Month: June 2024

Local teenagers take part in innovative Frame Running study

Ian and Poppy experienced improved physical and mental health due to Frame Running

A new study found that Frame Running has the potential to positively affect health and wellbeing of young people with limited mobility.

Frame Running (formerly known as RaceRunning) is an adapted sport for children, young people and adults who cannot run and who rely on aids for mobility and balance.

A Frame Runner is a three wheeled frame where the individual is supported by a saddle and body plate. The athlete propels against the frame using their feet, and steers using handlebars like those on a bike.

Researchers observed a trend towards improved muscle strength after 12 weeks of Frame Running training and many participants noticed an improvement in their performance of activities including being able to walk for longer and walking uphill. Action Medical Research and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy Charitable Trust jointly funded the study.

Poppy’s story

One of the study participants, 13-year-old Poppy, has paralysis and weakness in her upper body and core due to a rare neuromuscular condition called acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) which she developed at age six.

“For Poppy, Frame Running and participating in the study has been life transforming. As a result of developing acute flaccid myelitis, Poppy had to learn to sit, stand and walk again and uses a wheelchair,” says Laura, Poppy’s mother.

“She also has a gastrostomy (feeding tube) to help her get the nutrition she needs and uses a ventilator at night to help her breathe. Before the illness, Poppy was a very sporty child and loved running, but as a result of the illness, she could no longer run or take part in any sport safely – until she discovered Frame Running.

“The opportunity to try Frame Running was a positive turning point in Poppy’s life. She left one of her early sessions with a massive smile on her face and said ‘Mummy, I am so happy that there is a sport that I can do.’ She felt strong and accomplished and it gave her a huge confidence boost.”

The results of the study are significant as people with cerebral palsy and conditions such as AFM may be at increased risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes due to reduced mobility.

Children with cerebral palsy may have difficulties walking and can find it challenging to take part in physical activities. This can lead to a lack of exercise that often starts early on in childhood and persists throughout their lives.

Dr Marietta van der Linden from the Centre for Health, Activity and Rehabilitation Research, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh says: “Our research showed that Frame Running can have a wide range of benefits, not only on outcomes of fitness and physical fitness but it also allows young people to feel part of a club, make friends, compete and go fast.”

In the pilot study, 15 children and young people with cerebral palsy or acquired brain injury affecting coordination took part in a one-hour weekly Frame Running training sessions for 12 weeks.

Results show that Frame Running is a feasible, enjoyable and safe activity for children and young people with severe walking difficulties.

In the study interviews, children said that they enjoyed the sense of freedom and speed of Frame Running and that it provides them with opportunities to be active and competitive.

Parents liked that Frame Running could also serve as physiotherapy or as part of their rehabilitation strategy. The data collected before and after the study showed positive trends indicating improvements in resting heart rate, muscle strength, and self-reported performance of activities such as being able to walk for longer and walking uphill.

However, further studies with more participants are needed to verify this.

Action Medical Research are pioneers in funding innovative early research which paves the way for new treatments and management of medical conditions.

Dr Caroline Johnston, Senior Research Manager at Action Medical Research, said: .“The success of this research in demonstrating the health benefits of Frame Running is significant as it could result in people with mobility problems and cerebral palsy participating in physical activity and reducing their risk of heart disease and diabetes,”

The research has stimulated additional research funded by the MS Society investigating the feasibility of Frame Running for people with Multiple Sclerosis.

“We found very similar themes in our study involving people with MS, but there were some interesting differences as well, which highlights the importance to regard each health condition and each person individually,” says Dr Marietta van der Linden.

Ian’s story

Participating in an innovative Frame Running study has transformed the life of thirteen-year-old Ian from Edinburgh who lives with cerebral palsy. Ian’s mother Sheena came across RaceRunning, now known as Frame Running, in 2019. In Frame Running people use a Frame Runner, a three wheeled frame where the athlete is supported by a saddle and body plate.

The athlete propels against the frame using their feet, and steers using handlebars like on a bike. Ian, even though he was only eight at the time, really took to the sport and has been Frame Running ever since. Hi – hi

The study that Ian took part in 2019 was funded by Action Medical Research and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy Charitable Trust. The pilot study, led by researchers Dr Marietta van der Linden at Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh and Dr Jennifer Ryan of Brunel University in London, aimed to investigate the potential benefits of regular exercise on the health and mobility of young people with moderate-to-severe cerebral palsy and acquired brain injury affecting coordination.

Ian was one of 15 young people who took part in the study, which found that Frame Running had the potential to positively affect health and wellbeing: Researchers observed a trend towards improved muscle strength and many participants observed an improvement in their performance of activities including being able to walk for longer and walking uphill.

The results of the study will inform the design of future larger studies involving participants from both the UK and abroad.

Dr van der Linden comments: “These results are promising and we hope that these custom-built running frames can enable children with cerebral palsy to take part in aerobic activities that can help improve their overall fitness.

“We are delighted that Ian has really taken to Frame Running and hope that this example will inspire other young people who have mobility issues to benefit from the exercise and freedom that comes with Frame Running.”

Ian’s mum, Sheena, comments: “Ian really enjoyed being part of the study and trains twice a week. Frame Running has given Ian a sense of physical independence and made him realise that he can achieve great things.

“Ian challenged himself to climb 8,810 steps which is equal to the height of Scotland’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis, and he did it! I am thrilled at what Ian has achieved including winning the Rotary Young Citizen Sporting Hero award.

“I really hope that he has shown what is possible with Frame Running.”

Chief Executive at the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, John Cowman, said: “It is so brilliant to see the results for this study which clearly show that frame running has a very positive impact on the health and wellbeing of young people with limited mobility.

“Hopefully, this research will pave the way for it to become more widely available for children, young people and adults who rely on aids such as this to take part in sports and to be able to enjoy all that it has to offer.”

Have your say on improvement plans for Granton Medway

TWO CONSULTATION SESSIONS NEXT WEDNESDAY 26 JUNE

The City of Edinburgh Council has appointed AtkinsRéalis to look at potential opportunities for improvements to two areas of open space at Granton Medway.

The first site is the area of land between the two rows of housing blocks to the south of Granton Medway. The second site is the larger area of grassland siting to the north of Granton Medway.

At this early stage we are looking to gather local knowledge from the residents to help us inform both developments and shape the improvements for the communities who use them most. These improvements are looking to address accessibility, safety, biodiversity, flood water management, and general landscape improvements.

To facilitate this, we will be holding 2 separate consultation events on Wednesday 26 June for residents to drop in and talk to the team together with the city council’s Housing team at the following venues and times:

Granton Medway Orchard Garden: 11am – 2pm at The Salvation Army Community Centre, 36 Wardieburn Drive, Edinburgh, EH5 1BZ

Granton Medway Community Park: 4pm – 7pm at the entrance to the park on Granton Medway (Outdoor)

Dalry Primary pupils celebrate arrival of safer streets

A new ‘school zone’ has launched at Dalry Primary School with a day of festivities to celebrate safer streets and improved air quality.

Pupils are now set to benefit from wider, people-friendly footpaths and reduced motor traffic at key drop-off and pick-up times along Springwell Place and Cathcart Place, either side of the school.

The scheme has been delivered thanks to a grant from Sustrans’ Temporary School Streets Fund.

Dalry Primary School has worked with the Council and Sustrans to collaboratively design the project, including new artwork by local artist Shona Hardie, featuring designs inspired by ideas created with pupils at workshops last year.

These are complemented by planters and seating to help deliver a more relaxed environment for pupils and local people.

Activities to celebrate the launch of the project started with a ‘walking bus’ from Tynecastle High School to help children and parents walk to school safely. They were joined by performers from Leith-based Think Circus, who captivated pupils with a number of interactive workshops throughout the day.

After school activities also included a ‘Dr Bike’ session, allowing children and parents to have their bikes checked and repaired for free, while The Bike Station’s ‘Wee Bike Library’ presented bikes of different sizes for kids to try out. Parents were also able to sign up for a free bike from the library.

Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener at the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “I firmly believe that no parent should have to worry about their child walking or cycling to school, and I’m delighted that this new initiative will help to create a safer environment during the busy pick-up and drop-off times in the school day.

“These improvements at Dalry Primary are also designed to benefit the whole community. We’ve worked with a fantastic artist to create colourful street art and a more relaxed environment for everyone to spend time along Cathcart Place, Springwell Place and Dalry Road, and we hope local residents and visitors enjoy the fun designs and opportunities to rest as much as pupils.

“We look forward to seeing the results of the changes and helping parents to more easily walk and cycle with their children every day. These results will also help us as we continue to explore ideas to help people to travel more safely around the wider local area.”

Karen McGregor, Scotland Director, Sustrans said: “We are excited to launch the school zone at Dalry Primary in partnership with the City of Edinburgh Council. In Scotland and across the UK, we have been working with stakeholders to transform the surrounding streets near schools. The result is a safer, happier and more pleasant environment for pupils, parents and the wider community.

“Nearly 50 percent of pupils in Scotland either walk, wheel or cycle to school, according to our latest Hands Up Scotland Survey results. Innovative projects like the Dalry Primary school zone will help to empower more pupils and families to leave the car at home and enjoy an active commute.”

Elaine Honeyman, Headteacher at Dalry Primary School, said: “It’s fantastic to see this scheme underway after lots of discussions with parents, residents and of course, our pupils.

“The safety measures are already proving popular with the children as they arrive at school. Pupils have told me that they are enjoying all the improvements to our school area, particularly the colourful street art and the playful aspect that this adds to the surrounding streets.”

Among the enthusiastic pupils are two P6 Junior Road Safety Officers.

Umaima Rakha Parveen said: “I think the street art is an interesting way to distract the young people and will help them to stay away from the roadside and stay safe.”

Attri Roy said: “The parents and children can use the seats to rest on when they arrive at school and many children will love to play on the seats.”

The school zone outside Dalry Primary School reduces motor traffic on Cathcart Place and Springwell Place (where the school has its entrances) on school days between 8:15 and 9:15am, Mondays to Thursdays between 2:30 and 3:45pm and Fridays between 11:30 and 1pm.

Local access continues for residents of Cathcart Place and Springwell Place, emergency services and blue badge holders during these times.

Such projects offer a number of benefits for everyone, including increasing walking, cycling and active lifestyles for pupils, parents and carers, while also reducing the speed of traffic, congestion and pollution around school gates.

Deacon Brodies reopens with a fresh new look!

Deacon Brodies Tavern, on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, officially reopened this Spring following an extensive 4-week refurbishment, giving the iconic pub an exciting new look. The pub has been given a facelift while keeping its traditional look and feel inside. 

Deacon Brodies Tavern is renowned for that truly authentic Scottish pub experience. Built in 1806 on Edinburgh’s famous Royal Mile, the pub is named after one of the city’s most famous sons, Deacon William Brodie – one of the inspirations behind Robert Louis Stevenson’s Jekyll and Hyde. 

Guests can tuck into all the pub classics, Balmoral Chicken, Nicholson’s Fish and Chips and Haggis, Neeps & Tatties, as well as a delectable range of hand-crafted seasonal Pies to delight discerning guests. 

Along with the new food menu, guests will also be greeted with an extensive drinks menu, boasting a wide selection of craft beers, ciders and new to the menu – cocktails. 

Speaking about the refurbishment, Deacon Brodies Tavern General Manager, Taufiq Abdu, said: ‘’Deacon Brodie’s Tavern is an iconic Scottish pub, loved by guests from all over the world who visit us to experience our traditional Tavern atmosphere.

“The restoration works undertaken, including painstakingly restoring our original decorative wooden ceiling ensure that our guests can continue to enjoy a wee dram or two with us for years to come…’’ 

Following the extensive refurbishment and significant investment made at the pub, fifteen new jobs have been created for the local area, with the team now ready to pour pints and serve delicious food to guests. 

For more information about Deacon Brodies Tavern please visit:

https://www.nicholsonspubs.co.uk/restaurants/scotlandandnorthernireland/deaconbrodiestavernr oyalmileedinburgh#/

Record residential rehabilitation placements in Scotland

938 placements approved

A total of 938 residential rehabilitation placements were approved between 1 April 2023 and 31 March 2024 to support people to attain an alcohol or drug-free lifestyle.

The Scottish Government is making £100 million available over this parliamentary term to increase access to residential rehabilitation for problematic drug or alcohol use. Latest statistics from Public Health Scotland (PHS) show the number of placements given the go ahead for public funding last year was up 126 on the previous year. The first three months of 2024 represented the highest number of quarterly approved placements since records began.

Drugs and Alcohol Policy Minister Christina McKelvie said: “These Public Health Scotland statistics indicate welcome progress – we are firmly on track to meet our commitment to giving 1,000 people access to public funding for residential rehabilitation each year by 2026. 

“We do, however, recognise the scale of the challenge we continue to face and are determined to do more by expanding on good practice and addressing gaps in pathways in collaboration with Healthcare Improvement Scotland. 

“My focus is on taking action to save and improve lives now as part of our £250 million National Mission. We’ve already reinforced our human rights-based approach where problematic drug use is treated as a health, not a criminal matter. We are prioritising getting people into the treatment and recovery that is right for them, at the right place at the right time.

“We are determined that every penny of the £100m we are investing to expand residential rehabilitation will make a difference to those who are suited to this form of treatment.”

Diners unaware of rip-off charges with food delivery apps

Confused customers unaware of huge price increases on popular services

TRUSTING diners are being hit by hidden costs when using food delivery apps – with almost half totally unaware of the additional charges they are racking up.

New research commissioned by hospitality technology firm Grafterr, has revealed that 43% of restaurant customers don’t know they’re paying substantially more when ordering their favourite takeaway on popular delivery apps.

Now the firm has revealed the full extent of its research with 2000 restaurant customers, while also sharing a series of tips for those keen to avoid the worst fees.

Andrew Gibbon, Chief Operating Officer of restaurant technology specialist Grafterr, which commissioned the research, said: “Online food aggregators continue to be the most popular method of ordering a delivery across the UK.

“Yet these findings show there is a huge gap in consumer awareness of the costs increases.

“We believe it is vital for customers to understand that they are always paying more to have food delivered than they would if they were dining in at the same venue.”

He also outlines some shocking examples from the High Street, where customers can end up paying 90% more than they need to when having meals delivered via apps.

Examples include the popular Big Mac meal from fast food giant McDonalds. In-store diners will pay £5.69 for a medium meal, but when ordering the same meal via Deliveroo, it’ll cost £9.58 – a 68% increase.

However, the additional charges don’t end there, because customers will still have to pay extra delivery charges, taking the cost of the Big Mac meal to £11.07, meaning the total amount paid is almost doubled (+95%).

Customers of Five Guys also face hefty fees for deliveries. A Bacon Cheeseburger in-store will cost £12.15, but to get the same item delivered can cost up to £16.29, a 34% increase.

Grafterr found the hidden fees for the Five Guys burger also vary according to the delivery app used:

  • Deliveroo: £14.80 (£16.29 inc delivery)
  • UberEats: £14.98 (£15.22 inc delivery)
  • JustEat: £12.95 (£14.24 inc delivery)  

Despite the scale of the extra fees being imposed on customers, the survey found that most diners (75%) actually expect to pay LESS when ordering a delivery compared to dining in the same restaurant.

Andrew from Grafterr added: “Despite what customers expect, businesses continually price their online menus higher than their in-store equivalent to help absorb commissions charged by the delivery platforms.

“This is before additional platform fees, service fees and delivery costs are charged to the consumer, all of which can increase your bill by up to 90% in some instances.”               

Consumers are not the only ones concerned about rising costs driven by these platforms. With commission rates reaching up to 30%, hospitality venues are finding it increasingly more difficult to deliver savings to their customers.

In 2023, KFC made the controversial decision to leave Deliveroo due to rising commission costs, highlighting the wider impact on both consumers and businesses.

As well as revealing its survey findings, Grafterr has also offered a series of tips for customers on how they can avoid the worst add-on fees to get the best possible deals:  

  • Order directly with the business through their own online platforms, avoiding additional third-party costs.
  • Dine in where possible.
  • Order and collect in-store for smaller orders to avoid service, small order and delivery fees which can add 25% on to the cost of the meal.
  • Sign up to the mailing list for each delivery platform. They often send out discount codes which can reduce the cost of your meal. For example, UberEats has been known to regularly send out 50% off promotions.  

These are the findings from the survey on a city-by-city basis. The survey of 2000 restaurant customers was carried out by research experts Opinion Matters:

City% of diners unaware of the increased fees for deliveries% of restaurant customers who’d expect to pay less for deliveries than dining in
Belfast33%81%
Birmingham47%73%
Brighton49%73%
Bristol51%77%
Cardiff36%70%
Edinburgh41%78%
Glasgow52%75%
Leeds53%81%
Liverpool59%74%
London36%74%
Manchester32%78%
Newcastle56%74%
Norwich53%82%
Nottingham35%76%
Plymouth49%78%
Sheffield47%69%
Southampton46%74%

To learn more about Grafterr, visit: https://www.grafterr.com/

Police appeal following serious crash in Colinton

Road policing officers are appealing for information after an 83-year-old female pedestrian was seriously injured in a crash in the Colinton area.

The crash involving a red Vauxhall Corsa, happened on Woodhall Road, Edinburgh at the junction with Dreghorn Loan shortly after 3.44pm yesterday (Tuesday, 18 June).

The 47-year-old female driver of the Vauxhall was not injured.

The 83-year-old woman was taken to the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary for treatment.

The road was closed to allow for crash investigations to take place.

Enquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances and officers are appealing for witnesses.

Road Policing Sergeant Fraser Mitchell said: “Our investigation into this crash is ongoing and I would urge anyone who has information to get in touch.

“We would be keen to speak to anyone who witnessed the crash or saw the red Vauxhall before the crash occurred. If anyone has any dashcam footage from the area, please let us know.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 2168 of 18 June, 2024.

Summer flowers, sandwiches and scones at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store

RHS judge selects plants for tropical planting experience

Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre, is inviting gardening fans along to its Edinburgh store to celebrate the start of summer with its ‘Planting and Afternoon Tea – Holiday Edition’ experience.

According to new research from Censuswide for Dobbies, 45% of Brits enjoy gardening because it gets them outdoors. This in-store experience at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store encourages people to take inspiration from holidays in tropical climates bringing sunny vibes to their garden planting.

Customers can now book the 90-minute event for Tuesday 16 or Saturday 20 July, at 3pm, which will combine the joy of hands-on creativity with the indulgence of a delicious Dobbies’ Afternoon Tea.

Attendees in Edinburgh will get to participate in an interactive workshop led by one of Dobbies’ horti experts with a Q&A and demo on the filler, thriller, and spiller planting technique, using a selection of tropical plants selected by RHS Chelsea Flower Show Chair of Assessors and Dobbies’ Senior Buyer, Claire Bishop.

With this knowledge, customers will then get the chance to create their own tropical planter (worth £30) to take home, using a pot specially selected to showcase the seasonal display.

Attendees will also get the chance to sit back, relax and enjoy a Traditional or Luxury Afternoon Tea at the Edinburgh store.

Guests can delve into three tiers of sweet and savoury treats, complemented by unlimited tea and coffee refills, with an option to upgrade the hot drink.

The Traditional Afternoon Tea offers an assortment of freshly made finger sandwiches, including smoked salmon with cream cheese, egg mayonnaise with watercress, and ham with rocket and wholegrain mustard.

Customers will also get to tuck into Dobbies’ famous scones, served with Cornish clotted cream and a pot of jam, and a delicious selection of sweet treats, including a rainbow meringue kiss and lemon mousse.

Guests also have the option to upgrade their booking with the Luxury Afternoon Tea offering for just £4 extra per person. This has all the loved items of an afternoon tea with an added touch of indulgence.

Delve into a selection of savoury favourites, including cheese and tomato quiche and a selection of elevated finger sandwiches, with smoked salmon, lemon mayonnaise and dill, cheddar cheese and green tomato chutney, and ham, rocket and wholegrain mustard.

Dobbies’ Senior Buyer, Claire Bishop, said: “We’re thrilled to be launching ‘Planting and Afternoon Tea – Holiday Edition’ at our Edinburgh store. It’s the perfect opportunity to ignite your passion for gardening and unwind with a delicious array of savoury and sweet delights.

“This session is all about bringing the vibrancy of your favourite getaway location to your garden as we celebrate the start of summer. Whether it’s the lush greenery of a tropical paradise or the colourful flowers of a European escape, we’ll guide you through creating your own planter with our recommended plants.”

Tickets for Dobbies’ ‘Planting and Afternoon Tea – Holiday Edition’ experience in its Edinburgh store are priced at £40 per person (with the planter valued at £30). Pre-booking is essential, visit www.dobbies.com/events.

Police appeal following Gracemount shop robbery

POLICE are appealing for information following a robbery at a shop in Gracemount. The incident happened around 9pm last night (Monday 17 June) on Gracemount Drive.

No-one was injured, however a two figure sum of cash was stolen.

The suspect is described as being a man of slim build in his early 20’s. He was wearing a dark blue hooded jacket, tracksuit bottoms, and had a green and white scarf covering his face.

The man was seen running in the direction of Balmwell Avenue.

Detective Sergeant Steven Gray said: “Our enquiries are ongoing and we are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed anything suspicious to contact us.

“We also ask anyone driving in the area at the time with dashcam footage to come forward.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting incident 3667 of 17 June. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Community Picnic at Pilrig Park

SATURDAY 22 JUNE from 12 – 2pm

We’re excited to share further details of plans for our community picnic event this Saturday.

We’re looking forward to learning about nature and conservation with the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), providing some fun activities for kids, offering a chance to refresh your wardrobe at the clothes swap, and hearing your views about the park and how we can make improvements.

All activities are free of charge, so just bring your family, friends, food and something to sit on.

Oh, and let’s not forget to keep hoping for a wee bit of sunshine!