Can anyone help?
Our Thursday Tots is a popular group but it can be a struggle to get everything cleared up at the end.
If you can spare an hour to support our current volunteers at the end (or even 30mins from 12) then please get in touch
It would also be good to have a bank of volunteers so our 2 main volunteers could have some time off. Tots runs 10:30-12 on Thursdays during term time.
If you think you can help then get in touch via FB msg or comment
Benjamín Armijo Galdames, a PhD student at The University of Edinburgh, is attending Parliament to present his biosciences research to a range of politicians and a panel of expert judges as part of STEM for BRITAIN tomorrow (Tuesday 11 March).
Benjamín’s poster, on the valorisation of next generation plastic waste using engineering biology, will be judged against dozens of other scientists’ research in the only national competition of its kind.
Benjamín’s poster was shortlisted from several hundred applicants to appear at the event in Parliament.
On presenting his research in Parliament, Benjamín said, “I applied to STEM for BRITAIN as it is a highly prestigious and long-standing competition. I was also interested in being able to present my research to an audience that is currently involved in the creation of new regulations associated with sustainable development.
“To be able to interact with them, to understand their conception of our work and its importance is fundamental to promote the development of scientific research linked to the needs of society and our community.”
George Freeman MP, Chair of the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee, said: “This annual competition is an important date in the parliamentary calendar because it gives MPs an opportunity to speak to a wide range of the country’s best young researchers.
“These early career engineers, mathematicians, and scientists are the architects of our future and STEM for BRITAIN is politicians’ best opportunity to meet them and understand their work.”
Benjamín’s research has been entered into the biosciences session of the competition, which will end in a gold, silver, and bronze prize-giving ceremony.
Judged by leading academics, each winner will receive a cash prize with a medal for the gold recipient.
The Parliamentary and Scientific Committee runs the event in collaboration with the Royal Academy of Engineering, the Royal Society of Chemistry, the Institute of Physics, the Royal Society of Biology, The Physiological Society, The Nutrition Society, and the Council for the Mathematical Sciences, with sponsorship from Clay Mathematics Institute, United Kingdom Research and Innovation, Warwick Manufacturing Group, AWE, the Society of Chemical Industry, Institute of Biomedical Science, the Heilbronn Institute for Mathematical Research, the Biochemical Society, and the Isaac Newton Institute for Mathematical Sciences.
A weekly phone call has had a life-changing effect on four vision-impaired veterans, including one who had not left his house for over two years following the loss of his wife and his sight loss diagnosis.
The four veterans, Ann McLean, Jack McVitie, John Barber, and Helen Bennett, meet virtually through Sight Scotland Veterans’ Digital Hub every Wednesday to chat, support each other, and take part in lively quizzes. For them, these calls offer much more than just entertainment; they are a vital source of connection, belonging, and emotional support.
For John Barber, 74, who lives in Dunfermline and has macular degeneration, the group has completely transformed his life. John, a former member of the Territorial Army, was devastated after the loss of his wife. His vision loss and grief plunged him into a cycle of isolation, leaving him housebound for more than two years.
John explains: “When my wife died, I was extremely lonely and isolated, I just didn’t know what to do. I had lost all my confidence and spent two years barely leaving my house, staring at the walls 24 hours a day. But Sight Scotland Veterans has changed my life. The Wednesday Digital Hub group is the highlight of my week. Before, I didn’t speak to anyone all week long. I was so low, but now I’ve made real friends.
“I honestly believe the charity saved my life. I feel like a different person now, even though I still have hard days. Knowing there are people who genuinely care about you makes all the difference. The calls and the quizzes are the highlight of my week, and I just would not miss them. The fun and laughter we enjoy during these calls, it’s just amazing and I can’t thank them enough.”
John recently visited Sight Scotland Veterans’ Linburn Centre in West Lothian to meet up with his Digital Hub friends face-to-face for the first time.
“It was the first time I’d left my house in years, and it was an incredible experience. Meeting everyone face-to-face for the first time was very emotional, I enjoyed it so much. The Linburn Centre was fantastic, and seeing all the ways they support everyone was really impressive.
“The friendships and support I’ve gained from the Wednesday calls have given me the courage to start living again.”
Since John’s first visit to Linburn, his life has completely transformed. He has moved into sheltered housing, returned to the Linburn Centre with plans to become a regular visitor, and even ventured out to his local pub!
Jack McVitie, a former police officer who lost his sight due to diabetes, agrees that the weekly calls have had a profound impact on his life. “The Wednesday call is chaotic and full of laughter, but most importantly, we support each other.
“Before the charity stepped in, I was suicidal, I had lost my sense of purpose. But Sight Scotland Veterans gave me my worth back. Curtis and Donna from the Digital Hub team have so much enthusiasm, and you can tell they genuinely care about what they do.”
Donna McIntyre, Digital Activity Worker at Sight Scotland Veterans, comments: “For these veterans, the Digital Hub is more than just a service, it’s a lifeline.
“It combats the isolation that so often accompanies vision loss and provides them with a sense of community, purpose, and belonging. It’s truly inspiring to witness the strong friendship these four have formed.
“It’s a reminder of how important connection is in life, and the camaraderie they’ve developed is nothing short of remarkable.”
Sight Scotland Veterans’ Digital Hub was created to combat loneliness and isolation and to help veterans connect, chat, and take part in fun activities. Every week, more than 90 veterans join the Digital Hub for virtual calls.
These aren’t just for entertainment; they’re opportunities to build friendships, share experiences, and feel part of something that’s both uplifting and meaningful.
The Digital Hub proves that technology can bring people together, no matter where you live.
For more information please visit sightscotlandveterans.org.uk or call 0800 035 6409.
As Scotland’s hospitals experienced the second worst January on record for A&E performance, the Royal College of Emergency Medicine has told the government ‘we need more than apologies, we need action’.
The figures, released last week (4 March) by Public Health Scotland, come after the First Minister, John Swinney and Health Secretary, Neil Gray, apologised to patients who have experienced extremely long stays in A&Es.
The PHS data, for the month of January, reveals 8,401 patients waited 12 hours or longer in an Emergency Department before being admitted, discharged or transferred.
Since January 2018, the number of people waiting 12 hours or more in major A&Es has increased by 11 times (767 to 8,401), eight hours or more by six times (2,816 to 16,684) and four hours or more by 2.6 times (15,401 to 40,552).
Patients are often stuck in Emergency Departments, on trolleys in corridors, experiencing extremely long stays because there are no in-patient beds available.
This is caused because people who are well-enough to go home cannot be discharged, often due to a lack of social care support.
Therefore, the system grinds to a halt, with ambulances queued outside EDs, waiting to handover their vulnerable patients.
So called ‘delayed discharges’ meant that an average of 1,964 patients each day were in hospital, waiting to be discharged, despite being deemed medically well enough to go home. This is the highest number since 2016, when guidelines changed.
Dr Fiona Hunter, Vice President of RCEM Scotland said: “This data provides a glimpse into the levels of pressure major hospitals in Scotland were under during the depths of winter.
“Each figure, a person who was seeking urgent care in a system that is well off being described as ‘gold standard’.
“And behind each person, is a team of hard-working and burnt-out Emergency Medicine clinicians who are trying to deliver the best care they can to patients who are often on a trolley in a corridor.
“The time for warm words and apologies from policy makers has passed, we need action. Long stays are not just inconvenient – they are dangerous. This is where the real harm lies for patient safety.
“The government’s operational improvement plan, set to be delivered this month, is a golden opportunity to detail how it will address this vitally important issue.
“Until a meaningful plan is put in place, staff and patients will continue to bear the brunt of a system that is in crisis.”
The Scottish Liberal Democrats recently revealed that an 87-year-old woman waited around 12 hours at A&E on separate occasions after she fell and broke her hip.
Her experience was highlighted as the party released data showing 12,438 people aged over 85 waited more than 12 hours in A&E in 2024.
After hearing the patient’s experience, First Minister John Swinney apologised to her and her family for the wait.
Earlier last month, Health Secretary Neil Gray MSP apologised on BBC’s ‘Reporting Scotland’, stating “anybody that is waiting for too long to receive services, either in an Accident and Emergency Department or waiting on elective procedure, I apologise to them. It’s not an acceptable situation.”
Dobbies Garden Centres is welcoming applications for Dobbies Community Gardens, offering local schools, charities and community groups in Edinburgh the opportunity to receive support for their green spaces.
The garden centre is inviting groups to get in touch with information about the indoor or outdoor green space they are looking to transform, restore or start, and what they would be looking to do with Dobbies’ support.
Dobbies is passionate about giving back to the community, and in the last year has supported more than 350 local groups through its local initiatives.
Successful groups will get the Edinburgh store’s help through product, tools and plant donations to help bring this community space to life and keep it blooming throughout the year. Dobbies’ Green Team will also offer volunteer hours to support each project.
Dobbies’ Operations Director, Nick Anderson, is encouraging groups in Edinburgh to apply. He said: “There are so many fantastic local groups near our Edinburgh store and Dobbies Community Gardens gives us the opportunity to give something back.
“We want to hear from all types of groups, whether it’s a school looking to build a sensory garden, a charity group trying to expand their fruit and vegetable growing project or a community group looking to rejuvenate an unused space.
“Our store colleagues are looking forward to hearing from local groups who would benefit from their support this year. We’re always looking to inspire the next generation of gardeners or offer a helping hand to those groups looking to freshen up their communal garden areas.”
Laura Joyce from Newtongrange Community Garden, which aims to help local community members who might be suffering from food poverty and give those experiencing social isolation a place to come together, received support last year and strongly encourages anyone who has a green project to get involved.
She said: “The support from Dobbies last year was invaluable to our community garden. With the product donations and gardening expertise we’ve managed to expand the garden with accessible beds, making it an inclusive space for anyone looking to grow fresh fruits and vegetables.
“The application process couldn’t have been easier, and it’s given us the boost we needed.”
Applications are now open. Those entering must be within 20 miles of a Dobbies’ Edinburgh store.
All nominated projects will be invited along to the Edinburgh store for the free-to-attend Grow How session on Saturday 3 May, 10:30am, where one winning project per store will be announced.
To find out more information about Dobbies Community Gardens and to fill out an application form, visit Dobbies Community Gardens | Dobbies Garden Centres
Don’t miss out on your State Pension entitlement.
The 5 April 2025 deadline for paying voluntary National Insurance contributions to fill any gaps in your record between 2006 and 2018 is approaching.
Watch our video on YouTube to find out how to check for gaps in your National Insurance record: https://youtu.be/_8GkTNgyXqs
Our online form is available to request a call back: https://ow.ly/oGbl50VarlC
The BBPA is calling for a change in UK No/ Low definitions considering many supermarket staples contain more alcohol than No alcohol beer and current rules penalise British brewers.
The leading trade body says a slight change in the threshold to 0.5% ABV would lead to brewers being able to create many more No/ Low alcohol beers, which would help people choose moderation if they want to.
Currently, ‘alcohol free’ beer in the UK must be 0.05% ABV or below, whereas non-alcoholic beer from many other European nations and international markets is allowed up to 0.5% ABV.
Brewers across the UK are investing a huge amount of time and money in creating innovative products, and 86% of pubs now stock No/ Low options. On top of this, 8% of pubs are serving a No/ Low option on draught, proving how the industry is helping public health goals and helping pubs be even more inclusive.
However, given the lack of a level playing field, British brewers are effectively penalised – even in the UK – as they cannot compete with European brewers who have greater freedom to make No/ Low beer.
In the UK an ‘alcohol free’ beer must be below 0.05% ABV whereas non-alcoholic beer from many other EU and international markets adhere to a slightly higher threshold of 0.5% ABV.
With the sector forced to work within such a restrictive threshold, the BBPA has pointed out that many products contain more alcohol than a 0.05% beer.
This was acknowledged in the previous Government’s evidence review published alongside their consultation on No/ Low definitions. The then Government recognised that foods such as bread, fruit juice and yoghurt can all contain a level of alcohol that is undeclared and does not need to be labelled or indeed is a cause for concern.
Specifically, their evidence found levels of up to 1.2g of alcohol per 100g of bread, and 0.77g of alcohol per litre of fruit juice. The Government also highlighted that an individual would need to drink 8 pints of 0.5% ABV in an hour to reach the same blood alcohol content as if they consumed one 4% ABV pint of beer.
This highlights the challenges and unfairness faced by UK brewers.
Emma McClarkin, CEO of the BBPA said: “It couldn’t be clearer that British brewers want to create more No/ Low options and cater to booming demand but are at a distinct disadvantage when compared to international neighbours.
“Our sector is committed to tackling harmful alcohol consumption, proven by how brewers are creating more No/ Low products, and more pubs are stocking these products.
“Changing current highly restrictive ABV thresholds to match international neighbours will help brewers create more products and give consumers more options when choosing moderation, all of which will help public health goals.”
From a public health perspective there is clear and robust evidence that no and low alcohol drinks are effective in supporting those seeking to moderate or reduce their alcohol consumption.
The No/ Low category is coming off a recording breaking 2024 and Christmas period with up to 140 million pints expected to have been drunk last year. However, there remains huge scope for further growth.
With this in mind, it is vital that the No/ Low category is supported so that it can continue to grow and be an option those who are choosing moderation, the BBPA said.
Joe Griffin has been appointed Permanent Secretary to the Scottish Government and will take up post in April 2025.
Mr Griffin has served as a Director General in the Scottish Government since 2021 and led across a range of policy and delivery priorities during his 29 years in the Civil Service, including delivery of the expansion of Early Learning and Childcare to 1,140 hours per week, the same level as primary school.
This appointment has been made formally by the UK Cabinet Secretary, Chris Wormald, on the agreement of the First Minister, John Swinney, and the recommendation of the First Civil Service Commissioner. Mr Griffin will succeed John-Paul Marks, who will take up the role of First Permanent Secretary and Chief Executive of His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
As chief official policy adviser, the Permanent Secretary works closely with the First Minister across the full range of responsibilities, including major strategic and policy issues, and is Secretary to the Scottish Cabinet.
The First Minister, John Swinney, said: “My thanks to JP Marks for his devoted public service and leadership of the Civil Service. My Cabinet and I are grateful for the invaluable advice he has provided during his time at the Scottish Government. I join with so many across the Scottish public sector and beyond in wishing JP every success in his new role at HMRC.
“I welcome Joe Griffin’s appointment as Permanent Secretary of the Scottish Government. He brings a wealth of experience to this role from his distinguished career in the Civil Service. I know from his record of delivery, not least on the massive expansion of early learning and childcare that he led, that Joe will deliver an unyielding focus on delivering for the people of Scotland.”
UK Cabinet Secretary Sir Chris Wormald said: “I would like to congratulate Joe on his appointment.
“He brings extensive experience from his roles at Scottish Government, including as Director General for Strategy and External Affairs and previously Director General for Education and Justice. Joe is well placed to lead the organisation and provide excellent support to Ministers.
“I would like to thank JP Marks for his leadership of the Scottish Government over the last three years.”
Commenting on his appointment, Joe Griffin said: “It is a privilege to be appointed Permanent Secretary and lead the Civil Service in the Scottish Government. I am grateful to the First Minister and the Cabinet Secretary for this opportunity.
“My focus will be on working with colleagues and partners to drive progress and deliver the government’s four priorities; eradicating child poverty, growing the economy, tackling the climate emergency, and ensuring high quality and sustainable public services. I look forward to leading the organisation as we deliver in the service of Scotland.”
As the principal accountable officer for the Scottish Government, the Permanent Secretary is personally responsible to the Scottish Parliament for the exercise of their responsibilities. This includes the management of the Scottish Government’s budget and the economic, efficient and effective use of all related resources.
“We, the Foreign Ministers of France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom welcome the Arab initiative of a Recovery and Reconstruction Plan for Gaza.
The plan shows a realistic path to the reconstruction of Gaza and promises – if implemented – swift and sustainable improvement of the catastrophic living conditions for the Palestinians living in Gaza.
Recovery and reconstruction efforts must be based upon a solid political and security framework acceptable to both Israelis and Palestinians, which provides long term peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians alike.
We are clear that Hamas must neither govern Gaza nor be a threat to Israel any more. We explicitly support the central role for the Palestinian Authority and the implementation of its reform agenda.
We commend the serious efforts of all involved stakeholders and appreciate the important signal the Arab states have sent by jointly developing this recovery and reconstruction plan.
We are committed to working with the Arab initiative, the Palestinians and Israel to address those issues together, including security and governance.
We urge all parties to build on the plan’s merits as a starting point.
Forever Edinburgh is partnering with the city’s independent bakeries and cafes to launch Edinburgh’s ultimate tasting menu.
Collaborating with eight of the city’s top producers, Forever Edinburgh has created the Ultimate Edinburgh Menu—a unique foodie’s guide offering an alternative take on the traditional tourist map. Available for download via Forever Edinburgh’s website, this exclusive guide is perfect for visitors looking to savour the city’s finest bakes, brews, and bites.
The menu offers an authentic, insider-led perspective. Each participating business has not only shared its own offerings but has also recommended another must-visit spot in the city. The result is a trail of unmissable cafes, bakeries, and coffee roasters, curated by those who know Edinburgh’s food scene best.
Celebrating the capital’s blooming cafe culture, the second instalment in the Meet Edinburgh’s Makers series, ‘Bakers and Baristas’, focuses on the city’s talented bakers, baristas, and independent café owners. It will shine a spotlight on the craftspeople and artisans that have helped shape Edinburgh into one of the UK’s top destinations for food and drink experiences.
Cllr Jane Meagher, leader of the City of Edinburgh Council said: “Edinburgh’s cafe culture is a vibrant part of the city’s charm, from artisan bakeries to speciality coffee houses.
“The Meet Edinburgh’s Makers initiative allows us to champion the talent behind these fantastic businesses and inspire visitors to explore Edinburgh’s thriving cafe scene. The Ultimate Edinburgh Menu is a brilliant resource for anyone looking to discover the city’s best-kept foodie secrets.”
Featured in the menu are local favourites Dune Bakery, Twelve Triangles, Mimi’s Bakehouse, Patina, The Bearded Baker, Little Fitzroy, The Kilted Doughnut and The Milkman.
Lewis Gill, owner of Dune Bakery, said: “Meet Edinburgh’s Makers is a fantastic initiative that celebrates the city’s creative spirit and provides a platform for Edinburgh’s unique independent businesses to showcase their craft.
“We’re proud to be involved in the ‘Bakers and Baristas’ campaign and to be able to highlight the incredible work our team and the city’s talented bakers and baristas create every day.
“It’s wonderful to come together to celebrate the places that make Edinburgh so special and to recognise the passion and craftsmanship behind every bake and brew. We hope this campaign inspires visitors to explore Edinburgh’s food and drink scene, and we’re delighted to be featured alongside such an inspiring group of makers.”
’Bakers and Baristas’ is part of the Experience the Beauty campaign, an inbound leisure visitor campaign, which aims to build year-round demand for Edinburgh by showcasing the city’s unique, surprising and memorable experiences.
Cafe culture is a booming sector of Edinburgh’s hospitality industry and ‘Bakers and Baristas’ highlights the city’s diverse and flourishing food scene while supporting local independent businesses.
To learn more about Meet Edinburgh’s Makers – Bakers & Baristas and download the Ultimate Edinburgh Menu to embark on a delicious journey, visit:
https://edinburgh.org/meet-edinburghs-makers/bakers-and-baristas/
