You better beer-lieve that residents at Strachan House care home in Edinburgh, were more than hoppy to raise a glass, and sample some top craft ales, bitters and lagers, in celebration of National Beer Day on Thursday (15 June)!
Staff at Strachan House set up a bar for a real pub experience and brought in a range of brew-tiful world ales for residents to sample. Residents and their visitors enjoyed a beer tasting in the garden as well as enjoying a fun game of beer pong with a difference.
Gordon Philp, General Manager at the home, said: “We love socialising and celebrating all kind of events, it is wonderful to be able to invite family and friends into our garden to join in events again.
“National Beer Day is a day that the residents really enjoy, who doesn’t love a cold beer on a hot summer’s day!”
David Leseuer, a resident at Strachan House, commented: “I didn’t realise we had so many lovely ales, it was fantastic to be able to enjoy a cold beer in the garden with my friends and family – you can’t really beat that now, can you?”
Our varied life enrichment programme keeps residents active, and provides a daily choice of engaging physical, mental and spiritual activities tailored to residents’ interests and abilities.
Strachan House is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering high-quality care across its care homes and hospitals. Strachan House provides nursing care, residential care, respite care.
Dobbies’ Edinburgh and Lothian stores are inviting amateur gardeners, of all ages and backgrounds from across the region, to enter its annual Not Your Average Gardener Awards.
Set to celebrate novice gardeners and enthusiasts alike, both Stockbridge little dobbies and Edinburgh Dobbies stores are calling in the help of a robust panel of horticultural and wildlife experts to crown four winners.
With four new categories, judges will be looking for a variety of gardeners of all abilities to put themselves, or a loved one, forward to be in with the chance of scooping Dobbies’ annual gardening prize.
Dobbies’ Senior Houseplant Buyer and recently appointed Royal Horticultural Society Chair of Assessors, Claire Bishop, will join Dobbies’ Horticultural Director and seasoned judge, Marcus Eyles, to crown the new Creative Indoor Gardener and Little Eco Gardener categories.
Claire said: “It’s a real honour to be part of the Not Your Average Gardener Awards for its fourth year and I can’t wait to see the talent from our houseplant enthusiasts across Edinburgh and the Lothians.
“The awards have been designed with full inclusivity in mind, so we’re looking for people of all ages and skill levels to get in touch and tell us about their vibrant green space that they have a real passion for.”
RePollinate, a Scottish-based charity that conserves and enhances the UK’s threatened pollinators through education, scientific research and the creation of pollinator friendly habitats, will judge the Wildlife Friendly Garden category.
Leigh Biagi, Project Coordinator at RePollinate, is thrilled to be partnering with Dobbies on the judging panel. She said: “We are so delighted to be asked to judge the Wildlife Friendly Gardener category of the awards.
“At RePollinate we are passionate about doing all we can to support nature in our green spaces, no matter how big or small that space may be, and we know that this passion is shared by many gardeners. It will be exciting to see the entries and discover what people are doing to support sustainability and welcome nature into their gardens.”
Social media gardening expert, Michael Griffiths, aka The Mediterranean Gardener, joins the panel to judge the Plant to Plate Gardener category. He said: “I’m delighted to be part of this year’s Not Your Average Gardener Awards, and can’t wait to see all the fantastic entries from gardeners across Edinburgh and the Lothians. It’s a great opportunity to celebrate the creativity and commitment of amateur gardeners, who invest their time and skill into making wonderful outside spaces with a grow your own focus.”
There’s a prize pot of £4,000 to help successful applicants take their award-winning garden to the next level, each taking home a £1,000 giftcard to spend in their nearest Dobbies or little dobbies. Team members will be on hand to help winners select the best sustainable products and plants for their space.
Entries close on Friday 30 June and winners will be announced early August.
Father and daughter performers share their bond at The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
Ahead of Father’s Day, father and daughter duo Andrew and Lauren McLellan from New Zealand reflect on their special time spent together performing at The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
As the Tattoo prepares to bring Stories to the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade this coming August, Andrew and Lauren’s story is a reminder of what the Tattoo represents. Bursting with talented performers like the family duo, the Tattoo brings families, friends, and audiences together to share in music, heritage and spectacle which is why the Show remains a beloved moment in the world’s calendar and every Show a must-see.
The pair live in the city of Tauranga on the North Island of New Zealand after relocating from Dunedin on the South Island, a city which shares heritage and culture with Edinburgh, even being classified as an official ‘sister-city’ of its Scottish counterpart.
The synergy of Scottish traditions and music has been a big part of both father and daughter’s lives, ultimately leading to the chance for them both to perform at The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, Lauren as a Side Drummer and Andrew as Drum Major with the Tattoo Pipes and Drums.
Retaining a sense of Scotland in his daughters’ lives was essential to Andrew, whose family moved from Scotland to New Zealand in the 1920s. Speaking about his Scottish heritage, Andrew said: “Despite my mother’s parents and her siblings being born in the Shotts and Bathgate area of Scotland and moving to New Zealand in the late 1920s, we weren’t brought up with any Scottish knowledge or heritage. Musically my mother’s family were very talented and involved in brass bands and the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra. So, it was important, to me, for my children to participate in their Scottish heritage.”
Andrew’s time performing with the Tattoo Pipes and Drums allowed him to fulfil a lifelong dream: “Since taking on the role of Drum Major I never dreamt of leading the Massed Pipes and Drums down Castlehill at all but getting that opportunity twice was absolutely thrilling! The whole experience of marching out across the drawbridge or marching off and hearing the roar and applause of 8,800 or so spectators, over the top of the massed pipes and drums, is intoxicating.”
Lauren, who will return to the Tattoo again this year, said. “I have performed twice at The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo now, both times as a snare drummer, my first time in 2019, and last year being a part of the Tattoo Pipes and Drums.”
REMT
Jason Barrett, Chief Operating Officer of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, said: “The Tattoo has always excelled at bringing families and friends together, and this year’s Show Stories is no exception.
“We are so fortunate to have family performers like Andrew and Lauren, along with such a gifted cast and crew to make Stories an unforgettable show. Families have played a special and memorable role throughout the Tattoo’s rich 73-year history. The family connection within the ranks of our performers continues to be a testament to how we bring people together through shared experiences, shared stories, and special memories.
“This August on the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade, our performers will get the opportunity to showcase their own unique stories and experiences from around the world that will leave audiences with lasting memories.”
Stories will run from 4-26 August 2023, featuring the military at the heart of the showcase. Audiences can expect performers from Norway, The United States, Australia, Trinidad and Tobago, and Switzerland, alongside homegrown acts from across the UK and Ireland. As ever, the military will play a prominent role in the Show, with the Royal Air Force at the forefront as this year’s lead service.
These talented international acts will be accompanied by the magnificent sounds of the Massed Pipes and Drums filling up the Esplanade, alongside performances from the incredibly talented Tattoo Pipes and Drums and Tattoo Dancers.
To purchase tickets for the summer’s Show, visit edintattoo.co.uk/tickets or call 0131 225 1188.
From ‘Science Orchestras’ to ‘Science and Supper’ – Science and Discovery Centres across the UK have built programmes designed to reach under-represented young people in their communities
The Association for Science and Discovery Centres (ASDC) has released the results from 16 diversity and inclusion programmes for young people run in Centres across the UK. The activities have specifically been built to help tackle the diversity challenges currently faced throughout the Science Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) sector.
The programmes, funded by the Science Technology Facilities Council (STFC), part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), have been developed to help nurture and support the creative thinkers of today into diverse scientists, researchers, and innovators of the future.
Over 10,000 children, young people and their families from traditionally under-represented and marginalised communities took part in the programmes, where they were encouraged to explore STEM on their terms in fresh, inclusive, and exploratory ways.
The ASDC and STFC supported projects dovetail with the March 23 Diversity and Inclusion STEM Report, released by Greg Clark MP, Chair of the House of Commons Science & Technology Committee which states “STEM still has a diversity problem”.
Shaaron Leverment, Chief Executive of the ASDC commented “UK STEM industry and research is one of the most innovative and exciting sectors, but if it is to flourish for our future, there is no doubt that diversity is an issue.
“Our collective vision at ASDC is for a society where science is accessible, inclusive, and valued by all as a fundamental part of everyday life. This STFC-funded project shows how science and discovery centres provide so much more than just a fun day out – they open up new relationships and pathways in STEM across all ages, genders, backgrounds, geographies and abilities.
“We’re excited to see the mix of creativity and ingenuity of the outreach programmes run by our members. They are supporting a sense of belonging, value and ownership in STEM for a new cohort that may indeed become the future STEM innovators and solution-finders of tomorrow.”
Five of the programmes that have made an impact on their local communities are:
Aberdeen Science Centre – launched ‘Supper and Science’ which worked with families within the top 20% of the Scottish Index for Multiple Deprivation and were affected by the cost of living crisis, and encouraged them to take part and learnt to cook whilst also learning about the impact science and technology have on their daily lives.
Dynamic Earth in Edinburgh – in partnership with Tinderbox Sparks Youth Orchestra, formed a resident ‘science orchestra’ with 20 young people to highlight the connection between music and science, as well as compose music for Dynamic Earth’s new climate change planetarium show ‘Don’t Panic’. The orchestra performed for family and friends, as well as composing ‘Seascapes’ – a haunting accompaniment for footage of deep-sea creatures taken by the Schmitt Ocean Institute.
Jodrell Bank in Macclesfield – offered free trips for over 500 school groups and 80 families. Additionally, secondary school students participated in a ‘Girls Night Out’, an event celebrating women in science past, present and future and encouraged women to consider STEM careers, as well as supporting the centre in its mission to make ‘Space for everyone’.
National Space Centre IGNITE in Leicester – inspired by a young boy who wanted to go to attend ‘Space Club’ in Coalville but was unable to, the centre developed a community programme for children to get excited about Leicester’s role in space. The programme also demonstrated what career opportunities are available on their doorstep and the diversity of jobs available across the space sector.
We The Curious in Bristol – launched the ‘Space Science in Time of Crisis’ workshops with Year 9 and Year 10 students from Bristol who were encouraged to explore ‘Should space science be a priority in the current time of crisis?’ and develop a TikTok style video to share their perspectives.
Vanessa Vazquez, Community Engagement Coordinator at Aberdeen Science Centre commented on the initiatives “The STFC Impact Project brought science to communities, creating equal opportunities for all. It sparked curiosity, encouraged experimentation, and empowered individuals to take ownership.
“We witnessed incredible transformations, from a disinterested child becoming engaged and excited to them volunteering for experiments. This project went beyond checklists, exemplifying our dedication to uplifting communities. We will continue to make a positive impact, bringing joy and empowerment to every opportunity we encounter.”
Neville Hollingworth, STFC Public Engagement Manager, said: “We are incredibly proud to mark over a decade of successful collaboration between STFC and ASDC with these excellent results.
“In order for UK science and innovation to thrive, it is essential that communities who are under-represented in the STEM sector are engaged with the amazing stories that the science and technology community has to tell.
“These collaborations between STFC, ASDC, and community groups, young people, and families have inspired people across the UK to take an active role in science and provided fantastic opportunities for the benefit of all of society.”
‘Early grip’ of budget to ensure best value for residents
The City of Edinburgh Council has begun budget setting early in an extra effort to ‘futureproof the services which matter most to residents and deliver them more efficiently’.
A report published this week outlines high level proposals for how the council will ‘innovate to lower costs and provide best value for the people of Edinburgh’ when it sets its next budget.
As it is developed further, the Financial Strategy and Medium-Term Financial Plan will provide a forward look and action plan to address the city’s longer-term financial challenge – while staying true to Edinburgh’s core values, priorities, and commitments made in the council’s business plan.
With a focus on improving services where possible rather than reducing them, the initial proposals are based on:
An assumed Council Tax rise of at least 3 per cent;
A programme of internal change involving a new system to better support HR activities;
More efficient use of Community Transport;
Exploring new income and trading opportunities;
Making the best use of the council’s estate so that it has fewer but better buildings;
Managing contracts and partnerships more efficiently and at lower cost;
Driving down costs by embracing digital solutions.
This early planning comes just a few months after Councillors controversially agreed a Lib-Dem budget for 2023/24 set against a backdrop of real-terms reductions in core government grant funding.
Councillor Mandy Watt, Finance and Resources Convener, said:We’re proud of our commitment to making Edinburgh a greener and fairer city, and to getting the basics right. And we’re equally proud of our track record of strong financial management. This strategic approach prepares us for the challenges that we’ll face over the coming years.
“The work we do now will pave the way for protecting and enhancing our investment in Edinburgh’s future, which we’ve committed to in the council’s Business Plan. We need to make this investment, whilst also prioritising the day-to-day services residents say matter most to them right now.
“Local authorities have suffered a decade of continuous real term income cuts from central government and Edinburgh is no exception. In fact, Edinburgh remains the lowest funded council per head in Scotland, despite the unique pressures which come with being Scotland’s capital city – our projected population growth, the climate crisis, and our well documented housing shortage.
“The Scottish Government could do more to support Edinburgh. Fast tracking the Transient Visitor Levy, and allowing councils to decide what to use the income for, would make a huge difference to our finances.
“I know that financial planning can cause concerns, particularly amongst our workers, so I want to make it absolutely clear that I remain committed to the council’s longstanding approach to no-compulsory redundancies.
“A further report re-affirming this will be brought to a meeting of the Policy and Sustainability Committee in August and we will continue to engage with Trade Unions throughout the ongoing budget process.”
On Saturday, 10th June 2023, the black-tie fundraising event at The Radisson Blu Hotel, Glasgow, was attended by nearly 500 people, providing an opportunity for guests to help raise vital funds and awareness for pancreatic cancer.
Scottish stand-up comedian and TV/radio presenter Des Clarke hosted the event with fabulous entertainment throughout the evening and opportunities to win luxury items through tombolas, prize giveaways, an online auction, and a live auction.
David McRae, Managing Director of Just Employment Law, spoke from the heart about sadly losing his mother Margaret to pancreatic cancer seven years ago, the same year he lost his younger brother. He explained that the Summer Ball was again being held in their memory.
A powerful video featuring members of the Just Employment Law and Pancreatic Cancer Action Scotland teams played across large TV screens. Marty Bryson, who sadly lost his mum to pancreatic cancer in 2016 when he was only 15, performed two songs he had written in memory of his mum.
Sean McGarvey, son of former Celtic and St Mirren football legend Frank McGarvey, who passed away from pancreatic cancer in January, spoke to guests. Sean thanked Pancreatic Cancer Action Scotland for their support of his family. He highlighted the importance of earlier diagnosis and the urgent need to raise funds and awareness to help save lives.
Scottish football journalist and radio presenter Tam Cowan, who lost his father-in-law John to pancreatic cancer in December 2020, led the hugely successful live auction, all while entertaining the guests with his unique brand of comedy.
Before the guests were let loose on the dancefloor, one lucky guest won a Star Prize Giveaway of £5,000 cash on the evening. The guests then danced the night away with the band Waterfront filling the dancefloor.
To date, Just Employment Law has raised nearly £400,000 in aid of Pancreatic Cancer Action Scotland, and they are tireless in their support of the cause.
David McRae said: “We were delighted to host our third Summer Ball in support of PCAS and to raise much-needed funds and awareness for the charity.
“Having lost my own mother to this silent killer, I have first-hand experience of the devastation it causes. We, and I personally, stand with PCAS and all the excellent work they do.”
Fiona Brown, Development Manager for Pancreatic Cancer Action Scotland, said: “We are incredibly grateful to David and the Just Employment Law team, family, friends and networks for their amazing generosity and kindness over a number of years as our charity partners.
“Events like The Summer Ball take a huge amount of organising by the JEL team but can play a key role in raising awareness and funds for pancreatic cancer. It was a wonderful evening and particularly special to have three pancreatic cancer survivors in the room, helping highlight that survival is possible, and earlier diagnosis can save lives.”
Sandra Bigbie, a nine-year pancreatic cancer survivor from Rutherglen, said: “It was an incredible night out and was the most fun I’ve had in years! I would like to thank everyone who was so generous with their donations to raise such an astonishing amount for a very worthy cause.
“I’m sadly part of a very small club of survivors, early diagnosis is the only way to help save more lives, and that is why I am so proud to be able to support Pancreatic Cancer Actions Scotland’s efforts to create a future whereas many people as possible are saved.”
Pancreatic Cancer Action Scotland remains dedicated to saving lives via early diagnosis. If you would like to learn more about us and our mission, you can do so here: panact.org
Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Tip, written by the Health Promotion and Education Team at Heart Research UK
Healthy Heart Tip: Heart Healthy BBQ
Nothing quite says summer like the smell of a BBQ! This week’s healthy tip is all about how we can turn a regular not-so-healthy BBQ into a flavour packed heart healthy feast for the whole family to enjoy. We give you tips on how to increase the fibre and reduce the fat content of your usual BBQ spread.
Sizzling skewers
Skewers are great for BBQ’s, and you can fill them with a rainbow of vegetables to help you hit your five-a-day and add some heart-healthy fibre to your meal.
Peppers, courgette, onion, and tomatoes work well together. The key is to cut your veggies into similar size chunks and if you’re using wooden skewers make sure you soak them before grilling so they don’t burn.
Choose fish and chicken
When thinking about a BBQ, burgers and sausages usually spring to mind and while these are fine to eat in moderation, there are heart-healthier options to choose.
Try grilling salmon wrapped in foil with some lemon for an omega-3 rich lean protein source to pair with your skewers. If you still fancy sausages, choose lean chicken varieties which contain less saturated fat.
Add a jacket spud
Jacket potatoes are the perfect BBQ accompaniment as you can cook them in advance and then wrap them in foil to pop on the BBQ to warm up.
They pair perfectly with veggie skewers and salmon to create a balanced heart-healthy delicious BBQ meal to enjoy in the garden.
POLICE are re-appealing for information on the whereabouts of 39-year-old Sean McGovern, a prisoner who absconded from HMP Castle Huntly.
Sean was reported missing to police around 10pm on Sunday, 11 June. The most recent information provided to police is that he may have travelled to the Edinburgh or Lothian area. However, despite extensive enquiries and searches, he has not yet been traced.
He is described as white, around 5ft 8ins in height and of stocky build with a scar on his right cheek.
When he absconded he was wearing a dark-coloured woollen hat and a dark-coloured long sleeved top, with light-coloured trousers and trainers.
Officers are again advising members of the public not to approach him if they see him but to contact police.
Anyone who has seen Sean since Sunday evening, or who has any information on his whereabouts is urged to contact 101 with reference 4025 of 11 June. Alternatively contact Crimestoppers through 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) are calling on businesses to pay urgent attention to the growing threat of water shortages and take action, as every part of Scotland has now reached some level of scarcity.
SEPA forecasts that 28 out of 83 areas (a third) will be at Significant water scarcity level by 30th June 2023 if there is no recovery in river levels.
The latest report, published on SEPA’s website, reveals there has been no respite in any area, and the risk has increased for most. The isolated thunderstorms have done little to alleviate the situation and ground conditions continue to dry rapidly.
The Loch Maree area reached Significant last week, the highest risk level, and remains there this week. The Ness also remains at Moderate scarcity, the second highest level, and is joined by the Inner Hebrides, parts of the central belt, and the whole Southwest. The rest of Scotland is in Alert, with the exception of the Shetland islands at Early Warning.
The hot, dry weather is expected to continue and dominate into late June and early July, with any further short periods of intense rain unlikely to help water levels recover sufficiently. It follows a drier than average winter across most of the country, and a particularly dry May when Scotland received only 44% of the long-term average rainfall.
The First Minister last week convened a meeting of the Scottish Government’s Resilience Room (SGoRR), which focused on the situation and Scotland’s National Water Scarcity Plan. The plan is designed to ensure the correct balance is struck between protecting the environment and providing resource for human and economic activity during prolonged dry periods, and clearly sets out what actions SEPA and abstractors are required to take at each stage.
Engagement with businesses abstracting water from the environment has been ongoing to help build resilience and warn of the increasing likelihood of extreme weather events such as water scarcity.
SEPA has seen many examples of good practice and innovation, but the severity of the situation now means we must consider suspending abstraction licences in the coming week in the worst affected areas, including Dumfriesshire and other parts of the Southwest.
Guidance has been issued on which abstractors may be excluded from restrictions or have the volume of water they can take reduced rather than stopped. This will only be possible for a small number of abstractors. SEPA will be in direct contact with businesses affected to provide additional advice.
Nathan Critchlow-Watton, Head of Water and Planning at SEPA, said: “Scotland’s climate is changing, and we urgently need to adapt. Severe water scarcity has significant impacts on our environment, our economy and society. Our rivers and lochs are under immense stress and it’s clear further action will be needed to protect them.
“We’ve been working with businesses for some time, with a clear message around adaption. We’re seeing some progressive and innovative responses and we understand the challenges Scottish businesses are facing. That’s why any decision to suspend licences will not taken lightly. However, the situation is deteriorating fast, and we strongly urge those abstracting water from the environment to be aware of the immediate risk and follow our advice and guidance.
“Last year, we warned a decrease in summer rainfall may exert pressure on areas that have not experienced water scarcity before, and that’s now happening. It is vitally important that Scotland is prepared to deal with water scarcity both now and in the future and people work together to plan for and manage water scarcity events.”
The combination of very low river flows and high temperatures poses a real threat to fish, invertebrates and plants. While some parts of river ecology can recover quickly, others such as fish and plant populations can be seriously damaged longer-term or lost completely.
Abstractors and irrigators are asked to manage water wisely, check SEPA’s water scarcity reports regularly and be aware of the situation in their area. They should regularly check abstraction equipment to make sure it’s in good condition and fix any leaks straight away. During dry periods, the volume and rate of abstractions should be reduced where possible.
It is also crucial for businesses to have a contingency plan for if restrictions are put in place by SEPA on abstractions. This can include using an alternative source if available within current authorisations.
More information, guidance and advice can be found at :
Landmark project paves the way for children’s charity sponsorship
A PREMIUM developer which is transforming the former Royal Hospital for Sick Children building has now announced a partnership with the charity that supported it.
The premium Edinburgh developer is now an official charity partner of ECHC, which helps seriously ill children across the Lothians by supporting their medical care, mental health, and family’s wellbeing.
ECHC’s former headquarters is one of the buildings being converted within the major Royal Meadows development, which will see the former hospital building transformed into a mix of luxury townhouses and apartments.
Kate Dixon, Corporate & Partnerships Lead at Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity said: “Our work is reliant on support from donations, volunteers, and corporate partners so to have the backing of one of Edinburgh’s finest residential developers is extremely valuable to us.
“The former hospital building has a lot of meaning to us and the partnership instantly made sense as it allows us to keep a connection.
“We help thousands of children who visit hospital every year. Being ill and needing hospital care can be difficult, scary, and lonely and we work hard to make the experience as positive as possible.
“Whether it’s bringing pioneering equipment to Scotland, designing a dance class to support children’s physiotherapy, performing theatre in critical care or transforming a clinical area – Square & Crescent’s support is going to be integral to helping us reach every child who comes through the hospital doors.”
To kick off its partnership, the Square & Crescent team are preparing to tackle Edinburgh’s Seven Hills Challenge to raise much needed funds.
The charity was founded in the 1980s where it was based at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children site near Edinburgh’s Meadows, before the hospital’s relocation to Little France in 2021.
The Royal Meadows development is targeted for completion in 2025, and is set to launch a sales suite in late summer this year. It spans across four-acres and is situated one mile from Princes Street and a short walk from Lothian Road, benefitting from a city centre location.
Euan Marshall, Co-Founder and joint Managing Director of Square & Crescent said: “The work Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity is doing is priceless for children and young people across the city and beyond.
“There is a natural link between Royal Meadows and Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity, so the partnership already has a special meaning.
“From company-wide challenges to voluntary days and donations, we can’t wait to help in whatever way we can to support the charity’s incredible efforts.”
Square & Crescent is now a widely-regarded residential developer with a primary focus on the acquisition, development and refurbishment of beautiful homes.
For more information on Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity, visit:
