davepickering

Fuelling a greener future: E10 petrol now available at pumps

pumps up and down the country will now serve greener E10 petrol which could cut transport emissions by the equivalent of taking 350,000 cars off the road each year
drivers can check to see if their vehicle is compatible, with E5 petrol remaining available for the minority of older vehicles which aren’t compatible
introduction will boost job opportunities in the north-east of England, making way for a green industrial revolution as we build back better and reduce our carbon footprint

Fuel pumps across Great Britain are now greener, with the introduction of E10 as the new standard grade of petrol, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has announced today (1 September 2021).

Over 95% of all petrol vehicles are compatible with E10, with the small number of older vehicles, including classic cars and some from the early 2000s, still able to access E5 petrol in the ‘Super’ grade. Motorists should use the government’s free online E10 checker to see if their vehicle is compatible.

E10 will not be more expensive at the pump than current standard petrol. Although using E10 petrol can marginally impact fuel economy – generally around 1% – this will be almost unnoticeable to most drivers when making every day journeys.

E10 petrol – which is blended with up to 10% renewable ethanol and made up of materials such as low-grade grains, sugars and waste wood, making it greener than existing petrol – could cut transport CO₂ emissions by 750,000 tonnes per year, which is the equivalent of taking 350,000 cars off of UK roads. The move will help us reach our climate change goals as we prepare to host COP26 this November and makes it easier for people across the country to switch to greener lifestyles.

The E10 rollout this month will also support the increased production of biofuels at bioethanol plants in the north-east of England. Not only will this boost job opportunities in the local area, with the 2 big plants providing around 200 skilled jobs directly, it will also support thousands in the wider local economy including in the agriculture sector that supply the feed-wheat needed to run the plant.

This will help to build a new green economy, revitalising our industrial heartlands and supporting the UK’s wider bioeconomy as we build back greener from the pandemic.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “Every journey matters as we drive forward the green industrial revolution, which is why the rollout of E10 is so important. It’ll help us cut road greenhouse gas emissions and meet our ambitious net zero targets.

“Although more and more drivers are switching to electric, there are steps we can take today to reduce emissions from the millions of vehicles already on our roads – the small switch to E10 petrol will reduce greenhouse gas emissions as we accelerate towards a greener transport future.

Edmund King OBE, AA president, said: “This is a positive and simple step to help reduce the carbon impact from road transport. While the vast majority of vehicles will be unaffected by the change, it is important for owners of older cars to use the government’s vehicle checker to see if they can use E10.

“Even if E10 is put in a non-compliant vehicle, drivers should not panic and can simply put super unleaded in their tank at the next available opportunity.”

‘Operation Warm Welcome’ underway to support Afghan arrivals in the UK

Arrivals under Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy will be given immediate indefinite leave to remain, alongside funding for school places and healthcare

A significant cross-government effort, dubbed ‘Operation Warm Welcome’, is underway to ensure Afghans arriving in the UK receive the vital support they need to rebuild their lives, find work, pursue education and integrate into their local communities.

As part of the New Plan for Immigration, the government announced that those coming to the UK through resettlement routes would receive immediate indefinite leave to remain, and today (September 1) the Home Secretary has announced that this will apply to Afghans who worked closely with the British military and UK Government in Afghanistan, and risked their lives in doing so, meaning they can now stay in the UK without any time restrictions.

People already relocated to the UK under the Afghanistan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) will be able to apply free of charge to convert their temporary leave into indefinite leave. This will give Afghans the certainty and stability to rebuild their lives with unrestricted rights to work and the option to apply for British citizenship in the future.

To give children and young adults the best start in life the government is making at least £12 million available to prioritise additional school places so children can be enrolled as soon as possible, and to provide school transport, specialist teachers and English language support to assist with learning.

Further funding will be provided for up to 300 undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships for Afghans at UK universities and adults will also be able to access English language courses free of charge. While many will speak English through their work with the UK Government and British Forces, and as translators, language classes will ensure all their family members can fully integrate into their local communities.

Families who need support navigating the system will also have access to liaison officers who can work with local authorities to help them get set up with a GP, National Insurance number, school place, accommodation and more tailored support, as required.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “We owe an immense debt to those who worked with the Armed Forces in Afghanistan and I am determined that we give them and their families the support they need to rebuild their lives here in the UK.

“I know this will be an incredibly daunting time, but I hope they will take heart from the wave of support and generosity already expressed by the British public.”

The support for Afghan arrivals follows the largest and most complex evacuation in living memory. It includes:

£3 million of additional NHS funding so that Afghans arriving under the Afghanistan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) scheme can access healthcare and register with a GP once they leave quarantine;
all are being offered the COVID-19 vaccine and so far more than 700 arrivals under the ARAP scheme have left quarantine and received their first vaccination, with more leaving and receiving a jab each day;
£5 million funding for councils in England, Wales and Scotland to support Afghans coming to the UK via the ARAP scheme and provide a top up to help meet the costs of renting properties;
the government is already working with more than 100 councils across the UK to meet the demand for housing, with over 2,000 places already confirmed;
the Communities Secretary will convene a roundtable with council leaders from across the country in the coming days;
to harness the generosity of the British public and make sure those who want to help know where to turn we will launch an online portal to allow people to submit offers of support for people arriving from Afghanistan;
this portal is already available to submit offers of housing and work is now underway to expand this to further offers, such as job opportunities, professional skills training or donations of items like clothes or toys; and
£200 million has been committed to meet the cost of the first year of the Afghanistan Citizens’ Resettlement Scheme, which aims to welcome up to 20,000 Afghans.

Home Secretary Priti Patel said: “We owe a great deal to the brave Afghans who worked alongside us and we want to make sure they have certainty and stability to be able to thrive in the UK.

“As part of the New Plan for Immigration, I committed to providing refugees who make their home here the ability to rebuild their lives in the UK with essential support to integrate into the community, learn English, and become self-sufficient.

“By providing immediate indefinite leave to remain we are ensuring that those who have fled their homes have every opportunity to look to the future with stability and security and make a success of their new life in the UK.

Afghan Resettlement Minister Victoria Atkins said: Operation Warm Welcome is a huge effort across government to make sure that those fleeing Afghanistan are able to make a success of a new life in the UK.

“The stability of indefinite leave, the security of access to healthcare and the opportunity of education are the foundation upon which those resettled to the UK can build.”

Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid said: “This support package will help Afghan evacuees start a new life in the UK and I’m proud we are providing £3 million to ensure they receive the healthcare they need.

“This includes access to prescriptions, wound care and dressings, maternity care, mental health support and screening for infectious diseases. We will also offer the protection of a COVID-19 vaccination as they settle and rebuild.”

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab will face Westminister’s Foreign Affairs Select Committee today to answer questions over the evacuation programme.

FREE FISH AND CHIPS!

Porty chippy hosts a beach clean to tackle waste

St Andrews Takeaway in Portobello has teamed up with Love Seafood and community group, Keep Porty Tidy, to help combat beach plastic pollution by offering free portions of fish and chips on Saturday 4 September.

Thirty-five portions of fish and chips are up for grabs for beachcombers, who will be able to swap their collected litter for a portion of fish and chips. The pay with plastic day kicks off at the popular beachside takeaway from [insert time].

After a scorcher summer, people have been enjoying Portobello’s award-winning beach more than ever but unfortunately many are still leaving behind their litter. The plastic payment initiative follows a recent report from Marine Scotland which revealed that, on average, 500,000 pieces of plastic litter can be found on Scottish east coast beaches at any one time.

St Andrews Takeaway has partnered with Love Seafood, who is on a mission to inspire the nation to fall in love with seafood and what better way than to create a cleaner, safer shoreline. Keep Porty Tidy is a volunteer group tackling litter through community action in Portobello and will be on hand on the day to support with equipment and advice on picking litter safely and efficiently.

Chris MacRae, Marketing Manager for St Andrews Takeaway, said: “There’s no better way to celebrate the end of summer than with a hearty portion of fish and chips, but that shouldn’t come at a cost to our local environment. Our partnership with Love Seafood is a welcome step in our fight against beach waste.

“The local community’s commitment to keeping Portobello a litter-free zone has been outstanding. However, as more people use the beach, more effort is needed to keep it clean. We look forward to boosting our pool of litter warriors through the scheme and welcoming them through our doors for a well-deserved seaside treat.”

Naomi McCann, Marketing Manager for Love Seafood said: “Keeping our coastal communities clean, tidy and litter free is the responsibility of all beach users. Not only is littering unsightly and costly to clean up, but it also poses a threat to local people, wildlife and marine ecosystems.

“The current support from St Andrews Takeaway for Keep Porty Tidy is helping to reduce the amount of litter on Portobello’s magnificent beach and we look forward to working with them to reward hard working volunteers this Saturday with a classic seaside staple – delicious fish and chips!”

Find your Olympic spirit and up your fitness game

Edinburgh Leisure launches new membership campaign

If the recent Olympics and Paralympics happening in Tokyo have inspired you to up your fitness game, Edinburgh Leisure’s latest membership offer may be just what you need to spur you on.

For those of you who may have neglected your fitness routine during lockdown, or for those who may have cancelled their gym memberships in a bid to save a few pounds but want to get active again, the enticing ‘no joining fee’ offer is available on new memberships from Wednesday, 1 September to Thursday, 30 September 2021.

Applicable to all fitness, swim, gym, class and climb memberships, the offer can be bought online via the Edinburgh Leisure website.

And if you want to share your fitness journey with a friend, existing members who refer a friend who then joins, will receive £25 cash back. For the first time, the ‘Refer a Friend’ offer will be processed using an online form.

With 50+ venues across the city, including a world class climbing centre; 8 swimming pools, which include four modernised Victorian pools and the Royal Commonwealth Pool in their portfolio; 12 state-of-the-art gyms; and 800+ fitness classes per week including Les Mills programmes across the various centres, Edinburgh Leisure is the biggest club in town, with something for everyone to enjoy moving and getting fitter.

With adult memberships starting from as little as £33.50, there is a range of packages, including swim, fitness, gym and climbing.

www.edinburghleisure.co.uk

MSP urges UK Government to house Afghan refugees in empty MoD homes at Redford Barracks

SNP MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, Gordon MacDonald, is urging the UK Government to use the 160 unused homes, formerly used as accommodation for MoD staff, to house refugees fleeing the situation in Afghanistan.

Edinburgh Council leader, Adam McVey, recently wrote to the UK Government calling for an increase in the number of Afghan refugees the UK should be welcoming and Gordon MacDonald has said “there is a clear opportunity here to use the empty MoD houses to house these refugee families in the Capital.”

The homes, which are mostly situated around Redford Barracks, have been left empty for numerous years and the local MSP has repeatedly called for action to bring this vacant housing into use. MacDonald has said “it’s not right that these homes lie empty and it is in the gift of the UK government to put them to good use.”

Earlier this year it was revealed that nearly 11,000 MoD homes were empty across the UK, with 900 unused in Scotland.

SNP MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, Gordon MacDonald, said: “For years now, I have been doing everything I can to get the empty MoD homes in my constituency – and right across Scotland – to be used to help people whose lives would benefit immensely from being housed in the properties.

“Yet again, we see another example where the UK government could make the most of the hundreds of empty properties across our country.

“The situation in Afghanistan is truly horrific. The refugees are fleeing a horrific situation and we need to be doing everything we can to accept our responsibility and help those who arrive in this country.

“In Edinburgh, we are ready to accept and welcome Afghan families – and as we currently have around 160 homes that are still owned by the MoD but no one has lived in them for at least five years, it seems like a missed opportunity to not use this housing to house refugees in safe and warm homes where they can start to rebuild their lives.

“Boris Johnson should commit to maximising these unused sites like the one at Redford Barracks to allow the UK to take in more refugees, who have had their lives turned upside down, and take responsibility for the situation.”

Scottish Child Payment helps more than 108,000 children

More than 108,000 children have benefited from the Scottish Government’s new Scottish Child Payment according to the latest official statistics. The figures highlight how many families and children received the payment from introduction in February to 30 June 2021.

The £10 per week benefit, unique to Scotland, has the potential to help around 133,000 children (averaged over this financial year) according to Scottish Fiscal Commission forecasts published last week.

The Scottish Child Payment supports low-income families with children aged under six. It provides regular, additional financial support for families in receipt of qualifying benefits to assist with the costs of caring for a child. The payment will be made available to children aged 6-15 by the end of 2022.

Parents and carers are able to apply for all eligible children in their household in a single application and can also apply for other benefits for children under six – Best Start Grant and Best Start Foods at the same time.

Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Housing and Local Government, Shona Robison said: “Tackling child poverty is a national mission for this government and I am proud that we are already supporting over one hundred thousand children through this brand new benefit. The Scottish Child Payment is unparalleled across the UK and unique in being a benefit to tackle child poverty head on.

“Ahead of the rollout to under 16s by the end of 2022, we have introduced bridging payments worth the same as Scottish Child Payment. This £520 a year will be paid in 2021 and 2022 to provide immediate support to around 145,000 children and young people of school age.

“We are making significant investment to tackle child poverty. Taken together, our investment in bridging payments and the Scottish Child Payment will total £145 million this year, allowing us to reach as many low income families as possible right now.

“The Scottish Child Payment together with the three Best Start Grant payments and Best Start Foods could give families on low incomes up to £5,200 by the time their first child turns six.

“We have also committed to significantly increasing the level of Scottish Child Payment, following the planned rollout to 6 to 15 year olds, in order to maximise the impact on child poverty, with the full £20 payment being achieved within the lifetime of the Parliament.

“This Government will continue to use the limited powers we have to tackle poverty and inequality and create a fairer Scotland.”

Full details on the statistics are available to view at gov.scot/publications

Statement on historical links with Atlantic slave trade

A joint statement from NHS Lothian and Edinburgh and Lothians Health Foundation:

We are aware that hospitals across Lothian have benefited from funds realised from the Atlantic slave trade.

With colonialism and slavery being central to the national economy from the 17th to the 19th centuries, both Edinburgh and Lothians Health Foundation and NHS Lothian can be considered as joint descendants of the legacies of these donations and endowments.

We do not believe that there is a limitation period on such contributions and have a responsibility to address this legacy of colonialism, racism and slavery and use this learning to help remove inequality and shape a positive future for all.

We have made a commitment to research, understand and acknowledge our history so that we can learn from it and act. We will:

create a consultative advisory group, with representation from staff, patient, and community groups, to help guide and shape the research, learning and related outputs.
fund a research post to review archive evidence and secondary sources to compile a thorough documented history of the links between the old Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh and the Atlantic slave trade. (Funded by Edinburgh and Lothians Health Foundation)
use the research to guide outcomes and outputs and make recommendations for action to the NHS Board
seek to work alongside other institutions (such as the University of Edinburgh) who are undertaking similar reflective exercises.

The impact of the roots of the slave trade is evident in the inequalities that we see today, with COVID-19 exacerbating and giving a public spotlight to these inequalities.

As an employer and healthcare provider we state without reservation that all staff and patients must be treated equally, irrespective of skin colour, culture, religion, sexuality, age, disability or gender.

We support the fundamental need for equality and inclusion at the heart of what we stand for. It is important that all staff and representatives of NHS Lothian, treat one another with care, compassion, dignity, and respect. These are a key part of our organisation values.

Working to embed diversity, equity and inclusion in everything we do

We believe better health for all is within our reach and in no way condone the actions of historical donors. Acknowledging and understanding this history and using this learning to inform our corporate objectives will support us to become a more diverse and inclusive organisation and help us to tackle racism, discrimination and inequality.

Though we have much to learn and more work to do, ongoing reviews of our internal processes and systems have already led to positive, practical changes in the way we work.

The following examples outline work that is already taking place:

Staff Networks
We have established four Equalities Staff Networks, and committed to increasing support for them, and potentially further networks in the coming year. At present we have vibrant groups as follows;
- Black & Ethnic Minority Staff Network
- Disabled Employee Network
- LGBT+ Staff & Allies Network
- Youth Staff Network
Corporate Objective and Workplans
Our Corporate Objective 2021 – 22 on race ethnicity and diversity demonstrate our commitment to act now – starting with a facilitated series of one to one and group discussions involving our Corporate Management Team and Staff Network members
Our detailed Advancing Equality Action Plan 2021-22 was devised and agreed with members of all our staff networks over a series of workshops in Spring 2021

360 Visions – Managed by Edinburgh and Lothians Health Foundation’s Tonic Arts programme, 360 Visions uses theatre, storytelling, music and filmmaking to understand NHS Lothian BME staff experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic from an equalities perspective and explores the multi-faceted challenges faced not only by BME staff, but also by Disabled, LGBT+ and Youth staff members. The aim is to help open a door for all colleagues to gain awareness of the difficulties faced on a daily basis, both in and outside of work, and why change needs to happen. It bridges a gap to enable staff to further educate themselves about the daily struggles, in order to create a culture of inclusivity, diversity and acceptance which allows positive changes to be achieved. NHS Lothian has come a long way to improve culture and diversity, but COVID-19 has reinforced that there is still work to be done. As part of this ongoing work, the 360 Visions creative programme will help provide a platform for diverse viewpoints to be voiced and heard, celebrating the incredible work and diversity of NHS Lothian.

Reflecting Diversity in our Art Collection – Our Art Collection plays an important role in the improved health and wellbeing of staff, patients and visitors with over 2,750 artworks displayed across over 40 NHS Lothian sites. We have undertaken a review of our collection to ensure this is reflective of a wide and diverse culture.

Review of EDI practices within our funded programmes
Edinburgh and Lothians Health Foundation’s Tonic Arts team is working with Knowledge Bridge to help embed EDI as a core part of the Tonic Arts programme. Knowledge Bridge is working with the Tonic Arts team to review the current programme and develop an inclusive strategy, advising on how to develop a more diverse and inclusive Arts in Health programme for NHS Lothian.

Classic car fans flock to Newhailes to close summer of fun events

The National Trust for Scotland recently played host to a Classic Car and Transport Show – the first of its kind at Newhailes House & Gardens in Musselburgh.

Families and fans of classic cars flocked to the historic house and gardens to admire gleaming automobiles on Sunday 29 August. This is the latest stellar event hosted at Newhailes – from the adorable Doghailes, celebrating our best furry friends, and a concert by the Scottish Fiddle Orchestra.

Claire Grant, Operations Manager Edinburgh, for the National Trust for Scotland, said: “We love Newhailes – it’s a special place for our community. We’ve been delighted to showcase the house and gardens by holding exciting events through the summer.

“From crowning the best dog lookalike, to poignant fiddle music, to the gorgeous vehicles on display at our latest event – Newhailes has played host to diverse events and audiences. We love welcoming visitors to Newhailes – look out for future fun family events!”

Newhailes House & Gardens is a stunning place which played a prominent role in the Scottish Enlightenment.

The estate is complete with a Palladian mansion, woodland walks and the recently renovated Stables Café, as well as Weehailes Adventure Playpark. Newhailes has something for all the family to enjoy.

Pictures: Mike Wilkinson

17th Edinburgh Art Festival draws to a close following ‘extremely successful’ return

Edinburgh Art Festival 2021 closed on Sunday 29 August, following an extremely successful return which saw the month-long programme of 35+ exhibitions programmed in partnership with the city’s visual art community secure hugely enthusiastic responses from audiences and critics alike.

Following cancellation of the 2020 edition as a result of the global pandemic, the 2021 edition returned to showcase Edinburgh’s vibrant year-round visual arts scene, with a programme which included major new commissions and premieres by leading Scottish, UK and international artists alongside support for early career artists.

Taking place at over 25 venues across the city, the programme also included a special programme of online events and presentations.

While the 17th edition of the festival has now drawn to a close, a selection of participating exhibitions across the capital continue their run into September and beyond, including the acclaimed Lessons of the Hour, from artist Isaac Julien, presented by the festival in partnership with National Galleries of Scotland – with its UK premiere continuing at Modern One until 10 October.

Sorcha Carey, Director of Edinburgh Art Festival said: ‘It felt so important to return this year, to play our part in supporting Scotland’s creative ecosystem after an exceptionally challenging time, as well as to offer a vital space for reflection, following the upheavals of the past year.

“The drive to make and enjoy art is something which, to paraphrase Frederick Douglass, is uniquely human – and as we come back together following long periods of isolation, separation, and uncertainty, it has been wonderful to cast a spotlight on this most human of activities.

“Throughout, our focus has been to find ways to safely reunite art with audiences, and while this has meant that festival venues have, of necessity, been welcoming smaller numbers of visitors, we know audiences have really valued the chance to return to galleries, to celebrate the extraordinary community of artists and freelancers on whom our creative ecosystem depends.”

Festival highlights included:

The festival-led programming featured major new commissions and presentations by leading international artists, including the UK & European premiere of Lessons of the Hour by Isaac Julien, a film celebrating the 19th century self-liberated freedom fighter Frederick Douglass, in partnership with National Galleries of Scotland; and two new festival co-commissions, with work by Sean Lynch casting a spotlight on Edinburgh’s public monuments and sculptures, in collaboration with Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop; and a sound installation by Emeka Ogboh with Talbot Rice Gallery at the Burns Monument, responding to the UK’s departure from the European Union.

This year the festival took a new approach, collaborating with Glasgow based artist, film-maker and programmer Tako Taal as Associate Artist who formed a response to the festival’s invitation to reflect on themes and ideas emerging from Isaac Julien’s work by in turn commissioning work by a new generation of artists living and working in Scotland: Chizu Anucha, Sequoia Barnes, Francis Dosoo, Thulani Rachia, Camara Taylor and Matthew Arthur Williams.

The festival’s annual showcase supporting artists in the early stages of their careers to make and present new work returned – with Jessica Higgins, Danny Pagarani, Kirsty Russell and Isabella Widger invited to create new work for Platform: 2021 at Institut français d’Ecosse.

Partner galleries across Edinburgh offered the chance to discover a new generation of artists, including the work of Satellite participant Alison Scott at Collective, Sekai Machache at Stills, Andrew Gannon at Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop and gobscure at Edinburgh Printmakers.

Solo presentations across the capital included Christine Borland at Inverleith House, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Alberta Whittle and Rachel Maclean at Jupiter Artland, Frank Walter at Ingleby Gallery, Ian Hamilton Finlay at The City Art Centre, Sonia Mehra Chawla at Edinburgh Printmakers, Jock McFadyen at Dovecot Studios, a major exhibition by the artist Karla Black for the newly developed and reopened Fruitmarket and Alison Watt at Scottish National Portrait Gallery.

This year’s edition also featured important retrospectives and major survey shows including The Galloway Hoard: Viking-age Treasure at National Museum of
Scotland, Victoria & Albert: Our Lives in Watercolour at The Queen’s Gallery and Archie Brennan at Dovecot Studios.

Edinburgh’s commercial galleries presented a richly diverse offering including a new group show from Arusha Gallery and Ella Walker, Shaun Fraser and Will Maclean at The Fine Art Society, Leon Morrocco at Open Eye Gallery and the centenary of the birth of Joan Eardley, marked with an extensive new show at The Scottish Gallery.

Alongside exhibitions across the capital, this year saw the return of Art Late, the festival’s celebrated evening culture-crawls across the programme featuring exhibition tours, artist talks, workshops and unique performances, now digitally reimagined to allow wider audiences to engage with the festival.

The online programme also presented a series of Artist in-conversation events, with Isaac Julien, Sean Lynch, Emeka Ogboh and Associate Artist Tako Taal and the project’s invited artists, each discussing their work – all of which can still be watched on our website through our Event Archive.

For more information, please visit www.edinburghartfestival.com or follow the festival on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @EdArtFest #EdArtFest.

Man pays thanks ambulance crew after horror mountain bike crash

A man has passed on his heartfelt thanks to the Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) emergency responders, including who attended to him after a horror mountain bike accident which left him with five broken ribs.

David Turpin, of Gateshead, was visiting Scotland and out cycling on the Glentress Mountain Bike Trail, near Peebles, on August 13 when he came off his bike.

Immediately after the accident, the 47-year-old could not move. He ended up breaking five ribs and also punctured his lung.

He spent five days in Edinburgh Royal Infirmary before returning south of the border, where he continues his recovery.

The 47-year-old wanted to thank Rhona Clement and Mary Griffin, both technicians at Penicuik Ambulance Station, alongside our Helimed ambulance.

David, who was transported to hospital via the Penicuik crew, said: “I want to pass on my heartfelt thanks to the SAS staff for rescuing me. I had come off my mountain bike, damaging my back and could not move.

“I broke five ribs, one of them in three places and displaced them. I also have a punctured lung. I spent five days in hospital in lots of pain but I am now back in Gateshead at home recovering.

“If it had not been for the Scottish Ambulance Service, and the many kind members of the public, I do not know what I would have done.

“I possibly would have tried to move and caused further damage. The service and all staff are fantastic and so reassuring. I also apologise for swearing in the ambulance!

“Thank you so much for everything. There are so many people to thank and it is difficult to know where to start.”