Day: November 8, 2024

Letters: Call for Christmas Elves!

Dear Editor,

At the British Heart Foundation (BHF), we are calling for budding elves to spread Christmas cheer and lend an elfing hand in their local BHF shop.

We are looking for generous volunteers, or elves, to lend a hand  – whether that’s picking out Secret Santa gift ideas, to getting creative and decorating the shop, or simply being a friendly ear for customers during what can be a lonely time of the year. 

We welcome anyone who wants to help during this busy time. All you need is some festive spirit, a willingness to lend a hand, and maybe a Santa hat or two!

With no need to sign up to regular shifts, every hour will make a difference and raise money to fund lifesaving research, which will help keep families together for Christmases to come. So why not put your best elf forward and have a go at volunteering with the BHF?

To get involved, pop into your local shop or visit our website. There will be hot drinks, snacks, and a festive welcome waiting for you.

Yours sincerely, 

Jo Wright

Retail Volunteering Operations Manager at the British Heart Foundation 

KSB: Once in lifetime opportunity to tackle single-use cup waste and litter

KEEP Scotland Beautiful (KSB) has shared key points from their drafted submission to the ongoing Scottish Government public consultation on single-use cup charge – which remains open until 14 November 2024 …

OUR public perception data shows just how much single-use cups contribute to Scotland’s litter emergency – with 53% of people frequently spotting single-use (hot and cold) beverage containers littered across our country. 

This is why for the past seven years we have been carrying out research, delivering campaigns and testing innovative solutions with partners to tackle our problem with single-use cups through Cup Movement®. 

As an environmental charity we want to see more done to help people move away from their reliance on single-use items, and to reduce the valuable raw materials and CO2 emissions used in creating and disposing of them.

Paul Wallace, our Head of Operations, said: “Our key priority is to see a charge introduced. We’ve been pushing hard for action to be taken to reduce our consumption of single-use cups for many years and were pleased to see measures brought forward in the Circular Economy Bill.

“One thing we are sure of is that no single measure will be effective in changing behaviour on its own, but a charge will encourage people to reduce their reliance on single-use items and raise awareness of consumption habits and promote individual responsibility.

“We believe the charge offers a once in a lifetime opportunity to invest any proceeds generated to set up improved recycling infrastructure and support the development of effective and integrated borrow and reuse infrastructure making it easier for consumers and businesses to choose to do the right thing and help eliminate single-use cup consumption in most situations.”

In our response we are calling for:

  • The introduction of a charge on all single-use cups as soon as possible.
  • Proceeds from a charge to be used to make it easy for people to recycle effectively and/or to develop infrastructure which makes it the norm for people to borrow and return or use reusable alternatives.
  • The level of charge to be no less than 25p as outlined in the EPECOM report in 2018; that the charge should be consistent across all suppliers; and, that the charge be at a level that is visible to the customer. This is necessary to drive shifts in habit.  Additionally, we recommend that the charge level is monitored and reviewed regularly over time to assess its impact in levering behaviour change.
  • There should be as few exemptions as possible with regards to the single-use cup charge and so it is important to note that we believe exemptions, if given, should not be permanent and should be scoped out further once a charge is in place. There is an opportunity for proceeds from the charge to be invested in testing and trialling systems in exemption environments to capture learning and make it possible to remove the exemption at a later date.
  • We believe funds generated from the charge, and any non-compliance fines, must be used to support, as far as possible, the phasing out of single-use cups through the promotion of behaviour change, encouragement of reuse and the facilitation of recycling, where appropriate.

We strongly support the introduction of a charge; however, we have concerns about allowing retailers and businesses to retain the funds, as was the case with the carrier bag charge. While the carrier bag charge has positively influenced consumption habits and reduced the use of plastic bags, we believe its full potential was not realised.

Should proceeds from a charge be retained by businesses and encouraged to be donated to good causes on a voluntary basis, as per the Single-Use Carrier Bag Charge (Scotland) Regulations 2014, we recommend that the Scottish Government commits to an annual ‘temperature check’ evaluation review to monitor:

– Effectiveness of charge in driving behaviour change of consumers;

– Implementation by businesses and retailers and cost incurred;

– The number of cups charged for; and

– Where proceeds of the charge have been used to do good.

Additionally, we would call for donations to be made to environmental good causes, not just good causes, in order to support a move away from single-use cups to a more circular economy model.

We are concerned that the current capacity and capabilities of local authorities will mean that the number of Fixed Penalty Notices (FPN) issued will be low, as will payment rates, as we have seen with other FPNs for environmental incivilities such as littering and dog fouling.

You can find out more about the work of Cup Movement® and read our reports if you want more information.   

We encourage everyone – consumers and businesses – to have their say on this important issue. The consultation is open until 14 November and you can click here to respond to the consultation.

Festive restaurant experiences at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store

Garden Centre unveils festive dining for the whole family

This Christmas, Dobbies Garden Centres is serving up a series of festive restaurant experiences at its Edinburgh store. From enjoying a jolly time at Santa’s Breakfast to indulging in a delicious Festive Afternoon Tea or enjoying some seasonal drinks and cakes, customers are in for a treat.

Santa’s Breakfast at the Edinburgh store is packed with plenty of festive fun. Children over three years old can build and name their own festive soft toy stuffed with a little help from Santa and his elves, and those under three will receive a special pre-made teddy to cherish for years to come. With storytelling, festive games, and a chance to meet Santa, it’s the perfect way to kick off the festive season with the little ones.

The whole family will sit down and tuck into a delicious breakfast, with children choosing from either the regular or vegetarian menu, or continental option.

The regular options feature pork sausage, scrambled eggs, hash browns and baked beans, accompanied by apple juice, orange juice, or water, while the vegetarian option includes Quorn sausages alongside scrambled eggs, hash browns and baked beans, with the same drink choices available.

The continental option includes a children’s croissant, jam, yoghurt and banana, with the same drink choices available.

Dobbies’ Festive Afternoon Tea, priced at £16 per person or 2 for £25, is the perfect way for couples, friends, and families to spend some quality time together, sharing the joys of the season while treating themselves to three tiers of seasonal delights that’ll make the taste buds go ho ho ho.

Enjoy all the classic elements of a traditional afternoon tea with a festive twist, including freshly prepared finger sandwiches filled with seasonal flavours like turkey and cranberry, brie and grape; and ham and mustard. 

Indulge in Dobbies’ famous festive scones served with a thick and creamy Cornish clotted cream and jam, followed by a tempting array of sweet treats, including Christmas pudding loaf, mince pie, tiramisu layer cake and mini macarons, all complemented by unlimited tea or coffee refills.

For the kids, Dobbies offers a Children’s Festive Afternoon Tea for £10 per child, complete with turkey and ham sandwich flowers, a signature scone, carrot and cucumber sticks with dipping cream cheese, a Christmas pudding brownie, elf doughnuts, mini gingerbread men with dipping chocolate, and orange or blackcurrant squash, making it a delightful experience for the entire family.

For just £20 per person or 2 for £32, you can upgrade to a Luxury Afternoon Tea for a special treat over the festive period. This upgrade includes all the classic afternoon tea favourites, with an added touch of indulgence. Enjoy savoury delights such as cheese and tomato quiche and sausage roll, alongside a selection of elevated finger sandwiches, with smoked salmon, lemon mayonnaise and dill; cheddar cheese with green tomato chutney; and ham with rocket and wholegrain mustard.

Customers can also celebrate the most magical time of the year by taking advantage of Dobbies’ Festive lunch offer, with two courses for just £17 per person.

Available from 7 November through to 24 December, you can choose from a Christmas dinner or vegetarian Christmas dinner, followed by a traditional Christmas pudding served with custard, or reindeer cheesecake, baked vanilla flavour cheesecake served with a chocolate pretzel and a smartie nose.

With festive sweet treats including mince pie tart and a festive scone, as well as luxury hot and cold drinks such as gingerbread latte, gingerbread hot chocolate and raspberry lemonade, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Adam Veysey, Head of Food Development at Dobbies, is excited to see families spend the festivities at the Edinburgh store. He said: “Christmas is just around the corner and what better way to spend the festive season than together with your family, friends and loved ones over some good food and wholesome activities.

“Our festive restaurant experiences are always popular with customers looking to relax and catch up and we’re excited to showcase this year’s offering. The reindeer cheesecake is a brand-new option this year and the tiramisu layer cake is a must-try. We’ve also extended the Santa’s Breakfast menu with a continental option for children.

“We can’t wait to welcome everyone along to the restaurant to try out the new dishes and much-loved Santa’s Breakfast experience.”

Santa’s Breakfast in Dobbies’ Edinburgh store runs from 30 November through to 24 December and is priced from £8.60 per adult, £16.99 for children between 3 to 10 years old, £13.99 for under 3s.

Festive Afternoon Tea is bookable now at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store and is priced at £10 per child and £16 per adult, or 2 for £25. Luxury Afternoon Tea is priced at £20 per person, or 2 for £32.

The Festive Lunch Offer runs from 7 November to 24 December, priced at two courses for £17pp, with a deposit of £5pp to secure your booking.

For more information about Dobbies’ festive restaurant experiences at the Edinburgh store and to make a booking, visit dobbies.com/events

Celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the Scottish Youth Parliament (SYP)

Foysol Choudhury MSP, Scottish Labour Spokesperson on Culture, Europe and International Development is congratulating the Scottish Youth Parliament (SYP) on its 25th anniversary and recognising its important work in representing young people’s views.

Last week Foysol Choudhury attended a parliamentary reception marking the 25th anniversary of the SYP, meeting with recently elected Edinburgh MSYPs and attended the Autumn Session of the SYP, hearing the issues most important to young people today.

The Scottish Youth Parliament was formed in 1999 following the United Kingdom’s ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child which established the right for children to have their views heard and taken seriously.

Following the autumn sitting Mr Choudhury said: “It was inspiring and humbling attending the Autumn sitting of the Scottish Youth Parliament. It was great to see the talent of our young people on show and their commitment to creating a more fair and equitable society.

“The Scottish Youth Parliament is one of our best organisations and does great work in making our young people’s voices heard through their campaigns and giving their views on the impacts of legislation on young people.

“The SYP is often ahead of politicians when it comes to their campaigns, whether that be universal music tuition in schools, banning single-use plastics or free bus travel.

“If Saturday’s sitting is anything to go by, the future of the country is in safe hands. I hope the next 25 years of the Scottish Youth Parliament are as successful and impactful as the first and they continue to push politicians to be better and represent our young people.”

Mr Choudhury wished all MSYPs well, and hopes to work with the Scottish Youth Parliament in the future on tackling racism.

Unlock Democracy: Ministerial Code ‘gives green light to lucrative freebies’

Despite the government spin, the new ministerial code gives the green light to ministers accepting lucrative freebies, says campaign group Unlock Democracy.

There’s nothing in the new code to stop ministers from, for example, accepting expensive football or gig tickets. We have been urging the government to ban ministers and MPs from accepting freebies valued above £200.

It’s regrettable that the Prime Minister has decided not to turn the page on this issue and clearly signal to the public that his government will be different.

No change either for former ministers looking to take on other jobs outside government, even though it’s been made clear that ACOBA (Advisory Committee of Business Appointments) is not able to enforce the current rules.

A slap on the wrist provides little deterrent for former ministers with the brass neck to defy ACOBA.

The new code also goes back on the Sunak government’s intention to publish meetings with Ministers monthly.

We need to know as promptly as possible if, for example, before drafting a gambling bill, Ministers are only meeting with gambling companies. Six months later is no use.

This relative lack of progress is regrettable when it took Starmer longer than many predecessors, including Johnson, Cameron, Sunak and Brown, to reissue the Ministerial Code in the first place.

Cameron, the last LOTO (Leader of the Opposition) to become PM, took three weeks. STARMER TOOK FOUR MONTHS.

Our full statement 👇

St Andrew’s Children’s Society: Virtual Adoption Information Event

WEDNESDAY 27 NOVEMBER from 6 – 7.30pm

St Andrew’s Children’s Society is an independent adoption and fostering agency with offices in Leith and Aberdeen.

We are are proud to be taking part Adoption Week Scotland again this year and will be holding a Virtual Adoption Information Event on Wednesday, 27 Nov 2024 from 6pm to 7.30pm.

We’ll be joined by one of our adopters, who will tell you about their experiences of adopting and answer your questions.

At the Virtual Adoption Information Event our social workers will explain:

• What it’s like to adopt a child

• The different stages of the adoption process

We’ll also be happy to answer any questions you have about adopting a child.

Please sign up for the event on Eventbrite:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/…/adoption-week-scotland…

Why adopt through St Andrew’s Children’s Society?

Here’s what some of our adopters have said about adopting through St Andrew’s Children’s Society:

“When we contacted St Andrew’s Children’s Society, they were very engaging, they reached out and were very welcoming right from the start. They were very clear about the full process and what’s required at both ends. As soon as that happened, we knew that St Andrew’s Children’s Society was going to be the agency that we were going to go for.”

“St Andrew’s Children’s Society make miracles happen every day, for the kids that need families, and the grown-ups that want to become parents.”

“The best thing about the agency definitely is the personal touch and knowing that they’re always going to be there to help with any queries or problems or questions and that’s been the case from day one.”

“The selfless support from this organisation is priceless, as is the dedication of its highly trained and intuitive staff.”

“I knocked on the door of the adoption and fostering agency St Andrew’s Children’s Society and they welcomed me with open arms and that was it. That was the start of my adoption journey.”

We welcome enquiries from all members of the community including single people, members of the LGBTQ+ community, people who follow a faith and those who don’t. We help people to adopt who live within a 60-mile radius of Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Elgin.

If you would like to speak to someone about adopting, please call 0131 454 3370.

Royal Navy Veteran Returns to Cenotaph 50 Years After First Parade

John Finlay, 66, from Dalkeith, served as a Radio Operator in the Royal Navy from 1974 to 1979, stationed at the HMS Cochrane naval base in Rosyth. Now living with sight loss due to diabetes, John is marking an emotional milestone: 50 years since he first took part in London’s Remembrance Day Cenotaph Parade as a young recruit.

This November, for the first time in half a century, he will proudly march once again, this time with Sight Scotland Veterans, a charity that has supported him and many others in adapting to life with sight loss.

John explains: “Remembrance Day is about honouring those who gave everything for the freedoms we enjoy today. So many young people endured unimaginable sacrifices, and it’s our duty to remember them.”

John first marched in the Cenotaph Parade as a 15-year-old boy in 1974, only months after joining the Royal Navy.

“At that age, I didn’t fully grasp the significance of what I was taking part in, I was focused on not making mistakes. I was proud, but I didn’t appreciate the weight of it all. Now, 50 years on, I see it very differently.

“Taking part in the Cenotaph Parade, especially half a century after I first did so, is something I never thought I’d experience again. I’m incredibly grateful to Sight Scotland Veterans for this opportunity. It’s an honour and a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by so many young people for our freedoms. This isn’t just a march; it’s a way of saying, ‘We remember you. We’ll never forget.’

“Being shoulder to shoulder with others who have served is a tremendous privilege. It’s a proud, emotional moment, a chance to remember those who gave their lives for our country, and the friends and family we’ve lost along the way.”

Marching with Sight Scotland Veterans holds deep significance for John, as the charity has been a lifeline, helping him rebuild his confidence and forge new connections. He is a regular at the Linburn Centre in West Lothian, where he has built friendships and discovered new passions.

John adds: “Sight loss can be very isolating, especially when you’re also in a wheelchair, like I am. But the charity helps us connect and opens doors to experiences we thought we’d lost, like being able to march at the Cenotaph.

“I look forward to going to Linburn every week, I’ve made so many new friends and love all the activities. I can’t thank them enough.”

Sight Scotland Veterans supports veterans living with significant sight loss. Its support equips people to rediscover and maintain their independence and to improve their quality of life.

The Linburn Centre in Wilkieston, West Lothian, is an activity hub for ex-servicemen and women with sight loss, which provides a safe and welcoming space for veterans with sight loss to re-engage in the local community, rebuild confidence and regain or maintain their independence.

Twenty-two veterans from Sight Scotland Veterans will journey to London to participate in the Cenotaph Parade on 10 November 2024, a highlight of the Remembrance Day commemorations.

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

Celebrate Hope: Book Week Scotland illuminates Edinburgh and the Lothians with inspiring literary events

Scotland’s national celebration of books, Book Week Scotland 2024, returns from 18-24 November to uplift Edinburgh and Lothians with its theme of Hope.

This year’s programme offers unique perspectives on resilience, community, and the landscapes that define the region. Over the years, Book Week Scotland has deepened its impact on Edinburgh and the Lothians, delivering literary events to even the remotest locations and fostering connections in towns and communities.

The 2024 programme spotlights regional authors and local libraries as community cornerstones. 65,000 copies of a new free book, Scotland’s Stories: Hope, will be distributed during the week.

It is made up of real-life stories from people across Scotland, including contributions from people in Edinburgh and Lothians.

Local voices in this year’s Hope book include:

·       “A Wee Pocket of Joy” by Rosemary Henderson, East Lothian

·       “Dancing for Hope” by Georgia Marlborough, Edinburgh

·       “Ribbons and New Socks” by Sheena Mason, Dalkeith

·       “Hope and Consolation” by David Pickering, Edinburgh

·       “It’s The Hope That Kills You” by Julie Drybrough, Edinburgh

·       “Thorin” by Sam Eastop, Edinburgh (also adapted as a comic strip by Mollie Ray)

Each piece reflects the theme of Hope in unique and personal ways, highlighting the power of local stories.

Book Week Scotland event highlights in Edinburgh and the Lothians:

·       Landscapes of Hope and Inspiration, Fruitmarket Gallery, Edinburgh, 18 November—This event will bring together visual artist Julie Brook, writer Linda Cracknell, and musician Duncan Chisholm to discuss how Scotland’s landscapes inspire and provide hope. 

·       The Pleasures of Reading with Jackie Kay, Portobello Bookshop, 20 November – Jackie Kay shares the books that have inspired her, joined by Dr Sarah McGeown to explore the benefits of reading for pleasure. 

·       Various Author Events Across Edinburgh and East Lothian – Libraries and regional community centres will host readings, discussions, and family events celebrating the joy of reading. 

The variety of events this year reflects Edinburgh and Lothians’ longstanding engagement with Book Week Scotland, now in its 13th year and supported by Creative Scotland.

Scottish Book Trust invites everyone to join the #BookWeekScotland conversation and find further information and event listings at Book Week Scotland 2024 – Scottish Book Trust .

Extracts:

Rosemary Henderson, Tranent (East Lothian), ‘A Wee Pocket of Joy’

Sheena Mason, Dalkeith (Midlothian), ‘Ribbons and New Socks’

Georgia Marlborough, Edinburgh, ‘Dancing for Hope’

David Pickering, Edinburgh, ‘HOPE AND CONSOLATION’

Julie Drybrough, Edinburgh, ‘It’s The Hope That Kills You’

Sam Eastop, Edinburgh, ‘Thorin’ – story also adapted as a comic strip by Mollie Ray Jennie Tripp, Edinburgh

Edinburgh Leisure’s Festive Gymnastics Spectacular – It’s a Balancing Act!

Tickets are now available for Edinburgh Leisure’s 18th annual Festive Gymnastics Display, where more than 800 gymnasts and cheerleaders from six Edinburgh Leisure venues, plus guest clubs, will come together to dazzle audiences at Meadowbank Sports Centre on Sunday, 24 November 2024.

Dorothy McQueen, Gymnastics Development Officer, explained: “Gymnastics is a great way for individuals to learn and build on the fundamentals required for physical development, well-being, and personal growth.

“Our annual Festive Display provides a fun and energetic way to the showcase skills the gymnasts and athletes have been working so hard on throughout the year.

“The focus for this event is on participation and enjoyment, rather than perfection, allowing gymnasts and athletes of all skill levels to shine. The atmosphere is relaxed and supportive, making it a delightful experience.

“It’s a bit of a balancing act to keep youngsters interested and engaged in sport, but our Festive Display adds a real sparkle to our programme for both participants and spectators!”

Alongside over 30 performances by Edinburgh Leisure gymnasts, the event will feature special guest appearances from regional clubs like Acrobay, Cheer Evolution, City of Edinburgh, Falkirk, Jack Kane, and Kestrel, showcasing a range of talent.

Edinburgh Leisure is also looking for volunteers to help the event run smoothly. With over 1,500 spectators and 500+ participants expected, volunteers are crucial to keeping things on track.

“You don’t need to know anything about gymnastics to help,” Dorothy McQueen shared. “It’s a great opportunity to get involved, whether assisting with registration, helping out in the warm-up area, or guiding guests to their seats. Anyone with time to spare, even part of the day, is welcome!”

Anyone interested should contact Dorothy McQueen – Dorothy.mcqueen@edinburghleisure.co.uk 

Tickets are priced at £5.50 each for spectators aged 5 and over, while under-5s enter for free (though without a reserved seat).

Tickets are available for either the morning or afternoon sessions via Ticket Source – https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/edinburgh-leisure-events

Edinburgh Leisure’s gymnastics programme offers something for everyone, from Baby Nippers for toddlers to more advanced classes for older children in disciplines like general gymnastics, trampolining, acro and display gymnastics. It’s just one of 12 sports offered across 17 venues, all designed to help children improve agility, develop new skills, and grow their confidence.

To find out more about gymnastics classes and coaching opportunities, visit Edinburgh Leisure’s website for inspiration.

https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/activities/coaching