ANZACS and Gallipoli to be remembered at online service

With restrictions on public gatherings still in place, Armed Forces charity Legion Scotland will broadcast a ‘virtual’ service of remembrance tomorrow to commemorate ANZAC and Gallipoli Day, Sunday, April 25th.

The annual commemoration would normally take place in the Scottish National War Memorial at Edinburgh Castle, and provide a touching show of comradeship and remembrance to all those who fought at Gallipoli against the Ottoman Empire during the First World War. As with the 2020 event, this year’s ANZAC Day service will be a virtual one, broadcast by Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland via their Facebook pages.

Observed on the 25th of April each year, ANZAC Day was originally devised to honour the members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC). It now represents a day when Antipodeans remember the sacrifices made in all conflicts. It is also an important day for Turkey as they remember those they lost in the conflict. 

In a poignant display of remembrance and reconciliation, readings will be given by Colonel Michael Bassingthwaighte DSM, Australian Army Advisor in London; Scott Williamson, New Zealand Honorary Consul Scotland; and Mrs Hatice Tuğba İkizler Fearnley of The Government of the Republic of Turkey. 

The virtual service will be conducted by Legion Scotland National Padre Rev Dr Karen Campbell.

Legion Scotland Chief Executive, Dr Claire Armstrong, said: “We had hoped that by now we may have been able to return to physical remembrance events, such is their importance to so many people.

“Sadly, it is still not yet safe to do so but, as we have demonstrated throughout the past year, virtual services ensure the memory of the fallen is not forgotten, even during a global pandemic.”

ANZAC Day services normally commence at dawn, coinciding with the moment ANZAC forces landed on the Gallipoli peninsula in April 1915. Saturday’s broadcast will begin at 5:42am via the Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland Facebook channels and will be available for the public to view again at any time thereafter.

Dr Armstrong added: “As the custodians of Remembrance in Scotland, our involvement in services of commemoration like these is so important and allows all members of our communities to join together to remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice, or who returned from battles in foreign lands with life-changing injuries.

“We will remember them and, even during these unprecedented times, our enduring message of comradeship comes very much to the fore.”

New Skills Boost course guarantees jobs in health care

A new course, which launched this week, will provide people in the region with a direct progression route into a health care support worker role.

The three-week Skills Boost for Health Care course, delivered in partnership by Edinburgh College and NHS Lothian, is designed to equip people with the skills they need to become a health care support worker within the NHS and aims to provide employment opportunities for people in the Lothians who may have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

All course participants have undergone a values-based interview process with the College and NHS and will study a three-week intensive course to prepare them for the workplace.

The course includes college-based and NHS-based learning and will take a multi-disciplinary, measured and meaningful approach to help launch participants into a career in health care.

Subjects will include: Professionalism, reflection, legislation; Infection Control; Health and Safety; First Aid; Basic Life Support (Adult); and Public Protection. Participants will also learn about the career pathways available to them within the NHS.

The first cohort of future health care support workers began the three-week course on Monday 19 April 2021 and upon successful completion and compulsory employment checks, will undertake their new roles from Monday 10 May 2021.

Edinburgh College Head of Health, Wellbeing and Social Science Anne-Marie Sturrock said: “We are excited to launch the Skills Boost for Health Care course in collaboration with NHS Lothian.

“The course not only gives students an opportunity to learn new and valuable skills, it also guarantees them a health care support role within the NHS – providing education and employment hand-in-hand.

“Supporting the NHS and addressing unemployment in the region are key drivers behind the development of this course and partnership delivery. I hope that this will be the first step in successful careers in healthcare for all of our participants.” 

NHS Lothian Executive Director for Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Healthcare Professionals Alex McMahon said: “We are always very keen to encourage and support the development of new routes to bring prospective health care professionals into NHS Lothian and we are delighted to be working with Edinburgh College to deliver this particular course.

“NHS Lothian aims to support staff to provide high quality care that is safe, effective and person-centred for every person every time. We know that whatever the future holds, our most valuable resource is our staff. It’s their enthusiasm, expertise, and commitment to care that ensures we deliver that high-quality care.”

Fort Kinnaird prepares to welcome back shoppers

Fort Kinnaird is preparing to welcome visitors back from next week, as the Scottish Government confirms that the country will move into the next stage of easing lockdown restrictions.

From 26th April, non-essential stores such as JD Sports, Next and Pandora will be open once again.

A selection of restaurants and cafes such as Five Guys, wagamama, Caffè Nero and Starbucks will also be welcoming customers back for the first time this year while Bread Meats Bread will be opening its largest restaurant in Scotland from Monday. Visitors can enjoy food and non-alcoholic drinks in groups of up to four people from two households indoors, with alcohol available when seated outdoors.

To help keep everybody safe, the retail park will continue to have its hand sanitising stations and enhanced cleaning regimes in place.

All visitors must wear a face covering when inside stores unless exempt for medical reasons, and the Fort Kinnaird team will be available to help and assist shoppers to ensure everyone can enjoy a safe shopping experience.

Liam Smith, Centre Director at Fort Kinnaird, said: “After a long break, our retailers are gearing up to open their doors once more. We know many customers are excited about the reopening and we can’t wait to welcome them back to Fort Kinnaird.

“As we reopen, safety will remain a top priority for us. Visitors can expect to see all of our extra safety measures still in place when they come to visit, and our team will be available to help visitors as they return to their favourite shops.”

Opening times and policies of individual retailers may vary, so it is always recommended that you check with them directly before setting off.

Visitor numbers will be carefully managed to make sure everyone can maintain social distancing. If the retail park or any of the stores become particularly busy, visitors may be asked to queue considerately in designated outdoor areas.

More information to help you plan your next visit to Fort Kinnaird can be found on its website here: https://www.fortkinnaird.com/planning-your-visit

Heart Research UK Healthy tip – Stress Awareness

Everyone has experienced stress at some point in their life. Stress typically occurs when we are unable to meet the demands being placed on us, whether this be at work or in our personal lives.

Whilst short-term stress is a normal response to pressure or increased demand, a prolonged increase in stress levels can have negative effects on our health and wellbeing.

Whilst stress alone won’t increase your risk of developing heart disease, the choices we make when we’re stressed, which can include overeating, drinking alcohol and lack of exercise, can have a negative impact on our heart health.

Stress will also raise blood pressure levels which, if prolonged, may start to damage the heart and arteries. However, once feelings of stress pass, increased blood pressure levels will usually reduce and therefore the best way to address this increase is through prevention and management of stress levels.

Here are some tips for doing just that:

Exercise Regularly

Whilst exercise can be one of the first things to drop out of our routine in times of stress, research indicates that exercise can reduce levels of stress and anxiety.

Rest and Recover

Taking time out of the day to re-charge, whether it be going for a short walk or doing something you enjoy, can be important for preventing burnout, resulting from a chronic overload of demand.

Question Unhelpful Thinking

Sometimes our thought patterns can be unhelpful in increasing our stress levels, such as when we ruminate over a problem, or over-exaggerate a situation. Questioning our thinking can sometimes be useful for stopping stress in its tracks.

Support Others

Research indicates that both connecting with and helping others can be great for our mental wellbeing. In particular, activities such as volunteering can give a sense of purpose outside of our work.

Learn Something New

Learning a new skill can help to give a sense of purpose and can also be a great distraction tool when stress levels are particularly high.

Seek support

If you are feeling overwhelmed, anxious or stressed, there are a number of services available to support you, including the Samaritans, and psychological therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy which can be accessed through the NHS or privately.

For more healthy tips, visit us at Healthy Heart Tips.

Cats Protection shop excited to welcome back customers

Cats Protection’s charity shop in Dalry Road is opening its doors to customers on Monday following the easing of retail lockdown restrictions.

Staff and volunteers have been busy preparing to welcome back customers, and measures will once again be in place to ensure the safety of everyone in stores, including limits on the numbers of customers, hand sanitising stations and rigorous cleaning.

The shops will be ready and waiting to take in donations of good quality second-hand clothing, accessories, books and bric-a-brac. With so many people using lockdown as a time to have a clear-out it is expected there will be a considerable amount of donations to sort through; which also means there will be lots of new stock for customers to browse.

Opening hours will be 9-5 Monday to Saturday, and shorter hours on Sundays (please check with your local shop).

Area Retail Manager Ian Trotter said: “We can’t wait to welcome back customers after such a long time but the safety of our staff, volunteers and customers is our highest priority and previously introduced safety measures will continue to be observed to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.

“It is great to know that we will once again be able to support the work of our network of volunteers in helping cats and kittens in need.”

Cats Protection is a national network of around 230 volunteer-run branches, 37 centres and 109 shops, helping around 200,000 cats and kittens every year.

Edinburgh University and Wimbledon umpire are among Tennis Scotland award winners

The winners of the Tennis Scotland Awards 2021 have been announced, recognising the exceptional contribution of individuals, clubs, programmes and competitions that helped tennis to thrive in 2020 as participation soared across the country.  

As a result of record-breaking year, the University of Edinburgh secured the Education Award which recognises establishments that displayed innovative attempts at ensuring students could continue to develop throughout lockdown in 2020.

Prior to welcoming a safe return of tennis activity, the university kept students engaged in the sport through online fitness challenges, coaching and virtual social events.

As tennis emerged as one of the first sports to return from lockdown, the university capitalised by training volunteers to ensure that they could run additional sessions to cope with growing demand.

The efforts of coaches and volunteers resulted in all-time high participation figures for the university, with around 360-400 individuals signing up for sessions each week.

Meanwhile, John Frame from Penicuik has been rewarded with a Special Recognition honour in acknowledgement of his many years of dedication to the sport.

Across a glistening career in tennis, John officiated more than 75 matches on Centre Court and Court 1 at Wimbledon between 1975 and 2007; including the mens’ singles final between Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi in 1999 when he became the first person to chair 3 mens’ finals at the Grand Slam.

As one of a select group of people to have held Gold Badge status as chair umpire, chief umpire and referee, John’s career highlights include officiating in 47 countries at events ranging from the Olympics to Davis Cup ties.

The former school teacher at Penicuik High School has also operated on Tennis Scotland’s board as Tennis Operations Director since 2014.

In total, 13 category winners have been selected to receive awards, in addition to three Special Recognition awards which have been handed to John Stevenson, Rick Gardner and John Frame as an honour for serving the tennis community over a prolonged period.

The award winners were announced yesterday (Friday 23rd April), with an awards ceremony to be held at a later date.

Blane Dodds, Tennis Scotland chief executive, said: “The Tennis Scotland Awards provide the opportune platform to celebrate the hard work and commitment which was the driving force behind our sport’s progression in 2020, in face of the challenges posed by lockdown.

“We were privileged to witness such an outstanding standard of nominations and we are extremely proud of the contributions of the winners and nominees, alongside each individual who played a role in providing a safe and welcoming environment to play our sport last year.

“Following the barriers we faced, it feels more important than ever to acknowledge the drive and passion within our community which resulted in the continued growth of tennis in Scotland.”

Tennis Scotland Awards 2021 winners

Lifetime Achievement – Jan Collins

Volunteer of the Year – Amanda Barclay (West End LTC)

Young Person of the Year – Katie McKay (Wormit & Newport TC)

Coach of the Year: Development – Steven Birrell (Wormit & Newport TC)

Coach of the Year: Performance – Mark Openshaw (Giffnock Tennis Squash and Hockey Club)

Club of the Year – Giffnock Tennis Squash and Hockey Club

Education Award: University – The University of Edinburgh

Disability Award – Chrysalis Tennis

Official of the Year – Olwyn Roy

Competition of the Year – Western Health and Racquets Club: Club Championships 2020

Junior Player of the Year – Ben Hudson

Senior Player of the Year – Hamish Stewart

International Player of the Year – Gordon Reid

Special Recognition – John Frame

Special Recognition – John Stevenson

Special Recognition – Rick Gardner

To learn more about the Tennis Scotland Awards, please visit www.tennisscotland.org or follow @TennisScotland on Twitter and Instagram.

‘Cautious but optimistic’

Fringe update from Chief Executive Shona McCarthy

Last week, we announced to Fringe participants that we’ll be opening show registration – for both online and in-person performances – on Wednesday 05 May, in advance of the Fringe taking place from 06 – 30 August.

This is an exciting moment for the Fringe Society; it means all the preparatory discussions we’ve been having – with artists, venues, government and all members of the Fringe community – can finally be translated into action, with visible results.

The positive response we had to last week’s announcement only confirms what I knew in my heart – that there are many people out there who are just as excited and eager as we are to see the Fringe return!

Of course, opening registration is only the start of this process – we are acutely aware of how difficult the last year has been for artists, and we’re doing everything we can to support them in making work this year and beyond.

We’ve reduced registration fees across all tiers by 25%, and removed the top tier entirely.

We’ve also announced the opening a Fringe Artist and Venue Recovery Fund: a £75,000 funding pot which is available to Fringe companies, creatives and venues to support projects that will enable a return to the Fringe in 2021 or 2022.

The fund will prioritise projects that seek to improve opportunities for access on the Fringe by underrepresented groups – you can find out more at edfringe.smartygrants.com.au/recoveryfund. 

There’s certainly a lot more still to be done, but we feel this is the first of many steps we can take to support artists returning to the Fringe.

I recognise that any eagerness to restart the Fringe must be tempered by a sense of caution and responsibility.

We continue to work closely with Scottish Government and the City of Edinburgh Council, and keep a close eye on official guidance as it emerges and develops, using it to inform every decision we make.

The most recent news indicates some easing of restrictions by the end of June, which is definitely encouraging, but if the last year has taught us anything it’s that things can change at very short notice, so for those dreaming fervently of a fun-packed summer in Edinburgh, we strongly recommend an attitude of cautious optimism at this stage. 

It’s also important to remember that this year’s Fringe won’t be the same as it was. Even as restrictions relax, we still expect to see some form of social distancing and other safety measures in Edinburgh this August.

Again, we’ll work with venues and other partners to figure out how best to use this information as it develops, creating clear guidance for audiences and participants. We also know that it will not be possible to produce our usual printed programme this year, though we are exploring alternatives.

While it is right and appropriate that we manage our expectations about a return to live performance, I am full of positive anticipation to see how Fringe artists channel their extraordinary creative energy into digital work at this year’s festival.

As happens with any seismic change in society, artists have responded to online life in brilliant and inventive ways, and I think it entirely correct that the Fringe – with its longstanding reputation for unleashing the creative spirit – showcases the best in digital inspiration as well.

Silver linings to the past year’s events are few and far between, but the increased availability of innovative, imaginative work – work that can be accessed virtually anywhere – is surely among them.

With this in mind, we’ve put a lot of time and energy into developing our digital infrastructure for this year’s Fringe. We’ve ensured that, whichever online platforms artists and venues want to use, we can support them to do it; they’ll also have access to our own innovative Fringe Player.

In addition, we’re creating an exciting new online events programme and meeting space to help artists and industry connect and collaborate, which we’re hoping to launch in summer. 

With the seeds of carefully laid plans now blooming into life, our goal – as ever – is to support Fringe participants.

As mentioned above, registration (and the wide range of benefits and services that come with it) will open in May, and will remain open right through to the end of the Fringe with no deadlines attached.

We’re also continuing to invest in our website so that audiences can search, browse and book shows as easily as ever, helping them find the artists whose work will resonate with them for years to come.

All of our plans are being made cautiously but optimistically, and as ever, public health will be our priority. But we can take heart in the fact that the Fringe is happening. And, whether online or in a venue, I can’t wait to see you there.

Shona

Outdoor face to face adult education courses to resume at Craigroyston

Just to update you on the CEC Adult Education programme – we are about to launch our first face to face courses in over a year and are very excited to offer up our outdoor courses, starting from 10th May. 

The courses will be limited to a maximum of 8 people to make sure the tutor and learners are kept safe and so early booking is recommended. The tutors are friendly, welcoming and will ensure the courses boost skills for lifelong enjoyment, as well as being safe and fun. 

To find out more about each class and to book a place, please go to www.joininedinburgh.org

There is an added bonus of being outdoors because growing research is showing a real benefit of being out in nature, for mental and physical wellbeing.

In addition, birdsong is now considered to be one of the biggest factors in focusing the mind and stopping stressful anxiety. There is a link to hearing birdsong and feeling connected to nature as well as a sense of safety because the birds are all around (and would fly off in times of danger). 

Our fees are available at standard rate, concession for students and senior citizens and reduced for people receiving benefits. 

Just book online. If you’d like more information, feel free to email:

adult.education@ea.edin.sch.uk

There are 8 week and 5 week courses as well as several one-day Saturday or Sunday courses. 

Hope you can find something that appeals. 

Walks: Suburban Strolls – All – (11/5) – OUT63912MALL11/05/2021Tuesday10:00 – 12:00
Walks: Green Woodwork in the Woods – All – (11/5) – OUT62312MALL11/05/2021Tuesday10:00 – 12:00
Walks: Foraging – All – (11/5) – OUT61712MALL11/05/2021Tuesday13:00 – 15:00
Walks: Over 50s Walking Group – All – (12/5) – OUT63413MALL12/05/2021Wednesday10:00 – 12:00
Walks: Over 50s Walking Group – All – (12/5) – OUT63423MALL12/05/2021Wednesday10:00 – 12:00
Walks: Woodland Management & Tree ID – All – (13/5) – OUT64614MALL13/05/2021Thursday10:00 – 12:00
Craft: Carving a Wooden Spoon – All – (29/5) – OUT31486MALL29/05/2021Saturday10:00 – 15:00
Walks: Through Edinburgh’s Old & New Towns – All – (10/5) – OUT64211MALL10/05/2021Monday10:00 – 11:30
Art(PR): Sketchbook Adventures – All – (13/5) – OUT18714MALL13/05/2021Thursday10:00 – 12:00
Art(PR): Sketching Outdoors – Mixed Media – All – (13/5) – OUT19114MALL13/05/2021Thursday10:00 – 12:00
Wellbeing: Journalling Adventures with Plants – All – (13/5) – OUT64714MALL13/05/2021Thursday13:00 – 15:00
Walks: Old & New Towns – All – (14/5) – OUT63315MALL14/05/2021Friday10:00 – 12:00
Walks: Navigation – Low Level Hillwalking – Beginner – (5/6) – OUT63286JBEG05/06/2021Saturday09:30 – 16:30
Walks: Navigation – Hillwalking – Beginner – (6/6) – OUT63187JBEG06/06/2021Sunday09:30 – 16:30
Art(PR): Cityscapes – All – (11/5) – OUT11712MALL11/05/2021Tuesday14:00 – 15:30
Walks: Birdwatching – All – (12/5) – OUT61413MALL12/05/2021Wednesday10:30 – 12:30
Art(PR): Sketching the City in Watercolour, Pen & Pencil – All – (13/5) – OUT19314MALL13/05/2021Thursday10:30 – 12:00
Walks: Historical Walks in Royal Mile – All – (11/5) – OUT62512MALL11/05/2021Tuesday10:00 – 12:00
Walks: Edinburgh History Walks – All – (12/5) – OUT61513MALL12/05/2021Wednesday13:00 – 14:30
Walks: Historical Walks in Central Edinburgh – All – (13/5) – OUT62414MALL13/05/2021Thursday10:00 – 12:00
Photography Workshop: Edinburgh Old Town – All – (29/5) – OUT53986MALL29/05/2021Saturday10:00 – 15:00
Photography Workshop: in the Dean Village – All – (12/6) – OUT53886JALL12/06/2021Saturday10:00 – 15:00
Walks: History & Archaeology of Cammo Estate – All – (29/5) – OUT62686MALL29/05/2021Saturday10:00 – 15:00
Art(PR): Sketching in Saughton Park – All – (29/5) – OUT18986MALL29/05/2021Saturday10:00 – 15:00
Walks: History & Archaeology of Cammo Estate – All – (12/6) – OUT62686JALL12/06/2021Saturday10:00 – 15:00
Art(PR): Sketching Seascapes – All – (13/5) – OUT19214MALL13/05/2021Thursday11:00 – 13:00
Art(PR): Sketching Outdoors – All – (13/5) – OUT19014MALL13/05/2021Thursday14:00 – 16:00
Art(PR): Sketching in Leith – All – (12/6) – OUT18886JALL12/06/2021Saturday10:00 – 15:00
Walks: Foraging for Medicinal Plants – All – (12/6) – OUT61886JALL12/06/2021Saturday10:00 – 15:00
Tai Chi – All – (12/5) – OUT60313MALL12/05/2021Wednesday10:00 – 11:30
Art(PR): Sketching Outdoors – All – (14/5) – OUT19015MALL14/05/2021Friday15:00 – 17:00

FIONA HENDERSON 

Lifelong learning development officer for Adult Education 

Capital ‘hotspots’ to get new temporary public toilets

Councillors have agreed a plan to install temporary public toilets in busy parks and other ‘hotspot’ areas like the Meadows and Portobello on the understanding that funding is approved by Council next week.

This will help to meet increased demand over the summer months as more people enjoy the outdoors in the warmer weather as the city eases out of lockdown.

An additional £450,000 from COVID funds, if approved, will fund the project.

A list of the exact locations for the toilets is being compiled and will be publicised so people know where they are when complete. The project will ensure toilets provided also meet accessibility needs.   

A plan for new and improved permanent public toilets across the Capital, following a review of existing facilities, was also approved by members of the Transport and Environment Committee, on the basis that funding can be identified.

The plan is to build new public toilets in popular parks such as Inverleith and Leith Links and in premier parks where provision already exists the toilets will be upgraded to meet modern hygiene standards.

Consultation will also be carried out with community groups in these and other areas such as Colinton, where the community may already be progressing their own projects.

The plan also includes more modern facilities being built in ‘local town centres’ as part of the development of new Council hubs.

The review found providing purpose-built toilet blocks with small cafes in local town centres would provide unnecessary additional competition to local businesses and so councillors have approved new facilities being provided in the multi-service ‘hubs’ being created as part of the ‘20 minute’ neighbourhood approach.

This will be particularly beneficial to disabled and elderly residents looking to access Council services.

Improved signage to major travel hubs, which all have public toilets, is also being considered as part of the plans.

The community toilets scheme will also continue when COVID guidance allows and communications will be improved to make sure people know where they are.

In the longer-term, payment to businesses to open their toilets for general public use will be phased out as provision across the city improves. 

There are currently seven public toilets open at busy ‘hot spots’ and reopening the Council’s other permanent facilities will remain under review and they will reopen when practicable and when public health guidance allows.

Cllr Lesley Macinnes, Environment Convener, said: “As we ease out of lockdown over the next few months outdoor recreation and meetings will become even more important for people, particularly during spells of warmer weather.

“We recognise that an increased number of public toilets is going to be needed to allow residents and visitors to stay longer to enjoy our beautiful parks, beaches and other open spaces. There have been reports of people toileting in and around these areas and I really hope that providing additional temporary facilities, if funding is approved, helps to put a stop to that.”

Cllr Karen Doran, Environment Vice-Convener, said: “We’re very proud of our beautiful parks and beaches, which are particularly busy during periods of warmer weather and I’m really pleased we’ve managed to find funding which now just needs to be approved to help ease the situation with more people meeting and exercising outdoors.  

“To make our stunning city even more welcoming and accessible going foward, we’ll try to find the funding we need to allow us to initially focus on improving facilities in premier parks on a permanent basis.

 “We’re already planning for ‘hubs’ in our town centres as part of ’20 minute communities’ and accessible, clean modern toilets as part of these ‘hubs’ is the best solution for local provision going forward.”

Borders-based Agricultural Society gears up to re-open

A Kelso-based agricultural society is ready to re-open this year after overcoming the challenges of the past twelve months, thanks to support from Bank of Scotland.

The Border Union Agricultural Society (BUAS), formed in 1813, would typically hold four major events a year but saw them all cancelled thanks to the pandemic.

The Championship Dog Show qualifier for Crufts, the Border Union Agricultural Show in July and the BUAS’ annual Kelso Ram Sales, the biggest of its type in Europe, and the Borders Countryside Education day for all primary 5s in the Scottish Borders, were all cancelled in 2020.

The Society’s income was also hit by the cancellation of weddings, events and seminars that were frequently held in its main hall and the showground.

The BUAS received support from Bank of Scotland with a £210k Coronavirus Business Interruption Scheme loan.

The funding has helped the business to pay ongoing business costs not covered by government support schemes and cancellation costs for events.

Now, the Society has become the site of an NHS vaccination clinic to support vaccination efforts in the Borders, and is hoping to hold some of their events this year.

Verity Mutch, administrator at the Border Union Agricultural Society, said: “After the first lockdown last March we saw all of our main events and hall hires for the year cancelled. This was extremely difficult for the Society as we missed out on our main sources of revenue for the entire year.

“Thankfully Bank of Scotland have been very supportive. We’ve been working with them since 1964 and knew they’d be on hand to help us through this difficult time.

“Over the coming months we are hoping to hold some of our events again – albeit in a scaled back capacity. While we took the difficult decision to cancel our agricultural show in January, we hope to hold our ram sales again in September and potentially our dog show in October.”

Julie McLaren, relationship manager at Bank of Scotland, said: “Despite the cancellation of its major annual events, BUAS has worked hard to keep operations running and is now in a position to welcome both members and visitors back once restrictions allow.

“At Bank of Scotland, we’ve supported the business through this challenging period and look forward to seeing the events back on our calendar as soon as possible.

“As with BUAS, we will remain by the side of business in Scotland as we support firms through the remaining months of the pandemic.”