Lothian MSP Jeremy Balfour is highlighting National Eye Health Week by visiting local opticians, Cameron Optometry, on Saint Vincent Street in Edinburgh.
He is backing the awareness week’s key message that going for regular eye examinations, which are free for everyone in Scotland, remains as important as ever in protecting your sight.
Jeremy Balfour, MSP for Lothian, says: “I’m backing National Eye Health Week to raise awareness of the importance of regular eye examinations.
“These are free for everyone in Scotland, and they can help to detect eye health conditions early, as well as other general health conditions.
“I encourage everyone to make an appointment with their optometrist every two years, or more often if advised.”
Optometry Scotland, the representative body for optometrists and dispensing opticians in Scotland and national sight loss charity, RNIB Scotland are promoting this year’s National Eye Health Week which takes place from 18 to 24 September 2023 to highlight the importance of good eye health and the need for regular eye tests for all.
RNIB Scotland Director, James Adams, says: “Research shows that sight is the sense people fear losing most. Yet we can be surprisingly complacent about it.
“We’re here to support anyone experiencing changes in their vision and is worried about what this could mean. We can provide the advice and support so you can make an informed decision about your healthcare.
“No one should go through an eye condition diagnosis without support.”
Julie Mosgrove, Chair of Optometry Scotland, says, “We’re pleased to see Mr Balfour visit one of our member practices to hear more about the fantastic work the team there does in the local community.
“National Eye Health Week is a perfect opportunity to raise awareness of the fact regular eye examinations can help to detect not only eye health conditions but also general health conditions, as well as picking up changes in your prescription. These conditions can include glaucoma, but also high blood pressure, strokes and in some cases brain tumours, although this is thankfully rare.
“Your vision matters, and we recommend that people have an eye examination every two years, unless they are advised by their optometrist to have them more frequently.”
Residents and visitors invited to come back for more as new Forever Edinburgh marketing campaigns go live
Visitors invited to ‘Experience the Beauty’ of Scotland’s capital with stunning new visitor campaign taking viewers behind famous scenes and showing the city in a new light.
Newly launched city destination website promotes local businesses, features ‘UK first’ ChatGPT chat box and new interactive city, neighbourhood and regional maps to make it easier for visitors to explore.
Series of unique rewards secured to expand Forever Edinburgh’s successful resident rewards programme, meaning more year-round reduced resident rates and ‘money can’t buy’ experiences – for locals only.
Following the busiest summer festival season in Scotland’s Capital since Covid hit, Forever Edinburgh has unveiled a new inbound visitor campaign and brand-new city marketing website, enhanced by a programme of unmissable resident rewards.
The campaigns are aimed at generating increased spend and support for Edinburgh’s tourism, hospitality and leisure businesses while spreading tourism throughout the year.
Created in 2022 thanks to funding from the City of Edinburgh Council and Visit Scotland, Forever Edinburgh is the city’s official destination guide. The expanded ‘Resident Rewards Edinburgh’ programme and ‘Experience the Beauty’ visitor campaign are both funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Soar through Edinburgh with breath-taking digital campaign
The city’s official destination promotion service has unveiled a brand new UK inbound leisure visitor digital campaign: Experience the Beauty.
Designed to raise awareness of Edinburgh’s unrivalled experiences and encourage new and repeat visitors to visit in all seasons, the campaign features colourful flashes of iconic sights and attractions mixed with intimate snippets of Edinburgh’s less explored nooks and crannies.
Explore Edinburgh before entering the city with interactive new website
Forever Edinburgh – The Official Guide to Edinburgh has launched a brand new website to provide a more powerful tool for raising awareness of the city’s year-round, city-wide visitor offering to residents and prospective visitors.
The new site is the first destination website in the UK to launch a Chat GPT powered chatbot while an interactive map will help users navigate their way between the city centre, local neighbourhoods and the wider region.
Local tourism businesses and organisations can also now create and maintain their own free web listing to help inspire bookings.
Similarly, businesses can record whether they are Green Scotland accredited, helping to position Edinburgh as a responsible destination that can be enjoyed by everyone and supporting Edinburgh becoming a net zero city. Businesses can also highlight their services for visitors with additional accessibility requirements.
Snap up new Resident Rewards
Only available to local residents, the Capital’s trailblazing ‘Resident Reward Edinburgh’ programme is now expanding with four new rewards categories for residents. These include special resident rates by signed-up partners, exclusive resident previews for some of the city’s newest openings, annual validity on tickets to grow loyalty with the annual pass, and half price and free days.
First launched in January 2022 offering one high-value monthly reward from one new business each month, this is a growing programme with new rewards categories joining the programme on a rolling basis.
This success is expected to continue as Forever Edinburgh announces new monthly star rewards with Lind & Lime Gin this September and The Cauldron in October, plus discounted resident rates for a range of attractions including Mercat Tours, PURE Spa and Edinburgh Bus Tours.
Council Leader Cammy Day said: “In line with Edinburgh’s 2030 Tourism Strategy we are working towards a more sustainable, fairer visitor economy. These campaigns redefine Edinburgh as a destination for a whole range of incredible experiences for everybody, in every season of the year.
“The new website celebrates the green credentials many of our businesses boast as well as our beautiful green spaces. It highlights accessible, low-carbon travel options to make it easy for people to get around. As well as our iconic city centre sights, Forever Edinburgh is celebrating Edinburgh’s fantastic neighbourhoods and offers a number of special rewards only residents can gain access to.
“Whether you live locally or visit from halfway across the world, there is so much more to Edinburgh than many of us find time to discover. It’s great to see these campaigns shine a light on some of those experiences.”
VisitScotland Regional Director Neil Christison said:“Digital channels play a significant role in marketing Scotland to both domestic and international markets, helping consumers research and book their trips.
“It is fantastic to see the launch of the new Forever Edinburgh website and marketing activity that will showcase the variety of what is on offer in the city and surrounding area, all year round.
“In addition, the resident reward scheme is a great example of tourism as a force for good, benefiting communities in and around the city and helping to drive forward the aims of Edinburgh’s 2030 tourism strategy.”
Claire Riddoch, Marketing Manager for Camera Obscura & World of Illusions, said: “Taking part in the Residents Reward was a great success for Camera Obscura & World of Illusions.
“We are always looking at ways we can work with our local partners and audiences to give back something in return for their loyal support, especially after the last few hard years of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We were delighted to welcome just under 700 local children free during March 2023, which contributed to a 56% overall rise in children visiting compared to March 2022 and 33% of our total visitors were from Edinburgh and Lothians, up 16% on 2022.”
Iain McNeill, Managing Director for Whereverly Limited, the local company commissioned to design the new website, said: “We are delighted to have worked with Edinburgh Council to design and develop the new Forever Edinburgh website.
“A website which captures the character and diversity of Edinburgh and the imaginations of those looking to visit.”
Resident Rewards
A full list of rewards is available to view at the Forever Edinburgh website:
Nicola Lamb 19 leads fundraising initiative to raise money for children’s cancer charity, ‘It’s good 2 give’
Nicola 19 leads the Edinburgh walk in memory of her older sister Joanna who sadly passed away in 2019 due to bone cancer
Nicola is at the forefront of the movement alongside her mother. Angela Lamb who works at Royal Bank of Scotland. Walkers include Royal Bank volunteers
As Headline sponsor, Royal Bank of Scotland has a longstanding partnership with Kiltwalk dating back to 2016
TODAY, Nicola Lamb (19), will lead out an inspirational team of volunteers at Edinburgh Kiltwalk, as part of “Nic’s Nifty Fifty”.
Nic’s Nifty Fifty raises funds for children’s cancer charity “It’s good 2 give”, where Nicola works as a fundraising and volunteer recruitment adviser, providing fresh thinking and innovative ideas for the charity.
New for this year, Nicola set up Nic’s Nifty Fifty to walk in memory of her older sister, Joanna Lamb who sadly passed away as a result of bone cancer in 2019 aged 18. Nicola will be joined on the walk by her mother Angela Lamb who works for Headline sponsor, Royal Bank of Scotland. Together they hope to bring together more than 50 volunteers to walk for the charity.
It’s good 2 give supports the physical and mental well-being of young cancer patients and their families in Scotland. The charity delivers vital work in communities across Edinburgh and Glasgow, having recently raised more than £1m to provide specialist psychologists, available through NHS services, to help cancer patients and their families navigate the mental-health challenges presented by a diagnosis.
The charity provides practical assistance through parent and patient packs containing essential supplies for hospital stays such as clothing and personal hygiene products. Recently, the charity introduced a provision of dolls featuring no head hair so that children undergoing cancer treatment can play with a toy that they feel represented by.
The charity also operates the ‘Ripple Retreat’ which offers young cancer patients and their families a chance to unwind during the most challenging of times, in soothing natural surroundings on the shores of Loch Venachar in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. Stays at the Ripple Retreat are entirely free, backed by fundraising efforts from volunteers such as Nicola.
Following Joanna’s legacy, parents Angela and Alan Lamb, along with sister Nicola, maintain a very close relationship with the charity, volunteering all year round. Edinburgh’s Kiltwalk provides a fantastic platform to raise awareness and vital funding.
The Joanna Lamb Award for Outstanding Volunteering was created in 2019 to recognise It’s good 2 give volunteers who have made an outstanding contribution. The award was named after Joanna who became the youngest trustee of the charity through her work.
Royal Bank is a longstanding partner of Kiltwalk, Scotland’s largest mass participation walking event. The partnership has seen the bank help the public, colleagues and customers raise funding for charitable causes across Scotland since 2016.
Since its inception, The Kiltwalk, together with Sir Tom Hunter and The Hunter Foundation, has raised a collective £37m, paid-out to 3,000 Scottish Charities to support vital causes and create a legacy for communities throughout Scotland and beyond.
Registration for Edinburgh Kiltwalk 2023 is open and is set to finish at the iconic Murrayfield Stadium.
Find more information and sign up here. To register for Nic’s Nifty Fifty, simply add “Nic’s Nifty Fifty” as your team name at sign up. To give directly to ‘It’s good 2 give’, visit the JustGiving page here.
Nicola Lamb, Intern, It’s good 2 give said: “The Kiltwalk events are such a brilliant opportunity each year for us to raise money at It’s good 2 give.
“Every good idea needs a name, so I started Nic’s Nifty Fifty to try and get 50 volunteers together to represent the charity at this year’s Kiltwalk. I’m delighted to say we are making great progress and we’re well on track to hit more than double the target! I’d like to welcome anybody who would like to join the team to sign-up. It’s really easy and you just need to put ‘Nic’s Nifty Fifty’ as your organisation at sign-up.
“All of our walks are of course dedicated in memory of my sister Joanna. The Kiltwalk provides a wonderful opportunity to get active, spend time with friends and family and raise money for some brilliant causes.
“I can’t think of a more fitting way to honour my sister’s legacy.”
Chair of the Scotland Board at Royal Bank of Scotland, Judith Cruickshank said: “Every year the enthusiasm for Kiltwalk is made so clear by our staff and colleagues across the country who join thousands of others in remarkable fundraising efforts.
“Royal Bank of Scotland has a long and valued relationship with Kiltwalk, and we are proud to be in partnership with a charity that delivers such vital work in communities throughout Scotland.
“There are so many extraordinary individuals and organisations that come together through these iconic events. The Lamb family provide inspiration for us all and we will continue to support all their charitable efforts together in partnership with Kiltwalk.
“By walking, volunteering and spectating, we hope that everyone this year supports this fantastic event and helps celebrate the impact it makes for those who need it most.”
A call for bold, sustained action from international partners to deliver on climate pledges and support Global South nations hit hardest by climate change will be First Minister Humza Yousaf’s focus as he arrives in New York today (Sunday 17 September) for Climate Week NYC.
The First Minister will meet with Under2 Coalition Co-Chairs for the first time on Sunday, ahead of giving a keynote speech at the Climate Week NYC Hub on Monday.
He will use the speech to call on other governments and cross-sector organisations to not only pledge, but mobilise loss and damage funding.
First Minister Humza Yousaf said: “For communities across the world, new climate shocks often arrive before there is time to recover from the last – and the recent UN stocktake of global climate action emphasises that loss and damage risks are still growing.
“It’s clear that Scotland can play a significant role in calling for greater international action as an outward-looking nation which has already shown global leadership. We have already put people at the heart of our international climate action, and will be calling on others to join us.
“Scotland has demonstrated that we are prepared to walk the walk where many others, to this point, have merely talked the talk. Collective action is needed to tackle the climate emergency and address the devastating effects of climate change, in particular loss and damage.
“Eleven years ago, we launched the world’s first dedicated Climate Justice Fund, which remains the only government-led climate justice fund in the world – something we’d like to help change.”
EDINBURGH MARCH JOINS GLOBAL CALLS FOR FAST+ FAIR TRANSITION AWAY FROM FOSSIL FUELS
Climate campaigners marched through Edinburgh yesterday to demand the UK and Scottish Governments develop a plan for a fair and fast transition away from fossil fuels.
The protestors are demanding action to phase out oil and gas in the UK including a halt to controversial projects like the Rosebank oil field and a new gas-fired power station in Peterhead, Aberdeenshire.
Organisers say there must be a fair and fast transition for the workers and the communities most affected by the move away from fossil fuels and these people should be at the heart of planning this transition to ensure it meets their needs.
The march is one of 650 actions taking place around the world with millions of people involved this weekend ahead of a UN Climate Ambition Summit of world leaders in New York next week.
Friends of the Earth Scotland’s oil and gas campaigner Freya Aitchison said: “Millions of people will be in the streets around the world because politicians are failing to deliver the fast and fair transition away from the fossil fuels that are fuelling climate breakdown.
“The near daily climate disasters we are witnessing from Libya, to Greece to China are driven by the burning of fossil fuels yet politicians are still cheerleading for fossil fuel companies. Rishi Sunak’s plan to ‘max out’ oil and gas will maximise climate destruction while the Scottish Government is considering approving a new gas plant at Peterhead in Aberdeenshire which will lock us into burning fossil fuels for decades to come.
“Marchers in Edinburgh are calling for a properly planned transition away from oil and gas which is led by the workers and communities most affected. A credible plan to switch to renewables can deliver huge benefits to people such as more affordable energy, secure green jobs, warm homes and a safe climate.”
Scientists, energy experts and climate campaigners agree that there must be no new investment in oil, gas or coal anywhere if the world is to limit further climate breakdown. Despite this the UK Government wants to “max out” new North Sea oil and gas and grant over 100 new licences for further oil and gas exploration.
The march was organised by a coalition of groups including Edinburgh Climate Coalition, Friends of the Earth Scotland, Fridays for Future, Climate Justice Coalition, War on Want, Extinction Rebellion Edinburgh, Scot.E3, Greenpeace Edinburgh and Youth in Resistance.
Steve Gray, a delegate of Aberdeen Trades Union Council who spoke at the rally after the march said: “Aberdeen Trades Union Council welcomes the opportunity to march in solidarity with the climate justice movement and thanks everyone for their support for a just transition for workers employed by the fossil fuel industries.
“The tragic deaths caused by the Stonehaven trail derailment during a storm showed the devastating impacts of a changing climate. Aberdeen Trades Union Council, alongside our STUC allies, recognise that we cannot allow these hazards to multiply and threaten our communities.
“All our gains from free school education to votes for working people and equal pay for women have been won through collective struggles. We can once again win this shared fight and secure decent jobs for people building climate resilient communities in Scotland and around the world.”
Lucia Harrington, Lead Organiser of Fuel Poverty Action who campaign for insulated homes and clean, affordable energy for all commented: “Our households’ resources, and the earth’s resources, are being exploited by the profiteering fossil fuel industry, and this is driving fuel poverty and climate disaster.
“One of the leading causes of the cost of living crisis was that fossil fuel powered energy companies were allowed to make record profits at the expense of millions of people who are forced to go without heating, hot water and electricity.
“We need a just transition now to an energy system that works for people and the planet. Many workers in the fossil fuel industry want to be part of this transition without losing their jobs and falling into fuel poverty.”
‘Edinburgh Style’ is back at St James Quarter this September for its third season, bringing showstopping fashion to Edinburgh’s lifestyle district in partnership with Grazia magazine.
From Friday 29th September to Sunday 1st October, St James Quarter will play host to an array of must-attend events, curated for the fashion lovers and beauty aficionados of Edinburgh.
Across the stylish long weekend, guests can attend an exciting lineup of free fashion talks, styling workshops, and beauty masterclasses featuring world renowned brands. For those prepping their wardrobe for Autumn / Winter, the fashion team at Grazia will be hosting a series of intimate styling sessions, sharing their fashion and accessory must-haves for the season ahead.
And that’s not all, St James Quarter will be hosting two iconic catwalk shows on Saturday 30th September at 4pm and 6pm on Level 3 in the Galleria.
Models will be taking to the runway, showcasing the newest looks fresh off the rails from retailers including John Lewis, H&M, & Other Stories and BOSS, as well as Harvey Nichols on Multrees Walk.
For those seeking a truly VIP experience, the closing show, which will be styled by the Grazia team also offers live entertainment. While tickets are not essential, guests can reserve their free spot via the St James Quarter app.
Over the course of the weekend, John Lewis will be hosting its very own fashion and beauty events as part of its MYJL Members’ Week in collaboration with top influencers Nadine Baggott, Clarissa Rae and Nicole Ocran.
Also part of the weekend schedule, H Beauty is bringing back its H Beauty Carnival, including everything from expert sessions on how to perfect the ultimate glowing look with the Charlotte Tilbury team to how to get runway ready with the experts from Pat McGrath.
The H Beauty Carnival will also feature special appearances from the likes of social media it girl Emily Shak and celebrity makeup artist Neil Young who will be revealing their ultimate style and beauty tips. For more information and to book a free ticket, visit the H Beauty website here.
Don’t forget to download the St James Quarter app to stay in the loop with all things Style.
Susan Hewlett, Brand and Marketing Director at St James Quarter, said: “This year, we’re bringing some of the most trusted voices in the fashion and beauty world straight to St James Quarter with the return of Edinburgh Style.
“Over the course of the weekend, we will be hosting an array of exclusive fashion workshops, beauty masterclasses, immersive in-store experiences, and not one, but two runway presentations.
“This is the second year we’ve partnered with Grazia, and we can’t wait to show the fashion team all that the stylish city of Edinburgh has to offer.
“We’re inviting everyone to enjoy our packed schedule of unmissable events and celebrate their own unique style. Make sure you clear your diaries!”
For more information on the free events that will be taking place across the weekend and to secure your fashion show seats, please visit the St James Quarter app here, or alternatively visit: https://stjamesquarter.com/events
The first results of the Scottish Census which took place in March 2022 have been released today, which show that the Scottish population has increased by 2.7% since the last Census in 2011 (write Fraser of Allander Institute’s MAIRI SPOWAGE and JOAO SOUSA).
Digging underneath this, there were 585,000 births and 634,800 deaths since the 2011 Census. So, without migration, the Scottish population would have decreased by 49,800. Net migration of +191,000 people is the reason that we have seen this population growth in Scotland.
The Census shows that the population in Scotland grew less quickly than England and Wales (+6.3%) and Northern Ireland (+5.1%).
The main story is of an ageing population
The numbers show a significant increase in the share of the population that is over the age of 65. 1 in 5 people were aged 65 or over in 2022; it was only 1 in 8 in 1971 and 1 in 6 in 2011.
The larger share of older people is largely a good news story, reflecting the success in increasing life expectancy over the long run. But fewer children are also being born.
So not only is today’s share of the population over the age 65 larger than ever before, it will continue to grow in the coming decades (even with the levels of inward net migration seen over the last decade or so).
Chart: Dependency ratios at successive Scottish Census
Source: National Records of Scotland, FAI calculations
This means that the working age population – which produces most economic output and pays the largest share of the taxes that fund public services – will need to support a larger share of the population than in previous decades.
Older people generally also need to rely on health and social care more, which increases funding pressures on public services, and increases the number of people entitled to claim state pension – bringing into focus the cost over the long term of policies such as the triple lock.
This is not a Scottish-specific issue, or even a UK-specific one, but it is one the country will need to grapple with. As the Office for Budget Responsibility and the Scottish Fiscal Commission’s recent analysis showed, if these spending pressures were to be accommodated, it would mean an unsustainable path for the public finances, which would have to be addressed by either tax increases, spending reductions, or (most likely) a combination of the two.
The population is also moving within Scotland
The published results also provide an up-to-date picture of population counts and structure across council areas – and the 2.7% increase in national population has not been equal across the board.
Areas around Edinburgh showed the strongest increases, with Midlothian (16.1%), East Lothian (12.6%) and Edinburgh City itself (7.6%) topping the list. At the other end of the scale, Na h-Eileanan Siar (-5.5%), Inverclyde (-3.8%) and Dumfries and Galloway (-3.6%) showed the sharpest declines. In total, 22 of the 32 council areas showed an increase in population.
These changes in population have also led to changes in the structure of the population in different council areas. The four areas with the largest proportional increase in the share of over 65s (Shetland, Aberdeenshire, Clackmannanshire, Highland) are all lower population density than the national average, which itself is a long way below that of the large urban centres. All four also saw falls in the share of the working age population of 5% or more.
By contrast, Glasgow City saw its share of the working age population increase by 0.6%, and Edinburgh City’s decreased by only 1.6%, well under the average decline across Scotland of 3.7%.
These results serve as an illustration of the difficulties faced by more rural areas of Scotland in attracting people of working age relative to large urban areas, and the disparate effects of an ageing population on different areas of the country.
Are the Census results reliable?
There has been considerable coverage of the approach to the Scottish Census given the challenges that were faced in ensuring a good return rate in order to have as good quality as possible.
National Records of Scotland had to extend the deadline to allow households more time to get the forms in, and ended up with a return rate of 90%, compared to the 94% that they achieved in the 2011 Census. This also compares rather unfavourably to the (admittedly very good) response rate in England and Wales in 2021 of 97% (in 2011, the E&W return rate was also 94%).
So why was the return rate lower than it had been in the past?
For anyone who doesn’t remember, in July 2020, about 9 months before the Scottish Census originally scheduled for 2021 was supposed to take place, National Records of Scotland decided that they would delay the Scottish Census for a year due to “the impact of the Covid pandemic”.
The ONS and NISRA, who are responsible for the Census in England and Wales and Northern Ireland respectively, took a different view and proceeded with their census on the original planned date.
At the time, there was concern about the impact that this delay could have on the coherence of the census data across the UK, and the potential (for ever more) for this incoherence to weaken the power that the Census has to provide a snapshot of the UK population. This is particularly true for the groups that are only really reached well in a full population census – small and underrepresented groups, for example.
However, there is no doubt that this delay had an impact on the return rate for the Scottish Census, perhaps due to the lack of benefit that would have been accrued from the coverage and publicity of the UK-wide census going on at the same time.
Having said that, use of a coverage survey and the additional data sources used to supplement the gaps caused by non-returns is not unusual. Even at 94% coverage, these techniques would be used to ensure that the whole population is reflected in the counts. This is not, in itself, a reason to question the validity of the Census results.
However, the lower response rate does mean more of this is required from these results. And in some places in the country with particularly low return rates, such as Glasgow, it does make the results more uncertain.
National Records of Scotland have assessed the overall margins of error at the Scotland level is similar to 2011: but no doubt will be doing more assessment over the next year(s) on how the lower return rate could affect particular groups or geographies.
Garden centre unveils magical holiday club store for children in its Edinburgh store
Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre, is embracing the spirit of Halloween with its Little Seedlings Holiday Club workshop in its Edinburgh store, with a look at mystical plants and their extraordinary powers.
Tailored for Dobbies’ Little Seedlings Club members aged 4-10, this interactive workshop is filled with fun activities to help children appreciate their natural environment.
Under the guidance of Dobbies’ horticultural experts, young gardening witches and wizards-in-training will embark on a journey through time. They will uncover ways in which ancient cultures used plants for their mystical properties. For example, the ancient Greeks and Romans believed that Rosemary could enhance memory retention and the ancient Egyptians thought Verbena could ward off evil spells.
Children in Edinburgh will explore the fascinating world of medicinal plants, such as the Evening Primrose and Dandelion, uncover the secrets of their potent healing qualities, and dare to venture into the realm of the most poisonous plants, like the Deadly Nightshade and White Snakeroot.
Games and activities will spark the imagination of the children, where they will get a chance to brew a magical potion, cast a spell of their own, and craft magical plant charms to proudly take home as cherished mementos.
Dobbies’ Community and CSR Communications Executive, Chloë Bell, said: “We are very excited to welcome children to this workshop in our Edinburgh store during the October break.
“Our Little Seedlings Holiday Club gives attendees a chance to make friends and learn something new, and we hope to nurture the next generation of gardening enthusiasts in a playful and informative setting.
“We believe that learning should be fun, and that’s why we’ve incorporated engaging games and activities that will ignite children’s imagination. From potion-brewing to crafting magical plant charms, this workshop will encourage creativity and a hands-on connection with the natural world.”
Motorists have been warned that the risk to life because of potholes is now severe, as new figures reveal UK roads are in the worst condition in years.
Road safety experts at Road Angel are urging councils to fork out and repair potholes or they say road users will lose their lives.
Local authorities paid out over £32 million in compensation for 5,596 personal injury claims due to potholes between 2017 and 2021, according to a freedom of information request.
Pothole-related breakdowns hit a five-year high in July this year, with 50,079 callouts to vehicles stranded with faults caused by potholes, an increase of nearly one-fifth from 41,790 in July 2022.
With fewer potholes being repaired in the last financial year than any other in the past decade, there is concern that thousands more will be injured, and killed, as a direct result of badly kept roads.
A wet summer has meant that UK roads are in a worse condition than expected as water causes greater damage and repairs are harder to carry out.
If left, potholes grow in size as traffic wears away the edges leaving greater numbers of larger holes that will cause serious damage if driven through.
Motoring organisations are reporting that these larger potholes fill up with water in the wet so are harder for motorists to spot.
Drivers run the risk of losing control of their car when they drive over potholes, especially if they don’t spot them and are moving at speed.
Potholes can cause extensive damage to a car’s tyres which can affect steering alignment, and can also cause wheels to burst, pop or deflate while driving which could send the vehicle out of control.
They can also cause suspension to become misaligned leading to tyres being at the wrong angle which can also lead to a loss of control.
Over 29,000 people were killed or seriously injured on UK roads last year and 11% of crashes were caused by a loss of control.
Gary Digva, founder of Road Angel, is now pleading with local authorities to assess the risk to life if the pothole problem in the UK is not repaired.
He said: “It is shocking to see that the pothole plague in the UK is not being taken seriously by local councils given how many people are injured because of them.
“With fewer potholes being repaired than in the last decade, it is only a matter of time before we start seeing an increase in accidents, injuries and fatalities unless something changes.
“Potholes are incredibly dangerous for motorists as they can cause them to lose control, especially if they cause damage to the tyres of suspension, or swerve out of the way to prevent damage.
“Almost 30,000 people were killed or seriously injured on UK roads last year, and we fear these numbers could increase with the current state of the roads.
“Potholes not only pose a threat to motorists, but they are also dangerous for cyclists because the uneven surfaces can cause the bike to lose control, leading to accidents and serious injuries.
“Pedestrians could also get caught in the crossfire of out-of-control vehicles, putting them at serious risk of harm if walking along a busy road.
“To make matters worse, we have had an unusually wet summer this year which makes potholes harder for road users to see, meaning more people are at risk of hitting potholes and losing control.
“The best advice to motorists while the roads are in this substandard condition is to drive with caution at all times and reduce speeds when approaching a pothole.
“Motorists concerned for their safety after hitting a pothole should ensure they go to a qualified mechanic to check the vehicle for any damage.
“It is also worth noting that to make a claim in the event of injury or car damage from a pothole, evidence must be collected to show it was caused by the council’s negligence.
“This is a tough process, but can be done using witness statements, photo or video evidence and medical records, so while the roads are neglected by the councils it may be worth investing in a dashcam to capture pothole proof.”
HRH The Princess Royal welcomes home the iconic lookout barrel to the UK following its journey around the world from Athy in Ireland to South Georgia and back
Sir Ernest Shackleton’s original Quest Crow’s Nest – a lookout barrel from his fourth and final voyage on expedition ship Quest – is back in the UK after touring the world.
The Crow’s Nest (or Quest Barrel) is one of the last vestiges from the Shackleton-Rowett Antarctic Expedition, also known as The Quest Expedition. It arrived back at All Hallows by the Tower church in London, having been the centrepiece of the South Georgia Museum’s ‘Shackleton’s Last Quest’ exhibition in Grytviken for the past year and a half, its first return to South Georgia since the Quest Expedition in 1922.
It formed part of a special event on 7 September marking the achievements of the intrepid explorer and renowned leader Sir Ernest Shackleton, organised by charity the South Georgia Heritage Trust (SGHT) and attended by the Trust’s Patron HRH The Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence.
The Quest Expedition was Shackleton’s last journey. After arriving at the quiet waters of King Edward Cove in South Georgia on 4 January 1922, Shackleton unexpectedly died of a heart attack in the early hours the next morning.
His untimely death saw an outpouring of grief across the world and came to be seen as the end of the heroic era of polar exploration. Shackleton was buried on 5 March 1922 in the small cemetery at the whaling station at Grytviken, South Georgia.
The event at All Hallows provided not only an opportunity to celebrate the return of the Crow’s Nest, but also brought together modern-day polar explorers including Dr John Shears, the leader of the Endurance22 expedition funded by the Falklands Maritime Heritage Trust, which discovered the resting place of Shackleton’s famous ship Endurance on the seafloor beneath the ice in the Antarctic’s Weddell Sea.
Following the event at All Hallows, Dr Shears spoke at a special dinner attended by HRH The Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence.
As part of his talk, Dr Shears showed a short film about the Stromness Villa narrated by TV presenter and historian Dan Snow, and also a fellow Endurance22 team member. The film shows never-before seen footage of the Stromness Villa as it is now and the degradation that the ravages of the South Georgia climate have caused over the years.
The dinner aims to raise vital funds to conserve Shackleton’s heritage on South Georgia. This includes the famous Manager’s Villa at Stromness where Shackleton, Captain Frank Worsley and Tom Crean sought help after their epic trek across the island after Endurance was crushed and sunk in the ice.
Alison Neil, CEO of the South Georgia Heritage Trust (SGHT) said: “The Trust has worked tirelessly to conserve the island’s iconic wildlife and now we are delighted to be able to help conserve some of South Georgia’s most iconic cultural heritage.
“Shackleton’s links with South Georgia make the island special for so many visitors, so it’s only right that we ensure key parts of his story, like the Stromness Villa, are preserved too.
“Alongside the Government of South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands and the Friends of South Georgia Island, we are exploring how this villa – which was the site of such an emblematic moment in the golden age of polar exploration – can be saved from further disrepair to be cherished by generations to come.”
Dr John Shears said: “Finding Endurance was a once in a lifetime moment for me and the Endurance22 expedition team.
“I am delighted that as part of this event celebrating the return of the Quest Crow’s Nest, we are also looking to preserve Shackleton’s historic legacy on South Georgia and how we might conserve the magical Manager’s Villa at Stromness, both physically and digitally, for the future.”
You can view the film here and see the atmospheric villa and its surroundings.
To find out more about the work of SGHT and the ongoing work it does to protect the wildlife, landscape and heritage of the island visit: www.sght.org
PICTURED L-R: The Rev’d Katherine Hedderly, Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence, HRH The Princess Royal and Nick Prentice (Chair of SGHT), with Sir Ernest Shackleton’s original Quest Crow’s Nest at All Hallows by the Tower church. Credit Art Lewry, Culture Communications Collective
