With Dulux’s revolutionary ‘Scratch & Sniff’ collection, you can experience these delectable scents before even cracking open a paint can by picking up one of the paint cards to help decide whether you’d like your home to smell sweet like honey or like Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory. So, whether you’re redecorating your kitchen, bedroom, or even your bathroom, now every room can be a sensory spectacle.
Introducing our brand new limited edition scented paint range – your walls have never smelt so good! 🍫
From Hazelnut Truffle to Caramel Cream, these Easter inspired scents will delight your senses this bank holiday! #AFDpic.twitter.com/uwxqhKaYPl
— Dulux UK | Colour & Inspiration (@duluxuk) April 1, 2024
Marianne Shillingford, Creative Director at Dulux, explains: “It was a no-brainer with so many of our colours being inspired by popular foods and flavours – probably down to us choosing colour names in the lead up to lunch!
“Our goal is to push the boundaries and create products that not only beautify homes but also enhance the overall sensory experience. With our ‘Scratch & Sniff’ collection, we’re bringing a whole new level of indulgence to interior design. It’s like giving your walls a delicious makeover, some may think it’s too good to be true!”
So, this Easter, why not treat yourself to a little sensory indulgence? Transform your home with Dulux sweet-scented paints and fill every room with the irresistible smells of the chocolate occasion.
Followers of the Dulux Instagram, TikTok and X channels will be the first to see Scratch & Sniff collection in action, launching on 1st April 2024.
For more colour and decorating information, visit the Dulux Website.
New measures to tackle the harm caused by hatred and prejudice come into force today (1 April 2024).The Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act will ‘provide greater protection for victims and communities’.
It introduces new offences for threatening or abusive behaviour which is intended to stir up hatred based on prejudice towards characteristics including age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, transgender identity and variations in sex characteristics. These extra provisions will add to the long-standing stirring up racial hatred offences, which have been in place UK-wide since 1986.
The new laws were developed following Lord Bracadale’s Independent Review of Hate Crime Legislation which concluded that new specific offences relating to stirring up hatred were needed. The legislation, which was passed by a majority of MSPs in the Scottish Parliament in 2021, was also subject to extensive consultation and engagement throughout, including with communities affected by hate crime.
Minister for Victims and Community Safety Siobhian Brown said: “Nobody in our society should live in fear and we are committed to building safer communities that live free from hatred and prejudice.
“We know that the impact on those on the receiving end of physical, verbal or online attacks can be traumatic and life-changing. This legislation is an essential element of our wider approach to tackling that harm.
“Protections for freedom of expression are built into the legislation passed by Parliament and these new offences have a higher threshold for criminality than the long-standing offence of stirring up racial hatred, which has been in place since 1986.”
The Scottish Conservatives oppose the legislation: “Unfortunately, this is not an April Fool. Today, Humza Yousaf’s dangerous Hate Crime Act has come into force. This SNP law will have a chilling effect on free speech.
“We were the only party to oppose it every step of the way.”
The Scottish Government’s Hate Crime Strategy and Delivery Plan sets out Ministers’ strategic priorities for tackling hate crime in Scotland.
Sunday 1st April marked the 25th anniversary of the UK getting a minimum wage (writes TUC General Secretary PAUL NOWAK).
Nowadays when we think of the national minimum wage (NMW), we think of what is roundly accepted as one of the great policy successes of our time. But we shouldn’t kid ourselves that there was unanimity about the need to raise wages.
Britain was full of employers and employers’ organisations predicting the minimum wage would cause mass unemployment and economic ruin.
The CBI warned a NMW “could result in rising prices, business closures and unemployment”. That it would “undermine flexibility and was a poor way to tackle poverty”. They wanted all new employees to be exempted from the minimum wage for the first six months! 1
They were wrong!
The minimum wage started off at £3.60. With no loss of jobs, and no economic meltdown. And in recent years, it’s gone up substantially. And it’s done so with no negative impact on jobs.
History proved all those doomsday warnings emphatically wrong. And I think there are lessons there for all of us. So here’s three:
First: the NMW was a bold policy and we need to be equally bold for its future.
The TUC is clear, we now need to set the bar higher. That means ministers should set a bolder Low Pay Commission remit:
A target of 75 per cent of median pay.
Getting us faster towards a £15 an hour minimum wage for all.
Raising the pay of millions
Making the minimum wage a real Living Wage.
Second: sometimes we have to face down those whose instinctive reaction is to say no to measures that improve the lives of working people.
This is vital if we are going to deliver a much-needed new deal for working people in this country.
1 in 9 workers are in insecure work.
Record numbers of young people on zero hours contracts.
Seventy per cent of the kids who live in poverty have working parents.
The New Deal is the right thing to do. Not just morally, but economically. It will establish a level playing field. Stop decent employers from being undercut by the cowboys. And make sure that everyone has a secure job they can build a life on.
Just like the minimum wage, good employers have nothing to fear from the New Deal. But that hasn’t stopped some employers organisations’ warning of an economic apocalypse if Labour’s New Deal was made law. And the arguments are exactly the same as they were 25 years ago. It will cost jobs. Put employers out of business. Reduce flexibility.
The then British Hospitality Association said back in 1997 that the NMW would destroy 32,000 jobs in the industry2 . Spoiler alert: it didn’t!
They were wrong then, and they are wrong now. That’s why Labour should resist the out of touch, out of date siren voices from the 90s. Now is the time to forge a new political consensus on tackling the scourge of insecure work and deliver the New Deal in full.
Third and final lesson.
The NMW has succeeded because it has been underpinned by what might be unfashionably called social dialogue. Employers, unions, supported by independent academics, working with government to deliver a minimum wage. We could do with more of that approach today.
Our so-called flexible labour market has failed far too many people. It’s led to massive rewards at the top and stagnant wages for everyone else. Unleashed epic insecurity and in-work poverty. And actively undermined our productivity.
So it’s time for a new approach.
Time to apply the lessons of the minimum wage. Time for the New Deal for workers that Britain needs.
New powers enabling councils to charge up to double the full rate of council tax on second homes come into force this week.
Councils will be able to increase the tax from today (Monday 1 April 2024) and 29 of Scotland’s 32 local authorities, including City of Edinburgh, have confirmed that second homeowners will have to pay the higher charge in their areas.
The changes aim to help increase housing availability by encouraging more homes to be used for living in. They have come into force following joint work with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) and a public consultation held in 2023.
Local Government Empowerment Minister Joe FitzPatrick said: “We know there are housing pressures in parts of Scotland because of the prevalence of second homes. These new powers give flexibility to local councils, allowing them to charge the higher council tax rate on second homes if they wish and making sure they can prioritise homes for living in.
“The majority of people who responded to the public consultation last year supported these changes, which bring second homes into line with council tax policy on long-term empty homes.
“The changes demonstrate the value of the Verity House Agreement between the Scottish Government and COSLA in putting policies in place that can better meet the needs of local communities across Scotland. They also deliver important parts of the Scottish Government’s ‘Housing to 2040’ strategy and Bute House Agreement with the Scottish Green Party.”
Councillor Katie Hagmann, COSLA’s Resources spokesperson, said: “I am pleased that this important legislation is coming into force this week. COSLA welcomes the ability for councils to take the decision to increase the premium on second homes in their areas where appropriate.
“It supports the long-standing COSLA position that councillors who are closest to their communities should be empowered to take the decisions about what best works in their local communities, demonstrating the value of the Verity House Agreement.”
Road policing officers are appealing for information following a fatal one-car crash in Edinburghlast night.
Police were called to Corstorphine Road at the junction with Balgreen Road around 10.50pm on Saturday, 30 March, 2024, after a silver Volkswagen Tiguan collided with a wall.
Emergency services attended and the driver, a 29-year-old man, was pronounced dead at the scene. His next of kin have been informed.
The passenger of the car, a 17-year-old man, was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh where his condition is described as critical.
The road was closed for around eight hours to allow collision investigation to be carried out.
Sergeant Louise Birrell of Edinburgh Road Policing said: “Our thoughts are very much with the family of the man who died and our investigation to establish the full circumstances is ongoing.
“We are appealing to anyone who may have seen the vehicle before the crash or who has dash-cam footage that might help with our enquiries to get in touch.”
If you can help please contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 4595 of Saturday, 30 March, 2024.
There has been a rise in tool thefts from work vehicles, renovation sites, and construction areas.
We urge everyone to be extra cautious and take preventative measures to protect your valuable assets.
Here are some practical tips:
Lock it up: Ensure your vehicle or site is securely locked when unattended.
Out of sight, out of mind: Keep tools hidden. The less visible they are, the less likely they are to be stolen.
Invest in secure storage: A tool safe or lockbox can provide an extra layer of security.
Mark your tools: Engraving or marking your tools can deter thieves and aid in recovering stolen items.
In addition to these, when it comes to vehicle security:
Hide your valuables: Avoid leaving property on open display within your vehicle, including the boot.
Remove tools at night: If you or anyone you know stores work tools in their vehicles, please remove them at night. It might take some time, but it’s the most effective theft prevention method.
Upgrade your locks: Installing additional or stronger locks can deter thieves from attempting to break into a vehicle.
8,256 horses were registered during Britain’s first ever Thoroughbred Census, of which 5,566 were previously unrecorded
The 2023 Census, undertaken by Hartpury University, has disclosed invaluable information on the lives Thoroughbreds lead after leaving racing
New insight confirms the remarkable versatility of horses bred for racing as they move into a range of second careers
Results found that a third are aged 15 years or over, and even more are still with their original owner post-racing
Combined with data obtained from equestrian association bodies, there is now a level of knowledge on an estimated 80% of the former racehorse population
The Horse Welfare Board outlines future plans to achieve complete traceability of racehorses at their first step out of the sport
The Thoroughbred Census was funded by The Racing Foundation as part of its 3-year, £3million grant supporting the work of British racing’s Horse Welfare Board
Details of 8,256* former racehorses were submitted by their owners during Britain’s first-ever Thoroughbred Census, 5,566 of which were previously unrecorded.
The initiative was launched last year by British racing’s Horse Welfare Board (HWB) to generate important intelligence on the lives Thoroughbreds lead after leaving the sport.
A key aim of the Thoroughbred Census was to help bridge the intelligence gap between the current estimate of the British Thoroughbred population and the reality. Through its work, Hartpury University has now sized the former racehorse population at 33,600**.
When the new Census data is combined with information from the 13,000 members of Retraining of Racehorses (RoR), plus data from equestrian associations, the intelligence bank on former racehorses residing in Great Britain now covers an estimated 80%*** of the population.
Dr Neil Hudson MP, the only veterinary surgeon in the House of Commons, said: “This is a very welcome and crucial step in closing the gap in traceability.
“It is vital that the Government continues to work with the racing industry to implement important initiatives that will improve the welfare of all Thoroughbreds, both during racing, and once they leave the sport. Vital to that will be the progressing of a central Digital Equine Database.”
FUTURE PLANS TO IMPROVE TRACEABILITY
Whilst there was strong participation from people connected to racing, the Census identified gaps in contributions from wider equestrian communities and disciplines. As a result, the Horse Welfare Board, in collaboration with RoR, is now developing tailored plans to better connect with these underrepresented groups and will work with equestrian member bodies and associations to ensure any knowledge gaps continue to reduce.
Other recommendations set out by the report to increase traceability going forward include:
A repeat Census – The HWB has set an ambition to repeat the Census again within 3-5 years.
Develop a mechanism to ensure 100% of horses can be traced at the first step out of racing – The aim is to link the sport’s National Racing Administration System data with the RoR database so that all Thoroughbreds retiring from racing, and their new owners, are automatically enrolled with RoR when they leave the sport.
Central Equine Database (CED) – Racing will continue to lobby Government to further develop a Central Equine Database that can successfully operate as a repository for data on all Thoroughbreds throughout their life to increase traceability.
Defra Digital Equine ID – Lobbying work will continue with the Government to move away from the traditional paper passports and legislate a mandatory Digital Equine ID.
Tracey Crouch CBE, MP and independent member of the Horse Welfare Board, said: “We are delighted that Britain’s inaugural Thoroughbred Census has enhanced our intelligence on the country’s Thoroughbred population.
“The report has also generated valuable recommendations for further improvements, some of which we will be pushing Government to support.”
THE REMARKABLE LIVES AND VERSATILITY OF THE FORMER RACEHORSES
Analysis of the data collected by the inaugural Thoroughbred Census identifies that almost two-thirds (62.9%) of the former racehorse population are aged between 5 and 14. Roughly a third (31.2%) are aged 15 years or over, including 739 Thoroughbreds aged 20 years or older, illustrating the long lives that racehorses enjoy beyond the sport.
The majority of those registered (74%) are geldings, which is believed to be because mares and fillies often move from racing into stud as their second careers and are therefore not eligible to the Census, and the most common reason owners stated their horse had left racing was due to poor performance and/or lack of aptitude for the sport.
Thoroughbreds engage in wide and varied activities after racing, such as dressage (11%), showjumping (8%) and eventing (8%), whilst the majority are enjoyed for leisure riding, hacking, and unaffiliated competing (36%). The range of activities is broad and reflects how well a racing career prepares Thoroughbreds for other disciplines, with almost as many moving into equine assisted activities, such as therapy, as those moving into endurance riding.
Helena Flynn, Programme Director, Horse Welfare Board, said: “The Thoroughbred Census represents an important milestone in British racing’s commitment to improve the traceability of all former racehorses after they leave the sport.
“It also enriches our intelligence about what these horses go on to do. It is often misperceived that Thoroughbreds who are not successful in racing are discarded as they are unable to adapt to other roles, however the Census results showcase their incredible versatility and their ability to thrive in a host of new careers.”
Racing owners, as a whole, are careful and conscientious and frequently take all the necessary steps, often at personal cost, to ensure racehorses move to good homes. The Census findings reflect this, with more than a third of the horses submitted (38.6%) still with their original post-racing owner, demonstrating that post-racing owners care for their horses for long periods of time, and racing owners and trainers effectively and carefully select the next step out of racing for their racehorses.
Furthermore, a vast majority (87.3%) of former racehorses have been owned by three or fewer owners. Just under half of the owners have owned at least one Thoroughbred previously (43.2%).
The primary reasons for Thoroughbred ownership include for them to be used as a project to train and compete, companionship, and because of their characteristics as a breed (temperament, athleticism, versatility).
There is also evidence that owners who are, or have previously, worked in the industry have a personal connection with the horses in their care and want to give something back by looking after them once their racing careers have ended.
In terms of geographical spread, the highest population of former racehorses included in the Census were based in the South West (19.1%), South East (13.2%), East of England (12.9%), West Midlands (11.4%) and North East (10.6%).
USE OF EQUINE PASSPORTS
The primary source of traceability for all horses in Great Britain is the equine identification document (passport), which new owners of any horse are legally required to update within 30 days of new ownership.
During their racing careers this information is regulated and meticulously maintained with the Weatherbys General Stud Book via breeders, owners, and trainers. However, data for former racehorses reduces significantly when they go into private ownership after, and beyond, their first step out of racing.
Whilst most Thoroughbred Census respondents (64%) had changed the ownership details on their horse’s passport to their own name, considerably higher than the 20% average across all equestrian disciplines, there is still work to be done to ensure improved owner compliance in the future.
The Census has uncovered that the reasons owners don’t update their horse’s passport with new ownership details include an attachment to the horse (worried the passport will get lost), lack of knowledge, circumstance (didn’t seem worth it at the time), process (complexity, time it takes), procrastination and expense.
Furthermore, almost a third (30.8%) weren’t aware of the requirement to update an equine passport to notify a death, whilst most (75.4%) also weren’t aware they could be fined for not doing so in this instance.
Despite low compliance, most owners (83.5%) said they would be willing to use a new e-passport system to register a change of horse ownership rather than the existing postal system if it was free, or a minimal fee was charged.
Helena Flynn, continues: “Once retired from racing, these horses move out of the regulated space and into private ownership, and it’s clear that many owners need better education around their responsibility to keep every horse’s ID document up to date.
“Moving forward, the Horse Welfare Board and RoR will implement a communications plan to ensure owners of former racehorses are made aware, and reminded of, their responsibilities.”
Whilst there was no correlation in terms of passport possession in relation to the competitive disciplines undertaken, owners who kept their Thoroughbred as a field companion, broodmare, or engaged in equine assisted activities were less likely to have their horse’s passport in possession, presenting a need for increased education on the importance of equine passports and ensuring they’re always up to date.
This was partially achieved through the Census campaign, with Weatherbys General Stud Book reporting a 34% increase in passport updates compared to the same period the previous year.
Roly Owers OBE, CEO, World Horse Welfare, said: “It is encouraging to see the positive strides in intelligence made as a result of the Census, as well as the industry’s commitment to achieving complete traceability in the future.
“This is a fundamental goal for the future of the industry, both for the sake of the horses and industry’s reputation in light of the growing license to operate debate.”
The Census was undertaken in partnership with equine research experts at Hartpury University. The data, obtained following independent analysis by the University, will enable British racing and its aftercare charity, Retraining of Racehorses (RoR), to better support owners, as well as continue to build informed and helpful communities.
In addition, data about this stage of a Thoroughbred’s life will be used to improve and adapt welfare initiatives and will, most importantly, enable fast and effective contact in the event of an equine disease outbreak.
The six-month census was funded by the Racing Foundation in partnership with Retraining of Racehorses and supported by World Horse Welfare and Weatherbys General Stud Book.
A hub is available for people in East Lothian to access information, advice and practical support about mental health and wellbeing.Set up in East Lothian Community Hospital, it aims to help people find out about the wide range of services that are available in the local community.
Any adult who is concerned about their own mental health and wellbeing, or supporting someone else’s, can drop in to pick up information or speak to an advisor.
The Hub is run by a team of psychologists at the hospital who are regularly joined by representatives from the Citizen’s Advice Bureau, East Lothian Works, Changes East Lothian, and Community Link Workers from Penumbra.
Dr Alison Wells, Consultant Clinical Psychologist for NHS Lothian, explains: “We started this hub to help signpost patients and visitors to the wide range of therapeutic, wellbeing, practical or social support available.
“Anyone can struggle with their mental health and wellbeing, feel anxious, low or down, particularly during these challenging times. There’s an abundance of services which can help so we encourage anyone who is worried to pop along for a private chat or just to pick up some information.”
The Hub runs every Wednesday between 12noon and 2pm in the foyer just off the main entrance to East Lothian Community Hospital.
It provides access to a range of materials including those from the East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership and local third-party organisations.
NHS clinicians are on hand to help direct people to the information and support available. A Citizen’s Advice Bureau Adviser is also available to help with queries about housing, finances and benefits and other questions.
Fiona Wilson, Chief Officer and Joint Director of East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership, added: “We are really pleased to be able to offer this open-door mental health support to the people of East Lothian.
“Taking the first step and seeking advice can often be the hardest. We hope this resource will encourage people to come forward, no matter how big or small they think the problem may be, and look after their mental health, just as they would their physical health.”
Edinburgh Pentlands MSP Gordon Macdonald has said the new Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance will ensure that up to 3,155 people in Edinburgh will benefit from “an approach rooted in dignity, fairness and respect” with Social Security Scotland providing a total of 15 support payments.
Under the Scottish Government’s proposals, those in Scotland who currently receive the DWP’s Disability Living Allowance – around 66,000 adults – will, from next year, be automatically transferred to the new Scottish benefit. They will then be able to apply for Adult Disability Payment.
Commenting, the SNP MSP for Pentlands said: “Since its inception, Social Security Scotland has set out to support those who need it most, with an approach rooted in dignity, fairness and respect – and I am pleased that more people across Edinburgh will benefit from this progressive approach.
“For the 3,155 people who are currently reliant on the cruel and out-dated DWP, this new benefit will streamline the provision of support and enable them to apply for Social Security Scotland’s flagship Adult Disability Payment.
“This is just one of many examples of the progress that can be made when we have the power to make decisions in the best interests of Scots as we work to build a fairer, more prosperous country.”
Edinburgh father to fly son’s Pipe Band to New York
A group of gifted young pipers will enjoy first-class treatment as they travel to the Big Apple to perform in the 26th Tartan Day Parade aboard a plane piloted by a father to one of the youngsters.
Captain Simon Rankin from Edinburgh is thrilled to be flying the boys to New York for the big event. He said: “It’s a privilege to be flying The Merchiston Castle School Pipe Band to New York, particularly as I am a dad to one of the students!
“All of us at Virgin Atlantic are delighted to be part of creating such great experiences and memories for all of the boys. Enjoy Tartan Week and the magic of NYC!”
Merchiston Castle School’s Pipe Band is performing at the ceremony on the 6th of April, joining over 3000 bagpipers, highland dancers, clan organisations and Scottish dog breeds marching proudly up Sixth Avenue to celebrate Scottish heritage and culture.
Scotland’s leading independent all-boys school, Merchiston boasts an impressive Pipe Band, directed by the 5-time Champion bagpiper and composer Kyle Warren. Under Kyle’s tutelage, the music group has competed at local, national and international level, recently taking first prize in the Junior B Grade at the Glasgow Highland Club competition.
Kyle Warren, Director of Pipe and Drums at Merchiston, said:“It is a privilege to be attending the 26th anniversary of the NYC Tartan Day Parade with Merchiston’s Pipe Band to celebrate Scottish heritage and culture.
“I am incredibly proud of the boy’s dedication and commitment to rehearsals and practice to ensure the band performs at its best on the international stage.
“I’m confident this will be a trip the boys will remember forever and can look back on with incredible memories – starting with a flight expertly piloted by Simon Rankin!”
There has been a rise in tool thefts from work vehicles, renovation sites, and construction areas. 
Out of sight, out of mind: Keep tools hidden. The less visible they are, the less likely they are to be stolen.
Invest in secure storage: A tool safe or lockbox can provide an extra layer of security.
Mark your tools: Engraving or marking your tools can deter thieves and aid in recovering stolen items.
In addition to these, when it comes to vehicle security: 
Hide your valuables: Avoid leaving property on open display within your vehicle, including the boot.
Remove tools at night: If you or anyone you know stores work tools in their vehicles, please remove them at night. It might take some time, but it’s the most effective theft prevention method.
Upgrade your locks: Installing additional or stronger locks can deter thieves from attempting to break into a vehicle.
