Drivers are being told they can save up to almost 50% on their car insurance premiums if they renew their policy 15 to 24 days before it’s due to expire.
The car insurance experts have revealed the time motorists renew car insurance can severely impact how much they end up paying.
The worst time to buy is last minute – with 62% of customers buying during this expensive period.
The sweet spot for renewing a car insurance policy is 15 to 24 days before the policy is due to start, as data reveals drivers purchasing during this time save themselves an average of 33-45%.
Many drivers hope waiting until the last minute to renew their policies will lead to a good last-minute deal, however this is not normally the case.
Car insurance experts at Quotezone.co.uk analysed the cheapest times for renewing insurance policies and shared other useful tips to help drivers avoid overpaying for their premiums.
Organised motorists giving themselves plenty of time to shop around and receive numerous quotes before deciding whether to renew or switch policies will likely receive the best deals.
Another mistake people make is allowing their policies to renew automatically, as this can cause drivers to miss out on significant savings.
Other expert tips on keeping insurance costs down include paying annually, cutting back on unnecessary extras, improving vehicle security and taking advantage of multi-car discounts.
Motorists looking to keep premiums low should also try to avoid making small claims against their no-claims bonus – to help build up the years of no claims discount.
Reviewing the excess is another option, drivers should try quoting with various excess options – although a higher excess will likely lower the overall payment, drivers need to be careful they are comfortable that they could afford the larger excess should an incident arise.
Quotezone.co.uk Founder and CEOGreg Wilson said: “Although car insurance costs appear to be starting to stabilise following the record highs they reached over the last 12 months, it’s important for drivers to make sure they’re not overpaying for their premiums.
“Some of the most common costly mistakes drivers make are letting their policies renew automatically, not shopping around for better deals and leaving it to the last minute to purchase the policy.
“Drivers generally get notified a month before the policy is about to expire, and that’s the perfect time to start shopping around and comparing different providers – purchasing 15 to 24 days before the policy start date for the largest potential savings.
“Even if they stick with their current insurer, obtaining quotes from other companies may still help them save money by giving them the tools to negotiate and helping them check they’re not over or under insured.
“Price comparison websites can massively simplify this process by comparing multiple insurers and products at once.
“If possible, it’s also best to pay the entire annual premium upfront to save on interest payments and even consider adding an experienced driver to the policy – just be careful the main driver actually drives the car the most.
“When looking for affordable insurance, it’s important for drivers to make sure they are not sacrificing protection in the event of accidents or unexpected situations.
“And remember, drivers must never give inaccurate information to help lower costs, this could void the coverage entirely.”
Quotezone.co.uk helps millions of drivers in the UK find savings on all sorts of motoring products including van, breakdown and motorbike insurance.
CompareNI.com can help drivers living in Northern Ireland.
£3.6 million investment as capacity increases by 57% to exceed targets
The Scottish Government is continuing to invest in Hospital at Home for Older People with £3.6 million allocated for 2024/25, bringing total funding allocation for the initiative to over £15 million since 2020.
Recent statistics released by Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS) show that last year the Hospital at Home service for Older People, which provides a safe, alternative to being admitted to an acute hospital, exceeded targets in several key areas between April 2023 and March 2024, including:
total bed numbers have increased by over 57%, ahead of the Scottish Government’s 50% target
14,467 patients used Hospital at Home, up from 11,686 in the previous 12-month period
the Hospital at Home service is now the eighth biggest “hospital” for older people emergency inpatients, alongside Forth Valley Royal Hospital in Stirling.
Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “These figures from HIS show that Hospital at Home is becoming an increasingly popular care alternative for elderly patients to receive acute treatment in a place they feel comfortable and familiar with.
“There are more Hospital at Home beds available and an increasing number of patients choosing to use the service.
“Hospital at Home gives people greater independence during their recovery process. Evidence shows that those benefitting from the service are more likely to avoid hospital or care home stays for up to six months after an acute illness.
“It is also one of a range of measures that we have put in place to tackle delayed discharge numbers and free up beds within our hospitals.”
Belinda Robertson, Associate Director of Improvement, Healthcare Improvement Scotland said: “This announcement of additional funding will continue to improve access to Hospital at Home services and make them more sustainable to the benefit of patients across Scotland.
“It’s heartening to see that Hospital at Home services prevented over 14,400 people spending time in hospital over the past year.
“Moreover, with our support we’ve witnessed more NHS boards and Health and Social Care Partnerships embracing Hospital at Home by establishing and developing services.
“We look forward to continuing to help services develop and share learning in the year ahead.”
As this week is National Volunteers Week, NHS Lothian are putting out a call for new volunteers, particularly for St John’s Hospital, Midlothian Community Hospital, in our Patient Experience Team or at the Western General Hospital.
Survivors of sepsis, along with those running in memory of loved ones, took part in the Edinburgh Marathon Festival two weeks ago to support research into the number one cause of preventable death worldwide
Two weeks ago, Edinburgh Marathon Festival saw a total of 21 runners come together as they raced to raise money, and awareness, for Sepsis Research FEAT. Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that is the result of the body’s extreme response to infection.
When it strikes, the body’s immune system overreacts and starts attacking not just the infection, but everything else around it including the body’s own tissues and organs.
Colin Graham, Chief Operating Officer of Sepsis Research FEAT, said: “Sepsis is not uncommon; people are just not as aware of it as they should be, partly because its symptoms can mimic other common conditions.
“It affects around 50,000 people across the UK, with approximately 50,000 people dying from sepsis every single year – that’s five people per hour.
“Out of those who survive, roughly 40-50% will be left with life-changing physical and psychological conditions.”
Colin added: “Worldwide, sepsis kills 11 million people every year, which is higher than cancer.
“The magnitude of the problem highlights the urgent need for funding. Sepsis is the number one cause of preventable death in the world, and to every runner who raised money for our charity over the weekend, we want to say a big thank you.”
Among the runners, who raised a total of £ 14,105 were sepsis survivors Erin Montgomery and Lori McIvor, along with Nadia Imbabi, Megan Kane and Alison McNeil who were running in memory of loved ones.
Erin Montgomery, who survived sepsis in 2023, said: “Today was for myself and anyone else who has battled sepsis. All the pain is worth it when the money raised is going to the charity Sepsis Research FEAT.”
Although the charity carries out invaluable work across the UK: funding research; raising awareness; supporting fundraisers and speaking with and sharing the stories of those with lived experience of sepsis, Scotland’s capital has always been close to the charity’s heart.
When living in Edinburgh, Sepsis Research FEAT’s founder and chair Craig Stobo developed sepsis, before losing both his wife Fiona and unborn daughter Isla to the immune response within a 36-hour period.
As a result, Colin Graham said: ‘It was fantastic to see so many individuals touched by sepsis come together in order to raise money and remember loved ones where it all began”.
To find out more information about sepsis, or get involved with Sepsis Research FEAT, please head to https://sepsisresearch.org.uk/
A spectacular line-up as theSpaceUK announces its full programme for the 2024 Fringe
theSpaceUK announces its full 2024 programme with over 400 exciting shows
Largest new-writing programme at the Fringe, packed full of hidden gems
Club Life, the 2023 Fringe First-winning club/theatre immersive experience, returns for eight performances only!
Grammy award-winning cellist Leah Coloff stars in Super Second Rate, the compelling story of playing alongside music greats like David Bowie and Debbie Harry
Double Fringe First winners Xhloe & Natasha ride back into town with their brand-new show, A Letter to Lyndon B Johnson or God: Whoever Reads This First
…and join theSpaceUK for an EdFringe first in conjunction with ITVX as we present live at the fest, a global broadcast of the festival’s best comedians, live from the Grand Theatre at theSpace @ Surgeons Hall and hosted by your favourite comedians.
theSpaceUK is announcing the full 2024 programme with over 400 shows on sale at this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe. The 2024 line-up features the return of Fringe favourites and a packed programme of new writing and companies.
Audiences can see the full programme and purchase tickets via theSpaceUK website (www.thespaceuk.com).
Theatre Highlights
Double Fringe First winners Xhloe and Natasha return with A Letter to Lyndon B Johnson or God: Whoever Reads This First and explore the blurred lines between childhood fantasy and harsh reality. Club Life, the 2023 Fringe First-winning club/theatre immersive experience, returns for eight performances only! Lemon Jelly’s Fred Deakin hosts an interactive joy ride through his 80s/90s clubland adventures.
Jess by Glass Half Full Theatre offers an honest look into a woman’s life facing loss and heartbreak. Jess, a cardiothoracic surgeon, struggles with her career, relationships, and the desire for change. An Act of Grace from Ottawa Little Theatre invites audiences to a gripping tale of suspense in this contemporary thriller brought to you by the producers of the 2022 Carol Tambor Award-winning production of Burn.
Via Dolorosa by Chasing Rainbows presents David Hare’s exploration of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Through encounters with various public and private figures, this performance lays bare the complexities and tensions of the region. There are further poignant tales brought about by conflict in Hagar: War Mother, which tells the story of a mother and son fleeing the brutality of Syria’s war.
Bluffing Your Way in Ballet from Seizing The Day Company takes a fast-paced, irreverent journey through the history of ballet. From Isadora Duncan to Václav Nijinsky and Margot Fonteyn, this avant-garde performance blends stories and dances of ballet’s greatest stars. Hannah Whittingham stars in Death Becomes Us, confronting the final taboo head-on with tales of Walt Disney’s rumoured cryogenics and Meryl Streep’s accidental escapades. In this one-person biographical drama, Trawled – When Adventure Becomes Survival by Eoin Ryan recounts the true story of an Irish backpacker on a prawn trawler in the Coral Sea.
Malion by Tired Horses Theatre presents a feminist retelling of the Pygmalion and Galatea myth and explores themes of masculine identity and artistic vision in this brand-new production. Something To Believe In by The Brooklyn Bottling Company tackles the clash between faith and queerness at an all-girls Catholic school in a dark comedy that questions who truly deserves a place in heaven.
There are plenty of Fringe favourites returning for 2024. In A Highly Suspect Murder Mystery – The Great British Bloodbath by Highly Suspect, the nation’s favourite baking competition turns deadly in an interactive murder mystery that invites the audience to solve a fiendish plot filled with evidence and cryptic clues. Charles Dickens: The Hanged Man’s Bride from Blue Orange Arts brings to life a ghostly tale of passion, deceit, and the fine line between reality and the supernatural. Elizabeth I: In Her Own Words by Flying Solo! Invites you into the tumultuous world of late 16th-century England through Elizabeth I’s letters and Shakespeare’s speeches. After a sell-out fringe in 2023, Nicole Nadler returns with Why Am I (Still) Like This? , a humorous and relatable exploration of living with ADHD at 30.
Cabaret Highlights
Magician and mind illusionist Sean Alexander takes you on a reflective journey through the moments that shape us in 1 Moment in Time, packed with jaw-dropping magic. Murder: The Mind-Reading Lawyer by Tomas McCabe combines mentalism with courtroom drama in a family-friendly performance filled with incredible mentalism and the drama of court. Naughty or Neurodiverse – Magic from Another Planet features rising star Angus Baskerville. Diagnosed with Autism and ADHD at 15, Angus struggled through school until magic turned his life around. His first solo show at the Fringe delves into this journey, showcasing mind-reading and unbelievable trickery.
Elle Barto: Itchy and Scratchy presents Elle Barton in their premier solo show. New York’s hottest drag sensation takes you on a journey through your favourite film and television moments, lip-synced by memory. Frankie Mack – The Vegas Showman electrifies the Fringe with a blend of Dean Martin’s suave, Elvis’ allure, Bublé’s depth, and Robbie Williams’ energy. Solve Along A Murder She Wrote by Tim Benzie returns with an interactive screening of the classic episode “Paint Me a Murder.” Following last year’s success, this critically acclaimed show involves a race to solve the crime with the Fameometer and Suspiciometer.
Musical Highlights
In Ctrl+Alt+Deceit! by Cambridge University Musical Theatre Society, audiences are introduced to Aunt June, a dowdy, kind, and lonely woman who ends up with a laptop that leads her to the Dark Web and a low-level drug ring. In Mary Mary Quite Contrary, CRE8IV THEATRE CO presents a spoof adult musical about Mary Whitehouse, a religious, moral campaigner from Edwardian England and her clash with the BBC. Lindsay Lucas-Bartlett takes audiences on a personal journey in Trust Me, I’m from Essex. This show chronicles life growing up in notorious Essex.
Cambridge Footlight Lily Blundell’sThe Man Who Wouldn’t Be Murdered is a sinful dark comedy musical set in prohibition-era New York. Nominated for the Standing Ovation Award, this show blends greed, fraud, 1920s jazz, and drink into a gorgeously crafted musical. Delving into darker themes, The Avison Brothers bring Godfather Death: A Grimms’ Musical to the stage. This award-winning musical, based on a lesser-known Grimms’ fairytale, explores mortality, healthcare, and class. Wolverhampton Grand Theatre offers a lighter touch with I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, a hilarious and heartfelt musical that tackles the intricacies of modern love. From first dates to marriage, children, and the twilight years, this show traces the arc of relationships through life’s stages.
Chevron Theatre presents Fringe – The Musical, a hilarious musical comedy set in a beloved family-run hairdressing salon in Essex. Finally, BramwellBrand Productions brings Wallis to the stage, telling the story of Wallis Simpson and her romance with Prince Edward, who gave up his crown for her. This musical explores whether their story is a love tale or a narrative of a woman trapped by her ambition and media scrutiny.
Comedy Highlights
Steve Goodie brings a unique tribute to the stage with AL! The Weird Tribute (and How Daniel Radcliffe Got Mixed Up in This Nonsense)complete with songs, accordions, guitars, and visual effects that cost many dozens of dollars. In Ajahnis Charley: Thots and Prayers, Ajahnis Charley explores the hilariously absurd journey of a nerdy gaymer who, after a failed death drop at a rave, finds himself at the gates of Gay Heaven as audiences witness the HOMO and avoid the FOMO. Described as a hidden gem, Aude Lener returns to the Fringe with a typically French show that redefines love stories in Aude Lener – Love Reboot.
The renowned host of Rule of 7×7 and co-star of Friends from College and Ray Donovan Brett Epstein: Alone on Stage is a darkly comic solo show that delves into the highs and lows of being an artist and the essence of being alone. In Chris Tavener is Faking Cool,Chris Tavener battles intrusive thoughts through witty, satirical songs. Known for his performances and appearances on BBC 6 Music and Sky’s Showcase TV, Tavener brings his unique brand of humour to the stage. Help! My Vagina Is Trying to Kill Me!by Yola Jean Lu is a darkly comedic solo show that explores one woman’s journey through STDs, miscarriages, and pre-cervical cancer.
Tom Hearn Live: How Fabulous is That?! marks the Edinburgh debut of viral comedian Tom Hearn. This Canadian Comedy Award winner brings jaw-dropping musical performances and original characters to the Fringe stage. Disco Horses: A Sketch Revueby American duo Disco Horses presents an hour of absurd, high-concept comedy. Tales from a British Country Pub by Chris Sainton-Clark takes audiences through the hilarious and troublesome experiences of working in British pubs.
And finally, join theSpaceUK for different comedy line-ups every night, with known faces and new acts – all broadcast LIVE on ITVX. Be part of the action and watch the chaos of comedy live from the Fringe!
Children’s Highlights
Goose by TaleGate Theatre tells the charming story of Sophie, who meets Goose while on a trip to the park, and the pair quickly become best friends in a brand new musical for the under-fives that’s the perfect theatre trip, featuring muddy puddles, wild goose chases, and plenty of honking.
The Comedy Games with Coach Monby Monique Warren brings a sports extravaganza to the stage. In this Olympic-inspired kid’s clown show, the audience helps find the missing athletes and participates in sports-tastic events like eyebrow push-ups and a slow-motion running race.
Follow a teacher’s magical seaside summer holiday in Miss English’s Holiday by Action Theatre. With puppetry, masks, magic, sing-along songs, and comedy, this show is a smash hit from Italy and is perfect for those under nine.
Cantonese Opera x Children’s Interactive Theatre presents the Dic Dic Chang Chang Playground and invites young audiences to join Captain Dic Dic and Chang Chang at the Cantonese Opera Playground in Edinburgh.
Dance & Music Highlights
Grammy award-winning cellist Leah Coloff stars in Super Second Rate,the compelling story of playing alongside music greats like David Bowie and Debbie Harry. Janis: The Story, the Music, the Legend, presented by Rockology Productions Australia, is a rockumentary showcasing Janice Smithers fronting a world-class band as they perform the hits of superstar Janis Joplin.
Audiences will be transported back in time with iconic tales that have shaped the phenomenal jazz landscape from the 1900s in Divas of Jazz, From Fitzgerald to Jones. Brief Case of Crazy by Skedaddle Theatre Company tells the story of Thomas, a remarkable and unconventional introvert who navigates his way through a 9 to 5 job while admiring his equally shy colleague, Daisy.
There’s the most extensive a cappella line-up at the Fringe, featuring eight of the finest a cappella groups from the UK: Algorhythm, AcadePitch Productions, Steelworks A Cappella, Cadenza, Durham Dynamics, The Rolling Tones, Trinity A Cappella and Perfect Forth.
Charles Pamment, Artistic Director of theSpaceUK, said:“WELCOME to theSpaceUK! The home of award-winning performance and new writing at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
“As we celebrate 30 years of bringing work to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe it’s with great pleasure that we present our 2024 programme.
“theSpaceUK experience is how this fabulous festival is meant to be seen, every genre of live performance in one spectacular programme. We’re very proud to be known in Edinburgh for presenting new and original work, for harnessing grassroots performance, for identifying that untapped ‘gem’, as well as hosting work from established artists.
“Whether it be at our very stylish Royal Mile venues, the magical Venue 45 where we started our fringe journey all those years ago or our state-of-the-art hub at theSpace @ Surgeons’ Hall, Symposium Hall and theSpaceTriplex, complete with new theatres and garden bars, we look forward to hosting another vast array of exceptional and award-winning work from across the globe.
“Of course, we can’t make any of this happen without the commitment of all who bring shows. It’s to those creatives that we applaud loudly as another August in Edinburgh beckons.”
A 43-year-old man has been arrested in connection with assault following the death of a man in Edinburgh.
Officers were called to Westfield Road in the city around 12.55pm yesterday (Friday, 7 June) following concern for a man within a property.
The 53-year-old was subsequently pronounced dead at the scene. His next of kin are aware.
Detective Inspector David McAlinden said: “Our enquiries remain ongoing but we are treating this as a contained incident.
“Westfield Road has been closed to allow for investigations to be carried out in the area.
“We know this has had a significant impact on the local community and wider public so we would like to thank them for their patience and understanding.”
Taylor Swift is set to receive a civic gift on behalf of the Capital as she takes to the stage at Scottish Gas Murrayfield this weekend.
Edinburgh has heralded the arrival of the global pop sensation by creating a gift hamper celebrating the best of the city and of Scotland.
Contents will include a bespoke Edinburgh 900 Tartan Guitar Strap made by master tailors Kinloch Anderson, whisky courtesy of the Scotch Malt Whisky Society and a personalised city itinerary from the Council’s in house destination marketing service, Forever Edinburgh.
It is hoped that the artist will use one of the guitar straps during her performances and sign a second, which would then be auctioned with the proceeds going towards the One City Trust, which combats inequality and social exclusion in Edinburgh.
The exclusive guitar straps, of which only two exist, are inscribed with the text ‘Fàilte chridheil gu Dùn Èideann’ – A heartfelt welcome to Edinburgh.
The Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh Robert Aldridge said:“On behalf of the city and people of Edinburgh, I’m delighted to welcome Taylor Swift to Scotland and to Edinburgh.
“These performances are set to be some of the biggest and most spectacular the country has ever seen, with hundreds of thousands of fans attending and tens of millions of pounds set to benefit the local economy.
“Whilst Edinburgh is no stranger to high calibre international events and culture, the fact that the world’s foremost pop superstar has chosen our city to begin the UK leg of her world tour is testament to the global reputation our city commands.
“I’d like to thank Kinloch Anderson for their generous and expert work in designing the Edinburgh 900 tartan, of which several items were fashioned as part of this civic gift. I’d also like to thank all the other local and national companies which contributed to the hamper.
“I’m quite sure this will give Taylor a lasting memory of her time in the country of her ancestors and our beautiful capital city.”
CEO of Kinloch Anderson, John Kinloch Anderson said:“We have always been proud to call Edinburgh our home, and as the city experiences a “Swift” lift, we are happy to have contributed to the celebrations with the Edinburgh 900 Tartan.
“As we all get ready to welcome Taylor, we are thrilled to have collaborated with local businesses to build an all-Scottish hamper, crafting products using this brand-new pattern.”
Full list of items included in Taylor Swift’s civic gift hamper:
Exclusive Edinburgh 900 Tartan Guitar Strap by Kinloch Anderson
Scottish Conservative and Unionist – MUNRO, Marie-Clair
Scottish Labour Party – MURRAY, Chris
Scottish National Party (SNP) – SHEPPARD, Tommy
Reform UK – WINTON, Derek Steven
Edinburgh North and Leith:
Scottish Liberal Democrats – ANDERSEN, Mike
Scottish National Party (SNP) – BROCK, Deidre
Scottish Family Party – Defending Traditional Values – DEEPNARAIN, Niel
Scottish Labour Party – GILBERT, Tracy
Socialist Labour Party – JACOBSEN, David Don
Reform UK – MELVILLE, Alan Gordon
Scottish Conservative and Unionist – MOWAT, Joanna
Scottish Greens – O’NEILL, Kayleigh Ferguson
Communist Party of Britain – SHILLCOCK, Richard Charles
Independent – WATERLOO, Caroline
Edinburgh South:
Scottish Conservative and Unionist – COWDY, Christopher
Scottish Family Party – Promoting Traditional Values – HOLDEN, Phil
Scottish National Party (SNP) – KUMAR, Simita
Alba Party: Yes to Scottish Independence – LYON, Lynne
Independent – MARTIN, Alex
Scottish Labour Party – MURRAY, Ian
Scottish Greens – PHILLIPS, JO
Reform UK – ROSE, Cameron
Independent – ROWBOTHAM, Mark
Scottish Liberal Democrats – WILLIAMSON, Andy
Edinburgh South West:
Scottish Labour Party – ARTHUR, Scott
Scottish National Party (SNP) – CHERRY, Joanna
Reform UK – HARPER, Ian
Scottish Greens – HEAP, Dan
Scottish Family Party – LUCAS, Richard Crewe
Scottish Conservative and Unionist – WEBBER, Sue
Independent – WILKINSON, Marc Richard
Scottish Liberal Democrats – WILSON, Bruce Roy
Edinburgh West:
Scottish Labour Party – DAVIDSON, Michael Colin
Independent – HENRY, David
Independent – HORNIG, Nick
Scottish National Party (SNP) – HYSLOP, Euan
Reform UK – INGLIS, Otto
Scottish Liberal Democrats – JARDINE, Christine Anne
Scottish Libertarian Party – LAIRD, Tam
Scottish Greens – PUCHOWSKI, James Konrad
Scottish Conservative and Unionist – SHIELDS, Alastair
Returning Officer for Edinburgh, Andrew Kerr said:“Today marks one step closer to the Capital going to the polls, and we now crucially know who our residents will have the opportunity to vote for on 4 July.
“We want everyone to be able to exercise their democratic right and vote in this General Election. Due to its timing, we’re expecting increased demand for postal and proxy votes and I’d encourage everyone to make the appropriate arrangements as soon as possible – whether that’s registering to vote, applying for different ways to vote or ensuring they have the correct photo ID.
“I want to thank our colleagues who are working hard to ensure this election runs smoothly and efficiently for the people of Edinburgh.”
