· Royal Bank of Scotland’s Winter Sparkle festive campaign aims to bring cheer to 10,000 people and families this Christmas
· Bank’s charity partner BaxterStorey is distributing 100,000 meals to the country’s most vulnerable as part of the drive
· Businesses and organisations including The Scottish Book Trust, Tesco and Amazon back the drive
· Social Bite, Cyrenians, The Felix Project and Edinburgh Food Project help take the programme to Scotland’s neediest communities
Royal Bank of Scotland has partnered with hospitality provider BaxterStorey and security company G4S, to distribute more than 10,000 shoeboxes full of toys, books, games, food and items of clothing for vulnerable people and families across Scotland, as part of the bank’s Winter Sparkle initiative.
The shoeboxes – which have been packed in a socially distant setting at the bank’s Gogarburn HQ in Edinburgh – are being given to charity partners Social Bite, Cyrenians, The Felix Project and Edinburgh Food Project, to distribute amongst thousands of individuals and families they support across the country.
Catering company BaxterStorey will also prepare and deliver an additional 100,000 cooked meals for vulnerable families in Scotland, thanks to generous donations of fresh produce from a number of the Royal Bank’s agricultural customers.
Other supporters of the project include the Scottish Book Trust, Tesco and Business in the Community, while employees and customers of the bank have been able to purchase items via a bespoke Amazon wish list.
The shoebox initiative is the latest project from the team behind the foodbank distribution centre at Gogarburn. It was set up in March by bank employee, Sheena Hales, in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, to offer charities a space to store large food deliveries. In October, Sheena was awarded a British Empire Medal in recognition of her efforts.
Since opening, the foodbank centre has distributed around 6,000 meals per week, taken in huge donations including 220,000 items of new clothing, and welcomed truckloads of potatoes and carrots – all to be issued by charities to those in need.
Along with donations of food and clothing, the foodbank has also helped furnish a homeless shelter in Glasgow and through a partnership with the Scottish Book Trust, has provided families with learning packs, storybooks and even tablets and Wi-Fi access to support with remote learning.
Sheena Hales, Programme Capability Manager at Royal Bank of Scotland and Manager of the Gogarburn distribution centre, said:“Christmas can always be a challenging time but the events and added pressures of 2020 have undoubtedly created extra stress and anxiety for many families.
“The foodbank has been committed to supporting those in need since the onset of the pandemic and while the food parcels will be essential, it’s also our hope that the little extra treats in the boxes will put a few smiles on faces this festive season.
“Crucially, this has been a team effort and none of it would be possible without the hard work and dedication of our volunteers or the generosity of our staff, customers and strategic partners who have worked tirelessly to make the foodbank what it is”
Caroline Bacigalupo, Operations Manager at BaxterStorey, said: “We are delighted to have been working with local community councils and local charities, supplying a variety of sweet treats and hearty meals.
“This Christmas, we plan to fill over 10,000 boxes for Christmas gifts and food packages to help those in need across Edinburgh and the Lothians.
“With the ongoing support of our team at BaxterStorey, G4S and of course Royal Bank of Scotland, we will be out delivering the packages in the run-up to Christmas.”
Malcolm Buchanan, Chair, Scotland Board, Royal Bank of Scotland said: “The work that our foodbank team has delivered throughout 2020 has been truly admirable and the results achieved reflect the unwavering commitment of our staff, customers and partners, who have all gone above and beyond to support those in their local communities.
“Under Sheena’s leadership, the team have been working behind the scenes to coordinate, manage and store huge deliveries and have all been busy packing up the shoeboxes ready for distribution. Our charity partners will then take the wheel, allocating the boxes to the incredibly deserving individuals and families within their support networks.”
Additional funds for grassroots and independent venues
An additional £7.1 million to secure the future of as many grassroots music venues and independent museums as possible has been announced by Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop.
The next phase of the Grassroots Music Venue Stabilisation Fund will provide £4 million to live music venues that were financially sustainable before coronavirus (COVID-19) to prevent permanent closure and stabilise until April 2021.
This fund will go live in January.
Meanwhile, the Museums Recovery and Resilience Fund will receive an extra £3.1 million to meet demand. This funding will help secure the future of Scottish independent museums put at risk by the pandemic and protect the vital role they play in communities.
This funding is part of the £185 million package of targeted COVID-19 support announced by the Scottish Government earlier this month.
Ms Hyslop said: “Culture and heritage are vitally important to all of our lives in Scotland, at this time more than ever.
“This additional funding for grassroots music venues and independent museums will build on previous support provided to reach as many people as possible. I do believe these funds will make a marked difference in ensuring our culture and heritage sectors survive the pandemic.
“We will continue to listen to the needs of the sector and do everything within our powers to support them through this crisis.”
Beverley Whitrick, Strategic Director at Music Venue Trust said: “We have worked closely with the Scottish Government on the funding required to sustain grassroots music venues across Scotland.
“We are delighted that further support is forthcoming to secure these vital cultural spaces through until the spring.”
JP McGivney at Bridge Street Social, Aberdeen, said: “The first round for funding for Grassroots Music Venues was essential for us, and it was targeted to last only a short time.
“As restrictions have not eased, it became clear we would need further support to prevent permanent closure, so news of a second phase of this fund is very welcome.”
Admiral teams up with professional home economist to help people plan the perfect Christmas dinner –
More than one in 10 (12%) only keep Christmas leftovers for one day
One in 20 throw away excess food rather than turning it into other meals at Christmas
12% of Brits splashed out more than £100 per person for Christmas dinner last year
One in five have first alcoholic drink before 11am on Christmas Day
53% of claims involving food and drink in December relate to red wine spillages
A new investigation by Admiral home insurance has revealed that two thirds (65%) of households in the UK end up with more food than they need at Christmas, and one in 20 people throw excess ingredients in the bin, rather than turning them into other meals.
The tool helps people work out how much of each key ingredient they’ll need to cook the perfect Christmas dinner for their guests, and guides them on how many sweet treats and desserts to buy to make sure they’re properly stocked up for guests this festive season.
The investigation found that two fifths of Brits (42%) buy their ingredients for Christmas dinner a week before the big day. But while some are more organised, buying at the start of December (25%) or two weeks before Christmas Day (25%), others are less organised, opting to buy their food on 23rd December (17%) and even as last-minute as Christmas Eve (5%).
With many people yet to buy their ingredients, Admiral is encouraging people to plan ahead to make their Christmas feasts memorable for all the right reasons this year.
Stocking up for Christmas
The study found that some people are storing traditional Christmas foods in the wrong places, meaning food could potentially be going to waste.
To help make people’s Christmas go without a hitch, professional home economist, Becky Wilkinson, has shared her tips with Admiral on where ingredients should be stored.
One in ten (11%) believe that a Christmas pudding should be kept in the fridge, but Becky says that is not necessarily the right thing to do. “Where you store Christmas pudding or Christmas cake is often dependent on the recipe followed, but, as a rule, this should never be kept in the fridge.”
And with many a sweet tooth being catered to over the festive period, making sure the chocolates are in top condition for guests will be high on the priority list. Almost a quarter (23%) of people believe chocolate should be kept in the fridge, but Becky warns this can have an impact on the taste: “If you must store chocolate in the fridge, it should be sealed in an airtight container because the fat content in chocolate causes it to take on other flavours if not sealed properly.”
Before filling your fridge and stocking up, Becky recommends carrying out the four following checks to ensure your food is perfect for Christmas :
Make sure your fridge and freezer are running at the correct temperature before filling with Christmas treats. The recommended temperature is 5°C or below for the fridge and -18°C or below for the freezer. Fridge freezer thermometers are cheap and a very helpful tool to have if you don’t already!
Before the Christmas buying starts, check that all the items in your fridge and freezer are in date, remove any that are not. Overfilling your fridge and freezer will make it difficult for them to stay at the correct temperature
It’s important to store meat safely to stop bacteria from spreading and to avoid food poisoning. You should store raw meat and poultry in clean, sealed containers on the bottom shelf of the fridge, so they can not touch or drip onto other foods
Check your oven is working and has had a service if required. Also, give it a good clean to ensure for more accurate cooking times and optimum hygiene
What to do with leftovers
For those who do keep their Christmas dinner leftovers and excess ingredients, more than one in ten (12%) only keep it for one day, which means lots of leftover Christmas food gets wasted unnecessarily each year.
To avoid unwanted food waste, Becky Wilkinson has shared some simple top tips with Admiral on what to do with leftover Christmas ingredients:
Roast potatoes and Brussel sprouts: Break up the cold potatoes and mash together with the Brussel sprouts, place into a pan and fry. Add any leftover herbs or chestnuts to make extra tasty bubble and squeak.
Carrots: Heat the ready roasted sliced carrots in a pan and add caraway seeds and vegetable stock. Blend together to make a warming soup.
Pigs in blankets: Make your own mini toad in the hole’s by using an oiled muffin tin to heat the sausages and then pour over Yorkshire pudding batter. Bake until well risen.
Ham, turkey and gravy: Mix together, place into a pie dish and top with ready rolled puff pastry for a quick and effortless pie.
Turkey: For an oriental take on leftovers, try a turkey ramen or turkey stir fry.
Christmas pudding: Break up the Christmas pudding and mix with a drizzle of festive liquor, spread the mixture over some ready rolled puff pastry and roll up into a large swirl. Slice into 2cm rounds and place into a lined spring form cake tin. Glaze with egg and bake until pastry is cooked through for a festive Chelsea bun.
Cost of Christmas this year
Last Christmas, more than one in ten households (12%) splashed out over £100 for each person joining them for the festive feast. On average, homeowners spent £41.30 per person to feed their dinner guests in 2019.
Meanwhile, 22% of people said they are planning to spend even more money on food this Christmas.
With many restrictions still in place across the UK,17% of households said they would be spending less because they weren’t expecting as many guests around their Christmas table this year, and 12% want to cut down because they either ate too much or bought too much food last year.
However, younger households are looking to splurge this year, as 30% of those aged between 18 and 34 are planning to spend more on their dinner in a bid to treat themselves and their family this Christmas, in comparison to just 7% of people aged over 65.
Kitchen chaos at Christmas
In a bid to help make sure Christmas goes without a hitch this year, Admiral is urging people to watch out for some common culinary mishaps as these can be costly.
Analysis of Admiral claims data, relating to damage involving fridge freezers over the last five years, reveals that 7% happened during the month of December alone, with the average cost of each claim coming in at around £7001.
According to Admiral data, the most common causes of fridge or freezer failures in December were where the fridge freezer has broken and stopped working by itself (30%), or power cuts and power surges (23%) that either damaged the fridge freezer wiring or the prolonged loss of power caused the food to defrost.
‘tis the season to be Merry
Admiral found that one in five (20%) adults like to crack open the bubbly before 11.00am on Christmas day, and just less than one in ten (9%) open the alcohol before 10.00am.
Accidents can and do happen, and analysis of Admiral claims data relating to wine, gravy and sauce in the months of December found that 53% of claims, related to red wine being spilt on sofas, carpet, soft furnishings and even on laptops. To avoid any accidents spoiling the Christmas spirit, Admiral suggests standing glasses and bottles on a table and well away from small hands and pets if you can
David Fowkes, Head of Household Underwriting at Admiral, said: “Christmas is always a special period but this year will be even more important to households who, after a tough year, are looking to make the best of it with their close friends or family.
“Our study shows that people can easily go overboard and buy too much food for their Christmas dinner, leading to unnecessary food waste and people are also spending more money than they need to. As food plays such a big part of the festivities for many people, we want to help make sure the day goes as smoothly as possible – regardless of how many people you have around the dinner table.
“Unfortunately, not only are leftover ingredients being thrown away, but just a small percentage of people are giving excess food to food banks who would welcome the donations.
“We’d recommend carrying out a few simple checks around the kitchen a few weeks before Christmas. At Admiral we’ve seen examples where fridge freezers and cookers have been damaged in the build up to Christmas – some even on the big day itself – causing havoc and unnecessary stress for many households.
“Make sure you don’t over stock your fridge freezer so it keeps all of your Christmas food chilled at the perfect temperature, and it doesn’t spoil the festivities.”
A new Bill which would allow children to take public bodies to court for breaches of their rights by incorporating the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) into Scots law should be extended to include private sector and voluntary organisations who deliver public services, according to MSPs.
The Scottish Parliament’s Equalities and Human Rights Committee said it supports the general principles of the proposed legislation, but called for the definition of public authorities to be widened to ensure organisations such as private schools and private housing, residential care and childcare providers are not excluded from the legal obligations in the UNCRC.
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (Incorporation) (Scotland) Bill legally obliges public authorities – including Scottish Ministers – to respect children and young people’s rights, placing them under a duty not to act incompatibly with the UN Convention.
In its stage 1 report, the Committee recommended that the Scottish Government consults the main stakeholders to investigate how the definition of a so-called “hybrid public authority” could be tightened to avoid similar issues arising as those experienced with the Human Rights Act 1998, where courts have defined the term narrowly and exempted private or voluntary bodies which carry out public functions.
Under the Bill, children and representatives acting on their behalf will be able to challenge public authorities in court for infringing their rights, and the new legislation will allow the courts to strike down legislation that is incompatible with any UNCRC requirements.
However, submissions to the Committee raised concerns about the accessibility of the existing courts and tribunals service to children, and the report called on Scotland’s top judge to reflect on this evidence and to provide an update on progress being made towards developing a “child-friendly” court system in preparation for the new legislation.
MSPs also urged the Scottish Government to amend the Bill so that courts and tribunals “must”, rather than “may”, take into account the whole of the text of the UNCRC and the first two optional protocols when determining a case, and to require courts and tribunals to ask for the child’s views on what would constitute an “effective remedy” in their case.
The Committee’s report further recommended that the Scottish Government amends the commencement provision at stage 2 to ensure the Bill comes into effect six months after Royal Assent.
The Bill also imposes a requirement on Scottish Ministers to make a Children’s Rights Scheme to set out how they will comply with the duties in the UN Convention, but MSPs want the scheme strengthened to include measures to support children with protected characteristics and vulnerable groups, access to advocacy, legal aid, human rights education and a child-friendly complaints mechanism.
Committee Convener, Ruth Maguire MSP, said: “This is a landmark piece of legislation which has the potential to put children’s rights at the heart of public authority decision-making.
However, we believe – as the evidence to the Committee has shown – that there are areas where the Bill can be improved.
“The Committee’s report calls on the Scottish Government to explore how the definition of a public authority can be amended at stage 2 to include those private sector organisations which provide public services, in accordance with the spirit and intention of the Bill.
“We also make recommendations aimed at improving access to justice for children and young people and ensuring judicial remedies for infringements of children’s rights are effective in practice.
“It is vital that children have their rights protected, respected and fulfilled as a matter of urgency, which is why we have urged the Scottish Government to amend the commencement provision to ensure this legislation come into effect six months after the Bill receives Royal Assent.”
A “child-friendly” version of the report, which has been published alongside the stage 1 report, can be accessed via the Committee’s Bill webpage.
· Rugby Icon Doddie Weir OBE receives People’s Award for his extraordinary fund-raising efforts for people with Motor Neurone Disease
· Outstanding Contribution Award for Dame Laura Lee, founder of Maggie’s Centres, a shelter for cancer patients both in Scotland and internationally
· 11-year-old schoolboy wins Child of Courage Award after pulling his grandad from a fast-flowing river, after he suffered a bleed on the brain during a fishing trip
· The People of Bute awarded TSB Community Heroes Award for opening their doors and hearts to families fleeing the war in Syria
The inaugural Daily Record Pride of Scotland Awards 2020, in partnership with TSB, is set to air on STV and the STV Player this New Years Eve at 10.45pm.
The Awards, which celebrate ordinary people doing extraordinary things, will see 11 awe-inspiring Scots being recognised for their outstanding achievements, as we take an uplifting and celebratory journey into 2021.
The driving force behind a nationwide food bank launched in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, a teen fundraiser who has raised more than £420,000 since the age of five, and the entire community of the Isle of Bute are among the unsung heroes that will be celebrated during the 90-minute show, hosted by Kirsty Gallacher and Elaine C. Smith at the University of Glasgow’s iconic Cloisters.
After a year of extraordinary challenges, uncertainty and change, it has been more important than ever to lift the spirits of the nation and acknowledge those individuals and groups who have gone above and beyond for others. Filled with awe-inspiring winners’ stories and some emotional celebrity surprises, the inaugural Pride of Scotland Awards is not to be missed.
Over 50 of Scotland and the UK’s biggest celebrities will come together on 31st December to honour the 11 extraordinary winners and first ever recipients of the Pride of Scotland trophies.
Public figures and celebrities include HRH Duchess of Cornwall, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, Sir Andy Murray, Sir Rod Stewart and Lady Penny Lancaster, Gordon Ramsay, Rita Ora, Michael McIntyre, Jermaine Defoe, Stephen Gerrard, Sharleen Spiteri, The Vamps, Gregor Townsend, Ally McCoist, Katherine Jenkins and Lorraine Kelly.
Magical moments that are sure to capture the hearts and imaginations of viewers across Scotland and the UK include:
· 12 year old schoolgirl Katie Pake from Glenrothes, becoming overwhelmed with emotion when she was surprised with her award by one of her favourite artists and Texas lead singer, Sharleen Spiteri, during an exclusive tour of Abbey Road Studios.
· A touching encounter between Biffy Clyro frontman Simon Neil and Shetland coastguard volunteer Jamie Newlands who, whilst out on his very first major rescue operation, descended a 130ft sea cliff in storm-force winds to rescue a teenage boy from the incoming tide.
· HRH The Duchess of Cornwall surprising Peterhead-born Dame Laura Lee – the founder and chief executive of the international network of Maggie’s Centres – with the Outstanding Contribution.
Maggie’s Centres help cancer sufferers with everything from dealing with the effects of treatment to advice on money worries, and they were the brainchild of one of nurse Laura’s former patients, Maggie Jencks. After Maggie died in 1995, Laura set out to make her vision a reality – and there are now more than 30 Maggie’s Centres in operation across the globe.
Other winners include a 77 year old from Glasgow recognised for his 40 years’ service as leader of the Glasgow Humane Society – the oldest continuing lifeboat service in the world; an 11-year-old from East Ayrshire who rescued his grandfather from a remote stretch of the River Irvine after he suffered a stroke during a fishing trip; a HGV driver who saved a mum and three children from drowning after they were swept out to sea during a trip to a Mallaig beach; a former young carer who, after becoming homeless and narrowly avoiding a jail sentence, has turned his life around and now advises the Scottish Government on issues such as mental health and poverty; and Scottish rugby icon Doddie Weir OBE, who is fighting motor neurone disease and set up a charity in 2017 to raise funds for vital research.
Seeing us into 2021 will be a fireworks spectacular and exclusive performance by pop band McFly.
There will also be a stunning performance by Tom Walker and the Red Hot Chilli Pipers, as well as a special star-studded rendition of Auld Lang Syne led by Scottish icon Sir Billy Connolly and featuring famous faces including Annie Lennox, Alan Cumming, Jodie Whittaker, JJ Chalmers, Edith Bowman, Billy Boyd, Andrew Robertson and Karen Gillan.
The Daily Record Pride of Scotland Awards, in partnership with TSB,will be broadcast on STV on 31 December at 10.45pm.
COMPLETE LIST of WINNERS:
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT | Dame Laura Lee, 55, London
Driving force behind Maggie’s, the ground-breaking Scottish charity that is transforming cancer care across the globe.
When 17-year-old Laura Lee left home in Peterhead to train as a nurse, she wanted to work with cancer patients so she could offer them help and support over a sustained period. Today,37 years later, Laura’s compassionate, caring ethos forms the DNA of the world-leading cancer charity that she brought to life on the grounds of her Edinburgh hospital.
Maggie’s Centres help cancer sufferers with everything from emotional support and dealing with the effects of treatment to advice on money worries. The original idea came from one of Laura’s patients, Maggie Jencks. It was her dream to provide a homely environment for patients, unlike the windowless corridor where she had been left to process the news her breast cancer was terminal.
She would often talk about her vision with Laura. The two became close friends and worked on the initial plans together, pouring over designs at Maggie’s hospital bedside. After Maggie died in 1995, Laura, along with Maggie’s husband Charles, made sure that vision became a reality.
The following year the first Maggie’s Centre was opened in Edinburgh, in a beautiful new building designed by leading architect Richard Murphy. Since then, as CEO of the charity, Laura, 54, has overseen the opening of 24 centres across the UK and internationally, all designed by leading and award-winning architects, with 280,000 visitors every year.
PEOPLE’S AWARD | Doddie Weir OBE, 50, Blainslie
Rugby hero fighting motor neurone disease who launched charity to help fellow sufferers and raise funds for vital research.
After a career inspiring the nation with his leadership on the rugby pitch, Doddie is now inspiring us all with his courage and dignity in the face of a devastating illness.
Doddie earned 61 caps for Scotland and toured with the British and Irish Lions. With his big personality, and trademark blue and yellow tartan suit, he was always the life of the party.
In 2017 Doddie revealed he had been diagnosed with motor neurone disease. The devastating condition has no cure and a life expectancy of one to five years following diagnosis. In Doddie’s case, doctors told him he would be in a wheelchair within 12 months.
Determined to help others facing the same plight, Doddie and close friends and supporters, launched My Name’5 Doddie Foundation to help fund research into MND and support fellow sufferers of this devastating disease. To date the Charity has committed £5.8 million to MND Research.
It has invested in the Glasgow-based charity, Funding Neuro, and committed £250,000 to the drug repurposing work led by Professor Siddarthan Chandran at the University of Edinburgh. An additional £780,000 is being invested in supporting the pioneering clinical trial, MND-SMART.
In addition, the charity has given almost £1million to MND Scotland and MND Association to administer as grants on their behalf. This money has helped hundreds of people living with MND. The father of three continues to raise awareness and advocate on behalf of people living with motor neuron disease.
Meanwhile, the inspirational sportsman who never ducked a challenge on the pitch, continues to defy the odds. While he has lost power in his hands, arms and neck, he is still going to his boys’ rugby matches and leading his charity from the front.
YOUNG FUNDRAISER OF THE YEAR | Jenny Cook, 17, East Kilbride
Teenager with a debilitating condition has spent more than a decade raising hundreds of thousands of pounds to help others like her.
Jenny suffers from ulcerative colitis, a form of inflammatory bowel disease. When she was six, surgeons removed her large intestine, meaning she had to adjust to life with a colostomy bag. In 2010, she was able to have a j-pouch created from her small intestine, meaning her colostomy bag could be removed.
Despite her own health issues, Jenny dedicates her free time to fundraising for the Glasgow Children’s Hospital and the Catherine McEwan Foundation, which supports people living with IBD.
She held her first event when she was five – a cheese and wine night at her primary school, which raised £5,000. Twelve years later, her total from events including an annual tea party stands at £420,000.
Jenny also speaks at many Glasgow Hospital fundraising events, as well as offices and schools to create awareness of her condition. With a commitment to helping other children manage the disease, she has also volunteered as a hospital buddy, meeting and supporting other young patients.
Now a Young Ambassador for Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, Jenny, 17 organises fundraising events all year round from a customised office in her back garden.
She also found the time to achieve five A-grades in her Highers.
Schoolgirl on a mission to help fellow child cancer patients has raised thousands with her inspirational campaigning.
Keen swimmer Katie’s parents took her to the GP when she complained a sore knee was affecting her performance in the pool. Tests revealed she was suffering from osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer. Intensive chemotherapy failed to eradicate the tumour and it was then discovered that the disease had spread to her thigh and spine. Doctors told her parents that she had a 20% chance of survival.
They tried a new type of chemo, which thankfully eradicated the cancer in her thigh and spine, but it did not work on the tumour on her leg. Their only option was to amputate the limb, in an eight-hour operation two days before her 10th birthday.
Before the life-saving operation, Katie wrote “Please recycle” on her leg, in the hope the cancer tissue could be used in research.
Since the amputation, Katie has made it her mission to increase awareness of childhood cancer and raise money. She has raised thousands of pounds and is an ambassador for the children’s cancer charity Love Oliver.
Katie, who has now been given the all clear, takes off her artificial leg to swim and has won gold medals at the junior and senior Scottish Disability Sport National Swimming Championships. As well as training four times a week in the pool, she plays football and is a wheelchair racer.
CHILD OF COURAGE | Greg Galloway, 11, Galston
Schoolboy who pulled his grandad from a fast-flowing river after he suffered a bleed on the brain during a fishing trip.
It was Greg’s first fishing trip with his grandad, and the youngster had just caught his first salmon from a remote stretch of the River Irvine. But as his grandad John Howe, 61, was helping him take it off the hook, he suffered a stroke. He lost feeling in his left side and fell into the water.
It was getting dark and the water was flowing fast, but Greg, then nine, waded in and managed to drag him out of the water and on to the bank. He then used John’s phone to call his mum, Jennifer.
Somehow Greg managed to shift his papa out of the water and onto the embankment, where he kept him awake and constantly reassured him that help was coming. Greg then directed Jennifer over two fields to the exact spot where they were fishing so she could find them. Jennifer then contacted the emergency services and John was taken to Crosshouse Hospital, where he has since made a full recovery.
EMERGENCY SERVICES | Jamie Newlands, 36, Shetland
Coastguard volunteer who climbed down a cliff in storm force winds to save a stranded teenager in a race against rising tide.
Two teenagers had got into difficulty after climbing down a 130ft cliff to the sea in Fethaland on the north tip of Shetland. While one of the young men had managed to climb back up, the other was stuck at the bottom.
By the time Coastguard were called in, he had already been there for two hours. It was dark, the tide was rising and the weather was deteriorating.
A rescue helicopter was first to arrive but could not fly close enough to the cliff face in turbulent conditions to attempt a rescue. The helicopter and the Aith Lifeboat then used searchlights to illuminate the scene, so that a rope rescue team could set up their equipment.
Rope technician Jamie Newlands, 37, a volunteer on his first major rescue operation, descended the cliff in storm force winds, rain and heavy squalls to pull the teenager to safety from the incoming tide, taking him back to the top where he could be winched aboard the helicopter and taken to hospital where he recovered fully from hypothermia.
OUTSTANDING BRAVERY | John Haughie, 32, Tullichewan
HGV driver and army reservist for 7 Scots, who rescued mum and three children from drowning after they were swept out to sea during a family day at the beach.
John was relaxing on the sand in Arisaig, near Fort William, when he heard his partner Cheryl and daughter Kiera screaming and cries for help.
Ben McCallie, 14, his sister Poppy, nine, and eight-year-old Lewis McCorkindale were playing in the sea, but a strong undercurrent had pulled them out into deeper water. Katrina McCallie, mum of Poppy and Ben, and sister to Lewis, had run into the sea to help them, despite not being able to swim.
She had not realised how sharply the seabed dropped away and was quickly in trouble herself. That was when John, 32, from Alexandria, ran into the water and dived under the surface to grab the three drowning children and Katrina and dragged all four of them to safety.
SPECIAL RECOGNITION | George Parsonage, 77, Glasgow
Rescued more than 1,500 people from a treacherous stretch of water during a lifesaving career spanning four decades.
George, 77, spent 40 years pulling people from the murky waters of the River Clyde as leader of the Glasgow Humane Society, the oldest continuing lifeboat service in the world.
In that time, he has used his motorboat to rescue more than 1,500 people, including the woman who became his wife. He was even called into action on his last day on duty before retirement.
George began assisting his father with river rescues in the 1950s when he was still a teenager. After his father died in 1979, George took over from him as chief officer at Glasgow Humane Society.
George says the society is a family unit. His wife Stephanie, and sons Benjamin, and Christopher, are also involved. George and Stephanie met when Stephanie, an international rower who competed for Scotland, capsized while training. George went to the rescue and for his efforts won her heart.
SPECIAL RECOGNITION | Charandeep Singh, 31, Glasgow
The driving force behind The Sikh Food Bank, a multi-faith team of volunteers who delivered more than 80,000 meals to families over lockdown.
Launched in March in direct response to the pandemic by the Sikhs in Scotland charity, the Sikh Food Bank was set up to help the most vulnerable across all sections of the community, including those self-isolating, families struggling to make ends meet, as well as the elderly or homeless.
Volunteers deliver groceries to people unable to go to the shops themselves, as well as food parcels and hot meals. They also run a check-in phone service, available in English, Panjabi, Hindi and Urdu, to help combat loneliness and isolation.
Supported by a 50-strong team of volunteers, Charandeep led the delivery of more than 100,000 meals and food parcels during lockdown across Glasgow as well as in Edinburgh, Dundee and Aberdeen.
In the run-up to the return to school they also provided packs to help children in need with supplies and resources.
TSB COMMUNITY HERO | Angela Callaghan and the People of Bute
At the height of the migrant crisis, Angela and her community threw open their doors and their hearts to families fleeing the war in Syria.
In 2015, 24 Syrian families arrived on the Isle of Bute as part of the UK’s pledge to welcome 20,000 people fleeing the war-torn country.
At a time when not everyone in Britain was open to new arrivals, Angela Callaghan was among those who helped the families get settled and used to their new island life. She led the island’s reception committee and also helped organise donations of everything from shoes and blankets to spices and chickpeas to make the newcomers feel welcome.
Angela also repurposed the food bank she runs on Bute, one of Scotland’s most deprived areas, to help the new residents. Several of the young Syrians later helped Angela with her drive at Christmas to hand out gifts and food parcels to other under-privileged families.
Five years on, 17 families remain, putting down roots including some who have started their own businesses including a hairdresser, Syrian take-away and bakery. They learned English and the children are now a part of the local schools.
THE PRINCE’S TRUST YOUNG ACHIEVER | Reece Hayes, 24, Glasgow
After a traumatic childhood and struggling with his mental health, Reece now helps to inform others on issues such as poverty, mental health and violent crime.
Reece had a traumatic childhood as a young carer and as he struggled to cope, he became angry, suicidal, and picked fights with anyone he could. Caring for his mum since he was 11, life was often very manic and difficult to deal with, due to the difficulties around her poor mental health.
Realising that living at home was only exacerbating the problem, Reece moved out and spent five months in a homeless unit before securing his own tenancy. Yet despite this change in living situation, he still found it difficult to cope.
After narrowly missing a jail sentence, Reece got a mental health assessment, was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, given medication and support from a counsellor, and referred to The Prince’s Trust. From there, Reece secured an interview for Get into Retail with Tesco, a Prince’s Trust programme run in partnership with Tesco, to give unemployed young people the skills and experience they need to find work in the retail sector.
As a Prince’s Trust Young Ambassador, Reece has since shared his story with other third sector organisations, Scottish government committees, MSP’s and delivered a TEDx Talk in Glasgow – sharing his experiences with an audience of over 2,000 – as part of a special Year of Young People 2018 TEDx Youth event.
After completing a college course in Social Services and volunteering at a prison working with male prisoners, he is now in his second year of a Social Work degree at the University of Edinburgh. He has also contributed to think tank focus groups helping to inform the Scottish Government on issues such as mental health, poverty and violent crime.
Furthermore, Reece has worked with a Scottish Government policymaker for six months as part of the Poverty Trust Commission. During this time, he shared his own experiences with the justice system and police to help shape prison reforms and policies for the future. Currently as well as studying, Reece is working part-time as a Mungo Foundation support worker with adults with disabilities.
A new app for health and care home staff carrying out coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccinations will provide rapid access to relevant patient information and collect data on how many people have received the vaccination.
The ‘Vaccination Management Tool’ was developed in response to the pandemic and, because it functions on PCs, tablets and iphones, can be used in any setting where the vaccine is being administered.
The tool means vaccinators can immediately see whether it is an individual’s first or second dose and which vaccine has been administered – which will be crucial as more become available.
It also means data can be sent to GP systems and, in time the information collected on the app will help demonstrate how effective each vaccine is by linking with testing data.
Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said: “The development of this tool has been a significant collaborative effort involving both clinicians and technical staff and I would like to thank all those involved.
“Clearly we welcome anything which simplifies the process for vaccinators and having this app which can be used wherever they are working will be invaluable, allowing them to quickly access all relevant information on site.”
NHS Education for Scotland Chief Executive Stewart Irvine said: “Delivering a national vaccine programme is a huge undertaking.
“We are trying to make things as easy to use as possible for the staff who have to manage these large numbers of people. That’s in terms of planning their workflows, being able to work flexibly in all kinds of locations, and in providing a steady stream of data to help national planners.
“With tools like these, we are building integrated systems which remove additional burdens from hard-pressed health and care staff – allowing them to do what they do best.”
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde trialled the app for the winter flu programme. Immunisation Programme Manager Scott Hanley said: “We’re pleased to have helped test and feed-back on the app. Having all the individual’s information in one place and not having to use paper saved so much time for our staff.
“The fact that it is web-based also gives much more flexibility in who can use it – which gives us greater flexibility. And using a mobile tablet will help ensure patients are processed quicker on arrival at sites and will reduce the possibility of queues building up.”
The Vaccine Management Tool was developed by NHS Education for Scotland in partnership with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, NHS Lothian and NHS Fife, NHS National Services Scotland and Public Health Scotland.
It was piloted in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and NHS Lothian to assist with the winter flu vaccination programme and is now being used across Scotland to assist with the COVID-19 vaccination programme.
If you’re feeling a little low this winter, catching up with a pal outdoors can help to lift your spirits.
Edinburgh residents could be due share of £210,776
The capital city has the largest number of unclaimed deposits – with one worth £3,484
More than 1,000 long-standing tenancies in Scotland have an EH postcode
One city resident reunited with deposit seven months after moving, thanks to SafeDeposits Scotland
SafeDeposits Scotland has revealed that tenants in Edinburgh could be due a share of £210,776, after failing to claim back deposits at the end of their tenancies.
The Glasgow-based tenancy deposit scheme holds deposits on behalf of landlords and agents in line with government regulations designed to ensure responsible leasing. When a tenancy ends and all parties agree to repayment, the scheme will then release the funds back to the tenant.
Currently, the EH postcode has 700 unclaimed deposits with a combined value of £210,776, with one individual claim worth £3,484 – the highest in Scotland. In total across Scotland, there are 2,513 unclaimed deposits, amounting to £690,383.
One Edinburgh resident, Fraser Hamilton, was recently contacted by SafeDeposits Scotland about his unclaimed deposit after he left his property seven months ago.
Fraser said:“I moved out of my flat near Fountain Park just before lockdown and I completely forgot about the deposit. A part of me just assumed that my landlord would have my details and send it to me when it was ready. Between that and the moving process itself, it just slipped to the back of my mind.
“Obviously, this isn’t how the process works so when I received the call from SafeDeposits Scotland, it was great to hear I’d be getting this money back. It was as simple as sharing my bank details and soon enough, my deposit was back in my account. It’s a great boost, especially just before Christmas, and I’d urge anyone else moving to remember to claim their deposit back.”
In 2020 to date, SafeDeposits Scotland has tracked down 1,093 tenants across the country that had forgotten to claim their deposits back. The not-for-profit organisation has so far managed to return £416,887 from the scheme to these tenants this year.
Research carried out by SafeDeposits Scotland also looked at the quantity of deposits the scheme holds for longer-standing tenancies. The average tenure length for tenancies with deposits protected by SafeDeposits Scotland is just over 2.5 years, however the scheme found over 4,500 active deposit accounts for tenancies of 10 years or more.
There are more than 1,000 long-standing tenancies in the EH postcode area alone, with a deposit for one tenancy in Peebles starting in 1976. While many of these tenancies will still be active, there may be some cases where a tenancy has ended and none of the parties have ever instigated the repayment process.
Mike Smith, operations manager at SafeDeposits Scotland, said: “Edinburgh has the largest amount of private rented sector homes in Scotland with 62,000 currently in the market*. And it’s our job to make sure deposits are kept safe, and that both landlords and tenants have access to our dispute resolution service should there be any disagreement once the tenancy ends.
“The private rented sector in Edinburgh accounts for 25% of the capital’s entire housing market, and with the city recently awarded the top UK place for millennials to live, we predict the sector to continue growing as more people, especially young adults, chose to work and live in Edinburgh.
“Our research revealed that 700 people who lived in or around Edinburgh have left their homes without claiming back their deposit. This figure relates to where the landlord has instructed for the deposit to be repaid to the tenant, but the tenant hasn’t completed the process to receive their funds.
“We know moving home can be quite hectic but there’s no reason why a tenant shouldn’t claim what money they’re entitled to when they leave.”
Among the organisations to have received funding from the Trust this year is Edinburgh-based Deaf Action which, with a grant of £20,000, is developing a project to support Scottish landlords and tenants affected by hearing loss.
If tenants in Scotland think they have left a deposit with SafeDeposits Scotland unclaimed from a previous tenancy, they should enquire with the scheme on 03333 213 136.
A Dalkeith woman has been given a five-year ban on keeping more than one dog following a Scottish SPCA investigation.
53-year-old Debbie Ballantine-Brown failed to provide suitable veterinary treatment for her Weimaraner dogs Ember and Buckley between 1 January and 26 February 2019.
A deprivation order was issued for Buckley, allowing him to be rehomed but sadly Ember was put to sleep due to age related health complaints before the case came to trial.
Ballantine-Brown of Ruskin Place, Mayfield, Dalkeith was found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on 15 December 2020. The case against her daughter Megan Hollingsworth was not proven.
Scottish SPCA Inspector Fiona Thorburn said, “We received a report from a concerned member of the public regarding dogs in the property shared by Ballantine-Brown and Hollingsworth, two of which were emaciated.
“On arrival at the address I had immediate concerns for the welfare of the dogs, particularly the female Weimaraner, Ember, who was so emaciated her pelvis, vertebrae and ribs were all clearly protruding. When she was examined by a vet she was found to weigh just 20kg, when she should have weighed over 26kg.
“Buckley, the male Weimaraner was also very underweight and his ribs and pelvis were clearly visible. On examination he was found to be 15.7kg when he should have been over 20kg.
“On further investigation it was found that Ember had not seen a vet at all despite her terrible condition and Buckley had not been examined since 22 October 2018.
“The dogs would have been caused to suffer considerably in becoming this thin and a responsible owner should have taken them to a vet much sooner. They gained weight rapidly in our care, with Buckley gaining 49% and Ember gaining 37% in the four weeks following their removal from Ruskin Place”.Image
“We’re pleased that a ban on keeping multiple dogs has been issued and hope Ballantine-Brown will carefully consider her ability to look after any animal in the future.
“We are glad a deprivation order has been issued for Buckley and he can now find the loving home he deserves after spending 22 months in our care.
“If anyone is concerned about an animal they can contact our confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999.”
Chief Constable Iain Livingstone said: “I’ve consistently underlined my compassion and concern for everyone affected by the highly restrictive measures which are, unfortunately, absolutely necessary to control the spread of the virus and, ultimately, protect life.
“Following the announcement by the First Minister, there can be no doubt that, other than for the most essential journeys, people should not be travelling between Scotland and other parts of the UK.
“Additionally, travel restrictions between local authority areas within Scotland which came into effect on 20 November, continue to apply and as from 00.01 hours on Boxing Day, 26 December, these increase to a blanket ban for mainland Scotland.
“I remain clear I do not consider it appropriate or proportionate for officers to establish check points or road blocks to simply enforce travel restrictions.
“These restrictions are a preventative measure to halt the progress of Covid and Police Scotland will support this approach with a strong operational profile to deter those who would put others at risk.
“Today, I have authorised the doubling of our operational presence in the Border areas of Scotland.
“These highly visible patrols will be proactively deployed on our road networks to continue our operational activity to ensure drivers and vehicles are in a fit condition to drive. The patrols will also deter anyone who might be considering breaching the coronavirus travel restrictions.
“Our experience throughout the pandemic is that the overwhelming majority of people have demonstrated personal responsibility to do the right thing and I am hugely grateful for that support and co-operation. That must continue and I expect the roads to be quieter than usual over the coming days.
“We have been clear throughout this public health crisis that your police service is here to support our collective effort to combat coronavirus. Though the rules have changed often and, at times, quickly, officers and staff will continue with common sense, empathy and discretion to work with our fellow citizens to help keep everyone safe.
“It is the consent of the public from which policing in Scotland draws its legitimacy. As our communities expect, where officers encounter wilful, persistent or flagrant breaches we will act decisively to enforce the law.”
NHS 24 has welcomed the appointment of new Chief Executive Jim Miller, who will join Scotland’s digital health and care service in the spring of 2021.
Mr Miller, is currently Director of Procurement, Commissioning and Facilities at NHS National Services Scotland. He will take up his appointment with NHS 24 on 5th April 2021 and over the coming months will work closely with current CEO Angiolina Foster to ensure an effective transition.
NHS 24 Chairman, Dr Martin Cheyne said: “We are delighted to be welcoming Jim Miller as our new Chief Executive to NHS 24. His appointment follows a detailed interview process which was carried out with a selection of highly experienced candidates for this senior position.
“Jim has worked in management and leadership for over 20 years and prior to joining the NHS, he led technology, data and resilience programmes in the construction and aviation sectors. He leads national organisations delivering a range of services across acute, primary and community based health and social care.
“He has also recently led strategic responses to the COVID 19 pandemic, including the building and equipping of the Louisa Jordan and establishing PPE routes across the system. I am delighted that he will be bringing this experience and talent to NHS 24.”
Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said: ”I want to congratulate Jim Miller on his appointment as the new Chief Executive of NHS 24. As the current Director of Procurement, Commissioning and Facilities at NHS National Services Scotland, Mr Miller is respected for his collaborative leadership and professionalism.
“I look forward to welcoming him into post and am confident NHS 24 will continue to deliver a high quality service under his leadership, working in partnership across the health and care system to ensure NHS 24 is fully prepared for future challenges.
“I am pleased Mr Miller will be working closely with current CEO Angiolina Foster in the coming months as he familiarises himself in his new role. I would like to thank Angiolina for the leadership she has provided and the many achievements and improvements delivered during her tenure as Chief Executive over the past four years. I wish her the very best for her retirement.”
Jim Miller said: “Joining NHS 24 is an exciting move and one which I am greatly looking forward to. NHS 24 has delivered exceptional services to the public and to the wider health and care system with its range of telephone and digital services during 2020.
“It has provided critical support to the public and the health system during the COVID pandemic and is helping to transform services through the delivery of 24/7 urgent care.
“I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to work with colleagues across NHS 24, and am looking forward to continuing to build on this success and to further develop the role of NHS 24 with colleagues and partners across Scotland.”
