It’s beginning to look a lot like … Edinburgh’s Christmas is back!

On behalf of the City of Edinburgh Council, Underbelly announces that tickets for Edinburgh’s Christmas 2021 are now on sale.

–          Tickets on sale for selected rides and attractions.

–          The much-loved ice rink returns, sponsored by Lidl GB and partnered by Essential Edinburgh.

–          East Princes Street will see the return of festive food & drink and the Christmas Market.

–          West Princes Street will include Santa Land, featuring the magical Santa’s Grotto and family friendly attractions.

–          EH postcodes receive 20% discount.

Edinburgh’s Christmas is back and set to bring festive cheer to the heart of the city.

This year we see the return of the city’s much-loved Christmas ice rink, sponsored by Lidl GB and partnered by Essential Edinburgh, in its new home on George Street. The firm favourite will include a first for Edinburgh’s Christmas, skate up festive food and drink offerings alongside family sessions. Lidl on Ice will open on 19 November.

Once again East Princes Street Gardens hosts one the UK’s favourite Christmas Markets. The fantastic festive market will offer a wide range of European and local food, drink and crafts which are bound to get you into the Christmas spirit. 

The Forth 1 Big Wheel will return, alongside the Star Flyer, all against the backdrop of the iconic Edinburgh Castle. 

Edinburgh’s Christmas at East Princes Street Gardens will open on 20 November.

In a first for Edinburgh’s Christmas, those looking to get to the top of the nice list will find the city’s magical Santa’s Grotto in West Princes Street Gardens.

The lower gardens will be transformed into Santa Land featuring family friendly attractions including the Christmas Tree Maze and market stalls, full of festive treats and gifts. 

Santa Land will open on 19 November.

Tickets for Ice Skating, Santa’s Grotto, The Forth 1 Big Wheel and Star Flyer are now available to purchase through the Edinburgh’s Christmas website. Those with an EH postcode receive 20% off their tickets. 

This year, Edinburgh’s Christmas is going contactless and introducing a new ‘tap and ride’ scheme, rather than purchasing tickets from the traditional box office you will be able to purchase your ticket at each ride.

Further additions to the programme include:

Winter Windows will return throughout the city, and this year’s theme is “Connections and Kindness”. 

This special creative project encourages Edinburgh’s young and budding artists to showcase their talents to residents and visitors outside of the classroom. School pupils are invited to design their own stained-glass window to be displayed in our streets and community hubs.

This year’s theme allows Edinburgh’s school children to reflect on the connections made and kindness that they received and gave during the global pandemic.

The Nativity Scene, which this year moves to St Andrew Square. 

The Nativity Carol Concert, organised in conjunction with Edinburgh Churches Together, takes place on 28 November in St Andrew Square.

Following on from the success of the Light Night rainbow installation on the Mound in 2020, Edinburgh’s Christmas is working with Edinburgh based artist Hannah Ayre who will produce a beautiful contemporary art installation, illuminating the Mound with cascading geometric snowflakes.

This installation will sit alongside Edinburgh’s Christmas tree donated by the Hordaland County Council in Norway and will replace the Light Night event. 

The Mound installation will be illuminated from 20 November.

The Neighbourhood Market will return in 2021 and offer free listings for local Edinburgh businesses and attractions to showcase their products. In 2020, 207 local Edinburgh businesses showcased their products on the Edinburgh’s Christmas website.

To make sure Edinburgh’s Christmas is an experience as enjoyable as possible to all, Underbelly is pleased to be offering sensory packs to children and adult visitors with additional needs.

These will be available to hire, free of charge, and will contain a fidget toy, earplugs, water bottle, stress reliever and ear defenders. These items are designed to help users relax in situations they might find stressful.

The sensory packs are designed and kindly provided by the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society.

Underbelly is meticulously planning Edinburgh’s Christmas with Covid-19 in mind and is dedicated to creating a safe and fun environment for the 2021 Christmas celebrations.

Working closely with the City of Edinburgh Council and Essential Edinburgh, Underbelly has created an unmissable festive programme, helping to boost domestic tourism and reinvigorating Princes Street and the surrounding areas. 

Edinburgh’s Christmas is designed to support economic recovery across the capital, driving footfall to the wider city centre area, bringing some much-needed cheer and happiness to both residents and visitors to Edinburgh.

This year’s festivities will also support Edinburgh’s Social Inclusion charity, the OneCity Trust with donations being taken at point of sale on the Edinburgh’s Christmas website and collection points at bars.

Underbelly Co-Directors, Charlie Wood and Ed Bartlam said: “The Underbelly team has been working tirelessly to create a bespoke Edinburgh’s Christmas programme that not only provides unforgettable memories and experiences, but also makes visitors feel safe and at ease at all times.

“It’s been a very challenging couple of years for everyone but our proposed plans for Christmas are designed to support economic recovery throughout the capital, and to help Edinburgh be together again.”

Roddy Smith, Chief Executive and Director of Essential Edinburgh said: “We’re delighted to be able to partner with Underbelly to restore Edinburgh’s world-renowned festive celebrations for 2021.

“This year’s event has been designed to provide a much-needed boost to local business by supporting footfall throughout the wider city centre, providing more businesses with the chance to reconnect with residents and visitors to our spectacular capital city. 

“We are especially pleased to support the fantastic ice rink on George Street which I am sure will be a great hit with everyone.”

Edinburgh’s Lord Provost and President of the OneCity Trust Frank Ross, said: “The festive season is a very special time for our city and our communities and I’m sure this year’s programme will be warmly welcomed by residents and visitors.

“Whilst the safety of everyone remains a priority it will be fantastic to see people coming together again and enjoying Edinburgh’s Christmas this year where there really is something for everyone.

“Festive favourites like the big wheel and the Christmas market will be back and it’s great that the fun is spread out a bit further this year, with Santa Land in West Princes Street Gardens and a magical festive ice rink at the west end of George Street. It promises to be a cracking Christmas party for everyone to enjoy.” 

Commenting on the partnership with the OneCity Trust, he added: “After months of lockdowns and social distancing, tackling the challenge of social isolation and inequalities has never been more pressing.

“Partnerships such as this with Underbelly and Edinburgh’s Christmas are crucial to our work. Not only will the return of Edinburgh’s Christmas help bring people back together and promote social inclusion, but the money raised will be a vital lifeline for so many community projects across Edinburgh through our main grant funding programme.”

LISTING INFORMATION

Edinburgh’s Christmas 2021
19 November – 4 January

Facebook: EdinburghsChristmas
Instagram: EdinburghsChrsitmas
Twitter: EdXmas
Website (and to subscribe to the Edinburgh’s Christmas newsletter): www.edinburghschristmas.com

Prices start from £6. EH postcodes receive 20% off

Edinburgh’s Christmas, East Princes Street Gardens
20 November – 4 January

Santa Land, West Princes Street Gardens
19 November – 4 January

Lidl on Ice, George Street
19 November – 4 January

Winter Windows around the city centre
19 November – 4 January

Edinburgh’s Christmas Neighbourhood Market Place
20 November – 4 January

Litter emergency looms closer as 9 in 10 people agree it is a problem

Litter levels highlight scale of our selfish behaviour

At a national seminar on Scotland’s local environmental quality environmental charity, Keep Scotland Beautiful revealed data from its national surveys which further warn of a looming litter emergency.

  • 88% of people agree litter is a problem across Scotland.
  • More than two PPE litter items per 1km surveyed.
  • Five out of six sites surveyed are littered.
  • 1 in 10 sites had unacceptable litter levels.
  • Smoking related litter is the most commonly observed – present at 64% of sites.
  • More than half surveyed sites were littered with food and drink items.

Cigarettes, food-on-the-go litter and drinks related litter top the tables once again, but the pandemic has highlighted a new litter type – masks which have never featured in previous years. 

The scale of the challenge Scotland faces as we collectively act to tackle the behaviours that are leading to a looming litter emergency is not to be underestimated. 

Despite last year being an exceptional one, where data cannot really be compared with our historic trends, and when cleansing services were under extreme pressure, the stats taken from almost 11,000 surveyed sites speak for themselves. 

It is clear that litter levels and the littering behaviours highlighted in our report – Time for a new approach to tackling litter last year, need urgent attention.

Mairi McAllan, Minister for Environment, Biodiversity and Land Reform gave the key note address at Scotland’s Local Environmental Quality Seminar, at which the data was shared with key stakeholders and partners. 

The event has kickstarted a programme of online events focusing on the key strands of the proposed new National Litter and Flytipping Strategy which will go out for consultation this winter.

Barry Fisher, CEO of Keep Scotland Beautiful said, “There is no doubt that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought new challenges for those who work hard to keep our country litter free. 

“And, it is clear, that for many, the impact that litter, dog fouling and graffiti, has on their communities and neighbourhoods is unacceptable, particularly in our most deprived communities.

“Our latest survey results again highlight that where there are people in large numbers, there are unacceptable levels of litter.  While no one organisation can solve this issue, individually we can all take responsibility and bin our litter or take it home and treat our country with respect.

“Alongside The Scottish Government and Zero Waste Scotland we are committed to continuing efforts to support communities, local authorities, businesses, and national agencies to reverse the decline in environmental quality across Scotland.

“We must now build on the collaborative work we have started over the past 18months, to eradicate the selfish behaviours that impact our neighbourhoods and the places we visit.

“We’re calling for everyone in Scotland to join us on our collective mission to make all of Scotland beautiful again”

Despite the continuing increase in litter levels there is a clear, collective ambition to tackle litter and we are working with others to ensure that the positive action, carried out by volunteers who pledged 1.5million minutes to litter pick during our Summer Clean this June, and positive momentum of the national ‘Scotland is Stunning’ litter campaign really makes a difference.  

Everyone needs to step up to the challenge.  Litter should be one of the easiest environmental problems to solve – everyone is able to bin their litter or take it home.

Fight for Fifteen: Care workers to rally at Scottish Parliament

Care workers will rally at the Scottish Parliament this weekend (Saturday 23 October) as they step-up their fight for £15 an hour social care minimum wage.

GMB is inviting the media, public and politicians to come and listen to the testimonies of members from across the care industry, detailing their experiences and struggles of care delivery before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the need for substantial pay increases.

Pre-pandemic the Fair Work Convention’s Social Care Report established that over 200,000 staff were employed in the social care sector, four-fifths of which were women, but revealed a billion-pound industry mired in precarious work, excessive hours, and chronic low pay – facts reinforced by testimonies of GMB members in social care in our ‘Show You Care’ Report.

The Scottish Government consultation on the future of a National Care Service will close on Tuesday 2 November.

Louise Gilmour, GMB Scotland Secretary, said: “We can make work better for hundreds of thousands of care workers now and in future if we substantially improve their pay, and that should be all the motivation needed to deliver a £15 an hour social care minimum as the centrepiece of a National Care Service.

“COVID-19 has exposed all the underlying problems facing workers care, problems that were well understood by employers and political leaders pre-pandemic but left unchallenged, and contributed towards care becoming the ‘crisis within a crisis’.

“Let’s learn the lessons. If we want to tackle the current understaffing crisis, end exploitative employment practices, and ultimately improve standards for everyone, then we must start paying people properly for the essential work they do.

“That’s why the prospect of wages amounting to little more than £10 an hour in the years to come simply won’t stand, and it’s why GMB members across Scotland’s social care sector are ‘fighting for fifteen’.

Appeal after woman’s bag stolen near St Mary’s Cathedral


Police are appealing for witnesses after a woman’s handbag was stolen in a robbery near St Mary’s Cathedral at the West End.

The incident happened at around 7.25pm on Tuesday (19 October) as the 39-year-old was walking with a second woman on the lane between Manor Place and Palmerston Place, which runs behind the cathedral.

Two men approached the women from direction of Atholl Place and together forcibly removed the woman’s handbag.

The suspects left the area on foot towards Manor Place. Officers attended the scene and found no trace of the men or the stolen items, which include a phone and keys from within the bag.

Both suspects are described as adult men, of stocky builds and wearing all black clothing with their hoods up.

Detective Sergeant Gary Smyth of Gayfield CID said: “The victim and her companion were simply walking along the street when these men approached them and stole her handbag. The red leather bag is still missing, along with its contents.

“We are reviewing CCTV in the area and would ask anyone with private systems to check their footage and provide anything of relevance to officers as soon as possible.

“I’d also ask anyone in the West End area on Tuesday night who may have witnessed what happened, or the suspects before or after the incident, to come forward and speak with officers.”

Those with information should contact Police Scotland on 101 and quote incident number 2965 of 19 October. An anonymous report can be given to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Everything that’s happening today at the Festival of Politics

Friday 22nd October

Use the links below to book your free tickets to these online discussions:

Radical solutions to poverty – give everyone £5,200? 

1pm – 2pm

Narratives for change: the power of culture to engage us with the climate emergency 

3pm – 4pm

Can education build a sustainable society? 

5pm – 6pm

Should we stop eating fish? 

7pm – 8pm

Explore the full programme: festivalofpolitics.scot

UK launches world’s first green savings bonds

  • First ever green savings product from a sovereign issuer goes on sale online at NS&I for at least the next three months
  • The Green Savings Bonds will give UK savers the chance to back the Government’s green projects and join the collective fight against climate change
  • Bonds provide savers with financial returns and environmental benefits, backed by NS&I’s 100% guarantee

The world’s first green savings product from a sovereign issuer is available to UK savers from today (22 October 2021), less than two weeks ahead of the COP26 climate conference.

The landmark Green Savings Bonds give savers aged 16 or over the opportunity to back the Government’s green projects and put their money to work in the fight against climate change.

Green projects like zero-emissions buses, offshore wind and innovative low-carbon technologies will be eligible for funding, along with programmes to help us adapt to a changing climate like flood defences.

Projects to boost living and natural resources such as planting trees, protecting biodiversity and environmentally sustainable agriculture will also be eligible.

The Chancellor Rishi Sunak said: ““Our world-first Green Savings Bonds give savers across the UK the chance to back the Government’s green projects and put their money to work in the fight against climate change.

“The UK is already a world leader in green finance and these innovative new savings bonds will deliver both financial returns and environmental benefits, in a transparent and secure way.”

The Green Savings Bonds will be available from NS&I’s website and are offered at a 0.65% fixed annual rate over a three-year term.

With demand for environmentally friendly investments growing, particularly amongst young people, the bonds offer savers a way to generate both financial and environmental returns.

Research found that around 80% of people aged between 25-44 would be very or fairly interested in the concept of a green savings product, and that 42% of 18–34-year-olds would be willing to accept a lower return on their savings if they knew their money was being put towards green projects.

And because the Green Savings Bonds are offered by NS&I, the Treasury-backed savings organisation which offers Premium Bonds and other products, 100% of the investment is protected and guaranteed by the Treasury.

The Government will report regularly so savers can see which projects have been funded and the positive environmental impact their investment is making.

And in another world-first, the UK will report on the social co-benefits of the projects funded, so savers will also be able to track metrics such as the number of jobs created and SMEs or households who have benefitted.

Sean Kidney, CEO of Climate Bonds Initiative: “Every government has to green their budgets to meet climate targets.

“The UK’s landmark green savings bonds show just how that greening can and will be funded. It serves as an example to the world.”

Rhian-Mari Thomas, CEO of Green Finance Institute: “Following the success of the UK’s first two Green Gilt issuances, it’s great to see the launch of the new Green Savings Bonds, which will allow savers to put their money to work for the benefit of the environment.

“This is another important step to channel investment towards building a green, prosperous and inclusive UK economy, and an opportunity for savers to get involved.”

The Green Savings Bonds are the latest green finance initiative from the UK, which has been setting an example globally.

In the last month, the UK has issued £16bn of green sovereign bonds, with a record-breaking debut issue of £10bn that attracted the largest ever order book for a green bond, followed up by a successful second issuance of £6bn yesterday (21 October), which was even more heavily oversubscribed.

And earlier this week, the UK clamped down on greenwashing and set new global standards for environmental reporting with requirements for certain large businesses to set out their green credentials.

Local councillor shortlisted for national Award

Nearly 100 nominations received across Scotland

City of Edinburgh Councillor Ellie Bird (above, far right) has been shortlisted in the Champion for Education category in this year’s LGIU Scotland & CCLA Cllr Awards.

Running for the 4th year, the Cllr Awards are the only national ceremony to celebrate the vital contributions of councillors that so often go unrecognised. As communities continue to recover from the pandemic, these Awards are a hugely important way to champion what local councillors do for their communities.

Competition was extremely tight again this year with nearly 100 nominations received across six categories that celebrate the varied work of councillors. Some of the awards up for grabs include Resilience and Recovery (new for 2021), alongside the coveted Community Champion, Leader of the Year and New Councillor of the Year awards. The full shortlist is included below.

The winners will be decided by a panel of judges composed of senior councillors and officers as well as leading stakeholders from across the sector. The winners will be revealed at the Cllr Awards ceremony taking place on Wednesday, 24th November from 6:30pm until 9pm at Glasgow City Chambers. The ceremony will also be broadcast live on YouTube.

This year’s awards are only made possible thanks to the generous support of founding partners CCLA.

Jonathan Carr-West, Chief Executive, LGIU Scotland said: “This year’s Cllr Awards shortlist showcases the best of local government. During a time when they have experienced unprecedented challenges and pressure, these councillors are true champions for local government and their communities.

“The last year has reminded each and every one of us of the effort and lengths to which councillors go to support their citizens. As such, we were overwhelmed by powerful stories and experiences coming through the nearly 100 nominations received for councillors across Scotland. 

“Our most sincere congratulations to all of those councillors shortlisted. We look forward to unveiling the winners on Wednesday, 24 November.” 

Cllr Eleanor ‘Ellie’ Bird is councillor for Edinburgh’s Forth ward, the city’s Young People’s Champion and a trustee of both Spartans Community Football Academy and Changeworks.

She believes passionately in placing the voice of young people at the heart of decision-making and is currently working to support candidates for the Scottish Youth Parliament election.

Ellie is the only City of Edinburgh councillor to be shortlisted in the national awards.

About the Award Categories

Champion for Education

The Champion for Education award celebrates councillors who have guaranteed that everybody has access to high-quality education. This can include championing adult education, providing new learning opportunities that have previously been unavailable, or ensuring that no one gets left behind.

The winner of this award will have:

worked with educational bodies and the council to enable high-quality education;

listened to the needs of their local community to introduce new opportunities for learning;

thought creatively to introduce educational approaches that are tailored to suit different needs.

2021 Shortlist

Champion for Education

Cllr Eleanor Bird – The City of Edinburgh Council

Cllr Claire Leitch – East Ayrshire Council

Cllr Frank McNally – North Lanarkshire Council

Community Champion

Bailie Annette Christie – Glasgow City Council

Cllr Duncan Cumming – East Dunbartonshire Council

Cllr David MacDonald – East Renfrewshire Council

Cllr Mohammad Tauqeer Malik – Aberdeen City Council

Bailie Jacqueline McLaren – Glasgow City Council

Bailie Soryia Siddique – Glasgow City Council

Leader of the Year

Cllr Susan Aitken – Glasgow City Council

Cllr Lawrence Fitzpatrick – West Lothian Council

Cllr James Stockan – Orkney Islands Council

Lifetime Contribution

Bailie Willie Sawers – Dundee City Council

Cllr Sandy Scott – Scottish Borders Council

Cllr David Watson – South Lanarkshire Council

New Councillor of the Year

Cllr Kris Chapman – Scottish Borders Council

Cllr Jackie McCamon – Dumfries and Galloway Council

Bailie Christy Mearns – Glasgow City Council

Cllr Steven Rome – Dundee City Council

Resilience and Recovery

Cllr Euan Jardine – Scottish Borders Council

Cllr Kelly Parry – Midlothian Council

Cllr Gwyneth Petrie – Aberdeenshire Council

Cllr John Wheeler – Aberdeen City Council

‘Wall of Defence’?

Advertising blitz to urge public to get flu and COVID-19 vaccines

  • Boots, LloydsPharmacy and Asda come together to support largest ever winter vaccine drive
  • This year will see the country’s biggest flu programme in history with 35 million people eligible for a free vaccine

A nationwide advertising campaign launches today (Friday 22 October) as part of the government’s call to the public to get their COVID-19 booster and flu jabs, to protect themselves and their loved ones this winter.

The multimedia campaign will run on outdoor billboards, broadcast and community radio and TV to support the national vaccine drive.

The colder weather traditionally leads to increased transmission of viruses. Experts have warned that this year there could be a significant flu surge coinciding with continuing or rising COVID-19 cases. Immunity to flu is expected to be lower due to lower levels of the virus in circulation last winter.

Vaccines give high levels of protection but immunity reduces over time, so it is vital vulnerable people come forward to get their COVID-19 booster vaccine to top-up their defences and protect themselves this winter. For those not eligible for a booster, the protection from two doses is sufficient.

Vaccines provide the best possible protection against infection and serious disease. The UK government is pushing the biggest ever winter vaccine campaign for COVID-19 and flu, so people can protect themselves and their loved ones this winter and play their role in reducing pressure on the NHS.

The campaign television advert hits screens today and asks people to “get vaccinated, get boosted, get protected.” It features Michelle, an NHS nurse, explaining the benefits of the flu jab and COVID-19 booster vaccine.

The new television advert will be seen in primetime spots alongside Emmerdale and Coronation Street as well as daytime shows such as This Morning and Loose Women.

Targeted digital channels will also carry the campaign adverts including social media platforms, digital radio and online video such as YouTube.

People will be invited for the COVID-19 booster jab when it’s their turn – if they have not been contacted within a week of reaching 6 months since their second jab they can call 119 or book online. Those who are eligible for a free flu vaccine can book an appointment through their GP surgery or local pharmacy.

The offer of a first and second COVID-19 vaccine remains open to anyone who is eligible. Vaccines are available for those aged 12-15 to offer the best possible protection this winter in schools, and they will also be available in vaccine centres from this weekend.

This week the country’s leading pharmacies have joined forces to encourage people to come forward and get their free flu vaccine and COVID-19 booster jab when eligible. Alongside independent pharmacists, Boots, LloydsPharmacy and Asda – who together have over 4,000 pharmacies across the UK – have backed the call for people to get vaccinated for the best possible protection this winter.

Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Sajid Javid, said: “Our vaccine programme is building a wall of defence across the country and our booster rollout is now well underway with more than 4 million jabs in arms.

“As we go into winter, it is vital that eligible people get their booster jab and their flu jab to protect themselves, their loved ones and the NHS.

“This is a national mission and I’m hugely grateful to the public, volunteers and NHS workers rolling out jabs. It is fantastic to see some of our biggest high street pharmacies give their backing to the winter vaccination programme.

Vaccine confidence is high with data from the Office for National Statistics showing nearly all (94%) of those aged 50 to 69 say they would be likely to get their COVID-19 booster if offered, with the figure rising to 98% for those over 70. Similarly, over three quarters (77%) of those 50-69 would be likely to get the flu vaccine and nearly all (94%) of those over 70.

Dr Raj Patel, GP and Deputy National Medical Director of Primary Care for NHS England, said: “Flu is a huge killer and last year GPs and pharmacists jabbed record numbers of people and as we head into what could be one of the most challenging winters yet for the NHS, it has never been more important to get your flu and covid booster jab.

“Flu has a serious impact on the health of thousands of people every winter and it has never been easier to ensure you are protected, so I would urge everyone to book an appointment directly with you GP or pharmacist as soon as possible.”

Mary Ramsay, Head of Immunisation, UK Health Security Agency said: “This is the first winter when COVID-19 and seasonal flu are expected to be circulating together, putting more lives at risk. Vaccinations are important to protect against both diseases.

“Please book an appointment if you are eligible for the flu vaccine, or get your COVID-19 booster as soon as you are invited – which is due 6 months after a second dose.”

Michelle, Nurse who features in the advert said: “As a frontline worker for the NHS, I’ve seen first-hand the devastating impact both Covid and flu can have in winter.

“Vaccines offer the best protection and I hope this campaign drives home to the importance of coming forward for your vaccine.”

GP and TV doctor, Dr Dawn Harper said: It’s really important that if you are eligible to take up the offer for the different vaccinations – this is both the flu vaccine and COVID-19 booster – you do so.

“Thousands of people die from the flu each year and this year we’re expecting high levels to circulate as we head into winter. With the added threat of further COVID-19 and our immunity wavering, it’s so vital that people get protected against both these deadly viruses.

“This is a huge drive and we need everyone do their part by protecting themselves, and those around them. You can get your COVID-19 booster and flu vaccinations at vaccination centres, GPs or community pharmacists so please, make sure to book your appointment as soon as you’re invited.

Dr Leyla Hannbeck, Chief Executive Association of Independent Multiple Pharmacies, said: “Community pharmacies are already on track to smash last year’s flu vaccination record this season which showcases that patients are keen to get protection against the flu.

“Pharmacies, bravely remained open throughout the pandemic despite the risks and are increasingly seen as first port of call for members of the community to meet their basic healthcare needs.

“They provide accessibility and convenience for patients to get their flu vaccination. As we are approaching winter and with the potential higher cases of Covid, it is essential that all eligible patients get vaccinated.”

Marc Donovan, Chief Pharmacist at Boots, said: “Boots offers free NHS and private flu jabs and are seeing high demand this year. We have already taken over one million flu jab bookings to date but there are still plenty of appointments available at our pharmacies across the UK.

“Boots is also supporting the NHS to deliver COVID-19 booster jabs this winter at select pharmacies, offering a free flu jab at the same time to all eligible patients. Having both vaccines offers optimum protection from getting seriously unwell from these viruses in the coming months.”

Victoria Steele, Superintendent Pharmacist at LloydsPharmacy, said: “It is very likely that we’ll see much greater levels of transmission of the influenza virus this winter. Immunity and protection are increasingly at the forefront of our minds, and we have seen this through the high volume of flu bookings at LloydsPharmacy this year and through increased sales of winter medicines, as many start to take precautions as we head into cold and flu season.

“It is important that we all do what we can to protect ourselves and loved ones this winter by getting both the flu vaccine and the COVID booster vaccine, for those who are eligible.

“I’d encourage people to book as soon as possible, as it does take time for the body to develop its antibodies after any vaccine. You can book your appointment for a flu vaccine online or by visiting your local LloydsPharmacy.”

‘Incredibly concerning’ that Government is not taking more action to protect public against Covid, warns BMA

Responding to the press conference given by Health Secretary Sajid Javid on Wedneday in which he said that the number of Covid cases are expected to rise to 100,000 a day and that the Westminster Government would not be implementing its ‘Plan B’ at this stage, BMA council chair Dr Chaand Nagpaul said: “The Westminster Government said it would enact ‘Plan B’ to prevent the NHS from being overwhelmed; as doctors working on the frontline, we can categorically say that time is now.

“By the Health Secretary’s own admission we could soon see 100,000 cases a day and we now have the same number of weekly Covid deaths as we had during March, when the country was in lockdown. It is therefore incredibly concerning that he is not willing to take immediate action to save lives and to protect the NHS. Especially as we head into winter, when the NHS is in the grips of tackling the largest backlog of care, with an already depleted and exhausted workforce.

“The Government has taken its foot off the brake, giving the impression that the pandemic is behind us and that life has returned to normal. The reality today is an unacceptable rate of infections, hospitalisations and deaths, unheard of in similar European nations. In comparison to France, we have more than 10 times the number of cases and almost four times as many deaths per million.

“It is wilfully negligent of the Westminster Government not to be taking any further action to reduce the spread of infection, such as mandatory mask wearing, physical distancing and ventilation requirements in high-risk settings, particularly indoor crowded spaces. These are measures that are the norm in many other nations.

“While new treatments are always welcome, the UK Government itself has said these will not be available to patients until at least the end of the year, but urgent action is needed now to stem the scale of suffering and the real risk of overwhelming the NHS.

“It’s vital that the Government does everything to ensure it is made as simple and easy as possible for people to receive their booster, or even their first and second jab, especially in groups where uptake is lower. However, relying on the vaccination programme alone without other measures will not be sufficient to prevent rising infection rates, illness and deaths, given that no vaccine is 100% effective.

“Only last week two select committees found the UK was an international outlier when it came to public health policy during this crisis. We are rapidly approaching a position where, yet again, the Government is delaying for too long, and equivocating over taking action. This is the time to learn the lessons of the past and act fast, or else we will face far more extreme measures later.”

Fancy a Dirt’n’Worms Pizza?

Trick or Treat: Morrisons launches two Halloween-themed pizzas

– Morrisons Dirt ‘n’ Worms Pizza is a sweet treat –

– Morrisons Spicy Fright Feast Pizza has hidden layers of Scotch bonnet chilli sauce –

– Freshly made from Morrisons in-store pizza counters –

Morrisons has launched a Dirt ‘n’ Worms Pizza – which is sure to have families and friends up and down the UK squirming as they tuck in this Halloween. 

The Dirt ‘n’ Worms Pizza has a 10 inch stonebaked base and is topped with squidgy chocolate soil cookie dough, chocolate chunks and strawberry worms. The perfect sweet treat to share.

Morrisons pizzas are a customer favourite and priced at just £2.89, the Dirt ‘n’ Worms is a fraction of the cost of similar limited-edition or sweet pizzas from other high-street chains. 

For those who dare, Morrisons is also launching a 14 inch Spicy Fright Pizza for just £3.89.

The Spicy Fright Feast Pizza has a stonebaked base with hidden layers of Scotch bonnet hot chilli sauce, slices of jalapeño pepperoni, spicy chicken breast, chilli cheese and is topped with hot chillies for spice fang-atics to enjoy. 

Mark Pearson, Buying Manager at Morrisons, said: “These pizzas are two of the spookiest we’ve ever made. Whether sweet or savoury is your thing, both are sure to be crowd pleasers and will keep everyone happy this Halloween.”

Morrisons foodmakers will prepare the pizzas fresh in-store every morning for trick or treating customers to pick up throughout the day from Morrisons in-store pizza counter.

For more information, visit: www.morrisons.co.uk .

PDSA urges pet owners to start preparing their furry friends for Bonfire Night

Vet charity warn fearful pets face fireworks misery

As Bonfire Night approaches, pet owners may find themselves more stressed than excited by the prospect.

Vet charity PDSA is urging owners to take preventive action – especially those who took on a pet during the pandemic – in a bid to reduce the extreme distress and suffering that fireworks can cause for many of our four-legged friends. 

Our pets’ enhanced senses mean they can find the loud noises and bright flashes from fireworks overwhelming, which can lead to severe anxiety and trauma.

PDSA Vet Nurse Nina Downing said: “The firework season may be an especially difficult time for pups who were raised during lockdown – our 2021 PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report* shows that 15 per cent of UK dogs (139,000) obtained during the pandemic are showing signs of fear.

“One well recognised fear in dogs is noise phobias, and our previous research reports that 40% of dogs are afraid of fireworks. Of those dogs owned before the pandemic, our research revealed 3% of dogs (260,000) were reported as showing signs of fear, so it’s unknown what the impact will be come November.

“Thankfully, there are simple steps to reduce distress in our furry family members – the sooner you can start preparing the better. While some pets who are very affected by fireworks can take months of training to make them more comfortable with the bangs and flashes, there are still plenty of things you can do now to help. PDSA has produced a free guide to help owners lessen the impact of this stressful period.”

PDSA’s top tips on tackling fireworks phobias include:

Start early

The earlier you can start your pre-fireworks prep, the better – aim to start getting them used to the bangs and whistles at least six weeks prior to Bonfire Night or other big occasions. Play firework noises quietly throughout the house and pair these with their favourite treat. If they show any signs of stress, stop the noises, and try again at a lower volume when they are not reacting. Continue to do this all year round, so your pet builds up positive associations with these sounds.

Secure your garden

Secure your home and garden in advance, as fearful furry friends may panic and scarper. Ensure any ‘escape routes’ – such as holes in fences – are inaccessible.

Set up a hideaway

Create a ‘den’ in a quiet room or cupboard, which your pet can use as a safe space to hide in. It’s important that your pet already views this space as a safe place that they can escape to. Make it extra cosy with blankets and their favourite toys and treats, and add pillows or cushions to help absorb the loud noises – you can also do the same to hutches for smaller four-legged friends, who may also appreciate some extra bedding to hide away in.

Create calm vibes

Using pheromone products can help anxious pets, as the scents they release provide a calming effect to relax a stressed pooch or puss. You can even prepare a calming playlist, as music with a repetitive beat might help to disguise the loud bangs from fireworks and may keep your furry friend relaxed.

Speak to your vet

If you’re concerned your pet has a severe phobia of fireworks, it’s best to speak to an expert. Your vet can advise you on measures to improve the phobia, such as professional behaviour therapy or prescribe medications to help.

For more information on how to prepare your pet for Bonfire Night and to download PDSA’s free Firework Guide, please visit:  

www.pdsa.org.uk/fireworks2021.