Author: davepickering

Edinburgh reporter and photographer

Children’s TV legend counting on Scottish schools to register for NSPCC Number Day 2024

  • Children’s TV presenter, Johnny Ball, and TV personality, Emmauel Asuquo, are calling on schools and nurseries in Scotland to take part in NSPCC Number Day this year
  • Number Day – on Friday, February 2 – encourages children and teachers across the UK to enjoy maths-related activities and games to enthuse children about mathematics
  • Funding raised from the event will enable the charity to continue to provide its vital services, including Childline.

Children’s TV presenter and renowned mathematician Johnny Ball and financial expert Emmauel Asuqo are calling on schools and nurseries across Scotland to sign-up to the NSPCC’s annual maths fundraiser, which raises funds for children suffering abuse. 

They are also supporting the day with visits to schools to encourage youngsters to harness a love of maths, while raising vital funds for the charity.

Number Day takes place on Friday 2nd February, and the NSPCC hopes to see a record number of primary schools across the country taking part in a range of maths related activities and games, including ‘Dress up for Digits’. These activities aim to enthuse children about mathematics, as well as fundraise for the charity.

This Number Day, children will have the chance to take part in an exciting new adventure – ‘The Trophy Thief’ from Sums of Anarchy – a mathematics mystery adventure based in ‘Arithmetown’ where children need to solve the crime of the missing Golden Numeral trophy. 

Plus, there are new resources and activities from all the NSPCC’s partners including Maths Circle and Times Table Rock Stars, Maths on Toast, Oxford University Press, GoHenry and SchoolOnline.

Stephanie Coleman, community fundraiser at the NSPCC, said: “Number Day is an annual event that brings together whole schools and nurseries in a celebration of mathematics and numbers.

“We love hearing from pupils and teacher who have found a creative way to embrace the day, whether that’s dressing up as numbers or challenging students to think about how maths enters our everyday lives.

“The money raised by Number Day goes towards our vital work in supporting children across the UK who experience abuse. It’s a pleasure for us to see so many schools get involved in a day of fun that – down the line – helps children contact Childline or access our support services.

“We’d like to thank everyone who takes part.”

Johnny Ball said: “I’m delighted to support the NSPCC’s annual Number Day once again. It’s a fantastic opportunity to get children excited about maths from a young age in a fun and engaging way.

“Maths can be a daunting subject for many so it’s crucial that we foster a healthy understanding that maths is not just numeracy, but that it underpins everything we do in life including all our activities in the arts and sciences.

“Number Day also encourages youngsters to engage, as a whole school, with fundraising which is so vital for the NSPCC to continue its wonderful work.”

Registration for Number Day 2024 is free and open to schools and nurseries now. Once a school is registered, the NSPCC will provide resources that can be used in the classroom, including new games, quizzes and activities, and free curriculum-based activities such as Dress up for Digits where children and staff can wear an item of clothing with a number on it and make a donation to the NSPCC.

With around 90 per cent of income coming from supporters, including schools, events such as Number Day are crucial to enable the NSPCC keeps its vital services running, including Childline, its Helpline for adults to call if they are concerned about a child, and the charity’s Speak Out, Stay Safe programme, which sees the NSPCC visit primary schools and teach children how to recognise signs of abuse and neglect, and who to talk to if they are worried.

Schools can get involved with Number Day by registering online. 

Further information about Dress Up for Digits and ideas for costumes can also be found on the NSPCC’s website.

Please remember to share your Number Day posts and photos on social media and to include the hashtag #NumberDay.

Children can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or childline.org.uk. Any adults concerned about a child’s safety or wellbeing can contact the NSPCC helpline at help@nspcc.org.uk or by calling 0808 800 5000.

44,800 customers opt to spread the cost as tax deadline looms

Self Assessment customers can set up a payment plan with HMRC to pay their tax bill

As the deadline to submit a Self Assessment tax returns looms, nearly 44,800 people have sorted their tax bills totalling almost £148 million, by setting up a payment plan.

More than 7.7 million Self Assessment customers have already filed their tax return for the 2022 to 2023 tax year, but HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is reminding anyone who still needs to pay their tax bill should do so before the deadline on 31 January or risk facing a penalty.

Those who are unable to pay in full can check online to see if they can set up a monthly payment plan called Time to Pay. If they owe less than £30,000, they can use the affordability checker on GOV.UK to help decide the best arrangements for them. Interest will be applied to any outstanding balances from 1 February.

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said: “We want to help Self Assessment customers meet their obligations and there is no time like the present to choose the right payment option for you.

“Whether you choose to pay in instalments, via the HMRC app or using online banking, search ‘pay your Self Assessment tax bill’ on GOV.UK for a full list of options.”

In addition to those who have set up an online payment plan, in December 2023, 28,794 customers used the free and secure HMRC app to pay more than £42 million in tax owed. Customers can also receive a tax refund via the app.

They should include their bank account details when filing, so that if HMRC needs to make a repayment, they can do so quickly and securely.

For those who pay their current estimated tax bill via Payment on Account, the first instalment for the 2023 to 2024 tax year is due on 31 January.

A full list of payment options can be found on GOV.UK.

There is also a video on YouTube that explains a customer’s Self Assessment tax bill and the different ways to pay.

HMRC will consider a customer’s reasons for not being able to meet the deadline for completing their Self Assessment on time. Those who provide HMRC with a reasonable excuse may avoid a penalty.

The penalties for late tax returns are:

  • an initial £100 fixed penalty, which applies even if there is no tax to pay, or if the tax due is paid on time
  • after 3 months, additional daily penalties of £10 per day, up to a maximum of £900
  • after 6 months, a further penalty of 5% of the tax due or £300, whichever is greater
  • after 12 months, another 5% or £300 charge, whichever is greater

There are also additional penalties for paying late – 5% of the tax unpaid at 30 days, 6 months and 12 months. Interest will also be charged on any tax paid late.

People should be aware of the risk of falling victim to scams and should never share their HMRC login details with anyone, including a tax agent, if they have one. HMRC scams advice is available on GOV.UK.

More information about Self Assessment

Patient reveals critical issues with current Edinburgh Eye Pavilion

A patient at the Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion, has come forward to offer their insight into the shocking failings in the hospital.

Peter Scobie has been attending the Eye Pavilion for 18 years, after being diagnosed with Lebers hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON).

He lost his sight just before the pandemic and has been blind for 4 years now.

Peter has revealed the absence of specialists in the hospital, as his specialist is a paediatric doctor from the sick kids, who only comes to the Pavilion on Tuesdays.

A further issue with the hospital comes down to geographic issues, as he has previously been sent to Newcastle for an appointment while the closest specialist is even further south in Cambridge. 

He has also highlighted the absurd situation of those needing to receive sight loss assessments must go to the most inaccessible part of the building to receive the check.

Campaigners for a new Eye Pavilion, based at the Royal Infirmary were disappointed when the Scottish Government made no mention of the project in the budget late last year.

This is despite Michael Matheson telling campaigners that a decision would be made around the budget.

Health boards then discovered that there would be a two-year freeze on all capital spending and projects. They are also required to make 6.8% savings.

If this stays in place, there is no way that the Eye Pavilion will be built in the near future. This will force Peter, and other patients like him, to rely on services that the NHS themselves deemed not fit for purpose 10 years ago.

Commenting on Peter’s case, Labour Lothians MSP Sarah Boyack said: “Peter has helped to highlight the unacceptable condition of the current Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion.

“Patients should have facilities that support them through their difficulties, not hinder them further.

“Eye Pavilion staff do their best but without a new building and facilities they have one hand tied behind their back.

“The Scottish Government needs to listen to patients like Peter and realise that maintaining the current building is bad for patients, bad for NHS Lothian, and bad for Edinburgh.”

Sight Scotland added: “In Peter’s case, an absence of specialist doctors that are trained in his condition means it is difficult for him to get the correct treatment he needs.

“With the closest specialist for his condition based in Cambridge, a new eye hospital could be an opportunity to provide a training ground for ophthalmologists.

“The hospital’s inaccessible layout means that Peter and many others seeking essential services, such as collecting prescriptions and visiting patient support on the top floor, struggle to do so.

“More needs to be done to ensure accessible access to quality eye healthcare.”

Police appeal as drugs drone crashes near Saughton prison

POLICE are appealing for information after a drone crashed near HMP Edinburgh. The incident was reported to police around 1.05am yesterday (Wednesday, 17 January).

We are working with partners in the Scottish Prison Service to establish the full circumstances, but enquiries so far indicate the drone was carrying a package of drugs.

Sergeant Mark Coull said: “It is believed the drone operator was in the Longstone Road area. Residents may have CCTV or even a passing motorist could have dash-cam footage that could assist us. We are keen to speak to anyone with information that could trace those responsible. 

“Drugs bring nothing but misery and harm. We depend on the support from our partners and members of the public, and will continue to use every tool and tactic at our disposal to remove illegal substances from our communities.”

Anyone who can assist with our enquiries can contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting reference 0123 of Wednesday, 17 January, 2024. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Choudhury: Third sector community organisations crying out for support

A Labour MSP for Lothian has rung alarm bells about the barriers to funding for small, community-based organisations.  

Foysol Choudhury yesterday (17th January) hosted a roundtable at the Scottish Parliament for third-sector community organisations to discuss the current funding model, barriers to access for smaller organisations, and what lessons could be learnt. 

 The roundtable attendees and MSPs heard from Citadel Youth Centre, Edinburgh and Lothians Regional Equality Council (ELREC), EVOC, North Edinburgh Arts and The Larder.  

Mr Choudhury is Chairperson of ELREC and will be well aware of the challenges faced by third sector organisations.

Following the roundtable, Foysol Choudhury praised the work of these third-sector organisations in working so closely with, and to benefit of, local communities. He said, however, that more could be done to support these vital organisations to be more included in the funding process: 

“The third sector in Scotland is a vital contributor to both the economy and society as a whole.   

“The recent Scottish Budget announcements have left many organisations in the third sector unable to be sure of secure funding for the year ahead, directly impacting on their ability to provide vital services to communities when they need it the most post-pandemic and during the cost-of-living crisis.   

“It was made clear from today’s discussion that sustained, long-term and fair funding is needed for the sector. 

“Some third sector organisations may be smaller, but they have a big impact and they must be consulted with and represented in the Scottish budget. 

“This is especially true where they cater to minority communities and exclusion from the budget may increase inequalities for those communities.” 

Mr Choudhury says that the conversation at the table today was positive and collaborative but that the organisations were also “crying out for more support and recognition of their vital work”.  

Organisations at the roundtable raised how many smaller organisations were in competition with each other for grants and core funding, so the system should facilitate more collaboration.

Other groups also raised how smaller organisations are missing out on funding because they don’t meet criteria, or don’t have the experience and funds to hire fundraisers to make applications like many bigger organisations do.

Mr Choudhury says he will continue to build on this constructive conversation and represent small third-sector community organisations in the Scottish Parliament, pressing for more funding and consultation wherever possible.

Budgets are about spending priorities, and Labour trails both the SNP and the Conservatives at Holyrood. Elections to the Scottish Parliament will not take place until May 2026.

Of more immediate concern for voluntary sector organisations is the current budget process. The city council (a Labour-led coalition with Lib-Dems and Conservatives) is looking at further cuts as it sets it’s budget for 2024 – 25.

Councils blame the Scottish Government for funding cuts while Holyrood in turn blames the UK Government at Westminster. It’s a blame game that’s gone on for as long as I can remember, and while the politicians bicker, the poorest communities – and the charities and voluntary sector projects that support them – bear the brunt and feel the pain of service cuts.

That’s got to change – but sadly change, if it comes, will come too late for many – Ed.

Police continue to search for missing mum Khasha Smith

POLICE enquiries are continuing to locate 35-year-old Khasha Smith, missing from Calder Grove in Edinburgh. Officers have been distributing and pinning up posters in the local area.

Khasha’s family is extremely concerned for her and are hoping the posters remind people she’s still missing and that we are still looking for information which could help us find her.

As enquiries have progressed, police have established that the last known, confirmed sighting of Khasha was Tuesday, 10 October, 2023.

Khasha is around 5ft tall, with a slim build. She has blue eyes and long, blonde hair. She also has tattoos, one which is visible on her right wrist and says ‘Forever’.

She often visits the Gorgie, Broomhouse and Wester Hailes areas.

If anyone has seen Khasha or has any information on where she may have gone, please call Police Scotland on 101, quoting reference 3915 of 5 January.

Letters: 60 second test could save you from having a stroke

STROKE PREVENTION DAY – THURSDAY 25th JANUARY

In Scotland, over 70,000 people have a ‘silent killer’ which is one of the leading causes of serious strokes – and many more may be unaware that they have it.

Atrial fibrillation – or AF – is a cause in around one in five strokes and these are often more severe, with higher mortality and greater disability. 

AF is when your heart beats with an irregular rhythm. When this happens, your heart won’t empty all of the blood out of its chambers with every beat. Then, if your heart chambers aren’t empty, the leftover blood can form clots which travel from your heart into the brain, blocking off blood flow and causing a stroke.

AF sometimes has symptoms including palpitations – feeling as if your heart is fluttering, thumping or skipping a beat – fatigue, feeling breathless or having chest pain. But often it’s symptomless, which is why it often goes undiagnosed, until it’s too late. 

The good news is that AF can be picked up and treated after a simple check.

So, on Stroke Prevention Day, Thursday 25 January, we are encouraging the public to check their own pulse at home.

A video on our website shows how you can quickly and easily test yourself by placing two fingers on your wrist or neck www.stroke.org.uk/spd24.  

Normal heart rate: your pulse should feel regular. Most people have a resting heart rate between 60 and 100 beats per minute (bpm).

Abnormal heart rate: your pulse may feel uneven or skip a beat. Your resting heart rate could be over 120 bpm.

If your pulse is irregular, or very fast when you are at rest, you should contact your GP.

This 60-second test could save your life.

John Watson

Associate Director Scotland,

The Stroke Association

Over half of Scots feel anxious or nervous about making friends, new research finds

New research commissioned by Beavertown Brewery has shone a light on the challenges adults in Scotland face in making new friends, revealing that over a third (39%) would love to make new friendships, but over half (61%) feel either anxious or nervous about it. 

The study, which surveyed 2,000 participants, found that adults typically stop making new friends around the age of 30 to 34, with 1 in 10 (10%) of those in Scotland not having formed a new friendship since then.

According to the OnePoll.com data, over half (55%) of Scots think it’s harder to make friends or meet new people as you get older, with a third admitting they’d be nervous at the prospect.

The study also found that out of those who feel most lonely in January, 29% put it down to people not wanting to socialise after Christmas, 57% say it’s due to the weather, and 71% blame it on the fact that it’s too dark to go out anywhere. 

According to the survey, nearly half (47%) of all adults in Scotland would be unlikely to admit feelings of loneliness to someone else, with over half (62%) believing there is a societal taboo around adult loneliness.

Despite this, 40% of Scots would take a class to learn a new skill in a bid to make new friendships, while 16% would give meet-up apps a go. 

Tom Rainsford, Marketing Director of Beavertown Brewery, said: “Let’s be honest, January can feel like a month of Mondays, and with people out and about, it can also be a month when feelings of loneliness surface.

“At Beavertown we’re all about creating moments that bring people together, which is why, with our charity partner CALM – we’ve launched our series of community events in a month where going out and meeting mates might normally feel like a challenge.

“Why not give it a try – and join us in our shout to crush loneliness this January.” 

Matt Jennings, CMO at Campaign Against Living Miserably said: “Let’s face it, with the festive fun over, getting through January can feel like a mountain to climb. And with millions of people reporting that they feel lonely some or most of the time, finding ways to bring people together couldn’t be more important.

“That’s why we’re excited to team up with Beavertown to help make this notorious month feel less miserable with a series of free climbing events to hopefully spark new friendships and hobbies – and show that we’re not alone.”

This January, Beavertown Brewery and CALM invite everyone to Crush Loneliness together and take a proactive step toward building meaningful connections.

New Edinburgh steakhouse announces opening date

RIO Brazilian Steakhouse announces opening date of Edinburgh restaurant

The first Scottish venue opens Friday 9th February 2024

Edinburgh food lovers can now mark their calendars as RIO Brazilian Steakhouse announces its arrival to the capital for Friday 9th February.

The popular Brazilian Steakhouse offering an authentic Brazilian Churrasco dining experience will open its doors on George Street, within the historic Assembly Rooms building in a 150-cover space formerly home to Jamie’s Italian.

From early February, RIO will welcome guests to enjoy exquisite cuts of meat carved tableside in a traditional Rodizio style, while watching skilled chefs prepare authentic dishes from a stunning central sushi bar, with an unlimited gourmet salad bar lining the walls with an array of imported cheeses, meats and Brazilian flavours for diners to choose from.

The opening will be the restaurant’s first venue north of the border, bringing its non-stop meats concept to Scotland with a set price boasting a competitive alternative to other steakhouses in the city.

The expansion follows RIO’s success in England, marking the 8th location since the brand was established. Founded in Jesmond in November 2019, the Edinburgh site adds to its current locations in Jesmond, Newcastle’s Quayside, Middlesbrough, Durham City Centre, Warrington, Chester and York.

Rodrigo Grassi, Co-owner of RIO Brazilian Steakhouse, said: “It’s an exciting moment for us to announce RIO’s arrival into Edinburgh on the 9th of February, bringing our unique concept to Scotland for the first time.

“We look forward to welcoming our first guests through the doors in a month’s time in true Brazilian fashion, with plenty of good food, drink, and celebration!”

RIO Brazilian Steakhouse’s expansion into Edinburgh will also bring a range of employment opportunities, with recruitment underway for roles throughout the restaurant.

Interested applicants are encouraged to get in touch with their CVs by contacting careers@rio-steakhouse.co.uk, or apply online at https://harri.com/RioEdinburgh.

RIO opens from 5pm, Friday 9th February. Bookings are now open here.