Tag: Specsavers

Fashion legend Jeff Banks makes surprise visit to Edinburgh to open new community opticians

LEGENDARY fashion mogul, Jeff Banks made a surprise appearance in Edinburgh at the weekend (Saturday 16 March) as he officially opened a brand-new, £750,000 opticians and audiologists in the capital.

The designer was invited to cut the ribbon at the recently relocated Specsavers Morningside store at 85 Morningside Road, alongside retail director Joe Alubaid, clinical director Michael O’Kane and audiology partner Jonathan Bell.

As well as running a week-long competition and giveaway on local radio station Forth One to celebrate the occasion, one lucky customer was also surprised with a Jeff Banks designer bundle in-store on the day.

It comes as Specsavers marks 15 years of helping people in Morningside with their eye and hearing care needs.

Joe Alubaid, retail director of Specsavers Morningside, says: ‘We were thrilled to welcome Jeff to officially open our new home at 85 Morningside Road, just as we pass our milestone 15-year anniversary.

‘This was a truly monumental moment for our team and our fantastic customers, and we can’t wait to share our new space with them for years to come.’

The store is a significant step-up from its previous home at 302 Morningside Road, with the number of testing rooms increased to seven in response to increased customer demand.

Positioned across two floors, the new offering includes a dedicated audiology room and a brand-new contact lens space.

State-of-the-art equipment has been installed throughout, including two Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) machines, as well as bigger, more spacious waiting areas and a reception to welcome customers ahead of their appointments.

Michael O’Kane, clinical director at Specsavers in Morningside, says: ‘Everything we have introduced in the new store has been in response to the needs of our growing customer base and the local community.

‘There is an ageing, yet independent and healthy population, in the south of Edinburgh, however age-related conditions such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, and hearing loss are all becoming more common.

‘What’s more, myopia (short sightedness) is also becoming more prevalent in children within the UK. That is why we have designed our new store specifically to address these emerging needs of our local community.

‘Timely diagnosis and treatment are essential, and so our increased testing capacity and state-of-the-art diagnostic machines will allow our expert team to quickly identify any problems that may be detected.

‘‘So many of our customers also come to us because of our extensive contact lens offering, including myopia control lens options at Specsavers’s prices.

‘Our new store will allow us to expand our contact lens support with the introduction of two new dedicated contact lens teaching areas, while we also have plans to introduce a dedicated contact lens optician into our practice alongside our experienced optometrists to provide our customers with even more support.’

Specsavers Morningside, located at 85 Morningside Road, is open from 9am – 6:30pm Monday to Thursday, 9am – 6pm Friday and Saturday and 10am – 6pm every Sunday.

To book an appointment, call the store directly on 0131 446 9960 for eye health specialists or 0131 672 9218 for hearing specialist, or visit: 

www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/morningside.

Specsavers is celebrating 40 years of care this year and is now the largest privately-owned eye care and audiology company in the world with more than 2,500 businesses in 11 countries.

The company is committed to changing lives through better sight and hearing by making expert care accessible and affordable for everyone, and also offers a Home Visits service for those unable to travel to one of its 1,000 locally owned stores.

To learn more, visit: www.specsavers.co.uk

Former referee recounts career at Edinburgh Football Memories group as Specsavers tour hits capital

PARTICIPANTS of an Edinburgh Football Memories group enjoyed a visit from former referee Martin Clark as a Specsavers-sponsored whistle-stop tour of Scotland reached the capital.  

The official sponsors of the Scottish FA match officials have facilitated for retired refs to speak to participants of Football Memories, a project which assists people living with memory loss conditions, including dementia and Alzheimer’s, as well as those experiencing loneliness and social isolation. 

The tour will also stop in at Dundee and Aberdeen. Ex-whistler Dougie Hope got proceedings under way at Hampden Park on January 25, before Martin entertained the group at Hibernian FC’s Easter Road Stadium with tales from his career. 

Established in 2009, Football Memories Scotland is a charitable project run by the Scottish Football Museum in partnership with Alzheimer Scotland. 

With 500 groups around the country, often hosted in football settings, Football Memories uses engaging football-themed resources stored in a memory box, such as reminiscence cards, life-size player cutouts, newspaper clippings and books, to stir memories and discussions led by volunteers. 

Specsavers have sponsored the boxes for the referee tour and have helped to provide some exciting new contents for them such as old football boots, photographs of former referees and other memorabilia. 

Long-term memories can be triggered for many through the visual cues of images, videos, artefacts and discussions taking place in a small group or even a one-to-one setting, unlocking precious happy moments from the past. The impact can be enormous. 

Robert Craig, Chair of the Scottish Football Museum, says: ‘We were delighted to welcome Martin to the group as our new partnership with Specsavers continued to demonstrate its power. 

‘Their support to the Football Memories project, which impacts the lives of all who touch it, is invaluable and helps us to continue to deliver for those living with memory loss conditions or experiencing isolation.’ 

Crawford Allan, Scottish FA Head of Referee Operations, says: ‘Football Memories is a fantastic initiative and one our roster of former referees will gladly support, as an extension of our existing partnership with Specsavers. 

‘We hope their stories and treasured memorabilia will spark many happy memories.’ 

Specsavers’ Arlene Stephenson, Scottish Divisional Chair, says: ‘Specsavers is proud of our long tradition in backing Scottish referees, but our latest sponsorship deal sees us going further than ever, helping to raise awareness of the vital work Football Memories does in assisting people living with memory loss conditions. 

‘We can’t wait to hear what questions the referees are fielded on their tour of the country and learn about the impact for those attending the groups.’ 

Specsavers announced in 2021 that it renewed its’ sponsorship deal with football referees in Scotland, marking more than 20 years of support – one of the longest agreements of its kind in sport. 

The deal has seen the partnership continue into 2024, not only helping with the training and development of referees, but also helping to raise awareness of para football and grassroots football in Scotland. 

Linlithgow lad celebrates Local Legend tag by Specsavers as he rises through refereeing ranks 

A LINLITHGOW referee has received the accolade of ‘Local Legend’ as part of Specsavers’ partnership with the Scottish FA. 

With thousands of people giving up their time each week across the country to ensure their community can enjoy football, the Local Legends campaign aims to shine a light on the unsung heroes dedicated to grassroots football. 

Cameron Stirling, from Linlithgow, has been recognised as a Local Legend for his dedication to refereeing and for promoting officiating to youngsters as a route for development within football. 

At just 21, Cameron is a category three referee, balancing officiating Lowland League games with his studies at Edinburgh Napier University. 

The business management and marketing student is also a Youth Referee Ambassador, starting out in refereeing at just 16, making the senior list at 17, and hopes to one day officiate a game in the Scottish Premiership. 

Speaking upon receiving the award, Cameron said, ‘I’ve played football pretty much my whole life and just love the game. 

‘It’s very nice to be recognised and I’m honoured to receive it, especially when the nomination came from my peers in the referees’ department.’ 

From Stranraer to Banks O’ Dee, Cameron has already travelled the length and breadth of the country as both a referee and a linesman. 

His passion for the game comes from growing up playing football, but now hopes refereeing can provide him with a path to the top. 

As part of his recognition, last November Cameron enjoyed a day out at Hampden Park to watch Scotland’s thrilling 3-3 draw with Norway in a UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying match, courtesy of Specsavers and the Scottish FA. 

Cameron also received a signed Scotland top from Steve Clarke’s men’s national squad as a part of their accolade. 

Specsavers’ Arlene Stephenson, Scottish Divisional Chair, says: ‘Specsavers is proud of our long tradition in backing Scottish referees, but our current partnership sees us going further than ever, helping to raise awareness of grassroots football across the country. 

‘Our Local Legends campaign is all about shining a spotlight on those away from the glamour of the top divisions, but who work just as hard to ensure Scotland’s communities benefit from the beautiful game. 

‘From managing their local teams and making sure the pitch is in top shape for matchday, to referees making sure everyone’s game goes ahead or even just fervently following your club for decades – these unsung heroes embody what football is all about.  

‘We are delighted to celebrate Cameron’s contribution to both football and his profession as a referee, particularly for one so young. 

‘In our eyes, he truly is a Local Legend.’ 

Specsavers announced in 2021 that it renewed its’ sponsorship deal with football referees in Scotland, marking more than 20 years of support – one of the longest agreements of its kind in sport. 

The deal has seen the partnership continue into 2024, not only helping with the training and development of referees, but also helping to raise awareness of para football and grassroots football in Scotland. 

Former ref Martin Clark to speak at Hibs Football Memories group as Specsavers-sponsored tour hits capital

Participants of a Football Memories group in Edinburgh will get the chance to hear from former referee Martin Clark as Specsavers’ whistle-stop tour reaches the capital. 

The official sponsors of the Scottish FA match officials have facilitated for retired refs to speak to participants of Football Memories, a project which assists people living with memory loss conditions, including dementia and Alzheimer’s, as well as those experiencing loneliness and social isolation. 

Martin, from Edinburgh, refereed over 300 top-flight games in Scotland and will recount his career, which spanned 1976-2000 to the group at Hibernian’s Easter Road on February 19. 

The tour kicked off last month in Glasgow, as ex-whistler Dougie Hope got things under way at Hampden Park. 

John Rowbotham will talk to the Dundee group in March, while Mike Pocock will host the Aberdeen participants at April’s meeting. 

Established in 2009, Football Memories Scotland is a charitable project run by the Scottish Football Museum in partnership with Alzheimer Scotland. 

With 500 groups around the country, often hosted in football settings, Football Memories uses engaging football-themed resources stored in a memory box, such as reminiscence cards, life-size player cutouts, newspaper clippings and books, to stir memories and discussions led by volunteers. 

Specsavers have sponsored the boxes for the referee tour and have helped to provide some exciting new contents for them such as old football boots, photographs of former referees and other memorabilia. 

Long-term memories can be triggered for many through the visual cues of images, videos, artefacts and discussions taking place in a small group or even a one-to-one setting, unlocking precious happy moments from the past.

The impact can be enormous. 

Robert Craig, Chair of the Scottish Football Museum, says: ‘After a hugely successful first event with Specsavers at Hampden Park, we are delighted to be on the road and visiting one of our groups in Edinburgh. 

‘Their support to the Football Memories project, which impacts the lives of all who touch it, is invaluable and helps us to continue to deliver for those living with memory loss conditions or experiencing isolation. 

Crawford Allan, Scottish FA Head of Referee Operations, says: ‘Football Memories is a fantastic initiative and one our roster of former referees will gladly support, as an extension of our existing partnership with Specsavers. 

‘We are sure their stories and treasured memorabilia will spark many happy memories.’ 

Specsavers’ Arlene Stephenson, Scottish Divisional Chair, says: ‘Specsavers is proud of our long tradition in backing Scottish referees, but our latest sponsorship deal sees us going further than ever, helping to raise awareness of the vital work Football Memories does in assisting people living with memory loss conditions. 

‘We can’t wait to hear what questions the referees are fielded on their tour of the country and learn about the impact for those attending the groups.’ 

For those keen to attend the Easter Road group on February 19 at 10.45am, please register your interest via email here: tomwright.1972@btopenworld.com.

You have until 11:59pm, Thursday 15 February to do so.

Space is limited and attendees will be allocated and informed by Hibs Football Memories in advance of the group. 

Specsavers announced in 2021 that it renewed its’ sponsorship deal with football referees in Scotland, marking over 20 years of support – one of the longest agreements of its kind in sport. 

The deal has seen the partnership continue into 2024, not only helping with the training and development of referees, but also helping to raise awareness of para football and grassroots football in Scotland. 

‘Local Legends’ recognised by Specsavers

THREE regional football heroes have received the accolade of ‘Local Legend’ as part of Specsavers’ partnership with the Scottish FA. 

With thousands of people giving up their time each week across the country to ensure their community can enjoy football, the Local Legends campaign aims to shine a light on the unsung heroes dedicated to grassroots football.  

Mick McConville from Renfrew, Cameron Stirling from Linlithgow and Norrie Tate from Glasgow’s southside, were awarded for their selflessness and dedication within the game. 

Mick, 71 and a former panel beater, was recognised for his work with Erskine Youth Football Club, having been instrumental in its development for nearly 50 years as both a coach and, more recently, a custodian. 

While Mick’s current focus is improving the facilities at the Renfrewshire club, he had a long career as a development squad coach, seeing the likes of former Celtic star Brian O’Neil, current St Mirren CEO Keith Lasley and former Dumbarton manager Stevie Aitken come through the ranks. 

The second to receive the Local Legend status was Cameron, who, at just 20, is a category three referee, balancing officiating Lowland League games with his studies at Edinburgh Napier University. 

The business management and marketing student is also a Youth Referee Ambassador, starting out in refereeing at just 16, making the senior list at 17, and hopes to one day ref a game in the Scottish Premiership. 

Lastly, 90-year-old Pollok fan Norrie, from Battlefield, has been recognised as a Local Legend after his near-80-year commitment to his beloved team. 

Not only has Norrie followed The Lok up and down the country since 1946, but he also used to arrange supporters’ buses to help other fans do the same. Norrie remains a fixture in the Newlandsfield Park enclosure and cites their 1981 Scottish Junior Cup win as his favourite moment as a fan. 

As part of their recognition, the three Local Legends enjoyed a day out last November, courtesy of Specsavers and the Scottish Football Association, to enjoy Scotland’s thrilling 3-3 draw with Norway in a UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying match.   

The trio also received a signed Scotland top from Steve Clarke’s men’s national squad as a part of their accolade. 

Specsavers’ Arlene Stephenson, Scottish Divisional Chair, says: ‘Specsavers is proud of our long tradition in backing Scottish referees, but our current partnership sees us going further than ever, helping to raise awareness of grassroots football across the country.  

‘Our Local Legends campaign is all about shining a spotlight on those away from the glamour of the top divisions, but who work just as hard to ensure Scotland’s communities benefit from the beautiful game. 

‘From managing their local teams and making sure the pitch is in top shape for matchday, to referees making sure everyone’s game goes ahead or even just fervently following your club for decades – these unsung heroes embody what football is all about.  

‘We are delighted to celebrate Mick, Cameron and Norrie’s contribution to both football and their local communities, and in our eyes, they truly are Local Legends.’ 

Andy Gould, Chief Football Officer at the Scottish FA, said: ‘We’re delighted for Mick, Cameron and Norrie to be recognised by Specsavers for all of the hard work they do within their community and local clubs.

“Like these Local Legends, thousands of individuals give up their time to help promote the game within their area and without them the opportunity for people to play and enjoy our wonderful game would not be possible.’ 

Specsavers announced in 2021 that it renewed its’ sponsorship deal with football referees in Scotland, marking more than 20 years of support – one of the longest agreements of its kind in sport. 

The deal has seen the partnership continue into 2024, not only helping with the training and development of referees, but also helping to raise awareness of para football and grassroots football in Scotland. 

Former referee Dougie Hope speaks at Hampden Football Memories group as Specsavers-sponsored tour kicks off 

Participants of Football Memories groups across Scotland will get the chance to hear from former referees as their whistle-stop tour, courtesy of Specsavers, kicks off.  

The official sponsors of the Scottish FA match officials have facilitated for retired refs to speak to participants of Football Memories, a project which assists people living with memory loss conditions, including dementia and Alzheimer’s, as well as those experiencing loneliness and social isolation. 

The tour will stop in at Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee and Aberdeen, with ex-whistler Dougie Hope getting proceedings under way at Hampden Park on January 25. 

Dougie refereed over 1,000 matches in Scotland, his last being Dundee United’s 1-0 victory over Rangers in the 1994 Scottish Cup Final, and will recount his career to the group at the national stadium. 

Martin Clark will host Edinburgh participants in February, John Rowbotham will talk to the Dundee group in March, while the Aberdeen speaker is yet to be confirmed for April’s meeting. 

Established in 2009, Football Memories Scotland is a charitable project run by the Scottish Football Museum in partnership with Alzheimer Scotland. 

With 500 groups around the country, often hosted in football settings, Football Memories uses engaging football-themed resources stored in a memory box, such as reminiscence cards, life-size player cutouts, newspaper clippings and books, to stir memories and discussions led by volunteers. 

Specsavers will sponsor the boxes for the referee tour and have helped to provide some exciting new contents for them such as old football boots, photographs of former referees and other memorabilia. 

Long-term memories can be triggered for many through the visual cues of images, videos, artefacts and discussions taking place in a small group or even a one-to-one setting, unlocking precious happy moments from the past. The impact can be enormous. 

Robert Craig, Chair of the Scottish Football Museum, says: ‘We are excited to get under way with the first activity in our new partnership with Specsavers. 

‘Their support to the Football Memories project, which impacts the lives of all who touch it, is invaluable and helps us to continue to deliver for those living with memory loss conditions or experiencing isolation. 

1994/1995 Referee Douglas Hope in action

Crawford Allan, Scottish FA Head of Referee Operations, says: ‘Football Memories is a fantastic initiative and one our roster of former referees will gladly support, as an extension of our existing partnership with Specsavers. 

‘We are sure their stories and treasured memorabilia will spark many happy memories.’ 

Specsavers’ Arlene Stephenson, Scottish Divisional Chair, says: ‘Specsavers is proud of our long tradition in backing Scottish referees, but our latest sponsorship deal sees us going further than ever, helping to raise awareness of the vital work Football Memories does in assisting people living with memory loss conditions. 

‘We can’t wait to hear what questions the referees are fielded on their tour of the country and learn about the impact for those attending the groups.’ 

Specsavers announced in 2021 that it renewed its’ sponsorship deal with football referees in Scotland, marking over 20 years of support – one of the longest agreements of its kind in sport. 

The deal has seen the partnership continue into 2024, not only helping with the training and development of referees, but also helping to raise awareness of para football and grassroots football in Scotland. 

Specsavers strikes a chord with music therapy charity partnership

Callum Beattie meets music therapy participant supported by £50,000 Specsavers donation ahead of Scottish Music Awards

SPECSAVERS has named music therapy charity, Nordoff and Robbins, as its official charity partner for Scotland.

The high street opticians and audiologists has made a £50,000 donation to bolster the charity’s services across Scotland. Their work has pioneered music therapy for the past 60 years, harnessing the power of music to help break through the barriers caused by life-limiting illness, disability and social isolation.

Laura Baird, a Specsavers store director, says: ‘Nordoff and Robbins helps people connect through their senses, which closely reflects the work we do at Specsavers.

‘We are delighted to make this donation to the charity, knowing that it will directly help people all across Scotland who depend on music therapy to enhance their quality of life.’

Laura, along with Scots singer-songwriter and charity ambassador Callum Beattie, attended a music therapy session to learn first-hand how Specsavers’ donation will help Nordoff and Robbins support its Scottish clients.

The session took place at St. Andrews Hospice in Airdrie with Frank Fennessey who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2013. Frank has enjoyed playing the bass guitar throughout his life and is able to continue doing so with support from a Nordoff and Robbins music therapist.

Callum, who released his second album ‘Vandals’ earlier this year, says: ‘Music helps me express emotions and thoughts that I sometimes find hard to put to words. Playing together with Frank during our session was so special. I could see his face light up and confidence soar.

‘Music is incredible for self-expression and allows people to connect, even when words fail. The donation from Specsavers will allow people like Frank to continue to benefit from music therapy sessions right across Scotland.’

Frank has been attending music therapy sessions for five years since being diagnosed with Parkinson’s. He says: ‘I bought my first bass guitar when I was 15-years-old, having been a huge rock and roll fan.

“I played in local bands my whole life. After I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s I didn’t play for a few years until I started my Nordoff and Robbins’ music therapy sessions at St. Andrews Hospice. 

‘My music therapist really takes her time with me, showing me how to adapt and play at a pace that I can manage. I’m back to playing every day and my music therapy sessions are something I look forward to every week.’

Sally Fennessey, Frank’s wife, is looking forward to celebrating 44 years of marriage this year. She says: ‘The music therapy sessions have made a huge difference to Frank. It gives him something to focus on and a chance to socialise with others.

“It’s also a huge confidence boost. I’ve never been so happy to hear him play Led Zeppelin in the spare room at home.’

Laura, who is the store director at Specsavers Wishaw, adds: ‘It’s great being able to see the joy music therapy is bringing to the people who need it in our local community, right here in North Lanarkshire.‘

Specsavers’ donation will support a range of endeavors, from the acquisition of new instruments, to the training of new music therapists, to better facilitate Nordoff and Robbins’ work with people throughout Scotland who use its services.

The charity’s work can be transformative for a wide range of people, from an adult with dementia reconnecting with family to a neurodivergent child expressing themselves through music.

Sandy Trappitt, deputy director of fundraising at Nordoff and Robbins, says: ‘We are hugely appreciative for the charitable donation from Specsavers.

“The much-needed cash boost will positively impact our service offering across Scotland, helping ensure that everyone who could benefit from music therapy does.

‘Music therapy allows people to express themselves and share a connection and we hear daily from clients and families about the incredible benefits it provides. Music is a universal language which everyone deserves to enjoy.’

Specsavers’ optical and audiology expertise can be easily accessed throughout Scotland at its 80 locally-owned stores. Those unable to attend a Specsavers store unaccompanied can receive the same eye care at home via its Home Visits service. Specsavers Home Visits covers more than 90% of the UK.

For more information on Specsavers, please visit www.specsavers.co.uk

Specsavers fundraiser brings new equipment to Royal Infirmary to help premature and sick babies

Cutting-edge equipment for examining premature and sick babies is now in place at the Neonatal Unit in the Simpson Centre for Reproductive Health in the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh thanks to a £73,000 fundraiser by Specsavers stores across Scotland.

Teams from across the business raised the money after being moved by the story of colleague Michael O’Kane whose daughter Sophie (now 9) was born at 24weeks weighing just 1lb 15oz.

They donated the funds to the Simpsons Special Care Babies (SSCB) charity to buy a piece of equipment called a PanoCam for the Neonatal Unit at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. 

Premature babies are at high risk of retinopathy which can cause blindness – they need their eyes checked regularly due to rapid changes in organ development (in what would have been the last three months of pregnancy) which can put them under a lot of stress – the PanoCam provides a much quicker and safer way to examine them.

Alongside the fundraiser, Specsavers’ Scottish stores also backed Bliss Scotland as their Charity of the Year to further support Scotland’s premature babies and their families – so the charity’s ambassador Lady Sarra Hoy (whose son Callum was born at 29wks back in 2014) came along to the Royal Infirmary to celebrate the success of the campaign.

Michael O’Kane, a Specsavers optician and store director in Morningside and Cameron Toll, says: ‘There were times when I feared Sophie wouldn’t pull through but she recovered thanks to incredible support from the Neonatal Unit, and I will forever be grateful. 

“This fundraiser is testament to what can be achieved when you club together to make a difference, and myself and all my colleagues across Scotland feel immensely proud to have helped bring this equipment to the hospital.’

He joined Lady Sarra Hoy, a lawyer by profession and wife of cycling champion Sir Chris Hoy, at the Neonatal Unit where they were shown the equipment by Professor Ben Stenson, Consultant Neonatologist at the Neonatal Unit, NHS Lothian and SSCB representative.

Lady Sarra Hoy says: ‘As a parent on the neonatal unit, it’s so frightening to see your baby undergo lots of invasive procedures which can be really stressful for them when they’re so tiny.

“This equipment – together with the support that Bliss are providing to families thanks to Specsavers’ incredible fundraising – will make such a difference to babies and their families.”

Staff at the unit are currently being trained in using the PanoCam which, as well as being used to examine premature babies, can also be used to detect ocular tumours in older children.

Mercedes Perez-Botella, Directory of Midwifery, NHS Lothian, says: ‘We are delighted that the PanoCam will soon be operational at the Simpson Centre.

“Retinopathy is a prevalent problem for babies who are born prematurely, and we hope that this new equipment will help our neonatal doctors to promptly identify any deterioration in the baby’s retina and act accordingly to prevent damage.

‘I am sure parents will also welcome this addition to our resources as it will provide them with extra reassurance about the high level of care their babies will get while in the Neonatal Unit.

“We would like to sincerely thank Specsavers and Simpsons Special Care Babies for fundraising for this new equipment, we know that this will make a real difference to families within the Neonatal Unit.”

The funds to purchase the equipment were raised by stores from all over the country who donated £2 from optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans (which helps to spot serious eye conditions, including glaucoma, up to four years earlier than traditional methods) and from earwax removals during a two-month period.

MED Surgical, the company which supplies the Visunex PanoCam Pro, usually charge £113,000 but generously contributed £40,000 to make Specsavers’ fundraising target of £73k more attainable.

Precious little moments keep Edinburgh smiling in today’s tough times

  • Sunday roast voted our favourite pleasurable pastime during pandemic
  • A compliment makes us smile more than gifts or flowers
  • We’re still smiling despite wearing face masks – and using our eyes to help us

IT’S the simple things in life that are keeping us smiling across Scotland in increasingly challenging times, according to new research by Specsavers, with the sound of the doorbell indicating a takeaway or other delivery most likely to bring a smile to our faces.

The Specsavers Smile Study has revealed that spending time with loved ones makes 92 per cent of us in Edinburgh smile more than anything else and getting together for a traditional family Sunday roast was cited as our favourite thing to do throughout the pandemic.

The study also revealed that receiving a smile – or a smize[3] – from someone else is what makes people smile most at the moment[4]. And despite face masks currently concealing our smiles, 55 per cent of us in Scotland still smile when wearing one, with almost half of respondents admitting that they are now expressing themselves more using their eyes because people can’t see their mouths.

Dr Carlos Crivelli, a leading psychologist and expert in the science of smiling at De Montfort University in Leicester, has reviewed the survey findings: ‘When you limit the opportunities to interact with others by imposing lockdowns and physical distancing restrictions, you can see the impact that it has on the usual tools that we use to interact.

‘As part of this social interaction toolkit, smiles play an important role. Despite not being able to use smiles due to face masks, a positive outtake from these findings is that most people across the UK (80%) reported that they can rely on the upper part of the face to interact with others.

‘The science of facial behaviour – why we smile and how we use smiles in social interaction – is fascinating. For example, we smile to bond or affiliate, when we would like to reward others, to reciprocate, or to keep the interaction going,’ explains Dr Crivelli.

‘Specsavers’ Smile Study found that respondents from Edinburgh perceive people smiling to be more cooperative (81%), friendlier (85%) and more attractive (74%), and our confidence increases when people smile at us (73%).’

While smiling is infectious, other small acts of kindness go a long way. The research revealed money and time are not essential to make someone smile – we are more likely to offer compliments or praise (43%), rather than giving flowers (7%) or gifts (14%). A quarter of us also admit that the most recent thing we have done to make someone else smile is to tell them that we love them.

When it comes to cheering ourselves up, in the absence of visiting friends or going to the pub, the top answers were calling friends or family, listening to music or watching a comedy show.

Encouraging us to keep on smiling as times look set to become even tougher are father and son, Martin and Roman Kemp, known for cheering up the nation on their new Sunday Best TV show.

Former Spandau Ballet musician and actor, Martin, says: ‘Staying in touch and speaking with people who make you smile helps you focus on your happiness and theirs and we all need that right now.

‘A smile is infectious and even though we’re all mostly hidden by masks at the moment, you get a rush from smiling that helps boost your spirits. And you can still see a smile in the eyes. They aren’t called the windows of the soul for nothing – they can reveal your feelings, your individuality and your personality.’

Reflecting the survey findings, Martin says there are certain things that are sure to bring a smile to his face: ‘There’s so much that makes me smile – good news especially when there’s so much bad news around, seeing other people smile and laugh – and the smell of good food!’

DJ and TV presenter, Roman, says: ‘For me, it’s watching Arsenal win and that’ll always put a big smile on my face! And I’m so lucky to do a job that means I have get to make people smile every morning. You can tell when someone is smiling when they call in, you really can hear it in their voice.

‘Working with my dad is a blessing too. We have the same sense of humour and laugh at the same silly things, so being able to spend so much time together over the last few challenging months has been great.’

Martin agrees: ‘Yeah, Roman makes me smile and laugh all the time – sometimes for the wrong reasons!

The survey was commissioned as part of Specsavers new Something to Smile About multi-channel campaign, which focuses on real people smiling with their eyes to the soundtrack of Michael Bublé singing When You’re Smiling, to celebrate the positivity and joy that a simple smile can bring when times are difficult.

For more information visit specsavers.co.uk.