Month: July 2024

Economic impact of forestry

Sector brings £1.1 billion annually

Scotland’s forestry contributes £1.1 billion to the economy each year and supports more than 34,000 jobs, a new report has found.

The independent study, commissioned by Scottish Forestry, notes that the industry directly employs 10,380 people, with a further 5,630 working across wood processing and forest activities, and 18,130 in forestry-related tourism. This represents a 30% increase in jobs since 2015. 

The findings underline the growing importance of Scotland’s natural economy and demonstrate how forestry is supporting many businesses, rural economies and communities. 

The report was launched by Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes as she visited West Fraser’s Dalcross mill at Morayhill, near Inverness. West Fraser is a leading global manufacturer of wood-based panels. 

Ms Forbes said: “Scotland’s forests and woodlands are a sustainable powerhouse. They support a growing number of jobs, many in rural communities, and make an increasingly important contribution to Scotland’s economy. 

“The Scottish Government is committed to expanding our forests and woodlands and ensure they continue to provide multiple benefits for Scotland.

“Scottish Forestry is working closely with the sector to maximise future woodland creation with the resources available. Scotland is creating nearly 75% of all the new woodlands in the UK and last year saw the highest level of woodland creation in 34 years.”

Scottish Forestry’s Head of Economics Pat Snowdon said: “Forestry is often called a ‘hidden industry’ because there are so many small businesses placed in remote areas working throughout the sector. 

“This comprehensive economic study covers a multitude of forestry activities and their important contribution towards boosting the economy of Scotland.  

“The findings provide a snapshot of the different ways forestry generates income and employment across Scotland.”

Chief Executive of forestry and wood trade body Confor Stuart Goodall said: “This increasingly important industry has experienced strong growth.

“To have increased levels of employment by 30% and annual economic impact by more than 15% is remarkable in the face of unprecedented economic challenges.

“It is testament to the resilience and ingenuity of people working in the sector, hundreds of millions of pounds of investment by businesses, and growing demand for wood as a low carbon material.”

COSMO Edinburgh reopens today

First look as Edinburgh multi-cuisine restaurant COSMO Authentic World Kitchen unveils stunning refurbishment as it sets to reopen this Saturday, 13th July from 12 noon: 

The restaurant, recently named Best Restaurant in Scotland by The Golden Chopsticks Awards, co-founded by Gok Wan, has recently undergone an impressive eight-week makeover, enhancing its luxurious ambiance with modern, stylish decor and furnishings.

COSMO Edinburgh, renowned for elevating the buffet dining experience, now boasts an inviting atmosphere filled with contrasting textures and tones. Guests will be guided through a world of flavours by an innovative lighting system and elegant marble counters.

For added comfort, the restaurant features plush leather booth seating, large stand-out wall projections, and a mix of dark and light oak shelving that offers private dining areas.

Conveniently located in the Omni Centre on Greenside Row, COSMO World Kitchen’s extensive menu showcases a diverse array of global dishes, ensuring every palate is catered for.

From Asian stir-fries and sushi to Italian pasta and American BBQ, COSMO’s all-you-can-eat buffet promises a culinary adventure for the entire family. The live food theatre, featuring Teppanyaki stations, adds to the excitement, with food freshly prepared and cooked to customers’ preferences.

Taking inspiration from the most extravagant five-star hotel buffets worldwide, the Tasting Kitchen offers a tour de force of the globe’s most popular dishes served on small plates. Diners can savour delights such as chilli con carne, tandoori chicken, and salt and chilli hash browns, making it the perfect opportunity to explore new dishes and cuisines. 

Kan Koo, Partner at COSMO, said: “We are excited to reveal our newly refurbished restaurant to the people of Edinburgh.

“Our goal was to create a luxurious yet comfortable dining environment that continues to elevate the buffet experience for the full family. We can’t wait to welcome our guests this weekend as a world of flavours awaits.”

COSMO delivers high-quality fare, world buffet style, offering Continental menus, Carvery, House of Spice, small plates Tasting Kitchen and Deli style food, alongside their East and South East Asian menus and reopens this Saturday, 13 July from 12 noon. 

Follow COSMO on social: 

@cosmorestaurants

Find out more or book a table at: 

www.cosmo-restaurants.co.uk/restaurants 

Remembering Ewan Williamson

Firefighters paused to remember colleague Ewan Williamson who died fifteen years ago at the Balmoral Bar fire in Edinburgh

A Commemoration Service was held at the James Braidwood statue on Parliament Square in Edinburgh on Friday, 12 July and was attended by Firefighter Williamson’s family, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Chief Officer Ross Haggart, Deputy Lord Provost, Lezley Marion, as well as representatives from the Fire Brigades Union.

During the Service, a minute’s silence was observed followed by a wreath laying ceremony.

CO Haggart said: ” As we mark 15 years since he lost his life in the line of duty, Ewan Williamson and his loved ones will be in the thoughts of firefighters everywhere.

“Ewan’s ultimate sacrifice reminds us of all of the extraordinary lengths our firefighters go to protect our communities.

“The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service honours Ewan’s dedication and bravery.  We commemorate his life and work with pride, and we will ensure he is remembered always.”

Ewan’s family described him as having a “an infectious smile and a huge heart that we have missed every day since his tragic passing”. They told those who gathered at the service that their thoughts are with the families of every firefighter who watch their loved ones routinely put themselves in harm’s way.

At 00:38am, on 12 July 2009, Firefighter Williamson was a member of the first attending crews at a fire in the basement of the Balmoral Bar on Dalry Road in Edinburgh.

As the devastating fire spread, Ewan and his colleagues were deployed to tackle the fire in the basement and ground floor levels. This enabled other SFRS personnel to carry out multiple rescues of occupants from domestic flats in the three floors above, whose lives were endangered by the smoke and flames.

Ewan, 35, who was a member of the Green Watch at Tollcross Fire Station, entered the building wearing breathing apparatus as part of the efforts to extinguish the fire. Tragically, he became trapped during firefighting operations and lost his life in the line of duty.

A total of 16 people, including a baby, were rescued that night, an outcome that could have been very different had it not been for the bravery of Ewan and his colleagues responding to the incident.

Fire Brigades Union Regional Chair, Gus Sproul, said: “Firefighter Ewan Williamson paid the ultimate sacrifice serving the public.

“15 years on from this tragic fire, the FBU and our members continue to reflect on his loss. Ewan will never be forgotten, his family, colleagues and friends are in our thoughts today.”  

Councillor Lezley Marion Cameron, Depute Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, said: “Today on the 15-year anniversary of the Balmoral Bar fire at which Firefighter Ewan Williamson tragically lost his life, we honour Ewan’s memory, his service and his sacrifice.  

“On that fateful day, and on every day since; as is the case today, and shall be tomorrow, those working in our emergency services face danger and risk with bravery and courage in their duty to keep each of us, and our communities, safe.   

“This is public service of the most noble and selfless kind. 

“The debt we owe, and our duty to each of them is to do all we can to ensure everyone facing danger and risk on the frontline are kept as safe and secure as possible in their line of duty.” 

Foreign Secretary ‘closely considering’ resuming UK funding to UNRWA

Statement by UK Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UNRWA Pledging Conference 2024 yesterday

The devastating violence in Gaza has gone on for far too long. And I pay tribute to the work of UNRWA in unprecedentedly challenging circumstances and to the leadership of Commissioner General Lazzarini.

In one of his first acts as UK Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer set out the clear and urgent need for an immediate ceasefire that leads to a sustainable peace with security for Israelis and Palestinians alike.

We are calling for the release of all the hostages, the upholding of international humanitarian law, and a rapid increase of humanitarian aid into Gaza. 

President, Palestinians in Gaza are facing a humanitarian catastrophe and the very real risk of famine. For months they have suffered unbearable hardship without the food and protection from harm that they need.

Too many Palestinian civilians are being killed, and much of civilian infrastructure essential to life has been destroyed. The UK is committed to working with our international partners to alleviate this suffering and get more aid to the civilians who need it most.

We welcome the UN’s leadership role in coordinating and delivering the humanitarian response.

We recognise that UNRWA is absolutely central to these efforts. It is playing a critically important role in getting aid to those who need it in Gaza and providing essential services, including healthcare and education, to Palestinian refugees across the region.

So I want to take the opportunity again today to pay tribute to those brave and selfless UNRWA staff who face danger every day as they work to get aid to those in desperate need.

Today the UK stands with 117 Member States, led by Jordan, Slovenia and Kuwait, in making clear our shared commitment to UNWRA and to make clear our support for the vital role it plays in saving lives and promoting regional stability – a fundamental building block for lasting peace.

President, we were appalled by the allegations that UNRWA staff were involved in the 7 October attacks against Israel. The Secretary-General and the Commissioner General of UNRWA took these allegations seriously and acted decisively.

And we are confident that UNRWA is taking robust action in response Catherine Colonna’s independent review, to ensure it meets the highest standards of neutrality, transparency and accountability.

The UK recognises the importance of UNRWA’s mandate and the need for UNRWA to operate on a sustainable financial footing.

Following last week’s elections in the United Kingdom, the new Foreign Secretary is closely considering resuming UK funding to UNRWA.

MEANWHILE, the UK continues to supply arms to Israel.

Strange old world, eh? – Ed.

Things will only get worse: Why the two-child limit must go

A REPORT BY THE CHILD POVERTY ACTION GROUP

Seven years after the introduction of the two-child limit, there are almost 1.6 million children in 440,000 families affected by the policy. These families are missing out on up to £3,455 a year per child. 

The two-child limit restricts support through universal credit (UC) or child tax credit to the first two children in a family, for children born after 6 April 2017.

Parents having a third or subsequent child after that date are not eligible for support for that child.  

The majority of families affected by the policy are living in poverty, despite 59 per cent of these families having one or both parents in paid work.

Affected families report not being able to provide for children’s basic needs, including food, clothing and heating. The policy also means families struggle to pay for housing and childcare. 

The policy affects every area of children’s lives. Parents report that children’s education, mental health, and learning and development are all negatively affected by the two-child limit.

Children are also missing out on the ‘everyday’ experiences of childhood such as days out with their family, being able to go on holiday, or having the occasional treat such as an ice cream.  

Abolishing the two-child limit is the most cost-effective way to reduce child poverty, and the most urgent action the government must take to reduce child poverty.

It would lift 300,000 children out of poverty and mean 700,000 children are in less deep poverty, making a significant difference to the lives of over a million children at a cost of £1.7 billion.

The two-child limit will continue to drive up poverty as more children are born. Child poverty is already at a record high, with 4.3 million children in poverty in the UK today.

This means in an average classroom of 30, nine children are living in poverty. 

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Portobello Central bathing water samples show NO RISK to public

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 Scoop Shop opens in Castle Street tomorrow

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! 

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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… 

To find your nearest Scoop Shop, visit: www.benjerry.co.uk/ice-cream-near-me  

Gas network apprentices give Bonnyrigg care home a fresh look

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.

I Am The Song: Boo Hewerdine writes a new song for Luminate’s Dementia Inclusive Singing Network

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:

https://singing.luminatescotland.org/songs-for-singing-groups-and-choirs/i-am-the-song/

About Boo Hewerdine:

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.

College to launch new exhibition Wild and Tame: Animals in History

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.