This week is the 25th anniversary of BBQ week and many of us will be heading outdoors to fire up the BBQ. Foods traditionally cooked on BBQs, such as burgers and sausages, can be high in calories, fat and salt.
We have some tips for enjoying a heart-healthy BBQ without compromising on taste:
Choose a healthy source of protein
Foods that are high in saturated fat, such as red meat, sausages, burgers, butter and hard cheese, can increase your risk of heart disease.
You can cut down on saturated fat by swapping red meat, sausages and burgers by threading cubes of chicken, firm fish or tofu onto skewers with slices of bell pepper, courgettes, mushrooms, red onion and cherry tomatoes before grilling.
Swap white bread rolls for high-fibre alternatives
Increasing the amount of fibre in your diet can reduce your risk of heart disease. Why not switch from white bread rolls to wholegrain rolls or wholegrain pitta, brown rice or jacket potatoes.
Add some colour
Include plenty of salad and vegetables to make your BBQ colourful and nutritious. Avoid using too much salad dressing as it can be high in calories. Try rubbing a spicy marinade on pieces of courgette, bell pepper, onion, corn-on-the-cob and mushrooms and grill them on the BBQ.
Healthy grilled desserts
Ditch the high-fat puddings and switch to grilled slices of pineapple, bananas, peaches, nectarines or plums. The natural sugars will caramelise on the BBQ, giving them a lovely sweet flavour.
Serve with a spoonful of thick, creamy yoghurt and sprinkle with a handful of chopped toasted nuts, such as hazelnuts or almonds.
For the first time in over a year, businesses in Scotland can see the first shoots of recovery as COVID-19 restrictions begin to lift, according to a leading quarterly survey led by the Scottish Chambers of Commerce (SCC).
The SCC’s Quarterly Economic Indicator (QEI) for the second quarter of 2021 indicates more positive growth across all sectors surveyed, albeit, caution is still the watchword for many businesses.
Key Findings:
• Pent up demand unleashed: All sectors have reported substantial rises in confidence and domestic sales, owing to the easing of general and domestic travel lockdown restrictions. Most results are positive for the first time in over a year, albeit from historically low bases. • Caution looking ahead: All sectors have projected positive expectations for Q3, on balance, likely boosted by the expected further easing of lockdown restrictions. While firms are optimistic about sales revenue, they are more cautious around investment and staff levels with most firms envisaging no change to these in Q2. • Faltering export sales: Covid-19 disruption and Brexit fallout has resulted in trading difficulties for businesses in services, manufacturing and retail as evidenced by falls in export sales and orders across these sectors. • Inflation pressures: All sectors have recorded increases in concern over inflation, which may escalate as more consumers spend savings accumulated over the last 16 months and create uncertainty for business in terms of their costs and prices. • Flat labour market: Most sectors saw a slight increase in employment, apart from retail, which saw no change over the quarter. Most firms, across all sectors, expect little change in Q3 which could result in sluggish jobs growth, with further challenges expected as the furlough scheme is withdrawn.
Tim Allan, President of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce said:“The success of the vaccine rollout has enabled the easing of restrictions and the gradual reopening of the economy, unleashing pent-up demand in the economy. This has allowed some sectors to rebound more quickly than others, however, the route to economic recovery will be a marathon, not a sprint.
“It’s clear that concerns remain around the ongoing impact of Covid-19 as businesses grapple with huge uncertainties over what the economy will look like post-pandemic. Towns and city centres face new challenges as more people work from home and more flexibly, impacting on footfall and changes to consumer behaviour.
“The needs of employers and employees alike need to be finely balanced as we shape the recovery of our city centres which will impact on a wide range of sectors and supply chains.
“Equally, sectors such as tourism and international travel, which continue to operate with severe restrictions, are having to adjust to increased domestic demand, a simultaneous fall in international travel and a tightening supply of skilled labour. The sector needs continued financial support and greater clarity on when confusing and burdensome travel regulations will end, allowing greater numbers of international visitors to return.
“As we approach the end of restrictions businesses are increasingly turning their attention towards how to achieve long term growth and renew Scotland’s economy.
“We have recorded the first shoots of growth returning to our economy, and it is essential now that both the Scottish and UK Government’s do all that they can to stimulate demand and boost confidence in the coming months.
“Priority must be given to continuing the provision of targeted financial support where it is needed most and looking ahead, both Governments must create the right environment for businesses to get back on their feet, create jobs and trade successfully again.”
Commenting on the results, Mairi Spowage, Director at the University of Strathclyde’s Fraser of Allander Institute, said:“In April, we saw growth in the Scottish economy of 2.0%.
“This takes us above the previous post-pandemic peak in October. However, the economy still remains 3.7% below the pre-pandemic peak.
“Despite the optimism in the economy, there are risks to recovery which could provide headwinds to growth. The dislocation in global trade was significant due to the pandemic.
“However, we also know that the end of the EU Transition Period has caused significant issues for manufacturers and others trying to rebuild these supply chains since the start of this year. This chimes with today’s survey results, which show significant negative impacts on exports.
“Recent announcements of the delay to the restrictions roadmap will lead to calls from some sectors that there should much more extensive business support to get them through to a position where they can properly operate. As well-meaning as initiatives like a new Council for Economic Transformation may be, practical policy measures to help these businesses survive through the winter are likely to be needed.”
Luxury accessories brand Kate Spade New York has opened its doors in the capital at St James Quarter.
Kate Spade New York has opened its 1190 sq. ft store on level 3 of the Galleria, combining crisp colour, graphic prints and playful sophistication that have become the hallmarks of the luxury brand.
The American fashion house was founded in 1993 and sells designer handbags, accessories, jewellery and clothing – bringing a touch of personal style with a dash of incandescent charm to the city.
The handbag label joins brands such as Zara, Mango, Bershka, Stradivarius, Kurt Geiger, Lego and IOLLA within St James Quarter.
Nick Peel, Managing Director at St James Quarter, said: “This is another milestone moment for St James Quarter, and the Edinburgh retail sector.
“Kate Spade New York is renowned across the globe, so we’re delighted to welcome the brand and to join London, Tokyo, Paris and New York on its list of international locations.”
‘It’s been a physical and mental struggle, and I am proud to have got over the line’
A NEW Edinburgh Napier graduate has told how her path to an MBA was almost wrecked by Sri Lanka’s horrific Easter bombings.
Health management student Hashani Gunasekera was finalising her research proposal for her online course when suicide bombers claimed the lives of 269 people on April 21 2019.
The atrocity sparked widespread tension on the South Asian island and a security crackdown which included a ban on public use of the internet.
Then, just as the situation was stabilising, along came the Covid pandemic which forced Hashani to defer her research into patients undergoing elective surgery so she could go and work on the hospital frontline.
In a year in which no graduate had it easy, the 28-year-old has more reasons than most to be proud of the Masters in Business Administration (Health Management) she was finally awarded this week by Edinburgh Napier.
Hashani said: “Completing my MBA has been a physical and mental struggle so I am very proud to have got over the line, with particular thanks to my supervisor Libby Campbell, who showed the utmost support throughout all these crises.
“It really is a dream come true. Now I hope to use my knowledge and experience to work in the health administrative sector to improve health systems in Sri Lanka and create a safe environment for both patients and doctors.”
Hashani’s course was delivered by the University in partnership with the Sri Lanka-based Business Management School, and Edinburgh Napier teaching staff travelled to South Asia for the orientation programme and some lectures.
Hashani began her studies in January 2018, but 15 months later the peace of the island was shattered when nine suicide bombers detonated devices in six locations. The victims ranged from worshippers celebrating Easter in church to tourists eating in hotel restaurants.
The student said: “It happened just weeks before I was due to submit my research proposal, and the country was plunged into distress with curfews and multiple bomb scares which brought back memories of the civil war. Security was increased everywhere and there was a ban on the internet as well for the public.”
Tensions gradually eased but by the time Hashani got clearance to carry out her research she was working round-the-clock as an intern doctor at a busy district hospital in the northern province of Kilinochchi. Her on-call duties covered obstetrics, gynaecology and internal medicine.
She said: “I was away from my family and loved ones and internet access was poor, hampering my attempts to complete my dissertation. Then Covid struck and I had to defer for a year and go and work frontline. My research focused on patients undergoing elective surgery, and this type of surgery was cancelled during the pandemic.
“It was not until this year, after overcoming multiple delays, bombings, a pandemic and a physically and mentally exhausting internship, that I finally managed to complete my MBA – before a third wave of Covid struck.”
Hashani is now working as a medical officer in a government hospital in Sri Lanka, a role which combines medical and administrative work. She said: “I am keen to promote patient-centred decision making. I am also planning to start my own medical clinic in the future, and hope to use my expertise as a doctor and an administrator to provide the best of care for my patients.”
Libby Campbell, lecturer in Edinburgh Napier’s School of Health & Social Care, said: “Hashani should be proud of herself, achieving an MBA from Edinburgh Napier and doing so entirely online, when it was available, while working in frontline healthcare, during a major incident and its fallout, and during the pandemic.
“I’m glad I was able to help support her and I wish her well for the future.”
A team of friends from the Lothians conquered the Great Glencoe Challenge to raise funds for the National Deaf Children’s Society on 3 July.
The four friends were Sarah Johnson from Dunbar, Rachel McWilliams from Bonnyrigg, and Louise Strutt and Susan Thomson, both from Musselburgh.
The quartet conquered the 26.2-mile challenge, from the heart of Glencoe, over the infamous Devils Staircase on the West Highland Way and finishing at the foot of Ben Nevis, in a time of 10 hours, 54 minutes.
The women, who became firm friends through attending the same gym class, were inspired to take on the challenge for the National Deaf Children’s Society by Louise’s son Harry, 11, who has been deaf from an early age and wears hearing aids.
The family received support from the National Deaf Children’s Society during Harry’s early years.
The team has raised over £3,000 for the National Deaf Children’s Society, which supports the UK’s 50,000 deaf children and their families.
Louise said: “We decided that we’d do this for the National Deaf Children’s Society a couple of years ago. It’s called ‘Scotland’s toughest trekathon.’ It was hard work but great fun.
“Thankfully the weather held out for us, we took our time and had plenty of pit stops and celebrated with a glass or two of prosecco afterwards. We’ve been waiting well over a year to do this after all.
“We all met at our local gym and have been friends ever since. I suggested we should fundraise for the National Deaf Children’s Society because of the incredible support they gave me and Harry when he was younger. Not to mention the guidance they gave his school to support his education.
“The challenge was a tough one but nothing like the challenge deaf children face up and down the country every day.
“The girls were all immediately on board with the idea. We all hope the money we raised makes a difference to more families like mine.”
Elle Billinge, of the National Deaf Children’s Society’s fundraising team, added:“I want to say a huge thank you and congratulations to Sarah, Rachel, Louise and Susan for their incredible determination in taking on the Great Glencoe Challenge. It was a truly awesome challenge and you’re all heroes!
“The National Deaf Children’s Society is dedicated to supporting the UK’s 50,000 deaf children and their families. The efforts of selfless fundraisers like these four women will help us to keep on doing our vital work, now and into the future.”
Edinburgh Park’s mass vaccination centre will welcome its final patients this weekend as the site prepares for closure on Sunday.
The mass vaccination centre, based within the Royal Bank of Scotland’s former Younger Building, will close this weekend, having seen thousands of patients come through its doors.
Over the last four months, since the site opened on Monday 1 March, the vaccination team has administered 82,595 doses of the lifesaving vaccine.
NHS Lothian is now in the process of moving to a more flexible delivery model and will utilise more mobile and surge vaccination clinics. This will allow the board to target people who are still to receive their jab by making it as easy as possible to be vaccinated.
The decommissioning of the site will begin on Monday (12 July). Those in the west Edinburgh area wishing to visit a drop-in clinic at a mass vaccination centre can do so at the Royal Highland Showground.
Airport buses have been temporarily diverted to allow passengers to be dropped off directly outside Lowland Hall.
The Edinburgh Park site will still welcome both appointments and drop-ins until closure.
Pat Wynne, Nurse Director of Primary and Community Care, NHS Lothian, said: “The site at RBS has played a key role in the vaccination programme so far and we are really thankful to our team who made it work so well. I would also say thank you to Royal Bank of Scotland for cooperation throughout the site’s operation.
“Anyone wishing to be vaccinated from Monday can do so visiting one of our four mass vaccination drop-in clinics across the region, which are continuing to operate.
“This weekend (10 and 11 July), we will be running our mobile vaccination clinics with the Scottish Ambulance Service at The Centre, Livingston (Sat), and Fort Kinnaird Shopping Centre (Sun).
“These are open to everyone over the age of 18 for first vaccination, and for those who are due their second vaccination having waited eight weeks.”
The British Medical Association (BMA) has urged the UK Government this week to rethink its plan to relax all restrictions owing to the surge in COVID-19 infection rates.
The association has been a leading voice in the debate on the issue on the national and international media.
Senior BMA members including chair of council Chaand Nagpaul and co-chairs of the BMA’s public health committee Penelope Toff and Richard Jarvis co-signed a letter in TheLancet published on Thursday – which described the easing of restrictions as ‘reckless’.
Dr Nagpaul also appeared on the BBC’s Newsnight last night (9 July) saying it was ‘folly’ for the UK Government to press ahead with easing all restrictions on 19 July. He pointed to the growing evidence of spiralling infections leading to growing hospitalisations as well as wider effects on public health.
‘We need to dispel the idea we’ve broken the link with hospitalisations. It’s diluted but we have about three times as many people on ventilators than this time last month and two and a half times more people in hospital than last month,’ he said and added that if the trends continue this will further increase the pressures on the NHS.
Dr Nagpaul added that this was not simply a secondary care issue but there were now growing numbers of the population suffering from the condition not going to hospital many of whom will go on to have long COVID.
The BMA is arguing for the UK Government to maintain some targeted control measure in place after 19 July including the requirement to continue wearing face coverings in indoor public settings and improved messaging on social distancing and meeting outdoors where possible.
Dr Nagpaul (above) said full easing on the timescale proposed ‘defied public health logic’ – further unlocking of restrictions was a matter of timings rather than ‘indefinite restrictions’. Dr Nagpaul also appeared on CNN on Thursday arguing for targeted restrictions to remain.
Following Monday’s press conference by the prime minister, the chief medical officer and the chief scientific adviser, the BMA issued a statement describing the proposed easing of restriction as ‘incredibly concerning’.
‘There is a clear disconnect with the actions the Government is planning to take and the data and views of the scientific community and medical profession,’ it says.
On Monday evening deputy council chair David Wrigley appeared on Channel 5 News to reflect on the announcement and said getting rid of restrictions was ‘reckless’ and was a ‘recipe for seeing an increase in infections which is not good for the NHS and not good for patients’.
The situation in Scotland remains concerning, where Covid levels are among the highest in Europe and hospitals are coming under increasing pressure.
The Scottish Cabinet meets on Tuesday morning and First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will update Holyrood on Scotland’s plans for moving to Level 0 on Tuesday afternoon.
The Scottish Government had originally planned that all parts of Scotland woud be in level zero from 19 July, allowing some additional relaxation to rules on physical distancing and outdoor gatherings.
Following these initial easings in July, the plan is that more restrictions will be removed on 9 August, including lifting the legal requirement to physically distance indoors.
However the Scottish Government has repeatedly said it will be driven by ‘data not dates’ and First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said earlier this week that these dates are not written in ‘tablets of stone’.
Police are appealing for information to help trace Skye Fraser, a 13 year old girl ale missing from the Ferry Road Avenue area.
Skye was last seen around 4pm yesterday (Thursday 8th July) and her family are concerned as they have not heard from her since then.
She is described as 4’0, slim build with blonde hair, usually in a ponytail. She has blue eyes and was wearing a black jumper when she was last seen.
Inspector Forrester, Drylaw Police Station, said, “We are concerned for Skye’s welfare, therefore if anyone has information that could help us find her, please call us on ‘101’, quoting reference 0078 of 9th July 2021.
“Likewise, if Skye sees this appeal, please call your family or police on ‘101’ to let us know you are safe, thank you.”
Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festivalis back for 2021 with an exciting programme showcasing the amazing music coming out of Scotland! We can’t wait to welcome you online and in-person at Assembly Roxy.
Live Assembly Roxy
We are delighted we can welcome some small, socially-distanced audiences to Assembly Roxy over the ten days of the festival. We have 20 concerts with live audiences. Tickets are priced at £20 per person and are sold in bubbles of 1 or 2 people to allow us to seat you safely. Please note that our capacity is very limited so book early!
All of our live concerts will also be live-streamed so, if you can’t make it in person, you can buy a digital ticket for £10.
20 pre-recorded concerts
In addition to our live concerts, we also have 20 pre-recorded online concerts, each costing £10. All our online content is available for 72 hours so you can watch at your leisure!
Concerts will be sold individually, but you can buy a Festival Passgiving access to all 40 online concerts, plus a few exclusives, for just £40!
Barratt Developments East Scotland, which includes both Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes, has donated £5,000 to local elderly care charity, LifeCare.
Following its success in Barratt Developments’ company-wide virtual 500k challenge for the Prince’s Trust, the Barratt East Scotland team, which walked a combined total of 1,721km, was awarded £5,000 to donate to a charity of its choice.
It selected LifeCare, a renowned local charity which offers registered care, outreach activities and help at home services for older people living across the North of the city.
Established in 1941, the organisation supports hundreds of elderly clients a year, including those suffering with dementia, mobility issues, those experiencing isolation and loneliness, food poverty and mental health problems, and offers dedicated support for carers.
The charity also runs the successful community café, CafeLife on Cheyne Street.
The donation from Barratt East Scotland will help LifeCare’s ongoing efforts to support those who have shielded during the duration of the pandemic to return to life beyond their own four walls and back to the communities they hold dear.
Alison Condie, managing director at Barratt East Scotland, said: “LifeCare carry out incredible work supporting those vulnerable and in need of care.
“We’re pleased that our employees nominated the charity and we hope that our donation will help them to continue to provide these crucial and important services.”
Claire Montgomery, LifeCare’s Trusts Fundraising and Communications Manager added:“A huge thanks to everyone at Barratt East Scotland for this terrific award – it’s truly appreciated. As a registered charity, LifeCare is reliant on the generosity of our funders to enable us to deliver quality care that our older population deserve.
“We have supported over 770 local older people through the pandemic, many of whom had no other available support. We have offered safely delivered care in the home, remote support by phone and doorstep visit, shopping and prescription deliveries, and we have set up our brand new meals on wheels service which has already served up over 9,000 hot meals to doorsteps.
“Our continued care has supported isolation issues and enabled people to remain living independently in their own homes. We look forward to fully opening all services again as soon as we are safely able.”
As part of its community benefits programme, the five-star housebuilder works with a wide range of local causes, and has continued to step up its efforts through the Barratt and David Wilson Community Fund.
Now in its third year, the Community Fund pledges to donate £1,000 each month to a charity or organisation in the east of Scotland. Charities are nominated by and voted for by employees of Barratt Homes and the focus for the fund continues to be on organisations that improve the quality of life for those living in the area.
The team is also committed to providing assistance to groups that contribute to the communities it serves in many other ways. A recent benefactor was Rosslyn Bowling Club, which Barratt East Scotland supported with the donation of a new notice board.
Jim Hiddleston, Club President of Rosslyn Bowling Club said:“We’ve been working towards a new noticeboard for quite some time as our location is quite hidden, so we are delighted with our new signage kindly donated by our new neighbours, David Wilson Homes.”
