North Edinburgh News – Page 606 – The NEN

Santa and over 80 market stallholders are raring to go for Edinburgh’s Christmas!

Santa Claus is coming to a different part of town for Edinburgh’s Christmas this year, bringing with him an incredible contingent of over 80 market stallholders that will be stationed across the Scottish capital to ensure visitors can find the perfect gift for their loved ones this festive season.

Edinburgh’s Christmas, presented by UniqueAssembly on behalf on City of Edinburgh Council, officially opens Friday 17 November, with Santa and a bunch of helpful elves taking over St Andrew Square from Saturday 18 November – 6 January 2024, with a letter writing station for kids, Santa Stories, a 10m tall Christmas Tree and Social Bite’s Gift Donation point.

While Santa has migrated this year, Christmas markets will still take place in East Princes Street Gardens and George Street, featuring a host of local and continental food, drink, art, craft, and gift vendors. LocalMotive’s Christmas Market will also return to Castle Street 25 November to 22 December. With plenty of old familiars returning for another year of festivity, Edinburgh’s Christmas is proud to also welcome a cohort of brand-new vendors to the Christmas Markets.

Deck your halls with Christmas decorations from Glasgow locals Hairy Fairy Gifts, give your tree the wow-factor with embroidered hangings from Christmas Wow, grab some colourful ornaments from returning favourites The Christmas Nutcracker Shop, or make lasting festive memories with an interactive Snow Globe photo.

For an artisanal and handmade year-round gift, be sure to visit returning gems include Isle of Skye Leather, World of Baubles, and The Edinburgh Natural Skincare Company as well as newcomers to the markets, Westmount Art, Solid Cologne UK and Paraffle, offering 100% handmade art and crafts, sustainable solid perfumes, and embroidery kits and gifts respectively.

For moments when the weather outside is frightful, there are a host of stalls to keep you toasty and warm with handmade wool jumpers, scarves, shawls and gloves from LOUD elephant, tweed and woollens from local suppliers Macraes of Edinburgh, or something fun for the wee ones from Joe Cool’sincredible collection of colourful socks and gifts, amongst others.

For the foodie in your life, there are plenty of stalls offering take-home food and drink, ingredients and gifts. Pick up something for the gin-lover in your life from Scotland’s smallest craft distillery Great Glen Distillery; boast the best cheese board of the season with the help of Cherry Tree Preserves; or grab those essential Christmas day treats from The Fudge Company.

The gourmet experience isn’t reserved for the home; the Edinburgh’s Christmas markets host a wide variety of delicious local and continental street food and drink to enjoy during your visit.

Fresh off the back of opening their first London restaurant, Scottish favourites Ting Thai will bring their award-winning Pad Thai to East Princes Street Gardens; Edinburgh Street Food resident The Peruvian will be serving up traditional South American dishes; along with Pies from the Jarvis Pickle Kitchen. There’s no shortage of sweet options from Spanish Churros to Crepes and Waffles, or warm up with something mulled from the bar or a luxury hot chocolate from Hector and Harriet.

Family-run Soctopus, locals Brownhill Whisky, Native Handicraft and many more make George Street a must-see stop on your Edinburgh’s Christmas trip; while LocalMotive takes over Castle Street Christmas Market from 25 November, with 22 stalls selling quality made local, fair trade and ethical gifts; arts and crafts, food and drinks.

Edinburgh’s Christmas celebrations will run for seven weeks, Friday 17 November 2023 – Saturday 6 January 2024.

The city centre will become a circle of Christmas cheer with four locations to explore – the East Princes Street Gardens Christmas Market which opens early evening on Friday 17 November, the Festive Family Funfair in West Princes Street Gardens, Santa’s Workshop and Social Bite Festival of Kindness at St Andrew Square, and the Ice Rink on George Street West which all open from Saturday 18 November, and then LocalMotive’s Castle Street Christmas Market which will open from Saturday 25 November.

Scotland pledges more humanitarian aid for Gaza

Further funding to support immediate relief projects

First Minister Humza Yousaf has pledged a further £250,000 to support displaced people in Gaza access food, water, shelter and medical supplies.

The additional money takes the total given to assist relief efforts in Gaza via the United Nations Relief and Works Agency’s Flash Appeal (UNRWA) to £750,000.

The UNRWA Flash Appeal is specifically for Gaza where the unfolding humanitarian disaster is, with an estimated 1.4 million people displaced by conflict and military evacuation orders.

More than 670,000 people are currently seeking shelter in UNWRA shelters in Gaza.

First Minister Humza Yousaf said: “I have been repeatedly calling for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, but while we press this vital issue it’s important we support the Palestinian people as much as we can.

“The situation in Gaza is catastrophic which is why I’m pledging this additional funding to support in helping to stop the humanitarian disaster we are witnessing. As supplies run out in Gaza, the lives of innocent civilians are at grave risk from a lack of food, water, medical supplies and fuel.

“My thoughts remain with all of those caught in the middle of the escalating conflict in Israel and Gaza. The killing of innocent civilians can never be justified, wherever it occurs.”

Marta Lorenzo, Director of UNRWA Representative Office Europe said: “Scotland has proven that they stand hand in hand with Palestine refugees and those suffering in Gaza.

“Scotland is helping UNRWA provide shelter, food, medicines and water to entire families that had to flee their home. We are extremely grateful for the additional contribution from Scotland demonstrating the increasingly strong support to UNRWA.

“With this vital funding the Agency will be able to continue providing essential and life-saving aid. With the ongoing crisis deepening further each day it is vital for more donors to step forward and support the millions of people suffering in the Gaza strip.”

SFRS: #ChargeSafe

Make sure you charge your e-bike or e-scooter battery safely. Don’t leave your device charging unattended or when you’re asleep.

For more information visit:

https://firescotland.gov.uk/at-home/e-bike-and-e-scooters/…

#ChargeSafe

Letter: Cats Protection Lifeline service

Dear Letters Editor,

We are pleased to share that the Cats Protection Lifeline service, previously known as Paws Protect, is expanding into further areas of the UK. Lifeline is a free and confidential fostering service that provides temporary loving homes to cats whose families are fleeing domestic abuse, reuniting them with their owner once they are safe.

Abusers will often use their partner or family member’s love for their cat as a tool to coerce and control. Our recent survey of over 400 professionals working with victim-survivors of domestic abuse showed that 78% encountered cases where cats had been physically abused and 39% had supported cases where a cat or kitten was killed by the abuser.

They have not only come across cases where cats were physically abused, but also spoke of cases where survivors of domestic abuse were unable to access essential veterinary care because an abuser had full control over their access to money.

The Cats Protection Lifeline service has provided confidential foster care for over 250 cats this year so far, enabling over 150 owners to get to safety, but we want to do more. It has expanded from the South East into Yorkshire, East Anglia and the Midlands, but we now need more volunteer cat fosterers in these areas to enable us to support even more cats and their owners.

The expansion of the service is supported by a generous three-year grant of £315,000 from the Pets Foundation, so we would like to thank everyone who shops at Pets at Home for making this possible.

Anyone wishing to find out more about Lifeline or interested in becoming a fosterer should visit www.cats.org.uk/lifelineservice

Yours faithfully

Amy Hyde

National Lifeline Manager, Cats Protection

An estimated 90,800 households across Lothian receiving Cost of Living payment

Scottish Conservative MSP for Lothian, Miles Briggs, has “warmly welcomed” the latest cost-of-living payments being paid by the UK Government to thousands of his constituents in Lothian.

The UK Government has confirmed that the latest £300 payments will be paid automatically into the bank accounts of those eligible in Lothian between 31 October and 19 November.

It comes as part of a package worth £900 in total to support those on means-tested benefits in Lothian with the effects of the global cost-of-living crisis.

Eligible pensioner households will also receive a further £300 later in the year, on top of the Winter Fuel Payment.

Those eligible in Lothian do not need to apply for the payment, as it will be paid directly into their bank account.

Statistics from the UK Government show that in Lothian, 90,800 households will receive the cost-of-living payment.

Mr. Briggs says the UK Government are continuing to “step up” to support the most vulnerable in his constituency during these tough economic times.

Scottish Conservative MP/MSP Miles Briggs said: “It is warmly welcomed that the UK Government are providing a further £300 in cost-of-living payments to the most vulnerable in Lothian and across the country.

“As the economic situation continues to constrain people in Lothian, this help from the UK Government comes at a perfect time, and the package – worth £900 in total – is going to help those who need it most.

“As we approach winter, this help will prove even more invaluable.

“With payments being made automatically, people who are eligible in Lothian don’t need to do anything to receive these payments into their bank accounts.

“Of course, if there are any issues, then myself and my team will always be on hand to ensure those who need these payments get them from the UK Government.”

Book Week Scotland gets ready for adventure in Edinburgh

One Scot will find a voucher for a year’s worth of books in one of this year’s free Book Week Scotland books, which feature four stories from Edinburgh writers

Scottish Book Trust, the national charity changing lives with reading and writing, has launched the line-up for Book Week Scotland 2023, which will be themed around ‘adventure’. Book Week Scotland, this year taking place on 13–19 November, is Scotland’s national annual celebration of books and reading, with events taking place in libraries and community venues across the country.

People picking up a copy of this year’s free Book Week Scotland book, Adventure, may be lucky enough to find one of seven special silver tickets, celebrating Scottish Book Trust’s 25^th anniversary, tucked inside the pages.

The silver tickets are redeemable for book tokens, with six worth £100 and one valid for a year’s worth of books (to a value of £500). The tickets will be sent across Scotland, so readers far and wide are in with a chance of discovering one.

The book has been published by Scottish Book Trust, featuring true stories from people across Scotland, including four from local Edinburgh writers Hazel Knox, Joanne Deegan Kerr, Jo Higgs and Nicole Carter.

Adventure also features exclusive contributions from Len Pennie, Sumayya Usmani, current Scots Scriever Shane Strachan, Mae Diansangu, and Gaelic writers Alistair Paul and Seonaidh Charity.

70,000 copies of the book will be given out for free during Book Week Scotland through libraries and community spaces, and it is also available to order online alongside audio and ebook formats.

The Book Week Scotland festivities will kick off with an exclusive midnight launch of Jenny Colgan’s new book, Midnight at the Christmas Bookshop, at John Kay’s Shop in Edinburgh. Tickets are available to win at bookweekscotland.com.

Marc Lambert, CEO of Scottish Book Trust, said: ‘Book Week Scotland is one of the highlights of Scotland’s literary calendars, with events for all ages and interests taking place across the nation.

“Despite the fact that Book Week Scotland is now operating on a shoestring budget due to repeated funding cuts, working with and through our fantastic partners across the country we have been able, even so, to offer an exciting and accessible programme of events at a local and national level.

“We could not do this without the support of the Scottish Library and Information Council, library services and the many other community partners we collaborate with. And this is vital, because developing a love of reading is a lifelong adventure which brings much pleasure and many benefits to the individual and the communities they live in.’

Pamela Tulloch, chief executive of the Scottish Library & Information Council said: ‘Book Week Scotland is an important opportunity to bring communities together to celebrate the power of reading which is why SLIC is proud to be a partner.

“With a brilliant programme of events lined up in libraries across the country, there’s something for everyone. We hope people will take this opportunity to rediscover all that local libraries have to offer.’

Head of Literature & Publishing at Creative Scotland, Alan Bett, said: ‘Book Week Scotland is a highlight in Scotland’s literary and cultural calendar which continues to provide joy by connecting the reading public with Scotland’s authors and their books.

“Featuring some of the biggest names in our literary scene, this year’s programme showcases homegrown talent and provides the space to empower writers and readers alike, across the country and within their own communities.’

Highlights from Book Week Scotland 2023 in Edinburgh will include:

· Writing Historical Fiction: Forgotten Voices at Typewronger Books – Monday 13 November, 7.30–8.30pm (free ticketed event)

· Sara Sheridan: The Fair Botanists at Juniper Green Bowling Club – Tuesday 14 November, 6.30–7.30pm (free ticketed event)

· The Pleasures of Reading with Val McDermid at Portobello Bookshop – Thursday 16 November, 7–8pm (free ticketed event)

· Football Journeys with a Bearded Genius: Nooruddean Choudry in conversation with Daniel Gray from Nutmeg Magazine at St John’s Scottish Episcopal Church – Saturday 18 November, 7–8.30pm (free ticketed event)

The Book Week Scotland 2023 programme is now live, with more events to be added in the lead up to the week itself.

Try before you buy – Meadowbank Open Day

Edinburgh Leisure’s state-of-the-art and newest venue, Meadowbank Sports Centre is hosting an Open Day on Sunday, 19 November to entice the people of Edinburgh to try before they buy.

Opened in July 2022, it will be an opportunity for people to try out the range of facilities at this £47m venue, and encourage customers, old and new to try something different, including the racquet and track facilities.

The programme on offer will include the gym, gym-based and fitness classes. Customer can also try racquet sports including badminton, table tennis, squash, and the newest ‘kid’ on the block, Pickleball, which is fast growing a big following. And if running is your thing, there will be a chance to try the indoor and outdoor running tracks. The Café Refresh will be open from 8.30 am – 5 pm for a range of drinks and snacks.

Picture – Chris Watt Photography 07887554193 info@chriswatt.com www.chriswatt.com

Josh Anderson, Operations Manager at Meadowbank Sports Centre said: “Meadowbank Sports Centre has been a sporting and social hub for so many people in the Edinburgh area over the years. But we’re conscious that a lot of people still haven’t paid us a visit to our incredible £47m refurbishment.

“Hence why we are opening our doors and hosting an Open Day, which will be a great opportunity for existing adult members to perhaps try something new, such as the track and racquet facilities and for potential new members to come and try for free before they buy and see just how great our facilities are.

“And as an added incentive for new members, there will be an opportunity to sign up for an adult Meadowbank Gym or Fitness Class membership on the day at the Meadowbank reception with a £0 joining fee.”

The new Meadowbank has much to offer the local community and communities throughout Edinburgh and includes the following facilities:

An outdoor eight-lane athletics track with a 499-seat stand and outdoor throwing and jumps area.
A 60m six-lane indoor athletics track and jumps space.
Two multi-sport halls with fixed and moveable spectator seating
A hall for dance and other events, including hosting bouncy castle birthday parties.
Two fitness studios (capacity – 30 each), which include world-renowned Les Mills programme of classes, smart tech bars and weights.
- A fitness class timetable with 77 classes
A Cycle Studio (capacity – 30) with Life Fitness IC7 bikes and ICG myride and Les Mills RPM classes
A gym with Life Fitness equipment, dumbbells up to 50kg, Watt bikes, SkiErg, row and Cybex SPARC machines (capacity – 90)
- Combined bumped plates weighs in the gym – 2927.5kg
- Combined dumbbell weight in the gym – 1,918kg
- 40+ pieces of resistance and free weights equipment
Two squash courts
A purpose-built dojo for martial arts
A boxing gym
Two 3G (synthetic) pitches, including one with a 499-seat stand.
A hospitality Suite and event-hosting facilities
Cafe and meeting rooms

To get involved in Meadowbank Sports Centre Open Day, gym sessions do not need to be booked but fitness and gym-based classes, and racquet sports, and use of the track need to be booked.

The activities are now available to book online or via the Edinburgh Leisure app.

Find out more – https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/venues/meadowbank-sports-centre/open-day

Edinburgh urged to celebrate safely ahead of Bonfire Night

Campaign offers advice as new research gives insight to safety behaviours

The Scottish Government and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service are urging people in Edinburgh to plan ahead and stay safe this Bonfire Night (5th November).

While new research highlights that 86 per cent of respondents¹in Edinburgh are concerned about the impact of fireworks on others, it also shows that 43 per cent² stated they would give sparklers to children under five. Sparklers can get five times hotter than cooking oil and are the most common type of firework to injure children³.

David McGill, Lead Clinician for the Care of Burns in Scotland (COBIS) network and Consultant Plastic Surgeon at Scotland’s Burn Hub said: “Children are frequently burned with sparklers.

“There’s a misunderstanding of how hot they can get, causing severe burns to fingers and hands, or catching clothing alight. Sparklers should never be given to children under the age of five.

“Unfortunately we see a rise in burn injuries around Bonfire Night, in both adults and children, with 41 injuries recorded over the four-week period around Guy Fawkes night last year.

“The majority of these occurred at private properties, ranging from minor, such as burns to the fingers, to severe, including loss of fingers and complex eye injuries with loss of vision.”

As part of the new drive, people are also being encouraged to consider attending an organised public display, something almost half of those surveyed (48 per cent⁴) plan to do.

This remains the safest way to enjoy fireworks and helps minimise their impact on other members of the community, with 42 per cent of respondents⁵ in Edinburgh stating they have a family member or pet who is negatively affected.

For those still planning on using their own fireworks, the Scottish Government and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is asking people to consider others, ensure they know how to keep themselves and loved ones safe, and to follow regulations.

It is illegal to set off fireworks in public places, including streets and parks, and to buy or give fireworks to someone under the age of 18, other than category F1 fireworks⁶.

It is also illegal to set off fireworks before 6pm and after 11pm, extending to midnight on 5th November and 1am on Hogmanay, Chinese New Year and Diwali.

Deputy Assistant Chief Officer (DACO) Iain Macleod is the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s Head of Prevention and Protection. He said: “Every year people are injured by bonfires and fireworks and admitted to hospital, with children particularly affected.

“We encourage the public to follow the safety guidance in the lead up to Bonfire Night and we always recommend attending an organised event if possible.

“People should also be aware of the laws around the use of fireworks, consider the risks and always follow the Firework Code to keep everyone safe.

“Please respect our staff who are working hard to ensure the wider community is safe on one of the busiest nights of the year for our service.”

Fireworks can be particularly distressing for those who experience sensory impairment, and can also cause stress in animals.

Scottish SPCA Director of Innovation and Strategic Relations Gilly Mendes Ferreira said: ‘‘Every year thousands of animals suffer stress and anxiety caused by the use of fireworks.

“Animals can panic and flee at the sound of a bang and this can lead them towards danger such as being the cause of a road traffic accident, also putting human lives at risk.

“Our advice for those with animals includes not walking your dog at night when fireworks are being set off, bringing all pets indoors and stabling horses. Make sure doors, windows and cat flaps are kept closed so your pet doesn’t become distressed and try to escape. If you’re setting a bonfire, always check for cats or wildlife before setting it alight.

“We’d always encourage the public to attend organised displays. If you are going to hold a private display, let your neighbours know so they can safeguard against any distress pets and farm animals may face.”

The Firework Code, details of legislation in Scotland and a list of organised events can be found on firescotland.gov.uk.

To report the misuse of fireworks anonymously call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Healthy Heart Tip: Keeping stress in check

Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Tip, written by the Health Promotion and Education Team at Heart Research UK

Healthy Heart Tip: Keeping Stress in check

We’re coming up to a busy time of year, and if you find the lead-up to Christmas a little overwhelming, you are not alone. Stress is very personal and experienced differently by everyone.

The key is to recognise when you are feeling stressed and put things in place to reduce it before it gets too much.

There are many things you can do to manage stress and build resilience, so you cope better next time you find yourself feeling overburdened or in a stressful situation. Stress is linked to heart health because when we are feeling stressed, we can adopt unhealthy lifestyle habits which contribute to the development of heart diseases.

Here are three things to consider building into your routine to help keep stress at bay:

Prioritise your physical health

Getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, and ensuring we are physically active can help us deal with stress better and increase our resilience.

Research has shown that when we are sleep deprived, we report higher levels of stress, so ensuring you get seven to nine hours of sleep a night is essential.

These things can seem out of reach in the midst of stress, however, they can make a big impact so start small, making little, sustainable changes.

Spend time in nature

There is a growing body of evidence to suggest that spending time in nature can reduce our perceived stress levels and increase our overall wellbeing.

Similarly, bringing nature indoors can help you feel less stressed, so think about getting some houseplants to take care of.

You can tick two things off your stress-buster list by taking part in some movement in a green space, such as going for a jog or brisk walk in your local park.

Get creative

Spending time doing activities you enjoy can give you a much-needed break from daily life, and doing something creative that requires your concentration can give your mind some quiet time.

Think about starting a new hobby such as pottery, knitting or even block printing. We have recently partnered with the Indian Block Printing Co. to create a block printing tea towel kit which would be a great first crafty project to start with.

Further funding to support immediate relief projects

New bill will make system more efficient and effective

Healthy Heart Tip: Keeping Stress in check