Category: North Edinburgh News

Hidden Dangers in Your Picnic Basket: Experts Warn Dog Owners This Bank Holiday

As families across the UK prepare to make the most of the upcoming bank holiday with picnics and garden get-togethers, Dog Friendly Retreats urges dog owners to be mindful of what’s in their picnic baskets.

While harmless to humans, many popular seasonal treats can be highly toxic to dogs, with some leading to emergency vet visits or worse.

Whether you’re having a weekend away or staying at home, below is a timely roundup of common picnic foods that pose serious health risks to dogs, including:

Grapes and raisins 

Whilst grapes and raisins are popular for picnics, especially with children, even a tiny amount can cause kidney failure in dogs. Tartaric acid and potassium bitartrate are found in high concentrations in grapes, and research shows that dogs are particularly sensitive to these acids.

Onions, garlic, and chives 

Often found in quiches, salads, and dips, whether raw, cooked, or powdered, these ingredients can damage red blood cells and lead to a serious condition called hemolytic anaemia. Symptoms might not appear immediately, which makes accidental ingestion especially risky, and as these ingredients aren’t always visible, it’s even more important to be aware.

Chocolate and sweet treats 

Chocolate is one of the most well-known toxic foods for dogs, yet it is still one of the most common causes of dog poisoning, which is something to be conscious of during your spring picnic. Many spring and bank holiday desserts, like brownies, cupcakes, and Easter eggs, may contain enough theobromine (a stimulant found in cocoa) to cause vomiting, seizures, and in severe cases, heart failure.

Cooked bones (especially chicken) 

Whilst raw bones are suitable for dogs, the chicken legs or wings you might take on a picnic can splinter and cause internal injuries or choking, which could potentially be fatal. Cooking makes bones brittle, and when chewed, they can splinter into sharp fragments that may puncture a dog’s throat, stomach, or intestines. 

Corn on the cob 

Whilst corn isn’t toxic to dogs, it can create a significant blockage risk if swallowed, and we all know dogs don’t always chew their food as much as they should, which could lead to expensive surgery to remove. 

Josh Williams, owner of Dog Friendly Retreats, commented: “It’s easy to overlook how many picnic staples are dangerous for dogs. Something as innocent as a fruit scone or sausage roll can contain hidden ingredients that cause serious harm.

“Dogs are naturally curious about food, especially outdoors, so prevention and awareness are key. It’s important to watch children too, as they won’t always understand the risk of feeding your dogs these toxic ingredients.”

Your dog also deserves to enjoy the bank holiday picnic, but what foods are safe to share?

Dog-Safe Snacks You Can Share at a Picnic

Carrot sticks

Crisp, low-calorie, and full of fibre, carrots are an excellent snack for dogs. They also help support dental health and are easy to pack in a cooler.

Apple slices (without seeds)

Apples are rich in vitamins A and C; most dogs love the sweet crunch. Just remove the seeds and core, as the seeds contain small amounts of cyanide.

Cucumber slices

Hydrating, low in calories, and gentle on the stomach, cucumbers are a refreshing treat for dogs on warm days.

Plain cooked chicken or turkey (boneless, skinless)

If you’re grilling or packing cold meats, a small amount of plain, unseasoned chicken or turkey makes a protein-rich snack. Just avoid any seasoning, sauces, or bones. 

Blueberries or strawberries

These antioxidant-rich fruits are safe in moderation and can even help support brain and heart health. Wash them well and serve fresh (avoid sugary toppings or syrups).

National suicide prevention campaign launches to kick-off Scotland’s biggest conversation about suicide

“What if a conversation about suicide could save a life?”

  • New national campaign co-created by people with lived and living experience of suicide 
  • Asks people to consider, “What if a conversation about suicide could save a life?”
  • Featuring four people with deeply personal experiences 
  • Website launched to provide information and resources for people concerned for themselves or others 
  • Campaign aims to kick-off Scotland’s biggest ever conversation about suicide 

Scotland’s new national suicide prevention campaign goes live today (16 April 2025).

Bold, unflinching, and deeply personal, it’s been entirely co-produced by people with lived and living experience of suicide. 

It comes as a new website with a range of information, resources and a new local services directory is launched at suicideprevention.scot. 

The campaign asks a simple question, “What if a conversation about suicide could save a life?”

It features four people, each of whom agreed to share their story having been bereaved by, attempted or actively considered suicide. 

They do so by writing a letter to a loved one, or themself, which feature in a powerful new film.

The idea behind the campaign is that we need to normalise talking about suicide and give people the confidence to have a conversation that might just save someone’s life.

The four participants are Seonaid Stallan, Ross Cunningham, Clare Collin, and Laura Junor. They came together to share their letters and discuss their experiences, in a series of moving conversations.

In doing so they are creating a gamechanging moment when Scotland will start to have its biggest ever conversation about suicide. 

This is important, because suicide is a topic that makes many of us nervous; it can feel like the hardest thing in the world.

What if I say the wrong thing? Could I make the situation worse? Maybe I’m worrying over nothing and would look foolish to bring it up? 

But here’s something lots of people don’t realise.

Talking about suicide is the best way to prevent it from happening.

This work is led by Suicide Prevention Scotland, the community of organisations working to deliver the Scottish Government and COSLA’s joint suicide prevention strategy, Creating Hope Together.

There are four outcomes that shape the strategy with SAMH (Scottish Action for Mental Health) having responsibility for the key outcome that supports the campaign and website, improving understanding of suicide and tackling stigma.

In addition to those with their own experiences of suicide, the campaign was developed with a group of people which also included those with professional experience and academic expertise. Suicide prevention specialists from local areas (Fife and Ayrshire) were also involved, as was SeeMe, Scotland’s national programme to end mental health stigma and discrimination.

Clare Collin, who wrote her letter to nephew Gerry, but also lost her mum Prue and brother in law Sandy to suicide, comments: 

“We knew Gerry was struggling with issues, but we never knew the depth of his pain or thought to ask him, ‘are you thinking about suicide?’

“If you are worried about someone, you should ask. If they are, don’t worry, you don’t need to be an expert, you just need to listen, be patient and compassionate, be there for them and help them find the right support  – because it is out there.

“Don’t give up, keep trying until you find the right person to help.”

Suicide Prevention Scotland’s National Delivery Lead Haylis Smith who lost her uncle Joe to suicide says: “This is an extraordinary campaign. It’s deeply moving, extremely personal, and yet is full of hope. It is also very bold, which is no wonder given it was completely co-produced with people who bring their own experiences.

“The message could not be clearer: if you’re worried about someone, ask them how they are, ask them if they are thinking about suicide. Talking about suicide is the best way to prevent it from happening.

“And if you’re worried about yourself, please reach out. It might be the bravest thing you ever have to do, but it will probably be the best thing you ever do, too.” 

Minister for Social Care, Mental Health and Wellbeing Maree Todd says: “I’m pleased to see the launch of this new suicide prevention campaign and website, which sit at the heart of Scottish Government and COSLA’s suicide prevention action plan.

“The campaign’s powerful message that talking openly about suicide saves lives, is a clear invitation to us all – and will help tackle the stubborn taboo of suicide.

“Importantly, the campaign provides free digital and physical resources which can be adapted to reach people within different communities. The new website is a great addition to support anyone affected by suicide and aims to encourage more people to speak up and ask for help.”

Cllr Paul Kelly, COSLA’s health and social care spokesperson says: “Within COSLA and across all spheres of government, we recognise the importance of early intervention – providing the right support at the right time as early as possible.

“I’m confident that this campaign will contribute to our early intervention outcomes by prompting people to have vital conversations about suicide that might just save a life. I commend Seonaid, Ross, Clare and Laura for sharing their stories and helping to encourage these conversations.

“They are all active members of our communities with lived and living experience, which is an essential factor in helping to normalise talking about suicide and ensuring people in need are supported within their local communities.”

If you are having thoughts of suicide, please reach out for help, speak to someone you trust or call one of these helplines:

  • Samaritans 116 123 or use the online chat at samaritans.org
  • Breathing Space 0800 83 85 87
  • NHS 24 mental health hub on 111

If you are ever in immediate danger or have the means to cause yourself harm, you should dial 999 and request an ambulance.

GOOD GUT GRUB: New cooking group at Pilton Community Health Project

SPACES STILL AVAILABLE!

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Good Gut Grub – Cooking Group 

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Develop cooking skills and learn about eating well for good gut health. Join Edinburgh Community Food for their weekly sessions here at PCHP, starting 24th April.

Contact Megan to sign up:-
T: 0131 467 7326
E: megan.mcpherson@edinburghcommunityfood.org.uk

Uni partnership boosts higher education progression

Pupils in Scotland on a unique educational programme have seen a positive impact on their rates of progression to university.

Now in its fourth year, the ground-breaking partnership between the University of Edinburgh, the University of Glasgow and educational charity IntoUniversity has supported thousands of young people in centres in the Craigmillar area of Edinburgh and Glasgow’s Maryhill and Govan.

The ongoing project aims to improve educational opportunities for those who may face challenges during their schooling, with close to 4,000 school pupils accessing the service in the past year alone.

Since the IntoUniversity centres opened, more than 70 per cent of school leavers from the programme have progressed to university or college, compared with the national average of 24 per cent of those from similar backgrounds.

The three centres have teams of specially trained staff who work closely with local schools in areas traditionally associated with social deprivation.

Each centre provides a programme of after-school academic support, mentoring, workshops and work experience for young people aged between seven and eighteen years old.

Love Your Lawn event at Dobbies

Free gardening workshop in partnership with Alzheimer’s Research UK this Dementia Action Week

Dobbies Garden Centres is hosting a very special FREE Grow How event in its Edinburgh store this May in partnership with Alzheimer’s Research UK to mark Dementia Action Week (19-25 May).

Dobbies is highlighting the benefits of garden living for brain health and raising vital funds to find a cure for dementia through this free-to-attend workshop at the Edinburgh store. 

Gardening is a great activity to highlight this Dementia Action Week, as it’s a hobby that can help look after our brain health. Physical activity, learning new skills and keeping connected with others are just some of the things we can do to help reduce our risk of dementia.

May’s Grow How event, Love Your Lawn, will take place in the Edinburgh store on Saturday 3 May and Wednesday 7 May at 10:30am and 3:30pm, giving customers of all ages and gardening abilities the chance to learn something new or finesse their gardening skills.

These popular live Grow How demonstrations are flexible, fun and interactive, taking around 15 minutes. Dobbies’ Green Team will give a demonstration around lawn care, taking customers back to the basics and illustrating the importance of maintenance for a healthy lawn.

During the session there will be an activity centred around repairing a lawn with grass plugs, giving everyone the chance to give it a go. There will also be the chance to ask any questions relating to lawn care. The talk will be supported with a selection of general top tips and products such as grass seed, lawn feed and tools to keep your grass in tip top shape. 

The Green Team at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store will then share information on Alzheimer’s Research UK’s Think Brain Health campaign, which aims to educate people about the steps they can take to look after their brains and help reduce the risk of dementia.

It’s focused on three simple rules – love your heart, stay sharp and keep connected. Lawn maintenance is a great task for keeping physically and mentally active through gardening and garden living.

Dobbies’ Plant Buyer, Nigel Lawton, shares his excitement for getting everyone, no matter their lawn care experience. He said: “Spring is the perfect time to take care of your lawn and prepare it for the warmer months ahead, and we are here to help customers feel confident.

“Our Green Team are full of advice and expertise, with knowledge on the best products and tools to care for the lawn. They’ll be on-hand at the Edinburgh store to troubleshoot any currents gardening queries and give those who have little knowledge on lawn care a strong understanding of how easy it can be to stay on top of when regularly maintained.   

“Our free Grow How demonstration is in partnership with Alzheimer’s Research UK, a fantastic charity raising funds to find a cure for dementia. We’d encourage all attendees to donate, if they can, to this important cause.”

Samantha Benham-Hermetz, Executive Director at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: “We’re delighted that Alzheimer’s Research UK will become part of Dobbies’ Grow How sessions during Dementia Action Week.

“As well as getting the chance to learn how to make the most of their gardens this spring, people can find out how to show their brains some love and help reduce their risk of dementia.

“Research shows that nearly half of all dementia cases could be prevented by addressing risk factors we can influence. But despite this, only a third of people in the UK realise it is possible to reduce their risk.

“We’re really proud to be working with Dobbies to raise much-needed awareness of the actions people can take for their brain health, while also raising vital funds for a cure for dementia.”

The garden centre is also inviting local groups, schools and causes who applied to Dobbies Community Gardens along to stores on Saturday 3 May.

Dobbies’ Green Team will be announcing the successful group, who will receive a selection of products and tools, alongside gardening advice and volunteer hours.

To book May’s FREE Grow How session Love Your Lawn, visit:  www.dobbies.com\events.

Donations to Alzheimer’s Research UK can be made at the time of booking or in store on the day.

For more information about Alzheimer’s Research UK, visit:

www.alzheimersresearchuk.org.

Building contractor sentenced for £50,000 Covid loan fraud

Florin-Petrica Bodale, who was a sole trader operating as a building contractor, exaggerated his turnover to obtain the maximum Bounce Back Loan

  • Florin-Petrica Bodale was a building contractor and sole trader, operating in Harrow.  
  • He claimed his business had a turnover of more than £200,000 to claim the maximum Covid Bounce Back loan.  
  • He was sentenced to 13-months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, following a hearing at Snaresbrook Crown Court.  

A building contractor who fraudulently claimed a £50,000 Covid Bounce Back loan has received a 13-month suspended sentence.  

Florin-Petrica Bodale operated as a building contractor offering plumbing, heating and air-conditioning installation and was based in Harrow, London.  

In November 2020, the 34-year-old successfully applied to a bank for a Covid Bounce Back loan of £50,000.  

But an Insolvency Service investigation found that he had falsely claimed the company’s turnover was £240,000 to receive the maximum loan available.  

In reality, the turnover of the company was around £22,000 – meaning he was only entitled to £5,500. 

On 10 April 2025, at Snaresbrook Crown Court, Bodale was sentenced to 13-months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, for one count of fraud by false representation.   

He was also ordered to complete 250 hours of unpaid work.  

Insolvency Service Chief Investigator David Snasdell said: “Florin-Petrica Bodale falsely claimed a much higher turnover for his business and the reality of this is a notable sentence on top of his earlier disqualification as a director.  

“These loans were intended to help keep small businesses afloat, not to take money from the public purse that businesses were not entitled to. 

“We will continue in our efforts to bring those who abuse this scheme to justice.”

In 2022, before the criminal investigation, Bodale signed a ten-year bankruptcy restriction undertaking which also included a ten-year director disqualification following a civil investigation by the Insolvency Service. 

The court noted that he had repaid some money as part of the bankruptcy process. 

Measures were introduced during 2020 to support businesses affected by COVID-19 such as loans, grants and tax allowances. The Bounce Back loan scheme helped small and medium-sized businesses to borrow between £2,000 and £50,000, at a low interest rate, guaranteed by the Government. 

The Bounce Back loans were made on the condition that they were not to be used for personal purposes, but could be used, for example, to purchase a company asset such as a vehicle, if it would provide an economic benefit to the business.  

Victory for For Women Scotland

UK Supreme Court rules legal definition of a woman is based on biological sex

Tory party leader KEMI BADENOCH has welcomed the Court verdict: “Saying “trans women are women” was never true in fact and now isn’t true in law, either.

“A victory for all of the women who faced personal abuse or lost their jobs for stating the obvious. Women are women and men are men: you cannot change your biological sex.

“The era of Keir Starmer telling us that some women have penises has come to an end. Hallelujah! Well done @ForWomenScot!”

SCOTLAND’s ALBA Party has also welcomed the judgement. ALBA Women’s Convener Kirsty Fraser said: “Since our inception, the ALBA Party have been steadfast in standing up for the sex-based rights of Women and Girls across Scotland.

“We wholeheartedly welcome the judgement by the Supreme Court which vindicates our longstanding position on this issue.

“Now is the time for our political leaders in Scotland to reflect on their actions over recent years and recognise that the rights of women merit some attention”

ALBA Party Depute Leader, Neale Hanvey said: “The UK Supreme Court judgement has clearly established in law the boundaries between protected characteristics contained in the Equality Act making clear that Sex in the Act pertains to biological natal sex.

“This judgement will reverberate around the world thanks to the extraordinary efforts of Marion, Trina and Susan of For Women Scotland.”

Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney said: “The Scottish Government accepts today’s Supreme Court judgement. The ruling gives clarity between two relevant pieces of legislation passed at Westminster.

“We will now engage on the implications of the ruling. Protecting the rights of all will underpin our actions.”

Scottish Green MSP Maggie Chapman responded on X: “Sending love and solidarity to trans people everywhere.

“We will always fight to protect human rights, dignity and respect for all people.

“We stand with the trans community today, tomorrow and always.”

LABOUR’S Bridget Phillipson MP, Minister for Women and Equalities, said: ” We have always supported the protection of single-sex spaces based on biological sex.

“This ruling brings clarity and confidence, for women and service providers such as hospitals, refuges and sports clubs.

“Single sex spaces are protected in law and will always be protected by this government.”

Ms Phillipson’s remarks were followed by similar comments by Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar, who said on X this evening: “I’ve always called for the protection of single sex spaces on the basis of biological sex.

“This judgment gives clarity to women and service users about the protections in the Equality Act. The SNP Government must provide clear guidance for Scottish public services so they can implement the Equality Act properly to uphold dignity for all.”

In fact Sarwar voted IN FAVOUR of the SNP’s Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill. The official Scottish Parliament record shows that only two Labour MSPs – Carol Mochan and Claire Baker – voted against!

NHS Fife has issued a statement following this morning’s Supreme Court ruling: “NHS Fife notes the clarity provided by today’s Supreme Court ruling regarding the legal definition of a woman.

“We will now take time to carefully consider the judgment and its implications.”

Former SNP MP Joanna Cherry MP said before the judgement was announced: “Whatever way the judgement falls three extraordinary women will well and truly have cemented their right to be remembered alongside Scotland’s great feminists like Mary Burton, Elise Inglis, and Frances Wright.“

She added later: Today’s judgment is not about rolling back trans rights. It is a victory for grass roots activism because self-funding feminist and lesbian groups have fought the might of the state and won.”

Baroness Falkner, Chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission said:

Historic Motion in Scottish Parliament Tackles Hinduphobia

Ash Regan Leads Charge for Equality

In a landmark move for religious equality, Ash Regan MSP of the Alba Party has tabled Scotland’s first-ever parliamentary motion explicitly condemning Hinduphobia, marking a watershed moment in the nation’s fight against religious prejudice (writes DHRUVA KUMAR).

The motion, lodged on 8 April 2025 (S6M-17089), commends the Gandhian Peace Society’s groundbreaking report on rising discrimination against Scotland’s Hindu community and applauds the tireless efforts of its authors Dhruva Kumar, Neil Lal, Sukhi Bains, Anuranjan Jha, Ajit Trivedi driving change.

The motion, supported by MSPs across party lines, including Colin Beattie, Stephanie Callaghan, and Kevin Stewart—recognises the “alarming levels of prejudice, marginalisation, and discrimination” faced by Scottish Hindus, as documented in the Society’s report.

As previously presented to the Cross-Party Group (CPG) on Challenging Racial and Religious Prejudice, the study sheds light on systemic challenges while proposing actionable solutions to foster interfaith dialogue, social cohesion, and cultural rights protections.

Ash Regan, MSP for Edinburgh Eastern, hailed the motion as “a vital step toward acknowledging and dismantling the barriers faced by Hindu communities.”

She said: “Scotland’s diversity is its strength, but we cannot celebrate that diversity while ignoring the voices of those harmed by prejudice. This motion isn’t just symbolic, it’s a demand for tangible change.”

Authored by Dhruva Kumar and Anuranjan Jha (trustees of the Gandhian Peace Society), Sukhi Bains, Ajit Trivedi, and special contributor Mr Neil Lal (President & Chairman of the Indian Council of Scotland and United Kingdom), the report combines rigorous data with firsthand accounts of Hinduphobia. Key contributors emphasised the urgency of their work:

Dhruva Kumar and Anuranjan Jha highlighted the report’s mission: “Gandhiji taught us that ‘non-violence’ includes combating ignorance. Our findings are a call to action for policymakers to safeguard every citizen’s right to practice their faith without fear.” 

They added: “This isn’t about division; it’s about unity. By addressing Hinduphobia, we’re building bridges across all communities.”

Neil Lal underscored the societal stakes: “When places of worship are vandalised or families face slurs, it’s not just Hindus being attacked, it’s Scotland’s values of tolerance. This report is a mirror held up to our society, urging us to do better.”

The motion has resonated deeply within Scotland’s Hindu community, long advocating for recognition of their struggles.

Author Aline Dobbie, and noted Indian diaspora leaders Acharya Dr Abhishek Joshi (a Hindu spiritual leader) Rashmi Rai, and Poonam Prajapati, struck a hopeful note: “This motion isn’t an endpoint, it’s the beginning of a journey toward mutual respect. Let it inspire global action.”

The Gandhian Peace Society’s (GPS) report has already sparked international interest, with activists in the UK, India, and beyond lauding Scotland’s proactive stance. By linking religious freedom to broader societal equity, the motion aligns with global human rights frameworks while addressing local realities.

As the motion moves through parliamentary procedures, advocates urge Scots to engage with its findings and support grassroots initiatives.

Read the Full Motion Here:

https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/votes-and-motions/S6M-17089

Read the Full Report (Hinduphobia in Scotland) Here:

Scottish Parliament Group Endorses Groundbreaking Hinduphobia

Chris McEleny, former Alba Party General Secretary, said: “In tabling this historic motion, Ash Regan and cross-party allies have not only amplified marginalised voices but also set a precedent for nations worldwide.”

Dhruva Kumar remarked: “As Scotland reckons with its commitment to inclusivity, Regan’s motion sets a precedent: religious harmony is not passive, it is fought for, legislated, and cherished.

“With global attention from the Indian diaspora and Scottish policymakers alike, this moment transcends borders, proving that justice for one community strengthens the soul of a nation.”


Easter holiday weekend: Remember your medication

GP practices and many community pharmacies won’t be available on Good Friday or Easter Monday, so before you go looking for Easter Eggs make sure you pick up any needed medication.

For more information, check: https://ow.ly/lGt150R18IZ