Author: davepickering

Edinburgh reporter and photographer

Edinburgh brewery raises funds for Motor Neurone Disease

Brewing Legacy: How Cold Town Beer is honouring Doddie Weir with the support of APC Edinburgh and The APC Network

When Cold Town Beer was founded in Edinburgh in 2017, its vision was to combine tradition and innovation, crafting small-batch artisan beers that honour Scotland’s rich brewing heritage while pushing the boundaries of modern brewing.

Named after Edinburgh’s Calton Hill – historically known as “Caltoun” or “Cold Town” – this brewery quickly became a local favourite, celebrated for its commitment to quality, sustainability and community.

Today, Cold Town Beer continues to create a meaningful impact, not only with its craft beer but also through initiatives such as Doddie Beir.

Honouring Doddie Weir with Doddie Beir

Doddie Beir is more than just a limited-edition lager. It’s a tribute to George Wilson “Doddie Weir” OBE, the rugby legend, who passed away from Motor Neurone Disease (MND) in 2022. With its smooth and crisp flavour, Doddie Beir aims to raise funds for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, which he founded in 2017 to advance MND research and provide support to individuals affected by the disease.

Every pint of Doddie Beir sold supports the foundation, helping to fund vital research into finding a cure for MND. Since its launch in 2020, Doddie Beir has enabled Cold Town Beer to donate over £15,000 to the foundation, with a commitment to contribute at least £11,000 more over the next two years.

A beer made with Doddie’s touch

“Doddie Beir is deeply personal to us,” explains Louise Maclean, Business Development Director at Signature Pub Group Ltd. “It was born out of a close friendship with Doddie and Nic Wood, owner of Signature Pub Group Ltd. We wanted to create a beer that felt true to him- light-hearted, fun and well-loved, just like Doddie himself.”

Doddie was actively involved in the beer’s development, ensuring it reflected his personal taste. “In 2019, we had the privilege of brewing this lager with Doddie himself. He wanted a beer that was less sweet, a little more bitter and crisp like a classic Pilsner,” Louise adds. “His fingerprints are all over Doddie Beir, and we’re proud to share it with rugby fans everywhere.”

Partnering with APC Edinburgh for seamless deliveries

In 2020, Cold Town Beer partnered with APC Edinburgh and The APC network to support the growing business and manage the increasing demand for reliable, secure deliveries of fragile, liquid products. This partnership has also been instrumental in the success of the Doddie Beir project, ensuring the beer is delivered in peak condition across Scotland and beyond. 

“The APC and APC Edinburgh’s local approach and reliable overnight delivery service have been game changers for us,” Ben Wallace, Sales Consultant at Cold Town, shares.

“As a craft brewery rooted in our community, we trust APC Edinburgh to handle our deliveries with care. Their local depot team has been incredibly supportive, ensuring every delivery arrives in perfect condition.”

Looking ahead

With Doddie Beir, Cold Town Beer is ready to make an even greater impact during the Six Nations tournament and beyond. “We’re excited to share this special beer with rugby fans across the UK and to continue supporting the incredible work of the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation,” Louise says.

Ailsa Hamilton, Sales Manager at APC Edinburgh said: “Partnering with Cold Town Beer on this meaningful project has been a privilege.

“We’re proud to support their mission and play a role in their efforts to support the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation. It’s inspiring to work alongside a company so committed to making a positive impact and we look forward to continuing this partnership as they grow and achieve even greater things.”

Find out more about Cold Town Beer here: https://coldtownbeer.com/

and APC Edinburgh here: https://www.apcedinburgh.com/ 

Animation lecturer hunting industry terms needing a BSL sign

Jon Mortimer’s project aims to make animation and visual effects careers more accessible

An Edinburgh Napier University (ENU) lecturer is hoping to make animation, visual effects and gaming more inclusive – by identifying industry and technical phrases that need their own sign in British Sign Language (BSL).

Award-winning animator Jon Mortimer was inspired by his efforts to learn BSL alongside his 4-year-old son, as well as experience of supporting deaf students at ENU, where he teaches 3D animation and modelling.

Jon leads the community project, Animsign, with the aim of gathering words from the world of animation that don’t currently have a specific BSL sign. He took the research to industry events around the world to seek suggestions from professionals, educators and signers.

Following his work with the deaf community and industry to develop new signs, Jon created an animated explainer video to help get the word out and provide further information.

An Animsign pilot at a conference in Scotland helped to pinpoint 74 terms which needed a new sign, such as WIP (work in progress), pipeline and props.

Jon is now inviting members of the deaf community, educators and animation and games professionals who are interested in being involved with Animsign to reach out, and work towards developing a BSL glossary of animation and gaming terminology.

There are thought to be more than 70 million sign language users worldwide, with more than 300 different sign languages. It is hoped that having a more accessible breadth of BSL terms could open potential new career opportunities to people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Jon said: “Gaps in language can put people starting out in animation at a major disadvantage. It is like looking up a technical term in the dictionary and finding a blank page.

“Our aim with Animsign is to create a bridge between the animation and games sectors and the deaf community.

“My family and I have been learning BSL to support my son, who currently has limited language. Learning sign language has allowed him to express himself so much more than before.

“I think it is so important that we work with people from the deaf community and not for them, which is what I have aimed to do throughout this project, while also working with deaf artists.

“The hope is that with support like this we can make the process of learning about animation more accessible.

“You don’t need to be an animator to work in animation. This could open up a whole range of careers to talented people who have stories to tell.”

Jon now hopes to take this research further by forming focus groups of animation & games professionals, educators and sign language users to develop a glossary of new signs. He is encouraging anyone and everyone to get in touch with him and talk about his research.

Jeanette crowned Great British Grandparent 2024

Doting grandmother Jeanette Townsend from West Sussex has been named the Great British Grandparent 2024, following an extensive nationwide search which received over 650 entries from loved ones nominating a family member or friend for the prestigious title.

Grandmother to eight grandchildren and another eight great-grandchildren (plus one more on the way), Jeanette, who is affectionately known as ‘Nan’, is overjoyed (if not a little overwhelmed) with the news.

On National Grandparents Day in October, Ambassador Cruise Line launched its search for the UK’s Grandparent of the Year. The initiative was conceived as a heartfelt tribute to the unsung heroes who give so much of their time, consideration, emotional and, in some cases, financial support to their nearest and dearest, day in, day out.

Jeanette was nominated for the title of Great British Grandparent by her granddaughter, Chloe.

Chloe’s submission included details outlining the incredible support Jeanette has provided to all generations of her family, notably during a difficult time when Chloe’s mother fell ill before sadly passing away.

The entry also included fond memories of how Jeanette has actively contributed to quality family time over the years, including teaching those close to her how to bake, go fishing or spending hours with the children while they played games in the back garden. Chloe also described how Jeanette is unconditionally ‘always there’ and come what may – both during times of need and in day-to-day life.

Despite facing extremely tough competition from other nominees, many of whom would have proved worthy winners of the title, Chloe’s nomination truly moved Ambassador’s expert judging panel headed-up by Ambassador’s CEO, Christian Verhounig, and the decision was unanimous in voting Jeanette the Grandparent of the Year.

After being named Great British Grandparent 2024, Jeanette said: “I was shocked by the news, because everything that I do I simply do because that’s what you do for your family.

“I always love having the grandchildren at my place, whether that’s playing in the garden, going down the beach, or cooking together. I consider myself very lucky to have such an amazing family.”  

Granddaughter Chloe said: “I didn’t really believe it when we found out the news. I’ve never nominated someone for an award like this before, but everything that I said is true – I don’t know any grandparent more deserving than her.

“Nan is the ‘hub’ of the family, she gets us together and we all cherish the family moments we have at her place. She has gone through so much over the years that most people should never have to. Thanks so much to Ambassador for hearing her story and recognising our incredible Nan in this way. She really deserves this.”

In recognition of her achievement, Jeanette will be treated to a complimentary week-long, full-board Ambassador sailing for two to enjoy at a time of her choosing.

Jeanette said: “I’ve never been on a cruise – I’ve never been that fortunate!

“I’m really looking forward to it.”

Christian Verhounig, CEO of Ambassador Cruise Line and Head Judge of the voting panel, says: “On behalf of all of us at Ambassador, heartfelt congratulations go to Great British Grandparent 2024: Jeanette Townsend.

“The dedication and ongoing support you provide to your grandchildren and great-grandchildren is truly incredible, and you are a wonderful example of just how important grandparents are to the family unit.

“Ambassador is proud to champion the Silver Generation, whose support, friendship and companionship plays such a key role in bringing families the length and breadth of the country together. On behalf of all those friends and relatives who benefit from the unconditional love you provide, we wish to thank grandparents across the country for all that you do, every day of the year.”

As part of the campaign, the over 50’s cruise line commissioned a survey that looked at the intergenerational dynamic, with findings suggesting that grandparents remain the backbone of the family unit.

Research revealed that grandparents are viewed as both generous and reliable, providing an average of 24.6 hours a month of childcare to their grandchildren, even if over a third (38%) receive nothing in return.

Grandparents are also considered the most trustworthy people to look after children, with almost two in three (62%) of people saying they trust them most with childcare duties.

Grandparents are stepping in with financial support too – the research shows that two in five (40%) Brits have turned to their grandparents for money, and that grandparents are understood to be sacrificing on their own lives – including giving up on holidays (16%), holding back on doing things with friends (12%) and remortgaging their home (8%) – to ensure their grandchildren thrive.

Ambassador Cruise Line will begin its search for the Great British Grandparent 2025 later this year on National Grandparents Day, which falls on Sunday 5 October.

Rod Stewart shares song and dance with NHSGGC patient Harriet

Patient Harriet meets idol Rod Stewart thanks to kind-hearted NHSGGC staff

A throwaway idea from kind-hearted staff at New Stobhill Hospital turned into the experience of a lifetime this week for a patient of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.

Harriet Rozanski, 74, has been a patient at the hospital for more than a year, and she is such a fan of Rod Stewart that she listens to his CDs all the time and the area around her bed is covered with pictures in tribute to her idol.

Such is Harriet’s love of the rock superstar that Consultant Geriatrician Dr Aine McGovern and Senior Charge Nurse Helena Connolly made it their mission to get Rod to record a video message of good wishes for her.

However, thanks to the help of Chief Nurse John Stuart and the Celtic Foundation, Rod went one step further and Harriet was invited to meet him at the hospitality suite at Celtic Park during this week’s Champions League fixture against German giants Bayern Munich.

Dr McGovern accompanied Harriet to her special meeting, and she said it was a wonderful occasion. She said: “We just thought we would do something nice for a patient who’s been with us for a while, but we had no idea our request would end up here.

“We’re delighted to have been able to do this for Harriet, and seeing her face when she met her life-long idol is something I’ll never forget.

“Rod was so lovely with her, and the fact he took the time to share a song and a dance with Harriet was the icing on the cake for her.

“I’d like to thank John Stuart, Helena Connolly and everyone else who did so much to make this possible – especially the Celtic Foundation.”

Dr McGovern admitted that, while Harriet is an East End girl who grew up in the shadow of Celtic Park, she wasn’t too interested in the football being played on the hallowed turf outside the Hospitality Suite.

“I don’t think I would care either,” she said. “I mean, after waiting all these years to meet the man of your dreams, there would be more important things on your mind than football!”

Drylaw Orchard Celebrations

SUNDAY 23rd FEBRUARY in EASTER DRYLAW AVENUE

Drylaw Good Apples are holding a celebration in the two secret orchards on Sunday 23rd February.

There will be a light maintenance session first in the orchards between 11-1pm followed by a hot lunch at the Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre 1.15-2.15, and then back out again 2.30-3.30 for singing and music from the incomparable Jed and Jo to celebrate the start of Spring in the Orchards.

Come along for all or some of it! Bring your friends and neighbours.

All ages and abilities welcome!

Prestigious woodworking school offers fully funded bursary for young Scots

World-renowned woodworking school, the Chippendale International School of Furniture, is once again offering aspiring furniture makers in Scotland the opportunity to attend its popular 10-Week Course free of charge.

The third ever to be offered, the Ronnie Guild Bursary covers the full course fees for young people in Scotland who are passionate about woodworking but face financial barriers to entry.

Fine furniture making is often an expensive career or hobby, with costs increasing as skill sets expand to include the use of machinery, specialised tools, and premium materials.

The Chippendale International School of Furniture, founded in 1985, has taught woodworking to countless students from all walks of life, including retirees, career changers, and school leavers. In recent years, the school has also worked to make woodworking more accessible through its bursary program.

The 10-week course, running from 12 May to 18 July 2025, offers hands-on experience in woodworking and fine furniture making.

With personal guidance from expert tutors in a fully equipped studio and world-class resources, students gain the confidence to either pursue a career in woodworking or continue on their path toward becoming expert craftspeople.

Gregor Hogg, the bursary recipient from last year, shared how the experience changed his life: “The bursary gave me the opportunity to train in an amazing environment with some of the world’s best woodworking tutors.

“My time at Chippendale was truly life changing. It gave me the skills, confidence, and industry knowledge to pursue a future career in woodworking, something I’d always dreamed of.”

For young woodworkers who may not have had the means to pursue formal training, the Ronnie Guild Bursary offers a unique opportunity to study at one of the world’s leading woodworking schools.

How to Apply

  • Open to Scotland-based applicants under 30
  • Full tuition fees covered – transport, accommodation, and living expenses are not included and must be self-funded
  • Application deadline: 31 March 2025

Apply now via our application page. 

Green space is good for you

A new Outdoor Recreation report from NatureScot’s Scotland’s People and Nature Survey (SPANS) 2023/24 reveals that 61% of Scots engage in outdoor recreation at least weekly, with 17% venturing out daily. It also highlights the importance of urban greenspaces in outdoor recreation.

The survey found that 41% of outdoor visits in Scotland take place in a park or other open greenspace in an urban area, making them the most popular destination. Woodland and forest visits follow closely at 39%.

Young people (16-34 years) and residents of the 10% most derived areas are more likely to use urban greenspaces, reinforcing their importance in ensuring equitable access to nature.

However, residents from the most deprived areas are less likely to engage in outdoor activities, pointing to a need for more inclusive policies and investments in local parks.

People in Scotland participate in a wide range of outdoor activities with walking being the most popular outdoor activity, the overwhelming majority of visits involved walking (93%).

Walking was also the most popular way to get to local parks, overall, 84% of people said they normally walk or wheel to their local greenspace.

These findings emphasize the crucial role of local, accessible urban greenspaces in promoting health and well-being.

Read the full report