– New solar array reduces bottling plant’s national grid reliance by one-third –
The Glenmorangie Company has installed a new solar array at its bottling plant in Livingston, as part of a significant eight-figure investment in its operations, which will reduce its current on-site energy consumption by 30 per cent.
The 1,476 panels cover the majority of the building’s roof, allowing Glenmorangie to generate its own renewable energy, delivering significant savings and at the same time reducing its carbon footprint.
It forms part of the company’s overarching sustainable strategy to achieve net zero carbon by 2040. The installation has been carried out by West Lothian based DB Group, in partnership with Emtec Energy. The DB Group will offer energy management support as The Glenmorangie Company continues to reduce energy consumption and works towards its green targets.
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The Company’s purpose-built Livingston site was opened in 2011. As global demand grows for both its Glenmorangie and Ardbeg Single Malt Whiskies the Company is doubling capacity at its bottling plant through an expansion due to complete in 2023. The solar array forms part of that development.
Michael Scotland, Facilities and Projects Director at Glenmorangie, said: “We’re putting sustainability at the heart of the expansion of our Alba bottling plant. Our capacity will be increasing with new high-speed lines being installed over the coming year.
“At the same time, we have installed solar panels to reduce our current reliance on the national grid. This also gives us a clear pathway to maximise green energy across our site as we work towards our sustainability targets.”
Peter Nelson, Operations Director at Glenmorangie, added: “The Glenmorangie Company has ambitious plans for growth while we are fully committed to building a sustainable future for our business and communities across Scotland.
“We have key projects already in motion or completed at our sites including the solar array at Livingston, the installation of an anaerobic digestion plant in Tain as part of our Dornoch Environmental Enhancement Project (DEEP).
“We also continue to work in partnership with other Distilleries on new hydrogen energy trials with many more projects in the pipeline to achieve our 2040 net zero ambition.”
This National Afternoon Tea Week, The Ivy on the Square, Edinburgh welcomes guests to experience its luxury afternoon tea offering
If you’re looking for a mid-afternoon indulgence this August, look no further than The Ivy on the Square’s new Laurent Perrier Summer Afternoon Tea, available every day from 3pm – 4:45pm.
The brasserie has partnered with Laurent Perrier to offer a glass of Rosé Champagne with its afternoon tea experience, which includes a delicious array of sandwiches, including Ivy Cure smoked salmon and cream cheese fingers, grilled chicken and truffle mayonnaise brioche and pickled cucumber, courgette and basil double decker rolls.
Freshly baked fruit scones are served with clotted cream, fresh strawberries and strawberry preserve, while the sweets include a chocolate plant pot, madeleine cake with lemon curd, red velvet raspberry cake and a strawberry milkshake, all accompanied by a choice of teas, infusions or coffees.
Summer Afternoon Tea starts from £28.95 per person, or £37.95 per person with a glass of Laurent Perrier Rosé Champagne, is available to enjoy in The Ivy on the Square’sluscious surroundings seven days a week and served between 3:00 – 4:45pm.
– Planet Friendly Eggs become first carbon neutral food product to be stocked by Morrisons on its drive to be directly supplied by net zero British farms –
– Cambridge University report confirms carbon neutral status and product will be the first to feature the British Lion Egg green stamp to indicate a lower environmental impact –
Morrisons has become the first supermarket to launch its own line of carbon neutral eggs as part of its commitment to be directly supplied by ‘zero emission’ British farms by 2030, five years ahead of the rest of the supermarket industry.
In stores now, Morrisons new carbon neutral ‘Planet Friendly Eggs’ come from Morrisons farms where hens are fed a soya-free diet of insects – which are in turn fed on food waste from its bakery, fruit and vegetable sites.
This pioneering ‘circular waste’ feeding scheme, powered by Better Origin technology, reduces deforestation caused by soya production and negates the carbon emissions emitted from transporting this soya.
The egg farm where the first stock of Planet Friendly Eggs will originate also has a large wind turbine, 50kWh solar panels, and a carbon sequestration programme to offset any remaining emissions on the farm – with 20 percent of its land planted with trees.
Morrisons has been working with its farmers to create net zero carbon farm ‘models’ that look at neutralising emissions through the whole lifecycle and footprint of the farm. Planet Friendly eggs are the first product to come out of these models, with sustainable beef, lamb and fruit and vegetables to follow.
A report by Cambridge University has confirmed the carbon neutral status of Morrisons new Planet Friendly Eggs, having analysed all carbon emissions in the eggs’ production and those which are offset on Morrisons first carbon neutral egg farm. The report considers the holistic production of the eggs, including the Better Origin X1 insect growing unit and food waste transport, the sourcing of locally grown grain and the hen housing and care.
The product is also set to be the first to feature the British Lion Egg green stamp on its eggs to indicate the lower environmental impact to customers.
Morrisons Planet Friendly Eggs cost 30p each or £1.50 for a pack of six. They are initially available in 50 Yorkshire stores and Morrisons new lower environmental impact store in Little Clacton, with a national rollout planned for 2023.
Sophie Throup, Head of Agriculture at Morrisons, said: “This is our first carbon neutral product and there will be many more to come. It’s all part of our drive to be directly supplied only by ‘zero emission’ British farms by 2030.
“We know our customers consider the environmental impact of the food they eat and want affordable zero emission produce. Eggs are a regular weekly purchase for most households and so we’re thrilled that after 18 months of hard work with our farmers – these eggs are finally hitting our shelves.”
Ian Bamford, Commercial Director Centre for Industrial Sustainability at the University of Cambridge, said: “We were very pleased to have the opportunity to review and analyse the approach that Morrisons have taken to calculating the carbon impact of several of their egg producers.
“It was clear that the mitigation actions that had been put in place by the first farm to produce carbon neutral eggs enabled them to meet that goal.”
Mark Williams, Chief Executive for the British Egg Industry Council, said: “It’s great to see that Morrisons has launched a carbon neutral British Lion egg pack under its own brand, in a first for a UK retailer.
“Eggs generally have a significantly lower environmental impact than other animal proteins and they are a highly nutritious, natural and great tasting choice for all the family. We look forward to seeing more green Lions in the near future.”
An insect ‘mini farm’ was introduced onto the egg farm to feed the hens. The ‘mini farm’ container, in which millions of insects are kept, was developed and powered by Better Origin. Each container can help feed 32,000 free range hens and receives three tonnes of waste from Morrisons fruit and vegetable site each week. The insects can grow to 5,000 times their initial body mass in less than 14 days.
Fotis Fotiadis, CEO & Founder at Better Origin, said: “We are thrilled to see Morrisons introduce a carbon neutral product, powered by our technology, to the public. The current food supply chain isn’t sustainable in the long term and while it is certainly effective, it’s coming at a cost to the environment.
“Our ambition at Better Origin is to change that by creating a more sustainable circular food chain, so to finally see the first carbon neutral product from Morrisons hit the shelves is testament to the incredible work of the Morrisons team involved.”
Morrisons is committed to introducing sustainable products across all areas of the supermarket by lower emission sourcing and reducing the amount of plastic used.
Earlier this year, Morrisons became the first supermarket to commit to selling its own milk in carbon neutral cartons. The agricultural targets of Morrisons form part of the overall business plan to become ‘net zero’ for emissions by 2040, in line with the international Paris Agreement.
Aldi is giving store colleagues in Edinburgh a pay increase for the second time this year, maintaining its position as the UK’s best-paying supermarket.
From September, all hourly paid colleagues at its Edinburgh stores will receive an increase of 40p an hour on their current hourly rate, taking Aldi’s minimum pay rates for Store Assistants to a sector-leading £10.50 an hour nationally and £11.95 for those inside the M25.
Aldi also remains the only supermarket to offer paid breaks, which for the average store colleague is now worth more than £830 a year.
The new rates far exceed the Living Wage Foundation’s recommended real living wage of £9.90 an hour nationally and £11.05 inside the M25.
Giles Hurley, Chief Executive Officer of Aldi UK and Ireland, said: “Our new rates of pay maintain Aldi’s position as the UK’s highest paying supermarket.
“This announcement recognises the amazing contribution our colleagues make in serving the local communities in Edinburgh. Their outstanding efforts have ensured that our customers continue to have access to fresh affordable food, every single day.”
Aldi is the UK’s fifth-largest supermarket and has more than 970 stores across Britain.
As the world’s largest arts festival is set to return to Edinburgh, Naked Malt will launch the city’s best kept secret cocktail garden complete with sipping stations and Instagrammable delights this August.
An official sponsor of Underbelly at the Edinburgh Fringe 2022, Naked Malt has created an immersive drinks den called the Naked Malt Garden, located in the legendary Bristo Square serving signature cocktails from some of Edinburgh’s most sought after bars including Top 50 cocktail bar in the UK – Hey Palu and the innovation-driven Superico.
Launching onAugust 3rd, the picturesque garden embodies an urban summer in the city with a vibrant backdrop of oranges, refreshing lemons and of course, whisky. Encouraging guests to drink whisky their way.
Designed specifically to encourage you to savour those little moments in life, the pop up embraces Naked Malt’s ethos to “Live Naked” – celebrating those shared moments with friends. The garden itself is full of Instagrammable highlights including a striking Live Naked vibrant wall, a standing ‘Sipping Station’, along with comfortable seating and a relaxed outdoor vibe.
Popping up at the Med Quad area in Bristo Square, right next door to McEwan Hall for four weeks from 3rd – 29th August, The Naked Malt Garden will bring the very best whisky cocktails to the city centre during the highly anticipated return of Edinburgh Fringe.
The whisky brand has collaborated with expert bartenders from two of Edinburgh’s most respected bars Hey Palu and Superico, to create specially crafted whisky sours.
On the menu, you’ll find three exclusive Naked Sours including their signature Cloudy Apple Sour, alongside an imaginative Tropical Tuesday serve made by Hey Palu (above).
This contemporary drink sees Naked Malt whisky expertly mixed with a homemade passion fruit syrup, a blend of pineapple and lemon juices alongside Orgeat for that ultimate summer drink.
Meanwhile, top bar Superico has crafted The Superico Sour which offers a sophisticated twist on a classic sour which blends Naked Malt whisky, Coconut liqueur, Miso Pineapple Syrup and Lemon Juice.
The Naked Malt Garden will be the perfect spot to enjoy expertly made whisky sours and encourage Edinburgh Fringe visitors to #LiveNaked this summer.
Emily Stephenson brand manager at Naked Malt said: “Taking over an iconic location, we’re excited to reveal The Naked Malt Garden, in collaboration with some of Edinburgh’s top bartenders, just in time for the return of the biggest arts festival in the world.
“Edinburgh in August is a sight to behold, and we can’t wait to welcome guests from the city and beyond to enjoy some very special Naked Sours.
“We’re eager to ensure the spotlight stays on the city’s local bars during the Fringe and that they reap the benefits of the huge influx of tourists into the city, which is why we’ve collaborated with the incredible teams at Hey Palu and Superico, to design their very own Naked Malt cocktail.
“Their skilled bartenders have concocted some truly delicious drinks, inspired by Naked Malt’s ethos to Live Naked – celebrating the little moments when we can get back to our real selves.”
Family-run Italian cocktail bar Hey Palu has gained a cult following since arriving in the city, recognised as one of the Top 50 cocktail bars in the UK, with their modern cocktails and friendly atmosphere.
A design-led cocktail bar, Superico were crowned winners of the best ‘Bar, Club & Lounge’ at the Hospitality Design Awards in New York in 2021, the only venue outside of the US to be shortlisted. Led by Mike Lynch, a multi-award-winning mixologist, the venue has delighted visitors to the city with its show-stopping food and innovative cocktails.
The Naked Malt Garden opens on August 3rd until August 29th and runs daily at Bristo Square from 10am until 1am – Sunday to Thursday, and from 10am-3am on weekends. Strictly for over 18+s. Free entry.
Follow Naked Malt on Instagram or visit website for more information
With the rising cost of living, we’re all trying to find ways to make our weekly shop go further. As well as shopping smarter, did you know that you can actually prolong the life of some of your food shop staples, just with a few simple storage hacks.
We caught up with food industry expert Hannah Anderson, CEO of ethical online food brand 44 Foods to get some of her storage hacks that won’t just help your food last longer but will reduce food waste too.
1. Resist the rinse
“When you’re buying loose fruits or vegetables from the supermarket or your local food producer, it can be tempting to head straight to the sink when you get home to give them a good wash before they go in the fridge.
“In fact, when it comes to making your food last longer, it’s actually best to only wash your fruit or veggies just before you use them. Washing ingredients straight away can leave excess moisture which, once you’ve stored them, can lead to quicker mould growth. So if you want to make the most of your fresh produce, resist the rinse!”
2. Suss out your fridge shelves
“Where you store your food in the fridge can impact how long things last. It goes back to your science classes at school – heat rises and it’s the same principle within your fridge. The bottom of your fridge is cooler than the top which is why most fridges have a crisper drawer at the very bottom because that’s where it’s the least humid, making it perfect for veggies, salad items and fruits.
“Fresh meat should always be stored on the lower shelves as again, it’s colder and this will help your meat to last longer. The higher shelves are best for prepared foods – so things like leftovers are best up here as they’re things you want to use quickly and it’s the warmest part of the fridge. Remember though, not everything needs to go in the fridge and things like potatoes and onions do best in a cool, dark, well ventilated area.”
3. Say cheese
“Have you ever wondered why cheese bought at the supermarket will usually come in plastic wrap whereas if you pick some up from a local farm shop, it’s usually wrapped in some kind of parchment paper? As some of our expert 44 Foods cheese producers will tell you, that’s because paper wrappings allow cheese to breathe which plastic doesn’t. Cheese needs to take in oxygen, which not only helps the flavour but helps it to last longer and by wrapping it in plastic or cling film, you create the perfect environment for bacteria to grow. So when it comes to cheese, parchment is best.”
4. The sniff test
“Some major supermarkets like Morrisons and the Co-Op have already scrapped the use of use-by dates on things like milk and yoghurts in a bid to reduce food waste. With a mission to reduce food waste, we’re all for it and we’d always recommend the good old fashioned sniff test! Milk has a distinctive sour smell when it’s gone off so that’s the number one sign but if your milk starts to take on a yellow colour or starts to go lumpy, it’s time to get rid. If it still smells fresh, you’re good to go!”
5. The great egg debate
“There’s long been a debate on the best way to store eggs to keep them fresher for longer – to fridge or not to fridge? According to British Lion eggs, to keep your eggs fresh, the fridge really is the best place for them. We also recommend keeping your eggs in the carton they come in. Although lots of fridges come with their own egg storage trays, the cardboard carton is the original and the best for a very good reason – eggshells have tiny pores which can take in bacteria or even smells from other foods around them. The carton protects them from all of that making them last longer. Plus, you can recycle the cardboard carton too!”
For more tips on how to get the most out of your food or to find out more about reducing your food waste, visit www.44foods.com
Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Tip, written by the Health Promotion and Education Team at Heart Research UK
Healthy Heart Tip: Healthier Picnics
Picnics are always a winner in the summer months (when the weather allows!). They are the perfect way to socialise with friends and family while spending more time outdoors, which is good for us all. July marks National Picnic Month and here we share some top tips for creating heathier picnics this summer – goodbye squashed sandwiches and crushed crisps!
Get a Cool Bag
A healthy, nutrition packed picnic must be kept cool for optimal enjoyment. If there was ever a time to invest in a cool bag/box it is now. When you don’t have to worry about what will stay fresh in the warm weather, the sky really is the limit in terms of what you can pack. Think fresh salads, juicy fruits & protein packed yoghurts.
Prep in Advance
Homemade is always best and taking some time the day before your scheduled picnic to whip up something yummy can take your picnic to the next level. We love easy to grab things like these heart healthy cheese and courgette muffins which go down well with both adults and children.
Pop it on a Skewer
Skewers make everything more picnic friendly and just about any meal can be adapted to fit on a skewer. Try adding cooked meats, halloumi or feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, peppers, and olives or making a rainbow fruit skewer using lots of different colour fruits.
Flavour Alchemists Guide to Making the Perfect Summer Tipple
Get summer ready with Buck & Birch’s deliciously fresh, thirst-quenching drink, The Amarosa Spritz, perfect for those looking to spice up their favourite summer classic cocktails.
Sourcing ingredients just a stone’s throw from their East Lothian distillery, the alchemists have put a Scottish twist on the likes of the Italians Aperol and English Pimms, giving you the very best taste of the wilds of Scotland.
With flavour notes of juicy green apples, honey and herbs with spiced vanilla and molasses to finish, simply add 50ml of Amarosa, 25ml fresh apple juice, topped with chilled champagne, prosecco or sparkling wine and garnish with fresh summer fruits for the perfect taste of a Scottish Summer.
The Amarosa Spritz is perfect for sipping at a garden party or barbeque in the summer sun, and to really get your tastebuds tingling, enjoy alongside grilled halloumi or a mezze platter.
Creative Director and co-founder, Tom Chisholm on why this is the perfect summer tipple: “This is the first lockdown free summer we have had in three years and whilst we all want to be outside the Scottish summer weather doesn’t always allow us to get out.
“But with The Amarosa Spritz, we’ve got the taste of summer with an unmistakable Scottish twist. So, whilst we may not get outside with the unreliable Scottish weather, we have got the next best thing: having a drink from the beautiful landscape that is right on our doorstep.”
To view the full selection of drinks available for purchase, visit:
Fitness fanatics are being offered expert advice on how to remain committed to their workout regime this summer whilst drinking socially.
With the release of a new hangover pill in the UK – claiming to be the first of its kind to break down alcohol in the body – there are slowly becoming more and more ways to stay fit and healthy whilst consuming alcohol, but these remedies can be quite an expense.
The fitness experts at BreakingMuscle.com have given their top tips for maintaining fitness goals whilst drinking alcohol by making smart, simple changes.
Every fitness journey, whether it’s increased muscle mass, fat loss or a sustained healthy lifestyle, requires a level of dedication and perseverance.
That’s why it can be difficult to see alcohol consumption as part of a fitness regime due to its side effects, however, drinking socially is certainly achievable without sabotaging personal health goals.
With a bit of forward planning and a few simple hacks, having a good time and staying in shape can go together hand in hand.
A spokesperson for BreakingMuscle.com said: “For those looking to enjoy a drink in the hot weather with friends whilst maintaining the body they desire, it can feel like an impossible task.
“However this is not the case, with a few smarter choices we can limit the effects of hangovers, control calories and plan workouts that fit around social events.
“Of course, there are some types of alcohol that have a higher caloric value than others. But it doesn’t have to be a chore to make drinking fit in with a healthy lifestyle. Staying on track with fitness goals does have its importance, but enjoying time with friends and family shouldn’t have to be sacrificed because of this.”
Staying hydrated throughout the night is just as important as staying hydrated during a workout. Keeping water intake up whilst drinking can help to prevent any negative side effects the next day. Try drinking a glass of water for every alcoholic drink, if this isn’t possible ensure to drink plenty of water before heading off to bed.
Take a day off
It can be tempting to get straight back into the gym the day after a few drinks but this isn’t always the best idea. It’s more than okay to have a day off and relax, trying to smash a workout whilst not feeling a hundred percent can actually do more harm than good.
Fill up on macros
Unfortunately, alcoholic drinks aren’t known for the vitamins and minerals they provide, they actually deplete the body’s supply. In the hours pre and post drinking, try to eat fruits and veg that are rich in macronutrients. Smoothies, nuts and bananas are just a few examples of quick foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals to fit in before or after a night out.
Choose wisely
It may feel as though alcoholic beverages have no calories in them but many drinks can be very deceiving. Be wary of cocktails and mixed drinks as they will contain a higher number of calories than beer and wines.
Light over dark
When choosing a tipple, try picking light spirits like gin or vodka over whiskey and spiced rum. This is because darker spirits contain toxic compounds that can contribute to a nastier hangover.
Set a limit
It can be easy to overindulge when out socialising with friends. However, for those who may find it difficult to get back on track after a heavy night out, setting a limit can help provide clarity moving forward in the gym. Setting higher limits should not induce guilt, but should be used to inform healthy amendments to that week’s training routine.
Steer clear of sugar
Where possible try and swap sugary mixers and cocktails for diet or sugar-free alternatives. For example, try swapping a gin and tonic for a gin and soda water, the taste might not be quite the same but it can make sticking to a calorie goal much easier. Post-drink snack
Kebabs, burgers and pizzas are often the most popular post drinking snack but the calories can start to add up after a few drinks. Preparing food at home after a night out can be a great way to not overspend on calories at the end of the night.
27th in-store festival brings together twelve of Scotland’s best breweries
Aldi Scotland has unveiled the line-up for its 27th Scottish Beer Festival, giving customers the perfect excuse to enjoy the warmer weather with some ice-cold brews.
The festival is set to showcase 25 craft beers from five regions in Scotland, including the central belt, Aberdeen, Glasgow, the Highlands, and Edinburgh and the Lothians, giving customers the opportunity to sample locally produced, top-quality brews at everyday prices.
Kicking off in-store from Thursday 28th July, the festival will take place across all of Aldi’s 103 Scottish stores in a deal worth over £86,000 to the breweries involved.
Aldi customers across Scotland can enjoy everything from Indian lager and a citrus pale ale from Aberdeen-based Fierce Beer to Loch Ness Brewing’s rich, chocolate stout. Refreshing IPAs from Glasgow Beer Works and a tarte mango sour from Edinburgh’s Cold Town will also feature as part of the summer beer festival.
Aldi is the UK’s Cheapest Supermarket 2021 according to Which? And offers outstanding deals on locally sourced, Scottish beer products, without scrimping on the quality.
Graham Nicolson, Group Buying Director, Aldi Scotland, said:“Our Scottish Beer Festivals are always a big event in the Aldi Scotland calendar. I’m proud that the relationships we have built with Scottish brewers over the years mean that we can showcase some truly excellent beers to a wider audience, while maintaining everyday amazing Aldi prices.
“The summer event will have beers from five different corners of Scotland, showcasing the breadth of talented producers we have on our doorstep.
“I am also very pleased that a number of these beers are exclusive to Aldi Scotland. With something for everyone to enjoy, I am sure our customers will enjoy the chance to try the variety of unique brews in this summer’s line-up.”
Celebrating the 10th year of Scottish Beer Festivals, products will be available in store from 28th July. Visit aldi.co.uk/scottishbeerfestival to find out more. You can find your nearest Aldi here.
Full list of breweries and product featured in Aldi’s Scottish Beer Festival:
Brewdog
Punk AF £1.49 (330ml, 0.5% ABV)
Dead Pony Club £1.49 (330ml, 3.8% ABV)
Hazy Jane £1.49 (330ml, 5.0% ABV)
Cairngorm Brewing Company
Black Gold £1.79 (500ml, 4.4% ABV)
Cairngorm Gold £1.59 (500ml, 4.5% ABV)
Cold Town Brew
New England IPA £1.79 (440ml, 5.5% ABV)
Peachy Summer Ale £1.79 (440ml, 4.1% ABV)
Mango Sour £1.79 (440ml, 4.3% ABV)
Fierce Beer
Indian Lager £1.79 (440ml, 5.0% ABV)
Citrus Pale Ale £1.79 (440ml, 5.0% ABV)
Glasgow Beer Works
Session IPA £1.79 (440ml, 3.2% ABV)
West Coast IPA £1.79 (440ml, 4.5% ABV)
Harviestoun
Heaven Cent £1.49 (330ml, 4.6% ABV)
Ptarmigan £1.79 (500ml, 4.5% ABV)
The Ridge Pale Ale £1.79 (500ml, 5.0% ABV)
Innis & Gunn
Lager £1.95 (660ml, 4.6% ABV)
Loch Lomond Brewery
Cuban Heels Pale Ale £1.79 (440ml, 4.5% ABV)
Slave to the Rhythm £1.79 (500ml, 4.0%)
Loch Ness Brewing
Darkness Stout £1.79 (500ml, 4.4% ABV)
Lightness Pale Ale £1.59 (500ml, 3.8% ABV)
Stewart Brewing
Island Getaway Kettle Sour £1.79 (440ml, 3.5% ABV)
