Volunteer at a music festival at Linlithgow Palace and enjoy the event for FREE!
Are you a music fan? Child Bereavement UK needs you! The charity is looking for volunteers to give 4 hours of their time to help at Let’s Rock Scotland (10 August) or Party at the Palace (11 August), both at Linlithgow Palace, West Lothian.
The charity needs volunteers to be at the heart of the festival buzz, scanning entry tickets, selling wristbands and offering raffle tickets to raise funds to support its work. In return volunteers gain FREE access to the rest of the festival fun.
The lineup for Let’s Rock Scotland features iconic artists from the 80s and 90s including UB40, Lulu, ABC, Heaven 17, Big Country, Go West, The Skids, Jaki Graham, Thereza Bazar’s Dollar, and Odyssey. Party at the Palace features Ronan Keating, Bananarama, Callum Beattie, The Farm, Generation, GBX, Mary Kiani, Livin Joy, Sweet Female Attitude, Eves, and Brontes.
Child Bereavement UK helps families to rebuild their lives when a child grieves or when a child dies. The charity supports children and young people (up to the age of 25) when someone important to them has died or is not expected to live, and parents and the wider family when a baby or child of any age dies or is dying.
Ruth Sanger, Head of Community Fundraising for Child Bereavement UK said: “This year Child Bereavement UK is delighted to be the beneficiary charity of some of the UK’s most anticipated festivals and gigs.
“Our volunteers tell us they have a great time soaking up the festival atmosphere and seeing their favourite acts, in return for just a few hours of their time helping us raise much-needed funds. If you’re tempted to join in, please visit our website to find out how you can get involved”.
For more information on volunteering or to see a full list of events please visit:
First hospitals in Scotland to offer minimally invasive aquablation therapy with significant reduction of side effects typically associated with alternative BPH treatment
Spire Edinburgh Hospitals have introduced aquablation therapy for the treatment of enlarged prostates or benign prostatic hyperplasia. Spire Edinburgh Hospitals have already treated seven patients with aquablation therapy and are currently the only hospitals in Scotland to offer this.
Aquablation therapy is an advanced, minimally invasive treatment for BPH that combines imaging and robotic technology to guide a heat-free waterjet for precise tissue removal. This provides long-lasting relief to benign prostatic hyperplasia1 – one of the most common health complications faced by men over the age of 50.
One of the most important benefits of aquablation therapy over alternative BPH treatments, is that it will improve the preservation of continence and sexual function for patients. Advanced software and robotics allows the surgeon to accurately target diseased tissue before using a heat-free water jet to remove only the targeted tissue.
The most common complications with alternative surgical solutions are continence, and issues with erections and ejaculation.
Clinical studies have shown preserved continence and erection function in all men who have received aquablation therapy, while 90% retained their ejaculatory function, delivering a considerable reduction and low incidence of irreversible complications.
Patients can also expect long-lasting relief from BPH symptoms – studies have again indicated significant improvements for up to five years following the procedure.
The recovery process for aquablation therapy is also more comfortable, with patients being able to leave the hospital without a catheter.
Professor Alan McNeill, Consultant Urologist at Spire Edinburgh Hospitals, said: “‘I am delighted to be involved in bringing ablation therapy to patients in Scotland at Spire Murrayfield Hospital.
“Aquablation adds to the options available for patients to choose, and I believe offers advantages in particular to men with larger prostates, and in those who wish to preserve ejaculatory function.”
Learners across Scotland will receive their national qualification results today (Tuesday 6 August 2024) as the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) celebrated their ‘achievement and hard work’.
Around 145,000 learners – from all corners of the country – will receive the traditional envelope through the letterbox containing their results and qualifications certificate.
Fiona Robertson, Chief Executive of SQA and Scotland’s Chief Examining Officer, said: “Our warmest congratulations to the 145,000 learners across Scotland whose achievements are being celebrated today. They can be rightly proud of their positive performance.”
As well as National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher results, thousands of learners will also be celebrating a record-breaking year for vocational-based qualifications. The total of National Progression Awards, National Certificates, Skills for Work, and SQA Awards rose by 24.8% to 90,035.
This year saw the return of full course assessment in National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher courses, following consultation with learners, teachers and lecturers and their representative groups, parents, carers, education partners and the Scottish Government. Coursework and exams for some practical subjects were removed temporarily during the pandemic.
Full course assessment helps ensure that learners are equipped with the knowledge and full range of skills needed to support their successful next steps in education, training, or employment.
Fiona Robertson added: “All learners can be confident that the qualifications they have earned – by demonstrating their knowledge, understanding and skills across full course assessment – provide a solid foundation for the next stage in their learning, training, or employment. We wish them all continued success.
“While there is some variability in the national attainment picture in 2024, this is a solid set of results for learners in National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher courses. 2024 also marks a record-breaking year for vocational qualifications, as Scotland’s learners excelled in achieving valuable skills to build rewarding careers.
“And all of this has been achieved by a group of learners who experienced significant disruption to teaching and learning during the pandemic.
“Scotland’s learners should be rightly proud of their achievements, supported by Scotland’s dedicated and hard-working teachers, lecturers, our schools and colleges, and the wider education community.”
Exams results day: Commissioner says be proud and good luck for your next chapter
Children and Young People’s Commissioner Nicola Killean has wished the best of luck to young people on their exam results today, recognising it can be a nerve-wracking day.
Commissioner Nicola has congratulated those who are pleased with their Nat 5, Higher, or Advanced Higher results, and she has reminded those who may feel disappointed or worried that lots of opportunities still lie ahead.
Commissioner Nicola said: “Today is a big day in your lives, and it can feel daunting. I hope you have received the results you were hoping to get. If you have, congratulations – I wish you well for the next chapter in your lives, whatever that will be.
“But I know this might not be a happy day for everyone.
“I’ve spoken to lots of young people about education this year, and the subject of exams and pressure comes up regularly. They told me that exams don’t suit everyone and don’t always accurately reflect how intelligent someone is.
“I know some of you may be disappointed or worried about your results and I want to reassure you that today does not define you. If you didn’t get what you were expecting or wanted to get, there are lots of people and organisations who can help advise and support you on your next steps.
“The right to education isn’t all about academic results. Your education should develop your personality, talents, and abilities, and sometimes these can’t be measured by academic grades. Remember all the other contributions, achievements and unique special talents that make you the person you are.
“Whatever today brings, please be proud of yourself and know that there is more than one way to measure success.”
For help with exam results, Young Scot shares information on organisations that can support you and information on appeals.
SPECSAVERS has launched its first ever ‘eye screen’ van to put children’s eye health and eye tests at the top of parents’ agendas.
Popping up at The Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh, the van was not only equipped with ice lollies, but also visual screeners, to help identify any potential eyesight problems in children and alert their parents if they required a more thorough eye test.
The activity comes as new research conducted by Specsavers among parents in Scotland with kids aged 4-16, revealed that almost a quarter (22%) of children of this age have never had an eye test, and a further 12% haven’t had one in two years or longer.
This is despite 15% of parents in Scotland saying their child had experienced problems at school which could be linked to vision. The most common issues raised includes struggling to see the whiteboard (43%), experiencing discomfort because they are straining to see (36%) or having to move to the front of the classroom to see (21%).
Little progress has been in the last 15 years as research carried out by Specsavers in 2009, showed just under a quarter (23%) of UK children aged between 3-12 had never had an eye test.[1]
The latest survey found the most common reasons parents across Scotland haven’t taken their child for an eye test is because they don’t know how frequently they need to go (33%) or they have no visible problems (17%). Other reasons include parents not being advised that their child needs an eye test (17%) or knowing at what age they should have one (17%).
Specsavers clinical services director Giles Edmonds said: ‘A lot of parents assume that because their child doesn’t display any signs of a vision problem, there’s no need to have their eyes tested.
‘However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Ensuring your child has regular eye examinations from an early age is incredibly important for several reasons. Given more than 80 per cent of our learning, cognitive and social abilities are facilitated through our sight, it’s extremely important to your child’s overall development.
‘Poor eyesight can cause learning and behavioural problems. Conditions such as squinting and amblyopia (lazy eye) can be treated more effectively if they are picked up earlier, which could make a huge difference to your child. An eye test doesn’t just check vision. It can also detect other underlying health conditions.’
The research also found that during school holidays, parents across Scotland have a back-to-school list of around 10 to 11 tasks, including everything from buying new school unforms (55%), shoe fittings (52%) and labelling personal items (45%). However, eye tests ranked lower (42%) alongside dental checks (42%).
Giles adds: “We understand how many things parents have to think about, especially during the summer holidays and before the new school year starts.
“By showing up with our eye screen van, we hope we’ve put eye tests on parents’ radars as they play a significant role in setting children up for a happy and fulfilling school life.”
The research also found children in Scotland are reluctant to get their eyes tested. Nearly a half (48%) think it will hurt and nearly one in five just don’t want glasses (19%).
To combat this, Specsavers is looking at ways to make a visit to the opticians more fun with the launch of its friendly ‘Optomonsters’. Customers will start to notice the Optomonsters popping up in stores nationwide soon.
An Edinburgh primary school teacher, who lives with a brain injury and epilepsy, has completed a 1000-mile mission to raise funds for a disabled children’s charity.
Milo Trainor Moss (28), who also has a cardiac implanted device after suffering a sudden cardiac arrest in 2020, has spent the last four weeks completing the adventurous solo cycle across northern Europe to support The Yard, his mother’s place of work.
Milo cycled 500 miles from Gothenburg to Hamburg and then another 500 miles via Amsterdam and Newcastle. His Dad Richard buddied him on the final leg of his cycle back into Edinburgh, arriving at The Yard together on Friday 2 August.
Smashing his fundraising target of £1,000, £1 per mile, Milo has since raised over £1500 bolstered by the generosity of Richard’s employer, Natwest, which will donate an additional £500 through its Community Cashback Scheme.
Milo said, “I’ve been acutely aware of The Yard’s impact for many years but since becoming a primary school teacher, the difference the charity makes has come into sharper focus.
“I saw the summer holiday as the ideal opportunity to use my cycle challenge to help The Yard do more of what they do best, supporting young people with disabilities and additional needs, and their families.
“There’s no doubt that I had to consider my limitations and plan the route around my health challenges, but it was otherwise just a case of getting on with it and powering on. Arriving back at The Yard and being reminded of how amazing a place it is made it all worthwhile.”
Katrina Trainor, his mum, who has been The Yard’s Edinburgh receptionist for 10 years added, “To say we are proud of Milo is a huge understatement. He is one in a million in so many ways.
“Milo was diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of eight and lives with a hypoxic brain injury but otherwise gets on with life and is always pushing himself to do more. He’s loved this latest adventure and the freedom he’s had along the way.
“While facing his own health difficulties, he’s so resilient and always moving forward. In many ways, he is the embodiment of The Yard.
“His cycle challenge has been brilliant for The Yard but also wonderful for Milo – we are exceptionally proud!”
Her pride is echoed by Celine Sinclair, Chief Executive Officer of The Yard, who said, “We are incredibly grateful that Milo chose to embark on this epic endeavour for The Yard.
“As well as raising a significant sum for our charity, which will allow the young people we support to enjoy their own adventures, his journey will inspire countless other young people and show that, even in the face of adversity, we can always strive for more and make a difference to others.
Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth has congratulated students across Scotland as they receive their Scottish Qualification Authority (SQA) exam results.
Around 145,000 students – the highest since 2015 – have achieved a wide range of qualifications including National 5, Highers, Advanced Highers and SQA Awards.
With this year marking the return of full coursework assessment following the disruption during the pandemic, the data published by the SQA shows the pass rates for Advanced Highers are 75.3%, Highers are 74.9% and 77.2% at National 5 level.
A record 90,045 vocational and technical qualifications have been awarded this year, an increase of almost 25% on 2024, reflecting the wide range of opportunities available to students.
The data also shows the poverty-related attainment gap at National 5 and Higher has returned to levels broadly similar to 2019 – the last year of pre-pandemic results.
Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said: “Congratulations to all of Scotland’s young people receiving their results for this year.
“Their resilience is remarkable, and their achievements all the more impressive given the significant disruption to learning due to the pandemic at the end of primary school and start of the secondary school journey. Today is a chance to celebrate the full breadth of achievements attained by Scotland’s young people.
“I also want to give my thanks to the teachers, lecturers and staff in our schools and colleges – and, importantly, Scotland’s parents and carers – for supporting each individual young person.
“Among those achievements, I’m really heartened to see a record high 90,045 vocational or technical qualifications have been awarded this year, up almost a quarter on 2023’s results.
“Young people now have a much wider range of choice than ever before, allowing them to find the route into employment or further education that is right for them and we know that the poverty related gap has reduced by 60% since 2009 for young people leaving school and going on to a positive destination, such as work, training or further study.
“Of course Scotland is not unique – and like countries the world over, our education system is still in recovery from the pandemic. Undoubtedly, that has contributed to some of the variability we have seen in results this year, particularly with the full return to qualifications requirements for the first time since the pandemic.
“I am determined to work with our teachers, school staff and local authorities to drive further improvements in our schools.
“The curriculum improvement cycle is already underway, with mathematics and numeracy being prioritised first, which is being led by the recently appointed new national specialist in Mathematics.
“In the coming weeks, I will publish the Behaviour Action Plan, set out new action to improve attendance and confirm the Scottish Government’s next steps on qualifications reform early in the new parliamentary term.
“I am also conscious that there is a wide degree of variation in results between our 32 local authorities. To that end, I will be meeting with all local authority Directors of Education, the Chief Examiner and the interim Chief Inspector to consider the context of these results and how the Scottish Government can work with our councils to drive the improvements we all want to see.”
Levels of attainment for pupils across Edinburgh remain above those achieved before the Covid pandemic according to exam results released today.
Around 12,390 pupils in the Capital have received their results from the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA). This is the first year since 2019 where there are no adjustments to course and assessment requirements. Different assessment models were used in 2020 and 2021 due to the impact of the pandemic.
A total of 44,003 resulted awards were certificated for 12,392 candidates (including special school, adult and mainstream secondary pupils) in over 92 subjects ranging from Accounting to Urdu.
The performance of pupils across Edinburgh was maintained or improved in most measures for National 5 and Higher courses when compared to both 2023 and 2019 performance.
The gap in performance between the least advantaged and the most advantaged pupils has decreased in almost all measures when compared with 2023 and 2019 data.
The number of passes in National Progression Awards have increased by 17%. By broadening the range of learning pathways for young people more personalised opportunities for achievement are being created.
Sanjay Nair (16) who is going into sixth year at Liberton High School said: “I had the vision of going to university since I was quite young and towards the end of this year I decided to stay on for sixth year.
“I’ll go to university next year to make sure I’m ready to go on to study further. I’ve enjoyed Computing Science for a while and I like programming. My Dad does it at home and so I’m delighted that I’ve got the A and Bs at higher I need to make my parents proud and do what I’ve always wanted to do.”
Paige Quin (15) who has just left Liberton High school to go to college to study Childcare said: “Over the last couple of years I’ve done courses in hairdressing and beauty at Granton College and I studied childcare in school.
“I’m excited now to be moving on to college and my goal is to become a foster carer as I think it is really important that all children have the right to a loving and caring environment. I’m really pleased that I got the grades I needed today to do that.
Jenna Braban (17) who has just left Liberton High School to go to Cambridge to study Veterinary Medicine said: “I’ve always wanted to be a vet and I started considering Cambridge as a possibility at the end of fifth year. Going to a summer school made my mind up.
“I’ve had to study so hard to achieve the As I got at advanced higher. I did a lot of interviews and my teachers were a great support during that time. I’m ecstatic about my results and I can’t wait to start my studies at Cambridge after the summer.
Councillor Joan Griffiths, Education Convener for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “I would like to thank all of our school staff who have worked incredibly hard to ensure that our young people were able to perform so well in their coursework and examinations.
“I want to recognise the invaluable support given by parents and carers and most of all I would like to take this opportunity to praise the efforts of our young people.
“Every learner’s journey and achievements are unique to them, we have the ambition that all young people are able to fulfil their potential, reach the highest levels of achievement through the provision of the best possible educational experiences.
“I am particularly pleased that our schools are using a wide range of vocational qualifications, providing pathways for all into positive destinations.”
Additional results analysis
Results by end of S4
5 passes at National 5 or better – 47% (1pp down on 2023).
Results by end of S5
1+ pass at Higher or better – 61% (1 pp up on 2023 and 4 pp up on 2019)
3+ passes Higher or better – 42% (1 pp down on 2023 but 4 pp up on 2019)
5+ passes at Higher or better – 24% (same as 2023 and 4pp up on 2019)
Results by end of S6
1+ pass at Higher or better – 70% (1pp up on 2023 but 4 pp up on 2019)
3+ passes Higher or better – 52% (1pp up on 2023 but 3 pp up on 2019)
5+ passes at Higher or better – 39% (1pp up on 2023 but 3 pp up on 2019)
1+ pass at Advanced Higher – 32% (1pp up on 2023 but 5 pp up on 2019)
Anyone who did not receive the results they had hoped for, or who is just unsure about their next steps, should get in touch with the SDS exam helpline for access to expert careers advice.
Did you know our team of Compassionate Gardeners make an immediate and heartwarming impact on the lives of those living at home with an end-of-life diagnosis who yearn to spend precious time in their much-loved gardens.
Coming alongside the garden owners, our green fingered volunteers offer a little deserved TLC to help restore the loveliness of the garden and by doing so often greatly add to the sense of wellbeing of the garden owner and often the volunteer too.
As one of our volunteers recently laughed ‘as I work in the garden, the garden works on me too!’
By offering two hours once a fortnight volunteers can really make the world of a difference to someone living with a palliative condition and also share the joy of gardening.
Scotland Loves Local Week 2024: Events showcasing great work in communities – and need to back local businesses – to take place from August 26th
People and organisations across Edinburgh and the Lothians are being urged to make a promise to think local first and boost the region’s economy.
They are being encouraged to sign the Scotland Loves Local Pledge – a commitment to protecting jobs and helping their community to thrive by backing the businesses around them.
The pledge – which can be signed at www.lovelocal.scot/pledge – has been unveiled in the build up to the second Scotland Loves Local Week, which takes place from 26th August.
People, businesses and other organisations across the region are being urged to get involved with the week, both by signing the pledge and by highlighting the transformational difference that residents can make by choosing local.
They can do that by organising a celebration event, inviting a local politician to see all that they do and shining a spotlight on their work on social media using the hashtags #ScotlandLovesLocal and #ChooseLocal.
The week is being led by Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP), the organisation behind Scotland Loves Local.
STP Chief Officer Kimberley Guthrie said: “It is all too easy to underestimate the impact that supporting local people supporting local businesses and local businesses supporting other local businesses can have. But the fact is that every one of us can play a remarkable part in building better, stronger communities by doing exactly that.
“Our pledge is a statement of intent for those who back it – and Scotland Loves Local Week is your chance to shout the great things happening to make communities across Edinburgh and throughout the Lothians fit for the future.”
More information about how you can get involved – including downloadable promotional assets – can be found at www.lovelocal.scot.
Scotland Loves Local is the drive for people to build stronger, more sustainable futures for their community by supporting the businesses in their area, potentially injecting millions of pounds into regional economies. It is spearheaded by STP with support from the Scottish Government.
Three Animal Rising supporters were sentenced yesterday (5/8/24) at St Albans Crown Court for conspiring to cause criminal damage at the Hatfield site of Arla Foods, concluding the trial for the 13 supporters that took action in 2022.
Last week (31/07/24) ten supporters were sentenced at the same court for the same offence. In total, the thirteen defendants received sentences totalling 1,550 hours of community service, 168 months sentencing, suspended, and £56,875 in compensation.
Today’s defendants received sentences totalling £11,200 compensation, 40 days rehabilitation, 100 hours of community service and suspended sentences totalling 46 months.
The actions were part of Animal Rising’s (then Animal Rebellion) 2022 “Plant-Based Future” campaign, which aimed to stop the supply of dairy in the UK, and call on the government to transition to a just and sustainable plant-based food system.
Court concluded with all defendants being ordered to pay fines, and most receiving suspended sentences by Judge Lana Wood after the trial began in April.
Supporters had been charged with conspiracy to cause £581,000 worth of damage during their disruption of the dairy supply chain at the Hatfield site of Arla Foods in 2022.
Claudia Penna-Rojas, Animal Rising spokesperson, said: “In the past week, the defendants have been hit with harsh sentences and costly fines for bringing attention to the detrimental climate breakdown that the dairy industry causes.
“The dairy industry and animal agriculture as a whole significantly contribute to water usage, habitat pollution, and species extinction.
“In the midst of climate and ecological breakdown, addressing animal and environmental health is needed now more than ever. We need the government to lead the transition to a just and sustainable plant-based food system for a world where animals and humans can live together peacefully.”
Anna Wilkinson, one of the defendants, said: “Arla do not need compensation; they will be insured to the hilt, and, as the largest dairy producer in the UK, they recorded profits of €380 million in 2023.
“This ruling is really about trying to make sure people are deterred from protesting against the harm done by Arla and other large companies to the environment, humans and animals.
“However, history teaches us that people will not be stopped by such measures and will continue to speak out.”
In 2018, a study from the University of Oxford found that a global transition to a plant-based food system would free up 76% of farmland that could then be rewilded to draw down carbon and provide habitats for endangered species [4]. Moving away from animal agriculture would reduce greenhouse gas emissions and water usage while improving conditions for biodiversity.
Animal Rising is a social movement to create a new relationship with all beings and give us a chance for a safe ecological future. The group primarily calls for the transition to a secure and sustainable plant-based food system, alongside a mass rewilding programme.
To give prospective students the opportunity to speak to lecturers about their application and course options for the 2024/25 session, Edinburgh College is hosting a course clearing exam results drop-in session at its Sighthill Campus on Friday 9 August.
From 10.30m to 3pm, prospective students of all ages will be able to speak to course teams about their options following the release of exam results, and will get the chance to secure a place on a course for the upcoming academic session.
Those who have changed their mind about their original course choice, or who have not yet made an application for college but would like to study this year are also encouraged to attend.
Edinburgh College offers courses across a wide range of subject areas within the Creative Industries, Engineering and Construction, Health, Wellbeing and Social Sciences, and Tourism, Hospitality and Business faculties.
Courses are delivered in a variety of study modes, including full-time and part-time study, and cater to the diverse needs of today’s student.
As well as this, Student Services will be on hand at the event to provide advice on funding options and access to learning support for those who are seeking further information about their study options for the coming year.
Those who cannot attend Friday’s drop-in session can call the College’s clearing phoneline between 10am and 4pm from Monday 5 August until Tuesday 13 August. Staff will be taking calls to give advice based on students’ specific situations and helping begin course applications. The clearing phone number is: 0131 297 8300.
Audrey Cumberford, Edinburgh College Principal, said: “Clearing day is a very important time for applicants and prospective students who are still considering their next steps.
“We would encourage anyone who is unsure about their existing application or is thinking about starting a new course in 2024/25 to get advice from our teams at our clearing event.
“At Edinburgh College, our fantastic range of courses are not only delivered by expert teaching staff, but are also designed to provide students with the skills they need to either continue their learner journey or achieve their chosen career.
“Come along and start your future at our clearing event.”
