Late on Wednesday night, Luna and Plusza, two four-year-old lionesses rescued from conflict zones in Ukraine, safely arrived at their new home at Five Sisters Zoo.
For nearly a decade, Five Sisters Zoo has led lion rescue efforts in Scotland, providing sanctuary and care for lions who have endured immense hardship. The arrival of Luna and Plusza marks a significant new chapter in the zoo’s proud history of animal welfare and rehabilitation.
The lionesses were initially evacuated from an area affected by heavy shelling in Eastern Ukraine in 2022, moving through Kyiv, Poland, and Belgium before reaching the safety of Five Sisters Zoo. Their new purpose-built habitat offers the space and peace they need to recover and thrive after their challenging journey.
Gary Curran, Head of Carnivores at Five Sisters Zoo, said: “The safe arrival of Luna and Plusza underscores our commitment to giving lions a second chance at life.
“Our team is ready to provide the care and support they need to live out their lives in peace, just as we have done for others before them.“
This rescue continues the legacy started in October 2015, when the zoo welcomed four lions from a life of suffering in a traveling circus. Of the original pride, only Skinny remains today, as the zoo honours the memory of Boss, Twin 1, and Twin 2, while forging ahead with new rescue efforts.
Five Sisters Zoo remains committed to animal welfare, collaborating with international rescue organisations to offer sanctuary to animals in need. The public is invited to visit the zoo and learn more about its conservation initiatives.
For updates on Luna and Plusza and information on how to support Five Sisters Zoo’s rescue efforts, visit www.fivesisterszoo.co.uk.
This Carers Rights Day (Thursday 21 November 2024), unpaid carers across the country are being encouraged to check their eligibility for financial support from Social Security Scotland.
It is estimated that there are around 800,000 unpaid carers, including 30,000 under the age of 18, providing care for a family member, friend or neighbour in Scotland.
Research also suggests that many do not see themselves as a carer, meaning they do not take up support they are entitled to.
There are three payments delivered by Social Security Scotland dedicated to supporting unpaid carers.
Carer Support Payment is replacing Carer’s Allowance in Scotland and is now available for new applications Scotland-wide.
Young Carer Grant and Carer’s Allowance Supplement are only available in Scotland. There has been a 26% increase in Young Carer Grant applications from those aged 16-18 in the 12 months to September 2024 compared to the same period the previous year.
Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “The Scottish Government has supported around 164,000 unpaid carers through social security payments since 2018. We understand their important role and that many may be juggling caring with work, study or family commitments.
“That is why we’ve been working closely with carers and organisations that represent them, to develop a better social security system in Scotland. This includes improving the application process and providing two payments that are only available for carers here in Scotland.
“This Carers Rights Day, I urge everyone who carries out a caring role to find out more about the financial help available. And if you know an unpaid carer, whether a student, work colleague, friend or even someone caring for you, let them know support is available.”
As part of Carers Rights Day, Social Security Scotland has organised a pop-up event at South Lanarkshire College to help raise awareness amongst students about the financial support available and to support them with applying.
Head of Student Services, Rose Harkness, said: “South Lanarkshire College proudly support carers of all ages who provide unpaid assistance to loved ones facing illness, disability, mental health challenges, or addiction.
“Our inclusive environment enables carers to achieve qualifications without barriers through tailored guidance, course and funding advice, and support with completing applications.
“Working in partnership with Social Security Scotland has encouraged more of our carers to check eligibility and apply for funding to help in their caring role. We are committed to empowering carers for both academic success and personal growth.”
Carer Support Payment is available to people providing care for 35 hours or more a week, earning a maximum weekly income of £151 after tax, National Insurance and expenses, to someone who receives disability benefits. It replaces Carer’s Allowance in Scotland and is a payment of £81.90 per week. Carer Support Payment is also available to some carers in education. This includes full-time students aged 20 or over and students under 20 in advanced or higher education. Students aged 16-19 in non-advanced education e.g. studying for National Certificates, Highers and Advanced Highers, may also be eligible. Carers in Scotland who are already receiving Carer’s Allowance don’t need to apply for Carer Support Payment. Their benefits will be automatically transferred. This process is due to complete in spring 2025.
Young Carer Grant is a yearly payment of £383.75 and is available for carers age 16, 17 or 18 who provide support for an average of 16 hours a week to someone receiving certain benefits. The money can be spent on whatever the young person wants.
Carer’s Allowance Supplement is an automatic payment made twice a year to unpaid carers receiving Carer Support Payment from Social Security Scotland or Carer’s Allowance from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). The next payment of £288.60 will be paid on Friday 6 December for those who were paid Carer Support Payment or Carer’s Allowance on 7 October 2024. The Scottish Government has committed to replace six monthly lump sum Carer’s Allowance Supplement payments with more regular payments alongside Carer Support Payment once case transfer is complete.
Family ‘repeatedly benefitted’ from ‘mismanaged’ Captain Tom Foundation, investigation finds
The Charity Commission’s investigation into The Captain Tom Foundation has found repeated instances of misconduct and/or mismanagement by the family of the late fundraiser, who set up the charity in his name.
The official report, published today, is highly critical of the conduct and actions of the charity’s former trustee and CEO (Hannah Ingram-Moore) and a former trustee (Colin Ingram-Moore).
It sets out evidence of serious failings in the charity’s management, including failures to act solely in the best interests of the charity and to effectively identify and manage conflicts of interest.
The report finds that Mr and Mrs Ingram-Moore, who are now disqualified from serving as charity trustees, are responsible for a “pattern of behaviour” which saw them repeatedly benefitting personally from their involvement in the charity.
The failure to manage conflicts of interest arising from Mr and Mrs Ingram Moore’s link to each other and the charity’s links to their private companies happened repeatedly and led to direct and indirect private benefit for the family.
The report is also critical of the charity’s unconflicted trustees, who it finds did not always have sufficient oversight and control of the administration of the charity. However, the inquiry notes that their ability to manage conflicts of interest was limited by the failure of the Ingram-Moores to inform them of potential conflicts of interest as these arose.
The report concludes the non-conflicted trustees are responsible for mismanagement but that this did not warrant any further regulatory action.
Scope of the inquiry
The regulator’s inquiry was opened in June 2021 to examine if trustees had been responsible for misconduct and / or mismanagement and if the charity suffered any financial loss, including private benefit to any current or former trustees. It also considered if conflicts of interest were adequately managed and if all trustees complied with and fulfilled their responsibilities under charity law.
Findings of the inquiry
The inquiry examined a range of concerns in detail, assessing the extent to which trustees complied with their legal duties. The report is critical of:
The Ingram-Moores’ handling of and public communications about publishing deals for books authored by the late Captain Sir Tom. The inquiry concludes that the public “would understandably feel misled” to learn that sales of his autobiography ‘Tomorrow will be a good day’ have not benefited the charity, given that statements were made which implied donations from sales would be made to the charity carrying his name.
Public statements made by Mrs Ingram-Moore regarding her involvement in setting her salary for the role. The inquiry concludes that it might have been technically accurate for her to state that she was “not offered” a “six figure salary”, as the Commission blocked the initial salary request, and no formal offer was made to her prior to the regulator’s authorisation of a lower salary. However, the inquiry finds these assertions were disingenuous, as it saw written evidence that she had stated, prior to starting in the role, that her expectations were for a £150k remuneration package.
Mrs Ingram-Moore retaining £18,000 for judging and presenting an award named after Captain Tom. While she claims she undertook the engagement in a personal capacity, the inquiry does not agree and found no evidence that supports her position. Mrs Ingram-Moore committed the charity’s resources to the event without the non-conflicted trustees’ knowledge or consent.
The handling of intellectual property rights owned by the Ingram-Moore family but offered to the charity for its use without appropriate agreements in place, which led to confusion and possible financial losses to the charity.
The Ingram-Moores’ use of the charity’s name in an original planning application for a building constructed on their private land, which also implied the building would be used by the charity. They did not inform or seek consent from the unconflicted trustees before using the charity’s name for this purpose. The building was subsequently demolished by order of the local authority. The inquiry finds that the couple used the charity’s name inappropriately for private benefit, and that this amounted to misconduct and/ or mismanagement.
The above matters are examples drawn from the inquiry report, which sets out the findings and conclusions in full, provides wider context and background, and includes lessons for other charities to learn from this case.
Regulatory action taken
In June 2024, the Commission disqualified Hannah and Colin Ingram-Moore from being a trustee and from holding a senior management position at any charity for a period of 10 and 8 years respectively.
Throughout the investigation, the inquiry exercised the Commission’s information gathering powers to obtain information to inform the inquiry’s findings and conclusions as set out in the report.
David Holdsworth, CEO of the Charity Commission, said: “Captain Sir Tom inspired a nation and reminded us what service to others can achieve even in the most challenging of times.
“His determined fundraising efforts, and the incredibly generous public response, brought a smile and hope to many of us during the pandemic. We should remember his achievements and how grateful NHS Charities Together is for the £39m he raised for the causes they support.
“Sadly, however, the charity set up in his name has not lived up to that legacy of others before self, which is central to charity. Our inquiry report details repeated failures of governance and integrity.
“The public – and the law – rightly expect those involved in charities to make an unambiguous distinction between their personal interests, and those of the charity and the beneficiaries they are there to serve. This did not happen in the case of The Captain Tom Foundation. We found repeated instances of a blurring of boundaries between private and charitable interests, with Mr and Mrs Ingram-Moore receiving significant personal benefit. Together the failings amount to misconduct and / or mismanagement.
“The Commission conducts all its investigations in a fair, balanced and independent way, led by the law and the facts alone. Where those investigations find that individuals have misused the trust that people have in charities, it is right that we take firm action to hold them to account.”
Reflecting on the role of charity in society more generally, Orlando Fraser, Chair of the Charity Commission, said: “Charities represent the best of society – bringing people together, supporting the most vulnerable, and strengthening communities.
“It is important to remember that their work is underpinned by trustees, most of whom are volunteers, and most of whom fulfil the role with passion and integrity.”
THE last post on the charity’s website states:
Update – July 2023
At this moment in time, the sole focus of The Captain Tom Foundation is to ensure that it cooperates fully with the on-going Statutory Inquiry by the Charity Commission.
As a result, The Captain Tom Foundation is not presently actively seeking any funding from donors. Accordingly, we have also taken the decision to close all payment channels whilst the Statutory Inquiry remains open.
Once the findings of the Statutory Inquiry have been communicated, The Captain Tom Foundation will be in a better position to make a decision in relation to its future, but for now, our main priority is to assist the Charity Commission with its enquiry.
In the meantime, on behalf of the trustees of The Captain Tom Foundation, we wish to extend a warm thank-you to all our supporters who have enabled us to help charities that were close to Captain Sir Tom’s heart.
Santa Claus will make his arrival at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store this Sunday to get the festive events season underway, accompanied by a Scottish pipe band and dance group.
Families and friends are invited to join in the festive fun, meet Santa and create unforgettable Christmas memories at Santa’s Arrival, free-to-attend at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store on Sunday 24 November.
Children in attendance will have the chance to enjoy Santa’s as he arrives in his own special car, and get excited for the festivities. Adding to the excitement, children can get involved in face painting and glitter tattoos, and enjoy music from a DJ.
In addition to the fun, families can get a head start on their festive shopping with Dobbies’ one-day-only discount voucher available to collect at Santa’s Arrival and redeem that day. Families are encouraged to dress in their favourite festive attire with Christmas jumpers warmly welcomed.
Families can also enjoy Dobbies’ Kids Eat Free offer which runs through the day, allowing children under the age of 16 to enjoy their food for free with every traditional adult breakfast and main course meal at lunch. This includes kids’ breakfasts, lunch menu or a pick ‘n’ mix meal, plus a drink.
Dobbies’ Edinburgh store will also be collaborating with IND!E Pop-Up to host SH Designs, a colourful stationery and gifts company that uses original artwork and pattern designs.
Customers can browse and buy these gorgeous products in-store from Monday 18 November, with the independent wrapping up the collaboration on Thursday 28 November, but set to return in December (Monday 9 – Sunday 15).
Jenna Bavidge, General Manager at Dobbies’ Edinburgh, said: “We’re so excited to welcome families to Santa’s Arrival this year. It’s such a special time, and we’ve worked hard to create an experience full of festive cheer to kick-start the celebrations.
“From Santa’s entrance to the live performances to entertain the crowd, there’s something for everyone in the community to enjoy at the Edinburgh store. We can’t wait to see the joy on the children’s faces as they see Santa arrive.”
People affected by an eating disorder can expect higher and more consistent standards of care following the roll-out of new national guidance for services.
The publication of a national specification will support both the NHS and local services to deliver person-centred, safe and effective care. The new guidance was developed by a working group of experts with academic and clinical practice experience, alongside people affected and their families.
The blueprint aims to ensure that everyone has access to a high-quality standard of service regardless of what stage they are in their recovery and is for care across all stages of treatment, from primary care to specialist inpatient care.
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Mental Wellbeing Minister Maree Todd said: “We want to create a more supportive, accessible, and effective care system for everyone affected by eating disorders.
“This new guidance is another step on the way to delivering the recommendations from the National Review of Eating Disorder Services and I am grateful to all those involved in putting it together.
“The full implementation of this specification has been a long-term goal but by working alongside clinicians, patients and their families, we aim to build a brighter, healthier future for everyone affected by eating disorders in Scotland.”
Chair of the National Eating Disorder Network Professor Cathy Richards said: “I’m delighted that the national specification has now been published and want to recognise the hard work of all who have been involved in its development. It is a privilege to work with such a committed group of stakeholders.
“I want to recognise the dedication of those delivering vital care and treatment amidst real and pressing challenges.
“I look forward to working with everyone involved to develop local, regional and national improvements to ensure the new national standards are delivered consistently to benefit all those affected by eating disorders.”
Co-Chair of the National Eating Disorder Specification Working Group, Lived Experienced Peer Researcher, Ellen Maloney said: “The launch of new national guidance is important to make sure that everyone in Scotland who experiences an eating disorder can access the right help at the right time.
“I hope these standards will make a real difference for people with eating disorders, providing the care and support they need.”
Police Scotland have released images of two males who may be able to assist with their enquiries following a robbery which occurred on Thursday 31 October 2024.
The incident occurred at around 2.40am at the Gorgie Road and Wardlaw Street junction in Edinburgh.
Officers believe the males could assist them in their ongoing enquiries and are appealing for them or anyone who may recognise them or has information about this incident to get in touch.
The first male (pictured) is described as being white, aged between 19-20 years old and approximately 5’8” in height.
He has short, thick dark hair and facial hair. He was seen to be wearing a dark zip-up jumper with a Fred Perry logo on the left chest, socks but no shoes.
The second male (pictured) is described as being white, aged between 18-19 years old and between approximately 5’11” and 6ft in height.
He has short brown hair styled up at the front.
He was seen to be wearing grey jogging bottoms, yellow and purple Nike Dunk style trainers and a black hooded jumper.
A Police Scotland representative said: “We urge the males pictured or anyone who may recognise them to contact us. If you have any information about this incident, please get in touch as soon as possible”.
Anyone who can assist is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 1439 of 31 October 2024. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.
Plans for the largest regeneration project of its kind in Scotland for a new environmentally friendly coastal town in Edinburgh have been given the go ahead by the Capital’s planning authority.
Today’s decision gives the go ahead for 847 ‘net zero ready’ homes to be built in partnership with Cruden Homes on the city’s largest brownfield site.
These warm, energy efficient homes will be a mixture of social rent, mid-market rent and homes for sale catering for families and those who require wheelchair accessibility. The new development will create attractive local living for residents by providing capacity for a new primary school and a low carbon heat network.
There will also be commercial units, active travel routes and other sustainable transport infrastructure as well as attractive public and open space.
This exciting first phase of regeneration in Granton Waterfront will be delivered from 2025 to 2032.
As part of the Council’s strategy to address the city’s housing emergency 45% of the homes will be affordable.
The Council’s regeneration plans are already well underway at Granton Waterfront with some early projects taking shape.
Council Leader Cammy Day said:“This is welcome news for Edinburgh as we can now continue our exciting plans to transform the north of the city into a thriving environmentally friendly new neighbourhood which people will want to call home, work in and visit.
“I’m really excited to see this milestone achieved, as we are one step closer to delivering a first phase of regeneration in Granton Waterfront.
“When putting the planning application together we consulted local people every step of the way including those living in established communities nearby as well as other interested groups. Today’s decision will allow us to bring together those we listened to in these communities with new residents.
“After declaring a housing emergency last year it is vital that much of the housing provided will be affordable. Using the latest advances in technology the homes will also be energy efficient keeping bills down for our tenants as well as helping the city to transition to net zero and meet our other climate goals.
“This £1.3bn project is the largest regeneration scheme of its kind in Scotland. It is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to bring communities together, with affordable energy efficient housing to live well locally with access to shops, cultural, leisure and education and health facilities and job opportunities all nearby.
“We’ll also make sure Granton Waterfront has excellent active travel and public transport links to rest of the city and beyond as well as to the many established communities already in the area.
Fraser Lynes, Managing Director of Cruden Homes, said: “This development represents a significant leap toward meeting Scotland’s growing demand for high-quality, energy-efficient housing of all tenures, and the planning outcome marks a major milestone for the project.
“In partnership with the City of Edinburgh Council, our work at Granton Waterfront will deliver a diverse range of sustainable new homes designed to meet the community’s evolving needs. By pioneering innovative net-zero solutions, Granton Waterfront is set to become a model for future housing developments across Scotland.
“At Cruden, we’re proud of our long history of building more than just homes; we’re fostering vibrant communities built to endure and flourish, setting a new standard for housing that truly serves both people and the environment.”
POLICE are appealing for information after an assault and robbery on Gilmerton Road on Monday (18 November, 2024).
Around 10.30pm, police and ambulance were called to a report of a 24-year-old man and a 20-year-old man injured after a man entered their Mercedes B-class vehicle on Gilmerton Road and assaulted them.
The injured men got out of the vehicle leaving the suspect within. The vehicle was last seen driving south on Gilmerton Road.
They were taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh and treated for their injuries. The 24-year-old man was released after treatment.
Detective Sergeant James Palmer said: “Enquiries are ongoing in and around the Gilmerton Road area to establish the full circumstances surrounding this incident and trace the stolen car.
“I would urge anyone who was in this area between 10pm and 10.30pm on Monday night who witnessed anything relevant to this enquiry or has dashcam footage that may assist to contact us.
“I would also ask anyone who has seen or has any information on the whereabouts of the Mercedes Benz with the registration number YK59 UTX to get in touch. The car may have damage to the front.”
Anyone with information should contact 101 quoting reference number 3801 of 18 November, 2024. Alternatively Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.
Award-winning bar & restaurant, The Botanist, is giving everyone the chance to snap up a Christmas gift on the house this week, in the form of a festive tipple from its brand-new Christmas specials menu … but they’ll have to be quick!
Holding a city-wide race to find the boozy prizes, The Botanist’s elves will hide 10 tinsel-filled Christmas baubles in secret locations near the venue in every town and city it has a site on Friday 22nd November.
Eagle-eyed customers should head to their local Botanist’s Facebook page from 12 o’clock for hints on when and where the prizes can be found.
The lucky winners will find a gift tag attached to the bauble to be exchanged at a Botanist venue for the bar’s showstopping new sharing drink – a Christmas tree holding six Blooming Bauble cocktails for groups of friends to get merry over.
A seasonal fruity cocktail of Beefeater pink gin, St. Germain elderflower liqueur, cranberry juice and lemon with cranberries and rosemary, served in a Christmas bauble, it’s perfect for party season.
Other festive drinks on the new menu include the S’mores Old Fashioned with Maker’s Mark bourbon, orange curaçao, cold brew coffee, orange bitters, and creamy foam over ice with a chocolate & Biscoff rim, topped with toasted marshmallows, and the Festive Sparkler of prosecco with seasonal spices.
Encouraging everyone to share the joy with loved ones this season, The Botanist’s highly Instagrammable Christmas, launching on 20th November includes turkey burgers topped with pigs in blankets, chocolate orange mince pie cookie dough for two and festive cocktail specials.
And that’s not all, the halls are being decked with beautiful decorations and The Botanist’s house bands are ready to let the good times roll until the early hours too, playing live every Friday and Saturday night as guests drinks and dine throughout the festive season.
Head to your local Botanist’s Facebook page for more information on the Bauble Hunt.
Winners of Annual Scottish Chefs Nespresso Professional Student Coffee Challenge revealed
Scottish Chefs, Scotland’s official National Organisation for all chefs in Scotland and member of The World Association of Chefs Societies, has once again teamed up with Nespresso Professional for the student coffee challenge to help find the next generation of culinary stars.
The winning team from Edinburgh College, Milton Campus each received an invite to Scottish Chefs 30th anniversary celebration lunch where they met Andy Cuthbert, World Chefs newly elected President, and were presented with a Nespresso M100 coffee machine for their college.
This year, Scottish Chefs will also release a special anniversary cookbook as it celebrates its 30th year, where the winning recipes will also be included.
Teams were made up of three students, all in full time catering and hospitality college courses, and were given two hours to produce an afternoon tea selection alongside Nespresso coffee.
The judging panel of Joe Queen, Chair of The Scottish Chefs Culinary Committee, Kevin MacGillivray Chief Executive of Scottish Chefs & International World Chefs Accredited Judge, Derek Johnston, the first winner of BBC’s Masterchef: The Professionals and Gary Shanks, Nespresso Account Manager for the East of Scotland were looking for a well-presented table and a front-of-house server demonstrating effective communication and interaction skills with guests.
For the chefs, they sought a display of both modern and traditional cooking methods that showcased a variety of skills, as well as adherence to hygienic working practices.
The winning menu from Jenny MacLeod, Eileen Ingle and Emilia Lawandowska was made up of Leek, Mushroom & Gruyere Tart, Coffee Chicken Pie, Apple & Coffee Meringue Tart and Coffee & Chocolate Choux au Caquelon.
The judges commented on how each element of their afternoon tea was well cooked and was full of flavour which highlighted the coffee and various technical skills which ultimately made the team from Edinburgh College, Milton Campus victorious.
Gary Shanks, Nespresso Account Manager for the East of Scotland, said: “It was a privilege to once again support this competition, and help support the next generation of culinary superstars.
“It was inspiring to see the skills and imagination on display to create incredible menus to complement our coffee. When food is this delicious, being able to offer the best coffee is something we feel extremely passionate about.
“Congratulations to the winners from Edinburgh College, the standard was so high, so they should be incredibly proud of what they have achieved.”
Joe Queen, Chair of The Scottish Chefs Culinary Committee, said: “It was very encouraging to see the interest from colleges throughout Scotland that participated. The support that the young chefs and servers received from their respective college lecturers was fantastic.
And then from the students came the imagination, the innovation and the team work to help produce brilliant Afternoon Teas. Scottish Chefs now hope now that this competition can go from strength to strength and help build up an array of talented youngsters.
Well done to Edinburgh Milton College campus who also were very worthy winners last year, there must be something in the Edinburgh air! We all look forward to next year.”
The Scottish Chefs 30th anniversary celebration lunch took place at Murrayfield recognising 30 years of promoting excellence in all areas of the hospitality industry in Scotland. Mairi Gougeon MSP and Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands joined as guest speaker.
