Category: North Edinburgh News

Record number of Green Flag Awards for Scotland’s green spaces

85 Scottish green spaces presented with a Green Flag Award

At a ceremony in Duthie Park, Aberdeen yesterday (26 July), Keep Scotland Beautiful has announced that 85 Scottish green spaces achieved the international Green Flag Award – and 36 of them are in Edinburgh.

The accolade acknowledges quality green open spaces across the country and recognises those who manage these sites, be they local authority staff, volunteers from the local community, or a combination.

The international Green Flag Award acts as a benchmark for recreational outdoor space. The award celebrates well maintained parks and green spaces and supports the opportunities that they provide to enable exercise, improve mental wellbeing and provide safe areas for play – something that has been particularly important to everyone over the last few years. Across the UK 2,208 parks have achieved the award this year.

Amongst the 2022 award winners are spaces managed by local authorities, community groups and various other organisations including NHS Lothian and Scottish Power Renewables.

Amongst others, first time awards have been presented to Lews Castle Grounds in Stornoway, Isle of Lewis; Ninewells Community Garden in Dundee, and Viewfield Park Orchard in Nairn.

A full list of Scotland’s 2022 award winners can be found on our Green Flag Award webpages here.

Jamie Ormiston, our Beaches and Parks Officer, commented: “I would like to congratulate all of Scotland’s award-winning parks. Receiving this prestigious international benchmark recognises all the hard work that has gone into maintaining and managing these precious green open spaces.

“As the only accreditation for park management of its kind in Scotland, we have supported local authority teams, land managers and communities across Scotland to drive up environmental standards at many of our parks and open spaces for residents and visitors alike.

“Parks attract a diverse range of visitors, all of whom look for different facilities and have different expectations. The Green Flag Award, and the collective expertise of managers and communities across Scotland, drives improvements through a framework which supports the management of our environment, our wildlife and the people who visit. 

“Scotland’s parks and open spaces attract thousands of visitors every year and I’d encourage everyone to #RespectProtectEnjoy them this summer.”

Rapist jailed for twelve years

A 39-year-old man who committed rape and various sexual offences in Edinburgh and East Lothian between 2006 and 2017 has been jailed.

Mark Anderson, who was previously convicted on Wednesday, 29 June, 2022, was sentenced to 12 years in prison at the High Court in Stirling yesterday (Tuesday, 26 July, 2022).

His offences were committed at various addresses, including Edinburgh and two towns in East Lothian.

Detective Inspector Kevin Hughes, the senior investigating officer, said: “Mark Anderson is a dangerous man who carried out rapes and sexual assaults over a number of years and will now face the consequences of his actions in jail.

“I want to commend the victims of his attacks for being brave enough to come forward and I hope that his sentencing brings them some kind of closure.

“I also want to acknowledge the work done by detectives and criminal justice partners to bring Anderson to justice.

“We always take reports of sexual crime seriously and deal with them in a professional and sensitive manner while providing support for those involved.”

Local government workers vote for strikes across Scotland

Thousands of council workers across Scotland have voted to take industrial action which will disrupt schools, early years centres, nurseries and waste and recycling centres across Scotland.

In the largest strike ballot amongst council workers in over a decade, UNISON members in all councils across Scotland overwhelmingly voted to reject the COSLA final pay offer of 2% with nine local authority branches exceeding the required 50% turnout threshold required by the Trade Union Act.

Johanna Baxter, UNISON head of local government said: “COSLA leaders meet on Friday and must put an improved offer on the table if we are to avoid large-scale disruption to council services across Scotland.

“Council workers south of the border yesterday were offered a flat rate uplift of £1925, which for those on the lowest pay equates to a 10.5% increase. You have to wonder why council workers north of the border have only been offered a measly 2% increase when the cost of living continues to spiral. UNISON have been calling for a flat rate payment to help those on lower incomes. Most council workers earn less than £25k per year.

“It is clear now that local government workers have had enough and are prepared to strike in the coming weeks unless we see a sensible offer, from COSLA, on the table on Friday.

“This is the largest strike ballot by local government workers in over a decade and the first-time workers across Scotland have voted to take strike action in these numbers. It really shouldn’t take this for them to receive the recognition, respect and reward that they deserve.”

Police recruitment campaign

Do you want a job where you make a difference? We’re recruiting police officers across Scotland now!

No two days are the same for our police officers but every day they keep people safe. You can be called to a report of a housebreaking then go to deal with a road crash. After that you might be taking a statement from a domestic abuse victim and then speaking to school pupils about keeping safe online.

Helping people at some of their worst times is at the heart of what we do and it is very rewarding.

Are you ready to join us and be the difference your community needs?

Visit our website to apply today: http://ow.ly/TpNa50JQONW

#BeTheDifference

Top five storage tips to make your food go further

With the rising cost of living, we’re all trying to find ways to make our weekly shop go further. As well as shopping smarter, did you know that you can actually prolong the life of some of your food shop staples, just with a few simple storage hacks.

We caught up with food industry expert Hannah Anderson, CEO of ethical online food brand 44 Foods to get some of her storage hacks that won’t just help your food last longer but will reduce food waste too.

1. Resist the rinse

“When you’re buying loose fruits or vegetables from the supermarket or your local food producer, it can be tempting to head straight to the sink when you get home to give them a good wash before they go in the fridge.

“In fact, when it comes to making your food last longer, it’s actually best to only wash your fruit or veggies just before you use them. Washing ingredients straight away can leave excess moisture which, once you’ve stored them, can lead to quicker mould growth. So if you want to make the most of your fresh produce, resist the rinse!”

2. Suss out your fridge shelves

“Where you store your food in the fridge can impact how long things last. It goes back to your science classes at school – heat rises and it’s the same principle within your fridge. The bottom of your fridge is cooler than the top which is why most fridges have a crisper drawer at the very bottom because that’s where it’s the least humid, making it perfect for veggies, salad items and fruits.

“Fresh meat should always be stored on the lower shelves as again, it’s colder and this will help your meat to last longer. The higher shelves are best for prepared foods – so things like leftovers are best up here as they’re things you want to use quickly and it’s the warmest part of the fridge. Remember though, not everything needs to go in the fridge and things like potatoes and onions do best in a cool, dark, well ventilated area.”

3. Say cheese

“Have you ever wondered why cheese bought at the supermarket will usually come in plastic wrap whereas if you pick some up from a local farm shop, it’s usually wrapped in some kind of parchment paper? As some of our expert 44 Foods cheese producers will tell you, that’s because paper wrappings allow cheese to breathe which plastic doesn’t. Cheese needs to take in oxygen, which not only helps the flavour but helps it to last longer and by wrapping it in plastic or cling film, you create the perfect environment for bacteria to grow. So when it comes to cheese, parchment is best.”

4. The sniff test

“Some major supermarkets like Morrisons and the Co-Op have already scrapped the use of use-by dates on things like milk and yoghurts in a bid to reduce food waste. With a mission to reduce food waste, we’re all for it and we’d always recommend the good old fashioned sniff test! Milk has a distinctive sour smell when it’s gone off so that’s the number one sign but if your milk starts to take on a yellow colour or starts to go lumpy, it’s time to get rid. If it still smells fresh, you’re good to go!”

5. The great egg debate

“There’s long been a debate on the best way to store eggs to keep them fresher for longer – to fridge or not to fridge? According to British Lion eggs, to keep your eggs fresh, the fridge really is the best place for them. We also recommend keeping your eggs in the carton they come in. Although lots of fridges come with their own egg storage trays, the cardboard carton is the original and the best for a very good reason – eggshells have tiny pores which can take in bacteria or even smells from other foods around them. The carton protects them from all of that making them last longer. Plus, you can recycle the cardboard carton too!”

For more tips on how to get the most out of your food or to find out more about reducing your food waste, visit www.44foods.com

Healthy Heart Tip: Healthier Picnics

Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Tip, written by the Health Promotion and Education Team at Heart Research UK

Healthy Heart Tip: Healthier Picnics

Picnics are always a winner in the summer months (when the weather allows!). They are the perfect way to socialise with friends and family while spending more time outdoors, which is good for us all. July marks National Picnic Month and here we share some top tips for creating heathier picnics this summer – goodbye squashed sandwiches and crushed crisps!

Get a Cool Bag

  • A healthy, nutrition packed picnic must be kept cool for optimal enjoyment. If there was ever a time to invest in a cool bag/box it is now. When you don’t have to worry about what will stay fresh in the warm weather, the sky really is the limit in terms of what you can pack. Think fresh salads, juicy fruits & protein packed yoghurts.

Prep in Advance

  • Homemade is always best and taking some time the day before your scheduled picnic to whip up something yummy can take your picnic to the next level. We love easy to grab things like these heart healthy cheese and courgette muffins which go down well with both adults and children.

Pop it on a Skewer

  • Skewers make everything more picnic friendly and just about any meal can be adapted to fit on a skewer. Try adding cooked meats, halloumi or feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, peppers, and olives or making a rainbow fruit skewer using lots of different colour fruits.

For more tips on how to stay healthy, sign up for our weekly healthy tips at www.heartresearch.org.uk/healthy-tips.

To help keep your heart healthy, why not try out some of our Healthy Heart recipes from our website: https://heartresearch.org.uk/heart-research-uk-recipes-2/.

Or have a look through our Healthy Heart cookbook filled with recipes from top chefs, celebrities and food bloggers:

https://heartresearch.org.uk/heart-research-uk-cookbook/.

Fringe 2022: Ryan Cullen – Caveat Emptor*

Brett Vincent for GetComedy nervously presents 

RYAN CULLEN: CAVEAT EMPTOR* 

“Jokes so dark… they should be performed under floodlights” Andrew Maxwell

VENUE: Stand 2, York Place 

TIME: 8.00pm

DATES Preview: 4th August 

Caveat Emptor*: 5th– 28th August 

TICKETS: https://www.thestand.co.uk/shows/1268-ryan-cullen-caveat-emptorstar/ 

Razor-sharp wit & near the knuckle material, join one of Europe’s fastest rising stars as he touches on everything from The Royal Family & Cafe Nero, to his brutally unsupportive Grandmother along with his trademark army of dark one-liners. A show not for the faint of heart that will make you gasp and laugh simultaneously. 

*Latin – No Refunds

“Ryan Cullen is one of my favourite comedians. Morbidly hilarious you’d think ‘How the f*ck did he end up like this?” – Daniel Sloss

With TV appearances on ‘The Comedy Underground’ and ‘Late License’ for the BBC he’s also starred on viral YouTube channels ‘Facts’ & ‘The Try Channel’ with 500+ million views online and a regular on ‘Sloss & Humphries on the Road’ podcast. Writer for IFTA award winning RTE series ‘Republic of Telly’ & ‘Clear History’. 

And has supported shows for Steve-O (Jackass), Theo Von, Jake & Amir & Daniel Sloss 

“You think that’s funny? Seriously?” Piers Morgan 

Watch Ryan on STV’s Comedy Underground:

Watch the fully un-cut but old set from Ryan at the Laughter Lounge in Dublin

Fringe 2022: Liam Withnail – Hot Sauce

Brett Vincent for GetComedy proudly presents

Liam Withnail: Hot Sauce

Venue: Monkey Barrel Comedy

Time: 7:40pm

Date: 3rd – 28th August

Winner 2019 Outstanding Fringe Show (Amused Moose)

Winner 2018 Scottish Comedy Award – Best MC

Finalist Scottish Comedian of the Year

Finalist English Comedian of the Year

Nominated 2018 Best Fringe Show (Amused Moose)

Nominated 2019 Scottish Comedy Award – Best Mc

Nominated 2019 Scottish Comedy Award – Best Fringe Show 

Having amassed tens of millions of views online, multi-award-winning comedian Liam Withnail brings his new show, Hot Sauce, to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and is delighted to be returning to favourite venue in the city Monkey Barrel Comedy.

Hot Sauce is an hour of Withnail in his element, deftly juggling the big themes of the day in an accessible and always hysterical way. In this show he questions the true cost of the modern conveniences’ that the lockdowns had us accustomed to, be they Deliveroo, Uber, Amazon – or even PornHub.

The big questions raised is … When we’re free to indulge without consequence, can it be good for society? The finale of the show highlights a personal health scare which brings this question into laser focus, all handled with Liam’s typical affable charm.

Liam Withnail has been entertaining international comedy audiences for almost a decade. The award-winning act has performed as far and wide as Japan, Iceland and Australia – as well as regularly around the top clubs in the UK.

A stalwart of the Edinburgh Fringe, his critically acclaimed one man shows have cemented his place as one of the most exciting new voices in UK Comedy. Winner of Best Compere at the Scottish Comedy Awards in 2018, and Outstanding Fringe Show in 2019, Withnail is as comfortable riffing with the crowd as he is with his wide-ranging sharp material.

Within the last year, Liam’s popularity exploded online – clips of his legendary crowd work have amassed tens of millions of views. Often filmed at Monkey Barrel Comedy where he is a resident compere. His TikTok (70k+) followers in particular has alerted a new, far reaching and enthusiastic fanbase.

A regular panellist on BBC’s Breaking The News, Liam has also branched out into writing – with sketches featured on BAFTA winning Scot Squad

What the press have said previously

“Has us constantly in stiches!” ★★★★★ Adelaide Advertiser

 “An hour of consistently hysterical comedy” ★★★★★ – The Wee Review

“One of the most complete and affirming shows I’ve seen this year” ★★★★★ Ed Fest Mag

“Fantastic writing. An important story told with humour, humility and style” The Scotsman

Social media:

Instagram: https://instagram.com/liamwithnail | Twitter: https://twitter.com/liamwithnail

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liamwithnailcomedy | TikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/liamwithnail

Listing information:

Show: Liam Withnail: Hot Sauce | Dates: 3rd – 28th August (not 16th) | Time: 7.45pm

Venue: Monkey Barrel Comedy – Carnivore 2 | Address: 208 Cowgate, Edinburgh, EH1 1LLPrice: £6 – £9 | Box Office:https://www.monkeybarrelcomedy.com/ 0845 500 1056

Critical Mass bike ride this Saturday

Our next ride is on Saturday 30th July, starting at 2pm on Middle Meadow Walk!

Join us for a spin around the city centre, followed by a unique performance from @FolliesFuture.

#CriticalMass

#Edinburgh

Drinking alcohol doesn’t have to affect your goals says fitness expert

 Fitness fanatics are being offered expert advice on how to remain committed to their workout regime this summer whilst drinking socially.

With the release of a new hangover pill in the UK – claiming to be the first of its kind to break down alcohol in the body – there are slowly becoming more and more ways to stay fit and healthy whilst consuming alcohol, but these remedies can be quite an expense.



The fitness experts at BreakingMuscle.com have given their top tips for maintaining fitness goals whilst drinking alcohol by making smart, simple changes.

Every fitness journey, whether it’s increased muscle mass, fat loss or a sustained healthy lifestyle, requires a level of dedication and perseverance.

That’s why it can be difficult to see alcohol consumption as part of a fitness regime due to its side effects, however, drinking socially is certainly achievable without sabotaging personal health goals.

With a bit of forward planning and a few simple hacks, having a good time and staying in shape can go together hand in hand.

A spokesperson for BreakingMuscle.com said: “For those looking to enjoy a drink in the hot weather with friends whilst maintaining the body they desire, it can feel like an impossible task.

“However this is not the case, with a few smarter choices we can limit the effects of hangovers, control calories and plan workouts that fit around social events.

“Of course, there are some types of alcohol that have a higher caloric value than others. But it doesn’t have to be a chore to make drinking fit in with a healthy lifestyle. Staying on track with fitness goals does have its importance, but enjoying time with friends and family shouldn’t have to be sacrificed because of this.”

BreakingMuscle.com’s top tips for balancing fitness with drinking:

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate

Staying hydrated throughout the night is just as important as staying hydrated during a workout. Keeping water intake up whilst drinking can help to prevent any negative side effects the next day. Try drinking a glass of water for every alcoholic drink, if this isn’t possible ensure to drink plenty of water before heading off to bed.

Take a day off

It can be tempting to get straight back into the gym the day after a few drinks but this isn’t always the best idea. It’s more than okay to have a day off and relax, trying to smash a workout whilst not feeling a hundred percent can actually do more harm than good. 

Fill up on macros

Unfortunately, alcoholic drinks aren’t known for the vitamins and minerals they provide, they actually deplete the body’s supply. In the hours pre and post drinking, try to eat fruits and veg that are rich in macronutrients. Smoothies, nuts and bananas are just a few examples of quick foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals to fit in before or after a night out.

Choose wisely

It may feel as though alcoholic beverages have no calories in them but many drinks can be very deceiving. Be wary of cocktails and mixed drinks as they will contain a higher number of calories than beer and wines.

Light over dark

When choosing a tipple, try picking light spirits like gin or vodka over whiskey and spiced rum. This is because darker spirits contain toxic compounds that can contribute to a nastier hangover.

Set a limit

It can be easy to overindulge when out socialising with friends. However, for those who may find it difficult to get back on track after a heavy night out, setting a limit can help provide clarity moving forward in the gym. Setting higher limits should not induce guilt, but should be used to inform healthy amendments to that week’s training routine. 

Steer clear of sugar

Where possible try and swap sugary mixers and cocktails for diet or sugar-free alternatives. For example, try swapping a gin and tonic for a gin and soda water, the taste might not be quite the same but it can make sticking to a calorie goal much easier.

Post-drink snack

Kebabs, burgers and pizzas are often the most popular post drinking snack but the calories can start to add up after a few drinks. Preparing food at home after a night out can be a great way to not overspend on calories at the end of the night.