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AA reveals Britain’s Best B&Bs

From a castle nestled in the Scottish Highlands to a quintessential English inn with a Bridgerton flair, this year’s lineup celebrates the finest across the UK’s B&B scene.

· The AA proudly celebrates places to stay that have gone above and beyond to impress their guests with its coveted Bed and Breakfast Awards 2024.

· The finest Inns, Restaurants with Rooms, and Bed & Breakfasts across England, Scotland, and Wales have been unveiled.

· These distinguished establishments will also attend the annual AA Hospitality Awards in September, where the ultimate winner in each category will be announced.

At its annual online awards, the AA revealed the ultimate B&Bs across the UK who have gone above and beyond in their industry.

Now in its 28^th year, the 2024 AA B&B Awards saw its team of expert inspectors recognise the best-of-the-best across the bed and breakfast scene in England, Wales and Scotland.

Individuality, the standard of housekeeping and the all-important breakfast, are just some areas the AA’s experts used to decide the winners. Excellent levels of hospitality and attentive service are also at the heart of the guest experience for each of the winners.

Categories include “Inn of the Year”, “Bed and Breakfast of the Year” and “Restaurant with Rooms of the Year” with winners representing England, Scotland and Wales in each category. Spanning every corner of the UK, winners included The Auld Kirk, in Ballater, to Y Talbot, Tregaron and Boys Hall, in Kent.

Simon Numphud, Managing Director at AA Hotel & Hospitality Services, said: “This year we have a very rich B&B scene across the UK, showcasing an extraordinary level of individuality and the very highest standards of hospitality.

“The calibre of the nine worthy winners represents the very best from across Scotland, Wales and England. With so many to choose from, holidaymakers can explore Britain, enjoying a comfortable sleep and delicious breakfast in an array of B&Bs wherever they decide to go.”

The winners of the AA B&B Awards 2024 are:

AA INN OF THE YEAR

· ENGLAND

The Cartford Inn, Little Ecclestone, Lancashire

· SCOTLAND

Kildrummy Inn, Kildrummy, Aberdeenshire

· WALES

Y Talbot, Tregaron, Ceredigion

AA RESTAURANT WITH ROOMS OF THE YEAR

· ENGLAND

Boys Hall, Ashford, Kent

· SCOTLAND
Mingary Castle, Kilchoan, Highland

· WALES
The Checkers, Montgomery, Powys

AA BED AND BREAKFAST OF THE YEAR

· ENGLAND
Mallard Grange, Ripon, North Yorkshire

· SCOTLAND
The Auld Kirk, Ballater, Aberdeenshire

· WALES
Bryn Derwen, Llandudno, Conwy

Here’s what the AA inspectors and judging panel of the 2024 AA B&B Awards had to say:

AA INNS OF THE YEAR

ENGLAND

The Cartford Inn, Great Ecclestone, Lancashire

“The family-run, 17^th-century Cartford Inn enjoys extensive views towards the Lake District and offers stylish and chic accommodation together with award-winning food. Some bedrooms have Juliet balconies with views of the river. Eating on the terrace is possible in warmer weather and a private function room is available for small parties. There’s also their own branded on-site TOTI Deli and designer home store.”

SCOTLAND

Kildrummy Inn, Kildrummy, Aberdeenshire

“Located in the heart of rural Aberdeenshire, Kildrummy Inn is the perfect base for touring the Grampian Mountains and beyond. This family run, traditional inn combines a harmonious blend of luxury heritage, tradition and nature to form the quintessential Scottish getaway. The inn provides four charming bedrooms. The lounge bar, with a roaring fire and a good selection of beers and whiskies, is a great place in which to while away the time. No visit would be complete without sampling the food on offer, with indulgent, award-winning cuisine capturing the essence of the dramatic Cairngorms landscape.”

WALES

Y Talbot, Tregaron, Ceredigion

“Located in the heart of this quiet town, Y Talbot provides a range of very high-quality bedrooms and bathrooms with luxury showers; some smaller, standard rooms are also available. There is a traditional bar serving real ales and a contemporary main restaurant and lounge. Dinner offers a very good selection of dishes using quality produce.”

AA RESTAURANT WITH ROOMS OF THE YEAR

ENGLAND

Boys Hall, Ashford, Kent

“Decorated in a beautiful boutique style, Boys Hall is a lavishly restored 17^th-century manor house now resurrected as a classy restaurant with rooms. The 9 bedrooms are individually styled and deliver style and comfort in spades. There’s a cosy bar for a drink before you enjoy some excellent food with interesting global influences, beneath soaring rafters in the gorgeous barn-style restaurant. The lovely gardens are a pleasure to wander, and the location is perfect for exploring Kent’s attractions.”

SCOTLAND
Mingary Castle, Kilchoan, Scotland

“Built within the 13^th-century curtain walls of Mingary Castle, this restaurant with rooms is unique and individual, with high levels of quality, charm and character. Luxurious feature bedrooms and en suites combine with a stunning restaurant showcasing great technical skill. Guests can explore the top of the curtain wall or climb down the staircase towards the sea and the viewing platform to take in the Isle of Mull just across the water.”

WALES
The Checkers, Montgomery, Powys

“Expect modern British cuisine served in an intimate and relaxed environment, with a focus on carefully sourced seasonal ingredients and fine wines. The Checkers is a fine dining restaurant with rooms in the heart of Montgomery, a picturesque Welsh borders town close to the Offa’s Dyke path, River Severn and Shropshire Hills. Superb food and great wines at accessible prices. A relaxed atmosphere and a chance to get away from it all are promised at this 17^th-century coaching inn brimming with character.

AA BED AND BREAKFASTS OF THE YEAR

ENGLAND
Mallard Grange, Ripon, North Yorkshire

“A genuine welcome is always guaranteed at homely Mallard Grange. The original features of this early 16^th-century, Grade II listed farmhouse are highlighted by quality furnishings and tasteful decor. Bedrooms, two of which are in a converted smithy, are filled with a wealth of thoughtful extras. Breakfast is one of the highlights of any stay here and features home-reared and local produce. The property is a short walk away from Fountains Abbey, and there’s an easy path to walk from the property to there.”

SCOTLAND
The Auld Kirk, Ballater, Aberdeenshire

“This Victorian Scottish Free Church building has been carefully converted into a warm guest house and is now hosted by welcoming proprietors Helen & Kevin. Many original features of the kirk have been restored and incorporated in the design, and all seven purpose-built rooms are situated on the first floor, accessed by a wide staircase from the large entrance hallway. Excellent homecooked breakfasts, using the finest local produce, are served at the table in the characterful dining room.”

WALES
Bryn Derwen, Llandudno, Conwy

“Located in a quiet area of Llandudno, Bryn Derwen is just a short walk from the main shopping area and local restaurants. A friendly welcome is assured at this impressive Victorian house, which retains many original features such as tiled floors and fine stained-glass windows. Décor and furnishings highlight the historic charm of the property, which is most apparent in the sumptuous lounges and attractive dining room. A choice of individually styled bedrooms is offered, and all are equipped with many thoughtful extras.”

All the B&Bs are invited to attend the annual AA Hospitality Awards on 23 September, where an ultimate winner in each category will be announced.

Discover all the top B&Bs across the UK and watch the AA B&B 2024 Awards here:

https://www.ratedtrips.com/travel-ideas/aa-bed-and-breakfasts-of-the-year-awards-2024

New research shows alarming relationship between higher UK air temperatures and spikes in drowning

The National Water Safety Forum (NWSF) has released research which shows a concerning relationship between increases in accidental drowning deaths when warmer weather hits the UK – urging people to Respect the Water and stay safe as the weather heats up.

The two independent pieces of research, one by the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK^[1]) and another by Bournemouth University^[2] both conclude that significantly more people lose their lives to accidental drowning in the UK during periods of hot weather.

Dr Sam Hills, from Bournemouth University, explains: “The data indicates when UK average maximum air temperatures reach or exceed 25°C, there is a fivefold increase in accidental drowning risk when compared to days with an average of 10°C.

“Analysis also shows three times as many accidental drowning fatalities occur on days when air temperatures reach 25°C or more, when compared to the seasonal average.”

RLSS UK’s analysis also highlights the risk of taking a swim to cool off, as 57% of those who accidently drowned on days exceeding 25°C were swimming, almost three times higher than average^[3]. During peak temperatures, the findings also conclude that teenagers and young adults are proportionately more likely to lose their lives.

Speaking about the research, Matt Croxall, RLSS UK Charity Director, commented: “These findings are alarming and reinforce the importance of knowing how to enjoy the water safely, as every year we hear about preventable tragedies in open water when temperatures rise.

“We are sharing this new insight ahead of the coming periods of hot weather to encourage people to have the water safety conversation with loved ones, particularly teenagers and young adults, about how to stay safe near water and to know to call 999 in an emergency.”

Ross MacLeod, RNLI Water Safety Manager added: “It’s well known that people’s behaviour changes during periods of warmer weather, with many heading to open water sites to cool off and enjoy water-related activities.

“The best way to keep yourself and others safe is to visit supervised locations and know what to do in a water emergency.”

Choose a place with lifeguards on duty such as patrolled beaches at the coast, or supervised swimming pools, aquaparks and lakes inland.

If you choose to enter the water somewhere without lifeguards, please stop and think first to assess the dangers, and always stay with other people.

If you find yourself in difficulty in the water remember Float to Live

Tilt your head back with ears submerged
Relax and try to control your breathing
Use your hands to help you stay afloat
It’s OK if your legs sink, we all float differently

If you see someone else in difficulty in the water, remember Call, Tell, Throw

Call 999 to get help
Tell the struggling person to float on their back
Throw them something that floats, such as a life ring, inflatable toy, or bottle

Both research teams worked with the Met Office to use its data, combined with fatality data from the NWSF’s Water Incident Database (WAID).

Chris Walsh, Met Office Head of Warnings and Guidance, added: “Being prepared and aware of the dangers when there’s hot weather is the best way of keeping everyone safe.

“We know many people want to enjoy hot weather, but it’s important everyone knows the advice from RLSS UK and RNLI about what to do if they get in trouble in the water.”

For more Water Safety information, visit www.RespectTheWater.com to see campaigns from RLSS UK, RNLI and other NWSF partners.

For more information or any media enquiries, please contact Simrit Mann by emailing simritmann@rlss.org.uk or calling 0300 323 0096.

Brick Beach Litter Pick

FRIDAY 9 AUGUST from 3 – 5pm

We are very excited to be organising another rubbish picking event at the Brick Beach ( this is the Beach across the road from Friends of Granton Castle Walled Garden) next Friday 9 August between 3 and 5 PM.

We will have enough rubbish pickers for everyone and a picnic with some delicious food provided. Huge THANK YOU to R2 for supporting this event and enabling us to buy more rubbish pickers.

Really happy to have some colleagues from Communities’ Reduce Reuse & Recyclejoining us on the day.

Any questions-email: anna@grantongoesgreener.org.uk

Police Scotland to offer Rider Refinement courses

A motorcyclist course that gives tips on better riding is now available across the country.

Police Scotland, along with road safety partners, are holding courses to help motorcyclists as part of a holistic approach which also includes educating other drivers to reduce the number of collisions.

Motorcyclist deaths are up 80 per cent (18) this year compared to the same period last year (10).

Rider Refinement East and West is a one-day course, with eight sessions between August 2024 and October 2024 in Glenrothes and Glasgow.

Led by police motorcyclists and accompanied by an observer from the Institute of Advance Motorists, the course will look at key risk factors and provide riders with the knowledge and skills to be safer.

The course involves demonstration rides, observed rides with feedback from officers, vehicle examination checks of riders’ bikes and safety checks that should be carried out before any journey.

Previous courses received positive feedback from riders who changed their riding style and improved their skills as a result of attending Rider Refinement.

Inspector Ally Johnson, head of Police Scotland’s Motorcycle Unit, said: “The course is about engaging with motorcyclists and helping them make better decisions to improve their riding.

“This isn’t about taking the fun out of riding a bike. The course is run by motorcyclists, for motorcyclists.

“On a daily basis we also speak to other road users and highlight campaigns to encourage drivers to look out for motorcyclists, especially at corners and junctions.

“The harsh reality is people are dying on Scotland’s roads and we need everyone to play their part to help us improve road safety.

“I would encourage people to come along, speak to us and try the course for yourself.”

The course is open to any qualified motorcyclist who hold a full cat A or A2 licence; however, priority will be given to those living in central belt of Scotland.

Police Scotland would like to specifically thank Donald Malcolm Heritage Centre and Motorcycle Law Scotland for their continued support with Rider Refinement East and West.

Rider Refinement originally started in the north in 2018, before extending to the East in 2023 and is now rolled out to the West in 2024.

The cost of the course is £40 per rider and includes lunch. Spaces are limited, so providing more than one date for attendance will increase your chances of being able to participate.

Anyone interested in attending the course can email:

operationriderrefinementeast@scotland.police.uk for courses in Glenrothes, or operationriderrefinementwest@scotland.police.uk for courses in the Glasgow area.

The dates the course will be running are:

East, Glenrothes Police Station
Saturday 17th August
Saturday 28th September
Sunday 20th October

West, Donald Malcolm Heritage Centre in Linwood
Sunday 11th August
Monday 2nd September
Sunday 15th September
Saturday 5th October
Thursday 17th October

Heart of Newhaven: August newsletter

Welcome to your August Newsletter

Hear About…

We’re very pleased to be able to announce our new series of Autumn Talks. Those of you who enjoyed our Spring series of Hear About, will be pleased to hear that we have listened, and more of your requests have been followed up.

We will be hearing about everything from the famous Hill and Adamson portraits of fishwives straight from an expert at the National Portrait Gallery, to mythical Scottish sea creatures.

Talks will take place on Friday afternoons as before and will run from 20th September to the beginning of December. There are still a very few slots to be confirmed, so if you have any more requests, please get in touch with either Gillian or Christine.

gillian.ballantyne@heartofnewhaven.co.uk
christine.mcderment@heartofnewhaven.co.uk

Calling all potential Heart guides

Could you help guide visitors round the Heart? We’ll be open for Doors Open Days at the end of September and would really appreciate it if more volunteers could come forward and help on the day.

We’ll be open both Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th, from 10am till 4pm, so if you could help for either or both of those days, for just a few hours or even all day, please get in touch. We’ll make sure you know what’s what before you venture forth.

Please get in touch as soon as you can, at volunteer@heartofnewhaven.co.uk

And if you’re thinking of popping in for Doors Open Days to see what’s happening, remember that there will be two classroom sessions in the Victorian Schoolroom, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, run by the costumed role-play teachers of the History of Education Centre.

Look out for other partner activities and an exciting reveal on the DOD weekend (28th / 29th September) keep an eye on our socials and of course the September News.

The Ukrainian Spiders are back

Our Spiders are back and setting up their camouflage net looms again. They’ll be netting in the Anchor building on Friday afternoons from 2 – 9 pm, and everyone interested is invited to stop by and try their hand at weaving or simply watch the process.

Here is their new website!

Art That Saves Lives | Spiders for Ukraine (spiders4ukraine.org.uk)

Tattie Fest

Join us on 21 September for a celebration of potatoes and the garden at The Heart of Newhaven! Tattie Fest is going to be a day of making, learning and of course eating, here at The Heart of Newhaven’s garden. If you’ve got your own homegrowns in your garden or on the balcony, make sure you save your most interesting looking tatties for the potato beauty contest…

Before then, you can of course come on down and get involved in the garden, either to help out or to see what’s growing – you’ll find us just past the Men’s Shed at our drop-in on Thursday mornings, 10.30am-12.30pm,

If that time doesn’t work for you but you’re still interested in getting involved, get in touch and we can arrange a time to meet up.

We’re also looking for potato enthusiasts to help organise and help out at Tattie Fest! If you’re keen, send an email to Hayley. We’d love to hear from you.

Contact bloomyogaedinburgh@gmail.com.

2024 AGM

Who would have believed we could come so far in such a short time? Well, we did for a start. We’ve now reached the time for our third AGM, which this year will be held on 9th October at 6pm Remember to check whether you’re a member and so allowed to vote at the meeting.

A few words from our Chair in the meantime:

A recap on what we have done since becoming constituted in 2019

● August 2022 We completed the Community Asset Transfer of Victoria Primary School by purchasing the school with funding from The Scottish Land Fund

● January 2023 We opened the buildings, now known as The Heart, for community uses in support of our vision,

● Year 1 of operation, 2023, we focused on the buildings and their spaces, to ensure that even with our meanwhile use approach they functioned safely and as efficiently as possible to meet the needs of partners and users

2024 we completed emergency repairs to the fabric of The Victoria Building, The Grade B listed, heart of The Heart, and we have increased our footfall threefold.

Please come to our AGM to find out so much more – and what we aim to do next

Email agm@heartofnewhaven.co.uk

‘This is not protest. It is organised, violent thuggery’

Prime Minister Keir Starmer delivered a statement from Downing Street yesterday:

I utterly condemn the far-right thuggery we have seen this weekend.

Be in no doubt: those who have participated in this violence will face the full force of the law.

The police will be making arrests.

Individuals will be held on remand.

Charges will follow. And convictions will follow.

I guarantee you will regret taking part in this disorder.

Whether directly or those whipping up this action online, and then running away themselves.

This is not protest. It is organised, violent thuggery.

And it has no place on our street or online.

Right now, there are attacks happening on a hotel in Rotherham.

Marauding gangs intent on law breaking. Or worse.

Windows smashed.

Fires set ablaze.

Residents and staff in absolute fear.

There is no justification – none – for taking this action. And all right-minded people should be condemning this sort of violence.

People in this country have a right to be safe.

And yet, we’ve seen Muslim communities targeted.

Attacks on Mosques.

Other minority communities singled out.

Nazi salutes in the street.

Attacks on the police.

Wanton violence alongside racist rhetoric.

So, no, I won’t shy away from calling this what it is: Far-right thuggery.

To those who feel targeted because of the colour of your skin…

Or your faith…

I know how frightening this must be.

I want you to know this violent mob do not represent our country.

And we will bring them to justice.

Our police deserve our support, as they tackle any and all violent disorder that flares up.

Whatever the apparent cause or motivation we make no distinction.

Crime is crime.

And this government will tackle it.

Thank you.

The Prime Minister will hold an emergency COBRA meeting this morning.

Mosques to be offered new emergency security

Mosques are being offered greater protection with new emergency security that can be rapidly deployed

The new rapid response process means mosques at risk of violent disorder can be offered additional security personnel, providing communities with vital support and reassurance. This will boost the work already being done by local police forces to protect these important places of worship.

Under the new process now in place, the police, local authorities and mosques can ask for rapid security to be deployed, protecting communities and allowing for a return to worship as quickly as possible.

This announcement will build on the existing Protective Security for Mosques Scheme, with up to £29.4 million already available this year to fund security at mosques and Muslim faith schools.

Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper said: “Britain is a proud and tolerant country, and nobody should make any excuses for the shameful actions of the hooligans, thugs and extremist groups who have been attacking police officers, looting local shops or attacking people based on the colour of their skin.

“In light of the disgraceful threats and attacks that local mosques have also faced in many communities, the government is providing rapid additional support through the Protective Security for Mosques Scheme, alongside the support from local police forces and we repeat that anyone involved in this disorder and violence will face the full force of the law.

“As a nation we will not tolerate criminal behaviour, dangerous extremism, and racist attacks that go against everything our country stands for.”

The Government has made clear that targeted attacks on Muslim communities will not be tolerated. All those involved in violent disorder, including attacks on the police, local communities, arson and looting should expect to face the full force of the law.

The new arrangements have been deployed and are already providing additional security for mosques across the country this weekend. The scheme also remains open for general applications and all those eligible are encouraged to apply.

TUC ANTI FAR RIGHT STATEMENT

We stand together in peace and solidarity with the people of Southport following the horrific events that took place on Monday 29th July have left us all in shock.

Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of those who have died and are receiving treatment for their injuries. They should be the priority for everyone who cares about what has happened

Instead some have sought to use the tragic event in Southport to divide and spread hate – based on mistruths and false information. Far right thugs have taken to the streets of Southport, Hartlepool and London to attack Police and emergency service workers, to target Muslim communities with xenophobic hatred and to despoil the memories of those whose lives were so tragically cut short.

We must not let them get away with their lies and division. Trade unions have always been at the heart of efforts to unite communities and stand against hate. But the challenge feels even more urgent now.

Whilst what took place in Southport leaves a dark shadow, we have seen some of the best of us. Our emergency service workers who rushed to danger, who provided and continue to provide life-saving care. Our public service workers providing ongoing care and support and practical help. Our teachers and support staff in the schools attended by young people affected and our community organisations who have stepped up to help and provide counselling.

So many other individuals, local businesses and organisations who are giving their time and expertise. They all deserve our gratitude. They have discharged their duty professionally, diligently and with compassion for their community.

Once again, it is a diverse range of front-line workers and community activists who have stepped up to repair the damage – material, physical and emotional.

Southport and our communities across the country do not need to meet violence with further violence. Whipping up hate and fear is not acceptable.

As trade unions, we will continue to work with our members in workplaces across the country, to provide practical support and solidarity and defeat the narrative of hate.

Our unions call for an end to the violence and intimidation, and for all those who perpetrate these acts to be brought to justice.

Unity is our strength, and we will stand firm against those that aim to pit different workers and communities against each other.

Age UK: Save the Winter Fuel Payment

SIGN THE PETITION

The Winter Fuel Payment will be the difference between eating and heating for many struggling pensioners this winter.

The Government must save this vital payment.

Over 138,000 of you have signed our petition so far. Will you join us?

Sign the petition: http://bit.ly/3A4hoyo

Westminster: Election of select committee Chairs

The Speaker of the House, Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP, has set out the timetable for the election of chairs of select committees following the General Election on 4 July 2024.

Since 2010, most committee chairs have been elected by the whole House by secret ballot using the alternative vote system, under which MPs rank candidates in order of preference. 

The period of nominations will run until 4pm on Monday 9 September, with the ballot scheduled for Wednesday 11 September.

How do Chair elections work?

The Speaker’s announcement follows the allocation of particular committee chairs to political parties, agreed by the House on 30 July. The number of chairs allotted to each party relates to their strength in the House of Commons. The chairs of the Committee of Public Accounts and the Committee on Standards are required to be from the Official Opposition.

The rules for the election of chairs of select committees are set out in Standing Order No. 122B. The Chair of the Backbench Business Committee will also be elected at this time although this takes place under a different Standing Order, No. 122D.  The chair of the Backbench Business Committee must be elected from a party which is not represented in the Government.

Which committees are electing a Chair?

Select committees appointed under Standing Order No. 152 (Select committees related to government departments) and their allocation: 

Business and Trade (Labour)
Culture, Media and Sport (Conservative)
Defence (Labour)
Education (Labour)
Energy Security and Net Zero (Labour)
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Liberal Democrat)
Foreign Affairs (Labour)
Health and Social Care (Liberal Democrat)
Home Affairs (Conservative)
Housing, Communities and Local Government (Labour)
International Development (Labour)
Justice (Labour)
Northern Ireland Affairs (Labour)
Science, Innovation and Technology (Labour)
Scottish Affairs (Labour)
Transport (Labour)
Treasury (Labour)
Welsh Affairs (Labour)
Women and Equalities (Labour)
Work and Pensions (Labour)

Other specified select committees:

Environmental Audit (Labour)
Petitions (Liberal Democrat)
Procedure (Labour)
Public Accounts (Conservative)
Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs (Conservative)
Standards (Conservative)

Further information

Have you seen Tyler?

Tyler McCallum is missing from the Aviemore area and was last seen there around 11.45am on Saturday, 3 August, 2024.

Tyler is 14 years of age. He uses buses and regularly travels to Edinburgh.

Anyone with information should contact 101 (reference 4110 of 3 August).

Reducing the environmental impact of respiratory care across NHS Lothian

NHS Lothian recently led a project to reduce waste and carbon emissions caused by incorrectly disposed inhalers.

Across Scotland, respiratory disease is common, however the treatment for this is a major carbon hotspot. Emissions caused by incorrectly disposed inhalers contribute to air pollution, potentially exacerbating respiratory conditions and affecting the overall health of our communities.

Jane Hopton, NHS Lothian Environmental Sustainability Lead said: “The carbon footprint of respiratory disease is largely due to the current propellant gases found in some inhalers. These gases have 1,430 or 3,220 times the global warming potential of CO2, depending on the brand of inhaler.

“By disposing of used, unwanted, or expired inhalers properly, we can ensure the safe destruction of the residual propellant gases and in doing so, help to reduce their carbon footprint.”

This project, which was funded by NHS Lothian Charity as part of their Climate Challenge Grant initiative, asked participating community pharmacies to add stickers to dispensing bags containing inhalers. The stickers stated, “please return unwanted or expired inhalers to your pharmacy for environmentally safe disposal.”

In total, five community pharmacies took part in the pilot project. After 10 weeks of adding the stickers to bags, the number of inhalers returned was four times more than prior, representing a 300% increase.

Jane added: “This has been an important project, and one which demonstrates how small changes can make a valuable contribution to supporting our sustainability goals.

“Our thanks go to staff within the Community Pharmacies that were involved for their support in making this pilot such a success. I look forward to seeing this work develop, as collectively we explore all opportunities to reduce our carbon footprint.”

While dry powder inhalers do not contain propellants, they are currently not recyclable due to the multiple types of plastic and components in them. Patients, however, are encouraged to dispose of these items safely and can return them to a pharmacy to do this.

The second phase of this project aims to increase effective prescribing for respiratory conditions by improving access to information that supports clinical decision making and promotes good inhaler techniques.

This is in recognition of the new Scottish Government quality prescribing strategy for respiratory conditions which recognises that the most environmentally friendly inhaler is one that patients can, will and do use correctly.

Resources have been developed to support this, including posters for healthcare staff and educational posters to support patients with their inhaler technique. These have been distributed to staff in primary and secondary care by the Respiratory Managed Clinical Network.

Katie Johnston, Respiratory Lead, Primary Care Pharmacist, NHS Lothian said: “Lots of people use inhalers and often do not think about the environmental impact these can have.

“Community pharmacies are ideally positioned and essential to support improved respiratory care and to help reduce the environmental impact of all medicines.

“Feedback regarding the resources has been very positive and the Managed Clinical Network plans to continue to develop and share information to ensure inhaler waste continues to be reduced, the carbon footprint from inhalers is minimised and every patient is prescribed an inhaler device that is suitable for them.”