Aldi Scotland is claiming that a simple supermarket staple could help fuel runners through one of the country’s toughest endurance challenges, as excitement builds for the return of the Edinburgh Marathon Festival.
With just over a week to go until Scotland’s largest marathon event, the retailer has teamed up with Edinburgh Running Network to inspire runners in a very unusual way, turning the streets of the capital into a giant carrot-shaped running route using Strava. The playful campaign is designed to spotlight the benefits of the humble vegetable as a natural training fuel.
Fronted by its iconic mascot, Kevin the Carrot, Aldi is promoting the unexpected benefits of carrots for runners preparing to go the distance.
While high-performance gels and protein bars often dominate marathon training plans, Aldi Scotland is championing a more natural option, highlighting its Scottish-grown supply chain and the farmers behind it.
The retailer sources its carrots from Benzies, a fourth-generation family-run farm in Aberdeenshire operated by Philip Benzie alongside his wife Hazel and stepson Charles.
Philip Benzie, owner, Benzies, said:“Carrots might not be the first things runners reach for, but they offer a surprising mix of benefits.
“They provide a gentle, steady source of energy thanks to natural sugars, while their high water content helps support hydration. They also contain potassium for muscle function and beta-carotene, which supports recovery and immune health, which are all important for anyone training consistently.”
Producing between 20,000 and 30,000 tonnes of Scottish carrots every year, Benzies also noted that carrots are easy to digest, particularly when cooked, making them a practical option for pre and post run meals, or as a light snack during busy training days.
Lynne Cowden, coach co-ordinator and run leader, Edinburgh Running Network, said:“We loved the idea of turning Edinburgh’s streets into something a bit more playful in the run-up to the marathon.
“The carrot Strava art was a fun challenge for our community and a great way to keep motivation high as race day approaches.”
Benzies’ range of carrots is available across Aldi’s 113 Scottish stores.
Queen Margaret University (QMU) will host a major public event later this month to confront the long-standing lack of awareness and action surrounding osteoporosis, and positioning the condition firmly as a public health priority.
Despite affecting millions of people across the UK, osteoporosis remains one of the country’s most overlooked health conditions – often widely under-recognised, under-diagnosed and under-treated, despite its potentially devastating and life-changing consequences.
In response, QMU’s Lydia Osteoporosis Symposium, taking place on Wednesday 20 May 2026, is on a mission to change that by raising awareness of the risks of osteoporosis and equipping people with the knowledge and tools needed to improve bone health and prevent fractures.
The symposium will bring together people living with osteoporosis, family members and carers, health and social care professionals, researchers and members of the wider community for a powerful and inclusive day of learning, discussion and shared experience.
Led by the Lydia Osteoporosis Project team, the event will highlight osteoporosis as a significant but neglected public health issue, while showcasing the latest research alongside practical, evidence-informed guidance on bone health and fracture prevention. All sessions have been designed to be accessible and engaging for all attendees.
The full-day programme will explore a wide range of topics, including lifelong bone health, osteoporosis care, and the role of nutrition, exercise and lifestyle in maintaining strong bones. Alongside expert presentations from leading health practitioners and researchers, attendees will also take part in interactive sessions shaped by both research, evidence and lived experience.
Gemma Stevenson, Project Lead of the Lydia Osteoporosis Project, said: “Too many people are living with the devastating consequences of osteoporosis without enough awareness, support or action.
“It is often described as a ‘silent’ condition, yet its consequences can be devastating, life changing and, in many cases, preventable. This symposium is about breaking that silence – making knowledge accessible, valuing lived experience, and empowering people to take action.
“By bringing communities, professionals and researchers together, we can challenge complacency, shift perceptions and drive the change needed to improve prevention, diagnosis and care.”
The symposium, which will run from 8:30am to 4:30pm at Queen Margaret University, is now fully booked – reflecting the growing demand for better understanding and action around osteoporosis.
Come along and find resources to support you or your loved ones through the dementia journey.
Have a cuppa and a chat. Relax with Elaine from MindTr!p, learning new techniques. Feel soothed by Tally with a hand massage. Come and listen to the NW singers and find out about them. Have a cuddle with a dog, and of course have a cuppa!
If that isn’t enough to pique your interest come along to chose an Izzy doll or ruffle muff hand made by our wonderful knitters!
Mental health in the UK is moving in the wrong direction. More people are experiencing distress, services are overwhelmed and demand continues to rise.
The need for action is clear. But what should that look like?
At the Mental Health Foundation, we believe that lasting change depends on acting earlier – we call it prevention.
Treatment and crisis services are vital and always will be, but they can’t carry the full weight of the mental health crisis.
If we want fewer people to reach crisis point, we have to address the conditions that harm mental health in the first place and strengthen those that protect it.
We’re seeking your views on the proposed digitalisation of information that helps trace missing people living with dementia.
As part of the Herbert Protocol, families/carers can obtain, print and complete a pro-forma document from the Police Scotland website that is handed to investigating officers whenever someone with dementia goes missing.
The form records a range of useful information which will allow police to respond swiftly during the crucial first hour – rather than spend it gathering information.
At present, families and carers are responsible for owning, updating and providing this document to police.
Read more about the Herbert Protocol and get the link to our consultation survey here:
Contini George Street is proud to announce a meaningful new partnership with Maggie’s Edinburgh, a charity offering expert cancer support and information in Edinburgh.
The newly formed partnership will support the charity’s vital cancer care services throughout the month of May through a series of fundraising initiatives, headlined by a pre-loved designer pop-up shop and a specially curated menu designed to reflect the spirit and colors of Maggie’s.
From May 14th to 17th, the former Jo Malone shop at 93 George Street will be transformed into Maggie’s Boutique, featuring over 1,200 donated lines of high-end designer fashion.
To celebrate the collaboration, anyone visiting the pop-up will receive a voucher for a complimentary Maggie’s Cocktail (available in both alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions).
The voucher can be redeemed at Contini George Street with the purchase of any main course during lunch or dinner service and featured cocktails include:
Brindisi per Maggie: A refreshing Passion Fruit Spritz with prosecco, Aperol, passionfruit, and mint.
Dolce Maggie (Non-alcoholic): A sophisticated blend of Crodino Biondo, soda, and 0% ABV sparkling wine.
These cocktails will also be available for general purchase at £10, with £1 from every drink sold donated directly to the charity.
For the entire month of May, Contini George Street will also feature two dedicated dishes on their à la carte and breakfast menus, with a portion of every sale supporting Maggie’s fundraising goals.
Buongiorno Maggie’s (£9): A breakfast delight of seasonal fruit salad with Graham’s Greek yoghurt, Victor’s honey, and homemade granola.
Maggie’s Giardino (£20): A nutritious take on the classic Italian Caprese, substituting traditional red tomatoes for orange Datterini tomatoes and fresh Italian apricots to match Maggie’s signature branding. This vegetarian and gluten-free dish features Mozzarella di bufala DOP, Contini kitchen garden basil, and Victor’s organic extra virgin olive oil.
Carina Contini, co-owner of Contini Restaurants, said: “We are incredibly proud to collaborate with Maggie’s this May. Our ‘Maggie’s Giardino’ dish is a tribute to their work. We invite all our regulars and new visitors to the George Street pop-up to join us in raising a glass, and more importantly, vital funds for a charity that holds a special place in the hearts of so many Edinburgh residents.”
By combining the reach of Contini’s George Street presence with the high-profile designer pop-up, both organisations hope to drive significant foot traffic and awareness for cancer care support in the capital.
Maggie’s Edinburgh Fundraising Manager Samantha Lea said: “We are so grateful to Contini for supporting us this May, particularly with Maggie’s Boutique later this month.
“As a charity we rely almost entirely on voluntary donations to support people facing a cancer diagnosis, as well as their family and friends.
“It is 30 years since we opened our centre in Edinburgh, the first of what is now 27 across the UK, and thanks to partnerships like this one with Contini we are able to reach even more people living with cancer from across the whole Lothian region.”
Event Details & Opening Times
Maggie’s Boutique Pop-Up (93 George Street):
Thursday, May 14th: Noon – 9:00 PM
Friday, May 15th: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday, May 16th: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday, May 17th: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Contini George Street (103 George Street):
Maggie’s Fundraising Menu: Available daily throughout May 2026.
Cocktail Voucher Redemption: Valid for pop-up visitors during event dates.
The team at Tesco Extra in Corstorphine donated £200 to Corstorphine Dementia Project for new kitchen equipment.
The equipment will support the charity, who host the Jubilee Club, a lunch and social event for people with Alzheimer’s and dementia.
The charity has launched a crowdfunding page to help renovate their new premises.
The team at Tesco Extra supermarket in Corstorphine has supported a local dementia charity with a donation of £200, which has been used to purchase new kitchen equipment.
The equipment, which includes kettles, toasters and utensils, will help support the team at Corstorphine Dementia Project, which hosts a day service on Monday to Fridays each week for members to enjoy regular lunch events where people with Alzheimer’s and dementia can meet, enjoy lunch and socialise.
This donation comes at a vital time for the group, which, for more than 30 years, has been a well-known, and vital community lifeline, providing essential support for families in North West Edinburgh.
With its current premises planned to be demolished within 12 months, the charity has found a new home that will secure its future for decades to come, allowing its caring and dedicated team to continue providing the care and support that families in North West Edinburgh have come to rely on.
However, the new premises require refurbishment, so the Corstorphine Dementia Project has launched a Crowdfunder page to raise £35,000 which will go towards the work needed on the new site.
Karen Brown, Senior Support Worker at the Corstorphine Dementia Project, said: “We’re hugely grateful for this incredible donation and we’d like to thank the lovely team at Tesco Extra Corstorphine for their support.
“It has made a real difference and is very much appreciated by both our members and the team.
“Our group’s day-care centre, the Jubilee Club, provides a safe, supportive and stimulating environment where people living with dementia and cognitive impairment can enjoy meaningful activities, social interaction and personalised care.
“With this new equipment, we can continue providing them with tasty lunches and hot drinks, while giving them an opportunity to socialise with other members in the community.
“We’re also grateful for any donations to our crowdfunding page, which will allow us to continue our vital work, securing our future in an environment where we can thrive and make an even greater impact. We hope to create a new home that fosters hope, inclusion and growth.”
Deborah Brown, Community Champion at Tesco Corstorphine Extra, said: “The vital work carried out by the Corstorphine Dementia Project at its Jubilee Club is an incredibly important part of our community, so we were really delighted to be able to play our part in supporting them.
“The sessions they host for people living with Alzheimer’s and dementia are wonderful and we wish them the best of luck working on securing more funding for their new premises and urge our customers to donate to their crowdfunding page if they can.”
To donate to the Corstorphine Dementia Project crowdfunding page, please visit:
Around half of higher-risk mental health patients in Emergency Departments were not properly observed during their stay last year.
That’s according to a new data published by the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM) today, 11 May, which is the first day of UK Mental Health Awareness Week.
RCEM’s QIPs are designed to improve care and awareness of particular issues in Emergency Departments among clinicians, offer recommendations on practice and in turn drive improvements to patient care.
Today’s report is the final one for the QIP on Mental Health and Self Harm, which ran from 2022-2025 and tracked progress in the care for patients attending EDs across the UK at risk of self-harm and absconding.
It measured EDs against three standards:
Patients having a mental health triage by clinicians on arrival to gauge their risk of further adverse events, including self-harm or leaving without assessment.
Patients deemed medium or high-risk of further self-harm or absconding should be observed during their whole length of stay in the ED
Assessment of patients presenting with self-harm by an ED clinician should include a brief assessment of ongoing risk, the type of self-harm inflicted, the trigger for the episode, a brief social history and any current thoughts of further self-harm
The report found that an average of 48.6% of patients deemed medium or high risk of self-harm and absconding from the ED were appropriately observed last year.
This is a significant improvement on 2023, where the average was 29.1%, and a slight improvement on the 2024, when it was 42.8%.
Observation rates, the report found, dipped to an average of below 35% in early December 2025 – one of the busier times of year for EDs, which adds further barriers for staff in delivering high quality care including patient observation.
Almost three quarters (76.1%) of patients presenting with self-harm underwent a mental health triage, lower than in year 2 (81.7%) of the QIP, but slightly better than year 1 (74.6%). Meanwhile, mean average times to triage increased from 42 minutes in year 2 to 45 minutes in year 3 and may be indicative of increasing demands on ED services.
The report also found:
The vast majority (92.12%) of patients presenting with self-harm had the type of self-harm recorded
Meanwhile, just 45.6% had an adequate social history recorded, around half (51.8%) were asked about further self-harm plans or thoughts, and less than three-quarters (71.8%) had the trigger for the episode recorded
40% of patients, during the summer, were asked about all four of these areas. In early December 2025, only around 20% were asked.
The report noted that performance against the clinical standards was likely impacted by the high demand and pressures facing EDs, particularly in winter.
Evidence of compassionate and practical care for patients presenting with mental health needs was recorded in 40.7% of cases. The data shows an improvement on year 2 (38%) and year 1 (30%).
Based on these findings, the QIP report made a series of recommendations aimed at driving further improvements for each clinical standard for care of mental health patients in ED.
Dr Nirmal James, Topic Lead for the QIP, said: “This final report has shown an improvement in addressing certain key factors of health care quality including compassionate and practical care.
“However, the high demands facing EDs will likely have had an impact on delivery of some of key standards covered by the QIP.
“It is encouraging to see some of our most vulnerable patients are being observed throughout their stay in ED far more than they were before we embarked on this project.
“However, there is still scope for improvement, and I hope the findings and recommendations from this QIP can continue to drive improvement in patient care.”
Dr Ian Higginson, RCEM President, said: “The College thanks all sites and individuals who took part in this QIP for their contributions towards this important piece of work.
“The improvements made to care are a testament to the hard work of our staff who have been able to make positive changes despite an extremely challenging environment,
“However, today’s report shows how much still must be done to safeguard mental health patients in the ED.
“This final report has also further exposed just how difficult it is to drive improvements to patient care while our departments are overstretched, and staff are pushed over their limits.”
