Edinburgh schoolgirls aiming to be Scotland’s best new business brains

Local pupils in finals of contest to find the next generation of female investors 

Pupils from schools in Edinburgh and East Lothian are among the finalists in a hotly contested competition to find Scotland’s next generation of female investors.

The Growing Future Assets contest, which encourages young women to consider a career in the world of investment management, has attracted record entries this year but teams from Preston Lodge High School (Prestonpans, East Lothian),   North Berwick High School (East Lothian) and George Watson’s College (Edinburgh), have beaten off stiff competition from across the country to be in the running for top spots.

They have already presented their case in a research report and three-minute elevator pitch video and will face the judges next month (March) to deliver an extended pitch in a live final.

Competition organisers and educators Future Asset believes that being female should never be a barrier to progressing in a chosen career and the contest introduces senior schoolgirls to potential careers in investment, showing how working in the sector can change the world for the better and give young women valuable, transferable skills.

During the competition, youngsters must prove their ability to spot the next big investment prospect by researching, analysing and pitching a company they think will be a lucrative long-term bet.

During the process, all students were assisted by their teachers and through mentoring from investment management professionals who shared their experience and provided career insights, advice and inspiration.

George Watson’s College paired with investment management experts Baillie Gifford, Preston Lodge High School with Nikko Asset Management, and North Berwick High School with specialist fund manager firm Artemis.

Preston Lodge High School has two teams contesting the senior 16-18 year category and Business Education Teacher , Kate Gascoigne, says: “I am delighted that both of the Preston Lodge senior teams have reached the finals of the Future Assets competition.

“The high quality of their submissions illustrates how hardworking, dedicated and creative the students are. The whole school community is proud of their success and will be rooting for them in the final.”

A team from George Watson’s College is also competing in the senior category while girls from North Berwick High are contesting the junior 14-16 year age group.

Future Asset has had a tough task whittling down the contestants from 660 participants in a total of 144 teams – a 90% increase on last year’s numbers.

Sally Greig, Investment Manager at Baillie Gifford and Senior School judge for the Growing Future Assets competition, commented: “The competition sees groups of young women from schools across Scotland doing the kind of work that is an investor’s day job: analysing a company and presenting on it.

“I was hugely impressed by the quality and creativity of the entries – in particular, the importance they placed on how companies are dealing with Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance (ESG) and the ability to identify what might drive a company’s success in the future – and hope to see some of them applying to Baillie Gifford in the future!

“Future Asset plays an important role in demystifying the fund management industry for young women and helping to plant those seeds of interest early on. Diversity of thought is core to successful investing and a career in investment management is a great option for both women and men from all backgrounds.”

The finals take place on 9 March with the winners announced on 10 March.

The top teams will receive £1000 for the top senior school and £200-worth of vouchers of the students’ choice for each team member; £800 for the best junior school and £150-worth of vouchers each.  Senior and junior runners-up receive £500 and £100 of vouchers and £400 and £75 of vouchers, respectively.

Helen Bradley, Future Asset Programme Manager, says: “This year’s competition is the most hotly contested yet. It’s been enormously gratifying to see the surge in interest from the youngsters and the commitment and dedication of their teachers and mentors.

“The popularity of the contest, particularly in state schools, means that youngsters who may not otherwise have had contacts in the industry are now plugged in to the potential that a career in investment management holds.”

For more information visit https://www.futureasset.org.uk/

Tax agency stopped from operating by HM Revenue and Customs

A company which charged taxpayers significant sums to make claims for tax refunds has been stopped from operating.

Tax Credits Ltd (TCL) can no longer trade as a repayment agent after HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) found they had committed serious anti-money laundering breaches.

As a result of breaching the regulations, which are predominately designed to prevent businesses being exploited by criminals to launder money, it is now a criminal offence for TCL to trade as a tax repayment agent.

The move comes weeks after HMRC outlined greater protections for customers using repayment agents.  

Taxpayers can use repayment agents to make claims for repayment of tax, and while many customers are happy with the service they receive, a large number of taxpayers have complained about the lack of transparency in agents’ processes for signing up clients and high charges for using their services.  

Angela MacDonald, HMRC’s Deputy Chief Executive and Second Permanent Secretary, said:  “TCL have ignored their responsibilities under the anti-money laundering measures designed to protect us all from financial crime.  

“We will not allow a small number of bad actors to tarnish the reputation of the whole tax agent sector. 

“It is crucial taxpayers understand the entitlements they can claim directly from HMRC and are properly protected from the misleading tactics used by some repayment agents. The greater protections we’re bringing in will help to stop people unwittingly losing their hard-earned money to misleading agents.” 

Around 11,000 TCL clients, whose claims had been paused during investigations into TCL, will now receive their tax refund directly from HMRC. 

HMRC will contact all affected clients by the end of March to explain their refund. The refunds will be made automatically – customers do not need to contact HMRC to receive their payment.

In response to public concern, HMRC recently consulted on how to protect taxpayers using repayment agents and unveiled a package of measures last month, which included stopping the use of legally-binding ‘assignments’ as part of claiming an Income Tax repayment, improving agent standards and a requirement for repayment agents to register with HMRC. 

HMRC urges anyone thinking of using a tax repayment agent to carefully consider their options when appointing a tax adviser to act on their behalf. Taxpayers are urged to do their research before committing to anything, and are reminded that they, not the tax agent, are ultimately responsible for their own tax affairs. 

Taxpayers are advised to be particularly careful when clicking on online ads as some unscrupulous repayment agents have made their customer sign-up pages appear to be mere requests for more information. 

Anyone who thinks they are owed a tax rebate can make claims direct with HMRC via GOV.UK; they can do this for free and will receive 100% of any refund. 

If a taxpayer can show a tax repayment agent has made an invalid claim with HMRC on their behalf, they can contact HMRC.

International Mother Language Day 2023

Responding after the International Mother Language Day 2023 event hosted by the Edinburgh & Lothians Regional Equality Council (ELREC), Foysol Choudhury MSP said: 

“It was my great honour to speak at the City Chambers in Edinburgh today in celebration of International Mother Language Day 2023 and to promote linguistic and cultural diversity.

“It is a true honour for me to observe International Mother Language Day in my role as Shadow Minister for Culture, Europe and International Development and also as the first Bangladeshi Member of the Scottish Parliament. 

“International Mother Language Day was first proposed by Bangladesh in 1999, being approved by UNESCO that same year.  

“As a national day in Bangladesh, the Head of State and Head of Government lay a floral wreath at the Language Martyrs Monument, as I did today at the Quadrangle with the Lord Provost of Edinburgh, the Rt. Honourable Councillor Robert Aldridge.

“This event gives us a vital reminder about the importance of preserving more than 6000 languages – 23% of which are endangered- and promoting tolerance and understanding.  

“This year’s theme is “Multilingual education – a necessity to transform education”. As 40% of the global population cannot access education in a language they speak or understand, it is not hard to understand why this has been chosen. 

“Much of the internet is only available in 12 languages. As we use the internet for education more and more, it is important that multilingualism online is promoted so that all can access and learn from online content.  

“Otherwise, those who use minority languages may unfortunately face a threat to their education and access to information. 

“The internet can be a force for education and strengthening disappearing minority languages, both through preservation and revitalisation. Apps and resources can be shared to help educate learners, both young and old, to enrich their understanding of their mother tongue.  

“By normalising multilingualism in education, we can also improve access to it and promote language learning.  

“Multilingual education can teach us understanding and tolerance from youth, allowing for better social cohesion throughout life.   

“Our mother tongue, whether it is English, Scottish Gaelic, Irish, Bengali, Urdu, French, Brazilian-Portuguese, Ukrainian, Chichewa, Polish or Mandarin, is the linguistic device that shapes our personal, social and cultural identities. 

“It is the vital tool that helps us transmit, preserve and maintain our different traditions, the sayings, jokes, songs, poems that make all our lives much more vibrant and interesting.  

“A speech by a Ukrainian woman at the event today resonated strongly with me, when she spoke about the importance of the Ukrainian language to her, her devastation at its censorship and why it’s preservation is so important during the conflict in Ukraine. 

“Language is the cultural tool that allows us to share different knowledge to better understand one another, where we come from and what makes us all unique, and to foster tolerance among different groups of people. 

“It is vitally important that languages are preserved and multilingualism is promoted, for the reasons shared by distinguished speakers at today’s event. 

“Thank you to ELREC for organising the event at the City Chambers today and for all the distinguished guests, speakers and performers for helping us to celebrate this important topic. 

“I have lodged a motion at the Scottish Parliament supporting the achievements of International Mother Language Day and I hope we can remember this day as a day to celebrate our differences, whether it is our languages, cultures, or identities that make us who we are. 

“I encourage everybody today to approach our peers and share information about our different languages and cultures, so that we can be enriched by each others’ differences.” 

Over 3,000 child abuse crimes were recorded by Police Scotland in 5 years

  • NSPCC urges UK Government to seize last opportunity to strengthen Online Safety Bill so it creates online spaces for children safe from pervasive abuse

More than 3,100 child abuse image offences were recorded by Police in just five years, the NSPCC reveals as it calls for a more robust Online Safety Bill.

Last year, 662 crimes including the sharing and possession of indecent images of children were recorded by Police Scotland.1

The NSPCC warns that unregulated social media is fuelling online child sexual abuse and behind every offence could be multiple child victims who are continually revictimized as images are shared. 

They said the issue of young people being groomed into sharing images of their own abuse is pervasive and tech bosses are failing to stop their sites being used by offenders to organise, commit and share child sexual abuse.

The charity is calling on the UK Government to give children, including victims of sexual abuse, a powerful voice and expert representation in future regulation by creating a statutory child safety advocate through the Online Safety Bill.

This would ensure that children’s experiences are front and centre of decision making, building safeguarding experience into regulation to prioritise child protection. 

NSPCC analysis of data obtained by FOI from England and Wales police forces shows Snapchat is the social media site offenders most used to share child abuse images where platform data was provided. The app, popular with teens, was used in 43% of instances. Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, which are all owned by Meta, were used in a third (33%) of instances where a site was flagged.

And for the first-time virtual reality environments and Oculus headsets, used to explore the Metaverse, were found to be involved in recorded child sexual abuse image crimes.

The NSPCC said committing to a statutory child safety advocate is crucial to act as an early warning system to identify emerging child abuse risks and ensure they are on the radar of companies and the regulator Ofcom.

The advocate would reflect the experiences of young people and be a statutory counterbalance the power of the big tech lobby to help drive a corporate culture that focusses on preventing abuse.

Holly* called Childline in despair when she was 14. She said: “I am feeling sick with fear. I was talking with this guy online and trusted him. I sent him quite a lot of nude pictures of myself and now he is threatening to send them to my friends and family unless I send him more nudes or pay him.

“I reported it to Instagram, but they still haven’t got back. I don’t want to tell the police because my parents would then know what I did and would be so disappointed.”

Sir Peter Wanless, Chief Executive of the NSPCC, said: “These figures are alarming but reflect just the tip of the iceberg of what children are experiencing online.

“We hear from young people who feel powerless and let down as online sexual abuse risks becoming normalised for a generation of children.

“By creating a child safety advocate that stands up for children and families the UK Government can ensure the Online Safety Bill systemically prevents abuse.

“It would be inexcusable if in five years’ time we are still playing catch-up to pervasive abuse that has been allowed to proliferate on social media.”

Online Safety Bill amendments

The NSPCC is seeking amendments to the Online Safety Bill as it passes through the House of Lords to improve its response to child sexual abuse.

They are asking Lords to back the creation of a child safety advocate which would mirror statutory user advocacy arrangements that are effective across other regulated sectors.

The amendment would give Ofcom access to children’s voices and experiences in real time via an expert child safety advocate akin to Citizen’s Advice acting for energy and postal consumers.

And after the UK Government committed to holding senior managers liable if their products contribute to serious harm to children the charity says this must also include where sites put children at risk of sexual abuse.

The move would mean bosses responsible for child safety would be held criminally liable if their sites continue to expose children to preventable abuse – which is backed by an overwhelming majority of the public.

Meta Encryption

In response to the latest data, the NSPCC also renewed calls on Meta to pause plans to roll out default end-to-end encryption of Facebook and Instagram messenger services in order to comply with future requirements of the Online Safety Bill.

They said Meta will turn a blind eye to child abuse by making it impossible to identify grooming and the sharing of images making the importance of external bodies such as a child safety advocate even more paramount.

However, the charity said the Online Safety Bill should be seen as an opportunity to incentivise companies to invest in technological solutions to end-to-end encryption that protect adult privacy, the privacy of sexual abuse victims and keep children safe.

Scottish Budget Bill passed

Further support for councils, culture sector and island ferries

An additional £223 million will be provided to local authorities to support pay awards to staff as part of the 2023-24 Scottish Budget.

Deputy First Minister John Swinney said an improving financial position enabled him to address some pressing asks. The extra money for local authorities comprises a new £100 million for non-teaching staff and the £123 million announced last week for 2023-24 to support a new pay offer for teachers which would see salaries rise by 11.5% from April.

It comes on top of the additional £570 million already included in the local government settlement and takes the total settlement to nearly £13.5 billion.

Opening the Budget Bill Stage 3 debate in the Scottish Parliament, Mr Swinney also announced a £6.6 million increase to Creative Scotland’s budget and promised to fund the revenue cost increases incurred by local authorities managing the inter-islands ferry network.

He said additional funding confirmed by the UK Government in Supplementary Estimate figures this morning had enabled him to go further in 2023-24 – but stressed that the financial position remained exceptionally challenging and would require continued prioritisation throughout the coming year.

Mr Swinney said: “I am very aware of the challenges faced as we manage our way through this cost crisis and this Budget is designed to do as much as we possibly can to assist at this most difficult moment.

“None of this is easy – this is by far the hardest Scottish Budget process that I have led – with the effects of raging inflation being felt against the impact of more than a decade of austerity and Barnett funding down 5% in real terms since 2021-22.

“I hope this additional funding will enable a swift agreement in the Scottish Joint Council pay negotiations so that relevant staff receive a pay increase as early as possible in 2023-24.  

“The Budget strengthens our social contract with every citizen of Scotland who will continue to enjoy many benefits not available throughout the UK. Delivering support for people most in need, in these difficult times, is the foundation of this Budget.

“The Budget that has been set out to Parliament enables us to invest in our public services, to ensure a strong boost to local authority funding and to ensure that we help those who need it the most.”

The Deputy First Minister’s statement to Parliament.

SARAH BOYACK ON SCOTTISH GOVT’S DECISION TO REVERSE CULTURE CUTS

The Deputy First Minister, John Swinney, announced an uplift of £6.6 million for Creative Scotland in his Scottish Budget statement on Tuesday.

John Swinney acknowledged “the calls form Claire Adamson MSP, Convener of the Parliament’s Culture and Constitution Committee to continue to sustain our investment in culture and the arts.” 

In his statement, Scotland’s Deputy First Minister said: “We had asked Creative Scotland to sustain investment next year by utilising £6.6 million from their accumulative Lottery reserves in place of a further year of additional grant funding to compensate for generally lower National Lottery income.

“I am now in a position now to require that and I will provide an uplift of £6.6 million for Creative Scotland for 2023-24 to ensure their reserve funding can supplement rather than replace grant funding.” 

The decision comes following calls from trade unions, artists, cultural organisations and campaigners to reverse the cuts.

Last week, the Scottish Trades Union Congress wrote to John Swinney and Culture Secretary Angus Robertson on behalf of the Musicians’ Union, the Scottish Artists Union, BECTU, Equity, the Writers’ Guild, Scottish Society of Playwrights and the Society of Authors, warning that cutting arts funding is “the wrong choice at the wrong time.”

Commenting, Scottish Labour’s Culture spokesperson, Sarah Boyack MSP said: “I welcome Scottish Government’s U-turn and the decision to reverse the culture cuts.

“The proposals to cut Creative Scotland’s funding should have never been put forward – they simply didn’t make sense and if implemented, would have added to the huge pressure the culture sector is facing because of the cost of living crisis and rising costs.

“Culture workers have been living with uncertainty, precarious and under-paid work for years – the current crisis has only made things worse for them.

“There is so much more that the Scottish Government should be doing now to support the sector. In my own city for example the King’s Theatre needs support now. ”

David Watt, Chief Executive, Arts & Business Scotland, said: “We warmly welcome yesterday’s announcement by the Scottish Government to reverse the proposed £6.6m reduction in Creative Scotland’s funding for 2023/24.

“Arts & Business Scotland serves as the bridge between Scotland’s cultural and business sectors, fostering innovation and cross-sector collaboration and delivering major cultural, social and economic benefits both here and internationally. The success of our nation’s cultural profile relies on this and the creative and cultural sector has an essential role to play in facilitating a thriving and innovative economy.

“Scotland’s creative and cultural sector continues to reel from the aftermath of the pandemic, from rising energy costs and from increasing inflation; so opportunities to maintain ongoing financial support are very much a step in the right direction for both the sector and for the many businesses across Scotland that collaborate with them.

“Indeed we believe the coming together of the arts, culture and business communities can bring innovation and fresh thinking to the economy. Whilst we welcome this renewed confidence in the sector, we now need to look towards a sustainable, longer term future that embrace Scotland’s creative and cultural landscape as a catalyst for social and economic, as well as cultural, change.”

Targeted teacher strikes commence in constituencies of key politicians

The EIS has commenced targeted strike action within the constituencies of key politicians with the ability to resolve the ongoing pay dispute.

Teachers in Glasgow Southside (Nicola Sturgeon), Perthshire North (John Swinney), Dunfermline (Shirley-Anne Somerville), and the East Dunbartonshire part of Clydebank & Milngavie (Ross Greer) have started 3-days of consecutive strike action, as the dispute over teacher pay intensifies.

Commenting, EIS General Secretary Andrea Bradley said, “Today’s intensification of strike action is a direct result of the failure of the Scottish Government and COSLA to deliver an acceptable pay offer to Scotland’s teachers.

“As a result, this intensified strike action is targeted directly at the politicians with the ability to deliver a better pay offer that can end this pay dispute – just as is happening in Health. Teachers do not want to be on strike, but the fact that they are is an indictment on politicians within the Scottish Government and COSLA who have the authority to deliver a better pay deal, but have failed to do so.

“Parents and students have every right to be angry at the fact that local and national politicians continue to collude in withholding a fair settlement from Scotland’s teachers. This is another part of the chronic underfunding of Education both by national and local government in spite of the claims that Education is a number one priority in this country.”

Ms Bradley added, “In response to requests from our members, I have now also now written to members in the Secondary sector with guidance in relation to entering into voluntary arrangements for the marking of SQA exam papers.

“While the marking of SQA exams papers is a voluntary activity and is therefore not part of our dispute with employers, many members have expressed an unwillingness to sign up as SQA markers while this pay dispute is ongoing.

“Having taken legal advice on this matter, the EIS can confirm that our members are absolutely within their rights to decline or delay signing up as SQA markers while the pay dispute remains unresolved. It is entirely a matter for each member to decide if they wish, or do not wish, to enter into a voluntary agreement with the SQA to mark exam scripts.”

Ms Bradley concluded, “The EIS remains, as ever, available for discussions with the Scottish Government and COSLA for further talks towards a negotiated settlement on teachers’ pay.

“Our members want to be in the classroom, and strike action can be halted immediately by the delivery of a suitably improved offer that could credibly be recommended to our members.”

Industrial action in schools: an open letter to learners

Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills Shirley-Anne Somerville outlines support for pupils during industrial action, particularly for those preparing for exams:

Dear Learner,

I would like to reassure you that I am doing everything I can to resolve the pay dispute with the teaching unions and bring an end to industrial action. I know the disruption caused by strikes will be a particular worry for those of you who are preparing for exams.

I have written to councils asking them to consider how secondary schools can remain open on strike days for learners preparing for exams. This is decided by councils on a school by school basis and you and your family will hear directly if your school can be open for you on future strike days.

As was the case during the pandemic, a wide range of study support is available through the National e-Learning offer (NeLO) which you can access when schools are closed. This includes thousands of live, recorded and other online resources that support learning and revision. I have set out below the wider support package that is in place to help you prepare for your exams.

We are also continuing to work with partners, including the SQA and councils, on contingencies for the exams themselves, should industrial action continue.

We very much hope, however, that the pay dispute will be resolved soon and that these contingencies will not be required. 

The Scottish Government, our agencies and your council will continue to do everything we can to support you in the run up to and during the exam diet.

Support throughout the year

The NeLO site offers a searchable database of nearly 25,000 senior phase resources for learners across hundreds of courses. This includes over 3,000 recorded lessons, created by Scottish teachers. Learners in all 32 local authorities access NeLO regularly.

In addition, there are a wide range of offers from local authorities and the Regional Improvement Collaboratives, often with partners.  For example:

Easter study support

As was the case last year – as part of NeLO – live, interactive Easter Study Support webinars for Senior Phase pupils will run from 3 to 14 April.  Webinars will be available to support learners with 80 different qualifications across 30 subjects. The offer includes courses at SCQF levels 4-7 (National 4, National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher).  Letters were sent to Directors of Education informing them of the offer on 21 February and registration will be launched for learners on 1 March.

Exam support

Modifications to the 2022 National Qualifications are being continued in the 2023 academic session.  SQA have issued the ‘Your National Qualifications‘ booklet, and will include study and exams tips in the ‘Your Exams’ booklet in mid-March.  Recognising the continued impact of COVID the SQA, has confirmed a sensitive, evidence-based approach to grading this year which will benefit learners. 

Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills

Shirley-Anne Somerville

Further information on the targeted strike action, and the schools impacted by the action, can be found here: https://www.eis.org.uk/campaigns/payattention

Appeal for information following crash on A90 at Cramond Bridge

Road policing officers in Edinburgh are appealing for information following a crash on the A90 at Cramond Bridge.

Around 2.55pm on Monday, 20 February, 2023 police were called to the collision involving a red Ford Focus and a blue Fiat Panda.

The 78-year-old male driver and 71-year-old female passenger of the Fiat were taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh by ambulance. The 55-year-old male driver of the Ford was not injured.

The road was closed while crash investigations were carried out and fully reopened around 7pm.

Offers are appealing for anyone who was in the area at the time and saw what happened to get in touch. Anyone with relevant dash cam footage is also asked to contact us.

If you have any information call 101 quoting reference 2037 of 20 February, 2023.

Hibs owner Ron Gordon dies aged 68

HIBERNIAN FC ISSUED THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT YESTERDAY:

Hibernian FC today announced that the Club’s Executive Chairman and majority shareholder, Ronald J Gordon, passed away earlier this morning (UK time).

Ron recently wrote an open letter to supporters, telling them that he had been receiving treatment for cancer for much of the past year.

Ben Kensell, Chief Executive of Hibernian, said: “Everyone at the Club is deeply saddened at the news. Our thoughts are with Ron’s wife Kit, his sons Ian and Colin, and the rest of the Gordon family. Ron may have been our chairman and owner, but he was first and foremost a devoted family man with a close and loving family.

“We would ask that at this difficult time, the family’s privacy is respected as they mourn their loss.”

Ron had a passion for football and through Hibernian FC his dream, commitment and love came to the fore, whilst always ensuring the club became the best version of itself to leave a lasting legacy. The Gordon Family are determined to see this through.

Ben stressed the family’s commitment to continue to work to deliver Ron’s long-term vision and plan for the Club, with the support of the Board and the senior executive. He said: “As part of that determination, we will hold our AGM in early March.

There will be no further comment from the Club or family at this time.

RIP Ronald J Gordon (August 1954 – February 2023)

Edinburgh’s best bars partner with PATRÓN Tequila for tomorrow’s International Margarita Day

PATRÓN Tequila, the number one super–premium tequila in the world, is opening the doors to an authentic taste of Mexico’s culture with bar takeovers across Edinburgh to celebrate Margarita Month from February to March, coinciding with International Margarita Day tomorrow – February 22nd. 

Edinburgh’s boldest, most innovative bars including The Voyage of Buck, Uno Mas and El Cartel, will be raising a glass with the PATRÓN familia to celebrate International Margarita Day by offering handcrafted ‘Botanas’ – traditional Mexican small plates of exclusive Margarita serves perfectly curated with PATRÓN Silver, and specially curated Margarita menus. 

  • The Voyage of Buck has developed a special taco menu featuring dishes that have been designed to perfectly complement the flavour profile of the iconic Margarita cocktail, made with PATRÓN Silver Tequila. Tacos range from lamb shoulder with Greek yoghurt to feta cheese and butternut squash, drizzled in red chilli oil. PATRÓN Tequila UK Brand Ambassador Gianluca Pavenello Canella will also be hosting a dinner and tasting for one night only on the 15th March. Limited spaces available so please book here. 
  • Uno Mas has developed a curated menu of cocktails including the Elderflower and Cucumber Margarita (a combination of PATRÓN Silver Tequila, St Germain cordial, cucumber lime and sugar) and many other special serves, inspired by the traditional margarita cocktail.Tee and John McCellan will be hosting a “Vinyl Nights” DJ set on February 23rd.
  • Hoot The Redeemer will host the 2022 winner of PATRÓN Perfectionists, Max Macauley, who will do a shift to celebrate the perfection of PATRÓN Margarita this International Margarita Day. Visit Max to check out his Simply Perfect twists on the Margarita. 

Other bars across the city are also celebrating with PATRÓN in their own unique way. See below for more information and how to book a table.*

These International Margarita Day celebrations pay homage to the Mexican roots of PATRÓN and its tequila-making tradition. Passionately handcrafted in Jalisco by PATRÓN’s familia, maintaining a tireless dedication to achieve perfection in every drop. PATRÓN uses only the highest-quality three natural ingredients masterfully combined to ensure consistency and quality in production handcrafting the finest tequila in the world.

Since the brand’s inception in 1989, PATRÓN Tequila continues to experiment, explore and create bold innovations whilst staying committed to its handcrafted production process that delivers only the highest quality, 100% naturally perfect tequila. PATRÓN Tequila uses 100% simply perfect ingredients – agave, water and yeast – and crafted in small batches to ensure consistency and quality. PATRÓN has one goal in mind and that’s to create the finest tequila in the world.

Max Macauley, 2022 winner of ‘PATRÓN Perfectionists’ and host of the International Margarita Day event at Hoot The Redeemer, Edinburgh says: “As a member of the PATRÓN familia, it’s inspiring to work with bar teams to celebrate Margarita Month.

“In my eyes, PATRÓN stands for passion and the handcrafted perfection – something that we want to reflect in every drink I get my hands on! I’m proud to be hosting the ‘Locale takeover’ at Hoot The Redeemer alongside Ellie Raeside, also a perfectionist finalist – a one night only guest shift on the 15th March.

“I will also be doing a guest shift at Present Company in Liverpool on 5th March alongside my other perfectionist finalist, Christopher George.”

PATRÓN’s Margarita inspired activations in Scotland will be in action throughout February and March, so head to the websites below to book a table and raise a glass with the PATRÓN familia.

How and when to book your table: 

EDINBURGH 

  • Book a table at Hamilton’s from 22nd February – 22nd March
    • Curated menu of Margarita cocktails
  • Book a table at The Voyage of Buck from 22nd February – 22nd March
    • Curated menu, taco menu and Gianluca, UK PATRÓN Brand Ambassador, dinner on 15th March
  • Book a table at El Cartel Teviot from 22nd February –  22nd March 
    • Curated menu of Margarita cocktails and DJ set.
  • Book a table at Bar Prince @ The Balmoral from 22nd February – 22nd March
    • Curated menu of Margarita cocktails
  • Book a table at The Blackbird from 22nd February – 22nd March
    • Curated menu of Margarita cocktails
  • Book a table at East Finch from 22nd February – 22nd March
    • Curated menu of Margarita cocktails
  • Book a table at Voodoo Rooms from 22nd February – 22nd March
    • Curated menu of Margarita cocktails
  • Book a table at Vesta from 22nd February – 22nd March
    • Curated menu of Margarita cocktails
  • Book a table at The Lioness of Leith from 22nd February – 22nd March
    • Curated menu of Margarita cocktails
  • Book a table at The Broughton from 22nd February – 22nd March
    • Curated menu of Margarita cocktails
  • Book a table at Uno Mas on 23rd February only
    • (Vinyl DJ with curated menu of Margarita cocktails)
  • Book a table at El Cartel Roxburgh Place on 25th February only
    • Curated menu of Margarita cocktails
  • Book a table at Hoot The Redeemer on 15th March only
    • Curated menu of Margarita cocktails

Gorgeous Gregor’s gold star report from foster carers

An eight-year-old Shar-pei who has received a gold star report from his Dogs Trust foster carers is hoping being on his best behaviour will help him find his forever home.  

Gorgeous Gregor arrived at the charity’s West Calder Rehoming Centre in May 2022 after being found as a stray. It didn’t take long for staff to realise Gregor wasn’t suited to life in kennels, so a temporary foster home was sought. 

Gregor landed on his paws when he first went into foster care in July 2022 with Fiona Jardine from Grangemouth. She said Gregor was a very well-behaved boy and perfect house guest.   

Gregor is now enjoying life in a foster home with Meta Brockie from Dunfermline who said: “Gregor is a wonderful, calm, gentle and easy going dog. He has a very sweet nature and is friends with everyone he meets whether dog or human.

“”When out walking he takes his time and loves to stop and look at what people are doing rather like a nosey neighbour.  He is also very funny, loves his food and sleeps through the night.  There really is nothing not to like about Gregor.”

Shona Crosbie, Home from Home Coordinator at Dogs Trust West Calder said: “Gregor’s personality is now shining bright after what has been an unsettling time in his life. He has lived in two foster homes now with both of his foster carers agreeing what a delight he is in the home. 

“A dog can be in foster from a few days to a few weeks, with the average time being 21 days.  Gregor has been in foster nearly eight months and we cannot understand why he hasn’t been snapped up.  He has the looks, a loving nature, is housetrained and is very well-mannered. We are keen to hear from anyone who thinks our gorgeous boy could be the canine companion for them. 

“We are so grateful to Fiona, Meta and all our foster carers for everything they do for dogs like Gregor.  For dogs that cannot adapt to life in a rehoming centre having the option of a foster home is vital for their happiness and wellbeing.  We learn so much more about our dogs when they are in a home environment and this also helps with finding them the right forever home.  Our foster carers are simply the best.” 

While Gregor is friendly on his walks, happily saying hello to dogs of all shapes and sizes, he is looking for a home where he is the only pet.

He could live in a home with children aged 16 and over. Gregor isn’t keen on the rain so prefers to go for walks in fair weather. He appreciates a little time to meet new people but once the bond is made, he is loyal and loving. Gregor is on medication for arthritis which he takes no problem at what is one of his favourite times of day, food time.    

If you are interested in rehoming Gregor you can apply here: 

https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/rehoming/dogs/shar-pei/1257238 

For more information about fostering for Dogs Trust email:

HFHWestCalder@dogstrust.org.uk