During the pandemic, patients have been seen and treated based on their clinical urgency and we will continue to do so whilst we remobilise our NHS.
Patients are being classified in the following groups:
Priority Level 1a Emergency – operation needed within 24 hours
Priority Level 1b Urgent – operation needed within 72 hours
Priority Level 2 Surgery – scheduled within 4 weeks
Priority Level 3 Surgery – scheduled within 12 weeks
Priority Level 4 Surgery – may be safely scheduled after 12 weeks
NHS Scotland is working hard to increase the services available as safely and as quickly as possible. Clinicians and Clinical Experts are continuously reviewing how they deliver services to provide additional appointments to support your care.
About your appointment
It is important to attend your appointment or to let us know if you no longer need to attend.
Make sure you read any information provided in advance of your appointment so you know what to expect and can make the relevant preparations.
Keeping an eye on your condition
It is important to attend your appointment or to let us know if you no longer need to attend.
Make sure you read any information provided in advance of your appointment so you know what to expect and can make the relevant preparations.
Self Help
If you require further advice on your condition, please contact the hospital team you are awaiting an appointment with.
If your condition or symptoms worsen while waiting, you should contact your GP Practice.
Your local pharmacist or a trained member of the pharmacy team can give you advice and provide over-the-counter medicine if needed.
Call NHS 24 on 111 for further advice on managing symptoms.
If you consider your condition or symptoms to be life-threatening, then you should call 999 immediately.
Other Support
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, or that your mental health and well-being has been affected by the delay in your treatment, you can call:
NHS 24 on 111, 24 hours a day, and select the Mental Health option from the telephone prompts
Breathing space on 0800 83 85 87 is open weekdays Monday-Thursday, 6am to 2am, and weekends Friday 6pm to Monday 6am
Living Life on 0800 328 9655 is open Monday-Friday 1pm to 9pm
As part of a drive encouraging people to get vaccinated, young people have shared their experiences of suffering long COVID in a powerful new video.
Young coronavirus (COVID-19) patients have told their stories of battling the virus and suffering long-term debilitating effects as part of a new film encouraging people to get their vaccines.
The video features several patients who experienced serious symptoms of COVID-19 or developed long COVID, as well as the doctors and frontline staff who treated them, to warn of the dangers of the virus for those who are not vaccinated. It is narrated by A&E doctor, Dr Emeka Okorocha.
It comes as people aged 16 to 17 in England are offered a COVID-19 vaccine by today (Monday 23 August), meeting the government’s target. More than 360,000 have already been vaccinated and letters and texts were sent last week to the remaining people inviting them to book an appointment with their GP or visit their nearest walk-in centre.
All at-risk people aged 12 to 15 in England have also been invited for a vaccination and young people are encouraged to take up the offer as soon as possible to build vital protection before returning to school in September.
The latest figures show that hospitals are seeing a rise in unvaccinated young adults admitted with COVID-19. A fifth of COVID-19 hospital admissions in England are aged 18 to 34 – 4 times higher than the peak in the winter of 2020.
The patients who feature in the new short film have issued a rallying call: young people should take up the vaccine to avoid suffering a similar fate.
Quincy Dwamena, a 31-year-old videographer and support worker from East London, who spent 2 weeks in hospital with COVID-19 after putting off the vaccine, said: “I’m a healthy, young guy. I went to the gym often and have no underlying health concerns.
“I put off getting the vaccine because I thought the way I was living my life would mean there would be little to no chance of me catching the virus, or it would have little effect.
“But I ended up being hospitalised and thought I was going to die. My advice is to get the vaccine: don’t put yourself and others at risk, I wish I’d got mine as soon as it was offered.”
Megan Higgins, a 25-year-old special needs tutor from London who is suffering from long COVID, pleaded with others to get vaccinated. She said: “I was always careful about catching COVID-19, but I’m healthy and active so thought if I catch it, I’d probably brush it off.
“It’s now been 8 months since I tested positive, and I can’t even walk around the shops without getting exhausted. Long COVID is debilitating so please, get vaccinated. I wouldn’t want anyone else to go through what I have.”
Ella Harwood, a 23-year-old illustrator from London, said: “I’m young and fit but I was bed-bound for 7 months with COVID-19. Before I caught the virus, I was super active and had no health concerns, but I now suffer with asthma which I didn’t have before and a number of allergies.
“I fear I’ll never be the same again but I’m making progress and I’m very grateful that I’m still alive. Please get vaccinated if you haven’t already.”
Young people in England aged 16 and 17 are able to get vaccinated at one of more than 800 GP-led local vaccination sites and NHS England has launched an online walk-in site finder to help this age group locate the nearest available centre. Further sites will come online over the coming days and weeks.
A total of 89,070,370 people have been vaccinated in the UK, including 47,573,794 people with a first dose (87.5%) and 41,496,576 people with a second dose (76.3%).
Uptake among under 30s is lowest in London where the interviews were filmed.
According to data from Public Health England, the highest COVID-19 case rates are among 20 to 29-year-olds with a case rate of 670.7 cases per 100,000 people in the 7 days to August 8, up week-on-week from 628.6.
More than 1 in 20 people aged 16 to 29 (6.3%) have had long COVID, which is higher than the national average. Many of these have said long COVID has had a major impact on their lives, especially the ability to exercise, work, and maintain relationships.
TV doctor and emergency medicine physician, Dr Emeka Okorocha said: “As an A&E doctor, I’ve seen a lot during the pandemic. But nothing has shaken me like the sight of young, otherwise healthy adults, being rushed into our hospitals with COVID-19.
“As well as their age, many of them have one other thing in common: they are unvaccinated. Vaccines truly are the way out of this pandemic and are the best way to protect everyone from the virus, so please get your vaccine.”
Data from Public Health England (PHE) shows COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective against hospitalisation from the Delta (B.1.617.2) variant, the dominant strain in the UK. The analysis shows the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is 96% effective and the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine is 92% effective against hospitalisation after 2 doses.
In all age groups the odds of experiencing symptoms for more than 28 days after post-vaccination infection was approximately halved by 2 vaccinations.
COVID-19 vaccines have saved around 95,200 lives and prevented 82,100 hospitalisations and 23.9 million infections in England alone, the latest data from Public Health England and Cambridge University shows.
Alongside Dr Emeka and patients, the film features interviews with the frontline workers who have been treating young COVID-19 patients.
Tom Williamson, physiotherapist at Epsom and St Hellier Hospital Trust who features in the film, said: “We’re treating more and more young COVID-19 patients who are still suffering with long COVID and it’s heart-breaking to see. Patients are experiencing extreme fatigue which means they can no longer do the things they love, and some have had to quit work.
“My message is clear, COVID-19 can affect anyone, regardless of your age or lifestyle so please get vaccinated. It’s the best way to protect yourself and others.”
The government is working closely with the NHS to make it as easy as possible to get a vaccine, including through ‘grab a jab’ pop-up vaccine sites across the country, such as London-based nightclub Heaven, as well as football stadiums and festivals up and down the country.
Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid said: “Vaccines are building a wall of defence in the UK and allowing us to safely live with this virus without restrictions.
“Regardless of whether you’re young, fit and healthy, these harrowing stories really show that COVID-19 can affect anyone. I encourage everyone to come forward for both their jabs as quickly as possible as vaccines are the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from serious illness.”
Advice and information on the benefits of vaccination have been shared at every opportunity, including through a range of partnerships with industries catering for predominantly younger audiences.
This work has included partnerships with high-profile entertainment and sports personalities on short films encouraging people to get the jab, such as film stars Jim Broadbent and Thandiwe Newton, and football figures Harry Redknapp and Chris Kamara.
The UK Government has also partnered with dating apps, social media platforms and large companies, such as Uber, Asda and Deliveroo, on adverts and incentives to get the vaccine. For example, Asda will offer £10 vouchers for their clothing brand George at select stores to 18 to 30-year-olds who spend over £20, and Deliveroo will be distributing thousands of £5 vouchers over the coming weeks.
Vaccines Minister Nadhim Zahawi said: “There is no doubt the COVID-19 vaccination programme is having a major impact, keeping around 82,100 people out of hospital and saving an estimated 95,200 lives in England.
“But we are seeing more unvaccinated young people in hospital now than ever before. Please don’t delay – get your jabs to avoid a similar fate to these brave people who have shared their stories.”
We have been working away at securing a place for us to operate a library while we are waiting for our shiny new building and we can finally announce that we will be opening a new Library lending service based in the Edinburgh College Granton Campus, where you will be able to get Borrow Books, Hearing Aid Batteries, NEC Card Applications, Food waste bags, internet access and of course, see our smiley faces again!
Dates for opening have yet to be finalised, but more info on that will follow very soon.
We will also be start delivering activities again in various locations throughout the community.
Bookbug sessions will be the first to resume on 7th September at West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre.
Places will be limited and a booking system will be operating.
Keep an eye out here for more info of other activities.
We are so happy that we will back in the community again after such a long time away and look forward to see you all very soon!
Police are appealing for information after a number of gunshots were fired at a house in a targeted attack in Burdiehouse on Friday (20 August).
At around 8.40 pm on Friday night, shots were fired at a house in Burdiehouse Drive. Edinburgh. The occupants, a man, woman and two young children, were not injured. A window in the house was damaged.
Detective Inspector Bob Campbell, Gayfield CID, said: “Whilst this may be a targeted attack, the fact is that a number of shots were fired indiscriminately at the house with some ricocheting off the wall and into the garden. Children were playing in gardens nearby and there were people in the street at the time.
“Thankfully no one was injured but the gunman obviously has no regard for anyone in the area, including children, some of whom were really terrified by what happened.
“It is imperative that we find those responsible and for that we need the help of the local community.
“I know that people may be reluctant to come forward and so I would encourage the use of Crimestoppers where information can be given anonymously.
“Officers have been in the area since the attack checking CCTV and speaking to local residents.
“From our enquiries so far we believe that there was a small black hatchback car in the area at the time and it was seen to drive off towards Southhouse Broadway.
“I am keen to hear from anyone who has private CCTV or doorbell camera footage, or from motorists driving on Burdiehouse Drive or the surrounding roads between 8.30 pm and 8.50 pm. Their footage could prove very useful to our enquiry.
“High visibility officers remain at the scene. We have an incident van on Burdiehouse Drive where people can speak to officers with regard to any concerns or provide information. Officers will also be in the local community centre offering support.”
Local community inspector Kieran Dougal said: “We recognise and understand the impact this incident will have had on the residents of Burdiehouse.
“Thankfully firearm incidents like this are rare in Edinburgh and I would stress that the city remains a safe place to live, work and visit.”
Information can be passed to police via 101 quoting reference number 3555 of Friday, 20 August, 2021 or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Home antibody tests available for up to 8,000 people a day
UK Health Security Agency to launch UK-wide antibody surveillance programme for the general public for the first time
Home antibody tests available for up to 8,000 people a day across the UK who opt in to the service through NHS Test and Trace
Data will improve understanding of the protection provided by antibodies generated following COVID-19 infection and vaccination
Thousands of adults a day will be given free access to antibody tests through a new national surveillance programme launched by the UK Health Security Agency this week, to help improve our understanding of immunity against COVID-19 from vaccination and infection.
For the first time, the programme will offer antibody testing to adults in the UK who test positive. From Tuesday, anyone aged over 18 will be able to opt in to take part when booking a PCR test through NHS Test and Trace. Up to 8,000 people who opt in and then receive a positive PCR result will be sent two finger prick antibody tests to complete at home and send back to a lab for analysis.
The UK Health Security Agency will work alongside NHS Test and Trace testing services in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to monitor levels of antibodies in positive cases across the UK.
The data collected will help estimate the proportion of those who got COVID-19 despite developing antibodies as a result of having a vaccine or previously catching coronavirus.
The initiative could also provide insight into any groups of people who do not develop an immune response. The UK Health Security Agency will use the data to inform our ongoing approach to COVID-19 and provide further insight into the effectiveness of the vaccines against different variants.
Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Sajid Javid said: ”Our new national antibody testing will be quick and easy to take part in, and by doing so you’ll be helping strengthen our understanding of COVID-19 as we cautiously return to a more normal life.
“I’m proud to see all parts of the UK uniting around this new initiative and working together to arm ourselves with even more valuable insights into how COVID-19 vaccines are protecting people up and down the UK.
“Our phenomenal vaccination programme continues to build a massive wall of defence across the country – already preventing around 24 million infections and more than 100,000 deaths in England alone. I urge everyone across the UK to get both vaccinations as soon as possible.”
All adults interested in the study are encouraged to opt in. Anyone taking part must take their first antibody test as soon as possible after receiving a positive PCR result, before the body has had time to generate a detectable antibody response to the current infection. The first test will determine the level of antibodies a person had before their current infection.
The second test should be taken 28 days after testing positive for COVID-19 and will measure antibodies generated in response to the infection. By comparing the two antibody test results, the UK Health Security Agency will be able to see how well vaccinated individuals boost their immunity when they are infected and how this might vary with different variants.
Testing positive for antibodies does not mean someone is immune from COVID-19 and people must continue to follow the rules, get tested if they have symptoms and self-isolate if positive or are a contact of a positive case and have not received both vaccine doses, to prevent the virus from spreading.
Chief Executive of the UK National Health Security Agency Dr Jenny Harries said: “We are rolling out antibody testing across the UK to gain vital data into the impact of our vaccination programme and on immune responses to different variants of COVID-19.
“This innovative programme is only possible thanks to the thousands of people who continue to help with studies on vaccine and treatment effectiveness each week.
“The best way to protect yourself and those around you is by getting vaccinated. I encourage anyone who has not yet come forward to book their first and second jabs.”
Dr Susan Hopkins, Public Health England’s COVID-19 Strategic Response Director said: “Our testing armoury is stronger than ever now we are rolling out antibody testing to thousands of people in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland alongside the vast testing capacity we have built including our NHS Test and Trace system.
“Antibody testing surveillance shows how health teams across the UK are dedicated to working together to find innovative ways to understand the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines and target future treatments for COVID-19.”
The NHS has guidance on what you can do to look after yourself and treat any symptoms you may have following a positive PCR result. It remains vital people continue to get a PCR swab test if they have symptoms and self-isolate when asked by NHS Test and Trace. Individuals should not change their behaviour based on an antibody result.
Antibodies are part of the body’s immune response to help fight off infection and are generated either after being infected or following vaccination. Antibody testing looks for evidence of this immune response, whereas PCR and antigen testing tells someone if they have the virus at the time of test.
Antibody testing will contribute to our understanding of the protection provided by vaccines. 87% of people aged 16 and over have now received their first COVID-19 vaccine dose and 76% have had their second dose.
The government is working closely with the NHS to make it as easy as possible to get a vaccine, including through ‘grab a jab’ pop-up vaccine sites across the country, such as London-based nightclub Heaven, as well as football stadiums and festivals up and down the country.
Advice and information on the benefits of vaccination have been shared at every opportunity, including through a range of partnerships with industries catering for predominantly younger audiences.
This work has included partnerships with high-profile entertainment and sports personalities on short films encouraging people to get the jab, such as film stars Jim Broadbent and Thandiwe Newton, and football figures Harry Redknapp and Chris Kamara.
The UK Government has also partnered with dating apps, social media platforms and large companies, such as Uber and Deliveroo, on adverts and incentives to get the vaccine.
UK Government Minister for Scotland Iain Stewart said: “I’d urge everyone in Scotland to opt in for this new antibody test when booking a PCR test through Test and Protect. It’s a quick and easy process and you’ll be making a massive contribution to our understanding of COVID-19.
“Ensuring as many people as possible are tested and vaccinated is our biggest line of defence as we continue our journey out of this pandemic.”
3,190 new cases of COVID-19 were reported in Scotland yesterday. The pandemic is far from over.
How much can the Strictly Come Dancing professionals earn from social media – and who is making the most?
Dianne Buswell is the most influential professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing, potentially earning £3,355 per sponsored post on Instagram
Gorka Marquez is the second most influential professional dancer
Last year’s winner and The Masked Dancer UK judge, Oti Mabuse, is the third most influential professional
The new series of Strictly Come Dancing is right around the corner and new analysis has revealed that Dianne Buswell is the most influential dancer on the show.
Analysis conducted by beauty comparison site, Cosmetify.com, analysed Instagram profiles of the professional dancers and marketing calculators to determine how influential this year’s cast of dancers are on social media.
Dianne Buswell is quickstepping her way to a fortune thanks to her Instagram following of 842,715. The professional dancer can expect to earn an average of £3,355 per sponsored Instagram post.
This would mean that Dianne would need to post only 15 sponsored posts to make the equivalent of her Strictly Come Dancing salary of £50,000. Her relationship with previous Strictly partner, YouTube star Joe Sugg, is certain to be a contributing factor to her influential social media presence.
Gorka Marquez is revealed as the second most influential Strictly dancer, raking in an average £2,598 per sponsored Instagram post. On top of the £50,000 salary and revenue from solo-projects, Marquez’s influence is incredibly lucrative.
Last years winner and The Masked Dancer UK judge, Oti Mabuse can expect to earn an average of £2,340 per post, making her the third most influential dancer on the show. This comes as a result of of her Instagram following of over half a million followers.
Giovanni Pernice has the fourth largest following out of the Strictly professionals with a total of 476,128 followers. This means that Pernice could charge an average of £1,897 per sponsored post, a number that could increase drastically as a result of his new relationship with influencer Maura Higgins who has over three million followers.
Janette Manrara, who left her role as a professional dancer to take over from Zoe Ball as presenter of It Takes Two, can earn £1,756 per sponsored post based on her following of 441,751. Her husband and fellow professional dancer, Aljaž Škorjanec is the fifth most influential professional dancer, earning £1,852 per sponsored post, giving the couple a combined earning of £3,608 every time they both post sponsored content.
Similarly, the longest running professional, now turned judge, Anton Du Beke, has 245,923 followers on Instagram meaning he can expect to earn £978 per post.
Commenting on the study, a spokesperson from Cosmetify said: “Each episode of Strictly Come Dancing is viewed by millions suggesting that the professionals can expect to gain even more followers on social media, which increases opportunities for the dancers outside of the Strictly season.”
The analysis was conducted by Cosmetify, which brings together thousands of brands and hundreds of retailers on one platform to ensure a simple shopping experience and allow the consumer to compare the prices of their favourite products at a glance.
How much Strictly Come Dancing professionals can earn on Instagram
The City of Edinburgh Council aims to reduce air pollution, since it presents a significant threat to public health. It is especially harmful to young children, the elderly and those suffering from pre-existing conditions, including heart and lung diseases.
Low Emission Zones (LEZs) aspire to improve public health, by discouraging the most polluting vehicles from entering an area. If a vehicle entering a LEZ does not meet the minimum exhaust emission standard, then a penalty fine is issued.
The council says the zone is intended to only target the most polluting vehicles:
‘Only the most polluting vehicles will be affected by our proposed #LowEmissionZone and there will be exemptions for vehicles like the emergency services and blue badge holders’.
The city council is now consulting on it’s proposals and would like to hear your views.
Hindus of Scotland came together to celebrate Raksha Bandhan, a festival celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters (writes PUNEET DWIVEDI). This is one of the ways Hindus honour and show gratitude to British Armed forces, Police Scotland, NHS Staff and other emergency workers.
Hindu Forum Britain’s Edinburgh based Vice President for Scotland, Mr Puneet Dwivedi has been collaborating with local Hindu temples and organising Raksha Bandhan at different locations in Scotland.
This year celebration took place in 3 different cities with opening ceremony at Dundee Hindu Temple on Sun 8th of Aug, followed by The Hindu temple of Scotland Rutherglen in Glasgow and finally at capital’s only Hindu temple, Edinburgh Hindu Temple in Leith.
The word ‘Raksha’ means protection and ‘Bandhan’ means to tie.
Normally sisters tie a ‘rakhi’ on the wrist of their brothers as a bond of protection. During Raksha Bandhan, Hindus use decorative bracelets ‘Rakhi; to symbolise bonds of mutual protection.
However, the festival is not limited to just brother and sister, it includes others who vow for protection (such as the Armed Forces, Police, Fire & Rescue Services or Ambulance and Medical Services) who provide protection on a routine basis.
The festival is particularly important for Hindus serving in the UK military, because it celebrates their duty to protect society.
Hindus have time and again contributed to the defence of the UK. During the First World War, 1,750,000 Hindus deployed overseas. In the Second World War, over 1.25 million Hindus played a pivotal role in the allied victory.
Raksha bandhan festivals have helped to forge a closer relationship of the Hindu Community with other public services encouraging Hindu youngsters to enter a career in the Parliament, council, Police or Military either on a full-time or part-time basis.
Mr Puneet Dwivedi, who is a full Time IT Consultant and organised the event as a volunteer, explained his opening speech that Hindus contribute immensely to British and Scottish society in economic development, science and academia but Hindus fail to make their presence felt in other public service fields like the armed forces, Police and politics.
Until the last election there were no MPs or MSPs from Hindu community, until Dr Sandesh Gulhane – who was present at the ceremony – became the first Hindu MSP in the Scottish Parliament.
He wants to encourage Scottish Hindus to take up more jobs as MP, MSP , Police and in the Army and integrate well with Scottish Society . He mentioned his special thanks to Flt Lt Tracy McGowan who has kindly helped him over last four years to organise Raksha bandhan as part of ongoing tri-service engagement partnerships.
Indian Consul General Mr Bijay Selvaraj (above) said: “If you had food to eat, thanks to the farmer, if you are set well and safe thanks to the Policeman on the street and the Army that guard the border.
“Having friends in the armed forces and police back home in India, I know how difficult the job is, and through Raksha Bandhan we want to convey Thank you to you all.”
The first MSP from Hindu Community Dr Sandesh Gulhane said: “For Me Rakshabandhan really talks about Unity, unity of brother & sister, unity of communities -we are stronger if we are together, being a doctor I have we have shown this unity during this pandemic.
As the first Indian Hindu MSP we want the community to work together as one voice.”
The representative of armed forces and police thanked the Edinburgh Hindu temple volunteers and Hindu Forum for inviting and honouring them. During these unprecedented times, the value of community spirit has proved to be necessary more than ever.
This past 16 months has put a different perspective and places of worship have to adapt to the ever changing government guidelines.
All the 3 temples were very happy to reopen their doors for a public function after a long time. These celebrations are fitting tribute to all the protectors of the society, especially NHS workers who played a pivotal role during this pandemic along with members of the police, the Royal Air Force, the Army and the Royal Navy and other emergency services.
8th Aug 2021 at Dundee: organised at Tayside community centre by Dundee Hindu temple committee (Mrs Naina Penman, Pooja Sharma & other) attended by Dundee West councillor Fraser MacPherson, Deputy Consul General Satya Veer Singh, Chief Inspector Leanne Blacklaw and fire service officer Lewis Duncan. Army-Major Heather Lawrie, Warrant Officer Ashok Chauhan, Opening prayers by the Hindu Chaplain Acharya Krishanji, RAF-Sergeant Sandy Neill, Sergeant Shiv Chand, Sergeant Al Cameron, Royal Navy- Petty Officer Gav Adamson
15th Aug 2021 at Glasgow : Organised by The Hindu Forum in Scotland in association with the Temple of Scotland committee member headed by Mr Mr Kuppuswamy Jagannathan Attended by Margaret Ferrier, MP of Rutherglen and Hamilton west. Army- Lieutenant Caitlin Irvine, Royal Navy-Lieutenant Commander Niall Copeland, RAF -Squadron Leader Sohail Khan,Sergeant Sandy Neill, Jim Snedden, Station Commander Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and 2 Community Police Scotland officers
● Sacha Dench (The Human Swan) is currently undertaking a World Record attempt as part of the Round Britain Climate Challenge and visited The AIG Women’s Open this week ● Flying around Britain on a journey powered solely by green energy, Sacha will be encouraging people to make their own individual commitments to slow climate change
Together with its partners ekko and HELPFUL, Mastercard has pledged to donate and plant 75,000 trees in support of the Round Britain Climate Challenge, the first ever circumnavigation attempt of mainland Britain with an electric paramotor.
Equating to roughly 25 trees planted for every mile of the trip, the Mastercard pledge made alongside its Priceless Planet Coalition partners is part of the company’s ongoing drive to tackle climate change, encourage sustainability, and equip its network to be a positive force for the environment. Working with Conservation International, trees will be planted in Sacha’s original home country of Australia as well as Kenya and Brazil.
As an official Patron of The AIG Women’s Open and to celebrate the expedition, Mastercard brought Sacha Dench, known as The Human Swan, together with Mastercard ambassador and golf pro Brooke Henderson at Carnoustie Golf Links on Wednesday to highlight how we can come together to battle climate change.
The R&A also partners with Mastercard on sustainable practices. On site at the Championship Course, water stations have been installed as part of The Open Water Initiative.
The initiative was first launched in 2019 during The 148th Open at Royal Portrush with the aim to remove all single use plastic water bottles at the Championship and has proved successful with 244,000 single-plastic bottles saved collectively in 2019 and 2021 so far at the Mastercard sponsored events.
Carnoustie will be equipped with contactless modules for fans to make voluntary donations of £1.50 to the Priceless Planet Coalition.
Scott Abrahams, Senior Vice President, Business Development, Mastercard UK & Ireland said, “We are proud to pledge 75,000 trees in support of the Round Britain Climate Challenge.
“It is an exciting and pioneering expedition, tackling climate change head-on and crucially raising awareness in the UK. At Mastercard we share the same common goal which includes our Priceless Planet Coalition commitments to restore 100 million trees by 2025. Today is another step towards achieving that goal alongside our fintech and sporting partners, to create a greener, more sustainable planet.”
Sacha Dench, Round Britain Climate Challenge pilot, commented: “Britain drove the Industrial Revolution, can we drive the Green Revolution too? This is one of the questions that the Round Britain Climate Challenge is trying to answer and we all have a part to play.
“I am delighted that Mastercard is undertaking this pledge to plant so many trees – such a vitally important factor in combating the climate emergency – whilst also taking action at events such as The Women’s Open.”
Brooke Henderson, Mastercard ambassador and golf professional, added: “It was great meeting Sacha today to hear more about how we can tackle climate change, not just in the UK but around the world.
“The Women’s Open, and golf more broadly, is an opportunity to raise awareness so I’m pleased to see The R&A and Mastercard taking action to be more sustainable.”
Oli Cook, CEO & Co-Founder of ekko, said:“We’re proud to support Sacha and The Round Britain Climate Challenge with this pledge to donate and plant trees.
“We’re committed to positive change and turning the tide on climate change at ekko and Sacha is doing just that by raising awareness and encouraging climate action.”
Evan Michaels, Co-Founder and CEO of Helpful commented: “We are excited to support Sasha in this great expedition. It aligns perfectly with our mission here at HELPFUL to raise awareness about climate change and sustainable living to millions of people around the country.
“We want to inspire people to consider their shopping choices and along with our pledge to plant 75,000 tree with our partners at Priceless Planet Coalition, we hope to play a small part in creating a healthier planet.”
Sacha Dench, who set off in June, is leading the 3000+ mile journey and world record attempt for the longest ever flight in an electric paramotor. She has been stopping frequently, talking with, filming, and gathering information from industry, innovators and entrepreneurs, local heroes, communities, schools, farmers and individuals – anybody interested in or involved in addressing the effects of climate change in their areas.
A compilation of these stories will be presented at COP26, the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Glasgow in November.
Fans at Carnoustie and people across the UK can Start Something Priceless by donating a tree via the Mastercard Priceless Planet page. Mastercard will match every tree donated on this link.
The public are being urged to help shape the first ever local food strategy produced by the Scottish Government.
Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon has urged everyone, from private individuals to businesses and organisations, to take part in a consultation – the first stage in a strategy to make high quality food accessible to all and promote the benefits of locally produced food and drink.
One of the Scottish Government’s 100 days’ commitments, the consultation covers a range of issues including promoting local produce, encouraging people to grow their own food and making quality local food and drink available to all.
It seeks views on the three pillars of the strategy, namely connecting people with food, connecting producers with buyers and harnessing the buying power of public sector procurement.
Vertical farming, a new agricultural technology that could help support local food production, is also included in the consultation.
The food and drink sector in Scotland is made up of more than 17,000 businesses which employ around 122,000 people, many in remote and economically fragile rural and island communities.
Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon said: “Scotland has some of the best food and drink anywhere in the world and the benefits of consuming locally produced food goes well beyond the plate.
“By encouraging more locally-based production, we can reduce the distance food travels as well as enabling more people to grow their own food.
“As a nation, our approach to food has been changing for the better – people want to know how their food was produced, such as welfare standards and how far it has travelled.
“Brexit and the Covid-19 pandemic have accelerated that pace of change and we want to maximise the potential that local food production has to offer – enriching lives, improving diets, supporting local economies and ensuring that a low income is not a barrier to healthy, nutritious food.
“This consultation includes the use of new technologies like vertical farming and food production and harnessing the spending power of public sector procurement and I would encourage individuals, businesses and organisations to be part of the process that will make Scotland a good food nation.”
