The world’s most entertaining whisky club honours its members in style with events and tastings across the UK for their annual September Gathering.
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) celebrates its annual September Gathering by showcasing a range of whisky tasting events across its signature UK venues.
Throughout the month the Society is hosting a series of events for members and non-members, with one exciting activation every weekend across each of their four UK locations; Glasgow, London, Edinburgh Queen Street, and The Vaults, Leith.
The Gathering 2021 launched at The Vaults on Friday (4 September) and ends with a virtual tasting on Thursday, 30 September.
As part of the Gathering, the Society has partnered with Linn Products, creators of some of the world’s finest music systems.
Founded in Glasgow in 1973, Linn goes to extremes to pursue musical perfection and designs and manufactures premium music systems that bring consumers closer to the music that they love.
The partnership will feature Linn Lounges at Society’s London and Glasgow venues, offering both members and non-members the opportunity to taste whisky whilst enjoying music from some of the worlds most decorated bands.
Other key events in this year’s programme include The Gathering’s take over at Glasgow’s WEST Brewery, which includes a three-course dinner and a five-dram tasting event hosted by Master Ambassador, John McCheyne and, a spectacular festival of whisky in Edinburgh’s Queen Street Gardens, featuring dram bars, culinary delights from local producers and a live DJ performance from long-standing BBC radio presenter, Vic Galloway.
Helen Stewart, Head of Marketing and Membership at The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, said:“For this year’s Gathering we have taken advantage of our four stunning Members’ Rooms to celebrate the love of whisky with our members.
“The 2021 Gathering line-up features a wealth of exciting events, which encourages our members to share their passion for whisky and offers the chance for new guests to explore the Society’s flavour profiles and what our Members’ Rooms have to offer.
“From a colourful festival of music and whisky to dram tastings and Society suppers, each occasion is incredibly unique and this year we look forward to welcoming our members and their guests to this annual celebration of our whisky community.”
For members ‘afar’ there will also be an immersive programme of home entertainment and virtual tastings, to bring ‘the spirit of The Vaults’ to members, no matter where they are.
Joe Rodger, Linn International Brand Manager, added: “The parallels between good whisky and good music run more than skin deep. Music is the soundtrack to the best times of our lives, and when it’s done right, we savour the difference.
“We are both proud and excited to be partnering with the SMWS. The meticulous focus on quality and provenance of Scotch whisky aligns beautifully with our own mission; we know our music systems are in good company, alongside whisky, as Scotland’s finest exports.”
4th September – The Gathering in the Courtyard. Members had the opportunity to purchase a ticket for a tasting session throughout the day. These included a rum tasting with Society ambassador Olaf Meier and an in-depth tasting session featuring this year’s Gathering exclusive releases hosted by The Vault’s own Dean M.
Edinburgh, Queen Street – 11th September:
11th September – Gathering in the Gardens. For an extra £20, members will be able to take part in a signature one hour Gathering tasting masterclass, taking place at 3.30 pm and 7.00 pm.
London, Greville Street – 17th September – 18th September
17th September and 18th September – Greville Street: Linn Lounge – Fleetwood Mac Whisky and Music Experience.
Glasgow, Bath Street – 24th – 25th September
22nd September – Bath Street: Linn Lounge – Led Zeppelin Whisky and Music Experience.
25th September – The Gathering goes West.
29th September – Bath Street: Linn Lounge – Pink Floyd Whisky and Music Experience.
For more information about The Scotch Malt Whisky Society Membership click here.
A special ceremony honours Citizen Firefighter, Scotland’s tribute to firefighters’ past and present
On June 17, 2001, the statue was unveiled on the corner of Gordon Street and Hope Street in Glasgow City Centre.
Commissioned by a group from Strathclyde Fire Brigade, Scottish artist Kenny Hunter created the bronze sculpture to recognise the contribution and celebrate the work of firefighters’ past and present and for their services to the community.
On Thursday, June 17, Chief Officer Martin Blunden led a Long Service Good Conduct ceremony at the statue. This was followed by a rededication ceremony led by the Service’s chaplains.
Speaking at the event, Chief Officer Martin Blunden said: “Citizen Firefighter sits proudly outside Glasgow Central Station and over the last 20 years, it’s been a focal point for residents and visitors to the city.
“In 2014 and 2018 following the fires at the Glasgow School of Art, the statue held messages around its neck in the Mackintosh script to thank firefighters and to represent a beacon of hope.
“Today, we recognise the statue’s 20th anniversary with a rededication and Long Service Good Conduct ceremony, as we celebrate and reflect on that time.”
The Long Service Good Conduct medal is awarded to Firefighters throughout the UK after 20 years’ service. Group Commander Lorna Yuill was part of Maryhill Fire Station’s Green Watch in 2001, who hosted Kenny to give him an understanding of the fire service and the work firefighters do.
Group Commander Yuill accepted the medal on behalf of Citizen Firefighter at a ceremony that took place outside Glasgow Central Station.
Chief Officer Martin Blunden continued: “A lot has changed in Scotland over the last 20 years, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service for formed from eight legacy services and there have a number of notable incidents.
“Now, we’re asking people to take part in a public consultation on our draft long-term vision and help influence the way the Service evolves over the next ten years.
“I would like to encourage you to read our vision document. I would like to hear what you think – positive or negative – as well as understand what’s important to you too so that you, your family and your community feels safe and protected.
“We want you to achieve a safer Scotland for all, together.”
The consultation runs until Sunday, July 18 and you can read more about it here.
Concerns as Indian variant gains a foothold across UK
Glasgow and Moray will remain in Level 3 from Monday 17 May and travel to and from these areas will be prohibited other than for permitted purposes, due to a high rate of Coronavirus (COVID-19) cases.
The tougher restrictions mean that fans cannot attend next Saturday’s Scottish Cup Final.
Cases in both Moray and in Glasgow have remained high with the most recent data up to 11 May showing the weekly case rate in Moray was 69 cases per 100,000 people and in Glasgow was 80 per 100,000. This compares to 30 cases per 100,000 across the whole of Scotland.
The Scottish Government will review the position in a week and continue to work closely with Glasgow City and Moray Councils and the local Health Boards to reduce case numbers with measures including enhanced testing and vaccination, and provide targeted support for businesses which have to remain closed or continue to operate under Level 3 restrictions.
Universal testing is now available Scotland-wide. Everyone in Moray and Glasgow is encouraged to get tested to help stop the spread of COVID-19 by finding cases that might be missed, as around 1 in 3 people with COVID-19 don’t have symptoms. Testing is free and results are available in around 30 minutes.
All other council areas will move out of Level 3 on Monday as planned, with most of mainland Scotland moving to Level 2 and some island communities moving straight to Level 1, and changes to restrictions around international travel will go ahead as outlined on Tuesday.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “There are now grounds for cautious optimism that the situation in Moray is improving as a result of the public health interventions that have been taken.
“However, case numbers remain more than double the Scottish average and so the judgment of the local Incident Management Team – which has informed this decision – is that it is prudent for Moray to remain at Level 3 for a further week so that we can be more confident that the situation is firmly under control.
“We are applying similar reasoning to the situation in Glasgow City, which is causing even more concern at this stage as the latest available data shows that both cases and test positivity have increased.
Both of these measures suggest an increasing level of infection in the City of Glasgow, and accordingly and very reluctantly, we have decided to err on the side of caution and also keep Glasgow City in Level 3 for a further week.
“An additional and very significant factor in Glasgow is evidence suggesting that the outbreak – which is heavily centered at the moment in the Southside of the city – is being driven by the so-called Indian variant.
We do not yet have a full understanding of the impact of this variant, including on the protection afforded by the vaccines, however I do want to stress that nothing at this stage suggests that it is causing severe illness.
“Public health teams are optimistic that enhanced testing and vaccination will be capable of getting this situation under control. However, the advice given to me by the Chief Medical Officer, and which has informed this decision, is that we need a few more days to assess the data and build confidence that the situation can be brought under control.
“To help contain spread and ensure a quick return to a positive track for both areas, we are asking people not to travel to or from Glasgow and Moray for the next week, except for permitted purposes.
“In both Glasgow and Moray, affected businesses will receive additional financial support – Moray and Glasgow Councils will receive an extra £375,000 and £1.05 million per week respectively, to allow businesses in hospitality and leisure to be given up to £750 per week.
“Both situations will be reviewed again at the end of next week, when I hope the news will be more positive.”
The Scottish government’s decision means that no fans will now attend next Saturday’s Scottish Cup Final.
Hibs were due to hold a ballot of season ticket holders to distribute the remainder of their allocation of 300 tickets on Monday, but the imposition of tougher travel restrictions means that there will now be no fans at Hampden.
The club issued a statement last night: ‘Hibernian FC this evening received clarification from the Scottish FA that – owing to the Scottish Government’s decision that Glasgow should remain in Level 3 lockdown for at least the next ten days as a precaution against higher levels of covid 19 infections – the Cup Final on May 22nd must now be played behind closed doors, with no fans present.
‘Consequently, the Club is unable to provide any tickets other than for those essential to the playing of the match.‘
The fast-spreading Indian variant of the virus is also causing concerns in England, but Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced yesterday that Monday’s planned easing of restrictions will going ahead.
London remains one of the hotspots – surge testing is now being deployed in Hackney – but twenty thousand fans will still attend today’s FA Cup Final at Wembley.
Prime Minister told yesterday’s media briefing: “Throughout this pandemic we’ve tried to keep people abreast of the last information as soon as we get it.
And since I spoke to you last Monday, we’ve seen further clusters of the B.1.617.2, the variant first observed in India; we’ve seen it especially in Bolton, Blackburn with Darwen and some other parts of the country.
At this stage there are some important unknowns.
We believe this variant is more transmissible than the previous one – in other words it passes more easily from person to person – but we don’t know by how much.
I am told that if it’s only marginally more transmissible, we can continue more or less as planned. But if the virus is significantly more transmissible, we are likely to face some hard choices.
We are going to be learning a lot more in the coming days and weeks about that.
The good news is that so far we have no evidence to suggest our vaccines will be less effective in protecting people against severe illness and hospitalisation. So that means we are in a different position from the last time we face a new variant before Christmas because of the scale of our vaccine roll-out, which PHE estimates has already saved almost 12,000 lives and prevented over 33,000 people from being hospitalised.
So I believe we should trust in our vaccines to protect the public whilst monitoring the situation very closely.
Because the race between our vaccination programme and the virus may be about to become a great deal tighter.
And it’s more important than ever therefore that people get the additional protection of a second dose.
So following advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation we will accelerate remaining second doses to the over 50s and those clinically vulnerable right across the country so they are just eight weeks after the first dose, and if you are in this group the NHS will be in touch with you.
We will also prioritise first doses for anyone eligible who has not yet come forward, including the over 40s, and I urge anyone in those groups to come forwards as soon as you can.
At this stage, there is no evidence of increased cases translating into unmanageable pressures on the NHS, even in Bolton – and infections, deaths and hospitalisations nationally remain at their lowest levels since last Summer.
So – and this is a balanced decision – I do not believe on present evidence that we need to delay our roadmap, and we will proceed with our plan to move to step 3 in England from Monday.
But I have to level with you that this could be a serious disruption to our progress and could make it more difficult to move to step 4 in June, and I must again stress we will do whatever it takes to keep the public safe.
Our surveillance and data gathering is now so advanced, that if there was a danger of the NHS coming under unsustainable pressure, we would see the signs in the data very early on and could react in good time, and that gives us the confidence to continue moving forwards for now.
But I urge everyone to exercise the greatest caution because the choices we each make in the coming days will have a material effect on the road ahead.
To those living in Bolton and Blackburn, I am very sorry that you are once again suffering from this virus.
I know how hard it has been for you, having been in a form of national or local lockdown for longer than almost everywhere else.
But now it is more vital than ever that you play your part in stopping the spread.
We will not be preventing businesses from reopening on Monday, but we will be asking you to do your bit. Take the vaccine when you can. Get your free, twice-weekly rapid tests.
If you do test positive, you must self-isolate – and we’ll provide financial support, to help to those on low incomes to help them do so.
And as we move away from living our lives by government rules and as we learn to live with this virus, then, as I said on Monday, we need to make our own decisions about how best to protect ourselves and our loved ones – informed by the risks.
And for those living in Bolton and other affected areas, there is now a greater risk from this new variant so I urge you to be extra cautious.
Our best chance of suppressing this variant is to clamp down on it where it is and we will be throwing everything we can at this task.
Colonel Russ Miller – Commander of the North West Region – will be deployed to support local leaders in managing the response on the ground.
There will be surge testing, with mobile testing units, and the army will be on the streets handing out tests.
And there will targeted new activity in Bolton and Blackburn to accelerate vaccine take-up among eligible cohorts – including longer opening hours at vaccination sites.
And to everyone across the whole country, wherever you live, please get tested twice a week for free, get a jab if you are eligible, remember hands, face, space and fresh air.
Observe social distancing from those you do not know, and if you are seeing loved ones think really carefully about the risk to them especially if they have not had that second dose – or it hasn’t yet had the time to take full effect.
I want us to trust people to be responsible and to do the right thing.
That’s the way to live with this virus, while protecting our NHS and restoring our freedoms.
And it’s very clear now we are going to have to live with this new variant of the virus as well for some time.
So let’s work together – and let’s exercise caution and common sense.
Broadcaster and natural historian to work with the UK as host of COP26 to inspire action in the run up to the summit
Sir David will address world leaders and the public ahead of and at Glasgow in November
This appointment marks the pivotal moment of 6 months to go to COP26.
Sir David Attenborough becomes COP26 People’s Advocate for the UK’s Presidency of the UN climate change summit in Glasgow this November.
With six months to go before the UK brings world leaders together for key climate talks, the renowned natural historian and broadcaster will put forward the compelling case to global leaders, key decision makers and the public for why climate action matters, to evidence the progress underway, and to highlight the actions decision makers will need to take ahead of and at COP26.
He will address world leaders at major international events over the next six months, including the G7 Summit in Cornwall in June, to firmly put climate and the protection of nature at the top of their agenda, and he has also been invited to address world leaders and the public at the Glasgow Summit – the most important climate meeting since the signing of the Paris Agreement in 2015.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “Sir David Attenborough has already inspired millions of people in the UK and around the world with his passion and knowledge to act on climate change and protect the planet for future generations.
“There is no better person to build momentum for further change as we approach the COP26 climate summit in November. I am hugely grateful to Sir David for agreeing to be our People’s Advocate.”
On being appointed COP26 People’s Advocate, Sir David Attenborough said: “I am greatly honoured to be given the role of People’s Advocate. There could not be a more important moment that we should have international agreement.
“The epidemic has shown us how crucial it is to find agreement among nations if we are to solve such worldwide problems. But the problems that await us within the next 5 – 10 years are even greater.
“It is crucial that these meetings in Glasgow, COP26, have success, and that at last the nations will come together to solve the crippling problems that the world now faces.
Sir David has previously stressed the importance of COP26. Addressing the UN Security Council in February, on the invitation of Prime Minister Boris Johnson, he described COP26 as possibly “our last opportunity to make the necessary step-change” towards protecting the planet.
COP26 President-Designate, Alok Sharma, said: “Climate change is the greatest threat facing humanity and the stakes could not be higher for our planet. The next decade will be make, or break, for cutting global emissions sufficiently to avoid the worst effects of climate change.
“That is why I am delighted to be working with Sir David, a hero for our country and our planet, to inspire action ahead of COP26.”
The appointment comes as Alok Sharma is urging governments, international organisations, businesses, and civil society to accelerate bold pledges ahead of the summit, to put the world on a path to net zero emissions by mid-century.
Glasgow faces COVID spike as fans take to the streets
Rangers fans flouted COVID guidelines and partied into the night as they celebrated their first Premiership title win in ten years yesterday.
Their actions have been roundly condemned, however, and it remains to be seen whether action will be taken against the Ibrox club or even the SFA.
Glasgow police were criticised for their lack of action as hundreds of fans congregated at Ibrox stadium and in George Square minutes after Celtic failed to beat Dundee United and conceded the league title to their rivals.
A ‘small number’ of supporters were arrested, but Police Scotland’s performance will be the subject of much discussion today.
Chief Superintendent Mark Sutherland, Divisional Commander for Greater Glasgow Division, made his final statement of the evening at 8:56pm as celebrations continued. He said: “We are continuing to police the ongoing gathering of football supporters in George Square today.
“Officers have continued to move to enforcement where appropriate with a number of further arrests and additional fixed penalty notices for breaches of the coronavirus restrictions, minor incidents of disorder and the use of pyrotechnic devices.
“We are now asking people to disperse and make their way home. For those not in attendance, please do not make your way to Glasgow City Centre.
“People should consider the public health impact of this gathering. For more information on the latest coronavirus guidelines please visit the Scottish Government website.”
Police appeals went unheeded, as did First Minister Nicola Sturgeon’s.
Ms Sturgeon said on Twitter: “I congratulate @RangersFC on the title win & recognise what a moment this is for fans.
“But gathering in crowds just now risks lives, and could delay exit from lockdown for everyone else. If those gathering care at all about the safety of others & the country, they will go home.” They didn’t.
Police Scotland issued an update at 9:30am this morning:
Chief Superintendent Mark Sutherland, Divisional Commander for Greater Glasgow Division, said: “On Sunday, 7 March, 2021, a pre-planned policing operation was instigated after Rangers FC were confirmed as league champions.
“Despite the coronavirus regulations and the prohibition of gatherings, our officers were faced with a very difficult set of circumstances as many thousands of supporters gathered to celebrate across a number of different venues.
“Our priority was public safety and this included reducing the risk of disorder, road safety and effective crowd management among the complexities of a vociferous crowd. This included established crowd control measures to prevent serious disorder in multiple areas and protect the public.
“An appropriate policing response was in place throughout the day and officers continually engaged and encouraged compliance with coronavirus regulations.
“Over the course of the day a number of minor injuries were sustained by members of the public, some of which were as a result of intoxication.
“Where it was appropriate to do so officers moved to enforcement for a variety of offences including breaches of coronavirus regulations, acts of disorder, pyrotechnic use and a number of arrests for assaulting police officers and sectarian related breach of the peace.
“In total, 28 people were arrested and seven people were issued with fixed penalty notices or will be the subject of a report to the Procurator Fiscal.
“I am grateful to our officers who showed great commitment and professionalism throughout the course of the day, many of whom put their own health at risk during a challenging set of circumstances.”
Only 35 fans to face punishment? Given the pictures we’ve all seen Police Scotland’s attitude appears incredibly tolerant and will infuriate many people who have stuck to the rules throughout.
The First Minister has already expressed her frustration with football following previous misdemeanors, and has said that the sport is on a yellow card. With growing public anger over fans’ reckless behaviour will she now consider taking action?
There will be many ‘sair heids’ in Govan this morning, but yesterday’s scenes have also presented Govan’s MSP with her own headache. The First Minister was expected to announce a loosening of restrictions tomorrow, but following Sunday’s scenes this could now be under reconsideration.
While the Scottish government has praised ‘everyone’ for obeying guidelines since they were introduced at start of the pandemic, it’s very clear that a sizeable minority have continued to ignore guidelines and even break the law throughout – be that ignoring soocial distancing by gathering at school gates, families flouting travel restriction rules or simply a refusal to wear face masks.
Few will forget the picures of a packed Portobello promenade, The Meadows teeming with people or crowds in Princes Street Gardens. And now this.
There have been more than 7400 COVID deaths in Scotland but it seems that some people will never learn.
While Rangers have made no official comment on the scenes in Glasgow, manager Steven Gerrard told rangers.co.uk: “It is very difficult to put into words right now. I’m on a real, emotional high and it has been a journey that is not finished.
“There is more to come and the next thing for me, when you win, it is always about what is next, and I am so proud of the players first and foremost – they are the most important people inside the club.
“But they are not as important as the supporters – they are what makes this club and it is for them and we have been down at times, really low at times, but this is an incredible high.
“It has been an incredible journey we have been on and we deserve it. I would just like to thank the board for the support they have given me – each and every one of them – and everyone who has given me the backing to go and do the job I needed to do and everyone connected to the club who is here now deserve to enjoy this.”
When Hibernian won The Scottish Cup in 2016 Rangers were quick to condemn Hibs fans for running on to the pitch to celebrate their first victory in the tournament for 114 years.
‘Rangers Football Club is shocked at the disgraceful behaviour of Hibs fans at full time’, the Ibrox club said in a statement rushed out after the game.
No such rush to condemn this time round, however. Silence in Govan.
A groundbreaking clinical trial for motor neurone disease (MND) begins this week at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH) in Glasgow.
The pioneering trial MND-SMART is testing multiple drugs, rather than a single treatment at a time, and so aims to speed up the time it takes to find medicines that can slow, stop, or reverse the progression of MND.
The trial, based at the QEUH, will welcome participants from across the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde region which cares for the largest number of people living with MND.
Motor neurone disease (MND), also known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or ALS, is a progressive condition that causes muscle to waste away. It occurs when nerve cells called motor neurons, which send messages from the brain and spinal cord to the body’s muscles, stop working properly.
More than 1,500 people are diagnosed with MND in the UK each year. There is no cure and half of people die within two years of diagnosis.
MND-SMART is a pioneering clinical trial in its reach and design and is recruiting hundreds of people living with MND across the UK to take part in tests of potential treatments. Unlike typical clinical trials which test a single treatment at a time, MND-SMART is testing multiple drugs and so aims to speed up the time it takes to find medicines that can slow, stop, or reverse the progression of, MND.
Dr George Gorrie, Consultant Neurologist and Lead for Motor Neurone Disease Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said: “The MND-SMART trial launching in Glasgow is some good news at a time when there isn’t much around.
“Ensuring the safety of people taking part in MND-SMART is the research team’s highest priority and we will follow all government requirements relating to COVID-19 and research.
“The pandemic and ensuring practices are COVID-19 compliant will impact how quickly people can be recruited to the trial but we are delighted to be able to start seeing participants.”
Those who have already registered online interest in the trial and who live in the Greater Glasgow and Clyde area will be contacted by the Glasgow trial team over the coming months to discuss taking part.
The trial was first announced in January and centres are due to open across the UK. Glasgow is the third such centre after Edinburgh and Dundee.
The trial has been developed by people with MND and clinical trial experts from across the UK. The study is led by the Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research at the University of Edinburgh.
Funding for the trial has been provided by the Euan MacDonald Centre, substantial private donations, MND Scotland and the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation.
For further information about the trial please visit www.MND-SMART.org
Glasgow vs Edinburgh: Cities go head To head in Charity Challenge
Two Scottish charities are going head to head with their latest fundraising challenge, in an attempt to raise vital funds for the children’s hospitals they support.
Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity has teamed up with Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity for Lap the Map – a brand new virtual fundraising event which pits supporters from each charity against each other to see who can ‘lap the map’ first.
Lap the Map launched with supporters initially racing in their hundreds to lap the 10,007km-long coastline of Scotland. Due to overwhelming popularity for the event, Team Edinburgh successfully reached the finish line within just a few short days, leading the charities to extend the challenge to take on the world and cover the full distance of the Earth’s equator – a further 40,075km.
An army of over 2,000 participants have already signed up to help each charity lap the world before 31st July.
Both charities are now calling on more people from across Glasgow and the West, and Edinburgh and the East, to sign-up for Lap the Map to raise vital funds, while helping to settle the age-old rivalry over which coast really is the best coast.
Money raised from Lap the Map will directly support NHS staff on the frontline, young patients and their families at Glasgow’s Royal Hospital for Children, and Edinburgh’s Royal Hospital for Sick Children.
NHS staff from Glasgow’s Paediatric Intensive Care, Physiotherapy and Theatre teams, and Edinburgh’s Emergency Department, Critical Care and Occupational Therapy teams have already signed up to help the children they work to support.
Alyson Walker, Consultant Paediatric Anaesthetist, Glasgow’s Royal Hospital for Children said: “Our department and patients benefit so much from the work of Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, so ‘Team Scrubs’ are determined to fundraise as much as possible.
“We’ll be changing our scrubs for running gear at every available opportunity to make sure that Team Glasgow laps the map of the world first. Team Edinburgh better watch out – our fantastic Theatres team take great pride in our work, and this challenge will be no exception!”
Judith Montgomery, Physiotherapist at The Royal Hospital for Sick Children, (above) said: “During this crisis, things have been very different in the hospital. The team at Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity have been there every step of the way, so we want to make our steps count for them.
“We’re challenging ourselves to walk as many kilometres as possible to help us Lap the World first and beat Glasgow!”
The charities teamed up to create Lap the Map as a result of the ongoing postponement and cancellation of mass participation fundraising events across the country due to the Covid-19 crisis. These events would normally raise tens of thousands for each charity, so an alternative virtual event was created to help plug the gaps in fundraising income.
William McGowan, Head of Fundraising, Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity said: “We rely entirely on fundraising and donations to ensure that we can be there for young patients and their families with our life-changing hospital projects and support services.
“It has been wonderful seeing over 1,000 of our incredible supporters showing such determination with their fundraising, and enthusiasm to beat Team Edinburgh to the finish line – it’s no secret that the friendly competition between Glasgow and Edinburgh has been spurring all our team on!
“And while Team Edinburgh may have one the first leg, Team Glasgow is still determined to come out on top so we’re looking forward to welcoming many more supporters to our heroic team, and continuing to raise vital funds for those children in hospital who need us most.”
Victoria Buchanan, Deputy Director of Fundraising, ECHC, said: “We were blown away by the response we received to the initial Lap the Map challenge, with over 1,000 people and NHS heroes signing up to Team Edinburgh. Our team pulled out all the stops, hitting the 10,007km in just three days and raising an incredible £68,000.
“The target was smashed so quickly though and we know our team still has so much more to give, so we are very excited to have extended the challenge to Lap the World. It’s now game on against Glasgow to make sure Team Edinburgh reaches the 50,082km first to prove we are the best team in the world!
“Though we’re all aware of the friendly competition between East and West, our charities share a common goal – to transform the experiences of children and families in hospital. We hope many more people will sign up to the challenge before 31 July to make their kilometres count for their local children’s hospital this summer.”
Six in hospital following incident at Park Inn Hotel
Constable David Whyte has been named as the police officer seriously injured in yesterday’s stabbing attack at a Glasgow hotel. The 42-year-old officer’s condition is described as ‘critical but stable’.
PC Whyte was one of six people injured in the attack at the Park Inn hotel, which is currently housing asylum seekers. The suspect was shot dead by police.
Late last night, Chief Constable Iain Livingstone made the following statement on the incidents in West George Street, Glasgow:
“Terrible incidents such as we have seen today are, thankfully, very rare in Scotland. This event has understandably shocked the people of Glasgow, and indeed, the whole country.
“My thoughts and very best wishes are with those who have been injured and their families, including our colleague Constable David Whyte who was seriously injured in the course of doing his duty. I offer my personal support to all those affected.
“Officers have once again run into danger to protect their fellow citizens. Their professionalism as police officers was outstanding. I pay tribute to their bravery, selflessness and commitment to protecting the public.
“I briefed the First Minister and the Prime Minister earlier today on the circumstances and advised them both that we are not treating the attack as a terrorist incident.
“It is essential enquiries are now carried out to establish the full circumstances and all speculation must be avoided.
“Scotland is a safe place to live and work. We have cohesive communities who work with their police service to maintain our peaceful and respectful way of life.
“In the context of the current health emergency, and to respect those injured today and the people of Glasgow, I ask everyone to exercise personal responsibility. Please, do not gather in crowds this weekend.”
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has responded to the serious incident in Glasgow’s West George Street.
The First Minister said: “First and foremost my thoughts are with all those people who have been caught up in this terrible incident, particularly the six injured people taken to hospital for treatment, as well as residents and staff at the hotel.
“I also want to thank all of those police officers whose quick and decisive actions contained the incident – one of whom was among those taken to hospital – as well as the work of the other emergency services. The Justice Secretary and I have been kept informed through the afternoon and briefed by the Chief Constable.
“While such a serious incident is rare in Scotland it is another reminder of the courage and professionalism of our police officers who are willing to run towards danger in order to protect the lives of others.
“Clearly there is already much speculation around this incident, which remains under investigation.
“I would urge everyone to avoid such speculation, to not share potentially harmful or upsetting material on social media and to follow police advice while investigations are underway.”
10 Downing Street issued the following statement:
The PM has this afternoon spoken with First Minister Nicola Sturgeon about the incident in Glasgow.
He has also held a meeting with the Home Secretary and senior police officers, in which he was updated. The Prime Minister thanked the Chief Constable of Police Scotland, Iain Livingstone, for the exceptional bravery of his officers at the scene.
The PM’s thoughts remain with the injured and their loved ones.
The COP26 UN climate change conference set to take place in Glasgow in November has been postponed due to COVID-19.
This decision has been taken by representatives of the COP Bureau of the UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change), with the UK and its Italian partners.
Dates for a rescheduled conference in 2021, hosted in Glasgow by the UK in partnership with Italy, will be set out in due course following further discussion with parties.
In light of the ongoing, worldwide effects of COVID-19, holding an ambitious, inclusive COP26 in November 2020 is no longer possible.
Rescheduling will ensure all parties can focus on the issues to be discussed at this vital conference and allow more time for the necessary preparations to take place. We will continue to work with all involved to increase climate ambition, build resilience and lower emissions.
COP26 President-Designate and Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Alok Sharma said: “The world is currently facing an unprecedented global challenge and countries are rightly focusing their efforts on saving lives and fighting COVID-19. That is why we have decided to reschedule COP26.
“We will continue working tirelessly with our partners to deliver the ambition needed to tackle the climate crisis and I look forward to agreeing a new date for the conference.”
UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Patricia Espinosa said: “COVID-19 is the most urgent threat facing humanity today, but we cannot forget that climate change is the biggest threat facing humanity over the long term.
“Soon, economies will restart. This is a chance for nations to recover better, to include the most vulnerable in those plans, and a chance to shape the 21st century economy in ways that are clean, green, healthy, just, safe and more resilient.
“In the meantime, we continue to support and to urge nations to significantly boost climate ambition in line with the Paris Agreement.”
Italian Minister for the Environment, Land and Sea Protection, Sergio Costa, said: “Whilst we have decided to postpone COP26, including the Pre-COP and ‘Youth for the Climate’ event, we remain fully committed to meeting the challenge of climate change.
“Tackling climate change requires strong, global and ambitious action. Participation from the younger generations is imperative, and we are determined to host the ‘Youth for the Climate’ event, together with the Pre-COP and outreach events.
“We will continue to work with our British partners to deliver a successful COP26.”
COP25 President, Minister Carolina Schmidt, said: “The decision of the Bureau on the postponement of COP26 is unfortunately a needed measure to protect all delegates and observers.
“Our determination is to make sure that the momentum for climate ambition will continue, particularly for the preparation and submissions of new NDCs this year.”
