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Watermans offer FREE ticket giveaway for Forth on the Fringe

A law firm, sponsoring a comedy event? Yep, you have read that correctly. Watermans, a Scottish-based law firm, are proud to announce their sponsorship of Forth 1’s “Forth on the Fringe” event for 2023 and are supporting with a free ticket giveaway!

The acclaimed show, taking place on the 4th and 5th of August, will be hosted at the world-renowned Edinburgh Playhouse, and will see an array of comedy and musical acts take to the stage across three showtimes, with two evening shows and a matinee performance confirmed.

This is the first time in five years that sponsorship for the event has been up for grabs – and the Scottish law firm jumped at the chance to support the infamous entertainment show.

Why, you ask? Well, Watermans aren’t your regular legal firm. A full-service solicitor and estate agent, the company prides itself on breaking the “stuffy, traditional” solicitor mould. And what better way to do that than by sponsoring an iconic Scottish comedy show?

With acts including Jason Byrne, Jon Culshaw and Patrick Monahan, this year’s event simply isn’t one to be missed.

And what’s more, Watermans have 6x tickets to give away (one pair for each show) so lucky winners can experience all the fun of the theatre – for free!

On 24^th July, the law firm will be posting videos of their winning tickets hidden in places across Edinburgh. To enter, contestants simply interact with their social channels and try to guess the locations around the city – winners will be announced 31^st July.

Speaking about their involvement in this year’s Fringe Festival, Watermans Managing Director Scott Whyte, said: “Watermans are delighted to be partnering with Forth 1 and their Forth on the Fringe event. This has long been one of the must-see attractions during the Festival and we look forward to being part of this showcase event.

‘It is a great privilege for us to be involved in the world-renowned Fringe festival this year and I am sure we are in for an exciting month ahead as Edinburgh welcomes performers and visitors from all over the world.”

With offices in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Dundee, the modern law firm is dedicated to offering straightforward legal advice – without the jargon. So, how many solicitor-related jokes can you think of?

Tickets for the Forth on the Fringe event are priced from £27.40, plus a booking fee. More information about the show and participants, along with ticket availability, can be found here.

Improving Scotland’s maternity and neonatal care

New intensive care model for the highest risk pre-term babies

Three specialist intensive care neonatal units for babies born at highest risk will be based in Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Care for babies born at less than 27 weeks, lighter than 800 grams or who need complex life support, will be provided by Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU) at Aberdeen Maternity Unit, Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and Queen Elizabeth University Hospital.

The new model of neonatal intensive care was recommended by The Best Start Report and is based on evidence that care for babies at highest risk is safest in units which can treat a high volume of patients.

Neonatal units in Ninewells in Dundee, Princess Royal Maternity in Glasgow, Wishaw General, Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy and Crosshouse Hospital in Kilmarnock will continue as local neonatal units to provide neonatal care for their populations.

Women’s Health Minister Jenni Minto said: “These three Neonatal Intensive Care Units will offer the most specialist and complex care in fewer centres for the most pre-term and sickest babies.

“Local neonatal units will continue to offer care to babies who need it, including a level of neonatal intensive care, and no neonatal units are closing as part of these plans. This decision has been made in line with advice from expert clinicians.

“I would like to thank all of those who have worked with us to look at how we can best deliver the changes recommended by the Best Start Report and will offer increased care for those who need it most, before they are able to return to one of our other excellent local neonatal units across the country.”

Lesley Jackson, Clinical Lead for the Scottish Neonatal Network and a Consultant Neonatologist in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde said: ““I very much welcome this change to the provision of neonatal intensive care, which will enable clinical teams to deliver the best outcomes for the smallest and sickest babies born in Scotland.

“The neonatal community is committed to working collaboratively to deliver the new model of neonatal care for our patients and families.”

Caroline Lee-Davey, Bliss Chief Executive said: ““At Bliss, we believe the proposed changes have the potential to improve the quality of neonatal services in Scotland, as well as improve the care provided to babies and their families.

“Reconfiguring services will help to make sure that the smallest and sickest babies requiring highly specialist intensive care every year will receive the best and safest care at a unit fully equipped for their needs.

“It is crucial for parents to be by their baby’s side in hospital, playing a hands-on role as partners in care with the medical team. When babies have to be transferred further from home to receive the best care, appropriate support must be provided to enable their parents to be at their cot side as much as possible, including through the Young Patients Family Fund, which enables families to claim financial assistance to support them during their baby’s neonatal stay.”

EE boosts capital’s mobile capacity ahead of influx of festival visitors

New mobile ‘mini-masts’ have been installed by EE on street furniture like lamp-posts and phone boxes in Edinburgh to help boost mobile coverage in the busiest areas of the city.

The Scottish capital is the UK’s second most popular tourist destination after London, and the mobile mast installations come as the city prepares for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

During August, it’s estimated that the population of the city doubles, as more than 500,000 people visit for the festivals.

The mini antennas, known as small cells, are now delivering enhanced 4G capacity in high demand areas of the city. Small cells take advantage of existing street assets, such as BT’s iconic red telephone boxes, to help enhance street-level mobile coverage in busy areas where it’s impractical to build larger masts, such as city-centres and transport hubs.

In Edinburgh, EE has worked with partners including Edinburgh Council and Nokia to deploy small cells to boost capacity in busy locations including the Royal Mile, University of Edinburgh, Princes Street, Chambers Street and the National Museum, and the West End.

Responding to the news, Shona McCarthy, Chief Executive of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, said: “Visitors to the festival are increasingly using their smartphones for electronic ticketing, searching programme listings, booking tickets on the go, and navigating to the various venues.

“Many of these are things visitors will be able to do from the new official EdFringe app. People are also keen to share their experiences with friends and family and social media throughout the festival.

“All of this depends on having good access to mobile networks. It’s vital therefore that the city’s mobile networks can cope with this significant increase in demand during the summer. We welcome any steps like these new mini mobile masts to help boost network capacity in these busy locations.”

As well as being located on phone boxes, lamp-posts and CCTV columns, EE can also install small cells on BT’s innovative new digital Street Hubs.

James Hope, Director of Mobile Radio Access Networks at EE, said: “Edinburgh is a prime example of a city that can benefit from these small cell masts.

“The city is said to be built on seven hills and has plenty of old buildings, all of which pose a challenge to mobile coverage. It also sees huge peaks in mobile traffic in confined areas during major events. Small cells help customers continue to benefit from our fastest 4G speeds, even at the busiest times and in the most congested of locations.

“Our new digital Street Hubs also have the potential to help increase the number of small cells in the city. We’ll continue to discuss our plans with the council and we hope that Edinburgh will join other cities, such as Glasgow and Birmingham, where our new Street Hubs are already providing communities with the digital facilities needed for the future.”

14 mini masts are already live in Edinburgh, with four more sites to go live by the end of July. EE plans to deploy more small cell sites throughout the city in areas where it forecasts network congestion.

Save Our Ticket Offices!

CONSULTATION ENDS TODAY

As the public consultation on proposed changes to ticket offices entered its final week, Transport Focus and London TravelWatch had received more than 100,000 responses.

The consultation on train operator proposals to close the majority of ticket offices in England ends today (Wednesday 26 July.

Launched at the start of the month, the consultation provides people with the opportunity to have their say on how operators sell tickets at stations.

Transport Focus wants to hear from as many people as possible on what the proposals would mean for them and how they might be impacted.

Transport Focus chief executive Anthony Smith, said: “We’ve had a huge response to the consultation so far, with 100,000 responses received already and one week still to go for people to make their voices heard.

“There’s still time to respond to the consultation if you haven’t done so yet. We want to hear from everyone, so we can consider the needs of all station users and local communities.”

Transport Focus will scrutinise the train company proposals and any mitigations in detail, alongside the public responses, to inform its response.

Transport Focus will be considering issues such as whether the station will continue to be staffed, accessibility, the alternative options for buying tickets and whether passengers will continue to be able to access station facilities like lifts, waiting rooms and toilets.

It is a regulatory requirement as part of the process that Transport Focus and passengers are consulted. Transport Focus will review the impact of the proposed changes and passenger comments received before responding to train operator proposals.

For more information and to take part in the consultation visit:

transportfocus.org.uk/ticketoffices

LOTHIAN MSP Foysol Choudhury is supporting the campaign to keep ticket offices open. He said: “Passengers rely on good connectivity through our train network, whether it be for work or leisure.

“What’s more, many passengers rely on ticket offices in stations to guide them through a journey and help them with buying tickets for a stress-free experience.

“This is especially true of older people or those without digital connectivity, who might not have the ability to book tickets on their phone.

“They are also a massive resource for tourists, such as the thousands who visit Scotland, to help them enjoy trips in what might be an unfamiliar environment.

“That’s why the plans to remove, or reduce the opening hours of, ticket offices for many train operators would be so catastrophic.

“Not only will this affect passengers on train services leaving Scotland, for example, the Avanti West Coast services leaving Glasgow, but it will also affect the huge numbers of passengers who wish to buy tickets in England to travel up to Scotland.

“Just the other week, I was travelling back home to Scotland from England and had difficulties buying tickets on my phone in the station due to connection issues, so much so that I missed the train I wanted to get on.

“If this was difficult for me, I can only imagine how difficult it would be for somebody who was less able to use a smartphone or navigate the complex booking and payment process online.

“Without ticket offices, passenger service could be drastically worsened due to poor accessibility, restricted access to best value tickets and a devastating lack of support for ease of journeys.

“This will also lead to a de-staffing of stations, which could worsen passenger safety, security and experience.

“The consultation runs until TODAY – 26^th July 2023.

“Have your say to save your ticket offices: https://www.transportfocus.org.uk/train-station-ticket-office-consultation/?fbclid=IwAR1PF3EU7zI7bF8jXJd0KRHsRKvngWTL-dXTbivrBhtfZWArQW2GuaNizkk ”

New medal to recognise British humanitarian heroes

A new medal recognising people who have responded during a major humanitarian crisis is being introduced

Deputy Prime Minister unveils a new medal for those who respond to humanitarian crises such as conflict and natural disasters.
Medal one of the first new awards to be approved by His Majesty The King, on advice from the government.

A new medal to recognise people who have responded selflessly during or after a major humanitarian crisis has been announced by the UK Government.

The Humanitarian Medal will be awarded to staff in public service organisations and charities, who respond in support of human welfare or in the immediate aftermath of a crisis.

Recipients will be people who have responded to major humanitarian disasters, such as those who have provided disaster relief or helped those in need in conflict zones.

Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden said: “Britain has a long and proud tradition of being first in line to help those in need, wherever they may be in the world.

“This new medal is a fitting tribute to our humanitarian heroes who put the needs of others before their own, often in the most challenging or dangerous environments.”

The UK has consistently been a world leader in providing humanitarian assistance.

The Humanitarian Medal will be awarded to those who have responded to emergencies both abroad and in the UK, including:

Natural disasters, such as earthquakes, tsunamis, hurricanes and floods
Conflict related crises
Biological emergencies, such as an epidemic
Large industrial accidents

An example of the kind of service which the medal will recognise is the work by civilian and military organisations following the outbreak of Ebola across West Africa in 2015, which the UK marked with a bespoke Ebola Medal.

International Development Minister Andrew Mitchell said: “At a time when the world faces increasing crises, this new Humanitarian Medal recognises the unsung humanitarian heroes who go above and beyond to provide aid when disasters hit.

“I applaud the efforts of those who show such courage and serve as inspiration in a range of desperate situations.

“Our work around the world depends on these extraordinary people, and this award honours their outstanding contribution in responding to a major crisis.”

The new medal will be similar to a military operational medal, in which it will seek to acknowledge service given in response to a specific event.

Civil servants, charity workers, as well as military personnel, the emergency services, such as the police and heath workers, working on behalf of the UK Government will be eligible.

The design, which has been approved by HM The King, features laurel wreaths symbolising victory in overcoming a crisis, interwoven with a banner proclaiming “For humanitarian service”. The obverse will bear an effigy of His Majesty The King.

The ribbon design reflects the different paths for humanitarian service and the variety of services involved in such responses. The ribbon has a central stripe of white to represent civilians and peace, with four narrow stripes on either side of red, light blue, dark blue and purple. Red represents humanitarian organisations. Dark blue and purple represent the other services.

Government departments will be responsible for developing recommendations for use of the medal to the Committee on the Grant of Honours, Decorations and Medals. Recommendations for medal awards will then be submitted to approval for His Majesty The King.

The government is committed to making sure honours represent the length and breadth of the country, celebrating the fantastic contribution of people from every corner of the UK.

PoppyScotland to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the end of the Korean War

On Thursday 27th July 2023, it will have been 70 years since the signing of the Korean Armistice Agreement, which intended to bring a complete cessation of the hostilities of the Korean War.

On Thursday 27th July 2023, veterans’, the Armed Forces community, and members of the public, will gather at the Scottish Korean War Memorial, which is situated in Bathgate, West Lothian, at 10:00 for a wreath laying service.

The service at the Scottish Korean War Memorial will run prior to a UK service, which will be held at Horse Guards Parade, London, later that morning.

The Korean War, which ran from 1950 to 1953, has become known as the ‘Forgotten War’ due to its relative proximity to the end of the Second World War, and the beginning of the Cold War.

Yet, nearly 1,100 British Servicemen lost their lives to this conflict when the UK entered the war as part of a United Nations coalition which was tasked with defending South Korea from North Korean aggression.

As well as the deaths of over 1000 British Servicemen in this conflict, roughly 60,000 British Servicemen were involved in the conflict, with 2500 wounded.

Commenting on this anniversary, Austin Hardie, Director of Poppyscotland, said: “It is true that the Korean war is often overlooked when we think of yesterday’s conflicts, but this year we have an important opportunity to remember those that served in this conflict, those that were wounded, and those that paid the ultimate price in service to their nation.

“During this conflict, conditions were tough, battles were tougher, and many British servicemen endured significant ordeals.

“When they arrived home, unlike at the end of the Second World War, there was little fanfare, and even less appreciation for what had been endured by our brave military personnel.

“That is why I am glad that there will be proper commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the signing of the Korean Armistice Agreement – it is important for veterans’ of this conflict, and, of course, their families, to have the opportunity to reflect on their personal sacrifice, and for us, and wider society, to offer them our thanks for their dutiful service to the maintenance of democracy both at home and oversees.”

Barratt Developments to deliver 270 affordable homes in Edinburgh and The Lothians

Barratt Developments is on track to deliver 270 new affordable homes across Edinburgh and the Lothians this year.

Cammo Meadows in Edinburgh, Leith’s Merchant Quay and St Clair Mews in Roslin, will all benefit from affordable housing this year, with a total of 270 homes earmarked for the region.

Barratt Developments – which consists of Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes – is working closely with affordable housing providers and local authorities to construct much needed new homes for both mid-market and social rent as part of its East of Scotland developments. The delivery includes a wide range of homes on each site in order to best meet the affordable need in the area.

Harbour Homes has been working in partnership with the housebuilder and recently completed 43 mid-market and social rent properties at Merchant Quay. These will consist of one, two and three-bedroom apartments.

Meanwhile, Places for People recently delivered 114 properties at Cammo Meadows in partnership with Barratt, which includes one and two-bedroom flats and three-bed terraces.

On the outskirts of the city in Midlothian, 53 social rent properties are in development with Midlothian Council. Due for completion this autumn, these will include two-bed cottage flats and a mix of three-bedroom semi-detached and terraced homes.

Cammo Meadows also has also completed 50 apartments and terraces for sale through Edinburgh Council’s Golden Share Scheme, while Merchant Quay development has recently completed 10 Golden Share homes. The scheme consists of homes which are sold at 80% of their market value, while buyers still own 100% of the property.

While a significant number of plots have already completed, all properties will be ready to move into by October.

Cllr Stuart McKenzie, Midlothian Cabinet member with responsibility for Housing, said: “There is a real and growing need for affordable homes in Midlothian. “

Midlothian Council is currently active on 13 sites, building 552 Council homes for our communities. Working in partnership with developers is an important source of new affordable housing and we are delighted to have contracted Barratt to build 53 homes for us at Roslin.

“This mix of flats and houses with two and three bedrooms are due to be delivered ahead of schedule.”

Heather Kiteley, Group Chief Executive of Harbour Homes, said: “We are pleased to have been part of this rewarding partnership which has created 43 new affordable homes in Leith, transforming disused brownfield sites into thriving communities.

“Demand for social and mid-market rent homes in the north of the city is especially high, and we are committed to providing brilliant places to live where they are needed most.”

Katie Smart, Director at Places for People Scotland, said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Barratt Homes at Cammo Meadows in Edinburgh.

“At Places for People, we work to change lives by creating and supporting thriving communities and Cammo Meadows is no exception. Working with Barratt Homes we are thrilled to bring 114 new much-needed affordable homes to the area.”

Nick Wright, Development Director at Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes East Scotland, said: “Barratt and David Wilson have a strong track record in delivering affordable homes in the east of Scotland.

“This year alone, we are incredibly proud to be able to deliver 270 affordable homes across our Edinburgh and Lothian developments in partnership with our housing association and local authority partners.

“At Barratt Developments, we’re committed to building quality homes across the breadth of the country, including our East Scotland developments. These affordable homes will enhance the lives of those within the local community by creating modern, energy efficient accommodation in desirable locations.”

For more information on Barratt Developments in Scotland, visit:

https://www.barratthomes.co.uk/new-homes/scotland-east/

Tandem Against Suicide

Xani cycles 3,500 miles of UK Coast in memory of his sister

Xani, 34, lost his sister Alice to suicide in January 2022. Over the years, they had talked about the idea of Alice joining Xani on the back of a tandem bicycle to build her confidence cycling around Edinburgh. “We never made time for it. Now it’s too late, and it’s one of my biggest regrets,” says Xani.

“Since Alice’s death, I’ve learned an enormous amount from others who have lost someone to suicide. On this tandem ride (88 days and about 3500 miles around the coast of mainland UK), I’ll be joined, each day, by a different person who has been affected by suicide.

“I want to listen to them, learn from them and share their stories. People who’ve lost someone to suicide have important things to say, and we should all listen because suicidal thoughts and feelings can happen to anyone. You never think this kind of thing will happen to you until it does.”

With this challenge, Xani is hoping to raise money and awareness for two charities doing important work to stop and support those affected by suicide, including SOBS (Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide) and Papyrus UK (Prevention of Young Suicide) and to date, has raised almost £24.5k via his JustGiving fundraising page.

“I have attended the SOBS (Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide) groups for almost a year. I’ve learned a tremendous amount from everyone who attends – people from all walks of life who have lost someone to suicide.

“In my view, only people who’ve had this devastating experience can really understand what it feels like, and SOBS gives free, monthly, face-to-face support all over the UK.

People travel great distances to attend our local group. Those that have lost someone to suicide are at greater risk of suicide themselves. The SOBS groups are lifesavers. There needs to be more of them, and the volunteers need support and training.

Papyrus campaign train people and do everything they can to prevent youth suicide. If more people accessed their training, we would surely have a public that’s better equipped to talk to and support those with suicidal thoughts.”

Xani, now on day 58, started his cycle on 29th May 2023 from Portobello and is no stranger to cycling long distances.

“I was an Edinburgh Rickshaw driver for five years, so I’m used to pedalling people up steep hills! Also, a very long time ago now, a friend and I cycled from Edinburgh to Istanbul – before Google Maps!

“When people found out how far we were going, they opened their doors and supported us. I’ve already found the same generosity with this cycle.”

Set to complete his 88-day cycle on Wednesday, 23rd August, Xani reflects, “So, this isn’t a ride with Alice, but it is a ride for Alice and for everyone who struggles with suicidal thoughts.”

You can see Xani’s full Tandem Against Suicide route here.

Police: Did you see this black Skoda?

About 1730hrs, on Sunday 2nd July 2023, a black Skoda has been travelling in convoy with a Silver Honda from Tesco, Meadow Place Road, westbound along Meadow Place Road towards Broomhouse roundabout and then onto Broomhouse Drive.

This vehicle has been involved in a road traffic collision.

If anyone has been in the area at that time and witnessed the incident or has dash cam footage of the vehicles, please contact 101 quoting incident number 2614 of 02/07/23.

Shirts, shorts and shades: Queen’s Manor BBQ

LOCAL CARE HOME HOSTS SUMMER BBQ

Staff, residents, relatives and the visitors came together at Queens Manor to enjoy a BBQ that was held in the home’s grounds – with the theme of ‘shirts, shorts and shades’.

The hospitality team at Queens Manor served a selection of BBQ favourites including beef burgers, cajun chicken, halloumi & pepper kebabs, alongside all of the traditional favourites of coleslaw, beetroot, potato salad and sauces which were enjoyed by everyone who came to the event.

Staff and residents enjoyed getting dressed up for the occasion, with some wearing their ‘nicest’ and ‘worst’ holiday shirts, Swim shorts & diamonte shorts, colourful clothing and fun hats! With music playing, drinks flowing and plenty of laughter – it was a lovely day.

Resident Caroline Taylor said, “I thoroughly enjoyed the day surrounded by lots of great people. Thankfully the sun showed up for the day and we managed to sit outside.

“Staff did a great job, not just on the day, but organising the event and getting everyone together.”

Shannon Cullen, Senior Head of Lifestyle and Enrichment at the home, said: “The team at Queens Manor are dedicated to making sure that the home full of activities and fun, 24/7.

“With a full lifestyle programme ranging from gardening, baking, quizzes and events like this, Queens manor is always a hive of activity.”

Queens Manor care home is 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.

Queens Manor provides residential care, dementia care & respite care for 60 residents from respite care to long term stays.