Day: February 16, 2025

Craigiehall Meadows welcomes first residents to site

Homeowners delighted with fully renovated homes at former army HQ

A FORMER army neighbourhood undergoing a transformation into a vibrant new community has welcomed its first homeowners, marking a significant milestone.

Craigiehall Meadows, managed by Ralph Sayer and located on the northwest fringe of Edinburgh is proving hugely popular with buyers, as more than half of the first phase of homes are sold.

Among the new homeowners at the former British Army Scotland headquarters is Tracy Kershaw, who has moved from Drylaw, Edinburgh after 25 years, securing a two-bedroom Juniper house on Hillside Road.

Tracy, 46, who moves into her new home along with her Jack Russell Alfie and Staffy Buster, said: “This is a fantastic development, and I couldn’t be happier with my new home.

“The whole process of moving was incredibly smooth, and the team made everything effortless. You always worry about last-minute hiccups, but from start to finish, Ralph Sayer’s support was professional, straightforward, and completely stress-free.

“The views of the Pentlands were a huge selling point for me. I’ve always loved having a great view, and with fantastic walking routes like Cammo Estate and Dalmeny Estate, along with the River Almond right on my doorstep, it’s the perfect spot for both me and Alfie.

“As a nurse, having an easy commute was really important, and this development has made getting to and from work at the Western General Hospital simple, which is a huge bonus.”

Hillside Roat at Craigiehall Meadows blends the area’s rich history with contemporary living, offering two- and three-bedroom semi-detached properties with spacious layouts and generous gardens.

The first phase of homes in Craigiehall Meadows include the two-bedroom Juniper (£255,000) and three-bedroom Poplar (£320,000), both of which feature refurbished interiors and exteriors.

Located on Hillside Road, the homes provide easy access to Edinburgh city centre, major transport routes, and nearby amenities, while offering a peaceful rural setting.

Tzana Webster, Head of Estate Agency at Ralph Sayer said: “Hillside Road is on track to be fully sold out, and we’re seeing strong momentum across the development, particularly in the Primrose and Riverside areas, which will be larger family homes with spacious gardens and high-quality finishes.

“Looking at how far the site has come in less than 12 months is a testament to the incredible team we have working across the development.

“From a once-dormant site to a thriving new community, it’s fantastic to see buyers securing their dream homes in such a unique and well-connected location.”

The development has already sparked significant interest from families and those looking to buy their first home, with developers urging prospective residents to act quickly. Viewings are by appointment only and can be arranged through Ralph Sayer.

Nestled against the River Almond and surrounded by mature woodlands, it offers a prime semi-rural location while remaining well-connected to sought-after neighbourhoods such as Cammo, Cramond, and Dalmeny.

Once home to military families, the site, originally acquired in 1939 and pivotal in the 1945 German surrender in Norway, later became the Scottish Army HQ, housing regiments like The Black Watch until its closure in 2014.

Hillside Road features affordable homes, ideal for first time buyers, downsizers and buy-to-rent owners, while Riverside and Primrose will provide larger, high-spec family residences.

Combining modern comfort with a rich sense of history, the development offers a rare opportunity for buyers seeking natural surroundings with easy city access.

Those interested in the development can register their interest here – https://www.craigiehall-meadows.co.uk/

Viewings are now open and those interested can contact Ralph Sayer on 0131 225 5567 | property@ralphsayer.com to book in a viewing appointment for the 2 Bedroom Juniper or the 3 Bedroom Poplar. 

Bookings are strictly by appointment only.

Edinburgh whisky-coffee business brewing up a storm thanks to Business Gateway support

A local Edinburgh business is brewing up success with its unique coffee blend after accessing support from Business Gateway.

Georgia and Grant Fraser launched Cortino in August last year, blending their passions of coffee and Scottish whisky to create one-of-a-kind barrel aged coffee, delivering distinct and exciting flavours as they aim to change the traditional coffee experience.

Cortino’s coffee beans, which are sourced from Brazilian farms, rest in whisky barrels sourced from across Scotland, infusing them with a rich and smooth depth of flavour. The beans are then roasted locally in Edinburgh, with every batch of coffee offering a distinct profile.

With backgrounds in sustainable product design, Georgia and Grant are determined to ensure Cortino delivers environmentally conscious coffee, using sustainable packaging and partnering with responsible suppliers.

Throughout their start-up journey, local Business Gateway adviser, Lee Briggs, has supported Cortino, providing one-to-one support and advice across business planning, marketing insights and routes to funding. Lee has also introduced Georgia and Grant with local contacts, and signposted events and scaling opportunities.

Having enjoyed a successful launch last year, with Cortino’s coffee proving popular at a host of local markets and trade shows, Georgia and Grant now have their sights set on a year of growth in 2025, aiming to scale up the business and bring their unique brew to a new audience, with a number of exciting whisky collaborations in the works.

This has been made possible thanks to support from Business Gateway, which helped them to successfully apply for grant funding worth £4,000 which will be put towards marketing activities and trade show events as the pair gear up for a bumper year.

Georgia Fraser, co-founder, Cortino, said: “Business Gateway has provided fantastic support that has allowed us to start Cortino on the best possible footing.

“Lee has been an invaluable resource for us. His insight and connections have enabled us to access funding and develop a robust strategy for scaling up this year. He has always been on hand to answer any questions or guide us to where we need to get to.”

Lee Briggs, Business Gateway adviser, said: “Georgia and Grant’s passion to create a unique new product is a brilliant example to anyone looking to start up their own business.

“Their drive and determination to make their product the best it can be and deliver it sustainably by making the most of the local knowledge has seen their efforts rewarded greatly.

“We look forward to supporting the team as they gear up for an exciting year in 2025.”

To find out more about how Business Gateway can help your business, visit:

https://bgateway.com.

To discover more about Cortino’s unique blends, visit:

 https://www.drinkcortino.com/.

Runic translation reveals community ownership of the Galloway Hoard

Since its discovery in 2014, various theories and possibilities have been put forward, suggesting that the Galloway Hoard may have been buried by four owners based on four arm-rings inscribed with Anglo-Saxon runes.

Three feature Old English name elements, but the fourth and longest had confounded experts and remained undeciphered as there was no recognisable direct translation. However, a new theory proposed by the team at National Museums Scotland who have been studying the hoard runs, in translation: “this is the community’s wealth/property”. 

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Martin Goldberg from National Museums Scotland said: “This is another really interesting and significant development in our understanding of the Galloway Hoard.

“The idea that the wealth this hoard represents would be communally held is fascinating. It does still leave us with unanswered questions around the circumstances in which a community’s wealth would come to be buried, and also which particular community.

“Some material within the hoard, such as the pectoral cross and the rock crystal jar made for a Bishop Hyguald, would support this being a religious community.”  

Carved inside the curved half of the arm-ring the runes read: DIS IS ЇIGNA ˑFˑ. The main issue was the word ‘ ЇIGNAF’, which did not correspond to any language spoken in early medieval Britain or Ireland.

The discovery that the final rune, F, was marked out with puncts, or dots, to either side, indicating it could be understood as the name of the F-rune itself ‘feoh’ [wealth or property] unlocked the new translation. ‘ ЇIGNA’ could then be interpreted as the Old English word ‘higna’ [community] with the first letter spelled in an unusual but comprehensible way.  

The first word also seems to be misspelled if as seems likely it represents “this” – perhaps it was pronounced DIS, much as it would be in some parts of modern Ireland. Despite these apparent spelling (or pronunciation) mistakes, the full inscription can be translated as “this is the community’s wealth/property” with the word ‘higna’ often used elsewhere in Anglo-Saxon documents to indicate a religious community. 

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Leading runologist Dr David Parsons (University of Wales) who has previously translated other runic inscriptions from the Galloway Hoard said: “This is a difficult and unusual inscription, and the proposed translation is challenging. There are a number of things which are technically ‘wrong’ when we compare it with what we know about ‘correct’ runic writing.

“However, if we think about both spoken and written English today, there are a huge range of regional and idiomatic variations and, if we allow for this, then it becomes possible to accept this as a plausible reading. And in the context of what can deduce about the Galloway Hoard it becomes really quite compelling.” 

The new finding comes at the conclusion of a three-year research project, Unwrapping the Galloway Hoard, which was supported by the UKRI Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), led by National Museums Scotland in partnership with the University of Glasgow. 

AHRC executive chair Christopher Smith, said: “It has been fascinating to see the succession of significant discoveries over the life of the Unwrapping the Galloway Hoard project, from the exotic origins of some of its star pieces to the presence of named individuals and now this latest exciting discovery.

“We’re delighted to have supported this work and in particular welcome the volume of public interest and engagement it has so frequently generated. It serves as a prime example of how the power of arts and humanities research to shine a light on past cultures and the people who lived within them resonates in our own world.” 

The arm ring will be on display at the South Australian Museum in Adelaide as part of a new international touring exhibition, Treasures of the Viking Age: The Galloway Hoard, which opened on Saturday 8 February. 

The exhibition shows how the Hoard was buried in four distinct parcels and as the visitor is drawn further into this ancient world each parcel becomes richer and more unusual.

The top layer was a parcel of silver bullion and a rare Anglo-Saxon cross, separated from a lower layer of three parts: firstly, another parcel of silver bullion wrapped in leather and twice as big as the one above; secondly, a cluster of four elaborately decorated silver ‘ribbon’ arm-rings bound together and concealing in their midst a small wooden box containing three items of gold; and thirdly, a lidded, silver gilt vessel wrapped in layers of textile and packed with carefully wrapped objects that appear to have been curated like relics or heirlooms.

They include beads, pendants, brooches, bracelets, relics and other curios, often strung or wrapped with silk. It was recently revealed that the origins of the vessel itself could be traced to the Sassanian Empire and indeed to a specific mine in modern-day Iran. 

Decoding the secrets of the Galloway Hoard has also been a multi-layered process. Decorations, inscriptions, and other details hidden for over a thousand years have been revealed through careful conservation, painstaking cleaning, and cutting-edge research by a team of experts led by National Museums Scotland. 

Many of the objects are types that have never been seen before in Britain and Ireland. Some had travelled thousands of miles to reach Scotland. Some items are now too fragile to travel long distances, particularly those which still have rare traces of textiles that have survived for more than 1000 years.

The exhibition will employ audio visual and 3D reconstructions to enable visitors to experience these objects and learn more about the detailed research that is being done.  

The Galloway Hoard was acquired by National Museums Scotland in 2017 with the support of the National Heritage Memorial Fund, Art Fund, and the Scottish Government, as well as a major public fundraising campaign.

Since then, it has been undergoing extensive conservation and research at the National Museums Collection Centre in Edinburgh. Further venues for the international tour will be announced in due course, as will plans for the hoard’s future display after the tour’s conclusion, including in Kirkcudbright, near where it was discovered.  

In 2020, the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) awarded £1 million for the three-year research project *Unwrapping the Galloway Hoard*, led by National Museums Scotland in partnership with the University of Glasgow. The project has also seen collaboration with experts from across the UK and Ireland, including The British Museum, Oxford University, University of Wales (Trinity St David), St Andrews University, and University College Cork.  

New research proves woodland wildlife works wonders for wellbeing

The sights, sounds and smells of life in a British woodland have been proven to fill us with joy and boost our wellbeing, groundbreaking new research has revealed.

An overwhelming 90% of more than 10,000 questioned for a study supported by the Woodland Trust said their mood and general wellbeing were boosted by the wildlife in the UK’s precious woodland.

The research identified specific mood-lifting traits found in woods – from spotting a squirrel scurrying up a trunk and hearing a robin’s early-morning song, to witnessing a bird of prey soaring in the sky or feeling the crunch of autumn leaves underfoot.

But worryingly, the research pinpointed huge regional differences, with the majority of wellbeing hotspots found in the South East and parts of Scotland – areas with a higher proportion of woodland, especially ancient and long-established woodland cover.

These locations are rich in the variety of woodland plants, animals and fungi which people reported as being beneficial for their wellbeing, but previous studies have shown that only 7% of Great Britain’s woods are in good ecological condition.

The extensive BIO-WELL research was carried out by scientists at the University of Kent, with the latest research financed by a grant from the UK’s largest woodland conservation charity, the Woodland Trust.

Zoe Davies, Professor of biodiversity conservation at the University of Kent’s Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology (DICE), said: “While we know that spending time in natural environments can improve our health and wellbeing, we needed to know which species, or traits of species delivered these benefits.

“This compelling new research proves that nature is good for us and spending time in biodiverse, rich woodland can be a prescription for wellbeing.”

Key findings include:

  • ninety per cent of the representative sample of more than 10,000 people across the UK agreed that woodland biodiversity has a positive impact on their wellbeing
  • the richest woodlands for wellbeing were very unevenly distributed across the UK, with lower wellbeing richness of woodlands in more deprived areas
  • woodland sounds, such as birds singing, the scrunch of fallen leaves or trees rustling in the breeze, were found to stimulate the most wellbeing responses (40.4%)
  • natural processes and behaviours (26.5%), like spring flowers emerging, triggered the second most wellbeing responses, followed by colours (23.7%), textures (7.3%) and smells (2.1%)
  • silver birch topped a list of favourite trees, ahead of horse chestnut and oak
  • blue tit had the most wellbeing benefits of woodland birds, with blackbird and chaffinch following closely behind
  • the hotspots reflect areas where there is a high proportion of woodland cover, especially precious ancient and long-established woodland cover.

Surprisingly, the research found that seasonal differences were irrelevant to the mental health benefits, meaning that, while humans may yearn for sunnier and warmer spring days after a long, bleak winter, a walk in the woods is beneficial in any weather and at any time of year.

Woodland Trust chief executive Dr Darren Moorcroft said: “The Woodland Trust is evidence based. Research like the BIO-WELL findings that we have supported is not only fascinating but vital to underpin what we do as the UK’s largest woodland conservation charity, for nature and people.

“We’re in the grip of a biodiversity and human health crisis, so it has never been more critical to improve the health of people and the planet. Proving that it’s good for us to get out among trees and nature means the next step must be ensuring that everyone in the UK has access to vibrant, nature-rich woodland where wildlife – and people and communities – can thrive.”

Martin Dallimer, Professor of environmental sustainability at Imperial College London, agreed: “If we want people’s wellbeing to improve from spending time in nature, then it is essential to make sure we are maintaining and restoring high-quality forests for wildlife and people.”

Unequal opportunities

Maps produced by the researchers showed strong regional disparity in woodland quality for wellbeing, highlighting the importance of restoring woodland biodiversity – especially in those areas which need it most.

Woodland Trust conservation adviser Sally Bavin explained: “This work shows there is stark geographical inequality across the UK in the opportunity for people to witness thriving woodland wildlife and experience the wellbeing lift that brings. This opportunity should be the right of all.

“The research’s focus on the distribution of woodland quality really fits with the Woodland Trust’s mission to improve the quality of woodlands rather than just the quantity. The research maps will allow us to target conservation efforts where they are needed most.”

Dr Jessica Fisher, research fellow at DICE, said the regional findings were ‘concerning’. She added: “The research suggests visiting a woodland rich in the variety of wildlife that supports human wellbeing is a privilege unequally distributed across society, and furthest from reach for those who could potentially benefit the most.

“Society needs a much better balance of woodland to ensure we can all access the traits that are going to boost our mental health.”

The research drilled down to discover which species were most enjoyed for their wellbeing benefits, including the top 10 favourite trees, other plants, animals and fungi. The top 10 trees were:

  1. silver birch
  2. horse chestnut
  3. pedunculate oak
  4. sweet chestnut
  5. aspen
  6. Douglas fir
  7. rowan
  8. beech
  9. larch
  10. sycamore.

Police appeal for information following Leith fire

Detectives are appealing for information following a fire in Leith.

The fire happened around 12am this morning (Sunday, 16 February, 2025) at a block of flats on Prince Regent Street.

There were no reported injuries.

Detective Constable Luke Wilson said: “The fire is being treated as wilful and we are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed anything to contact us.

“We also ask anyone with private CCTV or dashcam footage of the area at the time to come forward.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting incident 0053 of 16 February, 2025.

Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.

Scottish architecture and design studio appointed for refurbishment of Fringe Central

Studio LBA has been appointed as architect by the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society for the refurbishment and creation of a multi-purpose space for the Fringe Society, Fringe artists and community partners.  

The Fringe Society is currently spread across three buildings in Edinburgh but their commitment to access for all, carbon reduction and the need for greater efficiency, means these offices are no longer fit for purpose and the charity requires a public-facing home that offers a welcome to the whole Fringe community.  

The complex conservation and development project will include the refurbishment of the category B-listed building on 6 Infirmary Street, in the Old Town of Edinburgh to create a multi-purpose space for the Fringe Central services and stories.  

The site on 6 Infirmary Street dates back to 1736 but updates to insulation, and accessibility such as the addition of air source heat pumps, accessible toilets, entrance ramp and internal lift are essential to align the building with modern day sustainability measures.

Works are also crucial in the charity’s ambition to make the Fringe a net zero carbon event by 2030.  

Studio LBA has a trusted reputation for delivering design-led, innovative and sustainable solutions across Scotland throughout its 12 years in business.  Its client base spans master-planning, placemaking, residential, hospitality, culture and conservation.  

Lynsay Bell Manson, managing director at Studio LBA, said: “We’ve worked on a number of specialist conservation projects and it is fantastic to be appointed by the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society to play our part in restoring and modernising a historic building.   

“Our design approach is sensitive to the cherished history of the building, so our plans focus on preserving the existing character, whilst upgrading the building’s fabric and accessibility.  

“Given the net zero targets for Scotland we’ll be adopting a low energy approach to retrofitting the existing building using sustainable materials and adding more energy efficient solutions throughout. We’ll also maintain flexibility for the future in our design to ensure the space can adapt to the changing needs of the charity and the Fringe for years to come.”   

Shona McCarthy, chief executive of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, adds: “Through funding from the UK Government we’re delighted that we are able to move forward with the long-held ambition of a new, accessible home for the Fringe Society which will benefit artists, community partners and the Fringe through a range of enhanced services throughout the year.  

“We’re delighted to be working with Studio LBA on this project and can’t wait to open the doors to the new permanent Fringe Central later next year.” 

Alongside Studio LBA as the architect, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society has appointed a design team of Thomas & Adamson as project manager, Montagu Evans as heritage consultant, Will Rudd Davidson as structural engineer and Wallace Whittle as mechanical and electrical engineer.  

Edinburgh brewery raises funds for Motor Neurone Disease

Brewing Legacy: How Cold Town Beer is honouring Doddie Weir with the support of APC Edinburgh and The APC Network

When Cold Town Beer was founded in Edinburgh in 2017, its vision was to combine tradition and innovation, crafting small-batch artisan beers that honour Scotland’s rich brewing heritage while pushing the boundaries of modern brewing.

Named after Edinburgh’s Calton Hill – historically known as “Caltoun” or “Cold Town” – this brewery quickly became a local favourite, celebrated for its commitment to quality, sustainability and community.

Today, Cold Town Beer continues to create a meaningful impact, not only with its craft beer but also through initiatives such as Doddie Beir.

Honouring Doddie Weir with Doddie Beir

Doddie Beir is more than just a limited-edition lager. It’s a tribute to George Wilson “Doddie Weir” OBE, the rugby legend, who passed away from Motor Neurone Disease (MND) in 2022. With its smooth and crisp flavour, Doddie Beir aims to raise funds for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, which he founded in 2017 to advance MND research and provide support to individuals affected by the disease.

Every pint of Doddie Beir sold supports the foundation, helping to fund vital research into finding a cure for MND. Since its launch in 2020, Doddie Beir has enabled Cold Town Beer to donate over £15,000 to the foundation, with a commitment to contribute at least £11,000 more over the next two years.

A beer made with Doddie’s touch

“Doddie Beir is deeply personal to us,” explains Louise Maclean, Business Development Director at Signature Pub Group Ltd. “It was born out of a close friendship with Doddie and Nic Wood, owner of Signature Pub Group Ltd. We wanted to create a beer that felt true to him- light-hearted, fun and well-loved, just like Doddie himself.”

Doddie was actively involved in the beer’s development, ensuring it reflected his personal taste. “In 2019, we had the privilege of brewing this lager with Doddie himself. He wanted a beer that was less sweet, a little more bitter and crisp like a classic Pilsner,” Louise adds. “His fingerprints are all over Doddie Beir, and we’re proud to share it with rugby fans everywhere.”

Partnering with APC Edinburgh for seamless deliveries

In 2020, Cold Town Beer partnered with APC Edinburgh and The APC network to support the growing business and manage the increasing demand for reliable, secure deliveries of fragile, liquid products. This partnership has also been instrumental in the success of the Doddie Beir project, ensuring the beer is delivered in peak condition across Scotland and beyond. 

“The APC and APC Edinburgh’s local approach and reliable overnight delivery service have been game changers for us,” Ben Wallace, Sales Consultant at Cold Town, shares.

“As a craft brewery rooted in our community, we trust APC Edinburgh to handle our deliveries with care. Their local depot team has been incredibly supportive, ensuring every delivery arrives in perfect condition.”

Looking ahead

With Doddie Beir, Cold Town Beer is ready to make an even greater impact during the Six Nations tournament and beyond. “We’re excited to share this special beer with rugby fans across the UK and to continue supporting the incredible work of the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation,” Louise says.

Ailsa Hamilton, Sales Manager at APC Edinburgh said: “Partnering with Cold Town Beer on this meaningful project has been a privilege.

“We’re proud to support their mission and play a role in their efforts to support the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation. It’s inspiring to work alongside a company so committed to making a positive impact and we look forward to continuing this partnership as they grow and achieve even greater things.”

Find out more about Cold Town Beer here: https://coldtownbeer.com/

and APC Edinburgh here: https://www.apcedinburgh.com/ 

Animation lecturer hunting industry terms needing a BSL sign

Jon Mortimer’s project aims to make animation and visual effects careers more accessible

An Edinburgh Napier University (ENU) lecturer is hoping to make animation, visual effects and gaming more inclusive – by identifying industry and technical phrases that need their own sign in British Sign Language (BSL).

Award-winning animator Jon Mortimer was inspired by his efforts to learn BSL alongside his 4-year-old son, as well as experience of supporting deaf students at ENU, where he teaches 3D animation and modelling.

Jon leads the community project, Animsign, with the aim of gathering words from the world of animation that don’t currently have a specific BSL sign. He took the research to industry events around the world to seek suggestions from professionals, educators and signers.

Following his work with the deaf community and industry to develop new signs, Jon created an animated explainer video to help get the word out and provide further information.

An Animsign pilot at a conference in Scotland helped to pinpoint 74 terms which needed a new sign, such as WIP (work in progress), pipeline and props.

Jon is now inviting members of the deaf community, educators and animation and games professionals who are interested in being involved with Animsign to reach out, and work towards developing a BSL glossary of animation and gaming terminology.

There are thought to be more than 70 million sign language users worldwide, with more than 300 different sign languages. It is hoped that having a more accessible breadth of BSL terms could open potential new career opportunities to people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Jon said: “Gaps in language can put people starting out in animation at a major disadvantage. It is like looking up a technical term in the dictionary and finding a blank page.

“Our aim with Animsign is to create a bridge between the animation and games sectors and the deaf community.

“My family and I have been learning BSL to support my son, who currently has limited language. Learning sign language has allowed him to express himself so much more than before.

“I think it is so important that we work with people from the deaf community and not for them, which is what I have aimed to do throughout this project, while also working with deaf artists.

“The hope is that with support like this we can make the process of learning about animation more accessible.

“You don’t need to be an animator to work in animation. This could open up a whole range of careers to talented people who have stories to tell.”

Jon now hopes to take this research further by forming focus groups of animation & games professionals, educators and sign language users to develop a glossary of new signs. He is encouraging anyone and everyone to get in touch with him and talk about his research.

Jeanette crowned Great British Grandparent 2024

Doting grandmother Jeanette Townsend from West Sussex has been named the Great British Grandparent 2024, following an extensive nationwide search which received over 650 entries from loved ones nominating a family member or friend for the prestigious title.

Grandmother to eight grandchildren and another eight great-grandchildren (plus one more on the way), Jeanette, who is affectionately known as ‘Nan’, is overjoyed (if not a little overwhelmed) with the news.

On National Grandparents Day in October, Ambassador Cruise Line launched its search for the UK’s Grandparent of the Year. The initiative was conceived as a heartfelt tribute to the unsung heroes who give so much of their time, consideration, emotional and, in some cases, financial support to their nearest and dearest, day in, day out.

Jeanette was nominated for the title of Great British Grandparent by her granddaughter, Chloe.

Chloe’s submission included details outlining the incredible support Jeanette has provided to all generations of her family, notably during a difficult time when Chloe’s mother fell ill before sadly passing away.

The entry also included fond memories of how Jeanette has actively contributed to quality family time over the years, including teaching those close to her how to bake, go fishing or spending hours with the children while they played games in the back garden. Chloe also described how Jeanette is unconditionally ‘always there’ and come what may – both during times of need and in day-to-day life.

Despite facing extremely tough competition from other nominees, many of whom would have proved worthy winners of the title, Chloe’s nomination truly moved Ambassador’s expert judging panel headed-up by Ambassador’s CEO, Christian Verhounig, and the decision was unanimous in voting Jeanette the Grandparent of the Year.

After being named Great British Grandparent 2024, Jeanette said: “I was shocked by the news, because everything that I do I simply do because that’s what you do for your family.

“I always love having the grandchildren at my place, whether that’s playing in the garden, going down the beach, or cooking together. I consider myself very lucky to have such an amazing family.”  

Granddaughter Chloe said: “I didn’t really believe it when we found out the news. I’ve never nominated someone for an award like this before, but everything that I said is true – I don’t know any grandparent more deserving than her.

“Nan is the ‘hub’ of the family, she gets us together and we all cherish the family moments we have at her place. She has gone through so much over the years that most people should never have to. Thanks so much to Ambassador for hearing her story and recognising our incredible Nan in this way. She really deserves this.”

In recognition of her achievement, Jeanette will be treated to a complimentary week-long, full-board Ambassador sailing for two to enjoy at a time of her choosing.

Jeanette said: “I’ve never been on a cruise – I’ve never been that fortunate!

“I’m really looking forward to it.”

Christian Verhounig, CEO of Ambassador Cruise Line and Head Judge of the voting panel, says: “On behalf of all of us at Ambassador, heartfelt congratulations go to Great British Grandparent 2024: Jeanette Townsend.

“The dedication and ongoing support you provide to your grandchildren and great-grandchildren is truly incredible, and you are a wonderful example of just how important grandparents are to the family unit.

“Ambassador is proud to champion the Silver Generation, whose support, friendship and companionship plays such a key role in bringing families the length and breadth of the country together. On behalf of all those friends and relatives who benefit from the unconditional love you provide, we wish to thank grandparents across the country for all that you do, every day of the year.”

As part of the campaign, the over 50’s cruise line commissioned a survey that looked at the intergenerational dynamic, with findings suggesting that grandparents remain the backbone of the family unit.

Research revealed that grandparents are viewed as both generous and reliable, providing an average of 24.6 hours a month of childcare to their grandchildren, even if over a third (38%) receive nothing in return.

Grandparents are also considered the most trustworthy people to look after children, with almost two in three (62%) of people saying they trust them most with childcare duties.

Grandparents are stepping in with financial support too – the research shows that two in five (40%) Brits have turned to their grandparents for money, and that grandparents are understood to be sacrificing on their own lives – including giving up on holidays (16%), holding back on doing things with friends (12%) and remortgaging their home (8%) – to ensure their grandchildren thrive.

Ambassador Cruise Line will begin its search for the Great British Grandparent 2025 later this year on National Grandparents Day, which falls on Sunday 5 October.