Detectives at Gayfield Police Station have released images of a man they believe may hold information which could assist the investigation into a serious assault which occurred in the Cowgate.
In the early hours of Friday, 14 October, 2022, between the Cowgate and Candlemaker Row, a 43-year-old man was pushed over following a verbal altercation. The man sustained serious injuries and was later treated at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh.
The man who may have information is described as aged between 18 and 25-years-old, thin build, short hair, carrying a skateboard and wearing a grey and black hooded top, dark trousers and grey trainers.
Detective Constable Kieran Keddie, of Edinburgh CID, said: “The victim sustained serious injuries as a result of the incident and our enquiries are ongoing.
“It is believed the male pictured will be able to assist the investigation and anyone who recognises him is asked to come forward.”
Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has any information which could assist the investigation should contact Police Scotland via 101, quoting reference number 0350 of 14 October, 2022.
Alternatively, a call can be made anonymously to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
The Scottish premiere of the exhibition Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder opens at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh this weekend. In celebration of the television show’s Scottish connections, a suit worn by David Tennant to play the Fourteenth Doctor in special episodes airing next year, will also go on display in the museum.
This ground-breaking new exhibition, which runs from 9 December 2022 to 1 May 2023, explores the science behind the global hit television series Doctor Who and gives fans a chance to experience the Doctor’s adventures from a scientific perspective.
Produced by leading experiential design experts Sarner International under license from BBC Studios, the exhibition invites fans of all ages to explore the role science has played in the world’s longest running action-adventure show. The eight zones set within this educational exhibition cover a diverse selection of exciting scientific topics while drawing in content from across the full canon of Doctor Who.
Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder offers a thrilling exploration of science for both established fans of the TV show and newcomers alike. Actor, director and author Mark Gatiss – writer of several episodes of Doctor Who – narrates the exhibition, guiding this journey through space and time.
Mark Gatiss said: “So many people who have gone on to work in science have had their interest piqued by watching Doctor Who, and one of the amazing things about the show is i2ts ability to make us wonder. I’m thrilled to be part of the exhibition and I do hope as many curiously minded people as possible take the opportunity to visit at the National Museum of Scotland.”
A range of hands-on immersive experiences and interactive features take visitors on a journey through Cosmic Curiosities, a TARDIS Tech room and the science behind time travel asking whether it really is possible. In the Monster Vault, visitors also come face to face with the Doctor’s most famous foes including Cybermen, Weeping Angels and Daleks.
Alison Cromarty, Head of Exhibitions & Design at National Museums Scotland, said: “We are tremendously excited that the premier of this exhibition opens at the National Museum of Scotland this weekend.
“From the wonder of the science fiction of the TV show to our present-day understanding of the big scientific topics it touches on, there is something for everyone.”
Ed Cookson, Projects Director, Sarner International: “For almost 60 years Doctor Who has been exploring mind-bending scientific developments. The iconic characters, monsters, stories, and settings of the television series provide a perfect guide through the wondrous worlds of space, time and science.”
Doctor Who has strong Scottish connections. To date three Scots have played the role of The Doctor, Sylvester McCoy, David Tennant and Peter Capaldi (the Seventh, Tenth and Fourteenth, and Twelfth Doctors respectively) with a fourth, Ncuti Gatwa, recently announced as the new Doctor.
A suit worn by David Tenant in a series of special episodes airing next year will be displayed alongside companion Catherine Tate’s costume by the entrance to the exhibition. Other notable Scottish cast members have included Companions Karen Gillan and Neve McIntosh as well as Michelle Gomez as Missy (The Master), with Alan Cumming having also appeared recently as King James VI & I. Another Scot, Steven Moffat, was showrunner from 2008 to 2017.
The show has featured several other Scottish icons. The Loch Ness Monster appears in 1975’s Terror of the Zygons with Tom Baker, while the Picts featured along with the 9th Legion of the Roman army in 2017’s The Eaters of Light (which starred Peter Capaldi and Michelle Gomez). Other episodes set in Scotland include 2006’s Tooth and Claw, set in the Highlands and Under the Lake/Before the Flood (2015), set in Caithness.
The National Museum of Scotland is supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery in mounting the exhibition.
The exhibition is proving to be hotly anticipated with tickets for the opening weekend already sold out. Pre-booking is recommended, tickets are available from www.nms.ac.uk/doctorwho
National Museums Scotland Members free.
Book in advance to save, general admission: Adult £12-16.50, Over 60s £11-15.50, Student, Unemployed, Disabled, Young Scot £10-14.50, Child 5–15 £8-12.50, Under 5s Free
10% off family bookings*
Discounts available for groups of 10 or more
*10% off when you buy up to three Child 5–15 ticket alongside up to any two Adult, Over 60s, Student, Unemployed, Disabled, Young Scot tickets, with a maximum of five tickets in total. Cannot be used in conjunction with National Museums Scotland Member tickets or any other discount or promotional offer.
Annual £5 fundraiser aims to provide over 100,000 meals and gifts for homeless people
As thousands of people face hardship this winter and the demands on charities to provide support increases, Scottish-based business, itison, launches the eighth year of its Social Bite campaign, asking big-hearted Scots to donate £5 at www.itison.com/donate to buy over 100,000 meals and gifts for homeless people this Christmas.
The cost-of-living-crisis, as well as continued impact of the pandemic, has meant this year has been one of the toughest on record for families and individuals, and the £5 fundraiser aims to ensure that the most vulnerable in our society can enjoy a hot meal and a gift this festive season, and meals throughout the year.
Running since 2014, the annual Christmas appeal has raised an incredible £3 million and 700,000 donations to those who need it most, and last year, despite the hardship felt by many following the pandemic, over 100,000 donations were made, with an impressive 63% coming from new contributors across the country, showing just how selfless Scots can be.
In addition to the 100,000 meals and gifts supplied through Social Bite, along with itison they will also be donating the first £20,000 raised to Spirit of Christmas which gives Christmas presents to children living in poverty in around Glasgow, where the business is based.
Oli Norman, CEO at itison said:“This year has been exceptionally tough and the most vulnerable in our society have been hit the hardest.
“More people than ever before are struggling, and Christmas for homeless people and families is an especially challenging time. Every year we are blown away by the generosity of our members, and this year, at a time when support is needed more than ever, our hope is to raise enough through our Social Bite campaign to feed homeless people for the entire year”.
Josh Littlejohn, Co-founder of Social Bite said:“Back in 2014 we started working with itison on our annual fundraiser, with a target of 800 Christmas dinners. We ended up receiving over 32,000 donations meaning we could feed homeless people coming to our cafes for the whole year.
“Our annual itison fundraiser continues to exceed our expectations every year and has dramatically shaped the work we can do at Social Bite.
“We couldn’t do it without you and would love you to join us in sharing kindness this Christmas, please share it with all your friends and help the people who need it the very most this year.”
In Scotland, Social Bite’s Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Aberdeen cafes will open their doors to the homeless on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day at 1100 – 1600 to serve Christmas dinners with all the trimmings, offering food and company at what is one of the loneliest times of the year for many.
As well as providing food to those in need and providing gifts, itison members’ donations have previously helped fund the Social Bite Village in Edinburgh, providing housing, support, and a huge range of services to break the cycle of homelessness.
Social Bite is currently working hard and fundraising to build two brand-new villages in two new Scottish cities, their ongoing aim is to continue supporting people experiencing homelessness into employment, and 1 in 4 of its team has a background of homelessness.
Your donation is not only providing a meal or gift but also helping Social Bite to break the cycle of homelessness through systemic change.
To donate £5 to buy a Christmas dinner for a homeless person or give a Christmas gift for children, families and vulnerable individuals visit www.itison.com/donate (it makes a great Secret Santa gift or stocking filler too!)
The average Pension Credit award is worth over £3,500 a year and those who claim by 18 December could also be entitled to an extra £324 cost of living payment
Minister for Pensions Laura Trott urges pensioners to check if they qualify for Pension Credit
Claims can be made online and over the phone, with the Pension Credit calculator on hand to help pensioners see if they’re likely to be eligible and get an estimate of what they may receive.
Minister for Pensions Laura Trott is today calling on pensioners across the country to check if they are entitled to Pension Credit as soon as possible to ensure they stand the best chance of qualifying for an extra £324 cost of living payment.
Checking eligibility and applying by 18 December 2022 – just ten days away – will mean pensioners could also receive a £324 boost thanks to Pension Credit backdating rules.
This is because successful Pension Credit claims can be backdated for up to 3 months – as long as the applicant was also eligible to receive it during that time.
The average Pension Credit award is worth over £3,500 a year and even a small Pension Credit award can provide access to a wide range of other benefits – such as help with housing costs, council tax or heating bills – in addition to the extra cost of living payments.
Minister for Pensions Laura Trott said: “The run up to Christmas is always a busy time, but one thing to make sure that’s on your list over the coming days is to find out whether you or your loved ones could be eligible for Pension Credit.
“Pension Credit can make a real difference and I am determined to make sure this support – worth an average of £3,500 per year – is reaching everyone who needs it.”
Pension Credit is designed to help people over State Pension age and on a low income with daily living costs, though you do not need to be in receipt of State Pension to receive it.
It tops up a person’s income to a minimum of £182.60 per week for single pensioners and to £278.70 for couples.
To ensure that a successful backdated claim falls within the qualifying period for the extra £324 cost of living help, eligible pensioners are being urged to claim Pension Credit by no later than 18 December 2022.
Currently, around 1.4 million pensioners in Britain receive Pension Credit. However, many are still not claiming this extra financial help.
One of those who recently claimed is Arthur from Lincolnshire. After learning about Pension Credit from his neighbour, Arthur successfully applied by calling the Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234.
Arthur said: “Highly delighted with the Pension Credit award we received – the money was quicker arriving than expected and all in all very pleased with the result. I’d really encourage other pensioners to check if they’re eligible – it’s made a real difference to me.“
Pension Credit can be claimed by phone and online, ensuring that older people can apply safely and easily, wherever they are. The online Pension Credit calculator is also on hand to help pensioners check if they’re likely to be eligible and get an estimate of what they may receive.
“It is said that the mark of a civilised society is how we treat our most vulnerable citizens; what does this say about our society?“
Homeless Project Scotland are holding a peaceful protest outside the Glasgow City Chambers in George Square this morning at 10:00 am.
A spokesperson for the campaign group explained: “The aim of the peaceful protest is simply to demonstrate to elected members that Homeless Project Scotland’s call for a building will not be ignored. Our soup kitchens are now becoming a service operating 7 days per week and are attracting over 200 members on average.
“We have asked Council Leader Susan Aitken and Scotland’s First Minister to bring our most vulnerable and those experiencing homelessness in doors to have warmth, care, compassion and nourishment that is essential to us all to survive. The time for talking is over. It is now the time to cut the keys.
“We are hearing time after time from people on social media outlets that we are bringing people into the city centre, in actual fact it is the council.
“Since 2020 the council has had 4 Glasgow Hotels all located walking distance from our current unit under the Central Station Bridge and indeed, the removal of dinner from these accommodations is, among the cost of living and the COVID-19 pandemic, to a sharp incline. Poverty is now becoming the fastest spreading epidemic and we need action now.
“Our peaceful assembly is welcome for everyone to come and partake in and is potentially going to the circuit Scotland’s Streets.
“Homelessness is not invisible, these are people, it is ridiculous that in this day and age that people are pushed to choose heat or eat. There is a tenfold increase in the number of service users we are seeing and a tenfold increase in the number of street outreach clients.
“It is said that the mark of a civilised society is how we treat our most vulnerable citizens; what does this say about our society? “
There will be refreshments and a good old fashioned Scots Broth Soup for those in attendance.
More than 14.9 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccination have been administered in Scotland since the first jab was given exactly two years ago.
The initial effort to protect people from the deadly virus was the biggest logistical operation Scotland had seen since the Second World War.
Thousands of volunteers signed up to help NHS staff, mass vaccination centres were rapidly assembled in major cities and mobile units toured the country.
This rapid deployment meant a million Scots were jabbed within three months – averting 27,656 deaths, according to the World Health Organisation, which noted Scotland’s quick uptake.
Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “On this day we must first remember all those who have lost a loved one to this virus and reflect on what has been an incredibly challenging time for everyone.
“As a nation we can be incredibly proud of our world-leading vaccination programme.
“This could not have happened without the incredible efforts of staff and volunteers across the country. Unfortunately, COVID-19 has not gone away, and I continue to urge everyone to take up the offer of a vaccination when they become eligible. Vaccination reduces the risk of serious illness from the virus.
“Appointments can be booked online at NHS Inform and a number of drop-in clinics are now in operation – details of these are available on local NHS board websites and social media posts.
David Speirs volunteered to help the vaccination effort in March 2021 and is still involved in the national programme. He said: “I applied for the vaccinator training programme when I saw the advert in March 2021.
“I wanted to do something to give back. When I passed the training in May 2021, I felt accomplished and really proud of what we all had achieved being part of the first group. It’s been brilliant to be part of an incredible process to protect people. I maybe the person holding the needle, but behind me there are thousands of others getting us all to this point.”
54 year old Chris Mackinnon is due to receive his winter booster today. He said: “I want to do all I can to stay safe for myself, friends, and family this Christmas. I have been fortunate in that I have not had COVID-19 and I want it to stay that way.”
33 year old Francesca McDonald is also due to be vaccinated today and said: “As someone who is immune-compromised, I’ve been pretty timely at keeping up to date with my vaccinations throughout.
“I have just had a baby so I am delighted be getting this additional protection against COVID-19 so I can enjoy Christmas with my new arrival without worrying about the virus.”
Less than one in five pension planners have confidence in the new government
Scots do not think the government is capable of restoring pension security, according to new research from My Pension Expert.
The at-retirement adviser surveyed 2,000 adults aged 40 and above. It found that nearly half (44%) of Scottish pension planners think the government will be unable to stabilise the pensions market, despite Rishi Sunak and Jeremy Hunt’s attempts to restore faith in the UK economy. Just 14% have confidence in the government’s plans.
Almost half (47%) of those surveyed believe the current financial crisis has negatively impacted their retirement strategy. Nearly a third (30%) said they had now lost confidence in their pension scheme.
70% said that the recent turmoil in Westminster is distracting from the cost-of-living crisis.
As winter approaches, rising energy bills were listed as the greatest financial concern amongst 67% of Scottish pension planners. The majority of those surveyed have already started implementing a range of cost-cutting measures[1].
Nearly two thirds (63%) have avoided turning on their heating, despite temperatures dropping. Over two fifths (41%) have taken fewer showers or baths, while 1 in 5 (21%) have even gone as far as to skip meals.
Andrew Megson, CEO of My Pension Expert said: “Inflation is at record levels and expected to remain in double figures for the foreseeable future. Adding increased interest rates and constant chaos in Westminster, people are understandably desperate for reassurances. It is little wonder that public confidence has plummeted.
“The government must take action to protect retirees and pension planners. Being consistent with its policies would be a strong start. So too would providing Britons with the right tools to understand their financial situation and safeguard their hard-saved money – prioritising the launch of the pension dashboard and granting individuals access to affordable independent financial advice would be a positive step in this regard. Such action would help people to understand their financial situation and take steps to improve their financial situation.
“As winter arrives, people are understandably concerned about their immediate and future finances. So, the government must prioritise outlining a clear plan to support retirees and pension planners to understand their financial situation. That would mark a powerful statement that the government is putting savers first and even begin to reinstate some public confidence.”
Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford is the most influential member of the England squad, earning up to £37,950 per sponsored Instagram post
Team captain, Harry Kane is the second most influential member of the squad whilst Raheem Sterling is the third most influential.
Midfielder Conor Gallagher has the most dedicated fanbase, with the highest engagement rate on Instagram among the team at 18.92%
A new study has revealed the most influential members of the England squad for the Qatar World Cup, with Marcus Rashford taking the top spot.
The research, conducted by online casino comparison experts KingCasinoBonus.uk, analysed marketing tools and the social media profiles of the England team to determine which England player is the most influential.
Marcus Rashford took first place earning up to a whopping £37,950 per sponsored Instagram post. This is thanks to his follower count of almost 13 million and an engagement rate of 3.28%. The Manchester United forward has been praised on social media for his work around providing free school meals for children across the UK, creating a dedicated fanbase ahead of the World Cup.
The England captain, Harry Kane, is the second most influential member of the England team. Kane, who boasts 13.3 million followers, can charge up to £36,997 per sponsored Instagram post. Interestingly, Kane has the lowest engagement rate of any member in the England squad at just 0.36%.
The third most influential member of the England team is Raheem Sterling. The Chelsea forward can charge up to £27,661 for a single post on social media. Sterling has 10 million followers on Instagram and an engagement rate of 1.27%.
Trent Alexander Arnold is the fourth most influential player in the England team, earning £22,308 per sponsored post on social media, whilst Phil Foden is the fifth most influential player, earning £15,565 per Instagram sponsored post.
Jack Grealish ranks sixth thanks to his follower count of 5.4 million and an engagement rate of 4.69%. Grealish can charge up to £14,971 per sponsored post on Instagram.
Midfielder Conor Gallagher has the highest engagement rate with fans at 18.92% whilst Jude Bellingham receives the most average likes per Instagram post at 481,008 likes.
Those who play up front also top the leader board with forwards occupying five of the top ten spots – Marcus Rashford, Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling, Phil Foden and Jack Grealish. Manchester United produces the most influential players with three of the top ten coming from the club – Marcus Rashford, Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire.
England’s most influential players
Rank
Player
Instagram Username
Follower count
Potential Instagram earnings
Engagement rate
Average likes per post
1
Marcus Rashford
marcusrashford
12,975,093
£37,950
3.28%
422,632
2
Harry Kane
harrykane
13,306,943
£36,997
0.36%
47,879
3
Raheem Sterling
sterling7
10,030,643
£27,661
1.27%
126,421
4
Trent Alexander Arnold
trentarnold66
8,148,889
£22,308
4.19%
334,731
5
Phil Foden
philfoden
5,765,258
£15,565
7.17%
400,271
6
Jack Grealish
jackgrealish
5,405,916
£14,971
4.69%
251,745
7
Mason Mount
masonmount
5,215,031
£14,514
7.17%
372,925
8
Jordan Henderson
jhenderson
5,104,144
£14,172
2.09%
105,905
9
Luke Shaw
lukeshaw23
4,308,064
£11,978
4.89%
209,536
10
Harry Maguire
harrymaguire93
3,889,842
£10,380
2.58%
99,737
Commenting on the study, a spokesperson from KingCasinoBonus.uk said: “The past success of the England team at the 2018 World Cup and the Euros last year brought the country together and catapulted many of the players to a bigger level of stardom.
“It will be interesting to see who gains the most followers throughout the World Cup tournament, particularly if England go on to do well.”
NHS 24 Online – a new way to access health advice and wellbeing services in Scotland
Feeling unwell? If you or someone you care for is under the weather you can now find out more about your symptoms, when you can self-care and what to do if your condition worsens and you need medical help via a new, easy to use mobile app from NHS 24.
The NHS 24 Online app allows people to check symptoms to find out what to do next. There is also a chatbot function to answer questions and find out how to get further advice for a range of issues including running out of medicine or help for:
Eye problems
Flu-like illness
Lower back pain
Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
The App can also help people find their nearest health and care services using postcodes or location data. It will detail how far away each service is, if it is open or closed, and the contact details for that service.
‘NHS 24 Online’is available for both Android and iOS devices and free to download now.
Dr Laura Ryan, NHS 24’s Medical Director said the app offers people more choice in the way can get the help and advice they need: “Mobile devices have changed the way we do lots of things on a day-to-day basis and we hope the new NHS 24 Online app will make it easier for people to check their symptoms, and if they need further help to find local services at the press of a button.
“By downloading NHS 24 Online, people in Scotland will be able to get health advice from a trustworthy source in a fast and convenient way. And if more help is needed, the app will also provide information on where to access the right care in the right place.”
Please note this is a first iteration of the app – future developments and enhancements are planned for 2023.
The NHS 24 Online app is available to download for free on the Google Play Store for Android devices and the App Store for Apple devices.
One third of children not being seen within waiting time target
The Scottish Children’s Services Coalition (SCSC), an alliance of leading providers of specialist children’s services, has called on the Scottish Government to deliver a budget for mental health as new waiting time figures out yesterday (6th December) highlight that a third of children and young people are not being seen within its waiting time target.
Figures published by Public Health Scotland indicate that over the quarter covering July to September 2022, a third (32.1 per cent) of children and young people had been waiting more than 18 weeks from referral before starting treatment at child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS).1
The Scottish Government target is that 90 per cent of children and young people should start treatment within 18 weeks of referral to CAMHS.
A total of 4,990 children and young people started treatment at CAMHS in the quarter ending September 2022, an increase of 30.2 per cent from 3,833 starting treatment in the quarter ending September 2021.
The figures however come on the back of a planned £38 million cut to planned mental health spending by the Scottish Government in its forthcoming budget, to be revealed on 15th December.
This cut in spending is despite a mental health emergency, which is set to worsen given the cost-of-living crisis and services already at breaking point.
The SCSC has called on the Scottish Government to reverse its decision and prioritise mental health spending, avoiding a potential lost generation of children and young people with mental health problems, such as anxiety, depression and self-harm.
Even before the pandemic, cases of poor mental health in children and young people were at unprecedented levels, with services struggling to keep pace with growing demand, leaving an increasing number of vulnerable individuals unable to access support. The Covid-19 pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis have further exacerbated this situation.
The SCSC also noted that without increased spending it is unlikely the Scottish Government will be able to achieve its target, as outlined in the NHS Recovery Plan, to clear waiting lists by March 2023 and ensure that at least 90 per cent of children and young people referred to CAMHS start treatment within 18 weeks.
A spokesperson for the SCSC commented: “The latest figures highlighting that a third of children and young people are not being seen within the Scottish Government’s 18-week waiting time target is extremely alarming.
“Since the pandemic, demand on services has increased and the cost-of-living crisis is only going to make matters worse, creating a potential lost generation of vulnerable children and young people.
“We are facing a mental health emergency and many of our children and young people are at breaking point, with stress and anxiety reaching alarming levels because of the effect of the cost-of-living crisis.
“However, this concerningly comes against a background of a proposed cut to mental health budgets, meaning that some of our children and young people simply won’t get the help they desperately need, with potentially catastrophic consequences.
“We would urge the Scottish Government to reconsider its proposed cuts to the mental health budget and make this a budget for mental health.”
1 Public Health Scotland, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services: Waiting Times in Scotland, Quarter Ending September 2022, 6th December 2022.
