davepickering

Dentists: Latest figures reveal depth of Scotland’s access crisis

The British Dental Association has called on the Scottish Government to fix the broken system underpinning NHS dentistry, as new data reveals little sign of a recovery in attendance and ever-widening health inequalities.

Figures from Public Health Scotland show participation rates – contact with a dentist within the past two years – continued to fall. On 30 September 2022 just 50.4% of all registered patients had seen an NHS dentist within the last two years, still down on the 52.6% seen in 2021, and a considerable reduction from almost two-thirds (65.1%) in 2020. The participation rate among registered children was higher than for adults (65.7% compared to 47.2%).

The gap between the most and least deprived areas in Scotland continues to grow, with the new data showing record inequalities in participation rates. In September 2008, the gap in child participation between the most and least deprived areas was three percentage points; this had increased to seven percentage points by 2010, eighteen percentage points (55.3% compared to 73.1%) in September 2021. The figure now stands at twenty percentage points (55.9% compared with 75.8%).

The BDA has warned that lower levels of participation will inevitably translate into a higher dental disease burden, with deep oral health inequalities expected to widen even further given the cumulative impact of limited access to services, the temporary suspension of public health programmes, and the impact of lockdown diets. Lower participation will reduce the chance of picking up early signs of decay and oral cancers at routine check-ups, and delays in treatment will mean higher costs to the NHS and worse outcomes for patients.

Registration rates remain high due to lifetime registration – over 95.4% of the Scottish population were registered with an NHS dentist in September 2022– but the percentage of children registered fell marginally.

Free NHS dental for all remains a key Scottish Government policy. BDA Scotland has long warned that a return to a ‘business as usual model’ – low margin and high volume – will put practices under unsustainable financial pressure, with soaring running costs raising the risk of closure or movement to the private sector.

BDA Scotland stresses that Ministers must continue with additional financial support for practices, set to end on 1 April 2023 to support dentists and their teams as they work through the historic backlog of dental care and until a new, sustainable funding arrangement for NHS dentistry is in place. This data follows recent reports of a growing exodus of dentists from the NHS.

David McColl, Chair of the British Dental Association’s Scottish Dental Practice Committee said: “Patients in Scotland’s poorest communities are paying the price for the crisis in dentistry.

“The Scottish Government must not try to hide behind positive sounding registration figures. The reality is patient participation remains on the floor, and inequalities are set to widen.

“Dentists are reconsidering their futures working in a broken system. NHS dentistry is on the critical list, and real reform won’t wait.”

Brand new £1.6 million bar opens in Edinburgh Airport

Double the All Bar One fun … Popular bar and restaurant chain, All Bar One has opened up a second site in Edinburgh Airport.

Meaning the existing site, near gate 6, is now joined by a stunning new addition by gate 15. The new £1.6 million venue opened its doors in the airport on Wednesday 28th December, so guests can now enjoy All Bar One favourites at both ends of the airport terminal.

The new bar seats 200 people, and is open daily from 4am until 9pm serving up breakfast, brunch, cocktails and low & no alcohol drinks! Whatever your next destination, make sure to stop in at All Bar One on the way.

Speaking about the refurbishment, General Manager at All Bar One Edinburgh, Lewis said: “We are very excited to be opening our brand new second All Bar One unit within Edinburgh Airport, offering travellers somewhere exciting to start their holidays.

“Open from 4am every day we have an exciting range of cocktails, beer and wine along with a fantastic Breakfast and Main menu in our stylish bar & restaurant setting.’’

Following the significant investment made at All Bar One, new jobs have been created for the local area, with the team now ready to pour pints and serve delicious food to guests.

For more information about All Bar One please visit:

https://www.allbarone.co.uk/national-search/scotland-and-northern-ireland/all-bar-one-e dinburgh-airport#/

Applications open for the Scottish Charity Awards 2023

The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) is calling for voluntary organisations and individuals across the country to apply for its annual Scottish Charity Awards.

Now in its 17th year, the Scottish Charity Awards are designed to celebrate the best of the voluntary sector, and to highlight the incredible organisations, inspiring people and innovative projects that have made an immeasurable difference to the communities they support over the past year.

Applications are now being accepted for 2023, with SCVO placing particular importance on hearing from voluntary organisations and individuals that reflect the diversity of the sector.

The award categories are Employee of the Year, Trustee of the Year, Community Action, Campaign of the Year, Charity of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Digital Citizen, Pioneering Project and Climate Conscious; with the winners to be decided by a panel of judges.

All finalists will also be entered into the running for the People’s Choice Award, giving members of the public a chance to vote for their favourite finalist to win. SCVO received an overwhelming response last year with hundreds of applications and over 18,000 votes cast for the People’s Choice Award, and hopes that even more organisations will be inspired to apply this year.

This year, SCVO will be bringing its glittering awards ceremony, hosted by Sally Magnusson, to Edinburgh on 23 June.

Anna Fowlie, Chief Executive of SCVO, said: “Every year, the Scottish Charity Awards remind us just how amazing voluntary organisations, their staff and their volunteers are.

“It’s a unique chance to see the life-changing contributions they make every day in our communities, and I would urge you to apply to make sure your work gets the recognition it deserves.

“Not only can being a finalist promote your organisation’s cause and attract new funding streams, it will let people across Scotland see what you do and understand the vital contribution charities, community organisations and social enterprises make to our society. Don’t be shy – apply!”

Applications are open until 12pm on Friday 17 March 2023 and can be completed on the SCVO website: scvo.scot/scottish-charity-awards/apply.

Don’t get yourself in a pickle: Edinburgh Leisure is offering Pickleball Taster Sessions

Edinburgh Leisure is offering Pickleball Taster sessions at four of its venues next week.

Invented in the USA over 50 years ago by a family who named it after their dog Pickles, Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the world.

Played on a court very similar to badminton but with a lower net, it is played with a ball and a paddle, and uses racket skills from tennis, squash, badminton and table tennis. The rules and scoring system mean that pickleball is very accessible for the young and not so young, making it a family activity for everyone to enjoy.

Led by Pickleball Scotland ambassadors, the free adult taster sessions will be offered at the following venues. No need to invest in a paddle or balls as the kit will be supplied on the day.

Monday, 30^th January – 1pm – 3pm

Meadowbank Sports Centre, 139 London Road, Edinburgh EH7 6AD

Wednesday, 1^st February – 7 pm – 9 pm

Ainslie Park, 92 Pilton Drive, Edinburgh EH5 2HF

Thursday, 2^nd February – 1 pm – 3 pm

Craiglockhart Tennis Centre, 177 Colinton Road, Edinburgh EH14 1BZ

Friday, 3^rd February – 1 pm – 3 pm

Drumbrae Leisure Centre, 30 Drumbrae Terrace, Edinburgh EH4 7SF

No need to invest in a paddle or balls as the kit will be supplied on the day.

To book your free space, visit here, select the venue of your choice and choose activity type ‘Social Sport Class’. Or select the Social Sports icon on the Edinburgh Leisure App at your chosen venue.

For more information: shorturl.at/owFPQ

Appeal for information following assault and robbery in Seafield

Detectives in Edinburgh are appealing for information after a man was assaulted and robbed by three youths in Seafield.

Around 5.30pm on Tuesday (24 January 2023) the man sustained minor injuries after three males struck him on the head with a weapon and stole his rucksack and laptop as he made his way along the cycle path between Seafield Street and Pirniefield.

The suspects are described as:

The first was around 14-years-old, with a Scottish accent, slim build, wearing a snood, dressed in black and riding a black scooter.

The second, with the weapon, was about 16/17-years-old, stocky build, 5ft 9, Scottish accent, wearing a dark hoodie with the hood tied tight, red snood, black jogging bottoms and black trainers.

The third was around 14/15-years-old, wearing dark clothing and silver trainers. Both were on electric bikes.

Detective Sergeant Keith Taylor, Violence Reduction Unit, said: “Extensive enquiries are ongoing to trace the people responsible, and we encourage anyone with information about this attack to contact police.

“Think back, did you see these three youths in the area around this time?

“We are also appealing for anyone who may have relevant dash-cam footage from the Seafield Road area around 5.30pm on Tuesday to get in touch.

“Please contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting reference number 3094 of Tuesday, 24 January, 2023.”

Chancellor to use ‘Brexit freedoms’ to tackle poor productivity

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt will set out a long-term plan for prosperity made possible by Brexit.
Hunt will make the case against “declinism”, with the UK growing faster than France, Japan and Italy since 2010.
He will also confirm post-Brexit reforms to unlock £100bn of private investment this decade will be implemented in the coming months.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt will today set out his approach to tackle poor productivity and boost growth, using the new freedoms won by Brexit as a catalyst.

Following the Prime Minister New Year address outlining his five priorities which include growing the economy, halving inflation and getting debt down – the Chancellor will speak about how this will be accomplished.

Delivering the speech at Bloomberg’s European headquarters in London, Mr Hunt will caution against an attitude of “declinism” about Britain and set out the case for optimism as the UK aims to play a leading role in Europe and across the world in the industries of tomorrow. Since 2010 the UK economy has grown faster than France, Italy and Japan, and since the EU referendum the UK economy has grown at around the same rate as Germany.

The Chancellor will also confirm that post-Brexit reforms to Solvency II will be implemented in the coming months, which could unlock £100 billion of additional investment into the UK’s most productive assets this decade – such as clean energy and UK infrastructure.

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt is expected to say: “Our plan for the years that follow is long term prosperity based on British genius and British hard work.

“[And] world-beating enterprises to make Britain the world’s next Silicon Valley.”

The Chancellor will also caution against declinism, with the UK aiming to play a leading global role:

“Declinism about Britain was wrong in the past – and it is wrong today.

“Some of the gloom is based on statistics that do not reflect the whole picture.

“Like every G7 country, our growth was slower in the years after the financial crisis than the years before it. But since 2010, the UK has grown faster than France, Japan and Italy. Since the Brexit referendum, we have grown at about the same rate as Germany.

“If we look further ahead, the case for declinism becomes weaker still. The UK is poised to play a leading role in Europe and across the world in the growth sectors which will define this century.”

The Chancellor will focus on key growth industries, including Digital Technology, Green Industries, Life Sciences, Advanced Manufacturing and Creative Industries – areas where Britain has a competitive advantage to build on further.

Mr Hunt will also set out some of the challenges the UK faces, including poor productivity, and set out a plan to long-term prosperity, using the UK’s new-found Brexit freedoms to support growth and entrepreneurship.

In the Autumn Statement, the Chancellor set out the government’s strategy for boosting growth by investing in our people, in the infrastructure that connects our country, by creating the right environment for business investment, and by supporting our world-leading financial services companies and innovators.

To further support investment across our economy, the Chancellor also announced a decision to proceed with reforms to Solvency II – an EU Directive that governs the amount of funds British insurers are required to hold in reserve. The Association of British Insurers suggest the Chancellor’s reforms are expected to unlock up to £100 billion of private investment this decade into UK infrastructure and clean energy, such as nuclear power.

And in December, the Chancellor went further and announced the Edinburgh Reforms – a package of reforms to drive growth and competitiveness in the UK’s financial services sector, while retaining our commitment to high international standards. This included the publication of our ambitious plan for repealing and reforming EU law for financial services.

The Chancellor is also expected to say: “Confidence in the future starts with honesty about the present, and we should not shy away from the biggest challenge we face which is our poor productivity. Our plan for long term prosperity tackles that challenge head on.

“It is a plan necessitated, energised and made possible by Brexit which will succeed if it becomes a catalyst for the bold choices we need to take.

“Our plan for growth is a plan built on the freedoms which Brexit provides. It is a plan to raise productivity. It is a plan to use the proceeds of growth to support our public services at home, to support businesses in the new low carbon economy and to support democracy abroad. It is the right course for our country and the role in the world to which we aspire.”

With a UK tech sector worth one trillion dollars the Chancellor will call on other businesses to consider the UK as a place for investment by tech entrepreneurs, life science innovators and energy companies.

The UK is an attractive location for tech investment; the recently announced digital markets regime aims to open the UK’s digital markets up to greater competition and spur increased innovation across the sector. The regime is an alternative to the EU’s Digital Markets Act – the UK’s proposals are widely regarded as more proportionate, targeted and flexible than the EU’s.

This month PwC surveyed more than 4,400 top chief executives in 35 countries and found that the UK has risen the joint third most important country to invest, behind only the US and China and equal with Germany.

Independent Advocacy Service celebrates one year anniversary

A free independent advocacy service to support disabled people to access Scottish Government benefits has marked its first year in operation.

The Scottish Government is investing more than £20 million to deliver this service over the course of four years. This independent service is available to people with a disability who may need extra support. This could include people with a sensory disability, mental health condition or learning disability. The service is also available to parents or carers who need support to access benefits for a child.

The service, which was introduced in January 2022, enables disabled people to be more involved in the processes and decisions which affect them and advocates will provide the most appropriate form of support to each individual based on their circumstances.

Minister for Social Security Ben Macpherson said: “I am delighted that, in its first year, the Independent Advocacy Service has supported over 550 people applying for Scottish Government social security benefits.

“The service is a key part of our human rights approach to social security and how the values of dignity, fairness and respect in our social security system work in practice.

“The service helping disabled people to access the financial support they are entitled to, and is delivering on our commitment to make our system as inclusive as possible.

“With the Scottish Government’s commitment to invest more than £20 million in it, the advocacy service will be able to assist even more disabled people access the help they are entitled to over the coming years.”

CEO of VoiceAbility, Jonathan Senker said: “Over our first year of delivering the Independent Advocacy Service, people tell me that it enabled them to apply for social security benefits when before they felt daunted by the process. They say that advocates supported them to express themselves openly, when previously they felt obliged to ‘put on a brave face’ or underplay their needs.

“It’s vital that people can access the benefits to which they are entitled. I am proud of VoiceAbility’s skilled team of advocates, who are ready and available to support disabled people across Scotland. I encourage anyone who thinks an advocate could help them to access benefits to contact us. We’re here on the phone, online and in-person to make sure you’re heard when it matters.”

The independent service was introduced in January 2022, ahead of a pilot for Adult Disability Payment – which replaces Personal Independence Payment (PIP) in Scotland. Adult Disability Payment was introduced across Scotland in August 2022.

Did you know you can get free, independent support to access Social Security Scotland benefits if you’re disabled? If you’re based in or near Edinburgh, come and chat to Alex at one of our drop-ins:

Alternating Mondays, 1-3pm: Edinburgh Food Project, Pilton food bank at St Margaret Mary, Boswall Pkwy, EH5 2JQ – from 16 January

Every Wednesday, 10am-2pm: The Salvation Army, 36 Wardieburn Drive, EH5 1BZ

Every 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month, 1-3pm: Edinburgh Food Project, Broughton food bank at Broughton St Mary’s Parish Church, Bellevue Crescent, EH3 6NE

Every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month, 9.30am-1pm: Citizens Advice Bureaux at 23 Dalmeny Street, EH6 8PG – from 12 January

Every 1st and 3rd Friday of the month, 11am-1pm: Craigmillar Library at 101 Niddrie Mains Road, EH16 4DS

Save Muirhouse Millennium Centre

Responding to reports that the Muirhouse Millennium Centre was holding a ‘Save Our Centre’ public meeting last night, Thursday 26^th January, due to fears that they are at risk of closure, Foysol Choudhury MSP said: “The Muirhouse Millennium Centre is sadly at risk of becoming another community loved facility threatened with closure.

“Citizens up and down Scotland depend on these community facilities, especially during the cost-of-living crisis where warm banks and food hubs have become a lifeline for many households.

“When local authorities aren’t given adequate funding, it is not just the community centres who miss out. It is the people who themselves are dependent on these community centre services who are hit the hardest, especially in areas of high deprivation.

“Over the past weeks, I have attempted to ask questions in the Scottish Parliament about the Centre being at risk and potential solutions. Unfortunately, my questions have not been chosen but I will continue to try and raise awareness of this matter wherever possible.

“It is time for the Scottish Government to wake up and listen to the effect that their funding cuts are having on local services and people. They have starved Scotland’s councils of funding for years and unfortunately they show no sign of stopping.

“Unless the Scottish Government increases funding to local authorities, community, culture, and sport groups will not have the necessary funds to support essential community centres such as the Muirhouse Millennium Centre. 

“I will continue to support our essential community groups and will be paying close attention to the outcome of the public meeting on Thursday. Enough is enough, action is needed now before the Scottish Government strips away all of our essential community lifelines.”

Edinburgh Castle reveals reimagined Scotch Whisky

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has revealed its refreshed Edinburgh Castle whisky recipe, packaging design and bottle shape, introducing a modern edge to the landmark Scotch.

Paying homage to the eponymous icon behind the single malt Scotch, the simplified label showcases a sketch of Edinburgh Castle, while allowing the russet-coloured liquid to speak for itself as it shines through the bottle.

With the updated whisky launching off the back of Burns Night celebrations, HES views this as the perfect opportunity for people to try the Edinburgh Castle 10-Year-Old Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky.

Natasha Troitino, head of retail at Historic Environment Scotland, which operates Edinburgh Castle, gives a hint of what people can expect from the new liquid: “On the nose, there are a myriad of shortbread biscuit notes with a hint of vanilla essence and honey.

“To taste, there are an abundance of earthy sherry flavours, orange peel with a vanilla, shortbread note, with just a hint of earthiness at the end from time spent in ex-sherry casks.”

In celebration of the launch, HES has also partnered with award-winning Scottish mixologist Sean Cavanagh to create a signature serve using the Edinburgh Castle 10-Year-Old whisky.

Using Sean’s expertise and flair for flavour, he has identified key ingredients to enhance the flavour profile and tasting notes of the Scotch to deliver a delicious signature serve –

Edinburgh Castle Single Malt signature serve recipe:

o 40ml Edinburgh Castle 10-Year-Old whisky

o 10ml Creme de Banane

o 5ml Pedro Ximéne

o 25ml lemon juice

o 10ml honey/agave (if vegan)

o 1 drop orange blossom water

o 25ml egg white/ 4 drops vegan foamer (if vegan)

Simply shake, strain into a glass and garnish with 3 drops of angostura bitters.

Extending the range, the single malt – distilled and bottled in Scotland and exclusively sold at Edinburgh Castle shops and the Stòr online shop – is now also available in three sizes: 5cl (£7.50), 20cl (£24) and 70cl (£56).

Natasha added: “We’re excited to launch our refreshed product which has completely transformed the look, feel and taste of our whisky, bringing it into 2023 while reflecting the history and heritage of its Scottish roots.

“Whether you try your hand at Sean’s signature cocktail serve or prefer it neat, we hope this brand refresh will both remind connoisseur of the quality of our Scotch and intrigue those new to the category as we invite them to give it a try.”

The Edinburgh Castle 10-Year-Old Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky is available exclusively online at www.stor.scot and at Edinburgh Castle shops.

Tracker data reveals over 30 ‘Chop Shops’ were uncovered in 2022

In joint operations, Tracker Network (UK) and the UK police force uncovered 32 illegal chop shops during 2022 – over a 300% increase on the number of chop shop closures recorded by Tracker since 2021.

Alongside vehicles recovered that were fitted with Tracker units, it has helped return 100’s of other non-Tracker fitted vehicles to their rightful owners as well as seize valuable vehicle parts worth millions of pounds.

With the popularity of chop shops amongst organised crime gangs significantly on the rise, the stolen vehicle recovery (SVR) expert, Tracker, is warning vehicle owners to be extra vigilant.

Clive Wain, Head of Police Liaison at Tracker said, “We have seen a record number of chop shops being discovered and closed down in the UK last year.

“Essex has always been and continues to be the UK’s chop shop prime hot spot. Only recently, Essex police and Tracker found a number of stolen vehicles at a Tilbury chop shop site, which had been stolen over the weekend from the Met Police area. Other key regions for chop shops being found include, London, Kent, Bedfordshire, Manchester and the West Midlands.

“The lack of parts for new car manufacturing in recent years has driven a surge of sales in the second-hand car market, which in turn, generated a higher demand and price for used car spare parts, especially in 2022.

“This resulted in creating a perfect opportunity for thieves. Inside the illegal shops, batteries, engines, and steering wheels are stripped from cars ready to be sold for cash or on the black market. Criminals are working 24/7 to steal cars for their parts to then sell-on to criminal networks, not only in the UK but also in Europe, Middle East and Africa.

“We work very closely with UK police forces recovering stolen cars in ‘chop shops’ nationwide. A large percentage of vehicles that are stolen to order, are taken to ‘chop shops’ where the criminals strip the parts and try to mask their identities, which can often happen within just a few hours of them being taken. Given the current cost of living crisis this industry is booming adding demand for high-value parts being removed for re-sale.”

Tracker is the only SVR provider offering vehicle tracking systems that are supported nationwide by UK police forces.

Tracker’s SVR solutions work like an electronic homing device. A covert transmitter is hidden in one of several dozen places around the vehicle. There is no visible aerial, so the thief won’t know it’s there. The combination of VHF with GPS/GSM technology unique to Tracker, confirms its SVR devices as a superior security defence against determined thieves.

Tracker’s top tips for vehicle security

Protect your key fob: Keyless car theft works through a relay-style electronic device tricking your key fob signal into thinking the key is near to the car and then the device can assume all key fob power. To prevent this, keep the key – and the spare too – away from where the vehicle is kept when not in use, and block the signal by keeping the key fob in a closed tin or faraday bag.

Switch off and lock up: Never leave your car running idle and unattended, even when defrosting windscreens and windows on a cold morning.

Make life difficult: Fit security posts or a substantial gate if parking on your drive, physical barriers will make thieves think twice.

Don’t advertise your stuff: Never leave your belongings on show, lock them in the boot or take them with you.

Keep paperwork indoors – Don’t store car documents or spare keys inside the car as it makes it easier for thieves to sell it on.

Plan for the worst: Take car security measures to protect your car from being stolen in the first place, such as installing security lighting where you park your car and using a steering wheel lock. If criminals find a way to steal your car, having a vehicle tracker fitted can help the authorities to recover your vehicle.