Initiatives include the planting of over one million trees and over 1,000 hours volunteered
This year team collaboration and business services provider AnswerConnect has engaged in a range of activities as part of its ‘Giving Back’ initiative, including tree planting, fundraising and supported learning.
Set up in 2018, AnswerConnect’s “Giving Back” initiative was formed to facilitate the company’s commitment to putting people, planet and purpose first and going above and beyond commercial goals. In the past year, the AnswerConnect employees have dedicated in excess of 1,000 volunteer hours and planted over a million trees.
Their environmental outreach has resulted in a number of partnerships with tree-planting organisations across the globe, including the Trees for Life, TreePeople and Tree Aid. Alongside these partnerships, AnswerConnect works with Trees For The Future to plant a tree for every customer and every employee every month.
Angela Fee, Head of Mattering (Marketing) & Impact at AnswerConnect said; “We are passionate about our ongoing commitment to giving back, whether it be in local communities or across the globe.
“Volunteering our time and resources is one of the ways we can make a real difference to our surroundings and pressing issues. We’d encourage any other firms thinking about doing the same to take the leap. It’s been hugely rewarding, not only for the business but on a personal level as well.”
SKIDDLE HAS FOUND THE BEST NEW YEAR’S EVE EVENTS IN EDINBURGH – SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO!
The festive season can be stressful enough as it is, with Black Friday shopping, Christmas dinner planning and travelling the country to see your loved ones. And yet, to add to the stress, 38% of us leave looking for that perfect NYE party until the last minute – scrambling for tickets between 26th – 31st December.
Skiddle, the events discovery platform, has taken one thing off your to-do list for 2022 – and found the best NYE events in Edinburgh. Get ready to send this list to the group chat and start booking, you don’t want to miss out on ringing in the New Year in style!
Hogmanay Party ft. Special guest DJ Irvine Welsh Noir (Little White Pig)
Celebrate 2022 and welcome in the new year in style, in one of new town’s best kept secret venues. Soundtrack to your new year, provided by Special guest DJ Irvine Welsh, and local legends Mikey R, Bush, Mungo & David Lee.
Exclusive 4-course Pre-party dinner also available.
Head to Stramash this NYE for a Hogmanay Hoolie like no other. You will be greeted with a glass of Prosecco on arrival and then taught how to Ceilidh Dance like a true Scot. ‘The Jig Show’ – Rockin ceilidh band with a modern twist, will talk you through all the dance moves and even take a short break in the middle for light refreshments.
Includes access to Mad Ferret Hogmanay Hoolie 11pm until 5am.
The Mad Ferret Band are known on the Scottish music scene for their hard hitting blend of traditional and contemporary folk music. Their lively, energetic performances are packed with “blisteringly fast mandolin solos”, tight vocal harmonies, driving Cajon beats and earth-moving guitar sounds.
The Scottish capital’s biggest and best-loved indoor Hogmanay event is back for a 9th year on December 31st 2022. A cherished Edinburgh night, it’s the big one for glamour and kilts… the Real McCoy! If you’re looking for a truly top Scottish NYE event, you’ve just found it.
Treat yourself to a breathtaking night to end the old year and bring in the new – in the capital’s finest civic venue. There is, quite literally, nowhere else in town to compare. Twin ballrooms await you, sparkling in winter décor.
There’s a top, professional live ceilidh band in each magnificent ballroom: one is traditional, one contemporary. The superb Front Ballroom becomes a glitzy disco later in the night, while the dazzling Music Room Ballroom stays fully trad. Meanwhile, a spectacular drawing room becomes a silent disco – and all guests are welcome in anytime as it’s a new, fun addition.
Pop out to see the midnight fireworks, then rejoin things!
Tickets available here from £54.99 + BF.
Monsters Ball NYE 2022 Frankensteins Edinburgh
Join the monster for his annual Monster Ball this Hogmanay and join the biggest party in the city. Featuring live performers, drag queens, DJs on rotation, themed drinks and decor and much more this is an event not to be missed.
Dress to impress! Fancy dress is encouraged. (But not required).
The monster looks forward to welcoming you…
Tickets available here from £7.00 + BF.
Casino Royale – NYE 2022 LE MONDE
Le Monde is hosting an event you will not want to miss, Casino Royale – featuring casino, entertainment, themed drinks and more.
The bond themed event will include drinks reception, casino tables, entertainment, live DJs and much more.
Dress to impress, and join for the most glamourous Hogmanay party in the City.
Tickets available here from £7.50 + BF.
To find the biggest range of events in Edinburgh, including music, comedy, food + drink, festivals, attractions, theatre and more, head to the Skiddle website.
SKIDDLE HAS FOUND THE BEST NEW YEAR’S EVE EVENTS IN EDINBURGH – SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO!
The festive season can be stressful enough as it is, with Black Friday shopping, Christmas dinner planning and travelling the country to see your loved ones. And yet, to add to the stress, 38% of us leave looking for that perfect NYE party until the last minute – scrambling for tickets between 26th – 31st December.
Skiddle, the events discovery platform, has taken one thing off your to-do list for 2022 – and found the best NYE events in Edinburgh. Get ready to send this list to the group chat and start booking, you don’t want to miss out on ringing in the New Year in style!
Hogmanay Party ft. Special guest DJ Irvine Welsh
Noir (Little White Pig)
Celebrate 2022 and welcome in the new year in style, in one of new town’s best kept secret venues. Soundtrack to your new year, provided by Special guest DJ Irvine Welsh, and local legends Mikey R, Bush, Mungo & David Lee.
Exclusive 4-course Pre-party dinner also available.
Head to Stramash this NYE for a Hogmanay Hoolie like no other. You will be greeted with a glass of Prosecco on arrival and then taught how to Ceilidh Dance like a true Scot. ‘The Jig Show’ – Rockin ceilidh band with a modern twist, will talk you through all the dance moves and even take a short break in the middle for light refreshments.
Includes access to Mad Ferret Hogmanay Hoolie 11pm until 5am.
The Mad Ferret Band are known on the Scottish music scene for their hard hitting blend of traditional and contemporary folk music. Their lively, energetic performances are packed with “blisteringly fast mandolin solos”, tight vocal harmonies, driving Cajon beats and earth-moving guitar sounds.
The Scottish capital’s biggest and best-loved indoor Hogmanay event is back for a 9th year on December 31st 2022.A cherished Edinburgh night, it’s the big one for glamour and kilts… the Real McCoy! If you’re looking for a truly top Scottish NYE event, you’ve just found it.
Treat yourself to a breathtaking night to end the old year and bring in the new – in the capital’s finest civic venue. There is, quite literally, nowhere else in town to compare. Twin ballrooms await you, sparkling in winter décor.
There’s a top, professional live ceilidh band in each magnificent ballroom: one is traditional, one contemporary. The superb Front Ballroom becomes a glitzy disco later in the night, while the dazzling Music Room Ballroom stays fully trad. Meanwhile, a spectacular drawing room becomes a silent disco – and all guests are welcome in anytime as it’s a new, fun addition.
Pop out to see the midnight fireworks, then rejoin things!
Join the monster for his annual Monster Ball this Hogmanay and join the biggest party in the city. Featuring live performers, drag queens, DJs on rotation, themed drinks and decor and much more this is an event not to be missed.
Dress to impress! Fancy dress is encouraged. (But not required).
To find the biggest range of events in Edinburgh, including music, comedy, food + drink, festivals, attractions, theatre and more, head to the Skiddle website.
SKIDDLE HAS FOUND THE BEST NEW YEAR’S EVE EVENTS IN EDINBURGH – SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO!
The festive season can be stressful enough as it is, with Black Friday shopping, Christmas dinner planning and travelling the country to see your loved ones. And yet, to add to the stress, 38% of us leave looking for that perfect NYE party until the last minute – scrambling for tickets between 26th – 31st December.
Skiddle, the events discovery platform, has taken one thing off your to-do list for 2022 – and found the best NYE events in Edinburgh. Get ready to send this list to the group chat and start booking, you don’t want to miss out on ringing in the New Year in style!
Hogmanay Party ft. Special guest DJ Irvine Welsh
Noir (Little White Pig)
Celebrate 2022 and welcome in the new year in style, in one of new town’s best kept secret venues. Soundtrack to your new year, provided by Special guest DJ Irvine Welsh, and local legends Mikey R, Bush, Mungo & David Lee.
Exclusive 4-course Pre-party dinner also available.
Head to Stramash this NYE for a Hogmanay Hoolie like no other. You will be greeted with a glass of Prosecco on arrival and then taught how to Ceilidh Dance like a true Scot. ‘The Jig Show’ – Rockin ceilidh band with a modern twist, will talk you through all the dance moves and even take a short break in the middle for light refreshments.
Includes access to Mad Ferret Hogmanay Hoolie 11pm until 5am.
The Mad Ferret Band are known on the Scottish music scene for their hard hitting blend of traditional and contemporary folk music. Their lively, energetic performances are packed with “blisteringly fast mandolin solos”, tight vocal harmonies, driving Cajon beats and earth-moving guitar sounds.
The Scottish capital’s biggest and best-loved indoor Hogmanay event is back for a 9th year on December 31st 2022.A cherished Edinburgh night, it’s the big one for glamour and kilts… the Real McCoy! If you’re looking for a truly top Scottish NYE event, you’ve just found it.
Treat yourself to a breathtaking night to end the old year and bring in the new – in the capital’s finest civic venue. There is, quite literally, nowhere else in town to compare. Twin ballrooms await you, sparkling in winter décor.
There’s a top, professional live ceilidh band in each magnificent ballroom: one is traditional, one contemporary. The superb Front Ballroom becomes a glitzy disco later in the night, while the dazzling Music Room Ballroom stays fully trad. Meanwhile, a spectacular drawing room becomes a silent disco – and all guests are welcome in anytime as it’s a new, fun addition.
Pop out to see the midnight fireworks, then rejoin things!
Join the monster for his annual Monster Ball this Hogmanay and join the biggest party in the city. Featuring live performers, drag queens, DJs on rotation, themed drinks and decor and much more this is an event not to be missed.
Dress to impress! Fancy dress is encouraged. (But not required).
To find the biggest range of events in Edinburgh, including music, comedy, food + drink, festivals, attractions, theatre and more, head to the Skiddle website.
Vet charity’s top tips on coping with New Year celebrations
As New Year approaches, fireworks are bound to burst back into our lives once again. And while the dazzling displays are a hugely popular way to bring in the New Year, the UK’s largest veterinary charity, PDSA, is warning that they can cause fear among a large number of our pet population.
The charity – which helps more pets and owners than any other of its kind in the UK – is urging owners to prepare for the celebrations, which can last for several days in a row and potentially expose pets to a prolonged period of suffering.
The PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report revealed that a vast number of dogs and cats are scared by the unexpected bangs of fireworks, citing that 4.1 million dogs and 3.3 million cats are afraid of the noise. In total, 16 per cent of rabbit owners (160,000 rabbits) also reported that their bunnies were scared of the sounds associated with fireworks.
PDSA Veterinary Surgeon Lynne James said: “We may think our pets aren’t too bothered by firework displays, however their senses are much more acute than ours. The unexpected loud bangs and sudden flashes of light can cause distress for our four-legged family members.
“There are lots of things owners can do in the short term to make fireworks less frightening for their pets. Simple steps, from creating a den to introducing soothing sounds, can go a long way to making this firework season more pleasant for pets.”
PDSA’s top tips on tackling anxiety among pets this festive firework season:
Seek advice early – it is important to find out what works best for your pet as soon as possible. If they have previously struggled during firework displays, contact your vet for advice – they may be able to prescribe medication that can help.
Prepare for an early night – be sure to walk your dog before it gets dark and keep your cat at home. Bring any outdoor-living pets, for example rabbits and guinea pigs, inside for the night and enjoy a cosy evening in with your furry family members.
Secure your home –keep doors, windows, cat and dog flaps locked to ensure your pet doesn’t escape if scared.
Create a comfortable cosy space for hideouts – ensure your pet has somewhere they feel safe and secure where they can hide if they want to. It’s important that your pet knows this is a safe place that they can escape to ahead of fireworks season. For cats and dogs, you can make the space extra cosy with blankets and their favourite toys and treats while adding pillows or cushions can help to absorb the noise. You can also lessen the sound for smaller pets by adding extra bedding into their hutches and cages so that they can hide if they want to. If your pet chooses to hide, let them do so.
Be on hand to provide reassurance – if your pet takes comfort in attention and/or affection from you, continue to treat them as you normally would – never ignore them if they’re coming to you for support. Reassurance can only go so far though, so it is important to ensure other steps are taken to make the night as relaxing as possible.
Keep calm with relaxing sounds – playing a soundtrack to disguise the whizzes and bangs of fireworks can help to keep your pet calm. It’s also vital that you remain as stress-free as possible to avoid worrying your pet.
Use a pheromone plug-in – pheromones are scents that help to relax and calm pets, but we can’t smell them. They are available on the PDSA pet store.
Make note of what your pet prefers – as fireworks occur each year, it’s important to understand how your pet copes best during the festivities. Note down what their preferred action was, for example if they hid, so that next time you can ensure they have plenty of safe spots to escape to. Likewise, if they seek reassurance, always be on hand to comfort them.
Prepare for next year – once the celebrations are over for 2022, prepare for 2023! You can help your pet to be less anxious around fireworks season (this is called ‘desensitisation’) over a period of several months, ahead of expected celebrations.
The PAW Report also found that the vast majority of owners (82 per cent) agreed that fireworks should only be allowed on certain dates and times to enable them to prepare their pets in advance.
PDSA has created a FREEFirework Guide – packed with useful advice and tips – to assist owners with planning ahead of celebrations.
Virgin Hotels Edinburgh is turning up the heat this New Year’s Eve with its Red Hot Hogmanay celebration, which is set to be the hottest party in town.
Taking place in Eve, the hotel’s all-day dining venue, party goers will be able to celebrate in style with a drop red gorgeous scarlet dress code and entertainment from live bands and world-renowned DJs, including Funkwild, Buckwild, Eclair Fifi and Rebecca Vasmant, playing until the small hours of 2023.
Celebrations kick off at 9pm where guests will be greeted with a welcome fit for a VVVIP including a glass of fizz on arrival. Whether you’re looking for an unforgettable dinner experience or a place to dance the night away, there is a selection of packages available at Eve to suit all guests, from ‘Dinner Only’ to the ‘Pimp My Party’ package which provides the ultimate VIP experience with no queues, your own table for the night and table service, ensuring you always have your glass topped up.
Situated at ground floor level, with an entrance from Cowgate, Eve opened its doors in October and boasts a luxurious interior with unique floor-to-ceiling murals and a vibrant, lively atmosphere, making it the place to be seen in Edinburgh’s The Old Town.
There’s something for everyone at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh and those who are seeking a more relaxed and refined evening can enjoy a specially curated 5-star menu with champagne to accompany at Commons Club – Virgin Hotel’s iconic flagship restaurant.
From 7pm onwards, Commons Club will be welcoming guests to enjoy a sophisticated evening filled with show-stopping entertainment from performers, Laura Wilkie, and Fergus McCreadie, on keys and fiddle. Guests will also have access to the hotel’s rooftop for an exclusive experience, viewing Edinburgh’s iconic Hogmanay firework display from a never-before-seen viewpoint. With one of the best views of Edinburgh Castle and a special rooftop fiddle performance, it’s sure to be an unforgettable experience.
Scott McArdle, General Manager at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, said: “Virgin Hotels Edinburgh is ready to show the Capital how to celebrate the new year in style with our first Red Hot Hogmanay.
“With lots of exciting plans in store – there’s something for everyone at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh from the vibrant, lively atmosphere of Eve which is perfect for those looking to dance the night away to the more relaxed and refined experience of our flagship restaurant – Commons Club.
“Edinburgh is synonymous with New Year’s Eve, and we are really excited to join in the celebrations at the home of Hogmanay, offering locals and our jet-setting guests an evening they’ll never forget.”
Whatever your preference for the evening, make this New Year’s Eve RED HOT and join Virgin Hotels Edinburgh for a night to remember.
On average, 96 people lose their lives to a water-related fatality each year in Scotland.
Scotland’s Drowning Prevention Strategy aims to reduce accidental drowning deaths by 50 per cent by 2026 and reduce risk among the highest-risk populations, groups and communities.
These aims are addressed by the collective efforts of the organisation Water Safety Scotland (WSS), and one of the major achievements of WSS is the concept of Partnership Approach to Water Safety (PAWS) groups.
PAWS is a multi-agency approach to raising water safety awareness at a local level. The strength of PAWS is that members have the required knowledge and experience to enable them to best understand water-based risks present in a certain locality.
Written in 2021 by James Sullivan of the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service, PAWS is recognised by subject matter experts as making meaningful contributions to drowning prevention and is WSS’s preferred method for formulating a local water safety group.
PAWS recently won the National Fire Chief’s Council (NFCC) Partnership Award and WSS would like to extend enormous gratitude to SFRS and everyone involved in PAWS who contribute to improving water safety and achieving the outcomes of Scotland’s Drowning Prevention Strategy.
A Water Safety Scotland spokesperson said: “WSS fully support the PAWS process and are very encouraged by the commitment shown by partners throughout Scotland to become involved and contribute to jointly improving water safety.
“Throughout 2021 and 2022 there has been a growing momentum and willingness from partners to work together and PAWS has played a vital part in coordinating these efforts and maintaining consistency and information exchange.
“With the forthcoming launch of the WSS Drowning & Incident Review (DIR), PAWS Groups will play a vital role in delivering comprehensive and consistent reviews of accidental drowning deaths in Scotland.”
WSS actively promotes and supports the establishment of PAWS groups in all 32 of
Scotland’s local authorities. If you wish to enquire about a PAWS group in your local area
Aldi supported local charities, community groups and food banks in Edinburgh and The Lothians on Christmas Eve by donating 14,530 meals to those in need.
Working with Neighbourly, the supermarket paired up its stores with local charity partners in the area to collect unsold fresh and chilled food when stores closed early on 24th December, with stores repeating the initiative on 31st December.
To further support local communities this year, Aldi’s Emergency Winter Foodbank Fund saw the supermarket also commit to donating £250,000 to charitable organisations throughout the winter season.
Both the festive food donations and fund are part of Aldi’s successful partnership with Neighbourly, a community giving platform that links businesses to charitable organisations.
All of Aldi’s 980 UK stores donate surplus food to good causes, all year round, with over 27 million meals donated to good causes since its partnership with Neighbourly began back in 2019.
Liz Fox, Corporate Responsibility Director at Aldi UK, said: “We are incredibly proud to have supported so many amazing charities and community groups in Edinburgh and The Lothians this Christmas, helping them to provide warm and healthy festive meals to those in need.
“We know that the festive period will have been a particularly challenging time for so many this year which is why we also launched our Emergency Foodbank Fund – allowing us to support even more organisations at a time of heightened demand.”
Steve Butterworth, from Neighbourly, added: “Christmas is always a busy time for charities and food banks, but this year was, without doubt, one of the busiest. The donations from Aldi are vital for so many people and we are really pleased to be working together to help those in need again this year.”
Spray and flooding probably leading to difficult driving conditions and some road closures
Delays and some cancellations to train and bus services are likely
Homes and businesses are likely to be flooded, causing damage to some buildings
A good chance some communities will be cut off by flooded roads
Fast flowing or deep floodwater is likely, causing danger to life
Marc Becker, Flood Duty Manager for the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), said: “Heavy rain from around midnight on Thursday into Friday morning could cause flooding from rivers and surface water in central and southern Scotland.
“Impacts may include flooding in communities, properties and agricultural land. Disruption to the transport network is also likely, including difficult driving conditions. Parts of Dumfries and Galloway and the Borders in particular could experience significant impacts.
“Regional Flood Alerts and local Flood Warnings are in place. People living and working in affected areas are advised to plan their essential journeys and consider the steps they need to take now to be prepared and to stay safe. Anyone out walking is urged to be extra cautious, even around small watercourses. They can also keep updated on floodline.sepa.org.uk.
“SEPA works 24/7 to monitor conditions and is in close contact with the Met Office and other partners to understand and communicate the flooding risk.”
Staying informed
Check the latest information on SEPA’s regional Flood Alerts and local Flood Warnings at sepa.org.uk/floodupdates.
Check the latest advice on what to do to prepare for flooding at floodlinescotland.org.uk
Register for SEPA’s free Floodline alert service by calling 0345 988 1188 or by clicking floodlinescotland.org.uk
After much needed time to relax with family and friends over Christmas, getting back into your routine in the new year can be quite the challenge, specifically when it comes to working out. In fact, research shows that one third of Brits admit to doing no exercise at all in December, so it’s vital to start the preparation early.
However, it doesn’t need to be so difficult – experts at Fitness Volt have highlighted five tips to ease yourself back into a workout routine after the festivities.
Set specific times
Scheduling your workout time is a simple yet effective step. Getting back into the right frame of mind after the Christmas buzz is just one of the ways you will have to readjust, and it can certainly take its toll on you. So, without a gym schedule, it’s likely that you will make plenty of excuses to not partake in any exercise. Consider your day-to-day schedule and choose your workout slot based on where you have the most free time – this way, you can mentally prepare yourself as well as avoid any excuses that you are too busy. Plus, a planned exercise slot will ensure that your workload won’t take over, as it’s a given that you will be getting back into a busy work routine, too.
Don’t overexert yourself
While pushing yourself is usually encouraged in fitness, it’s sensible to not push yourself to the extreme, particularly after some time away from exercise. Whether it’s weightlifting or cardio, doing too much exercise can lead to overuse injuries including muscle strains and tendon injuries, thus making you a lot less capable of meeting your fitness goals. After some time off, it’s natural to not be able to lift as heavy or run as far – so it’s crucial to not let it discourage you, as you will soon gain your ability if you stay consistent with your exercise. As well as this, overdoing it can lead to a burnout in the early stages and make you dread a workout as opposed to enjoy it. If you feel yourself giving up, try to commit to five minutes and finish your workout if you don’t feel capable of doing anymore; but with this five-minute rule, it will likely motivate you to do more.
Personalise your workout
Fitness lovers aren’t necessarily all gym-goers. In fact, there’s plenty of ways to workout which don’t involve the gym – and this is key for making it an enjoyable part of your routine again. If you’re a nature enthusiast and wish to do more cardio exercises, go for a run – or even a walk – at your local beach, local park, or even around your neighbourhood. Alternatively, if you’re into strength training but don’t enjoy the gym atmosphere, invest in equipment such as dumbbells and kettlebells to work out from the comfort of your own home.
Partner up
Finding a friend with similar fitness goals is beneficial for many reasons, one being that it acts as motivation after some time away. For the days that you don’t feel like exercising, a fitness partner can motivate you to get ready and get it done – plus, during a workout, your partner can even push you to take it to the next level, such as lifting a slightly heavier weight or increasing the incline setting on the treadmill. Having a partner can also keep you accountable to stay on track of your fitness plan, and recognise any goals that are yet to be met. Better yet, it makes it a time to socialise so that you look forward to it more, not to mention your partner can spot you to make your workout safer.
Set short term goals too
It’s always important to think of the long-term result; doing so allows you to plan your workout and figure out which exercises are best suited to your needs. However, having only a long-term goal can become frustrating when you aren’t seeing progress straight away, and can even result in you to give up completely – which is especially easy to do when you’re trying to get back into your routine. Therefore, it’s vital to set goals over shorter timeframes that are manageable, as well as not just focusing on your appearance. For example, you may wish to become stronger, so a short-term goal for the end of a month could be to increase your squat load by 20 kilograms.
A spokesperson from Fitness Volt has commented: “When it comes to Christmas, the last thing that needs to be on our minds is working out – it’s a time that we wish to be spending with family and friends, and it’s important to make the most of that. However, it can be difficult to find our motivation to get back into it from some time off.
Thankfully, there are simple steps that can increase your ambition again as well as make your workout more enjoyable to ensure that you can stick to your fitness routine in the new year and, as a result, enjoy the Christmas festivities without feeling guilty.”
The research was conducted by Fitness Volt which is a comprehensive online resource dedicated to Strength Sports, from healthy eating to exercise and everything in between.
