Lucas Ice Cream Family Day set to hit the sweet spot
A FREE ice cream for every child will be on offer at Musselburgh Racecourse thanks to Luca’s Ice Cream as it hosts a family friendly raceday in partnership with legendary local brand, S.Luca Dairy Ice Cream.
With schools out for the summer, the venue has announced the return of its hugely popular summer extravaganza with loads of free activities for the youngsters, and some thrilling horseracing for the adults.
Lucas Ice Cream Family Day will take place on 25 July 2023, offering pony rides, kids disco, face painting, chill out teepees and fairground rides – all free of charge for children aged 17 and under, including their entry.
Aisling Johnston, Commercial Manager for Musselburgh Racecourse, said: “We couldn’t be more excited to partner up with the delicious Lucas Ice Cream and invite families along to relax, have fun, create lifelong memories and of course, indulge in some seriously good ice cream!
“Our dedicated kid’s Clip Clop Zone features some great activities for all ages, while the kid’s disco is sure to provide some quality entertainment – especially for the parents!
“There will also be two special guest kid’s TV mascots in attendance. We won’t reveal who it will be just yet, but lucky little ones will have the chance for an exclusive meet and greet!”
There will be six exciting flat races going on throughout the day, as well as some uniquely engaging pony races to delight spectators.
A selection of delectable street food options will also be available, with attendees having the option to further elevate their event experience with special food and drink packages, including a Well Hung and Tender burger and beer package, before washing it down with some refreshing frozen treats.
Lucas Ice Cream, which originates in Musselburgh, partnered with the racecourse for this fun-filled event to provide luxury ice cream to visitors, renowned for its smooth textures and magnificent flavours.
Yolanda Luca, owner of Lucas Ice Cream, said: “As a family-owned company, it’s fantastic to be involved with an event of such value, being able to connect with the local community throughout the day.
“We can’t wait to see everyone’s smiling faces and hope that the free ice cream adds an extra magical touch!”
Gates for the event will open at 12pm, with the first race beginning at 2:30pm and the final race commencing at 5:20pm.
Children 17 years and undergo free when accompanied by an adult, and tickets purchased before midnight on 24 July 2023 will save £2 per person.
Located just six miles from the city centre, direct public transport links are available along with a courtesy bus from Wallyford and Newcraighall train stations.
General admission prices are £23 when booked online and then £25 on the day of the event. All timings are provisional and subject to change.
Musselburgh Racecourse provides year-round racing action, with 27 race days across the flat and jump racing season – weekend, midweek, and evening.
To book your tickets for Lucas Ice Cream Family Day now, please visit:
Scottish Government, NHS and Councils to share accountability for services
The Scottish Government has reached an initial agreement with local government and the NHS about accountability arrangements for the National Care Service (NCS).
The agreement aims to establish who will be responsible for people’s care once the NCS is established. Overall legal accountability will be shared between Scottish Government, the NHS and local government.
Staff will continue to be employed by local authorities, and councils will still be responsible for assets like buildings and the delivery of services.
New governance arrangements will be introduced to ensure consistently high levels of service across the country, while building the flexibility to meet varying community needs at a local level.
Social Care Minister Maree Todd said: “The Scottish Government has been working closely with Local Government to find a consensus on the National Care Service (Scotland) Bill, which will allow us to deliver on the urgent improvements needed to strengthen the delivery of integrated health and social care for people.
“This partnership between the Scottish Government, Local Government and the NHS helps establish where responsibility for people’s care will sit under the National Care Service. The detail of how this will work at a local level will be developed in the coming months and we will continue to update parliament on this work, along with the results of our ongoing co-design events taking place across the country, after the summer recess.”
COSLA’s Health and Social Care Spokesperson, Councillor Paul Kelly, said: “Further improving the experiences of people accessing and working in social care and social work services must rest on an effective partnership between Scottish Government and Local Government.
“Combining shared national accountability with local expertise ensures the right balance of further improvement across Scotland, whilst rightly reflecting the diverse needs of local communities.
“We know too that successful change is driven by the valuable staff who deliver services. We hope by setting out the continued role of local authorities in delivering social care and social work functions, and staff remaining employed within councils, we offer comfort and stability to the Local Government workforce.
“In recognising this important first step, we know there is still more to do. As we progress forward, we are committed to continuing to work closely with people in receipt of support and partners to design a system that ensures individuals and communities always experience high quality care and support.”
The consensus follows the Verity House agreement on closer cooperation between Scottish Government and local government signed last month.
New FREE Collage Animation workshops at Granton:hub!
Discover the hidden tales of North Edinburgh as you craft mesmerising animations using the captivating technique of stop-motion animation.
Dive into granton:hub’s archives and bring history to life through the medium of collage animation. Contribute to the ‘Filling the GAP’ archive and get a chance to showcase your unique animations at upcoming events.
You will be able to download and share your creations to inspire others with the vibrant spirit of the community. Join us for an extraordinary opportunity to ignite imaginations and bring local history to life!
Hosted at Madelvic House in Granton Park Avenue, Granton, EH5 1HS, this workshop promises to be a unique experience. Get ready to dive into the fascinating world of animation and discover the endless possibilities it offers.
This 2.5 hour long workshop will provide hands-on guidance and expert tips on creating captivating collages that come to life through animation. You’ll learn various techniques and gain valuable insights from an experienced professional in the field.
Edinburgh Leisure, the largest provider of sport and leisure facilities across the city, is launching an exciting competition next week, The Edinburgh Leisure Pin Drop, so that wherever you’re at in the city, you could be in with the chance to win a year’s membership with Edinburgh Leisure.
The Edinburgh Leisure Pin Drop competition runs from 17th – 28th July. They will be giving away six free Edinburgh Leisure memberships.
To be in with the chance of winning, all participants must do is to find the pin (a branded box featuring a pink geolocation), which will be ‘dropped’ somewhere in Edinburgh and take it to their nearest venue.
The first person to do this will win a year’s membership and can choose from Full Fitness, Climb, Golf or Single Child Soft Play membership.*
Over the duration of the competition, Edinburgh Leisure will be ‘dropping a pin’ in six different locations around the city and sharing some clues and photos on their social media channels, on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Pins will be dropped at 11am on the following days during the competition:
Monday, 17th July 2023
Wednesday, 19th July 2023
Friday, 21st July 2023
Monday 24th July 2023
Wednesday, 26th July 2023
Friday, 28th July 2023
Participants will have two hours to find the box from 11am when the clue is posted on social media. The person who finds the box then has until Edinburgh Leisure’s participating venues close on the same day to redeem their prize. Venue closing times vary, so people should check closing times of their closest venue.
Participants are encouraged to tag Edinburgh Leisure in their Edinburgh Leisure Pin Drop posts on social media and use the hashtag #WhereverYoureAt.
As the biggest club in town, wherever you’re at on the map or in life, Edinburgh Leisure is here to help the people of Edinburgh enjoy a healthier, happier, and more active life. In the heart of communities, they’re the largest provider of sports and leisure facilities across the city.
*Competition information, terms and conditions and participating Edinburgh Leisure venues can be found by visiting: rb.gy/qbh9o
Nearly half (44%) of older people in Scotland on a low income1 have struggled to keep up with their broadband bill in the last 6 months, according to new research from the older people’s charity Independent Age.
Of that number, 18% found it a constant struggle, and 26% struggled from time to time.
Independent Age says the findings from YouGov commissioned polling raise fears that the cost of living has deepened the ‘digital divide’ and warns that older people in financial hardship may become even more isolated and could face additional costs if they are forced to shut off their internet access.
The survey also found:
More than 1 in 3 (35%) older people in financial hardship said they are worried they will not be able to pay their broadband bill over the next 6 months.
36% are currently having to cut back their spending on their internet, phone or TV subscription services a great deal or a fair amount.
Almost 1 in 10 (9%) have already cancelled broadband and phone services over the winter in an effort to save money and 6% had already taken this action before the winter began, to save money.
The charity warns that not being able to go online could mean that older people on low incomes are unable to access information about financial entitlements or services, miss out on savings by not being able to search for the best deals and lose vital social connections.
It’s calling on broadband providers to further promote their social tariffs so that older people in financial hardship are aware that support for their internet costs is available. The charity also believes the Government has a role to play in promoting social tariffs as part of the support available during the cost of living crisis.
Social tariffs are cheaper broadband contracts for those receiving means tested benefits, such as Pension Credit (the State Pension top-up for those on a low income). However, current take-up is low, with just 5.1% of eligible households using them2,and Independent Age say that eligible older people are going without as a result.
Morgan Vine, Head of Policy and Influencing at Independent Age, said:“The choice to engage online shouldn’t be taken away due to cost. We’re hearing from people in later life who are struggling to pay their broadband bills, cancelling their services, or making considerable sacrifices to afford this expense, such as going without fresh food.
“Cancelling broadband can mean someone misses out on the best deals, social connections with friends and family or on finding information about financial support they could be entitled to, such as Pension Credit or Attendance Allowance.
“Independent Age is calling on broadband providers to do all they can to support vulnerable customers. We also think the Government has a role to play when promoting the options available now and thinking about consistency in the longer term. At the moment it’s a confusing picture for older people on low income, with each provider offering different options.
“While broadband social tariffs are available from most major providers, and can be a great help for those in financial hardship, take up is extremely low. Independent Age wants providers to proactively promote their social tariffs and target their activity at all eligible groups, including ensuring older people on a low income are not missed out.”
“There’s a growing assumption that we can all do everything online now, but because of my financial situation, I’ve had to cancel my phone and Internet contracts. So now if I want to do anything that involves being on the Internet, I need to get hold of a library that’s open at certain times.
“I don’t know what’s happened in other parts of the country, but we used to have access to Wi-Fi on Greater Manchester’s buses and trams. That disappeared during COVID. I’m assuming it was taken off as a cost-saving thing because people weren’t traveling on the buses, but they’ve never put it back.
“And that doesn’t just impact older people who don’t have Wi-Fi — it impacts young families who are trying to do stuff whilst they’re out and about because they can’t afford to pay for the subscription at home.”
Potential changes to the council tax system that could see those in the highest value properties asked to pay more if they can afford to have been published.
A joint consultation with COSLA is seeking views on plans to increase the amount paid by people in bands E, F, G and H. This aims to address criticism that the system is unfair, because at present those in the lower bands pay a higher proportion of the value of their property than those in the higher bands.
Around 75% of properties would be unaffected if the proposals, which could be phased in over a period of three years, were implemented. The Council Tax Reduction scheme would continue to offer lower bills for those unable to afford their council tax, regardless of what band they are in.
Public Finance Minister Tom Arthur said: “We have listened to calls for the council tax system to be made fairer, as presently more of the burden falls on those in the lower bands when considered as a proportion of the value of their property.
“The changes would only affect around a quarter of properties and even after they are taken into account, average council tax in Scotland would still be less than anywhere else in the UK.
“We know that many people are struggling with their finances and our Council Tax Reduction scheme is there to ensure nobody has to pay a Council Tax bill they cannot be expected to afford, regardless of what band they are in.
“I would encourage anyone who has views on these proposals to complete our consultation before it closes on 20 September 2023, to help us determine if they should be taken forward.”
Cllr Katie Hagmann, COSLA Resources Spokesperson, said: “For many years there have been calls to make the council tax system fairer. We are pleased to be working jointly with the Scottish Government to explore ways that we can achieve this. A fairer and more progressive Council Tax is what the proposals in this Consultation aim to do.
“This is a consultation about ways to make Council Tax more proportionate for everyone, so that householders pay their fair share towards the delivery of essential local services, including looking at those higher value properties.
“We want to hear from individuals, households, and communities to inform any redesign of this local tax, so would encourage people to respond during the 10 week consultation period.
“If you have a view on Council Tax, this joint consultation with Scottish Government gives you the chance to share your views and gives us a chance to make Council Tax fairer.”
Background
The consultation will run for 10 weeks from 12 July to 20 September 2023. Any changes would come into effect at the start of the 2024-25 financial year.
Even with the proposed increases taken into account, the average Band E to G charge would still be lower in Scotland than in England.
Band A
Band B
Band C
Band D
Band E
Band F
Band G
Band H
% change in average bill
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
7.5%
12.5%
17.5%
22.5%
Average charge in Scotland after increases
£944
£1,102
£1,259
£1,417
£2,001
£2,590
£3,259
£4,251
England 2023-24
£1,377
£1,606
£1,836
£2,065
£2,524
£2,983
£3,442
£4,130
Only around 28% of properties are in bands E-H and could be impacted by the proposed change.
The consultation has been endorsed by the Joint Working Group on Council Tax, which was established as a commitment in the 2021-22 Programme for Government and the Bute House agreement.
In 2015, the Commission on Local Tax Reform highlighted how the original multipliers – set out in the 1992 Local Government Finance Act – resulted in properties in Band H paying three times as much Council Tax as a property in Band A despite the fact that the Band H properties were estimated to be worth, on average, fifteen times the value of properties in Band A.
In 2023-24, Council Tax for a Band D property in different councils across Scotland varied between £1,261 and £1,515. In Scotland the average 2023-24 Band D rate (£1,417) is £648 less than in England (£2,065), and £463 less than in Wales (£1,879).
A kitchen expert has revealed the simple safety tip that’s often ignored during BBQ season – despite reducing the risk of food poisoning
Brits often prepare their raw meat products on a plate or board and carry them to their BBQ – before returning the cooked meat to the same surface
BBQ hosts may grow complacent as the day progresses, data shows, with accidental fires 124% more likely to occur between 4 pm and 8 pm
Other kitchen mishaps include leaving meat out of the fridge while prepping, placing hot dishes on countertops, and reusing contaminated marinade
A kitchen expert has revealed the common mistakes Brits will make when hosting a BBQ this summer – which can increase the risk of food poisoning, and even cause fires.
Mert Yashar, Director at House of Worktops, says that it’s easy for many of us to forget essential kitchen safety tips while celebrating the warm weather, but with data showing that food poisoning cases rise in the summer months, it’s important to stay on the ball.
According to the Food Standards Agency (FSA), there are 2.4 million cases of foodborne illness a year, and the risk rises in summer as the warm weather boosts bacterial growth.
Add to this that nationwide Google searches for ‘food poisoning symptoms’ rose by 60% in June alone, and prioritising BBQ safety is crucial ahead of the upcoming July heatwave.
Mert says: “As we’ve already enjoyed some high temperatures over the last month, it’s likely many of our friends and family have already hosted or discussed hosting a BBQ. And while it’s practically a British summer staple to fire up the grill as soon as possible, the fact is that many hosts will start to let their food safety standards slip once the good weather kicks in.
“The most easily-avoidable mistake that many make is laying out their raw meat in an easy-to-grab fashion on a chopping board or plate, which they then carry to the grill. They then place the cooked products back onto the same surface to be transported back inside, or to an outdoor table where condiments, garnishes, and guests are waiting.
“Just because the meat has been cooked doesn’t mean it’s safe to place it on a surface that’s previously held raw meat, as this will cause contamination. And it’s easy to forget this, as you’re likely preoccupied with not burning the meat or yourself on the grill.”
The expert reveals that this preoccupation can result in other essential safety tips being overlooked, as hosts have to juggle cooking and entertaining their guests in a social setting.
Mert adds: “It’s all too easy to lose track of time when hosting any event, but especially one that’s very social and based outdoors.
“Other common mishaps that occur include leaving raw meat unrefrigerated for an extended time while waiting for the grill to heat up, not keeping side dishes covered to protect them from bacteria or bugs, and rushing to take the meat off the grill before it’s ready to free it up for the next batch of product.
“Hosts can even find themselves reapplying the same marinade they’ve placed raw meat in to baste the cooked meat on the grill – just before serving it to their unsuspecting guests.”
But it’s not just food contamination that being distracted or lazy can lead to, as barbecues reportedly account for around 1,800 accident and emergency visits yearly – most of which (44%) are for burns, while 1 in 10 visits are due to cuts from sharp objects.
According to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), most barbecue accidents happen in a home setting (78%) instead of a public place, and the likelihood of injury increases considerably as temperatures rise.
As temperatures rise throughout the day and the grill has been used successfully, hosts may become complacent around BBQ safety – especially if they drink alcohol while cooking.
Figures on domestic fire incidents from the Home Office support this, as an accidental fire is 124% more likely to occur between 4 pm and 8 pm than any other time. Dwelling fires are also 10% more prevalent in June and July than in May or August.
But there are some easy ways to prioritise fire and food safety at your next BBQ, House of Worktops reveals, as long as you remember the following advice:
Keep your raw and cooked meat utensils separate. Using different plates and tongs for raw and cooked meat ensures cross-contamination can’t occur. If you’re working with limited containers, place cooked meat directly onto your guests’ plates so that the board or plate is only used to bring raw meat to the grill. Make sure to use hot, soapy water to wash anything that raw meat has covered thoroughly.
Make sure your meat and side dishes are covered. While it’s tempting to put on a spread and then turn all of your attention to the grill, it’s much safer to keep your side dishes covered with foil or clingfilm right up until you need to use them, to avoid any bugs or bacteria sneaking in. You’ll also want to keep your meat refrigerated until the grill has heated up – unless the product says it needs to reach room temperature first.
Avoid placing hot dishes on cold and wooden surfaces. Not only can placing hot dishes on your countertops cause blistering or burning but it can also make it harder for your guests to keep track of which containers are too hot to touch. Place glass or metal dishes on a wooden chopping board or cooling rack so that it’s easier to distinguish, and so you avoid damaging your kitchen surfaces.
Make sure your grill is clean before firing it up. The best time to clean your BBQ is immediately after it’s heated but before you start cooking again, as this will make it easier to get grease off and ensure you’re not contaminating food. Brush off the grates and racks once they’re cool with a wire brush, scraper, or scourer, and keep an eye out for any debris that may fall onto the hot coals while your food cooks.
Keep a bucket of water or sand nearby. Your BBQ should ideally be set at least 10 feet away from your house and should have a bucket of water or sand close by for emergency extinguishing. If your BBQ uses gas, don’t use water and instead opt for sand or salt, as water on a grease fire can cause a flare-up. Make sure to close the lid once adding your water/sand to help starve the fire of oxygen.
With a two-week heatwave currently expected in July as temperatures could soar to 40C, it’s key that Brits ensure they avoid hosting BBQs in the sweltering heat unless following safety precautions, as dry grass also increases fire risk.
Climate campaigners have welcomed the news that a decision on the controversial Rosebank oil field could be delayed until the autumn.
City AM reported yesterday that due to concerns about whether Rosebank would conform to new net zero regulations, a decision on whether the field should start development would be delayed until after summer recess at Westminster, having previously been expected for July.
The article states that concerns relate to the potential for electrifying the oil field, as if Rosebank is not powered by renewable energy it will not meet the emissions reductions requirements of the North Sea Transition Deal.
Rosebank is the biggest undeveloped oil field in the North Sea and if all the oil and gas contained within it is burned it will produce the equivalent CO2 emissions of the annual emissions of 28 low income countries. Along with a 130,000 person strong petition opposing the development, the project has faced sustained criticism from climate campaigners, across the political spectrum and from academics and climate scientists.
Friends of the Earth Scotland oil and gas campaigner Freya Aitchison said: “This is the latest in a long series of delays showing that the pressure from campaigners and across civil society to stop the disastrous Rosebank field is working. However, the UK Government needs to end its climate denial and say no to Rosebank once and for all.
“The vast majority of the emissions from any oil field comes from burning the oil and gas extracted, not from the production process. The claim that companies will power the extraction with renewable energy are a greenwashing distraction from the true damage this field will cause.
“The wind farm on Shetland that is earmarked to provide electricity to Rosebank and other oil fields could either power three new oil fields or all the homes in Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Shetland put together. It should be a no-brainer that this clean power should be used to bring down people’s energy bills and not to prolong the lifespan of the oil and gas industry.
“The Scottish Government needs to find its voice and join the chorus who strongly oppose this disastrous project adding to the pressure on the UK Government to say no to Rosebank.”
Polluters to face unlimited penalties in England and Wales
New laws will scrap the cap on civil penalties and significantly broaden their scope to target a much wider range of environmental offences
Those that pollute the environment will face unlimited penalties under new legislation announced today by the UK government (Wednesday 12 July).
The current limit of £250,000 on variable monetary penalties that the Environment Agency and Natural England can impose directly on operators will be lifted, following a government consultation which received widespread public support.
This will offer regulators a quicker method of enforcement than lengthy and costly criminal prosecutions – although the most serious cases will continue to be taken through criminal proceedings.
New powers will also enable these higher penalties to be levied as a civil sanction for offences under the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016, the regime under which the majority of Environment Agency investigations take place.
This will ensure regulators have the right tools to drive compliance across a range of sectors, strengthening enforcement and holding all who hold environmental permits – from energy and water companies to waste operators and incinerators – to greater account.
Environment Secretary Thérèse Coffey said: “Polluters must always pay. We are scrapping the cap on civil penalties and significantly broadening their scope to target a much wider range of offences – from breaches of storm overflow permits to the reckless disposal of hazardous waste.
“It builds on action being taken right across government to stand up for our environment – tackling pollution, protecting delicate ecosystems and enhancing nature.”
Minister for Environmental Quality and Resilience Rebecca Pow said: “By lifting the cap on these sanctions, we are simultaneously toughening our enforcement tools and expanding where regulators can use them.
“This will deliver a proportionate punishment for operators that breach their permits and harm our rivers, seas and precious habitats.
“This was one of the measures set out in our Plan for Water earlier this year. I am proud to say this government has acted swiftly so that this will now be enshrined in law, further strengthening the power of regulators to hold polluters to account.”
Environment Agency Chair Alan Lovell said: “We regularly prosecute companies and individuals through criminal proceedings, but these new powers will allow us to deliver penalties that are quicker and easier to enforce, even though the most serious cases will continue to go to court.
“That should be an important deterrent – boosting compliance across a range of sectors, driving down pollution and safeguarding the ecology and prosperity of our natural world.”
There are clear provisions in the Sentencing Council guidelines that will ensure the level of penalties levied are proportionate to the degree of environmental harm and culpability. These include safeguards to ensure the operator’s ability to pay, the size of the operator, and the degree of responsibility and harm, amongst others – all of which are taken into account when imposing a penalty.
The amendments to legislation will be approved by both Houses of Parliament in due course before coming into force.
As set out in the UK government’s Plan for Water, future environmental fines and penalties from water companies will be re-invested into the government’s new Water Restoration Fund.
This fund will deliver on-the-ground improvements to water quality, and support local groups and community-led schemes which help to protect our waterways. River catchment groups – bringing together local NGOs, councils, government agencies and farmers and working together in catchments across the country – will benefit from this funding.
Keep the kids amused with free footballat Meadowbank
Looking for ways to keep the kids amused this summer, then look no further than some free summer football being offered by Edinburgh Leisure.
Suitable for young people aged 11+ years, the football sessions will run on the main pitch at Meadowbank Sports Centre from 1:30pm – 3:00pm every Tuesday and Thursday of the summer holidays.
Participants can come along, stay active and socialise while enjoying the outdoors. Sessions don’t need to be booked – kids can simply turn up and have fun.
Wherever you’re at on the map or in life, Edinburgh Leisure is here to help the people of Edinburgh enjoy a healthier, happier, and more active life.
In the heart of communities, they’re the largest provider of sport and leisure facilities across the city. As a charitable trust they provide activities for everyone as they move through their lives.
New FREE Collage Animation workshops at Granton:hub!
