Road policing officers are appealing for information after a crash involving two vehicles on the A68 in the Scottish Borders.
The incident happened near to Camptown south of Jedburgh around 4.20pm yesterday (Sunday, 30 June) and involved a red Ford Transit van and a black Volkswagen Sharan car.
The 14-year-old male front seat passenger from the Volkswagen was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment to serious injuries.
The 47-year-old female driver of the car and two back seat passengers – an 11-year-old boy and 10-year-old girl – were all taken to Borders General Hospital.
The 47-year-old male driver of the van was also taken to Borders General Hospital. He has been arrested in connection with a road traffic offence and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.
The road was closed to allow for an investigation and reopened around 8.30pm.
Sergeant Lee Walkingshaw said: “Our enquiries into this incident are ongoing and we urge anyone with information or dashcam footage to get in touch.
“We would also be keen to speak to two unidentified people who stopped to give assistance at the scene but left prior to police arriving.
“Anyone with information can call 101, quoting reference 2271 of 30 June.”
A Scottish Ambulance Service staff member has become the first paramedic in Scotland to receive The Doctor of Professional Studies academic award.
Dr Chris Aitchison, 51, West Clinical Training Officer based at West EPDD Hamilton and from Peebles, successfully achieved his Clinical Doctorate, which is the only one of its kind in Scotland.
It is titled Describing the Demographic and Clinical Characteristics of Patients Who Present to the Scottish Ambulance Service with Non-Traumatic Back Pain. A Retrospective Observational Study.
His thesis focussed on the pre-hospital identification, treatment and immediate outcomes of patients presenting to the Scottish Ambulance Service with non-traumatic back pain across one year between 2017-2018.
Speaking on why he chose this particular topic for his thesis, Chris said: “There was a subjective perception that back pain was a condition that was thought to be low acuity or unlikely to be life-threatening.
“This suggested that it was an unlikely reason to call 999, yet many friends and colleagues in SAS told me that they often responded to people with back pain.
“I determined there were no pre-hospital ambulance studies that had described the people who called us for help. To inform any future intervention or care pathways for SAS, it appeared logical a basic understanding of this population was therefore required which led to my study.”
Chris looked at the population, their demographics, age, gender, socioeconomic status, and clinically how poorly they were.
He added: “I also looked at how ambulance clinicians assessed people, their diagnoses and how the patients were managed. I also managed to capture some of the GP urgent call data in this analysis.
“I’m absolutely delighted to have been awarded the Doctor of Professional Studies academic award as I tried to design my thesis so it can help future ambulance researchers with their work, using mine like a guide. Back pain was used in this case but there is a gold mine of many other conditions that need to be explored in ambulance care. I hope my small contribution helps.”
Scottish Ambulance Service CEO Michael Dickson said: “I’d like to offer my sincere congratulations to Dr Aitchison.
“This shows amazing dedication for such an important area of work and to be first Paramedic in Scotland to receive this award is an amazing achievement.
“Research such as this is vital as pre-hospital care is such an important part of the patient’s journey, we hope it encourages others to build on this work in the future.”
SGN is leading a new £2.5 million partnership with Kidney Care UK which will see them work with the UK’s gas distribution networks (GDNs)1 to offer specialist support to help nearly 18,000 people living with kidney failure across the UK – 1,250 of those in Scotland.
Currently in Scotland there are 1,250 people with advanced kidney disease who rely on dialysis to stay alive. The majority of these patients have a routine which consists of three to four sessions of dialysis a week, each taking up to 6 hours or more in hospital.
On top of this they have to manage the associated stress and time pressures of travel to and from treatment. Due to the time constraints and health impacts associated with treatment for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), only 26% of people on dialysis are in full time employment2. The consequent low income means many people with kidney failure live in relative poverty, compounded by the misery of increasing costs of living.
The unique and transformational partnership, uniting statutory, charitable and corporate sectors, will support vulnerable customers most in need, providing people living with CKD, with vital support to help tackle fuel poverty.
The initial two-year project will provide a holistic suite of services, including face-to-face support, where customers will get assistance with benefit entitlement, welfare support and specialist money and energy advice.
The service will maximise outcomes, in terms of financial support, whilst also promoting energy and carbon monoxide awareness.
The expansion of Kidney Care UK’s patient support services will mean that people on dialysis will have access to a dedicated, personal, face-to-face support service.
This will serve the 1,250 kidney patients on dialysis treatment in the 26 units across Scotland, as well as supporting people in the North East, North West, the South West and South East of England. Delivered by trained and trusted Patient Support & Advocacy Officers, the service will enable patients to access all the benefits and welfare support they are entitled to.
Laurie Cuthbert, Director of Fundraising, Marketing and Communications at Kidney Care UK, said: “We are pleased to be working with SGN as part of a transformational partnership with the Gas Distribution Networks across the UK to support nearly 18,000 vulnerable kidney patients in need of immediate support; 1,250 of these in Scotland.
“Philanthropic investment from our partners is enabling Kidney Care UK to increase its direct, on the ground support to thousands of dialysis patients, delivering tangible welfare and wellbeing benefits at a time when it is more important than ever”.
Linda Spence, Vulnerability Manager at SGN, said: “We’re committed to keeping our communities safe and warm and we know people with health conditions are uniquely impacted by higher than average energy costs.
“By working in a joined-up way with Kidney Care UK, we’re able to reach those who are really struggling and provide much needed energy advice. Through building strong connections we can help vulnerable households get much needed help.”
As Edinburgh gears up for its famous festivals, festival goers and workers can stay energized and enjoy the healthiest summer yet with Edinburgh Leisure’s new ‘Summer Pass’.
Available from TODAY – Monday, 1 July 2024 – the ‘Summer Pass’ provides unlimited access to 17 state-of-the-art gyms, 12 swimming pools (including five historic Victorian pools), over 750 fitness classes per week, and a world-class climbing centre.
The pass also includes access to saunas, steam rooms, and Turkish Baths—all for just £69. The pass is valid for six weeks from the date of purchase, with the last available purchase date being August 31, 2024.
Young adults aged 18-24 can enjoy a reduced-price pass for £49, making it an affordable option for students returning home or young festival workers staying in the city. Additionally, a School Fitness Pass is available for six weeks at Queensferry, Wester Hailes, Balerno, and Trinity venues, costing £49 for adults and £29 for those under 25.
These venues are also included in the general Summer Pass, offering an alternative option for customers.
Everyone who purchases a Summer Pass will automatically be entered into a free prize draw to win a one-year free Full Fitness membership.
Matthew Smith, Sales Manager at Edinburgh Leisure, said: “Edinburgh in summer is always buzzing with energy, thanks to the various festivals. We invite festival goers, workers, and visitors to keep their energy levels high by staying fit and active.
“Our range of classes and facilities ensures there’s something for everyone, from fun Zumba sessions to high-intensity X-press gym classes. And if you need to relax, our pools and Turkish Baths are perfect for unwinding.”
The UK government has released a statement in response to Israel announcing that five outposts are to be ‘legalised’ in the West Bank.
A Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) spokesperson said: “The UK strongly opposes the announcement that five outposts are to be legalised in the West Bank as well as further punitive measures against the Palestinian Authority.
“Israel must halt its illegal settlement expansion and hold to account those responsible for extremist settler violence.
“We are clear that actions by Israel to weaken the Palestinian Authority must stop. We call for longer-term measures to be put in place to ensure continued correspondent banking relations and assurance that Israel will release frozen funds without delay.
“The UK’s priority is to bring the Gaza conflict to a sustainable end as quickly as possible and ensure a lasting peace in the Middle East, through an irreversible pathway towards a two-state solution.”
Official condemnation, then – but all the while the UK continues to supply weapons to Israel.
More than 16,000 Palestinian children have been slaughtered during the current conflict.Tens of thousands of innocent families have seen their lives shattered.
I wonder if Sir Keir Starmer’s incoming Labour government will do anything different to address the plight of the Palestinian people, or will it be more of the same – business as usual for the arms dealers, words not deeds and more hand-wringing from our political leaders as the slaughter continues? –Ed.
The Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) is warning families across the UK to stay safe ahead of the high temperatures expected to hit parts of the country over the coming weeks.
This warning from the water safety charity comes as the UK is set to expect temperatures rise over the next few weeks and see people take more opportunities to enjoy water across open water sites in the UK and Ireland, as well as at home in the garden.
Following its Drowning Prevention Week campaign, RLSS UK is urging everyone to learn the Water Safety Code though its video animation to enjoy water safely this summer. RLSS UK is reminding those spending time near water in the UK to stay vigilant and follow the Water Safety Code:
Stop and think
Stay together
If in danger, call 999 or 111
FLOAT
As we see drownings increase as the weather gets warmer, the charity, which shares its expertise in water safety, lifesaving and lifeguarding to help educate everyone to enjoy water safely, wants to encourage everyone to take care whilst in or near the water this summer.
Matt Croxall, Charity Director at RLSS UK, said: “Tragically, as the weather gets warmer, we see an increase in the number of people that lose their lives to drowning. We want to ensure that everyone is equipped with the vital knowledge to allow them to safely enjoy being in or around the water this summer.
“As we’re officially now in summer and with temperatures climbing, each year we see a spike in accidental drownings occur in June, July and August. In 2022, 46% of the 226 accidental drownings took place within those three summer months[i].
“We are urging parents to stay vigilant in, on and around water, both at home and when spending time outdoors and to have the water safety conversation with their children. We want to avoid any tragedies and any more families going through the heartache of losing a loved one. With the right education, accidental drownings are avoidable. We wish everyone a safe and enjoyable summer.”
RLSS UK has a number of free resources available on its website – www.rlss.org.uk – to provide water safety advice for families.
For more information around staying safe this summer, please visit our website: www.rlss.org.uk
A NEW café has opened at Ryze Trampoline Park in Dalkeith, following a £20,000 investment, just in time to meet the demand from the expected surge in visitors across the summer months.
The launch of the Bounce House Café at the popular Midlothian family visitor attraction ensures guests can make a day of their visit with the five-figure investment including a new fit out, serving area and state-of-the art coffee machine for visitors to enjoy.
The café, which accommodates 15 booths will be open from 10am until 7pm and will offer a full menu of hot food offerings, from pizzas and chicken goujons, as well as a variety of vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options.
For those looking for something lighter, snacks and cakes are also on offer alongside tea, coffee and hot chocolate, as well as a selection of soft drinks and fruit juices for children.
The new café also offers catering for birthday parties and functions taking place at Ryze Trampoline Park, with a full party menu on offer.
As a result of the launch of the Bounce House Café, it will be recruiting for temporary positions in the coming weeks, as the trampoline park braces itself for an increase in footfall over the summer holidays.
Rory Fairgrieve, Sales Director of Ryze, said: “It’s great to have our brand new Bounce House Café open to serve tasty meals and quality snacks that everyone, including families, can enjoy.
“This investment into our new quality onsite catering offer is another fantastic leap for us in offering the best day out for families across Scotland.
“The team has worked hard to create an excellent food offering for patrons and we are sure that whether you are looking to enjoy a meal or grab a quick snack after bouncing the afternoon away, there is something for everyone at Ryze Trampoline Park.”
People across Scotland are being invited to have a say on how crofting is reformed. A programme of meetings will take place from 3 July to 15 August, stretching from Oban to Shetland.
The consultation, which runs until 2 September 2024, seeks views on a range of proposals for crofting reform. These will help to create opportunities for new entrants, encourage the active management and use of crofts and common grazings, and support rural population.
The crofting system must support effective and sustainable land use.
The consultation seeks the public’s views on proposals on:
entry to crofting
crofting communities
use of common grazings
strengthening residency and land use
enhanced Crofting Commission powers
simplifying crofting
Agriculture Minister Jim Fairlie said: “Crofting has a special place in the cultural heritage of Scotland, and we want it to play its part in our future too.
“We want to ensure that legislation enables and supports the sustainability of crofting, crofters and crofting communities, while allowing for modernisation, innovation, diversification and adaptation to help meet today’s and tomorrow’s climate and environmental challenges.
“Crofting’s place in agriculture and food production will remain at the heart of the system, but alongside these we now see crofting playing an increasing role in tourism, renewable energy generation, forestry, peatland restoration, beekeeping and small-scale horticulture production.
“The consultation proposals range from relatively small technical changes to significant innovations and I would encourage everyone with an interest to respond to the consultation or come to one of the meetings if they are able.”
Discover 200+ Accessible Family Days Out with the New Rough Guide to Accessible Britain
The Motability Scheme’s “Rough Guide to Accessible Britain” returns for its 10th edition offering over 200 ideas for accessible days out across the UK. The free Guide, ideal for disabled people and their friends, families or carers, provides inspiration for unforgettable summer adventures.
For over a decade, this series has been an invaluable resource for planning accessible outings, particularly for those with disabled children or family members with additional needs.
Taking the guesswork out of travel, the Rough Guide to Accessible Britain is designed to help users to easily find destinations based on their interests, location, and accessibility needs.
Every review has been written by an expert who has lived experience of disabilities and travelling with additional access needs. Readers will not only find detailed information on the physical accessible facilities such as parking but also services such as dedicated tours for neurodivergent individuals, British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters, relevant discounts for visitors and carers, sensory rooms, and much more.
From exploring historic castles, family-friendly museums, breathtaking natural landscapes, or adventurous activities, this Guide contains accessible activities for a range of interests:
Family attractions: Enjoy animal and nature reserves, museums, railway adventures, costume tours, interactive craft workshops, and sensory spaces designed to engage visitors of all abilities.
Free attractions: Discover 50 free experiences from the great outdoors to the best of Britain’s arts and culture spots.
Scenic drives: Enjoy up to nine exhilarating driving routes across the UK, complete with recommended stop-off points.
Arts and culture: Visit world-famous prehistoric sites, grand medieval architecture, and more, with hands-on introductions, audio-visual guides, and tours for a range of accessible needs.
Outdoors and adventure: Try white-water rafting on an Olympic course, coasteering or indoor skydiving! Those in search of peaceful escapes can explore nature trails or beaches with off-road mobility vehicles to hire.
New additions: This year welcomes a range of new entries including the Falkirk Wheel, Bamburgh Castle and Lakeland Motor Museum.
Motability Scheme Ambassador, Mark Ormrod MBE, highlights how the Guide has helped his family plan their days out: “Planning a day out with my family can sometimes be a challenge, but the Rough Guide to Accessible Britain is a game-changer. It empowers everyone, regardless of access needs, to experience what the UK has to offer.
“A particular highlight for me was our visit to the Tarka Trail and Tunnels Beach last summer and we can’t wait to explore more in 2024 using the new Guide.”
Created in partnership with Motability Operations, the company that delivers the Motability Scheme to over 760,000 customers, the newly refreshed Guide, celebrates over a decade of making British travel and tourism more accessible.
A free copy of the Rough Guide to Accessible Britain can be accessed at motability.co.uk/accessibleguide to unlock a world of accessible adventures this summer and beyond.
