• Led by PureGym Ambassador Sir Chris Hoy, PureGym is partnering with the Scotland-based charity Social Bite, which aims to raise £1 million to break the cycle of homelessness
• Social Bite’s Break the Cycle fundraising campaign includes a 60-mile cycle from Glasgow to Edinburgh on Sunday 5th September 2021 as well as a number of other physical challenges.
PureGym, the UK’s leading gym operator, is proud to be partnering with Social Bite, a Scotland-based charity that aims to end homelessness through pioneering employment, food, and housing initiatives, on its Break the Cycle campaign.
Led by 6x Olympic champion and PureGym Ambassador, Sir Chris Hoy, PureGym’s Scottish gym staff and members will undertake a number of physical challenges to help Social Bite fundraise £1 million to build two new villages – and they need your help!
Homelessness is a growing problem in the UK and the current provision of temporary accommodation like hostels and B&Bs does not provide suitable, supportive, or cost-effective environments to enable people to escape the cycle of homelessness. Social Bite’s solution is to bring vacant land back into use by creating community villages with prefabricated housing and a community hub.
The charity also invests in providing tailored support to upskill residents and provide them with opportunities that enable them to sustain their own secure tenancies.
The first Social Bite Village was launched in Granton in 2018 and the charity has recently launched a campaign, in partnership with PureGym and Sir Chris Hoy, to help build two more Social Bite Villages, which are planned to be in Glasgow and London. PureGym will be supporting Social Bite’s Break The Cycle fundraising campaign in three key ways:
• Setting off from the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome in Glasgow, supporters will cycle a challenging 60-mile route with Sir Chris Hoy across Scotland’s central belt, crossing the finish line in Edinburgh – near to the flagship Social Bite Village in Granton. PureGym has built a team of riders from across all of its Scottish gyms and is encouraging anybody to sign up to join the team with an exclusive discount code[1].
• Supporters can take part in 60-minute charity spin classes every Thursday throughout August in PureGym’s Scottish clubs[2].
• PureGym will be hosting a continuous 24 hour ‘spinathon’ on Wednesday 25 August, involving gym staff in three of PureGym’s Scottish clubs[3].
For anyone not in Scotland, supporters can join the official Break the Cycle virtual challenge or do a virtual challenge of their choice. Whether it’s being sponsored for 60 miles or 60 minutes of exercise it doesn’t matter – all of the money raised will contribute to Social Bite’s efforts to break the cycle of homelessness.
Sir Chris Hoy, PureGym Ambassador and Scotland’s 6x Olympic champion, said: “The pandemic has exacerbated the already severe problem of homelessness across the UK, whilst also demonstrating the importance of exercise in protecting the nation’s physical and mental wellbeing.
“I can’t think of a better charitable campaign to support than Social Bite’s Break the Cycle campaign, which will raise funds to help rebuild people’s lives, whilst also improving the health and fitness of the nation. We are looking for people across the UK to join in the fight, whether you’re cycling 60 miles or doing 60 minutes of exercise at home you can help us to break the cycle of homelessness.”
Josh Littlejohn MBE, Social Bite co-Founder, said: “We are really excited to be teaming up with PureGym. The amazing support of their clubs, colleagues and members will help make two new Social Bite Villages a reality.
“Since opening the first Village in Edinburgh, 39 people have been helped with a home and support through the project.
“The money we raise from our Break the Cycle fundraising campaign will enable us to develop communities that will have a transformative impact on people’s lives in two more cities.
We’re so grateful to everyone taking on a challenge – every effort you make and every penny you raise will be helping someone break the cycle of homelessness. Thank you.”
Unite Scotland has criticised Friday’s announcement by the Scottish government on workers suspected of contracting Covid not being required to self-isolate, stating that it could lead to a new spike in the pandemic.
As one of the nation’s leading trade unions in the health and social care sector, which has been significantly impacted by the pandemic, Unite has raised serious concerns directly with the Scottish government over its approach to level zero.
The Scottish government has removed the blanket requirement for close contacts to self-isolate as long as they’re double vaccinated and take a PCR test. This includes removing the requirement for those working in health and social care to self-isolate as had previously been the practice throughout the pandemic.
According to the Scottish government figures, 1,825 new cases of Covid-19 were recorded in the past 24 hours on Thursday (22 July). Twenty-two new deaths have been reported of someone who tested positive for the virus over the past 28 days.
In the week ending 20 July, on average 2,109 NHS staff, or around 1.2% of the NHS workforce, reported absent each day for a range of reasons related to Covid-19.
James O’Connell, Unite industrial officer, said:“There have been a growing number of cases of the delta variant in Scotland and we can’t allow this to spiral out of control. While we understand there is a need and desire to return to normality, we have got to remember that vaccination is not immunisation.
“Unite’s members, particularly in those vulnerable sectors such as health and social care, are extremely worried that we could see a new spike in hospital admissions, and it is the staff on the frontline having to deal with this.
“If you’re identified as a close contact it potentially takes 48 hours minimum for the virus to be detected through a test so there is a potential for staff to be asymptomatic without knowing they are positive for a period of time.
“Using the hierarchy of control risk should be removed or at least minimised as much as it can be, therefore, in order to remove or minimise the risk of spread you should isolate not gamble using health and social care staff as the test.
“They look after the most vulnerable people in our society, is it worth it? The government is putting a lot of emphasis on double vaccination which does not stop contraction of the virus, however – why are they not looking at reducing the time between vaccine?”
We are Team ESTEEM, a Heriot-Watt student team participating in the world’s largest design and construction competition, the Solar Decathlon Middle East where we designed and currently build a solar-powered sustainable house of the future.
Team ESTEEM is hosting an online conference where participants will be able to listen to panels about innovation in construction and network with industry experts, technology focused companies and ESTEEM representatives.
The event takes place on Wedneday July 28th at 12pm on Airmeet platform.
People living in Lothian with serious alcohol and drug problems can now access help from an expanded rehabilitation service.
The Lothians and Edinburgh Abstinence Programme (LEAP) is providing more placements than ever before thanks to its renewed partnership with the City of Edinburgh Council and support from the Edinburgh Integration Joint Board and The Cyrenians.
Up to 22 people can now benefit from one of the intensive three-month residential placements to overcome their addiction in a safe and supportive environment. The service provides clinical, medical and therapeutic support backed up by two years of aftercare and peer support and a family programme.
The boost will help to significantly reduce waiting times for patients looking to access the service following lockdown. It is in line with Scottish Government priorities for increasing residential rehabilitation provision.
Dr David McCartney, Clinical Lead for LEAP, NHS Lothian explains: “As a direct result of the pandemic we had to reduce service capacity to just 40 per cent. While we continued to provide some patient support remotely, our residential services were reduced to just 8 places.
“With the help of our partners we are back operating the full range of services again, helping even more people to get help and support as quickly as possible.
“The majority of LEAP patients starting the programme complete it. Nearly two thirds of them reach their goal of a long-term successful alcohol and drug-free recovery with significant improvements in their mental and physical health.”
LEAP is currently operating as a partnership between NHS Lothian, the Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership, The Cyrenians, Access to Industry and Rehabilitation and Recovery Team Social Workers.
It offers detoxication and therapeutic treatment for people who want to become alcohol and drug free alongside structured, practical support to get into work or education as part of people’s recovery if needed.
Patients can also access psychiatry, psychology and occupational therapy services whilst in treatment.
Lesley Taylor, Registered Manager, City of Edinburgh Council, said: “We’re delighted to be working with LEAP again to help roll-out this essential service.
“Our team have a valuable role in providing accommodation and support, not only for the initial three-month placement but also in assisting individuals address their longer-term housing needs.”
Linda Nichol, a volunteer with NHS Lothian’s subsistence misuse team and former LEAP patient and PEER supporter encourages anyone struggling with addiction to access the service. She said: “LEAP changed my life. It helped me recognise that I had a disease and gave me the confidence and support I needed to turn my life around.
“If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction then ask for help and get referred into LEAP. It is possible to change your whole life beyond your wildest dreams.”
LEAP is open to people who have a serious problem with alcohol or other drugs. Anyone interested in being assessed for residential treatment should speak to their GP, health, support or social care worker.
Touchpoint Live Media, the organisers of the hugely popular DogFest events, are delighted to announce that their Big Dog Walk Series is coming to Glasgow in August 2021.
Following the government’s green light to open up outdoor events, this is truly the time to start planning days out and booking things to look forward to.
After the success of our first four events in England, we have 4 more Big Dog Walks planned across the rest of the year running through to November at stunning locations across the country including our first in Scotland.
The Big Dog Walk is a unique opportunity for dog owners and their families to walk together in the stunning Pollok Country Park. Dogs and their owners can choose from either a 2k, 5k or 10k route and walk times have been staggered this year for the comfort and safety of all taking part.
Brand new this year, there will be a Puppy’s First Socialisation Walk at each of the venues, taking place at 10am, this will be a 2k walk for those with little legs and is a fabulous opportunity to introduce your new addition to other dogs and socialise them in a safe organised way.
If your dog is not one for crowds you can join our ‘Beat the Rush’ walk for dogs who love their walkies, but may be a but more anxious s and prefer having their own space. You and your dog will be left to explore the walk at your own pace on our first walk of the day.
Our walks aim to bring together dog lovers and dogs to encourage socialisation and exercise. The walk will be the best walk ever for dogs as you join hundreds of other pups and their owners on a beautiful route with photo points and pit stops on the route for you and your dog to stop and have a drink and a snack at.
Back at the Event Village there will be plenty to do and see including shopping, expert advice, the fun dog show, and plenty of festival food and drink.
We are delighted this year to have the Dogs Trust onboard as our Official Charity Partner who will be bringing along their Temptation Alley to challenge your dog.
Participants can also raise more money for any charity of their choice upon signing up.
Prices are £10.50 per adult and children 5-16 years are free of charge.
For more information and to book tickets, visit The Big Dog Walk.
Nicole Cooper, Managing Director of Touchpoint Live Media, says: “The Big Dog Walk is a wonderful opportunity for all dog lovers to get out and walk with the four-legged member of the family.
“We are so thrilled to be hosting walks again this year at these six beautiful locations, and very excited to be bringing these events to Scotland for the first time. These walks are a brilliant way to all get together in the great outdoors with all the family, and we cannot wait to welcome everyone.”
2021 Date and Venue
Pollok Country Park, Glasgow, 22nd August
The Burrell Collection, 2060 Pollokshaws Rd, Bellahouston, Glasgow G43 1AT
Read the room: Rare Birds Books creates a booklover’s wonderland, as it opens the doors to its first female-centric bookstore
Home of female fiction, Rare Birds Books is set to launch Scotland’s first female-centric bookshop, right in the heart of Edinburgh.
In a bold move that sees the globally beloved book club show resilience and innovation in a time of retail uncertainty, founder Rachel Wood invites bibliophiles down the rabbit hole and into Stockbridge’s newest page-turning hotspot.
From Friday 6th August, readers will be invited to visit Rare Birds Shop, located at 13 Raeburn Place in Edinburgh’s Stockbridge neighbourhood, to immerse themselves in a world of beloved book club favourites, must-have modern classics and the cream of the crop of newly published masterpieces.
From Taylor Jenkins Reid’s Malibu Rising to Torrey Peters’ Detransition, Baby, there will be a story, author and genre for every kind of reader, searching for every kind of world.
Not only packed with the best stories the shop’s shelves will also see a collection of other must-have gifts and novel memorabilia. From Rare Birds’ new candles, which are scented to pair perfectly with your current read, and graphic print totes emblazoned with the store’s logo, to small batch chocolate and stationery from women-led businesses, you are certain to come for the stories and stay for the merch.
Rare Birds founder, Rachel Wood comments: “We’re so thrilled to be opening our first book shop in Edinburgh. We’ve always been deeply interested in women’s writing and we can’t wait to bring what we do online to life in our very own space.
“We dreamed of a really welcoming space where we could showcase a huge variety of women’s writing across all genres and create a space where booklovers could meet and socialise and that’s what I hope the space will be.”
Shoppers will be able to choose from a range of female authored fiction and non-fiction books, as well as create Rare Birds’ signature personalised bundles, which are made up of 3 personal picks from the store’s world of stories.
In the months to come, Rare Birds Book Shop will also be home to a number of in-store events, including author readings, book clubs and intimate shopping evenings.
The book club you can’t read without, just got better!
Lewis-Manning Hospice Care is the latest charity working on the frontline to be awarded an Emergency Covid Grant by breast cancer charity Walk the Walk.
Earlier in the year, Lewis-Manning Hospice Care launched a new Mobile Clinic to support and treat cancer patients in Dorset with lymphoedema.
This is a painful side effect of a patient’s cancer treatment, which occurs when the body’s drainage system doesn’t work properly. It can often lead to severe swelling in the arms, legs, feet and other parts of the body, causing mobility problems, acute pain and potentially infections.
The mobile clinic is part of the hospice’s plan to bring its services closer to people’s homes, a particularly important issue for vulnerable cancer patients during the pandemic.
A £21,000 grant from Walk the Walk has meant that the mobile clinic will be able to continue for a further three months, until the end of August 2021. Support has also been shown by AFC Bournemouth, who have allocated space for the unit to park up each week in the car park at the Vitality Stadium.
Clare Gallie, Chief Executive of Lewis-Manning Hospice Care said: “We are delighted with this support from ‘Walk the Walk’.
“The pilot has been a great success for Lymphoedema patients over the last 2 months, bringing treatment and services closer to home and giving patients the ability to get to their appointments more easily and receive their vital treatment in a relaxed and stress-free environment. The extended pilot will allow us to support even more people closer to their homes.
Nina Barough CBE, Founder and Chief Executive of Walk the Walk said:“We are delighted that our grant awarded to Lewis-Manning Hospice Care will allow them to run an extended pilot study on their mobile Lymphoedema Support Unit for June through to August.
“During these very uncertain and worrying times, this charity’s role in providing support “Close to Home” for cancer patients in Dorset is absolutely crucial – lymphoedema can be one of the most painful side effects of cancer treatment.
Grants like these are very exciting news for Walk the Walk’s wonderful fundraisers, who have continued taking part in virtual walking events throughout the pandemic. Thanks to these fantastic people, we can continue helping to make a difference where we can, and where it is needed most.”
Amy Marks, Partnerships Manager at AFC Bournemouth said:“We are so pleased to have the mobile unit on our site as we had heard about the fantastic services that the hospice is bringing out in the community to patients, it’s a real pleasure to host every week.”
To find out more about Walk the Walk and to sign up for Virtual Challenge, go to www.walkthewalk.org
How to Unplug Your Home for the Ultimate Digital Detox
Technology is a wonderful thing. It’s given us Netflix, online shopping, video games, and social media –– but sometimes you need to take a break from the cat memes and give yourself a digital detox (writes TERESA SIQUEIRA).
With infinite knowledge and endless distraction just a click away, it’s more important than ever to create healthy boundaries with technology. So tune in, turn off, and drop out because we’ve got all the info you need to find that sweet spot between staying connected and getting unplugged.
What is a Digital Detox?
A digital detox is when you disconnect from your TV, smartphone, video games, and social media so you can focus on real-life without the distraction of a screen. Don’t worry—a digital detox isn’t forever! Take a mini-detox after work, read a book on your morning commute instead of scrolling through the latest news, or make Sundays a tech-free day –– do whatever works for you! What matters the most is that you create time for your brain to reset.
The Consequences of Always Being Connected
These days, we’re more connected than ever. When it feels impossible to step away from the tweets, and you can’t stop doom-scrolling the news, you know it’s time for a digital detox. Being connected 24/7 might have you staying up late to play video games, feeling like you’re missing out on the experiences all your friends post about, or getting behind at work because the refresh button isn’t going to hit itself. Disconnecting is an integral part of any self-care routine for anyone who wants to optimize their creativity, productivity and have more energy.
The Negative Effects of Technology on Your Brain
You might not realize it, but too much technology harms your brain. From having a lower stress threshold to disrupting your beauty sleep, our screens are silently altering the way our brains work –– and it doesn’t stop there. Here are some of the negative effects technology has on that wrinkly pink thing between our ears.
Reduces creativity: Technology encourages instant gratification and prevents us from having the patience needed for the more profound thinking skills associated with creativity.
Negatively affects relationships: More time spent on devices means less time spent with the people you love and makes us feel less satisfaction and connection.
Impaired social intelligence: Spending too much time in front of a screen interferes with our ability to learn from successes, failures, and the people around us.
Trouble concentrating: Technology is constantly pulling us in multiple directions at once, making it hard to focus on what’s in front of us. By disconnecting you will also see an increase in your productivity at work.
Disrupts sleeping habits: The blue light screens emit has been proven to disrupt the circadian rhythms that help us sleep at night.
The Benefits of Doing a Digital Detox
Banish the digital distractions and reap the benefits of a techno-free life. Cutting out technology has massive mental health benefits, and you’ll be amazed at how much better you feel when you aren’t constantly connected. Benefits of a digital detox include:
Enhanced sleep: Without blue light and the temptation to keep scrolling, you’ll get better z’s and have more energy in the morning.
Increased productivity: Less tech means more time to get things done. When you’re not staring at a screen, you’ll have more time to do the things that matter.
Better posture: “Tech neck” is a real thing, and improved posture is a significant benefit to ditching your devices.
Improved relationships: Having more time for your loved ones can only be a good thing. Notice how much closer you feel to the people around you after going tech-free.
More time for hobbies: Going on a digital detox gives you ample time to explore all those hobbies you’d long forgotten.
How to Do a Digital Detox
Give your brain a break! Read up on how to do a digital detox –– we’ve got tips on what to do instead of scrolling, how to get your friends involved, and how to stick to your new detox routine.
Do other activities instead
Harken back to the days of yore and try some tech-free activities. Getting a vacation from technology will offer you a fresh start. Go for a walk, get the family together for a game night, or read a book instead of staring at your phone. Staying active will be a key factor in reducing your screen time. Take up knitting or learn how to bake gourmet desserts.
Establish limits and goals
Each week, make a goal of spending less and less time using technology. Start with a half-hour of tech-free time each day, then increase it to an hour the next week and keep going.
Get your loved ones involved
Get your family involved to make going tech-free into a fun challenge. Check everyone’s smartphone at the end of the week to see who spent the least time looking at their screen –– whoever wins gets to choose their favorite takeout for dinner or pick what to watch on movie night. You can also contact friends and get them involved on the challenge.
Reward yourself
Whenever you’ve accomplished offline time, give yourself an award. Go out for a tech-free date night to your favorite restaurant, or get yourself that thing that’s been on your wishlist for ages. Set up a special ritual for your digital detox, like a spa night.
Types of Digital Detoxes
There are a ton of ways to take a tech break. Pick a couple of methods that work for you and give them a go for at least a week –– feel free to tweak times or alternate days to fit your schedule. Some days you might need to be on your phone or take a video call during a detox period, so roll with the punches and stay flexible.
Disconnect for a period of time
Designate a period of time each day that you’ll go tech-free. During lunch, after work, or before bedtime are all great places to start. Make it part of your routine, then see how you’re feeling after a week. Many people end up expanding their tech-free time because they love how it makes them feel.
Have technology-free meals
Ditching your devices during meals encourages you to not only appreciate the food you’re eating but to enjoy the company you’re in. Unplugging as a family will make meals much more special. Make it a rule that no phones are allowed at the dinner table, turn the TV off, and notice how much fuller your heart and belly feel.
Find a Balance with Technology
Digital burnout is real, and finding a happy medium is integral for living life in the age of the computer. Establishing a healthy relationship with the digital world will help you avoid any risk of suffering from technology addiction. We’ve got a few analog remedies to soothe your digital aches.
Prioritize human connection
We’ve all had that experience where we’re trying to hold a conversation with someone who’s more interested in what’s on their phone than are in the person right in front of them. Always prioritize the people in your life over the content on your phone.
Limit tech time for children
Technology can have a negative impact on children. Give your kids time limits on their digital devices. Use video games as a reward for doing homework and chores. Make sure your kids have a healthy relationship with social media by setting an age limit and making sure they don’t get caught up in comparing their life to the lives of others. To give you further insights, you can find plenty of ways that will guide you on preventing phone addiction for your child.
Find work-life balance
Finding a work/life balance when you work from home is a real struggle. Creating an equilibrium by letting your coworkers know you won’t be available after the workday is done and turn off all your work-related notifications.
Unplugging Your Home
If you find yourself struggling to take a digital detox, try setting up your home to help you succeed. We’ve got some easy-to-implement tips that make disconnecting a cinch.
Use tech to disconnect
Fight technology with technology by turning off your notifications so your digital detox won’t be disturbed by dings and beeps. There are tons of time-limiting apps nowadays that turn off your tech for you or timed cellphone jails that keep your phone locked away for a set amount of time.
Park your devices
Set up a tech station at the front door with a table or drawer with all your chargers. When you walk in the door, plug in your devices so you aren’t tempted to use them. This encourages you and your family to focus on hobbies, books and spending more time with each other.
Go outdoors
Take a walk, go to the lake, or just hang out in your backyard and enjoy the outdoors. Getting outside is one of the best ways to detox from your devices, and it’s an easy activity to get the whole family involved in.
Create a home that helps you disconnect
Set your home up for success. Start by putting up a table in your entryway where you can park your devices, then designate a room where no devices are allowed. Instead of having TVs in the kitchen, living room, and every bedroom, just have one in your entertainment room and call it good.
Create No-tech Zones at Home
Creating no-tech zones is one of the easiest ways to take a digital detox every day. It might sound intimidating to have an area in your home where devices aren’t allowed, but we promise you’ll love the difference it makes in your life.
Create an ‘unplugged’ room
Designate one room in your house that’s free of any digital devices. No TV’s, computers, iPads, or phones allowed. Make it super cozy with couches, pillows, plants, and blankets then bring in anything and everything you love that doesn’t involve a screen. Think books, crossword puzzles, board games, that hobby airplane you’ve been building, or set up a music nook so you can finally learn how to play the guitar.
Leave technology out of your bedroom
Park your phone in the living room overnight to create a quiet bedroom environment. Use an alarm clock instead of relying on your phone to wake you up in the morning and replace your nighttime TV show with a book instead.
Enjoy a techno-free kitchen
Sometimes it’s necessary to open up your phone while you’re cooking to reference a recipe. All the other times, unplug the kitchen and practice mindfulness while making breakfast or enjoying a mid-afternoon snack.
Unplug Your Home While You’re Away
The hidden energy costs of plugged-in appliances could be adding to your electricity bill. Try out these tips to save money while you’re away.
Unplug your devices to improve safety
Keeping all your devices plugged in while you’re away can potentially be a fire hazard. Older electronics, in particular, run the risk of overheating and causing electrical fires, and unplugging them when you go on vacation will not only save you money but give you peace of mind.
Save energy
Save energy by enabling sleep mode on your devices to keep their batteries going for longer. Older appliances are less energy-efficient than newer models, so replace any outdated electronics with modern energy-wise models. You can try to use smart devices that will give you more control and allow you to save energy at home, like smart bulbs or remote thermostats.
Electronics You Should (and Shouldn’t) Unplug
Do: Unplug small kitchen appliances like your coffee maker, microwave, and food processor. If you’re going to be gone for a while, unplug your chargers and entertainment system, too, since they use a lot of energy.
Don’t: Don’t unplug large kitchen appliances like the fridge or dishwasher. Keep powerstrips, carbon monoxide detectors, and the fire alarm plugged in. You can keep your high-efficiency electronics plugged in, since they’re unlikely to zap a ton of energy while not in use.
A daily, weekly, or monthly digital detox helps you stay connected to your physical surroundings, reduces stress and anxiety, and gives you time to enjoy your family, nature, or a hobby. These tips will help you find just the right balance for you.
Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Tip, written by Dr Helen Flaherty, Head of Health Promotion at Heart Research UK
Healthy Tips: Move like an Olympian
The 2021 Summer Olympics is an international multi-sport event, which will be held from 23 July to 8 August 2021 in Tokyo, Japan.
Whether you participate in sports already, or if you are looking to increase your physical activity levels, here are some healthy heart tips to keep you motivated on the road to Tokyo!
Get Moving
Aerobic activity is the best type of exercise to keep your heart healthy, this is because your body requires more oxygen causing your heart and lungs to work harder. Aerobic exercise combines stretching and strength with rhythmic movement, involving large muscle groups such as shoulders, arms, and legs.
Popular aerobic Olympic sports include cycling, swimming and rowing. Some other aerobic exercises, which you can try at home, include walking up and down the stairs, dancing and skipping.
Step Challenge
You are probably familiar with the recommendation to take 10,000 steps every day. In the UK, the average person completes just 3,000 to 4,000 steps per day.
Why not increase your daily step count by taking on the Heart Research UK Step Challenge. This challenge involves walking 10,000 steps per day over four weeks.
Look for opportunities to increase your step count every day. For example, you could try parking further away from the supermarket or opting for the stairs over the lift, and you will be on the path to improving your physical health.
Some benefits of taking on this challenge:
Increases physical activity levels
Helps to manage weight
Improves heart health
Strengthens your bones and builds muscle
Lowers blood pressure
Join a Club
Has the Olympics inspired you to get involved in any sports or activities? If so, why not check out what activities or sports clubs are available in your local area?
Fans of flavour and spice will be keen to get their hands on a brand new Scottish hot sauce specially designed for Scotch Beef – one of the country’s best-loved products – as it launches today.
Scotch Beets Hot Sauce has been created in a collaboration between award-winning hot sauce maker, Tom’s Sauces, and Scotch Beef. It represents an industry-first, as the first hot sauce designed specifically to be paired with Scotch Beef.
The sauce packs a flavour punch with a mouth-watering array of ingredients including Scottish beetroot, spicy Scotch Bonnet chillies and zesty and fresh ginger root. Red wine vinegar infused with fennel seeds adds a bold, rich and summery base, perfectly complimenting the velvety beetroot texture.
Adding the hot sauce to Scotch Beef enhances the meat’s natural flavour profile, which includes a rich, buttery depth and an earthy taste, and comes with the added guarantee that the beef is fully traceable, local and quality assured. The Scotch Bonnet chillies give a fiery heat while not overpowering the meat, balanced with the sweet and tangy flavours of ginger and garlic.
Scotch Beets Hot Sauce launches during a summer unlike any other, seeing family and friend get-togethers, several major sporting events, and staycations on the agenda. Top quality food is at the heart of it all, with the hot sauce providing the perfect companion for BBQ cookouts, parties and trips away, or for simply adding a twist to midweek meals.
Lesley Cameron, Director of Marketing and Communications at Quality Meat Scotland, the industry body that promotes Scotch Beef PGI, said: “In recent years, hot sauces have skyrocketed in popularity as the perfect way to elevate burgers, steaks, sandwiches and more.
“We thought it was about time Scotch Beef had a sauce befitting of its flavour, working with the incredible Tom’s Sauces to design Scotch Beets Hot Sauce – made from Scottish ingredients by Scottish suppliers.
“Adding just a drop of the sauce to your favourite Scotch Beef recipes opens a whole new dimension of flavour, becoming something of a secret weapon for home cooks. It really has to be tasted to be believed!”
Tom Green, head sauce maker at Tom’s Sauces, said:“Who said beetroot was boring? This was an exciting and creative challenge to showcase Scotch Beef PGI with a totally distinctive hot sauce which we’re sure customers will appreciate and enjoy.
“This partnership with Scottish producers has created a unique summer condiment rich in texture and flavour. Chuck the ketchup because this is your new favourite sauce.”
A limited number of bottles of Scotch Beets Hot Sauce will be available to purchase at Scotch Butchers Club butcher shops DH Robertson in Arbroath, Strachan Craft Butchers in Blantyre, Gloagburn Farm Shop in Tibbermore and Briggsy’s Quality Butcher in Jedburgh, with profits being donated to local charities.
Further bottles will be available through a giveaway on the Make It Scotch Instagram channel, @make.it.scotch.
For more information on Scotch Beef and Quality Meat Scotland, visit www.makeitscotch.com.
Perfect serving suggestion
BBQ Scotch bavette steak served with Scotch Beets
Raise the steaks and show your next BBQ a little Mexican flavour. Bavette steak is the tender and tasty hero of this fajita inspired recipe.
SERVES: 4
PREPARATION TIME: 30 MINS plus cooling and standing
COOKING TIME: 19 MINS
INGREDIENTS
· 4 corn on the cobs
· 35ml chilli flavoured oil
· 1 small red pepper, finely chopped
· 1 small orange pepper, finely chopped
· 1 small green pepper, finely chopped
· 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
· 4 tbsp reduced sugar sweet chilli sauce
· Pinch Scottish sea salt
· 500g Scotch Beef Bavette Steak
· 2 tsp fajita seasoning
· 8 regular wholemeal tortilla wraps
METHOD
SALSA
1. Half fill a large saucepan with water and bring to the boil.
2. Add the sweetcorn and cook for 5 minutes until just tender. Drain and cool.
3. Brush the corn lightly with 1 tbsp chilli oil and cook over hot coals for 3-4 minutes, turning, until blistered and lightly charred.
4. Once cool, slice down the length of the cobs with a sharp knife to remove the kernels.
5. Add the charred corn kernels to a bowl and toss in the peppers, onion, chilli sauce. Season to taste. Cover and chill until required.
STEAK
1. Rub the steak all over with the remaining chilli oil, fajita seasoning and a little salt.
2. Leave to stand at room temperature for 15 minutes. Even better, wrap the steak and chill for 2 hours to allow flavours to develop further.
3. Cook over hot coals for 12-15 minutes, turning, until cooked to medium/rare. Or, if you have individual steaks, cook these for 3-4 minutes on each side for medium/rare, and up to 5 minutes on each side for medium.
4. Let the juices settle by leaving to stand for 5 minutes.
5. Pop the halves of lime on the barbecue for a few seconds to lightly caramelise and set aside.
6. Heat the wraps as recommended on the pack.
7. Slice the beef then load up your wraps with beef and corn salsa and a generous drizzle of Scotch Beets
8. Throw a wedge of lime on the side to drizzle over.
