Looking for volunteers? Why not book a stall at our Volunteer Recruitment Fair?
The largest of its kind in Scotland, our annual fair is a fantastic opportunity to meet face to face with hundreds of potential volunteers from across the city. The fair will also feature access to volunteering and employment specialists and a friendly café to relax and refresh in.
“Great event, environment, and lay-out. Great Opportunity to not only meet potential volunteers but network. This is not common. Thanks.”
When? Wednesday 22 September 2021 from 11.00am until 7.00pm.
Where? St Paul’s and St George’s Church on York Place. Click here to view this venue on a map.
What does is cost? The event is free to visitors. Bookings for stallholders are charged and we have a number of payment options available. You can find out more and book here or by clicking on the purple button below.
The Fair will showcase the wide range of ways that people can get involved in volunteering with organisations big and small, local and national, who serve a diverse range of communities and causes all coming together with the common aim to attract new volunteers.
“Really impressed with how many people attended today, we had to replenish our information packs as we underestimated the demand. I would definitely come again as it was very worthwhile.”
Entry is free to the public, and more than a thousand potential volunteers are expected to visit and experience the diverse range of ways they can become involved. So what are you waiting for? Book now before you miss out!
If you have any questions about booking a stall or being a stallholder please contact Jason McCann from our events team at events@volunteeredinburgh.org.uk.
Additional resources for stallholders including an FAQ, an exhibitors guide, a stallholder map, a venue risk assessment, and promotional material will be made available on our website as soon as they are ready.
Head berry breeder Lucy claims Scots should ditch cream and sprinkle parmesan over strawberries
A berry breeder has suggested that Scots should ditch the cream on their strawberries and instead sprinkle PARMESAN CHEESE over them.
Lucy Marie Slatter claims that the hard cheese, usually scattered generously over pizza and pasta dishes, is the perfect pairing as it is known to bring out the berry’s unique flavour characteristics.
In fact Lucy, who is head breeder at AVA Berries, says firm favourite pouring cream should be kicked to the kerb as it does nothing to enhance flavours.
Apparently, it’s not just the Italian staple that goes well with strawberries, with herbs and spices such as basil, mint, black pepper, and chilli pairing well too – along with balsamic vinegar and even crab.
And it seems it’s not just the toppings where the public are going wrong to get the best out of their strawberries.
Research commissioned by AVA Berries revealed that nine out of ten Brits are storing and preparing their strawberries wrongly. More than a third (37%) remove strawberries from the fridge and wash with cold water, which Lucy says drastically reduces the sensory experience.
The study found that only one in ten Brits remove strawberries from the fridge and leave to reach room temperature before tucking in. Lucy says that leaving strawberries to come to room temperature for at least an hour is crucial as warmer temperatures allow taste buds and nose sensors to take full advantage of the complex flavours and aromas in strawberries.
Brits should also treat whole strawberries as though they’re an expensive whisky and ‘nose’ the fruit, according to Lucy. Smelling your strawberries helps you to pick out flavours and aromas that you wouldn’t be able to detect through eating alone.
Lucy said: “It may seem a little eccentric to top strawberries with parmesan cheese and pass on the cream, but if you’re adventurous enough to give it a go, you won’t regret it.
“By choosing this cheesy topping, and allowing your strawberries to sit at room temperature before serving, you’ll have a delicious bowl of strawberries that will be the envy of everyone – including those munching on them at Wimbledon.
“Smelling them is an important part of getting the most out of strawberries.
“Strawberries have incredibly complex flavour profiles and the act of nosing allows you to get a much fuller flavour on the palate.
“Serve them too cold and washing them with cold water right before eating them is not going to get the best flavour out of them.”
AVA Berries offer the best flavour, sweetness and quality and are grown by an exclusive group of growers in the UK to produce exceptional strawberries every time.
The survey also revealed strawberries top the list of fruits most likely to be used to woo a potential partner with 44% choosing them, while 12.57 is when the nation is most likely to eat strawberries.
Of the 2,000 Brits surveyed, many said they’d tried the berries with traditional pairings including chocolate, cream and yoghurt.
A quarter (25%) admitted they paired their strawberries with ‘unusual’ ingredients including black pepper, balsamic vinegar, and even peanut butter.
It’s not just the experts who have some left-field suggestions of what to serve alongside the red berries. Adventurous foodies listed nettles, mustard, beans, haggis sausages and fish fingers as pairings they’d given a go, with one revealing they’d even rustled up a strawberry and anchovy milkshake!
To help consumers navigate all these different pairings, AVA Berries has developed a strawberry flavour wheel that shows the different flavour characteristics of this deliciously complex berry and which recipes would be worth giving a try.
AVA strawberries are currently sold as premium lines in some of the UK’s top supermarkets, find them in M&S stores and Aldi’s Specially Selected, Morrison’s The Best, Co-op’s Irresistible, and Sainsburys’ Taste The Difference ranges.
For more information and to try out the AVA Berries flavour wheel, visit:
Scotland’s Test and Protect contact tracing system will see its workforce bolstered with the deployment of additional staff over the coming week to help address a rising number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases.
Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said recent changes to the system are helping its performance and the way it operates will continue to evolve as vaccination levels rise.
Ascensos, one of Test and Protect’s existing commercial partners, has agreed an arrangement with Barrhead Travel to accelerate and augment the capacity they are providing to the contact tracing system by 100 staff. Additional contact tracing bank staff continue to be brought on board and existing bank staff mobilised.
Recent changes to the system have also been implemented aimed at ensuring a growing number of cases are closed by contact tracers and that high risk cases are prioritised. These include greater use of text messaging to contact lower risk index cases and digital self-tracing forms.
Mr Yousaf said: “Our Test and Protect workforce have played a vital role in the battle against this pandemic. We owe these contact tracing teams a huge debt of gratitude for all their efforts over the past year.
“The Test and Protect system has continued to operate well as case numbers have increased in recent weeks, contacting unprecedented numbers of people.
“This agreement to bring in additional staff follows our ongoing efforts this year to ensure commercial partners were on board in preparation for potential increases in demand on the contact tracing system.
“This extra workforce is important, but the success of the system going forward will not simply be about staffing numbers.
“Test and Protect will change as the population becomes more protected by vaccination and it will still play a key role in mitigating clusters and outbreaks in high risk settings, slowing infection spread and protecting populations at risk.
“As we announced last week, we are now using a variety of methods to contact people, including using digital methods like SMS messages for lower risk cases and prioritising calls for higher risk cases. These changes, along with extra staffing, will ensure that people are contact traced, and begin self-isolation, as quickly as possible. I’m confident that the performance of Test and Protect has started to improve in recent days.
“The majority of people comply when asked to self-isolate and we are thankful for the important role they are continue to play in stopping transmission of COVID-19.
“We will have to manage living with COVID-19 for some time to come, even when we are able to move beyond Level 0. While we hope we are in the process of emerging from the pandemic, case rates at the moment underline the fact that this virus is still with us.”
Recently announced measures have been implemented to streamline the contact tracing system to manage pressure on the system and ensure it is more efficient.
These include greater use of text messaging to contact lower risk index cases and digital self-tracing forms.
Test and Protect is an NHS-led service which works with commercial partners to help augment capacity when required.
Contact tracing capacity in Scotland is split between the National Contact Centre operated by National Services Scotland (NSS) and the daily contact tracing workforce provided by territorial Health Boards.
If you’re seeking inspiration for outdoor activities this weekend, during the holidays or on your next day off, the John Muir Way may have the answer. A selection of one-day and half-day routes has been created across central Scotland, to be explored on foot or by bike.
Each is based around a part of the longer John Muir Way coast to coast trail and is designed to offer a micro-adventure in a local area, on a route that will get you back to your starting point.
Using the John Muir Way and local paths, you’ll find everything from big loops to short strolls, taking in castles, beaches and often the option of public transport home for tired legs.
The day trips have all been graded according to difficulty and distances range from a family-friendly 4.5 mile walk up to a 27 mile cycle. You’ll find maps and a wealth of information on recommended places to visit on each route on the John Muir Way website at: www.johnmuirway.org/day-trips
‘Hidden Treasure’ to be Found
To celebrate the launch of the Day Trips and provide a little extra incentive to get out exploring, there will be ‘treasure’ of John Muir Way merchandise – including water bottles, caps, badges and route passports – stashed at a selection of attractions, cafes and other businesses along the route.
Goodies can be claimed by visitors doing any John Muir Way Day Trip or coast-to-coast route section.
To claim a prize, walkers and cyclists just need to take a photo of themselves next to a John Muir Way signpost or waymarker and show it at one of the participating treasure locations. Each location has prizes for the first ten treasure hunters, so there are plenty of chances to claim a souvenir of your trip.
The development of these day trips was boosted by funding from several sources, including VisitScotland and the ‘Scotland Loves Local’ Fund administered by Scotland’s Towns Partnership.
Scotland’s Town’s Partnership Chief Officer Phil Prenticesaid: “These day trips along the John Muir Way sound brilliant – with something for everyone. I am delighted that we have been able to support them through the Scotland Loves Local Fund.
“They are a great example of ways in which people are being encouraged to embrace and enjoy our brilliant countryside, supporting all kinds of businesses and attractions as they do. It’s a boost for our health, local communities and the economy.”
Neil Christison, VisitScotland Regional Director,said: “With so many people staying in the UK this year there has never been a better time to appreciate all the wonderful locations and attractions we have on our doorstep.
“Whether it’s discovering somewhere new or experiencing an old favourite in a completely new way, now is your time to enjoy the unique experiences that a holiday in Scotland offers.
“These new one day and half day routes on the John Muir Way provide a great option for making the most out of holidays at (or close to) home in a responsible and sustainable manner.”
There are John Muir Way prizes to be claimed at locations across the route.
The John Muir Way Day Trips launch has been funded by the Scottish Government ‘Scotland Loves Local’ Fund administered by Scotland’s Towns Partnership; by the Scottish Government and the European Community through the LEADER 2014–2020 Programme; and by the VisitScotland Sector and Destination Operational and Market Readiness Fund.
A number of community centres will be providing a variety of children, youth and adult work next week as part of a phased approach by the City of Edinburgh Council to opening up more public services.
The centres at Jack Kane, South Bridge, Royston Wardieburn, Ratho, Clovenstone, Pentland and Goodtrees will be open in a limited way from Monday 12 July.
More community centres will have limited opening over the coming weeks as management committees liaise with the Council over what services can be provided in line with the latest health advice.
Up to now community centres had only been accessed to support essential services such as food poverty programmes, support for vulnerable groups and regulated childcare. From Monday there will be access for key youth groups and other children and adult activities.
The activities being provided are in addition to the Get into Summer programme of events which aims to children and their families to play, socialise and re-connect over the summer holidays.
Councillor Donald Wilson, Culture and Communities Convener for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “It’s absolutely vital for our citizens that our community centres are able to welcome them back as soon as possible so it’s welcome that we’ve been able to accelerate their opening.
“They’re a focal hub for our communities and you can’t underestimate the positive effect they have on people of all ages who benefit enormously from using them.”
Councillor Amy McNeese-Mechan, Culture and Communities Vice Convener for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “I’m sure people will be pleased to hear that essential services such as youth work along with other activities will soon be resuming in our community centres.
“These buildings are much-loved local spaces, like our libraries and sports venues, and the important role they will play in the city’s recovery from the pandemic is immeasurable.”
MSc is the next challenge for inspirational student
A student who was diagnosed with a rare cancer at a key point in her studies has successfully graduated from Edinburgh Napier University with a first class honours degree.
Hayley Kane recovered from the devastating news, and two operations, to complete her BSc (Hons) in Animal and Conservation Biology – even though at times she had to leave lectures to change her dressing following radiotherapy treatment.
Now the brave 24-year-old is set to continue her studies in September with an MSc in Statistical Ecology at St Andrews University.
Hayley said: “I’m thrilled to have completed my degree and I hope my experience will serve as inspiration to other students who may be struggling due to external factors. It is possible to overcome hardships and achieve your goals as long as you are willing to work for it.”
Hayley, of Fairmilehead, Edinburgh, was diagnosed with synovial sarcoma shortly before her third year assessments started – although she only learned about it after it had been removed. The rare form of cancer develops in cells around joints and tendons, often near the knee, and is most commonly associated with young adults.
Hayley had had issues with her knee for almost a decade, which worsened to a point where she was in constant pain and struggling to walk without crutches.
An x-ray picked up what was initially presumed to be a benign tumour but after an op to remove it she was told it had been synovial sarcoma, and was likely to have become cancerous fairly recently.
Hayley said: “I opted not to have chemotherapy due to the potential long-term effects on my health, and went on to have 12 weeks of radiotherapy to my knee. I underwent treatment throughout my third year assessments and over Christmas, with it ending shortly before the next trimester began.
“There were times when I had to excuse myself from lectures to change the dressings on my knee due to the excessive fluid leaking from the burns on my leg, but thankfully my friends were always happy to help fill me in on anything I had missed.
“Since my treatment finished I have thankfully remained cancer-free and look forward to resuming my studies at St Andrews.”
Dr Gavin Ballantyne, lecturer in Edinburgh Napier’s School of Applied Sciences, said: “Hayley has done brilliantly at Edinburgh Napier.
“Not only has she overcome serious health issues, but she’s also remained engaged, motivated and has produced an excellent final year project. We’re so pleased to see her graduate with a first-class degree and now go on to start an MSc at St Andrews.”
Here’s the latest Capital Cops column from Chief Inspector Sam Ainslie, Local Area Commander for South East Edinburgh:
The city centre and South East of Edinburgh is a diverse locality, incorporating homes, businesses and a large number of leisure facilities and visitor attractions, ranging from easily accessible green spaces to the vast majority of the city’s night-time economy.
Local Edinburgh residents welcome the responsible use of our fantastic green spaces and amenities. However, disappointingly, these areas can experience incidences of antisocial behaviour and even disorder, particularly during periods of good weather, where excessive drinking has been a contributory factor.
You may be aware of some issues within the Meadows area during the Easter weekend, and I raise it here, for a number of reasons.
First to provide reassurance, that it was obvious that a small group of individuals attended with the express purpose of causing disorder.
Second, being acutely aware of the negative impact on local communities, South East Community Improvement Partnership developed a comprehensive action plan, calling on expertise and resource from across a range of Police, voluntary organisations, and City of Edinburgh Council functions.
This multi-agency response was then utilised successfully over a number of subsequent weekends.
Third, I wish to highlight the success of our dedicated investigation team, formed to specifically target those responsible for the pockets of disorder that weekend, and I am delighted to report that 14 of 17 key individual have been traced, arrested and reported to the Procurator Fiscal and suffice to say efforts will continue to hold the remainder to account.
Please continue to use these spaces respectfully.
While Edinburgh is a safe city, we are never complacent in respect of violence or anti-social behaviour in any of its forms, and as the night-time economy gradually returns, officers are once again providing a high visibility policing presence within the city centre during weekend periods, providing reassurance to our local communities, preventing issues and robustly dealing with incidents, should they occur.
Keeping with prevention, we have started to see a rise in thefts from vehicles, homes, sheds and businesses, and as a recurring theme, these are often opportunistic in nature, with thieves capitalising on a door or window being left unlocked.
Items of choice include, purses, handbags, laptops and bikes. Police Scotland’s website www.scotland.police.uk provides lots of great security advice, so please give it a visit.
Road safety matters remain an area of focus, and with Police Scotland’s Summer Drink/ Drug Drive Campaign having started on Monday – please follow us on our social media channels for information and updates.
I want to thank you for your ongoing support and ask that you continue to contact us to report suspected criminality and relevant concerns.
Information can also be passed to local officers, 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, and as ever, we will continue to post policing updates via @EdinPolSE Twitter account.
If you haven’t already done so, please follow us to receive regular information on what’s happening in your local area.
Chief Inspector Sam Ainslie is Local Area Commander, South East Edinburgh
The Rural Youth Project, in partnership with LGBT Youth Scotland and AgRespect, is hosting an event on Tuesday 13 July to focus on LGBT+ visibility and acceptance in rural communities with four inspirational speakers joining to share their experiences and advice.
Hosted via Zoom, Rebecca Dawes, Rural Youth Project Director, said that the event will be a safe and inclusive place for young people to come together.
“We spent Pride Month, which is celebrated each June, researching and understanding the experiences of LGBTQ+ youth in Scotland. We realised young people in rural areas, who already face greater social and digital isolation. In addition, rural young people may not have the same opportunities to hear and show how far LGBTQ+ rights have come, and how in some places there is still work to be done.
“Whether it’s in-person or virtual, core to any Rural Youth Project event is that young people feel included, welcome and safe. We’re really excited to host this event and I would strongly encourage any young person who would like to attend to register as soon as possible.”
Speakers include Matthew Naylor, Founder of AgRespect; Paula Manners from LGBT Youth Scotland; and, Kieran Sinclair, a Rural Youth Project Digital Champion from Orkney, who recently authored the blog ‘Queering in Rural Scotland’ located on the recently launched Rural Youth Project Smart Village.
Kieran said: “Growing up on the Orkney Isles, I feel I have a hopeful story to tell. My home island has a community of about 350 folks. Everyone is a neighbour, friend, or relative of sorts. The island is small in population, but huge in community.
“My experience as a gay dude is really rather a happy one. From what I can remember, the island embraced that part of me. There were questions about sexuality, but those who were asking, did so from a point of curiosity to learn, I felt. Because I knew most islanders, there was an established relationship, from which promising conversation evolved.”
The Rural Youth Project is funded by the LEADER Programme 2014-2020: The European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development: Europe investing in rural areas.
Through the project’s new Smart Village, leadership programmes and other online activities, it aims to reach out to all areas of Scotland and enable all young people to participate and become the next generation of rural leaders.
The event will be held on Tuesday 13 July from 6:00pm and people interested in attending can secure their spot via the Rural Youth Project’s website – www.ruralyouthproject.com.
Grants worth a total of £1.61 million have been allocated to community-based drugs organisations and support services providing access to treatment and residential rehabilitation.
The Local Support Fund – for groups with an annual income of under £1 million – issued 24 awards. Recipients included the Navigator project, run by Medics Against Violence, which will get £37,256 to help patients who attend Emergency Departments access appropriate local services after discharge.
Grants of up to £100,000 were awarded to 17 organisations under the Improvement Fund which supports services leading to fast access to treatment, residential rehabilitation and initiatives which help drug users address the underlying challenges they face.
This round of funding is from the £18 million package announced in March to support the national mission to reduce drug related deaths and improve lives.
Drugs Policy Minister Angela Constance said: “I am pleased we have been able to support these organisations to improve and extend their services.
“The Local Support Fund will help community based projects increase their capacity so they can reach more people who experience problem drug use and offer increased support to them and their families.
“The Improvement Fund supports initiatives which lead to quick access to treatment and help for families. It can also be used for residential rehabilitation and to provide access to additional support, such as mental health services, to enable people to address any underlying challenges they face.
“Over the next five years we will spend £250 million on addressing the drug deaths crisis, £100 million of which will go on improving the provision of residential rehabilitation and I will update Parliament on progress in this area after the summer recess.
“As I have said before, I am determined that every penny of this additional funding will make a difference to all those affected by drug use in Scotland.”
Director of Medics Against Violence Christine Goodall said: “Medics Against Violence are absolutely delighted to have been given the opportunity to expand the capacity of the Navigator Project.
“This project provides relational and responsive support for people who are at risk or in crisis, so this expansion will play an important role in keeping even more people safe and connected. We hope that by continuing to working together with partners we can support people towards safer and healthier lives.”
