The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) have updated their advice on bathing at Portobello Central after the latest water quality samples showed no risk to the public.
Results of a sample taken at Portobello Central bathing water on Thursday, 11th July showed water quality had returned to satisfactory levels and signage advising against bathing will be removed.
Signage was changed on Wednesday, 10th July to advise against bathing as a precautionary measure after analysis of routine samples indicated a high bacterial result. SEPA liaised closely with the City of Edinburgh Council and Scottish Water.
A spokesperson for SEPA said: “Following visual checks of the beach and water sampling by our officers, SEPA have confirmed there is no impact on water quality at Portobello Central bathing water and will remove the signs advising against bathing.
“Water sampling will continue to take place throughout the bathing season as part of routine testing.
“We continue to work with our partners to improve Scotland’s water environment and make our summer visits to the beach safer and more enjoyable.”
Ben & Jerry’s is excited to announce the launch of its NEW SCOOP SHOP, OPENING THIS WEEKEND on Castle Street.
From 12pm on Saturday 13th July, the doors will open to Scotland’s very first stand-alone Scoop Shop, as the values-led company spreads the joy of Ben & Jerry’s across the UK, as part of its growing portfolio of franchise stores.
To celebrate the new store, the first 100 customers can get their hands on a free scoop in a sugar cone or cup.
On Saturday 13th July 2024, ice cream lovers are invited to the grand opening from 12pm to enjoy a scoop of their favourite Ben & Jerry’s flavour at the brand NEW Scoop Shop on Castle Street. At less than a 15-minute walk from Edinburgh Waverley station, it’s the perfect first-stop-shop for any new arrivals heading to the area.
Chris Braeger, Head of Franchising UK at Ben & Jerry’s commented: “We’re so excited to be spreading the joy of Ben & Jerry’s across the UK by bringing our scoops and swirls to our fans in Edinburgh with the opening of our first standalone store in Scotland!
“I truly believe we have the best fans in the world and I can’t wait to celebrate with them over a scoop of ice cream. The new store marks one of many set to open this year, so fans should keep their eyes peeled in case their city is next!”
To celebrate the new store, the first 100 customers can get their hands on a free scoop in a sugar cone or cup. But visitors must be quick, as they aren’t expected to last long!
Alongside fan favourites and signature scoops, such as Chocolate Brownie Fudge and iconic Cookie Dough, visitors will be able to try Scoop Shop exclusives, including:
Vanilla – a simple but deliciously creamy classic!
Double Caramel Brownie – Caramel ice cream with salted caramel swirl and chocolate brownies (utterly irresistible)
Cherry Garcia – Cherry flavoured ice cream with cherries and dark chocolatey chunks, a real fan favourite!
Like all Ben & Jerry’s ice creams, the Scoop Shop flavours are lovingly made with Fairtrade chunks and swirls, and can be enjoyed in a cone or cup. Other signature desserts will also be available, including loaded hot fudge sundaes and extra waffle or brownie toppings for your scoop – all customisable with your choice of ice cream and sauces.
Key details:
Where: 4 Castle Street, Edinburgh, EH2 3DW
When: Open from Saturday 13th July
Opening times: 10am – 11pm
Worried about missing out? If you’re not near Edinburgh, then keep your eyes peeled, as Ben & Jerry’s is set to open more Scoop Shops across the UK over the next year…
Apprentices from gas distribution network SGN have been spending time at a Bonnyrigg care home as part of an initiative designed to give back to their local community.
For the second year in a row, 16 apprentices training with us to be First Call Operatives have been spending time at Nazareth Care Trust in Bonnyrigg, Edinburgh, as part of our Community Action Programme, where our people are given a day away from their usual duties to volunteer with local charities and businesses.
The apprentices came from across Scotland to undertake a variety of jobs including painting the Trust’s front foyer area, residents’ bedrooms and all the external railings at the home. Singing as they worked provided the residents with extra entertainment, with some of them joining our apprentices to listen to music in the gardens while they worked.
Everyone at the care home were impressed with how much work they were able to carry out and how well they presented themselves. When the staff found out it was apprentice Elliot’s 18th birthday, they bought a huge birthday cake, candles and cards and made a fuss of him during lunch, bringing the cake out with everybody singing.
Bianca Courtney, General Manager at Nazareth Care Trust, said: “As a charity, we rely on the support of volunteers to help maintain facilities at our care home.
“We loved having SGN with us and the apprentices were fantastic ambassadors for the company.
“We can’t thank them enough for the work they did with us and hope they’ll return for a third year!”
SGN is committed to bringing in 120 new apprentices and trainees into the business each year, for the next three years, helping to develop them into our engineers of the future.
Luminate, Scotland’s creative ageing organisation, has just released a new song written by singer/songwriter Boo Hewerdine, for their network of dementia inclusive singing groups and choirs across Scotland to sing.
I Am The Song was recorded last month at Castlesound Studios in East Lothian and includes vocals by award-winning singer Hannah Rarity, Boo Hewerdine and members of Musselburgh-based dementia inclusive singing group Let’s Sing.
The music is performed by Iain Sandilands on drums/percussion and Boo Hewerdine on guitar. There is also music for piano accompaniment available for use which was provided by jazz pianist and composer Dave Milligan.
Let’s Sing led by song leader, singer and composer Penny Stone, meets weekly and supports people living with dementia in the local community by learning and singing a cappella harmony songs together.
Working with Penny and Stephen Deazley, who is Luminate’s Community Music Consultant, the choir recorded the final version of I Am The Song in just two hours.
Let’s Sing at Castlesound Studios with Boo Hewerdine, Hannah Rarity, Iain Sandilands, Penny Stone, and Stephen Deazley recording I Am The Song. Photo credit Louise Mather.
I Am The Song builds on the success of Travel These Ways – an earlier collection of songs created by Luminate during the pandemic for people living with dementia. The collection included two songs by award-winning musician Karine Polwart and still continues to be used widely by Scotland’s Dementia Inclusive Singing Network today.
The Dementia Inclusive Singing Network includes singing groups and choirs based all over Scotland, as well as other community groups and care providers who recognise the benefits of singing, and the positive difference it can make to health and wellbeing.
The final recorded versions of I Am The Song, including an accompaniment for groups to sing along with, downloadable lyrics and sheet music, is free to use and available on the Dementia Inclusive Singing Network’s website (https://singing.luminatescotland.org/) on a Creative Commons licence.
Singer/songwriter Boo Hewerdine said: “It was a profound privilege to write this song. I shall never forget our recording day. So joyful.”
Anne Gallacher, Director of Luminate said:“There’s a growing wealth of evidence of the benefits of singing, and in particular of singing in a group.
“I am delighted that Boo agreed to write a song for the Dementia Inclusive Singing Network, and I am sure that groups in the Network will love singing it. We hope to commission more songs over the coming years, and to build up a bank of pieces for our members to sing.”
Song Leader Penny Stone said: “The writing and sharing of this song has meant so much to our community of singers.
“Every time we sing it, at least one of us wells up with the emotion of it all – and not in a bad way! The song has connected with different singers in different ways and feels really special.
“And the process of recording the song with Boo, Hannah and Iain was really special. Many of our singers had never been in a recording studio before, so it felt like a new and unexpected adventure, and it sparked beautiful memories for those of our singers who have made music throughout their lives.”
I Am The Song is available for groups to download from:
For the last 30 years Boo Hewerdine has been considered as one of the UK’s finest singer/songwriters. From front man of The Bible (Graceland – Honey Be Good) to The Patience of Angels, which was a massive hit for Eddie Reader, he has written for many of today’s stars including: KD Lang, Chris Difford, Kris Drever, etc.
His last album Before was recorded with supreme Danish multi- instrumentalist Gustaf Ljunggren and garnered multiple five-star reviews.
Since then, he has released a lockdown EP, Singularities and a new album on Reveal Records.
The Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh (“the College”) is launching a new public exhibition next week: Wild & Tame: Animals in History.
The exhibition will explore the history of animals, real and imagined, and their impact on human lives and culture. From unicorns and the first Renaissance animal encyclopaedia to Charles Darwin, it will show how humans exploited animals and how they cared for them, creating our shared history.
As well as providing us with food and labour necessary for our survival, animals were essential in the development of medicine. They were our test subjects, as well as a source of medical ingredients – from the fat of whales to treat haemorrhoids in the past to modern use of venoms to treat heart disease.
The exhibition will show the instruments used to treat animals in the past and explore the modern idea of One Medicine – a call for closer cooperation between physicians and veterinarians for the benefit of all species on Earth.
Using the remarkable collection of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh natural history books, the exhibition will show the changing ways we depicted animals and studied them, finally unlocking the mysteries of evolution and our place in the natural world.
The exhibition will also explore the vital role animals played in our cultural history, from myths and monsters to modern pets and companions.
As well as books and objects, the exhibition has an interactive digital display which further explores the place of animals in popular culture as symbols and mascots.
Estela Dukan, co-curator of the Wild and Tame: Animals in History said:“ Close links between animal and human health call for closer communication and cooperation between human medicine and veterinary medicine.
“Animals have been essential to human survival for thousands of years, but increasing number of humans living today and modern international travel mean we are coming into closer contact with different animals and environments across the planet.
“The Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh recognises the importance of globally connected health research and education to improve wellbeing of humans and animals. Our exhibition explores the history of these links and the role animals played in development of modern medicine.”
Kate Aitkenhead, co-curator of the Wild and Tame: Animals in History, said: “Animals are an integral part of our daily lives. Our relationship with them has often been fraught and overbearing, whilst still maintaining a core of respect and companionship.
“We have included them in our heraldry, such as the rampant lion on the Scottish coat of arms, or the unicorn as the national animal of Scotland, seen as a creature of courage, purity and healing.
“Through artworks, objects, encyclopaedias and viewpoints both historical and modern, we explore the impact this ubiquitous relationship has had on medicine and science as a whole. Animals aren’t going anywhere.
“Our exhibition aims to provide an understanding of our shared history in order to help ensure the continued health and safety of humans and animals alike.”
The exhibition will also include contributions and quotes from people and organisations dedicated to conservation and animal health around the UK, such as Prof Neil Fitzpatrick, veterinary surgeon, and Sheila Voas, Chief veterinary Officer for Scotland.
On Wednesday (10th July 2024), Foysol Choudhury MSP spoke in the National Museum of Scotland at the African and Caribbean Heritage Public Engagement event on mapping heritage through community engagement and cultural performances.
The event included insightful discussions, theatre and musical performances, and a walking tour around Edinburgh to explore the rich African-Caribbean heritage throughout the city.
The event heard Mr Choudhury speak on the importance of celebrating diversity in Scotland, amplifying voices that have historically been ignored, and using arts and culture to educate young people about Scotland’s colonial history and the link to modern racism.
Mr Choudhury said: “Museums, historic attractions, and cultural events are vital forms of education, which can help inform young people on Scotland’s role in the horrors of the British Empire’s colonialism, so they can confront the unfair systems of power at the foundation of our modern society.
“There’s important work happening throughout the culture sector to develop engaging educational experiences on colonialism, including the Glasgow: City of Empire exhibition at Kelvingrove.
“I’m passionate about supporting similar initiatives at cultural institutions across Scotland.
“Sweeping Scotland’s colonial history under the rug will not erase it, and it will not fix modern issues of racism and inequality, which have colonial roots.
“Shedding light on these dark histories and educating young people about Scotland’s colonial past is essential to better prepare the next generation to participate in the important work of anti-racism and building a more progressive, just, and inclusive Scotland.”
As Scottish Labour’s Shadow Culture Minister and as the convenor of the Scottish Parliament’s Cross-Party Group on Challenging Racial and Religious Prejudice, Mr Choudhury will continue to advocate for anti-racist education and promote equality for all in Scotland.
37 Scottish businesses, championing the link between economic success and environmental sustainability, have been shortlisted as finalists for the 2024 VIBES Scottish Environment Business Awards.
Recognised by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and other leading environmental and business agencies for their innovative environmental action, these sustainable Scottish companies are working to reduce pressure on the planet’s resources and accelerate action towards net zero.
From a competitive field of entries, the top finalists have been selected across industries ranging from life sciences, transport, food and drink and construction.
Over the last 25 years, the VIBES awards have been celebrating the efforts of Scottish companies and recognising the efforts of those businesses that have championed sustainability by identifying ways to tackle the impact on the planet by reducing consumption of its resources.
Nicole Paterson, Chief Executive at the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), said: “For 25 years, the VIBES Scottish Environment Business Awards have showcased the best of Scottish sustainable business and this year we’re excited to see that businesses continue to drive change and deliver environmental excellence.
“As Scotland’s principal environmental regulator, we innovate, collaborate and drive collective action to help build a stronger, fairer and more sustainable nation.
“Now more than ever, Scottish consumers are looking to business leaders to take meaningful action and we’re seeing more and more businesses and organisations recognising that environmental innovation and best practice can also bring economic opportunities and benefits.”
A panel of judges, bringing expertise on sustainability and innovation from across the business and public sectors, reviewed entries and selected the finalists for each of the 11 award categories, which include celebrating small and large businesses, product innovation and inclusivity.
This year, the awards have been supported by STV’s Green Fund to attract businesses from across the whole of Scotland, making the awards as inclusive as possible by encouraging businesses of all sizes and across a range of industries to apply.
Anthony Polydorou, Business Development Director at STV, said: “In today’s business landscape championing sustainability is more vital than ever. As part of our ongoing media partnership with the VIBES Awards, we helped to reach businesses, no matter their size or location, across Scotland and the finalists reflect those leading the way in positive environmental practises.
“The STV Green Fund was created to support Scottish businesses doing great things for the environment, making our collaboration with VIBES on this award an easy decision for us. Congratulations and good luck to all the nominees this year.”
SEPA’s Chair, Lisa Tennant, will make the final decision alongside Robbie Kernahan, Director Green Economy, Nature Scot and Ian Gulland, CEO Zero Waste Scotland on the Head Judging Panel. To help make this tough decision, the finalists will host site visits and be interviewed, with winners announced at the awards ceremony in November.
The VIBES Scottish Environment Business Awards, delivered by SEPA, are a partnership between multiple organisations including the Scottish Government, Energy Saving Trust, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Scottish Enterprise, South of Scotland Enterprise, NatureScot, Scottish Water, and Zero Waste Scotland.
VIBES is also supported by CBI Scotland, the Institute of Directors (IoD), Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), Bright Green Business, Scottish Council for Development and Industry and the Scotch Whisky Association.
Ambassador Holland remembers the victims of the Srebrenica genocide in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and pays tribute to the courage and resilience shown by families and survivors.
Today we remember the victims of the Srebrenica genocide in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and honour the survivors. This year we are marking 11 July more formally for the first time as the International Day of Reflection and Commemoration of the 1995 Genocide in Srebrenica, following the adoption of a UN General Assembly resolution on 23 May.
The International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia found that several individuals were guilty of genocide in Srebrenica. Acknowledgement of that fact should not be a cause for tension and division. Rather, it is a basis on which true reconciliation can be achieved.
Mr Chair, 29 years ago in Srebrenica, genocide took place in Europe for the first time since 1945. It claimed the lives of over 8,000 mostly Muslim men and boys, and led to the displacement of over 20,000 women and children who were forcibly expelled from their homes.
We honour the memory of those killed, and pay tribute to the extraordinary courage and resilience shown by their families and by survivors. We stand with the families in their ongoing fight for justice.
The UK is committed to supporting Bosnia and Herzegovina in its efforts to build a secure, stable, inclusive society, and heal the fractures caused by conflict. It is regrettable that we continue to see divisive and dangerous nationalist rhetoric, secessionist moves, and open challenges to the constitutional order established by the Dayton Peace Agreement.
The UK is committed to a single, sovereign Bosnia and Herzegovina, and will continue to take action in support of that. We also continue to urge political leaders to condemn any glorification of the perpetrators of war crimes, and to take action against genocide denial.
Mr Chair, as was the case in 2022 and 2023, we are marking this date in the shadow of Russia’s illegal and unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine. We must learn the lessons of history.
Terrible events such as the genocide at Srebrenica show the consequences of inaction. We owe it to the victims to create societies that are stable, inclusive and cohesive, and to fight against prejudice, hatred, fear and division wherever we find it.
Remaining true to our shared commitment to the concept of comprehensive security, articulated by the Helsinki principles and central to membership of the OSCE, is the best way to do this.
The greatest tribute we can give to those who lost their lives is to do everything we can to prevent such a horrific crime from ever being repeated.
Ambassador Holland’s speech at/to the OSCE – The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe
Data shows butterflies are spreading northward due to climate change creating warmer habitats
Migratory Red Admiral now overwintering and classed as a UK resident with three fold increase in numbers
New species spotted in new places, including the Holly Blue in Scotland and Jersey Tiger in central London
Citizen scientists are vital in discovering how garden favourite butterflies are on the move through the Big Butterfly Count
Leading wildlife charity Butterfly Conservation is today calling on people across the UK to take part in this year’s Big Butterfly Count (12 July – 4 August) and help scientists understand how climate change is moving butterflies.
After analysing 50 years of data, researchers have discovered a clear northward spread for many species, including common garden favourites the Peacock, Comma and Holly Blue, the result of climate change creating warmer habitats for them to survive in.
Another species on the move is the Jersey Tiger. Previously found only in south-west England, the striking day-flying moth has in recent years been spotted as far north as central London, gaining its spot in the Big Butterfly Count in 2021.
And at the other end of the scale, species such as the Scotch Argus in Scotland (above) are retreating northwards to stay in the cooler climes this butterfly prefers.
Butterflies are indicators of the health of our natural environment – and with half of Britain’s butterfly species already threatened or near threatened with extinction, it’s never been more important to understand how these species are responding to the changing climate and to take action to protect them.
To help scientists discover more about the movement and trends of where butterflies are living, the public are being asked to spend 15 minutes in any sunny spot and record the number and type of butterflies they see this summer.
Dr Zoë Randle, Senior Surveys Officer at Butterfly Conservation explains: “Thirty years ago you wouldn’t have seen a Holly Blue in Scotland, now it has expanded where it lives across the UK by 34%, increasingly spreading northward.
“And the Red Admiral, which was once a migratory species most commonly seen in southern England in the summer and then leaving for Europe in the winter, is now living in the UK all year round, resulting in a three-fold increase in their numbers.
“We’re also seeing other species which have previously suffered severe declines, such as the Comma, recovering, with a huge increase of 94% in where it is found. These highly adaptable species are all able to move into new places as the climate warms, but for habitat specific species, these trends raise serious red flags.
“Species that rely on particular habitats aren’t able to move as freely as our garden favourites. This means that if climate change continues, they could become trapped in isolated fragments of remaining habitat, unable to move and with their food plants at risk from adverse weather conditions, facing the very real threat of extinction.”
Butterfly Conservation Vice President, Chris Packham, who today launches this year’s Big Butterfly Count, explains: “Butterflies are on the move, and there’s no doubt that climate breakdown is behind these geographic shifts.
“We know nature is running out of time, so we need to act now. We need you to get out for the Big Butterfly Count, let us know what you spot and where you spot it. You will be gathering the important data we need to see what the latest impacts are on our butterflies and moths, so that we can take the action needed to protect them.”
Chris Packham is not alone in his support for the Big Butterfly Count, as President of Butterfly Conservation, Sir David Attenborough has shared poignant messages in his support of the Count over the years.
Sir David said: “The UK is a nation of amateur naturalists, and we have a proud tradition of celebrating and studying our wildlife.
“Every single person taking part in the Big Butterfly Count helps to build a picture of how butterflies are faring and how we can best conserve them. A few precious moments spent watching a stunning Red Admiral or Peacock butterfly feeding amongst the flowers in my garden never fails to bring me great pleasure.”
Other famous faces to have taken part or supported the Big Butterfly Count over the last few years include His Majesty King Charles III, Her Royal Highness Princess Charlotte, Butterfly Conservation Vice President Dr Amir Khan, and even Winnie the Pooh!
Butterfly Conservation’s Big Butterfly Count is the largest citizen-science project of its kind and is a positive action everyone can do to help collect important scientific data, as well as enjoy time outdoors, connect with nature and have fun.
Whether done with friends and family, or in a moment of quiet calm and solitude, the Big Butterfly Count is free, fun and takes just 15 minutes. It is open to anyone, of any age, in any part of the UK – towns, cities or the countryside.
No green space is too small – a back garden, a small terrace or balcony with some pot plants, a public park, allotment, or country lane are all important spaces to explore, track and report.
Last year more than 135,000 Counts took place up and down the country, with participants spending a combined total of almost four years counting butterflies.
The information gathered helps scientists to understand how butterflies and moths are faring, informs conservation projects, government policies and supports other experts with their research and vital work to protect our planet.
Dr Zoë Randle said: “In total, over 1.5 million butterflies and day-flying moths were recorded in last year’s Count, where the Red Admiral reigned supreme with almost 250,000 sightings.
“We’re wondering whether someone this year will be the first to spot a new species in their area, and what the results will show for our butterflies and moths across the UK.”
This year’s Big Butterfly Count runs from Friday 12 July – Sunday 4 August.
For more information and to take part simply visit www.bigbutterflycount.org or download the free Big Butterfly Count app.
