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Scottish Fire and Rescue Service remembers fallen comrade

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service held a Commemoration Service at the James Braidwood statue in Parliament Square on Wednesday to remember Firefighter Ewan Williamson, who tragically lost his life during firefighting and rescue operations at the Balmoral Bar in Edinburgh in 2009.

Ewan’s existing and retired SFRS colleagues stood alongside family and close friends to remember him. The service included addresses from Ewan’s sister, Chief Officer Ross Haggart, the Depute Lord Provost, Watch Commander Robert Donaldson and readings from the SFRS Chaplains.

SFRS colleagues, representatives from the public sector and charity organisations from across the city were also in attendance at the event held on Wednesday (12 July) to remember the tragic circumstances at the Balmoral Bar.

To conclude the service a one minute silence was observed followed by a wreath laying ceremony involving members of Ewan’s family alongside the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) Chief Officer Ross Haggart.

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At 00:38am, on 12 July 2009, Firefighter Williamson was a member of the first attending crews at a fire in the basement of the Balmoral Bar on Dalry Road in Edinburgh.

As the devastating fire spread, Ewan and his colleagues were deployed to tackle the fire in the basement and ground floor levels. This enabled other SFRS personnel to carry out multiple rescues of occupants from domestic flats in the three floors above, whose lives were endangered by the smoke and flames.

Firefighter Williamson, 35, who was a member of the Green Watch at Tollcross Fire Station, entered the building wearing breathing apparatus as part of the efforts to extinguish the fire. Tragically, he became trapped during firefighting operations and lost his life in the line of duty.

A total of 16 people, including a baby, were rescued that night, an outcome that could have been very different had it not been for the bravery of Ewan and his colleagues responding to the incident.

CO Haggart said: “My thoughts are with Firefighter Williamson’s family, friends and loved ones during this very difficult time of the year.

“Ewan’s ultimate sacrifice reminds us all of the extraordinary lengths our firefighters go to protect our communities.

“It’s of the utmost importance that our fallen colleagues are recognised and remembered for their courage and dedication to their role.”

Ewan’s family described him as having a “wonderful spirit, a smile that would light up a football field and a witty sense of humour that we miss deeply.

“He was a kind and giving person, always willing to help anyone. He was a loving son and not only a brother, but a best friend to his sisters, Rachel and Rebecca.”

Fire Brigades Union Regional Treasurer, Seona Hart, said: “Firefighter Ewan Williamson paid the ultimate sacrifice serving the public.

“We remember Ewan 14 years on from that fateful day on the 12th of July, 2009 and send our love and heartfelt thoughts to Ewan’s mum Linda, sisters Rachel and Rebecca, Ewan’s colleagues and all those that loved him.

“Ewan will never be forgotten and will always be in our thoughts.”

Crews from the Service all around the country also honoured Ewan’s courage, bravery and selflessness at 11am.

Napier students mark completion of bamboo structure in world first for sustainable construction

A team of students from Edinburgh Napier University have returned home after completing a world-first construction project in China – based around sustainable bamboo building material.

The first bamboo-timber composite grid shell structure of its kind has been built in Guangxi, with the help of thirteen students from ENU’s Department of Built Environment, who worked alongside colleagues from Guangxi University of Science and Technology and Inner Mongolia University of Science and Technology.

It is hoped the finished 12m x 12m construction, which was funded by the British Council and Turing Scheme UK, could help develop sustainable building methods in the effort to combat climate change.

Bamboo’s strength and flexibility, as well as its wide availability as a natural resource, make it a viable construction material for large-span roof structures in future.

The ENU team travelled to China in early June, using the expertise picked up on programmes such as Architectural Technology & Building Performance, Advanced Structural Engineering and Civil Engineering to contribute to the building effort in various different roles.

Many of the students and staff involved have reunited at the University’s summer graduation ceremonies, where six of them, Onoh Nkiruka Patricia, Odutayo Olamide, Banke Olatunbosun, Mark Cawley, Olufemi Adeboye and Abisola Sarah Adeshina, collected their degrees.

Onoh Nkiruka Patricia, who took on the role of Project Safety Team Leader, spoke of her pride at taking part in the world-leading work. After leaving her home in Anambra, Nigeria, she worked in health and safety for 15 years, most recently in the UAE – and has now graduated with an MSc in Environmental Sustainability.

Onoh said: “To say I enjoyed it is an understatement! I didn’t want to leave. I worked with my heart – this has been my passion.

“That’s what I brought to the site, 101%. It was challenging – it certainly wasn’t easy – because of the climate we worked through the night at times. But when you make up your mind to do something, you do it.

“It was my responsibility to get everyone back safely, and I took that responsibility seriously.

“I am indebted to the team who all gave so much to this project.”

As well their ENU degrees, the student team have been given tiles, made from the same bamboo-based material as the grid shell, as a memento of their role in its creation.

Project lead Professor Johnson Zhang, from Edinburgh Napier University’s School of Computing, Engineering & the Built Environment, said: “This project showcased the pioneering research in bio-based construction at Edinburgh Napier University.

“It also serves as a testament to the immense potential of innovative sustainable construction technology in shaping a better future for the greener built environment we are creating.

“It was a privilege working with our Team BE-Napier and other two partner university student groups, together we formed a professional, dedicated and creative team. I enjoyed every moment of working with them.”

Alongside new graduates, Stephen Jideofor Onwunduba, Moses Okon Nseabasi, Mufthau Olawale Adebayo, Devika Vijayan, Konrad Zbyrowski, Alice June Davyson and Zara Anam Rafiq took part in the project. PhD student, Yanghao Pei, was its lead researcher, while Dr Ahmed Mohamed, Dr Daniel Barreto and Dr Suha Jaradat were on the project team.

The team are already making plans to carry out further research on the potential of bamboo-timber composite structures.

Edinburgh Leisure competition: Find the Pin Drop Box to win

EXPLORE THE CITY TO DISCOVER A WORLD OF FITNESS


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

Digital Divide: Older people struggling to pay for broadband at risk of further financial losses

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.”

Details of all available social tariffs can be found on Ofcom’s website here: https://www.ofcom.org.uk/phones-telecoms-and-internet/advice-for-consumers/costs-and-billing/social-tariffs#full-list-of-available-tariffs, or people who think they might be eligible can contact their provider to find out more.

Case study – Maggie’s Story

“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.”

Appeal for information after man found injured in Leith

Police are appealing for information after a man was found seriously injured yesterday (Tuesday, 11 July). The 30-year-old was found around 2.20pm on Albert Street.

He was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment.

Enquiries have established a group of around six men wearing dark clothing were seen in the area at the time.

Detective Inspector Martin Smith said: “Our enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances and we are appealing to anyone who was in the area at the time to contact officers.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting incident 1853 of 11 July, 2023.

“Alternatively, details can be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Over 450,000 lonely bunnies: Nearly half of the UK rabbit population lives alone, despite calls for companionship

Rabbits are naturally sociable animals so it is vital to make sure they have a bunny-friend to live with, according to vet charity PDSA. This ‘Cheer up the Lonely Day’, PDSA is highlighting the importance of rabbits having a compatible companion.

The 2023 PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report revealed that 42% of rabbits live alone, with a further 5% living with another species of animal, meaning that an estimated 530,000 rabbits (48%) are still not having their companionship needs met appropriately.

The PAW Report also highlighted that 36% of veterinary professionals identified the ‘lack of an appropriate companion’ as one of the top welfare issues for rabbits.

PDSA Vet Catherine Burke said: “If rabbits live alone, they can feel socially isolated and become bored, frustrated, anxious, and destructive. They need fellow bunny companionship, as it offers them warmth, comfort and company. This minimises boredom, and reduces their anxiety and stress.

“We’d always recommend keeping rabbits in a bonded pair or a small group, for happy, healthy bunnies.

Keeping rabbits together

Catherine added: “Whilst you don’t want a lonely bunny on your hands, it’s important to try to make sure you pair or group your resident rabbit with a compatible companion.

“Rabbits can happily live together in the following combinations:

  • a neutered male and a neutered female – often the most successful pairing
  • two litter brothers or two litter sisters together – although there is no risk of pregnancy when you have rabbits of the same sex living together, it’s still important to neuter to reduce the risk of fighting as they get older. There are also many other benefits to neutering your rabbits such as preventing illness.
  • a compatible group – rabbits can live in groups, but unless the rabbits are related and neutered early, bunny bonding can be harder to achieve so it’s often best to keep them in pairs.

“For the happiest bunnies, we suggest keeping a neutered male with a neutered female. If you can home a brother and sister together, that’s ideal as they’ll already know each other and will be less likely to fight”, Catherine explains.

“If you have a resident rabbit and would like to provide them with their perfect companion, your local rabbit rehoming centre may have lots of suitable bunnies waiting for a new home with a fellow fur-friend. But they always need to be introduced gradually and a rescue centre may be able to support you with this.”

Important tips on rabbit companionship:

  • The process of introducing rabbits to each other is called bunny ‘bonding’. Your new rabbit and resident rabbit will need to be kept apart at first, and slowly introduced. Once they’re both happy and comfortable together (with no sign of fighting), they will be able to share a living space. Rabbits won’t necessarily get on straight away so it is important to take things slowly – be patient with your bunnies as they get to know each other.
  • If you’re keeping any male and female rabbits together, it’s really important to get them neutered. It will reduce their chance of fighting with each other, stop them from having babies and will protect them from serious illnesses. The timing of neutering is important as bunnies are able to get pregnant from around three months old so it is important to keep unneutered males and females separate from this age. Male rabbits can be neutered from 10 weeks old and female rabbits can be neutered from five months old (or may be as late as eight months in giant breed rabbits).
  • Rabbits should never be kept with other species of animal, such as guinea pigs. They have very different needs and they also can’t communicate with each other or provide the social support that they need to stay healthy. They both need their own kind for company.

For more information about keeping your rabbits happy and ensuring they aren’t lonely, please visit PDSA’s website.

Cost of living crisis impacts mental health of 2 in 3 over-40s, finds UK Care Guide workforce research

Research* from the UK Care Guide has found startling levels of stress amongst the workforce aged 40 and over, with over two thirds (67%) reporting increased levels of stress thanks to the cost of living crisis.

The survey, based on the data of 1487 respondents, found that a huge 72% directly attributed their increased levels of stress to the tightening of household budgets as a result of the cost of living crisis.

While work-related factors were a major cause, half of the respondents also identified personal and family-related factors as sources of stress.

Saq Hussain of UK Care Guide commented: “Our latest UK Care Guide research reveals a worrying surge in stress levels among UK workers aged 40 and over in the face of the cost of living crisis.

“This issue cuts deeper than just affecting productivity at work. It’s intruding into individuals’ personal lives, straining relationships and fundamentally undermining their mental wellbeing.

“Amidst these challenges, it’s commendable that almost half of those surveyed have adopted some form of coping mechanism to manage their stress levels. However, the glaring outlier is the lowly 20% looking for professional mental health support. This number signifies not only a potential stigma around seeking mental health assistance, but also perhaps hints at the lack of easily accessible mental health services.

“Our findings highlight an urgent call to action for employers, healthcare organisations, and policy-makers alike. There is a pressing need to not only address the root causes of workplace stress but also to create a supportive environment that promotes mental health resources and empowers individuals to effectively manage their stress levels without fear of stigma.”

For more information on the survey, please email: media@ukcareguide.co.uk 

Gown on one knee: New Edinburgh Napier graduate says yes to post-ceremony proposal

Shannon now has two reasons to celebrate

An Edinburgh Napier University Veterinary Nursing student had an especially memorable graduation day – as her partner proposed outside the Usher Hall following her ceremony.

After collecting her degree, Shannon Ward met her family at The Napier GRADUATE Graduate pub, where Jamie Carty popped the question – and got the answer he was hoping for. The moment was captured on video by Shannon’s mum Clair and cheered by many other new graduates nearby.

Shannon, from Consett in County Durham, said she had no inkling of what her other half had planned for her big day. She said: “I had no idea! I even pointed out some jewellery I liked as we passed shops on the way here and he stayed quiet.

“My reaction … just shock and awe! Jamie has always said he wouldn’t propose to me in front of people, so it completely took me aback. “It’s been such a great day!”

Jamie, from Darlington, County Durham, said he had a tough time keeping the idea quiet. He said: “I was so nervous, but I just tried to focus on Shannon as I was saying the words – and not think about all the people around!

“I wanted it to happen somewhere which is already associated with so many wonderful memories. It made the nerves worthwhile!”

While the happy couple turn their attention to planning a wedding, Shannon is already putting her studies to good use, finding work in Northumberland.

Full Steam Ahead for 102 year old Muriel

STRACHAN House resident Muriel Sinclair had always wanted to jump on board and relive her journeys she would take on a steam train, so staff at the home made her  wish a reality with their Gone Fishing 23 project.

Muriel said some of her fondest memories was travelling around Scotland on days out with her children, and the fun they would have as a family. 

Muriel has lived at Strachan House for many years and at 102 she is dearly loved by the staff and residents alike. Staff jumped on board when they heard of her memories travelling from Edinburgh to Dundee on the steam trains and worked in secret to ensure her surprise was kept on the right track.

Speaking with Boness Railway about Muriel the team organised for her to take a 70 minute steam train ride whilst enjoying a good old fashion afternoon tea.

What Muriel didn’t also know was when she reached the platform her daughter was there to surprise. And as if that wasn’t enough excitement for one day, the station master and guards then surprised her with a First class compartment to ensure she had a day to remember!

Mandy Head of Activities said “Our Gone Fishing 23 is all about making that meaningful moment happen and this like many others, was very special. To see Muriel’s face light up when she heard the steam train pull up was just magical!”

“I’m 102 and never ever thought I’d take another ride on a steam train. I can hardly see now, but the smell of smoke and the sounds reminded me instantly of the fun journeys I would take in my younger days. I can’t thank the team enough for an amazing day. The afternoon tea was just the cherry on the top of such a wonderful surprise.”

Gordon Philp General Manager at the home, said: “We want everyone we care for to know how important they are to us here at Strachan House.

“It was marvellous see how overwhelmed Muriel was – and how hard the team works behind the scenes to make sure our residents have such special moments like these.”

Strachan House care home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering personalised care across its care homes and hospitals. Strachan House provides residential care, nursing care and dementia care for 83 residents from respite care to long term stays.

Edinburgh disability charity to hold summer holiday camp with help from local school

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

Edinburgh-based charity SuperTroop, which provides residential breaks for children with learning disabilities, will hold a summer holiday camp on the grounds of Fettes College thanks to the school’s generosity. 

The event is a community effort, with students, teaching staff and the operational team involved throughout the week, meaning Fettes is much more than just a host for the holiday camp.

Around two dozen students will give up the first week of their summer break to volunteer with the holidaymakers and help give them support and friendship. Fettes teaching staff also volunteer to organise and support the holiday, with some taking the lead in activities throughout the week.

In just 24 hours, Dalmeny House – a boarding house on the Fettes campus – is transformed into the perfect accessible location for attendees to SuperTroop’s week-long camp.

Dalmeny House is a modern, accessible building with dorm bedrooms, shared bathrooms and lots of relaxation space. 16 children and young people with learning disabilities take part in the holiday week, receiving 24/7 one-to-one support. Many of the participants have never had a night away from home before.

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

Student Louisa said: “The relationship between SuperTroop and Fettes has not only provided incredible holidays but also a transformative learning experience for us as Fettesians.

“We all hold SuperTroop dear to our hearts and hope that future Fettesians can continue to support this beautiful charity in the future.”

The holidaymakers stay on campus, sleep in dorm rooms with their peers and 1:1 helpers, and eat meals as a group in the dining hall. Fettes provides a high-quality and accessible residence, catering for the week, and facilities such as outdoor spaces, swimming pool and sports hall. 

Sue Fletcher-Watson, Founder of SuperTroop said: “We are thrilled with the efforts from the students and staff at Fettes College towards SuperTroop’s residential break. Their generosity will make sure that this residential break is truly special for all involved and make for some very happy campers.

“SuperTroop’s goal is to provide extraordinary holidays, creating an environment in which holiday makers feel surrounded by friends. The support we have from Fettes, as fundraisers, hosts and volunteers, is vital to provide the best experience possible.”

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

Mr Rhys Rowlands, Director of Service at Fettes College said: “The work that SuperTroop do to bring a fun break to these young people is truly remarkable. Fettes is proud to be able to support this charity in any way we can and help provide a fun summer for everyone taking part.”

£10,000 raised from a log-carrying challenge will allow SuperTroop to provide travel, admission to places such as Edinburgh Zoo, fun activities and art supplies for 16 young people.

In March, every Fettes College student took a turn carrying a 100kg metal log up and down the school’s drive for 24 hours, taking it in 15-minute shifts. 

To find out how you can join the troop or lend your support, go to supertroop.org/