Day: November 3, 2024

Scottish Finalists for Asian Curry Awards 2024 revealed

The biggest event in the Asian culinary calendar, the Asian Curry Awards – dubbed the “Curry Oscars” has revealed this year’s list of finalists.

The finalists from Scotland are:

Scotland Finalists 
Spice TandooriElgin
Charcoal’sGlasgow
Green GatesStirling
IgniteEdinburgh
Light of BengalAberdeen
Mother India’s CafeGlasgow
Tuk Tuk Indian Street FoodEdinburgh

The finalists were chosen from a shortlist of over 200 restaurants and takeaways, and voted for by the spice loving public. Judges from the Asian Catering Federation (ACF) will now meet to discuss the list of finalists and determine this year’s overall winners. 

The winners will be  announced at a glittering gala dinner and presentation on Sunday 17 November at Grosvenor House in London hosted by BBC news anchor Samantha Simmonds. 

Other notable inclusions this year are some of London’s most renowned fine dining venues including Amaya in Knightsbridge, Gymkhana and Benares in Mayfair, Kahani in Sloane Square, Cinnamon Club in Westminster, and Colonel Saab in Holborn. 

The Asian Curry Awards cover the complete range of Asian and Oriental cuisines: Bangladeshi, Burmese, Chinese, Filipino, Indian, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Malaysian, Middle Eastern, Pakistani, Singaporean, Sri Lankan, Thai, Turkish and Vietnamese. 

In addition to the awards given for best restaurant in each region of the UK, awards are also presented for Takeaway of the Year, Event Caterer of the Year, Best Fine Dining Restaurant, Restaurant Group of the Year, Best International Restaurant, Best Casual Dining Restaurant of the Year, Newcomer of the Year, Street Food of the Year, and, for the much coveted Asian Chef of the Year, and Lifetime Achievement.

Chairman of the Asian Catering Federation Yawar Khan said: “We’re delighted by the number of people who have taken the time to vote for their favourite restaurant this year.

“The standard of finalists is exceptional and we also have some excellent newcomers on the list which is great news for the industry as it continues to flourish in today’s challenging economic climate.”

The 14th Asian Curry Awards and Asian Catering Federation Gala Dinner is sponsored by Cobra Beer, Kingfisher Beer and Work Permit Cloud Ltd. and organised by the Asian Catering Federation (ACF) which represents the nation’s 35,000 caterers in the UK and together generate over £60bn for the UK economy. 

The full list of finalists are listed here:

https://www.asiancurryawards.com/2024shortlist/

Police re-appeal for information following serious assault

Detectives are continuing enquiries into the serious assault of a 26-year-old woman in Dalkeith and are re-appealing for information and people to come forward.

The incident happened between 5.30pm and 6pm on Friday, 4 October 2024 when a woman was approached by a man who attacked her on a path within a wooded area on Abbey Road, Dalkeith.

Officers have established there were several people in the area around the time of the incident who have yet to speak to police.

Detective Inspector Diane Barr said: “We would like to thank the local community for their assistance so far and ask those that were in the area on that day that have still to speak to the police to come forward, even if you believe you have nothing to report, your information could prove vital.”

The injured woman was taken to hospital but has since been released.

The man is described as white, in his late 30s with stubble. He was wearing black trousers, a black waterproof jacket and had a dog lead around his neck, but it is not believed he had a dog with him.

Officers continue to examine CCTV footage from in and around the area for any small detail which could assist the investigation. Enquiries are continuing and an increased police presence remains in the area.

The online portal remains in place for anyone who has any information. https://mipp.police.uk/operation/SCOT24S09-PO1

Alternatively, contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting reference number 3107 of 4 October or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Views sought on Bill which would give people with addictions the right to receive treatment in law

HOLYROOD’s Health, Social Care and Sport Committee is seeking views on a Bill which would enshrine the rights of persons addicted to drugs or alcohol to receive treatment for their addiction.

The Right to Addiction Recovery (Scotland) Bill was introduced in the Scottish Parliament on 15 May 2024 by Douglas Ross MSP.

The Bill would provide people who have been diagnosed by a health professional as addicted to either alcohol or drugs, or both, to be provided with treatment. Those diagnosed would have a say in what treatment they receive and the treatment would be made available to them within three weeks of treatment diagnosis.

If a health professional decided no treatment is appropriate, or that the treatment which the person wants is not appropriate, then they must inform the individual in writing why this is the case.

Individuals could seek a second opinion from a different health professional if they did not agree with the original decision.

Clare Haughey MSP, Convener of the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee, said: “The tragic impact of alcohol and drug addiction is clear and is an issue this Committee takes extremely seriously.

“We’re keen to hear views on whether people agree with the purpose and extent of the Bill and whether it will help those facing drug and alcohol addiction.  We want to know what the key advantages and/or disadvantages are of placing this right to receive treatment, for people with drug and alcohol addiction, in law.

“We also want to hear views on the proposed procedure for determining treatment, and timescales for providing treatment.

“We want to hear from individuals, charities and support groups who work in this area, health organisations, local and national government, the legal sector and academics. We look forward to hearing your views.”

The call for views closes on 20 December.

Sight Scotland: Visually-impaired Drum Major will march with pride

Royal Scots Drum Major Calls Marching in Cenotaph Parade One of Life’s Proudest Moments

Andrew Keane, 78, from Livingston, who served over 24 years in the army, has thanked Sight Scotland Veterans for their life-changing support and for giving him the chance to march in the Cenotaph Parade again.

This November, 22 veterans from Sight Scotland Veterans will travel to London to take part in the Cenotaph Parade, a central event in the Remembrance Day commemorations.

For all these veterans, Remembrance Day is a profoundly personal and moving occasion—a time to honour the countless individuals who gave their lives for the freedoms we enjoy today. It is also a day to remember family members and friends who made great sacrifices, allowing us to live in peace.

Andrew explains: “I’ve been to the Cenotaph twice before with the Royal Scots and my late wife. This year, I’m very much looking forward to it—it will be one of the proudest moments of my life.

“I’ve recently taken up the post as Chairperson of the Sight Scotland Veterans Forum for the Linburn Centre, and it will be an immensely proud moment marching alongside my comrades from Sight Scotland Veterans.

“I was a very proud soldier and a very proud Drum Major. Now, I’m very proud to represent Sight Scotland Veterans.”

“I joined the Army in 1962 with the Cameronians (Scottish Rifles). When the regiment was disbanded due to government cuts, I moved over to the Royal Scots, where I served until 1986. In total, I gave over 24 years of my life to the Army, and every moment was filled with pride, especially my time as a Drum Major.”

Reflecting on his military career, Andrew shares, “My time in service was quite traumatising. In 1966, I was blown up in Aden when two hand grenades were thrown at our Land Rover. My eyesight has never been quite right since then. I had to wear glasses, and I suffered from blurred vision for years after.

“It was horrendous, but as soon as I was out of the hospital, I was straight back out again with no counselling. I was also ambushed in Northern Ireland, which was another terrible experience. Again, there was no counselling offered, and now I’m dealing with PTSD. For a long time, I had flashbacks and nightmares, and I still do. It was only recently, with help from Combat Stress, that I started to see the light at the end of the tunnel.”

Following his military service, Andrew Keane embarked on an unexpected and rewarding journey, where his expertise leading him to a significant role overseas.

“After leaving the Army, I went on to teach military skills to the Sultan of Oman’s Royal Guard. It was supposed to be a short post, but I ended up staying for 12 years. The people were lovely, and it was an honour to serve them.

A New Beginning with Sight Scotland Veterans

“I was referred to Sight Scotland Veterans by Combat Stress, and it has been quite literally life changing for me.

“I go to the Linburn Centre every Tuesday, and I absolutely love it. I’ve tried all the activities—archery, shooting, and the gym. The gentle exercise really helps with my back. I’ve made so many good friends, and the atmosphere is always so positive. It just makes you feel good every time you come along. I really look forward to it every week.”

Andrew continues, “Sight Scotland Veterans is a fantastic charity. It gets veterans like me, who need a bit of help, out of the house, keeps us active both physically and mentally, and helps us form strong friendships. It’s been so good for my mental health, and I can’t thank them enough.”

Andrew recently had surgery to remove cataracts from both his eyes: “I suffered from cataracts and had my first surgery in 2022, followed by the second one last year. The difference it made to my life was like night and day. My eyesight still isn’t perfect, but it’s so much better than before. It’s amazing what a change it’s made.”

The Cenotaph Parade will take place on Sunday, 10 November 2024.

For more information, please visit sightscotlandveterans.org.uk or call 0800 035 6409.

What you need to know about the Autumn Budget 2024

On 30 October, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves delivered her first Budget in Parliament. Here are 5 things to know:

1. Major funding boost for the NHS

The government is investing £22.6 billion in the NHS over the next two years. This is the biggest increase in NHS spending since 2010 (excluding COVID-19 years) and will help patients to access 40,000 more elective appointments each week as well as upgrades for GP facilities, new surgical hubs, and more diagnostic scans.

2. Protecting working people’s living standards

The Chancellor confirmed that working people will see no changes to their payslips as there will be no increases to Income Tax, VAT, or employee National Insurance. From April 2025, the National Living Wage will rise to £12.21 per hour – that’s £1,400 more per year for full-time workers. Pensioners will benefit from a 4.1% increase in the State Pension, and the fuel duty freeze means continued support for motorists.

3. Investing in Britain’s future

Major infrastructure investment totalling over £100 billion will go towards rebuilding our crumbling schools and hospitals and fixing our roads, including over 1 million potholes. Funding will also support local transport and regional growth as well as boosting our digital infrastructure, so that everyone across the country can access high power broadband.

4. Supporting businesses and economic growth

We are protecting the businesses that make up our high streets by permanently reducing tax on properties used for retail, leisure and hospitality from 2026. In the meantime, the government is supporting these businesses with a 40% reduction in their business rates bill, capped at £110,000.

We are also freezing the small business multiplier for one year to protect over a million small properties from inflationary bill increases. Lastly, the Chancellor confirmed that she will maintain Corporation Tax at 25% for the duration of Parliament – the lowest rate in the G7.

5. Fair and responsible taxation

We are reforming the tax system, closing loopholes and improving HMRC efficiency. The money saved will go directly to funding public services and fixing the foundations of the economy. Finally, this Budget laid out how we will ensure economic stability through new fiscal rules (rules the government sets itself to manage its own decisions on spending and taxes). The new fiscal rules will make sure that the government only borrows for investment and that public sector debt falls over time.

Read the Budget in full to understand what it means for you.

Cowgate incident: Witness appeal

A 74-year-old man has died after being struck by a single-decker bus in the Cowgate area last night.

Officers were called to the incident around 7.25pm on Saturday, 2 November.

A number of roads in the area were closed to allow officers to carry out their investigation, however the roads have since re-opened.

Sergeant Louise Birrell, Road Policing Unit, Edinburgh: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the man who died.

“Extensive enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of this incident.

“Officers have spoken to a number of people who were in the area at the time and work is ongoing to check public and private CCTV footage.

“We are still keen to hear from anyone who has not yet spoken to police. If you have any information about what happened, then please get in touch.

“Anyone with information is asked to call the police via 101. Please quote incident number 3395 of Saturday, 2 November 2024.”

Chief Inspector Trisha Clark, the local area commander, said: “We are aware of videos and images circulating on social media which are causing distress to the deceased’s family and those viewing them inadvertently.

“We would ask members of the public not to share them out of respect for his family, and to report them to the relevant social media platform to prevent further circulation.

“There has been a lot of speculation, and I would like to reassure the local community that this was an isolated incident and there is no risk to the wider public.

“This was a tragic incident. We are investigating a crash, and our road policing officers, assisted by local officers, are continuing to carry out enquiries.”

“Anyone with concerns or any information which could assist the investigation should contact police.”

Book Week Scotland: Poetry workshop at Corstorphine Library

`MONDAY 18th NOVEMBER from 6 – 7pm

Corstorphine Library is hosting Iona Lee for Book Week Scotland.

If you’d be interested in attending this poetry workshop on 18th November, and/or joining their Corstorphine Library’s fortnightly Writers Group, please ask at the library desk or telephone 0131 529 5506.

You can also get in touch via email at corstorphine.library@edinburgh.gov.uk

POP LIFE at City Art Centre

This November, art enthusiasts and pop culture aficionados are invited to immerse themselves in POP LIFE, an exhibition that explores the intersection of popular culture and contemporary figurative drawing, challenging traditional distinctions between high and low art.

Opening on Saturday, 2 November, POP LIFE features works by 13 Scottish and international artists, many of whom will be exhibiting in Scotland for the first time. Each artist uniquely engages with popular culture, referencing diverse influences such as music, film, fashion, literature, social media, and celebrities.

The exhibition highlights this interplay, using familiar language to delve into themes that expand traditional drawing practices.

Co-curated by artists Euan Gray and Witte Wartena, POP LIFE is a travelling exhibition previously showcased in Sweden (2022-23) and the Netherlands (2023). This iteration has been tailored to include Scottish artists and underscores the enduring allure of the human form as a reflection of identity and societal norms, drawing inspiration from art history, socio-political movements, and cultural shifts over the past six decades.

Visitors can look forward to works by renowned and early-career artists including Marcel van Eeden, Euan Gray, Paul McDevitt, Charlotte Schleiffert, Sandra Vásquez de la Horra, Witte Wartena, David Shrigley, Andrew Cranston, Laura Bruce, Marc Brandenburg, Donald Urquhart, Jamie Fitzpatrick, and Fiona Michie—all of whom draw inspiration from the imagery and messages of pop culture.

Over 80 works will be presented, with several new pieces created specifically for this exhibition.

Marc Brandenburg has transformed a room of the gallery with UV light, to explore unseen sides of Tiergarten Park in Berlin, whilst Laura Bruce accompanies her drawn tributes to country music icons with vocal renditions of their biggest hits. Edinburgh-based artist Jamie Fitzpatrick is showing his large-scale drawings alongside a new monumental sculpture, looking critically and who in society is publicly memorialised. Internationally renowned artist David Shrigley will present 16 brand new drawings, showcasing his absurd and humorous work.

Culture and Communities Convener, Val Walker said: “I’m delighted that the City Art Centre can showcase this fantastic iteration of the POP LIFE exhibition featuring the works of 13 exciting artists.

“I’m especially proud that it will mark the first time some of these artists have displayed in Scotland, and that we will be presenting works created especially for the exhibition.

“I’m sure visitors will be captivated by these pieces and engage with the ever-changing dynamics of art within society.

Curator Euan Gray, said: “In an era dominated by computer generated images, AI and 3D printing, this exhibition offers us a wonderful opportunity to champion the enduring appeal of traditional drawing, wholeheartedly embrace the language of pop culture and promote a remarkable group of Scottish and international artists for whom the human form remains an essential motif.“

Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform Bill amendments proposed

Justice Secretary Angela Constance has updated Parliament on proposed amendments to the Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform Bill.

The Justice Secretary told MSPs that, having listened to the cross-party Criminal Justice Committee and a wide range of other views, a plan to enable a time-limited pilot of single-judge trials for rape and attempted rape cases will not be pursued.

The Government also plans to amend the Bill, subject to MSPs’ approval, to enable more detailed research into jury deliberations, including how rape myths may affect verdicts.

The Bill includes measures to remove Scotland’s ‘not proven’ verdict and to increase the current simple majority required for a criminal conviction to a two-thirds majority of jurors. However, in line with committee recommendations, proposals to cut the jury size from 15 to 12 will be dropped.

Victims of crime are to receive improved support, advice and information as part of planned reforms to the Victim Notification Scheme – to be delivered through the Bill – as announced earlier this month.

Ms Constance said: “This Bill proposes a significant package of reforms to ensure victims are placed at the heart of Scotland’s justice system, such as creating a specialist Sexual Offences Court, establishing a Victims & Witnesses Commissioner and abolishing the ‘not proven’ verdict.

“I want to build as much consensus as possible for this important legislation. Clearly there is not enough parliamentary support at this time for the proposal to enable a time-limited pilot of single-judge trials for cases of rape and attempted rape, so we will no longer pursue this.

“I remain concerned by the substantial evidence that juries may be influenced by rape myths and I will introduce amendments to the Bill to allow for more detailed research into jury deliberations. We will undertake further work with justice partners to agree how to challenge and reduce the impact of rape myths. This might include, for example, further interventions or educational resources for jurors and the wider public.

“I believe that the most prudent approach to jury reform, including the abolition of the ‘not proven’ verdict, is to seek support for a model with two verdicts – ‘guilty’ and ‘not guilty’ – 15 jurors, and a two-thirds majority requirement for conviction.

“I look forward to working with partners and colleagues across Parliament to deliver what I believe is a shared ambition to ensure victims and witnesses are placed at the heart of the justice system and treated with compassion.”

Justice Secretary’s letter to the Criminal Justice Committee

Improved support for crime victims

Lucky Local Wins £50,000 at Buzz Bingo Meadowbank

A lucky local has won £50,000 at Buzz Bingo Meadowbank on Moray Park. The bingo-goer is planning to use the winnings to visit their family in Dubai for their granddaughter’s wedding.

The winner who wishes to remain anonymous, is a regular bingo player who has been visiting Buzz Bingo Meadowbank with their friend since the club first opened in 1997. They plan to use the winnings to visit family in Dubai for their granddaughter’s wedding next year.

On the day, the bingo player stated, “My favourite things about Buzz Bingo Meadowbank are the atmosphere, friendly staff and customers.”

Gordon Barr, General Manager at Buzz Bingo Meadowbank, said “We couldn’t be happier for our lucky winner and their fantastic win.

“Everyone was cheering from their seats – it was such an exciting moment.”

Chief Operating Officer at Buzz Bingo, Stevie Shaves, said “The atmosphere in club when there’s a win is always incredible, and we’re delighted to see one of our lucky members win £50,000 on the Big Buzz Special Jackpot Game at Buzz Bingo Meadowbank.

“Overall Buzz Bingo players win more than £2m per week in bingo prize money and we love to celebrate every one of them with our amazing community!”

For those looking to get in on the action, new members can play for just £5 on their first two visits. What’s more, Buzz Bingo clubs offer great value food and drink deals all day every day. For further information on deals and promotions you can visit buzzbingo.com.  

The Big Buzz special is played every afternoon and evening Main Event, members who call “House” in 40 numbers or less win the £50,000 jackpot.

Learn more about Buzz Bingo and find your nearest club at buzzbingo.com/ComeOutToPlay.

Follow us on facebook.com/BuzzBingo and find us on Instagram and Twitter by searching @Buzz_Bingo. You can also reach us at PR@buzzbingo.com.