The discount retailer’s beloved mascot will be collecting hats and gloves to donate to those who need it most this festive season
Aldi Scotland has launched a new charity campaign encouraging customers to donate their unwanted winter warmers this Christmas.
Following widespread success over the last two years for its ‘Not Socks Again?!’ campaign, which saw more than 4,000 pairs of socks donated to good causes, Aldi has partnered with Crisis Scotland to help deliver hats and gloves to help keep the most vulnerable people warm this winter.
The initiative encourages customers to drop off any unwanted or extra unused hats or gloves that they may have received as Christmas gifts to the ‘Keep Kevin Cosy’ boxes, which will be in all of Aldi’s 104 stores in Scotland. The boxes will be in Aldi stores from the 2nd of January until the end of the month.
Donations will be received by Crisis Scotland, which works tirelessly to help those struggling with homelessness. The charity’s policy advocacy and campaign teams come together to provide practical support and advice, inform professionals, and campaign for legislative change in order to create the best possible outcomes for people in housing need.
Neil Cowan, Scotland’s Head of Policy & Communications at Crisis Scotland, said:“As the cost-of-living crisis has intensified, demand for our services has shot up. Unaffordable housing costs, rising energy bills, and increasing food prices are all factors pushing people closer to homelessness.
“Crisis Scotland operates year-round to help people take their first steps out of homelessness, or to prevent it entirely. To continue providing our services and campaigning for change, we greatly rely on the generosity of supporters, which is why we are delighted to be Aldi Scotland’s chosen charity for the Keep Kevin Cost campaign.
“On behalf of the team at Crisis Scotland, we would like to thank everyone who is able to donate.”
We rely on the generosity of supporters to provide our services and campaign for change, which is why we are delighted to be Aldi Scotland’s chosen charity for the Keep Kevin Cosy campaign.”
Richard Holloway, Regional Managing Director for Scotland, said: “This year has been incredibly challenging for people across the country, so we wanted to do our bit to help Crisis Scotland, who are working day in and day out to support the most vulnerable people in society.
“We know that homeless charities often look for warm clothing and accessories over the winter period, so I would encourage our customers to donate any unwanted hats or gloves, and put them to better use this festive season.”
As part of the campaign, Aldi will also make a £1,000 donation to Crisis Scotland.”
The boxes will be in all 104 of Aldi’s stores in Scotland from Monday, 2nd January. Customers are invited to drop off any unwanted, new and unused, hats and gloves, which will all be donated to Crisis Scotland. You can find your nearest Aldi store here.
Lloyds Bank has appointed Jamie Kemp to the role of Invoice Finance Area Director for Scotland and the North East, as it strengthens its support for businesses across the region.
Jamie has over 11 years of experience in the finance sector, with experiencing spanning across retail, private and commercial banking. Over the last 4 years, Jamie has specialised in Invoice Finance and has been recognised by UK Finance as their Top Foundation and Certificate student.
In his latest role, Jamie held the title of Business Planning Manager for the Invoice & Asset Finance Sales division where he was responsible for overseeing and supporting national delivery and performance.
Jamie Kemp commented:“I am delighted to lead a team of highly experienced Invoice Finance professionals to deliver bespoke solutions for small to medium sized enterprises. The current climate is making the cost of operating more and more challenging for businesses.
“I’m looking forward to supporting those businesses based in the North East and Scotland through these challenging times as much as possible in my new role alongside my team.”
Ben Stephenson, the Head of Specialist Client Solutions at Lloyds Bank, added:“We are pleased to welcome Jamie into the role of Invoice Finance Area Director. He brings with him a wealth of banking and finance experience, which will stand him in good stead to excel in this role and provide exceptional service for our clients.”
While starting his new role, Jamie is also hiring for an Invoice Finance Field Sales position (Associate Director level) based in and around Glasgow. The role has been designed to attract enthusiastic and talented individuals which may be new to the Invoice Finance industry.
It offers a substantial period of training, supported by a comprehensive learning plan, which includes undertaking the Invoice Finance Foundation Course, UK Finance’s entry-level qualification. This should ensure that the successful candidate has the best possible start to a career in Invoice Finance.
Explore unspoilt beaches, abundant wildlife, and beautifully quaint streets on a visit to … Scotland.
It doesn’t get bonnier than the country’s best-kept secret, the magnificent South West coast, which is why Rabbie’s (www.rabbies.com) is offering a new, unforgettable two-day tour to the hidden gem.
Journeying from the grandest forest in the UK to a castle scarred by the brutal battles of the past, Rabbie’s Scenic South West of Scotland tour encompasses both the stunning beauty and fascinating history of Scotland, and is available to book now with tours starting in May 2023.
On the two-day tour, visitors will navigate the historically rich and environmentally stunning region. Head deep into the largest forest in the UK, Galloway Forest, to look up at the dark skies and be left in awe at the stunning night sky above.
Travel to Scotland’s most southern point, the Mull of Galloway, to enjoy amazing views of the peninsula’s wildlife and cliffs. Trek through the ancient woodland and mountain vistas located in the Galloway & Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere. With memorable views of the lochs and mountains, enjoy this peaceful walk through a truly untouched wilderness.
Join Rabbie’s Two-Day Scenic South West of Scotland tour departing from Glasgow from £145 per person.
For more information about Rabbie’s and its tour offerings, visit www.rabbies.com.
An environmental and wellbeing initiative that will benefit almost 200 communities across Scotland has been launched by Scotmid.
‘Scotmid Community Orchard’ funding will allow fruit trees and bushes to be planted across the communities Scotmid serves. The sites, of five or more plants, will then form part of a Scotland-wide orchard of thousands of trees and bushes.
The retailer is seeking a group near each of its stores to plant five or more fruit trees or bushes within a community space. They will award £200 to each successful applicant, to fund the purchase of plants.
The initiative has been created to encourage people to work together, increasing physical activity and improving local environments.
Orchards offer volunteering opportunities throughout the year as well as the chance to learn new skills, create habitats for wildlife and produce an array of edible produce.
John Brodie, Chief Executive of Scotmid, said: “We love the idea that people planting fruit trees or bushes in Edinburgh not only benefits those close to them but allows them to be part of something so much bigger – an orchard spanning hundreds of miles weaving through our Scottish communities.
“We all recognise the value that green spaces bring. Scotmid is thrilled to provide the funding for our communities to plant, grow, learn, and let nature thrive.”
Karen Davidson from Social Farms and Gardens, who are providing advice to budding growers, said: “We are so excited to see Scotmid leading the way, creating a network of micro-orchards across Scotland through this funding.
“Community orchards are part of a local food system. Promoting the health benefits of fresh produce and outdoor exercise to people of all age groups, orchards are excellent places for people to come together and enjoy the outdoors, whilst providing a focal point for community activities.”
Scotmid is seeking one group near each of its stores across Scotland to plant five or more fruit trees or bushes.
Edinburgh groups are encouraged to apply by visiting:
The Scottish Government has created a ‘one stop shop’ website aimed at helping people in Edinburgh who are struggling with the cost of living crisis.
The website includes guidance on the different kinds of support available, from helping families and households meet rising energy, housing and other costs, to details around accessing Scottish and UK social security payments, including online benefit calculators as well as advice around improving overall health and wellbeing.
It’s important to acknowledge the added stress that money worries can bring and the impact that this can have on your health, both mentally and physically. The website includes information on the support people can access such as the NHS24 Mental Health Hub (available by dialling 111), Breathing Space which is a confidential helpline available by calling 0800 83 85 87, and nhsinform.scot/mind-to-mind which shares advice from peers.
There is also key information around support with health costs such as eye examinations, glasses, contact lenses and dental treatments.
When it comes to families and financial support, the Scottish Government has allocated almost £3 billion in this financial year to help households face the increased cost of living, including £1bn in providing services and financial support not available elsewhere in the UK.
The winter Bridging Payment has been doubled, meaning the December payment will be £260. All eligible families should make sure they are registered to receive free school meals on the basis of low income in order to receive the payment. If they register between now and end of school term they will receive the payment in January.
The Scottish Child Payment has also been increased to £25 a week which can be paid to families with children under the age of 16 who live in Scotland and qualify for certain reserved benefits. There is no limit on the number of children that families can apply for.
Shona Robison, Social Justice Secretary, said: “I know that people are struggling with the cost of living crisis right now and may not know where to turn for help. Our cost of living website is a trustworthy online resource with information on the wide range of vital support available.
“No one should feel alone in this crisis and this website, along with our campaign, aims to encourage people to find out if they are eligible for the extensive support available to access the advice they need.
“We want everyone to get all the financial support and help that is available so I would encourage people to apply for the payments they are entitled to – it might be just the lifeline that is needed right now”.
Scottish Labour MSP Sarah Boyack has said next year must be the year Scotland enshrines a statutory Right to Food in law, as figures show food bank use soaring in Edinburgh.
The Trussell Trust’s mid-year statistics show that the number of food parcels handed out in Edinburgh has soared by 35 per cent since 2017.
The number of parcels given to children has risen even more drastically, increasing by an appalling 77 per cent, with 10,378 parcels being given out in the space of just six months.
This includes a shocking 3,189 parcels for children in the City of Edinburgh whose parents need urgent support now. Its worrying that the number of these parcels has risen by 29 per cent since 2017.
Scottish Labour have said this proves there must be no more delays to the introduction of a legal right to food in Scotland.
Scottish Labour have long campaigned for a statutory right to food in Scots law. The SNP and the Greens both backed this policy in the 2021 Scottish Parliament election, however in May the SNP-Green government voted against Labour’s attempt to introduce a Right to Food during the Good Food Nation Bill.
Commenting, Scottish Labour MSP Sarah Boyack said: “As the cost of living crisis piles pressure on households, more and more people in Edinburgh are being forced to turn to food banks.
“Families are at breaking point and parents are struggling to feed their children.
“It is more urgent than ever that we enshrine people’s right to food in Scots law, but the SNP-Green government keep kicking the can down the line.
“There is no more time to delay – this year must be the year we embed the right to food in law at last.”
Trussell Trust Mid Year Statistics 2022-23 – 1 April 2022 to 30 September 2022:
Local Authority
Number of parcels for children
Total number of parcels distributed
Increase in parcels for children compared to 2017
Increase in total parcels compared to 2017
Aberdeen City
1,273
3,576
97%
168%
Aberdeenshire
1,243
4,315
143%
149%
Angus
388
1,335
-5%
-29%
City of Edinburgh
3,189
10,378
29%
35%
Dumfries and Galloway
584
2,162
2681%
1088%
Dundee City
2,656
7,675
200%
139%
East Ayrshire
1,027
3,367
115%
116%
East Dunbartonshire
922
3,195
73%
67%
East Lothian
2,058
5,488
217%
197%
East Renfrewshire
993
2,811
44%
69%
Falkirk
1,334
4,276
44367%
3215%
Fife
3,176
8,397
107%
91%
Glasgow City
6,271
15,614
13%
5%
Highland
1,375
3,691
54%
13%
Inverclyde
710
3,008
29%
38%
Midlothian
1,535
3,073
225%
136%
Moray
–
–
Na h-Eileanan Siar
–
–
North Ayrshire
620
2,528
-40%
-26%
North Lanarkshire
1,733
4,805
250%
197%
Orkney Islands
112
390
26%
48%
Perth and Kinross
1,139
3,674
125%
64%
Renfrewshire
1,308
4,290
13%
2%
Scottish Borders
102
304
10100%
3700%
Shetland Islands
172
841
South Ayrshire
1,329
4,016
130%
88%
South Lanarkshire
2,731
7,848
95%
73%
West Dunbartonshire
–
–
West Lothian
1,800
5,316
169%
156%
*Figures compare 1 April to 30 September 2017 with the same period in 2022.
Do you ever wonder what kind of information your favourite online shops collect about you? It’s probably a lot more than you think!
Cyber security experts at VPNOverview have analysed the privacy policies of some of the biggest online retailers in the UK to establish which sites compromise your privacy the most.
Despite the ease of shopping from the comfort of your home, online shopping comes with its own hazards, and your online privacy is always at risk. It turns out that when you press the checkout button, it’s not just money that is taken from you; online shops save everything from your phone number and location to your date of birth and bank details.
Detailed below are the top five companies that collect the most data from their customers*:
Overall, Amazon was found to be the site with the most points of data collected. The online retailer giant took a staggeringly high £23.19 billion of revenue in 2021 in the UK alone. But that’s not the only valuable thing they took from their customers: Amazon’s website collects 60 different pieces of personal information. This ranges from the basics of name, address, and phone number to Alexa voice recordings, your friend’s emails, and even your credit history information from credit bureaus.
2. AO: Trade your personal information for tech
For those who are looking to give home and tech gifts this year, AO’s sales might be on your radar already — but AO has its eyes on you, too. The site is responsible for collecting 38 elements of your private information, earning it a second place on the list.
The data collected ranges from expected info like your name and address to your preferences, the size of your family, and how affluent you are. You’re not alone if you’re wondering why AO needs all of this information. Does the company really need to know your gender and marital status to send you your orders? We sincerely doubt it.
3. John Lewis: From social media handles to your ID
If you’re planning on ordering homeware, fashion, and electricals online, you may be heading to John Lewis’ website. We found that this luxury retailer took the third-largest amount of data from its visitors, collecting 31 elements, including your social media handle, clothing size, and identification documents.
In some cases, it makes sense for the company to be aware of this kind of information. Their privacy policy mentions that your social media username will be known to them if you interact with the company through those platforms. However, they actively store and use this information to tailor your shopping experience — in other words, to hopefully get you to spend more money.
4. Currys: Share your financial position with Currys
The homeware appliance and technology online shop collected 29 pieces of information from their customers, the most notable being subscription services and your financial position. They even collect the date and time of texts and calls you receive on their network and your location at the time they take place.
Although Currys comes in at number 4 on our list, some of the details they might be gathering about you are particularly alarming. Not even Amazon asks you for data about your current job or financial status. This information might seem trivial but imagine how uncomfortable you’d feel if the person behind the counter asked you how much you earn before handing you your change.
5. ASOS: Data collection — but make it fashion
For those of you heading to ASOS this winter, be wary. This clothing retailer is another top contender for collecting the most data on its customers. It ends up closing our top five with 20 kinds of personal data.
The research found that the clothing site collects basic information and records your body shape and size, screen name, saved items, and past purchases.
Tips to Keep Your Data Secure While Online Shopping
If you don’t want these big corporations to gather so much information about you, you can take some easy steps to minimise the amount of data that websites collect on you. Here are the three most effective steps:
Disable and delete third-party cookies: Next time you go online shopping, don’t click “allow all cookies” without a second thought. If you do, you give these websites permission to track you. Third-party cookies are used to track your activity between sites, so they can create a scarily accurate profile on who you are and what you like. If you can, disable these third-party cookies (along with other unnecessary trackers) and delete the existing ones from your browser.
Think twice before you share personal details: Many platforms allow you to create your own profile with a profile picture, date of birth, checkout details, and a variety of other facts about your life. Before you fill this in, always consider whether the website actually needs that information for the service they offer. If you have the option, don’t fill out these details and leave them blank instead.
Use a VPN: Some people might advise using your browser’s incognito mode to stay anonymous online, but this doesn’t work. “Private mode” isn’t enough if you don’t want your data to be saved anywhere. Instead, consider getting a VPN (Virtual Private Network). A VPN encrypts your information and hides your IP address, meaning that websites won’t be able to read your location and other bits of personal information as easily.
In short, if you want to stay safe while online shopping, you need to watch your cookies, think critically, and use the right technology.
This will give you excellent protection against big corporations and their data collection schemes.
A representative from VPNOverview commented on the study: “Online shoppers must be careful when navigating these sites and making purchases online. Although some of the information being collected is essential to the site’s functionality, having your financial status or the number of family members you have to be shared with faceless corporations can be rather alarming.In most cases, customers have no idea where that information could end up or how it could be used.
“If you’re looking for a VPN to try, we recommend Surfshark. This VPN provider is relatively cheap and works well on desktops, smartphones, and countless other devices.
“Moreover, Surfshark might even enable you to get better deals and escape price discrimination. If you’re interested, you can always check out the Surfshark website.”
VPNOverview are a dedicated team of cybersecurity and privacy professionals offering guidance on these topics in the most accessible way possible.
Edinburgh locals encouraged to join the conversation on land reform
THE SECOND instalment of a popular free online webinar series has returned to coach people across Scotland on how to make the most of opportunities with the land and buildings around them.
After the first instalment was a major success, the 45-minute, informal lunchtime sessions will explore topics such as what Common Good land is and how it is managed. Other topics including rural housing and vacant and derelict land will also be covered.
The series will run fortnightly on Wednesdays from 18 January to 29 March and will share knowledge with attendees on how they can get involved in local land use decision-making to make a positive change.
Emma Cooper, Head of Land Rights and Responsibilities at the Scottish Land Commission, said: “The positive feedback from the first series of sessions highlighted how eager people across Scotland are to learn about and engage in discussions about the land around them and the role they can play in it.
“It’s crucial that we provide individuals with the tools and knowledge around land rights and responsibilities to ensure they know how to make a positive difference.
“As we look to do that, our ‘Land @ Lunch’ series aims to share ideas, allow people to join in on discussions, stimulate action and signpost people to useful tools and support a range of land reform topics.”
The Scottish Land Commission’s webinars aim to offer people the knowledge and tools to understand how Scottish land is used and manged and allow participants to engage in conversation relating to topical issues at the heart of Scotland’s land. The webinars are free, open to everyone, and informal, so participants are invited to take part whether they are at home or at work.
The Scottish Land Commission’s Land Right and Responsibilities Protocols set out practical advice on how land owners, land managers, and communities can work together to make better and fairer decisions about land use.
The Scottish Land Commission provides advice and recommendations for law and policy as well as leadership for change in culture and practice, working to create a Scotland where everybody can benefit from the ownership and use of the nation’s land and buildings.
To find out more information about the Land @ Lunch webinar series and to book your place, visit: landcommission.gov.scot/events.
To find out more about information about the Scottish Land Commission, visit: landcommission.gov.scot.
Minister urges those eligible to apply for support with the cost of living
Scottish households have saved more than £3 billion in council tax since the Council Tax Reduction (CTR) scheme was introduced almost ten years ago.
The latest figures published by the Scottish Government show 456,790 recipients received CTR in October 2022, meaning around one-in-five households were benefiting from the scheme.
People on low incomes are eligible for CTR if they live in Scotland – there is no equivalent benefit in England where most councils require each household to contribute a minimum amount of council tax, irrespective of ability to do so.
People who receive CTR save on average £750 a year and become eligible for up to 35% off their water and waste charges.
Public Finance Minister Tom Arthur said: “The Council Tax Reduction scheme celebrates its tenth anniversary in April 2023 and these latest figures show the scale of support it has provided to people in Scotland over the last decade.
“The cost of living crisis is disproportionately affecting poorer households and now, more than ever, it is important everyone is aware of the help that is available.
“Some people are also eligible for other council tax discounts or sometimes full exemptions, including students, people with disabilities and carers amongst others.
“I urge people to check their eligibility for council tax reduction and other financial support by visiting our online resources or by contacting their local council.”
People can check whether they are eligible for Council Tax Reduction through mygov.scot or by contacting their local council. Details of other help available including extra financial support or for things like food, heating and electricity can be found on the Scottish Government’s cost of living crisis support website.
BBC secured the Top 6 most watched programmes on Christmas Day, and 7 out of the Top 10 as audiences turned to the BBC across the day for an outstanding range of programmes across drama, comedy and entertainment.
BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing was the most popular show on Christmas Day with 5.4 million viewers (excluding The King’s Christmas broadcast).
BBC secured the top six most watched programmes, and seven out of the top ten as audiences turned to the BBC across the day for an outstanding range of programmes across drama, comedy and entertainment.
BBC One was the biggest channel of the day and grew its share year on year, commanding over a quarter of all broadcast viewing overall. BBC One was also bigger than the whole SVOD market combined on Christmas Day on TV.
Charlotte Moore, BBC’s Chief Content Officer says: “Winning the Christmas Day ratings caps off an incredible centenary year of world class content on the BBC.
“In a time of so much competition and choice, the BBC continues to be the UK’s entertainment destination on Christmas Day.”
1
The King’s Christmas Broadcast
BBC One
8.1
2
Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special
BBC One
5.4
3
Michael McIntyre’s Christmas Wheel
BBC One
4.8
4
Call the Midwife
BBC One
4.5
5
Aladdin
BBC One
4.4
6
Ghosts Christmas Special
BBC One
3.9
7
Doc Martin
ITV
3.3
8
EastEnders
BBC One
3.2
9
Coronation Street
ITV
2.8
10
Ant and Dec
ITV
2.7
BBC iPlayer was up 30% YOY in terms of streamed hours, with The King and EastEnders from Christmas Day and The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse from Christmas Eve the top titles.
