Category: North Edinburgh News

Revealed: The world’s 10 favourite comfort foods

  • New data from HelloFresh Ireland has unveiled the world’s top 10 comfort foods
  • Chocolate chip cookies, lasagne and mac and cheese take the top spots
  • Culinary expert reveals what makes foods comforting and recommends recipes to try this winter

As the weather gets chillier and evenings darker, many of us are making ourselves cosy and cooking up our favourite comfort foods. It’s no surprise then, that the demand for comfort food rises each winter, with a 19% increase in Google searches last month in Ireland and a 8% increase in TikTok searches. 

But which comforting recipes are people turning to?

New data from HelloFresh Ireland has uncovered the world’s top 10 favourite comfort foods. Using a comprehensive analysis of Reddit and Google data, the foods that have been found to bring the most solace are:

World’s Favourite Comfort Foods

  1. Chocolate Chip Cookies
  2. Lasagne
  3. Mac and Cheese
  4. Mashed Potatoes
  5. Brownie
  6. Guacamole
  7. Pizza
  8. Cornbread
  9. Chicken Noodle Soup
  10. Chocolate Cake

Head of Culinary at HelloFresh Ireland, Hannah Duxbury, who specialises in designing recipes with mass appeal, discusses why she believes these foods are favoured: “Comfort foods often have a nostalgic or emotional connection to our past. They provide a sense of familiarity and security, triggering positive feelings.

“The top 10 foods identified in this study are rich in flavours, textures, and often associated with happy memories, making them irresistible choices for people seeking comfort in a plate. At HelloFresh Ireland, we find that many hearty Irish recipes are among our most popular for similar reasons.”

Carbohydrates stimulate the production of serotonin, which is associated with mood regulation and a sense of well-being. The consumption of hearty carbs can lead to a temporary increase in serotonin levels, contributing to feelings of comfort and happiness. What’s more, the satisfying and filling nature of carb dishes also provides a physical feeling of fullness and contentment, further enhancing their appeal as comfort foods.

Hannah has also provided recipes that she recommends turning to for comfort:

Chicken and Sweetcorn Soup

“The warm broth of this soup is hydrating, while the chicken and vegetables provide a blend of flavours that can be both familiar and nourishing.”

Sausages with Spinach Colcannon

“Mashed potatoes are the world’s fourth favourite comfort food and rightly so. They’re a good source of carbohydrates, which we know can boost serotonin levels. Add spinach for extra nutrients and turn into colcannon for the ultimate Irish nostalgia meal.”

Mexican Style Cheesy Beef Hash with Freshly Made Guacamole

“Guacamole is another great comfort food because not only is it rich and creamy, but avocado’s superfood properties mean it’s packed with mood-boosting nutrients. Serve with cheesy crispy potatoes in a Mexican hash for even more comfort.”

More comfort food recipes can be found at HelloFresh Ireland’s recipe hub. 

Pasta and Pizza: The Hangover Heroes, says doctor

Medical advisor, Dr Rashid Bani of Orange County CBD has just dropped a bombshell on traditional hangover cures. Forget the bland toast and black coffee; the real heroes for battling post-party blues are none other than the beloved duo: pasta and pizza!

The Hangover Conundrum:

Hangovers are more than just dehydration. They’re a complex cocktail of electrolyte imbalance, blood sugar fluctuations, and sleep disturbances, all thanks to our friend, alcohol. The symptoms? Headaches, nausea, and a feeling akin to being trampled by a herd of elephants.

Enter the Carb Crusaders: Pasta and Pizza

Now, here’s the twist in the tale. While you’ve probably been advised to stick to light, easy-to-digest foods, hearty carbohydrates found in pasta and pizza can be surprisingly effective in combating hangover symptoms. Let’s break it down:

Carb Power

Pasta: It’s not just comfort food; it’s a science-backed energy restorer. Pasta slowly replenishes your blood sugar levels, helping to banish that hangover lethargy.

Pizza: More than just a midnight snack, the crust delivers a much-needed blood sugar boost. Opt for healthier toppings to add nutritional value.

Secret Hydration

That tomato sauce isn’t just delicious – it’s also helping rehydrate your body, a key to hangover recovery.

Electrolyte Magic:

Cheese and tomatoes are more than toppings; they’re a powerhouse of sodium and potassium, vital for restoring electrolyte balance.

Mood Lifter:

Comfort foods have a psychological effect. A slice of pizza or a bowl of pasta might be the hug your serotonin levels need.

The Full Recovery Package: It’s Not Just About Food

While pasta and pizza can be surprisingly effective, they’re part of a broader hangover recovery strategy:

Hydration Station: Water is your best friend. Rehydrate to help your body bounce back.

Snooze to Soothe: Give your body the rest it needs to heal.

Move a Little: Light exercise can elevate your mood and energy.

Avoid More Alcohol: It only postpones the hangover.

Dr. Rashid Bani of Orange County CBD says: “In a surprising twist to hangover recovery, pasta and pizza emerge as unlikely yet effective heroes.

“So next time you find yourself battling the aftermath of a night out, remember this doctor’s advice: a slice of pizza and a bowl of pasta might just be your best allies.”

New tax credits for British film, TV and video game makers start today

  • New and improved tax credit system for film, TV and video game production companies starts from today
  • An extra £42,500 in relief for children’s TV, animated TV and animated film production
  • £5,000 in relief for high-end TV, film or video game production

British film, TV and video game producers will benefit from new, more generous tax credits that start today (1 January 2024).

To maximise the potential of the UK’s cutting-edge production industry and help incubate unique British talent, the government’s Audio-Visual Expenditure Credit and the Video Games Expenditure Credit replace the previous tax reliefs for film, TV and video games.

All companies will receive more tax relief than they did under the previous system, greater flexibility over production decisions and greater clarity about the amount of credit companies can expect to receive.

Nigel Huddleston, Financial Secretary to the Treasury, said: “We are backing the makers of the next Barbie, Happy Valley and Grand Theft Auto with this new, more generous, tax credit system for British production talent.

“The UK is a world leader in creativity, and we want to ensure that continues well into the future by making it easier for British film, TV and video games to thrive.”

Under the new system, a children’s TV production, animated TV production or film with £1 million of qualifying expenditure will receive an additional £42,500 in relief. A high-end TV production, film production or video game will receive £5,000 in relief. To ensure fairness, the uplift in relief for animation will be extended to include animated films as well as TV programmes.

The credits will be calculated directly from a production or game’s qualifying expenditure, instead of being an adjustment to the company’s taxable profit.

Animation and children’s TV productions will be eligible for a higher credit rate of 39%, a rate increase of 5.5% under the previous reliefs. The 34% credit rate for film, high end TV and video games is roughly equivalent to a rate increase of 0.5% under the previous tax reliefs.

The new system applies to the whole of the UK.

The government has listened to feedback from industry that companies will need sufficient time to adapt to the new expenditure credits. For this reason, productions and games in development on 1 April 2025 may continue to use the previous tax reliefs until they end on until 1 April 2027.

The move to reform tax relief for entertainment productions and video games was announced at the Spring Budget in March 2023. The system implemented today was developed hand in glove with the UK entertainment industry, with consultations on both the policy itself and the draft legislation. It is being legislated as part of the Finance Bill 2023-24.

The UK’s creative industry is already worth £126bn and the UK has the largest video game employee base in Europe, at nearly 21,000 by the last estimate.

Today’s new tax credit system is the latest move by UK Government in support for British creative industries. The Chancellor also announced that full-expensing will be made permanent in 2023’s Autumn Statement, helping creative businesses invest for the less by saving them 25p in every £1 they spend on qualifying equipment and machinery.

At Spring Budget 2023, the Chancellor also extended the rates of relief for theatre, orchestra and museums for two additional years to April 2025.

In September last year, coinciding with a visit by the Chancellor Jeremy Hunt to Warner Bros. Studios in Los Angeles, it was announced that the production giant would expand their studio in Leavesden, Hertfordshire, in 2024. The move is expected to create 4,000 new jobs in the UK and contribute more than £200m to the UK economy.

Shelter Scotland’s Stockbridge shop January Spectacular returns for 2024 

Shelter Scotland’s much loved January Stockbridge new year launch event returns for its 21st year on Wednesday 3rd January 2024. 

Running since 2003, the event attracts excited shoppers from across Edinburgh and beyond.  

Every year, staff and volunteers at the Stockbridge shop offer up a huge range of some of the most exciting and intriguing items donated over the course of the year.  

With a scintillating selection on offer, this year’s extravaganza is sure to create a real buzz among the Capital’s collectors, connoisseurs, and fashionistas.  

Bookworms can grab a signed first edition of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets or a first edition of HG Wells iconic The War of the Worlds.  

The designer brands on offer include Armani, Gucci, and Ralph Lauren.  

For homeware enthusiasts there are beautiful vintage coffee sets tea-sets, and Portmerion China. 

All that in addition to a range of records, pop-culture collectables, board games, jewellery, art, and more. 

Shelter Scotland Director, Alison Watson, said: “For more than two decades now the Shelter Scotland’s January Stockbridge launch event has been marked in the calendars of Edinburgh’s discerning shoppers.  

“Scotland is in a housing emergency: there are more than 9,500 children in Scotland with nowhere to call home, more and more people are becoming homeless, while the housing budget has just been slashed. 

“Your support keeps us in the fight against homelessness, so ahead of this exciting event I’d like to thank all our customers and donors for their generosity.” 

Shetler Scotland Stockbridge Shop Manager, Peter Jew, added: “I can’t wait to welcome all our customers to what is at this point an almost legendary event in Edinburgh. 

“This is a chance to showcase and celebrate our donations and we’re immensely grateful to everyone who contributed.  

“This year we have a truly magnificent selection on offer, this is a great opportunity to grab something special while supporting Shelter Scotland in the fight against the Housing Emergency.” 

VAT on Period Pants scrapped

  • Women to save up to £2 on period pants as government scraps VAT today
  • Retailers, including M&S, Primark and Tesco, have committed to pass on the savings, worth 16%
  • Move follows scrapping of tampon tax in 2021, removing VAT from sanitary products, following the UK’s decision to leave the EU

From today [1 January 2024] women will save up to £2 on period pants on average – up to 16% – as the government scraps VAT on the underwear.

The pledge to scrap the tax was made by the Chancellor Jeremy Hunt at the Autumn Statement 2023 and follows the end of the tampon tax in January 2021.

Around 80 MPs, charities and retailers called on the government to scrap the VAT in August 2023.

With Marks & Spencer spearheading the campaign, other retailers including Primark and Tesco have committed to pass the tax cut straight to the consumer.

Financial Secretary to the Treasury, Nigel Huddleston, said: “This is a victory for women across the UK and for the campaigners who’ve helped raise awareness of the growing importance of period pants.

“It’s only right that women and girls can find more affordable options for what has become an essential and environmentally friendly product.”

Since reforming the ‘tampon tax’, the market for period underwear has expanded and they are now a mainstream choice for many women. The scrapping of the current VAT will ensure that period underwear is treated the same as traditional period products.

Having left the European Union, the UK is no longer legally bound by EU laws which saw sanitary products subject to five different rates of VAT between 1973 and 2021.

The move comes after the ‘Say Pants to the Tax’ campaign, led by retailers such as Marks & Spencer, women’s groups and environmentalists, called to scrap the tax.

Victoria McKenzie-Gould, Corporate Affairs Director at Marks & Spencer, said: “Paying tax on period pants was a bum deal for women everywhere so we’re thrilled that the Treasury has done the right thing by axing the tax and levelling the playing field on period products for good.

“Nearly 25% of women cite cost as a barrier to using period pants so we know the new legislation that comes into effect from today will make a big difference to women’s budgets across the UK.

“A big thank you to WUKA, the tens of thousands of individuals, politicians, brand and retailers, who threw their weight behind our campaign – Say Pants to the Tax – and of course a big thank you to the Chancellor and HM Treasury team who made the change we were campaigning for a reality.”

Women with sensory issues who find conventional period products difficult to use will also benefit from period pants becoming more affordable.

The savings for women are subject to the VAT cut being passed on, with the army of retailers behind the campaign pledging themselves to play their part to pass on the 20% VAT cut.

Laura Coryton, tampon tax campaigner and founder of social enterprise Sex Ed Matters, said: “Ending the tax on period underwear will make a huge difference, particularly given skyrocketing levels of period poverty across the UK. It will also help to tackle the stigma associated with periods, which stops at least 10% of girls going to school every month.

“Now, it is important for retailers to pass savings on to consumers, not only in relation to period underwear, but all period products.”

Prime Minister’s New Year’s message

Happy New Year, everyone. I hope you had a great Christmas.

We can look back on a pretty momentous year. We’ve delivered record funding for the NHS and social care. Schools in England are surging up the global league tables. 

We’re getting the economy growing. We’ve cut inflation in half. We’ve delivered the biggest business tax cut in modern British history.

And in just the last few weeks, we’ve seen an incredible £60 billion of investment into the UK. So my New Year’s resolution is to keep driving forward. In six days’ time, we’ll deliver a tax cut for 27 million people, worth on average £450. 

Inflation is set to fall further, cutting the cost of living for everyone. And we’re not stopping there.

We’re going further to grow our economy by reducing debt, cutting taxes, and rewarding hard work, building secure supplies of energy here at home, backing British business and delivering world class education. And we’re taking decisive action to stop the boats and break the business model of the criminal gangs. 

From our incredible armed forces and NHS staff who take care of all of us. To our tech experts, scientists and innovators who are putting our economy at the global cutting edge. 

We should look forward full of pride and optimism for what we can do together to build a brighter future for everyone. That’s what I’m determined to do, and I wish you all a very happy 2024.

Travel agency takes flight after employees’ talent recognised

AN EDINBURGH venue is highlighting its diverse workforce after one employee helped spark the founding of a new division of the business.

With a wide portfolio of businesses including a luxury hotel and city centre cafe, Surgeons Quarter, the commercial arm of The Royal College of Surgeons Edinburgh (RCSEd), launched its own travel agency assisted by the skillset of one of its employees.

Justin Mackenzie began his career with Surgeons Quarter as a receptionist in its flagship hotel, Ten Hill Place Hotel, and worked his way up to Guest Services Manager before spearheading the opening of the organisation’s travel agency, SQ Travel after highlighting his previous experience in the sector.

Surgeons Quarter prides itself on providing unparalleled hospitality, as well as inspiring its employees to make a positive difference in and outside of the workplace.

As well as being a Living Wage Employer, it is the first hospitality venue to be a Living Pension Employer, with Surgeons Quarter placing a strong focus on the satisfaction and well-being of its workforce.

Commenting on his time at Surgeons Quarter, Justin said: “Working with people has always been something I love, and Surgeons Quarter recognised my skill set. I didn’t think when I started as a receptionist at Ten Hill Place Hotel, I would end up as a manager of a brand-new travel agency.

“In one of our regular team meetings, we were discussing our careers and what we are interested in. I mentioned that I previously worked at a travel agency when I left school and really enjoyed it. It was always something I considered getting back into. 

“They recognised this and two days later I sat down with our Managing Director Scott Mitchell who asked me if I was interested in being part of the setup of a new venture they were considering, which was SQ Travel.

“We are now growing our team at SQ Travel, it’s an exciting time and knowing I have played such a big part in the formation of the agency is very rewarding.”

Hailing from the Northeast of England, Justin began his career at Hays Travel as a Travel Consultant, seeing the business double in size. Although, always having a keen interest in travel, Justin’s career took him to the hospitality sector across the UK and Spain.

Justin added: “I admire Surgeons Quarter’s ethos around all profits being invested back into funding research for surgeons, which drew me into the job originally. It makes everything feel very rewarding knowing I am helping to contribute to such a worthy cause.

“I would encourage people to consider a career in hospitality, you never know where it will take you!”

Initially set out to streamline travel for surgeons, and now arranging travel and holidays for all, SQ Travel was founded in 2020 and is affiliated with Hays Travel Independence Group.

Surgeons Quarter, Cafe 1305 Scott Mitchell – Managing Director

Scott Mitchell, Managing Director of Surgeons Quarter said: “Our staff are the centre of everything we do. We always aim to showcase their strengths and provide them with a platform so they can thrive in their career.

“Justin was the perfect person to be the driving force behind setting up and pushing forward SQ Travel, he had experience, passion and was eager to get the business started. We wouldn’t be here today without him.

“We take great pride in the passion our employees have for the work they do and services they deliver. We know that a career in hospitality can be challenging, which is why we’re committed to doing everything we can to support our people.”

Surgeons Quarter employs around 200 people across its venues, the majority of which hold operations-based in person roles.

Surgeons Quarter promotes, sells and manages all commercial activities held within the RCSEd campus. It includes facilities for conferences, meetings, private events, parties, weddings and its own four-star hotel Ten Hill Place as well as Café 1505 and SQ Travel. 

Profits from the Surgeons Quarter portfolio go towards the advancement of surgery and the improvement of patient outcomes worldwide. 

More information on SQ Travel can be found here: https://www.sqtravel.co.uk/

More information about Surgeons Quarter can be found at: https://www.surgeonsquarter.com/  

NHS: Right Care, Right Place

If you’re looking for health advice this Hogmanay, please read this important information: 📢

The 111 service is very busy today with almost 5000 calls already. This may mean a longer wait than usual for calls to be answered. Some mobile providers disconnect calls due to network capacity demand.

Here’s what you can do to help yourself, save time and help us care for those in the most need first.

💊If your call is related to medicines please visit https://nhs24.info/accessing-medicines

Whether it is prescribed or non-prescribed medication, our guide to accessing medication can save you time. You might not need to call 111.

🤧If you need general advice about seasonal ailments remember we have a lot of information on NHS inform, including a range of symptom checkers which you can use to help you decide what to do next: https://nhs24.info/symptom-checkers

📱The NHS 24 Online app also has handy health advice and can help you source your nearest open healthcare services, including pharmacies. The app is free to download on both iOS and Android devices. https://nhs24.info/NHS-24-Online

✔️By using NHS resources wisely, we can keep well and get the care we need quickly, safely and as close to home as possible.

Find out more about how to access the #RightCareRightPlace:

https://nhs24.info/RightCareRightPlace

If you are using a mobile phone to call please switch to WiFi calling and ensure your device is charged. This should help to prevent your call being disconnected by a network provider.

NHS 24’s staff are working exceptionally hard to answer as many calls as we can, quickly and safely. Please be patient and we will answer. If you can try the above options first, it could save you time. We want to help you get the right care, in the right place. 💙

Two King’s Fire Service Medals awarded in New Year’s Honours

Two members of staff from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) with a combined 65 years of service have been awarded the King’s Fire Service Medal (KFSM).

On call firefighter, Watch Commander David Gibson is based at Penicuik Community Fire Station and has spent over 44 years helping to protect his local community, while Iain Morris, Head of Asset Management has over 20 years of service overseeing SFRS buildings, equipment and vehicles.

His Majesty The King has recognised their efforts in the New Year’s Honours List.

As an on call firefighter, Watch Commander (WC) Gibson has balanced his role with SFRS while also working full time as a mental health nurse until he retired from the NHS in 2021.

He used his experience in mental health to become a Wellbeing Champion for SFRS, providing support to colleagues in the Midlothian, East Lothian and Scottish Borders areas.

WC Gibson was also involved in the integration of the Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) co-location at Penicuik Community Fire Station.

I am immensely proud and honoured to receive the King’s Fire Service Medal, even to be nominated by my peers, is very humbling.

David GibsonWatch Commander

He continued: “It has been a privilege for me to serve communities as an on call firefighters attending many notable emergency incidents and fires over the years, working with many great teams and individuals.

“I would like to thank all those that I have worked with and also my family for their unwavering support.”

As Head of Asset Management, Iain Morris oversees the administration of SFRS assets, which includes over 1,600 vehicles, thousands of items of equipment and over 600 buildings, as well being responsible for more than 200 staff.

Iain, who lives in Airdrie, started working with Strathclyde Fire Brigade in 2002 and has over 20 years of Fire Service experience. He has worked as Fleet Manager, Deputy Director of Operations and Head of Corporate Support

He took on the role of Head of Asset Management in 2013, at the formation of The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) from the eight legacy services.  For the last two years, Iain has worked as the Interim Director of Asset Management. 

During his time, Iain has driven forward many improvements in processes including initiatives to reduce carbon emissions across the estate. Iain and his team also ensured the SFRS corporate buildings along with stores and fleet workshops continued to operate during the Covid-19 pandemic.

On receiving his award, Iain said: “It is very humbling but an honour to receive the King’s Fire Service Medal and to have the work of Asset Management recognised within SFRS.

“I am part of a large team of professionals who are fully committed in supporting the Service to serve the communities of Scotland, as well as continually striving to make improvements.

Throughout the years, I have received overwhelming support from those I have worked with, and I would like to extend my thanks to them, as well as to my family.

Iain MorrisSFRS Head of Asset Management

Iain is also involved in the Veterans/Reservists Group and has helped SFRS achieve the Gold Standard for the Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme.

For the last 10 years he has been the Honorary Vice President of the Scottish Fire Brigades Trust and has helped establish the Fire Museum and Heritage Centre in Greenock.

He served almost eight years as a Trustee of the SFRS Family Support Trust where he helped to raise the charity’s profile.