XL Bully dog owners are being urged to prepare for new rules which are expected to come into force on Friday.
New laws laid for consideration in Parliament will make it illegal to sell, advertise, gift or exchange XL Bully dogs, or letting such dogs stray. XL Bully dog owners will also be required to ensure their dog is muzzled and on a lead while in a public place.
This is the first stage of safeguards being introduced. The second stage will mean from 1 August 2024 it will be an offence to own an XL Bully without an exemption certificate or having applied for an exemption certificate. Full details on the exemption applications process and the support available will be announced in the coming weeks.
Minister for Victims & Community Safety Siobhian Brown said: “With new safeguards for XL Bully dogs coming into force in just a few days it’s vital that owners get ready and prepare from them now.
“Whilst dog attacks remain a rare occurrence, where they do occur, they can have devastating consequences which is why safeguards must be introduced. We are doing so whilst ensuring we promote and support responsible ownership, and public safety as effectively as possible.
“The new regulations aim to protect public safety and are being introduced as a consequence of similar XL Bully controls brought in by the UK Government, which created an unacceptable risk of dogs being moved to Scotland from England and Wales.”
A teenage girl has been reported to the procurator fiscal after an XL bully-type dog injured three people and another dog in East Kilbride at the weekend .
Police shot dead the “dangerously out of control” bulldog-type dog after it attacked a collie on Sunday morning.
British motorists are being given top tips on how to save money on their car insurance policy after concerns premiums are on the rise.
In a year many goods have increased in price, car insurance premiums are no exception.
Insurance price comparison specialists Quotezone.co.uk are urging drivers to take steps to lower their premiums.
One of the most important money-saving tips is to do your homework, compare different providers, and never let a policy automatically renew.
Drivers need to strike a good balance between cost and coverage, ensuring the policy has all the essentials they need at a competitive price.
Among the list of money saving hacks is shopping early, improving vehicle security, building up the no claims bonus and being mindful of where the car is kept overnight.
These simple tips can come in very handy for those looking to make cutbacks on their insurance expenses without making any major changes.
Quotezone.co.uk Founder and CEO Greg Wilson said: “It’s concerning to see car insurance prices on the rise. The soaring cost of repairs, materials and even paint, has all had a knock-on effect on premium price. The volume of claims is also increasing, partly due to the extreme weather we’ve witnessed recently.
“However, we can help, there are ways to save and using our comparison site is an ideal platform to compare products, to make sure you’re getting the cover you need, at a price you can afford.
“While aiming to secure cost-effective coverage, it’s crucial for drivers to ensure they’re not compromising on protection in case of accidents or unforeseen circumstances. Often there’s very little difference in price between third party cover and fully comprehensive, so if you can, it’s best to safeguard your finances and go fully comprehensive.
“It’s also important to always give accurate information when getting a quote, as any incorrect information can invalidate your policy and leave you unprotected.”
Here are Quotezone.co.uk’s top 10 tips to help get a cheaper insurance premium:
Shop early
It’s better to plan ahead and buy your policy early to lock in the price, as premium prices tend to increase the closer you get to your renewal date. The optimal time for bagging the cheapest deal is three weeks before the new policy is due to start.
Pay annually
If possible, it’s best to pay the entire annual premium upfront to save hundreds in the long term. Insurance providers look at monthly instalments as loans and can have high interest rates. Consider paying it all in one go to knock cash off your policy.
Improve vehicle security
Most vehicles should have an alarm and immobiliser as standard but it’s worth installing anti-theft devices such as a tracker and dashcam – it will upgrade the vehicle’s security and could get you cheaper premiums. Get the policy quotes first to consider whether the extra cost of fitting the devices will be worth it for the insurance savings.
Review your policy
Make sure to only pay for what you need and avoid driving up the premium by adding unnecessary add-ons – such as annual mileage, make sure your estimation is accurate. Also check your vehicle use, if you use it to drive to the train station for your commute to work it still needs to be noted as used for your daily commute. If you now work from home full-time, it might be worth switching the vehicle use to social only, it could result in big savings.
Add another driver
If you add another driver to the policy then you may be eligible for a multi-driver discount, plus you can split the cost of the premium. It can be particularly beneficial if the other person is an experienced driver with a clean record as they pose less risk to the insurance company, which could lead to lower premiums. Just make sure the person who uses the vehicle the most is noted as the main driver, incorrect use of this information is known as ‘fronting’ and is actually illegal, likely resulting in a criminal record and a void insurance policy.
Park in a safe place
Car owners that make use of their garages, driveways or carports for overnight parking can make big savings on their car insurance – parking on driveways rather than on the road can save you over £140 on average every year. Carport owners can do even better, with savings coming in at £230 on average.
Build up your no claims bonus
Avoid filing small claims to build up your no claims bonus. Opting to pay for minor damages out of your own pocket instead of filing a claim can prevent potential premium hikes.
Opt for a telematics product or black box
Getting a telematics device or black box fitted allows drivers to showcase their safe driving which can lead to cheaper premiums. This is a good option for young drivers and those with previous motoring convictions who are charged more as they are seen to be more at risk. By using the device it’s giving the insurance company data on which to base its risk analysis.
Avoid penalty points
Penalty points on your licence may not only result in a steep fine but will also bump up your insurance costs too. Drivers can expect premiums to rise by 5% for three points and 25% for six points if they’re starting from a clean licence.
Compare everything
Don’t allow your policy to renew automatically or settle for the first insurance quote you receive. Take the time to do your research and compare rates from multiple sources to get the cheapest price on your premium. You can save time and utilise price comparison websites to help you compare providers, compare products and of course compare prices.
To compare up to 110 UK car insurance providers visit:
Higher education students can apply to spread their student financial support package over a 12-month period for the first time this coming academic year.
The year-long package of support will be available for eligible undergraduate students from August 2024. The change will ensure that payments of relevant student loans and bursaries can continue through the summer months. This follows a successful two-year programme, which saw care experienced students being given the option of 12-month support.
Care-Experienced students will continue to receive additional support for their living costs under the Summer Accommodation Grant from Summer 2024. Students eligible for the grant – which will replace the Care-Experienced Accommodation Grant – will be entitled to a payment of up to £1,330 to help ensure they do not fall into rent arrears over the summer.
These changes will coincide with the £2,400 increase to the annual support package, which sees the main undergraduate funding package rise up to £11,400.
Higher Education Minister Graeme Dey said: “The summer months can be a difficult period for learners when their payments stop – these changes will ensure that learners can access the vital funds they need the whole year round.
“This is another example of the actions being taken by the Scottish Government to support students through the cost of living crisis. Scotland already has the lowest student debt levels in the UK, which is thanks to our commitment to free tuition and our enhanced student support offering.
“We are already seeing a record number of students from Scotland’s most deprived areas applying to study at university. The changes made to the student support package will help to further break down barriers and ensure that access to our world-class institutions is not denied to anyone, whatever their background.”
Changes to the student support package will come into place from the next academic year.
From August this year, undergraduate students can opt to receive their financial support over the full year.
Interested in learning how to cook sustainable, healthy and tasty meals for less? Our experienced chef Sophie will guide you in preparing food with minimal seasonal ingredients.
In the upcoming three workshops, we’ll be making Shortbread Sandwich Biscuits with Chocolate & Lemon Buttercream Fillings, Chicken & Mushroom Pie and Spring Greens Risotto. All ingredients and equipment will be provided.
Come along, enjoy delicious food, learn new skills and have some fun!
Date: 29 February (Thursday), 12 & 19 March 2024 (Tuesdays)
BBC ALBA stars, Lana Pheutan and Hannah McKirdy, are set to host Gaelic film’s biggest night of the year: the FilmG Awards.The presenters will oversee the awards ceremony on Friday (23 February) where winners will be crowned for the 16th annual iteration of the Gaelic short-film competition.
With the awards historically held at the Old Fruitmarket in Glasgow and hosted by BBC ALBA stalwarts Fiona MacKenzie and Niall Iain MacDonald, the event this year takes place at the SEC with Lana and Hannah welcoming the audience of almost 500 filmmakers, industry professionals and FilmG devotees.
Lana and Hannah themselves participated in FilmG over the years, both picking up awards that helped propel them into their media careers.
Hannah picked up a Best Performance trophy in 2017 for Cheating our Language while Lana has won numerous awards, including winning two in 2017 (Best Comedy and People’s Choice Award), three in 2018 (Best Performance, Best Student Film and People’s Choice Award) and the prestigious Best Film award in 2019 for her film Sòlas.
Since then, Lana and Hannah have worked together regularly, as actors, podcasters and most recently as co-creators and stars of the BBC ALBA mockumentary Glan Fhèin, and as co-hosts of the successful BBC Radio nan Gàidheal podcast Fad Botal Fìon.
New FilmG co-host, Lana Pheutan, said: “This is the first year that myself and Hannah are presenting the FilmG Awards and I’m really excited, and a bit nervous, for what has historically been a fantastic night.
“We’ve both attended many FilmG ceremonies over the years and it’s always a great chance for young Gaelic speakers to meet, mingle, and celebrate the language. It’s up to us to keep the crowd entertained whilst guiding the FilmG nominees through a seamless night of celebrating Gaelic short films.”
New FilmG co-host, Hannah McKirdy, said:“FilmG is a fantastic vehicle for developing Gaelic talent, and Lana and I both benefited from the experience we gained through creating films, writing scripts, and later winning awards.
“This year, over 50 films have been shortlisted across the categories, which demonstrates the wealth of Gaelic Filmmaking talent in Scotland and beyond. We know exactly how excited and nervous the nominees will be – we’ve been in their shoes – so Lana and I will be there on the night to ensure everyone has a good time.”
The FilmG Awards will take place on the evening of Friday 23 February in the Lomond Auditorium of the SEC in Glasgow.
The awards will be live-streamed to BBC ALBA’s YouTube and FilmG’s Facebook, with a highlights programme to be broadcast two days later on BBC ALBA (8pm on Sunday 25 February): https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001wsfr.
RNLI & SCOTMID LAUNCH ART COMPETITION TO CELEBRATE 200 YEARS OF THE RNLI
Scotmid and RNLI are inviting young artists across Edinburgh to let their imaginations set sail ahead of the RNLI’s 200th anniversary.
Scotmid, in partnership with RNLI, has launched a nationwide competition for U18s to design the front cover of its magazine, Jigsaw, and asking them to create an image which they feel encapsulates the RNLI’s legacy, as it celebrates two centuries of heroic rescues and dedicated volunteering.
The competition launch is celebrating Scotmid’s charity partnership with RNLI, which got underway last year and will run until August 2024.
Budding artists are invited to design a front cover that highlights the spirit of the RNLI’s work over the years within its communities, emphasising elements of inspiration, courage, and community spirit. The winning design will reach thousands of Scotmid members. In addition, the winner will receive an exclusive package of RNLI prizes.
Entry details are as follows:
Who Can Enter: Anyone aged 18 years and under.
The Theme: Artwork that embodies the spirit of the RNLI and its 200 years of brave, life-saving endeavours. The RNLI values are selflessness, courage, dependability and trustworthiness
Deadline for Entries: Make sure your masterpieces are submitted to Scotmid by 19 April 2024.
Submission Guidelines: Send your artwork to competition@scotmid.co.uk or by post to the Scotmid Membership Team, Hillwood House, Harvest Drive, Newbridge, EH28 8QJ. If you email a submission, keep the original in a safe place in case you win!
Kirsty Connell, Membership and Community Manager at Scotmid, said: “This competition is a wonderful way to commemorate such a huge milestone for the RNLI and our shared commitment to our communities.
“Partnering with the RNLI has been a privilege, as their tireless efforts serve as a lifeline. We’re excited to provide young artists a platform to express their creativity and honour the invaluable work of RNLI volunteers.”
Paul McKeown, Fundraising and Partnership Lead for the RNLI in Scotland, said: “What a fantastic way for young people to showcase their creativity and join us in celebrating this significant milestone.
“We eagerly anticipate seeing the entries and appreciate Scotmid’s support and dedication to our cause.”
Funds raised over the course of the charity partnership will enable the RNLI to purchase a new Atlantic 85 lifeboat, which will form part of its relief fleet and will be used by stations to assist in critical rescues during times when vessels are undergoing repairs or maintenance.
Save the date – our Community Grant scheme will open for applications on Monday 25 March 2024!
Our scheme helps the development of projects, community activities and sustainable local action through funding and collaboration. We support local people’s vision for a better Edinburgh.
We award project grants of up to a maximum of £5,000, but welcome applications for less
The application process is simple and a member of the Community team will be on hand to support you if you have any questions, just contact local@ed.ac.uk or call us on 0131 651 5000.
Applicants may only receive one grant per project
Please read our guidance notes before applying, to check eligibility criteria and other helpful information
We do not fund projects that have already been completed
Please note: You should aim to start your project around four months after the deadline.
Our micro-grant scheme is open all year round for applications for funding of up to £500: apply for a micro-grant here
If you require application materials in an alternative format, please email local@ed.ac.uk or call 0131 651 5000, or ask a friend or family member to do so for you.
We can send you a printed copy of the form by post on request.
If you need any help completing the form, we are happy to try and help.
We can talk with you online, over the phone or in person (at a mutually suitable venue).
It’s likely we’ve all heard them before. Reasons why men might not get medical help when they need it, or why isolation grows around them like a dark cloak.
How many times have you or a man in your life said something like this?
“Ach, it’s only a cough.”
“Get help? Nah, I don’t want to waste anyone’s time.”
“I’ll just stay in – I prefer my own company anyway.”
Recent news about the health of the King has put men’s health into the spotlight, but every year tens of thousands of men put off getting the care they need until it is urgent – either because they don’t know where to go or because they’re reluctant or embarrassed to reach out.
Members of the Men’s Shed in Govan want to change that, and they’ve teamed up with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde to help men get over their embarrassment, or put aside their reluctance, and get the help they need.
Here four members, each of whom has a particular reason to be thankful to the Shed, tell their stories – and share a simple message that might just save a life.
Martin Haddow,age 72 Govan Men’s Shed Chairman
Martin is a survivor of prostate cancer, and its aggressive nature meant doctors had to act fast.
He said: “It all started when I noticed I needed to pee more often than usual, and when I needed to go it was quite urgent.
“I also experience a slight weight loss and a few other things associated with prostate cancer so, rather than leave it, I sought immediate help from my doctor.
“I was referred to the urology department at Glasgow Royal Infirmary where I had the works – scans, blood tests etc.
“When the results came back I was told I had cancer, and it was aggressive. The urologist told me I needed to get my prostate removed and if I didn’t I would maybe live five or six years.”
For Martin there really was no choice to make and he opted to go ahead with the surgery.
“It ultimately saved my life,” he said – and because of that life-saving decision, Martin is encouraging all other men not to wait, and to get checked out if they have any doubts about their health.
“Don’t put it off, because you never know when it will be too late. Your health can’t wait – it’s as simple as that.”
Frank Murphy, age 62 Founder member
Frank is a survivor of testicular cancer, and he knows the value of going to get checked out.
“When I found a lump I went straight down to the GP. Yes it’s embarrassing, but this is what they’re trained for. That was in 2005 and because I got in there early I’ve never had a problem since.”
He’s heard far too many men saying they’d leave a problem – sometimes until it’s too late.
“If only they’d said ‘hing on a minute, something’s no’ right here’ and got straight down to the doctor,” he said.
“If you have a cough that won’t go away, or find a lump or something, acting macho won’t help you. We have the best docs and nurses, but there’s only so much they can do. So, please, get seen early – don’t leave it until it’s too late.
“Don’t be the guy who died of embarrassment because you were too feart to go to go to the doctor.”
John Devlin, 65 Founder member
John also had a lump on his testicle and got it checked out.
“People think the lump will go away,” he said, “but then six months later it might have spread. You cannae shirk on your own health, so if you have any worries, go and see someone.
“My motto is if in doubt check it out.”
But for John, a cancer scare was only part of the story – the bigger issue in his life was mental rather than physical.
“I was going through a bad time before we opened this Men’s Shed. It was the isolation – I was struggling.
“But this place has been a huge help. I come here, and there’s so much going on – so much laughter – that it really helps.”
Arthur Bisset, 62 Member for two years
Arthur had a stroke at work seven or eight years ago, and from that day he started on a path to serious isolation.
“I just shut myself away,” he said. “The stroke left me with some physical difficulties, and because of that I wouldn’t leave the house.
“I was so embarrassed – worried and frightened what people would say, that they would see me in a different light and as disabled.”
Eventually a friend persuaded Arthur to go along to the Govan Shed – and within weeks it had completely changed his life.
“Looking back I was terrified to leave the house, but once I got here it was great. Here I was just one of the boys. They treated me like I was normal, and within a month I wouldn’t be without it.
“This place has given me my confidence and independence back.”
And Arthur’s message to anyone who might be in the same position as him?
“At some point you might think you’re useless, that everything’s behind you – but that’s not true. Never give up on yourself, because you’re worth mair than that.
“Reach out – find a place like this. You’ll never regret it.”
The inspiration behind the Shed
Sarah Everett works four days a week as a practice nurse at the nearby Govan Health Centre and has seen first-hand the particular issues that men face. That was the driver for the Men’s Shed.
“A lot of men come to see me for a range of things, and I realised that one of the main problems was isolation – many of them were bored, very disconnected, and as a result they didn’t have a lot of self-worth.
“When I heard about Men’s Shed I thought, that’s what we need here, so after securing funding we set up a group in the practice.
“At first there were five men, but that five quickly became 15 and we began to run out of room. Then we found our current premises and moved in on 1st January 2018.
“It was little more than a shell, but the men have turned it into a fantastic facility. The sense of pride for everyone is huge, and when I listen to the banter here – the laughter – it’s so rewarding.”
And Sarah is clear about the value of a place like the Shed – so much so that she commits one day a week as volunteer funding manager.
“Men need to feel like they have a purpose – that’s huge for them. When someone starts saying it’s easier just to stay at home that’s a real problem, and places like this are so important to prevent men getting into a downward spiral.
“Within five minutes you’re made to feel very welcome and instantly start to build relationships with other people, to join in with things and feel better about yourself.
“But on top of that, men are terrible for not looking after their health – I hear all the time it’s only a cough or I don’t want to bother the doctor. But that’s their job – you’re not wasting their time. And the experiences of the men here really help others to go and get a problem checked earlier.”
The doctor
Dr Kerri Neylon, a GP in Govan, is well aware of men’s reluctance to seek help early, but she knows that the example and support of others can be an important factor in encouraging them to overcome their fears.
Dr Neylon, who is Deputy Medical Director for Primary Care at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, also hopes recent news about the health of the King, and his willingness to speak early about it, could help men to come forward.
She said: “Often I am told by patients that they didn’t want to come to see a GP because they were embarrassed, and it’s often the encouragement of others that acts as a catalyst for men to see about a health worry they have been putting off.
“In speaking so candidly about his own health issues, I have no doubt the King will be an important example, encouraging others to take a lead from him and make that first appointment. We wish him and his family well for whatever lies ahead.”
Dr Neylon often encourages her patients to attend the Men’s Shed, as she knows how valuable it can be for their mental and physical health.
She said: “The Men’s Shed in Govan is a really important resource for men to receive support and encouragement with issues affecting their health and wellbeing.
“Availability of easily accessible facilities such as these are of huge importance in tackling isolation and loneliness and provide a sense of belonging, and most importantly some laughter and fun.”
Two-thirds of parents in the UK are worried about their children’s mental health. And rightly so, as 1 in 6 children in the UK are experiencing mental health problems.
When children are anxious and stressed, parents are often anxious and stressed.
That’s why Edinburgh Leisure is taking a whole family approach to wellbeing and empowering employees to support their children’s mental health.
Employees now have access to the Wee Seeds Mini-Minds Wellbeing Toolbox. It’s a programme of fun and easy mindfulness exercises for children, all about bringing calm and connection to families.
Helen Macfarlane, Director of Wellbeing at Edinburgh Leisure said: Encouraging and supporting people’s health and wellbeing is at the heart of what we do at Edinburgh Leisure.
“We deliver a range of wellbeing initiatives to support our customers’ and employees’ health and wellbeing.
!We’re investing in our employees’ mental health. So, we’re taking a whole family approach to mental health and empowering our employees to support their children by giving them access to the @WeeSeeds Mini-Minds Wellbeing Toolbox. Our staff deserve good mental health and so do their children.”
Wee Seeds Founder, Christina Cran, said: “We believe it’s time for employers to take a whole family approach to mental health.
“All the areas of our life, work, home, and social life, intersect with each other. By working on having a calm family environment at home, we can improve all areas of our lives. Calm families, equal calm staff. That’s why we’re delighted to support Edinburgh Leisure with their staff and their families’ wellbeing.
“Our Mini-Minds Toolbox is designed to help shape the next generation’s mental health. The mental health crisis starts with our children, it’s time we tackle that early.”
Mindfulness can help children:
– Focus more easily and be ready to learn – Sleep better – Feel less anxious – Feel more connected to their family – Build resilience – Understand their emotions – Deal with frustration better – Become kinder to others and themselves
These are skills children can use today and for the rest of their lives so we are also investing in the future of the workforce.
As a social enterprise, all profits Wee Seeds makes go back into its social impact programme.
So, by partnering with Wee Seeds, Edinburgh Leisure will also contribute to Wee Seeds’ social impact programme Growing Good, which will support families in poverty or struggling with their mental health to nurture their mental well-being.
To find out more about how Wee Seeds is improving mental health, visit weeseeds.co.uk