Edinburgh residents are being asked to share their views on a scheme that requires people who have committed offences to carry out unpaid work in the community as part of their sentence.
Community Payback Orders can be imposed on people who have committed offences by the courts as an alternative to a short term prison sentence, and can last between six months and three years. They give those involved the chance to address their behaviour and also to repay communities by carrying out unpaid work.
The Council administers the scheme in the city and is seeking the views of the public on people who have committed offences working in communities and the effectiveness of community payback as a way to reduce re-offending.
Examples of unpaid work carried out by the scheme include:
repairing and reinstating headstones in local cemeteries
developing and maintaining children’s play areas
recycling projects including bicycles and outdoor furniture
As well as using the questionnaire to comment on the community payback scheme, participants can also recommend groups, residents, organisations or projects that may benefit from unpaid work through the online suggestion form.
Councillor Amy McNeese-Mechan, Vice Convener of Culture and Communities said: “We’re really keen to hear what people think about Community Payback Orders, and the work carried out by the people subject to them.
“One of the aims of the consultation is also to identify more opportunities in Edinburgh for unpaid community work to be carried out. This work could include repainting community centres, community clear ups or recycling projects including bicycles and outdoor furniture. They are an excellent way for organisations such as charities to get practical help, and they give people who commit offences the chance to repay communities for their offences.
“The information we collect will help us to improve how we work with communities and help to increase understanding of CPOs and their importance in helping people reintegrate into society and reduce the likelihood of them reoffending.”
The UK’s biggest cat charity has issued a warning about the risk of online sellers capitalising on the COVID-19 pandemic to sell poorly-bred kittens.
Cats Protection says that demand for new ‘lockdown pets’ may make it easier for unscrupulous vendors to sell kittens which may be sick or too young to be parted from their mothers.
With figures from the Government’s Petfished campaign showing a huge 125% increase in adverts posted across online marketplaces during lockdown for puppies, kittens, dogs and cats, the charity says buyers need to be more vigilant than ever[i].
Cats Protection’s Head of Advocacy & Government Relations Jacqui Cuff said: “With so many people now working from home for the foreseeable future, it’s understandable that many would want to bring a new pet cat into their household. But buyers must be aware that this demand creates the ideal conditions for unscrupulous sellers who put profit before welfare.
“These profit-driven sellers may be selling kittens which are sick or too young to be separated from their mothers, which can lead to high vet bills. Sadly, some kittens bred in poor conditions may not survive, which can be incredibly distressing for their new owner.
“Unscrupulous sellers have always existed, but the COVID-19 restrictions can give them an extra layer of invisibility. Before the lockdown, buyers may have heard alarm bells if a seller offered to deliver a kitten to them, or said it was not possible to view the kitten with its mother. But the guidelines and restrictions on visiting other households means it is now very difficult to be sure of a kitten’s background.
“Before the COVID-19 pandemic, we may have been seeing moggies selling for around £50, but nowadays a quick scan of online adverts will find moggies for sale for hundreds of pounds. It is clear to us that there are individuals out there who are intent on putting profit before welfare”.
Cat lover and former keyboardist of progressive rock band Yes, Rick Wakeman, backed Cats Protection’s call for buyers to be vigilant and urged them instead to consider adopting a rescue cat.
He said: “I’d urge anyone thinking of getting a kitten to get in touch with a reputable rehoming charity like Cats Protection. Adopting from Cats Protection gives you the peace of mind of knowing your new pet has had all the necessary veterinary checks, and helps give a cat in need a second chance in life. And by adopting a rescue cat, you’ll help to reduce the demand which encourages unscrupulous sellers from trading in kittens.”
To make adopting from a charity safe and easy, Cats Protection’s Hands-free Homing scheme ensures cats and kittens can be rehomed following social distancing measures.
Cats Protection’s warning follows the Government’s Petfished campaign to help the public research pet sellers thoroughly online before buying a new pet.
Cats Protection advises buyers to think carefully before purchasing a kitten from an online advert and refer closely to its Kitten Checklist.
Cats Protection is the UK’s largest cat charity, helping around 200,000 cats every year through a network of around 230 volunteer-run branches and 37 centres.
Children 1st responding to concerns of anxious parents
Children 1st Parentline offering new service to support parents as schools restart
Tips and advice, and webchat for online now available on Children 1st website
PARENTS worried about their child returning to or starting school have a new dedicated support service for practical help and advice.
Children 1st’s Parentline have launched the new service before Scotland’s schools re-open next week after receiving an increasing number of calls from anxious parents and carers who have worries about children back to school.
Parentline, which is staffed by a highly skilled team from Children 1st, will offer parents and carers specific help and advice about how best to support children with practical and emotional issues as schools reopen.
Mary Glasgow, the Chief Executive of Children 1st, (above) said: “As a parent, I know how tough it has been over the last few months with the schools being closed and all the challenges that has brought.
“Despite everything, children and families come through that and now the next challenge for many parents is the first day of school.
“Over the last few weeks, lots of parents and carers have been coming to us with worries about their children’s return to school. This includes parents with children starting P1 and S1 who have particular concerns about whether their children will cope.
“That is why we have set up this new service so parents and carers can talk through any worries or fears they have and get advice on how best to support their children. Children 1st Parentline is there for every family. Please do get in contact over the phone, online or through webchat if you think a chat might help. ”
Children 1st Parentline has been offering support to families for over 20 years. It has supported hundreds of families throughout lockdown as calls soared and traffic to the charity’s webpages quadrupled, when compared to the same period last year. Now, the charity is hearing more worries from parents about what the return to school will mean, especially for the many children who have struggled to cope emotionally during lockdown.
Parentline can be contacted over the phone on 08000 28 22 33 or via webchat at www.children1st.org.uk/parentline. A wide range of additional resources for parents and carers can also be found on the website.
Ann Jarvis, from Children 1st Parentline, put together some of her top tips to help make the first day back at school go as smoothly as possible. She said: “By just sitting with your child and listening to any concerns and worries your child may have can make all the difference.
“Allow them to tell their story and really listen to what they’re saying.
“Bear in mind that none of us really like change – but change is much easier when we know what’s coming and can talk through our feelings.
“Talking and listening to your child about what they expect on their first day is a great way to prepare. Meanwhile, it’s important for parents to give themselves a break and accept that everyone is learning.”
Ann also says it’s important to be prepared.
She added: “There’s plenty of advice and information from schools about practical preparations: uniform, shoes, bag, lunch, labels on clothes.
“Perhaps ask your child if they would like to help you pack their school bag so they know exactly where everything is and will also help them get into a routine.
“Talking and listening to your child about what they expect on their first day is also a great way to prepare. ”
In addition, routines help children to feel secure and settled so Ann would encourage parents to talk through the basics and perhaps do a trial run before their first day.
AN EDINBURGH scientist who lost his father to COVID-19 is rallying people across the city to help tackle the devastating loss of funding for cancer research caused by the coronavirus outbreak.
The pandemic has slowed down the work of Dr Juan-Carlos Acosta at the Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre at the University of Edinburgh, but after attending a heart-breaking memorial service to his dad in Spain, the cancer scientist is finally back working in his lab in Scotland.
The 46-year-old, from North Edinburgh, was devastated to hear his father – a former director of public health in Spain – had died from COVID-19 on 23 March, aged 79.
Spurred on by his father’s death, the scientist lent his expertise to help set up a COVID-19 testing facility at the University of Edinburgh while he was forced to continue his research from home during the lockdown.
Now, with much of his work having been on pause, Juan-Carlos is backing an urgent new appeal from Cancer Research UK for donations to help get life-saving research back on track.
Following the cancellation of fundraising events like Race for Life, the charity is expecting a staggering £160 million drop in income in the year ahead.
As a result, Cancer Research UK has had to make the difficult decision to cut £44 million in research funding, but this is likely to be just the beginning.
Originally from Burgos in Spain, Juan-Carlos, who is funded by Cancer Research UK, is helping to highlight the threat the funding gap poses to future breakthroughs for cancer patients in Scotland and across the UK.
As a cancer scientist, he says he knows first-hand how vital new breakthroughs and discoveries are for people with cancer, who have felt keenly the impact of COVID-19.
Juan-Carlos said: “The cancer research that has taken place in the last 20 to 30 years, funded by Cancer Research UK and others, has made a huge difference to the number of people who survive cancer today. If the funding and the research stops, it’s going to be detrimental to people in the future.”
He continued: “You can imagine that in some laboratory somewhere, there may be a vial with a drug that could make the difference for some people with cancer. But if research stops, if the funding stops, this drug will come much later and it’s going to cost lives.”
Scientist Juan-Carlos was inspired to pursue a career in the medical sector by his father, also called Juan-Carlos. A doctor who became Director of Public Health for the province of Burgos, Spain, Juan-Carlos senior was a highly-respected official who led the region’s responses to outbreaks of diseases such as bird and swine flu. So, it’s somewhat ironic Juan-Carlos says, that he fell victim to one of the worst pandemics the world has seen in modern times.
Juan-Carlos said: “My father always said he worried that a global pandemic like this was one of the risks we would face in the future. And it happened, and he was one of the people who died from it.”
Juan-Carlos senior started to show COVID-19 symptoms in his care home in Burgos in early March. He was admitted to hospital after his symptoms worsened, but he died ten days later. Neither his wife, Maribel, nor any of his family was able to see him in hospital or be with him when he passed away.
Juan-Carlos said: “It was really tough for the whole family. For me, it felt very strange the day my father died. Under normal circumstances I would have expected to be booking a flight home and starting to make funeral arrangements, but I couldn’t do anything. I was stuck at home in Edinburgh.
“In the end, the arrangements all happened very fast. Because it was the peak of the pandemic in Spain they were moving very quickly, and my father was cremated the next day with only my mother and my brother present. It was really difficult for me not to be able to be there, to hug my mum and my brother and to close the chapter of my father.”
The family was finally able to hold a ceremony to remember Juan-Carlos senior on July 21, in his hometown of Burgos.
Paying tribute to his father, Juan-Carlos said: “He was a person who was full of life, who loved to spend time with friends and family. He was also a great cook and loved to entertain in his kitchen. He was a bon vivant. We will miss him very much.”
Not long after his father’s death, the Edinburgh scientist was approached to help set up a COVID-19 testing facility at the University of Edinburgh.
In between carrying on his cancer research from home, Juan-Carlos used his expert knowledge and skills to help develop the COVID-19 testing process at the facility at the university’s Institute of Genetic & Molecular Medicine, which was set up to support NHS Lothian to increase its testing capacity at the peak of the outbreak in Scotland.
He said: “I thought about what my father’s response would have been to the pandemic. He would not have stayed at home knowing he could do something. I knew I had the skills to help so, when the opportunity came up, I felt it was my duty to get involved.”
Now back in his lab at the Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, Juan-Carlos is determined to get his research back up and running as quickly as possible.
He and his team study how cells alert the body when they are in danger of becoming cancerous, and the body’s natural responses to remove or destroy these damaged cells.
Juan-Carlos explained: “When the DNA in normal cells becomes damaged, and the cells are primed to become cancerous, there are several natural systems in the body that stop the development and growth of these cells.
“The aim of our research is to better understand these natural systems that act as a defence against cancer and use this information to design new treatments that could activate these natural defences to stop cancers from growing.
“Our research has shown positive results in lung cancer, and we are starting to take this forward now.”
Scotland is the only country in the UK where lung cancer is still the most common cancer. Each year in Scotland, around 5,300 people are diagnosed with lung cancer*, and around 4,100 people in Scotland die from the disease each year**.
Four months on from the start of lockdown, Juan-Carlos’ vital work is slowly re-starting – but with new safety measures in place in the lab and complex experiments to recover, it could take months to get back up and running at full speed.
And now with more cuts likely to follow, Juan-Carlos is deeply concerned about the heart-breaking fallout for patients.
The issue is powerfully brought to life in a new TV appeal film. It shows a cancer patient on the verge of finding out whether her treatment has been successful, when the video pauses at the critical moment.
Commenting on the film Juan Carlos said: “The message is clear, to save lives tomorrow Cancer Research UK needs the public’s support today.
“Research into cancer is facing a crisis where years and even decades worth of work could be lost in a matter of months. Every day and every pound counts, so I hope people in Edinburgh will give what they can to help us keep making new discoveries.
“As researchers our mission is clear – beat cancer. And with the impact of COVID-19 being keenly felt by people with the disease, it’s never been more important.”
Cancer Research UK’s work into the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer has been at the heart of progress that has seen survival in the UK double in the last 40 years.
Thanks to the generosity of its supporters, the charity currently funds around 50 per cent of all publicly funded cancer research in the UK.
Dr Victoria Steven, Cancer Research UK spokesperson for Scotland, said: “We’re grateful to Juan-Carlos for helping to underline the stark reality of the current situation.
“With more than 32,200 people diagnosed with cancer every year in Scotland***, we will never stop striving to create new and better treatments. But we can’t do it alone.
“Whether they donate, sign up to Race for Life at Home or shop at our recently re-opened stores in the city – with the help of people in Edinburgh we believe that together we will still beat cancer.”
Cancer Research UK was able to spend over £8 million in Edinburgh last year on some of the UK’s leading scientific and clinical research.
Every year, more than 32,200 people are diagnosed with cancer in Scotland***.
Thanks to the generosity of its supporters, Cancer Research UK was able to spend over £42 million in Scotland last year on some of the UK’s leading scientific and clinical research.
But the crucial work of researchers like Dr Juan-Carlos Acosta is under threat due to a devastating loss of funding caused by COVID-19.
There are lots of different ways people in Edinburgh can help to get life-saving research back on track by:
Making a donation
Taking part in Race for Life at Home
Signing up to Cycle 300
Shopping at the recently re-opened Cancer Research UK stores in Nicolson Street, Stockbridge or the Cancer Research UK superstore in Corstorphine.
Following yesterday’s explosion at Beirut Port, the UK has announced a package of emergency support to Lebanon.
Following Tuesday’s explosion at Beirut Port, which has left thousands injured and caused widespread destruction, the UK yesterday announced a package of emergency support to Lebanon.
The UK has offered to immediately deploy search and rescue experts with specially trained dogs to help find those caught up in the blast.
Following a call between the Hassan Diab, Prime Minister of Lebanon and the Foreign Secretary, Dominic Raab, the UK has made up to £5 million in emergency humanitarian funding available to help people made homeless by the disaster.
The UK has also offered enhanced support to the Lebanese Armed Forces, who are central to the Government of Lebanon’s response, including tailored medical help, strategic air transport assistance, and engineering and communications support.
The UK has also offered to send an EMT advance clinical advisory team who could provide initial assessment and coordination with search and rescue teams. UK International Emergency Medical Teams (EMT) offer a rapid provision of internationally accredited public health, medical and surgical teams including both NHS and non NHS experts.
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said: “This was a devastating explosion which has caused enormous suffering and damage. The UK is a long-standing friend of Lebanon and the Lebanese people, and will stand with them in their hour of need.
“We have offered immediate direct support including search and rescue, emergency medical assistance and up to £5m in humanitarian aid.
International Development Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan said: “We have all been shocked by the scenes of devastation and suffering in Beirut. My heart goes out to all those who have been affected by this tragedy and who have lost loved ones.
The UK stands ready to support the people of Lebanon in their time of need and has offered to send medics and rescue workers to treat those who have been injured.
The damage caused by the blast, which measured 4.5 on the Richter scale and was felt as far away as Cyprus (150 miles from Beirut), is widespread and likely to have long-lasting consequences. Lebanon was already experiencing a major economic crisis and dealing with the coronavirus pandemic, as well as hosting over 1.5 million refugees from the war in neighbouring Syria.
The UK already works closely with Lebanon and this partnership is focused on managing the humanitarian, stability and security implications of the war in Syria.
Since the start of the Syria Crisis, DFID has allocated just under £700 million in humanitarian and development funding to Lebanon, including providing support for sanitation facilities, education for refugees and helped provide jobs for both Lebanese and Syrian communities.
British Red Cross launches Beirut Emergency Appeal
British Red Cross has launched an emergency appeal to save lives and support the recovery following yesterday’s devastating explosion in Beirut
It’s reported that at least 100 people have been killed and over 4,000 people are injured. These numbers are likely to continue to rise.
Lebanese Red Cross have been responding to the crisis since last night
Search and rescue teams from the Lebanese Red Cross are looking through the rubble and devastation to find anyone trapped
The Lebanese Red Cross has sent all of its emergency medical support to the scene, with more than 75 ambulances and over 375 emergency medical responders from across Lebanon rushing to the area to help evacuate and treat the injured
Today, the British Red Cross has launched the Beirut Emergency Appeal for anyone in the UK who would like to support the relief effort in Beirut, following the devastating explosion yesterday.
The funds raised will help the relief work on the ground being provided by the Lebanese Red Cross, who are responding to this emergency.
Search and rescue teams from the Lebanese Red Cross are looking through the rubble and devastation to find anyone trapped. All of Lebanese Red Cross’ emergency medical support has already been sent to the scene, with more than 75 ambulances and over 375 emergency medical responders from across Lebanon rushing to the area to help evacuate and treat the injured. This is crucial to get people to hospitals outside of Beirut for life-saving treatment.
First aid stations have been set up in and around Beirut to help people who have been injured and Lebanese Red Cross teams are helping patients who have been so badly injured.
People in Beirut are dealing with injuries, loss of loved ones and damaged homes. This comes at a time when Lebanon is experiencing an economic crisis, and the tragic and complex challenges of the coronavirus pandemic.
“Some people have had to be treated in the streets and the number of fatalities is likely to rise. If you can, please donate to our Beirut Emergency Appeal to save lives right now and help people recover.”
Changes follow new COVID-19 cases identified in the community.
Following an increase in coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in Aberdeen, local restrictions on travel, indoor gatherings between households and the closure of indoor and outdoor hospitality will be introduced in the Aberdeen City local authority area.
Taking effect from 5pm on Wednesday 5 August, bars, restaurants, cafes and pubs were required by law to close. Hotel restaurants can remain open to provide food for existing guests, and takeaway services can continue.
People in Aberdeen City are asked not to meet other households indoors or travel more than five miles for leisure or recreational purposes.
People can continue to travel for work, or education purposes. Visiting in hospitals and care homes will return to essential visits only.
The restrictions come as NHS Grampian have reported that as of 9am yesterday there are now 54 positive cases of COVID-19 in the cluster associated with the Hawthorn Bar in Aberdeen. A total of 191 close contacts have been traced through Test & Protect.
More than 20 licensed premises have now been identified as being linked to people who have subsequently tested positive for COVID-19 and the outbreak is linked to the night time economy.
This morning, the First Minister chaired a meeting of SGORR (the Scottish Government’s resilience committee) with Aberdeen City Council, NHS Grampian and Police Scotland to consider the response to the situation.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “These decisions have not been taken lightly. The fact that the outbreak is no longer simply associated with one location, combined with the accelerating increase in cases means we cannot rule out community transmission now being the case in Aberdeen.
“We are at a stage of this pandemic where extreme caution is still necessary. Acting now gives us the time and the space to protect the ability of our young people to return to full time education.
“I would ask people who attended any of the locations named to be extra vigilant, to follow all guidance and to isolate and book a test if they have any symptoms.
“And I want to emphasise, that getting a test – and even getting a negative result – is not a substitute for self-isolating. So if you have symptoms, or if you are contacted by our Test and Protect team and told to do so, you will need to self-isolate.”
Following an increase of #coronavirus cases in Aberdeen, First Minister @NicolaSturgeon has confirmed that restrictions will apply in the Aberdeen City local authority area from 5pm today, Wednesday 5 August.
Dr Emmanuel Okpo, Consultant in Public Health Medicine, NHS Grampian, said: “I know people in the city will be concerned by this news. I want to stress that our health protection and Test & Protect teams are working extremely hard to speak to all the detected cases and identify their close contacts.
“We are also working closely with our local partners and are grateful for their support. My message to everyone is one of vigilance and if you are suffering from symptoms of COVID-19, however mild, please arrange a test.”
Councillor Jenny Laing, Co-Leader of Aberdeen City Council, said: “It is unfortunate that just as we were returning to a degree normality this outbreak has happened, but the safety of our citizens remains our first priority.
“We must continue to adhere to the Scottish Government’s guidance to ensure the safety of everyone. Aberdeen City Council will continue to work in partnership with Scottish Government, NHS Grampian and Police Scotland to ensure that all necessary steps are taken to reduce the potential spread of COVID-19 in the city and surrounding areas.”
Councillor Douglas Lumsden, Co-Leader of Aberdeen City Council, said: “It is essential that we continue to adhere to the Scottish Government’s guidance in order that we can control the coronavirus as best we can.
“It will be challenging for many as we were beginning to enjoy the easing of the lockdown however public safety continues to be paramount. We appreciate the enormous efforts made by everyone to adhere to the lockdown measures previously in place and would remind them that together we can get through this.”
The Scottish Government is also advising people not to travel to Aberdeen while the restrictions are in place.
If people are already in Aberdeen visiting family or on holiday then they do not need to leave, but are asked to follow all the guidance and take extra care when returning home.
The current restrictions will be reviewed every seven days in discussion with local partners. The Scottish Government has not ruled out extending restrictions if necessary to protect public health.
Pupils will have a phased return to City of Edinburgh Council schools during the first week of the new term.
Staff will be in schools on Monday and Tuesday next week preparing to welcome pupils back from Wednesday 12 August. Pupils will be in for the rest of the week on a phased basis with all of them back 100% on Monday 17 August.
Arrangements for all primary, secondary and special schools are outlined in a letter from the Executive Director of Communities and Families, Alistair Gaw, that was issued to parents yesterday (Wednesday 5 August).
The letter is the latest in a series of updates for parents over the summer holidays which has included a series of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers and minutes from two meetings of the Consultative Committee With Parents including one on Monday night.
The latest ‘Delivery Plan’ outlining the steps that have been taken to ensure schools can reopen safely next week will be discussed by Councillors on the Policy and Sustainability Committee today.
The ‘Delivery Plan’ contains details on areas such as: hygiene, health and safety, transition support for children with Additional Support Needs, cleaning, ventilation, physical distancing measures, health and wellbeing, equity, raising attainment, school meals and breakfast/after school clubs.
It also includes arrangements for the detailed contingency plans the Council is putting in place if the virus is not suppressed and schools have to resort to 50% attendance with the blended learning model in place.
In addition funding announcements by the Scottish Government mean the Council will be able to recruit around 100 newly qualified teachers and purchase over 2,000 digital devices for those pupils most in need.
Councillor Ian Perry, Education Convener, said: “One of the highest priorities for the Council is ensuring that pupils and staff return to the safest possible environment next week. We’re doing this by following the most up to date Government and Health Protection Scotland advice and putting in place strict hygiene measures to keep everyone safe.
“Having a phased reopening over the first three days ensures pupils will have time to familiarise themselves with the new arrangements in their schools. Our teaching staff and other Council teams have been working tirelessly in getting schools ready for reopening next week and I want to thank them for all their tireless efforts in achieving this.
“It is also reassuring to know that we have robust contingency plans should they be required. We really hope they aren’t needed but I’m confident these detailed plans demonstrate our commitment to ensuring the best teaching and learning for all pupils across the whole city.”
Cllr Alison Dickie, Education Vice Convener, said: “I know parents will be relieved to finally see our young people returning to school next week. Everyone has been working really hard to achieve the goal of getting every child and young person back to school where they belong and a phased return means they will be able to get used to the new arrangements after such a long absence.
“There’s no doubt that these past five months have been the most challenging periods ever for the world of education. It’s put a huge strain on both our teaching staff and families struggling at home so an enormous amount of praise must go to everyone who has pulled together in these difficult times – most of all to the children and young people across the city who have shown such amazing resilience and courage in these difficult times.
“I also want to reassure parents that when learning and teaching starts again next Wednesday we are doing everything we can to make sure the principles of consistency and equity are at the heart of our plans.”
The Scottish Government guidance on preparing for the start of the new school term is available on their website.
AN EDINBURGH hotel chef who fed thousands of NHS workers during the Coronavirus pandemic reveals how they helped fuel frontline medics.
Alan Dickson, Executive Chef at Surgeons Quarter, was part of the star hospitality team which kept Ten Hill Place Hotel open to accommodate NHS workers for free in March and April.
At the beginning, Alan took the decision to strip the usual menus back, focusing on ensuring the team had enough tinned goods, flour, and yeast to last them six weeks.
Alan, who lives in Edinburgh, said: “Working in the kitchen was instantly different – there were three chefs on rotation with only one working at a time. We brought in new health and safety precautions immediately, we couldn’t take any risks with the NHS staff who were staying with us.
“Like most people, we didn’t really know what we were about to face at the start of the pandemic. We knew fresh fish and meats would be a little more difficult to get, so we redesigned the menu around what we had available.
“As we got to know NHS workers by name and regularly caught up with them after their hectic shifts, we began to appreciate how much many of them were missing their home comforts, so we changed our menus accordingly.
“We served lots of chicken curry, lasagnes – the type of home cooked meals you’d have with your family. It meant a lot to us to be able to provide some sort of support to the people at the very front of this pandemic.”
The Hotel, which is owned by Surgeons Quarter, the commercial arm of The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, took the decision to provide more than 2,000 nights of free accommodation and meals for frontline medics working at Edinburgh’s hospitals.
Alan was thrilled with the small part Ten Hill Place staff played in providing respite to hardworking frontline staff.
He continuued: “There wasn’t much we could do, but like everyone else we wanted to help in the one way we could – with our food and expertise. Our guests were fantastic, they were so grateful for the opportunity to stay nearby the hospitals between shifts.
“Our suppliers were also brilliant at communicating with us. We worked with one amazing butcher and one fruit and veg supplier – Campbells Prime Meat and Mark Murphy Fruit and Veg – who were able to source what we needed.
“We ended up sourcing around 200kg of sausages, and 200kg of bacon for cooked breakfasts – as well as providing healthy packs our medics could take to work, with fruit, yoghurt and water bottles.”
Alan joined Ten Hill Place in 2014 and was awarded Hotel Chef of the Year 2017 at the Scottish Hotel Awards.
The hotel reopened on 15 July in accordance with Scottish Government guidance.
Cafe 1505 and Drinks & Dining at Ten Hill Place Hotel are both taking part in the Eat Out to Dine Out scheme for the duration of August.
Guests can receive 50% off their bill in the cafe or the restaurant, to a maximum value of £10, at any time from Monday – Wednesday.
Profits from the Hotel go towards the College’s charitable objectives of improving access to surgery and saving lives worldwide.
Ten Hill Place Hotel gave a total of 2,137 free room nights to NHS staff working in Edinburgh’s hospitals between March – May this year.
As part of the Clear Your Head campaign, the Scottish Government’s Principal Medical Officer acknowledged the challenges facing those who have lived with the most severe restrictions over the last four months, offering practical advice to help deal with feelings of fear and uncertainty.
These include:
· Build things back up gradually, doing a little more every few days.
· Try to maintain a healthy lifestyle and routine.
· Focus on the things you can control such as complying with physical distancing and wearing face coverings.
· Return to the things that you enjoy as soon as possible.
· Don’t let a bad day or experience set you back – try again, maybe in a few days.
In addition, the Clear Your Head website – clearyourhead.scot – provides a range of tips and sources of advice to help people look after their mental health over the coming weeks and months as they adapt and adjust.
Principal Medical Officer for Mental Health Dr Alastair Cook said: “Whilst some of those who have been shielding may be looking forward to a return work, activity and increased social contact, many will have experienced a loss of confidence arising from the natural fear and anxiety the pandemic has generated.
“Feelings of anxiety are normal and to be expected, but there are things you can do that will help.
“Build things back up slowly and focus on the things you are in control of. Try not to get anxious or frustrated by others that do things differently, as your frustration will impact on you more than it does them. Sometimes things won’t go to plan and you may experience more anxiety in a situation than expected. This is normal and it’s important not to blame yourself for a setback or let it stop you trying to return to activity.
“Take things a day at a time and remember that help is available if you need it. Be kind to yourself, and reach out if you need to talk to someone about how you’re feeling.”
Could nature reap the benefits of people holidaying at home? New wave of citizen scientists join His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales in this year’s Big Butterfly Count
The Big Butterfly Count, the world’s biggest butterfly survey run by the wildlife charity Butterfly Conservation, is well underway and more people than ever before took part in the first five days with the average number of counts submitted over double that of 2019 at 9,132 per day.
The Big Butterfly Count, which asks people to simply spend 15 minutes in any outdoor space recording the butterflies they see, has seen its best initial response from the general public since the project began over 10 years ago.
Dr Zoë Randle, Senior Surveys Officer at the conservation charity said: “The Big Butterfly Count has fallen at a time this year when so many of us have spent more time living and working in our homes and exercising in our local areas than ever before.
“We’re taking note for the first time, of just how abundant the nature is around us and how important it is to our wellbeing. We’d love this new wave of nature-conscious people to continue to give a little something back to our environment which has been a comfort to us all through the last few months.
“After all the sunny spring weather recently we saw almost every butterfly species emerge earlier than ever before in April and May. This means that those butterflies such as the Large and Small Whites, which have two generations in one season, will now be on their second generation and that’s why there’s so many out there to spot right now, along with plenty of other beautiful species.”
However, the charity is also urging people to keep counting as the more data that the general public can submit the better.
Zoë continues: “Butterflies are key indicators of the health of our environment and as factors like changing weather patterns and other human activity affect our local habitats and ecosystems, we need to understand what this means for nature.
“By understanding our butterfly populations, we are taking the pulse of nature.
“There’s no limit to how much data we can collect and we’re urging everyone to get involved, not just from gardens and parks, but from your window boxes, in our city streets and on your camping staycation holiday!
“So why not continue to take part while you holiday in the UK and see how your counts compare to ones taken at home?”
Completely mobile and a great activity for children as well as adults, counts can be submitted from anywhere in the UK and as many times as you like in as many places as you like using the free Big Butterfly Count app or website Bigbutterflycount.org. The Count runs until 9 August.
His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales has already taken part in this year’s Big Butterfly Count, spotting Peacock, Holly Blue and Comma butterflies among others from his gardens at Highgrove and posting support for the Count on Twitter and Instagram.
Chris Packham, Vice-President of Butterfly Conservation said: “It’s really encouraging to see so many people recognising the importance of looking out for butterflies and our wider environment, but we need more counts so please do take part.
“The butterfly counts you make will truly contribute to science and help us understand how to conserve and protect our fantastic wildlife. My garden is brimming with butterflies this year, and once you’ve done one count, it’s hard to stop!”
This year the Big Butterfly Conservation is sponsored by B&Q as part of their sustainability programme as well as the DFN Foundation, a commissioning charity committed to influencing sustainable change in special needs education, supported employment, healthcare and conservation.
