Category: North Edinburgh News

Royal Highland Show celebrates its largest-ever attendance

A limited number of early bird discounted tickets to the 2024 Royal Highland Show were released at 6pm last night as the gates closed on this year’s event – which welcomed the world’s best sheep shearers amongst the 217,000 people who flocked to the show over the four days.

The eyes of the world were on Ingliston this year with over 140,000 views across 113 countries on the Show’s streaming platform, RHS TV, to watch show jumping, traditional skill displays, livestock judging and of course the excitement around the Golden Shears World Sheep Shearing & Woolhandling Championships.

And for those who are already planning a return to the Show next year, a limited number of Super Early Bird tickets for the 2024 Royal Highland Show (20th – 23rd June) will be released today via the Show’s website (royalhighlandshow.org), priced at just £30 with children 15 and under free to attend.

Celebrating the best of Scotland’s food, farming and rural life, high-profile figures attending included: HRH Anne, the Princess Royal; First Minister of Scotland Humza Yousaf; Minister of State at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affair, Mark Spencer; Secretary of State for Scotland, Alister Jack; and Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands, Mairi Gougeon.

26,500 children attended for free in line with the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS) charitable remit – this includes school visits organised by the Royal Highland Education Trust (RHET) and kids aged 15 and under free entry tickets.

Two girls running in the grass Description automatically generated with low confidence

Ian Georgeson Photography

Highlights for this year’s show included over 280 trophies, awarded to the over 5,000 cattle, sheep, horses, and goats competing. Including the Queen’s Cup that went to the Hanna family from Northern Ireland, a back-to-back winner for the first time.

The Flock to the Show campaign also concluded at the Show – after travelling the length and breadth of Scotland, the 38 decorated sculptures came together to form a trail around the Showground. The Flock will be auctioned off on 7th September, with all proceeds going towards the RHASS Bicentenary Fund, which supports projects in the rural sector dedicated to mental health, sustainability, succession, and women in agriculture.

Furthermore, respected industry accolades were awarded to agri-tech pioneers in the RHASS Technical Innovation Awards, sponsored by Hillhouse Group. Murray Machinery and Lely UK won Gold awards this year.

The Scottish Championships saw food and drink producers and craftspeople recognised for outstanding produce across competitions in Dairy, Honey, and Handcrafts categories – with St Andrews Farmhouse Cheese Co and Graham’s the Family Dairy amongst the winners.

The Royal Highland Hoolie was a new addition to the evening entertainment schedule on the Friday and Saturday nights. Presented in partnership with Farmers Bash, the Hoolie saw country music legends like Skipinnish, Skerryvore and Derek Ryan perform to the 4500 strong crowds.

The Royal Highland Show is the flagship fundraising event for organisers the Royal Highland & Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS).

RHASS Head of Show, David Tennant, commented: “As we wrap up another phenomenal Royal Highland Show, we are delighted to have welcomed a record-breaking number of visitors pass through the gates.

“The strong demand is testament to the fact that the Show has major appeal way beyond the loyal farming community – anyone and everyone can find something to enjoy, no matter your interest.

“Our thanks go out to the hundreds of staff who make this possible, and the RHASS Directors who give up their time year-round to make this incredible event possible. And, if you had a great day out this year, the good news is you can grab a bargain with the Super Early Bird tickets for 2024, on sale now.”

Sponsored by Royal Bank of Scotland, next year’s Royal Highland Show will take place at the Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh, 20-23 June 2024.

Families enjoyed complimentary ice cream, face painting and origami rooster folding lessons at the Royal Highland Show this weekend at Royal Bank of Scotland’s Ingliston branch.

Royal Bank of Scotland, which sponsors the Royal Highland Show, was on hand to bring the fun and advise families of the support offered by Royal Bank of Scotland and NatWest Rooster Money – an innovative pocket money app that allows parents to manage their children’s allowance via their phones while instilling positive money management habits.  

NatWest Rooster Money’s recent Pocket Money Index – a study of over 125,000 children – reveals that kids’ average earnings have increased by 11% since 2022, outpacing inflation for the same period.

However, instead of sticking to regular recurring payments, parents are now more often offering one-off payments and using special occasions and good behaviour as opportunities for handing out extra pocket money. 

For further information and to purchase tickets please visit royalhighlandshow.org.

Holyrood committee seeks views on Visitor Levy proposals

The Visitor Levy (Scotland) Bill will be the focus of a new public consultation launched today by the Scottish Parliament’s Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee.  

The Visitor Levy (Scotland) Bill was introduced in the Scottish Parliament in May 2023.  

If passed, the legislation will give local authorities the ability to add an additional charge to overnight accommodation if they choose to do so. This will be based on a percentage of the cost, with the rate set by individual councils. 

The Committee is seeking views from businesses, tourism organisations, community groups, individuals, and other key stakeholders over the summer ahead of its consideration of the general principles of the Bill. 

Following the consultation period, the Committee will listen to the views of stakeholders before producing a report setting out its findings. MSPs will then debate the Bill in the Chamber and decide whether it should proceed. 

The Committee is launching the call for views ahead of a meeting in Kirkwall later today with Destination Orkney to discuss their views on the Bill.  

Commenting on the launch, Committee Convener Ariane Burgess MSP said: “We’ve now launched a call for views on the Scottish Government’s Visitor Levy (Scotland) Bill and want to hear from as wide a range of communities, tourism organisations, businesses, and individuals as possible to inform our scrutiny.  

“Tourism is one of Scotland’s leading growth industries, contributing more than £4 billion to our economy each year, so ensuring these proposals work for those connected to the industry is essential.  

“The Bill provides a framework for local authorities to decide how money raised should be spent within local communities, how flexible they can be with where and when the levy would apply and whether certain exemptions should apply, all of which we want to gather detailed views on from urban, rural and island communities across Scotland.”  

The call for views will run from Monday 26th June 2023 to Friday 1 September. 

Those wishing to respond can choose to provide a detailed response to the Committee about the Bill or make brief and general comments, joining the conversation about the Bill on the Committee’s engagement website. 

NHS England to roll out lung cancer screening

  • Targeted lung cancer screening to help detect cancer sooner and speed up diagnosis
  • People aged 55-74 with a GP record including a history of smoking will be assessed and invited for screenings and smoking cessation services
  • Rollout follows the success of the first phase of the targeted lung health check scheme by NHS England with 76% of lung cancers in those tested caught at an earlier stage

A national targeted lung cancer screening programme designed to catch cancer sooner or prevent it altogether has been announced by the Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Health and Social Care.

Each year the programme – which will cost £270 million annually once fully implemented – is expected to detect as many as 9,000 people with cancer, deliver almost one million scans and provide treatment earlier.

The rollout follows a successful opening phase where approximately 70% of the screening took place in mobile units parked in convenient places – such as supermarket car parks – to ensure easy access and focused on more deprived areas where people are four times more likely to smoke.

The programme, backed by a recommendation from the UK National Screening Committee – will use patient’s GP records for those aged 55 to 74 to identify current or former smokers. Patients will have their risk of cancer assessed based on their smoking history and other factors and those considered high risk will be invited for specialist scans every two years.

The Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, said: As we approach the 75th anniversary of the foundation of the NHS, I want to ensure that it continues to thrive for the next 75 years and beyond.

“And while we focus on cutting waiting lists in the short term, we must also look to tackle some of the long-term challenging facing the NHS, including lung cancer which costs 35,000 lives every year. Rolling out screening to high-risk 55-74 year olds will save lives by detecting up to 9,000 lung cancers a year at an early stage.

“The NHS has treated record numbers of cancer patients over the last two years, with cancer being diagnosed at an earlier stage more often and survival rates improving across almost all types of cancer. Today’s announcement will help us go further and provide a lifeline to thousands of families across the country”.

The programme could also help people improve their health and reduce their risk of cancer by encouraging the use of smoking cessation services.

During the initial phase almost 900,000 people were invited for checks, 375,000 risk assessments made and 200,000 scans were carried out.

More than 2,000 people were detected as having cancer, 76% at an earlier stage compared to 29% in 2019 outside of the programme.

Health and Social Care Secretary Steve Barclay said: “Through our screening programme we are now seeing more diagnoses at stage 1 and stage 2 in the most deprived communities which is both a positive step and a practical example of how we are reducing health inequalities.

“Rolling this out further will prolong lives by catching cancer earlier and reducing the levels of treatment required not just benefiting the patient but others waiting for treatment.

“I am determined to combat cancer on all fronts through better prevention, detection, treatment and research.”

Smoking causes 72% of lung cancers, around 35,000 people die and 48,000 people are diagnosed with lung cancer each year.

It has one of the lowest survival rates of all cancers which is largely attributed to lung cancer being diagnosed at a late stage when treatment is much less likely to be effective. Treating cancer early improves people’s chance of survival with 60% of people currently surviving stage one cancer for five years or more and 4% at stage four.

It is estimated the rollout will mean 325,000 people will be newly eligible for a first scan each year with 992,000 scans expected per year in total. Additional radiographers, due to be appointed as part of the long term workforce plan, will help to support the programme.

Anyone assessed as being at high risk of lung cancer will be referred to have a low dose Computed Tomography (LDCT) scan and subsequent diagnosis and treatment if needed. Those whose scans are negative will be reinvited for further scans every 24 months, until they pass the upper age limit.

Some people who test negative but are found to have nodules will be reinvited for more frequent scans. These nodules are often the first signs of cancer developing so by monitoring more frequently if they turn cancerous they can be delt with quickly and at the early stages.

NHS chief executive, Amanda Pritchard, said: “Identifying lung cancer early saves lives, and the expansion of the NHS’s targeted lung health check programme is another landmark step forward in our drive to find and treat more people living with this devastating disease at the earliest stage.

“The NHS lung trucks programme is already delivering life-changing results, with people living in the most deprived areas now more likely to be diagnosed at an earlier stage, giving them a better chance of successful treatment.

“As the NHS turns 75, we will not stop in our efforts to detect more cancers earlier, when they are easier to treat, and to find new and innovative ways to make it as easy as possible for those most at risk to get life-saving tests as part of their daily routines.

“If you receive an invitation, please do take it up, and if you are worried about a possible symptom of cancer, please come forward to your GP – getting checked could save your life.”

The first phase of the scheme will reach 40% of the eligible population by March 2025 with the aim of 100% coverage by March 2030 following the rollout which will also help support the government objective for England to be smokefree by 2030.

During the pilot Cancer Alliances developed schemes locally. A national programme will benefit from an integrated IT system and a safe, consistent and effective programme across the country and for a number of years.

Paula Chadwick, chief executive of Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, said: “This is the news we have been waiting for. This is the day we truly begin to level up the lung cancer playing field.

“Lung cancer screening allows us to get ahead of this awful disease for the first time, catching it at the earliest opportunity – often before symptoms even start – and treating it with an aim to cure.

“Through the success of NHS England’s targeted lung health check programme, we have been able to detect 76% of cancers at stages one and two, which turns current rates on their head. Now, with this announcement, many more lives will be saved, making today a very good day in our mission to beat the UK’s biggest cancer killer.”

Hazel Cheeseman, Deputy Chief Executive of Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), said: “Targeted Lung Cancer screening with support to stop smoking at its heart will help prevent as well as treat lung cancer, still the leading cause of cancer deaths.

“Around 7 out of 10 lung cancers are caused by smoking and just over a third of lung cancer patients are smoking at diagnosis. Smokers who quit then can nearly double their life expectancy after treatment and live more comfortably than those who continue to smoke.

“And it won’t just help those diagnosed with lung cancer, smokers who get the all clear but go on to quit will avoid many smoking-related illnesses. Smokers who get support and medication as part of their Lung Health Check are 50% more likely to quit than those who don’t. This is a major step forward in helping deliver the Government’s Smokefree 2030 ambition.”

Cancer Research UK’s chief executive, Michelle Mitchell, said: “This is really positive news for a cancer type that takes more lives than any other.

“Targeted lung screening across England could diagnose people most at risk at an earlier stage, when treatment is more likely to be successful.”

Inaugural National Drowning Report launched at Westminster

A new report from the Water Safety All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) authored by the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) and supported by the National Water Safety Forum (NWSF), was launched this week (21 June) at Westminster.

The launch event, sponsored by TWF (The Wetsuit Factory), was attended by over 20 MPs, including: The Speaker of the House of Commons, The Rt Hon Sir Lindsay Hoyle; Lord Addington; Baroness Bottomley; and Rob Butler MP for Aylesbury who gave an account from a member of his constituency Stephanie Williams about her daughter who tragically lost her life last month. 

MPs had a chance to meet with representatives from organisations such as RLSS UK, RNLI, Speedo, Water Babies, RoSPA, the National Child Mortality Database (NCMD), the Maritime Coastal Agency (MCA), and key organisations from the aquatics industry who contributed to the report.

Former professional swimmer, and Speedo Ambassador, Michael Gunning was also present and spoke about his experiences within the industry. Water Safety APPG chair Giles Watling opened the launch event to his colleagues at Westminster. 

Giles Watling commented: “In my years as a yachtsman and keen swimmer, I have come to learn the dangers that water can pose. To this end, suitable education on the threats, and how to mitigate the risks, is vital. 

“I am grateful as the Chair of the APPG for Water Safety to have been able to work with RLSS UK and find out more about the work that they are doing in this area to address this. The findings of this report into what is currently being done – and what remains to be done – to save lives and prevent deaths by drowning, is welcome reading. 

“We need to be clear: in the UK, there is clear intent to be on and enjoy the water. 226 people accidentally drowned in 2022, and only through better education about how to stay safe will we bring the number of fatalities down. Everyone should be able to enjoy the water whilst remaining informed on how to avoid tragic incidents, and I am pleased to see that RLSS UK is working to achieve just that.”

The report has provided a real picture of accidental drownings in the UK and uses data from the Water Incident Database (WAID) as well as other data sources to provide the UK Government with evidence backed data on why the approach to drowning prevention needs to be improved. 

The report is also available for members of the public on the RLSS UK website and headline stats include: 

  • 151 accidental fatalities occurred in England, the highest of all the UK nations.
  • Scotland and Wales had the highest accidental fatality rate, more than double that of England.
  • 83% of accidental fatalities were male.
  • There was a 46% increase in the number of accidental fatalities amongst children, compared to the 5-year average.
  • 19 people lost their life across four consecutive days in July as UK temperatures reached record highs.
  • 60% of accidental fatalities occurred inland.
  • In summer 2022, there were 40% more accidental fatalities inland than on the coast.
  • 26% accidental fatalities were under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.

Lee Heard, Charity Director at RLSS UK, presented the report findings at the event and highlighted the importance of educating everyone on water safety.  He said: “This report presents the current picture of UK drowning as analysed from 2022, and also identifies trends in relation to data over a five-year period.

“Progress is being made across the UK, however, the report clearly shows that we need enhanced Government involvement to collectively progress to deliver the current targets set by the NWSF, Water Safety Wales (WSW) and Water Safety Scotland (WSS).

“We are grateful to the great number of MPs who attended the event yesterday and we look forward to working with the UK Government to deliver the reports recommendations which include innovative solutions to better deliver school swimming; mandating that every child should have a class-based water safety lesson at each key stage; and investing in initiatives to address the increase in child drowning fatalities. 

“Together with other members of the NWSF, we will continue with our work and commitment to prevent future drownings.” 

To view the report visit www.rlss.org.uk/national-drowning-report-uk.

Lee Cooper, Managing Director at TWF (The Wetsuit Factory) who sponsored the event, said: “At TWF we believe it is crucial for Water Safety Education to reach the classrooms. 

“Increasing Water Safety Education will ensure children from all backgrounds are aware of the dangers for themselves and others.  They should be able to confidently self-rescue allowing them to be safe in, around and on all types of water. 

“TWF are in full support of RLSS UK and Water Safety APPG on their mission to get this into our school curriculum.”

The report was launched in the week of RLSS UK’s annual Drowning Prevention Week, where the charity aims to educate children and their families on water safety to ensure they are able to enjoy water safely ahead of the summer holidays. 

Drowning Prevention Week provides free resources to families to provide education for all.

Visit www.rlss.org.uk/DPW for further information.

Police seek witnesses as two pedestrians injured in road accident

Police are appealing for witnesses after a collision between a car and two pedestrians in Edinburgh yesterday (Saturday, 24 June 2023).

Around 1.30 pm, an 88-year-old man and an 86-year-old woman were struck by a black Subaru whilst crossing West Mains Road at Mayfield Road.

The couple were taken by ambulance to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh where they remain for treatment. Medical staff describe their condition as stable.

The 80-year-old female driver of the Subaru was not injured following the incident.

Sergeant Scott Kirkpatrick, Roads Policing Unit, Livingston, said: “We are keen to hear from anyone who witnessed the collision or who has any information, including dash-cam footage.

“If you have not yet come forward to police, then please call officers via 101 quoting reference number 2103 of Saturday, 24 June 2023.”

National Youth Choir of Scotland proves it is among the best in the world 

National Youth Choir of Scotland

European Tour

25th – 30th July, 13th August 2023

Tickets are on sale now for National Youth Choir of Scotland’s (NYCOS) tour of Europe in late July. Widely acclaimed as one of the best choirs in the world, regardless of age, they are set to bring magical performances of Maurice Duruflé’s ethereal Requiem, Benjamin Britten’s ever popular Rejoice in the Lamb and American composer Stacy Garrop’s exploration of three types of love in Sonnets of Desire, Longing, and Whimsy.

Between 25 and 30 July, the choir famed for its high-energy performances under the artistic direction of Christopher Bell performs this collection of rich choral work at St. Lawrence’s Parish Church in York as part of the Ryedale Festival; Église St. Eustache in Paris (yes, they are taking Duruflé to the French!), France; St. Rumbold’s Cathedral in Mechelen, Belgium; and St. Nicholaas Basilica in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

The choir then returns to Scotland’s capital to finish the tour in Edinburgh this August. Christopher Bell will be conducting all concerts with Michael Bawtree on organ.

For many singers being a part of NYCOS is a life-changing experience and this tour is set to be special for many members as they head into their last year as part of the ensemble. It is also one of the most experienced groups that NYCOS has toured, with the leavers now in their mid-twenties with up to 10 years of singing together under their belts.

In a cosmopolitan trip round the continent to capitals both ancient and modern, a particular highlight is set to be its concert in Paris, where Scotland’s young singers perform in the Église St. Eustache. Gregorian chant and the deep emotion of Duruflé’s writing combine in his Requiem to fill this beautiful 17th-century church with mesmerising and shimmering sound.

The choir’s summer culminates in a performance at the Edinburgh International Festival on Sunday 13 August in a favourite venue for them, the Usher Hall. NYCOS will be joined by the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, alongside former members of the choir – Cardiff Singer of the World 2017 Catriona Morison and member of Academia Teatro all Scala in Milan in 2019-20 Paul Grant – as soloists.

In a special open access session at 4pm preceding the concert, Christopher Bell – renowned for his expertise in music education – will give audiences a rare glimpse into NYCOS’ musicianship technique.

Masters of the Kodály method of music teaching devised by Hungarian musicologist Zoltán Kodály in the mid-20th century, Bell and 200 young singers will explore and explain the method which has been central to NYCOS’ work for 25 years in a typically sparky presentation, before performing their last concert of the tour.

Christopher Bell, Artistic Director of National Youth Choir of Scotland said: “The National Youth Choir of Scotland combines the best of singing with the energy, enthusiasm and passion of youth.

“Audiences, world renowned conductors and orchestras have been delighted to hear the quality of sound and experience the commitment of Scotland’s young people. Please join us for what promises to be five outstanding performances this summer.’’

Tickets for the European tour, including performances in York and Edinburgh, are on sale now https://www.nycos.co.uk/events/nycos-summer-europe-tour-2023/.

LISTINGS

Programme:

Duruflé Requiem

Britten Rejoice in the Lamb

Garrop Sonnets of Desire, Longing and Whimsy (except EIF)

Tuesday 25 July 2023

Ryedale Festival

3pm

St. Lawrence’s Parish Church, York 

Tickets

Thursday 27 July 2023

8pm Église St. Eustache

Paris, France

Tickets

Friday 28 July 2023

4pm

St. Rumbold’s Cathedral

Mechelen, Belgium

Tickets

Saturday 29 July 2023

8:15pm

St. Nicholaas Basilica

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Tickets

Sunday 13 August 2023

Edinburgh International Festival (with Royal Scottish National Orchestra)

5pm (with 4pm Kodály method demonstration)

Usher Hall, Edinburgh

Tickets

Celebrating Co-operation: Scottish Brands Scotmid and Capital Credit Union

Co-op Fortnight is an annual celebration of the cooperative movement, aiming to raise awareness about the importance of cooperatives, their impact on local communities, and their potential for fostering economic and social development.

It is the perfect time to celebrate the connection and shared values between two co-operatives that both proudly hail from Edinburgh,  Scotmid and Capital Credit Union. Scotmid, an independent cooperative serving Scottish communities for over 160 years, focuses on sustainable practices and local sourcing.

Capital Credit Union, established in 1989, prioritises fair and affordable financial services, empowering individuals and communities in Edinburgh and the Lothians.

For over 20 years, Scotmid has been a proud member of Capital Credit Union. This longstanding partnership highlights the deep-rooted connection between these two Scottish organisations and the shared values that have fostered their successful cooperation.

Trudi Fisher is Scotmid’s Community Team Administrator – making a connection between the two organisations Trudi epitomises the positive outcomes resulting from their collaboration.

Trudi is a member of Capital Credit Union and uses their payroll saving scheme to build her own savings. She joined Capital Credit Union earlier this year to set aside funds for special occasions like Christmas and in case of emergency car repairs.

By saving directly from her salary, Trudi feels she is effortlessly contributing to her savings goals. She also appreciates that her savings are supporting another member organisation, reinforcing the cooperative values of mutual support and solidarity.

Trudi shares her experience: “I use the monthly payroll savings scheme from Capital Credit Union. It was really easy to set up. I downloaded their app, went through the instructions, and they did all the rest.

“Their Customer Service is great, and they get back to you straight away if you have any queries.”

Through this partnership, Scotmid colleagues gain access to a wide range of financial products and financial education resources. It strengthens their financial well-being, enables them to achieve personal financial goals, and builds a more secure future.

Abigail Ramage, Business Development Executive at Capital Credit Union, expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership: “The collaboration between Scotmid and Capital Credit Union is a testament to the power of cooperative values and shared goals.

“We are proud to have Scotmid as a longstanding member of our credit union, and, together, we have been able to make a significant impact in empowering individuals and building strong, resilient communities.”

£72 million health hub welcomes Cabinet Secretary

New £72 million Glasgow health and social care hub welcomes Cabinet Secretary Michael Matheson

Cabinet Secretary for NHS Recovery, Health and Social Care, Michael Matheson MSP has taken part in the ‘Topping Out’ Ceremony for a new £72 million health and care hub in Glasgow.
 
Mr Matheson joined Professor John Brown CBE, Chair of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, at the new North East Hub site on Friday (23rd June).
 
Delivered through a partnership between, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Glasgow City Health and Social Care Partnership, Glasgow City Council and Hub West Scotland, and built by BAM Construction, the new health and care centre will be a true community asset and has been designed to offer a range of services, providing Community, Clinical, Office and Training accommodation for both NHSGGC and Glasgow City HSCP.

Mr Matheson said: “I am pleased to be able to visit this Hub as an example of the state-of-the-art facilities we are continuing to invest in, with £578 million committed for health infrastructure and assets in 2023/24.
 
“Facilities like this are key to supporting people to access the care they need close to home and to our commitment to building an NHS fit for the future with world class amenities, including the network of National Treatment Centres.
 
“This Hub will also contribute to our mission to be as environmentally sustainable as possible to meet our responsibilities in countering the climate crisis.”
 
The hub, which is set to open in 2024, will improve access to services and better integrate health and social work services and the voluntary and charity sectors.

The facility will host three GP practices, as well as specialist services to support children, adult community care groups, older people, mental health, addictions, criminal justice homelessness services and health improvement activity – all delivered by a range of public and third sector organisations.
 
The North East Hub will be Scotland’s first working net zero carbon health and social care facility and the site will also offer community space, including a café and Parkhead Library.


 
Professor Brown said: “We are delighted to have been joined by Michael Matheson MSP, Cabinet Secretary for NHS Recovery, Health and Social Care for the official Topping Out ceremony at the North East Hub.
 
“This is a hugely exciting project for the North East of Glasgow and is not only the largest primary care development in NHSGGC, but it is also Scotland’s first net zero carbon health and social care facility, making it a beacon for sustainability while improving public services for those living in the local area.
 
“By bringing services together in one place, alongside so many community projects, people will be able to access the support they need more efficiently, helping to improve population health and tackle the causes of inequality in healthcare.”
 
Councillor Chris Cunningham, City Convener for Health, Care and Caring and Older People, said: “Today marks the next step into the delivery of what will be a fantastic community asset for the north-east of Glasgow, bringing together key services in one location. 
 
“The end result is an ambitious new centre, a hub that will bring services and facilities together to build an incredible asset for the area. Our ambition is to ensure that everyone in Glasgow can lead healthier and more fulfilled lives and the new hub and the services it will provide will help us to achieve that.
 
“This is a great example of co-locating services and partnership working, and will offer a one-stop-shop for a range of services from the city council, Glasgow Life and Health and Social Care Partnership.”

A recent report on design and build of the new hub has revealed the project’s carbon impact rating will come in well under the benchmark target set out in the Net Zero Public Sector Buildings Standard.
 
The findings come following a Zero Waste Scotland Embodied Carbon and Circular Assessment which calculates the embodied carbon emissions in the built environment based on a number of key indicators along the project’s build – from resource extraction through to transport, processing and construction.
 
The report found the North East Hub was particularly strong in areas in relation to waste management, with a concerted focus on recycling at all stages of the project. The project was also praised for building in future flexibility to its design.
 
Iain Marley, Hub West Scotland’s Chief Executive said “We are delighted to see the excellent progress being made on site on this, our tenth project and most ambitious health project so far under the highly valued partnership with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and Glasgow City Council.
 
“Our thanks also go to the professional team across our supply chain and to BAM Construction for all their commitment to quality and value for money.

“The building will be completed on schedule in summer 2024 and the project is already bringing significant value and benefits to local communities: so far over £11M of social value has been delivered through our education; employment; wellbeing; volunteering and SME development programmes and this will be added to over the future months.”

Hello Scotland! Six-strong rowing team is over halfway around Great Britain

Team Ithaca, the all-female crew rowing around Great Britain is now over halfway around. They’re currently making strong progress past the Isle of Mull and have less than 1,000 miles to go. 

Team Ithaca includes six extraordinary women taking part in the GB Row Challenge, a 2,000 mile row around Britain’s coastline. They’ve been rowing for the last 21 days and if they finish within 50, they’ll break a Guinness World record for the first female team of six to have ever completed the feat.

Skipper Emma Wolstenholme (above) said: “We’re now in Scotland and the famous Corryvreckan marked the halfway point. We have been in constant rain and side winds creating side-on waves day and night, so although it’s awesome to be halfway, we are all very wet and hoping for some Scottish sunshine.”

The team have said that highs have included beautiful sunsets and sunrises, seeing dolphins, minke whales, puffins and shooting stars. Lows have included sleep deprivation, seasickness and rowing in torrential rain. 

One of the rowers, Sandra Gates, said: “It feels great to be over halfway round. The highs for me are rowing with dolphins, being under the milky way and seeing shooting stars and sea sickness finally going!

“The whole experience is huge for me. I can’t wait to see Scotland from a different angle and appreciate our beautiful coastline while ticking the miles off and heading home. I’m not sure I will ever get used to the graveyard shift and I’m pretty sure I will never want to hear a mobile alarm for some time. I miss my family and dogs so much but I’m loving the experience.”

While rowing, they’re making an enormous contribution to an ocean pollution map of UK waters as they collect data on microplastics, temperature, noise pollution, and biodiversity.

So far they have collected 25 samples of Environmental DNA (eDNA) using an automatic pumping system, which will provide data on biodiversity. 

Dr Kat Bruce, Founder Director of biodiversity company Naturemetrics, who completed the GB Row Challenge last year, said: “Animals are constantly shedding tiny traces into the environment – including dead skin cells, mucous, saliva, urine and faeces.

“These tiny traces contain the DNA of the animal, which means we can record hundreds of species without necessarily ever seeing them.

“The rowers are making this incredible journey around the coast and they’ll be awed by the beauty and diversity of this island we live on. When I rowed last year, we had many encounters with wildlife, including dolphins, porpoises, seals and seabird colonies. 

“But most of the biodiversity is under the water and the rowers will have no idea what different species their data will capture! The eDNA from a single litre of water can reveal hundreds of species, from invertebrates to blue whales. It’s this vital data that is helping to build a picture of our nation’s precious biodiversity so that we can better protect it.”

The rowers are also collecting data on microplastics, thanks to an innovative collaboration between University of Portsmouth scientists and engineers from Harwin and Porvair Filtration Group.

Experts have worked together to design and build a microplastics sampling system, developed to both survive the harsh environment at sea and work around the limited physical space and power available on the boats.

The rowers have collected 14 samples of microplastics so far, building on the data collected during last year’s race, which will allow scientists to see any changes happening year on year.

Dr Fay Couceiro, expert in biogeochemistry and environmental pollution at the University of Portsmouth, said: “We’re so grateful to this amazing team of women who are rowing continuously, two hours on and two hours off in sun, strong winds and heavy rain. 

“Their efforts are helping to produce an annual map of ocean pollution and biodiversity, which will give a clearer picture of the environmental damage and long term impact of these pollutants on our seas.”

Their boat Challenger is also taking continuous recordings of underwater sound using an RS Aqua noise recorder integrated into the rudder as well as collecting data on salinity and temperature.