Due to road closures and early school closures in our area, Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre has had to cancel our P1-P2 Junior youth group today (Tuesday 13th September).
Apologies for any inconvenience caused and we look forward to seeing you all again next week.
Our other youth groups this week will continue as planned.
Temporary road closures have come into force across Edinburgh’s city centre, as the city prepares to host major ceremonial events to mark the passing of Her Majesty The Queen over the coming days.
Further closures are planned and significant disruption is expected as full details are confirmed by the Royal Household in due course.
The City of Edinburgh Council is working with Scottish Government and Police Scotland to safely accommodate the thousands of people expected to line the city’s streets as people pay their respects.
The general public are being advised to plan ahead and avoid any non-essential travel through the city centre (particularly the Old Town) during this period. People should regularly check the City of Edinburgh Council website, which is being updated with details of which roads will be closed and other public transport information.
People can also follow the relevant transport agencies, Scottish Government and Royal Household for up-to-date advice.
Mourners wishing to take part in events are being advised to plan ahead and take account of the weather conditions, limited facilities and the likelihood of spending long periods at the roadside.
Council Leader Cammy Day said: “On behalf of the whole city of Edinburgh, I offer our heartfelt condolences to all the members of the royal family at this time of sadness and sorrow.
“Our city is highly experienced in handling major events, and we are working closely with Scottish Government, Police Scotland and transport providers to safely accommodate the large crowds of visitors who will wish to pay their respects to Her Majesty The Queen and the Royal Family over the next few days.
“Given the scale and significance of these ceremonial events, we have to be prepared for significant disruption across the city, but particularly in the city centre. We’re closely with our partners to manage this as best we can and to keep residents, businesses and visitors updated on all plans.
“We are also urging everyone to consider their travel needs and avoid any journeys through the city centre where possible. If they do need to travel, we’re asking them to plan ahead, allow extra time for their journeys and follow the very latest travel advice.
Sarah Boyd, Lothian, Managing Director said: “Following the sad passing of Her Majesty The Queen, teams across our business are working together with external partners to plan for further road closures which are expected across the city in the coming days.
“We would ask customers to plan ahead where possible and continue to check our website and social media channels for the latest travel information.
For the most up-to-date information, visit:
www.edinburgh.gov.uk, www.gov.scot and www.royal.uk.
The @edintravel traffic information team will be carefully monitoring the city’s roads, sharing the latest information on disruption and diversions on Twitter.
Users should also follow Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams to keep people informed about their services.
The positive impact Scotch whisky tourism can have for Scotland has been celebrated as the country’s leading new visitor attraction marks its first year of business.
Johnnie Walker Princes Street in Edinburgh opened its doors to the public in September last year, and despite pandemic lockdowns and major travel restrictions, it succeeded in welcoming more than 300,000 visitors from 97 different countries around the world.
A key part of the mission of Johnnie Walker Princes Street is to introduce Scotch whisky to new consumers and to challenge traditional perceptions of Scotland’s national drink.
Encouragingly, 50% of visitors to the venue were women, 56% were not regular Scotch whisky drinkers. Domestic guests noted a 26% increase in likelihood to drink whisky within four weeks of visiting the experience, rising to 29% for international visitors.
Barbara Smith, Managing Director of Johnnie Walker Princes Street, said: “It has been a tough year for everyone in tourism and hospitality, and we are under no illusion that many serious difficulties remain as we try to rebuild Scotland’s visitor sector.
“But it is also important to celebrate positive achievement, and I am incredibly proud of what the team at Johnnie Walker Princes Street have managed to deliver in the first year of operation.
“I am particularly encouraged by the diversity of our guests, with half of all visitors being women, and with an international spread of 97 countries. Our aim at Johnnie Walker Princes Street is to challenge perceptions, bust myths, and show that whisky really is for everyone.
“So, it’s good to see the diversity in our guests and to be able to look at the figures and see we’re helping people find their perfect way to enjoy Scotland’s best loved export.”
Johnnie Walker Princes Street is the centrepiece of Diageo’s £185million investment in Scotch whisky tourism in Scotland, which also includes the transformation of the company’s distillery visitor experiences the length and breadth of Scotland.
Ewan Andrew, Diageo President of Supply Chain & Procurement, who has led the Scotland investment programme, said: “Scotch whisky is in great demand around the world, as Johnnie Walker’s record global sales figures over the past year has shown.
“We want to bring those consumers from all around the world to Scotland and give them an unforgettable experience. The first year of operation at Johnnie Walker Princes Street gives us great confidence that we can achieve that and continue to build the reputation of Scotch whisky as the world’s best loved distilled spirit.”
Scotch whisky tourism recorded its record year in 2019 before the pandemic, with a total of 2.1 million visitors to distilleries. While the pandemic has been a major setback, the figures from Johnnie Walker Princes Street’s first year, were welcomed by the industry as a positive sign of recovery.
Graeme Littlejohn, Director of Strategy at the Scotch Whisky Association, said: “Scotch Whisky is enjoyed around the world – famous for its quality, heritage and unique history.
“What the industry has missed over the course of the Covid pandemic is welcoming visitors from home and abroad to discover more about the story of Scotch. It is fantastic to see people returning to Scotland and visiting our world-class tourist attractions dedicated to sharing Scotland’s world-renowned spirit.”
VisitScotland Regional Director, Neil Christison said: “Congratulations to the team at Johnnie Walker Princes Street on their first anniversary and reaching 300,000 visitor milestone, a fantastic achievement as our industry begins to recover from the pandemic.
“We know that Scotland’s world-famous heritage including whisky is an important part of our visitor appeal, especially among international visitors with one in five visiting a distillery before the pandemic. We are also seeing growing interest for artisanal food and drink experiences as visitors look to connect with the people and processes behind our iconic products.
“It is fantastic to see visitors returning from across the world and closer to home, supporting the recovery of our vital industry and the wider economy.”
Johnnie Walker Princes Street takes visitors on an immersive journey through the 200-year-old history behind the world’s best-selling Scotch whisky.
From personalised tours and rooftop bars serving seriously creative cocktails paired with world class food, to state of the art experiential retail and much more besides, there’s plenty for tourist to be excited about across the eight floor, 71,500 square foot venue.
Advance pre-booking of experiences is highly recommended. Tickets for the Johnnie Walker Princes Street tours start from £28, which includes a 90-minute tour and three personalised Scotch whisky drinks.
To book an experience, sign up to the Johnnie Walker Princes Street mailing list or for more information, please visit www.johnniewalkerprincesstreet.com.
POLICE have confirmed the body which was discovered in Northumberland at the weekend has been identified as 75-year-old Peter Coshan.
The body was found on land close to the A696 near the village of Kirkwhelpington on Sunday, 4 September, 2022.
Dr Coshan’s family has been made aware and specialist officers are continuing to provide support to them.
Detective Superintendent Andrew Patrick, of Police Scotland’s Major Investigation Team, said: “Our thoughts remain with Peter’s family at this incredibly difficult time.
“I would again like to thank everyone who has come forward with information which has helped our investigation.”
Two men, aged 27 and 63, have previously been arrested and charged in connection with Dr Coshan’s disappearance and both have already appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court.
Penguin Books have joined forces with Twinkl Educational Publishing to donate books by authors of colour to 500 UK primary schools.
The donation of books from Penguin, Puffin, Ladybird, and Vintage and Andersen Press forms part of Penguin’s Lit in Colour campaign, and aims to give pupils access to a wider range of authors, characters and books to tackle their stark underrepresentation in UK schools.
Each participating school will receive 100 books, covering a range of titles across fiction, non-fiction, poetry and mythology; from much-loved classics to new voices. Authors included in the selection are Matthew A. Cherry, Malala Yousafzai, Ibtihaj Muhammad and S.K. Ali and more. Each school will also receive a class set of The Good Turn by Sharna Jackson.
Research by Lit in Colour, carried out by Penguin Books and the Runnymede Trust in 2021, revealed a stark picture of under-representation of Black, Asian and minority ethnic authors in the teaching of English Literature in this country.
This is relative both to these authors’ place in contemporary British literary excellence and school population demographics.
According to the research, 82% of young people do not ever recall studying a book by a Black, Asian or minority ethnic author, while 70% agree that diversity is part of British society and should be represented in the school curriculum.
The research also found that a key barrier for primary school teachers was a lack of ready-made resources available from teaching sites that are focused on diverse texts. This is a significant challenge for educators who rely on these for the basis of their planning.
In response to this, Twinkl are producing a comprehensive set of learning resources that aim to make it as easy as possible for educators to create a full lesson around these titles and immerse learners through a selection of activity sheets to be used alongside the books and as follow-on activities.
Twinkl’s comprehensive series of educational resources will cover 20 titles that will support bringing new literature to classrooms. The learning materials will consist of various worksheets and activity packs.
These include 60-second reading activities, to biography fact files and writing packs. These resources will be available to freely access online and can be used in connection with Penguin’s Lit in Colour book list.
Zaahida Nabagereka, Penguin Random House’s Head of Social Impact, said: “Partnering with Twinkl on this first ever UK wide Lit in Colour Primary School donation is a really significant step in addressing the barriers the Lit in Colour report identified in 2021.
“We are committed to supporting teachers to take diverse books into their classrooms with confidence, and key to that is resources. This collaboration strengthens the argument that we can achieve more when we tackle systemic issues together.”
David Angrave, Twinkl’s Chief Operating Officer, said, “As a global education publisher, we are delighted to work with Penguin on such a meaningful campaign. Our Lit in Colour resources aim to engage learners in a wide variety of diverse titles in the classroom. Through a range of voices in books, children can discover different cultures and identifiable characters.
“We are looking forward to continuing to collaborate with Penguin with this campaign and help build an inclusive outlook which celebrates differences and what brings us together.”
Sharna Jackson, author of The Good Turn, said: “When I was younger, there was a pronounced lack of access to many books that reflected my experience – as part of the curriculum, or in my school library.
“It’s why I wholeheartedly support the transformative work that Lit in Colour does to expand and enrich the curriculum. I am so incredibly proud that The Good Turn can be a small part of this change, as this donation from Lit in Colour and Twinkl will make an enormous difference to thousands of young readers who deserve to see themselves and their experience reflected in the books stocked on their school library shelves.”
To find out more about how your school can get involved with the Lit in Colour book giveaway, please visit our website.
Primary teachers can apply by completing this short form by Friday 30th September.
The Royal Life Saving Society UK’s (RLSS UK) annual week long Don’t Drink and Drown campaign launches on 12th September, aiming to get the message across about water safety as thousands of students head off to start their first year at university.
In a sample of UK accidental drowning cases analysed in detail by RLSS UK, at least half of those aged 16-25 who lost their life were students. As a result, the charity is urging students to familiarise themselves with their new surroundings, especially if there is a body of water within the town or city they are moving to.
3 in 4 of these accidental drowning victims were alone . The campaign aims to speak to students and encourage them to, after a night out, be responsible for their friends, be a mate, and ensure they return home safely.
As fresher’s events take place across the UK in September, many students will be heading to bars and clubs to celebrate the start of their university adventure, and this is where RLSS UK fears tragedies may occur.
Lee Heard, Charity Director at RLSS UK, said: “We have seen tragic stories in the past where students have been excited for a new adventure in a new city and should have been enjoying their first few weeks at university but sadly their night did not end how it should have.
“45% of accidental drownings among 16-25 year olds in the last 5 years cited alcohol and/or drugs; we know that alcohol and drugs have a number of different effects on the body including lowering inhibitions, which leads to impaired judgment, and this is where we see people taking risks and getting themselves into trouble in, on and around water.”
In line with this, the data also reveals that when under the influence of alcohol or drugs, accidental drowning victims are much more likely to have unintentionally fallen into the water; 55% compared to 36% for those who were not under the influence.
Lee continued: “We are encouraging students to get to know their new surroundings and if they have a river, canal or other body of water in the city or town that they have moved to, then ensure that the route home after a night out is one which steers clear of the water.”
Further analysis among this group highlighted that, where known, over half of drug and alcohol related drownings take place between 11pm and 5am, the time in which students may be walking home from nights out.
RLSS UK wants to reinforce the message of safety in numbers, be a mate, and stick together to make sure everyone makes it home safe.
Lee said: “Unfortunately in recent years we have seen cases of young people walking home after a night of drinking, and for various reasons getting too close to the edge and ending up in the water.
“At this time of year the water is colder than it looks and cold water shock is a significant factor, and paired with alcohol numbing senses, limiting muscle ability and slowing down reactions, it makes it extremely difficult to be able to swim and self-rescue.
“As we see, mainly young men, walking home alone, sadly in these cases there is nobody around to help we see nights out turn into tragedies.”
For more information on the campaign and to support RLSS UK’s Don’t Drink and Drown campaign this September visit www.rlss.org.uk/dont-drink-and-drown.
Thérapie Clinic announces the launch of its latest clinic at St James Quarter, Edinburgh. Set to be their second clinic in the historic capital of Scotland.
With over 65 clinics in the UK and Ireland and a team of over 200 qualified doctors on its roster, the multi award-winning Thérapie Clinic has cemented its reputation as Europe’s number one medical-grade laser and skincare specialists for face and body.
With this its new clinic opening, Thérapie Clinic is expanding its availability in the area with further plans nationwide.
Founded over 20 years ago, Thérapie Clinic provides affordable, accessible, and up-to-date laser and aesthetic
treatments backed by medical expertise. Across its network of clinics, Thérapie has established a loyal
clientele throughout England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland and has delivered more than ten million
doctor-led treatments. The family-run aesthetic clinic offers a wide range of the most advanced and high tech,
nonsurgical treatments for the skin and body, at the most competitive prices on the market.
Specialising in laser hair removal, skin treatments, cosmetic injections and body sculpting, Thérapie Clinic provides treatments for all cosmetic needs.
St James, Edinburgh will be the latest location offering an extensive menu of treatments including laser hair removal, anti-wrinkle injections, skin treatments, lip, and dermal filler and Profhilo. The highly advanced and rapidly expanding medical clinic brand has already attracted an array of VIPs including Pixie Lott, Vicky Pattison, Martine McCutcheon, and Dani Dyer to name but a few.
Phillip McGlade, CEO of Thérapie Clinic, comments: “We are absolutely delighted to continue our expansion across the UK and to announce the opening of our second Thérapie Clinic in the heart of Edinburgh.
“The new state-of-the-art clinic will provide marketing leading face, body, and skin treatments for the people of Edinburgh and in surrounding areas. The destination reflects our core ethos of excellence and trust, while giving us a great foothold as we enter this area.
“Consultations with our expert team are free of charge and we look forward to welcoming residents of Edinburgh to experience our world-class aesthetic services”
Thérapie Clinic offer Free consultations giving customers the opportunity to sit down with one of its expert team to discuss the best course of action to meet the customers’ needs through safe, trusted, and proven treatments. Prices for laser hair treatments start at £9.95, skin treatments and peels start at
£59.95 and cosmetic injections start at £120.
Leading Scottish law firm Thorntons has pledged its support for Cash for Kids as it announces the return of its renowned Charity Wills campaign.
Taking place across its offices in Fife, Dundee, Perth, Angus and Edinburgh, Thorntons won’t charge a fee for Wills written throughout the month of September. Instead, the firm asks clients to make an equivalent donation to Cash for Kids.
More than £550,000 has been raised for Cash for Kids through this initiative since it first launched 26 years ago – with hopes that the 2022 total will set a new record for the firm.
The donations from last year’s campaign allowed Cash for Kids to support 2,982 families with basic essentials like supermarket vouchers and clothing, with the aim of making a difference to young lives, directly supporting families who often have nowhere else to go for support.
Victoria Hendry, Radio Forth’s Cash for Kids Charity Manager said: “We are thrilled to yet again be partnering with Thorntons on their Charity Wills Month this September.
“To say this campaign has been a success over the years would be an understatement. Through Thorntons innovation, commitment and hard work this campaign goes from strength to strength and supports more local children year on year.
“We are so delighted to be the beneficiary of this wonderful campaign and we cannot thank Thorntons’ people and their clients enough for getting behind it. We have managed to help thousands of local children live a happier and fuller life thanks to Thorntons’ Charity Wills month.
“If you are looking for a Will or updating your current Will, look no further than contacting Thorntons and in turn, you’ll be supporting local children right on your doorstep.”
Murray Etherington, Partner and Head of Wills, Trusts and Succession planning at Thorntons said: “By taking part in our Charity Wills campaign this September, you’ll not only be safeguarding your future but also supporting some of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged children in your area.
“As the cost-of-living crisis worsens across the country, the work that Cash for Kids do to provide families with basic essentials such as food, toiletries and clothing, has never been more important and we’re proud to support them once again this year.
“Many people assume they don’t need a Will, or a fear it’s an expensive or morbid process. However, if you own a property, have savings, are responsible for children or other dependents, then you should have one in place to protect your wishes and to reduce the stress and cost for your family when dealing with your affairs.
“All appointments are being held virtually so you can make your Will from the comfort of your own home. With a set number of appointments available during September, we advise you to book early to ensure you don’t miss out.”
Anyone wishing to make a new Will or update an existing Will during Thorntons’ Charity Wills month this September, can find out more online at: https://www.thorntons-law.co.uk/charitywills
The Great British Food Festival is back this year at the lovely Dalkeith Country Park on the weekend of the 10th & 11th September and it promises to be a fantastic foodie weekend.
Over 75 different traders will be in attendance, amongst them artisan food producers and award winning street food stalls.
Along with wonderful food and drink producers there will be a great line up of local bands, fantastic chef demos, foodie talks, man vs food competitions and a bake stage.
Dan Maycock, one of the organisers said ‘We have got a great mix of local Scottish produce and some coming from further afield. On the hot food front you will be able to try anything from traditional hog roast to Indian and Thai dishes, so hopefully something for all tastes!’
The Chef Demo stage hosts great local chefs and Instagram stars cooking up their favourite dishes and sharing tips, with five demos taking place each day.
One of the highlights is the ‘Great British Cake Off’, where amateur bakers compete head to head in two baking categories (see www.greatbritishfoodfestival.com for details and to enter), and best of all, if you enter a cake you get free entry to the festival!
There is entertainment for all the family over the weekend, including kid’s cookery lessons, free circus skills, and live music. The perfect recipe for a fun, foodie day out for the whole family. See www.greatbritishfoodfestival.com for advanced tickets.
POLICE have released images of a man they believe may have information that can assist their ongoing enquiries into an attempted robbery. The incident occurred at around 1.50 am on Monday, 1 November 2021, on Gayfield Place.
Officers believe that the man shown in the images may have information that could assist them and would appeal to him or anyone who recognises him to contact them.
The man shown in the images is described as aged 20-30 years of age, around 5 foot 8 inches tall, with dark hair and was wearing a black and white jacket, black jeans and dark shoes and carrying a rucksack at the time.
Detective Constable Claire Riley, of Gayfield CID, said: “This was a frightening experience for the victim and our inquiries have been ongoing. I would urge the male in the images or anyone with information relating to him to contact police as soon as possible.”
Members of the public can contact Police Scotland via 101, quoting reference number 0298 of 1 November 2021, or if they wish to remain anonymous, they can call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
