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Sick Kids no more: Work starts on exclusive Royal Meadows housing development
A PREMIUM developer is to rejuvenate Edinburgh’s former Royal Hospital for Sick Children, by carefully restoring it into a range of high-quality homes.
Square & Crescent has kicked off construction at its Royal Meadows development which will see eight townhouses and 85 apartments carefully created both in and around the B Listed former hospital building and its surrounding streets.
The four-acre site sits directly opposite The Meadows, one of Edinburgh’s best-known landmarks, and lies between Sciennes Road and Rillbank Crescent.
Euan Marshall, Co-Founder and Joint Managing Director at Square & Crescent said: “To get to this stage of the process with Royal Meadows is a pinch-yourself moment for us at Square & Crescent.
“Most Edinburgh parents, at one time or another, have had to take a trip to the Royal Hospital for Sick Children so we are proud to have an opportunity to respect its history by carefully restoring the recognised building.
“We’re certain that with Royal Meadows, we are going to do this famous building justice by giving it a brand new purpose and offering up a wonderful place to live.”
Nestled in the heart of Marchmont and The Grange area of Edinburgh, the Royal Meadows site is well-connected – just one mile from Princes Street and a two-minute walk from Lothian Road.
With work now underway in what will be a three-year build process at Royal Meadows, the site’s sales suite is set to launch in late summer this year, with full completion targeted for the end of 2025.
Simon Cook, Co-Founder and Joint Managing Director said: “From early identification of the site, we knew it had all the makings of an incredible development that will preserve an important landmark in the city.
“To have spades in the ground at Royal Meadows is definitely a milestone moment and we can’t wait to watch the site grow and develop.”
Friends Euan Marshall and Simon Cook’s career paths crossed on a number of property projects around Edinburgh, with their complementing skillsets providing the perfect testbed to found Square & Crescent in 2013.
Square & Crescent is now a widely-regarded residential developer with a primary focus on the acquisition, development and refurbishment of beautiful homes.
It has built a strong track record and trusted reputation in providing some of the best residential conversion projects over the past 10 years, making a move in recent years into developing unique new build homes, providing exceptional and sustainable modern living in a variety of different locations within Edinburgh.
For more information on Royal Meadows, or to register interest, please email sales@squareandcrescent.com or phone 0131 225 2155.
England’s smokers urged to swap cigarettes for vapes in world first scheme
Pregnant women will also be offered financial incentives to help them quit as part of a sweeping package of measures to cut smoking rates in England
One million smokers will be encouraged to swap cigarettes for vapes under a pioneering new “swap to stop” scheme designed to improve the health of the nation and cut smoking rates.
As part of the world-first national scheme, almost one in five of all smokers in England will be provided with a vape starter kit alongside behavioural support to help them quit the habit as part of a series of new measures to help the government meet its ambition of being smokefree by 2030 – reducing smoking rates to 5% or less. Local authorities will be invited to take part in the scheme later this year and will design a scheme which suits its needs, including deciding which populations to prioritise.
In a speech today, Health Minister Neil O’Brien will also announce that following the success of local schemes, pregnant women will be offered financial incentives to help them stop smoking. This will involve offering vouchers, alongside behavioural support, to all pregnant women who smoke by the end of next year.
The government will also consult on introducing mandatory cigarette pack inserts with positive messages and information to help people to quit smoking.
Additionally, there will be a crackdown on illicit vape sales as part of measures to stop children and non-smokers take up the habit – which is growing in popularity among young people.
Health Minister Neil O’Brien will say: “Up to two out of three lifelong smokers will die from smoking. Cigarettes are the only product on sale which will kill you if used correctly.
“We will offer a million smokers new help to quit. We will be funding a new national ‘swap to stop’ scheme – the first of its kind in the world. We will work with councils and others to offer a million smokers across England a free vaping starter kit.”
The new policies will deliver the UK Government’s three aims to help more adults quit smoking, stop children and non-smokers from taking up vaping, and using vaping as a tool for established adult smokers to quit.
For those who quit, the risk of heart attack is halved after one year of quitting, ultimately halving the likelihood of ending up in a hospital bed or worse.
Supporting more women to have a smokefree pregnancy will reduce the number of babies born underweight or underdeveloped with health problems requiring neonatal and ongoing care. It will also reduce the risk of miscarriage and stillbirth.
Cutting smoking rates reduces the number of smoking-related illnesses needing to be treated, in turn reducing the pressure on the NHS, helping to deliver on our priority to cut NHS waiting lists.
NHS figures for 2021 showed that 9% of 11- to 15-year-old children used e-cigarettes, up from 6% in 2018.
In recognition of the sharp increase, Minister O’Brien will launch a Call for Evidence on youth vaping to identify opportunities to reduce the number of children accessing and using vape products – and explore where government can go further.
Working with enforcement agencies and learning from the government’s work with Trading Standards on illicit tobacco, £3 million of new funding will also be provided to create a specialised ‘illicit vapes enforcement squad’ to enforce the rules on vaping and tackle illicit vapes and underage sales.
As part of the measures, HMRC and Border Force will also be publishing an updated strategy this year to tackle illicit tobacco. It will lay out strategically how we continue to target, catch and punish those involved in the illicit tobacco market.
Smoking prevalence in England in 2021 was 13% – the lowest on record thanks to measures such as doubling duty on cigarettes since 2010 and continued funding to local stop smoking services
In 2021-22, £68 million of public health grant funded was spent on stop smoking services by local authorities and nearly 100,000 people quit with the support of a stop smoking service.
In addition, £35 million has been committed to the NHS this year so that all smokers admitted to hospital will be offered NHS-funded tobacco treatment services.
However, 5.4 million people in England smoke tobacco which remains the single biggest cause of preventable illness and death. Up to two out of three lifelong smokers will die from smoking and recent data shows one in four deaths from all cancers were estimated to be from smoking.
Last year an independent smoking review led by Javed Khan proposed a range of measures to help people stub out the addiction, which has informed the measures set out today.
The UK’s EV-friendly superhero road trip
Half-term is here and if you’re looking for something to do to keep the kids entertained, Goodbye Car has created a superhero-themed road trip, that’s also EV-friendly!
Regardless of whether you’re a Marvel or DC fan, our next road trip takes you through some of the most recognisable filming locations from your favourite superhero movies.
It’s around 449 miles long and will take you just over 10 hours in total (assuming you’re not taking the Batmobile!)
1. St Abbs, Scotland
Movie: Avengers: Endgame | Scene: New Asgard | Address: Eyemouth, TD14 5PL
First up is St Abbs, a sleepy fishing village in Scotland which you might not initially associate with the Avengers! The village was used as the backdrop for New Asgard, Thor’s Home in Tønsberg. Make sure to take a selfie at the village sign, which reads ‘St Abbs twinned with New Asgard’ in a special nod to the movie.
2. Durham Cathedral, England
Movie: Avengers: Endgame | Scene: Old Asgard | Address: Durham, DH1 3EH
If we started at New Asgard, it only seems logical that we also visit Old Asgard on our superhero road trip. Durham Cathedral in North East England played host to some of the Asgard scenes in the Avengers: Endgame movie, notably the scene when Rocket slaps Thor out of his panic attack.
3. Dale Street, Manchester, England
Movie: Captain America: The First Avenger | Scene: Heinz Kruger crash | Address: Manchester’s Northern Quarter
Manchester’s Northern Quarter was chosen as the backdrop for the car crash scene with Heinz Kruger during Captain America: The First Avenger. The scene was filmed on Dale Street specifically, which was also where they shot the secret lab found inside the Brooklyn Antiques Shop.
4. Wollaton Hall & Deer Park, Nottingham, England
Movie: The Dark Knight Rises | Scene: Wayne Manor | Address: Nottinghamshire, NG8 2AE
Leaving Marvel for a second, the next stop on our road trip is Wollaton Hall & Deer Park in Nottingham, although it’s perhaps better known as Wayne Manor in The Dark Knight Rises. The hall and grounds feature throughout the movie.
The hall isn’t Nottinghamshire’s only connection to Batman though. It’s believed the 13th Century village of Gotham inspired DC Comics.
5. Millennium Footbridge, London, England
Movie: Guardians of the Galaxy | Scene: Alien City bridge | Address: Thames Embankment, London
Despite its futuristic aesthetic, some of the locations featured in Guardians of the Galaxy are actually inspired by London landmarks. The Alien City skyline features a bridge that’s akin to the Millennium Footbridge, while the space-age-looking Lloyd’s Building is also included.
6. Piccadilly Circus, London, England
Movie: Wonder Woman 1984 | Scene: Max Lord broadcast | Address: W1B 5DQ
The final stop on our superhero road trip takes you to Piccadilly Circus in the heart of central London. Fans of Wonder Woman 1984 will recognise this location from the movie when Max Lord’s global broadcast reached the city. Thankfully, Wonder Woman was on hand with her Lasso of Truth to interfere with Max’s message.
Recommended EV charging stops
| Miles Between | Charging Remaining | Address | |
| Stop 1 | 150 miles | 25% | Back Lane Car Park, YO51 9PQ |
| Stop 2 | 119 miles | 21% | Morrisons Catcliffe, S60 5TR |
| Stop 3 | 117 miles | 22% | Lidl Milton Keynes, MK10 7AP |
| Destination | 4 miles | 52% | Glasshouse St, London, W1B 5DQ |
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You can view the full guide and research via GoodBye Car’s blog.
Scottish TV explorer turns the key on history
Paul Murton opens Douglas Mausoleum at Historic Kilmun
Broadcaster, writer and Scottish adventurer Paul Murton was on hand recently to officially launch the new tourist season at Historic Kilmun.
Paul, who currently has his “Grand Tours of Scottish Rivers” airing on BBC Scotland, also performed an opening ceremony for the Douglas Mausoleum using a recently discovered key at the ancient venue, dubbed the ‘Rosslyn of the West’, on the banks of Holy Loch.
The Douglas Mausoleum is dedicated to the memory of General Sir John Douglas who saw action in the Crimean War including the Battle of Balaclava and the Siege of Sebastopol in 1854. Born in 1817, he inherited the Glenfinart estate in 1871 and died in 1888.
Jennifer Bryson, a Trustee at Historic Kilmun, explained: “It was great to see Paul, a Patron of Historic Kilmun, open the mausoleum for the first time in front of so many friends.
“Historic Kilmun will be open from Thursday to Monday, 11am to 3pm, until the end of October. Expert guided tours will be available for visitors and we also have a busy programme of events including live music, book sales and recitals using our famous water driven organ.”
For more information visit www.historickilmun.org.
Beltane Fire Festival to ignite the Scottish summer once again
Edinburgh’s cultural staple, Beltane Fire Festival will be returning to Calton Hill on Sunday 30th April 2023.
Beltane Fire Festival is a living, breathing re-interpretation and modernisation of an ancient Iron Age Celtic ritual and is the largest of its kind, bringing people from all over the world to join and revel in the birth of Summer and the fertility of the land since 1988. Join us for an immersive Celtic experience, more spectacular and expansive than ever before!
This year’s festival will tell the traditional tales of The Procession of the May Queen and The Death and Re-Birth of The Green Man from a unique and exciting perspective; revellers will be surrounded by fire-play, acrobatics, drummers, dancers, clowns, musicians, actors, puppeteers, artists, poets, crafters, curious and mysterious characters and even cats!
Edinburgh’s Beltane celebrations are the largest of their kind and have attracted crowds of around 10,000 people from all across the globe.
Festival Co-ordinator Tom Watton said: “It is an honour to facilitate all of the hard work and dedication of the Beltane volunteers; who over the last ten weeks, have been busy preparing for another spectacular one of a kind fire festival. Come and join us this year as raise the Beltane toast: to the earth our mother and the fire our host!”
“Join us at the end of the month, celebrate the turning of the wheel, and revel in the beginnings of Summer! “
Tickets for the Beltane Fire Festival are available from Citizen Tickets here.
http://ctzn.tk/Beltane23
Police appeal following Scotmid robbery
Detectives in Edinburgh are appealing for information following a robbery at shop premises in Morvenside.
Around 4.05pm on Saturday (8 April), a man entered Scotmid and threatened staff and demanded money. He left with a three-figure sum of money.
Staff were shocked but unhurt.
Detective Constable Peter Lyons of CID in Edinburgh said : “We are keen to trace a man described as 6’2” tall, of slim build, with a Scottish accent. He wore a black scarf or face mask, light blue hooded rain jacket, dark blue jogging bottoms and black trainers.
“He was seen to run off towards the Westburn area.
“Anyone who was in the area and witnessed the incident is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting 2383 of Saturday, 8 April, 2023.”
Metro Bank Supports Take Five Week
Consumers Are Challenged – Does It Seem Legit?
Metro Bank, the UK’s community bank, supports UK Finance’s 2023 Take Five week from 17th April – 21st April 2023. The theme is ‘Seems Legit?’ A challenge to consumers to stop and consider if something just doesn’t ring true – especially if you are being pressured to act quickly.
Take Five is delivered by UK Finance in collaboration with a range of partners including the payments industry, financial services firms and law enforcement because in 20211 over £1.3 billion was stolen by criminals – that’s nearly £2,500 every minute of the day.
Take Five is a national awareness campaign which offers straightforward and impartial advice to help everyone protect themselves from preventable financial fraud. This includes email deception and phone-based scams as well as online fraud – particularly where criminals impersonate trusted organisations.
Despite fraud being the most common type of crime in the UK – accounting for more than 40% of all reported crimes – only 2% of police funding is directed to tackling the problem – so consumers need to participate to help protect themselves.
“No-one believes they will become the victim of a scam, however in the heat of the moment, it’s easy to forget the basics around keeping yourself and your details safe from fraudsters”, warns Baz Thompson, head of fraud and investigations, Metro Bank.
“It is human nature to trust people – especially if someone says they’re from a bank – why wouldn’t you believe them? Take Five urges everyone to stop, pause and consider whether the situation is legitimate.”
Take Five has created a punchy reminder on what to do if you’re faced with a scenario where you are asked to make some kind of payment:
Stop – Take a moment to stop and think before parting with your money – trust your gut if something doesn’t feel right, it’s probably not!
Challenge – Is this person who they say they are? It’s okay to refuse any requests for money and financial or personal details.
Protect –Follow our tips to prevent yourself falling victim to scams. If you believe you have fallen victim to a scam report it to your bank immediately.
Visit Take Five’s website for the latest advice around frauds and scams:
1. https://www.ukfinance.org.uk/policy-and-guidance/reports-and-publications/annual-fraud-report-2022
Residents celebrate Easter in style
Staff and residents at Barchester’s Strachan House care home in Blackhall celebrated Easter with a whole host of different activities including an Easter Egg Hunt, hatching duck eggs, afternoon Easter tea for the residents and local community and Easter baking sessions.
Good Friday saw residents at Strachan House enjoy an eggs-tensive range of Easter activities, from an Easter Bonnet parade, egg painting and rolling, to enjoying live entertainment.
Easter Sunday saw residents also tuck in to a delicious tradional Easter lunch prepared by the home’s head chef Paul Gow after hosting a wonderful Easter egg hunt in the beautiful gardens of Strachan House. And if there was any more room from all that chocolate then there was an afternoon tea to relax with amongst family and friends!
General Manager Gordon Philp said “As always, we’ve all been looking forward to Easter. It’s such a lovely time of year – the residents love all the colourful Easter eggs and huge selection of Easter themed activities we had on offer.
“It’s really been an eggs-cellent few days!”
Muriel who is 102 years old and a resident at Strachan House said: “It has been so lovely to spend time with our families and friends this Easter, though like every Easter, I think I’ve eaten too much chocolate!
” It was so wonderful to see everyone go to so much effort. I have really enjoyed having the ducks hatch and spending time playing with them”
Our varied life enrichment programme keeps residents active, and provides a daily choice of engaging physical, mental and spiritual activities tailored to residents’ interests and abilities.
Strachan House is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering high-quality care across its care homes and hospitals. Strachan House provides nursing care, residential care, respite care.
Healthy Heart Tip: Eggs & Heart Health
Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Tip, written by the Health Promotion and Education Team at Heart Research UK
Healthy Heart Tip: Eggs & Heart Health
Eggs & cholesterol
Egg yolk is rich in cholesterol and therefore there has been some debate about whether people with raised cholesterol levels should eat them or whether they’ll considerably increase blood cholesterol levels.
However, experts agree that dietary cholesterol, such as that found in eggs, has much less of an effect on the level of cholesterol in your blood compared to the amount of saturated fat you are consuming.
How you eat your eggs matters
How people cook eggs varies widely and what people use to cook eggs in can differ too. We recommend poaching, boiling or baking your eggs to limit your use of oils and fats when cooking.
What we eat eggs with matters too, for example, consuming poached eggs with wholegrain bread and some vegetables is much more healthful than consuming them as part of a greasy fry up which lacks fibre.
The takeaway points
Eggs are an affordable source of protein and are rich in vitamins and minerals. It’s therefore perfectly healthy to include them as part of a balanced diet.
As with many diet recommendations, the key is moderation and not consuming one thing in excess. Specifically in relation to cholesterol, we should focus more on reducing our consumption of saturated fat rather than worrying about the cholesterol in eggs.
To help keep your heart healthy, why not try out some of our healthy recipes from our website: https://heartresearch.org.uk/heart-research-uk-recipes-2/.