Every adult in the country now needs to get a Covid-19 booster vaccine, because two doses does not give you enough protection against catching Omicron.
As part of the national Get Boosted Now campaign to protect against Omicron, a text will be sent out from Boxing Day reminding people to get jabbed.
Every adult needs a COVID-19 booster vaccine to protect against Omicron
In partnership with UK phone networks, the UK Government will send out SMS texts on Boxing Day urging people to get a booster
The SMS texts are part of the Get Boosted Now campaign and the latest push in a record-breaking week for daily vaccinations
From yesterday (26 December) people across the UK will receive a text message reminding them to get a booster vaccine to protect us all from the spread of the Omicron.
More than 32 million people – over 60% of adults in the UK – have now had their COVID-19 booster.
The expansion of the booster programme continues at a rapid pace, with all adults able to get their life-saving jab by booking online through the National Booking Service or by visiting their nearest walk-in vaccination centre.
This week, more vaccination sites have opened across the country, making it as easy as possible to Get Boosted Now, including football stadiums and shopping centres.
While two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine provides strong protection against the Delta variant, data from the UK Health Security Agency shows vaccine effectiveness against symptomatic infection is substantially reduced against Omicron with just two doses over time – but a third dose provides between 60% and 70% protection against symptomatic infection from Omicron two to four weeks after the booster is given.
It is vital to get a first and second jab in order to be eligible for a booster to get the vital protection against Omicron.
Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid said: “We are texting this Boxing Day for all eligible adults to Get Boosted Now. It has never been as important to get protected with the booster – so whether it is in between turkey sandwiches or before the Boxing Day fixtures, whatever your traditions make the booster a part of them this year.
“Millions of vaccine slots are available through the festive calendar so if you’re not boosted and you get this text, take up the offer and get vaccinated.”
Some venues and events in England now require people to have two COVID-19 vaccines or proof of a negative test as a condition of entry. People can access their NHS COVID Pass digitally or receive a paper copy once they have been doubled jabbed.
HMG would like to thank the Mobile Network Operators for their assistance in helping deliver the vitally important Get Boosted Now message.
Skyrora has created Skyprint 2, the largest hybrid printer of its kind in Europe, to optimise the speed and efficiency of manufacturing rocket parts. By allowing printing and machining on the same bed, it will drastically reduce process complexity, cost and printing time by around 30% compared to other printers.
Another key advantage of Skyprint 2 is that it can be manufactured via subtraction or addition processes, which means it can repair parts and machine items that were not originally printed.
Following on from Skyprint 1, and when it starts production in Q2, the bespoke Skyprint 2 will offer a cost-effective, bi-metallic, hybrid manufacturing service to meet the growing demand for small satellite launches and enables Skyrora to take full control of the manufacturing process. Skyrora’s vision is to meet this increasing appetite by combining proven technology with cutting-edge innovation in order to create economical, responsive access to space.
Skyprint 2 will use Inconel, a superalloy known for its mechanical strength at high heat which comprises most of the mass of Skyrora’s rocket engines and makes use of the Directed Energy Deposition (DED) process.
This is an additive manufacturing process in which focused thermal energy is used to fuse materials by melting as they are being deposited.
One of the key features of Skyprint 2 is its ‘near net shape’ process of DED, which minimises material usage. Any residual material that would be otherwise lost due to blowout is instead collected and recycled, enabling greater material efficiency and making the manufacturing of parts more sustainable.
With standard, bulk methods of manufacturing Inconel alloy engine parts (oxidation-corrosion-resistant materials well suited for extreme environments subjected to pressure and heat), it can take around 10 weeks from concept to production, not to mention quality modifications.
Using Skyprint 2, the time needed to manufacture key rocket engine components has been significantly reduced to only two weeks due to 3D printing’s direct forming capabilities. Combined with the increased design dexterity – allowing for greater changes in design between iterations – Skyprint 2 is radically altering what is possible in hybrid manufacturing services.
Volodymyr Levykin, Skyrora’s founder and CEO, said: “Skyprint 2 reinforces our ambitions to not only be the first company to launch from UK soil, but also to do so in the most sustainable way possible.
“By taking greater control of the design and manufacturing process of our parts using our custom-built industry-leading 3D printing technology, we are taking another crucial step closer to offering a significant space service from our own soil.
“Creating this cost – and time-effective solution encapsulates the innovation and talent that resides at the heart of the UK space industry. As an asset, Skyprint 2 is a real game-changer – it will transform Skyrora’s operations and expand the limits of what is possible when it comes to space engineering in general.”
Following Skyrora’s announcement in October 2021 of a multi-launch agreement with SaxaVord that will enable the company to complete 16 launches a year by 2030, the ability to fully design and print parts using Skyprint 2 will substantially reduce the timeframe needed for Skyrora to manufacture its rockets from 2022.
Earlier this year, Skyrora also successfully completed trials of the third stage of the Skyrora XL rocket, including its orbital transfer vehicle (OTV) – a vehicle that once in orbit can refire its engines around 15 times to complete tasks such as acting as a space tug or maintenance and de-orbiting of defunct satellites.
The development of Ecosene – a rocket fuel made of otherwise unused plastics – also highlights the sustainable innovations that are at the core of Skyrora’s business as it strives to solve the biggest issues facing the space industry.
The UK government has urged the public to protect themselves from online sales scams through five actionable steps.
The public must be vigilant in protecting themselves from the threat of online scammers during the Boxing Day sales, the Government has urged today (26 December) after a year which saw a record number of cyber attacks and online scams.
Reports to Action Fraud, the national reporting centre for fraud and cyber crime, reveal that almost 100,000 people in the UK have fallen victim to online shopping fraud in the past 13 months – with over £60 million being reported lost, leading to this call to action for the public to take five simple steps to protect themselves and their families from fraudsters.
Traditionally, Boxing Day marks one of the busiest days on the high street for retailers, however in recent years more people have been shopping online – with Barclaycard estimating £2.7 billion was spent online by UK shoppers on Boxing Day 2020, an average of £162 per shopper.
The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) is encouraging people to shop online securely by following five actionable steps:
Keeping accounts secure – strong and separate passwords should be used for the most important online accounts, including email, banking or payment accounts (such as PayPal). The NCSC recommends using three random words to create a password. Turning on two-step verification can add an extra layer of protection.
Be aware of emails, text messages or websites that look too good to be true or suspicious – many scammers set up fake messages designed to steal financial and personal information. Members of the public can report suspicious messages to the NCSC via text to 7726 and email to report@phishing.gov.uk.
Choose online retailers carefully – research stores before buying to confirm they are legitimate through trustworthy consumer websites. Some emails or texts about amazing offers may contain links to fake websites. If unsure, don’t use the link.
Use a credit card for online payments if possible – most major credit card providers protect online purchases, and are obliged to refund individuals in certain circumstances.
Only provide enough details to complete a purchase – only fill in the mandatory details on a website when shopping online (often marked with an asterisk).
Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for Cyber Crime Steve Barclay said: “With a record number of cyber attacks this year, it is crucial we all take some steps to keep ourselves and our families safe from scammers while shopping online, particularly in the Boxing Day sales which have become a firm favourite for fraudsters.
“In the past year, government and police action has seen numerous convictions on cyber fraud, and we should all play our part to stamp out this terrible crime that can ruin lives.”
Paul Maddinson, Director of National Resilience and Strategy at the NCSC said: “Scammers will use any opportunity to try and trick the public and businesses into parting with their money so it’s really important that we all know how to protect ourselves.
“Whilst scams can be convincing, there are practical steps you can take to avoid falling victim to cyber crime which can all be found on the NCSC’s website.”
This warning against online scams comes alongside growing concern about the vulnerability of people’s personal technology. Hackers are targeting individuals’ applications and email accounts, gaining access to personal and financial information and exposing individuals to considerable risk.
As people receive new laptops and smartphones over Christmas, the risks are magnified. The government is also encouraging individuals to ensure that any new devices are protected to keep personal and financial information secure from hackers.However, these dangers are easily avoidable by adopting two key Cyber Aware behaviours:
Turning on two-step verification
Using three random words to secure your email accounts
Police have released images of a man they believe may have information that will assist their investigation into an assault, which occurred on George Street around 3am on Wednesday, 1 December.
The man is described as white, around 5’8” in height and of slim build with short dark hair.He was wearing a dark baseball cap, grey shirt, white-t-shirt, dark trousers and white trainers.
Anyone who recognises the man, or who has any information about this incident, is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101, quoting reference 0256 of 1 December 2021.
Crimestoppers can also be passed information anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Temporary measures to limit the spread of the Omicron variant whilst the accelerated booster vaccination programme takes effect have come into force.
From 05:00 yesterday (26 December), attendance at large events has been limited to:
100 people for indoor standing events
200 people for indoor seated events
500 people for all outdoor events (seated or standing)
Taking effect from 05:00 this morning (27 December), one metre physical distancing has been reinstated in all hospitality and indoor leisure settings including pubs, restaurants, gyms, theatres and museums amongst others. Table service is also required in settings where alcohol is served for consumption on the premises.
Nightclubs are also to close for a period of at least three weeks from 27 December however they will have the option of remaining open if they operate with table service and physical distancing, in line with the requirements for other hospitality businesses.
All of the temporary measures are to be reviewed after three weeks on Tuesday 11 January.
The restrictions are backed by £375 million in business support with full details to be announced shortly, following discussions with business organisations and local authorities. Hospitality businesses are already eligible for top up funding through the December and January Business Top Up.
Further guidance has also been published to support businesses to take reasonable measures to limit the rapid spread of the Omicron variant.
Economy Secretary Kate Forbes said: “These temporary restrictions are targeted at reducing the spread of Omicron while the accelerated vaccination programme takes effect.
“I understand how difficult this has been for businesses in recent weeks but we must reduce our contacts and limit the spread of the virus. We’re providing £375 million in business support, which is a significant investment, to support those who have experienced cancellations and help them get back on their feet in the new year.
“The best way to support business sustainably, is to get the virus back under control. Please get your boosters and stay at home as much as possible just now.”
The total package of support available to businesses is £375 million, including the previous £100 million announced by the First Minister on 14 December 2021.
Edinburgh residents are being challenged to kick start the New Year by taking steps to support Cancer Research UK. The charity is urging people to sign up now to Walk All Over Cancer and get sponsored to walk 10,000 steps every day in March.
By raising vital funds, people across Scotland could help to further life-saving research – while burning off any excess Christmas calories.
As well as increasing fitness and helping towards a healthy body weight, taking part could take a little weight off the mind too. Regular walking is a great stress-reliever and can help with mental wellbeing by improving mood and sleep.
Linda Summerhayes, Cancer Research UK’s spokesperson in Scotland, said: “One in two of us will get cancer in our lifetime*, but all of us can support the research that will beat it. That’s why we’re urging people to play their part by making ‘Walk All Over Cancer’ their New Year’s resolution.
“We all hope that 2022 has a more positive outlook. So why not give yourself a boost by committing to get more active and having an achievable goal to aim for – all in aid of a good cause.
“There’s plenty of time for supporters to start building up to the challenge in March and planning new ways to fit in some extra steps, especially if you’re struggling to hit your daily step count when working from home.
“Sticking to a resolution can be hard, especially through the cold, dark winter months, but registering now and making a public pledge to take part in the Spring, could help people steel their resolve. Plus, there’s the ultimate motivation of knowing every step you take will be helping to save lives.”
Based on the average person’s strides, 10,000 steps is equal to about five miles, so by the end of March participants will have clocked up more than 150 miles.
That’s quite a challenge for some, but adopting small changes that you can stick to can really add up – whether it’s doing conference calls on the go, exploring local beauty spots or treating the dog to a month of extra-long walks.
Keeping check on the number of steps taken each day is a great way to create a sense of achievement and it’s easy to do with smartphone apps, pedometers and wearable activity trackers available to help. Walk All Over Cancer participants can connect their online giving page with FitBit to automatically publish their step count and share their progress with their supporters throughout the month.
The charity’s researchers at the Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, on Crewe Road South, have expertise in brain tumour research and their goal is to drive progress in tackling this hard-to-treat disease.
Images of walking feet for the CRUK’s “Walk all over Cancer” event.
Photography by Danny Fitzpatrick
www.dfphotography.co.uk
danny@dfphotography.co.uk
+44 (0) 7779 606901
Linda added: “Cancer Research UK has been hit hard by COVID-19, but we will never stop striving to create better treatments. With around 33,200 people diagnosed every year in Scotland**, cancer is as urgent an issue now as it’s ever been.
“We need as many people as possible to Walk All Over Cancer, because the progress we make in the fight against the disease relies on every step, every pound and every person.
“This past year proves, more than any other, the value of research and what can be achieved together. Just like science is our route out of the pandemic, science is our route to beating cancer.”
Cancer Research UK was able to spend over £30 million in Scotland last year on some of the UK’s leading scientific and clinical research. The charity’s ambition is to see three in four people survive their cancer by 2034.
To sign up and receive a free fundraising pack and t-shirt, visit cruk.org/walkallover.
The unique light and wild landscape of the East Cairngorms has long attracted curious creatives for whom the wilderness is their inspiration and subject matter. But more recently, the surrounding rural villages of Ballater, Braemar and Crathie are attracting international audiences for their art and cultural offerings.
Awash with galleries, craftspeople, and artists; the East Cairngorms offers a coveted combination of cosy inside spaces where visitors can absorb the works of famed and local artists whilst indulging in the variety of gastronomical delicacies available; as well as a chance to get out into the rugged wilderness of the surrounding hills to experience first-hand the dramatic scenery and skies that have long served as inspiration to artists, poets, writers, and musicians.
International art audiences will likely be familiar with the boutique hotel, The Fife Arms in Braemar; the Victorian construction, consciously restored by co-founders of the acclaimed global gallery Hauser & Wirth. Here, you can sleep and dine amongst masterpieces from Picasso and Lucian Freud; vast murals by Argentinian Guillermo Kuitca as well as countless local artists and hundreds of priceless antiques.
Tom Addy, construction manager of the Fife Arms restoration, and artisan furniture maker and owner of Tor Workshop in Braemar says, “It’s not what you expect to find in a rural Scottish Village – there’s internationally famous artworks at the Fife, a French patisserie, and some really niche artisan shops run by unique makers that hark back to yester year.”
“The Fife attracts an art aware audience and people who deeply appreciate beautiful art, and objects that are made well and made locally with story and meaning behind them. And its presence has caused a ripple, giving local artists, makers, and creatives the confidence to step forward with their own ideas.
“We’ve seen a wave of events, activities and enterprises emerge in recent years and now have a diverse range of craft shops, places to eat and activities for locals and visitors.”
Addy says it is, “the juxtaposition of the wild nature and the comfort of home and hearth that has created a culture of its own here. It is when people come in off the hills and reflect, write, paint, create and tell stories of their experience: that’s where the magic lies.”
“People’s relationship with the land is at the heart of the art here. You cannot remove one from the other. For me and many artists and makers here, provenance is so important. Respect for the landscape and materials we use and communicating the stories, history and meaning through the objects we create.”
Andrew Braidwood who owns and runs Braemar Art Gallery adds;
“A lot of folk come here to do site specific art – because it is so easy to get off the beaten track; to be alone and uninterrupted. That peace is not always that easy to find elsewhere.”
“You can take in the incredible skies and light we get here – which you see reflected in so much of the art created here throughout time. We’re so lucky to have so little light and sound pollution. It makes it a special place for artists.”
“I’ve noticed a shift towards artists here getting involved with the environmental rewilding movement, considering how the landscapes are used and how we can repair it. There is recognition of art as a medium to slow us down and connect us more deeply with nature.”
In acknowledgement of the East Cairngorm’s growing presence as a hub for art and culture, a new campaign was launched in November by Ballater Business Association (BBA) and Braemar Tourism Group (BTG).
The campaign, which includes a website, promotional video, digital trail map, trip planner, is the second in a series of five which aim to inspire visitors to explore the East Cairngorms as a year-round destination for outdoor activity.
Issue by Jane Craigie Marketing on behalf of Ballater Business Association and Braemar Tourism Group. For additional press information, please contact Alana Black on 07596 122184 or alana@janecraigie.com.
Click on the images to download.
Information about Ballater Business Association
Ballater Business Association represents businesses who trade within the Dinnet to Crathie area, who have a common interest in sustaining a thriving community through the local economy. The BBA work in partnership with the Cairngorm Business Partnership and Visit Cairngorms to support our businesses. In April 2021 the BBA began a collaboration with Braemar Tourism Group to work together on projects of mutual benefit and the promotion of the ‘East Cairngorms’ is the first of these initiatives, funded through a Visit Scotland Grant. For more information contact Susan Stewart on the email secretary@visitballater.com
Information about Braemar Tourism Group
Braemar Tourism Group is a thriving association, promoting Braemar and Crathie to visitors and locals alike. Membership has increased recently to 55 members, all working together to encourage people to visit, stay longer and return. Braemar is in the very heart of the Cairngorms National Park (we have a close bond with the Cairngorms Business Partnership/VisitCairngorms) but we are also in Royal Deeside. Forming a collaboration with Ballater seemed the perfect opportunity to work together for mutual benefit, in promoting the Eastern Cairngorms as a year-round destination. Please contact Sarah, Chair of the BTG for more information sarahhubbard21@gmail.com
The City of Edinburgh Council has this month invited the private sector to bring forward proposals to deliver affordable housing on sites not owned by the Council.
The PIN focusses on three key areas: purchase of development sites, purchase of completed homes and an opportunity to propose innovative solutions such as leasehold proposals and partnerships.
The PIN also sets out a range of outcomes that the market must consider when putting forward proposals and overall gives the market an opportunity to tell the Council what they can do.
It will also help to inform the next steps, including whether there needs to be a procurement exercise and what that should look like. Establishing a structured approach to market engagement will allow the transparency and assessment of best value that the public sector needs but there is also a desire to make the process as accessible as possible and allow the Council to react to opportunities over the coming years.
Released through Public Contracts Scotland it is open for everyone to take a look, consider the options and register interest in this engagement process. The PIN will close on 31 January 2022.
Housing Convener, Councillor Kate Campbell, said: “Edinburgh needs more affordable homes. We’re doing everything we can through the Council’s own housebuilding programme, and working with housing associations, to provide social and mid-market homes. But we need to look at every possible way to create additional affordable housing – so I am really keen to see what ideas come from the private sector.
“I hope this process will create new and innovative ways to provide even more affordable homes that are so needed in our city.
“By going out to the market we’re asking the question of housing developers or landowners about what they could deliver now. But we’re also inviting them to start thinking about what might be possible, and how they can contribute to helping us deal with one of the biggest challenges facing our city.”
Vice Housing Convener, Councillor Mandy Watt, said: “We are looking forward to seeing what comes back in through this process. It’s an opportunity for the private sector to consider what they might be able to contribute to Edinburgh in terms of affordable housing.
“We expect any proposals submitted to fit with our strategy of providing affordable, good quality, sustainable homes that deliver value for money. We are open to both traditional and innovative ideas which achieve the outcomes that our citizens need.
“Some landowners or developers maybe interested in this but are unfamiliar with this process, so we’d encourage them to come forward and speak to our procurement team to find out more.”
If you have any queries on the PIN or accessing Public Contracts Scotland please contact Kelly Faulds Kelly.faulds@edinburgh.gov.uk
Parents in Lothian are celebrating after they received the best Christmas gift they could have hoped.
They welcomed their very special delivery into the world during the small hours of the morning.
The first baby, a little girl named Sophie Elizabeth Bird, was born at NHS Lothian’s St John’s Hospital. She was born to parents Karen (37) and Craig Bird (39) from Linlithgow at 1.45am.
Sophie was followed closely by baby Skye Rose Irving (top) who was born at 2.18am also at St John’s Hospital weighing 7lb 2oz. Parents Lisa Playfair (35) and Adam Irving (30) are from Craigshill in Livingston.
The first baby born at NHS Lothian’s Birth Centre, part of the Simpson’s Centre for Reproductive Health at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, was a little boy at 5.10am this morning weighing 8lb 8oz.
He was born to parents Elohu Egwowa (28) and Oghenekome Otame (31) from Edinburgh. Mum and Dad have not fully decided on a name, so at the moment he is known as Baby Otame.
Earlier this year, through our Community Benefits scheme and with help from our wonderful suppliers a brand new kitchen was installed in the Prentice Centre.
It’s been a real asset to the Centre and its members over the last few months and helped to make some festive gatherings easier at the end of what has been a challenging year for the community as we continue to support one another through this pandemic.
Thanks again to our suppliers who supported this projected as part of their community benefits contract with us:
