the highest quality ingredients and collaborations with world renowned chefs along the way.

“Scotland is home to some of the highest quality produce and we want to showcase that in our Chef’s Table offering, incorporating the best local ingredients with different tastes from around the world. We’re working on a series of menus for the rest of 2024 that aim to excite, inspire, and let our guests try something new.”

With world renowned chef partners still to be announced, takeover highlights for 2024 also include:

  • February: A trip to the country of the Rising Sun for Japan with Emma Hanley, Chef de Cuisine at Commons Club
  • March: The Chef’s Table goes to Greece with Kostas Papathansiou, Head Chef at Harrods
  • April: The Chef’s Table goes to Portugal and Spain
  • May: The Chef’s Table goes to Peru
  • June: The Chef’s Table goes to Italy with Stefano Battani, Head Chef at Cucine Nervi
  • July & August: The Chef’s Table goes to Scotland
  • September: The Chef’s Table goes to France
  • October: The Chef’s Table goes to the Middle East
  • November & December: The Chef’s Table goes to Great Britain

Running throughout the month from Thursday to Saturday weekly from 7pm, The Chef’s Table can be booked exclusively as a private event or for individual diners, where guests can expect an intimate three-hour sociable dining experience on a long-shared table.

With more exciting collaborations still to be announced, you can find out more information about Commons Club and The Chef’s Table experience here: 

https://virginhotels.com/edinburgh/eat-drink/commons-club/

For reservations, visit: Commons Bar & Restaurant – VH Edinburgh Reservations (sevenrooms.com)

You can also follow along on social media here: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube

David Wilson Homes scores Rosewell football team partnership 

David Wilson Homes, which forms part of Barratt Developments alongside Barratt Homes, has become the latest sponsor of one of Midlothian’s most-popular football teams. 

Football fans will now be able to spot David Wilson’s branding on Whitehill Welfare FC’s kit, as well as on pitch-side banners at the team’s home ground of Ferguson Park in Rosewell. 

The partnership with the team, which plays in the East of Scotland First Division, forms part of the housebuilders commitment to support causes and organisations within the communities it builds. David Wilson’s local development of Rosewell Meadow offers a range of four-bed, high-quality family homes on the outskirts of the picturesque village. 

Mark Calder, of Whitehill Welfare FC, said: “Whitehill Welfare FC is delighted to welcome David Wilson Homes to Rosewell. As a club we are proud to partner with such a large company and are excited to display their logo on our kit over the next few seasons. 

“The sponsorship is invaluable to clubs like ours, and the support from David Wilson Homes has allowed us to invest in new training kit and equipment for our playing squad.” 

Pic Greg Macvean 25/01/2024 Weber Shandwick – David Wilson Homes with their sponsorship on the new Whitehill Welfare football club strips. Pictured is Zoe Cairns from DWH with players Tam Prior (beard) and Kevin Keane

Anne Ross, Sales Director at Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes East Scotland, said: “We’re always looking at ways in which we can support the areas in which we build, and are proud to now be sponsoring Whitehill Welfare FC.  

“Members of the Rosewell community will now be able to spot David Wilson’s branding at Ferguson Park and on the team’s kit. We’re looking forward to supporting this partnership and wish the team all the best for the season ahead.” 

The former mining village in Midlothian is just seven miles from Edinburgh’s city centre, with Edinburgh City Bypass nearby for commuters. Closer to home, the development is near a number of well-regarded schools and has a range of family-friendly activities on its doorstep, including Roslin Glen Country Park, the National Mining Museum in Newtongrange and Fort Douglas within Dalkeith Country Park.  

With homes at Rosewell Meadow starting at £414,995, the housebuilder is currently offering buyers 5% towards their deposit or mortgage; or a guaranteed buyer with their Part Exchange service. All homes currently for sale include a host of extras and flooring. 

For more information on David Wilson Homes in Scotland, visit:

www.dwh.co.uk/new-homes/scotland/edinburgh/  

Scottish Government launches International Education Strategy

Plans unveiled to maximise Scotland’s reputation globally

Promoting Scotland’s world leading university research and economic potential is at the core of the country’s first International Education Strategy (IES).

The IES sets out plans to attract more academic staff, and to encourage and support international students to stay in Scotland after qualifying to work in key growth economies.

As part of the strategy, activity will be increased to promote  universities and colleges internationally to prospective students, with global alumni communities and the wider Scottish diaspora being engaged.

Work to develop a Scottish Exchange Programme will continue, building on the current Test and Learn project, and a Talent Attraction and Migration Service will be  launched in 2024 providing information and advice for students considering staying in Scotland post-qualifying.

Launching the strategy at Edinburgh Napier University, Higher and Further Education Minister Graeme Dey said: “Scotland already has more top universities per head of population than any other country in the world. This strategy sets out our collective aim to create the conditions for our universities and colleges to continue to flourish.

“In the coming months and years, we will continue to work with Scotland’s universities and colleges to help them diversify their international student, research, and staff population by enhancing our reputation as a world-leading safe and inclusive country, with open-minded social policies.

“We will help maximise the social and economic benefits of international higher education, and we will continue to promote Scotland’s world leading research and knowledge exchange sector on the global stage.”

Professor Andrea Nolan, Universities Scotland International Committee Convener, said: “This is Scotland’s first international education strategy, and it gives us a platform, working together with Government and other partners, to further develop these positive links to strengthen the sector’s contribution to the economy, society and culture.

“It also looks to deepen support for the full breadth of universities’ international role.

“We’re already known internationally for the quality of our higher and further education, but what may be less well understood is the role our universities and colleges play as major contributors to inwards investment, and the attraction of talented people who want to live and work in here. 

“Working in partnership we will build on all elements of our international work to grow our reach and impact.”

Diplomatic missions urge Israel to cease demolitions of schools

Diplomatic missions call on Israel to halt demolitions and confiscations of Palestinian houses and property in the West Bank

Representatives of Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Ireland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the European Union  together with the Palestinian Ministry of Education call on Israel to rescind its recent decision of the Israeli Civil Administration to demolish a donor-funded school in Amera, Hebron.

Israeli authorities issued a final demolition order against the school on Education Day (24th January), leaving the school at imminent risk of demolition. Should the demolition go ahead, 39 Palestinian school children will be deprived of their basic right to education.

The nearest alternative schools are approximately 5km away. Without adequate transport, students must make the long journey by foot, exposed to settler attacks, a heavily trafficked road and inclement weather. Under these conditions, girls and children with disabilities in particular are at a high risk of dropping out.

Palestinian schools in Area C – including those funded by donors – remain vulnerable to Israeli demolitions and settler violence. Since 2022, Israeli authorities have demolished three donor-funded schools. In addition, three donor-funded schools have been vandalised by Israeli settlers and are currently not operational.

Under international law, Israel, as occupying power, has an obligation to ensure that the occupied civilian population has adequate access to basic education.  

Palestinian children’s right to an education is undermined by Israel’s planning and zoning system in Area C which prevents Palestinian development, and construction of schools in Area C.

Representatives of Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Ireland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the European Union  call on Israel to halt demolitions and confiscations of Palestinian houses and property in accordance with its obligations as an occupying power under international humanitarian law, and to cease the policy of settlement construction and expansion, of designating land for exclusive Israeli use and of denying Palestinian development.  

Failure to do so seriously undermines a two state solution and is a major impediment to peace and security.

New support project reduces calls to Ambulance Service by over 55%

A new initiative is underway to provide greater support to persistent callers to the 999 service in an effort to direct patients to the best health service provider for their needs.

The Scottish Ambulance Service’s new High Intensity Users team has been set up to try and improve care for patients with complex needs, whilst reducing demand on 999 services.

During a 12-week period, the team identified 137 patients who regularly call 999 for assistance whose needs to be better met by other parts of the health service. The team provided intervention and support to them, educated them on how to access best healthcare services for their needs and encouraged them to only call 999 in an emergency.

Prior to the team’s help and support in their care, these patients had collectively generated 4502 emergency calls. Following engagement and education, these patients generated 2017 emergency calls – a 55% reduction.

Neil Reid, Clinical Effectiveness Lead High Intensity Users, said the SAS process for identifying persistent callers was first to gather intelligence on the user’s call data and then make the patient and GP aware. This was followed by intervention, escalating support and then a case review.

He said: “Many of these callers have complex needs and call 999 regularly throughout the day for assistance. By engaging directly with them to better understand their needs and reasons for calling 999, we were able to educate them on some alternatives more suited to their needs.

“In some cases, we have found that we have been able to identify unmet social needs or mental health crisis earlier, patients are involved in decisions relating to their care and this has led to better outcomes.

“This work is vital as it improves care and support for patients across the country.”

Celebrate International Mother Language Day at City Chambers event

** Wednesday 21st February from 11am – 12.30pm **

ELREC in partnership with The City of Edinburgh Council, Thistleshapla Cultural Group and Heriot-Watt University marks and celebrates this day to promote linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism.

Join us on the 21st February at City Chambers:

11.00 – ​Registration and Refreshments

11.20 – ​ Event begins in the European Room with a welcome speech from the Rt. Hon. Lord Provost of Edinburgh, Robert Aldridge.

11.30 – ​Mr Foysol Choudhury MBE MSP

11:40 – ​Sir Geoff Palmer OBE

11.50 – ​Mrs Min-Hsiu Liao from Heriot Watt University

12.00 – ​Cultural presentation

Priti Fakhrul reciting Gaelic Poem​​

A short speech by Mr Bodrul Husain Babu and Mr Shahnoor Chowdhury​​

Music composed by Johnny Ahmed:

” Salam Salam”​​

Fakhrul Islam – Poem in Sylheti Nagri

12.20 – ​Make your way to the Quadrangle where the floral wreath will be laid at a temporary memorial

Underwater robot to reduce costs and environmental impact for ships

Heriot-Watt University announces startup cohort for deeptech accelerator programme

A marine sector startup is developing an underwater robot that can substantially reduce fuel costs, maintenance needs and environmental impact for ships, boats and submarines by autonomously removing built-up microorganisms, plants and algae from hulls.

ScrubMarine, founded by engineer Clyne Albertelli, has been accepted into the inaugural cohort of Heriot-Watt University’s DeepTech LaunchPad, a pilot programme which is helping entrepreneurs working in robotics, AI, and advanced engineering to commercialise their innovative ideas.

Buildup of organic growth on marine vessels, known as biofouling, is a significant challenge to the world’s shipping industry and can cause damage to hull structures and propulsion systems. The accumulation of biofouling can also result in significantly increased drag of up to 60%, reducing speeds and increasing fuel consumption by up to 40%.

As part of the 6-month pilot, ScrubMarine aims to further develop complex navigation and control systems required for the real-world application of its robotic solution, utilising Heriot-Watt’s array of experts from across its three global campuses and the cross-discipline research outputs of four global research institutes – including iNetZ+, the emerging Global Research Institute for Net Zero transition and beyond.

CO-LAB ENGINEERING — Staff photoshoot for Co-Lab Engineering, at Co-Lab’s Whitehaven office in The Bus Station. Monday 9th October 2022. PHOTOGRAPHY: HARRY ATKINSON

Clyne Albertelli, founder of ScrubMarine, said: “In the vast ocean of innovation, ScrubMarine is committed to charting a cleaner and more efficient course for the marine industry.

“Our underwater robot, powered by deep-learning and supported by Heriot-Watt’s DeepTech LaunchPad, aims to scrub away biofouling challenges, reducing fuel costs and environmental impact. Together, we’re diving into a brighter and cleaner future for marine transportation.”

The DeepTech LaunchPad, supported by Barclays Eagle Labs through the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology Digital Growth Grant, is providing six organisations with access to tailored services, facilities and equipment within Heriot-Watt and the National Robotarium, the world-leading centre for robotics and artificial intelligence based at the University’s Edinburgh campus.

ScrubMarine joins five other highly innovative companies from sectors including self-care, prosthetics, and food services. These include Borobo Ltd, founded by industrial designer Alexandre Colle, which aims to advance a new robotics platform targeting enhanced power management and electronic board design. 

GI Healthcare Industries, led by entrepreneur and engineer Aswath Ganesan Indra, is revolutionising food services with semi-autonomous cooking robots for institutional catering. Infinity DPM is creating advanced upper limb prosthetics through expert engineering and biomechanics by founder and mechanical engineer David Yeudall.

Janki Group, led by architect Aisha Janki Akinola, is building an AI-powered tattoo robot system for the personal self-care industry, whilst Wynter Robotics is building mobile robotic solutions for construction industry applications such as measuring, bricklaying, and wood frame assembly.

The six successful companies will receive training and support from the university’s commercialisation team, helping them to become investment-ready with proven prototype products, industry partners and a viable route to market.

Jamie Allan is Heriot-Watt University’s Deeptech Launchpad programme leader. He said: “The DeepTech LaunchPad marks an incredibly exciting step in strengthening Scotland’s innovation ecosystem and establishing Heriot-Watt as a global leader in commercialising deep technology research.

“As an international university with campuses and partnerships spanning the world, Heriot-Watt is uniquely positioned to help entrepreneurs translate their ideas into transformative and commercially viable solutions.

“Through this pilot programme, our six-strong cohort will gain access to world-leading facilities like the National Robotarium as well as our vast network of international industry connections, experts and alumni to accelerate their cutting-edge research toward commercial success on the global stage.

“By fostering this collaboration, we empower the translation of deep science into transformative solutions ready to make real-world impact.

“We eagerly anticipate the fruits of this hands-on commercialisation experience and look forward to continued engagement with these innovators as they bring remarkable technologies to market across critical sectors like medical devices, food technology, robotics, and sustainability.”

Picture – Chris Watt Photography 07887554193 info@chriswatt.com www.chriswatt.com

Grant Wheeler, Head of Commercialisation at Heriot-Watt University, said: “Having a deeptech accelerator is one of the missing pieces in Scotland’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and will allow our nation to create companies that can compete on an international scale.

“By giving external entrepreneurs access to the same expertise and facilities as our internal teams, the DeepTech Launchpad levels the playing field and fertilises high-growth businesses with world-changing potential.”

Applications for the next cohort open in mid-2024 following evaluation of the pilot. Heriot-Watt intends to scale up the programme and potentially expand to other Scottish universities if this first round proves successful.

Health Secretary Michael Matheson quits over iPad debacle

DAMNING REPORT SEALS MINISTER’s FATE

Cabinet Secretary for NHS Recovery, Health and Social Care Michael Matheson has tendered his resignation to the First Minister.

Accepting his resignation, the First Minister thanked Mr Matheson for all he achieved during government, including securing £100 million of new annual funding for NHS Scotland to help reduce inpatient and day-case waiting lists, passing the Domestic Abuse Act to strengthen powers to tackle psychological abuse, passing the Transport Scotland Act to ensure Scotland’s transport system was more accessible for the future and introducing the Historical Offenses Bill to pardon gay men convinced under historical discriminatory laws.

MICHAEL MATHESON STATEMENT:

Odd timing, given he hasn’t seen the final report yet. And not a word of apology …

The Scottish Conservatives have been calling for the Health Secretary’s head for some time – and not only over his failure to fully explain the Ipad issue:

‘Waiting times in Scotland’s A&E departments continue to get worse under the SNP’s shameful mismanagement of our NHS.

‘The SNP have not met their target waiting time since July 2020, yet still Michael Matheson refuses to tackle this growing problem – he needs to go.’

HE HAS NOW.

FMQ’s will be interesting today …