Author: davepickering

Edinburgh reporter and photographer

Andrew Fairlie Scholarship winners announced

The Hospitality Industry Trust (HIT) Scotland has announced two worthy recipients of the fourth annual Andrew Fairlie Scholarship.

Darren Seggie, 35, Lecturer of Culinary Arts at City of Glasgow College and Rachel Bremner, 34, Commis Pastry Chef at The Balmoral, were the talented chefs who most impressed the expert industry judges.

Positioned as the ultimate scholarship any aspiring chef could receive, the Andrew Fairlie Scholarship is awarded annually to a chef working in Scotland, carrying on the legacy of Andrew Fairlie’s commitment to nurturing culinary talent in Scotland.

The finalists had to prove their worth in a skills test, and were challenged to create a dish with potato as its star ingredient while incorporating Scottish dairy. They had the further challenge of delivering an impressive surprise dish using hand-dived scallops. 

Darren Seggie impressed the judges with his creative potato-based dessert comprising butter gold potato pudding and espuma, sourdough crumble and ice cream and caramel sauce. While Rachel Bremner blew everyone away with her dish – potato and egg yolk ravioli, crispy potato skins and potato espuma. 

The final skills test took place at Perth College UHI with the winners announced afterwards during a ceremony at Gleneagles.

The judging panel included some of the country’s finest chefs, all of whom knew Andrew Fairlie well. The panel was headed up by Stephen McLaughlin, Head Chef at 2 Michelin-starred Restaurant Andrew Fairlie; alongside fellow 2 Michelin-starred chef Sat Bains; 1 Michelin-star Head Chef at Cail Bruich and winner of Great British Menu, Lorna McNee; and Masterchef The Professionals winner and National Chef of Scotland, Gary Maclean.

The winners will be taken on an incredible 2-day educational trip to France with Grande Cuisine, and gain hands-on experience at the 2-Michelin star Restaurant Andrew Fairlie at Gleneagles, the 3-star Core by Clare Smyth in London, an international stage, as well as receiving a bespoke chef’s jacket from Goodfellows. These highly informative experiences will be taken over two years, allowing both talented scholars to develop their learnings over an extended period of time.

The scholarships are offered in partnership with HIT Scotland, an industry charity with which Andrew Fairlie was closely connected. Now in its fourth year, the Andrew Fairlie Scholarship is supported by HIT Scotland, Restaurant Andrew Fairlie, Perth College UHI and The Gleneagles Hotel. 

Stephen McLaughlin, lead judge and head chef at Restaurant Andrew Fairlie, said: “Our five finalists have competed fiercely and fairly today and they have all given it everything to win this year’s Andrew Fairlie Scholarship. Everyone competed with great character and commitment and showed a real respect for one another this afternoon.

“The chefs should all be extremely proud of themselves for getting to the final but must also take great pride in how they handled the pressures of the day and in the fabulous dishes that they all produced. This was a tough one to find just one winner today as everyone cooked so well and all had showed great application in getting this far.

“We had no choice but to award two deserving winners… This year’s winners not only submitted immaculate application packs but followed this through and showcased themselves clearly as the best on the day with clean, precise and creative cookery”. 

David Cochrane, HIT Scotland Chief Executive, added: “It was a true delight to see our group of finalists demonstrate a passion for cooking that Andrew Fairlie would be proud of.

“A huge congratulations goes to Darren and Rachel, who have demonstrated exceptional skill, creativity, and dedication to their craft. They have bright culinary futures ahead!”

Ype van der Schaaf, Sector Manager of Hospitality and Food Studies at Perth College UHI said: “Offering our kitchens and facilities to support HIT Scotland and being part of the Andrew Fairlie Scholarship is very important to us, as he was our well-respected alumnus. 

“Hosting for the third time, we have really enjoyed watching the finalists create their fantastic dishes, they’re at the top of their game and their efforts demonstrate to our students the very top of industry standards. Huge congratulations to the two winners!” 

The 2023 finalists were:

  • Daniel Robb, 27, Chef de Partie at Gleneagles 
  • Rachel Bremner, 34, Commis Pastry Chef at the Balmoral
  • Darren Seggie, 35, Lecturer of Culinary Arts at City of Glasgow College
  • Spud Henderson, 34, Sous Chef at Craig Millar @ 16 West End
  • Rita Varga, 31, Chef de Partie and kitchen departmental trainer at Voco Grand Central Hotel. 

HMRC: Hanging on the Telephone

5 reasons Self Assessment customers don’t need to wait on hold

Nobody enjoys having to wait on hold on the phone just to resolve a simple query – and those completing Self Assessment tax returns no longer need to, with more help and advice than ever before available online.

But many people, unaware of the extent of online support now out there, are still calling instead, often with questions that could be answered via GOV.UK.

Releasing details of the top 5 reasons people call the helpline, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is encouraging everyone to check online when seeking help about their tax return, to get a much quicker and easier result.

HMRC received more than 5.5 million calls to the Self Assessment helpline last year, with 1.2 million calls in the 8 weeks leading up to the 31 January deadline. Around a third of these calls were routine or simple enquiries.

The most common calls to the Self Assessment helpline, which can be checked online are:

  1. Do I need to fill in a tax return?
  2. How do I fill in my online tax return?
  3. How do I check how much tax I owe?
  4. Where’s my Self Assessment tax refund?
  5. What happens if I can’t pay my tax bill?

Using HMRC’s online services means customers can access the information they need to resolve all of these questions quickly and easily – day or night – without the need to call HMRC.

Reason for calling the helplineOnline support
Do I need to fill in a tax return?Customers can use the online tool to check if they need to complete a tax return. They will need to answer a few simple questions and it will help them decide if they need to submit one.
How do I fill in my online tax return?Customers can complete their tax return online using HMRC online services. For help filling in the return follow HMRC’s YouTube videos, and use the helpsheets, notes and forms.
How do I check how much tax I owe?HMRC works this out for customers based on their completed tax return. They can easily check and pay any tax owed via the HMRC app or via the online service.
Where’s my Self Assessment tax refund?Use the where’s my reply tool on GOV.UK to check response times based on how and when the claim was made.
What happens if I can’t pay my tax bill?If customers cannot pay any tax owed in full, they can set up a payment plan, known as a Time to Pay arrangement.Interest will be payable on any outstanding payments after the deadline.

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said: “There is no need to spend time waiting to speak to us. Using our online services for simple queries about your tax return means you can get the help you need quickly.

“We have a wealth of free resources and support online to help you complete your tax return. Search ‘help with Self Assessment’ on GOV.UK to find out more.”

There is guidance available on GOV.UK to help customers complete their tax return for the 2022 to 2023 tax year ahead of the deadline on 31 January 2024. Anyone completing a tax return for the first time can use HMRC’s step-by-step guide which explains what they need to do.

Research undertaken by HMRC shows that 86% of its individual customers are open to engaging with HMRC digitally in the future. It is quicker and easier and has the additional wider benefit of enabling the department to focus more of its phone support on those with complex queries and those who are vulnerable.

Self Assessment customers can pay any tax owed via the free and secure HMRC app. Since April 2023, almost 100,000 customers have paid £121 million in tax via the app.

If customers cannot pay in full, HMRC wants to help them to find an affordable way to pay the tax they owe. They may be able to set up a Time to Pay arrangement and do this online without speaking to HMRC if they owe less than £30,000.

There is a new affordability assessment in the self-serve Time to Pay online service. Customers will be asked about their income and spending to calculate their disposable income and set up an affordable payment plan for them. 

For a full list of ways to pay any tax owed, visit GOV.UK.  

Customers need to be aware of the risk of falling victim to scams and should never share their HMRC login details with anyone, including a tax agent, if they have one. HMRC scams advice is available on GOV.UK.

Inaugural Scottish Building Society Festival kicks-off with over 100 players

The first ever Scottish Building Society Festival took place this weekend with over 100 players competing in the event which celebrates inclusive rugby.  

The festival brought together five clubs from across Scotland to play in a tournament, for all ages and abilities.  

Edinburgh Inclusive Rugby Team, Fife Clan, Borders Clan, Strathmore Clan and Ayrshire Clan all played in a round-robin tournament. 

Inclusive Rugby involves both able bodied players and those with a physical or learning disability, playing in one unified outfit. 

Scottish Building Society, as the primary partner of Edinburgh Rugby, hosted the festival at Hive Stadium with the players also being invited along to the Edinburgh Rugby v Connacht match that same evening. 

Paul Denton, CEO of Scottish Building Society said: “When we became the main partners with Edinburgh Rugby, we wanted to use our platform to create more opportunities for people to get involved in rugby. 

“The festival was born from this value, and it was incredibly encouraging to have over 100 players come along and play in our first festival celebrating inclusive rugby.

“Rugby is a sport for everyone and using our platform we want to create more opportunities to make the game more accessible and inspire more people to get involved.  

“Our hope is that people see this festival and for next year we can get even more players along to celebrate inclusiveness and the sport we love.” 

Edinburgh Rugby Community Manager, Ruaridh Pye said: “It was a hugely inspiring day hosting the first ever Scottish Building Society Festival here at Hive Stadium.  

“Five clubs from across Scotland coming together to celebrate what rugby means is very special and we hope it will inspire those interested in rugby that this is truly a sport for everyone. 

“It was such a heartwarming day, and having the players come out at half time of our match against Connacht and receive the cheers from the crowd was a special moment.” 

MSP supports ASN Reform Scotland

Foysol Choudhury MSP pursues support for children with additional support needs

ASN Reform Scotland recently attended the Scottish Parliament to hold a drop-in session for MSPs. Their mission was to raise awareness amongst MSPs about the issues that children with ASN and their parents are facing, how to improve ASN education in Scotland, and to help raise awareness of children with ASN ‘s educational needs.  

Training for people who work with children and young people with complex additional support needs emerged as a key theme from the Scottish Government’s recent 2023 report, ‘Pupils with complex additional support needs: research into provision’. These findings about challenges in accessing training were echoed by parents in the ASN Reform Scotland Group, who raised concerns that the environment provided by mainstream schools is often not appropriate for children with additional support needs due to, for example, a lack of appropriate training for teachers.

Foysol Choudhury MSP hosted the ASN Reform Scotland Group’s drop-in session for MSPs at the Scottish Parliament, after meeting the group outside the Scottish Parliament before the Parliament’s summer recess and offering his assistance to the group. Mr Choudhury says it was saddening to hear about the lack of appropriate support some children are getting at school, with some parents reporting having to take on the burden of teaching their own children.

Foysol Choudhury MSP said: “It was made clear at the drop-in session that parents feel unsupported. 

“The group are calling to increase ASN provisions in Scotland and ensure all teachers get specific ASN training to bring the best for all our children.

“There should be support for children with ASN in school along with school staff members getting provided with the correct training in all types of schools, so parents can feel they are sending their children to a safe and beneficial environment”. 

Parents from the ASN Reform Scotland group also raised with Mr Choudhury their concerns over stretched funding and called for accountability over how funds are spent to support a child with ASN.

The group says this will not just benefit the children’s development but will also help their families, as parents will be assured are that their children are getting the right support and care when they are at school. 

A rolling presentation was played at the meeting, to convey the concerns of parents of children with ASN across Scotland. One parent noted they want “All teachers to have ASN training in mainstream schools”. Another noted: “My child deserves to thrive, not just survive in school”. 

Mr Choudhury says he will continue to support the ASN Reform Group and other parents wherever he can.

Charity launches new national housebreaking campaign

Keep your home and loved ones safe

Crimestoppers is today (Tuesday 28th November), launching a new Scotland-wide house breaking campaign with Police Scotland.

The campaign aims to raise awareness of how homeowners and tenants – particularly the vulnerable in our communities – can protect their property by speaking up anonymously if they know of a planned break-in or have witnessed suspicious activity in their area.

In 2021-22, there were 8,489 recorded housebreaking crimes. However, with Christmas fast approaching and the country experiencing a cost-of-living crisis, Police Scotland have warned that they expect an increase in the number of housebreakings.

Crimestoppers is a charity that is independent of the police and takes crime information whilst guaranteeing anonymity – no courts, no witness statements, no comeback. By never asking for personal details, it encourages people to come forward who might otherwise stay silent.

The campaign will supply all Police Scotland Divisions and Community Safety Partners with campaign posters, postcards, and local area banners.

A Scotland-wide social media campaign will enable anyone with information to pass it on completely anonymously and securely via the online form on Crimestoppers website.

Angela Parker, Scotland National Manager for the independent charity Crimestoppers, said: “Housebreaking is not a victimless crime. It’s traumatic to lose valuable and personally important items from your home – and the emotional shock of having your property invaded can also be deeply upsetting. 

“Criminal gangs can target the most vulnerable in communities and our campaign aims to gather information about who is behind house theft.

“When you contact us, we won’t judge or ask any personal details. All we want to know is what you know. We guarantee you’ll remain 100% anonymous. Always.

“If you have any information about people who have recently moved into Scottish communities to sell drugs, please contact Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit the charity’s website and fill in the  simple and secure anonymous online form. By working together we can help keep our homes and communities safe.”

Detective Superintendent Andy Patrick, Police Scotland’s Acquisitive Crime Lead said: “Housebreaking is an extremely invasive crime, which can have a devastating impact on victims long after the offence has been committed.

“Police Scotland treats all reports of housebreaking with the utmost seriousness, and we have dedicated teams who specifically investigate such crimes to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.

“Our communities have a vital role to play in preventing housebreaking by taking appropriate steps to safeguard their homes, businesses, and outbuildings, such as garages and sheds. We have a range of useful crime prevention advice available on our website at www.scotland.police.uk.

“Similarly, I would also encourage the public to report any suspicious activity they witness within their community to police, or should they have information relating to a planned housebreaking, then contact us via 101, or Crimestoppers in complete anonymity. In an emergency always use 999.”

Tomorrow: Winter Warmer at Royston Wardieburn Community Centre

COMMUNITY EVENT – WEDNESDAY 29 NOVEMBER from 9.30am

Consultation on tougher sentences for knife and domestic killers in England

A consultation looking at whether cowardly domestic killers should receive tougher sentences if they subject their victims to a campaign of coercive and controlling abuse, has been launched by the Lord Chancellor

  • Public conversation launched on reforming murder sentencing
  • Consultation to consider raising starting points for killings with a history of coercive and controlling abuse or with a weapon 
  • Move latest step in UK Government’s plan to tackle domestic abuse and violence against women and girls

Ministers will also consider whether murderers who use a knife or another weapon already at the crime scene to kill should also face steeper starting points – a change that could result in higher minimum terms in these cases.

Every year, around 90 people – overwhelmingly women – are killed by their current or ex-partner, with most of these murders taking place in the home. And when a weapon is used – often a kitchen knife – it is normally already at the scene.

This means that although weapons are used, these offences generally do not qualify for a higher starting point – with a discrepancy of up to ten years compared with murders where a weapon is taken to the scene.

Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary Alex Chalk said:  “It is shocking that around 1 in 4 murders are committed by a current or former partner, or relative.

“This Government has already gone further than ever to protect women and girls, with tough new protection orders plus laws to ensure abusers and killers spend longer behind bars.

“To make sure sentencing policy is meeting the threat, it is right to review this complex landscape so that the scourge of violence against women is tackled as coherently and effectively as possible.”

Currently, when a knife or other weapon is taken to the murder scene with intent, the starting point is 25 years. This reflects the increased risk to the public when knives are carried on the streets. Where a knife is used, but not taken to the scene, a 15-year starting point normally applies.   

Campaigners on this issue include Carole Gould and Julie Devey, whose daughters Ellie Gould and Poppy Devey Waterhouse were killed by their former partners using knives found in the home.

Justice Minister, Gareth Bacon, said:  “For some evil people, murder is the brutal final act of a controlling and coercive relationship with their partner. It is only right we look at whether the sentences for these types of killings reflect this sustained and unacceptable abuse.  

“This consultation builds on the action we are taking to clamp down on domestic homicide, by introducing new laws to punish abusers with longer jail terms, and better protect victims.”

The consultation reflects the Government’s determination to ensure the sentencing framework for murder properly punishes perpetrators of this horrific crime, while giving victims’ families the justice they deserve.

In response to Clare Wade’s landmark independent review of sentencing in cases of domestic homicide, the Government has introduced a raft of measures to ensure sentences reflect the seriousness of the crime.  

This includes the introduction of new legislation which will make:  

  • “Overkill” and previous controlling or coercive behaviour by the murderer a statutory aggravating factor resulting in longer sentences  
  • A history of controlling or coercive behaviour a mitigating factor where the perpetrator was subject to this behaviour 
  • Killing connected with the end of a relationship a statutory aggravating factor, through the Criminal Justice Bill 

The Domestic Homicide Sentence Review was commissioned in 2021 to examine whether the sentencing framework should be reformed to better reflect the seriousness of domestic homicide and to identify options for improvements.  

It followed a series of high-profile domestic murders and concerns from the then Victims’ Commissioner and Domestic Abuse Commissioner about how these offences are handled by the justice system. 

This is the latest step in the Government’s commitment to be tough to keep the worst offenders locked up.

The UK Government has already ended the automatic release of sex and terrorist offenders, brought in a minimum 14-year jail term for anyone convicted of serious terror offences and under the new Sentencing Bill, the most horrific murderers will spend the rest of their lives locked up, including for any murder involving sexual or sadistic conduct, while criminals who commit rape and other serious sexual offences will spend every day of their sentence behind bars.

Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home reveal record year for number of pets seeking new homes

– It’ll be lonely this Christmas for almost a hundred dogs and cats in Edinburgh as a record number of families have had to make the difficult decision to give up their pets this year –

With a rise in the number of households welcoming new pets to their family during Covid, coupled with the financial devastation of the cost-of-living crisis, 2023 has seen the Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home taking in more pets than ever before.

So far this year, the Home has received a staggering 1,208 surrender requests (898 dogs and 479 cats). The dramatic increase in demand has left the Home unable to take in 85.8% of the requests.

Additionally, since January 2023, more than 561 enquiries, a 33% increase from last year, have been made by families struggling to make ends meet and subsequently seeking support to help keep their pets at home, and the Home’s food bank service across East and Central Scotland has seen a 39.4% increase in demand from last year.

But all hope is not lost, as thanks to the hard work of its staff and volunteers, the Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home team has already supported 148 dogs and 72 cats to find new loving homes for life this past year and has managed to keep over 4,500 pets with their owners through community support services such as pet food banks, educational content and training, and other outreach services.

The Home has also delivered a fantastic 85 emergency dog first aid courses and an additional 144 full dog first aid qualifications to pet owners in Edinburgh, helping to keep the city’s pets safe and healthy.

Piper is one pet who came into the hands of the Home earlier this year, heavily pregnant and living outside as a stray.

Piper was brought to the Home by a couple after they had seen her around their neighborhood for a couple of months and had attempted to find her owner via Facebook and various other groups to no avail. When they noticed that Piper’s belly was getting bigger, they put it down to a potential health problem and decided to bring her in – luckily just in time.

Piper gave birth to 4 healthy kittens on her very first night in the Home, without which, she would have had to try and find a safe space to give birth outside and her kittens might not have made it. The team had her settled into the Home quickly on the night she arrived and witnessed the relief she felt being able to give birth to her kittens in a safe environment. By the morning, the first of her litter had arrived.

Just a few months later, Piper has been happily rehomed with vet nurse Lauren, who fell in love with Piper when she visited Lauren’s vet practice for mastitis treatment after giving birth, and then again to be spayed.

Lauren and her partner visited Piper a couple of times at the Home and enjoyed playing with her and getting to know her. From the first night they took her home, she was snuggled up on their bed, enjoying head scratches and cuddles and is slowly gaining trust to come up to them and sit on their laps.

Lauren said: “It just feels like my life wasn’t complete without having a cat and she’s just fitted in so well, I feel like it was meant to be. She’s honestly amazing. I love her little personality, she’s independent but so friendly and affectionate as well, she’s the perfect cat.”

Pipers kittens; Snowflake, Calico, Atreyu, Maya are are all doing well and have recently gone to their own loving homes.

Lindsay Fyffe-Jardine, CEO of Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home said: “Thanks to the hard work of our team, the support of volunteers who have donated almost 2,000 hours over the course of the past year, and the generosity of the people of Edinburgh and beyond for their kind donations, we have been able to help many pets through preventative community work and by caring for and rehoming animals who come to us.

However, to help us keep on top of the unprecedented increase in demand, now more than ever we’re relying on funding from public donations to enable us to support owners going through hard times to stay together with their pets, or rehabilitate and rehome pets like Piper.”

The Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home finds winter an especially difficult season as higher costs drain funds while demand for their vital services increases. To help get through the winter months, the Home recently launched a Winter Appeal, seeking donations to enable the Home to cope with the increased demand, continue providing vital support to animals in need and help people to keep their beloved pets at home.

To make a donation and to read more of their life-altering stories please visit www.edch.org.uk/winterappeal OR text SURRENDER to 70560 to donate £5.

Donations of £20 can provide a cat with the vaccinations they require to be rehomed or £100 could keep a dog warm in the Home for three months.

Texts will cost the donation amount plus one standard network rate message, and you’ll be opting into hearing more from Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home. If you would like to donate but don’t wish to hear more, text SURRENDERNOINFO instead.

The support of generous donors has kept Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home open for 140 years and given Piper and hundreds like them a safe place to recover and find love.

The Home has become an important part of the city and to bring this to life Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home has photographed some of its former residents that have now been rehomed; Reggie, Truffle, Martha, and Toffee, at some of Edinburgh’s other iconic locations including the Forth Bridge, Greyfriars Bobby and Edinburgh Castle.

Christmas & Dry January drinks: Dare to explore the fiery flavour of Talonmore

Inspired by the versatility of Edinburgh’s historic charm, Talonmore is a unique blend of complex and fiery flavours – perfect in a warming Talonmore Toddy, neat, on the rocks, or in a multitude of non-alcoholic cocktails.

Introducing Talonmore Drinks Company; the Scottish based, family run business established itself in Edinburgh in 2020. 

The new batch of Talonmore includes a brand-new look & feel, with an upgraded label and eye-catching flagship red foil. Using a mix of rooted and plant-based ingredients, Talonmore can be used to replicate spirit strength drinks in a multitude of non-alcoholic cocktails and beverages. 

Talonmore’s distinctive taste is fired by the spice of ginger and cinnamon whilst complemented with malty notes and fruit sweetness. Inspired by Edinburgh’s festival spirit and history of innovation, Talonmore was created to provide an exceptional alcohol-free drink that can be enjoyed without compromising health, control and taste. 

Using brewing methods of manufacture, rather than distilling, Talonmore have developed a unique beverage that ensures flavour is at the forefront, replicating the experience of drinking a dark spirit. Talonmore can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, with a mixer or in a multitude of non-alcoholic cocktails.

In 2022, Talonmore was awarded Silver at the International Wine and Spirits Competition scoring an impressive 92 points out of 100. 

Lewis Kennedy, Managing Director at Talonmore Drinks Company said: “Talonmore is all about offering choice. The popularity around alcohol-free serves is seeing a meteoric rise right now.

“We are so proud of our liquid and the versatility it brings to the table. Our new red foiling is designed to catch the eye of consumers looking at the back bar, or equally online, for a satisfying alternative to an alcoholic drink. 

“The historic charm of Edinburgh gives our team endless inspiration. You will see key landmarks of the city on our recently updated branding, all which play a part in the story of Talonmore. 

“We want to create foundations for sophisticated adventurers who want to celebrate climbing to the peak of a mountain in style, drivers who want to make the most of their road trip or professionals having the perfect serve for a midweek social gathering.” 

With over 8 million adults in the UK looking to reduce their alcohol intake, Talonmore is designed to shake up the non-alcoholic drinks market through championing the adventurous lifestyle that could normally be sacrificed with traditional alcohol.