First Minister: Independence is “essential” to Scotland’s prosperity

Blueprint for fairer, stronger, greener Scotland published

Independence is essential to build a fairer, stronger, greener Scotland, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said as she launched the Scottish Government’s independence economy prospectus.

The First Minister said the paper, Building a New Scotland: A stronger economy with independence, sets out plans to make the economy work for everyone and forge a different path to the Brexit based UK economic model that, as outlined in the first paper, is poorer and more unequal than comparable independent countries.

It includes:

  • re-joining the European Union (EU) to benefit from, and contribute to, the vast European Single Market, helping to forge a different path to the UK system
  • a redesigned energy market that aims to provide secure and reliable low cost energy
  • retaining free movement of people, without a passport, across the UK and Ireland, with trade borders implemented smoothly
  • using the pound sterling, until the time is right to move to a Scottish pound
  • up to £20 billion in major infrastructure investment through the Building a New Scotland Fund, including investment in more energy-efficient homes, greener transport, better digital and mobile connectivity, and more affordable housing
  • using full powers over employment law to help improve pay and working conditions for people across Scotland, including introducing a minimum wage with a single rate for all age groups and stronger access to flexible working
  • a plan for better industrial relations through a social partnership approach involving business and unions
  • a migration policy tailored to Scotland’s needs and designed to boost the  working population

The paper outlines the new institutions that would be set up to manage the Scottish economy, including an independent Scottish Central Bank and a new Debt Management Office. Credible and responsible fiscal rules on borrowing and other key measures will be independently assessed by an enhanced Scottish Fiscal Commission.

Speaking as the paper was published, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “The UK economy is fundamentally on the wrong path and there is no real alternative on offer within the Westminster system.

“The establishment consensus on Brexit – despite the harm it is causing – illustrates that.

“For Scotland, not being independent means we are being dragged down the wrong path too: one people in Scotland did not vote for.

“To build a more stable, sustainable economy – with fairness and human wellbeing at heart – independence is therefore essential.

“That is the fundamental point we make in this paper. Independence is not an abstract argument separate from people’s daily lives.

“It has at its heart the ambition – and crucially, it equips us with the essential tools – to build a fairer, wealthier, greener, happier country.”

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Building a New Scotland: A stronger economy with independence

Building a New Scotland series  

Missing Woman: Body found on Cramond Island

Around 2.50pm today (Monday 17 October, 2022) the body of a woman was found on Cramond Island as part of ongoing inquiries to locate a missing person.

No formal identification has taken place, however the family of 47-year-old Averil Shepley, reported missing from Edinburgh, has been notified.

Officers remain at the scene and enquiries are ongoing.

Firework Safety: Be Safe. Be Kind. Be Smart.

Help us keep children safe this Bonfire Night. We are encouraging parents, carers and teachers to help us educate children on firework safety.

Did you know Scottish SPCA has lots of helpful advice, games and videos for children to watch.

Visit https://www.scottishspca.org/firework-safety to find out more.

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#FireworkSafety

InterContinental Edinburgh The George ensures sweet dreams

·       Historic city centre hotel partners with sleep specialist Donna Fairley to create a recipe for the ideal winter’s night sleep as the UK prepares for clocks to change

·       InterContinental Edinburgh The George has also worked with independent Scottish perfume house, Jorum Studio, to create a new bespoke scent – featuring Scottish botanicals of lavender and gorse – to help guests drift off

·       Guests will also have access to in-room yoga sessions from Hot Yoga Edinburgh, to relax the mind and body

·       The room add-on service is bookable from 30 October when clocks change to Greenwich Mean Time for winter

Travellers to Edinburgh will have even sweeter dreams from October at InterContinental Edinburgh The George, as the luxury hotel launches A Moment of Tranquillity aimed at helping guests to unwind and get a great night’s sleep in time for the season changing.

The historic city centre hotel has worked with a selection of local partners to develop the ultimate relaxation package, which will launch on 30th October to coincide with the clocks changing.

Partnering with behavioural sleep expert Donna Fairley, a Cognitive Behavioural Therapist for Insomnia from Sleep Consultancy Ltd in Edinburgh, the hotel has gathered expert tips on counteracting issues that the changing seasons can bring to slumber, to create the new room add-on package.  

InterContinental Edinburgh The George has also worked with Scottish perfume house Jorum Studio to develop a signature scent, which will be spritzed during a luxury turndown service.

Jorum was established in 2010 by Euan McCall as one of Scotland’s first fragrance houses.  In 2019, Euan launched Jorum Studio with his partner, Chloe Mullen, and the pair have been building a new, world-class perfume making industry in Scotland from their base in Edinburgh’s charming Stockbridge. Jorum crafts everything in-house, creating innovative and eclectic fragrances with the highest quality materials.

The new sleep-inducing room spray is named after the winter Celtic Goddess Cailleach, and encapsulates the soothing scents of chamomile, jasmine, ylang ylang, lavender and raspberry. The luxurious soft musk-based fragrance also features gorse, in a nod to the Scottish landscape that has inspired much of the interiors of the luxury property. 

Meanwhile, to help guest clear their minds before sleep, yoga studio, Hot Yoga Edinburgh, has provided a bespoke aromatherapy yoga class and morning wake-up routine, available for guests to view in room.

Instructor Allison Harrison will guide guests through a restorative series of gentle seated and standing positions to help clear the mind, relax the body and reduce stress levels.

Michael Martin, General Manager at InterContinental Edinburgh The George, comments: “We know that whether you are travelling for work or play, sleeping well can help you to have a far more successful and enjoyable trip.

“Our specially curated Moment of Tranquillity package will help guests relax and enable them to have the dream stay in any of our splendid rooms.

“Everyone wants to get the most from exploring beautiful, historic city destinations like Edinburgh and our new offering will allow guests to wake up refreshed after a peaceful night sleep, ready for the day ahead.”

Behavioural sleep specialist, Donna Fairley, comments: “Autumn is a wonderful time for long nights, curling up with cosy blankets and relaxing by the fire. Getting a good night’s sleep in winter should seem like no problem.

“However, for some people, winter can wreak havoc on sleep quality and quantity, particularly when we set our clocks back one hour for daylight saving time. If you’re busy and travelling, perhaps even more so.

“During the first few days after setting the clocks back, you will also notice that it’s bright outside in the mornings and becomes dark at an earlier time each evening. If you’re one of those people who finds that these colder, shorter months mean more tossing and turning at night it may be because fewer hours of daylight in the winter can have a big impact on your sleep-wake cycle.

“There is no single fix for everyone but there are great sleep hygiene tips available.  These scientifically validated tips have been included in ‘A Moment of Tranquillity’ to help visitors get the best night’s sleep possible in the luxury surroundings of InterContinental Edinburgh The George.” 

Donna’s top tips and strategies for practicing good sleep hygiene:

1.    Establish a consistent routine, try and keep a regular bed and wake time, including at the weekend, as this can help prepare you for time changes. 

2.    Get sunlight exposure as soon as you get up. Get outdoors in the morning, soon after the sun comes up. If that’s not possible, try to at least sit by a window during the first few hours of daylight.  

3.    Caffeine should be consumed in the morning as it can enhance performance. Caffeine consumed within six hours of bedtime can disrupt your sleep cycle. Avoid alcohol close to bedtime. Alcohol has a sedative effect and will make you fall asleep quickly, but it has been linked to poor sleep quality and duration. 

4.    In the evening, dim lighting is important. The bedroom should be as dark as possible with black-out blinds and lined curtains. When you are ready to sleep, the room should be so dark you cannot see your hand. 

5.    The bedroom should not be too hot; the ideal temperature is around 18 degrees Celsius. A drop in room temperature should start around two hours before you go to sleep, coinciding with the release of the sleep hormone melatonin. 

6.    If you tend to be a worrier, factor constructive ‘worry time’ into the early evening but not too close to bedtime. Try to think about what went well that day. Have a to-do list for outstanding tasks for the following day, so that when you waken during the night, you can reassure yourself that everything is in hand. Let it go! 

7.    Relaxing scents and fragrances can help you unwind. 

8.    Have a hot bath or shower two hours before bed, using scented oils to help you unwind. This will not only help you to relax but will initially raise your body temperature which will then fall and thereby optimise the natural effects of melatonin. 

9.    Practice stretching before bed. Yoga has been proven to initiate and allow for a deeper, more relaxing sleep. 

10.With its soothing and mildly sedative effect, chamomile tea prior to bedtime can help with sleep.  

InterContinental Edinburgh The George is perfectly nestled in Edinburgh’s old town. Each of its rooms and suites sit above the city bustle with a colour palette matching the Scottish landscape of Highland glens to forest ferns and mountain heathers.

Luxury interiors with homely design touches including throws, bathrobes and black-out curtains, make it the ideal spot for a restful night this winter.

A Moment of Tranquillity is a pre-bookable luxury turndown service, using the bespoke Jorum scents and includes access to Hot Yoga Edinburgh’s evening and morning classes, Byredo bath products, and warm chamomile tea served just before bedtime to help guests fully relax. 

Building on the advice from sleep expert, Donna, the hotel’s housekeeping team will pre-set the room temperature to 18 degrees for guest arrival, to help them unwind from the moment the step inside the hotel. Guests can also dd a gentle morning wake-up call.

Guests booking Moment of Tranquillity are being offered an exclusive 20% discount at Jorum Studio, to explore the perfumery during their stay, and find their ideal winter scent.   

A Double Classic Room starts from £170. To arrange Moment of Tranquillity on a visit to InterContinental Edinburgh The George, email edinburghthegeorge@ihg.com. 

For more information, visit: edinburgh.intercontinental.com/offers/

Cramond residents put their feet up at new care home salon

CARE residents have been offered the chance to indulge in an immersive salon experience as part of an activities rota aimed at improving residents’ wellbeing.

Cramond Residence has transformed one of its activity rooms into a purpose-built salon with a host of spa mornings planned throughout the month.

The indulgent experience will see residents drifting away to peaceful spa music while enjoying a hand or foot massage from experienced therapists.

Spa day at Cramond Residence

Garylee Rushford, Lifestyle Coordinator at Cramond Residence, said: “The spa mornings are designed to be a relaxing and sensory experience bringing joy to our resident’s day while improving their overall wellbeing.

“At Cramond, we try to ensure that we bring a homely sense into every aspect of our care. We believe that residents shouldn’t forgo any of the activities that they might have previously enjoyed.

“No one should have to miss out on the benefits of a well-deserved massage. Not only will it help soothe the residents’ joints and muscles, but it will also help them switch off and forget about the stress of daily life.”

Included in the home’s current offering for residents and curated by its dedicated lifestyle team are bespoke physiotherapy sessions provided by boutique experts.  The home combines luxury hotel living with the reassuring feeling of being in your own home.

Its jam-packed excursions and activities rota is centred around providing residents with fun and fulfilling lives with offerings aimed at stimulating both the mind and body.

Spa day at Cramond Residence

Garylee added: “Our residents are encouraged to take things at their own pace and there is always something to see and do – whether it’s taking part in a class or other activity, going out on an excursion, being pampered in our luxury salon, or enjoying a film in the cinema.”

Located in Cramond to the north of the city, the care home was launched in 2018 to offer uncompromising nurse-led care, as well as respite and dementia specialist services, and provides small-group living for up to 74 residents in nine luxuriously-appointed homes.

Cramond Residence offer tours of their quality accommodation and facilities, allowing potential residents and loved ones to see the residence for themselves, meet the team and discuss requirements.

To find out more, call 0131 341 4037 or visit https://cramondresidence.co.uk/

Rescue dog crisis as 3.4m Brits give away pets

Five ways to save money with pet costs at an all-time high

·       3.4m Brits have given away pets this year as costs soar

·       As price of pet products reaches all-time high, animal experts offer their money saving tips from tooth brushing to how to get the cheapest pet food

The price of owning a pet is on the rise, with inflation on pet products, such as food, health items and treats, up a massive 85% since 2015.

Pet food costs in particular have seen a stark rise, with shoppers hitting out at high price increases in supermarkets such as Tesco, Asda and Morrisons. The cost of pet care has also increased by 10% in the last year.

3.4m Brits made the heartbreaking decision to give up a pet in the last year, with rising costs a key factor. Trusted Housesitters, who provide pet sitting services, has looked into the data and offered five money saving tips for pet owners who may be struggling with costs.

1.      Research different pet foods

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Pet food can be one of the largest outgoings when owning a pet. Whilst some dogs and cats have sensitive stomachs, for many, putting them onto different food can be a great way to save money. Make sure you do your research and look at the ingredients – there are many reasonable priced brands which could save a lot. There are also price comparison supermarket apps, such as Trolley, so you can see where has the best prices on that day. Buying in bulk could also save you in the long run.

2.      Brush your pet’s teeth

A study into dog’s teeth showed that 85% of dogs over 4 years old have periodontal disease[1], which results in infections and inflammation of the gums.  Keeping your pet’s teeth clean can help to avoid hefty vet bills, brushing your cat or dog’s teeth every day (or at least twice weekly) can keep them healthy, which will save you money in the long run. 

3.      Learn to groom

Pet grooming is vital in making sure they stay healthy and comfortable, however it can be costly, at £43 on average a session, which can increase depending on the dog. If you are able to, learning to groom them at home can be a good money saving exercise. Think of things like clipping their nails, trimming their coats and cleaning around the eyes and ears, there are many helpful online sources which can help and if you are worried, or it can be impossible due to the breed then please do visit a groomer.

4.      Don’t skip the vet visits

Make sure your dog stays fit and active, has plenty of clean water and don’t skip your vet visits, as it could lead to them catching things early, which otherwise may cost a lot to fix. Going every 3-6 months for a health visit could be life changing. You could also ask your vet about payment plans to spread the cost of any treatment.

5.      Stick with tough dog toys

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Whilst fluffy teddies may be cute, they often don’t last long with a dog involved! Durable, good quality toys will last longer, saving you money in the long run by outlasting cheaper alternatives.

For more useful advice on owning a pet, please visit:

https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/blog/

Live from Covent Garden: La bohème in cinemas this week

THIS week, Puccini’s opera of passion, friendship and heartbreak hits the big screen. On Thursday 20 October 2022, La bohème will be broadcast live from Covent Garden to 900 cinemas in 34 countries around the world.

Puccini’s masterpiece has enchanted audiences since its premiere in 1896, quickly becoming one of the most frequently performed operas worldwide. Richard Jones’ production offers superb lighting by Mimi Jordan Sherin and stunning sets and costumes by Stewart Laing – starting with a freezing garret under the stars, and perfectly evoking fin-de-siècle Paris. A timeless love story, it is both the perfect starter opera for cinema fans, and a treat for even the most seasoned operagoers.

Kevin John Edusei makes his Royal Opera debut conducting a world-class, international cast: American soprano Ailyn Pérez as Mimì; Peruvian tenor Juan Diego Flórez as Rodolfo; Moldovan baritone Andrey Zhilikhovsky as Marcello; Australian-American soprano Danielle de Niese as Musetta; British baritone Ross Ramgobin as Schaunard; and British bass-baritone Michael Mofidian as Colline. Encore screenings will run from Sunday 23 October 2022.

Our cinema programme has brought opera and ballet to audiences across the globe since 2008. For the 2022/23 Season, an astonishing 13 productions from The Royal Ballet and The Royal Opera will be broadcast to more than 1,300 cinemas from the UK all the way to New Zealand.

Each broadcast offers audiences the best seat in the house, and includes exclusive behind-the-scenes footage, interviews and insights into the rehearsal process.

The programme forms an integral part of our plan to secure our future, expand audiences and continue to help facilitate the vital recovery of cinema domestically and internationally.

Charities at risk of ‘underestimating’ online fraud as one in eight experienced cybercrime last year

The Charity Commission is warning charities against the risk of online fraud, as a new survey found around one in eight charities (12%) had experienced cybercrime in the previous 12 months.

This follows earlier findings indicating that the pandemic prompted increasing numbers of charities to move to digital fundraising and operating, exposing them to the risk of cybercrime.

Most concerningly, the survey highlighted a potential lack of awareness of the risks facing charities online, with just over 24% having a formal policy in place to manage the risk. Similarly, only around half (55%) of charities reported that cyber security was a fairly or very high priority in their organisation.

The warning comes ahead of Charity Fraud Awareness Week, which begins tomorrow on 17th October 2022. The campaign raises awareness of fraud and cybercrime and brings the charity sector together to share knowledge, expertise and good practice.

It is run by the Charity Commission and the Fraud Advisory Panel and a partnership of charities, NGOs, regulators, law enforcers, and other not-for-profit stakeholders.

The Charity Commission’s new survey explored charities’ experiences of online cyber-attack. It found that over half of charities (51%) held electronic records on their customers, while 37% enabled people to donate online.

A greater digital footprint increases a charity’s vulnerability.

The most common types of attacks experienced were phishing and impersonation (where others impersonate the organization in emails or online). For both attacks personal data is often at risk.

There are lots of simple steps that can be taken to protect against cyber harms including changing passwords regularly, using strong passwords and two factor authentication, updating training and policies, making back-ups of your data using the cloud and making sure antivirus and all other software is patched to the latest version.

Many useful tools and resources will be available to help charities reduce their vulnerability to these crimes throughout Charity Fraud Awareness Week.

The survey also confirmed that there is an under-reporting of incidents when they do occur, with only a third (34%) of affected charities reporting breaches. It’s important that charities get in touch with the Commission where there has been a serious incident, even where there may be no regulatory role for the Commission. This helps the regulator to identify trends and patterns and help prevent others from falling victim to fraud.

Amie McWilliam-Reynolds, Assistant Director Intelligence and Tasking, from the Charity Commission said: “Online financial transactions, and online working generally, present a great opportunity for charities – whether in engaging supporters, raising funds, and streamlining their operations.

“This was demonstrated in particular during the pandemic, when the longer-term move away from cash to online fundraising accelerated. But online financial transactions and the collection and storage of personal data also harbour risk, and we are concerned that some charities may be underestimating that risk, and are therefore exposing their charity to potential fraud.

“We hope that projects like Charity Fraud Awareness Week help raise awareness among trustees and charity staff of the risks they may face, and of the advice and guidance available to support them in protecting their charity from fraud.

“Preventing and tackling fraud is not a ‘nice to have’. It is vital that every penny given to charity makes a positive difference, especially during these straitened times, when donors, charities, and those they support face mounting financial pressures.

Sir David Green CB KC from the Fraud Advisory Panel said: “Fraud is the UK’s most commonly experienced crime and much of it is committed online. Therefore, it is essential that charities take the security of their systems, information, people and money seriously.

“Simple cyber security measures can make a big difference which is why we’ve collaborated with UK police forces to offer a series of free cyber-security focussed events during this year’s awareness week.”

Charity Fraud Awareness Week 2022 will feature online events, talks and useful advice from anti-fraud experts, designed to help the third sector and charitable organisations tackle the problem of fraud and cybercrime.