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.”
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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/
An innovative educational programme funded by the Sean Connery Foundation designed to help dyslexic children and young people in Edinburgh is showing positive signs of making a difference.
Interim results from the three year project, targeted at those experiencing literacy difficulties, has demonstrated that individual children are making significant progress in their reading.
While Sir Sean, who was born in Edinburgh, was not himself dyslexic, learning to read was life-changing for him, and he was passionate about sharing his enthusiasm for reading with others.
The partnership between Dyslexia Scotland, the City of Edinburgh Council’s Literacy and Dyslexia Support Team and the Foundation started last August. The work being carried out builds on the Council’s already established support to deliver intensive programmes to more pupils than were previously provided.
In the first year 15 primary and two secondary schools have been provided with specialist teachers and pupil support assistants trained to develop the capacity of school staff supporting children/young people with dyslexia or literacy difficulties. This has resulted in 215 pupils benefitting from the extra support and the wider training programme reaching 175 teaching staff.
An analysis of the work found all teachers and pupils involved were positive about its impact, with data suggesting “individual children are flourishing as a result of the initiative”. Even in just nine weeks of intervention, it was found that individual children were making “significant progress in their reading” and the report said: “If such improvements are sustained longer term it is highly likely that the impact of the project will demonstrate statistical significance.”
Another positive development from the project has been the setting up of parent/carer groups which helps parents with strategies to support literacy at home and practise these with their children.
Cllr Joan Griffiths, Education, Children and Families Convener for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “Thanks to this funding from the Sean Connery Foundation and our longstanding partnership with Dyslexia Scotland we have been able to significantly increase support for learners who benefit most from this targeted work.
“Although we’re still in the early stages of this ground-breaking project the early results are really encouraging and building on the excellent work already taking place around literacy and dyslexia in our schools.
“In the first year we carefully selected 16 schools, offering group or one to one input to learners. We delivered intensive staff training and support for parents and carers, so that they felt more confident and informed about how to help at home.
“Children who had difficulties with reading are now showing significant progress. The work also helps build their self-confidence making them feel more motivated and engaged in learning.
“This is a wonderful partnership which shows real promise for learners with literacy difficulties. I can’t wait to see how the programme develops over the next two years and the positive impact it will have.”
Cathy Magee, Chief Executive of Dyslexia Scotland, said: “We are delighted that this initiative has started so well and that the hard work of everyone involved in the first year is having such a significant impact on the learners’ literacy skills as well as on their confidence and wellbeing.
“Early reports show that the generous investment by the Foundation, combined with the excellent partnership between Dyslexia Scotland and the City of Edinburgh Council are delivering encouraging results. This is evident in the positive feedback from learners, parents, teachers and pupil support assistants.”
Stephane Connery, Chair of The Sean Connery Foundation, said: “The single most important event in Sean’s life was learning to read. It opened up his world. Sean was very conscious of the stigma that people with dyslexia endure.
“It does a terrible number on their confidence despite the fact that many dyslexic people are truly gifted with fresh, original perspectives. Our hope is that the Sean Connery Dyslexia Initiative helps to unlock this genius, helping students to grow in confidence and thrive in school.
Retailers will be forced to provide up-to-date price information as part of new government scheme to call out rogue supermarkets and stations overcharging drivers at the pump.
Motorists will be able to easily compare fuel prices in real time to choose the best prices whilst boosting competition and in turn driving down prices.
Government action after watchdog finds some supermarkets charged drivers 6p more per litre for fuel from 2019 to 2022 – meaning £900m in extra costs across the UK in 2022 alone.
Motorists are being put in the driving seat to find the best fuel prices as the government prepares to force retailers to publicly fess up to how much they are charging at the pump.
In a win for consumers, they will be able to compare prices in real time in any area of the UK, through a new fuel price reporting scheme. Drivers will be able to easily identify those charging fair prices and those failing to pass on savings from falling wholesale costs.
The government will change the law to force retailers to comply by providing up to date price information, which is expected to lead to greater transparency and competition – in turn driving down prices and easing people’s cost of living.
The new scheme will make pricing data available for third parties – paving the way for them to create price comparison apps and websites – supporting the digital economy and helping growth.
The tough action by government follows publication of a Competitions and Markets Authority (CMA) report today showing some supermarkets charged drivers 6p more per litre for fuel. This amounts to £900m in extra costs in 2022 alone – around £75m a month.
New powers will be handed to a public organisation yet to be decided, to closely monitor the UK road fuel market, scrutinise prices and alert government if further intervention is needed.
This is the latest step in the government’s action to ease the cost of living, as part of its efforts to halve inflation this year – one of the Prime Minister’s five priorities. It follows the Chancellor’s roundtable with regulators last week, including the CMA, to ensure consumers are being treated fairly and help those struggling to make payments.
Grant Shapps, Energy Security Secretary, said: “Some fuel retailers have been using motorists as cash cows – they jacked up their prices when fuel costs rocketed but failed to pass on savings now costs have fallen.
“It cannot be right that at a time when families are struggling with rising living costs, retailers are prioritising their bottom line, putting upwards pressure on inflation and pocketing hundreds of millions of pounds at the expense of hardworking people.
“Today I’m putting into action the CMA’s recommendations and standing by consumers – we’ll shine a light on rip-off retailers to drive down prices and make sure they’re held to account by putting into law new powers to increase transparency.”
Jeremy Hunt, Chancellor of the Exchequer, said: “It isn’t fair that businesses are refusing to pass on lower prices to protect their profits while working people struggle with balancing their budgets.
“Consumers need to be treated fairly, and so we’re empowering drivers to find the best prices possible for their fuel by taking swift steps following the CMA’s recommendations.”
The CMA’s report found a concerning weakening of competition in the fuel market and an overall increase in retailers’ margins, especially in respect of diesel and with supermarkets the worst offenders (see below).
It also noted a lack of reliable and comprehensive price information available to motorists.
The report recommends the mandatory public disclosure of fuel prices and establishment of a body to monitor the market, which the government has agreed to.
The government will consult on the design of the open data scheme, and market monitoring function this autumn – with changes to the law needed to bring it in. In the interim, the CMA will create a voluntary scheme encouraging fuel retailers to share accurate, up-to-date road fuel prices for publication by August and continue to monitor fuel prices using its existing powers.
The move follows a similar scheme in Germany, which boosted competition amongst fuel retailers. Meanwhile, motorists who shopped around in Queensland, Australia, saved on average $93 per year off the back of a statewide scheme rolled out in the area.
Action to protect consumers announced today follows the government spending nearly £40 billion protecting households and businesses from spiralling energy bills over the colder months – including paying half the typical household bill and saving the average home roughly £1,500 by the end of June.
Meanwhile, with the latest Ofgem price cap coming into effect from 1 July, families will see their yearly energy bills fall by around £430 on average. On top of this, the government is also providing additional support to the most vulnerable, with an extra £150 for disabled people and £900 for those on means-tested benefits.
CMA sets out plan to help drivers get more competitive fuel prices
A new fuel finder scheme to enable drivers access to live, station-by-station fuel prices on their phones or satnavs would help revitalise competition in the retail road fuel market, the CMA said yesterday
Increased supermarket fuel margins led to drivers paying an extra 6 pence per litre
Instant access to prices via fuel finder scheme should drive down prices and help people find cheapest fuel
New monitoring body needed to hold industry to account
Asda fined £60,000 for failure to provide information when required
The scheme would be made possible by new compulsory open data requirements and backed by a new ‘fuel monitor’ oversight body. The proposals are the key recommendations by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) to UK government following its in-depth study into the road fuel market which found a weakening of competition in retail since 2019.
At present, retailers only provide information on prices at the petrol stations themselves. This makes it hard for drivers to compare prices and weakens competition. The fuel finder open data scheme would need statutory backing through legislation to ensure fuel retailers provide up-to-date pricing and make that available to drivers in an open and accessible format that can be easily used by third party apps such as satnavs or map apps, through a dedicated fuel finder app, or a combination of both.
The fuel monitor would monitor prices and margins on an ongoing basis and recommend further action if competition continues to weaken in the market. As the UK transitions to net-zero the demand for petrol and diesel will reduce. The fuel monitor will help us understand the impact of this on vulnerable consumers that remain dependent on petrol and diesel for longer, as well as those living in areas with limited choice of fuel stations.
The fuel monitor will ensure ongoing scrutiny of retail prices for petrol and diesel. We observed that following the interim update issued by the CMA in May 2023, the average price of road fuel fell in large parts of the UK. Over the last year, the CMA has investigated the road fuel market in detail and reached the conclusion that competition is not working well and greater transparency in pricing is needed to improve consumer confidence and bring down prices for drivers.
There is no evidence to suggest that there has been cartel behaviour taking place and the CMA has no plans to open an enforcement case.
The report found that:
From 2019-22, average annual supermarket margins have increased by 6 pence per litre (PPL)
Increased margins on diesel across all retailers have cost drivers an extra 13 PPL from January 2023 to the end of May 2023
With greater transparency and shopping around as effectively as possible, the driver of a typical family car could save up to £4.50 a tank within a 5-minute drive
Motorway service stations are charging around 20 PPL more for petrol and 15 PPL more for diesel compared to other fuel stations
Supermarkets are generally the cheapest places to buy fuel, with Asda typically the cheapest of those. This has anchored prices in the past. The CMA found that in 2022, Asda and Morrisons each made the decision to target higher margins.
Asda’s fuel margin target in 2023 was more than three times what it had been for 2019, while Morrisons doubled their margin target in the same period. Other retailers, including Sainsbury’s and Tesco, did not respond in the way you would expect in a competitive market and instead raised their prices in line with these changes. Taken together this indicates that competition has weakened and reinforces the need for action.
Diesel prices have been slow to drop in 2023, partially down to Asda ‘feathering’ (reducing pump prices more slowly as wholesale prices fell) its prices and other firms not responding competitively to that. As a result, the CMA estimates that drivers have paid 13 PPL more for diesel from January 2023 to the end of May 2023 than if margins had been at their historic average.
Sarah Cardell, Chief Executive of the CMA, said: “Competition at the pump is not working as well as it should be and something needs to change swiftly to address this.
“Drivers buying fuel at supermarkets in 2022 have paid around 6 pence per litre more than they would have done otherwise, due to the four major supermarkets increasing their margins. This will have had a greater impact on vulnerable people, particularly those in areas with less choice of fuel stations.
“We need to reignite competition among fuel retailers and that means two things. It needs to be easier for drivers to compare up to date prices so retailers have to compete harder for their business.
“This is why we are recommending the UK government legislate for a new fuel finder scheme which would make it compulsory for retailers to make their prices available in real time. This would end the need to drive round and look at the prices displayed on the forecourt and would ideally enable live price data on satnavs and map apps.
“Given the importance of this market to millions of people across the UK this needs to be backed by a new fuel monitor function that will hold the industry to account. As we transition to net zero, the case for ongoing monitoring of this critical market will grow even stronger, so we stand ready to work with the UK government to implement these proposals as quickly as possible.”
Local factors also contribute to how much drivers pay at the pump. The CMA identified that there are significant price differences in local areas, and that the difference between the highest and lowest prices in local areas has increased as average fuel prices have risen.
Lower prices are typically associated with having a supermarket retailer nearby, and where there are no supermarkets, for example, in remote areas, fuel retailers are likely to have higher costs and prices are likely to be higher. The fuel finder scheme will be important to help people find the best deal possible but it is essential that the monitoring function keeps a close eye on local variations in prices.
The price premium at motorway service stations has grown in real terms since 2012, and price variation on motorways is low, due to limited competition between service stations. A fuel finder scheme would allow drivers an easy way to see where they can find cheaper fuel in the area if they come off the motorway.
The CMA has also imposed fines totalling £60,000 on Asda for failing to provide relevant information in a timely manner.
Asda received two fines, each of £30,000 (the statutory maximum), for:
Sending a representative to attend a compulsory CMA interview who was not equipped to provide evidence on certain topics the CMA had identified in advance.
Failing to respond completely to a compulsory written request for information.
Asda has now provided the CMA with the required information.
The CMA also found that “increased margins on diesel across all retailers have cost drivers an extra 13 PPL from January 2023 to the end of May 2023.”
The organisation goes on to say:
“Over the last year, the CMA has investigated the road fuel market in detail and reached the conclusion that competition is not working well and greater transparency in pricing is needed to improve consumer confidence and bring down prices for drivers.”
However, the CMA could find “no evidence to suggest that there has been cartel behaviour taking place and the CMA has no plans to open an enforcement case.”
The CMA’s study on road fuel prices identified a reduction in competition amongst the supermarkets:
“Supermarkets are generally the cheapest places to buy fuel, with Asda typically the cheapest of those. This has anchored prices in the past. The CMA found that in 2022, Asda and Morrisons each made the decision to target higher margins. Asda’s fuel margin target in 2023 was more than three times what it had been for 2019, while Morrisons doubled their margin target in the same period.
“Other retailers, including Sainsbury’s and Tesco, did not respond in the way you would expect in a competitive market and instead raised their prices in line with these changes. Taken together this indicates that competition has weakened and reinforces the need for action.
“Diesel prices have been slow to drop in 2023, partially down to Asda ‘feathering’ (reducing pump prices more slowly as wholesale prices fell) its prices and other firms not responding competitively to that. As a result, the CMA estimates that drivers have paid 13 PPL more for diesel from January 2023 to the end of May 2023 than if margins had been at their historic average.”
The CMA is calling for the compulsory release of price data by fuel retailers so that apps can be developed which allow drivers to check what is the best price in their local area.
It also wants to see a new monitoring body to hold the industry to account.
According to the CMA “motorway service stations are charging around 20 PPL more for petrol and 15 PPL more for diesel compared to other fuel stations.”
Hospitality venues adopt new partners to drive sustainability efforts
A POPULAR venue which helps to support the advancement of surgery around the world has adopted a range of impressive new sustainability measures.
The moves see Surgeons Quarter serving up a new coffee bean supplier while also delivering a partnership to recycle coffee grinds, as part of a sustainability review across its portfolio.
The organisation, which operates a range of venues to support the work of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd), has named workers’ cooperative Equal Exchange as its preferred coffee supplier across all its venues, including luxury hotel Ten Hill Place.
Now the ‘Grown by Women’ coffee range will be used in all espresso and bean-to-cup machines throughout its venues. Grown by Women’s coffee is directly sourced from Equal Exchange’s female cooperative members, and helps support women, their families, and wider communities.
Meanwhile, Surgeons Quarter has also partnered with a farm operated by homelessness charity, Cyrenians, to recycle coffee grinds from its Café 1505 venue on Nicolson Street. The charity’s working farm uses organic waste, including coffee grounds, in its compost.
Stewart Munro, Operations Manager at Surgeons Quarter, said: “We are renowned for our sustainable practices especially in Ten Hill Place Hotel, but we continually seek new partnerships to help us build these practices across the campus.
“We’re delighted to be supporting Equal Exchange by taking them on as our coffee supplier and partnering with Cyrenians to upcycle our coffee grinds in a sustainable way.
“Cyrenians Farm is a fantastic enterprise, we’re already looking at ways to expand the partnership to support the work they do to produce sustainable, organic produce.
“We were also particularly drawn to Equal Exchange’s ethos to invest in crucial initiatives such as mobile health clinics. Given our affiliation to the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, we were especially keen to support these enterprises.”
Surgeons Quarter promotes, sells, and manages all commercial activities held within the Royal College of Surgeons Edinburgh campus.
It includes facilities for conferences, meetings, private events, parties, weddings and its own four-star hotel Ten Hill Place as well as Café 1505 and SQ Travel.
The new partnerships have been implemented following a review of sustainability practices across its venues, in a bid to meet ambitious sustainability goals.
Sophie Bell, Fundraising Manager at Cyrenians said: “Working with Surgeons Quarter is an exciting opportunity for us, we’re impressed by their commitment to work with likeminded enterprises.
“Our farm aims to foster a sense of community and supports our work to tackle the causes of homelessness. We’re excited to be partnering with Surgeons Quarter’’.
Cyrenians Farm in Kirknewton, West Lothian, is home to a community for young-people aged 16-25 years, and the surrounding working farm is a social enterprise providing opportunities for residents, volunteers, and visitors to grow vegetables, and develop life skills, while being in a trusting and nurturing community
Stewart added: “We have several initiatives in place to offset CO2 and drive sustainable practices in all our venues. Which is why it’s important that the products enjoyed by our customers, guests, and employees are ethically sourced and sustainable, as we want to make a positive difference.
“Undertaking the sustainability review allowed us to make an informed decision about how we could provide the best combination of quality and sustainability in our choice of suppliers.”
Additionally, Surgeons Quarter plans to expand its ethical retail range of products in Café 1505 through Equal Exchange to offer organic fairtrade chocolate, raw honey, and Palestinian extra virgin olive oil.
The review also appointed Scotland based Caffia, a third-generation family-run business, as the new preferred supplier of filter coffee and tea across the Surgeons Quarter venues. Caffia will supply a range of organic, Fairtrade, and Rainforest Alliance coffees and teas.
Profits from the Surgeons Quarter portfolio go towards the advancement of surgery and the improvement of patient outcomes worldwide.
More information about Surgeons Quarter can be found at:
Action plan to ensure Scottish Welfare Fund reaches those in most need
Improvements to the way crisis support is delivered in Scotland are set out in a plan published yesterday.
The Scottish Welfare Fund provides a vital safety net which has paid out more than £380 million in emergency funds to more than half a million households over the last ten years.
The plan sets out 22 commitments to help the Fund better address unmet need and make decisions more consistent across the country. Actions include a simplified application form, clearer guidance and better promotion to those who may not currently be being reached, including older people.
Improved guidance on referrals to wider services such as debt and welfare advice will also aim to help people with their finances so they can avoid future crisis.
Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “Ten years on from the introduction of the Scottish Welfare Fund, it is time to make improvements to ensure it continues to provide lifeline support. These actions will help to ensure that no matter where people live, they can access support they are eligible for in their time of need.
“The current financial pressures facing many households and the hardship that brings has shone a spotlight on the need for such emergency funds, and as the independent review of the fund made clear in March, the inadequacy of UK Government welfare has contributed to increased demand.
“The publication of this plan demonstrates the Scottish Government’s dedication to strengthening our social security system and working to best meet the requirements of people in Scotland.”
