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Laura Tobin helps to raise awareness of link between air pollution and lung cancer in people who have never smoked

The weather presenter is backing ScottishPower’s support for Cancer Research UK studies which are uncovering how air pollution causes lung cancer in people who have never smoked.

ScottishPower has welcomed Laura Tobin to its Whitelee Windfarm – the largest onshore windfarm in the UK – to help raise awareness about air pollution, its impact on lung cancer and the need for more research.

The TV meteorologist, whose own family has been impacted by cancer, is backing the leading renewable energy company’s support of Cancer Research UK’s studies which are investigating the link between lung cancer in people who have never smoked and air pollution.

In the UK, it is estimated that nearly 6,000 people who have never smoked die of lung cancer each year*. Research estimates that lung cancer in people who have never smoked is the eighth most common cause of cancer death in the UK*. Outdoor air pollution causes around 1 in 10 cases of lung cancer.

ScottishPower has been a long-standing supporter of Cancer Research UK for over ten years and is covering the cost of the TOPICAL study, which hopes to help scientists better understand the link between air pollution and lung cancer. Insights from this research could shape new ways to diagnose and treat lung cancer in people who have never smoked.

Led by Professor Charles Swanton, Cancer Research UK’s Chief Clinician and Group Leader at the Francis Crick Institute, the study is examining the role of tiny particles in the air called PM2.5, which are derived in part from burning solid and liquid fuels. Professor Swanton and his team are looking at the relationship between these tiny air pollution particles and cases of lung cancer in people who have never smoked.

Results from Professor Swanton’s lab** suggest that PM2.5 pollution can awaken dormant cells in the lungs carrying cancer-causing mutations, which go on to become tumours. This game-changing discovery could open new ways to prevent and treat lung cancer in people who have never smoked in the future.

The support of this project is part of ScottishPower’s ongoing partnership with Cancer Research UK, which since 2012 has seen more than £35m raised to help beat cancer sooner – and they aren’t stopping there.

Laura Tobin said: “Air pollution is invisible to the human eye, yet it can have a considerable effect on our health. Being at a place like Whitelee Windfarm really brings clean air to the forefront of your mind and makes you realise its importance.

“I know from my own personal experience how important it is for us to understand how cancer starts, grows and spreads, so we can find new ways to beat it. ScottishPower’s support of Cancer Research UK’s innovative research on air pollution is breaking new ground in our understanding of lung cancer.

“The funding ScottishPower has provided to Cancer Research UK over many years is vital to bringing forward the day when we beat cancer.”

Whitelee is the UK’s largest onshore windfarm and is a vital part of Scotland and the UK’s transition to a clean energy future. It was awarded with a prestigious Green Flag award for its benefit to the local community and role in providing a positive, environmentally-friendly location.

Professor Charles Swanton, Cancer Research UK’s Chief Clinician, said: “Lung cancer in people who have never smoked is more common than many people realise, and we need to understand it better.

“Previously, we had thought that environmental carcinogens, like air pollution, directly mutated our DNA to cause cancer. But our research has revealed a new way in which air pollution can set off another molecular chain of events that leads to cancer.

“This finding wouldn’t have happened without funding from Cancer Research UK and partners like ScottishPower. ScottishPower’s unwavering support of Cancer Research UK is helping us work towards a world where people can live longer, better lives, free from the fear of cancer.”

Andrew Ward, CEO of ScottishPower Retail, said: “ScottishPower is committed to leading the fight against climate change, but we’re also committed to playing a leading role in the fight against cancer.

“The simple fact is that we need to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, both for our planet and our health. At ScottishPower we’re investing heavily in clean, green electricity generation, as well as providing decarbonisation solutions for households and business, including solar panels, heat pumps and electric vehicle solutions.

“I had the pleasure of listening to Professor Swanton when he visited us at ScottishPower HQ and it’s fantastic to hear how our partnership is helping to support such ground-breaking research.

“Working with Laura Tobin at our iconic Whitelee Windfarm provides a really striking link to clean air to help us all understand the importance of combating air pollution and better understanding the impact it has on us.

“I’m thrilled that studies we’ve helped to fund are already aiding research breakthroughs and we’re committed to working in partnership with Cancer Research UK in the years to come to help beat cancer sooner.”

To find out more about ScottishPower’s partnership and support of Cancer Research UK, please visit: scottishpower.co.uk

New mental health service for families to open in East Lothian

A new pilot service which aims to tackle the mental health crisis facing children and young people in Scotland is to be launched from September in East Lothian.

Developed by Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity (ECHC), ‘The Haven’ wellbeing and resilience service will open tomorrow (Monday 18 September) at The Fraser Centre in Tranent and is open to families living within the catchment area of Ross High School.

It aims to support families with children struggling with their mental health and prevent problems escalating to the point where professional intervention is needed.

The Haven will be open to any child or young person with a mental health concern, and any member of their family, including parents, carers, siblings and grandparents. It will offer support in a relaxed and informal setting and provide interventions including family support groups, signposting, fun activities and a drop-in service for those who may just need a cup of tea and a listening ear.

Every family will have their own ‘Pal’; a trained team member who can support them along their child’s mental health journey. At its best, The Haven may negate a family’s need for future access to medical support, alleviating the pressures on Scotland’s CAMHS.

Sara Fairgrieve from East Lothian is the parent of a child who is currently receiving mental health support. She is backing ECHC’s new service and will attend The Haven with her child once it is open.

Sara said: “This new service is definitely needed and will be very welcome in the community. For any parent who has children struggling with their mental health, just having somewhere to go where you can relax, escape for a little while and meet like-minded parents with similar issues who understand will be so beneficial.

“We’re lucky in that we’re managing for now, but I know there are parents out there who are despairing, stuck on a waiting list and feel they have nowhere to turn to get the help they need now.

“Being able to speak to non-judgmental professionals who can provide the right support and guidance – as families will be able to do at The Haven – will really help to take the stress and strain off parents, and the kids themselves.”

The Haven will be piloted in Tranent for two years to ascertain the scale of demand. It is modelled on the charity’s existing Hospital Hub, which delivers very similar interventions to children and families visiting Edinburgh’s Royal Hospital for Children and Young People (RHCYP).

The service is a response to ECHC’s research which found that over half (59%) of Scottish families have a child who has experienced a mental health concern. Once proven, it will be scaled and delivered in community settings and available to all children struggling with their mental health, and their families, across Scotland.

Roslyn Neely, CEO of ECHC, said: “When it comes to tackling the mental health crisis facing children and young people in Scotland, there is no time to wait.

“In developing this service, we spoke to many families who feel they just don’t know where to get the support and advice that they so desperately need. We asked them what was missing, and overwhelmingly we found families just needed somewhere to go for a bit of help while they’re waiting, or if they know professional help isn’t an option for them.

“The development of The Haven has been led completely by children, young people and families. What they asked for was a wellbeing service like that already provided at the children’s hospital. Somewhere the whole family can go and do everything from take part in fun activities, to having a complementary therapy or just a hot cup of tea and the chance to offload.

“Together we have an opportunity to help our children with earlier support for good mental health to improve their wellbeing and avert a potential mental health crisis. We hope The Haven will be part of the solution.”

Paul McLennan, MSP for East Lothian added: “I’m delighted to see Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity launch their new mental health pilot in Tranent.

“I’ve met the team on a number of occasions – this is a groundbreaking initiative and I look forward to working with them closely in the months ahead.”

If you live within the catchment area of Ross High School and/or are registered with Tranent Medical Practice and need support, please get in touch at thehaven@echcharity.org or call 0131 202 9212.

Steady Steps secures additional funding

FALLS PREVENTION PROGRAMME WELCOMES 5000th REFERRAL

With Falls Awareness Week taking place from 18-22 September 2023, Steady Steps, a community-based falls prevention programme which supports local people in Edinburgh to improve their strength and balance and maintain their independence through physical activity, is celebrating its 5,000^th referral.

Delivered by the Active Communities team at Edinburgh Leisure and supported by the Edinburgh Integration Joint Board (EIJB), Steady Steps is a 16-week physical activity referral programme which has been going since 2014 and supports participants to reduce their risk of falling. It has recently received additional funding from the EIJB.

Physical activity can contribute to a reduction in the number of falls, fractures, hospital admissions and bed days because of a fall. This reduces the cost to NHS Lothian, and offers vulnerable, older adults an opportunity to engage in physical and social activities, sustaining and improving confidence and ability to live independently.

Edinburgh Leisure delivers 32 Steady Steps classes each week in Edinburgh Leisure and community venues across the city. Participants attend weekly physical activity sessions, which last 1.5 hours each week and are followed by a coffee and chat.

Participants are also encouraged to complete home based exercises twice a week for the duration of the 16-week programme. As a result of participating in these balance exercise sessions, participants have said that they are more able to complete tasks in and out of the house more easily (e.g., housework and doing the shopping), that they felt more confident, and they had an improved social life.

Amy Fastier, Health Development Officer (Falls Prevention) said: “Continued funding from the EIJB will mean that we can continue delivering this important service creating a positive impact on the health, and crucially the confidence, of our participants. Research shows falls are preventable and do not have to be an inevitable part of aging.

However, once a fall does happen, the chances of another fall are dramatically increased. Sadly, this can really knock the confidence out of some adults, deterring them from going out and socialising. The methods used by Steady Steps are known to reduce falls by up to 35%, as well as having a hugely positive effect on the overall physical, mental, and social wellbeing of participants.”

Retired primary school depute headteacher, Katherine Bates, has experienced the project as both a participant and a volunteer, training as a volunteer after completing the 16-week programme in 2017.

Initially referred by her physiotherapist because of several falls, as well as having osteoporosis and other musculoskeletal issues, she found the programme helped to improve her strength and balance and particularly liked that the exercises in class were designed to be incorporated into daily life.

On completion of the course, and with the encouragement of her instructor, Michael, she completed the volunteer training and now volunteers at a Steady Steps class at Gracemount Leisure Centre.

Katherine’s role involves setting up the room, welcoming people into the class, and carrying out assessments so that Michael can focus on delivering the class without distractions. As Katherine explains: “Some people need a bit of extra support, and I can help them without disrupting the class or drawing attention to them.

“Volunteering has been such a positive experience for me and it’s helped that I have experienced Steady Steps as a participant as well. It’s helped me to understand the challenges participants face and what it’s like to go through the programme.

“Some participants live very rich lives, others have lost their confidence and have become socially isolated because of their falling. It’s wonderful to see them out, enjoying themselves, and making social connections as well as improving their balance and mobility.”

For more information about Steady Steps please contact Edinburgh Leisure’s Active Communities team – active@edinburghleisure.co.uk or 0131 458 2260.

Steady Steps Case Study

Katherine Bates – Volunteer and former participant

Edinburgh Leisure’s Steady Steps project is a falls prevention programme for older adults in Edinburgh. Retired Primary School Depute Headteacher Katherine Bates, 63, has experienced the project as both a participant and a volunteer, having decided to train as a volunteer after completing the 16-week programme in 2017.

Katherine was initially referred to the Steady Steps class at the Royal Commonwealth Pool by her physiotherapist. While she was young compared to most Steady Steps participants and still active, walking 7 miles a day, she has osteoporosis and other musculoskeletal issues and has had several falls. She found the programme helped her improve her strength and balance and particularly liked that the exercises in class were designed to be incorporated into daily life.

As she came to the end of her 16-week programme, she expressed an interest in continuing as a volunteer. With the encouragement of her Instructor, Michael, she undertook volunteer training and now volunteers at the Friday lunch time class at Gracemount Leisure Centre.

Katherine’s role involves setting up the room, welcoming people into the class and carrying out their assessments so that Michael can focus on delivering the class without distractions. Some people need a bit of extra support and she can help them without disrupting the class or drawing attention to them.

She says that while some participants lead very rich lives, others have lost their confidence and have become socially isolated as a result of their fear of falling. It’s wonderful to see them out, enjoying themselves and making social connections as well as improving their balance and mobility.

She says that being a Steady Steps volunteer has been a very positive experience and that she is always made to feel welcome and appreciated by Michael and the staff at Gracemount Leisure Centre. She enjoyed attending Edinburgh Leisure’s volunteer celebration event at the Botanic Gardens last year and is looking forward to attending a similar event again this year!

Katherine admits that she found PE challenging at school and had never even considered attending any fitness classes. Participating in Steady Steps gave her the confidence to join a couple of weekly fitness classes. As one of these takes place at Gracemount Leisure Centre immediately before the Steady Steps session she helps with, it makes it easier for her to keep up the habit of attending it.

Katherine has found it interesting experiencing Steady Steps from both sides. She feels that her understanding of the challenges participants face and her first-hand experience of what it’s like to go through the programme make it easier for her and the people she helps to relate to one another.

‘Fashion Brand with a purpose’ Scamp & Dude celebrates opening weekend at St James Quarter

Scamp & Dude celebrated its official opening in Edinburgh at the weekend with a VIP event, live entertainment, hosted by brand founder and CEO Jo Tutchener-Sharp who formally cut the ribbon and welcomed excited shoppers through the doors on Saturday 9^th September.

Adding a pop of neon to the capital’s lifestyle district, St James Quarter, this is Scamp & Dude’s first store to open in Scotland and comes after a year of expansive growth for the brand, which will also see the opening of a store in Battersea Power Station, London this weekend.

On Friday 8^th September Scamp & Dude hosted a vibrant launch event with more than 180 of the city’s key influencers,media and over 100 members of the brand’s supportive Scottish community. Guests were treated to a limited-edition special Edinburgh-opening-only tote bag, thoughtfully designed, and packed with amazing Scamp & Dude and beauty must-haves.

Engaging with the brand’s tight-knit community, the event was attended by more than 100 ‘Duders’. Dressed in head-to-toe Scamp & Dude attire, and full of anticipation and excitement, the ‘Duders’ were seen first in line creating the party atmosphere. Once inside, guests had the opportunity to explore the new store, try on new styles and press the exclusive interactive Superpower Button, to receive their very own boost of Scamp & Duder Superpowers.

Exclusively unveiled at the launch was the Scamp & Dude ‘Bolt Room’, An exclusive shopping experience in the store, where customers can book to have
use of a private fitting room for a group of friends to try on the brand’s latest styles, all whilst relaxing with a glass of bubbly and a Scamp & Dude stylist on hand for advice.

The official public launch of the vibrant new store at St James Quarter began on Saturday, September 9^th, with eager shoppers beginning to gather as early as 7:45am in anticipation of this exciting addition to the Quarter.

The first 50 shoppers were gifted with a complimentary Scamp & Dude gift. Shoppers were entertained over the launch weekend with performances from a brass band that filled the Galleria with feel good tunes.

The newly opened store proudly presents Scamp & Dude’s collection of women’s and children’s clothing, alongside their charitable product offerings. Situated in a location that resonates with the brand’s dedicated and swiftly expanding Scottish following, referred to as ‘Duders,’ it serves as the perfect hub for this community.

Sport and exercise student playing role at Rugby World Cup

When Calum Rettie joined Heriot-Watt University last summer, he never imagined it would lead him to being part of Scotland’s preparations for the Rugby World Cup in France.

But that is what has happened to the 18-year-old who is carrying out a studentship with Scottish Rugby as part of his studies for a BSc (Hons) in Sport and Exercise Science.

Calum admits it’s a surreal experience working alongside Scotland’s best rugby players and credits the unique learning opportunities offered by the University in getting his career off to the best possible start.

A keen follower of Edinburgh Rugby, Calum has spent around the last year working as a performance analyst, using data to interpret each player’s contribution to a match and training sessions. By using in-depth analysis techniques developed through his studies, he provides data-driven evidence to the coaching staff.

These, often subtle, improvements can go unnoticed by fans but collectively, they can mean the difference between winning and losing.

Calum said: “It’s been a dream come true as I want to work in this area when I leave university.

“Working as a performance analyst, I film all the training sessions with the squad then with the aid of our software, break it down into individual segments, making it a lot easier for the coaches to identify any issues or areas for improvement.

“My studies have really helped with this and I’m finding that by working in the ‘real world’ it has opened my eyes up to my course and given me a better understanding of how the team works.

“I also have support from my tutors, if I ever need it which is reassuring.”

The Sport and Exercise Science programme equips students with a comprehensive understanding of the physiological, and psychological factors that influence athletic performance.

It combines cutting-edge teaching with world-leading sports performance facilities at Oriam, Scotland’s National Sports Performance Centre, located at Heriot-Watt’s Edinburgh campus.

Calum continues: “Working with the Scotland team is great. It sounds obvious but they are just normal people but they have been great with me. I sometimes have to pinch myself when I see them on the field.”

The Scotland men’s rugby team kicked off their World Cup adventure at the weekend with a defeat against defending champions, South Africa. Calum hasn’t made the trip to France but is watching with interest from his home in Haddington, East Lothian.

Calum is one of the first students to have enrolled onto the Sports and Exercise Science course when it launched last year. The programme has gone on to be a huge success for students with this year’s cohort at capacity.

Dr Mark Ross, Associate Professor in Exercise Physiology spoke about the exciting career opportunities open to students who choose Heriot-Watt. He said: “We take immense pride in offering our sport and exercise students real-world positions that provide invaluable hands-on experience.

“These opportunities offer a unique insight for our students and a chance for them to apply the knowledge they’ve gained in the classroom, the lab, and the field.

“Working within professional environments allows them to test and refine their academic skills, fostering a seamless transition from education to the professional arena. Our commitment to these practical, real-world openings is reflective of our dedication to produce well-rounded graduates who are not only equipped with knowledge but also the expertise needed to excel in the dynamic field of sport and exercise science.”

For more information on the Sport and Exercise Science course visit the Heriot-Watt website.

Fettes College announces expansion of fully-funded bursary to whole of Scotland

Fettes College in Edinburgh has expanded its Kick-start bursary to now include children from any location across Scotland who can benefit from a fully-funded Fettes education.

Until now, only two students from five Edinburgh state primary schools were eligible for this transformational bursary scheme, which is supported by a charitable trust.

But this has been extended to 11-year-olds from across the country, enabling children from Midlothian to attend Fettes until sixth form of the senior school.

To be eligible for this particular bursary, applicants must receive free school meals or be in a low-income household.

Mr Charlie Minogue, Headmaster of Fettes College Preparatory School said: “Fettes College was founded in 1870 through the philanthropy of Sir William Fettes and our philanthropic mission is to help bright young students, regardless of their circumstances, gain access to a Fettes education so they can have every opportunity to make the most of their talents. Our students aim high, and giving back to the community is a really important part of our ethos.

“We provide exceptional teaching at Fettes, inspiring a lifelong love of learning. The quality of the education we deliver goes beyond achieving impressive academic results, and is much more rounded, with an extensive range of sports, co-curricular activities, outdoor pursuits and trips – Fettes is a place that matters.”

Successful students will join Fettes’ Prep School for the first two years of their education, giving them the chance to familiarise themselves with the school environment across a stunning 100-acre campus before moving up to the Senior School.

Old Fettesian (alumni) membership and access to the Fettes Careers Partnership is also included within the bursary, so the students have a connection to the school community for life.

The Kick-start bursary is part of the Fettes Bursarial Programme.

Applications for the bursary are now open and will close on 15January 2024.

More information about the bursary and an application form is available at https://www.fettes.com/kick-start-bursary.

Bon Accord soft drinks launch naturally sweetened range

HISTORIC SCOTTISH DRINKS BRAND’S 750ML RANGE HITS THE SHELVES OF FIVE SAINSBURY’S STORES ACROSS EDINBURGH

Bon Accord Soft Drinks – one of Scotland’s most beloved soft drink brands – has today announced that their one hundred per cent naturally sweetened 750ml range is now available for purchase in the Longstone, Murrayfield, Cameron Toll, Straiton and Blackhall stores in Edinburgh.

The Bon Accord Soft Drinks range in Sainsbury’s stores will consist of 750ml sharing bottles of Rhubarb Soda, Cloudy Lemonade, and Ginger Beer. Rhubarb Soda is crisp and refreshing, with real rhubarb flavour, Cloudy Lemonade is tangy and tart with a zesty zing, and Ginger Beer is made with real ginger for a flavour that gently tingles and builds without overwhelming.

Having recently revamped its recipes in keeping with consumer trends and customer feedback, the naturally sweet drinks are now compliant with new government regulations regarding the fat, salt and sugar content of consumer goods.

Bon Accord Soft Drinks are also now available in many major Sainsbury’s stores across Scotland making the better-for-you drinks range more available to consumers nationwide.

Bon Accord soft drinks launch at Sainsburys

Karen Knowles, Managing Director of Bon Accord Soft Drinks said: “We’re thrilled to be working with Sainsbury’s and are over the moon to announce that our one hundred percent naturally sweetened drinks will be available to even more people across Scotland thanks to this partnership.

“Our emphasis on natural ingredients and environmentally conscious packaging makes us stand out in the soft drinks space, and we can’t wait for more people to try our refreshing and better-for-you drinks.

“Existing Bon Accord drinks fans will know that each flavour is carefully crafted to cater to every pallet, delivering a memorable moment with each sip. However, in keeping with the latest consumer trends and customer feedback, we’ve recently revamped our recipes, meaning Bon Accord drinks are now high-fat, salt and sugar compliant. Our customers asked, and we listened! Our iconic soft drinks just got so much better with the already naturally sweetened drinks now having an even lower sugar content.”

With a heritage dating back to 1903, Bon Accord Soft Drinks have been delivering exceptional beverages to communities across Scotland for over a century. Founded by the current owner’s great-great-grandfather, the brand was reimagined and refreshed in 2016 and remains a family-owned and run business to this day.

This revamped range from Bon Accord Soft Drinks is crafted from 100% natural ingredients; paired with the one-hundred-per-cent recyclable glass bottles, the drinks are the perfect choice for both health and eco-conscious consumers. With a focus on making its fruity products even more natural, Bon Accord Soft Drinks offers a unique product to the marketplace.

When you choose Bon Accord Soft Drinks, consumers are supporting a historic Scottish brand that values natural ingredients, exceptional flavours, and environmental responsibility.

Karen Knowles continued: “Our new range of naturally sweetened soft drinks is perfect for anyone looking for a healthier take on a classic drink. We are proud to offer consumers a better-for-you option that is not only naturally delicious but more accessible now than ever.”

For further information please visit Bon Accord’s blog here.

Record Edinburgh Kiltwalk provides boost to over 700 charities

Seven was Edinburgh’s lucky number today as a massive 7,000 Kiltwalkers took to the streets of the capital to fundraise for 710 different Scottish charities. September 17th goes into the history books as the city’s biggest ever Kiltwalk.

The Hunter Foundation underwrites Kiltwalk, and Sir Tom Hunter was at the start line and on the route to praise the walkers: “The good people of Edinburgh and the East love Kiltwalk. We had 1,700 Kiltwalkers in our first Edinburgh Kiltwalk seven years ago, today we have over 7,000 heroes walking for 710 charities.

“It’s incredible and every penny raised here at the Edinburgh Kiltwalk will make such a difference to charities who really, really need a hand up, not a handout in these tough times.

“I’m proud of every single person who took part and crossed the finish line at Murrayfield, be they a Mighty Strider, a Big Stroller, or a Wee Wanderer. I am so grateful for their generosity.

“I’d like to say to each one of them, thank you for your Kiltwalk Kindness.”

Among the famous faces taking part in Scotland’s favourite mass participation event were David Marshall, Hibs and Scotland goalkeeper who stepped out on behalf of the Hibernian Community Foundation, which was also the biggest fundraising team at today’s Kiltwalk. New manager Nick Montgomery was also there as a late addition to the 330-strong squad.

An impressive 3,000 Kiltwalk heroes undertook the Mighty Stride from Bingham Medway taking the 21-mile route through Portobello Promenade, Leith Shore and Gypsy Brae before triumphantly crossing the finish line at the Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium.

The Big Stroll saw 2,000 Kiltwalkers walk 15 miles from Musselburgh to the home of rugby, while 2,000 Wee Wanderers walked five miles from Gypsy Brae to meet their fellow Kiltwalkers and receive their medal at the finish line.

Kiltwalk slashed the entry fee from £32 to £20 this year to make it even easier for people to help the charity they care about. This is made possible by the generosity of The Hunter Foundation underwriting Kiltwalk.

Walkers donned their tartan and laced their boots in support of a remarkable variety of charities, both large and small.

Mass Participation Events Manager for CHAS, Fiona Leslie, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have been part of Edinburgh Kiltwalk and would like to say a massive thank you to every walker who took on the challenge for CHAS.

“We are blown away by the 208 people who signed up to walk for CHAS and all the funds raised will make a huge difference to the children with life shortening conditions and their families that we support across Scotland.”

Community and Events Fundraising Manager at SAMH, Chloe Watson, said: “We had over 100 SAMH supporters taking part today, and it was so touching to engage with them at our pit stop and hear their stories of why they chose to raise much needed funds for Scotland’s mental health.

“A huge thank you to our supporters – the need for our life-changing services continues to grow and your support is helping us transform lives.”

Kiltwalk’s headline sponsors are Royal Bank of Scotland and Arnold Clark.

Support from Royal Bank of Scotland has facilitated additional sustainability measures, funding fully compostable food cartons at Pit Stops to ensure zero waste goes to landfill.

Judith Cruickshank, Chair, Royal Bank of Scotland’s One Bank Scotland Board, said: “The Edinburgh Kiltwalk is the flagship end to the Kiltwalk series of 2023, as a bank with its historic home here in Scotland’s Capital, Royal Bank of Scotland was once again delighted to partner this fantastic event.

“This year is the most successful Edinburgh Kiltwalk in history and it has been fantastic to see such a turnout throughout the weekend, with many of our colleagues joining the thousands of walkers and volunteers who have helped make it a success.

“The Kiltwalk makes such a positive difference to communities across our country, helping organisations and charities thrive.

“Everyone who has got involved this year should be proud of the difference their efforts will make.”

Arnold Clark offered walkers the opportunity to win £30,000 credit towards their choice of car, with each Kiltwalker automatically entered into the prize draw.

Nicole Watson, Edinburgh Airport rental assistant manager, said: “Here, at Arnold Clark, we care about our local communities, so we’re delighted to continue to support the Kiltwalk.

“We’re extremely proud of everyone taking part, including our branch team, and can’t wait to cheer everyone on! We’re also very excited to find out which lucky individual will win our amazing prize of £30,000 towards their dream car.”

Dates and locations for Kiltwalk 2024 will be announced soon on the Kiltwalk social channels and website www.thekiltwalk.co.uk.

Fred. Olsen makes waves with campaign pouring 175 Years in Every Single Day

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has launched a new campaign outlining how their 175 years of experience in sailing goes into making every single day count.

With new guest bookings rising significantly, the brand has now tapped into the talents of a multi-award-winning documentary maker and creative team to deliver “175 Years in Every Single Day”.

Along with a television advert, the campaign includes marketing materials and an extensive social media presence giving prospective and returning guests a unique perspective into what makes the brand stand out in a crowded marketplace.

Peter Deer, Managing Director of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said: “On a Fred. Olsen cruise, every single thing we’ve learned over 175 years, goes into every single day of sailing with us.

“This dynamic advert celebrates everything that makes sailing with us special and unique – our smaller ships, our hand-crafted itineraries, an on board experience which is designed to enhance each journey and of course, our people.

“Our smaller ships allow our guests to travel into the furthest reaches of Norway’s lesser-known fjords, through narrow waterways and canals and to the very heart of some of the world’s most beautiful cities.

“The team who deliver our hand-crafted itineraries take us to the world’s most wonderful destinations at the very best possible times to experience them and our emphasis on the joy of the journey ensures every single day on board is as stimulating and enjoyable as possible.

“As for our people – they are at the heart of everything we do, and this comes across in this new campaign which shows our pride in the special way we work.”

To create the advert, the marketing team at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines employed support from Nick Bell and Walter Campbell, two of the most awarded advertising creatives of the last 30 years who have created campaigns in the past for famous brands like Guinness and Cadbury.

Watch the 175 Years in Every Single Day advert.

The TV advert was directed by Kit Lynch-Robinson who has worked on The Grand Tour, Top Gear and Clarkson’s Farm and was Series Director for the Chris Hemsworth hit TV show Limitless. The advert is set to an orchestral, Cinematic Pop version of Sail! by AWOL Nation.

Throughout 2021 and 2022, Fred. Olsen refined their strategy for 2023 and beyond. With two new ships, they identified their target guests, added new cruises and on board experiences and have also reinvented their brand identity to appeal more to this target audience.

Jackie Martin, Marketing and Sales Director from Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said: “After a tough few years for everyone in the travel industry, we are delighted to have a very clear view of how we will continue to build on this year’s successes.

“This bold campaign marks a significant step forward for a brand with such a proud maritime heritage. We have really enjoyed the slightly unconventional creative approach we took, working directly with Nick, Walter and Kit which delivered a campaign we are all very proud of. It is now time to showcase all that our experience has to offer.”

The company has won numerous awards and most recently has been shortlisted for Customers at the Heart of Everything, Best Customer-Centric Culture and Best Customer Service at the UK Customer Experience Awards 2023 and for Best Ocean Cruise Line, Best Specialist Cruise Line, Best for Solo Travellers, Best for Excursions and Best for Cuisine in the Wave Awards 2023.

This year, Fred. Olsen was also awarded a silver Investors in People accreditation.

For more information about Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, please visit www.fredolsencruises.com, call Reservations on 0800 0355 242 (Monday to Friday 8.30am to 6pm, Saturday 9am to 5pm, Sunday 10am to 4pm), or contact your local ABTA travel agent.

Discover Edinburgh’s shadowy past this Halloween

Two new limited-edition tours bring to life Edinburgh’s history

Halloween lovers need look no further than The Real Mary King’s Close, one of the UK’s top-rated experiences on TripAdvisor, for the perfect way to celebrate the ominous side of Edinburgh’s past this October.

Two popular experiences, Lantern Led Tours and True Crime Tours, return to shine a light into the dark about the lives of former residents and unravel truths about their deaths… for those willing to descend onto Mary King’s Close at night!

The True Crimes Tour offers visitors the chance to explore the history of real offences committed on Mary King’s Close and its neighbouring areas. For years, the closes of the Old Town have been shrouded in shocking tales of crime and punishment: but this 1-hour social history tour is a chance to gain a more investigative insight into the nature of Edinburgh’s criminal activity.

With a special “True Crimes” guide to lead you on your journey through Edinburgh’s forgotten streets, discover how the people of the closes were just as compelled by the dark details of criminal misdemeanours as we are today.

The tour will delve into the reign of James VI, the rise of the witch trials, and what this meant for ordinary people living on Mary King’s Close. Confronting themes such as eviction, addiction, and the lack of legislation in place to protect residents, examine how real crimes affected life in the vicinity throughout the centuries.

Also, discover the intriguing link that Mary King’s Close has to the infamous character that likely inspired The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. This a tour for only for the most undaunted visitors.

The Lantern Led Tours will shine a light (or lack of) onto Edinburgh’s history, illuminating the lives and deaths of former residents throughout time. Guests will descend into complete darkness, with the only light source being the flicker of their lanterns, as they explore The Close and meet two, interactive characters along the way. Visitors will need to brave stepping into the underground to experience history as it was lived… with all the lights off.

Paul Nixon, General Manager at The Real Mary King’s Close, said: “The Real Mary King’s Close is a place filled with excitement and mystery, but Edinburgh’s ominous past means we also have the perfect tales to tell this Halloween.

“We are excited to launch our Lantern Led Tours and True Crime Tours and elevate the experience to a whole new level. This is a great activity to do with family and friends over Halloween, so come along and find out who is the bravest of the bunch!”

The Real Mary King’s Close stands as an important part of Edinburgh’s history. It teaches the following generations about the incredible struggles people faced during the plague, the extreme living conditions, and the punishing impact of social hierarchy.

The Lantern Led Tours will be running Friday 13th to Tuesday 31^st October, and will take place from 7pm-9pm every 15 minutes (extended to 10pm 26^th – 31^st). Prices are £28 per adult / £21 per child (5 to 15yo – no under 5 allowed).

True Crime Tours will be running Friday 13th to Tuesday 31^st October, and will take place 6pm, 7.30pm and 9pm Fri / Sat / Sun and 7.30pm and 9pm Mon – Thurs. Prices are £25 per ticket.

For more information and bookings please visit:

https://bookings.realmarykingsclose.com/book