The SPFL Trust, in partnership with Prostate Scotland, are continuing their exercise programme for men living with prostate cancer following a hugely successful 12-week pilot programme.
The initial phase of this project took place in the capital at Tynecastle, delivered by Heart of Midlothian FC and at Ibrox, with Rangers Charity Foundation.
The programme is a tailored version of Football Fans in Training (FFIT), the SPFL Trust’s flagship health and wellbeing programme which takes place at football clubs across the country, helping people to get active and feel fitter, healthier and happier.
The next cohort kicks off on September 19 in Kilmarnock, with The Killie Community, and in the capital, with Heart of Midlothian FC at Tynecastle on September 20.
Working together with experts from Prostate Scotland, the University of Glasgow Health and Wellbeing Institute and The Exercise Clinic, the programme has been developed based on clinical guidelines for men living with prostate cancer, which recommend a structured 12-week exercise programme.
Prostate FFIT is open to all men living with prostate cancer, who can self-refer online, or be referred by a clinician.
As well as having the opportunity to take part in exercise supported by trained coaches, participants will learn more about nutrition. They will also receive a personal workbook to help them follow the course and have access to specifically developed videos to continue exercise at home.
Crucially, Prostate FFIT will create space for men affected by prostate cancer to meet others in a similar situation, offering informal peer support.
David Plaintook part in the pilot programme with Heart of Midlothian FC. “It was really good on a number of levels,” he said.“You immediately have something in common with every single person in the room. We’re all at different stages of our journey, but we all have prostate cancer.
David (fourth from left) and his Prostate FFIT group during a session at Tynecastle
“There was someone else on the course who had the same treatment as me. It was just good to know that what I was experiencing wasn’t out of the ordinary.
“I’ve continued with exercise after the course. Three of us meet up once a week to go to a fitness class and have a coffee.
“You don’t feel the need to hide the fact that you have Prostate Cancer. Prostate FFIT is a safe place to go and everyone there is going through a similar journey.”
Adam Gaines, Director of Prostate Scotland, said: “We are delighted to be offering these new courses with our partners at the SPFL Trust, The Killie Community and Heart of Midlothian FC.
“Prostate FFIT is aimed at helping tackle the impact prostate cancer can have on the lives of men living with it, especially for those on hormone therapy.
“The benefit of Prostate FFIT courses, offered in professional football clubs, is in providing engaging and helpful exercise and healthy lifestyle sessions, in line with clinical guidelines. Recent research by the University of Glasgow has shown many benefits that Prostate FFIT courses can have on men living with prostate cancer.”
Residents of 4 Barchester Care Homes in Edinburgh were first to take part in the “Fringe Cares Festival” – a new project aimed at maintaining community links and enriching residents within the Edinburgh area.
For many senior adults who live in care homes it is often impossible to attend the world’s largest arts festival, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Therefore, this year, Edinburgh Festival Fringe performers brought music from the 76 year old arts festival to four care homes in the city of Edinburgh – Queens Manor Care Home, Archview Lodge Care Home, Drummond Grange Care Home and Strachan House Care Home.
The initial idea was thought, planned and scheduled in 2022, with the final concept and performance being launched at the founding home – Queens Manor. From the amazing feedback received by residents, staff, relatives and visitors it was then decided to open up the event to the other three homes in 2023 and what a success it has been!
According to one of the organisers Professor Joe Goldblatt, “Last year my wife and I sponsored one performer and I was amazed when residents who had not spoken for months suddenly burst forth into song, in French, when a Fringe performer began to sing the Edith Piaf popular song La vie en rose.
“As they sang along I was speechless and in awe of the power of musical memories to inspire their strong positive emotions and awaken their senses.”
The Fringe Cares Festival is coordinated by the Edinburgh Interfaith Association and its founding sponsor is Barchester Healthcare who are the owner – operator of the four care homes in Edinburgh. All of the performers are appeared at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and have previously performed all over the world.
Donna Wood, General Manager of Queens Manor Care Home said “I am delighted that Barchester is the founding sponsor for this special programme.
“We know how delighted our residents are to enjoy the performance of professional performers. If it were not for this unique programme, they would miss out on seeing this great talent. Through the Fringe Cares Fest we are able to bring the excitement, fun, and delights of the Festival Fringe right into our homes.”
The goal for the festival and its sponsors, is for the event to be available across all care homes in Edinburgh within the next ten years – no matter what care provider the home is operated by.
The executive director of the Edinburgh Interfaith Association added: “EIFA is very proud to have conceived this programme as part of our commitment to bringing people together to celebrate, communicate, and appreciate one another through music.
“The 35 year old EIFA is the oldest interfaith association and represents all faiths and none promoting respect, understanding, peace and love. The Fringe Cares Fest at Barchester dramatically demonstrates that we may all come together and benefit through music.”
The homes were hugely appreciative to the two different performers that provided the entertainment across the 4 different programmes of events – Canadian storyteller and banjo player Keith Alessi stars in his critically acclaimed solo banjo performance entitled Tomatoes Tried to Kill Me but Banjos Saved My Life and the highly popular acapella quartet Octavoce performed their musical jubilee entitled 100 Years of Disney Plus!
The organisers of this event are looking forward to speaking to care providers over the coming months to gauge participation and plan the programmes for 2024! If you would like more information on this, please do contact Queens Manor Care Home.
The 4 care homes that took part in this project are run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering personalised care across its care homes and hospitals. They provide residential care, nursing care and dementia care for residents, from respite care to long term stays.
The national roll-out of Naloxone to Police Scotland’s operational officers has been officially completed yesterday (Thursday, 31 August, 2023) on International Overdose Awareness Day.
The programme to issue overdose reversal kits to all constables, sergeants and inspectors began exactly a year ago, and around 12,500 officers are now trained and equipped with individual pouches to be worn as part of standard issue equipment.
Naloxone is an emergency first aid treatment to reverse a potentially life-threatening opioid/opiate-related drug overdose by countering the suppression of the respiratory system.
Police Scotland officers have now used Naloxone on at least 325 occasions and across all 13 geographical policing divisions.
Administrations have occurred when officers have come across people in crisis while on duty, been flagged down by members of the public, during warrant executions, while attending a siege situation and in Custody departments, as well as in concern for person calls when an individual was intending to complete suicide.
The Scottish Government’s Minister for Drugs and Alcohol Policy, Elena Whitham, today met Assistant Chief Constable Gary Ritchie, who led the Naloxone programme, along with two officers who’ve administered Naloxone while on duty.
ACC Ritchiesaid: “Police Scotland is committed to doing all we can to combat the insidious effects of drugs in our society, from both an enforcement perspective and also while taking a public health approach to preventing harm.
“Naloxone is part of that public health approach. We’ve had positive outcomes in the overwhelming majority of incidents, and I am in no doubt that by doing so, our officers have saved lives.
“I very much hope that by officers carrying it in a highly visible manner, it will encourage other people to learn about Naloxone, and consider carrying it themselves.
“We continue to work in partnership with members of the Serious and Organised Crime Taskforce and other partners at local, national and international level to stop drugs from reaching our communities on a daily basis.
“As a result, we have an extremely strong record in dismantling serious and organised crime gangs, and bringing to justice those responsible for preying on the most vulnerable members of society by pedalling death and misery.”
Drugs and Alcohol Policy Minister Elena Whithamsaid: “I want to thank Police Scotland for the incredible job they do every day to help keep people safe. The roll-out of Naloxone training has no doubt resulted in many lives being saved.
“Naloxone is one of a wide range of measures being used to address the public health emergency of drugs deaths, but it plays an important role and allows those supplying the kits to connect people who use drugs and their families with appropriate local services.
“Of course, we want to help people long before they get to the point of a life-threatening overdose.
“We are taking action now to save and improve lives with an evidence-based approach – implementing policies that we know work to reduce harm and deaths from drugs and focusing on getting people into support and treatment.
“We are investing a total of £250 million in our National Mission on drugs over the course of this Parliament and have already supported 300 grass-roots projects. We’ll continue to expand and improve access to residential rehabilitation and drive MAT Standards implementation where recent research found substantial progress had been made with more people getting treatment.”
PC Jenna Minshull works in Greater Glasgow division and has administered Naloxone twice since starting to carry it as part of the test of change.
PC Minshull said: “I was on foot patrol in Glasgow city centre with a colleague when a member of the public came towards us. They were really unsteady on their feet and slurring their words. They slumped to the ground and we were obviously concerned for their welfare so I called 999.
“The casualty’s breathing became shallow and when they became unresponsive we were advised to administer our Naloxone.
“I gave one dose of the intra-nasal spray, and after a few minutes I gave a second dose. The casualty’s condition improved and soon after the ambulance crew arrived and took over the patient’s care.
“My colleague left the patient with a card explaining they’d been given Naloxone by the police.
“I’m confident to use the Naloxone kits, particularly as they’re a spray and so easy to administer. It’s reassuring to know you can’t overdose on it or do anyone any harm by giving them it. I’d certainly far rather have it to hand to use if needs be than potentially see someone potentially die if I didn’t have it.”
Left to right: PC Jenna Minshull, Superintendent Pat Murphy, Minister for Drugs & Alcohol Policy Elena Whitham, Assistant Chief Constable Gary Ritchie, PC Scott Lisett.
Council Leader Cammy Day spoke of the importance of International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) at yesterday’s full council meeting.
IOAD takes place on 31 August each year to create better understanding of overdose, reduce the stigma of drug-related deaths, and create change that reduces the harms associated with drug use. Today we look at what an overdose means, how you can prevent it and where to find out more information and support.
This year’s theme is ‘Recognising those who go unseen’ honouring the people whose lives have been altered by overdose. They are the family and friends grieving the loss of a loved one, workers in healthcare and support services extending strength and compassion, or spontaneous first responders who selflessly assume the role of lifesaver.
Council Leader Cammy Day said: “As we mark International Overdose Awareness Day today, I am conscious of the fact that for some of our residents this will be their first year living with the loss of a loved one through overdose. Each and every death we see is a tragedy and behind all of these are individual stories.
“Unfortunately, this has been a persistent issue for Scotland for a number of years with our national drug death rate continuing to be the highest in the UK and Europe. Too many people are dying prematurely across our country, with events like International Overdose Awareness Day we can raise awareness of the help and support available to those with substance issues.
“I am clear that the Council will closely support our partners to bring these figures down here in Edinburgh.”
Below is a list of services here in Edinburgh which specialise in dealing with issues around drugs and alcohol:
The Harm reduction team provide information and training on how to use the take-home kits, and list pharmacies across the city that supply free naloxone.
The Edinburgh Alcohol and Drugs Partnership has a directory of services to help you find the most appropriate support or recovery activity. The ARC 2.0 app is the Addiction Recovery Companion, which can help you find local facilities and support groups. They also have supportive services that family, friends or other people close to those who have overdosed can use.
Crew 2000 is a harm reduction charity based in the city centre. Their mission is to reduce drug and sexual health related harms and stigma, improving mental and physical health without judgement.
The Scottish Government has reminded short-term let operators in Scotland to apply for a licence before the 1 October deadline, highlighting that no application so far has been rejected.
Licensing has been introduced to ensure short-term lets in Scotland are safe and meet consistent quality standards, including having gas certificates and suitable electrical equipment.
Official statistics published today, dating up to 31 March this year, show that across 32 local authorities, no applications submitted for a short-term let licence have been refused.
Housing Minister Paul McLennan said: “Quality short-term let accommodation is vital to Scotland’s tourism sector and wider economy. It aims to protect the reputation of responsible operators and ensure the sector is regulated in line with other accommodation such as hotels and caravan parks, giving guests assurance of consistent safety standards.
“There has been a lead time of almost two years to the October deadline. Official statistics published today cover only up to the end of March and we know many more hosts have applied in recent months.
“Operators can take confidence that local authorities are working pragmatically to support new licensees through the application process – and we can see from the information that no completed applications had been rejected in the period, or since.
“So, I would repeat calls to everyone within the industry to back the scheme and encourage short-term let operators to apply for a licence in good time and before the 1 October deadline.”
Maree McLeod, owner of The Gatehouse in Reay, near Thurso, said: “The licensing scheme will ensure guests know properties like ours are of the highest standard and are compliant with the latest safety regulations.
“I have spent a lot of time and money ensuring our business is of the highest quality. We try our best to do the best. It is therefore pleasing that other short-term lets will be brought to that same level. By doing this, Scotland will become an international leader in this market.
“The process of applying for a short-term let with Highland Council was made easy and straightforward because of the really helpful team there. I would encourage every owner to go through the process of obtaining a licence. It not only marks out the property as a leader in its class, it marks out the owners too.
“Our business has improved through this process.”
Short term let licences last for three years, the average cost of applying is set out below:
Home sharing application median fee range £250 – £390
Secondary let application median fee range £333 – £550
Median fee for a home share let with occupancy of 2 – £257
Median fee for a secondary let with occupancy of 4 – £405
Median fee for a secondary let with occupancy of 6 – £451
Median fee for a secondary let with occupancy of 10 – £518
An average 6 occupancy (often 3 bedroom) property, which required new safety certification, would pay £451 for a licence, which would last for three years, plus around £290 in safety certification and a £59 EPC certificate.
COVID-19 case rates continued to increase this week compared to our previous report. A total 9.7% of 4,288 respiratory specimens reported through the Respiratory DataMart System were identified as COVID-19. This is compared to 7.1% of 4,303 from the previous report.
The overall COVID-19 hospital admission rate for week 34 was 3.37 per 100,000 population, an increase from 3.00 per 100,000 in the previous report.
Intensive care units (ICU) admission rates have increased to 0.11 per 100,000 compared to 0.08 per 100,000 in the previous report.
Hospital admission rates have increased in most age groups.
Those aged 85 years and over continue to have the highest hospital admission rates; these have increased to 34.15 per 100,000 from 32.63 per 100,000 in the previous report. Admission rates among those aged 75 to 84 years have increased to 17.66 per 100,000 from 15.71 per 100,000 in the previous report.
Dr Mary Ramsay, Head of Immunisation at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), said: “Over the last 2 weeks, we have seen an increase in some COVID-19 indicators. This includes hospital admissions and ICU admissions, but these have all stabilised over the last week. While case rates have continued to rise, rates remain low overall, and we will continue to monitor them closely.
“If you are experiencing any symptoms of respiratory illness, you should avoid mixing with other people, especially those who are vulnerable. This will help combat the spread of COVID-19.
“This week, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) announced that the winter vaccination programme has been brought forwardas a precautionary measure to deliver greater protection against the potential impact of BA.2.86 variant. We urge everyone eligible to take up the vaccine when offered.”
New BA.2.86 variant found in Scotland
Scotland has detected its first case of a new Covid variant that is being closely monitored by the World Health Organization.
The BA.2.86 variant is not yet considered a variant of concern but it has a high number of mutations.
Scotland’s winter vaccination programme starts on 4 September, but in response to the new cases PHS and Scottish government are now working to bring winter vaccinations forward for those at the highest risk of becoming seriously ill from flu and Covid-19.
More pupils to benefit from ‘transformative’ programme
The First Minister has encouraged every school in Scotland to join Reading Schools, a Scottish Government-funded programme that supports attainment and benefits pupils’ health and wellbeing.
So far, 371 schools have been awarded Reading Schools accreditation and 511 more have joined the programme – which independent evaluation has shown leads to more pupils reading for pleasure and can help to reduce the poverty-related attainment gap.
It is hoped that every school in Scotland will be a Reading School within three to five years.
In addition to Reading Schools, the First Minister will underline his personal commitment to promoting both literacy and numeracy by supporting the ‘Read Write Count with the First Minister’ programme, which will provide books and literacy materials to children when it opens in the autumn.
The First Minister and the Education Secretary heard about the benefits of Reading Schools during a visit to Claypotts Castle Primary School in Dundee.
First Minister Humza Yousaf said: “I am pleased that the hugely successful First Minister’s Reading Challenge has now evolved into a reading support programme that will benefit even more pupils, and involves the whole school community.
“We know that reading can support improved attainment across the curriculum and that embedding a reading culture in schools can open the door to a lifelong love of books.
“I look forward to working with the Scottish Book Trust and schools across the country on both Reading Schools and the refreshed Read Write Count with the First Minister set to launch in the autumn. These fantastic programmes will support children in improving both literacy and numeracy across Scotland.”
Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said: “Evaluation has shown the clear benefits of Reading Schools to pupils and school staff and I look forward to seeing the impact of this next phase in our work with the Scottish Book Trust.
“I would encourage every school in Scotland to join the programme so that pupils can enjoy all of the positive impacts that reading brings.”
Claypotts Castle Primary School head teacher Nicky Murray said: “The Reading Schools award has allowed us to focus our effort, energy and enthusiasm and protect time within our school improvement agenda to drive forward a culture of reading in our school.
“We have already awarded over 250 certificates to children this year to celebrate their reading achievements and the feedback from families has been overwhelmingly positive.
“The Reading Schools award has given us the opportunity to align our vision of a community and school improvement focus to extend the life and ethos of the school into every home in our local community.”
Marc Lambert , CEO of the Scottish Book Trust, which delivers the Reading Schools programme, said: “We look forward to supporting even more schools on their Reading Schools journey in the years ahead.
“Reading Schools is already having a transformative effect in schools, both on young people and learning professionals, as well as the wider school community.
“We are delighted that the First Minister and Scottish Government continue to show their commitment to literacy and numeracy, benefitting pupils across all ages and stages of their education.”
Detectives have renewed an appeal for information as they continue efforts to locate the bodies of Renee and Andrew MacRae.
Renee, 36, and her three-year-old son Andrew left their home in Inverness on November 12, 1976.
Their BMW car was discovered on fire in a lay-by near Dalmagarry later that evening. Their bodies have never been found.
William MacDowell, then aged 80, was found guilty of their murders at the High Court in Inverness in September 2022. He died in February 2023.
Detective Chief Inspector Brian Geddes said: “Renee and Andrew’s family and friends waited decades for justice, which was served last year.
“However, their bodies have not been found and our investigation continues to explore all possible opportunities open to us to help answer that final, most important question in order to provide Renee and Andrew with the dignity they deserve.
“We continue to review the available evidence to identify any further areas of interest, while also considering whether there are any opportunities that modern technology could assist with in identifying possible deposition sites.
“This review includes considering any properties which may be linked to William MacDowell which he could have used, possibly a derelict building, an empty one or even an occupied one he had use of.
“The time scale would be the early to mid-1970s and we are hoping someone may remember seeing Renee MacRae’s BMW car in an area perhaps with MacDowell’s company Volvo or the family white Range Rover.
“We are also considering possible sites where they may have met during their relationship, possible including the Blackfold area above Loch Ness, Inverfarigaig, and between Nairnside and Daviot.
“This case will never be considered resolved until we find Renee and Andrew. We owe it to the family and friends to make every effort to recover Renee and Andrew’s bodies and I would urge anyone who may be able to assist, no matter how small you may feel your information is, to come forward.”
Anyone who believes they can assist police is asked to contact 101 or you can email SCDHOLMESInverness@scotland.police.uk. You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Over half of Scots (52 per cent) think volunteering could improve their mental health according to a new survey from the British Heart Foundation. It comes as the national charity has also seen a boom in younger volunteers since the pandemic ended.
The British Heart Foundation (BHF), which has around 16,000 volunteers across its shops and stores, and supporting roles from home, has also revealed that over half of its new retail volunteer recruits this year are Gen Z.
A new survey of 1,000 people in Scotland has highlighted that Scots believe volunteering could improve their mental health, boost confidence, and reduce loneliness.
The survey also found that over nine in 10 (94 per cent) of Gen Z respondents nationally would consider volunteering, compared with just under three quarters (74 per cent) of Baby Boomers (people aged 59-77+) respondents.
Flexibility stood out as a key factor for Scottish respondents when it comes to volunteering, with 48 per cent of Scots saying they would be more likely to volunteer if flexible hours were offered, and nearly a quarter (24 per cent) would consider volunteering from home
Further results showed that for 30 per cent of Scottish respondents (32 per cent), the biggest barrier to volunteering in a charity shop was not having time to commit to it regularly. With flexible roles offered, and even the option to volunteer from home, it’s now much easier for anyone to get involved and try out volunteering at the BHF.
Harry McCaughey, a 17-year-old BHF volunteer, initially signed up to gain some work experience and develop his confidence in meeting and socialising with other people. He volunteers at his local shop on the weekends while he studies and loves the social atmosphere and the mix of people and ages in the team. After his A Levels, Harry hopes to go to university and have a career in dermatology.
Harry said: “I started volunteering to meet new people, and it’s been great to get to know people that I wouldn’t otherwise have met and hear advice from those that are older than me.
“I’d encourage younger people to volunteer, it’s a great way to expand your social circle and build confidence and responsibility at work.”
David McColgan, Head of the British Heart Foundation (BHF) in Scotlandsaid: “Since the pandemic, it’s been great to see consistently high numbers of young people choose to try out volunteering. The flexibility we offers makes it ideal for those looking to gain work experience and build confidence before applying for jobs or heading to university.
“Our easy, flexible, and inclusive approach aims to make volunteering more accessible for all. We encourage everyone to bring their skills to the BHF, whether it’s for one day or one hundred. Whether you want to chat to customers on the shop floor, sort through donations in the stock room, style the mannequins in the window, stay active in the warehouse or research eBay items from home, we have the role for you.”
A recent volunteer photoshoot saw the charity use only real volunteers in their images, rather than models, marking a new direction the charity is taking to reflect the real diversity of their volunteers.
Multrees Walk, Edinburgh’s most stylish destination, announces the expansion of the designer retailer Louis Vuitton, in Edinburgh. Louis Vuitton – the world’s leading high-quality products group – has been extended from 3,072 square feet to over 6,500 square feet, doubling in size.
Opening in Edinburgh over 20 years ago, Louis Vuitton was the second store to open in Multrees Walk. Over the last 2 decades, the retailer has established a loyal clientele throughout both Edinburgh and Scotland. Coupled with the added benefit from the recovery in international travel and tourism and a demand from international students, the Edinburgh store has gone from strength to strength.
The solid growth for the brand and outstanding performance and demand for the fashion and leather goods, has granted the retailer the opportunity to double in size.
Commenting on the expansion, Adam Stone, Head of Retail Asset Management UK at Nuveen said: “Multrees Walk has become home to many leading and exclusive fashion brands, and we are proud to announce the next chapter for Louis Vuitton.
“As one of our first retailers to open, to see Louis Vuitton trade so successfully to the point where they decided to upsize their store and expand their product offering in Edinburgh is fantastic and testament to the strong trading environment offered by Multrees Walk.
“We look forward to continuing to evolve the retail offering by welcoming further High-End Luxury retailers in the near future.”
Offering a prime location, Multrees Walk provides a luxury shopping experience in the heart of Edinburgh and houses many exclusive fashion brands including Louis Vuitton.
Louis Vuitton, Edinburgh is the only store in Scotland and has cemented its reputation as the destination for designer leather goods.
With only 77 sleeps until the opening of Christmas at the Botanics, fans of seasonal festivities can look forward to a host of new and spectacular botanical-themed installations which will create this year’s awe-inspiring after-dark experience at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.
Running from 16 November to 30 December, Christmas at the Botanics will once again transform the Garden with a reimagined trail featuring new installations created by artists both local to Edinburgh and from around the world.
The latest new installations confirmed for the 2023 trail include:
Dragonflies will appear to defy gravity as they are suspended over the serene Botanic Pond. This installation of six dragonflies measuring almost two metres in length has been created by local artist, Martha Ellis, who has a studio in Edinburgh. Martha’s work takes inspiration from pop artist Roy Lichtenstein and contemporary Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama.
Fire Dancers will be part of this year’s Fire Garden and has been created by artist Maria Hingerty, previously associate director ofThe World Famous, one of the leading firework and pyrotechnic performance companies in the world. This unique installation takesinspiration from Maria’s own joyful memories of celebratory gatherings, representing the ideas of unity and hope that are associated with the festive period.
Also new for 2023 is the introduction of off-peak tickets. Available on selected evenings in November and December, these tickets enable visitors to make savings on their ticket purchase.
All the new and returning installations along the one-mile illuminated trail are low in energy and have been selected to complement the Botanics’ environment.
Simon Milne, the Regius Keeper of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, said: “This year’s transformed Christmas at the Botanics trail promises our visitors a new and impressive nocturnal Garden exploration and will be a fabulous festive outing for friends and families. I am very proud of our team’s artistic and fun creations that bring together Christmas, plants, light, and creativity.
“The introduction of off-peak tickets will enable more people to join us this year, and it is important to note that all profits from Christmas at the Botanics will help advance our national and international plant research, conservation, and education programmes.”
Tickets for this year’s show are on sale. For further ticket information, pricing, and timings, please visit www.rbge.org.uk/christmas. Visitors are encouraged to book in advance to guarantee their preferred timeslot.
Christmas at the Botanics is one of nine illuminated trails staged across the UK by leading events promoter Raymond Gubbay Limited, a division of Sony Music. Christmas at the Botanics is presented in partnership with the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and creative producer Culture Creative.
The 2022 trail at the Botanics attracted its biggest audience, welcoming more than 95,000 visitors over its six-week run.
For more details visit www.rbge.org.uk/christmas and follow @mychristmastrails on Facebook and Instagram.
