Marine Accident Investigation Branch publishes Annual Report

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has published its Annual Report for 2020.

The Annual Report includes statistics on accidents to UK ships and seafarers worldwide, and to foreign flag vessels and their crews in UK waters.

The Annual Report also contains an overview of the work of the MAIB, details of reports published and contains analysis of the safety recommendations issued during the year and the status of outstanding recommendations from previous years.

During 2020 MAIB:

  • received notification of 1217 marine accidents and incidents involving 1307 vessels.
    commenced 19 investigations, 10 of which involved loss of life.
  • published 20 investigation reports, two safety digests and two safety bulletins during the year.
  • made 42 recommendations (24 were issued in 2019), with an acceptance rate of 92.9% (up from 83.9% in 2019). Two recommendations were partially accepted, none were withdrawn, and one was rejected.
  • two commercial fishermen lost their lives compared with five in 2019 and six in 2018. Regrettably, six commercial fishermen have lost their lives so far in 2021, so the low figure for 2020 cannot be viewed as marking a significant improvement in fishing safety.

Captain Andrew Moll, Chief Inspector or Marine Accidents, said: “In 2020, the MAIB published two investigation reports into the collapse of container stacks on large container ships.

“There have been more accidents involving large losses of containers since, and more general concerns about large container vessels were already being raised before Ever Given grounded in the Suez Canal earlier this year.

“There is no doubt that accidents involving Ultra Large Container vessels will continue to receive intense focus, but it is too early to say what common themes might emerge from accident investigations and whether these could have wider implications for the sector.

“On paper, 2020 was a safer year for the UK fishing industry, with only one accident (Joanna C) resulting in fatalities. Regrettably, six commercial fishermen’s lives have been lost already in 2021, meaning that eight commercial fishermen have lost their lives in the 6 month period November to May. While the investigations are ongoing, the indications are that five lives were lost as a result of small fishing vessels capsizing or foundering quickly.

“The accidents involving leisure and recreational craft that the Branch is investigating are quite varied, but two themes are worth mentioning. As the tragic accident onboard the motor cruiser Diversion demonstrated, lives are still being lost due to carbon monoxide poisoning.

“There can be many sources of carbon monoxide on a cruising vessel, including the main engines, generators, heaters and cooking appliances. Owners of craft with enclosed accommodation spaces are strongly advised to fit a carbon monoxide alarm suitable for use in the marine environment, and to test it regularly.

“Two accidents involving Personal Watercraft (PWC) and Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs) show how vulnerable passengers are to injury when these craft collide or hit stationary objects while travelling at high speed.

“The collision between a PWC and RIB Rib Tickler, and the RIB Seadogz’s collision with a navigation buoy are still under investigation, but both accidents resulted in fatalities that could have been avoided had a better lookout been kept and larger passing distances maintained.”

MAIBAnnualReport2020Download

Closing soon: Scottish Whisky Action Funding for activities tackling alcohol-related harm

Up to £25,000 available to eligible projects – closes 28th June

The Scotch Whisky Action Fund (SWAF) provides funding to eligible projects specifically set up to reduce the negative impacts of alcohol-related harm. Only open once a year, the fund is inviting new applications before the deadline at  noon on Monday 28th June. 

Managed by Foundation Scotland, SWAF has so far awarded over £800,000 to over 70 projects operating across the country since its launch in 2013.  The fund is focused on supporting innovative initiatives and activities specifically designed to tackle alcohol-related harms in Scotland’s communities. 

Groups such as Rowan Alba, Waverley Care, Edinburgh Young Carers Project, and Govan Youth Information Project have received project support. 

Jennifer McPhail, Programmes Advisor at Foundation Scotland, said: “We’re delighted to be running this important funding stream again.  Now in its eighth year, the Scotch Whisky Action Fund has already made a massive impact on individuals and communities affected by alcohol related harms.

“The alcohol industry plays an important role in Scottish society, and Scotch Whisky is at the heart of the industry.  However, the misuse of alcohol through excessive or inappropriate consumption can have implications for health and a range of social problems, including anti-social behaviour, violence, family breakdown, problems with money and work.  This can impact individuals, families and communities.  

“The fund is not set up to support recovery or treatment of alcohol issues. Rather it’s for innovative projects  that educate, raise awareness, and  prevent future alcohol-related harm. Examples of projects include preventative training programmes and diversionary activities for young people, peer support groups for carers and family member counselling services. 

“There are many examples of previously funded projects available on our website and we are advising interested groups to carefully read through all the guidance before applying. The closing date is coming up soon so we are encouraging those that are interested to progress quickly as the fund only opens once a year.” 

Projects which secure funding from SWAF, and can demonstrate an impact after their first year of funding, may be able to receive further funding of up to £25,000 per annum for a maximum of three years, to support their initiative.

For full information, including eligibility criteria and application details visit, https://www.foundationscotland.org.uk/scotch-whisky-action-fund

Aldi launches Scotch Wagyu Steaks in time For Father’s Day

WAGYU WAITING FOR?

Aldi customers are set to enjoy one of the world’s most expensive meats at a fraction of the price as the supermarket launches Specially Selected Scotch Wagyu Ribeye, Sirloin and Fillet steaks.  

Believed to be the first supermarket to stock the famous Wagyu beef in premium PGI-certified Scotch, customers will be able to snap up a Scotch Wagyu steak for as little as £6.50 a pack based on average weight. 

What’s more, the Specially Selected Scotch Wagyu steak range will be available from all 96 Scottish Aldi stores from Thursday 17th June, making them the perfect Father’s Day meal. If he’s a sirloin fan, you can treat him to a steak for around £6.50 (based on £30.75/kg) or a ribeye for an average of £7 (based on £30.75/kg), or he can dine out on fillet for about £10 (based on £44.00/kg).  

Renowned for being one of the most expensive meats in the world, Wagyu tends to only be available in top restaurants or from specialist suppliers and is rarely found on supermarket shelves.   

The steak is famed for its intensely rich flavour and buttery, melt-in-the mouth texture provided by the unique fat marbling in the meat. Once cooked, the marbling melts into the meat, creating an incredibly tender texture and rich flavour.   

Aldi’s Wagyu steaks are produced from traditional pure bred Japanese cattle breeds that are born and reared in Scotland as part of the supermarket’s commitment to championing the highest quality Scottish produce.  

To get the most out of the Scotch Wagyu steaks, Aldi recommends allowing them to come to room temperature before cooking and season well with salt and pepper.  

Graham Nicolson, Group Buying Director, Aldi Scotland, said: “The launch of our Specially Selected Scotch Wagyu steaks is another step forward in our support of the Scottish red meat industry. We are the first retailer to offer Scotch Wagyu steaks and I am so pleased that our loyal customers can enjoy this delicacy at an affordable price. 

If you are looking to treat your Dad to a gourmet meal this Father’s Day, or just fancy indulging yourself, look no further than Aldi Scotland. But be quick, because as with all Specialbuys, once they’re gone, they’re gone.  

Aldi is the biggest retailer of Scottish origin beef* and regularly tops NFU Scotland’s ‘shelf watch’ surveys, which means customers are guaranteed to find the highest quality, locally sourced meat all year round at Aldi stores in Scotland.   

Meat labelled as Scotch Beef PGI means it has been sourced from farms that meet the most stringent criteria in animal welfare and natural production methods. 

Big Steps for Small Feet walkers reach summit of Ben Nevis

Over the past weekend, Held In Our Hearts joined nine other baby loss charities to participate in the ‘Big Steps for Small Feet’ challenge where 106 walkers climbed to the summit of Ben Nevis to raise awareness and show the world that differences can be made when done collectively.

The Big Steps for Small Feet challenge was originally an idea of Michael McGuire from Fort William, in memory of his son Kyle. This then grew into a vision where several baby loss charities could come together, stand at the top of Ben Nevis, see the sun rise, and stand together in unity, strength, and remembrance.

Whilst battling harsh winds, snow, exhaustion, and treacherous terrain, the walkers successfully made it to the summit of Ben Nevis in the early hours of Sunday morning, June 13th.

Held In Our Hearts Fundraising Manager, and ‘Big Steps for Small Feet’ participant, Tracy Watt, said: “‘It was an experience that will never be forgotten. As all 106 participants climbed the mountain we were all united in looking to make a difference in support of baby loss and raising awareness.

“We knew it was not going to be easy but as the weather and terrain changed and nighttime descended we climbed together in support of one another.

“Walking side-by-side as a team was a complete privilege as we talked about our precious sons and daughters’.

Held In Our Hearts are absolutely delighted to have been a part of such a unique experience, and we give a special thank you to our seven inspirational climbers who made the ascent to the top in support of our bereaved families, and in memory of their precious babies.

Edinburgh ignites the official countdown to the St James Quarter opening

Edinburgh’s skyline was filled with an array of dazzling light last night as an incredible illumination marked one week to go until St James Quarter officially opens its doors.

You can view the highlights of the lightshow here. 

The countdown is on for St James Quarter’s’ much-anticipated phase one opening, and the new fashion district was officially welcomed to the city by some of the capital’s most famous landmarks. From the Balmoral and Edinburgh Castle to Forth Ports and the EICC, all roads led to St James Quarter as the whole of the night sky was illuminated- a symbol of this new city centre integration.

With its prime location in the heart of Edinburgh, St James Quarter is set to become a welcoming, cultural and lifestyle hub for art, culture, and fashion.

Through long-term partnerships with Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Edinburgh Jazz & Blues and the Edinburgh Science Festivals – to name a few – the upcoming opening is set to complement the city’s world-renowned cultural offering and support its vibrant events calendar. 

Inspired by the spirit of Arthur’s Seat and the meeting of tectonic plates, the light show represents the awakening of St James Quarter, after five years of development. Together with festival, tourism and cultural venues across the city, the display is a celebration of connectivity, bringing together landmarks throughout Edinburgh city centre, all leading to St James Square.

Over 500 light fixtures were placed around the ribbon building with accompanying projections and a soundtrack featuring local sound designer, Keith Fortune.

Mick Hay from The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo took centre stage, 55m meters from the ground, conducting the soundtrack with the unmistakable sounds of the drums, as lasers of light travelled across the city in all directions.

Rochelle Weir, Brand and Marketing Director at St James Quarter, said: “As we near the opening of phase one, the anticipation around the city is palpable.

“We wanted to bring this feeling to life, connecting with other landmarks, businesses, and partners across the city to mark our opening and cement our place on the iconic Edinburgh skyline.

“Our phase one opening is a significant moment in Edinburgh’s history, and we’re incredibly excited for the people of Edinburgh and beyond to see what lies behind the quarter. Last night’s display was just the beginning.”

Edinburgh Cycle Hire customers pedal 1.5 million kilometers

Yesterday – Clean Air Day – Edinburgh Cycle Hire announced that their customers have cycled a staggering 1,500,000km, pedalling around the Earth nearly 38 times!

A recent study undertaken by scientists at Oxford University found that those who switch just one trip per day from car-driving to cycling reduced their carbon footprint by about 0.5 tonnes over a year.

In 2020 Edinburgh Cycle Hire Scheme totalled 234,470 trips, almost double from the previous year.  In one day alone 1,438 people used the scheme.  So far in 2021 nearly 60,000 trips have been made with the summer period expected to busy again with locals using the scheme as part of their staycation.   

With access to bikes being one of the biggest challenges to cycling, the scheme is planning to upgrade its hire points later this year, as well as reviewing the network to meet the growing customer demand.  

The new infrastructure is already being used within the Transport for West Midlands scheme and is a hit with customers.   This work is supported with funding from Sustrans and the City of Edinburgh Council.

George Lowder, Chief Executive of Transport for Edinburgh said: “The Edinburgh scheme is key to supporting our city’s sustainability and active travel plans, cutting emissions and congestion.  

“Providing access to bikes in an easy to use, affordable and safe way will encourage people to leave the car at home and take shorter journeys by bike.”

Alex MacDonald, General Manager of the scheme said: “We’re gearing up for another busy summer and we’ll have more bikes available across the city.  

“Customers can explore on our e-bikes and pedal bikes by simply downloading the app and finding their nearest hire point.”

John Lauder, Deputy CEO Sustrans and National Director, Sustrans Scotland said: “Studies have found that switching from the car to cycling, even just for one day a week can make a real difference to reducing personal carbon emissions from transport.  

“Cycle hire schemes, like Edinburgh’s makes cycling more visible, and more normal.  Cycle hires remove the first barrier to making that decision to cycle, and help people understand how convenient and easy cycling is.  It’s the first small step to changing habits that can make a huge difference.”

First ever Round Britain Climate Challenge by electric paramotor

The Round Britain Climate Challenge is the first ever circumnavigation attempt of mainland Britain with an electric paramotor – an adventurous expedition created by Sacha Dench (UN Ambassador for Convention on Migratory Species,CMS and Founder of Conservation Without Borders ) to draw attention to climate issues at home.

The official launch is at the Glasgow Science Centre this morning.

This groundbreaking 3000 mile plus expedition will travel anti-clockwise around Britain, ending back in Glasgow around 6 weeks later. This daring expedition is designed to inspire and excite the nation to get involved in tackling the climate crisis in the run up to COP26.

Sacha will take off ( weather permitting)  on the expedition from Loch Lomond on Monday (21 June) following some practice flying and team training.

Sacha with her electric paramotor by one of the Team EVs and about to take off with the new wing

 ‘Human Swan’ Sacha Dench, known for global expeditions with migratory species, turned her focus to climate change for this expedition after losing her family home in the Australian bushfires.

She will be landing frequently, talking with, filming, and gathering information from industry, innovators and entrepreneurs, local heroes, communities, schools, farmers and individuals – anybody involved in addressing the effects of climate change in their areas.

A compilation of these stories will be presented at COP26 in Glasgow in November.

  • Sacha will set a new Guinness World Records Title for the fastest (and first) flight around Britain in a paramotor. It will also be a first for an electric paramotor. 
  • A second Guinnes World Records Title attempt will aim to inspire at least 140,001 people to take personal climate action between 18 June and 17 July as part of the global campaign Count Us In (https://www.count-us-in.org/).  On achieving this, every participant will get a badge recognising their contribution to setting a world record. 

Sacha says: “This is the first time an electric paramotor will ever have been used in a long journey – and it’s going to be an exciting challenge.

“I want to capture the imaginations of the young and old, rural and urban, and focus on answers to the climate crisis – not problems – and encourage everyone, to get involved. Just one person pledging to take an action through Count Us In will help us get that second Guineess World Record too!

“As well as investigating how climate change is affecting different regions of the country, we will be showing – in a visually stunning and exciting way – what is happing to help cut carbon and preserve and restore our environment. We’ll be finding the likely and unlikely heroes and discovering where and what works.”

Mother who tragically lost her son warns of dangers of open water

The mother of a young man from Fife who tragically lost his life last summer at a local beauty spot is warning of the dangers of open water.

Keivan Ulhaq, 20, had been socialising with friends at Lochore Meadows, known locally as ‘The Meedies’, when he entered the water on a Saturday evening last June.

His mum Sheena Ulhaq says that despite him being a strong and active young man he got into difficulty.

Sheena, who lives in Cowdenbeath with Keivan’s eight siblings and husband Nisar, wants to prevent anyone else going through the tragic events of June 20 last year.

She said: “Keivan was happy go lucky and he loved life. He doted on his younger brothers and sisters. We all miss him so much.

“On the day he died I remember the weather was really nice and I was at home decorating.

“He had gone to The Meedies with some friends, but the water was still freezing cold despite the weather.

“Keivan was really active and was always doing back flips, especially if we were at the beach then he’d do back flips into the water.

“But that day he struggled despite being a six foot big strapping lad. He suffered cold water shock and had a cardiac arrest.

“It’s really important that people are aware of the dangers of open water because I wouldn’t want this to happen to anyone else.

“I’m so grateful for all the support I’ve had, since Keivan died, from everyone who knows the family and I thank them from the bottom of my heart.”

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service was alerted to the incident at Lochore Meadows last June and mobilised two appliances and a water rescue unit to the scene to assist emergency service partners. 

Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Alasdair Perry said: “We are grateful to Sheena for speaking about her story, and the tragic circumstances in which Keivan lost his life, to improve the safety of others.

“We want people to stay safe around water this summer. However, our crews regularly respond to emergency calls from people in difficulty who need to be rescued.

“We all like heading outdoors at this time of year, but unsupervised water can be extremely dangerous.

“Open water can become very cold just a few feet under the surface and can cause cramps or Cold Water Shock meaning your strength and ability to swim deteriorates rapidly.”

Since Keivan’s death, SFRS has worked with partners to install new water safety signs and lifesaving throwline equipment at Lochore Meadows to protect the public.

Sheena Ulhaq is also raising funds for more equipment, including a defibrillator.

Station Commander Michael Gemmell, based in Fife, said: “What happened to Keivan was a tragedy and it’s devastating for everyone who knew him.

“Unless you are fully trained, competent and equipped to enter water courses, keep a safe distance from water.

“This isn’t about spoiling anyone’s fun, it’s about preventing anyone else from needlessly losing their life.”

Visit the water safety page in the Your Safety section on the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service website for information on how to stay safe.

Pushing the boat out at Granton!

The School of Ancient Crafts have been working alongside Granton:Hub volunteers in an experimental archaeology project to re-create a Scottish Iron Age log boat.

After many months of construction and delays due to the pandemic, the log boat is ready to be launched and have a new life on the sea.

The launch will take place on Sunday (20th June) and will begin at the log boat’s current location in granton:hub’s community garden at Madelvic House.  The log boat will be transported by a group of volunteers using traditional means – log-rolling – down to Granton Harbour.

You are welcome to join this journey as it takes place from 9.30am.

See granton:hub social media channels for further information.

Fury as McVitie’s issues redundancy notices

Company refuses to engage with Action Group

Trade unions GMB Scotland and Unite Scotland, who jointly represent the vast majority of McVitie’s workers based at Tollcross, have reacted furiously to the company formally issuing redundancy notices yesterday. 

The McVitie’s biscuit factory, which manufactures a range of notable products including Hobnobs and Rich Tea Biscuits, has through its parent owners Pladis also ‘disgracefully’ refused to engage with the newly established Action Group set up to prevent the factory’s closure.

The group is chaired by the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Economy, Kate Forbes MSP, and involves the trade unions, Glasgow City Council, Scottish Enterprise, Clyde Gateway and Skills Development Scotland.

Following two meetings of the Action Group, Kate Forbes, wrote to McVitie’s requesting direct engagement with the parent company, Pladis, ahead of the next scheduled meeting on 23 June. The meeting is set to discuss a series of proposals which could maintain a presence of McVitie’s in the local area. 

However, Unite Scotland and GMB Scotland can confirm that the company has formally issued redundancy notices to its workforce and refused to engage with the Action Group.

In 2014, the Turkish owned Pladis acquired the McVitie’s business after its takeover of United Biscuits, which made it the third largest biscuit manufacturer in the world. In that same year, United Biscuits also cut its then 680-strong workforce at Tollcross by almost a quarter.

The Tollcross factory, which first opened in 1925 as part of the Macfarlane and Lang’s Victoria Biscuit Works, is a major employer in an area with higher levels of social deprivation and unemployment. The McVitie’s presence in Scotland goes back to the original Scottish biscuit maker, McVitie & Price Ltd, which was established in 1830 in Edinburgh. 

GMB Scotland Organiser David Hume said: “It’s an act of extreme bad faith on the part of the Pladis Managing Director David Murray, and a gross insult to hundreds of workers and their families who are fighting for their livelihoods and community. 

“The rules of the game have now been changed by Pladis – the clock is now officially ticking on nearly 470 jobs and generations of food manufacturing that has endured austerity and prosperity, war and pandemic.”

“David Murray needs to be hauled by the Cabinet Secretary before the members of the Action Group because this is a profitable business with an innovative workforce that can and should have a future in the East End of Glasgow.”

Pat McIlvogue, Unite industrial officer, said: “It’s an absolute disgrace and slap in the face to the workforce that not only has McVitie’s formally issued redundancy notices but they are also refusing to engage with the Action Group established by the Scottish Government.

“Everyone except the company is working together in order to bring forward options, which could save hundreds of jobs in the local area. Unite is again calling on Pladis to directly engage with the trade unions, the workforce and the Scottish Government to look at credible alternatives to closure.

“Pladis have a duty of care to hundreds of workers to jointly discuss with us what could be done to save jobs instead of this belligerent and arrogant approach which they have adopted.”