Month: May 2024

How to keep cool in the car this summer

Motorists are being warned to keep their cars cool at all times during the hot weather else risk breaking the Highway Code.

Insurance comparison experts at Quotezone.co.uk have named six tips for drivers to keep their vehicles fully ventilated throughout summer.

Under rule 237 in the Highway Code, drivers should keep their vehicles fully ventilated at all times to avoid drowsiness and danger behind the wheel.

If caught and charged with dangerous driving, motorists could face two years in prison, unlimited fines and have their licence revoked.

Anyone getting behind the wheel this summer needs to ensure they have a fully ventilated vehicle for the whole journey but with the ever-increasing cost-of-living crisis, running the AC for the entire journey is not an option for many motorists.

Fuel usage can be increased by 10% by switching on the air con even for short journeys.

Internal temperatures of cars can reach dangerous levels – studies have measured vehicles reaching over 50°C, even on a cooler summer day.

Yet with the rise of petrol prices in the UK, many drivers are reluctant to turn on their air con, opting to save fuel and money.

However, there are several other ways drivers can keep cool this summer without having to switch on the air con.

Greg Wilson, Founder and CEO of Quotezone.co.uk said:  “It’s important to make sure the car is fully ventilated throughout hot journeys or risk going against guidance from the Highway Code – putting drivers in danger of drowsiness behind the wheel and risking big penalties.

“For those with cars that do not have air con, or if they want to save fuel by not switching the cold air on, there are several cost-effective ways to ventilate the vehicle and stay cool in the car as temperatures continue to soar.

“Drivers can buy relatively inexpensive solar-powered fans to attach to the inside of vehicles or reflective screens to line the windscreen, keeping the heat out and reducing the temperature in the car before they set off.

“Drivers can also freeze water bottles to use as ice packs and to help them stay hydrated with the ice-cold water when they melt, or hang damp cloths over the vents to cool down the air.

“If motorists are hiring a car or in the process of buying a new one, the colour of the car itself can actually make a difference too, white cars reflect the heat and also tend to cool down quicker than cars of a darker colour, so worth bearing in mind.”

Here are Quotezone.co.uk’s tips on keeping cool and making savings this summer:

  1. Choose your spot wisely

Watching where you park will help to stop the interior of the car getting too hot throughout the day. Leave your car underneath trees and overhanging bushes or find a large van or lorry to park beside.

  1. White is right for keeping cool

If you’re buying a new car or hiring one on holiday, the colour can actually play a part in helping to keep the car cool.  White cars reflect the heat and can actually cool down quicker.  Lighter coloured seat covers can also help.

  1. Invest in some cooling accessories

Drivers can purchase relatively inexpensive items such as pocket-sized fans to attach to their dashboard to stay cool and help ward off drowsiness. Sunshades can be bought to reflect the sun rays to reduce the vehicles interior temperature. It’ll also reduce the dashboard temperature and steering wheel by blocking out the hot sun – both accessories can normally be found for under £10.

  1. Keep yourself cool and hydrated

Pop a water bottle in the freezer overnight, and in the morning wrap it up in a towel to stop any drips – it will help you keep cool and once melted, drivers will have ice-cold water to drink. Staying hydrated is vital on long hot journeys, dehydration can cause drowsiness – which is dangerous behind the wheel.

  1. Plan ahead and take a break

Plan ahead and avoid the hottest parts of the day if possible, normally between 1-3pm. If the trip can be made early or late in the day it’s best to do so and play it safe. Also don’t drive for more than 2 hours without taking a 15 minute break to recharge, as recommended by rule 91 of the Highway Code.

  1. Utilise what you have

Draping a damp cloth over the vent will make the air blowing through much cooler. Remember to take the rags out of your car afterwards to prevent mildew building up.  Leave the windows open if you’ve parked up for a summer picnic or doing some jobs in your front garden where you can keep an eye on your car.

For breakdown cover or to compare car insurance prices, Quotezone.co.uk can help.

Childhood books that could be sitting in your home worth money

For many, books are more than just sources of knowledge and entertainment; they are cherished possessions, often passed down through generations.

While most books hold sentimental value, some can also be worth a considerable amount of money. If you have a collection of old books gathering dust on your shelves, it might be time to take a closer look.

You could be sitting on a goldmine without even realising it.

Joanne Williams, a book expert from Awesome Books tells us some types of books that might be worth a small fortune.

First Editions

First editions of classic books are highly sought after by collectors. These are the initial printings of a book, often produced in limited quantities. If you have a first edition of a well-known work, it could be worth a significant amount. Look for first editions of classic literature, such as:

J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby

George Orwell’s 1984

Signed Copies

Books signed by the author are always in demand, especially if the author is well-known or the book is a classic. The value increases if the signature is accompanied by a personal inscription. Keep an eye out for signed copies of works by famous authors like Ernest Hemingway, J.K. Rowling, or Stephen King.

Limited Editions and Special Prints

Books that were published in limited numbers or special editions can be particularly valuable. These editions often feature unique bindings, illustrations, or forewords not found in the regular editions. Examples include:

Limited edition versions of *The Lord of the Rings* trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien

Special illustrated editions of *Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland* by Lewis Carroll

Collector’s editions of *The Catcher in the Rye* by J.D. Salinger

Antiquarian Books

Books that are over 100 years old can be highly valuable, especially if they are in good condition. Antiquarian books can include anything from early printings of famous works to rare and obscure titles. Key factors that affect their value include the book’s condition, rarity, and historical significance. Look for:

Early editions of works by Charles Dickens

Rare printings of Shakespeare’s plays

Historical documents or first-hand accounts of significant events

Out-of-Print Books

Some books become valuable simply because they are no longer in print and hard to find. These can range from children’s books to academic texts. For example:

Original Goosebumps books by R.L. Stine

Certain vintage children’s books like The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

Out-of-print works of poetry or niche academic subjects

 Unique or Unusual Books

Books with unique features, such as misprints, rare bindings, or unusual content, can also be valuable. Collectors often seek out these anomalies because they represent something different from the norm. Examples include:

Misprinted editions of popular novels

Books with unique or rare bindings, such as leather-bound copies

Books with controversial or historically significant content

Potential Value of Books

On average, Brits could be sitting on books worth hundreds, or even thousands, of pounds. The value of collectible books can vary widely, but here are some general estimates:

First Editions: Depending on the book and its condition, first editions can range from £100 to several thousand pounds. For example, a first edition of *Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone* has sold for over £50,000.

Signed Copies: Signed copies of books can add £50 to several thousand pounds to the book’s value. A signed copy of Ernest Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea might fetch £1,000 or more.

Limited Editions and Special Prints: These can be worth anywhere from £100 to several thousand pounds, depending on their rarity and condition.

Antiquarian Books: Values can range from £50 to tens of thousands of pounds. An early edition of Charles Dickens’ *A Christmas Carol* can be worth over £10,000.

Out-of-Print Books: These can range from £20 to several hundred pounds, depending on their popularity and rarity.

Unique or Unusual Books: Prices vary widely, but unique features can significantly increase a book’s value, potentially adding hundreds or even thousands of pounds.

Tips for Determining the Value of Your Books

Research: Use online resources like AbeBooks, eBay, and specialised rare book websites to compare prices and see what similar books are selling for.

Condition: The condition of the book greatly affects its value. Books that are in pristine condition, with intact dust jackets and minimal wear, are worth more.

Consult Experts: Consider reaching out to a rare book dealer or appraiser for a professional assessment. They can provide insight into the book’s rarity, demand, and potential value.

Joanne Williams, a book expert from Awesome Books says: “Your bookshelf could be hiding more than just great stories; it might contain valuable treasures waiting to be discovered.

“By taking the time to identify and research your collection, you could unearth books that are worth a significant amount of money.

“Whether you decide to sell these valuable books or keep them as prized possessions, knowing their worth adds a new layer of appreciation for your literary collection.”

Black Sheep Coffee open new site in Haymarket Square

Black Sheep Coffee, the Robusta rebel of the coffee world, is proud to announce the opening of its newest site in Haymarket Square. The latest Black Sheep Coffee is bringing its signature blend of passion and rebellion to Edinburgh.

The new site is set to become the go-to destination for locals and visitors seeking an unforgettable coffee experience from Edinburgh’s best baristas in a laid-back, welcoming space.

From carefully crafted coffees, to refreshing smoothies, to an indulgent selection of pastries and waffles, there is something for everyone to enjoy. With Edinburgh being a creative hub in the UK with a famously rich culture, the city is very special to the brand.

The new opening is a demonstration of the incredible recent growth for the Black Sheep Coffee family, as it spreads its wings further across the UK, with over 90 stores – and nearly 40 opened in the last year alone.

The pioneering coffee group is rapidly expanding, through combining a passion for coffee and a mission to take down the big corporate chains, along with harnessing support and funding from their loyal customers and those who believe in the values of the company.

Renowned for unapologetically bold flavours and an unrivalled commitment to quality, Black Sheep Coffee are innovators in the space – by sourcing the first specialty-grade 100% Robusta coffee, they went against the market trends and became the ‘Black Sheep’ of the coffee world.

With a commitment to sustainability and ethically sourced beans, every cup of Black Sheep Coffee is a statement of rebellion against the ordinary. The coffee shop group also achieved another world first with the launch of their Lion’s Mane Latte, which is made up of Lion’s Mane, ashwagandha, rhodiola rosea extract & B12. 

Black Sheep Coffee is not just a space to grab your morning coffee, it’s a community hub where rebels, misfits, and free spirits come together to celebrate individuality and embrace the extraordinary. 

Gabriel Shohet and Eirik Holth commented on the launch: “We’re so excited to be launching our newest Black Sheep Coffee site in Edinburgh and creating another coffee haven for those who dare to be different.

“With Edinburgh’s rich culture of creativity, we feel that this is a perfect new spot for us to open in.”

Leave the herd behind and brew some positive change at Black Sheep Coffee Haymarket Square.

Thrifty renews partnership with MND charity My Name’5 Doddie Foundation

Thrifty Car & Van Rental – powered by Scot Group Ltd, the UK’s largest privately owned car and van rental business – has renewed its commitment to the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation charity for a sixth consecutive year.

The My Name’5 Doddie foundation raises funds to aid research into Motor Neurone Disease (MND) and to support fellow sufferers. The charity was set up in 2017 by rugby legend Doddie Weir shortly after he was diagnosed with the disease.

To date, Thrifty has raised over £300,000 for the cause through its fundraising activities. The business has provided regular donations, auction prizes, event fundraising and also supplied logistics support vehicles for MND events.

Last year, Thrifty UK Managing Director Martin Wilson joined Kenny Logan’s Edinburgh to Paris cycle ride to support the foundation.

Martin explains how the charity partnership came about: “I met Doddie more than 25 years ago when we were both playing for Newcastle Falcons Rugby Club.

“When Doddie was diagnosed with MND he faced it with such determination, setting up the incredible My Name’5 Doddie Foundation. It’s a cause close to our hearts at Thrifty and we’re very proud to continue our partnership supporting the mission to create a world free of MND.

“This year, we’re excited to be adding to our fundraising power by getting Scot Group’s new vehicle rental brand Switch involved too.’

Thrifty is highly focused on its corporate social responsibilities. The business aims to make a significant difference to thousands of lives through its charitable giving programme, which also supports Hospiscare, an adult hospice charity based in Devon.

Over 26,000 extra construction workers required in Scotland by 2028 to meet demand 

  • Industry faces ongoing need to match growth with workforce
  • Recruitment and retention are key opportunities for sector resilience 

The annual industry forecast from the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) highlights the continuing persistent gap between what Scotland needs to keep up with demand and the workforce available to meet the challenge.  

CITB’s Construction Skills Network (CSN) 2024-28 report reveals that in Scotland:  

·         Construction output is set to rise by 2.1% annually between now and 2028 

·         26,100 extra workers (5,220 a year) will be needed in order to meet the continued construction growth expected over the next five years 

·         The major opportunities are in: 

o    Repair and maintenance 

o    Public non-housing 

o    Commercial. 

Despite the industry managing to recruit around 200,000 people every year UK-wide, in 2023, an average of 38,000 vacancies were advertised per month. For almost a third (31%) of construction employers, finding suitably skilled staff remains their key challenge, particularly with more older workers retiring and not being replaced. 

Although the UK construction industry welcomed 200,000 new workers, it saw the loss of more (210,000 workers). With the ongoing difference between the predicted need for construction work and the available workforce, CITB’s forecast shows how important it is for the industry to tackle the issues with effective recruitment and training to replace those leaving and better prepare for the future, as well as to take advantage of key opportunities such as productivity improvements and meeting net zero retrofit targets. 

In response to the challenges, CITB has invested £267m to help the industry improve diversity, quality and productivity as well as making construction a more attractive career choice for future generations.

Among the areas this investment will directly support are three expanded initiatives:  

·         New Entrant Support Team (NEST) – helping employers to better navigate the recruitment process, access grants and suitable training, when and where needed 

·         Industry Impact Fund – making direct funding available for employers to design and test new solutions for talent recruitment and retention challenges 

·         Employer Network – rolling this out across Great Britain, to enable local employers to set their own funding priorities and meet area-specific skills needs. 

CITB Scotland Engagement Director, Ian Hughes, said: “Construction is an essential sector for our regional and national economic prosperity. We anticipate continued industry growth in Scotland, but we need to meet demand with more people in the workforce with the right skills.  

“CITB’s CSN report highlights how Scotland employers can address the challenge by recruiting and developing a skilled, competent and diverse workforce that is able to meet current and future needs. 

“Scotland has a number of construction investments supported by City Region Deals, Regional Growth Deals and Green Freeports. 

“These wide-ranging projects include the proposed debris flow shelter for the A83 at Rest & Be Thankful, the £25m hydrogen demonstration network in Fife, and £200m towards the mains replacement for Scottish Gas Networks.

“Works are underway for the £91m Clyde Waterfront & Renfrew Riverside development, with a new River Clyde Bridge as part of the Glasgow City Region Deal. Dunfermline’s £250m Learning Campus is due for completion on a purpose-built low carbon site in the eastern expansion area.

“Meanwhile, proposals for the £250m revamp of Charing Cross would bring student accommodation and healthcare facilities followed by mixed-tenure residential, office and leisure space as well as the creation of a new gateway into the city.

“We are committed to ensuring that the skills system is fit for purpose to deliver on the great opportunities across Scotland, now and in the future.

“The industry has shown particular resilience throughout what has been an undeniably tough few years. Here at CITB, we have a crucial role to play in supporting its growth through recruitment, training, development and upskilling.” 

ctb1003_csn-rep_regional_scotland_awDownload

Lothian MSP raises concerns at Holyrood about the drop in number of Music Teachers in Primary Schools

Scottish Conservative and Unionist MSP for Lothian Miles Briggs has criticised the Scottish government on what he calls its ‘shameful’ record regarding the reduction of specialist music teachers in primary schools across Scotland.

It comes following a question asked by Mr. Briggs in the Scottish Parliament on Thursday afternoon about the impact on children and young people of the decline.

In Lothian local authorities, there are 4 teachers in Edinburgh City and 2 in West Lothian, while East Lothian and Midlothian have none between them.

In 2013, there were 5 in Edinburgh City, 5 in West Lothian and 0 in both East Lothian and Midlothian.

There are only 37 teachers for 32 local authorities in Scotland, down from 98 in 2008 – the first year in which the SNP was in power in Scotland – and down from 108 in 2011, when the SNP formed a majority government.

The reduction in specialist music teachers at primary schools threatens to extend the gap in opportunities between state and private education.

Mr. Briggs called on the Scottish government to put aside its pursuit of independence and focus on more pressing matters.

Lothian MSP Mr. Briggs said: “This is another example of the SNP government’s mismanagement of a sector, this time regarding specialist music teachers in primary schools.

“For a country with such a rich musical tradition as Scotland to have just 37 specialist music teachers for primary schools across the country is shameful and something the Scottish government should be embarrassed about.

“In my own region of Lothian, there are just 6 – down from 10 a decade ago – and with none in East Lothian or Midlothian at all.

“No doubt, however, the SNP’s spin doctors will be pinning the blame on Westminster and informing us of how an independent Scotland would be the sound of music.

“They have let down the country, they have let down the voters, and now they have let down the children.

“Young people and children are the ones that will suffer from this continued reduction in specialist teachers and it is high time the SNP focused on the proper demands of the country and stopped prioritising their independence dream.”

Revealed: The best months to fly to avoid delays

  • February has the lowest average flight delay time, with Liverpool John Lennon Airport offering the best punctuality for that month
  • July has the longest average delays, but Southend Airport has the shortest delays during this month
  • London City Airport offers the lowest average delay times overall

Based on new research, February is officially the best month to fly to avoid long delay times, when there was an average delay of only 10 minutes during 2023.[1] Meanwhile, July had average delays of 24 minutes in the study, making it the least punctual month for air travel.

Go.Compare analysed 2023 flight travel data for 25 UK airports to reveal the best time of year for reduced flight delays. It also analysed which airports offer the fewest delays for each month.

Winter emerged as the best season to travel, with February, November, and January topping the list for the lowest average delay times. Liverpool John Lennon, Southend, and East Midlands International Airport were the most reliable during these months, with average delays of less than 15 minutes.[2]

Best time of year for reduced flight delays:

RankMonthAverage delay (mins)% Cancelled flightsAirport with the fewest delaysAverage delay (mins)
1February102%Liverpool (John Lennon)6
2November121%Southend8
3January132%East Midlands International9
4April151%Southend6
5May172%London City12
6October182%East Midlands International11
7September202%Belfast City (George Best)13
8December202%London City15
9March222%Southampton11
10June222%Exeter14
11August233%Teesside International14
12July242%Southend13

August and July proved to be the least reliable months for timely travel, with average delay times below 25 minutes. But if flyers do decide to travel during the summer months, Teesside International and Southend are the most reliable, offering average delays of only 14 and 13 minutes respectively.

Overall, out of all the airports explored, London City was crowned the most punctual over the whole of 2023, with the average flight delay time lasting only 13 minutes.

Rhys Jones, travel insurance expert for Go.Compare, said: “It’s clear that the off-peak months are better for flight punctuality. The summer months are incredibly popular among passengers. This, along with unpredictable summer weather, means that airports are more likely to suffer from delays.

“But our figures also show that some airports are more punctual than others. If you can, try to fly from an airport which sees fewer delays to minimise your chances of encountering setbacks.

“Making sure that you’re equipped to deal with unexpected delays is key. From organising travel insurance to knowing who to contact in the event of a delay, being proactive can ease the stress of unexpected disruptions so you can enjoy a smoother journey overall.”

More information about the research is available on Go.Compare’s website.

Holyrood Committee launches call for views on Scottish Government’s proposed ‘National Outcomes’

A call for views on the Scottish Government’s proposals for National Outcomes has been launched.

The Scottish Parliament’s Finance and Public Administration Committee will lead Holyrood’s committees in scrutinising the proposed new and revised measures under the National Performance Framework.

Views are being sought from across the public sector, from businesses, the voluntary sector and from communities.

The deadline for submitting views is 28 June 2024.


Finance and Public Administration Committee Convener Kenneth Gibson said: “The Scottish Government must, by law, review the National Outcomes for Scotland at least every five years.

“Earlier this month the government published its proposals for new and revised National Outcomes.

“Our committee will lead the Parliament’s scrutiny of the new proposals and, working with other Committees, consider whether the proposed National Outcomes are the right ones for Scotland, and whether the Government should make any other changes.

“Our Committee, along with others, will also examine whether the 13 proposed Outcomes will lead to better lives for the people of Scotland, as intended by the Scottish Government.”

Call for Views

The committee’s call for views asks nine questions about the proposed National Outcomes.

Views can be submitted here: National Performance Framework: Inquiry into proposed National Outcomes

National Performance Framework

The Scottish Government explains that the National Performance Framework is Scotland’s wellbeing framework.

The National Performance Framework aims to get everyone in Scotland to work together to deliver on the National Outcomes. This includes:

  • national and local government
  • public and private sectors
  • voluntary organisations
  • businesses and
  • communities.

What are National outcomes?

The Government explains that National Outcomes are part of the NPF and are the broad policy aims which, with the NPF, describe the kind of Scotland “in which we all want to live”.

The Scottish Parliament must be consulted on proposed National Outcomes and also considers the consultation the Government has carried out.

The Scottish Government’s Report on proposed National Outcomes and its consultation was published on 1 May 2024.

Committee Scrutiny

The Finance and Public Administration Committee is leading consideration of the proposed National Outcomes, although some other Committees will wish to consider evidence in their areas of interest. There is one consultation for all Committees which seeks views on the Government’s proposed National Outcomes.

What happens next?

Once the consultation has closed, the responses will be analysed, and that analysis will be sent to the relevant Committee to consider.

It will be for each Committee to consider what action they may wish to take, including whether to publish their views in a letter or a report to Parliament.

Falkirk commemorates pandemic experience with live screenprinting event at Callendar Park

Remembering Together is a national project that seeks to give each of Scotland’s 32 local authorities the chance to reflect their unique experience of the Covid-19 pandemic with the help of commissioned artists and creative organisations. 

Greenspace Scotland in collaboration with Falkirk Council and Studio Caspar, have been working extensively with the wider community over the past year to create a memorial that authentically reflects the experiences of residents during Covid.  

To celebrate the forthcoming memorial and the project moving to its final stages, a live screenprinting event is set to be held in Callendar Park, with lead artist Caspar J Wilson printing illustrated posters that tell the story of the project so far. Attendees can even take part directly, pulling the squeegee and printing their own edition to be taken home and shared by everyone who comes along.

Wilson, who has extensive experience in socially engaged community art, set out to engage in an authentic process of co-creation with Falkirk communities.

This took the form of workshops held at community venues such as Larbert High School, where pupils made collages expressing how they had been pushed apart in isolation before coming back together; and at the Forth Valley Sensory Centre, where beautiful bouquets of flowers shared thoughts on the kind of calm, green spaces that could be the right venue for a memorial.

The purpose of these interactive workshops was to allow for participants to communicate through creativity, forming a collective vision of a memorial that would authentically reflect the breadth of experience that people had during these difficult years.

Every individual has a unique experience of Covid, but they are all somewhat united in various ways and Wilson sought to reflect that by taking each person’s story and displaying them as a piece of design, in an evolving, growing collection in a public space.

All the drawings, writings, collages and stories from the workshops have been used as inspiration for the memorial, as part of a library of stories, which will take the form of a permanent sculptural installation in Callendar Park.

For this event, a sample of the community artwork made from these workshops will be displayed in Callendar House alongside the screenprinting.

Artist Caspar J Wilson said, “This event is an open invitation to everyone who is curious about our work to create a memorial to Covid.

“I want to share the story of the project so far and all the fantastic community artwork made in our workshops. We are screenprinting an illustrated print that tells this story. Come to Callendar Park, see the community exhibition, watch artist prints being made by hand and take one home with you.”

Lesley O’Hare, Cultural Services Manager for Falkirk Council said “Caspar has taken a range of people from across the Falkirk Council area on a creative journey, enabling them to articulate their experiences of the pandemic in imaginative ways.

“This gathering will be an opportunity to celebrate the journey so far and soon we will see how he has translated these experiences into a design for the memorial”.

Remembering Together Falkirk is commissioned by greenspace scotland with funding from the Scottish Government.

Dundee Soldier Buried With Military Honours

A World War 1 soldier from Dundee who was identified in part through possible tartan fragments and a thistle brooch, has finally been laid to rest with full military honours.

More than a century after his death, Private (Pte) David Valentine Gemmell, who served with The Black Watch (Royal Highlanders), was buried at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s (CWGC), Woburn Abbey today 15 May 2024.

The service was organised by the MOD’s Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC), also known as the ‘MOD War Detectives’.

In 2019 two casualties were recovered by the CWGC following a call from a farmer in the village of Cuinchy who had been ploughing his field and discovered what he thought could be WW1 casualties. The remains were close to the recovery site of a casualty JCCC has earlier identified as a Lance Corporal from 1st Battalion Black Watch killed on 25 January 1915.

Research focused on the period between 25 January and 6 February 1915 when the British front line was approximately at the recovery location. The artefacts confirmed the casualties were British and, although none identified a regiment, some suggested a Scottish connection, a link to The Black Watch – including pieces of possible tartan, a thistle brooch – and possible previous military service.

Tracey Bowers, MOD War Detectives’ case lead said: “The presence of a spoon with the service number 3800 was of great help and enabled us to narrow down the list of candidates.

“We always have to be mindful; a spoon found near a casualty doesn’t always mean they were the owner. In this case, following DNA we were able to confirm the identity of 3800 Pte Gemmell who was killed on 25 January.

“Due to the number of artefacts found alongside the two casualties it is possible they were either sleeping in a dugout or holding the line. The weather and conditions in January 1915 were known to be cold, wet and very difficult for the infantry soldiers who were trying to hold the advancing enemy.”

Despite DNA testing the second casualty has not yet been identified but research and genealogy is on-going.

The Gemmell family said: “It is both a privilege and honour to be here today to see our Grandfather and Great Grandfather buried.

“A beautifully emotional occasion we were here not just to remember Private Gemmell but the unknown soldier alongside him. We would like to thank all those involved in particular the Regiment, 3 Scots, JCCC and the local community.”

Major Patrick Marshall (3 Scots) presents the flag to Pte Gemmell’s grandchildren (Crown Copyright)

Reverend Geoffrey Berry CF, Chaplain to The Black Watch, 3rd Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland said: “Reveille, the traditional bugle call for the bearer party to return to work is also the ringing call to their colleague Private David Gemmell who they have just lowered, to rise in glory into the presence of the Lord.“

The grave of Pte David Gemmell will now be cared for in perpetuity by CWGC.

The military party and other invited guests stand with the family of Pte Gemmell (Crown Copyright)

Xavier Puppinck, France Area Director CWGC, said: “We are profoundly privileged to stand here today, united in reverence as Private (Pte) David Valentine Gemmell is laid to rest.

“His selfless sacrifice and unwavering service are forever etched in the annals of history and in the sacred stones of the Commonwealth War Graves Woburn Abbey Cemetery. May his legacy endure under our unwavering care and commitment.”

PICTURED (TOP) Artefacts belonging to Pte Gemmell which were presented to his family after the service (Crown Copyright)