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Tag: bbq
Over 200 people attend international football tournament in support of Armed Forces charity Poppyscotland
Over 200 people attended an international fun football tournament in North Edinburgh recently, whilst also learning about the important work carried out by Armed Forces charity Poppyscotland.
An excited crowd watched as 10 teams, made up of staff from State Street Corporation – the American global financial services and bank holding company – from across the globe joined teams from Poppyscotland and Passion4Fusion to compete in the competition at Ainslie Park, the home of Spartans Community Football Club.
Players had descended on the capital city from Scotland, England, France, Luxembourg, Poland, Ireland, Italy and Germany, with the home team of State Street Edinburgh crowned the champions.
As well as the football, over the course of the afternoon spectators also enjoyed a fully licenced bar, a ‘braai’ (South African BBQ), DJ’s and musicians providing some top entertainment. Poppyscotland’s interactive mobile museum, BUD, was also on location sharing the charity’s archive, veterans’ stories and the poppy’s heritage.
Damian Doran-Timson, Corporate Fundraiser at Poppyscotland said: “We are extremely grateful to State Street for hosting this annual tournament and we would like to thank both them and Spartans for making the event happen.
“I would also like to thank all of those who represented Poppyscotland and those who came along and supported us despite some awful weather – it was very much appreciated and greatly strengthened the excellent relationship we have with State Street.
“Every year they hold this event in a different country around the world and in support of a different charity, so it was really special that this year’s tournament was here in Scotland and allowed us to demonstrate the excellent work we do at Poppyscotland in supporting serving and ex-servicemen and women at times of need, including help with housing, debt, mental health, and mobility.”
For more information on the charity and how your donations help the Armed Forces community please visit poppyscotland.org.uk
Scotland’s National Chef Gary Maclean shares top 5 BBQ hacks – and his own Scottish barbecue twists
MasterChef champion Gary Maclean has teamed up with Mary’s Meals this National BBQ Week to encourage Scots to back the charity throughout barbecue season
Firing up the barbecue this week? Gary Maclean, Scotland’s National Chef, has you covered!
It’s National BBQ Week and MasterChef champion and long-time Mary’s Meals supporter Gary has compiled his top five tips to make a stress-free family cookout.
Gary is backing the international school meals charity once more and encouraging people to donate to Mary’s Meals during National BBQ Week (26 May – 1 June).
Mary Meals feeds more than 2.6 million children every school day in 16 countries across the world. By offering a daily meal in school, Mary’s Meals attracts children from the world’s poorest communities into the classroom where they can gain an education which can be their ladder out of poverty.
Gary says: “It costs only £19.15 to feed a child with Mary’s Meals for a school year, just 10p a meal, which is such incredible value!
“This National BBQ Week, you could ask family and friends for a small donation to come along to your barbecue, and if you use my five top tips, you’ll make your guests happy all while giving hope to hungry children.”
- Marinate ahead
Marinate meat overnight to build flavour and tenderise. A mix of whisky, honey, cracked pepper and thyme works well with pork, chicken or game. - Bring to room temperature
Take meat or fish out of the fridge 30 minutes before cooking. It’ll cook more evenly and won’t stick to the grill as much. - Use two heat zones
Set your barbecue with a hot side for searing and a cooler side for finishing. It gives you more control and helps avoid flare-ups. - Add a bit of smoke
A handful of soaked oak chips or sprigs of rosemary on the coals adds great flavour. Dried heather works too, if you have it. - Rest before carving
Let meat rest under foil before serving. It keeps it juicy and gives you better texture.
Bonus Tips
- Grilled Veg – Courgettes, mushrooms, and leeks grill beautifully. Season well and finish with a bit of crumbled crowdie.
- Quick Grill Cleaner – Rub a hot grill with half an onion on a fork. It’s simple and does the job.
- Sauce Late – If you’re using a sweet glaze or BBQ sauce, brush it on near the end to avoid burning.
- Dessert on the Grill – Try halved peaches or apples in foil with brown sugar and a splash of whisky.
That’s not all though: Scotland’s national chef has also served up four delicious Scottish barbecue recipe ideas that are sure to impress:
Scottish twists on barbecue classics
Haggis-Stuffed Peppers
Fill peppers with traditional or veggie haggis and grill until charred and smoky.
Whisky-Glazed Venison Burgers
Swap beef for venison and brush with a whisky and honey glaze. Serve with pickled onions on a soft roll.
Aberdeen Angus Brisket with Irn-Bru Glaze
Slow-cook brisket with a smoky rub, then glaze with reduced Irn-Bru for a sweet finish.
Seaweed Butter Corn
Grill corn and brush with butter mixed with dried seaweed or samphire. Salty, savoury, and very moreish.
Dan McNally, Head of Grassroots at Mary’s Meals, says: “It costs just 10p to provide one school meal to a hungry child with Mary’s Meals.
“With a £5 donation at your next barbecue, we can reach 50 children with a nutritious meal.
“If you purchase a cooking apron from our online shop ahead of hosting your own summer barbecue, your £15 donation will feed 150 children in school. With the sun out and with Gary’s top tips, there’s never been a better time to get grilling, all while supporting Mary’s Meals!”
By making a donation to Mary’s Meals, supporters can help children like 11-year-old Melanie from Madagascar enjoy a nutritious meal at school today and work towards a brighter tomorrow.
She says: “Thank you, Mary’s Meals. We are always full at school and that motivates us to work hard. I study because I want to achieve my goals and help my parents when I succeed.”
To find out more about Mary’s Meals, and to donate, please visit marysmeals.org.uk
During Mega Match May, your generosity will go three times as far – meaning you can feed even more hungry children with Mary’s Meals. Until 31 May, if you set up a regular gift to Mary’s Meals, your first three donations will be tripled by a generous donor. Visit marysmeals.org.uk/mega-match-may and start your monthly donation today.
Barbecue Weekend Warning: Remember These Safety Checks
SMSTS Course’s Derek Hales reveals the BBQ mistakes that could ruin your weekend – and your health:
With sunshine making an appearance across the UK this weekend, thousands will be dusting off their barbecues – but construction safety expert Derek Hales from SMSTS Course is urging Brits to apply some of the same safety thinking used on building sites to their back gardens.
“We talk a lot about hazards in the workplace – but BBQs carry just as many risks when the right checks aren’t made,” says Hales. “And people often don’t realise it until they’re either ill or injured.”
The Most Overlooked BBQ Dangers – According to Safety Experts
Charcoal Poisoning Indoors or Undercover
It might be tempting to take the party indoors if the weather turns – but using a charcoal BBQ in a garage, tent, or under a gazebo can quickly lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. It’s odourless, silent, and deadly.
Reusing Old BBQ Coals
Half-burnt coals from last year might save money, but they can release harmful chemicals and don’t reach the temperatures needed to cook meat safely.
Cross-Contamination From BBQ Utensils
Many people flip raw meat with tongs – then use the same ones for cooked food. That’s a fast track to food poisoning. Always separate utensils for raw and cooked meat.
Using Flammable Liquids Like Petrol or Paint Thinners
It happens more often than you think. Only use BBQ-safe firelighters. Industrial liquids can explode and release toxic fumes.
Not Letting the Grill Heat Properly
Undercooked chicken and sausages are a classic summer BBQ fail. It takes 10–15 minutes for most grills to reach safe cooking temperatures – rushing it increases the risk of campylobacter or salmonella.
Cleaning Grills With Wire Brushes
Tiny metal bristles from old grill brushes can break off and embed in burgers or hot dogs, causing serious internal injuries if swallowed. Use natural alternatives like onion halves or heat-proof scrapers.
Poor Gas Maintenance
For gas BBQ users, cracked hoses, loose regulators, or leaky connections can cause flare-ups or even explosions. A simple soapy water test can reveal leaks before you turn the gas on.
Hales adds: “Whether you’re in a garden, on a balcony, or in a park – take a few minutes to run through basic checks.
“The goal is to enjoy the sunshine, not end up in A&E.”
Discover Sailing at Granton Harbour
Discover Sailing: Royal Forth Yacht Club 5th May
On Sunday 5th May from 12 – 4pm at Granton harbour, the Royal Forth Yacht Club is hosting Discover Sailing: when yacht clubs such as the Royal Forth Yacht Club open up their clubhouse and harbour to the wider public for an experience of sailing.
RFYC members lend their boats, sailing expertise and time, and local organisations take a table to share their causes with the wider community too.
They are planning the usual variety of boats for people to try, organising the BBQ and hospitality.
They are grateful that the Community Action Team of the local Scottish Fire and Rescue Service will be joining them this year, alongside their usual friends such as St Andrews First Aid, MCSUK, BDMLR, and Scottish Coastal Clean Up.
If you have any questions at all about Discover Sailing, please contact:
Shirts, shorts and shades: Queen’s Manor BBQ
LOCAL CARE HOME HOSTS SUMMER BBQ
Staff, residents, relatives and the visitors came together at Queens Manor to enjoy a BBQ that was held in the home’s grounds – with the theme of ‘shirts, shorts and shades’.
The hospitality team at Queens Manor served a selection of BBQ favourites including beef burgers, cajun chicken, halloumi & pepper kebabs, alongside all of the traditional favourites of coleslaw, beetroot, potato salad and sauces which were enjoyed by everyone who came to the event.
Staff and residents enjoyed getting dressed up for the occasion, with some wearing their ‘nicest’ and ‘worst’ holiday shirts, Swim shorts & diamonte shorts, colourful clothing and fun hats! With music playing, drinks flowing and plenty of laughter – it was a lovely day.
Resident Caroline Taylor said, “I thoroughly enjoyed the day surrounded by lots of great people. Thankfully the sun showed up for the day and we managed to sit outside.
“Staff did a great job, not just on the day, but organising the event and getting everyone together.”
Shannon Cullen, Senior Head of Lifestyle and Enrichment at the home, said: “The team at Queens Manor are dedicated to making sure that the home full of activities and fun, 24/7.
“With a full lifestyle programme ranging from gardening, baking, quizzes and events like this, Queens manor is always a hive of activity.”
Queens Manor care home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering personalised care across its care homes and hospitals.
Queens Manor provides residential care, dementia care & respite care for 60 residents from respite care to long term stays.
Wardie Bay BBQ for local men
Fancy a BBQ? If you’re a man living in the local area (Muirhouse, Drylaw, Pilton, Granton, Royston and Wardieburn) why not join Jules next Tuesday (25th July) at Wardie Bay Beach. We’ll be meeting on the beach at 1pm.
This will be an informal event where you can meet new people, connect with nature and enjoy some food.
All local men welcome – Please let me know if you’re coming so we can confirm numbers.
To book a spot contact Jules:
e – julesryan@pchp.org.uk
m – 07517109319 (call/text/whatsapp
Hope to see you there!
Braeburn Home Summer Fair
SATURDAY 5th AUGUST 2 – 4pm
Come along to our home to see what a nursing home is really about!
We are keen to build better community links and welcome visitors to our home. At the summer fair we will have a variety of stalls including cakes, handmade jewellery, pictures and paintings, tombolas and hopefully face painting!
Kids more than welcome!
We are raising funds so we can do something really special with each resident: this could be going to the beach, painting, going out for a meal or whatever our amazing residents want to do!
We hope to see you at Braeburn Home, 35 Inverleith Terrace!
Care home hosts hoedown throwdown
Wild West comes to Cramond care home for themed afternoon fun
MUSIC-LOVING pensioners at an Edinburgh care home were treated to a hoedown themed afternoon to celebrate the end of summer with a performance from local musicians.
The dedicated lifestyle team at Cramond Residence strapped on their cowboy boots and organised a country western party which saw the home’s residents enjoying some themed dancing, snacks and music courtesy of local guitar players.
A BBQ and some summer punch were on the menu for lunch, while activities included a conga and traditional line dancing.
Alison Newton, Operations Manager at the 74-bedroom home, said: “This was the first time we have hosted a hoedown and it will definitely not be the last! Everyone involved had an enjoyable afternoon and it was a real pleasure seeing so many happy faces.
“It was great to have local musicians playing some country classics from across the decades giving residents musical stimulation while helping them to reminisce and socialise with others.
“We have to say a massive thanks to the lifestyle team who have really pulled out all the stops with their planned activities and excursions to engage residents over the last few months.
“Residents loved taking part in some traditional country dancing and it was even great to see some attendees donning cowboy hats and plaid shirts.”
The residence creates an environment that ensures residents continue to live interesting and fulfilling lives, with their needs at the heart of all operations. Its tailored activity programme combines luxury hotel living with the reassuring feeling of being in your own home.
Alison continued: “After a turbulent few years, the team have really worked hard to come up with a jam-packed calendar of events to fully engage with residents and bring a sense of joy. To celebrate a great summer, it seemed only right to end August with a party.”
Cramond Residence offers high quality care for up to 74 residents offering a small-group living concept in nine houses, with all residents enjoying an exceptional range of amenities and activities, delicious food and bespoke care from a highly-trained team.
Prices at the home start from £1,950 per week.
To find out more about Cramond Residence, visit: cramondresidence.co.uk/ or contact enquiries@cramondresidence.co.uk.
Enjoy a summer BBQ on a budget
Cash strapped Britons planning a holiday barbecue are being offered advice on how to keep the cost down.
The frugal experts at NetVoucherCodes.co.uk have put together their tips for hosting a BBQ on a budget.
They suggest shopping around the staples like meat and bread rolls, and to plan ahead and try and bag some yellow sticker bargains.
Other advice includes asking guests to bring a dish with them, opening and cooking only what you need and freezing anything that isn’t used.
John Stirzaker from NetVoucherCodes.co.uk said: “Having a barbecue is a quintessential part of the UK summer but they’re not the cheapest events to host. Meat can be costly and it’s easy to get seduced and buy the best cuts and cook the lot.
“Instead shop around and see what offers you can find. Also think about asking your guests to bring a pudding, salad or even some of the meat with them. That way it’ll cut the cost burden on you and you can do the same when you’re invited to theirs.
“Remember too that whilst the food is a big part of a BBQ, it’s about getting together with family and friends and enjoying time together.”
Here are NetVoucherCodes.co.uk’s tips for hosting a BBQ on a budget:
- Snack starters
Crisps, nachos and dips are a great, cheap starter for guests. Opt for supermarket own brand and decant into bowls.
- Buy yellow sticker
Be smart when it comes to shopping for food for your BBQ. Check out the yellow sticker items in the supermarket and stock up on burgers, sausages and any other meaty treats. If they’re close to their sell by date, freeze. Make sure you thoroughly defrost before barbecuing.
- Bring a dish
If you’re inviting friends or family around, encourage everyone to bring a dish. Someone could provide the meat, another salad and a third could top up with desserts. That way the cost isn’t all down to one person.
- Make your own marinade
Rather than shelling out on expensive marinades, try making your own. Marinades are made with a main ingredient like yoghurt, lemon juice, wine or vinegar, mixed with oil and selected spices. Why not experiment with whatever you have in the cupboard?
- Shop around for your meat
Check out your local butcher as well as supermarkets for meat. At this time of year, they may have some good value BBQ offers on.
- Use a pack at a time
Don’t put everything on your BBQ at once or open every packet of rolls. Stagger it and only cook and open what you need.
- Add some veggies
Vegetables cook well on the BBQ too and are a lot cheaper than meat. Try corn on the cob and jacket potatoes. They’re great fillers to counter all that meat!
- Cheap bread
There’s no need to shell out on cheap bread rolls for your BBQ. Check what your supermarket has on offer. It often works out cheaper to buy in bulk so whatever’s left, freeze.
- Avoid paper plates
Don’t be tempted to buy throw away plates to make clearing up easier. It’s bad for the environment and your pocket. Just save the clearing up until the next morning.