Tag: Easter

Conifox Announce Easter Festival with Scotland’s First Easter Bunny Grotto

  • Scotland’s first Easter Bunny Grotto opens at new Easter Festival 
  • Cracking Easter Egg-stravaganza from Conifox Adventure Park 

‘Family run, for family fun’ Conifox Adventure Park, near Edinburgh celebrates spring with the launch of its new Easter Festival, an inclusive fun, family event introducing Scotland’s first Easter Bunny Grotto. 

The Easter egg-stravaganza features a whole host of characters and activities including the Bunny Grotto – a fully immersive, theatrical sensory experience for kids from three years upwards. 

In line with the Park’s ethos of providing fun events suitable for all, visitors with Additional Support Needs (ASN) will have access to exclusive sessions adapted to allow them to enjoy the exciting spectacle in a more relaxed atmosphere. 

The Easter Festival runs from April 2nd to 24th with a cast of characters including Baxter Bunny, The Easter Bunny, the Big Bad Wolf, Professor Eggbert and friends. 

The visitor journey starts at the Magic Shed, the gateway to Hoppity Hollow, home of the Easter Bunny. Then it’s on to the Spring Garden to meet Hoppy, learn about the Big Bad Wolf, the trouble he’s causing and how to help save Easter.  

Visit Professor Eggbert in the Easter Egg Factory, where he’ll be busy making egg-straordinary creations with his Easter Egg Machine. But the sneaky Big Bad Wolf has mixed up the special ingredients and the professor needs visitors’ help to get production back on track.

Then meet the Easter Bunny himself in his Bunny Bedroom where the Big Bad Wolf has sabotaged his alarm clock. It can only be powered by singing the Easter Bunny Song which visitors will learn, thanks to Easter Bunny’s helper Fluffy.  

Families will then have the chance to have their photo taken with the Easter Bunny before taking on the challenge to name all the famous rabbits in the Rabbit Hall of Fame.  

There is even more fun in store with: the Egg-mazing Trail in the Magical Maze where solving the puzzle earns a Cadbury’s chocolate egg and look out for rare golden eggs to win a special jumbo Easter egg – if the Bad Wolf hasn’t found them first; Easter-lympics, when children can challenge each other and the big kids to the egg and spoon and sack races, tug-of-war and more; an Easter Disco throughout the day when everyone can dance along to family favourites with Baxter Bunny; Easter Footgolf when Easter Eggs replace footballs and so much more! 

During the exclusive Additional Support Needs Day on April 13th the festival will run with reduced capacity to provide plenty of open space, music and light displays will be muted and children will be able to interact with lots of sensory activities. These special sessions are exclusive only to families with ASN. Group bookings are available on request.  

Deborah Gammell, Conifox Adventure Park’s Business Development Manager, says: “Springtime and Easter are magical times and we want everyone to be able to join in the fun with us and our amazing Easter characters.

“Promoting inclusivity is part of our business values and we’re delighted to offer group discounts and are looking forward to welcoming families and groups with ASN. If anyone has specific needs, we’d love to hear from them and will do as much as possible to help with their visit.” 

All Easter tickets include access to Conifox’s Outdoor Adventure Park, at Kirkliston on the outskirts of Edinburgh. Tickets for the Indoor Activity Centre must be purchased separately. 

To find out more and to book tickets visit: https://www.conifox.co.uk/ 

It’s officially time for the annual Conifox egg hunt — let’s hop to it!

Family run, for family fun; Conifox Adventure Park are egg-cited to confirm their annual Easter egg hunt is set to take place between 2nd -18th April at their park situated 20 minutes from Edinburgh city centre.   

To mark the activity, there will be the chance to complete a fun activity sheet to hunt for clues around the entire adventure park, hand it over to our team in the ticket office and collect a yummy 130g filled Cadbury Egg.

There are also a few golden eggs hidden throughout… and children are invited to find them to win a 200g filled Cadbury Egg!  

New for 2021, kids will also be able to visit Baxter Bunny in his spacious Easter Garden, where he will be having sack races and egg & spoon races every 10 mins (under 12s only).

There are more egg-cellent prizes available for race winners and even the opportunity to have a socially distanced photo with Baxter himself in his very large Garden!  

James Gammell, Director of Conifox Adventure Park comments, “We are asking that everyone follows the government guidance in regard to travel from outside your local authority area.  

Numbers of visitors and time slots will be restricted each day to ensure we can maintain numbers for social distancing guidelines, so that everyone can have a safe and enjoyable day.   

“We will have 2 sessions per day: 10am-1pm and 2pm-5pm. The park will close each day between 1pm-2pm for cleaning and additional equipment clean down will take place at 11am and 3pm.”  

There are also plenty more activities to be enjoyed around Conifox Adventure Park, including a 9-hole Footgolf course, Pedal Go-Karts, Off-Road Pedal Tractors, Kid’s Pedal Tractor Farm, Springers, Giant Jump Pillow, Trampolines, Swings, Balance Beams, Rope Bridge and so much more!  

While the Bistro will remain closed until further notice, our BBQ cabin will be serving breakfast rolls from 10am-11.30am and delicious food takeaway from 12pm. Under government guidelines there will be no indoor seating areas available, but there are plenty of picnic benches around the adventure park and outdoor spaces.  

All tickets purchased are non-transferable. Due to the limit on numbers and time slot allocations per day, the only exception will be if we are put into another Covid-19 lockdown. Any refunds given will be minus the booking fee.  

Tickets can be purchased for £13 per child at www.conifox.co.uk and include park entry, the egg hunt and Easter Garden access with activities! T&Cs apply: One golden egg per child.  

There is also the possibility to purchase tickets for access to the park without including any of the Easter activities.   

To find out more visit the Conifox Adventure Park Facebook page @conifoxadventurepark or www.conifox.co.uk.  

Small steps make a big difference

AS NHS 24 prepares for the busy Easter holiday, people across Scotland are being encouraged to take small steps to make a big difference to their health.

NHS services are often busy during public holidays and local services may be operating slightly differently so it’s a good idea to plan ahead for common illnesses and minor accidents which can be managed at home.

NHS 24’s 111 service is usually busy during the long weekend, with a lot of calls about medicines and common ailments.

NHS 24’s Medical Director, Dr Laura Ryan said: “It’s always good to be able to manage common illnesses, and it’s especially important this year. Having pain killers at home such as paracetamol and ibuprofen means you can quickly and easily manage symptoms.

“If you’re got wee ones at home a first aid kit is handy and our first aid pages on NHS Inform can advise what to do if anyone is unlucky enough to have an injury- they cover everything from burns and scalds to bumps and scrapes.

“Our 111 service gets a lot of calls about medicines so it’s worth remembering that your local pharmacist can help with much more than prescriptions, they can offer advice, treatment or further referral if required.

“COVID-19 guidelines are still in place, and all up to date information- including how to book a test, guidance on isolation, and info on the vaccination process, is available at www.nhsinform.scot/coronavirus.

“We’re all crossing our fingers for a sunny Easter, and some simple steps mean you can relax and enjoy the holiday.”

General advice and information on how to stay healthy this Easter can be found at www.nhsinform.scot/easter.

Scotch Lamb Hits Aldi Shelves Just In Time For Easter

The supermarket has partnered with award winning Chef David Hetherington to show customers how to create the perfect Easter roast 

Spring is a fantastic time to celebrate seasonal ingredients and this year Aldi has partnered with award winning Scottish Chef and professional MasterChef contestant, David Hetherington, to show customers how to cook an extra special Easter roast.  

Choosing the perfect centrepiece is key and Chef David Hetherington has created a delicious recipe using Aldi’s Scotch Whole Leg of Lamb (£5.49 per kg), which is available from all 96 Scottish stores from today (29th March). 

David Hetherington is Head Chef at Glasgow’s Locker Hyndland and is a former MasterChef: The Professionals contestant and Provenance chef of the Year 2018. As well as sharing his favourite Scotch Lamb recipe, David has recently been working with Aldi to show customers how to create tasty meals that will feed a family of four for less than £6. 

Chef David Hetherington commented: “With spring comes such an abundance of stunning Scottish ingredients, which is why I was so thrilled when Aldi asked me if I would share a recipe for their new Scotch Whole Leg of Lamb – arguably the finest centrepiece for an Easter roast. 

“This recipe brings together an abundance of fresh, seasonal ingredients that can be picked up from your local Aldi store. For an added twist, I suggest getting outdoors and foraging for some wild garlic which grows in abundance at this time of year around Scotland – the smell is unmistakable and adds the finishing touch to this dish.” 

Aldi’s whole leg of Scotch Lamb is PGI certified, which means it is guaranteed to come from animals born and reared on assured Scottish farms that meet the most stringent animal welfare and natural production methods, meaning customers can be sure they are buying produce of the highest quality.  

Graham Nicolson, Group Buying Director, Aldi Scotland said: “We are absolutely committed to supporting Scottish farmers and producers and I’m proud that Aldi sources 100% of its everyday lamb right here in Scotland. 

“Every spring we look forward to Scotch Whole Leg of Lamb hitting our shelves, which is why we asked David if he would share his favourite recipe to make the most of this fantastic product. I hope our customers enjoy trying out this recipe; there is nothing quite like serving up roast Scotch lamb at Easter!” 

Aldi’s Scotch Whole Leg of Lamb is available from all 96 Scottish stores from today (29 March)

Roast Aldi Scotch Whole Leg of Lamb, anchovy, wild garlic and rosemary. 

Tossed spring greens and roast potatoes 

Chef David Hetherington 

This recipe calls for wild garlic, however you can leave it out and just use regular garlic and throw in some spinach leaf for colour. 

Serves 6/8 

2kg leg of @aldiscotland scotch lamb 

6 anchovy fillets 

500g wild garlic (normal garlic is fine to substitute – 6 cloves) 

½ a bunch of fresh rosemary  

1.5 kg potatoes  

1 lemon  

olive oil  

1 pack tender stem broccoli  

2 bunches spring onions 

1 bag spinach 

1 bag kale 

Crank the oven on to 200°C/Gas 6 and let it pre heat. Stick a roasting tray on the bottom to heat for our radical roasties! 

Try to take the lamb out of the fridge at least an hour before cooking, this allows the meat to come up to room temperature and cook more evenly. 

Peel the garlic and pop it in a food processor with the wild garlic and anchovies, blend to a pulp, adding two tablespoons of oil to loosen it up. A mortar and pestle will also work well with this. Set aside. 

Peel your potatoes and pop into a large pot of cold water. Bring them to the boil, and let it boil for about 5 minutes. It’s important here we soften the potatoes a little, but we’re also not wanting to make mash… so just soft enough that a knife goes into a potato with little resistance. 

Chop up the rosemary, drain the potatoes and toss in the rosemary with some salt and pepper, just enough to rough the edges a little. 

Score the skin of the lamb and rub generously with our wild garlic anchovy mix, (leave a little to toss our veggies in) and zest some lemon over, then place directly onto the bars of your oven so that it is perched above the roastie tray. 

Now here’s the genius bit, pop the tatties into the roasting tray that will now catch all the lovely lamb juices as it cooks! 

Cooking the lamb for around 1 hour and 20 minutes will give you a lovely medium rare. 

Meanwhile wash all of the greens, blanch all, bar the spinach, in boiling water for no more than 1 ½ minutes and plunge straight into cold water to keep the colour, taste and nutrients vibrant. 

Once the lamb is ready, leave it to rest for at least 30 minutes. 

Warm up the leftover wild garlic mix and toss the veg in it to warm through, adding the spinach at the last moment. 

Carve the Scotch Whole Leg of Lamb, serve with gorgeous spring veggies and our radical roasties!

Morrisons to donate 100,000 chocolate eggs to familes this Easter

– The eggs will be distributed to local food banks, schools and community groups via Morrisons Community Champions –

– Morrisons customers can also donate Easter Eggs in-store –

Morrisons has announced it will be donating 100,000 chocolate eggs to those in need in the run up to the Easter weekend. 

Morrisons Community Champions at all stores nationwide will be working with local food banks, schools and community groups to distribute the Easter treats to individuals and families who would benefit most. 

Each of Morrisons 497 stores will receive a dedicated delivery of more than 200 Easter eggs, including household favourites Smarties and Creme Egg, which will be set aside, ready to donate.

Customers also have the opportunity to get involved as Morrisons is setting up ‘Easter Egg Donation Stations’ in every store where customers can drop off additional eggs they have purchased.  

The supermarket wants to raise the spirits of the nation and spread some hope and joy across local communities as lockdown restrictions are set to be eased by the government this week. 

Rebecca Singleton, Customer & Community Director at Morrisons said: “We know that celebratory occasions can come at an additional cost to families, but we want to make sure that no-one goes without Easter eggs this year.

“Across the UK we’ll be donating 100,000 eggs to local communities where they are needed most.”

The Easter egg giveaway is part of Morrisons £5 million drive to keep the nation’s food banks stocked by manufacturing additional products which are then donated directly to local communities.

The £5 million donation, announced in January, adds to the £10 million worth of food that Morrisons donated in 2020.  

For more information visit www.morrisons.co.uk

‘Hidden in Plain Sight’: Moderator launches photo competition

Rt Rev Dr Martin Fair, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, has launched a photo competition – ‘Hidden in Plain Sight’ – with both children and adults alike invited to send in their photographs showing the Cross in our everyday surroundings.

The winner in each category will be awarded a gift to the charity of their choice.

Dr Fair, who has spent his year as Moderator reaching out to congregations and churches online due to the Covid-19 pandemic, is keen to show that the Cross is an ever-present support in our lives, particularly during difficult times such as these.

“As we head towards Easter, the Cross will come ever more into view – the central symbol of the Christian faith,” Rt Rev Dr Martin Fair said.

“Generally speaking, we find Crosses set within church buildings or worn as jewellery. But, when we open our eyes to the possibility, we can begin to see images of the Cross all around us – in both nature and the built environment.

“Your challenge, should you choose to accept it: find a Cross that is ‘hidden in plain sight’ and using your camera, or your phone, take a photograph of it.

“Perhaps it will be two branches on a tree which form a Cross shape. Perhaps you’ll see a Cross in a section of wrought-iron fencing. Maybe you’ll see it in a set of road markings or in a random piece of graffiti?

“The only limit is your imagination. Open your eyes and you’ll see that the Cross is all around you.”

How to take part

To submit your entry for the photography competition, please email MediaRelations@churchofscotland.org.uk, attaching your photograph(s) as well as your name and which category you are in:

  1. Primary school age
  2. Secondary school age
  3. 18+

The rules are very simple:

  • The photograph must be one that you’ve taken yourself.
  • You must take the photograph within your own community and must observe all Covid-related restrictions when doing so.
  • Each entrant can submit up to three photographs.
  • Images can be taken either on cameras or smartphones and must be submitted by email. Please note, we unfortunately are unable to accept photographs submitted via post at this time.

The competition will run for one month – from Wednesday 17 February (the start of Lent) until Wednesday 17 March. All submissions must be received by the closing date.

All entries will be featured in a special photo gallery on the website.

The Moderator will head a judging panel and the winners in each category will be announced in the lead up to Easter Sunday, with a gift to the charity of the winner’s choice being awarded in each category.

The winning entries will be displayed across the Church of Scotland’s social media channels on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and in a special photo gallery on the website.

Let the fun begin. Get snapping!

Police condemn ‘astonishing’ driving offences over Easter weekend

Police Scotland is reminding motorists of the importance of being safe on the roads after a number of people were detected driving at high speeds as well as drink or drug driving over the Easter weekend.

Between 10 and 14 April, 10 people were detected for high level speeding offences and 16 people were detected for drink or drug driving offences by Road Policing officers.

Notable incidents include:

• A 23-year-old man has been reported in connection with dangerous driving after being detected travelling at 70mph in a 40mph limit and in excess of 100mph in a 60mph limit on the A96 near Forres on 10 April.

• A 56-year-old man has been charged in connection with drink driving after being observed by officers driving in an erratic manner in Kirkcaldy on 10 April. He was found to be 4 times over the alcohol limit.

• A 25-year-old man has been reported after being detected at 118mph on the M8 near Chapelhall on 10 April.

• A 28-year-old woman detected at over three times the alcohol limit on the A9 near Halkirk, Caithness on 11 April.

• On 11 April, a 21-year-old man in Inverness was arrested in connection with alleged drug driving after failing a roadside drug test and had his vehicle seized due to having no insurance. Enquiries are ongoing.

• A 19-year-old man involved in a collision in Wick on 12 April was found to be over three times the alcohol limit.

• A 29-year-old man has been reported in connection with dangerous driving after being detected in excess of 130mph on the A90 between Peterhead and Ellon on 12 April.

• A 34-year-old man was charged after being stopped on 12 April on the A9 near to the A824 Auchterarder and arrested after failing a roadside drug test.

• A 26-year-old woman has been charged with road traffic offences including drink driving, failing to stop and report a collision, no insurance and careless driving following a crash in Alness during the early hours of 13 April.

• In Edinburgh, three men and three women have been charged after being detected driving at speeds between 61mph and 71mph in a 40mph limit on the A90 at Cramond during the morning of 14 April.

• A 35-year-old man has been charged after being detected driving at 90mph in a 70mph limit and 80mph and 70mph in a 50mph limit on the A720 Edinburgh City Bypass.

Superintendent Simon Bradshaw, from the Road Policing Division said: “Drink or drug driving is never acceptable and it is astonishing to see people behave so recklessly, particularly when we all need to be doing our bit to stay at home to protect the NHS and save lives.

“Officers remain on patrol on the road network and in local communities to deal with illegal driving behaviour in order to keep people safe. While the roads may be quieter as the majority of people stay at home, there still remains the potential for unexpected changes to road conditions, such as the presence of pedestrians or deer and other wildlife.

“Nobody can predict what is around the corner and speeding or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs significantly increases your chances of being involved in a crash.

“The consequences of speeding or drink or drug driving can be fatal and it simply is not worth the risk. Now, more than ever, we urge motorists to drive safely and legally and to pay heed to government guidance on staying at home.”

Lockdown at Easter: Police say thanks

With the Easter holiday under way the Capital’s communities are being thanked for their efforts in staying home and helping tackle the spread of coronavirus.

Superintendent Mark Rennie said: “I’d like to acknowledge the excellent response our residents have provided to the restrictions put in place. We have a population of around 500,000 people and the significant majority of residents and workers have complied with these measures.

“Your collective efforts will help to save lives and protect our NHS, so thank you for your commitment and support.

“We know that being apart from family and friends over holidays, such as Easter, is difficult, but it is essential that we all play our part to keep the public safe.

“The Chief Constable stressed the importance of this when he spoke with the First Minister today and asked the public to continue with the changes, even during the holiday and as the weather gets better.

“Police Scotland officers are taking a common sense approach. We will engage with members of the public, explain the importance of social distancing and encourage them to return home but we will, as a last resort, use the enforcement powers if necessary.

“In Edinburgh during a holiday weekend, weather permitting, areas such as Portobello Beach and The Meadows are common gathering places for the public. However, at this time, we would ask you to follow the instructions.

“By all means connect with loved ones and friends on various online platforms, but please stay at home. It is the safest and most responsible way to enjoy the Easter weekend.”

A total of 32 Fixed Penalty Notices were handed out in Edinburgh in relation to the emergency powers between March 27 and April 9.

Chief Constable Iain Livingstone QPM yesterday briefed the country on Police Scotland’s role in the national response to coronavirus, during a session with the First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and the National Clinical Director Jason Leitch.

Below is a transcript of the Chief Constable’s update and information on how Police Scotland is using emergency powers to support the national response:

The Chief Constable said: “Good afternoon. I am pleased to report that the vast majority of people in Scotland are in fact continuing to do the right thing during this acute health emergency and thank them for that. The social distancing legal requirement to stay home is the best way to protect the NHS and the best way to save lives.

“And of course, community policing across Scotland has a vital role to play as we all make the daily changes and personal sacrifices needed to combat the spread of coronavirus. With the continued support and co-operation of our fellow citizens, Police Scotland will explain the legal instructions, encourage compliance, and when needed, enforce the law.

“Since the emergency powers came into effect two weeks ago, we have been required to take enforcement action in limited situations. Thus far, across the whole of the country, we have issued over 500 fixed penalty notices.

“This has typically been during incidents where people do not comply with legal instructions even after being spoken to by officers. For example, house parties or gatherings in public where those involved refuse to disperse.

“However, overall, compliance has been very high in Scotland and I thank the public for their overwhelming co-operation and commitment.

“Our officers and staff are in communities right across Scotland 24 hours a day, at times putting themselves in harm’s way and I pay tribute to them and thank them for that. Social distancing, staying at home, are the key interventions to curtail the spread of coronavirus.

“Policing in Scotland will always seek to be fair, reasonable and proportionate. That is why I have invited a leading human rights lawyer to review our use of the emergency powers. I ask all our fellow citizens to continue their support and co-operation as demonstrated in recent weeks.

“Please – stay home; stay safe; and follow the guidance. Do not make personal exemptions bespoke to your own circumstances.

“If you are out and about, officers may ask you why. I would encourage you to engage with officers, explain your circumstances, then listen to and act upon any advice given.

“I recognise this is an extremely difficult time, particularly during the Easter holiday period when in normal circumstances we would all be expecting to be out and about, enjoying the good weather and seeing family and friends. But I ask that everyone accepts the changes to our daily lives and the personal sacrifices required. Because, ultimately, it will be to the benefit of us all.

“If we all do the right thing to maintain social distancing, stay home and keep safe, we will protect the NHS.

“If you need help or support from the police service contact us.

“Please, please, stick with it; obey the law; continue to play your part; and lives will be saved.”

Use of emergency coronavirus powers by area from 27 March to 9 April.

Division Dispersal on request Dispersal on warning Fixed Penalty Notice issued Reasonable force used to return people home Arrest
A – North East 72 22 38 14 0
C – Forth Valley 80 16 44 2 1
D – Tayside 69 8 15 5 0
E – Edinburgh 106 22 32 3 5
G – Greater Glasgow 404 155 113 10 8
J – The Lothians & Scottish Borders 59 21 18 3 1
K – Renfrewshire & Inverclyde 48 101 67 1 1
L – Argyll & West Dunbartonshire

 

 233 13 42 5 7
N – Highland & Islands

 

 83 14 19 2 2
P – Fife 57 14 29 0 0
Q – Lanarkshire 68 20 57 3 5
U – Ayrshire 129 56 47 7 2
V – Dumfries & Galloway 19 2 16 3 3
All of Scotland 1427 464 537 58 35

Please note this is preliminary management information and may be subject to adjustment.

GP practices and pharmacies open for Easter

Extended opening hours to ensure services available

General practices and community pharmacies will remain open on Good Friday and Easter Monday to help relieve pressure on out-of-hours services this weekend.

GPs will be open to offer treatment for non-coronavirus (COVID-19) related health issues, where it is safe to do so. Community pharmacies have also been requested to remain open where possible to support the wider efforts of the NHS.

Patients with coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms are asked to check nhsinform.scot/coronavirus first for advice or dial NHS 24 on 111, day or night, if their symptoms worsen or do not improve after seven days.

Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said: “I want to thank all health and social care staff for their continuing extraordinary efforts as we face this pandemic.

“Given ongoing demand on our NHS, I have taken the unusual step of asking GP practices and community pharmacies to remain open on Good Friday and Easter Monday – but only if it is safe to do so.

“Working with the Scottish GP Committee of BMA Scotland, the Scottish Government has agreed an additional £15 million to help GP practices meet the costs of responding to COVID-19.

“Part of this will help to cover the cost of remaining open on Good Friday and Easter Monday and the remainder will help to meet other costs being faced by practices during this difficult time. I have also been clear that the Scottish Government will meet any additional costs incurred by community pharmacies to remain open on these bank holidays.

“As always – if you have a critical medical emergency, whether related to coronavirus or not, phone 999.”

NHS Inform’s coronavirus webpage is still the fastest way for people to get the latest health advice and information.