Students are urged to ensure their vaccines are up to date

Students across Lothian are encouraged to ensure their vaccinations are up to date before heading off to college or university this year.

Infectious diseases such as meningitis, septicaemia (blood poisoning) and measles can spread easily in universities and colleges. Vaccination offers the best protection against these diseases, which is why it’s important to check your vaccines are up to date.

Students are 11 times more likely to develop invasive meningococcal disease, which causes meningitis and septicaemia. The meningitis ACWY (MenACWY) vaccine helps to protect against these very serious diseases.  Students who have missed having the vaccine, can get it up to the age of 25 years.    

Parts of the UK and other countries in Europe have been seeing an increase in the number of people getting measles, and evidence suggests students are at higher risk. That’s why it’s important to check you’ve had two doses of the MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps and rubella and has saved over 4,500 lives across the UK.

 Pat Wynne, Nurse Director for Primary and Community Care, NHS Lothian, said: “These diseases can be severe and, in some cases, life threatening.

“Students are at increased risk due to the large amounts of mixing with new people in enclosed spaces. Increasing cases of measles and meningococcal disease in particular were observed earlier this year.

“Vaccines are the best way to ensure you’re protected and these are offered for free on the NHS in Scotland. These vaccines are offered as part of the routine childhood immunisation schedule however if they’ve been missed, it’s not too late to catch up.

“Ideally, they should be given at least two weeks before the new semester starts.”

There is also still time to get the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine.  It helps protect against HPV-related cancers including head, neck and cervical cancer and also protects against over 90% of genital wart infections.  Most students will have had the HPV vaccine at school if eligible but if not, students may still be able to get it up until the age of 25. 

To find out about more information about these vaccines, please visit nhsinform.scot/vaccinesforstudents

If you are under 25 years and you’ve missed any vaccinations, call the Vaccination Enquiries Line on 0300 790 6296.  If you are 25 or over, call your GP practice.  They can check your records and arrange a referral if it is required.

International students may be able to get additional vaccines that were not available where they lived before.

Prepare your garden for Spring with Dobbies’ Edinburgh store

Garden Centre offers free Grow How workshops on seasonal planting

As the cooler days of Autumn approach, Dobbies Garden Centres is inviting families and gardening enthusiasts to its Edinburgh store to gear up for a colourful spring with its free monthly Grow How sessions this September.

Grow How provides a welcoming space for gardeners of all ages and skill levels to learn, share, and get growing.

The series of informal workshops will take place at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store on the first Saturday of the month, then every Wednesday throughout September at 10:30am and 3:30pm. The 15-minute demonstrations, led by Dobbies’ friendly and knowledgeable colleagues, are packed with practical tips and engaging Q&A sessions, making them a perfect outing for anyone looking to learn more about gardening.

September’s workshop, Getting Ready for Spring in September, is all about preparing for a burst of springtime colour as Dobbies takes delivery of over 6 million spring flowering bulbs across its stores.

Participants will discover the best bulbs for Spring displays, including top picks for the season – vibrant Tulips, cheerful Daffodils, and delicate Crocuses. These flowers are not only easy to plant but also promise a stunning array of colours, perfect for brightening up any garden.

Attendees at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store will learn how to create a beautiful bulb lasagne, a technique of layering different bulbs in one pot, ensuring a continuous bloom from early Spring into the Summer.

This method is ideal for small spaces and adds a lovely splash of colour to patios and balconies. The workshops will also cover essential tips, such as choosing bulbs for cut flowers, selecting the best bulbs for pots, and understanding the proper planting depths to ensure healthy growth.

Dobbies’ Horti Manager, Simon Jefferey, is looking forward to helping people to get out into their gardens during September in preparation for spring.

He said: “These Grow How sessions in our Edinburgh store is a fantastic way for families to bond over gardening. We love seeing kids get involved, planting their first bulbs and eagerly awaiting the flowers.

“It’s a great introduction to the joys of gardening, an opportunity to connect with nature and get inspired for the seasons ahead no matter your experience.”

For more information about the Grow How sessions and to secure a spot, visit:

 www.dobbies.com/events.

Chris Kamara launches new campaign to get children around the world back into education

Street Child charity launches ‘Back to School’ campaign to give every child that ‘first day’ feeling

TV football presenter and Sky Sports legend Chris Kamara has today launched a new campaign to get children around the world back into education.

Former Brentford and Leeds United footballer Chris is an ambassador of Street Child, the international education charity dedicated to changing the lives of the world’s most marginalised children.

Street Child’s ‘Back to School’ campaign, which launches today (August 22), just before most UK children return to classrooms, will support thousands of young people in sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, the Middle East and elsewhere access education – many for the first time.

Over the last 15 years, Street Child has helped more than a million children get into school, and currently works in more than 25 countries around the world. But according to estimates, there are still more than 60 million primary school-aged children worldwide not currently in school.

For the equivalent of £1 a week, donors can support a child’s education for a whole year, and for every person who sets up a regular gift before the end of September, the charity will pledge to get one child back into school this term.

Chris Kamara said: “There was nothing like the buzz of the first day back at school – catching up with mates after the summer holidays, getting back on the football pitch, and making new friends.

“But not all children are so lucky. Street Child does so much for kids across the world, making sure they get to learn in safe, fun environments when otherwise they would never get the chance.”

As part of the ‘Back to School’ campaign, Street Child has also launched the ‘Big School Walk’, with the hopes of seeing hundreds of parents, pupils and teachers across the UK clad in orange – Street Child’s colour – walking to school to raise vital funds this September.

Public donations will help to directly fund children’s education in countries across sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Europe:

• £12 could support an emergency-affected student returning to school in Somalia with school materials to last them a term 

• £33 could provide a child in Liberia with an education support package, including a school bag, new uniform, exercise books and new pens 

• £250 could provide a family with a business grant that enables them to afford the costs of sending two children back to school 

And regular gifts can buy: 

• £4 per month could support one child’s education for a whole year 

• £12 per month could support three children’s education for a whole year 

• £20 per month could support five children’s education for a whole year

Street Child CEO and Founder, Tom Dannatt said: “As a dad, I know the joy of seeing my children prepare for their first day back at school – that mix of nerves and excitement but most of all, the thrill of possibility. Right now, more than 60 million primary-aged children around the world aren’t able to experience that feeling.

“That’s where Street Child comes in. We are experts in connecting children to education in the most disaster-hit and lowest-income countries around the world, such as Cameroon and Afghanistan.

“Education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty – for every year spent in school, a child’s life chances improve enormously, and so do the lives of future generations. For just £1 a week, we can get a child into school this year, and quickly on their way to a better future.”

Other famous faces backing Street Child’s campaign are former Apprentice and Countdown star Nick Hewer and TV presenter Ade Adepitan.

Speaking in support of the ‘Back to School’ campaign, Nick Hewer said: “Education is opportunity. Not only is it the key to unlocking a child’s full potential, but people’s ability to read, write and build relationships supports local economies, lifts communities out of poverty, and will benefit generations to come.

“The first day of school is all about the excitement of unlimited possibility – for £1 a week, Street Child can help children in the world’s poorest countries experience that joy. I’ve seen first-hand the impact of Street Child’s work and encourage everyone to support them this back-to-school season.”

Ade Adepitan added: “I had a great education, which taught me from an early age that I could achieve anything I put my mind to – whether it was in sport, TV or journalism.

“It’s so important that every child, no matter their circumstance, can access education. Having travelled the world, I have met countless children who have never been to school. By supporting Street Child, you will help more children reach their true potential.”

For more information about Street Child and the ‘Back to School’ campaign, visit:

 street-child.org

Safety Tips ahead of Bank Holiday Weekend casualty spike 

  • August sees over 350 more reported road casualties than the monthly average
  • Over last 10 years, July and August have been most frequent months for water-based fatalities
  • RoSPA has issued some lifesaving tips for how to stay safe ahead of busy long weekend

With August Bank Holiday approaching, many will have plans to head outdoors on road trips or splash about in waterways. But health and safety experts at The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accident (RoSPA) are warning the public to take heed of the hazards that often lay ahead during this busy weekend.

Typically, August sees a bump in incidents on the road and in water, with men overwhelmingly bearing the brunt of the casualty rate. According to the Water Incident Database (WAID), 83 per cent of people involved in water-based incidents over the last ten years have been male. [i]

Likewise, according to the Department for Transport’s provisional figures[ii], last year 75 per cent of fatalities and 61 per cent  of casualties of all severities were male, sparking concern among RoSPA’s road safety team ahead of the approaching long weekend. August also sees over 350 more reported road casualties than the monthly average.[iii]

Speaking on how to stay safe on the road, Caitlin Ann Taylor, Road Safety Manager, said: “As we approach the summer bank holiday, it’s crucial to remember that safe driving isn’t just about reaching your destination—it’s about protecting yourself, your passengers, and everyone else on the road.

“Whether you’re heading off on a long journey or just popping out, take your time, stay alert, and make safety your top priority. With more road users out and about, including cyclists and motorcyclists, it’s vital to stay vigilant and share the road responsibly.

“We often see tragic collisions in the news and think that will never happen to us, but the reality is that it can. By driving carefully, staying alert, and respecting all road users, we can all contribute to making this holiday safer for everyone.”

Caitlin’s Road safety tips to stay safe:

  • Plan your journey in advance
  • Watch your speed
  • Check your coolant levels and tire pressure, especially if there is hot weather
  • Stay hydrated
  • Do not leave children or pets in the car

Regarding staying safe in and around water, Carlene McAvoy, Senior Policy Manager, said: “We urge everyone to follow the Water Safety Code, especially during busy weekends and hot weather. What is the water safety code? Can we link to our website here?

“Always swim in lifeguarded areas and remain within the designated zones. Never enter the water alone—ensure someone is aware of your intentions.

2Be mindful of the dangers of cold water shock, even on warm days, and avoid consuming alcohol before swimming. Check the conditions beforehand and be considerate of others in the water. By staying vigilant and adhering to safety guidelines, we can all enjoy the water safely.”

“Never enter the water alone, especially if you’re not a strong swimmer. Always let someone know where you are, and exit immediately if you feel unsafe. Before venturing into wild or open water, check the weather and tide conditions—if it’s rough, wait for calmer seas.

“For watersports, always use the proper safety gear. Listen to your body: if you feel tired, swim to shore; if short of breath, float until you’re in control, then swim to safety.”

For more information, on road safety during summer, visit our latest News & Views piece here: https://www.rospa.com/news-and-views/prepare-properly-to-ensure-a-safe-holiday-drive

Third and final week’s winners of The The Besties announced

The Skinny and Fest, Capital Theatres and Premier Scotland are delighted to announce the winners of the third and last round of the weekly new Festival Awards, The Besties, in the following categories: 

The Fringe Legend Award: John Luke Roberts for John-Luke-A-Palooza! at Monkey Barrel Comedy (Edinburgh Festival Fringe) 

The Terrier Award: Eleanor Morton for Haunted House at Monkey Barrel Comedy (Edinburgh Festival Fringe) 

The Heart Award: Khawla Ibraheem and Piece by Piece Productions for A Knock on the Roof at Traverse Theatre (Edinburgh Festival Fringe) 

The Inclusivity Award: Teatro La Plaza for Hamlet at The Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh (Edinburgh International Festival) 

The Accessibility Award: Thera Trust for the Gig Buddies initiative 

The Unsung Award: Blair Young and Carla J Easton for Since Yesterday: The Untold Story of Scotland’s Girl Bands (Edinburgh International Film Festival) 

The award ceremony took place on Saturday 24th August at the Festival Theatre in Edinburgh, hosted by TV presenter Laura Boyd with performances from Edinburgh-based musician Eve Simpson. 

The Besties award, designed by artist Camillo Feuchter who has recently graduated from Interior & Environmental Design at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design in Dundee, uses recyclable plastics gathered at the Festival Theatre Café and leftover wood sourced locally.  

Reflecting the broad and diverse coverage both magazines produce every summer and responding to the need for a pan-festivals award, The Besties span all the festival activity taking place in the city over the month of August, including the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Edinburgh International Festival, Edinburgh Art Festival, Edinburgh International Book Festival, Edinburgh International Film Festival, and others, making them one of only two awards to celebrate the full spectrum of culture in the city.  

Winners of The Besties are chosen each week by the editorial teams of The Skinny and Fest, drawing on their cross-festival expertise to celebrate the best work happening anywhere in the festivals. The categories reflect the diversity of the magazines’ coverage and might be different every week.

People Know How partners with BT to raise awareness of the switch to digital landlines

People Know How has partnered with BT Group to provide people with the information they need to prepare for the upcoming switch to digital landlines.

Their Digital Support Helpline, which is free and open to anyone in Scotland who needs help with computers, laptops, tablets, social media, exploring the web and more, is now also taking calls about the switch to digital landlines.

Call free Monday to Friday, 10am – 4pm for advice and information about the switch. Alongside this, People Know How is facilitating 50 events in rural areas of Scotland to ensure that everyone can access this information.

Contact the free Digital Support Helpline at 0800 0590 690 or read more at: 

https://peopleknowhow.org/news/people-know-how-partners-with-bt

Fallen firefighters remembered

Seven firefighters who lost their lives in a Glasgow fire have been remembered more than five decades since the tragedy.

Sunday, 25 August marks the 52nd anniversary of the Kilbirnie Street fire at a textiles warehouse.

During the fire at Sher Bros’ cash and carry in 1972, Firefighter James Rook became trapped by debris.

Without hesitation, six of his brave colleagues formed a rescue party to save him.

Tragically, an explosion occurred causing part of the roof to collapse on the rescuers.

The fallen were Divisional Officer Andrew Quinn, Leading Firefighter Alistair Crofts and Firefighters Iain Bermingham, Allan Finlay, William Hooper, Duncan McMillan and James Rook.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service honoured them on Friday (23 August), with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Glasgow Necropolis.

The event was attended by Chief Officer Ross Haggart and invited Glasgow dignitaries.

Chief Officer Haggart said: “That night 52 years ago on Kilbirnie Street, Glasgow lost seven of its finest firefighters.

“It is right and proper that we gather each year in the city to honour and remember each one of them alongside their loved ones.

“Their sacrifice to protect their community and each other serves as a poignant reminder of the often-perilous circumstances that firefighters can face.”

Plan for luxury lodge development aims to boost Scottish Borders

Revised proposals for a market-leading luxury holiday lodge development have been submitted to Scottish Borders Council (Aerial CGI of Rutherford Park and other as CGI of proposed luxury lodges).

Rutherford Park, located between Carlops and West Linton, is situated on the former Rutherford Castle Estate, and development is being progressed by landowner Sandy Lane Resort Rutherford Ltd.

The fresh planning application for Rutherford Park greatly reduces the scale of development to 79 lodges, from the over 250 originally proposed, with the lodges only occupying 10 hectares of the 80-hectare site.

The development will be in the vanguard of new era of luxury lodge destinations and will amount to an investment of around £11.6 million in the Scottish Borders.

The revised application comprises:

  • 79 luxury lodges (10 per cent adapted for mobility use), as well as supplies shop and reception/office
  • 18-hole golf course reduced to a pitch and putt offering, plus two tennis and a padel court
  • Demolition of two redundant outbuildings and reuse of golf clubhouse to include limited catering and gym facilities

While a planning application for over 250 lodges plus camping was initially submitted to the Council in 2019, this was revised in 2023 down to 150 units, including 100 lodges, tree houses, pods and camping.

Taking account of both the tourist market, recent tourism research with its emphasis on the highest quality, and community feedback, this has been further reduced to the current 79 luxury lodges.

This new modern style venue reflects a growing short break ‘staycation’ market in an area that is recognised as currently being poorly served by high-quality outdoor accommodation.

The expectation Is that the majority of visitors will stay for between two and four days, with occupancy limited to a maximum of three months, controlled by a planning condition.

Around half the site (40-hectares) will be rewilded, including the planting of a minimum of 80,000 trees, with woodland walks and cycle paths. In addition to this will be large areas of parkland, with open spaces and lake areas.

Delivery of this will greatly enhance the ecological value of the site, with increasing bird and native wildlife populations. Original concerns relating to flooding have also been removed due to this being a significantly smaller scheme. As a highly sustainable development, Rutherford Park will also adopt the latest low-carbon technologies, including solar panels and air source heat pumps.

A frequent minibus service to West Linton will be provided for visitors, as well as electric bikes. In addition, a bus stop and pull-in area will also be delivered, with discussions taking place with the local bus company, Houston’s Coaches, regarding enhancing the service. A Transport Assessment has been accepted by the Council and Transport Scotland.

It has been estimated that around 27 jobs will be created once Rutherford Park is built, with spin-off opportunities for local businesses, and a Gross Value Added (GVA) of £1.1 million to the economy based on the jobs created.

There is also the opportunity for apprenticeships and training, and discussions gave taken place with Scottish Borders College on joint working opportunities.

The company has pledged to buy locally at all times where possible, with a community fund on offer to invest in community-led projects.

A spokesperson for Sandy Lane Resort Rutherford Ltd commented: “Our revised application for Rutherford Park seeks to deliver a high-quality luxury lodge development that aims to attract visitors to the Scottish Borders, as well as to Scotland as a whole.

“The Scottish Borders is a region that has a unique history, culture and landscape, but is frequently ignored as a destination, often due to a lack of high-quality outdoor accommodation. A development such as Rutherford Park will serve to take advantage of the growing short break staycation market, as well as increased visitor demand generally, boosting bed nights and spend in the region.

“What is being proposed is a greatly reduced scheme from the one originally envisaged, taking account of community concerns, and will not only deliver an economic boost to the Borders, but also provide major ecological enhancements for the site, including the delivery of a minimum of 80,000 trees.

“We look forward to continuing to engage with the Council and local community as our application progresses through the planning process.”

Edinburgh campaign has had over 3,000 conversations with people to help keep children safe from abuse

A campaign to help protect young children from sexual abuse has resulted in approximately 3,240 Talk PANTS conversations with people in Edinburgh since it launched last September.

Edinburgh, Talk PANTS is being delivered by NSPCC Scotland, the Edinburgh Child Protection Committee and a wide range of partners across the city to spread the NSPCC’s Talk PANTS message.

Talk PANTS gives parents, carers and professionals advice on how to have simple, age-appropriate conversations with children to help keep them safe from sexual abuse.

With the use of a colourful animated dinosaur, called Pantosaurus, it helps children to understand that their body belongs to them, that they have a right to say no, and they should tell a safe adult they trust if anything makes them feel upset or worried. 

During the past year, local PANTS professionals have been trained to deliver the campaign messages and resources to other professionals and families across Edinburgh through webinars and workshops.

And several awareness raising events have been held across the city for parents, carers and children, including a fun family day with Pantosuarus at Edinburgh Zoo in July when more than 370 adults and children attended, and family sessions at Edinburgh Book Festival.

Carla Malseed, NSPCC Scotland Local Campaigns Manager, said: “A simple conversation can make a big difference and that’s what Talk PANTS is all about.

“With the help of our fun, loving dino – Pantosaurus – we’ve reached thousands of people across the city. 

“We have been really pleased to see so much engagement with the campaign from families and professionals in Edinburgh, and we’re looking forward to having more conversations with Edinburgh residents at our upcoming family events.”

Other upcoming Talk PANTS events in Edinburgh include a family day at Sighthill Library on Friday, August 30, when popular children’s author Bruna De Luca will read ‘Pantosaurus and the Power of PANTS’ and from her own book ‘I’m Not Cute, I’m Dangerous.’

Bruna De Luca, who lives in Melrose in the Scottish Borders, said: “I’m a parent of young children and I love how the TalkPANTS message is tailored to a young audience in a fun, positive, and reassuring way.

“I can’t wait because it’s not every day you get to meet a Pantosaurus. I also think my feisty crocodile character – Fifi – would fully support the TalkPANTS message. She might be little and cute, but she is NOT to be underestimated!

“The TalkPANTS message is so crucial in preventing abuse because it helps children to have the confidence to speak up if they feel unsafe.”

Lillian Cringles, Chair of the Edinburgh Child Protection Committee, said: “It’s fantastic that this campaign has helped thousands of parents, carers and professionals to have such important conversations with children about their bodies and how to stay safe. 

“I’d urge families to come along to this fun event at Sighthill Library or look out for other events on our web pages to learn more about the TalkPANTS message.”

As well as book readings there will be facepainting, colouring, games and singing and dancing at the event which runs from 1pm until 2.30pm.

For more information about other events taking place in Edinburgh, visit: 

EdinburghTalkPANTS

Anyone with concerns about the welfare of a child can call the NSPCC’s free and confidential helpline on 0808 800 5000 or email: help@NSPCC.org.uk for advice.

Children and young people can contact Childline about anything that may be worrying them by calling 0800 1111 or by visiting: www.childline.org.uk

The NSPCC would like to thank Baker-Ross for their donation of children’s craft packs.