Scot suffers life-changing disability after missing out on stroke treatment
John Watson, Associate Director for the Stroke Association in Scotland, said: “Stroke is the third biggest killer in Scotland, and the leading cause of complex adult disability. But the latest official figures show the ongoing failure of health boards to make stroke the priority it needs to be.
“The failure is most striking in thrombectomy, a life-saving, life-changing treatment that should be a normal part of any modern healthcare system. Thrombectomy also saves the health and care system £47,000 per patient over five years2, potentially providing part of the solution to the current NHS and social care crisis.
“A Scotland-wide, round-the-clock thrombectomy service was promised years ago, yet less than a fifth of eligible patients get the intervention1 that could transform their lives. The thrombectomy rate elsewhere in the UK3 is more than double that in Scotland.
“Today we highlight the harrowing story of one man who was unable to get treatment because he had his stroke in the wrong place, at the wrong time of day (see Graham’s story below). Last year over 1,000 people were similarly let down by health board’s who offer thrombectomy in some places, at restricted times.
“We work closely with stroke teams and recognise the tremendous efforts made by staff on the ground. But they can’t sort this on their own. It is political decisions, from the Scottish Government and health board leadership, that determine the resources, equipment and staff available to them.
“Small sums of money, such as investing in new operating suites to perform thrombectomies, would remove an existing bottleneck, save lives and quickly pay for themselves.
“But more than anything this requires political leadership.
“Oversight of the thrombectomy programme has now been passed to the NHS Planning and Delivery Board – it needs to own this problem and make it the priority it should have been all along.”
Graham McGowan, 53, from Aboyne, Aberdeenshire, suffered left-sided paralysis when he was unable to have a thrombectomy, for a stroke he had in 2022, due to restricted availability of the procedure.
The former performance improvement consultant, trail runner and skier was rushed to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary on the evening of 20 May 2022 with a brain scan revealing a blood clot, which doctors advised should be treated with a thrombectomy.
Thrombectomy is a medical procedure that removes blood clots in a large artery, which can otherwise cause disabilities such as paralysis, blindness and communication problems.
However, Graham was told he couldn’t be transferred for the procedure because he arrived at hospital outside “office hours” at around 9pm. Otherwise, he would have been air lifted to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee, which is one of Scotland’s three specialist thrombectomy hubs.
Ninewells is only able to perform thrombectomies from 9am-7pm, Monday to Friday. The Stroke Association is calling for a 24/7 Scotland-wide thrombectomy service, which it says has been a Scottish Government commitment for years.
Instead, Graham had thrombolysis, a drug which is used to try to disperse clots and help restore the blood supply to the brain.
Three years later, Graham lives with life-limiting disability including total immobility on his left side, and is keen to raise awareness of the importance of 24/7 access to a national thrombectomy service to prevent future stroke patients in Scotland missing out on the procedure and all the positive outcomes it can bring.
He said: “I don’t want to dwell too much on the ‘what ifs’ and the cost of me not getting a thrombectomy, as it doesn’t help me mentally.
“But if you take me as an example, I was working and had an active, healthy lifestyle before I had a stroke. Now, I can’t live independently. I can’t work. I can’t drive, ski, run or mountain bike. My wife is now also my carer and there has been a dramatic change in our circumstances.”
Graham’s stroke was caused by a carotid arterial dissection – a tear in the carotid artery, which leads to a blockage or formation of a blood clot. The clot had broken up and travelled to Graham’s brain, causing the stroke. He stresses: “I’d been running the day before I had my stroke. I was fit and healthy – there were no signs that I could have a stroke, I had no risk factors.”
The immediate effect was paralysis down the left hand side of his body, leaving him unable to sit up, stand or walk, which Graham describes as, “disturbing”.
He continues: “It was difficult to deal with, but even then I thought it was temporary. I thought I would be treated and I’d be OK again.”
His rehabilitation and life since have proved otherwise. After four days of constant sleep and “unbelievable pain in my head”, Graham’s four months of hospital recovery and intensive physiotherapy began.
He returned home to his wife, Heather, and their two dogs in September 2022.
He says the support he received at Woodend Rehabilitation Hospital in Aberdeen was invaluable.
“The physio team helped me take my first, single step and taught me to walk again. But there were significant challenges at home. Heather has always been so upbeat and supportive but I can’t really do anything around the house anymore. It puts a lot of responsibility on her.”
Initially, Graham relied on a wheelchair, with Heather or a retired neighbour pushing him around the village or the woods to experience a little of the outdoors he loves so much. With perseverance and patient support he is now able to walk around the same places.
Graham now aims to walk 50km every month and is applying the same determination to volunteering with the Stroke Association’s Deeside Stroke Group.
Graham found the group online and was delighted to find it had an exercise focus. He says: “Heather pushed me in my wheelchair along to my first group session that autumn and I walked the few steps into the hall where it was held.”
In March 2024, Graham was appointed chair of the group and has found a renewed sense of purpose in using the knowledge and skills he gained in his 26 years of work to help the group thrive and welcome new members.
Deeside Stroke Support Group currently has around twenty five members, meeting weekly in Aboyne and Banchory for exercise sessions and monthly for social get-togethers. For more information, contact engagementteamscotland@stroke.org.uk.
John Watson, Associate Director for the Stroke Association in Scotland, said: “Graham’s story pulls the need for a 24/7 Scotland-wide thrombectomy service into sharp focus. Getting the best stroke care shouldn’t depend on where or when your stroke happens.
“We are enormously grateful to Graham for sharing his story to help us campaign for better stroke treatment and remain indebted for the wonderful job he is doing at the Deeside Stroke Group.”
Increasing tree production to help tackle climate change
The First Minister has opened a new £26 million facility to help grow more trees for Scotland’s forests and woodlands.
Newton Tree Nursery, near Elgin, will support Forestry and Land Scotland to almost treble their tree production – from seven million to nearly 20 million trees per year by 2029. It will help support the sustainable management of Scotland’s national forests and land and help tackle the climate emergency, while also supporting the rural economy.
Seedling operations at the redeveloped tree nursery began in March 2025 and 12 million trees have already been established within the glasshouse. The new nursery is the UK’s largest and most advanced tree-growing glasshouse and sets a new standard for bio secure, sustainable, and high-volume forest nursery production.
The facility ensures that an adequate supply of high-quality trees is available to supply the publicly managed forests of Scotland with those forests supporting rural economies, providing flood mitigation, improving biodiversity and sequestering carbon.
First Minister John Swinney said: “Scotland’s world-renowned forests and woodlands are a natural powerhouse, and one of the most important resources we have to tackle the climate emergency.
“Our investment in this state-of-the-art glasshouse will not only contribute to environmental sustainability and help to restore habitats, but it will also support rural jobs and the sustainable use of timber in the construction industry. The Newton Tree Nursery project is a national asset, powering Scotland’s green recovery, forestry resilience, and environmental goals for decades to come.
“Tackling the climate emergency and growing Scotland’s economy are two of my government’s top priorities and together they go hand in hand. We cannot do one without the other and innovative, industry leading facilities like the Newton Tree Nursery will play a vital role in achieving these goals.”
Forestry and Land Scotland CEO Kevin Quinlan said: “Newton Nursery represents a major investment by the Scottish Government in the future of forestry in Scotland.
“It strengthens Forestry and Land Scotland’s ability to supply young trees at the scale and standard needed to support a resilient, productive and sustainable forest resource.
“This is especially important for the timber industry – which continues to grow as Scotland looks to reduce reliance on imports and embrace timber as a low-carbon material of the future. By increasing capacity at Newton, we’re investing at the very start of that supply chain – ensuring a consistent supply of high-quality planting stock for years to come.”
Police are appealing for information after a man was seriously assaulted on Queensferry Street.
Around 11.40pm last night (Tuesday, 12 August, 2025), a 39-year-old man was seriously assaulted on Queensferry Street at the junction with Melville Street.
Emergency services attended and he was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment.
The suspects are described as white males. The first around 5ft 10in in height, of medium build with a bald head and dark clothing.
The second man is described as being around 5ft 10in in height, of medium build, with short dark hair and possibly wearing a red t-shirt.
It is understood they left in the direction of Randolph Place.
Detective Constable Gary Lipscombe said: “Our enquiries are ongoing and I am appealing for anyone with any information to contact us.
“We understand the area was busy with people at the time and I would ask anyone who witnessed the incident and who haven’t already spoken to police to get in touch.
“I would also appeal to anyone with dash cam or private CCTV footage to contact us.”
Anyone with any information is asked to contact 101 quoting reference 0003 of 13 August, 2025.
Rising temperatures are putting motorists at risk of dangerous tyre blowouts, with summer heat causing overinflated tyres and reduced traction.
With the UK experiencing above-average temperatures so far this summer, motor insurance experts from Quotezone.co.uk are urging drivers to check their tyre pressure.
One in five vehicle breakdowns on motorways and A roads result from tyre defects, with a recent campaign finding that 21% of drivers who have broken down on the motorway saying it could have been avoided if they’d conducted proper tyre checks before starting their journey.
While motorists are well aware of the importance of checking tyre conditions during winter, it’s just as crucial to check tyres throughout the summer months – particularly during a heatwave.
For every 10 degrees Celsius rise in temperature, tyre pressure can go up by about 1–2 PSI (pounds per square inch) – meaning tyres already at the upper limit could become overinflated when hot.
Overinflated tyres lead to a number of serious safety concerns for motorists, including reduced grip and traction, less responsive handling, and a higher risk of tyre blowouts – which can be particularly dangerous at high speeds.
Before setting off on long journeys this summer, motorists are warned to carry out a few simple checks to stay safe on the road and avoid costly breakdowns.
Greg Wilson, car insurance expert and CEO at Quotezone.co.uk said: “Many drivers carry out safety checks on their tyres throughout winter but often overlook how extreme heat can be just as tough on them.
“With the summer in full swing and many motorists travelling longer distances across the country on holiday road trips, it’s important to carry out essential safety checks before setting off.
“A quick pressure check could save drivers not only from a costly breakdown, but from a potentially dangerous tyre defect at high speed.
“It’s essential to know the correct pressure for the vehicle, check the spare tyre, and always be mindful not to overload the vehicle – particularly if heading off on holiday with a boot full of luggage.
“It only takes a few minutes to check the tyre pressure, but it could make all the difference.”
Tyre pressure should be checked when the tyres are cold, ideally in the morning or after the car has been parked for several hours.
2.Know your correct pressure
Your vehicle’s manufacturer should have a recommended tyre pressure you should stick to – this can be found in the vehicle’s handbook or door sticker.
3.Inspect for damage
High heat can soften the tyre’s rubber and worsen cracks or worn tread. The minimum legal tread depth is 1.6mm in the UK, although tyre and safety experts recommend 3mm.***
4.Adjust the pressure if necessary
If tyres have become overinflated, let them cool before adjusting the pressure. Never deflate a hot tyre based only on a hot reading.
5.Don’t neglect the spare tyre
Something that is often overlooked, but make sure to check the pressure of any spare tyres too, should you need to use them in an emergency and note they sometimes have a different recommended pressure to the existing tyres.
6.Avoid overloading your vehicle
Not only is it illegal, but overloading a vehicle puts a lot of stress on a car’s tyres. The extra heat and pressure can also increase the risk of a tyre blowout.
Quotezone helps millions of drivers every year find savings on all sorts of car insurance products such as older driver, truck and young driver insurance.
As Glenogle Swim Centre in Stockbridge prepares to mark its 125th anniversary, Edinburgh Leisure is inviting the local community to help shape a unique legacy – a time capsule to be planted in the centre’s lovingly restored garden during a celebration event on Friday, 5th September 2025.
One of Edinburgh Leisure’s five cherished Victorian pools, Glenogle – affectionately known as Glennies – has been a cornerstone of the community since it opened on 7 September 1900.
Now, as it celebrates over a century of service, the centre is calling on locals to suggest or donate items for inclusion in the time capsule, which will be buried in the private garden at the Saxe-Coburg entrance.
Sam Machin, former leisure attendant and now owner of the popular Glenogle Café on the mezzanine level, said: “Glenogle is a unique venue at the heart of its community. We’d love for our customers and neighbours to contribute ideas or items that reflect life in 2025 or even their memories of Glennies.
“The time capsule will be a gift to the future – capturing the spirit of today for generations to come.”
The garden where the capsule will be planted is itself a symbol of community care and creativity. Over the past decade, Glenogle customers Marjorie Mantle and Andrew Dixon have transformed the once-neglected plot into a vibrant green space. Nestled through the arch at the Saxe-Coburg entrance, the garden sits on the site of an unfinished Georgian terrace, with a stairway leading down to the pool level.
Marjorie met Andrew and his wife through a regular morning gym class and started to share a nearby allotment plot. The two of them approached the then-manager Wendy Avinou in 2015 with a proposal to revitalise the Glenogle space. Together they improved the soil and planted a variety of flowers and foliage.
“It’s been a labour of love,” said Marjorie. “Seeing the garden flourish and hearing kind words from customers makes it all worthwhile.”
Glenogle’s story is also one of resilience. In the late 2000s, the centre faced the threat of closure. A passionate community campaign – Save Glenogle – led by Marjorie and supported by nearly 10,000 signatures, helped secure a £5.7 million refurbishment. The baths reopened in 2010, blending their original Victorian charm with modern facilities.
Designed by Edinburgh architect Robert Morham under the Public Baths and Wash-houses Act of 1846, Glenogle was originally built to improve public health. As indoor plumbing became more common, the baths evolved into a hub for swimming and fitness, serving generations of local residents and clubs.
Now, as Glenogle looks to the future, the time capsule and garden stand as living tributes to the community’s enduring connection to this historic venue.
Anyone with ideas or contributions for the time capsule is encouraged to contact Glenogle Café owner, Sam Machin at: sammachin@edinburghleisure.co.uk or drop into the café by 26th August.
Climate engagement programmes to protect our planet
Young people and people with sensory loss are among groups who will be supported by funding for projects aimed at increasing understanding of how climate change is relevant to them and how they can take action.
A total of £273,000 of Climate Engagement funding will be shared among eight organisations in 2025-26 to support activities including climate literacy classes, community workshops and participatory arts sessions.
Since it launched in 2023, more than 15,000 people in Scotland have engaged with the Scottish Government’s world-leading Climate Engagement Fund, with awards totalling more than £1 million to date.
The latest round of funding will support activities including:
A roadshow aimed at young people across Scotland demonstrating how sustainable construction can play a role in tackling climate change
A community arts programme using the voices of young people to mitigate climate anxiety by showing how others have converted their concerns into action
Actions to support people who are blind, partially sighted, deaf or hard of hearing to explore sustainability through their local communities.
Climate literacy classes and green skills training to support people experiencing barriers to employment.
Climate Action Secretary Gillian Martin said: “To reduce emissions and protect our planet from the threat of climate change and nature loss, it is essential that people understand how they can engage with vital projects within their communities and take their own climate action.
“Scotland is now halfway to our 2045 climate change target. By supporting networks of people coming together to identify local action, the Climate Engagement Fund will help enable individuals and communities to directly contribute to a more sustainable and climate resilient Scotland.
“The projects being supported in this round of funding include a community arts programme using the voices of young people, and green skills training to support people into employment.
“These are vital projects which will build understanding of climate change, enable participation in policy development, and encourage climate action.”
Forth Valley Sensory Centre College Operations Manager Sandy Gillone, said: “I am delighted that our project has been selected for funding as we know we were up against stiff competition.
“It is fantastic to be partnering with FEL Scotland again and we’re looking forward to engaging with the public to find out which points of interest they would like included on our SustainAble for All Trail Maps.
“We’re committed to delivering the maps in engaging and inclusive formats and we believe the consultation and design process itself will lead to increased awareness and understanding of climate change. We’re not just seeking to raise awareness of the problem, we want to empower people to be part of the solution.”
More information on the Climate Engagement Fund: www.gov.scot/publications/climate-engagement-fund/
Details of all the projects receiving funding:
Organisation, Grant amount and Brief project description
Arran Eco Savvy – £29,991.00
To deliver climate-focused events centred on storytelling, practical skills, and community participation tailored for different ages and interests.
Glenkens Community and Arts Trust – £33,100.00
To use local voices to mitigate eco-anxiety in young people aged 18-30 by showing how other people have converted their concerns into action.
Built Environment Smarter Transformation – £46,172.00
To deliver a roadshow programme for young people throughout Scotland demonstrating how sustainable, low-carbon construction can play a crucial role in combating climate change.
Changeworks – £40,250.00
To build understanding among mobile homeowners of the climate emergency, how it relates to their lives and how they can take action while improving their own home environment.
Forth Valley Sensory Centre – £33,000.00
Creating an accessible way for people who are blind, partially sighted, deaf, or hard of hearing, to explore sustainability through their local communities.
RIG Arts – £25,290.00
To improve climate literacy and increase climate positive behaviour change in SIMD communities via arts-based interventions.
Jhankar Beats – £30,000.00
To empower communities to reflect, respond, and act using the emotional and connective power of South Asian dance, music, and participatory arts.
Greener Kirkcaldy- £35,942.00
To provide climate literacy and green skills training tailored for employability organisations and the people with barriers to employment
GRANTON GOES SUMMER – Saturday 16th August 10am to 2pm
Granton Goes SUMMER
Saturday 16th August 10am to 2pm
Granton Goes Summer in the grounds of Granton Parish Church.
Join the team at Granton Goes Greener for a family-friendly community event featuring a variety of workshops, stalls, and of course our famous Share ‘n’ Wear rails!
Find out more about Granton Goes Greener, while enjoying food and treats, including candy floss and a BBQ.
