Author: davepickering

Edinburgh reporter and photographer

F1 stars, comedy icons and whisky masters head to Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy

If you’re looking for something different to do in the centre of Edinburgh this summer, then look no further than Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy (EFDA).

Whether you’re visiting Scotland’s capital on holiday, or live nearby and need some new ideas for a date night or day out with friends, EFDA offers something for everyone.

From whisky and food pairing, to behind-the-scenes conversations with Formula 1 experts and comedy cook-alongs, EFDA has you covered this summer season:  

A taste of Scotland – whisky and food pairing event

Interested in learning more about Scottish whisky, or discovering how to pair it beautifully with food? Master of the Quaich, Annabel Meikle, is hosting dedicated whisky and food pairing events at Edinburgh Food and Drink Academy throughout the summer – perfect for those new to Scotch or looking to deepen their appreciation. 

Over the course of the event, Annabel will lead guests through a nosing and tasting of three whiskies from Wemyss Malts. Further elevating the sensory experience, each whisky will be paired with premium charcuterie and cheese from I.J. Mellis, and artisan chocolate from Edinburgh-based Quirky Chocolate. 

Attendees will learn how to nose and taste whisky, identify key flavour notes, and gain the confidence to create the perfect pairings at home. Tickets cost just £45 p/p with events taking place on Friday 24 July, Friday 14 August and Thursday 27 August.

Insights from the Formula 1 Pit Lane

Get your pit-lane pass with Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy this August during an exclusive conversation with Bernie Collins, former Head of Race Strategy at Aston Martin F1 and current Sky Sports F1 analyst, and Ryan McGarva, former Mercedes-AMG Petronas pit crew member and mechanic to seven-time world champion, Lewis Hamilton. 

During the hour-long conversation, Bernie and Ryan will share behind-the-scenes insights from life in the pit lane, reflect on their careers working alongside some of the biggest names in motorsport, and discuss the split-second strategy and teamwork that shapes every race weekend – from the nutritional prep to the winners podium. 

An exclusive cook and dine session with Bernie and Ryan will follow, allowing just 14 guests to make fresh ricotta-filled tortellini (inspired by the forthcoming Italian Grand Prix) alongside EFDA’s professional chefs. 

Taking place on Saturday 15 August, tickets cost £95.00 for the Insights from the F1 Pit Lane conversation session or £180 for both the conversation and the cook and dine session. 

Laughter on the menu: Comedy Cook Offs with The Stand Comedy Club

Combine your love of comedy with delicious food by attending a Comedy Cook Off at Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy this August.

Throughout the month, comedians will challenge each other to cook dishes live in the EFDA Demonstration Kitchen while trading their best jokes. Audience members will then get to sample the finished dishes and vote on who they think deserves to be crowned the culinary champion.

In partnership with The Stand Comedy Club, the events, hosted by Bruce Devlin, take place throughout the month of August with tickets costing just £20 per person. 

For more information or to book your summer experience, visit www.efda.co.uk. 

From plot to plate with EFDA & Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh 

This summer, Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy and the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) are partnering for a series of Gardener and Chef events, showing attendees how to make the most of home-grown garden produce. 

With a shared passion for showcasing Scotland’s natural larder, the programme brings together the best of the culinary and botanical worlds. Equipping attendees with practical kitchen skills alongside a deeper understanding of seasonal planting, the events will run from 10am and combine hands-on time in the RBGE kitchen garden with live cookery demonstrations. 

With dedicated sessions on both fermenting and pickling and seasonal summer cooking, attendees will leave with the skills and knowledge to create nutritious, vibrant meals and snacks at home. 

Running until the end of September the events will take place at Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, with tickets ranging from £126 p/p to £137 p/p. More information can be found at www.rbge.org.uk. 

Master the art of Scottish shortbread 

Whether you’re a local resident or simply visiting Edinburgh, why not take the time this summer to master the art of Scottish shortbread?

Throughout the summer, Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy will be hosting The Wee Walk-in Shortbread Workshops, a 90-minute session offering a concise and authentic introduction to Scotland’s most iconic bake.

Create your very own Shortbread Petticoat Tails on select Thursdays during the summer period for just £50 per person. 

Last but certainly not least, looking to use your summer to kick-start a new career?

Whether you’re interested in becoming a professional chef, a food and drink entrepreneur, want to learn more about the different career opportunities in the food and drink industry, or use your summer to upskill and embark on paid holidays working in ski chalets and on board private yachts, EFDA offers something for everyone.

Edinburgh Food and Drink Academy launch event

From the five-day Seasonal Chef Host Course to the 12-week Diploma in Professional Cookery, including a new evening-only class, use this summer to sign up to transform your life and embark on a culinary adventure.

For more information, visit www.efda.co.uk. 

574 senior NHS managers earn more than the prime minister

  • NHS Rich List finds that 574 senior NHS managers had higher salaries than the prime minister, an increase of 12 per cent in a single year.
     
  • 1,758 senior managers received more than £100,000 in total remuneration in 2024-25. This is an increase of 3.8 per cent from 2023-24.
     
  • The number of NHS senior managers receiving at least £300,000 in total remuneration more than doubled to 292 people. An increase of 134 per cent in a single year. 
     
  • TaxPayers’ Alliance research presents senior salaries alongside A&E waiting times, revealing failing hospital bosses taking pay rises in defiance of Labour pledge to link pay and performance.

Following the appointment of Yvette Cooper as the new health secretary, the TaxPayers’ Alliance (TPA) today reveals there were 574 senior managers in the NHS on a higher salary than the prime minister last year.

The NHS Rich List shows that across the 220 NHS Trusts, 1,758 senior managers received over £100,000 in total remuneration, with the number of NHS senior managers receiving at least £300,000 in total remuneration more than doubling to 292. 

While few would disagree with paying doctors and nurses properly, the NHS Rich List shows that managers in hospitals with poor A&E performance and long waiting times from referral to treatment (RTT) are still picking up handsome remuneration packages at taxpayers’ expense.

Total remuneration includes salary, expenses, benefits, bonuses and pension contributions. Looking at salaries alone, 1,603 managers had salary entitlements of at least £100,000, including 319 receiving between £200,000 and £300,000, and 17 who received over £300,000. 

After the previous health secretary Wes Streeting announced that NHS leaders would face a new carrot and stick performance drive, the TPA is calling on the new health secretary Yvette Cooper to follow through with these plans and properly link performance to pay inside the NHS.

The Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals had the senior manager with the highest salary in 2024-25, with chief executive, J Mackey, receiving £377,500, including up to £94,000 moonlighting in other NHS jobs. The trust was ranked 41 out of 140 in England for A&E waiting times.

The worst performing trust for A&E waiting times was East Cheshire for the second consecutive year. The chief executive officer, G J Murphy, had a total remuneration package of £377,500 in 2024-25, rising from £172,500 in 2023-24 despite the persistent poor A&E waiting times. The trust had 7 senior managers who received over £100,000 in total remuneration overall.

Cambridgeshire and Peterborough had the worst referral to treatment waiting time of 149 trusts, ranking last for the second consecutive year. The chief medical director, Catherine Walsh, had total remuneration of £322,500 in 2024-25.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL RESEARCH

Key findings:

  • In 2024-25, there were 1,758 senior managers receiving £100,000 or more in total remuneration (comprising salary, expenses, benefits, bonuses and pension benefits) across 220 NHS trusts, an increase of 3.8 per cent from 2023-24.
  • Of these, 1,603 had a salary of £100,000 or more, comprising:
    • 17 who had salaries over £300,000
    • 319 who had salaries between £200,000 and £300,000
    • 1,267 who had salaries between £100,000 and £200,000
    • 574 senior managers had a salary greater than the prime minister’s £172,153 salary entitlement in 2024-25, up from 512 in 2023-24, an increase of 12 per cent. 
  • 574 senior managers had a salary greater than the prime minister’s £172,153 salary entitlement in 2024-25, up from 512 in 2023-24, an increase of 12 per cent.
  • The number of NHS senior managers receiving at least £300,000 in total remuneration increased by 134 per cent in a single year, rising from 125 in 2023-24 to 292 in 2024-25.

Highest salary

  • The Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals had the senior manager with the highest salary in 2024-25, with chief executive, J Mackey, receiving £377,500 (£382,500 total remuneration). The trust was ranked 41 out of 140 in England for A&E waiting time.
  • This was followed by West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals, where chief medical officer, M Van Der Watt, received £372,500 in 2024-25 (£372,500 total remuneration). 
  • Next was Guy’s and St Thomas’, where chief executive, I Abbs, received a salary of £337,500 in 2024-25 (£347,500 total remuneration).

Highest salary in Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish NHS organisations

  • Crawford McGuffie, medical director at NHS Ayrshire and Arran, was the senior manager with the highest salary in Scotland in 2024-25, at £247,500. The trust was ranked 11 of 14 for A&E waiting times in Scotland.
  • C Shillabeer, chief executive of Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, had the highest salary of any senior manager in Wales in 2024-25 at £262,500. The health board was ranked 6 of 7 for RTT waiting time and 7 of 7 for A&E waiting time in Wales.
  • South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust had the senior manager with the highest salary in Northern Ireland in 2024-25, with medical director, C Martyn, receiving £242,500.

Notable individuals

  • Nottingham University Hospitals was ranked 133 of 149 for RTT waiting times and 131 of 140 for A&E waiting times in England. Their chief nurse, T Pilcher, had total remuneration of £712,500 in 2024-25.
  • Chesterfield Royal Hospital was ranked 136 of 149 for RTT waiting times and 124 of 140 for A&E waiting times in England. Their medical director, Kevin Sargen, had a total remuneration of £542,500 in 2024-25.
  • University Hospitals Sussex was ranked 144 of 149 for RTT waiting times and 122 of 140 for A&E waiting times in England. Their chief executive, George Findley, received £492,500 in total remuneration in 2024-25, including £32,500 in performance pay.
  • Cardiff and Vale University Health Board was ranked last (7 of 7) for RTT waiting times and 5 of 7 for A&E waiting times in Wales. Executive director of therapies and health science, Emma Cooke, received £367,500 in total remuneration in 2024-25.
  • NHS Lanarkshire ranked 14 of 14 for A&E waiting times in Scotland. Their medical director, C Deighan, received £462,500 in total remuneration in 2024-25.

Best and worst performing trusts by A&E waiting time (England)

  • Humber Teaching had the best A&E waiting time of 140 trusts. Six senior managers received over £100,000 in remuneration. The senior manager with the highest total remuneration in the trust was medical director, Kwame Opoku-Fofie, at £272,500 in 2024-25.
  • East Cheshire remained the worst performing trust for A&E waiting times for the second consecutive year, ranking last in both 2023-24 and 2024-25. The chief executive officer, G J Murphy, had total remuneration of £377,500 in 2024-25, rising from £172,500 in 2023-24 despite the persistent poor A&E waiting times.

Best and worst performing trusts by RTT waiting time (England)

  • Mersey Care had the best RTT waiting time of 149 trusts. The senior manager with the highest total remuneration in the trust was chief nurse and director of infection, prevention and control, Jenny Hurst, at £297,500 in 2024-25.
  • Cambridgeshire and Peterborough had the worst RTT waiting time of 149 trusts, ranking last for the second consecutive year. The chief medical director, Catherine Walsh, had total remuneration of £322,500 in 2024-25.

Highest salary by function 

  • Digital: Neil Darvill, chief digital information officer shared between North Bristol and University Hospitals Bristol and Weston, had the highest salary within this function at £195,000 in 2024-25.
  • HR: Ajit Abraham, group director of inclusion and equity at Barts Health, had the highest salary within this function at £232,500 in 2024-25.
  • Strategy: Shane Gordon, director of strategy, research and innovation at East Suffolk and North Essex, had the highest salary within this function at £247,500 in 2024-25.
  • Finance: Roy Clarke, chief financial officer at King’s College Hospital, had the highest salary within this function at £267,500 in 2024-25.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL RESEARCH

Responding to the findings, Rt. Hon Stuart Andrew MP, Shadow Health Secretary, said: “Running the NHS is a demanding job and managers should be rewarded for delivering results. But paying managers large bonuses while patients receive poor care is not good value for taxpayers or fair on NHS frontline staff.

“Labour is handing out bonuses while patients bear the brunt of long waits and poor performance. Funding should be focused on frontline services and better patient care, not bigger payouts for managers.

“The Conservatives know the NHS needs serious reform. Every pound should deliver better care for patients and better value for taxpayers.” 

Anne Strickland, researcher at the TaxPayers’ Alliance, said: “Taxpayers will be appalled that NHS executive pay is soaring while patients are still left waiting for care. 

“Andy Burnham’s new government has an early opportunity to show taxpayers that it will get a grip on this culture of rewarding failure. 

“Ministers must keep their promise to link performance to pay, so that failing NHS bosses are held accountable and money goes into patients’ care not managers’ pockets. ”

Community Clean-Up Success at Ferry Road Drive

A huge thank you to the amazing young people from PYCP Youth Committee and the local Police Community Officers from Police Scotland Edinburgh for giving up their time to help clean up the basketball court at Ferry Road Drive.

This was our third community clean-up and once again the team worked incredibly hard to make a difference.

Sadly, we found large amounts of waste including beds, furniture, gas cylinders, general rubbish, and far too much dog fouling. While it’s disappointing to see it’s also a reminder of why these clean-ups are so important.

Our goal is to make this court a safe, welcoming space where young people can play, be active and enjoy their community. We also want to encourage local residents to take pride in and care for this valuable community asset.

We’re also in the process of setting up a local tenant working group so that ownership, upkeep and maintenance of the space can be shared across the community so If you’re interested in getting involved in future clean-ups, we’d love to hear from you, please get in touch with us.

Thanks to NuGen Recycling and Environmental Solutions for their amazing removal service and suport with the clean up.

Together, we can make this space better for everyone.

#CommunityCleanUp

#NorthEdinburgh

#PYCP#

YouthVoice

#CommunityPride

#FerryRoadDrive

@PoliceScotland @

@Police Scotland Edinburgh

Genetic ancestry could explain why some smokers develop cancer while others don’t

NEW CLUES TO LONG-STANDING CANCER MYSTERY

  • Why cancer-triggering damage, like smoking, may cause disease in some people but not others
  • Scottish researchers funded by Cancer Research UK help answer a long-standing mystery of cancer – why some people get the disease while others don’t.

An international team of leading scientists has discovered that inherited genetic differences play a crucial role in shaping how cancers develop and evolve after DNA damage to the body occurs.

The findings could help explain why some people exposed to major cancer risks, such as smoking, never develop disease while others do.

The research, published in Nature, carried out in mice by researchers at Edinburgh, Cambridge, Heidelberg and Yale universities, shows that genetic ancestry can directly influence how cancer-causing mutations behave and how the resulting cancers grow and interact within the body.

Study co-lead Professor Martin Taylor, of the Institute of Genetics and Cancer at the University of Edinburgh, said: “Cancer doesn’t develop in a vacuum. Our research has shown that inherited genetics can fundamentally shape how tumours grow and evolve.

“Understanding this interaction between an individual’s inherited genetics and new cancer-driving mutations caused by DNA damage brings us a step closer to truly personalised cancer care.”

Personalised medicine is a growing area of cancer research which aims to tailor treatment to a specific patient but more information, such as this study, is needed to understand why and how cancer behaves in different people.

In the UK, more than 403,000* people are diagnosed with cancer each year (34,800 in Scotland***) with around 170,000** people (16,400 in Scotland****) dying from the disease annually, so finding new ways to tackle the disease is vital.

DNA damage through normal ageing and environmental exposures like sunlight, tobacco smoke or processed meat can lead to cancer however, the process is far from predictable.

Many smokers, for example, never develop lung cancer, while some people who have never smoked do. The reasons for this are not fully understood as studies of human cancers are limited by the complexity of real life such as differences in lifestyle, environment, and the role genetics plays.

To understand the role genetics plays, the research team recreated cancer development under controlled conditions.

Using four genetically distinct groups of mice, representing levels of genetic variation similar to those in human populations, the team exposed each group to the same DNA-damaging chemical comparable to those found in some processed meats.

They then tracked how tumours developed in remarkable detail, analysing whole genomes, gene activity, and tumour structure.

Despite identical exposure, the cancers that emerged followed strikingly different paths depending on genetic background.

The study found that most tumours shared a common feature: disruption of a key cancer-driving pathway known as MAPK. However, how this disruption occurred and what happened next, varied widely.

Researchers observed differences in which genes were mutated, how tumours grew, the number of additional cancer-driving mutations and whether entire genomes were duplicated – a major step in cancer progression.

Even more striking, the same cancer-causing mutation could have different effects depending on genetic background, influencing critical pathways such as the body’s key tumour suppressor system.

Study co-lead, clinician scientist pathologist Dr Sarah Aitken, Assistant Professor at the Centre of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, Yale University, said: “Our findings have important implications for cancer screening, diagnosis, and prognostication as well as profound implications for precision medicine.

“Even when tumours arise from the same type of damage and look nearly identical under the microscope, they can acquire distinct molecular changes depending on inherited genetics which shape how the cancer behaves.

“Treatments are often designed to target specific mutations (identified by genomic pathology tests) but this research suggests that patients with the same mutation may respond differently depending on their genetic background.”

By better understanding how inherited DNA influences cancer evolution, future approaches could improve prediction of cancer risk, allow medics to tailor treatments more effectively to individuals and help address disparities in cancer outcomes across populations.

Senior author Professor Duncan Odom, who led the research while at the Cancer Research UK Institute and the University of Cambridge, now based at the German Cancer Research Centre (DKFZ)in Heidelberg, Germany, said: “Cancer does not arise entirely by chance. Although tumours often reach the same biological endpoint, the path to that endpoint is determined by an individual’s genetic background.

“We’ve been able to show for the first time the extent to which genetic background influences both the mutation processes and the pathways leading to tumour development.”

The study is the result of years of international collaboration between the Universities of Edinburgh, Yale and Cambridge and forms part of the Liver Cancer Evolution consortium led by Professor Duncan Odom, Dr Sarah Aitken and Professor Martin Taylor.

Along the way, the team uncovered unexpected patterns in how DNA damage is processed; insights that ultimately enabled them to track cancer development with unprecedented precision.

Cancer Research UK research information lead, Dr Sam Godfrey, said: “This study gives us a fascinating hint that our inherited genes might have a big influence on the way that cancers develop after DNA damage.

“We still need to see more research before we can understand what this means in humans, but this finding could change our understanding of how cancer starts, and lead to more powerful and precise ways of tackling cancer.”

By releasing this dataset to the wider scientific community, the researchers hope to accelerate discoveries in cancer evolution and treatment.

Today: Community Meals at Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre

Rise and shine! 🌞 Our lunch menu for Monday, 27th July, is a celebration of local, organic goodness! We’re thrilled to be serving a broad bean and goat’s cheese tart, made with broad beans harvested by the fabulous Walking Group at Edinburgh Agroecology Coop last week, paired with a fresh side salad.

For dessert, indulge in our Gooseberry Crumble Cake, made with gooseberries plucked from our very own garden, served with a divine fruit coulis created by the talented volunteer chef, Artemis!

This menu is a testament to the power of community and the beauty of summer – don’t miss out on this opportunity to treat yourself to a delicious, healthy, and uplifting meal.

As always, our doors open at 9am for a free breakfast and a warm welcome, so spread the word and invite your friends and family to join in on the feast!

Swinney welcomes continued progress in tackling Cairngorms wildfire

Substantive response measures to remain in place

First Minister John Swinney has welcomed continued progress in controlling the Cairngorms wildfires as he chaired another meeting of the Scottish Government’s Resilience Room (SGORR) yesterday afternoon (Sunday).

Deputy First Minister Jenny Gilruth, Justice Secretary Neil Gray and Climate Action and Rural Affairs Secretary Gillian Martin were also in attendance, along with representatives from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS), Police Scotland, Highland Council and Cairngorms National Park.

The SFRS confirmed that a Level 3 response will continue and reported positive progress in controlling the outbreak.  

Additional support for residents in Nethy Bridge remains in place through the Local Resilience Partnership.

The First Minister said: “As our emergency services and partners continue to tackle the wildfires in the Cairngorms, I am pleased to see there has been welcome progress and I thank all again for their continued hard work and collaboration.

“The Scottish Government requested military assistance, in the form of aerial support to drop water on the fire, from the Ministry of Defence to supplement existing aerial resources that are in place.

We have received a formal response advising that the UK Government are not in a position to agree to this request, given that the Ministry of Defence does not possess aerial firefighting assets stationed within the UK. The offer of other resources is welcome but SFRS has confirmed they have the other resources they need.

“Ministers will continue to be updated on the fire and resources and services will remain until the fire is out.

“As I stated earlier, this wildfire is being treated with the utmost seriousness and necessary resources will be in place until the last flames are out.”

From cruise ships to chartered managers

How two Amazon managers earned their degrees on the job

UNP Amazon 47965 EDI4 CMD Accreditation

Pictured left to right are John Aitken and Gary Burnett at Amazon EDI4, Dunfermline.



©UNP Andy Buchanan
www.unp.co.uk 0845 600 7737
pictures@unp.co.uk

When John Aiken and Gary Burnett first crossed paths at Amazon’s Dunfermline fulfilment centre, they had more in common than either might have expected.

Both had arrived at Amazon via unconventional routes. Both had quietly wondered whether they were capable of completing a degree-level qualification while holding down demanding full-time roles. And both, it turned out, were more than capable.

Having recently completed the Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship (CMDA) – John through Glasgow Caledonian University and Gary through the University of Exeter – the pair are now among a growing number of Amazon employees demonstrating that higher education doesn’t have to mean stepping away from the workplace to achieve it.

John’s route to Amazon was a significant career change. Before joining the company in August 2021, he had spent years working in entertainment on cruise ships – a world away from the logistics industry. 

“Coming to Amazon was very much a career change,” he says. “Obviously 2020 came around, COVID hit, and it was time to find a new career trajectory.”

The shift proved more natural than it might have seemed on paper. John draws parallels between his former life and his current role – particularly around managing people across diverse cultures and backgrounds, something he encountered daily at sea and now navigates as General Manager’s Assistant in the DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) and stakeholder management space.

When the Chartered Management Degree Apprenticeship was launched in Scotland, John was part of the very first cohort.

He completed his dissertation in August 2025, choosing to evaluate Amazon’s community and social impact in Scotland – a topic he knew inside out. The paper was subsequently shared internally with Amazon’s Community Impact team for use with their own apprentices.

“What I really liked about it was the broad topics you were studying and being able to put them into practice literally the next day when you’re back on site,” he says. “It catapulted the visibility we have as CMDAs beyond the levels we’re currently sitting at.”

His advice to anyone considering the programme? “Jump in with both feet. It’s not something you just dip your toe into. You don’t know what you can do unless you try.”

Gary’s Amazon story began considerably earlier. He joined the company in 2012 as a temporary agency associate, fresh out of four years in the RAF, simply looking for work.

“When I joined Amazon, that’s exactly what I joined it for,” he admits. “It was supposed to be a stop-gap. I just needed a job.”

Twelve months later he was made permanent. Two years after that, he was a team lead. By 2020, he had stepped up into an area manager role – and for the first time, he started thinking seriously about his career trajectory. The problem was that a degree was a requirement for permanent promotion to level four area manager, and Gary had left school with only standard grades before joining the military. 

Amazon’s solution was to offer him a pathway: first a Level 5 Operations Manager apprenticeship through the University of Exeter, and then a two-year fast-track CMDA programme at the same institution. The CMI accreditation was woven throughout both courses – a smoother, more integrated experience than John’s, though arriving at the same destination.

“I think 82% of people in management positions across all industries are accidental managers,” Gary says, referencing a CMI statistic that clearly resonated. “That’s exactly what I would have been. Now I’m fully trained and professionally accredited – and that gives me a level of confidence in my role.”

Balancing the programme with a full-time job and two young children at home – aged eight and four – was not without its challenges. But Gary credits a shared workplace mentor, who also happened to be his direct line manager for much of the programme, with helping him stay on track. He also leaned heavily on his cohort, forming a small group who would meet on weekends to work through assignments and support one another.

“Lean on your peers,” he urges. “Whether there was much academic value in those calls or not, pushing each other onward definitely helped. It was a problem we were all sharing together.”

Now 35, Gary is a living example that the CMDA is open to anyone willing to commit. “If I can do it – at my age, with a young family, in a full-time job – I think absolutely anybody could.”

Between them, John and Gary represent something broader than two personal success stories. They are the leading edge of a growing community at Amazon in Scotland – with around 30 others now following in their footsteps across first and third year cohorts – proving that professional development and operational excellence are not mutually exclusive.

Pay at Amazon starts from £13.95 or £14.96 per hour depending on location, equating to between £29,037 and £31,116 annually. Additionally, from day one, all employees are offered a comprehensive benefits package including private medical insurance, life assurance, income protection, and an employee discount. Together, these benefits are worth more than £700 annually, and employees can take advantage of a company pension plan.

Applications are now open for Amazon’s apprenticeship programme.

For more information, visit: www.amazonapprenticeships.co.uk  

Craigievar murder accused found dead in prison

A man accused of murdering his ex-partner at her Craigievar Square home in East Craigs last Monday has been found dead in prison.

Lee Greenan was arrested and he appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Thursday, charged with assaulting and killing Vikki Soloman. 46-year-old Greenan entered no plea and was remanded in custody.

He was due to appear at court again next week, but this morning (Sunday) it was confirmed that Greenan had died at around 8.55am in HMP Edinburgh.

A Scottish Prison Service spokesperson told STV: “Every death, whether in prison custody or in our communities, is a tragedy for all those who knew and supported the individual.

“Following the death of someone in our care, Police Scotland are advised, and the matter reported to the Procurator Fiscal. Fatal Accident Inquiries are held in due course.”

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 8.55am on Sunday, July 26, 2026, we were made aware of the death of a 46-year-old man at HMP Edinburgh.

“There do not appear to be any suspicious circumstances and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.”

MHRA: No Summer Shortcut for Safe Weight Loss

Healthy weight loss takes time, not shortcuts. As demand for weight-loss medicines continues to rise, the MHRA is reminding people how to use GLP-1 medicines safely, spot illegal sellers and avoid diet changes that could interfere with their medicines

With prescription weight loss medicines being advertised illegally on social media alongside quick-fix slimming claims, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), warns Brits to not let summer slimming put their health at risk. 

From over-dosing on prescription weight-loss meds to buying dangerous fakes online, the MHRA reveals the mistakes that could leave you seriously ill, and the simple steps to lose weight safely. 

1. Follow doctor’s orders if you are prescribed a GLP-1 

If you’ve been prescribed a GLP-1 weight-loss medicine, don’t be tempted to fast-track your weight loss by upping your dose. Semaglutide (Wegovy), tirzepatide (Mounjaro) and liraglutide (Saxenda) should only be taken as prescribed by a healthcare professional.  

Follow doctors’ orders and take your prescribed GLP-1 alongside a healthy diet and a fitness regime. Whether you’re taking it for diabetes management or weight loss, maintaining good nutrition and exercise can help support muscle, bone, and overall health as your calorie intake changes. 

2. Steer Clear of Fake Weight-Loss Meds 

If you’re not eligible for a prescription for weight-loss medicines, don’t be tempted to buy them from unregulated websites or social media sellers. GLP-1 medicines authorised in the UK have only been shown to be safe and effective for people with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 27 or more. Buying from rogue sellers is a huge risk. You can’t be sure what’s in the product, and some fake medicines are contaminated with toxic substances. 

Don’t be tempted by the online hype around retatrutide. It has not been authorised for use in the UK, meaning anyone selling this product is doing so illegally. These products haven’t been tested for safety, quality or effectiveness and there’s no guarantee that they even contain retatrutide. You could be putting your health at serious risk. 

Head of the MHRA’s Criminal Enforcement Unit, Andy Morling, said: “Rogue sellers are driven by profit, not your safety, and the fake medicines they sell could put your health at serious risk.

“These products may not contain the GLP-1 medicine you think you’re buying and could be contaminated with bacteria and other harmful substances.  

“Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true and check the pharmacy is registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council. The simple rule for staying safe is that if you’re offered a GLP-1 medicines without the need for a prescription – walk away.” 

3. Check Your Meds Before Changing Your Diet 

Trying to eat more healthily before your holiday? Great – but make sure your diet doesn’t clash with your medication. Always read the patient information leaflet before making dietary changes, as some foods could compromise medicines’ effectiveness. People taking simvastatin to lower their cholesterol should avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice as they slow the rate the body breaks down the medicine, increasing the risk of serious side effects. 

Thinking about intermittent fasting? Remember that some medicines need to be taken with food to work most effectively and lower your risk of side effects. Metformin, used to treat diabetes, and the painkiller naproxen should both be taken with or after food to help prevent stomach upset.  

MHRA’s Chief Safety Officer, Alison Cave said: “There’s no shortcut to safe weight loss. If you’re trying to slim down, follow medical advice, avoid fake medicines and remember that healthy eating and regular exercise are still the safest ways to get in shape for summer.” 

Counterfeit Weight-Loss Pills Could Be the Next Online Health Scam

Pharmacist reveals the warning signs that a weight-loss medicine may be fake as the first GLP-1 tablet is approved in the UK

Consumers are being warned to watch for fake weight-loss tablets appearing on social media and unregulated websites following the approval of the first oral GLP-1 medicine for weight management in the UK.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency approved the semaglutide tablet for weight loss on 11 June 2026, creating a needle-free alternative to injectable treatments.

However, Sobia Qasim, Superintendent Pharmacist at Curely, warns that growing public interest in weight-loss pills could also create a new opportunity for illegal sellers.

Unlike injectable pens, tablets can be placed in ordinary bottles, blister packs or envelopes and posted without specialist equipment, potentially making counterfeit products appear more convincing to consumers.

Fake medicines may contain the wrong dose, no active ingredient or entirely different and potentially harmful substances. The MHRA has already uncovered organised criminal networks manufacturing illegal weight-loss medicines and seized almost £45 million worth of illegal medicines during 2025.

Sobia said: “The arrival of an approved weight-loss tablet is an important development for patients, particularly those who are uncomfortable with injections. However, high demand and widespread online interest can also attract illegal sellers looking to exploit people who want quick or cheaper access.

“A tablet may look less suspicious than an injection because consumers are accustomed to receiving pills through the post. But a professional-looking box, blister pack or website does not prove that the medicine is genuine.

“Prescription weight-loss medication should only be supplied after an appropriate clinical assessment by a qualified healthcare professional. Any seller willing to bypass that process should immediately raise concern.”

Seven signs a weight-loss pill could be fake

Warning signWhy it should raise concern
It is sold through social media messagesGenuine prescription medicines should not be bought through private messages, marketplace listings or informal social media accounts.
No medical consultation is requiredWeight-loss medication is not suitable for everyone. A regulated provider should assess your health, current medicines and eligibility before prescribing it.
The seller guarantees a specific amount of weight lossResults differ between patients. Guaranteed outcomes are a marketing tactic, not responsible clinical advice.
You are pressured to act quicklyCountdown timers, limited stock claims and urgent payment requests may be used to stop consumers checking whether a provider is legitimate.
The price appears unusually lowA price substantially below recognised providers may indicate that the medicine is fake, unlicensed, incorrectly stored or obtained illegally.
The tablets arrive loose or in unfamiliar packagingMedicines should arrive in sealed, labelled packaging with clear dosage information and a patient information leaflet.
There is no registered pharmacy informationConsumers should be able to identify the pharmacy supplying the medicine and verify that it is registered with the appropriate UK regulator.

A familiar brand name does not guarantee a genuine product

Sobia warns that counterfeiters may copy recognised brand names, logos, batch numbers and packaging to make illegal products appear authentic.

In February 2026, the MHRA confirmed that a falsified version of a Mounjaro injection had been supplied through an online pharmacy in the UK. The regulator said fake medicines may contain incorrect ingredients, no active ingredient or harmful substances.

Previous fake GLP-1 injections discovered in the UK have also contained insulin, creating a risk of dangerously low blood sugar for people who unknowingly used them.

Sobia continued: “Counterfeiters can reproduce colours, logos and packaging extremely convincingly. Consumers should never judge a medicine by appearance alone.

The checks around the medicine are just as important as the product itself. Who prescribed it? Was a proper consultation completed? Which registered pharmacy supplied it? Can you contact a healthcare professional if something goes wrong?

“If those questions cannot be answered clearly, do not take the tablets.”

What consumers should check before ordering

Before purchasing weight-loss medication online, Curely recommends checking that:

  • Genuine clinical assessment is required
  • Qualified prescriber reviews the order
  • The dispensing pharmacy is registered in the UK
  • The provider asks about existing health conditions and medication
  • Clear contact details are available
  • The medicine arrives sealed and properly labelled
  • Instructions and patient safety information are included
  • Follow-up support is available throughout treatment

The NHS warns that medicines bought from unregistered websites may be out of date, diluted, fake or unsuitable for the person taking them.

What to do if you think a weight-loss medicine is fake

Anyone who believes they have received a counterfeit or suspicious medicine should not take another dose until they have spoken to a pharmacist or doctor.

Consumers should keep the packaging, receipt and details of the website or seller. Suspected fake medicines and side effects can be reported through the MHRA Yellow Card scheme.

Those who experience severe or persistent abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness or symptoms of dangerously low blood sugar should seek urgent medical assistance.

Sobia added: “People may feel embarrassed if they have bought medication from an unofficial seller, but healthcare professionals need to know exactly what may have been taken so they can provide the right treatment.

Do not throw the packaging away and do not assume that feeling unwell is simply a normal side effect. With an unregulated product, there is no reliable way to know what the tablet contains or what dose has been supplied.

The safest route is always a properly regulated service offering clinical assessment, genuine medication and ongoing professional support.”

https://www.curely.co.uk/