Scotland’s plumbing and heating apprentices shine at national competition

Three outstanding apprentices have been named winners at the 49th Scottish Plumbing Apprentice of the Year (SPAY) competition, each taking top honours in the categories of copper, lead, and renewable technologies.

The competition, organised by the Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers Federation (SNIPEF), showcases the diverse skills and emerging talent within Scotland’s plumbing and heating profession.

Shaun Wilcox, representing Moray College, University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI), clinched his second consecutive win in the copper category, building on his success in the lead category in 2023. Jude MacAskill of Inverness College UHI triumphed in the renewable category, and Hubert Parysek from Forth Valley College took top honours in the lead category.

Fiona Hodgson, Chief Executive of SNIPEF, commended all the apprentices who participated: “These achievements not only highlight the remarkable skills of our category winners but also showcase the exceptional talent of all the apprentices.

“Their success is supported by their respective colleges and employers, which helps to lay a solid foundation for their future careers in the plumbing and heating profession.

“The addition of a renewable technology category to the competition reflects the updates to our Modern Apprenticeship in Plumbing and Heating, providing apprentices with the essential skills to lead the nation’s transition to sustainable, low-carbon heating systems.”

Now in its 49th year, the SPAY competition was held at South Lanarkshire College in East Kilbride. It features three categories: copper, lead, and renewables.

Apprentices are tasked with demonstrating their knowledge and practical skills, from creating intricate copper pipework essential for modern plumbing systems to managing and shaping lead components for use in older buildings and deploying advanced renewable technologies.

Notably, the copper category serves as the Scottish qualifier for the SkillPLUMB UK finals, highlighting its importance on a national level.

Neil Collishaw, Chief Executive of BPEC and competition headline sponsor, highlighted the competition’s importance: “The copper category serves as the Scottish qualifying heat for the SkillPLUMB UK finals.

Integrating these regional heats into our national competition framework ensures broad attainment of standards across the UK, fosters professional growth, and equips participants for success on both national and international stages.

“I look forward to seeing the best of all the SkillPLUMB UK-wide competitors at this year’s UK finals in Manchester between 21 and 23 November.”

University of the Highlands and Islands scoop six out of nine top prizes.

The University of the Highlands and Islands achieved remarkable success by securing six of the top nine awards, reinforcing its reputation as a centre of excellence in vocational education and a major contributor to the development of Scotland’s future plumbing and heating professionals.

Shaun Wilcox, Shay Ewing, and Ben MacDonald swept the copper category, taking all three prizes. In the renewables category, Jude MacAskill claimed first place, with Sean Davidson taking third, and Liam Marshall earned a second-place prize in the lead category.

Dale Thomson, SNIPEF Training Services Manager and organiser of the competition, praised UHI’s strong performance at this year’s competition, saying, “The University of the Highlands and Islands has consistently demonstrated its commitment to training the next generation of plumbing and heating professionals at its colleges in Moray, Perth, and Inverness.

“We celebrate their success and also recognise the vital support from employers who invest in these apprentices, nurturing remarkable talent.”

The 2024 competition was supported by BPEC as the headline sponsor, with category sponsors NIBE for renewables, Airdrie Mechanical Services for copper, and City Plumbing for the lead category.

Global MND Awareness Day

10 YEARS ON FROM ICE BUCKET CHALLENGE

MND Scotland is marking Global MND Awareness Day on Friday, 21 June by highlighting that, 10 years on from the viral phenomenon that was the ice bucket challenge, the motor neuron disease (MND) community still needs help to fund ground-breaking research into effective treatments and a cure. 

In 2014, the ice bucket challenge grew organically to raise a phenomenal $220m globally with 28 million videos uploaded in 159 countries. 

£500,000 was raised for MND Scotland, which has been used to fund research and support people in Scotland living with MND.   

MND is a rapidly progressing terminal illness, which stops signals from the brain reaching the muscles. This may cause someone to lose the ability to walk, talk, eat, drink or breathe. 

Rachel Maitland, CEO of MND Scotland said: “Awareness of motor neuron disease has never been higher. The ice bucket challenge no doubt played a part in bringing MND to the forefront 10 years ago but we need to keep up the momentum, so everyone knows what MND is, and how brutal the disease is for those who are diagnosed.  

“As a charity dedicated to supporting people with MND, and giving them hope by funding vital research, we endeavour to raise awareness every day. But Global MND Awareness Day is an opportunity to highlight that people with MND still need support. And we need to fund research to find effective treatments and a cure.” 

Jim Maxwell was diagnosed with MND in February 2020 following the onset of symptoms, including twitching. He lives in Edinburgh and has two daughters. Jim said: “Ten years ago I took on the ice bucket challenge because I was nominated on Facebook.

“I didn’t know what it was raising money for, or what MND was. Ironically, six years later I was diagnosed with the disease. While living with MND is challenging, I want to do everything I can to raise awareness of the disease and improve understanding of how it impacts people.” 

This year, MND Scotland is supporting a range of activities to remember the ice bucket challenge and raise vital funds.

One supporter, Greg Proctor (top), is taking on a daily ice bucket throughout 2024 in memory of his dad who passed away from MND. Last month, MND Scotland ran a Dip a Day in May fundraiser with supporters taking on a daily cold-water challenge.  

Over the summer, we will be asking everyone to share their videos and text ICED to 70085 to donate £10. 

Support MND Scotland’s ice bucket fundraising by visiting our website, or on Just Giving.  

Mango opens at Fort Kinnaird

Fort Kinnaird confirms popular fashion brand, Mango, has opened at the centre

Mango, one of Europe’s leading fashion groups, continues its expansion and brand consolidation plan in the UK with a new store at Fort Kinnaird. The new 5,600 sq ft store will offer Mango’s women’s line exclusively, including accessories and footwear.   

 The fit out is based on a Mediterranean-inspired concept, New Med, which showcases the brand’s spirit and freshness. Sustainability and architectural integration are key in the new design, which conceives the Mango store as a Mediterranean home with different rooms with a predominance of warm tones and neutral colours, combined with traditional, handcrafted, sustainable, and natural materials.

Mango is a global company with design and creativity at the centre of its offering. The brand offers a unique design proposal that incorporates Mediterranean style and culture.

Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said: “We’re really excited to bring Mango to Fort Kinnaird. As a leading fashion brand for style-conscious shoppers, we know just how popular it will be with visitors looking to update their wardrobe for the summer season.”

To plan your day out and find the full list of stores and restaurants at Fort Kinnaird, please visit www.fortkinnaird.com

LIFT Awards Night

LIFT held our Award night at the Millennium Centre recently where presented 23 people with their award (writes PAULINE BOWIE (now MBE!)

LIFT had chosen people from the community who all had a story to tell of their journey through LIFT and overcoming their own demons and battles with mental health, addiction, domestic abuse and suicide.

One is a nurse at the Western General who gave up her free time to volunteer through the pandemic.

Its was a great night!

SOME OF THE LADIES WHO RECEIVED AN AWARD:

See below for link to the video we presented. Its also on the LIFT FB page:

https://liftedinburgh-my.sharepoint.com/:v:/g/personal/tyler_lift-edinburgh_com/EXQXO7Mc3RtMt9JeGkOf7ZIBC3TsVGHVQprMNUCQKNboMw

Human Rights Don’t Expire: Hourglass Calls for urgent action on Abuse of Older People and Age Discrimination

On the eighteenth World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) Hourglass, the only UK-wide charity supporting older victim-survivors is calling for older people’s human rights to be given parity. 

WEAAD, a day recognised by the United Nations General Assembly to raise awareness about the abuse and neglect of older people, is this year themed on human rights, emphasising that these rights should be upheld for all individuals, regardless of age. Hourglass, with its unique 24/7 helpline and community response service, is leading the call for parity. 

Deputy CEO and Policy Director, Veronica Gray, explains: “The United Nations’ 1948 Declaration of Human Rights, Article 1, states that All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.

“They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood. Nowhere in this declaration, nor in its 29 other articles, does it say that human rights expire after a person reaches a certain age.

“However, the UK’s Equality Act 2010 explicitly makes age discrimination illegal in England, Wales, and Scotland, unless there is a justified reason. However, in Northern Ireland, older people still lack legal protection against age discrimination when accessing goods, facilities, and services. Despite these legal frameworks, the rights of older people are often not upheld.”

The charity feels the COVID-19 pandemic starkly further highlighted these issues. They point to evidence that older people were discharged from hospitals into care homes without being tested for coronavirus, leading to rapid virus spread in environments lacking PPE. There is also evidence that “Do Not Resuscitate” notices were issued without the consent of the individuals or their families. 

Hourglass points to the October 2020, Amnesty International report “As if expendable: The UK government’s failure to protect older people in care homes during the COVID-19 pandemic.” This accused the UK government of directly violating the human rights of older care home residents, including their rights to life, health, and non-discrimination.

Veronica Gray continues: “Unfortunately, the violation of older people’s human rights extends beyond the pandemic. During the legislative process for the Domestic Abuse Act, the abuse of older people was notably absent from discussions.

“The government’s stance that generic abuse services suffice for older victims ignored significant barriers older people face when accessing these services.”

The charity has initiated its own manifesto and campaign to highlight the issue further. For WEAAD 2024, Hourglass has launched OATH – Older Age, Tomorrow’s Hope – urging people to commit to creating a Safer Ageing Society by 2050.

The pledge calls for support from both the public and political leaders in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.

You can take the OATH here: https://www.wearehourglass.org/take-oath.

In an attempt to address these issues, Hourglass has launched its own manifesto, calling on Westminster, the Welsh Senedd, Holyrood, and Stormont to adopt key policies that lay the foundation for a safer ageing society.

The manifesto can be viewed here: https://www.wearehourglass.org/hourglass-manifesto-2024.

The manifesto – entitled ‘A Safer Ageing Society by 2050’ illustrates some of the key issues facing older victim-survivors and the urgent need for parity.

The narrative explains: Research by Hourglass in 2020 found that over 2.6 million older people were affected by abuse and neglect, yet specialised services for older victims are scarce and often have long waiting lists.

Ageist attitudes remain a significant barrier. For example, economic abuse by family members taking an older person’s inheritance early is not widely recognised as abuse.

Veronica Gray, concludes: “As our population ages, it is imperative that we ensure human rights do not erode with age. The right to life, health, and non-discrimination must be upheld for older individuals.

“We must strive for a society where people can grow old free from abuse and neglect, with their human rights intact. The journey to a Safer Ageing Society by 2050 starts today, and it requires immediate action and commitment from all of us.”

Hourglass, which has been working to support older-victims of abuse and neglect since 1994, has a unique 24/7 helpline, instant messenger and Knowledge Bank service. These services are already under threat due to delayed decision-making on future funding mechanisms. 

The charity was recently in the headlines for working to develop and script the story of Yolande Trueman, in BBCs EastEnders. This, along with many other factors has seen the charity’s calls hit over 700 a week and with a likely 50,000 contacts per year.  

The charity is urging those keen to support the charity to donate by visiting www.wearehourglass.org.uk/donate or Text SAFER to 70460 to donate £10.

Texts cost £10 plus one standard rate message and you’ll be opting in to hear more about our work and fundraising via telephone and SMS. If you’d like to give £10 but do not wish to receive marketing communications, text SAFERNOINFO to 70460.

Prime Minister attends major peace summit on Ukraine

The Prime Minister travelled to Switzerland yesterday to reiterate the UK’s support for Ukraine, as the first leader level peace summit focused on the future of the country got underway.

More than 50 heads of state and governments attended the summit near Lucerne, making it the largest world leader gathering solely focused on Ukraine since the invasion began.

Speaking at the summit last night, the Prime Minister said: “Those who aid Russia by providing the weapons of war, or components for those weapons should look at this summit today. They should look at Bucha, Mariupol, Kharkiv, and they should reflect on the choice they have made.

“They are placing themselves on the side of the aggressor – and on the wrong side of history. Putin has no interest in a genuine peace. He has launched a sustained diplomatic campaign against this summit ordering countries to stay away, spinning a phoney narrative about his willingness to negotiate.

“We should ask Russia why they feel so threatened by a summit discussing the basic principles of territorial integrity, food security and nuclear safety.”

The Prime Minister went on: “From a position of strength, we must work with President Zelenskyy to set out the principles for a just and lasting peace, based on international law and the UN Charter.

“That is the path to a permanent cessation of hostilities. It will show Ukraine that we’ll stand by them when they are ready for negotiations.

“And it will show Putin’s allies in North Korea, Iran and elsewhere that we will protect the right of all nations to determine their own future.”

While at the summit, the Prime Minister met President Zelenskyy to reiterate the UK’s support for Ukraine, including ensuring any future peace deal is sustainable, and crucially, on Ukraine’s terms.

The summit follows the meeting of the G7 in Italy this week, where the UK, alongside G7 partners, announced 50 new sanctions designations and specifications to degrade Putin’s war machine, and committed to providing £242m in bilateral assistance to Ukraine, to support immediate humanitarian, energy and stabilisation needs.

The UK also agreed with the G7 to provide a new loan for Ukraine worth $50bn, which will be repaid by the extraordinary revenues that come from the frozen assets of Russia’s central bank, both in Europe and around the world.

National Security Advisor Sir Tim Barrow is also attending the two-day Swiss summit.

Stories of inspiring young women sought

The Young Women’s Movement, Scotland’s national organisation for young women and girls’ leadership and rights, is seeking nominations for its ninth annual 30 Under 30 list.

The list was established in 2016 to address the lack of diverse representation on other 30 Under 30 lists. It seeks to celebrate young women, girls and non-binary people in Scotland who are making change in their lives, communities or in society. Each year since its launch, the list has showcased some of Scotland’s most inspiring young artists, activists, carers, volunteers and trail-blazers from across the country.

Nominations can be submitted until Monday 1st July at youngwomenscot.org/30-under-30, where more information can also be found. Self-nominations are also welcomed, and The Young Women’s Movement is hoping to see stories from a wide range of age groups, parts of Scotland and areas of life.

Jenni Snell, CEO of The Young Women’s Movement, said: ‘In a climate of increased misogynistic rhetoric and challenging times for young women, our annual 30 Under 30 campaign is a much needed chance to celebrate and recognise the positive impact that young women, girls and non-binary people are having across Scotland.

“Young women are at the heart of everything we do at The Young Women’s Movement, and it is a privilege to once again hear and celebrate the incredible impact that they have in their communities and in society through this project.’

His Majesty King Charles III confirmed as patron of breast cancer charity Walk the Walk

Cancer charity Walk the Walk is delighted to announce that His Majesty King Charles III has been confirmed as the charity’s patron.

As the former Prince of Wales, His Majesty first agreed to become Walk the Walk’s patron in 2004. The announcement that the King is to continue his patronage was made to celebrate the first anniversary of his coronation.

His own views on integrated and holistic cancer care, ethical and environmental issues and the belief that everyone has their own potential for good health and well-being, are well known and fully align with the charity. Since His Majesty became a supporter of Walk the Walk, he has fully endorsed its ethos and values.

Walk the Walk Founder and Chief Executive Nina Barough said: “I am thrilled that His Majesty King Charles III has agreed to continue as Walk the Walk’s patron – it is absolutely wonderful to have his royal seal of approval!

“Back in 2004, the King’s views on holistic and integrated cancer care were still not mainstream but were very much in line with our own.

“His opinions gave incredibly high profile backing to what Walk the Walk was attempting to achieve at the time – we continue to be very grateful for his support, which has helped our charity make such a difference to so many people over the years”.   

Walk the Walk is also passionate about encouraging women and men to become fitter and healthier and to take control of their own well-being.  

The charity is best-known as the organiser of its flagship events the iconic MoonWalk fundraising events in London, Scotland and Iceland, which see thousands of women and men take on a midnight marathon wearing the charities statement decorated bras, to raise awareness and money for the prevention, research and the emotional and physical care of those living with cancer. 

‘Poundland Perks’ rewards app launches in all 62 Scotland stores

It’s ‘app-y hour’ all day long at Poundland as shoppers at its 62 stores in Scotland are given access to the ‘Poundland Perks’ app for the first time.

Poundland Perks is Poundland’s pilot rewards app that has been on trial in 43 stores on the Isle of Wight and in Northern Ireland and now is available across Scotland.

To bring the functionality to Scottish shoppers, Poundland has invested £13m in the roll-out of state-of-the-art tills that enable customers to use the app on the phone when purchasing their favourite items.

The app can be used by customers to earn, save and play.

Customers can earn points for every purchase in the store, use those points to get reward vouchers that save them even more, and also play on the app to earn prizes through ‘spin to wins-day’.

To celebrate the launch, Poundland’s mascot, Poundhound, ambled over to Glasgow’s Argyle Street store to give the app his paw print of approval — all while donning a stylish custom kilt and flanked by a rousing bagpiper.

With ‘Poundland Perks’, Scotland shoppers can now get their hands on offers that deliver up even better value – up to 25 per cent – off favourites such as Haribo Starmix, Pringles and Irn Bru, items that the discounter already sells at market-leading prices. 

Also included in the rewards scheme at launch are offers for Huggies Wipes, Colgate Triple Action, Zoflora and Bakers Sizzlers Dog Treats Bacon.

The same offers are available on Poundland Perks in existing pilot stores in Northern Ireland and on the Isle of Wight.

Poundland’s Director of Digital, Tom Hill, and Head of Digital Loyalty and Engagement, Emma Collins, stopped by the Argyle Street store to mingle with customers who were downloading the app for the first time.

Poundland Perks Launch

Tom said: “Poundland Perks allows us to offer shoppers the chance to save, earn and play through their smartphone, making shopping with us even more fun.

“We’re creating an app that’s convenient and easy for people to use in store, with reward vouchers that help customers save even more.

“We know from our experience in Northern Ireland just how popular Poundland Perks has been and it’s been brilliant to see the reaction here today in Glasgow.”

To download the Poundland app, search in the Google or Apple play stores for Poundland Perks.

Gordon Macdonald MSP: Get informed on landline switchover

BT ROADSHOW EVENT – 10 JULY from 10am – 3pm NICHOLSON SQUARE

Local SNP MSP Gordon Macdonald is encouraging Edinburgh residents to get informed about the forthcoming changes to landlines across the country.

The existing analogue technology which has supported phone and broadband services for decades is being retired and switched off with the works already underway.

Landline phone calls have traditionally been delivered over a network known as the public switched telephone network (PSTN). This network is old, and becoming harder and more expensive to maintain, so it needs to be replaced.

BT has taken the decision to retire its PSTN by December 2025 and this means other providers that use BT’s network must follow the same timescale. Other companies with their own networks such as Virgin Media plan to follow a similar timescale.

Mr Macdonald recently met with representatives from BT to discuss the changes and how this will affect households.

BT advised they are taking an information roadshow on tour across the country with an event in Edinburgh on 10 July at 25 Nicolson Square between 10 and 3pm where anyone can drop by to find out more about the switch.

Commenting Gordon Macdonald said: “Many people may not even be aware of the plans to switch all telephone lines over to digital, some may have limited knowledge but still have unanswered questions on what it means for them and their telephone service.

“BT’s roadshow event will go some way in addressing any concerns or queries residents have and I would encourage people to drop by on the 10 July to speak to the team from BT about what steps they need to take and how they can be supported in the switchover.”