Category: North Edinburgh News

Who wants seconds?

Scottish chefs serve up food waste-busting recipes in Zero Waste Scotland talent competition

  • Search to find Scotland’s best dish made from commonly-wasted foods launched to mark Food Waste Action Week (7-13 March)
  • Competition comes as 24% of food and drink businesses in Scotland recognise food waste as a significant contributor to climate change
  • Cooks across the country, from hotels and restaurants to colleges and community groups, encouraged to take part
  • BBC MasterChef winner Gary Maclean among culinary experts judging entrants

A survey, released today, shows just 24 per cent of food and drink businesses in Scotland think food waste is a significant contributor to climate change1. That’s despite Scotland, as a whole, wasting 988,000 tonnes of food and drink every year2.

In response, Zero Waste Scotland has launched a nationwide challenge to crown Scotland’s culinary champion of food waste – a single professional or business whose recipe can turn what could have gone to waste into delectable treasure.

The search for Scotland’s best waste-less scran was launched at the beginning of Food Waste Action Week (7 – 13 March). It will see cooks across Scotland enter their best recipes that primarily feature ingredients commonly wasted in kitchens, such as bread, or use up the parts of food items that people don’t usually eat, for example, broccoli stalks.

Food Waste Action Week is an annual campaign led by Love Food Hate Waste and WRAP to raise awareness of the devastating impact that food waste has on the planet.

The competition to find the most delicious way to tackle food waste will see Zero Waste Scotland challenge food and drink professionals to rustle up their best no-or-low waste recipes: from chefs in top restaurants, to Scotland’s hospitals and schools; and food manufacturers, right through to cooks in community groups.

The winner will be selected from a list of entrants who have met the criteria of simplicity, taste, time, ingredient use, and ingenuity.

BBC MasterChef champion and Scotland’s National Chef, Gary Maclean, will be lending his culinary expertise as part of the judging panel. This will be the latest partnership between Maclean and Zero Waste Scotland following their collaborative campaign to raise awareness of food waste during the festive season.

The competition’s top chef will then win a bespoke prize package from Zero Waste Scotland. This will include hands-on support to further reduce food waste and become more resource efficient, as well as promotion of their environmental initiatives.

To compete, entrants should visit the dedicated competition page on the Zero Waste Scotland website to download a submission template which can then be sent to food.drink@zerowastescotland.org.uk. Entrants must check the full criteria before applying. The competition closes on the 1st of September 2022.

Iain Gulland, Chief Executive of Zero Waste Scotland, said: “Food waste has a devastating impact on the environment and should be taken as seriously as plastic waste.

“We know many food and drink businesses in Scotland are already doing their bit, with our research indicating 43 per cent rank reducing food waste as one of their top priorities. However, we also know only 14 per cent consider food waste every day. We’re calling on expert chefs to show off their planet-saving recipes and showcase their commitment to tackling the climate emergency.

“Businesses will benefit greatly from reducing food waste, both sustainably and financially, and with over 80 percent of the UK population concerned about climate change getting involved in Food Waste Action Week is a great way to show customers, clients and employees that you and your business share their values.”

According to research from WRAP, the top four most wasted ingredients in the hospitality and food service sector include potatoes, bread, pasta and rice.

An estimated 1.3 billion tonnes of food are wasted globally every year, roughly one third of all that is produced for human consumption3.

When food is wasted, all the energy and resources that went into producing, processing, transporting and cooking it also goes to waste. This is why food waste is so dangerous for the climate. Businesses also lose the money they spent – meaning that they are less efficient and less competitive.

On top of this, if food waste then ends up in landfill, it generates even more emissions in the form of methane, a gas many times more harmful to the environment than carbon dioxide.

Gary Maclean, Scotland’s National Chef, said: “Scotland is world renowned for its delicious, first-rate food and drink. But if we’re serious about our reputation as a hotspot for top-notch cuisine, then we must urgently stop perfectly edible food from going to waste. In a post-COP26 landscape, the food sector now has a golden opportunity to prove its environmental credentials too.

“I think it’s extremely important for trainee chefs to embrace food waste reduction from the get-go. As a professional, fully understanding where your food comes from, and the energy and resources it takes to get it onto the plate, is crucial. So, there’s every reason to make sure none of it is wasted.

“The bottom line is that everyone in the food sector in Scotland has a lot to gain from reducing their food waste. There are potential savings in-store, plus a new market of eco-conscious customers, so I’d encourage all to apply to Zero Waste Scotland’s competition.”

Zero Waste Scotland operates a dedicated Food Waste Reduction Business Support service to help businesses in Scotland identify how, and how much, they could save by reducing food waste. Almost 280 businesses have already benefited from the support, with typical cost savings of £5,000 a year.

Zero Waste Scotland offers consultations delivering bespoke opportunity assessments, staff training to help implement behaviour changes and the ‘Target, Measure, Act’ programme which helps businesses to set their own targets and deliver against environmental goals.

To find out more visit https://www.zerowastescotland.org.uk/fooddrink

Frankie & Benny’s to hand out free vegan hotdogs to hungry students

Edinburgh University tomorrow

To celebrate the start of the new university year and a much-anticipated return to full in-person learning for students around the UK, Italian-American restaurant brand Frankie & Benny’s recently completed phase one of a country wide free vegan hotdog giveaway to students. 

When looking at how the brand could provide students with a tasty treat and some much-needed cheer, the ‘Vegan Hotdog University Tour’ was the obvious choice. The much-loved UK brand has for many years run their student offer (20% off food), as well as priding themselves on offering a broad choice of vegan and vegetarian options.  

The first phase of the ‘Vegan Hotdog University Tour’ kicked off at Nottingham Trent University in late January 2022, followed by successful stops at Bristol Uni, Manchester Met, Leicester University, Birmingham City University, Nottingham Uni, Plymouth Uni, Sheffield Uni and Leeds Beckett. 

Off the back of phase one and following the overwhelmingly positive feedback from students across England, Frankie & Benny’s will continue with the activity, this time focusing phase two of ‘The Tour’ on Scotland and Wales.

After a short break, the ‘Vegan Hotdog University Tour’ will restart and head to the following sites: 

·       Glasgow University on 7 March

·       Edinburgh University on 8 March

·       Newcastle Uni on 14 March 

·       Cardiff Met on 21 March

Be sure to continue to follow the tour and any relevant updates on Frankie & Benny’s social: @frankienbennys, as the brand will be handing out vouchers at their upcoming university stops (for freebies in restaurants), with students also in with a chance to win Frankie’s for a year when they sign up with the brand. 

The ‘hero’ of the whole tour has been the famous ‘Vegan Dog’, a new vegan option on the Frankie & Benny’s menu and one that is proving very popular with vegans and non-vegans alike! The juicy plant-based hotdog is served on a soft glazed roll, with fried onions, gherkins, fiery chillies, BBQ sauce and delicious vegan mayo. image.png

Gabby Barysaite, Senior Brand Manager, Frankie & Benny’s, said: “Our recent ‘Vegan Hotdog University Tour’ has proved to be such a hit, and with such positive feedback from students across the country, it’s a programme that we’re committed to continuing – with a focus on universities in Scotland and Wales.  

“We pride ourselves on our vegan and vegetarian menus and as a company it’s something that we’re always looking to adapt and update. We hope that some of the students that tried our vegan hotdogs at their universities were suitably impressed and will look to plan a trip to their nearest restaurant soon.”  

IWD: YOTEL offer local charities free space in Edinburgh city centre 

YOTEL Edinburgh are opening their doors to local charities and non-profits this year for International Women’s Day by offering free working space for six months to a nominated group.

Providing a fresh, engaging space to collaborate, advance their work and provide inspiration and resources, YOTEL Edinburgh are joining this year’s #BreaktheBias theme for International Women’s Day. 

As an added extra, the city-centre hotel will offer the founder or leader of the organisation a complimentary overnight stay for two, as a small thank you for all of their work in the hotel’s local community.

A UK wide initiative, YOTEL are asking communities across Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester and London to nominate local organisations doing incredible work for or with women, offering one full day (subject to availability, 9am – 5pm) per month for groups to use however they wish – whether it’s a small non-profit working from home who need a meeting room, a group looking for an inspirational new working space or a local branch of a national charity hosting workshops, YOTEL will make them feel right at home. 

To nominate a charity or non-profit in Edinburgh head to YOTEL Edinburgh’s social channels. Simply tag the organisation in the comments or share the post on your story and tag your chosen charity. 

Entries will close 21 March 2022, before being whittled down to a shortlist of five organisations to be spotlighted on YOTEL Edinburgh’s social media channels across the month of April, offering support and exposure to the local groups. 

The nominated organisation can kick off their free six months of working space from April 2022 – September 2022 with one day per month available. 

In Edinburgh’s New Town YOTEL, the nominated group will win the use of a flexible private meeting room, enjoying the hotel’s buzzing city-centre location, just a 5-minute walk from Princes Street, as they collaborate on their group’s inspiring ideas for up to 10 people. 

Sahrette Saayman , VP Communications at YOTEL said: “We’re excited to open the doors to YOTELs across the UK and collaborate with our local communities for International Women’s Day in 2022.

“We know there’s some inspirational work happening right on our doorsteps and we’re excited to lend a hand, whichever way we can.

“We also hope this campaign will help our local communities discover some incredible new non-profits or charities to support, and shine a light on the outstanding work they are doing across Edinburgh, Glasgow, London and Manchester.”

Aiming to give back to their local communities, YOTEL are throwing open their doors and collaborating with female-focussed charities and non-profits in 2022, offering an inspiring space to work, collaboration and perhaps a much needed break.

Hoping to provide the organisations with room to grow in a welcoming environment, YOTEL Edinburgh are keen to hear from local groups about the ways in which they’d use the spaces. 

To learn more about YOTEL Edinburgh follow @yotel.edinburgh or visit the website now. 

Ts&Cs: Space to be booked in advance on a monthly basis, subject to availability. 

Falklands veterans and families join charities to mark 40th anniversary

Veterans of the Falklands War and families of those who lost their lives in the conflict will take centre stage during commemorations to mark its 40th anniversary this spring.

Leading military charities Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland today launched a programme of commemorative events in partnership with the Armed Forces and the Scottish Government, to remember the conflict which took place between April and June 1982.

The programme will culminate in a national parade and service of remembrance in Edinburgh on Saturday, June 18th. Falklands veterans and bereaved relatives are also invited to attend the UK-wide service at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire on June 14th, the anniversary of the ceasefire.

Other activities will include a package of resources for schools to allow young people to learn more about conflict as part of Poppyscotland’s wider learning programme.

Poppyscotland’s interactive mobile museum, Bud, will also visit schools in areas which have a close connection to the conflict, including Arbroath, which is home to 45 Commando, the Royal Marine unit which played a key role in the liberation. An event that will see pipers across the globe join in tribute to those who fell will also form part of the commemorations.

Theresa Davidson, from Glenrothes, whose husband Lance Sergeant Clark Mitchell was killed on the day of the Argentine surrender, joined the charities to lay a wreath at the Falklands Memorial Garden in Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh.

There, she spoke for the first time of her years of heartache following his loss and the importance of remembering the sacrifices of all those who served.

The conflict began on April 2nd, 1982, when Argentina invaded the Falkland Islands, a British overseas territory in the south-west Atlantic Ocean. In total, 255 British servicemen, 649 Argentine military personnel, and three civilians died, and many more were wounded.

Mrs Davidson, 65, a foster carer, was just 25 when she was widowed in the conflict. Lance Sergeant Mitchell was one of eight Scots Guards killed in the Battle of Mount Tumbledown in the early hours of June 14th.

She said: “I remember it as if it were yesterday. I was in our quarters at Lasswade, Midlothian, when an officer and his wife came to the door to tell me the news. My world just fell apart. I lost everything: my husband, my best friend, the family we wanted together.”

She had met Clark, then a junior soldier from Laurencekirk, Aberdeenshire, at the age of 17 when she was training with the Women’s Royal Army Corps. After an “amazing” six years of married life in Germany and England, they had returned to Scotland and were hoping to start a family when the conflict began.

Mrs Davidson said: “Nobody knew anything about the Falklands – we thought they were up in the north of Scotland. It was only when we saw the map, we realised they were 8000 miles away.

“When he was away, I had this dreadful fear, and just lived for the news. On the morning of the 14th I felt so happy and thought ‘Thank God the war is over’. But then it was like something had hit me, and I knew something had happened to Clark.

“Losing Clark changed me, and it took me years to rebuild my life. He was an extremely good soldier, but he was also very gentle, kind and caring, with a great sense of humour and zest for life. I will never forget him or the sacrifices he and the other men made. To me it’s about keeping their memories alive.”

Poppyscotland and Legion Scotland are sharing the stories of veterans and their families in the run-up to June. They are encouraging people to reflect on the Falklands and other recent conflicts, and recognise the contribution made by our Armed Forces community.

Recalling his memories of serving on the front line in the Falklands, Keith Brown MSP said: “I am delighted to be able to partner with Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland to deliver a national event in Edinburgh to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Falklands War on 18 June 2022. 

“As we approach the 40th Anniversary I look forward to participating at a variety of events and commemorations to pay tribute to the heroism of those brave men and women who made up the Task Force which set sail to free the Islands. This is also a time for reflection and a chance to remember all those who lost their lives and to those who made an enormous contribution during the conflict, including civilians and dockyard workers.”

Unveiling the programme of Falklands 40 events, Dr Claire Armstrong, Chief Executive of Legion Scotland said: “The Falklands conflict was the first military action since the Second World War which involved all elements of the Armed Forces.

“Although it lasted just 74 days, it claimed the lives of hundreds of servicemen and had a lasting impact on thousands more, as well as their families. Many veterans still struggle with physical or mental scars, or have faced hardships in the years afterwards.

“Between April and June, communities across Scotland will be commemorating the 40th anniversary of this conflict and reflecting on the service and sacrifice of so many. We are pleased to be able to hold a national Scottish event in Edinburgh to engage with our Armed Forces, Legion Scotland members and the wider public, and would encourage everyone to play an active part in the commemorations.

“We would also love to hear from anyone who is planning a commemorative event in their community so we can help to promote this alongside the other Falklands 40 events.”

Mark Collins, Interim Chief Executive of Poppyscotland, said: “We want to remember the extraordinary efforts of thousands of service personnel, the civilians who played a vital role, as well as their families. This is also a chance for people of all ages to learn more about the Falklands conflict and how it has shaped our recent history.

“Poppyscotland’s learning programme will reach schools around the country, engaging young people and showing the impact that the conflict had on people and communities. By sharing veterans’ stories, we can bring their experiences to life, as well as highlighting the role our Armed Forces play today and how we can support them and their families.”

For more information of the Falklands 40 commemorative events programme visit www.poppyscotland.org.uk/Falklands40.

Bereaved families are entitled to free transport to the National Memorial Arboretum event – call 0808 802 8080 for more details.

Falklands 40 | Remembrance | Royal British Legion

Excluded: Economic role of voluntary sector not recognised by government

Scotland’s national membership organisation for the voluntary sector SCVO has warned the Scottish Government’s flagship economic plan has ignored the importance of the sector.  

Earlier this week Economy Secretary Kate Forbes unveiled Scotland’s National Strategy for Economic Transformation. The plans, as well as a debate in Holyrood on the subject on Wednesday, failed to recognise the importance of the voluntary sector and its role in the economy.  

The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) has raised concerns about the lack of plans outlined to invest in the sector, warning Scotland is in danger of missing a genuine opportunity to transform its economy.  

SCVO warned the sector’s exclusion from the Advisory Council that developed the strategy means important issues for many organisations in Scotland – including areas like its role as a significant employer and multi-year funding – remain underappreciated.  

Commenting on Scotland’s National Strategy for Economic Transformation and yesterday’s Scottish Parliament debate, Chief Executive of SCVO, Anna Fowlie said: “Though I recognise the positive elements in this strategy, I’m deeply disappointed that it fails to recognise Scotland’s voluntary sector’s role in achieving the aspiration to become a wellbeing economy built on the principles of prosperity for all, equality, sustainability, and resilience.  

“Through supporting the employment prospects of those furthest from the labour market, tackling digital exclusion, providing social care and housing, undertaking vital medical and environmental research, or running most of our theatres, museums, galleries, and sports clubs, Scotland’s voluntary organisations are integral to Scotland’s economic and social fabric.   

“With an annual turnover of £6bn and more than 100,000 paid staff, the Scottish Government needs to invest in a skilled and engaged voluntary sector workforce that can innovate and enhance successful programmes that are crucial to Scotland’s foundational economy.   

“Many of us called for the strategy to invest in voluntary organisations as significant employers, partners, and agents for change in Scotland’s recovery, alongside the public and private sectors, yet this strategy overlooks the intrinsic role of Scotland’s voluntary sector role in addressing systemic issues in our economy, and is stubbornly, ‘focused on business.’  

“While the Scottish Government pledges to ensure the voice of business is heard, with ‘robust governance’ structures ‘co-led by business,’ there is no such commitment to the voluntary sector. This is not an inclusive strategy, and there is little evidence of the Scottish Government respecting the strengths or drawing on the expertise of Scotland’s voluntary sector.   

“The sector was not represented on the Advisory Council that developed the strategy; key sector policies including the Social Renewal Advisory Board, the Social Enterprise Action Plan, and Volunteering Action Plan, all of which can play have a vital role in transforming the economy, are forgotten within the alignment of existing plans; and the sector’s role supporting work, innovation, and investment is unappreciated, even in relation to areas like fair work and multi-year funding, which are of key importance to the sector.  

“Given that the strategy will underpin Scotland’s first spending review in 11 years, it needed to go further in detailing how the Scottish Government plans to work alongside the voluntary sector to achieve our National Outcomes and how it will build upon and invest in the capacity of this vital sector.”   

What do we know about the real economic value of charities and social enterprises?

Join us at this webinar session with Strathclyde University’s Fraser of Allander Institute, part of the #SCVOeconomy series, to hear more.

Places are limited and registration is essential.

Join here: https://bddy.me/3CaoyOp

Spring Covid booster rollout begins in Scotland today

At-risk groups to be offered further dose  

Spring booster jabs will be offered to those aged 75 and over and people at highest risk of severe COVID-19 disease from today (Monday).

To protect these groups a spring booster dose will be offered at least 24 weeks after the last vaccine dose to:

  • adults aged 75 years and over
  • residents in care homes for older adults
  • individuals aged 12 years and over who are immunosuppressed

Following recent advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), letters are also now being sent out to parents and guardians inviting children aged five to 11 for their first vaccination appointments. Children in this age group with specific medical conditions have already been invited.

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “We know that those in high-priority groups are at higher risk of serious illness from COVID-19, and I therefore welcome the start of the rollout which will offer a further dose to these people.  

“Vaccination has been our most effective tool against coronavirus. However, the degree of protection offered wanes over time, which is why booster vaccination is needed to maintain the best protection against COVID-19 for those at highest risk of severe effects of the virus.

“The additional booster dose will improve your level of protection significantly and is the best way to protect your health and those around you. 

“I continue to encourage everyone to receive the doses they are eligible for as and when they become available.”

Following the latest JCVI advice, at-risk groups will be invited as they become eligible from at least 24 weeks after their last booster with the first groups receiving appointments from Monday 7 March.

Tour Scotland’s Outlander history with Rabbie’s

This weekend the smash hit Outlander returns to our TV screens, and Scottish touring company, Rabbie’s (www.rabbies.com) is offering fans of the historical drama the opportunity to visit some of its most famous filming locations.

Step aboard a luxury mini-coach and be transported to a fictional, mystical world.

Travel back with Claire to the Jacobite revolution on the Outlander Trail

Outlander first hit our screens in 2014, when millions of us watched Claire Fraser fall unknowingly into the violent world of 18th century Scotland. Since then, she, and her soulmate Jamie, have adventured with Pirates in the West Indies and fought for survival in revolutionary America – but the show has never forgotten its Scottish roots, nor the dramatic wild highlands that inspired this story of rebellion and romance.

The Rabbie’s Outlander Trail sets off from Edinburgh and soon arrives at Culross, where cobbled streets lead to the historic Culross Palace.

This charming town posed as the fictional village of Cranesmuir in Outlander, the home of Geillis Duncan and her ill-fated husband Arthur. Continue to the small town of Falkland where fans can relive the show’s first ever episode, recognizing familiar sights such as Mrs. Baird’s Guesthouse and the Bruce Fountain, where Claire’s husband Frank first saw the ghost of Jamie.

Elsewhere, visit Newtonmore Highland Folk Museum, which houses replicas of 18th-century turf-roofed Highland crofts, which were used in the show’s earliest episodes.

After resting overnight in the ‘Capital of the Highlands’, Inverness, the tour visits Culloden, a town drenched in history as it sits not far from the Culloden Battlefield, the site of the last battle fought on British soil.

Viewers watched Outlander’s Claire and Jamie say their tearful goodbyes here before Jamie joined the Jacobite army to fight for the Stuarts. You have the opportunity to explore the visitor centre and site, and pay tribute to those real soldiers who lost their lives fighting for their freedom.

On the third day of this Outlander adventure, guests visit the majestic Glen Affric, a beautiful spot with high mountains and dense pine forests. Landscapes like these were once the perfect hiding spots for Jacobite soldiers evading the English redcoats.

Next, travel along the entire length of Loch Ness to reach Glenfinnan, and the tall stone monument which proudly commemorates the beginning of the last Jacobite rising.

On your final day exploring the sites and scars of 18th century Scotland, get ready to discover the iconic fortresses which projected power and dominance over the Highlands.

First up is Doune Castle, an extensive ruin that represented Castle Leoch, home of Colum and Clan MacKenzie in Outlander. Later it’s Blackness Castle (above), a heavily fortified stronghold perched on the shore of the Firth of Forth. Your final destination is Jamie’s lovely Lallybroch home – Midhope Castle.

An essential photo opportunity for fans of the show to remember their journey through locations synonymous with Outlander and Scottish history itself.

Prices for this four-day Outlander Trail start at £265 with the first tours departing in April. A one-day Outlander Adventure which visits Culross, Linlithgow Palace, Blackness and Midhope Castles and more departs during March, with prices starting at £46. Both tours depart from Edinburgh.

This isn’t the only tour offered by Rabbie’s which transports fans to their favourite fictional worlds:

Lacock Village has long been a favourite of Hollywood location scouts, and when guests step off the bus and explore the beautiful village they will soon see why.

Productions as diverse as Harry Potter, Downton Abbey, and Pride and Prejudice have all been shot in this rural Wiltshire village.

Appropriately enough, the nearby Lacock Abbey was where William Henry Fox Talbot created the earliest surviving photographic negative in 1835, and kick-started popular photography!

The Abbey’s peaceful cloisters have since portrayed Hogwarts, and its antechambers doubled as the place that young Harry Potter stumbled upon the Mirror of Erised.

Visit Lacock, along with other gorgeous locations on the Bath, Avebury & Lacock Village tour departing from London. Prices start from £56.

As with all Rabbie’s tours, guests are transported in luxury 16-person mini-coaches and treated to the stories and services of a friendly-driver guide. The mini-coaches mean Rabbie’s tours can reach the smaller, independent destinations, ensuring your trips supports local communities and independent businesses.

To book a Rabbie’s Tour and for more information, visit www.rabbies.com.

UK’s naughtiest pooch revealed!

Winner announced in competition to find the nation’s naughtiest pet

A one-year-old puppy, Laya, has been named the UK’s naughtiest pet after a spate of her destroying cushions, duvets and over 20 pairs of shoes!

Pet owners across the UK have been sharing hilarious images as part of a nationwide competition by contents insurance providers, SO-SURE, with the owner of ‘the UK’s naughtiest pet’ receiving a £200 Next voucher to replace those slightly chewed soft furnishings.

After over 150 hilariously funny entries, choosing a winner was very difficult, but the look on Laya’s face with the trail of destruction behind her made her a worthy winner…

1. Laya, Mixed Breed, 1

A dog lying on a rug Description automatically generated with low confidence

Laya, a mixed breed from Haverfordwest is the winner of the competition, after being caught destroying all the cushions on the sofa and covering the living room in feathers. The Next voucher might not last too long at the rate this pup goes through shoes, as she has apparently destroyed over 20 pairs!

With so many great pictures to go through, it wouldn’t be fair to only show one. Here are the best (or worst) of the rest, and it’s no surprise dogs are the main culprits.

2. Evie, Labradoodle, 1

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Evie from Leeds almost looks proud she has chewed through the family goal net.

3. Daisy, Labrador, 13

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Daisy was caught raiding the kitchen back when she was 2. I wonder if she found what she was looking for…

4. Lightning, Greyhound, 3

A dog lying on a dog bed Description automatically generated with medium confidence

This cheeky pup from Bournemouth was kindly given an old mattress topper for a new bed, but he had other ideas.

5. Gwynnie, Miniature Dachshund, 1

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This creative sausage dog has fashioned herself a sleeping bag out of a pillow, impressive!

6. Orion and Cleo, Moggies, 12 weeks

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Orion and Cleo, two kittens from Portsmouth, have made a game out of removing and shredding all the toilet paper in the house.

7. Shelby, Sproodle, 12 weeks

A dog lying on a blanket Description automatically generated with low confidence

Shelby has chewed a rather large hole in her owner’s favourite reading spot, maybe she was jealous of not being the centre of attention?

8. Buster, Bulldog, 6

A picture containing indoor, dog, laying Description automatically generated

This naughty bulldog from Chelmsford likes to help himself to cushions when the covers are in the wash.

If you haven’t got your fill of cute pets causing destruction, you can find a photo gallery of even more entries on the SO-SURE blog here: 

https://wearesosure.com/blog/we-found-the-uks-naughtiest-pet/

Senior Marketing Manager, Gabriel Cabral at SO-SURE commented: At SO-SURE we like to have a little fun and we certainly did with this competition.

“We’ve had lots of great entries, but we just loved Laya’s expression when she was caught in the act! We are pleased her owner can replace those cushions with a £200 Next voucher.”

Going for gold! Exclusive Platinum Jubilee coin collection released

A collection of platinum-gold sovereigns with a unique world-first edge reeding pattern have been created in celebration of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and the personal qualities Her Majesty has shown throughout her 70-year reign. 

As Queen Elizabeth II becomes the first British monarch ever to reach a Platinum Jubilee, leading coin expert Hattons of London has created a stunning series of platinum gold sovereign coins featuring exclusive designs by Jody Clark, designer of the current portrait of the Queen on British coinage.

The neoclassical portraits are inspired by William Wyon’s celebrated 19th Century coin engraving  ‘The Three Graces’, designed for King George III. Each design celebrates one of the personal values embodied by Her Majesty; Devotion, Strength, Wisdom and Leadership – or, the Four Graces of a ‘new Elizabethan era’. 

The collection is the second exclusive range released by Hattons of London to celebrate Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee, and the second to be struck in platinum-gold, which is created by enriching solid 22 carat gold with 2 carats’-worth of platinum. This valuable alloy is being reserved for coins minted in this Jubilee year. The sold-out Platinum Jubilee Monarch collection, released in January, was the fastest-selling in Hattons of London’s history.

Hattons of London is a leading expert in rare and exclusive coins with a vast collection which includes the Queen Victoria 200th anniversary range, featuring the first 24-carat gold twenty-pound sovereign.

Hot on the heels of the company’s first Platinum Jubilee range, the Her Majesty’s Graces Platinum Jubilee Gold Sovereign Range also features a world first. The coins are the first sovereigns in the world to feature a special edge reeding pattern. Each coin features precisely 70 reeds, or ‘ridges’ around the edge in honour of the 70 years of Her Majesty’s reign. 

Managing director Simon Mellinger explained: “We are extremely excited about this latest collection as they will be the world’s first sovereign coins ever to be struck with a unique, 70 reed edging; one reed to celebrate each of the years that Her Majesty has reigned.

“While our first collection celebrated significant moments throughout the Queen’s reign, with this collection we wanted to recognise the personal values that the Queen has embodied throughout her time on the throne. With these coins, we want to celebrate our monarch’s incredible leadership, wisdom, strength and her unwavering devotion to her country.”

While pre-orders have seen avid collectors clamouring to get their hands on the range, Mr Mellinger said there are opportunities for everyone. 

“Given the unique nature of the Platinum Jubilee, and the success of the first collection, we’re expecting to see very high demand for this latest range. 

“This isn’t just for coin collectors – there’s a much wider appeal for the general public who will want them as a commemoration of this important, and maybe never-to-be-repeated, anniversary,” he said. 

Coins are available now, starting from just £69. For more information or to view the whole range, visit www.hattonsoflondon.co.uk

Bridgestone survey: Scottish motorists charging towards EV travel

A survey of 200 motorists by Bridgestone has confirmed that Scottish consumers are beginning to accelerate towards electric vehicle travel, with 70% preparing to ditch their petrol and diesel cars for good. 

The UK YouGov survey commissioned by Bridgestone confirms that transition is in the air, with over two-thirds stating that they’ll make the change and will not be keeping a standard vehicle (petrol/diesel) alongside it when they do. 

The research confirmed that the majority see and acknowledge the benefits of EV travel, with  

  • 62% citing environmental positives and 
  • 48% looking forward to making fuel savings. A further 23% reference tax benefits as a reason for the switch and  
  • 7% are looking forward to a reduction in noise emissions as their primary reason. 

In addition,  

  • 41% are keen to know more about EV maintenance and how it differs to standard makes and models. 

Bridgestone has already developed its tyre technology to ensure that EVs can travel further between charges whilst prolonging battery life, and has also committed to install up to 3,500 new charging points across Europe over the next five years through a partnership with EV Box, with plans for the first of the EV Box roll-out in the UK set to be announced soon. 

Bridgestone’s ENLITEN Technology, reduces the rolling resistance of a tyre by up to 30%, and weight by up to 20%.  It extends the driving range of EVs and also contributes to reducing environmental impact thanks to improved resource productivity.

This not only ensures that less raw materials are used to manufacture the tyres, but also contributes to the reduced rolling resistance, meaning electric vehicles can do more miles per range and be recharged less. 

And its TECHSYN technology extends the designed lifespan of a tyre by up to 30 per cent3. As a result, TECHSYN reduces overall fuel consumption and CO2 emissions5, enhances tread mileage6 to extend a tyre’s designed life and cuts raw material consumption in the long term. 

The YouGov survey also suggests that Scottish motorists are well informed on changes ahead, with  

  • 58% aware that all new car sales must be zero emission by 2035.  
  • Of that figure, 23% are keen to see this target brought forward to 2030.  
  • 27% would also like to learn new driving tips to help them get more from their electric vehicle. 

Bridgestone North Region Vice President Andrea Manenti said the results offered further justification for the company’s commitment to EV travel: “We are investing in our mobility solutions like never before, with new products, charging points and training in place for the full integration of EV travel. 

“With this in mind, it is great to see that Scottish motorists are also on board with the technology and the huge changes that are beginning to be seen. Our original tyre fitments specifically engineered for EVs will reach 20% of our overall portfolio by 2024. 

“We are investing to make electric mobility more efficient and accessible by pioneering premium tyres and tyre technologies for EVs and dedicated fleet and mobility solutions. We’re also partnering with leading EV manufacturers and developing an EV-ready retail and service network.” 

“The survey tells me that we’re all moving in the same direction when it comes to EV travel and we’ll continue to push the boundaries to ensure that Bridgestone is a pioneering company in this area of mobility solutions.”