Meningitis can be very serious if not treated quickly. Vaccines offer the best protection.
If you’re under 25 years of age and have not yet had the MenACWY vaccine, find out how you can get it at http://nhsinform.scot/vaccinesforstudents…
A collection of over 700 bird fossils has been bequeathed to National Museums Scotland. The fossils date from 54-56 million years ago, the beginning of the Eocene period, and represent the early stages in the evolution of modern birds.
The collection is believed to contain many species which are new to science.
Work is now underway to fully document and describe the collection. Already two papers have been published describing new species, one being a falcon-like bird, the other being a diver or loon.
Experts believe the collection could yield at least 50 new species once research is completed. The specimens are unusual in terms of bird fossils in that they are preserved in 3D. Bird bones are light and fragile and so their remains are more commonly flattened prior to fossilisation.
A notable characteristic of the period in which these birds lived is that the global climate was several degrees warmer than it is today, meaning that the specimens may give scientists useful information about global climate change today.
The specimens were collected over decades by amateur palaeontology enthusiast Michael Daniels. Mr Daniels, who died last year aged 90, assembled the remarkable collection of several hundred skeletons and part skeletons that he had discovered in nodules of the London Clay, which had eroded out of the cliffs at Walton-on-the-Naze in Essex.
Daniels’ daughter lived in Edinburgh, and it was on a family visit to the National Museum of Scotland over 25 years ago that he shared news of his remarkable collection with the museum’s Principal Curator of Vertebrates, Dr Andrew Kitchener.
Dr Kitchener said: “I first met Michael Daniels more than 25 years ago. Visiting the museum with his wife Pam and his daughter Caroline, who lived in Edinburgh, this meeting would be the beginning of a long friendship.
“In later years I visited Michael and Pam at their home and got to see the collection in its countless drawers and boxes in his study. I was astonished at the amazing variety of specimens of all shapes and sizes. Many of the bones were minuscule, requiring great patience and skill to extract.
“The fact that the collection is now with us here at National Museums Scotland will be of interest to palaeontologists across the world.”
Avian palaeontologist Dr Gerald Mayr of the Senckenberg Research Institute, Frankfurt am Main, visited Daniels many times to view his collection, and has more recently visited Edinburgh to undertake further research and study. Dr Mayr has published the two papers to date describing new species.
He said: ““The importance of Michael Daniels’ collection cannot be overstated. There is nothing like it in the UK, certainly, and it is comparable to other bird-rich sites in the US, China and Germany.
“The fact that so many specimens are preserved in three dimensions makes this one of the most important collections of its type in the world.”
The collection is now undergoing conservation and preservation work at the National Museums Collection Centre in Edinburgh, where it will be kept and made accessible to researchers.
Litter pick TODAY (Sunday 7 August)
Meet at 1pm on the cycle path behind where the old Telford Shop was where they are now doing building work!
Wear bright colours too please 
Following the successful ‘Meet The Artist’ event that took place earlier this week at the FROM WASTE TO WALL exhibition held at the Image Collective Gallery in Leith, James Owen Thomas (also known by his initials J.O.T.) arranged to meet Laura McCall, marketing manager of The Royal Yacht Britannia & Fingal Hotel Ocean Drive Leith.
The exhibition takes place directly opposite Britannia’s Visitor Centre and James was delighted to present Ms McCall with a framed original collage Emblem for the Royal Yacht Britannia.
Laura received a personal tour around the art exhibition before inviting James for a tour on board the Britannia. As a COP26 One Step Greener ambassador and environmental artist, James was very impressed with Britannia’s environmental commitment to eliminate, reduce, reuse and recycle waste and he hopes to collaborate with Britannia and Fingal on future projects.
These are his thoughts exactly as James describes how the art he creates has all been made from recycled items.
He said: “If what I can do will encourage and inspire people to re-use and recycle, then hopefully we can look forward to a more environmentally-friendly future.”
James’ exhibition at the Image Collective Gallery, 2nd Floor, Ocean Terminal continues until 30th September and he can be contacted via his website www.jamesowenthomas.com or by email art@jamesowenthomas.com
A FEW SPACES STILL AVAILABLE
A man has died in hospital following a road traffic collision in Edinburgh last Saturday (30 July).
Paul McGlade, 35, from Edinburgh was struck by a black Mercedes A Class car on Colinton Road while he was on foot around 11.35pm.
He was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh where he died on Tuesday, 2 August.
The 20-year-old male driver of the car was uninjured.
Sergeant Paul Ewing said: “Our thoughts are with Paul’s family and friends at this difficult time.
“Our enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances which led to this incident and I would urge anyone who may have information but has not yet spoken to an officer to get in touch.
“Anyone with information can call 101, quoting reference 4406 of Saturday, 30 July, 2022.”
Forth 1 and Clyde 2 have seen listener figures continue to grow with a fantastic set of results in the latest RAJAR figures.
The Q2 RAJAR 2022 results just go to underline the continued popularity of Forth 1 and Forth 2 with their listeners across Edinburgh and the West.
Forth 1 listeners are up 24,000 (+7%) to 325,000 and Forth 2 up 31,000 (+72%) to 72,000. Meaning that combined Radio Forth is up to 348,000 listeners.
Forth 1 is home to some of Scotland’s favourite presenters including Boogie and Arlene, Gary Spence, Greigsy, Grant Thomson and Callum Gallacher. Not to forget also home to some brilliant music with the biggest hits and biggest throwbacks and truly life-changing competitions like Cash Register.
Across the network listenership has also increased with the likes of Clyde 1, adding an extra 40,000 (+7% QoQ) more listeners this quarter, now reaching 640,000 every week, whilst Clyde 2 has on average 168,000 people tuning in – an increase of 49,000 (+40% QoQ). Meaning that combined, an incredible 719,000 listeners now tune in every week to Radio Clyde!
Combined Radio Clyde & Radio Forth now reach over the milestone million with 1,064,000 weekly listeners across the central belt!
The Greatest Hits Radio Network across Scotland, saw it post its best set of results ever with 339,000** people listening weekly, including record numbers for ‘new signing’ Stuart Webster’s ‘through the day’ 10am to 2pm weekday show, home to the legendary Top10@10, which achieved its highest ever listenership adding an extra 67,000 (+70%) new listener’s last quarter.
The weekly audience for all of the combined Hits Radio and Greatest Hits stations across Scotland (14) now total over 1.6m*** up by over 130,000 people.
Victoria Easton-Riley, Content Director for Scotland, said: “What a fantastic set of results across our stations in Scotland, and a particular shout out must go to the teams at Clyde 1, Forth 1 and the Greatest Hits network across Scotland for some really outstanding listener numbers.
“To have over 1.6 million people listen to one of our radio stations every week is just amazing.
“I would like to give special mention also to our incredible presenters who continue to create brilliant, funny, moving and engaging content on-air and across our social channels that really connect with our audiences.
“Alongside that, as the world opened up again, this summer they have already been out and about en masse at some really outstanding events and partnerships the length and breadth of the country – from Belladrum in Inverness, Rewind at Scone Palace to the Border Union Show in Kelso, as well as our very own legendary Forth Awards at the Usher Hall.
“And with the football season having just kicked off, Forth On The Fringe this weekend, loads of Edinburgh Fringe activity and our Tom Walker Live & Up Close at the Sky Bar at Radisson RED Glasgow this month, we have so much to be excited about and proud of and the schools haven’t even gone back yet!”
As the fifth most popular filming location in Europe, Scotland has provided a beautiful backdrop for countless Hollywood blockbusters over the last few decades.
Harry Potter is perhaps the most famous and beloved of these film series to shoot scenes north of the English border, with stunning Highland scenery featuring across each of the eight exciting instalments.
And now fans of the franchise can visit its most iconic filming locations, as Macklin Motors has curated the ultimate road trip route of Scotland for Potterheads.
Taking 8 hours to complete by car, this road trip is perfect for Harry Potter fans who want to feel the magic of their favourite scenes, while taking in beautiful Scottish landscapes at the same time.
The journey starts in the astonishingly beautiful valley of Glen Etive, before driving just over half an hour to Rannoch Moor’s Insta-ready autumnal shades, both of which featured in the Deathly Hallows.
The next stop is Steall Falls, the second highest waterfall in Great Britain, a popular beauty spot that made an appearance in the adrenaline-pumping dragon chase scene in the Goblet of Fire.
Drive 40 minutes further and drivers will find the most iconic Harry Potter filming location in Scotland: Glenfinnan Viaduct. Potterheads will certainly recognise this stunning railway viaduct from the Chamber of Secrets’ unforgettable flying car sequence.
The penultimate stop on the road trip route is Loch Morar, which eagle-eyed fans will immediately recognise as Hogwarts Lake from the Prisoner of Azkaban. Then, a long drive across the Scottish Highlands will reveal the very last filming location on the map: Black Rock Gorge. This stoic cavern featured in the Goblet of Fire, taking centre stage during the Triwizard Tournament.
A Macklin Motors spokesperson commented: “Whether for a bank holiday weekend or a week in the Summer holidays, finding the perfect holiday destination for the entire family is always a tricky task.
“With our Harry Potter road trip, we want to provide the best of both worlds for kids and parents alike, touring beautiful Highland hotspots with a magical twist. Plus, at just under eight hours in total, drivers can complete this road trip in a day or take their time with it throughout their holiday in Scotland.
“So, pack the car with snacks, ready your family’s favourite playlist, and set off on a bewitching adventure around Scotland’s stunning scenery.”
For more filming location road trips around Scotland, visit the Macklin Motors blog or take a look at the route on Google Maps.
Parts of Fife have now reached the highest level for water scarcity, as below average rainfall in the east of Scotland continues to cause stress on the environment.
The latest water scarcity report, published on Friday 5 August, reveals mid and north Fife are now at Significant Scarcity, with the River Tweed catchment in the Borders expected to reach the same level in the next few days.
In line with Scotland’s National Water Scarcity Plan, The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) is engaging with businesses affected, most of which are in the agriculture sector, and plans to confirm next steps with farmers next week.
There is clear evidence further action is needed to protect the sustainability of local water environments as the combination of very low flows and high temperatures poses a real threat to fish, invertebrates and plants. While some parts of river ecology can recover quickly, others such as fish and plant populations can be seriously damaged longer-term or lost completely.
The current conditions are a consequence of drier weather this year, with only 4 of the last 12 months recording above average rainfall. The east of Scotland in particular experienced the driest January in more than 80 years and groundwater levels are the lowest they have been since records began in 2009.
David Harley, Interim Chief Officer Circular Economy for SEPA, said: “It is clear that a significant area of Scotland’s water environment is stressed from the prolonged dry weather this summer, and conditions are only going to get worse as this continues. Although there has been some recent rainfall in the east, it is not enough to recover the longer-term deficits.
“SEPA understands the impacts on businesses facing these difficult conditions and supports sectors reliant on water all year round on ways to become more resilient. However, it is vital we work together now to ensure the sustainability of local water environments for all who rely on them.
“As we’ve seen across Europe, water scarcity is becoming more common as a result of climate change. Water abstractors concerned about meeting licence conditions or wishing to discuss contingency measures are encouraged to contact SEPA by emailing waterscarcity@sepa.org.uk.”
For more information on water scarcity and to view the latest report, visit:
Scotland’s biggest and most prestigious 5-star Ladies Day held on Friday 5th August at Musselburgh Racecourse in East Lothian, has announced the winners for this year’s Style Awards.
Newly launched for 2022, the competition looking for style, elegance and individuality was judged by leading Scottish stylists and influencers including Eva Arrighi, Laura Russell, Amee Young, and Maggie Smith.
Commenting on the judging process, Eva Arrighi stylist and judge at Stobo Caste Ladies Day said: “Ladies Day is synonymous with getting dressed up, and each year we see a collection of stunning styles and fashions.
“This year we are looking at the evolution of style and the competition was steep with so many amazing outfits worn by both the ladies and gentlemen attending the event.”
The top awards on the day for the most stylish attendees went to:
This year’s winner bagged an exclusive visit to Champagne Pommery with a guided tour of the Domaine including the Clos Pompadour vineyard, the Pommery cuverie and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed chalk cellars.
This glamorous prize also includes £1,500 spending money, tutored tastings, overnight accommodation at a 4* hotel in the centre of Reims, taxi transfers and lunch at Le Réfectoire at the Pommery Domaine, including a bottle of Pommery Brut Apanage NV.
The second prize winner received a spa day and lunch for two from title sponsors Stobo Castle and the third-placed runner-up won a bottle of Pommery and a £50 gift voucher for Musselburgh Races. There was also a prize for Best Hat at Musselburgh Ladies Day and the winner won a £300 voucher to exchange at Edinburgh Hat Studio, the studio of prestigious Edinburgh milliner Sally-Ann Provan.
Aisling Johnston, Commercial Manager at Musselburgh Racecourse, said: “We were delighted to welcome back thousands of spectators to enjoy our stylish sell out Stobo Castle Ladies Day. It’s always a great day out and such a fabulous opportunity for people to really get dressed up – and this year they didn’t disappoint.”
After the last race, TV presenter, model and DJ, Vogue Williams continued the glamourous theme of the day and entertained the crowds by taking to the decks to keep the party atmosphere going well into the evening.
Highlights from the £90,000 raceday included Sir Chauvelin, at the age of ten, being the oldest in the line-up to win a thrilling renewal of the So Stobo Platinum Jubilee Handicap by a short-head from Dark Jedi.
Scottish trainer Linda Perratt struck with a double courtesy of Chinese Spirit and Monhammer. The former landed the opening Champagne Pommery Rose Magnum by the minimum margin of a nose while the latter was a comfortable scorer of the Mcewan Fraser Handicap.
Arrange, trained in Cumbria by Martin Todhunter, was the most impressive winner of the afternoon as she blitzed home under top-weight by over seven lengths in the concluding Champagne Pommery Cuvee Louise Handicap.
Stobo Castle Ladies Day is part of the Sensational 7 Series and tickets for 2023 will go on sale from tomorrow at www.musselburghracecourse.co.uk.
Tickets to The Summer Finale are also selling fast, so book now to avoid disappointment.
