Morrisons kickstarts 2023 with price cuts on it’s Savers range

– Over 50 per cent of the range has been cut in price – 

Morrisons is cutting 130 prices across its entry-level products to help customers’ money go further throughout the January squeeze.

The cuts include important fresh and frozen products for family meals and lunch boxes, together with cupboard essentials and household products to help customers across their shop. 

Morrisons has invested over £16 million to make these cuts as customers look for help on their weekly shop after the expense of Christmas and as the cost of living crisis continues to impact household grocery budgets. 

Fresh products such as bacon, cooked chicken and cheese which can be used to make hearty meals have had their prices reduced as well as fruit and vegetables including apples, pears and potatoes. 

Frozen ready meals, fish fingers and prawns have been cut along with cupboard fillers like tins of beans, chopped tomatoes and tuna chunks.  Household essentials such as laundry powder, washing up liquid and dishwasher tablets have also seen their prices slashed as have toothbrushes, toothpaste and sanitary products. 

Morrisons entry level range has 263 products, 28 of which were new additions within the last six months.  This month the range will grow further with the introduction of cherry tomatoes, easy peel oranges, green beans and mixed peppers.

David Potts, Chief Executive, Morrisons, said: “Our Savers range offers customers great value on the products they buy every day.

“We want to do all we can to help when it comes to the cost of grocery shopping and by investing in the range and cutting the prices further, our customers will see a noticeable impact on their budgets at a time when they really need it.”

Morrisons price cuts will be communicated to customers via TV, radio, press, digital display and social media as well as email and online activity.

On the website, the Savers range will be highlighted on the homepage under Morrisons ‘More Way to Save’ section and until January 22nd, the seasonal aisle in Morrisons stores will feature displays of the ambient Savers products in one place to help customers shop the breadth of the range, while the fresh and frozen items will have prominent displays in their aisles to help customers identify them. 

SAVERS PRICE CUTS: BREAKFAST EXAMPLESWASNOW
MORRISONS SAVERS WHITE LOAF MEDIUM SLICED 720g£0.45£0.39
MORRISONS SAVERS ORANGE MARMALADE 454G£0.52£0.33
MORRISONS SAVERS ORANGE JUICE FROM CONCENTRATE 1L£0.89£0.75
MORRISONS SAVERS MUESLI 1KG£1.39£1.25
SAVERS PRICE CUTS: MID-WEEK DINNER EXAMPLESWASNOW
MORRISONS SAVERS ITALIAN STYLE HARD CHEESE 170G£1.70£1.59
MORRISONS SAVERS PASTA SAUCE 440G£0.57£0.39
MORRISONS SAVERS LONG GRAIN RICE 1KG£0.71£0.48
MORRISONS SAVERS TUNA CHUNKS IN BRINE 145G£0.65£0.55
MORRISONS SAVERS CHILLI CON CARNE 392G£1.49£0.97
MORRISONS SAVERS PLUM TOMATOES IN TOMATO JUICE 400G£0.33£0.28
MORRISONS SAVERS TOMATO KETCHUP 460G£0.79£0.36
MORRISONS SAVERS 10 FISH FINGERS 250G£0.79£0.69
MORRISONS SAVERS BEEF LASAGNE 400G (FROZEN)£0.89£0.75
MORRISONS SAVERS MILD WHITE CHEDDAR 625G£3.19£2.99
MORRISONS SAVERS CHEESE AND TOMATO PIZZA 270G£0.99£0.89
MORRISONS SAVERS SMOKED BACK BACON 250G£1.25£1.12
MORRISONS SAVERS COOKED CHICKEN PIECES 240G£1.99£1.79
SAVERS PRICE CUTS: HOUSEHOLD EXAMPLESWASNOW
MORRISONS ESSENTIALS MEDIUM TOOTHBRUSHES 2 PACK£0.30£0.25
MORRISONS SAVERS BIOLOGICAL LAUNDRY POWDER 3.335KG£3.30£2.69
MORRISONS SAVERS WASHING UP LIQUID 500ML£0.49£0.37

Morrisons entry level range includes ‘Morrisons Savers’, ‘Morrisons Wonky’ in produce and ‘Morrisons Essentials’ in homeware and health & beauty. 

The price cuts are in all of Morrisons 498 supermarkets and the majority of products can be found online.

New for 2023, visit Scotland’s best kept secret with Rabbies

Explore unspoilt beaches, abundant wildlife, and beautifully quaint streets on a visit to … Scotland.

It doesn’t get bonnier than the country’s best-kept secret, the magnificent South West coast, which is why Rabbie’s (www.rabbies.com) is offering a new, unforgettable two-day tour to the hidden gem.

Journeying from the grandest forest in the UK to a castle scarred by the brutal battles of the past, Rabbie’s Scenic South West of Scotland tour encompasses both the stunning beauty and fascinating history of Scotland, and is available to book now with tours starting in May 2023.

On the two-day tour, visitors will navigate the historically rich and environmentally stunning region. Head deep into the largest forest in the UK, Galloway Forest, to look up at the dark skies and be left in awe at the stunning night sky above.

Travel to Scotland’s most southern point, the Mull of Galloway, to enjoy amazing views of the peninsula’s wildlife and cliffs. Trek through the ancient woodland and mountain vistas located in the Galloway & Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere. With memorable views of the lochs and mountains, enjoy this peaceful walk through a truly untouched wilderness.

Join Rabbie’s Two-Day Scenic South West of Scotland tour departing from Glasgow from £145 per person.

For more information about Rabbie’s and its tour offerings, visit www.rabbies.com.

Winter vehicle survival guide: Get your car ready for the cold 

Drivers are being warned to check their car components to ensure their vehicle survives the harshness of winter weather. 

Motoring experts from LeaseCar.uk are urging drivers to follow their winter vehicle survival guide by checking the engine’s coolness and monitoring oil levels to ensure their safety on the road. 

With heavy rain and snowstorms expected over the next few months, the coldness of winter weather can worsen the condition of car components quicker. 

Driving in winter can already be quite a challenge for motorists, but following this guide can help to ensure motorists are protected and don’t have to worry about their car breaking down. 

Tim Alcock from LeaseCar.uk said: “Winter can be one of the toughest times for drivers on the road as the disruptive change in weather can damage a vehicle’s durability. 

Image credit: Pexels 

“Winter-proofing your car by regularly checking tyre pressure and knowing what to look out for when the car battery is damaged can not only prevent you from serious harm but other drivers too. 

“This useful guide will help motorists prepare for the winter cold and which noticeable red flags to look out for when hitting the roads.” 

Here is LeaseCar.uk’s winter vehicle guide to keep safe and protect your car: 

  1. 1. Tyres 

In colder weather, tyre pressure tends to drop drastically and if you notice your car starting to sway, this could be down to underinflation. Tyre pressure decreases every 10 degrees, so it’s vital to check the levels every two weeks and inflate when needed, otherwise it can lead to difficulties when braking and accelerating. 

  1. 2. Oil  

Oil tends to thicken in chilly temperatures, which can make it difficult to pump through the engine. It’s recommended to use 5W30 oil in winter to help with thinning the oil to ensure the car runs smoothly. 

  1. 3. Car battery 

Turn on the car for a few minutes before setting off to decrease the chances of the batteries stalling. Once the temperature drops, less power will be omitted which can make it difficult to start the vehicle up in the cold winter mornings. If the problem repeatedly happens, immediately take it to a mechanic, as it could mean the battery has broken from the cold and will need replacing. 

  1. 4. Bulbs 

As the days get darker throughout winter, make sure the front lights and brake lights are fully working before setting off on your journey. Lights not only give us a clear view of the road but they ensure we’re visible to other drivers. Failure to check your lights can lead to a fixed fine if your brake lights aren’t working; if broken visit the nearer garage as soon as possible. 

  1. 5. Heating 

The feeling of warming up in the car when the weather is freezing outside is indescribable, however it can become quite easy for the heating to stop working during these conditions. This will mean there is a fault with the engine coolant, which could be blocked or even worse, a leak, which would mean it needs to be taken in for repairs. 

https://www.theaa.com/breakdown-cover/advice/car-heater-issues

Community groups urged to apply for Scotmid Community Orchard funding

An environmental and wellbeing initiative that will benefit almost 200 communities across Scotland has been launched by Scotmid.

‘Scotmid Community Orchard’ funding will allow fruit trees and bushes to be planted across the communities Scotmid serves. The sites, of five or more plants, will then form part of a Scotland-wide orchard of thousands of trees and bushes. 

The retailer is seeking a group near each of its stores to plant five or more fruit trees or bushes within a community space. They will award £200 to each successful applicant, to fund the purchase of plants.

The initiative has been created to encourage people to work together, increasing physical activity and improving local environments.

Orchards offer volunteering opportunities throughout the year as well as the chance to learn new skills, create habitats for wildlife and produce an array of edible produce. 

John Brodie, Chief Executive of Scotmid, said: “We love the idea that people planting fruit trees or bushes in Edinburgh not only benefits those close to them but allows them to be part of something so much bigger – an orchard spanning hundreds of miles weaving through our Scottish communities.

“We all recognise the value that green spaces bring. Scotmid is thrilled to provide the funding for our communities to plant, grow, learn, and let nature thrive.”

Karen Davidson from Social Farms and Gardens, who are providing advice to budding growers, said: “We are so excited to see Scotmid leading the way, creating a network of micro-orchards across Scotland through this funding.

“Community orchards are part of a local food system. Promoting the health benefits of fresh produce and outdoor exercise to people of all age groups, orchards are excellent places for people to come together and enjoy the outdoors, whilst providing a focal point for community activities.”

Scotmid is seeking one group near each of its stores across Scotland to plant five or more fruit trees or bushes.

Edinburgh groups are encouraged to apply by visiting: 

https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/communityorchard/

Applications close on 20th January 2023.

 ‘One stop shop’ website to help people struggling with the cost of living crisis

The Scottish Government has created a ‘one stop shop’ website aimed at helping people in Edinburgh who are struggling with the cost of living crisis.

The website includes guidance on the different kinds of support available, from helping families and households meet rising energy, housing and other costs, to details around accessing Scottish and UK social security payments, including online benefit calculators as well as advice around improving overall health and wellbeing.

It’s important to acknowledge the added stress that money worries can bring and the impact that this can have on your health, both mentally and physically. The website includes information on the support people can access such as the NHS24 Mental Health Hub (available by dialling 111), Breathing Space which is a confidential helpline available by calling 0800 83 85 87, and nhsinform.scot/mind-to-mind which shares advice from peers.

There is also key information around support with health costs such as eye examinations, glasses, contact lenses and dental treatments.

When it comes to families and financial support, the Scottish Government has allocated almost £3 billion in this financial year to help households face the increased cost of living, including £1bn in providing services and financial support not available elsewhere in the UK.

The winter Bridging Payment has been doubled, meaning the December payment will be £260. All eligible families should make sure they are registered to receive free school meals on the basis of low income in order to receive the payment. If they register between now and end of school term they will receive the payment in January.

The Scottish Child Payment has also been increased to £25 a week which can be paid to families with children under the age of 16 who live in Scotland and qualify for certain reserved benefits. There is no limit on the number of children that families can apply for.

Cost of living crisis – Cost of Living Support Scotland (campaign.gov.scot)

Shona Robison, Social Justice Secretary, said: “I know that people are struggling with the cost of living crisis right now and may not know where to turn for help. Our cost of living website is a trustworthy online resource with information on the wide range of vital support available.

“No one should feel alone in this crisis and this website, along with our campaign, aims to encourage people to find out if they are eligible for the extensive support available to access the advice they need.

“We want everyone to get all the financial support and help that is available so I would encourage people to apply for the payments they are entitled to – it might be just the lifeline that is needed right now”.

Cost of living crisis – Cost of Living Support Scotland (campaign.gov.scot)

New Year celebrations at Johnnie Walker Princes Street

Head of Johnnie Walker Princes Street, Rob Maxwell, and his girlfriend Ciara take in the annual Hogmanay fireworks from the venue’s rooftop 1820 Bar.

Johnnie Walker Princes Street played host to 60 ticket holders who were treated to a selection of live entertainment, mouth-watering food and drink and a prime spot to enjoy the fireworks.

The celebrations were extra special for guests Jon Gilligan and Kelly Stark-Anderson who got engaged as they brought in the bells.

Boyack calls for legal right to food as Edinburgh food bank use soars

Scottish Labour MSP Sarah Boyack has said next year must be the year Scotland enshrines a statutory Right to Food in law, as figures show food bank use soaring in Edinburgh.

The Trussell Trust’s mid-year statistics show that the number of food parcels handed out in Edinburgh has soared by 35 per cent since 2017.

The number of parcels given to children has risen even more drastically, increasing by an appalling 77 per cent, with 10,378 parcels being given out in the space of just six months.

This includes a shocking 3,189 parcels for children in the City of Edinburgh whose parents need urgent support now. Its worrying that the number of these parcels has risen by 29 per cent since 2017.

Scottish Labour have said this proves there must be no more delays to the introduction of a legal right to food in Scotland.

Scottish Labour have long campaigned for a statutory right to food in Scots law. The SNP and the Greens both backed this policy in the 2021 Scottish Parliament election, however in May the SNP-Green government voted against Labour’s attempt to introduce a Right to Food during the Good Food Nation Bill. 

Commenting, Scottish Labour MSP Sarah Boyack said: “As the cost of living crisis piles pressure on households, more and more people in Edinburgh are being forced to turn to food banks.

“Families are at breaking point and parents are struggling to feed their children.

“It is more urgent than ever that we enshrine people’s right to food in Scots law, but the SNP-Green government keep kicking the can down the line.

“There is no more time to delay – this year must be the year we embed the right to food in law at last.”

Trussell Trust Mid Year Statistics 2022-23 – 1 April 2022 to 30 September 2022:

Local Authority     Number of parcels for children Total number of parcels distributed Increase in parcels for children compared to 2017 Increase in total parcels compared to 2017 
Aberdeen City1,2733,57697%168%
Aberdeenshire1,2434,315143%149%
Angus3881,335-5%-29%
City of Edinburgh3,18910,37829%35%
Dumfries and Galloway5842,1622681%1088%
Dundee City2,6567,675200%139%
East Ayrshire1,0273,367115%116%
East Dunbartonshire9223,19573%67%
East Lothian2,0585,488217%197%
East Renfrewshire9932,81144%69%
Falkirk1,3344,27644367%3215%
Fife3,1768,397107%91%
Glasgow City6,27115,61413%5%
Highland1,3753,69154%13%
Inverclyde7103,00829%38%
Midlothian1,5353,073225%136%
Moray– –  
Na h-Eileanan Siar– –  
North Ayrshire6202,528-40%-26%
North Lanarkshire1,7334,805250%197%
Orkney Islands11239026%48%
Perth and Kinross1,1393,674125%64%
Renfrewshire1,3084,29013%2%
Scottish Borders10230410100%3700%
Shetland Islands172841  
South Ayrshire1,3294,016130%88%
South Lanarkshire2,7317,84895%73%
West Dunbartonshire– –  
West Lothian1,8005,316169%156%

*Figures compare 1 April to 30 September 2017 with the same period in 2022.

Source: https://www.trusselltrust.org/news-and-blog/latest-stats/mid-year-stats/

12 January event to showcase Edinburgh Napier’s tech innovation

Edinburgh Napier University’s newly launched Innovation Hub will host a symposium to showcase the future of technology innovation in Scotland, as part of its effort to inspire academic research into reality.

The Hub has been set up to link the world-leading expertise and wide experience of ENU’s academics and researchers with external business communities from a wide variety of sectors, with a view of establishing commercial collaboration to support business growth and development.

Hosted at the Edinburgh Napier University’s Merchiston campus, this Symposium on Technology Innovation and Collaboration on 12 January will gather industry and academic leaders of Scottish tech, including keynote guest speaker, Mark Logan, Scottish Government’s Chief Entrepreneur. He has been instrumental in the success of several start-ups, including as Chief Operating Officer of Skyscanner, one of Europe’s most successful technology companies. 

This symposium will be convened by Professor Bill Buchanan OBE, Professor of Applied Cryptography at Edinburgh Napier University, who specialises in blockchain, cryptography, trust and digital identity. In 2017, he was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to cybersecurity.

Explaining more about the forthcoming symposium, Professor Buchanan said: “Scotland has produced two tech unicorns: Skyscanner and FanDuel. Where will the next one come from? Will it be a university spin-out or an innovative start-up?

“Over the past decade the university has spun-out a number of highly successful spin-outs, including Zonefox, which was acquired by Fortinet, Symphonic – acquired by Ping Identity – and Cyacomb, which has expanded rapidly in international markets.

“This symposium will not only showcase the latest tech innovation emerging from Edinburgh Napier, but also be a collaborative event with our industry partners who will share their knowledge and insights to inspire academics and researchers in the field of technology to engage in innovation and explore commercial collaboration.”

Presentations will include case studies of Edinburgh Napier success stories in the spin-out space, information on funding pathways, with inspirational talks about the opportunities out there and potential markets for the technologies we want to encourage our early career researchers to create.

In addition to Mark Logan’s talk on ‘The Future of Innovation in Scotland’, other guest talks will spotlight cybersecurity and fintech innovation, with presentations also on funding opportunities and research journeys.

Talks will feature guest speakers from: Scottish Enterprise; Innovate UK; DSTL; Interface Online; EU Horizon 2020; TrueDeploy; Zonefox; Cyacomb, and Edinburgh Napier’s Innovation Hub and Bright Red Triangle.

This event will take place at Edinburgh Napier University’s Merchiston campus, from 9:45am to 5pm, on Thursday 12 January 2023.

Advanced registration is essential via EventBrite.

Employee-owned firm wins First Minister’s manufacturing award

Scottish campervan company recognised for its dedication to staff wellbeing

A NORTH BERWICK campervan converter has won the First Minister’s Award for Manufacturing Leadership for its outstanding efforts in employee engagement and welfare.

Jerba Campervans accepted the award from Nicola Sturgeon at Bute House in Edinburgh after showcasing its 100% employee-owned status.

Co-founders of the firm, Simon Poole and Catherine Brookes, along with trustee, David Miller, were able to discuss the company’s long-term goals and ambitions with the First Minister when they went to collect the prize.

The accolade celebrates competitive and innovative manufacturing companies in Scotland which champion fair work and inclusivity while investing in the skills and wellbeing of its employees and contributing positively to the planet.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, said: “I am very pleased to announce Jerba Campervans has won the First Minister’s Award for Manufacturing Leadership.

“All of the applications received for the award were of a very high standard. However, with their responsive employee driven approach, Jerba Campervans best exemplified the ethos of the award.

“In demonstrating how a productive and growing company can at the same time offer real benefits to staff, community and the environment, they clearly demonstrated the principle that business for good is good for business.”

During the application process, Jerba Campervans illustrated how the company is measurably strengthened by employee ownership, how its staff have benefitted from the scheme and how staff have provided support in other aspects of the business, including eco-friendly initiatives.

As well as its 100% employee-owned credentials, Jerba Campervans has recently joined The Good Business Charter which measures and recognises responsible business practices through components such as employee wellbeing.

The firm has also recently appointed a new Managing Director to take the company forward through commercial and product development domains.

Simon Poole, said: “It is a great privilege for Jerba Campervans to have been recognised in such a high-profile way.

“To be rewarded for the work we are doing is very humbling and this achievement marks a really fantastic opportunity for both the company and employee ownership as a whole.

“We believe that staff are at the heart of any business and we hope that winning this award will open even more doors for us as we continue to highlight the advantages of employee ownership.

“Since its inception in 2006, Jerba Campervans has focused on an ethical approach to business and an inclusive approach to working with staff. We were guided through our transition into employee ownership by Co-operative Development Scotland (CDS), a core part of Scottish Enterprise – their experience and insight has certainly underpinned our continued growth and success.

“Employee ownership makes our workplace a fulfilling and positive experience that enables employees to have a real voice.”

Jerba Campervans specialises in converting and customising Volkswagen Transporter vans for those passionate about adventure and the outdoors.

Converting Volkswagen T6.1 models, the North Berwick based firm is officially recognised by Volkswagen as a Motorhome Qualified Converter, and is the only firm in Scotland to receive this qualification.

The firm became employee-owned in January 2018 and has seen productivity increase year-on-year.

With a dedicated and flexible team, the Jerba Campervans family adapts to the needs of its customers, creating a house on wheels with the highest UK level of road safety, ensuring that customers have a safe and stylish ride.

To find out more about Jerba Campervans, visit www.jerbacampervans.co.uk

How to create a wildlife haven with your real Christmas tree

Dobbies’ Edinburgh store highlights how to repurpose your real cut Christmas tree

Whether you’ve got a Nordmann Fir standing pride of place, or a Fraser Fir is your tree of choice, Dobbies’ Edinburgh store is encouraging you to repurpose your Christmas centrepiece once the festivities are over.

Dobbies’ Horticultural Director, Marcus Eyles has outlined how people can recycle their cut Christmas trees to create a wildlife haven for small animals and insects to shelter in during the winter months.

Follow Marcus’s step-by-step guide:

1.       Remove the tree from your house carefully to stop any loose needles from dropping. Wear thick gloves to protect your hands. 

2.       Using a good quality pair of secateurs, starting from the top remove each branch as close as possible to the main trunk. 

3.       Stack the branches together four or five pieces high and place onto soil or leaves under large shrubs, trees or hedges.

4.       Repeat this process until all the branches are used. This will provide a great shelter for small animals and insects to protect them from the worst of the winter weather. Marcus points out that the needles and branches will breakdown over time to produce organic matter than will enrich the soil.

5.       For the main trunk of the tree use a pruning saw to cut into 30cm lengths, which can then be stacked to make a mini log pile which is a great habitat for wildlife to shelter in.

To watch the video, visit www.dobbies.com/ideas-advice

or https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vtqfMS5fmF8.