Month: August 2024

Lidl: What’s In The Box?! 

LIDL LAUNCHES 1,000 ‘MYSTERY BOXES’ EACH WORTH OVER £100

  • The supermarket is launching its first ever series of ‘Mystery Boxes’, packed full of characteristically random Middle of Lidl items for just £20
  • Fans will be able to get their hands on a wide selection of cult items, collectively worth over £100, from ukuleles to sandwich toasters and swimming goggles
  • Of the 1,000 limited edition boxes up for grabs, 50 lucky shoppers will also receive a high-value bonus item worth up to £199; anything from a swimming pool, to a dehumidifier, lawnmower or even a paddle board!
  • The Lidl Mystery Box will be available to purchase for £20 from 10am Thursday 15th August via www.lidlmysterybox.co.uk – but be quick!

The secret is out – Lidl is launching its first ever series of ‘Mystery Boxes’, each stuffed full of weird and wonderful ‘Middle of Lidl’ items, from coffee machines, ukuleles, goggles, crochet kits, massage guns and more! 

Worth over £100 each, the launch will see just 1,000 limited edition boxes up for grabs, priced at just £20 each. The question is, what will be inside the box? 

For 50 lucky dippers, a shiny Bonus Item Coupon will be hidden inside, unlocking a bigger bonus item worth up to a whopping £199. Coupon holders could receive anything from a Grillmeister 2-Burner Gas Barbeque to a Tower Air Fryer 5 in 1 Smokeless Grill, a Livarno Garden Furniture Set or even an Inflatable All-Round Stand-Up Paddle Board – so run don’t walk!

With Mystery Boxes bursting on to the scene with brands such as Candy Kittens* and Nike** jumping on the trend, the launch of the Lidl Mystery Box is a celebration of the beloved cult classic ‘Middle of Lidl’ which regularly grips the nation’s attention with its unpredictable product offering. 

They have recently gained significant traction online, with #MysteryBoxes trending on social media with a whopping 175.9M posts***. Shoppers are clearly looking to add some additional Middle Aisle pizzazz to their shopping sprees, and Lidl’s latest drop provides just that. 

In true ‘Middle of Lidl’ fashion, each box presents different surprises; fans could receive a Silvercrest Slushie Maker in one, whilst in another, shoppers could channel their inner Arnold Schwarzenegger and get DIY savvy with Parkside Spanners, or even learn a few chords with a Clifton Ukulele. Each box is a mystery just waiting to be solved…

Hopeful mystery-solvers can head to www.lidlmysterybox.co.uk to purchase one of the 1,000 Lidl Mystery Boxes from 10am Thursday 15th August for just £20 – available while stocks last. 

All proceeds of the Mystery Boxes will be donated to the NSPCC. 

Leith Links robbery: Witness appeal

Detectives are appealing for witnesses following a robbery which occurred in the Leith area on Monday night (12 August, 2024).

Around 11pm a 38-year-old woman was walking through Leith Links, close to Duncan Place, when she was approached by a man who grabbed her rucksack, causing her to fall to the ground.

The suspect made off towards Restalrig Road and Link Gardens.

The suspect is described as a white male, 30 to 40 years-old, 5ft6 and of thin build. He was wearing a long sleeved top, trousers, a dark baseball cap and spoke with a Scottish accent.

He was also in possession of a black and green mountaineering style rucksack which contained clothing and a number of high value items.

Detective Sergeant Ashley Rea said: “Thankfully the victim was not injured during the robbery however it was still a very distressing experience.

“We are appealing for anyone who was in the surrounding area around 11pm on Monday night who saw a man matching the suspect’s description, or who may have private CCTV or dash-cam footage of significance, to please get in touch.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 2616 of Monday, 12 August, 2024. Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Supporting community cohesion

Joint statement with STUC condemning recent disorder and racism

The First Minister and STUC General Secretary have issued a joint statement expressing solidarity with communities affected by recent disorder and racism in parts of the UK.

The joint statement follows First Minister John Swinney’s first biannual meeting with the Scottish Trades Union Congress, which took place yesterday.

The First Minister said: “Trade unions have a long and proud history of supporting those facing oppression at home and around the world and bringing communities together.

“The Scottish Government and STUC are aligned in our support of communities across the UK that have faced violence and intimidation instigated by far-right groups.

“Scotland is a diverse, multi-cultural society and this diversity strengthens us as a nation. There is no place in Scotland for hatred of any kind, and each of us has a responsibility to confront racism and religious prejudice, including Islamophobia, wherever and whenever it appears.

“I am grateful to Police Scotland for their ongoing efforts to keep communities safe and provide reassurance.” 

STUC General Secretary Roz Foyer said: “Alongside the Scottish Government, we jointly condemn the recent, inexcusable violence and disorder perpetuated by the far-right across the UK.

“Scotland is not immune and we cannot become complacent. We must do all we can to oppose the far-right, including reaching out to our faith and migrant communities to offer solidarity, support and the reassurance that they enrich the social and cultural fabric of our nation. Scotland is their home. We stand with them.

“We’re pleased the First Minister recognises the role of our movement in opposing fascism and racism. That work continues.

“We won’t cower to hatred and prejudice. We will work with the Scottish Government to ensure inclusivity, respect and tolerance triumphs over persecution and ignorance and will oppose, across every village and town, those who wish to divide us.”

Muirhouse Park incident: Man to appear in Court

A 52-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with a serious assault on Muirhouse Park at around 5.20am yesterday morning (Wednesday, 14 August, 2024).

A 43-year-old woman was taken to hospital for treatment.

This is being treated as an isolated incident and there was no wider risk to the public.

The man is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court today.

Places available on Driving Theory Course at Royston Wardieburn

Driving Theory Course – a few spaces have opened up on this course

If you would like more info or to book a place on this course please contact Lorrane Borwick on 07542 229073 or speak to staff in the centre.

Comedy legends raise over £28,000 at Underbelly’s Big Brain Tumour Benefit

Sixth annual Big Brain Tumour Benefit brings the total amount raised for The Brain Tumour Charity to over £138,000

Comedy stars Dara Ó Briain, Milton Jones, Rose Matafeo, Angela Barnes, Ian Smith, Carl Donnelly, Kanan Gill, Amy Gledhill, Takashi Wakasugi and James Roque came together last night (Tuesday 13th August) in support of a special charity benefit at McEwan Hall.

The one-night-only show returned for its sixth year to raise money for The Brain Tumour Charity – the world’s leading brain tumour charity and the largest dedicated funder of research into brain tumours globally. 

It has been announced today {Wednesday 14th Aug] that the 2024 Underbelly Big Brain Tumour Benefit has raised almost £15,000.  (UPDATE -Thursday 15th: That total has risen to £28,000!) All the money raised will go to The Brain Tumour Charity – a cause which is very close to Underbelly’s heart. The annual show was inspired by seven-year-old Alfie Bartlam, son of Underbelly Director Ed and his wife Lucinda, who died of a brain tumour in 2019.

100% of the ticket income goes straight to The Brain Tumour Charity. This and an additional £1,541 in donations brought the total raised on the night to £14,428.

Ed Bartlam, Underbelly’s co-founder, said: “A huge thank you to the amazing performers from last night, to the incredible audience members, and to everyone who contributed through our JustGiving page. Your support means so much to us. 

“Underbelly is so proud to have raised £14,428 from last night’s show, with all box office income going directly to The Brain Tumour Charity and our specific fund to support an incredibly exciting paediatric brain tumour research and treatment project. Our goal is to raise £1.5 million by 2025 for this project.

“We’re doing this through a range of fundraising events and this annual Fringe show is an important part of that.”

Hannah Bowler, Corporate Partnership Manager at The Brain Tumour Charity, said: “We are so proud to partner with Underbelly for the 6th Big Brain Tumour Benefit and are grateful for their continued support and loyalty.

“The event is a much-loved part of the fringe, and it is wonderful to see the support received from the comedians, audience members and the brilliant Underbelly team.  

“Partnerships like these are so important in helping us raise vital funds for research and awareness of the devastating impact of a brain tumour. Brain tumours are the biggest cancer killer of children and adults under 40 and they reduce life expectancy by 27 years, the highest of any cancer and this must change.

“The Brain Tumour Charity is committed to fighting brain tumours on all fronts with a goal of doubling survival rates and halving the harm that brain tumours have on the quality of life – and it is only through the support from so many people like Ed, Charlie and the brilliant Underbelly team that we can strive towards those goals.

“It’s fantastic that the Big Brain Tumour Benefit has returned this year and has been able to raise £14,428. Thank you all for your incredible support.”

Research into brain tumours is severely underfunded in the UK and yet represents the biggest cancer killer for under 40s. 

Around 500 children and young people in the UK are diagnosed each year but diagnosis times of childhood brain tumours are longer in the UK than in many other countries.

To further support the Brain Tumour Charity, please visit its Better Safe Than Tumour campaign, which aims to raise awareness of the early signs and symptoms of a brain tumour to improve early diagnosis times. 

Anyone who would like to contribute to this important cause, please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/page/underbellysbigbraintumourbenefit2024

Underbelly’s Big Brain Tumour Benefit is a one-night-only show. For more information on the wider programme for the remainder of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, please visit the website here. 

Driving Scotland’s sustainable, climate-friendly growth

£7.2 million to incentivise industrial decarbonisation

Scottish businesses have been awarded grants to help grow their innovative energy-saving projects in a new round of Scottish Government funding totalling £7.2 million.

The Scottish Industrial Energy Transformation Fund (SIETF) supports projects that aim to reduce carbon emissions that are created during energy-intensive manufacturing processes.

This set of grants has been awarded to nine projects across a range of businesses – including food and drink manufacture and timber pallet processing – leveraging private funding to reach a total of £19 million of investment.

First Minister John Swinney visited Chivas Brothers Strathclyde Distillery in Glasgow – which produces grain whisky for blends including Chivas Regal and Ballantine’s – to see new Mechanical Vapour Recompression (MVR) technology, supported by a £3.1 million grant from the latest round of SIETF.

The company says this will reduce carbon emissions for the distilling process by more than half and reduce energy usage by over 46,000 Megawatt hours per year – enough energy to power 17,000 homes for a year.

The First Minister said: “Growing the economy and tackling the climate emergency are two of my priorities in Government. Projects like the one at the Strathclyde Distillery will be essential in helping us meet our climate change ambitions and promote sustainable economic growth across Scotland – by supporting our existing energy intensive sectors and attracting the manufacturing industries of the future.

“With an average ratio of £1 of public to £1.75 of private funds, the Scottish Industrial Energy Transformation Fund has been incredibly successful in leveraging investment across industrial sites to accelerate adoption of low-carbon, energy efficient technologies. The fund also delivers business benefits through energy-related manufacturing savings.

“The SIETF demonstrates how government and industry are taking steps together to deliver against climate change plan targets by co-investing to decarbonise the industrial sites that local jobs and communities depend upon.

“We will continue to work closely with industrial sectors to support the progression of projects to decarbonise Scottish manufacturing.”

Production Director at Chivas Brothers Brian MacAulay, said: “This grant from the Scottish Government via SIETF validates our approach to decarbonisation and our commitment to shaping the future of sustainable Scotch.

“It is only by embracing innovative solutions and working together with specialist partners like GEA Wiegand that we can reduce our environmental impact, while also ensuring the longevity and resilience of the Scotch whisky industry for generations to come.”

Mark Kent, Chief Executive of the Scotch Whisky Association said: “How the Scotch Whisky industry will achieve emissions reduction will be as diverse as our distilleries and locations.

“Each site will have different challenges, but through support from the Scottish Government with grants like SIETF, distilleries can accelerate decarbonisation in their own operations towards our shared industry goal of 2040.

“As an industry with a strong track record delivering environmental improvement, we are determined to achieve net zero emissions in our own operations and supply chains as fast as possible. Innovation, collaboration and an enabling policy framework will enable us to continue to celebrate and produce Scotch Whisky for the long term.”

New projects support by the Scottish Industrial Energy Transformation Fund:

Name and locationTechnologySector
Culloden foods (Highland) New energy efficient ovensFood and drink (distilling) 
Eyemouth freezers (Scottish Borders) Energy efficiency improvements relating to coldstoresFood and drink (fruit processing)  
Kettle Produce (Fife) Upgrading and replacing equipment with more energy efficient options. Food and drink (fruit processing) 
GlenAllachie (Aberdeenshire) Retro-fitting mechanical vapour recompression (MVR) Food and drink (distilling) 
Chivas Brothers (Glasgow) Integrated mechanical vapour recompression (MVR)Food and drink (distilling) 
Scott Timber (Fife) Energy Efficiency through automation of process Timber pallets processing 
Ineos Forties Pipeline System (FPS)  (Falkirk) Proposal to allow nitrogen flare headers purging.(FEED study) Transportation & processing of oil and gas 
Pelagia (Aberdeenshire) Electrification of gas turbine driven train compressor(feasibility study)Prepared feeds for farm animals 
Ineos Forties Pipeline System (FPS)  (Falkirk) Recover and reprocess boil-off gas from storage tanks (feasibility study)Transportation & processing of oil and gas 

GERS stats ‘show higher public spending for Scotland as part of UK’

The annual Government Expenditure and Revenue report underlines the collective economic strength of the UK, says Scotland Office Minister Kirsty McNeill

The collective economic strength of the UK means higher spending on public services in Scotland, according to new figures released today [14 August].

The Scottish Government’s Government Expenditure and Revenue (GERS) figures show that people in Scotland benefit from £2,417 more per head of additional spending compared to the UK average, as a result of the redistribution of wealth throughout the UK.

In 2023-24, £88.5 billion in tax receipts was raised in Scotland through devolved and reserved taxation, with £111 billion in public spending for Scotland. That works out to 8.1 per cent of UK revenue and 9.1 per cent of spending.

The figures also reveal that the ‘notional deficit’ in Scotland grew to around £22 billion, or 10.4 per cent of GDP, more than double the UK deficit of 4.5 per cent of GDP.

The UK Government is committed to retaining the Barnett Formula and funding arrangements agreed with the Scottish Government in the Fiscal Framework, which enables this higher spending for Scotland, and working in partnership with the Scottish Government to drive economic growth in Scotland.

UK Government Minister for Scotland Kirsty McNeill said: “These figures underline the collective economic strength of the United Kingdom.

“By pooling and sharing resources across the UK, Scots benefit by £2,417 more per head in public spending than the UK average. That means more money for schools and hospitals, if the Scottish Parliament chooses to invest in those areas.

“Ensuring economic stability and then delivering economic growth are two of the driving missions of the UK Government. We have reset relationships with partners across the UK, and want to work closely with the Scottish Government to produce better results for people in Scotland.”

The Scottish Conservatives added: “Today’s GERS figures underline the huge benefits Scotland gains from being part of the United Kingdom.

“Every single person is almost £2,400 better off because of higher spending on Scotland’s public services.”

Better Together? The GERS figures can be found here.

Care home residents enjoy third annual Fringe Cares Festival

Care Home Residents Enjoy The 3rd Annual Fringe Cares Festival

2024 Fringe Cares Festival – conceived by The Edinburgh Interfaith Association back in 2023 – started once again with a very successful event at Queen’s Manor Care Home on Queensferry Road.  

Performers from all over the world take part in the Fringe Cares Festival which brings a taste of the musical & theatrical talents of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe to all residents of 7 care homes in the city, in a partnership sponsored by Barchester Healthcare, The Edinburgh Interfaith Association, Scottish Care and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society.

Queens Manor Care Home, the founding care home Residents, relatives, friends and staff – along with several guests from the local community, were able to participate in a full afternoon of entertainment.

Lord Provost Councillor Robert Aldridge attended and said, “This is my favourite part of the Fringe!”

The event included a piper on arrival, drinks canapes and cocktails.  Street performer Andie Mars with her impressive hula hoops displays, forget me Nots Children’s’ Parties provided face painting and visiting Princess Ariel.   Matthew Shiel, award winning classical pianist played in the foyer. 

The main act – “Ella, Etta and Eartha”, singer Melissa Western and her accompanists rounded off the show in a performance inspired by those legendary female singers. 

Professor Joe Goldblatt, who inspired and instigated the Fringe Cares Festival explained: “The first year my wife and I sponsored one performer and I was amazed when residents who had not spoken for months suddenly burst forth into song, in French, when a Fringe performer began to sing the Edith Piaf classic ‘La vie en rose’.  

“As they sang along, I was speechless and in awe of the power of musical memories to inspire their strong positive emotions and awaken their senses. The events of this year so far at Queens Manor were no less than spectacular – offering the same level of amazement that we had in our founding year!” 

Margaret-Ann Davidson, General Manager of Queens Manor in Edinburgh, said: “I am delighted the Queens Manor Team is able to support our residents to participate in such an exciting initiative, which has grown each year; and we are proud to be part of   Barchester Healthcare, the founding sponsor for this special programme. 

“Music, entertainment, time with loved ones and friends are key elements of life enrichment for all care home residents.    In years gone by the Edinburgh International Festival and the Fringe would have been part of the lives of many of those in our care.  

“Through the Fringe Cares Festival, we are able to bring a flavour of the excitement, fun, and delights of the Festival Fringe to our residents at home. The long-term aim of this project is to help ensure that all care home residents in Edinburgh have access to the Fringe Cares Festival in the next 10 years – regardless of care provider.   

“There are many other entertainers participating at the other 6 care homes.  We look forward to the feedback and photographs”.  

The executive director of the Edinburgh Interfaith Association, Iain Stewart said: “EIFA is very proud to have conceived this programme as part of our commitment to bringing people together to celebrate, communicate, and appreciate one another through music. 

“The 36-year-old EIFA is the oldest interfaith association and represents all faiths and none promoting respect, understanding, peace and love.

The Fringe Cares Festival at Barchester dramatically demonstrates that we may all come together and benefit through music”.   

We are already looking at inspiration and planning for this event in 2025 – if you would like to be involved or become a sponsor, please reach out to either Joe Goldblatt at joe@joegoldblatt.scot or margaretann-davidson@barchester.com.

UK Government decision ends universal fuel payments for Scots

Scottish Government left with “no choice” following funding cut

Plans to means-test Winter Fuel Payment in England and Wales will see the Scottish Government’s funding cut by up to £160 million.

Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville has confirmed the Scottish Government therefore has ‘no alternative’ but to replicate the decision in Scotland and restrict payments to pensioners who receive eligible benefits.

Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “Despite all efforts to review our financial position we have been left with no choice but to follow the UK Government and restrict payments to older people who receive relevant eligible benefits.

“This is a necessary decision when faced with such a deep cut to our funding and in the most challenging financial circumstances since devolution. The reduction we are facing amounts to as much as 90% of the cost of Scotland’s replacement benefit, the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment.

“Given the UK Government’s decision to restrict payments to those in receipt of means-tested benefits, such as Pension Credit, and the implications for the Scottish Government detailed above, I have urged the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions to undertake a benefits take-up campaign for Pension Credit and to move forward with plans for a social energy tariff.

“Both of these measures will provide some further protection to energy customers in greatest need.”

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes commented:

Scottish Parliament: Written answer

Age Scotland: Winter Fuel Payment decision ‘brutal’ for Scottish pensioners

Age Scotland is continuing to urge the UK government to reconsider plans to scrap the winter fuel payment for pensioners who do not receive pension credit.

The charity has responded to news that, following the UK Government’s plans to means-test the Winter Fuel Payment, the Scottish Government will have no alternative but to replicate the decision in Scotland.

Age Scotland’s Policy Director, Adam Stachura, said: “It’s infuriating that huge numbers of older people will miss out on the vital Winter Fuel Payment when it is devolved to Scotland.

“We recognise the financial challenge the Scottish Government would face to make up the shortfall to keep the payment universal, but we desperately hoped there could be a more effective delivery of this payment and that it could have looked more generous than the UK Government’s new, and meagre, approach.

“At minimum, a quarter of a million pensioners in Scotland on the lowest incomes or living in fuel poverty will no longer receive this vital financial support over the winter months, while hundreds of thousands more on modest incomes are going to struggle with their energy bills even more than normal as a result.

“This brutal decision by the UK Government was made too fast, cuts too deep and its impact will be severe. It’s important that they rethink this move, as it has a huge impact on the devolution of social security and the needs of Scottish pensioners who live in some of the coldest homes in the UK.”

Visit www.age.scot/SaveWFP to sign Age Scotland’s petition to save the Winter Fuel Payment.