We would like to invite you to the opening of Forest Bound – adaptation, resilience and uncertainty, a Community Group Exhibition of artwork and more, created as part of Forest Bound, a public engagement project.
Forest Bound is a project working to engage ethnic minority groups in Edinburgh with forest landscapes by using arts approaches grounded in environmental science. The project aims to create spaces so communities underrepresented in nature can engage with forest environments, while bringing attention to their experiences and values. We organised forest walks and a workshop session. Find out more about the activities by watching the short film produced by Written in Film.
Forest Bound is funded by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) and is a partnership between the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (UKCEH), Edinburgh and Lothians Regional Equality Council (ELREC), artist Tamsin Grainger, and Written in Film.
The exhibition
This multi-media, multi-sensory and interactive exhibition includes collage, painting and drawing, film by Written in Film, sound, recipes, and an experience of the smell and touch of the Scots Pines and fungi found in the Autumn in Scotland.
The groups were interested in, and learning about, how we, as part of nature, share the ability to adapt, maintain resilience and manage uncertainty. Created by people who live in Edinburgh, including members of the Chinese, Syrian, and Polish communities, in this exhibition you will be surrounded by the infectious laughter that comes from walking together in such special places.
Evening opening event
The evening opening of the exhibition is on Thursday 16th of February 2023, 6pm – 8.30pm.
The venue is Out of the Blue Drill Hall (Main Hall) in Edinburgh (EH6 8RG). See how to get there here.
We encourage you to bring along others with you to the evening opening and share the invitation with your network.
Please note the exhibition is cost-free and will be open to all from Tuesday 14th of February 2023 until Saturday 18th of February 2023 (inclusive), so if you are unable to attend the evening opening you can visit during normal opening times these dates (10am – 5pm Tuesday-Friday, 10am – 3pm Saturday).
A series of events across Edinburgh to mark the one-year anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine has been launched.
‘Ukraine Forever’ events programme launched at Edinburgh Castle by the Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, alongside representatives from the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain (AUGB) and other key partners.
As we approach the one-year anniversary of the war against Ukraine on 24 February, ‘Ukraine Forever’ offers a range of events to aid those wishing to mark the event.
From a fundraiser for Hospitallers paramedic charity at the Scottish Storytelling Centre (February 23), to a wreath laying by officials at Edinburgh Castle and the City War Memorial on the Royal Mile (February 24), and a night of music with Scottish and Ukrainian artists at the Usher Hall (February 26), there are many ways for residents and visitors to commemorate those who have fallen in the defence of Ukraine.
The Lord Provost, Robert Aldridge said: “I am privileged to launch the ‘Ukraine Forever’ events programme on behalf of the City of Edinburgh Council and our capital city. On this most sombre of anniversaries, we are reminded of the terrible consequences of Russia’s illegal invasion during the past year.
“Thank you to our partners, colleagues, and the Ukrainian community for their excellent work to deliver a programme that is designed to help residents and Ukrainians living in Edinburgh to reflect on the anniversary, raise vital funds for Ukrainian frontline charities, and celebrate the incredible actions of the Ukrainian community here in the capital.
“The ‘Ukraine Forever’ programme will hopefully show the people that are here from Ukraine see the solidarity of feeling that there is here in Edinburgh.”
Minister with Special Responsibility for Refugees from Ukraine Neil Gray said: “As we approach the anniversary of Russia’s illegal re-invasion of Ukraine, it is important for us to take a moment to pause and reflect, and to remember all those who have lost their lives in the conflict.
“It is also a time where we can recognise and acknowledge the extraordinary efforts played by organisations, communities, and people across Scotland in offering displaced people from Ukraine a warm Scottish welcome.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank City of Edinburgh Council and all of our key partners for the crucial role they have played over the last year in helping those who have fled Ukraine. Edinburgh’s ‘Ukraine Forever’ programme will help us all to show our continued support and solidarity with Ukrainians all over the world.
“To all the Ukrainians in Scotland, my message remains clear, we stand with you and want you to know that Scotland is your home for as long as you need it to be.
Hannah Beaton-Hawryluk, Branch Chair of the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain (AUGB) Edinburgh, said: “As we approach the first anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion against Ukraine, we hope this programme of events will provide an opportunity for both residents of Edinburgh and Ukrainians living in the city to come together to commemorate the human sacrifice in the defence of Ukraine.
“We’d like to thank all partners, both from the city and within the Ukrainian community, for the compassionate and collaborative approach to coordinate this events programme.
“The first anniversary is a really important, but sombre, milestone to ensure that the profile of Ukraine’s fight is kept at the forefront of societies discourse in the coming year ahead. We need all of your help to continue supporting Ukraine.”
‘Ukraine Forever’ is a collaborative partnership of events between the City of Edinburgh Council, Edinburgh Voluntary Organisations Council (EVOC), the Scottish Government, Associations of Ukrainians in Great Britain (AUGB), Help Ukraine Scotland, and Consulate of Ukraine in Edinburgh.
New regulations are to clamp down on unregulated Buy-Now Pay-Later creditors and ensure consumer protection
Andrew Griffith, City Minister will work with the financial services sector to ensure affordable credit is available to people who struggle to access it
At the “Financial Inclusion Policy Forum” in Birmingham the minister will meet debt advisors who will help deliver free debt advice to more than 1.5 million people in England over the next three years.
NEW regulations for Buy-Now Pay-Later consumers are set to help protect an estimated 10 million customers from unconstrained borrowing while still ensuring those who need it have access to interest-free credit.
With more people taking out these credit agreements and the potential risks of consumers being exposed to financial harm; the UK Government is setting out proposed new regulations.
It will mean Buy-Now Pay-Later credit products are set to be regulated by the FCA and consumers will have the new right to take complaints to the Financial Ombudsman Service.
Under new rules providers will have to give consumers key information about their loans and issue credit that is genuinely affordable.
Economic Secretary to the Treasury, Andrew Griffith said: “People should be able to access affordable credit, but with clear protections in place. That is why these proposed regulations are so important.
“Today’s summit will also help regulators and banks better understand the best ways to support people who feel boxed in by debt and open up the financial system to people who find it more difficult to access.”
A summit of banks and debt charities will also be convened today by the City Minister who will urge the group to work together to improve financial education, ensure affordable credit is available to people who struggle to access it and remove the barriers which people with disabilities, like sight loss, can face when accessing financial services.
The latest “Financial Inclusion Policy Forum” will take place at the Money Advice Trust in Birmingham, bringing together the leading lights from the financial services sector, charities, consumer groups and regulators.
They will discuss the best ways to ensure access to affordable credit and remove barriers which people with disabilities, like sight loss, can face when accessing financial services.
Buy-Now Pay-Later can be a quick, easy, and helpful way for people to manage their finances, allowing them to spread the cost of a full purchase over time without paying interest.
However, because many of the agreements aren’t currently regulated and rely on minimal credit checks, lenders are not required to give key information to borrowers, and some people may end up borrowing more than they can affordably repay.
For those who are facing financial difficulty, new contracts awarded by the Money and Pensions Service this year are expected to provide free debt advice to more than 1.5 million people in England over the next three years.
During the forum the City Minister will also discuss the most effective ways to help those in financial difficulty.
£12.4 million government funding is helping some of the most polluting industries find new ways to reduce their carbon emissions and energy bills
funding has supported the deployment of a range of new technologies, from heat pumps to hydrogen ready equipment, to help businesses cut fossil fuel use and improve energy efficiency
investment is helping to future-proof vital British industries in the transition to a lower carbon economy
Businesses across the UK will benefit from a share of more than £12 million government funding to help energy-intensive industries cut their carbon emissions and energy costs.
The funding for the 22 winning projects will help businesses across England, Wales and Northern Ireland clean up their industrial processes and improve their energy efficiency – benefiting industries including pharmaceuticals, steel, paper, and food and drink.
This £12.4 million funding was awarded as part of the Industrial Energy Transformation Fund (IETF), which has awarded grants to British projects across the country to increase the energy efficiency of their industrial processes, from car manufacturing to steel production and food processing.
The winning bids include sustainably harvesting food in Carmarthenshire, Wales, through a new air source heat pump system, capturing waste heat to dry, heat, crush and grind materials for roadmaking in South Yorkshire and using revolutionary high temperature heat pumps to reduce the energy needed to heat and cool cheese, reducing emissions in dairy farms across the Midlands.
It is estimated that industry is currently responsible for producing 16% of the UK’s emissions and will need to cut emissions by two thirds by 2035 in order for the UK to achieve its net zero target.
Today’s funding will play a crucial role in helping to clean up big-emitting industries as part of the UK’s green industrial revolution – decarbonising their industrial processes and reducing their reliance on expensive fossil fuels, such as gas. This means businesses will not only reduce their environmental impact, but also save on their energy bills and safeguard thousands of British jobs.
Graham Stuart, Minister at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero said: “Boosting the energy efficiency of industrial processes is a critical step not only in our transition to a lower-carbon economy, but also by helping businesses to cut their energy costs and protect valuable British jobs.
“That’s why the government has stepped in once again to support energy intensive industries, with a fresh funding round to unleash the next generation of green innovators who are re-shaping the way technology can reduce carbon emissions.”
So far, £34.8 million of funding has been awarded through the Industrial Energy Transformation Fund, which was first launched in June 2020.
Today’s winners
Greener food
One of the biggest food companies in Europe, Dunbia, based in Carmarthenshire, Wales, has been awarded funds to upgrade its heating system from a gas oil fired steam boiler to an air source heat pump that is powered by renewably sourced electricity.
This allows the company to harvest edible products and process the food with hot water washing, through a sustainable and energy efficient thermal supply system, reducing carbon emissions each year.
Sustainable roads
Harsco Environmental’s SteelPhalt plant, based in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, has been developing and manufacturing high performance tarmac products for the UK roadmaking industry since the 1960s.
This energy intensive process of drying, heating, crushing, grinding, conveying currently utilises large volumes of natural gas, gas oil and electricity from the grid, but thanks to government funding, the company is investigating ways to capture the waste heat in the exhaust gases and transform it into electrical power, reducing the fuel demand of the road burners and supporting manufacturing in the local area.
Lighter, safer vehicles
Autotech Engineering / Gestamp is a multinational based in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, specialising in the design, development and manufacture of metals for lighter and safer vehicles.
Whereby high-tonnage presses of flat metal sheets typically loses lots of energy through heat and noise, IETF has helped to fund the SERPENT project which is actively capturing and reusing this lost energy. With a reduction of almost 10% already seen in peak power usage during tool changeover, this funding is helping to lower energy consumption and the environmental impact of critical car manufacturing.
Say cheese
The Long Clawson Dairy has been producing cheese for over a century, running over 31 farms in the Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire areas. The production of cheese is an energy intensive process involving both heating and cooling activities.
Through IETF funding, the company has created a new thermal storage system, using revolutionary high temperature heat pumps to reduce overall energy by 27% and saving 34% carbon emissions, with the ambition of moving to a purely electrically powered in the long term.
Today’s announcement builds on the wide-ranging support that is available to energy-intensive industries.
The UK government recognises that businesses are feeling the impact of high global energy prices, including steel producers, which is why the Energy Bill Relief Scheme was launched to bring down costs. This is in addition to more than £800 million of support the government has provided since 2013 to help industrial sectors with energy costs, with many businesses able to bid into government competitive funds worth more than £1.5 billion to support them going green, cutting emissions and becoming more energy efficient.
Niall Browne, CEO, Dunbia (UK), said: “Dunbia (UK), through its parent company Dawn Meats, was the first European beef and lamb processor to make a commitment to the Science Based Targets Initiative.
“We have been working for more than 10 years to reduce emissions internally and more widely across our supply chain and recognise the urgency to adopt even more aggressive measures to reduce emissions.
“We welcome this opportunity to work with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero to further improve our energy efficiency and cut our carbon emissions.”
A Harsco Metalscompany spokesperson said: “Harsco has welcomed the IETF grant offer from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero to continue its journey to help continue our commitment to innovation and sustainability.
“With this IETF feasibility funding grant, we have been able to investigate how we can recover heat from our asphalt plant to optimise our use of energy and reduce our carbon footprint.
Phil Potter, the SERPENT Project Manager, said: “The SERPENT feasibility study was a high-risk technology project not aligned with Gestamp’s core business activities and would not be completed without IETF support and funding.
“We have been successful in demonstrating feasibility and initial results look extremely promising with a reduction of almost 10% seen in peak power usage during tool changeover.
“We have yet to process that data and analyse the economic viability but we have already demonstrated that this approach improves manufacturing energy efficiency to reduce waste and carbon footprint and support our drive to Net Zero with no impact on press performance.
Iain Grant, Operations Director, Long Clawson Dairy, said: “The production of our Stilton cheese is an energy intensive process involving both heating and cooling activities.
“With the investment in this project, it has enabled the Dairy to take a more cost-effective approach to energy consumption, alongside a clear carbon emission reduction. This is a substantial investment for a business of our size and would not have been possible without the support of the IETF grant funding.”
Graeme Mortimer Evelyn brings ‘Relics from an Oasis of Good Luck’ to Lobby 37 at Gleneagles Townhouse.
The London artist’s first solo exhibition in Scotland will include pieces made over a 25-year period selected directly from the artist’s London home.
An exhibition featuring Graeme Mortimer Evelyn will run until the 27th February at Gleneagles Townhouse. Made of up of pieces created over Graeme’s long and successful career, the exhibit is titled ‘Relics from an Oasis of Good Luck’.
Many of the works are completely realised studies created during many major commissions and artist-in-residence projects during Graeme’s expansive career, and range from collages, prints, paintings, graffiti stencils, drawings, and painted relief sculpture. Evelyn has exhibited his work across the world, but this will be his first solo exhibition in Scotland.
Graeme Mortimer Evelyn is a musician and curator as well as a multimedia artist. The art he creates comments on cultural social identity, politics, belief, and language. He has created work for major municipal buildings, sites of national memory, and places of worship – subverting the settings and their philosophies to attract new audiences and democratise public spaces by opening them up to more people.
His works have also been exhibited, collected, and displayed internationally by Princeton University Centre for African American Studies, Cornell University, Kensington Palace, The Royal Commonwealth Society, Museum in Docklands, Gloucester Cathedral, Bristol Museums, The Royal Collection Trust, The Church of England, and UNESCO.
One of Evelyn’s most notable works is The Eternal Engine for St Francis Church in Tottenham Hale. Completed in November 2017, it is the largest permanent hand-sculpted contemporary altarpiece in Europe.
St Francis Church sits adjacent to where Mark Duggan, a young black man, was fatally shot by armed police in 2011, triggering London-wide riots. The church was then built to aid to the community’s healing process. The Eternal Engine represents the unifying wonder of our vast Universe and the mystery of its Creator.
Evelyn currently works in his garden studio in South London, continuing to develop his varied and innovative body of works exploring automatic experimental drawing and sculpture informed by his synaesthesia reaction to music and sound, and how these responses then relate to contemporary religious and secular belief structures.
He has recently completed vinyl album cover commissions through this lens for world renowned Jazz Artists. In late March 2023, he will begin his six-week invited Artist Residency for the Foundation for Spirituality and the Arts in Charleston, South Carolina.
Graeme Mortimer Evelyn’s works will be available to view until February 27th in Lobby 37 at Gleneagles Townhouse St Andrew Square to hotel guests, diners at The Spence and Townhouse members.
A Scottish charity for veterans of the British Armed Forces has received a £1,000 donation from the team at Amazon’s fulfilment centre in Dunfermline in honour of Remembrance Day.
Poppyscotland provides support for current and former members of the Armed Forces, as well as their families, living in Scotland. The charity maintains a safe space for men, women and families with issues linked to their time in the armed forces or with their struggles adjusting from military to civilian life.
This is the third year in a row that Amazon in Dunfermline has donated to Poppyscotland. This year, the donation will go towards the charity’s welfare services for the Armed Forces community, providing advice and support to those struggling with finances, employment, housing, mobility needs, mental or physical health issues and more.
Speaking on the donation, Jamie Strain, General Manager at Amazon in Dunfermline, said: “Amazon has long been a proud supporter of the UK’s armed forces community and we’re pleased to make this donation to Poppyscotland.
“The work done by the charity’s staff and volunteers does not go unnoticed in our community.”
Megan Wright, an employee from Amazon in Dunfermline, said: “My family has received so much support from the team at Poppyscotland.
I’m happy that Amazon can help the charity with this donation.”
Gordon Michie, Poppyscotland , added: “The team at Poppyscotland and I would like to say a big thank you to Jamie and our friends at Amazon in Dunfermline for this generous donation. We appreciate all the support we can get, and with donations like this, we can provide help to the men and women who need it most.”
“Every penny will help us offer life-changing welfare support to Scotland’s Armed Forces community, helping with housing, employment, finances, mental and physical health issues, and more.”
“We’re also delighted to hear how Amazon is supporting veterans making the transition to civilian life, assisting them in training for new careers after service.”
The donation to Poppyscotland was made as part of Amazon’s programme to support the communities around its operating locations across the UK.
Almost a decade ago, Amazon signed The Armed Forces Covenant. The Covenant has a focus on helping the Armed Forces community to access the same support from Government and commercial services as the public.
Last year, Amazon increased its support of the military community by growing its partnership with the Royal British Legion.
The partnership, which began two years ago, sees Amazon encourage customers to support the Royal British Legion through an official charity store, featuring products that raise money for the Legion. All proceeds from the sale of goods go directly to the charity. Amazon also offers customers the opportunity to support the Royal British Legion through Amazon Smile.
In addition to several support programmes for the Royal British Legion and other services charities, Amazon offers an employment programme for members of the services community called the Amazon Military Programme. The programme offers members of the military community the opportunity to pursue a wide range of exciting new career paths at Amazon.
Amazon offers an employment programme for members of the services community called the Amazon Military Programme. The programme offers members of the military community the opportunity to pursue a wide range of exciting new career paths at Amazon.
Projects returning former industrial or derelict sites to community use will be more likely to be approved following the introduction of long term planning reforms.
Planning Minister Tom Arthur visited the £4.2 million Lochshore development at the former Glengarnock Steelworks in Ayrshire to see progress transforming a former heavy industry site into parkland for the benefit of local people and visitors.
Local authorities are encouraged to support proposals for development that will help restore green spaces under the fourth National Planning Framework (NPF4), as part of local development plans. The policy against which planning applications will be assessed for the next decade comes into effect today.
Policies in the NPF4 will also:
enable more renewable energy generation, outside National Parks and National Scenic Areas, to support the transition away from reliance on fossil fuels
Regenerate city and town centres to help them adapt to economic change while restricting some out of town retail and drive through developments
Support the delivery of good quality, affordable homes in neighbourhoods where people can easily access shops, schools and workplaces within a 20 minute walk or cycle
Mr Arthur said: “The Scottish Government has supported this transformation from a derelict site which was holding back development in North Ayrshire into a significant new visitor attraction and sports facility.
“Our reforms represent a turning point for planning, a strong signal of support for healthier communities and prosperous local economies. They can help promote local renewal at sites across Scotland in line with the National Strategy for Economic Transformation.
“This Framework gives local planners across the country the green light to build the fairer, greener Scotland we want to see to tackle climate change and benefit future generations.”
North Ayrshire Council Provost Anthea Dickson said: “We are delighted to welcome the Minister and show what an incredible facility we have here in the Garnock Valley.
“Since officially opening late last year, the Lochshore Park Hub has already proven to be a popular destination for local residents and visitors alike. Not only is it an attractive, vibrant facility but as we move on to the next stages of its development, the benefits it provides will become even greater.
“This wouldn’t have been possible without close collaboration with the local community who have been integral to its development from the very early stages – it’s a real testament to community spirit.”
Your chance to join in a global treasure hunt, using clues and GPS (global positioning system) to find hidden caches of objects, Improve technology skills in very satisfying, fun way!
One day course on Saturday 4th March from 10.30am-4.30pm
Book your place or find out more by ringing 0131 556 7978 or online at www.joininedinburgh.org
Costs £21.75 standard fee and £17.25 for reduced fees.
With food prices going through the roof, parents and carers are being provided helpful ways to feed their children on a budget during half term.
The frugal experts at NetVoucherCodes.co.uk have looked at affordable ways to plan family meals throughout the week-long break.
Many supermarkets, pubs and restaurants are once again offering free or discounted meals for children but there are also ways to help reduce the cost at home.
Going meat free, doing a family meal plan and having a fun picky tea are among the tips for savvy parents.
Ellie Macsymons, online consumer expert from NetVoucherCodes.co.uk said: “We wanted to give parents a helping hand during this half term. Many will feel the pinch of rising food costs in their weekly expenses.
“There are numerous schemes available during the week holiday with a wide range of pubs and supermarket restaurants offering special discounts for kids to eat out.
“But we also wanted to provide simple ways for parents to save money on making meals at home for their children during the holidays.”
Here are NetVoucherCodes.co.uk’s budget-friendly ways to feed your kid on a budget this half term:
Picky tea
This is all about taking what you find in the fridge, freezer and cupboard and turning it into a help yourself meal. There could be some leftover chicken, oven chips, a few fish fingers – anything goes. Also means avoiding a last minute dash to the supermarket to pick up something for dinner.
Shop around for half term deals
If the local supermarkets are near one another, visit each store to work out which has the best offers. There could be some decent half term deals on.
Discounted pub meals
Local pubs are providing a variety of discounts for kids to eat cheaper this half term. Head down and find out which are available.
Cheap meals at supermarket restaurants
Just like during the summer holidays, many supermarket chains are offering further discounts on kid’s meals to help with the rising food costs. Have a look at who’s offering what.
‘Once a week’ rule
Set some time aside for a family meal out by using the ‘once a week’ rule where you either dine out weekly or you get a takeaway of your choice as a family treat. This way you can plan around your food shops so less food will be wasted.
Social media budget recipes
Everyone has a favourite social media recipe which has become a weekly make. But if you’re unsure of any meals which can be added to your cookbook, explore social media apps for simple recipes which will cost less than a fiver to make.
Family pizza making
Instead of the Saturday night takeaway, try making your own homemade pizzas. It’s a great way to get kids in the kitchen too and experiment with making their own food.
Family meal plan
It’s best to be organised when planning meals to save the extra pennies. To make this more creative, mark each day with a different colour pen and decorate with stickers when it’s time for a special dish or a day when you’re dining out.
Try veggie days
Meats typically cost the most on weekly meals. If you decide to swap the meat for veggie choices it can save around a third on select meals during the week. Have a look at meals which don’t involve meat or try out some delicious veggie options for half the price.
For budget-friendly ways to feed the kids during half term, head over to NetVoucherCodes.co.uk.
The cost of renting a car on holiday this Easter is 72 per cent more expensive on average than the same period in 2019, according to new Which? research.
Which? examined data supplied by car hire broker Zest Car Rental for over 5,000 rentals in nine popular holiday destinations including Spain, France and the US, and found that seven out of nine destinations the consumer champion examined have seen weekly increases of over £100.
Cyprus has seen the most dramatic price rises, with the average daily rental rate more than doubling this year when compared with before the pandemic. A seven-day rental would now set holidaymakers back £248, up 112 per cent on pre-pandemic rates. Portugal and Greece were not far behind, with increases of 99 and 97 per cent respectively.
The USA was by far the most expensive country, with holidaymakers shelling out £537 per week on average, adding £239 onto the cost of a holiday compared with 2019.
Despite seeing the smallest price increases overall, at 25 per cent, France nonetheless emerged as one of the pricier regions to rent a car, with a week’s rental costing £364 on average.
In the face of widespread vehicle shortages, the cost of car hire rose hugely last year. While companies have now had an opportunity to begin restocking fleets that were sold off during the height of the pandemic, rates have not dropped as much as might have been anticipated, instead settling far higher than travellers were accustomed to pre-pandemic.
Demand remains extremely high this year, contributing to increased costs. Zest Car Rental reports that advance bookings are up 132 per cent compared to the same point last year.
Rental firms are also facing increased staffing and insurance costs, while cars themselves are also becoming more expensive – estimates by Zest suggest that the cost of purchasing a Fiat Panda, one of the smallest typical cars in a rental fleet, now costs around £5,000 more on average than in 2019.
Jo Rhodes, Deputy Editor of Which? Travel, said:“High demand combined with a shortage of rental vehicles means prices across Europe and the US are still incredibly high compared with before the pandemic.
“Shop around and book in advance to lock in the most competitive rates, especially during peak periods. Use recommended companies, or small local firms endorsed by a trusted broker, and always be wary of ‘too good to be true’ prices.
“Paying in advance, if you can, often works out cheaper overall and helps secure your booking. We also recommend taking out third-party insurance before you travel; in the past, we’ve found hire companies selling inferior policies at the desk at marked up prices.”
