Day: May 12, 2025

From pig crisis to pulled pork pioneers – Oink celebrates 25 years

A Scottish hog roast business famed for the freshly roasted pig visible from its three Edinburgh shop windows is celebrating a quarter century of roasting.

The prominent Oink shops celebrate just one product – the 14 hour slow-roasted pork, which available in three sizes of rolls, or in a box, with optional haggis stuffing, crackling, apple sauce or chilli sauce.

Founded by two Borders’ farming families off the back of the 1999 pig price crash, the brand, which has been copied around the world from China to Argentina, is targeting 2025 as being its record year, with an aim to surpass 250,000 rolls sold.

Adam Marshall, who co-founded Oink with Sandy Pate and farms land near Reston in Berwickshire, said: “When we started out, we weren’t trying to build an empire — we were just two farmers trying to stay afloat during a tough time for the pig industry.

“We built our own ovens, turned up at farmers markets, and hoped people would give it a try. To still be here 25 years later, serving hundreds of thousands of rolls a year, is something we’re really proud of.

“We’ve stuck to what we know, kept it simple, and done it our way. The fact people still queue up for it means a lot to us.”

The collaboration started when Adam Marshall and Sandy Pate founded Reiver Country Farm Foods and began selling produce from their farms and neighbours locally.

Then, inspired by what was believed to be the only hog roaster at the time, a business in York, the entrepreneurial pair brought a homemade roasting oven and started venturing up to Castle Terrace to take part in the first established Edinburgh Farmers Market.

Their piping hot pulled pork rolls proved an instant crowd-pleaser, attracting a growing band of hungry regulars, which paired with the demand from tourists, especially those from Asia and mainland Europe, then inspired the move to bricks and mortar in the Scottish capital.  

Oink owners Adam Marshall (Pink shirt) and Sandy Pate

Sandy Pate, who farms around 12 miles away from Adam in Longformacus, said: “We were just two mates with a passion for great meat and a desire to show city folk what Borders farming could deliver.

“We never imagined that a weekend stall would become something that would draw such loyal customers from near and around the world.

“At the end of the day, it’s about making people happy with something that tastes brilliant – and diversifying our farming businesses to ensure a viable and prosperous future for our families.”

The pair opened the doors to their first dedicated shop, Oink, in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town in 2008. Nestled on the cobbled Victoria Street, the shop quickly became a firm favourite among tourists, students, and workers alike.

A second opened on the Royal Mile in 2014, followed by a Hanover Street shop in 2018.

Oink has grown into a treasured part of the city’s food scene, dishing out thousands of hand-pulled rolls each week and building a fiercely loyal following. Its famous fans include Radio 1 DJ Greg James, comedian and foodie Ed Gamble, the Australian Rugby Team and Phil Rosenthal – who featured the Victoria Street shop on hit Netflix show “Somebody Feed Phil”. 

Though the original Reiver farm shop in Reston has closed its doors, it laid the foundations for everything that came after. Their commitment to quality and flavour has also powered a thriving outside catering business. The Oink mobile service caters weddings, corporate events, and private parties across Scotland, with pork roast options all prepped in their specialist unit.

Looking back, the founders, who both turn 65 this year and have no plans to slow down or retire, are proud that the business continues to be family-run and fiercely independent, with Adam and Sandy supported by their partners and families and a team of 30 employees.  

Oink owners Adam Marshall (Pink shirt) and Sandy Pate

Adam added: “Edinburgh’s food scene has changed a lot over the years — there’s more chains, more trends, and a lot of investment.

“We’ve just stuck to what we know: good pork, cooked slow, served simply.”

For more information about Oink, visit: https://www.oinkhogroast.co.uk/

Game-changing footwear tech prevents trips and falls in stroke and MS survivors

Researchers at Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh have developed an innovative new shoe which is helping prevent trips and falls in people with stroke and multiple sclerosis.  

The new footwear technology is transforming the lives of people with foot-drop – a condition which makes it difficult for people to lift the front part of their foot and often results in falls.  

People living with foot-drop find it very difficult and tiring to walk. They struggle to keep their toes lifted, and can therefore drag or catch their foot on the ground. This can be due to conditions that affect the nervous system, causing a malfunction of the communication between the brain and the muscles that lift the foot at the ankle. 

The number of people who experience foot-drop is unknown, however, around 20% of people with stroke and almost 50% of those with MS develop foot-drop. So, just looking at these conditions alone, it is estimated that this new footwear tech could improve walking and prevent falls in 322,400 people across the UK and 3.8m globally.  

The cleverly designed footwear has been developed by the Health Design Collective, a team of allied health professionals and researchers mainly based at Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh.

After several years of design and testing, the research team now has a footwear prototype which has the potential to be a game-changer for people with the condition. 

Professor Cathy Bulley, a physiotherapist at Queen Margaret University, is part of the research project, which is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). She explained: “Foot-drop can be caused by damage to the nervous system within the brain, spinal cord or the nerves in the lower back or legs. 

“Walking can be a huge effort for people with foot-drop – both physically and mentally. People must concentrate to ensure their toes clear the ground, often by lifting their hips and knees up further and swinging their leg out.  

“The increased risk of trips and falls can have a terrible impact on people’s quality of life. It leads to fear, avoidance of walking, reduced physical activity and less involvement in social and working life. It reduces people’s confidence and independence and can send them into a downwards spiral.

“There are various products on the market, but there are drawbacks with all of them. They don’t work for everyone, and can be expensive and difficult to tolerate.” 

Cathy confirmed: “People with permanent foot-drop need a comfortable, affordable, and attractive, unobtrusive device that holds the foot up while allowing ankle movement.

“Our new footwear has been co-designed with people with stroke, MS and cerebral palsy, and feedback from our users is outstanding!” 

Case Study

Jeanette Russell from Edinburgh worked as a nurse in the military before developing MS and subsequently, foot-drop.

She was one of the first people to trial the new footwear technology, and has become a key collaborator in the research.  

She said: “This footwear is a gamechanger for people who struggle with mobility due to foot-drop. I really put the footwear through its paces. I wore them in and out of the house, at the exercise studio and whilst driving. My mobility, speed of walking, gait and confidence improved immensely, and I knew the team was onto a winner!  

“What really amazed me was watching myself walking with my normal footwear on, and then the shoes. My normal rolling gait was gone, and I was walking upright, with confidence for the first time in eight years. It was life-changing!” 

Jeanette loves hillwalking and being outdoors, but foot-drop has really made this challenging in recent years. Thanks to the new footwear, Jeanette has been able to confidently return to hillwalking. She really pushed the footwear to the max as she navigated steep gradients during a walking holiday in Glencoe this February.

She said: “The difference in my walking ability is mind-blowing. In my normal boots, I fell down on flat surfaces with no obstacles. Using the footwear, I can walk up and down steep pathways and literally traverse rocks and navigate slippery surfaces without falling.

“This is what the footwear allows me to do, and why I am so passionate about making sure everyone with footdrop has access to this life-changing footwear.” 

Jeanette concluded: “I also can’t wait to wear them at the Remembrance Day Parade in London, later on this year.As a veteran, it means so much to me to be able to march, with confidence, past the Cenotaph.” 

Low tech but clever footwear

Professor Derek Santos, from Queen Margaret University, is the podiatry specialist on the project. He explained: “We’ve developed a low-tech, all-season, every-day piece of footwear that incorporates an attractive design which is both comfortable and supports the foot during walking.

“It’s a fairly simple design, but it’s been co-developed with people who have lived experience of foot-drop, alongside experts who really understand the anatomy and mechanics of the feet and limbs when walking.” 

Thanks to a grant from the National Institute for Health and Care Research, the research team is now partnering with a design and manufacturing company to progress the production of the new shoes. The aim is to produce a shoe that will be attractive, low-tech and affordable, which will help to ensure that they are accessible for anyone who can benefit from them. 

Professor Bulley concluded: “In the future, we hope that these innovative shoes will become widely available to patients through the NHS, so we can help improve the lives of a wide range of people with foot-drop.

“We would also like to adapt the design to create other types of footwear, such as hiking boots, exercise boots and an affordable sandal that’s accessible for people with foot-drop in countries with warmer climates.  

“No matter where you live, how much money you have, or what condition or trauma has led to foot-drop – everyone deserves to have the best chance to improve their walking. We hope our clever new footwear will provide a simple, affordable solution for millions of people with foot-drop across the UK and internationally.” 

Words and music take flight in Scottish Ensemble’s Concerts for a Summer’s Night this June

Embracing the enchanting atmosphere of summertime, Scottish Ensemble is set to illuminate  sunlit venues with an evening of vibrant music during their annual Concerts for a Summer’s  Night series across Scotland.  

In 2025 Scottish Ensemble will be joined by French singer and composer Héloïse Werner.  Héloïse’s vocals will meld with the sound of 12 string players to create a bright and vivid sound  world that will take listeners on an odyssey through beautifully evocative arrangements of  Baroque songs to Héloïse’s own dramatic and playful works. 

Concerts for a Summer’s Night takes place from Monday 9 June until Monday 16 June at  Rossie Byre in Perthshire, Strathpeffer Pavilion, Aberdeen Art Gallery, The  National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh, Glasgow’s Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum and, for the first time, at V&A Dundee. 

The programme will transport audiences through centuries and musical styles blending Baroque  and classical works with contemporary music that offers a fresh take on music for strings and  voice. The concerts will have a distinctly French twist with composers featured including  Maurice Ravel, Pauline Viardot and Julie Pinel. 

Jonathan Morton, Artistic Director of Scottish Ensemble, said: “Our Concerts for a  Summer’s Night are a particular highlight of the year at Scottish Ensemble, for audiences and  musicians alike.

“It’s always exciting to fill these beautiful venues with an eclectic mix of music,  and we are thrilled to introduce the multi-talented Héloïse Werner to our audiences this year.” 

Héloïse Werner said: “Having been in the audience to experience the thrilling and dynamic playing of this exemplary group of musicians, I am hugely looking forward to the honour of  joining them on stage for this special collaboration.” 

Tickets range from £11 – £22 and are free for under 16s.

Tickets are available from  https://scottishensemble.co.uk/programme/2024-25/concerts-for-a-summers-night-3

University of Edinburgh Summer School

Still figuring out what to study at university? This two-week summer course offered by the University of Edinburgh Summer School could be the perfect next step for those interested in science

🧬 Our Using Data in the Sciences summer course is designed for 16–18 year olds who are keen to explore subjects like biology, chemistry, physics, geoscience and more!

Students will get hands-on with real data, build critical thinking skills, and experience what university life is really like

✨ It’s a great opportunity to explore university life and grow confidence before making big academic decisions!

Applications close 20 May, find out more here:

👉https://edin.ac/4dcsP6K

Thousands of children are turning to Childline to seek help for anger issues  

  • New Childline data shows the service delivered 2,895 counselling sessions to young people struggling with anger issues, a 6 per cent increase from the previous year 
  • This Mental Health Awareness Week, the NSPCC is encouraging children to process their anger in a healthy way and contact Childline if they need to talk 

Thousands of children and young people have received support from Childline for anger issues over the past year. 

New data shows that the NSPCC-service delivered close to 3,000 counselling sessions to children and young people across the UK about the issue, online and over the phone, which is a 6 per cent increase on the previous 12 months. 

The rise in contacts on the topic has made anger issues a top ten mental health concern for all genders contacting the service. This data gives insight into a generation increasingly struggling to manage and regulate their emotions in the face of a range of pressures at home, school, online and in the community. 

This Mental Health Awareness Week (May 12 to 18), Childline is offering advice in dealing with these emotions in a healthy way.  

One 13-year-old girl from Scotland told Childline: “I get so mad and annoyed about little things. It takes all my energy to control and hide it. I try shutting myself in my room when I feel it happening, but then mum thinks it’s her fault. Is there anything else I can try?”  

Counselling sessions delivered by Childline reveal several recurring themes when children are discussing anger.  

Some are aggressively criticising themselves, while some often experience frustration with parents and peers following disagreements. Others are struggling to regulate their emotions during challenging situations.  

One boy from Scotland, aged 15, confided to Childline: “Games usually help me relax but lately I’m getting really frustrated with them. It makes me feel so stupid, being this angry about a game or wound up over laggy internet.”  

Adeniyi Alade, Childline service head, based in the Aberdeen Childline centre, said: “At Childline, we hear from children every day about the emotional challenges and difficult situations they are facing. Sometimes they tell us they feel stressed and angry, and they need our support to help process their feelings in a constructive way.   

“Young people face so many different pressures in today’s world – from family disagreements at home, to arguments with friends or classmates at school and online. As a result, they can struggle to manage and deal with difficult emotions. 

“This Mental Health Awareness Week, we are here to let children know there are so many healthy ways to express their feelings and our counsellors are here to provide a safe and confidential space to help them to learn vital skills for their mental wellbeing.” 

As well as encouraging children to contact Childline, the service has been working with children’s mental health charity, Place2Be, to release advice to both young people and parents on how to manage anger issues and look after their mental wellbeing.   

 Tips for Children on Looking After Their Mental Health:   

1.   Talk to someone you trust: Whether it’s a parent, teacher, friend or Childline (0800 1111), sharing how you feel can help.   

2.   Find healthy outlets for emotions: Try physical activities, creative expression, journaling, or relaxation techniques.   

3.   Take care of your body: Regular sleep, healthy food, and exercise all support good mental health.   

4.   Practice mindfulness: Take time each day to focus on your breathing and notice how you’re feeling.   

5.   Create a feel-good toolkit: Identify activities, people, and places that help you feel calm and happy when you’re struggling.   

Tips for Parents on Supporting Children’s Mental Health:  

1.   Create regular check-in times: Establish consistent opportunities for conversations about feelings, perhaps during dinner, car rides, or before bedtime.  

2.   Use open-ended questions: Ask “How are you feeling today?” rather than questions that can be answered with just “yes” or “no.”  

3.   Model healthy emotional expression: Show children how you manage your own emotions in a constructive way.  

4.   Look for changes in behaviour: Notice shifts in sleeping patterns, appetite, social withdrawal, or increased irritability which may signal emotional struggles.  

5.   Normalise seeking help: Talk positively about therapy, counselling, and support services.   

Dr Rebecca Kirkbride, Clinical Director at Place2Be, said: “At Place2Be, we know that learning to express and process emotions healthily during childhood builds resilience and establishes positive coping mechanisms that serve young people throughout their lives.

“The rise in children seeking support for issues related to anger, as highlighted by Childline’s data, demonstrates the importance of early intervention and teaching children healthy ways to process emotions.  

“By creating safe spaces where young people feel heard and validated, we can help them develop the emotional vocabulary and self-regulation skills needed to navigate complex feelings, without expressing feelings through angry or aggressive behaviour – which may have implications for themselves or others around them.” 

Children can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or childline.org.uk.

Any adults concerned about a child’s safety or wellbeing can contact the NSPCC helpline at help@nspcc.org.uk or by calling 0808 800 5000.  

A Landmark Year for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

Full line up and Show creative unveiled for The Heroes Who Made Us

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo gives audiences an exclusive look behind the drawbridge of its landmark 75th Anniversary Show, The Heroes Who Made Us, set to take place at the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade in August 2025.

This year’s milestone event promises to celebrate the past, while imagining the future of the Tattoo. Taking audiences back to where it all began in 1950, with the British Army taking on the prestigious role of the Lead Service, the Show will present music, dance and precision performance that make up the last 75 years of the Tattoo story and beyond.

Over 800 performers, from around the globe, will take to the world-famous Edinburgh Castle Esplanade for the 75th year – including some fan favourites. Joining the iconic Massed Pipes and Drums, Military Musicians and Tattoo Dancers will be Band of the Polish Border Guard, Top Secret Drum Corps, United States Honour Guard Drill Team, Ukraine Naval Forces Orchestra, and United States Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps.

Music is a key part of the Tattoo story, and this August, the Show will recognise the music that has shaped the Tattoo, and the wider world, over the years.

The Show will include poignant songs such as the “74th Slow March” played in honour of the brave souls of the 74th (Highland) Regiment who were steadfast during the sinking of the ‘Birkenhead’ in 1852.

In celebration of 75 years of the Tattoo, the Tattoo Performers will collaborate on a special performance Now That’s What I Call Tattoo 75, a section of the Show where audiences will be hard fought to keep their feet still as the performers take on a series of favourite hits from the last seven decades.

Each act is set to bring a flavour of the heroism from their country, regiment or tradition, celebrating those who have contributed to their stories. For Creative Director Alan Lane The Heroes Who Made Us marks his first Show in the new role.

Alan Lane, Creative Director of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, said: “I am deeply honoured to direct my first Tattoo, especially as we approach such a monumental milestone.

“It’s a show I’ve admired as a fan for decades and the team and I have been working on this anniversary year show for over a year now. I cannot wait to unveil it to the audience and start to tell it stories.

“’The Heroes Who Made Us,’ honours both the Tattoo’s history and the everyday heroes who knit out society together with their volunteering, their courage or the inspiration their lives lived provide to the rest of us.

“We’re introducing a storyteller to this year’s show. Terence Rae is a brilliant actor and placing him at the heart of this year’s show will add a layer of theatricality that I am excited for our audience to experience. Terence is a long-time collaborator of mine and I jump at any chance to work with him.

“The creative and production team here is second to none and our constant aim is to blend tradition with innovation, creating a show that respects our legacy while offering fresh and exciting performances. Aways aware of our heritage but driving forward to the future, that’s the aiming mark.”

Alongside the incredible musical performances, audiences can expect a new role within the Show as a Storyteller will take to the Esplanade.

The role, taken on by Scottish actor Terence Rae, will support the storytelling and truly be immersed in the Show. Terence will also spotlight the local heroes who are working to make a difference to the community they serve, a special nod to the charitable ethos of the Tattoo that it has held since 1950.

Terence Rae said: “It is an immense honour to be the Storyteller for the 75th Anniversary Show of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo – The Heroes Who Made Us. I’m excited to play my part in a show which celebrates all those who have shaped the Tattoo’s history over the past 75 years.

“I am deeply grateful to be part of this iconic spectacle, and to work with the outstanding creative and production teams that are here. Preparations have begun, and the excitement for the August Show is building every day. It will be a privilege to step onto the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade with my fellow castmates and play our small part in the mighty Edinburgh Tattoo.”



Jason Barrett, Chief Executive Officer at The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, said: “As we prepare to celebrate our 75th Anniversary Show, it is with great pride and excitement that we unveil ‘The Heroes Who Made Us.‘

“This milestone event is a testament to the enduring legacy and global significance of the Tattoo, and it is a privilege to honour the heroes who have played a pivotal role in shaping our history and communities.

“Under the visionary leadership of our newly appointed Creative Director Alan, we are committed to delivering a show that marries tradition with innovation, creating an unforgettable experience for our audiences. We look forward to sharing this special celebration with the world and continuing to inspire and connect people through the power of performance and storytelling.”

Tickets for The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo’s 75th anniversary Show are now on sale and can be purchased at edintattoo.co.uk/tickets or on the phone, 0131 225 1188. The Show will run from 1-23 August 2025.

The full list confirmed acts is: The Band of The Royal Regiment of Scotland, British Army Band Catterick, British Army Band Tidworth, British Army Band Colchester, The Band of the Prince of Wales, Countess of Wessex Strings, Pipes and Drums of 1st Battalion Scots Guards, 2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, 3rd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, 4th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, The Pipes And Drums Of The Royal Corps Of Signals, Combined Universities Officer Training Corps Pipes and Drums, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Pipes and Drums, Crossed Swords Pipes & Drums, Paris Port Dover Pipes & Drums, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Dancers, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Fiddlers, Erskine Stewart’s Melville Schools Choir, Ukrainian Children’s Choir, Sing in the City Choir , Top Secret Drum Corps, US Old Guard Fifes and Drum Corps, United States Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team, Ukraine Naval Forces Orchestra and The Representative Band of The Polish Border Guard.

Blast Boxing keeps community fighting fit with Business Gateway support

An Edinburgh start-up is making a major impact in communities after accessing support from Business Gateway. 

Blast Boxing, a community interest company, aims to improve mental and physical wellbeing through accessible boxing classes and one-to-one sessions. Designed to help locals get fit, have fun and learn core boxing skills, the sessions take place in a welcoming and supportive environment. 

Founded by Kevin Matthews, the organisation offers a range of affordable classes for children and adults, along with drop-in social events and PE sessions delivered through Edinburgh’s Active Schools programme.  

Blast Boxing also hosts specialist wellbeing sessions, including ‘Box N’ Blether’, a popular format combining one hour of physical activity with one hour of open conversation, as well as parent-and-toddler classes and wellbeing sessions for both men and women. 

Working with a range of established organisations and charities in Edinburgh, the team offer physical and emotional support to residents in disadvantaged communities. As well as boxing, the team brings years of experience and qualifications in youth work, community engagement, health and fitness. 

Having previously worked in the community as a pupil support assistant and youth worker, Kevin saw firsthand the positive impact exercise had on mental health. At the age of 30, he pursued a qualification in sports coaching, setting the foundation for his vision of a community-focused fitness organisation. 

Blast Boxing has recently worked alongside charities Score Scotland and Spartans, to support young people and adults in the area through introductory sessions, mentorship and dedicated classes and is currently running sessions with West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre. 

Kevin reached out to Business Gateway in January 2024 to turn his vision into reality. He has been supported throughout his start-up journey by local adviser Lee Briggs, who has provided expert one-to-one guidance, business planning assistance, and advice on business structure, legislation, and community engagement.

Business Gateway has also helped Kevin access funding opportunities and connect with local groups, enabling Blast Boxing to thrive. 

Lee’s guidance has played a key role in Kevin’s journey to grow Blast Boxing into a thriving enterprise, allowing the business to make a meaningful and lasting impact across Edinburgh. 

Kevin Matthews, Blast Boxing founder, said: “Business Gateway has been instrumental in helping me bring my vision for Blast Boxing to life.  

“The support and guidance I’ve received from Lee has given me the confidence and knowledge to shape Blast Boxing into an initiative that serves the community and makes a real difference on the lives of those involved.” 

Lee Briggs, Business Gateway adviser, said: “Having supported Kevin since day one, it has been fantastic to see his passion and dedication translate into real, positive change for the community. 

“Blast Boxing is a brilliant example of how the right support and determination can create something truly impactful.” 

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

https://bgateway.com. 

Help Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre celebrate 30th birthday

We’re Turning 30 And You’re Invited to Help Us Celebrate! 🎉

This year marks 30 years since Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre first opened its doors. Three whole decades of friendship, support, creativity, learning, and connection.

To mark this huge milestone, we’re planning a special birthday celebration. A proper party for all ages, all backgrounds, and everyone in our community. Because that’s what we’re all about.

But we can’t do it alone. We’re asking for your help to raise £2,000 to make the event as inclusive, welcoming, and fun as possible. Your support will help cover:

✨ Entertainment and music

🎂 Food and refreshments

🎨 Children’s activities

💃 Decor and party supplies

♿ Accessibility arrangements

This isn’t just a party – it’s a celebration of everything we’ve built together over 30 years.

Whether you’ve attended a class, made friends here, or simply believe in the power of community spaces, your donation will help bring joy to many.

👉 Donate here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/dnc-30-bday

If you can give, thank you! If you can share, thank you! Every little helps us reach our goal and create a truly memorable day for all.

St Columba’s: Time to Remember

FRIDAY 20 JUNE from 2 – 2.45pm

You’re invited to join us on Friday 20th June as we gather together to remember loved ones who have died.

This free event on the theme of ‘The Longest Day’ will feature quiet music, readings and reflections, an item to make and/or take home as well as the chance to pause and think about about loved ones.

Everyone is welcome at this inclusive, non-religious event, suitable for all ages.

Time: 2pm-2.45pm

Venue: No17, 17 Boswall Road, EH5 3RW

A seat must be booked for each person attending, including children. Book your place(s) today on our website:

https://stcolumbashospice.org.uk/events/time-to-remember

or email wellbeing@stcolumbashospice.org.uk.

Wildfire warnings remain in place

A very high to extreme risk of wildfire remains in place across areas of Scotland today Monday, 12 May, the country’s fire and rescue service has warned.

Firefighters are currently tackling one major blaze near Fauldhouse in West Lothian. The fire broke out on Saturday.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has urged people who live within or who may enter rural environments to exercise caution.

Wildfires have the potential to burn for days and devastate vast areas of land and wildlife; and threaten the welfare of nearby communities.

SFRS Wildfire Lead Michael Humphreys said: “We are asking the public to exercise extreme caution and think twice before using anything involving a naked flame.

“Many rural and remote communities are hugely impacted by wildfires, which can cause significant damage.

“Livestock, farmland, wildlife, protected woodland and sites of special scientific interest can all be devastated by these fires – as can the lives of people living and working in rural communities.

“These fires can also have a hugely negative impact on the environment and the release of greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere.

“Human behaviour can significantly lower the chance of a wildfire starting, so it is crucial that people act safely and responsibly in rural environments and always follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.”