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Johnnie Walker Princes Street lights up Edinburgh to mark world exclusive

  • New Blue Label variant capturing the elusive taste of umami, in first-of-a-kind collaboration with renowned Chef Kei Kobayashi, can only be purchased at Johnnie Walker Princes Street
  • Whisky fans can purchase the limited edition bottling from today, with bespoke cocktails and immersive tasting experiences available in the coming weeks.
  • Edinburgh’s West End will be illuminated with a stunning new projection as part of a complete takeover of the venue.

Johnnie Walker, the world’s number one Scotch Whisky brand1, today unveils Johnnie Walker Blue Label Elusive Umami – a pioneering expression inspired by the enigmatic flavour also known as the fifth taste, which will be available exclusively at Johnnie Walker Princes Street from today, before launching worldwide on October 16.

Taking inspiration from Japanese Zen Calligraphy, the projection onto Johnnie Walker Princes Street celebrates the ancient art form with silhouetted artists’ intricate brush strokes combined with elements from the beautifully crafted Umami Blue Label packaging on the side of Princes Street’s biggest canvas.

Arriving at Edinburgh’s eight floor whisky experience before anywhere else in the world, Johnnie Walker Blue Label Elusive Umami is a limited-edition release crafted by Master Blender Emma Walker and renowned Japanese Chef Kei Kobayashi of Paris’ three Michelin Star restaurant Kei.

The pair joined forces to create a Scotch that encapsulates the inscrutable taste of umami, a Japanese word used to describe what is a hard-to-define flavour, possessing mysterious qualities.

The result – a beautifully balanced Scotch of sweet and savoury flavours, with notes of blood oranges and red berries with sweet wood spice, a touch of smoked meat, a hint of salt and pepper with a long, sweet fruit finish. Selected casks from inland and coastal distilleries are hand-picked at the height of their maturation for their unique umami profile – only one in 25,000 casks succeeds in bringing this elusive character to life.

In addition to being the first in the world to get their hands on this incredible new whisky, Johnnie Walker Princes Street guests will also have the chance to enjoy a limited-edition Umami cocktail on the 1820 Bar roof terrace and take part in an immersive 60-minute tasting experience, with details set to be released on Johnnie Walker Princes Street’s social media profiles in the coming weeks.

Johnnie Walker Master Blender, Emma Walker, says: “When Chef Kei and I set out to capture the essence of umami, we wanted to push the boundaries of what Scotch could be and bring a truly innovative offering to the world of whisky and flavour.

“For Johnnie Walker Blue Label Elusive Umami, only one in 25,000 casks in our unparalleled reserves of more than 10 million maturing casks made the cut in our painstaking search for that elusive flavour profile – each expression of whisky was hand-picked to create an umami profile, just like ingredients for a recipe, allowing us to bring the unique character of this innovative whisky to life.”

Chef Kei Kobayashi adds: “Umami possesses a mysterious quality that ignites our senses, revealing sumptuous taste, complexity, and depth.

“Encapsulating that alluring flavour through Johnnie Walker Blue Label Elusive Umami allows you to immerse your palate in an exquisite Scotch Whisky of subtle richness.”

Rob Maxwell, Head of Johnnie Walker Princes Street, says: “Johnnie Walker is renowned for pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in whisky, and Johnnie Walker Blue Label Elusive Umami does just that.

“This collaboration is an expression of taste that’s rarely seen in the world of whisky, and one that is set to inspire a new generation of whisky lovers. It’s exciting that we are the world’s first location to stock this exclusive dram at Johnnie Walker Princes Street. We can’t wait for you to taste it.”

Available exclusively at Johnnie Walker Princes Street in Edinburgh from September 18, 2023, and available to buy globally from October 16, 2023.

Follow Johnnie Walker Princes Street for more information:

https://www.instagram.com/johnniewalkerprincesstreet/

Free macrame workshops in Granton

GRANTON Goes Greener are very excited to be hosting more FREE macrame workshops at Granton Parish Church in October🍁🍂.

They will be delivered by lovely Alexandra from Edinburgh and Lothians Regional Equality Council (ELREC) and in order to sign up, you MUST be able to take part in all 4 as we will be working on one big project taking 4 weeks.

It is ADULT ONLY workshop. To book your space-email: aleksandra@elrec.org.uk

UK Government to ban ‘American XL Bully’ dogs

‘American XL Bully’ dogs will be banned following a series of horrific attacks, the UK Government announced yesterday (15 September).

On the back of a number of shocking ‘American XL Bully’ attacks, the Environment Secretary will urgently convene experts to define the ‘American XL bully’ breed type in the next week.

This is a vital first step towards adding it to the list of dogs banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act.

This group will include police, canine and veterinary experts, and animal welfare stakeholders.

Environment Secretary Therese Coffey said: “Dog attacks are devastating for victims and their families and it is clear that more now needs to be done to stop them and protect the public. That is why we are taking decisive action to ban the American XL Bully.

“This is on top of the work the Government has been doing for some time with the police and local authorities to encourage responsible dog ownership and make sure the full force of the law is being applied.”

Under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, a definition of the ‘American XL Bully’ breed type needs to be specified – including clear assessment criteria for enforcement authorities – in order to impose a ban. 

The Government must then lay a Statutory Instrument to add it to the list of dogs banned under the Act. This will make it an offence to own, breed, gift or sell an XL bully. We will do this by the end of the year.

We need to safely manage the existing population of these dogs, therefore there will be a transition period. Further details on how the transition period will work will be provided in due course.

Current XL Bully dog owners do not need to take any action at this stage however, if XL Bully owners do not come forward during the transition period, they will be committing a criminal offence if they are subsequently found to be keeping one of these dogs.

Owners whose dogs are dangerously out of control are already breaking the law, and we already have a full range of powers to apply penalties to them. Under the Dangerous Dogs Act, people can be put in prison for up to 14 years, be disqualified from ownership or their dangerous dogs can be euthanised.

The Dog Control Coalition – which is made up of RSPCA, Blue Cross, Battersea, Dogs Trust, Hope Rescue, Scottish SPCA, The Kennel Club and British Veterinary Association – has long campaigned against banning specific types of dog, which fails as a solution to this urgent problem.

The Coalition, in a joint statement, said: “The recent incidents are deeply distressing and our thoughts are with all those involved and affected.

 “The biggest priority for everyone involved is to protect the public – but banning the breed will sadly not stop these types of incidents recurring.

“For 32 years, the Dangerous Dogs Act has focused on banning types of dog and yet has coincided with an increase in dog bites and the recent deaths show that this approach isn’t working. The UK Government must tackle the root issue by dealing with the unscrupulous breeders, who are putting profit before welfare, and the irresponsible owners whose dogs are dangerously out of control.

“The coalition urges the Prime Minister to work with them to fully understand the wide-reaching consequences of his decision to ban American bully XLs, which will have significant impacts on owners, the animal welfare sector, vets, law enforcement and the public. 

“It is also critical that any policy designed to protect public safety is based on robust evidence and we are deeply concerned about the lack of data behind this decision and its potential to prevent dog bites.”

Further detail on next steps for developing a ban and information for owners will be provided in due course.

Bike to the Botanics

🚴‍♂️ Why not join us on a family-friendly Led Ride to the Royal Botanic Gardens?

Marvel at one of the finest botanical gardens in the world. 🌺

Ride departs Meadows at 11am, Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre at 11:30am, returning for 3pm at Drylaw and 3:30pm at Meadows. 🕒

Complimentary refreshments will be provided. ☕🍪

#CyclingCommunity

#cycling

#NetZero

#elrecyclingclub

£12.4 million to help change choices about work

  • £12.4 million awarded to six innovative new projects to understand barriers to getting into work.
  • Projects include investigating the impact of endometriosis on women’s work choices and how programmes to reduce obesity and type 2 diabetes can improve workforce participation.
  • Funding will help overcome barriers facing those who need the most support getting into work    

Six ground-breaking projects including an investigation looking at how endometriosis impacts women in the workplace have been awarded £12.4 million, the UK Government has announced today (Tuesday 12 September).

The projects comprise the first round of the Labour Market Evaluation and Pilots Fund, and take place over the next two years. The results will help to transform the government’s approach to the jobs market and drive forward research into best practice in employment.

While the UK’s employment rate is higher than a number of other advanced economies, the government is committed to ensure that those who most need help getting into the workplace are supported.

The Chancellor announced a range of interventions to address this at Spring Budget 2023 – including a significant expansion of childcare support, making 30 hours of free childcare a week available to parents from children aged 9 months.

The Labour Market Evaluation and Pilots Fund is part of that and will be used to test new approaches and generate better evidence to help specific groups back into work or to work longer hours.

Financial Secretary to the Treasury, Victoria Atkins, said: “Our jobs record is incredibly strong, with high employment that means millions of people are benefiting from work. But for some, that’s not happening.

“We need to look for solutions that are tailored to help people thrive in the jobs market. This analysis is the first step towards that – looking at specific health conditions or living arrangements to find out what works to help people work.”

Minister for Social Mobility, Youth and Progression Mims Davies MP said: “The vital opportunities and confidence employment gives, helps to transform lives. This is why we are determined to support all those who want to progress to do so, while also driving down inactivity and importantly growing the economy.

“This key new funding for our pilots will enable us to support even more people to move forward in work, including vitally those in supported accommodation and more disadvantaged communities, to help people to break down any barriers to work, so more people can fulfil their employment potential.”

National Statistician, Sir Ian Diamond, said: “The ONS welcomes the opportunity to shine light on this important area with these projects.

“This new analysis will provide crucial insight for decision makers in helping to understand how health conditions impact on people’s working lives and what interventions can help people stay in work.”

One of the projects includes a first-of-its-kind Office for National Statistics (ONS) evaluation which will investigate the impact of endometriosis on women’s participation and progression in the workforce.

Endometriosis can affect around 1 in 10 women, with symptoms including chronic pain and fatigue which can disrupt daily routines, fertility and mental health and time off work may be needed for coping with symptoms.

Previous work has shown that women with the condition often take this into consideration when making career choices, including the likelihood they will need to take significantly more sick leave. This project will improve understanding and help inform government plans to support women with the condition in their careers.

A second project by the ONS will evaluate whether programmes to reduce the risk of developing type two diabetes and obesity improve people’s ability to join the labour market. 

Around 3.8 million people in the UK have type 2 diabetes and 2.4 million are at high risk of developing the disease which can have a strong effect on quality of life, including the ability to work. The evaluation will include reviewing the impact of the Healthier You NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme (DPP), a large scale nine-month, evidence-based lifestyle change programme aimed at people at risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

There will also be a new pilot to address barriers to work faced by those aged 18-24 living in supported housing, which is accommodation provided alongside care, support or supervision to help people live as independently as possible in the community and can act as a pathway to transitioning into work.

To support young people in making that transition, DWP and the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) have developed a Proof of Concept that will test financial support and simplification of the benefits system for 18-24 year olds living in supported housing who move into work or increase their working hours.

This will help them to build their employment prospects further, work towards becoming financially independent and progress into move on accommodation in a planned way. 

Funding will also be allocated to two HMRC projects to evaluate the impact of Tax-Free Childcare on parents’ work choices and women’s return to work after maternity leave. In addition, funding will be provided to DWP to trial employment support and rent incentives to move people out of work or on low earnings into work or onto higher earnings.

£381m boost for electric vehicle charging as Chancellor opens West Midlands charging hub

  • £381 million funding scheme to deliver thousands of public charge points across the country opens for applications.
  • Chancellor opens UK’s largest electric vehicle charging site in Birmingham in major boost to Britain’s electric charging infrastructure. 
  • EV drivers in the West Midlands set to benefit from the 180 charge point hub, becoming the largest electric vehicle charging site in the UK.

A new electric vehicle charging hub – big enough to charge 180 cars simultaneously – has been opened by the Chancellor Jeremy Hunt in Birmingham yesterday (Thursday 7 September). It marks a significant boost for Britain’s electric car charging network, becoming the largest electric vehicle charging site in the UK. 

The  Gigahub™, located at the city’s NEC Campus, is the largest-ever private investment in a UK electric vehicle project to date. The project has been developed by a three-way collaboration between the NEC, EV Network and bp pulse, and is now operated by bp pulse. It is funded by a record £8 million from its investment partner, Zood Infrastructure Limited. The site will provide 30 super-fast, 300kw DC charging bays and a further 150, 7KW a/c charging bays – one of the largest amounts of super-fast chargers in one location in the UK.  

The site is strategically positioned to become a major transport hub for the future – located in the heart of the UK motorway network, including the M42, M46 and A45 and the new HS2 interchange station.   

The site supports the Government’s electric vehicle infrastructure strategy and commitment to decarbonising transport, backed with more than £2 billion to support the transition to zero emission vehicles including accelerating the rollout of chargepoint infrastructure.  

As part of that, Government and industry have so far supported the installation of over 45,500 publicly available electric vehicle charging devices, including more than 8,600 rapid devices. The public charging network is growing quickly – public charging devices have more than tripled in four years from 10,300 devices in January 2019 to over 45,500 in August 2023. 

The number of public chargepoints rose by 38% over the last year, and as a recent report from the National Infrastructure Commission points out, if charge point deployment grows at around 30% per year the 300,000 expectation will be met. 

Today the Chancellor has also announced that several local authorities across England can apply for the first round of the Government’s £343 million Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Capital Fund, with the West Midlands Combined Authority among the authorities eligible to apply this year.   

The LEVI fund will ensure the transition to electric vehicles takes place in every part of the country by supporting tens of thousands of local chargepoints, especially for those without access to off-street parking.  

Local authorities will receive LEVI funding in two groups, with the first able to apply for their allocated funding from today, to be distributed this financial year. The second group can apply for their funding next financial year. 

The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt, said:  “This is the biggest private investment in electric charging in the UK and is a huge vote of confidence in Britain’s role as a leader in green industries.  

“The ground-breaking site will be a major transport hub for the future and marks a significant step in our rollout of electric vehicle charging infrastructure across the country”. 

Decarbonisation Minister Jesse Norman said: “Electric vehicles will play a crucial role in helping the UK to decarbonise transport and reach net zero.  

“Today’s measures will deliver tens of thousands of chargepoints across the country, boosting the economy and creating skilled jobs.” 

Paul Thandi CBE, DL Chairman of NEC Group, said: “We are proud to contribute to the UK Government’s Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Strategy. Working in collaboration with EVN and bp pulse, the opening of our EV charging hub provides NEC Campus customers, commuters, and those working for local regional or national businesses, a reliable and convenient way to recharge and support a lower carbon travel future. 

“This strategic collaboration and initiative strengthen our destination offer, demonstrate our commitment to reducing the impact our business practices and our Masterplan credentials have on the environment, and ultimately supports a reduction in carbon emissions.” 

Akira Kirton, vice president of bp pulse UK, said: “The transition to electric vehicles is evolving at pace which is why bp pulse is focussed on accelerating the development of the UK’s EV infrastructure, delivering the right charging speeds, in the right locations and investing up to £1 billion to do so.  

“This new, nationally significant bp pulse Gigahub™ at the heart of the UK’s road network, is another great example of our strategy in action.

“We plan to roll out hundreds of hubs this decade in places EV drivers needs them – urban areas, on trunk roads and motorways and at destinations such as restaurants, retail parks and hotels.”  

Alexander Walsh, Senior Managing Director at Blackstone, said:  “The opening of the UK’s largest EV charging hub at the NEC is a significant step forward as more drivers across the UK move to electric vehicles, with sites like this playing an important role in supporting the UK’s energy transition. 

“Blackstone has been invested in the NEC since 2018, and this development demonstrates the positive impact private investment can have in driving innovation and creating green jobs, and we’re proud to be backing the industries of the future in the West Midlands and beyond that are helping build a more sustainable future.” 

Reza Shaybani, CEO, and co-founder of the EV Network, said: “The launch of one of Europe’s largest ultra-fast Gigahub™ is a massive game changer for EVN and a huge step forward for UK electric vehicle fast charging.

“The EVN team responding to the public demand for more – charging and we are responding with hundreds of millions of pounds of new investment and the very latest technology.  

“EVN has already built dozens of sites across the UK, but the successful completion of this new project launches us onto a much more ambitious growth path, as the leading business in our sector with a range of exciting new partners.

“The NEC was a perfect location that is not only geographically key, but of national significance, to support the EV charging landscape. EVN secured 6.5MVA grid connection, to support the entire infrastructure. The strategic placement and impressive scale of this charging hub within the UK’s transport infrastructure offers reassuring support to drivers journeying between cities. 

“Our long-term relationship with both the NEC Group and bp pulse ensures this is not just an investment for the site’s visitors but a transformative step towards bolstering the entire EV charging infrastructure of the UK. 

“At EVN we are excited to invest £100M in EV Infrastructure projects this year, and we aim to invest a further £300M equity by 2025.” 

Alongside this, UK Research and Innovation has announced that Innovate UK has awarded £5.8m of funding to 12 projects through the Driving the Electric Revolution Challenge Fund. Winning projects include work on best practice in automation and robotics to produce EV chargers, and the scale-up of the assembly manufacturing processes for a rare earth-free permanent magnet generator – allowing us to produce electric machines without using rare earth elements. 

Whilst he was in the region, the Chancellor also convened a roundtable with green industries SMEs based in and around the West-Midlands, including leading green electric vehicle, energy and manufacturing companies as part of his ongoing engagement with his five key growth sectors: life sciences, advanced manufacturing, green industries, digital and technology and creative industries. 

Lothian’s winter vaccination programme gets under way

Scotland’s winter vaccination programme has started in Lothian with over 3,500 people getting their flu vaccine on the first day (Monday 4th September).

Invitations to book or attend an appointment have already been sent to those eligible for a flu vaccine by post in a white NHS Scotland envelope, or by email or text depending on communication preferences.

Flu is serious and even healthy people can become very ill from it. Flu cases were at their highest since 2018/19 last year, with over 14,000 confirmed cases in Scotland.

The flu virus is always changing and vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself and those around you. NHS Lothian is strongly encouraging those eligible to take up the vaccination offer when it comes. 

Both flu and COVID-19 vaccines will be offered to people most vulnerable to illness and, where possible, administered at the same time. Eligible groups will be invited for vaccination as the programme progresses through the autumn and winter.

To prevent the spread of flu and COVID-19, the advice remains to stay home with any respiratory symptoms and to wash hands regularly.

Pat Wynne, Nurse Director for Primary and Community Care who oversees the delivery of the winter vaccines programme in Lothian, said: “Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 and flu this winter. Flu vaccines are available to 50 to 64s, people aged 18 to 49 with an eligible health condition and health and social care workers now.

“There are a variety of clinics across Lothian covering evenings and weekends, and we strongly encourage you to book or attend your appointment when invited. 

“Coming forward as soon as you’re invited will ensure you’re protected and help alleviate pressures on the NHS over the challenging winter months.”

More information can be found at NHS Informopens a new window or NHS Lothian’s Vaccine Hubopens a new window.

Attack on Ukrainian youths: twelve year old boy arrested

A 12-year-old boy has been arrested in connection with three youths being assaulted in Niddrie Mains Road.

A police spokesperson said: “The incident happened around 8.30pm on Sunday, 3 September, when three male Ukranian youths, two aged 13 and one aged 15, were approached by another group.

“Enquiries are continuing to establish the full circumstances.”

Laura Bond set to open flagship store in heart of Edinburgh

Boutique will offer luxury jewellery piercings, pieces, and bespoke ear styling service

Edinburgh-born jewellery brand, Laura Bond, is set to open its flagship store, located on Thistle Street in Edinburgh on Saturday (9 September). Previously available online only, the new home of Laura Bond will allow customers to receive the full brand experience in person for the first time. 

The new headquarters, in Scotland’s capital, will showcase Laura’s full luxury jewellery collection, provide bespoke ear styling consultations, and will soon be offering piercing services.

Designed by Laura herself, every piece of jewellery is ethically produced and made with responsibly sourced gold. The brand has attracted a strong customer and celebrity fan base including Florence Pugh, Michelle Visage, and Nathalie Emmanuelle, who wore Laura Bond to the 2022 Oscars.

Speaking of the launch, Laura Bond said: “This is a huge opportunity for us and I’m so excited to be opening our first store in Edinburgh. To say it’s a dream come true is an understatement. I can’t wait to welcome customers – old and new, from near or far – to experience our bespoke ear styling service and to get pierced in our stunning piercing parlour.

“I really believe Laura Bond offers a unique experience in the world of luxury piercings and jewellery and I can’t wait to meet everyone in store.”

The new store was previously occupied by the award-winning and much-loved Edinburgh women’s boutique, Jane Davidson. After 53 years of business in the capital, the luxury brand carefully chose Laura Bond to be its successor.

Sarah Murray, Proprietor of Jane Davidson said: “The boutique had been a constant presence in my life; our customers were not only incredibly loyal, but many became dear friends. 

“As difficult as the decision was to close our doors last year, I was always determined that if we did, then we would have to find the perfect brand to take on our property. Laura Bond is just that; we can’t wait to watch Laura and her brand grow at 52 Thistle Street.”

With each collection, Laura Bond continues to push the boundaries of delicate and decorative pieces, leaving an indelible mark on the world of conscious luxury jewellery.

Laura said: “I really believe jewellery should be an expression of the person wearing it, and each piece I design is crafted with that in mind. 

“We are committed to creating jewellery that isn’t just saved for special occasions but tells a unique story and invites people to express themselves and mark relationships, milestones, or memories with others.”

Laura Bond is available to buy online and in their new flagship store on Thistle Street in Edinburgh from Saturday the 9th of September.

For more information visit www.laurabond.co.uk.