WEST Pilton & West Granton Community Council meets tonight at 7pm in West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre.
Among the items on the agenda is the future of The Prentice Centre, West Granton Community Trust’s building in Granton Mains, which will close at the end of September.
All welcome.
AGENDA
Welcome & introductions
Nomination and election of new community councillors (3 vacancies)
Royal Bank of Scotland partners with The City of Edinburgh Council, Volunteer Edinburgh and other city partners to create a donation distribution hub supporting Ukrainian people arriving at Edinburgh HQ
Thousands of people displaced by the war in Ukraine have arrived in Scotland and been supported at Gogarburn site so far. With visa holders yet to arrive[i], many more are expected to be supported.
Donations urgently needed to continue providing essential items such as toothbrushes and waterproof clothing
Royal Bank of Scotland has set up a dedicated donation distribution hub for Ukrainian refugees arriving in the capital.
The hub runs alongside the Welcome Centre for Scotland, which was created through a partnership between the City of Edinburgh Council and local partners, and hosted within Royal Bank’s Gogarburn headquarters.
Using funding issued by the Scottish Government to local authorities to support welcome efforts, the Welcome Centre opened its doors earlier this year to support those resettling in the country and has been the first port of call for thousands of displaced Ukrainian citizens.
Staff from the City of Edinburgh Council are on hand to process entrance paperwork upon arrival, facilitate introductions with host families or find temporary accommodation for the many people who arrive without a place to stay.
To allow families and individuals to settle into their new home quickly and begin to adjust to life in Scotland, paperwork is completed within the centre on the same day – meaning people can make necessary medical or legal appointments as soon as possible. Relevant literature is provided as part of a Scottish Government-produced welcome pack.
Everyone arriving at the Welcome Centre is also offered an essentials pack made up of donations to help them settle in for the first few days. The packs contain day to day necessities such as toiletries, clothing, UK electrical adapters and toys for young children.
With the number of displaced people to the centre increasing daily and supplies of essentials packs depleted, the donations hub is today issuing an urgent call, asking businesses and members of the public who are looking for a way to support the Ukrainian crisis to donate towards the cost of these essential items.
The cost of each complete pack is around £30 and any donation will make a valuable difference, especially to those arriving with no belongings.
Donations can be made to the GoFundMe[ii] set up by Volunteer Edinburgh, who meet the Ukrainian people arriving at the airport and bring them to the Welcome Centre, and also help to purchase the welcome pack items in bulk.
An Amazon Wishlist[iii] has been set up to facilitate donations, where anyone wanting to support these efforts can buy individual items such as toothpaste, sanitary products, rain coats and hand sanitiser. These items are delivered directly to the hub and packed by volunteer staff.
Businesses who would like to help can donate directly through the GoFundMe, via the Amazon wishlist or can send donations directly to the Royal Bank’s Gogarburn offices marked for the attention of Skillbank.
Sheena Hales BEM, who leads the Skillbank at Royal Bank of Scotland said: “At the beginning of the pandemic, we recognised an opportunity to make use of our facilities and converted the conference centre at Gogarburn into a foodbank distribution hub, coordinating deliveries and offering storage space to charities including Social Bite and Cyrenians.
“This charitable legacy has continued ever since, and we’re honoured to have set up the Skillbank to offer our skills and resources to help communities and people in their time of need.
“While Edinburgh has welcomed many Ukrainian people to Scotland through the doors of the Welcome Centre, the reality is that we know there are many more coming who have fled the horrors of war, leaving their lives and loved ones to seek safety here in Scotland.
“While handing out items like a toothbrush or colouring book might seem like a small act, everything we can do to help people feel as welcome as possible is hugely important.
“Currently we have used all of our existing essentials pack stock so any donation – big or small – is massively appreciated.”
Minister with special responsibility for Refugees from Ukraine Neil Gray said: “The safety and welfare of displaced people from Ukraine, who are primarily women and children who may have experienced much stress and trauma, is of paramount importance to the Scottish Government.
“I want to thank people and businesses across Scotland for the huge groundswell of solidarity and support they have shown for the people of Ukraine.
“On arrival, displaced people are given a ‘Warm Scots Welcome’ at the Welcome Hubs, where the Scottish Government is working in partnership with local government and the third sector to assess their needs and provide accommodation and meals along with emotional support and medical attention if required.
“The work undertaken by RBS and the other volunteer organisations in addition to this is extremely important, providing people with items to help them settle into Scotland.”
City of Edinburgh Council Leader, Cammy Day said: “As I’ve said many times already, Edinburgh’s people and businesses have been absolutely outstanding throughout this crisis, offering their unwavering support to Ukrainian people fleeing their homeland in these most desperate of times. From volunteers meeting people on their arrival in Edinburgh, to getting help with accommodation and receiving ongoing support at our advice centre and within the local Ukrainian community, we’re here for them every step of the way.
“I want to thank Royal Bank and their teams for their incredible support – for volunteering Gogarburn House to host our Welcome Hub, where it has run successfully since April, for repurposing their conference facilities to distribute food packages, for their co-ordination of thousands of guest backpacks, filled with nappies, toys, toiletries and other essential items, and for this latest fundraising drive to help gather much-needed donations.”
Situated in Gogarburn, the Welcome Centre is ideally located to welcome those arriving into nearby Edinburgh airport.
To support volunteers working within the centre, colleagues within Royal Bank have given up their time to become Executive Coaches – helping them to navigate the demands of their role and offering expert mentoring advice.
Royal Bank has also worked with suppliers to extend its colleague-wide counselling service to offer staff and volunteers working with vulnerable individuals a confidential outlet and mental wellbeing support.
The First Minister has sought an emergency meeting of the Prime Minister and Heads of devolved Government Council to agree steps to help people in need as a result of the cost of living crisis.
In a letter to the Prime Minister urging the suggested September meeting be brought forward due to a “fast deteriorating” situation the First Minister made her view clear that “many people across the UK simply cannot afford to wait until September for further action to be taken”.
The meeting between leaders of the devolved governments and the UK Government would provide an opportunity to agree actions that can be taken now and formulate a plan of action for the long term.
The Scottish Government Resilience Room (SGoRR) will convene this week to discuss what steps can be taken to urgently ease the burden on households across Scotland, both now and in the future.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “While we will continue to take all actions available to us within devolved responsibilities and budgets – the Scottish Government is investing almost £3 billion this year in a range of measures which will help address the cost of living pressures – it is a statement of fact that many of the levers which would make the biggest difference lie with the UK Government.
“It is also the case that only the UK Government can access and make available resources on the scale required. Therefore, actions by devolved governments alone – though important – will not be enough to meet the unprecedented challenges we face.
“Action is needed now to address significant gaps in help for households, in particular those on low incomes, who are increasingly vulnerable to the impact of rising household costs.
“However, it is also vital, given further increases to energy bills due to be announced later this month, that a substantial plan be developed now to avert and mitigate what will otherwise be a crisis of unprecedented proportions – a crisis in which many people will be unable to feed themselves and their families or heat their homes.
“While few will escape some impact of the cost of living crisis, these impacts are not being experienced evenly. That is why the focus must be on providing targeted support to those most adversely impacted, rather than an irresponsible reduction in broad-based taxes which will benefit the relatively better off over those most in need.
“The current crisis requires clear, focused and determined leadership and co-operation to develop and deliver – at pace – a package of interventions to protect those most impacted.”
The UK Health Security Agency’s (UKHSA) heat-health alert service is designed to help healthcare professionals manage through periods of extreme temperature. The service acts as an early warning system for periods of high temperatures that may affect the public’s health.
The alert will be in place from midday Tuesday 9 August to 6pm on Saturday 13 August for all regions of England.
Temperatures are not forecast to reach the record-breaking levels of the most recent heatwave but are expected to rise throughout the week, potentially reaching mid-30 degrees Celsius on Friday and Saturday in the South East, London, the South West, and the East and West Midlands.
Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), said: “Temperatures will feel very warm again this week, particularly in southern and central parts of the country.
“We want everyone to enjoy the warm weather safely when it arrives but remember that heat can have a fast impact on health. It’s important to ensure that people who are more vulnerable – elderly people who live alone and people with underlying health conditions – are prepared for coping during the hot weather.
“The most important advice is to ensure they stay hydrated, keep cool and take steps to prevent their homes from overheating.”
Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist, Tony Wardle, said: “Heatwave criteria look likely to be met for large areas of the UK later this week, with the hottest areas expected in central and southern England and Wales on Friday and Saturday. Temperatures could peak at 35⁰C, or even an isolated 36⁰C on Saturday.
Elsewhere will see temperatures widely into the high 20s and low 30s Celsius later this week as temperatures build day-on-day through the week due to an area of high pressure extending over much of the UK.
Coupled with the high daytime temperatures will be continued warm nights, with the mercury expected to drop to only around low 20s Celsius for some areas in the south.
look out for those who may struggle to keep themselves cool and hydrated – older people who may also live alone, and those with underlying conditions are particularly at risk
stay cool indoors by closing curtains on rooms that face the sun – and remember that it may be cooler outdoors than indoors
drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol
try to keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm, when the UV rays are strongest
walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat, if you have to go out in the heat
avoid physical exertion in the hottest parts of the day
make sure you take water with you if you are travelling
check that fridges, freezers and fans are working properly
check medicines can be stored according to the instructions on the packaging
never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals
High temperatures also present a risk of wildfires, especially after long dry periods. People with pre-existing heart and lung conditions such as asthma are most susceptible as breathing wildfire smoke may worsen their symptoms. Children and older people may also be susceptible to health impacts.
If wildfire smoke affects your area, avoid or reduce your exposure to smoke by staying indoors with the doors and windows closed.
Where possible avoid smoky areas. If you should travel through a smoky area, ensure that the vehicle windows are closed and the air conditioning is switched to recycle or recirculate if possible.
Listen out for local news reports and information from the emergency services who will provide advice on the precautions you should take.
Near record pass rates for National 5s, Highers and Advanced Highers in an exam year
TODAY thousands of young people across Scotland have received the results for their Nationals, Highers, Advanced Highers, National Progression Awards, Skills for Work Awards, National Certificates and Awards.
These results will allow young people to take the next step on their learning journey; either continuing at school, moving on to college or university, or entering employment or a workplace-based training programme.
All learners will have their results certificate delivered to their home address by first class post on Tuesday 9 August. Those who have signed-up for and activated their MySQA account will also receive their results by text and/or email this morning.
If learners do not receive their certificate with their post, they can contact their school, college or training provider, who can provide results and work with SQA to find out what has happened to the certificate.
On Results Day, SQA’s helpline opened at 8 am to answer learners’ questions about their certificates. Young people can also call Skills Development Scotland to speak to dedicated careers advisors about the options that are available to them.
Pass rates for National 5s, Highers and Advanced Highers have increased to near record levels for any exam year since current qualifications were introduced.
The overall percentage of A grades is also higher than 2019, when exams were last held, and the number of skills-based qualifications, awards and certificates has increased to a near record 64,240.
Almost 138,000 learners are receiving Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) results today – the highest number since 2017.
These show:
the National 5 pass rate was 80.8% (250,730 passes) – up from 78.2% in 2019
the Higher pass rate was 78.9% (148,540 passes) – up from 74.8% in 2019
the Advanced Higher pass rate was 81.3% (22,940 passes) – up from 79.4% in 2019
Today’s results also show the gap between attainment levels in the least and most deprived areas has narrowed from the 2019 level:
for National 5, the gap was 14.6 percentage points – down from 17.1 percentage points in 2019
for Higher, the gap was 15.0 percentage points – down from 16.9 percentage points in 2019
for Advanced Higher, the gap was 13.2 percentage points – down from 13.6 percentage points in 2019
Education Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “This is one of the strongest ever sets of results for any exam year, which is particularly impressive given the significant challenges learners have faced as a result of the pandemic.
“Pass rates for National 5s, Highers and Advanced Highers have increased compared with 2019, with A passes also up, and skills-based qualifications are close to the highest ever figure.
“It is important to note, though, that although 2022 saw a return to exams, it was not a return to normality. The approach to exams reflected the disruption to teaching and learning that young people faced and a wide-ranging package of support and modifications was put in place.
“I am confident that the approach, which was informed by views from across the education system, as well as learners, has delivered a credible, consistent and fair set of results for our young people. Indeed, universities have assured learners that they support the 2022 approach to assessment, and industry leaders have spoken publicly about how much they value this year’s qualifications.
“Today’s results illustrate the wide range of qualifications that learners are choosing, and I welcome the increase in skills-based awards. These qualifications equip young people with the skills they need to enter apprenticeships or go into the workplace, where they will support Scotland’s economic recovery after COVID-19.
“There are many different pathways to success and I want to celebrate the full breadth of learners’ achievements and to pay tribute to our young people for working so hard and showing such resilience.
“I’d also like to thank our incredible teachers and education staff, and, of course parents and carers, who have supported learners during another very challenging year.
“While the results show the gap between attainment levels in the least and most deprived areas has narrowed from the 2019 level, we know that the pandemic has disproportionately impacted learners from more disadvantaged backgrounds. We are determined to accelerate the progress that has been made and we are investing a record £1 billion in the Scottish Attainment Challenge during this parliamentary term.
“Some learners may not be receiving the results they were hoping for today. This year there is a free, direct appeals service for those whose National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher awarded grade is less than the estimate submitted by their school or college. There is also plenty of help available on next steps, including from the Skills Development Scotland Results Helpline.”
This year, Scotland has returned to formal national exams, supported by a package of measures (course modifications and revision support, as well as wider support from across the education system).
These measures were designed to address the ongoing disruption to learning and teaching that young people experienced, while maintaining standards.
In addition, SQA has adopted a more generous approach to grading to help ensure fairness for learners. This is in recognition of the fact that those preparing for and sitting exams have done so in very different circumstances from those who sat exams in 2019, having experienced disruption to their learning over two academic years.
Learners can be confident that the qualifications they receive are credible and fair, and that they reflect the knowledge, understanding and skills they have acquired through their hard work in very challenging circumstances. Colleges, universities and employers, can also be confident that standards and integrity have been maintained in 2022.
Young people can also appeal their grade for National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher courses directly through SQA for free. Learners can appeal if their final result is lower than the grade their school, college or training provider expected. While the final decision is the candidate’s, SQA would encourage anyone considering submitting an appeal to discuss their decision with their teacher, lecturer or other member of staff first.
Priority appeals are available for learners who have a conditional offer for a college or university place or for a training or employment offer and must be submitted to SQA by Friday 19 August.
All other appeals must be submitted by Friday 2 September.
Full details on eligibility and how to register an appeal and a copy of SQA’s Appeals 2022 – what you need to know (495 KB) booklet has been delivered to the homes of all learners taking National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher courses.
Annette McKenna, Senior Operations Manager at SQA, said: ‘I want to thank candidates across Scotland for their hard work and dedication in preparing for and sitting their exams and assessments. Learners can have confidence in their grades and be proud of what they have accomplished.
‘I also want to thank all the teaching and support staff who have gone to exceptional lengths to support learners and help them achieve their results. It is thanks to them that candidates are able to reach their full potential.
‘I encourage anyone who has any queries or needs advice come Results Day, to call the helplines where dedicated members of staff will be happy to help and guide you.’
SQA’s Candidate Advice Line will be available on Results Day from 8 am to 6 pm, then Wednesday 10 August to Tuesday 16 August (excluding weekends) from 8:30 am to 5 pm. The line can be reached on 0345 279 1000.
Skills Development Scotland can be contacted on 0808 100 8000 and will be open from 8 am to 8 pm on Tuesday 9 August and Wednesday 10 August. It will be open 9 am to 5 pm from Thursday 11 August to Wednesday 17 August, excluding weekends.
Children’s Commissioner Bruce Adamson has congratulated young people on their achievements during the pandemic.
IN a video message, he’s said ‘well done’ to those who are pleased with their results. But he’s also reminded young people who might be feeling disappointed, that setbacks happen to us all.
Commissioner Bruce says: “I want to say a big congratulations to all of you. It’s been a difficult few years and you’ve worked really, really hard. It’s important that we recognise all of your achievements.
“If you’ve got the results you hope for, that is brilliant. For those who don’t get the results you hoped for, don’t panic. There really is no wrong path, and we’ve all had setbacks in our academic careers.
“Take the opportunity to think about what you want to do next to develop that amazing potential that you have.”
Paul Johnson, NSPCC Childline Team Manager, Scotland, said: “At Childline we know that results day and the period running up to it can be a really stressful time for young people.
“This year we saw the return of exams for the first time in three years after the pandemic and young people have told our Childline counsellors that they have been feeling anxious and stressed about revision and sitting them.
“Some young people have also told us they felt underprepared for exams after studying from home for long periods of time in the last few years.
“Now, as they find out their results from the exams, it is vital that they feel supported and listened to.
“Young people often tell us they are worried they will get lower grades than they need to get into their preferred course or University, and they feel anxious and unsettled because it’s out of their control.
“Often they have high expectations for themselves, or their family can put them under pressure to perform well.
“Some young people think their whole future depends on these results and this is their last chance to get into the further education course of their choice, or an apprenticeship that they have applied for.
“In such circumstances, it’s possible the young person could appeal their results or resit their exams the following year. They could also look at alternative courses or universities through clearing, and there’s the option of taking a gap year. Speaking to a teacher could be very helpful in assisting a young person to decide on which is the best option to take.
“If any young person is feeling apprehensive and worried about their results, I’d urge them to talk to someone about it.
“It can be very upsetting for a young person not to get the grades they had hoped for or expected, and it can affect their confidence. But it’s important for them to know that many others are going through the same thing and there are a range of options to explore.
“There are also lots of trusted adults they can turn to for help and support whether that’s a teacher, careers advisor, parent, carer or Childline.
“Every year our specially trained counsellors carry out counselling sessions with hundreds of children across the UK who are worried about their exams and results. They listen to the young person’s concerns, offer advice about dealing with anxiety and help explore the different options available for those who don’t get their desired results.
“The conversation is confidential, and no worry is ever too small.”
Young people under the age of 19 can get free, confidential support and advice from Childline at www.childline.org.uk or by calling 0800 1111 for free.
A girl aged 16 from Scotland, said: “We have final assessments starting next week and we’ve only been given a couple of weeks to learn the content and I’m struggling with it all to be honest.
“I was predicted straight As but at this rate my grades will be nowhere near that. I’m so anxious I feel sick constantly. I’ve never really struggled with exams before – I found national 5’s really easy but when I went up to higher and there was lockdowns and stuff I started really struggling.” (Girl, aged 16, Scotland)
A girl aged 17 from Scotland, said: “I feel really stressed and worried and don’t know what to do. I had my first ever exam today and I feel like it went horrible.
“In my prelims, I got all As but today’s exam felt way harder and don’t know if I will be able to appeal. I feel I’m going to be stressing over this the whole summer until my exam results come back and still I have 3 other exams to go.”(Girl, aged 17, Scotland)
Advice
For young peoplewho may not achieved the results they wanted:
Ask a teacher, careers advisor or any adult you trust what they think and discuss your options and how you are feeling.
Remind yourself of what you did well in whether that be specific pieces of coursework, or other parts of your life.
Don’t compare yourself to your friends.
If you do not feel your grade reflects your ability speak to your school about making an appeal.
Look at other courses or training programmes and apprenticeships that you can do.
If you haven’t got a place at your chosen university, try not to worry as there is a chance you could get a place at another university through the clearing process.
Take a gap year and do something different like volunteering.
Look at different courses that you can do with the grades you have achieved.
For parents and carers:
Your child may find it hard to talk to you about their results so be patient and supportive until they feel ready to talk about how they feel.
Encourage your child to take their time to think about what they want to do next. There’s no need to rush into a decision straightaway.
Help them think about their choices by writing down a list of pros and cons for each of their options
If they are finding it hard to talk to you, let them know they can contact Childline for free, confidential support and advice on 0800 1111 or www.childline.org.uk
Fitness experts at BreakingMuscle.com have given their top tips for maintaining fitness goals whilst drinking alcohol by making smart, simple changes.
Every fitness journey, whether it’s increased muscle mass, fat loss or a sustained healthy lifestyle, requires a level of dedication and perseverance.
That’s why it can be difficult to see alcohol consumption as part of a fitness regime due to its side effects, however, drinking socially is certainly achievable without sabotaging personal health goals.
With a bit of forward planning and a few simple hacks, having a good time and staying in shape can go together hand in hand.
A spokesperson for BreakingMuscle.com said: “For those looking to enjoy a drink in the hot weather with friends whilst maintaining the body they desire, it can feel like an impossible task.
“However this is not the case, with a few smarter choices we can limit the effects of hangovers, control calories and plan workouts that fit around social events.
“Of course, there are some types of alcohol that have a higher caloric value than others. But it doesn’t have to be a chore to make drinking fit in with a healthy lifestyle. Staying on track with fitness goals does have its importance, but enjoying time with friends and family shouldn’t have to be sacrificed because of this.”
Staying hydrated throughout the night is just as important as staying hydrated during a workout. Keeping water intake up whilst drinking can help to prevent any negative side effects the next day. Try drinking a glass of water for every alcoholic drink, if this isn’t possible ensure to drink plenty of water before heading off to bed.
Take a day off
It can be tempting to get straight back into the gym the day after a few drinks but this isn’t always the best idea. It’s more than okay to have a day off and relax, trying to smash a workout whilst not feeling a hundred percent can actually do more harm than good.
Fill up on macros
Unfortunately, alcoholic drinks aren’t known for the vitamins and minerals they provide, they actually deplete the body’s supply. In the hours pre and post drinking, try to eat fruits and veg that are rich in macronutrients. Smoothies, nuts and bananas are just a few examples of quick foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals to fit in before or after a night out.
Choose wisely
It may feel as though alcoholic beverages have no calories in them but many drinks can be very deceiving. Be wary of cocktails and mixed drinks as they will contain a higher number of calories than beer and wines.
Light over dark
When choosing a tipple, try picking light spirits like gin or vodka over whiskey and spiced rum. This is because darker spirits contain toxic compounds that can contribute to a nastier hangover.Set a limitIt can be easy to overindulge when out socialising with friends. However, for those who may find it difficult to get back on track after a heavy night out, setting a limit can help provide clarity moving forward in the gym. Setting higher limits should not induce guilt, but should be used to inform healthy amendments to that week’s training routine.
Steer clear of sugar
Where possible try and swap sugary mixers and cocktails for diet or sugar-free alternatives. For example, try swapping a gin and tonic for a gin and soda water, the taste might not be quite the same but it can make sticking to a calorie goal much easier.
Post-drink snack
Kebabs, burgers and pizzas are often the most popular post drinking snack but the calories can start to add up after a few drinks. Preparing food at home after a night out can be a great way to not overspend on calories at the end of the night.
Pet behaviourist shares their top five tips for getting your furry friend eating again
Cats have gained a bit of a reputation for being fussy, particularly when it comes to food, but sometimes their eating habits (or lack thereof) can be a sign of something bigger. Cats can be fussy eaters at the best of times but sometimes their unwillingness can be a sign of something bigger.
Hunting activity is ingrained in a cat’s DNA and when we take this activity away by simply providing food on a plate, it can have a knock-on impact.
So, to get your fussy feline eating enthusiastically again, Bella & Duke’s pet behaviourist Caroline Spencer shares her top tips:
Understand your cat’s eating habits
Cats are naturally suspicious animals and new food can cause anxiety initially.
Keep them interested by incorporating play, especially chasing or hunting activities, before mealtime.
Cats also prefer their food at the same temperature as “prey” would be in the wild. Before placing their food down on a feeding board or plate pop your cat’s meal into a bowl and place in warm water to replicate this.
Find the right feeding location
Cats tend to be private creatures who like the quiet and generally don’t like to be watched while eating.
Try to make sure the room they eat in is peaceful and free of activity during mealtime. No children running around, no radio playing or dishwasher running.
Add tasty additions
Adding a favourite natural, dehydrated treat like our Supreme Sprats or a little bit of beaten raw egg to their food will encourage many fussy cats to get stuck in.
You could also sprinkle your fussy cat’s meal with antler powder, drizzle some bone broth over the top or even add a small amount of tinned sardines in spring water to enhance the aroma.
Work out the best time to feed
Cats are mostly active at dawn and dusk and eat best in the early morning or late at night.
Have you noticed your cat has an increased amount of energy just about the time you settle down for the evening? Give them a meal after this expenditure of energy and also put food out around dawn.
Find the right feeding surface
Many will be surprised to hear that cats don’t like the smell of plastic or their whiskers touching the side of a bowl while they’re trying to eat.
Try serving their food on a wooden board, glass or ceramic plate instead. Make sure it’s spotlessly clean too – cats don’t like to smell old food while they eat.
Caroline Spencer, Pet Behaviourist at Bella & Duke added;“Cats are notorious for being independent pets and that doesn’t stop when it comes to their food.
“Feeding a picky eater can be frustrating when they turn their nose up at mealtime, try to understand what might be affecting this, it could just be something as simple as the placement of where the food is put.”
The Edinburgh Festival: A Biography by David Pollock, has just been published by Luath Press in celebration of the 75th anniversary of the Edinburgh International Festival and Festival Fringe.
With the arrival of the August programme of Festival events, arts and culture writer David Pollock draws upon his experiences as reviewer of over 1,000 shows to present a timely overview of the history of these world-renowned festivals.
The first to tell the complete history of the Edinburgh Festival, Pollock’s book paints an extraordinary portrait of the growth, glory years and struggles of this global cultural phenomenon.
He introduces a wide cast of key individuals and shows, including Fleabag, Peter Cook and Dudley Moore, Billy Connolly, Emma Thompson, Stephen Fry, Joseph Beuys, The Fall and Six: The Musical. The Edinburgh Festival: A Biography provides a unique perspective on the social and cultural history of Scotland and its capital in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.
As kids across the UK enjoy the summer holidays, new research carried out by Micro Scooters suggests that the majority of the 6 weeks will be spent indoors with as little as2 hours per week being spent outdoors.
Micro Scooters is committed to reintroducing the delight in the great outdoors, and encouraging children to find the fun in spending their summer holidays outdoors; playing, joking and having unforgettable adventures.
Wholly invested in making a positive impact on the planet, Micro Scooters, with its range of scooters for all ages and easily transportable, have invested in thorough research ahead of kids’ summer holidays, which is the prime time for children to take part in outdoor activities.
The alarming findings reveal that when those surveyed were asked about how parents spent their free time as a child, more than 3 in 4 say that they spent most of their time outdoors playing. This is in comparison to their own kids and how they spend their time now in 2022. 1 in 2 (50%) of those surveyed said most of the activities take place indoors during the school holidays and throughout the year.
Close to all (90%) of the over 65s surveyed, stated that the majority of their time was spent outdoors, but only 1 in 3 of the 18-24s surveyed said they spent most of their time outside, highlighting the gradual change in habits amongst children. However, the alarming decrease may lead to the young population ditching the outdoors altogether in the next 10 years.
Yorkshire ranked the worst with only a third spending most of their time outdoors, as Greater London ranked the best with over half of kids spending most of their time outdoors.
Micro Scooters is encouraging kids to go outdoors this Summer. After so long being forced to keep our children indoors, Micro Scooter’s mission is to get kids out, laughing, playing and being kids once again. Their mission is to keep children entertained and active but, most importantly, full of fun, laughter and joy during the summer holidays, whilst helping them to lead an active lifestyle which is good for mind, body and soul.
Ben Gibson, Managing Director of Micro Scooters commented “It feels like fun has been somewhat on the back burner for the last few years and kids have struggled with school closures, constant hand washing and video lessons so this summer feels like the perfect time for them to break free and remember how to have fun.
“There are so many benefits to getting outside to play, from health and fitness, to mental health and even helping sleep so we hope that we will see these figures go up as kids start to spend more time outside this summer.”
Scooting provides many benefits across all ages, including core conditioning with the activity strengthening the core and engaging the stabilising muscles, as well as endurance building which builds muscle strength along with cardiovascular fitness to help you go further.
The correlating data shows that 80% of children only spend 2-3 hours a week outside playing, cycling or scooting, with a number of the cities surveyed showing just one hour a week, including Manchester.
The UK is in agreement that lack of outdoor activities such as scooting is the main cause of a rise in child obesity, two thirds stated inactivity for being responsible for the rise in obesity, with a half of children spending the majority of their time indoors.
The Government’s obesity strategy seeks to halve the prevalence of childhood obesity by 2030, with a focus on encouraging individual behaviour change, product reformulation and restricting unhealthy food marketing, however the UK isn’t in agreement with this approach, with only 5% stating that a poor education on health is the main contribution to the concerning rise.
Micro Scooters was founded in 2006 by two mums, Anna Gibson and Philippa Gogarty, after they discovered how much easier it was to get from A to B with their young children using tough, lightweight scooters instead of buggies.
The product range, which offers something for kids of all ages and abilities, starts with Ride On Scooters that are perfect for helping children from 12 months onward to get mobile, then moves on to the Mini Micro range which has been engineered around the specific needs and proportions of 2 to 5 year olds.
For those ready to embrace riding on two wheels, Micro Scooters’ innovative range of ultra lightweight balance bikes are designed to help young children build balance, coordination and confidence.
As they continue to thrive, kids can move up to the Maxi Micro and Deluxe products and finally try out a stunt scooter. These are non folding scooters that can be used for tricks and jumps at the skatepark. Thanks to their lightweight design, they are equally at home on everyday journeys as they are performing tricks.
Micro Scooters encourages all children to start or continue to scoot, with the activity providing many benefits for children. Micro Scooters has launched the Play For Life campaign to provide guidance on how to support children in building confidence in their physical ability that will last a lifetime.
People from across Scotland will be invited to join a Citizens’ Panel which will look to improve how the Parliament works with people across Scotland.
The 24-person panel, to be selected at random, will broadly reflect the demographic make-up of Scotland. The Citizens’ Panel on Participation will give members of the public a direct opportunity to influence change.
They will report to the Citizen Participation and Public Petitions Committee who recently launched an inquiry into public participation.
The panel is just one of the many ways the Committee is gathering views that will help inform how the Parliament involves, reflects and meets the needs of all the communities it represents, with a focus on improving engagement for those currently under-represented.
Participants do not need any prior knowledge to take part and the panel will receive support throughout the sessions, which will hear from speakers who are passionate about democracy and public participation, to help facilitate discussion and inform findings.
Citizen Participation and Public Petitions Convener, Jackson Carlaw MSP, said:“This is a unique opportunity to help shape the way the Scottish Parliament works with the people of Scotland and I would encourage everyone who receives an invitation over the coming weeks to register and get involved.
“We know that the Parliament doesn’t hear enough from some groups and communities and this Citizens’ Panel will bring together a diverse range of voices to make recommendations over how Holyrood can better connect and reflect the views of the people MSPs are here to represent.
“If selected, your views could help to directly shape the future of the way the Scottish Parliament engages with communities across Scotland and improve public participation in decision making across the board.”
