All four UK Chief Medical Officers have issued a joint statement on the vaccination rollout including guidance on the newly approved vaccine developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University.

The MHRA authorisation includes conditions that the AstraZeneca (Oxford) vaccine should be administered in 2 doses, with the second dose given between 4 and 12 weeks after the first. The MHRA has also clarified that for the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine, the interval between doses must be at least 3 weeks.

For both vaccines, data provided to MHRA demonstrate that while efficacy is optimised when a second dose is administered, both offer considerable protection after a single dose, at least in the short term. For both vaccines the second dose completes the course and is likely to be important for longer term protection.

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has subsequently recommended that as many people on the JCVI priority list as possible should sequentially be offered a first vaccine dose as the initial priority. They have advised that the second dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine may be given between 3 to 12 weeks following the first dose, and that the second dose of the AstraZeneca (Oxford) vaccine may be given between 4 to 12 weeks following the first dose. The clinical risk priority order for deployment of the vaccines remains unchanged and applies to both vaccines. Both are very effective vaccines.

The 4 UK Chief Medical Officers agree with the JCVIthat at this stage of the pandemic prioritising the first doses of vaccine for as many people as possible on the priority list will protect the greatest number of at risk people overall in the shortest possible time and will have the greatest impact on reducing mortality, severe disease and hospitalisations and in protecting the NHS and equivalent health services. Operationally this will mean that second doses of both vaccines will be administered towards the end of the recommended vaccine dosing schedule of 12 weeks. This will maximise the number of people getting vaccine and therefore receiving protection in the next 12 weeks.

Based on JCVI’s expert advice, it is our joint clinical advice that delivery plans should prioritise delivering first vaccine doses to as many people on the JCVI Phase 1 priority list in the shortest possible timeframe. This will allow the administration of second doses to be completed over the longer timeframes in line with conditions set out by the independent regulator, the MHRA and advice from the JCVI. This will maximise the impact of the vaccine programme in its primary aims of reducing mortality and hospitalisations and protecting the NHS and equivalent health services.

The JCVI has also amended its previous highly precautionary advice on COVID-19 vaccines and pregnancy or breastfeeding. Vaccination with either vaccine in pregnancy should be considered where the risk of exposure SARS-CoV2 infection is high and cannot be avoided, or where the woman has underlying conditions that place her at very high risk of serious complications of COVID-19, and the risks and benefits of vaccination should be discussed. Those who are trying to become pregnant do not need to avoid pregnancy after vaccination, and breastfeeding women may be offered vaccination with either vaccine following consideration of the woman’s clinical need for immunisation against COVID-19. The UK Chief Medical Officers agree with this advice.

Two Police Scotland officers have been recognised for their outstanding public service in the Queen’s 2021 New Year Honours list.

Detective Chief Superintendent Sam McCluskey, Head of Public Protection, and Chief Inspector Lindsay Tulloch, area commander for Shetland, will receive the Queen’s Police Service Medal (QPM) – the highest honour awarded for policing service.

Chief Constable Iain Livingstone QPM said: “Our officers, staff and volunteers are committed to public service and dedicated to helping others in all our communities.

“I extend my warmest congratulations to those recognised today for the significant contributions they have made to policing in Scotland.”

Detective Chief Superintendent McCluskey said: “I am really honoured and humbled to receive this award. I have had the privilege of working with great people, both in the police service and with our partner organisations and would like to thank them for their tremendous support in driving our work forward.”

Chief Inspector Tulloch added: “This recognition by Her Majesty the Queen today is a great honour which I am extremely humbled and proud to receive. I am very fortunate and feel privileged to have the opportunity to be part of a team of dedicated people, not only within Police Scotland, but from partner agencies and the voluntary sector who continue to support and keep people in our communities safe.”

Detective Chief Superintendent McCluskey has spent most of her career as a detective and devoted much of it to the support of victims. She has been Head of Detective Training at the Scottish Police College and in 2014 was appointed Head of the Domestic Abuse Coordination Unit and Task Force. She implemented a national Domestic Abuse policy and pioneered a victim centred–perpetrator focused approach.

Sam played a highly-significant role in the introduction of the Disclosure Scheme for Domestic Abuse Scotland, or Claire’s Law, and Abusive Behaviour and Sexual Harm (Scotland) Act 2016.

Chief Inspector Tulloch is the Area Commander for Shetland in the Highlands and Island Division. A Shetlander himself, he has shown outstanding leadership and organisational skills and met the challenge of introducing a positive policing model to the island’s communities and developing relationships with key partners.

During the pandemic Chief Inspector Tulloch’s leadership and clarity of purpose undoubtedly help prevent unnecessary escalation.

He joined Northern Constabulary at Inverness in 1992 and transferred to Orkney in 1997. In 2000, following a secondment to Inverness he became a detective constable and was promoted to sergeant in 2003.

In 2006 he became a detective sergeant at Lerwick and in 2012 promoted to the rank of inspector at Thurso, transferring to detective inspector in Public Protection with responsibility for Caithness, Orkney and Shetland. He returned to Shetland in 2014 taking over as Area Commander in 2015.

Police Scotland is advising drivers that the Met Office has issued a Yellow Weather Warning for snow and ice covering a number of areas across Scotland on Thursday, 31 December and issued advice to drivers and passengers.

The local authority areas affected will include East Lothian, Edinburgh, Midlothian Council, Scottish Borders and West Lothian.

The Met Office warning lasts until 2pm on Thursday, 31 December. Conditions for travel may be hazardous and extra caution should be exercised.

What to expect: Snow and ice may bring some disruption late in to Thursday morning or early afternoon.

Northerly winds will bring showers of rain, sleet and snow across the north of Northern Ireland as well as northern, western and south of Scotland.

Snow accumulations will mostly be confined to ground above 100m away from coasts, but some temporary slushy deposits are possible to low levels at times. 1-3cm is likely to accumulate above 100m, and as much as 5-10cm above 250m, this mostly across high ground of Scotland. Some accumulations of 1-3 cm are likely, again mainly over higher ground, but 5 cm or more is possible over parts of southern Scotland.

Ice will form readily as temperatures quickly fall away rapidly through both Tuesday and Wednesday evenings.

What to do: If you are travelling you should ensure that you and your vehicle are adequately prepared for the conditions, making sure you have sufficient fuel and supplies, such as warm clothing, food & water in the event of being delayed for several hours.

Make sure that there is sufficient tread on the tyres fitted to your vehicle, ensure tyres are correctly inflated and that the screen wash is filled.

Charge your mobile phone and have the ability to charge it further if necessary.

Plan your route as well as alternatives to your planned route.

Drive to the conditions, leaving sufficient distance between you and the vehicle in front to allow you to use smooth braking, steering and acceleration to minimise skid risk.

Listen to media broadcasts especially local radio and Traffic Scotland Radio or visit www.trafficscotland.org.

For public transport information visit www.travelinescotland.

Follow @policescotland and @trafficscotland on Twitter for regular and up to date travel information.

Ross Country manager John ‘Yogi’ Hughes insists that he is not getting carried away after last-night’s 2-0 victory over Hibs at Easter Road.

The result sees the ‘Staggies’ move off the bottom of the table and Hughes was particularly pleased with his team’s clean sheet after a half-season conceding too many goals.

A goal from Harry Paton midway through the first-half gave County the lead at the break but many thought that Hibs would come back to secure the victory but in truth Jack Ross’s men seldom looked like scoring and it was a former Hibs’ player Oli Shaw who secured the three points with 15-minutes remaining.

Hughes said: “It’s been very difficult. I’ve been in nine days and had three games so I’ve not really been on the training ground. I’ve stood back to see what I’ve got and the sessions the coaching staff are putting on are exactly what I’m looking for.

“We’ve conceded too many goals but we had a solid shape tonight. The pleasing thing for me was keeping a clean sheet.

“Pre match I refused to say how good a team Hibs are because I have to look after my team, but now that we have won it I can say Hibs are a great team and Jack’s doing a fantastic job, so to come here and take their scalp with an honest hard-working performance is great.

“I’m just delighted for the boys but it’s only one win. We are not getting carried away.”

Hughes was also quick to praise Shaw having played with his father Greg at Falkirk.

He added: “The shift he (Oli Shaw) gave me tonight was great. I told him if he’s half as good as his old man he will be alright. He’s a lovely boy and it’s my job to get the best out of him. He’s got the hardest job in football playing up there against two centre halves. I’m delighted for him.”

Hibs’ Head Coach Jack Ross said that it was not a night for lambasting the players who in the main have been really good this season despite their 2-0 home defeat to Ross County.

Hibs started off well but fell behind to a long range effort from Harry Paton midway through the first-half then as they were pressing forward looking for an equaliser, former player Oli Shaw sealed the victory for John Hughes’ men.

Ross accepted that the whole team fell below their normally high standard but is confident they will respond in the correct manner when Livingston visit the capital on Saturday.

After the final whistle Ross told Hibs TV: “It sounds very simple, we just didn’t play well enough tonight. Individually almost all the players on the pitch were below the level they are normally at and have been at in the main and subsequently as a team we fell short of where we need to be at.

“It’s a poor night for us in terms of where we are normally at, in terms of our standards and we have to accept any criticism. We’ve taken a lot of deserved plaudits this season but tonight we were a long way short of the levels we have normally been at.

“It’s a night for not getting too carried away for lambasting the players who in the main have been really good this season. We don’t want them to lose any faith and trust in what they do well and have done well.

“It’s a little reminder of the strength and mindset you have to have to bang out consistent performances and we were a bit off it in terms of how close we got to the opposition, our energy levels, out creative spark and how ruthless we were when opportunities came our way.

“It was a perfect storm in terms of us not being at our best.

“We will have bumps through the season. We’ve not had many this season and when we have had them we have responded well and the key thing now is how we react on Saturday.

“Most often when players have disappointments they want to get back into action as quickly as possible and this is a quick turn around for them and I’m pleased that we have that because I think we have a group of players who as I said have been very good for me.

“They are honest about their work and they are disappointed in there because they know we weren’t good enough tonight as a group but I have an enormous amount of faith in them and I believe they will respond at the weekend and get back to the levels they have been at in the  main this season.”

Jack Ross’s prediction that the arrival of John ‘Yogi’ Hughes would give Ross County ‘fresh impetus’ was proved correct as the Staggies left Easter Road with all three points following a 2-0 victory over a lacklustre Hibs side.

Ross made one change to the starting XI that lost narrowly to league-leaders Rangers at the weekend with Christian Doidge returning from suspension to replace Alex Gogic.

All photos by Ian Jacobs

There were a few familiar faces in the visitor’s squad including manager John ‘Yogi’ Hughes who previously captained and manager Hibs, plus Ross Laidlaw and Oli Shaw.

Ahead of kick-off both sets of players took part in a minute’s silence in memory of former Dundee United manager Jim McLean who sadly passed away last week.

Hibs started positively and won a number of corners and free-kicks in the final third but were unable to test Laidlaw.

The first real chance came in the 11^th minute when Drey Wright did well to win the ball in midfield before playing a one-two with Kevin Nisbet but his shot was blocked and deflected for another corner.

Moments later a josh Doig cross from the left just evaded Wright and Jordon Tilson managed to clear the danger.

It was the visitors however who opened the scoring against the run of play in the 24^th minute when Harry Paton was allowed too much room in midfield and fired a superb 25-yard strike into the bottom left hand corner of the net.

In the next passage of play, Jermaine Hylton’s shot deflected over the bar and from the resultant corner the ball was cleared to Steven Kelly and Dillon Barnes did well to tip his volley over the bar.

Hibs fought back and Doidge headed a Joe Newell free-kick down to the feet of Nisbet but he was crowded out and the danger was cleared.

Doidge had a great chance to equalise when he got on the end of a low cross from Boyle but his first time effort flew over the bar.

In the 36^th minute Doidge did well to keep the ball in play and found Doig who cut it back to Newell but Laidlaw did well to save his strike.

Just before the break Ryan Porteous was wrestled to the ground by Alex Iacovitti whilst trying to get on the end of another Newell corner but the referee awarded the free-kick to the Staggies.

Just after the restart Paul Hanlon got on the end of a Newell free-kick but Laidlaw easily saved his header.

In the 53^rd minute Martin Boyle was brought down 25-yards from goal and Laidlaw produced a fine save to deny Melker Hallberg from the resultant free-kick.

Ross then made a double substitution with Doig and Wright making way for Lewis Stevenson and Jamie Gullan.

Moments later Laidlaw punched away a Newell corner and Shaw appeared to bundle over Boyle in the race for the ball but the referee waved away the Hibs’ players’ appeals.

Hibs continued to press forward but County looked dangerous on the break and Melker Hallberg was replaced by Stephen McGinn.

Iain Vigurs was fortunate not to be shown a second yellow card for a reckless challenge on Doidge but once again Don Robertson ruled in favour of the visitors.

Doidge almost equalised with a powerful header from a Newell free-kick but the ball flew inches wide of the post.

Moments later the Welshman got on the end of a Jamie Gullan cross but his header was easily saved by Laidlaw.

With 15-minutes remaining Yogi’s men doubled their advantage when Wright’s throw in found Hylton who turned Hanlon and slid the ball into the path of Shaw who side footed it into the empty net.

Moments later Shaw attempted an audacious 45-yard shot which almost embarrassed Barnes but the keeper manager to get back to prevent the goal.

Hibs had another penalty claim denied when Gullan was bundled over inside the area then with seven minutes remaining, Stephen McGinn sent Stevenson clear on the left. The full back looked up and slid a perfect ball into the path of Newell but he completely mishit his effort from 12-yards.

In the dying minutes, Porteous headed just wide from a Newell cross and Ross County held on to secure a valuable three points in their fight against relegation.

After the final whistle Ross told BBC Sportsound:”We didn’t play well enough to win the game. Individually, a lot of our players were below the levels they’ve been at in the main this season.

“Consequently, you’ll be short as a team. We will deserve to be criticised. Faith and trust in the group remains because by and large this season they’ve been good.”

Hughes said: “They deserve that and the thing that pleases me most is a clean sheet. The shape was solid. We caused Hibs all sorts of problems.

“Hibs were the better team in the first 10 minutes. After that we came right into the game and really passed it and took the game to them.”

Hibs: Barnes, P. McGinn, Hanlon, Porteous, Doig, Hallberg, Gogic, Newell, Boyle, Wright, Nisbet. Subs: Samson, Gray, McGregor, Stevenson, Gogic, S.McGinn, Bradley, Gullan

Ross County: Laidlaw, Tremarco, Shaw, Vigurs, Hylton, Watson, Iacovitti, Kelly, Tillson, Paton, Donaldson. Subs: Randall, Gardyne, McKay, Lakin, Wright, Williamson, Doohan

Referee Don Robertson

New Year is a time for taking stock. Here is a message from Willie Rennie who leads the Scottish Liberal Democrats.

Mr Rennie said: “2020 has been a year like no other. The stresses and strains of it will be etched in our memories for many years to come.

“New Year is usually a point to reflect on a year that’s passed and set new goals for the year ahead. This year that feels different. We have to pause to take stock of the enormity of our loss. The virus has devastated so many families and ripped the fabric of our liberal society apart too.

“However, we can be proud, proud of the effort we’ve made as communities and as a wider society across the country to keep each other safe and cheerful in such dark times, and proud of all those who have been involved in the biggest scientific effort in history to get us out of this.

“At long last we have the chance to look forward to a new year, one that is looking more and more hopeful and bright. But just like last year I urge you to look out for neighbours and friends as we wait for the government to get this vaccine out to every household, hospital and care home as quick as humanly possible.

“The crisis demands our focus, our undivided attention, needle sharp precision. It needs us to work in partnership for recovery. To put the recovery first.

“I believe the world can be better after this pandemic. At next year’s elections the people of Scotland can make that happen by voting for the Liberal Democrats.

“If the SNP get to push forward with another independence referendum, recovery will play second fiddle just like everything else has.

“People on long hospital waiting lists want faster treatment. Parents want affordable childcare and good nursery education. Young people desperate for work want a job. Pupils deserve the best education around. Our planet needs action to halt climate change.

“Patients, parents, young people, pupils and the planet can’t wait in the long queue behind a long independence debate. They need action now. Recovery must come first.

“And Liberal Democrats will put it first. I hope you have a very happy new year.”

Scottish Labour leader, Richard Leonard, has shared his New year message.

He writes: “The absence of Hogmanay celebrations from the streets and from the homes of our cities, towns and villages, is deeply felt by all of us. But these great traditional community events will return. They will once again flourish.

“Going into 2021, it is clear that we will face more weeks and probably months of restrictions, and beyond that a post pandemic economic and jobs crisis that could cause unprecedented harm. But we can and we will recover from this.

“The advent of Covid vaccines give us realistic hope that we will come out of this pandemic in 2021, with the possibility of a return to some kind of normality.

“Scotland’s world class arts and cultural sectors will return and we will see live performances once again. Sport will be back, sport will be back with a vengeance, with the men’s national football team competing in Euro 2020 this coming summer, hoping to make history and lift our spirits. Scotland’s social fabric has been left torn and frayed by more than a decade of austerity and cuts.

“Despite the heroic work of emergency service, health and care workers, our public services were left ill-prepared and literally ill-equipped to tackle Covid because of this cuts driven approach.

“This year we can change the way that we do things for good, by breaking with the failed approach of the last decade. As we welcome 2021, let it be the year, when we collectively decide to reject austerity and division, and forge a new deal for a post Covid Scotland.

“Solidarity and New Year greetings.”

In her end of year message it is not surprising that the First Minister Nicola Sturgeon focused on pandemics and the people of Scotland.

Ms Sturgeon said: “This Hogmanay, as we look forward to a new year, most of us will be relieved to be ringing out the old one.

“2020 has been unimaginably difficult: thousands have lost loved ones, our society has been upended, our economy has taken a severe hit, many have lost jobs, families have had to cancel holidays, and of course Christmas plans had to be cancelled too.

“We have had to deny ourselves so many of the things that we most value in life, human companionship, hugs from loved ones, the comfort and the pleasure we get from meeting and spending time with each other.

“I can simply never thank all of you enough for the sacrifices you have made, and the patience you have shown, during these last difficult months.

“One of the continuing consolations of this year has been seeing how often the worst of times have brought out the very best in people.

“Our health and care workers, in particular, have shown the most extraordinary dedication, in the most testing of circumstances. The entire country is grateful for your efforts.

“But there are so many other examples too. When we asked for volunteers to help people in their local communities, more than 40,000 people signed up in the first 48 hours alone.

“Thousands of others signed up for vaccine trials, or helped to track Covid symptoms.

“And many more of you supported charities and local businesses; or helped in your local communities; or kept in touch with neighbours and friends who otherwise would have been lonely.

“These have all been points of brightness in dark times. They have reminded us again of what truly matters in life – kindness, compassion, solidarity and love.

“As we look forward to 2021 – for all the difficulties that still lie ahead – there is a lot we can now look forward to.

“Tens of thousands of people in Scotland have now received their first vaccination against Covid.

“And that number will grow in the weeks and months ahead.

“2021 will also see the expansion of free nursery care, the introduction of the Scottish Child payment to tackle child poverty, and the first full year of Scotland’s new investment bank. As we rebuild after this pandemic, we can, we must, focus on making Scotland a fairer country and a greener country.

“And of course, towards the end of the year, the eyes of the world will be on Glasgow, and the COP 26 climate change summit – a gathering that has the potential to set the whole world on a path to a more sustainable future.

“So even as we reflect on this darkest of years, we can see light ahead.

“Of course our first priority must be to get through these next few weeks and months. They will be tough for all of us.

“So let’s stick with it, and stick together.

“Let’s continue to show each other kindness, compassion, and love.

“And let’s all of us resolve to make 2021 Scotland’s year of recovery.

“I wish all of you a Happy New Year.”

Kirsty Baird has been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) in the New Year Honours List for services to singing, to mental health and to the community in Edinburgh during the Covid-19 response.

Kirsty (53) is a whirlwind of energy, and has so many strings to her bow that it quite takes your breath away. She started the Sing in the City choir around ten years ago and it has now expanded to incorporate 18 choirs with around 1,000 members. The members are also a bit of a force to be reckoned with, having been brought together by the singer songwriter with a focus on community, inclusivity, friendship and charity.

They took over our Twitter feed earlier in the year, helping Kirsty to propel the charity single, Follow the Rainbows, which she wrote, recorded and released along with partner Annette as the group, Hanley and the Baird, to number three in the Scottish chart. The single also reached number 27 in the UK download charts. This marked the tenth anniversary of Sing in the City, as well as saying thank you to all the key workers during the pandemic. The single (with no radio airplay) went right in at number three of the Scottish charts and number twenty-seven in the UK downloads. In less than a week over £5,000 was raised on a fundraising online page alone, excluding the downloads for the song. 

The song tells the story of their choir family coming together, overcoming their fears and insecurities and replacing these feelings with strength and positivity. The song contains words and phrases that the choir members said during an online chat in week two of the quarantine as they discussed how they were feeling. 

The mental health charity the Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH) was selected as the beneficiary, and the song raised £5,400 for their work. In the last ten years, Kirsty has raised £127,000 for charity.

The members of her choir are fiercely loyal to her and to the notion of keeping the music alive. They have continued to meet through Zoom during the pandemic to keep their community thriving, and to look out for each other too. Some of their members have of course been shielding during the pandemic, and everyone has missed the camaraderie of the choir sessions. The choir virtual get togethers have been a lifeline for many of them. Singing together was no longer an option but along with Annette Hanley who is also a musical director of Sing in the City Choir, Kirsty has organised a new range of activities to keep their members interacting with each other and learning new skills. One of the things that Kirsty has done is teach guitar, although it was a challenge trying to teach someone when the guitar appeared to be the wrong way round on Zoom!

In the BEM citation it is said of Kirsty that ‘Her vision has inspired, reassured and engaged choir members and their friends and families.”

Annette and Kirsty also perform an online acoustic session every Friday since the lockdown began, keeping everyone connected.

As if that was not enough, Kirsty then set up her own radio station Chief Radio. This is a platform for unsigned artists, as Kirsty realised how hard it was to get the single noticed.  It is also where they raise funds to buy Alexa devices which they then donate to care homes. On Sundays, Kirsty presents her own show called Rock the Care Home with some classic tunes. Kirsty realised the people who would enjoy this show most were likely the people in care homes who probably couldn’t easily listen. She created a donation drive to make it easy to listen, enjoy and reminisce.  All of the music on Chief Radio brings some routine and joy to those listening, particularly during lockdown.

The singer has abseiled off the Forth Rail Bridge amongst other charity initiatives with choir members. Funds raised from the events are used to provide, free tickets at shows, free pop up choirs, and is donated to local charities. 

Kirsty told The Edinburgh Reporter: “It’s really lovely, and I’m very, very proud. It did take me a bit to get my head around it because I didn’t feel like I had done anything particularly that I had deserved it because all I was trying to do was just carry on doing my job, the best that I could. But once I got my head around it is very cool and it’s very nice. I guess I’m a bit speechless about it really. It’s only just hitting home now I guess because of all the press and people are kind of asking me for quotes and things like that. But yeah, at first I have to say I thought somebody was winding me up.

“Especially with my character I spend most of my life actually winding everybody else up or you know. I just thought it was just somebody trying to get their own back on me.

“Whoever nominated me wrote a very concise email about me. I’ve seen the email and I’ve heard what they said about me. When you hear someone else speaking about you, in that way – which is nothing to do with me whatsoever – So it’s got nothing to do with press releases or my opinion, it’s actually really sweet to hear that somebody else’s opinion of you, is so strong, and it warrants them to feel strongly enough to go and do whatever you need to do to get somebody nominated for this. That is what I think is the most special part of it.”

The honour of BEM which is a civil award for meritorious service, was reinstated by Prime Minister David Cameron after a gap of 20 years. Its reinstatement coincided with the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

Peter Jaco (62) and Dr Alistair Forbes (60) have both been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) for the work they have done this past year in founding the Scottish Tech Army. The official citation reads ‘For services to Charity during the Covid-19 Response‘.

The Scottish Tech Army is a separate organisation from Civtech which is an initiative of the digital directorate of the Scottish Government and so is a public sector organisation. The Scottish Tech Army is an independent not for profit organisation, but was helped by CivTech who matched volunteers with Covid-19 related projects which were most suitable for them.

The volunteers who stepped forward to work for the Scottish Tech Army (STA) were largely specialist workers in coding, computing and the tech industries. Most were on furlough and so were able to give their services and time free of charge. Over 1,200 volunteers from the Scottish tech community have supported more than 175 projects all responding to Covid-19. 

Dr Forbes told The Edinburgh Reporter how pleased he was at the recognition. He said: “Well I’m surprised to be honest because it has only been going for about nine months or so. But I’m really thrilled at the recognition that it represents for all the volunteers who have taken part in the initiative. You know, obviously, Peter and I were involved in launching the venture, but if it hadn’t been for all the volunteers who’ve stepped forward, and we wouldn’t have been able to achieve anything at all. It is very much a recognition of al the work that the volunteers have put in and the impact they have been able to make.”

Alistair is an investor who has worked in and with many early and growth stage businesses in Scotland and around the world. He has long been a passionate supporter of projects that harness technology for impact.

Peter Jaco is an angel investor who sits on the CivTech Advisory Group. He chairs tech start-ups CyberOwl and Immense Simulations and has worked on over a dozen start-up projects prior to establishing Scottish Tech Army. 

They realised at the start of the outbreak that many charities and organisations in Scotland faced huge increases in demand while having to suddenly start delivering services in a virtual capacity. Rapidly forming a team of leaders in the industry to lend their skills and expertise for free to support organisations develop their digital platforms, overcome IT barriers and offer technological advice became a great success. 

Within a week of launching the initiative, 200 people had joined as volunteers, and this army has since continued to grow, supporting a range of projects based in over 70 locations across Scotland, within health and social care, education and training, remote support, travel and tourism, and local business recovery. 

Peter and Alistair led volunteers with the Scottish Tech Army in the development of a Covid-19 dashboard to capture real-time information on the number of cases in health boards across Scotland, supporting the Scottish Government’s Covid-19 Route Map. 

The dashboard, which was made available from the start of September 2020, provides a visual, interactive and accessible presentation of the data published through the Scottish Government that is helping to harness regional insights on the spread of the virus and serve as a live information resource for members of the public. 

The Scottish Tech Army has carried out work for a variety of organisations. Alistair explained that one of the earliest ones that they got involved in was with Voluntary Service Aberdeen which is a health and social care provider. They run about twenty different care facilities and needed to address the challenge of ensuring that all their staff had the correct PPE. They had been proactive in getting the PPE but the difficulty was coping with knowing what was needed where and when. The Scottish Tech Army stepped in and worked with them for about six weeks on a collaborative basis to find an online solution that enabled them to keep track of their inventory and then reorder the correct items at the correct time. The STA volunteers did not have to invent something from the ground up, but they took an inventory management solution and made it completely bespoke for the Aberdeenshire organisation. Everything is now known about in real time, all the data is up to the minute and immediately available to everyone. This was one of the larger projects which they dealt with.

Another project which they worked on for The Scottish Government supported the team responsible for dealing with issues of violence against women and girls. Dr Forbes explained: “You know, in in lockdown, there was a worsening of the situation around domestic violence. So we helped the volunteers who work with them to track and record that so they could make sure that the support services have been provided to victims of domestic violence and data in a timely manner.”

And in Edinburgh the STA helped Edinburgh Community Food. Dr Forbes said: “They’ve traditionally distributed food, and they’ve given cookery lessons. They help people to eat more healthily, and make sure that they were providing nutritious meals. Now, all of that was done face to face previously.

“So we helped them to get set up with the online distribution of that. We helped them to make some some videos of their cookery classes so that they could get the same information out that they would previously have shared in person out to people using online tools.”

This is not the first time the pair have been recognised for their work these last months. The Prime Minister also awarded them a Points of Light Award in September. this is given to people who are making a change in their community, and that is truly what Peter Jaco and Alistair Forbes have done.

A 24-year-old Edinburgh engineer/designer has been awarded the British Empire Medal in the New Year’s Honours List for ‘voluntary services to Health Workers in Scotland during the Covid-19 pandemic’.

Barnabas Cox graduated from Edinburgh Napier University in 2019 with a Batchelor’s degree in Electronic Engineering and founded his own company, Open Factory Ltd, a 3D Printing and Design Consultation Company based in the Polwarth area of the city.

At the time the pandemic arose, the business was creating household artefacts of various kinds, but when the full impact of the virus became known, he and a friend responded to the pandemic and shortage of PPE by adapting his business to produce vital safety equipment for frontline health workers and the vulnerable including planning the manufacture of face masks for NHSScotland.

Using what little savings they had between them and by begging and borrowing equipment, they soon managed to get the project off the ground.

Within weeks, using 3D printing technology he manufactured and delivered hundreds of face masks which went directly to NHS Scotland’s Regional Infections Unit.

Once the initial lockdown phase came to a close, non-essential business began to reopen, albeit with a need to operate safe physical distancing.

He then created and distributed in excess of 1,000 face masks which he made to local businesses, including vets, care homes and local food distribution outlets – and all free of charge.

Overcoming the setback of his workshop having been broken into with equipment damaged and stolen, he continued with the work.

Along with his friend, he worked all day and all night seven days a week in order to monitor production and following the break in, stayed overnight in the premises to make sure the equipment was safe.

At one point, as raw material for the masks came under increasing demand and was impossible to source, he showed his flair for innovation by turning to using A4 binder covers.

In addition, he helped other businesses to develop functioning 3D printing technology, showing them how to optimise their systems and be most effective when time is of the essence.

Mr Cox told The Edinburgh Reporter: “I received an e-mail informing me about the award earlier this month which came as a shock as it’s been so long since the start of the pandemic when we made the masks, but I’m delighted to have been nominated.

“We were just a small cog in a big wheel and other companies have been doing similar things all over the world. It’s been a crazy year since I started the business after leaving university but I am now looking forward to demonstrating how to make 3D printing more accessible to everyone and encourage people to come into the premises for a look.”

Open Factory Ltd is based at 43 Polwarth Crescent, Edinburgh.

The founder of ‘Goose Quizzes’ has been awarded the British Empire Medal in the 2020 New Year’s Honours List for ‘services to Charitable Fundraising during Covid-19’.

Andrew ‘The Goose’ Wildgoose (33) has run the Edinburgh based quiz company since 2011, employing a large team who collectively organised up to 45 weekly pub quizzes in Scotland’s central belt.

On 16 March 2020 he took the decision to suspend the company’s services due to the impending Covid-19 outbreak and set about adapting the business model so that they could now provide home-based quizzes using an online streaming platform.

Since then, the re-shaped company has delivered many hundreds of online quizzes, having put together thousands of quiz questions and marked thousands of answer sheets every week.

The quiz attracts thousands of viewers from all over the world mainly in the Edinburgh area but also throughout the UK and from as far afield as the USA, Canada, Kazakhstan and Greenland.

What sets Goose Quizzes apart from other companies is the ability to rapidly and accurately mark written responses (and a whole manner of spellings!) from proper pub-quiz-style questions. There are no multiple choice quizzing.

Goose Quizzes provide quizzes through a range of platforms, such as Skype, WebEx and Microsoft Teams, though they find the best platform for recreating the team-based atmosphere of a pub quiz is ZOOM. It’s easily accessed via web browser or a straightforward download, and it allows staff to assign a group into teams to talk and discuss questions privately, all without leaving Zoom.

There is no charge for participants. While players are asked to financially support if they can (to help keep the business afloat) the hosts always reassure viewers that if they cannot afford to support then they are still very much welcome to join in.

In developing an online version of the traditional pub quiz, families and friends who live apart can virtually group together and form a team to play along.

 In addition, there is an online chat function which allows individual participants to interact with the quiz hosts and other players, creating a much needed social community, especially appreciated by those living alone.

 His team also helps to promote other local businesses through the quiz. Local breweries, food establishments, musicians and craft companies have all benefited at a time when they are suffering badly due to the lockdown and physical distancing requirements.

Andrew has also set up a charitable project called ‘GQTON’ where T-Shirts are sold to provide a fund to run fundraising quiz events for charities, at no cost.

The ‘Goose’ told The Edinburgh Reporter: “I’ve been doing this since I left university in 2011 and provided pub quizzes to around 45 pubs, mainly in Edinburgh although we were expanding through to Glasgow.

“There were five of us working full time plus another 12 hosts and all the quizzes were physical or in person and when the Covid restrictions came into place it was about preserving jobs which we have been able to do and none of us were furloughed.

“This year the notification procedure regarding the award changed so I found out via e-mail and genuinely thought it was some sort of scam, but after checking it out, it’s been quite exciting. I have no idea who nominated me but the figures suggest it was sometime in August.

“None of my friends know about this as I was told not to tell anyone, but they will find out tonight. It’s been a busy time and we are still doing quizzes over the festive period and, although I am not on tonight’s quiz, I will be back for our big quiz on Hogmanay.

“It starts at 7pm and will be free on Twitch. Unlike other quizzes there will be no questions about the coronavirus.

“Once the pandemic is over we want to return to supporting venues and help them get the footfall back through the doors, but we have learned so much over the last nine-months and will keep an presence as well which is like adding another string to our bow. In fact we are considering mixed events which will include both physical and virtual participants.”

To take part in the ‘Not the 2020’ Hogmanay quiz click here

​

Scottish Parliament does not consent to ‘damaging deal’.

MSPs backed The Scottish Government’s Legislative Consent Memorandum, this afternoon at Holyrood. This says the deal which the UK Government agreed with the EU on Christmas Eve will have “a severe detrimental impact on Scotland” and that leaving the EU is a “mistake of historic significance”.

The constitutional convention is that the Westminster Parliament should not legislate in devolved areas without The Scottish Parliament’s consent – and the government says that the UK Government’s trade deal affects multiple areas of devolved responsibility.

While the trade deal has been given consent at Westminster today, the Scottish Parliament vote underlined that Scotland as a nation did not vote for Brexit, or leaving the single market and customs union.

The government points out that Scotland will lose the many benefits that membership of the European Union brings.

Scottish Government modelling estimates that a deal of the type that has been agreed could cut Scotland’s GDP by around 6.1% (£9 billion in 2016 cash terms) by 2030 compared to EU membership. The economy and Scottish businesses will face the impacts of the higher costs of trying to access EU markets, and justice and security cooperation will be seriously affected.

According to the memorandum laid before Holyrood today, Scotland and its students will no longer be able to participate in Erasmus, allowing them to study abroad, and reduced EU migration will also have a significant negative impact on the economy, on population levels and on wider society and culture.

Government says that far from having substantial increased opportunities in the future, it will also mean a fall in the quantity of some key fishing stocks landed by the Scottish fishing fleet.

Constitution Secretary Michael Russell said: “The Scottish Parliament has backed this government’s position: saying No to a hard Brexit deal that will do enormous damage to our economy, our society and to the opportunities of this and future generations.

“But, as it has done so throughout the Brexit process the UK Government will ignore the Scottish Parliament. This means in two days’ time Scotland will be forced out of the European Single Market and Customs Union, hitting the economy and jobs at the worst possible time.

“The Scottish Government will now do everything we can to mitigate the damage that will be caused.

“And we will continue to stick by our principles, our values and our beliefs – and we will stick by the people of Scotland, who have opposed Brexit at every turn.

“It is therefore more important than ever that people in Scotland have the right to choose the best deal of all – a future as an independent country and equal partner inside the European Union.”

Speaking during the debate, Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard said: “Erasmus is gone, ending opportunities for students to live and work across the continent. The commitments on labour and environmental standards are weak and considerably weaker than even the optimists expected. So, we will support the motion today, just as we hope others will back our amendment.

“For us the priority is dealing with these economic shocks, not detonating more which the SNP has in mind, it is dealing with the national emergency before us in a spirit of co-operation and renewed determination.” 

Speaking after the debate, Scottish Conservative leader at Holyrood Ruth Davidson said:  “These contortions and contradictions from Nicola Sturgeon are a masterclass in hypocrisy and inconsistency. 

“By ordering her MPs to vote for No Deal reveals the ugly truth – she never wanted a deal in the first place despite years of doomsday warnings. 

“The SNP have weaponised the 2016 referendum result to fuel their strategy of grievance and division. The people of Scotland can see right through it. 

“While Sturgeon claims to talk for Scotland what she really means is she talks only for the SNP.” 

The SNP were backed at Holyrood by Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard – in defiance of UK Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer who voted for the deal in the House of Commons. 

Ms Davidson said: “Once again, Scottish Labour have shown they simply cannot be trusted to stand up to the SNP.
“Instead, when given the opportunity to do the right thing, Richard Leonard decides to stand foursquare behind Nicola Sturgeon and the nationalists.”

Speaking on the eve of the Scottish Parliament debate on the Brexit deal, the leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats Willie Rennie said:“With our long track record of advocating membership of the European Union people won’t be surprised that the Liberal Democrats can’t support the Conservative Government’s strategy on Brexit and the last-minute trade deal they reached. 

“The Liberal Democrats will vote to refuse consent to the Future Relationship Agreement Bill as we think the trade deal is bad for jobs, business, our environment and our way of life. It’s probably the first trade deal in the world that erects more trade barriers.  

“It is a warning for those who advocate independence that breaking up long term economic partnerships is painful and costly.  We should not repeat those mistakes of Brexit with independence.”  

The Scottish Greens also voted against the deal. On Tuesday night, Scottish Greens co-leader Patrick Harvie said: “The Scottish Greens refuse to accept this false choice between a calamitous no-deal and the Prime Minister’s version, which still drags Scotland out of Europe, losing vital rights and protections as well as the ability for our students to study abroad as part of the Erasmus plus scheme.

“This Brexit has no mandate, it was won on half-truths and worse, and is being delivered by incompetent hubris. We will reject this deal because we still believe there is a better option for Scotland, the UK and for Europe, where we can shape our own future.

“By enabling this right-wing Brexit on terms dictated by Boris Johnson, Westminster is ignoring the will of Scotland, which voted overwhelmingly to stay in the European Union. Scottish Labour’s position is a muddle, with MPs backing this right-wing Brexit and activists denouncing those who vote against it.

“Even by the UK Government’s own analysis, this deal will make Scotland poorer. In the long run, I’m confident Scotland’s path is to take our own seat at the European table as an independent nation.”

Police are urging members of the public to follow the Scottish Government’s advice, which is to celebrate Hogmanay and the New Year with your own household only, in your own home.

The police approach throughout the pandemic has been to engage with the public, explain the legislation and guidance, and encourage compliance, but officers will not hesitate to continue to use our enforcement powers as a last resort.

Deputy Chief Constable Malcolm Graham said: “We’re asking everyone to continue to do the right thing to stop the spread of this virus and protect public health as its clear that there is an ongoing risk.

“Remember that parties and indoor gatherings of different households are not permitted and we will continue to use our enforcement powers to disperse large groups of people where necessary.

“Our approach throughout the pandemic has been to engage with the public, explain the legislation and guidance, and encourage compliance, but we will not hesitate to continue to use our enforcement powers as a last resort.

“Please follow the Scottish Government’s advice, which is to celebrate Hogmanay and the New Year with your own household only in your own home.”

Following The Scottish Government’s advice that the whole country is in Level Four restrictions since Boxing Day, Edinburgh Leisure had to change its plans.

Most of their staff will be back on furlough from Tuesday 5 January 2021 and their venues closed again.

But the good news is that weather dependent, their golf courses and tennis courts can still be booked and accessed for the time being.

A spokesperson said: “This has an obvious impact on our services, and we will be in contact with customers directly via email to confirm specific details as soon as possible. Please stay safe and be assured our commitment to keeping you active and well remains – continue to visit our website and social pages for the latest information.”

Follow Edinburgh Leisure on Facebook for more information.

by Jim Paterson Treasurer of Food Facts Friends.

Charity organisation, Food Facts Friends moved to 42 John Street, Penicuik the old RBS bank branch, in September. It was not a moment too soon. Barely had the team got the place refurbished, painted, new fittings installed, and the shelves stocked with food, than the pandemic we have grown to hate, Covid-19, returned with a vengeance.

The return of lockdown, in its various forms across Scotland and the Lothians brought back memories of the misery experienced back in March. Visitor numbers to the foodbank started to increase, as those who had only recently managed to return to work found themselves back, or even farther back than they were in March.

Mark Wells and his team of volunteers, some from St. Mungo’s and the churches across Midlothian, or indeed no church, piled in to help.

It was obvious, even in September, that Christmas would be tough for many, particularly families, with stretched finances. The decision ‘heat or eat’ is high on the list and winter pushes up the energy bills, competing with rent and rates bills.

Christmas planning started early with supermarkets signing up to help us on Christmas Eve with ‘left on the shelves’ stock. Bishop’s Move helped transport the supplies back to John Street, as did Clark Commercials Van Hire in Bilston who loaned us a large van for the Christmas season to collect food.

Sister Rita and Max from Manchester have been great supporters of Mark and his operation. They offered 133 bags of children’s toys, each worth £50, made up into age and gender groups. Mark and volunteer Garry McDermott drove down to Manchester in a van hired from McNicoll Dalkeith to collect these. With lockdown it was straight down, load and straight back, 450 miles in one, very long day.

Other toys and gifts for children were donated by RBS, with many being handed out at Santa’s Grotto, just before Christmas. Santa had to remain in the glass room (where the bank cash dispenser used to be) to comply with the now strictest of Covid restrictions.

The annual Christmas Lunch that has been a feature of the food bank, where each year around 70 families and individuals met in St. Mungo’s Hall to tuck into a traditional Christmas meal, followed by a range of entertainment, was no longer possible.

Food Facts Friends are grateful and thank all the volunteers who give up their time to help those less fortunate than ourselves in their time of need. Without the support of those supermarkets, M&S, Tesco, Lidl, Morrisons, Costco, RBS, and local businesses supplying food, the van hire companies for the vehicles to collect food, and the transport companies for their help, the charity would not have been able to meet the significant increase in demand.

Hampers were made up and handed out on Christmas Eve from 8pm to 11pm in the evening, to those who would have attended, so they could make a meal at home.
Christmas Eve afternoon and a German Market sausage stall set up offering free sausage snacks to anyone in the precinct, with a hot drink from the food bank. Another festive idea from Mark Wells and Landlord Catering who had no German Market in Princes Street this year, and who offered their stall for free.

For those unable to make Christmas Eve the food bank opened on Christmas Day from 10am to noon to provide hampers to anyone who made it along.

While much of the food received is donated by the companies listed above, much more has to be purchased and paid for. Those who donate, individuals, regularly and those simply passing our door, other charities, grants and business donations are a vital part of keeping the food bank operation ahead of the curve.

Midlothian Council supported the charity with Covid-19 special grants of £15000, and grants from other businesses and charitable organisations £10000 have enabled Food Facts Friends to keep ahead of the demand curve. Any donations can be made by bank transfer to Food Facts Friends Project sort code 83-26-10 Account number 00709837.

The Penicuik Community Development Trust have supported the food bank, helping to cover food and Covid equipment and consumables costs for the past eight months. From May until Christmas Eve they have covered £27,900 of food, PPE, and cleaning/disinfectant purchases. Without this help and assistance, the charity would have run out of cash many months ago.

Food Facts Friends, while a not for profit charity, with no permanent staff, still has to cover premises costs, heating and lighting, food collections and purchases, as well as meet normal Environmental Health regulations plus the additional Covid-19 requirements, volunteer training, procedures and storage equipment, catering size fridges, freezers etc.

Not for profit does not mean no cost. Food Facts Friends keeps a tight rein on its finances, and in financial terms ‘sweats its assets’ to get the most out of every penny it spends.

Since the start of the pandemic in March, Food Facts Friends has supported 2,550 adults and 1,918 children, some 4,500 mouths to feed, if you include ‘blessing bags’ to people in immediate distress.

The charity has supplied over 20 tonnes of food, tinned, packets, bread, milk, sugar, and fresh foods, meat, poultry, potatoes, vegetables, fruit. Add to this toiletries and essentials like toilet paper, toothpaste, soap, washing powder etc.

How can you start to believe in yourself if you cannot keep clean and healthy. To achieve this, the charity has spent in excess of £53,000 purchasing food, toiletries, PPE equipment for the volunteers, sanitisers, disinfectant and cleaning and protection materials to keep the hub Covid safe. All this in only 10 months.
This is the hidden cost of the pandemic on our society and our community.

The future looks to be tough for many until a vaccine is rolled out to everyone. With a UK population of 68 million people, 5.5 million in Scotland alone, it will take some time to complete, especially if each person needs two injections. Until that happens we may have only further lockdown occurrences, as they appear to be the only tool in the box meantime to fight the pandemic.

The graph below shows a steady rise in figures from March to June presumably due to the lockdown, then a drop during July and August. The move to the new RBS building from St Mungo’s affected the charity’s service and they only provided a skeleton service at that point. Again there is a steady increase from September onwards.

At Christmas Food Fact Friends Community Hub made provision for 108 families with a Christmas hamper including toys for 217 children.  Additionally the Hub provided hampers for 27 families with no children.   On Christmas Eve there were approximately 50 people coming to the Hub to pick up food that was made available by the local supermarkets. On Christmas day the Hub made 49 Christmas meals available for people who were on their own, or who were struggling to make ends meet. 

Food Facts Friends – the facts

Food Facts Friends started five years ago when Mark Wells, who used to work with Edinburgh City Mission, set the organisation up with three volunteers. Mark told The Edinburgh Reporter that he has noticed a growth in demand this past nine months, and that they assist families as well as single homeless people in the area. Now, they are working from a brand new building rather than the church hall which they used to rent.

As well as food, the charity works with Children First, and gives money advice to help those on benefits. They have four computers where people can access information or process their Universal Credit applications.

Usually they have a Job Club – run on a one to one basis but for now that is not possible although Midlothian Council have a virtual job club which they run to help those out of work.

Food Facts and Friends also run a café where people come in for a cup of tea and a chat but for now that is closed while Scotland is under Level four restrictions.

House plant loving home workers are being urged to be ‘water smart’ to allow their desktop greenery to flourish during the winter months – and potentially save thousands of gallons of water from being wasted.

With sales of plants up 500% during lockdown, fuelled by home-workers looking to bring colour into home-based offices, a lack of plant care know-how could mean that people are unwittingly overwatering their ferns and foliates.

Edinburgh based GREEN.MEADOWS, a sustainable Scottish plant shop which is rewilding the country’s highlands, is asking everyone to play their part in understanding more about their house plants water requirements.

And in the process, they could help further protect the environment by reducing water waste.

The 100% renewably powered business is the latest to join the wave in support of Scottish Water’s Your Water Your Life campaign, which aims to showcase different ways the nation can appreciate its tap water.

Owner Andrew Forbes says there are plenty of ways plant enthusiasts can keep their plants green and healthy throughout winter while being mindful of water usage.

He said: “One of the most common questions we get from customers and followers on social media is how much water to use and how often they should be watering their plants – especially during colder months.

“The number one problem people have is overwatering. We often try too hard to care for our plants and end up drowning them. If you overwater your plant, it’ll likely get root rot, and unfortunately that’s almost impossible to come back from.

“Take the Monstera Deliciosa for example, you should water it when the top 50-75% of the soil is dry, and water until the liquid flows through the drainage hole – which is a lot less than we might think.

“We all know Scotland’s tap water tastes great – and so do our plants. But only give them what they need. We’re always happy to do what we can to help people understand about better caring for their plants, which means thinking really closely about water usage and so taking better care of the environment.”

GREEN.MEADOWS on Buccleuch Street, has put together a short video with helpful tips on plant care, including using a water globe and collecting drainage water for watering larger houseplants.

As well as the desire for home-workers to brighten up their property, the surge in interest in house plants is being attributed to people wanting to bring a bit nature into their lives but don’t have a garden or are not comfortable visiting parks. The trend has also been matched by the ever-growing craze of people posting images of their elaborate and beautiful house plants on social media.

Brian Lironi, Director of Corporate Affairs at Scottish Water, said: “Earlier in the year we released our routemap to net zero emissions, part of which focused on protecting our water resources and reducing waste.

“Gardening and caring for plants both inside and out has played a big role in many of our lives during the various stages of
lockdown this year as a positive outlet for us to channel energy. This advice not only shows us how to care for our plants correctly, it also reminds us that we don’t need as much water as we might think.

“If even just 100,000 households in Scotland started over-watering their plants by say one litre a month; over a six month
period that could lead to 130,000 gallons of water being wasted. That’s the same as a large swimming pool being filled more than eight times over.

“Being mindful about our water usage and saving it where we can will go a long way in helping us become more water efficient and environmentally-friendly.”

Scottish Water’s Your Water Your Life campaign aims to encourage people to top up from the tap to benefit the planet, their health and their pocket and celebrate the country’s precious, natural resource.

Find out more at: https://www.yourwateryourlife.co.uk/

Caught on camera for the first time peeking out of its mother’s pouch is an adorable six-month old koala joey at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s Edinburgh Zoo.

Keepers at the wildlife conservation charity captured a glimpse of the very tiny joey who was born on 26 June to first time mum Kalari and dad Tanami.

It will be a while before visitors will be able to spot the youngster, who will take a few months to grow big enough to move from the pouch onto Kalari’s back.

Image courtesy of The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland

The £88,000 Betway New Year’s Day meeting at Musselburgh Racecourse will take centre stage following the abandonment of Cheltenham’s 1 January fixture due to a waterlogged course.

History-making Bryony Frost heads a list of star names on parade, fresh from her Boxing Day success at Kempton Park when the 25-year-old became the first female jockey to lift the King George VI Chase, scoring on Frodon (a previous winner at Musselburgh’s Scottish Cheltenham Trials fixture).

Frost’s Grade 1 strike took her ahead of Lucy Alexander to become the winning-most female pilot of all time on a total of 145 victories. Her very first winner was at Musselburgh in 2015 under Rules, and her return on Friday sees her booked for two rides, starting with Accomplice in the Betway Handicap Hurdle (1.20pm).

The same race also welcomes a rare course runner in the shape of Sebastopol for Tom Lacey, as the Herefordshire trainer’s only other previous visit was when the same horse won the Scottish County Hurdle in February.

Bryony Frost’s other mount is Whiskey Lullaby, also saddled by eleven-time champion trainer Paul Nicholls in the Betway Heed Your Hunch Handicap Hurdle (3.35pm), and she will be hoping for the same Musselburgh form which led to her landing a treble on the opening card of Scottish Cheltenham Trials weekend in February.

In the Betway Hogmaneigh Handicap Hurdle (1.55pm) – one of two £25,000 feature races on the card – Miranda, third placed in last season’s Scottish County Hurdle, is a first Musselburgh mount for amateur rider Angus Cheleda, and the partnership is fresh from a win earlier in December at Ludlow. The Keith Dalgleish trained Raymond will be looking for three-in-a-row at Musselburgh following back-to-back wins in November on top of a win at Perth in September.

Champion jockey Brian Hughes in on board the Donald McCain-trained Mount Mews, a Grade 2 hurdle winner in his younger days who sports blinkers for the first time, in the £25,000 Betway Auld Reekie Handicap Chase (3.05pm). Also featuring in this race are Harry and Dan Skelton, who have been in great form over the Festive period and the Warwickshire-based brothers team up with Romain De Senam, already a six-time winner over fences. County Durham trainer Rebecca Menzies has Return Ticket in top order and he was an impressive winner at Musselburgh over two miles in November.

Musselburgh Racecourse general manager, Bill Farnsworth, is hopeful the weather will play its part to kick off 2021 on a high note. He said: “As always for our Betway New Year’s Day meeting we have a cracking card lined up with a strong showing from many leading trainers.

“In normal times we would be welcoming a boisterous crowd of more than 5,000 but due to Covid-19 the meeting takes place behind closed doors, but that does not detract from the quality of racing being staged.

“It is important that as we find a way out of this pandemic that we continue to support the wider horseracing industry, and we are indebted to Betway for their loyalty and who continue to play an important part by sponsoring this well-established fixture.

“The weather this week has been slightly unpredictable with various forecasting models laying out different scenarios, but we are hopeful the cards will fall in the right place and racing will go ahead.”

Betway PR Manager, Chad Yeomans, said: “What a superb card we’ve got in store – there isn’t a better way to start a New Year than with the Betway New Year’s Day fixture at Musselburgh.

“With great field sizes, we’re promised exciting and competitive racing and it’s brilliant to see trainers such as Paul Nicholls, Tom Lacey and the red-hot Dan Skelton sending a host of horses up to support the meeting. All of us at Betway want to extend our thanks to Musselburgh racecourse and we wish everyone a Happy New Year.”

Racegoers unable to watch the action live at Musselburgh can bring in New Year racing with coverage from ITV1 from 1pm and on subscription channel Racing TV.

Winners of a social media competition run by Betway, Musselburgh Racecourse and ITV, all received a luxury hamper of goods delivered for them to enjoy while watching the racing from home.

For racing updates follow the official Musselburgh Racecourse website and Twitter and Facebook accounts and to check the latest going visit here.

A woman was rescued from the Caerketton Hill near to the Midlothian Ski Centre yesterday afternoon after falling and suffering a broken leg.

More than 35 mountain rescue and firefighters braved the freezing conditions to help the woman in an operation that lasted 3-hours.

Paramedics administered painkillers at the scene and a helicopter was called when rescue teams assessed that it would take too long to use a stretcher and rope rescue.

Dave Wright, Tweed Valley Mountain Rescue team leader, told BBC Scotland the conditions made the rescue difficult.

He said: “The casualty was well equipped for the walk she had planned. It was just an unfortunate slip on the top of the hill as the paths are very icy just now. In those conditions it is difficult for anyone to stay warm once they have stopped moving.

“To lower the casualty down from that height on a stretcher would have involved a technical rig and lowering it for 50m before derigging and doing the process again and again. It would have taken too long.

“We practice for this type of line rescue all the time but what would have made it difficult was the icy conditions.”

Police are continuing to appeal for information on the whereabouts of Lukasz Machalski who is missing from his home in Restalrig.

Lukasz Machalski (26) was last seen in the West Pilton Drive area around 10.40pm on Sunday, 13 December, and has not been seen or heard of since.

He is described as being 5th 10ins tall, with fair blonde hair which is often shaved. At the time he went missing Lukasz was wearing a grey jacket, grey tracksuit bottoms and Nike trainers that are black and gold.

Inspector Grant McCulloch of Craigmillar Police Station said: “Lukasz has been missing for more than two weeks now and it is extremely out of character for him to be out of contact with his family for any length of time, especially over Christmas.

“We are continuing to urge anyone who may have seen Lukasz, or who has any information regarding his whereabouts, to come forward.

“We would also appeal directly to Lukasz to please get in touch with someone. His family are very concerned and just want to know that he is safe and well.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland through 101, quoting incident number 2653 of 14 December.”

Police are appealing for anyone with information regarding ‘suspicious tennis balls or dog poisoning’ to contact them.

Officers have been made aware of social media posts regarding poisoned tennis balls being left around the Harlaw Reservoir area resulting in dogs becoming seriously ill.

“Extensive enquiries have been conducted with Park Rangers, the City of Edinburgh Council and local veterinary practices, but so far officers haven’t identified any reported incidents of poisoning.

Acting Police Sergeant Christine Robertson from Oxgangs Police Station said: “While we have not received any formal reports regarding suspicious tennis balls or dog poisoning, if anyone has any information regarding this or believes their dog has been affected, please call 101 quoting incident number 1012 of 29/12/20.”

Lib Dem justice spokesman Liam McArthur insists that Police Scotland should do more to promote officers from minority backgrounds to senior positions after research by the party found that just 44 people who identified as either Black, Asian or minority ethnic (BAME) worked in the top ranks of the Force.

Freedom of information requests revealed top tier positions including Sergeant, Inspector, Chief Inspector, Superintendent, Chief Superintendent, Assistant Chief Constable, Deputy Chief Constable and Chief Constable were filled by just one per cent of BAME officers.

Scotland’s 2011 census recorded that four per cent of the population identified as BAME.

Mr McArthur said: “People from BAME backgrounds are woefully underrepresented in Police Scotland, at every level.

“That’s a problem for a whole host of reasons, not least fairness and representation. It also creates a barrier between the police and the communities they work in.

“Sadly, the recent Independent Review of Police Complaints showed that racism within these ranks is not yet a thing of the past.

“Dame Angiolini found evidence of a canteen culture stuck in the same rut recorded by the Macpherson report 20 years ago.

“She said accounts from officers and staff left her feeling ‘extraordinarily depressed.

“The Black Lives Matter movement forced us all to face uncomfortable truths about society and its attitudes. The purpose is to find a better way forward, and every institution has a responsibility to help make that happen. 

“Increasing diversity now would strengthen the police’s ability to engage with communities, and would pave the way for a new generation of talented individuals for the future.

“Police Scotland needs to look closely at these numbers and consider why the top tier of policing isn’t nearly as diverse as the public it serves.”

Deputy Chief Constable Fiona Taylor said: “We are committed to relentlessly improving how we reflect, represent and engage with our communities, and recognise the need to increase recruitment from under-represented groups across all ranks and grades in Police Scotland.

“A dedicated team to increase the diversity of candidates applying to Police Scotland, including from BME backgrounds, was established in 2017.

“Racism and discrimination of any kind is deplorable and unacceptable. It has no place in society, and no place in policing.

“It is therefore crucial that the culture of Police Scotland is welcoming and inclusive to all and that we support all our people to thrive and flourish in what is an extremely demanding job.”

Hibs’ youngster Josh Doig believes that he has improved his game by watching Lewis Stevenson and Sean Mackie after being rested following an impressive start to the season.

Doig was selected for the Boxing Day clash with Rangers and his performance won plaudits despite the narrow defeat, particularly as he faced on-form James Tavenrier.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference ahead of tonight’s visit of Ross County, Doig said: “Playing at Ibrox against the players I played against was a big occasion and you do get a few butterflies in your stomach before the game but once you are on the pitch you just play the game. I loved every second.

“I like to think I have got a wee bit of pace. I thought I would take a touch past him (Tavernier) and see what happens. I was fortunate to get past him but it’s the final ball. When you play against Rangers you are not going to get many chances against them so when you do get opportunities you need to have that final ball, that killer pass.

“But it’s good to know, one of the better players in the league right now, I can take him on and kind of keep him out the game a wee bit, so that was a big confidence boost for myself.

“Being out the team for a while has given me a bit of a break and a bit of a rest and I’ve been able to watch Lewi (Stevenson) and Sean Mackie as well and take a bit of their game into mine.

“It gave me a bit of a breather but it was good to be back at Ibrox and good to know the gaffer has faith in me to chuck me back in for such a big game and on such a big occasion.  I was really pleased.

“I thought I had done well for being out for so long but obviously there are a few things to clean up on, like final ball and just a few tidy things, but that’s something I can work on.

“The gaffer spoke to me a few weeks ago about it, sometimes you need to look back and be proud at what you have done.

“Coming in as an 18-year-old is a big thing. I took it well, I took a wee bit of a dip in confidence but I feel better in training I am building my confidence back up and I’m feeling good.”

Doig hopes to start tonight against Ross County and he is aware that he will have to keep up his form to retain his place in the team.

He continued: “We know where Ross County are but we can’t let that alter or performance or our effort. We know we have to win and treat it like every other game and get that three points.

“We just need to take it as it comes, give 100% effort and do the right things at home like rest.

The teenager came through the youth ranks after a successful loan spell at Queens Park which was cur short due to the pandemic.

He continued: “At the start of the year I was playing 18s and coming back from a back injury. (Sporting director) Graeme Mathie took me in and said ‘I think the best thing for you is to go out on loan’. And I loved every minute at Queen’s Park. Playing against men helped me so much and it kicked me on.

“I only got to play six or seven games for Queens Park because of Covid but I loved every second of playing at Hampden, it’s an experience that not many get.

“Over lockdown it was hard to keep yourself fit and active and keep that enthusiasm up but I felt like I kept myself in good shape, watched what I was eating and went on runs.

“The hardest part was trying to keep playing football but I was in decent enough shape so when I came back I was ready to go and I felt I fitted in with the first team and was ready to push on.

“I’m hoping for a full season with none of this nonsense in 2021 but it is what it is. It’s been weird with no fans and big crowds but I hadn’t experienced that so it’s nothing different for me, playing reserve level last year so I imagine when fans get back in it will be a surprise for myself.”

In this last year The Scottish Government has delivered over 40,000 baby boxes to expectant parents.

The total number handed out since the start of the scheme in August 2017 is now 163,397, with around 93% of expectant parents taking the chance of a baby box.

Each box has a number of essential items for both parents and babies and the box itself can be used as a safe sleep space for the baby.

Children’s Minister Maree Todd said: “The coronavirus (Covid-19) crisis has been challenging for all of us, and particularly so for expectant parents and new mums and dads. Face-to-face support from family and friends has had to be restricted for safety reasons and the pandemic has added to financial worries for many families.

“Supporting new parents this year especially has been vital. The Baby Box, which ensures that every family with a newborn has access to essential items, is part of our commitment to giving every child the best start in life.”

Jackie Tolland, Chief Executive of Parent Network Scotland, said:“Having been involved in the Baby Box since its inception, I am really pleased that the feedback has been positive. We need to do everything we can as a country to ensure that all children receive the opportunity to have the best start in life.” 

Hibs Head Coach Jack Ross believes that John’ Yogi’ Hughes’ arrival has given Ross County a ‘fresh impetus’ ahead on tonight’s visit to Easter Road.

Hibs go into the game on the back of a narrow defeat to Rangers at Ibrox but Ross believes that the performance shows how far the team has come in the last year.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference yesterday he said: “We were disappointed because we went into the match believing that we could take something from it. We delivered a performance that gave us a chance of doing that but ultimately we fell short.

“When we stood back and had a look at how competitive we had been during the game it was another lift to the players in terms of how far we have came this season and where we are now as a squad.

“Although Ross County’s recent form has been challenging for them I think John’s (Hughes) arrival possibly gave then fresh impetus on Saturday. It’s difficult to judge because of circumstances surrounding him losing players.

“As always our preparations have been consistent whether playing the game at Ibrox or the arrival of Ross County.

“I played under John for three seasons at Falkirk. His record has been a successful one in terms of the clubs he has managed, winning silverware with Inverness which was a terrific achievement.

“The one thing he has always had is an enthusiasm and a real passion for the job he is in. His track record is a proven one.

“His record earns him the right to be viewed in a positive light and I’m sure he is delighted to be given that opportunity again after spending a little while out of the game.”

When asked about the forthcoming transfer window he responded: “I’ve spoken before about how pleased I am with the group and the progress that we’ve made but I think but first of all at the weekend it showed how we can be light.

“ We had seven unavailable and it’s unusual to have seven unavailable but I think if we can add one or two probably at most with maybe a similar number going the other way but I don’t imagine it’s going to be more than that.

“I’d like to keep consistency among the group but if we could strengthen it then great.”

Hearts 3-1 Arbroath

A six minute first half hat-trick from captain Steven Naismith was enough to allow Hearts to go five points clear, with a game in hand, at the top of the Scottish Championship with a 3-1 win over Arbroath at a freezing Tynecastle Park.

With John Robertson’s Inverness holding second placed Dunfermline to a 1-1 draw in the Highlands, the Jambos took full advantage ahead of their visit to Dens Park on Saturday evening to face a resurgent Dundee who have bagged six goals and six points in their last two league outings.

Hearts boss Robbie Neilson made three changes to the side that defeated Ayr United on Boxing Day with Steven Naismith and Craig Wighton coming in for the misfiring Elliot Frear and Jordan Roberts and Peter Haring taking his place in the side for the injured Stephen Kingsley as Andy Halliday shuffled to cover at left back.

Hearts had taken all three points from the sides’ previous clash on the second matchday of the season when a Craig Wighton strike was enough to see the Jambos win at Gayfield. This was a more straight forward affair, certainly in the first half, with Hearts looking threatening with a number of balls in behind a rather high Red Lichties back line.

The home side suffered a setback after just 20 minutes, however, when main striker, Liam Boyce, was forced off after failing to recover from an earlier challenge. He was replaced by the enigmatic Jamie Walker. Despite his erratic form, Walker turned provider for the opening goal of the game when he crossed a cracking Haring pass for Naismith to tap home on 29 minutes.

Just two minutes later, the Scotland international grabbed his brace when he nodded home a deflected Michael Smith shot after Walker inexplicably scuffed an effort that should have been in the back of the net.

Naismith had his third goal and hat-trick wrapped up on 36 minutes when he pinged in the resultant penalty after Chris Hamilton handled an Andy Irving strike inside the box.

The Jambos’ faithful were rubbing their hands going in to the second half expecting a further glut of goals. However, the second 45 minutes had far less intensity with the home side failing to create much beyond half chances and overhit passes. Arbroath gave the league leaders something to think about early in the half too when Irving failed to heed the calls of his defensive team mates and clumsily intercepted an Arbroath attacking pass which allowed Kris Doolan to net coolly past Craig Gordon.

Despite a drab second half, Hearts sit neatly at the top of the pile going in to 2021. However, the cheapness in which they’ve gifted goals this season, especially in the last two games, as well as the relative impotence of periods of their play will raise questions going in to Saturday’s evening kick off against a side widely seen as their main sustained challengers this season.

Hearts: Gordon, Smith, Halkett, Berra (Frear, 76 mins), Halliday, Haring, Lee (Popescu, 79 mins), Irving, Naismith, Boyce (Walker, 21 mins), Wighton Subs not used: Roberts, Stewart, Brandon, Henderson

Arbroath: Gaston, Thomson, Little, Brien, Hamilton, Virtanen, Gold, Craigen (McKenna, 72 mins), Doolan, Swankie (Linn, 51 mins), Donnelly (Stewart, 57 mins) Subs not used: Whatley, Ruth, Gallacher

Referee: Nick Walsh

The latest figures detailing the number of people diagnosed with Covid-19 in the last 24 hours in Scotland have been announced.

The figures in Scotland as at 29 December 2020 are as follows:

• 1,895 new cases are reported today
• 14,179 new tests for Covid-19 reported results and 14.4% were positive
• 7 newly reported deaths of people who have tested positive were recorded
• 65 people are in intensive care with recently confirmed Covid-19
• 1,092 people are in hospital with recently confirmed Covid-19

As at 28 December 2020 the total number of positive cases was 122,786 and the total number of deaths where Covid-19 has been confirmed now totals 4,467.

As at 20 December 2020, a total of 6,298 deaths have been registered in Scotland where Covid-19 was mentioned on the death certificate, according to statistics published by National Records of Scotland (NRS) on Wednesday This figure is calculated on a wider definition of deaths relating to Covid-19 than the daily figure reported by The Scottish Government.

You can also see the latest numbers laid out visually on the Travelling Tabby website here. It is updated at 3pm daily.

[su_spoiler class=”my-custom-spoiler” title=”Christmas bubbles what you need to know”]Christmas bubbles: what you need to know
The safest way to celebrate Christmas this year is with your own household in your own home – and as far as possible, to keep any interaction with other households to a minimum. This is by far the safest way to spend this Christmas and keep your loved ones safe.

Christmas bubbles can be formed on the 25th December to help reduce loneliness and isolation. You can meet with your bubble in a home, outdoors or in a place of worship.

You do not have to form a bubble if you do not want to – the safest way to spend Christmas is to stay in your own household, in your own home and your own local area.

If you do decide to form a bubble, this updated guidance asks you to:

minimise the number of people in a Christmas bubble. 8 people from 3 households (plus children under 12 years of age from the three households) is the legal maximum. One of the households can be an extended household. But our recommendation is that a gathering of no more than 2 households would be better – the smaller the bubble, the better and safer it will be
stay outside as much as possible. We strongly recommend that you should stay outdoors as much as possible and that, if you have to meet indoors, you should minimise the time you spend inside
minimise the distance you travel. The law allows you to travel within Scotland – but not to or from outside Scotland – to form a Christmas bubble. You must travel to form a bubble and return home on Christmas day
You should not go to a pub, restaurant, café or entertainment venue, for example a cinema or theatre, with your bubble.

If you don’t form a bubble you must follow the rules in the local authority area you live in.

Hogmanay and New Year: Christmas bubbles apply on Christmas day only. They will not apply at Hogmanay and New Year. All of mainland Scotland will be in Level 4 over Hogmanay and New Year with Orkney, Shetland, Na h-Eileanan Siar and the more remote islands in Argyll and Bute and Highland in Level 3. You should follow the rules on meeting up and travelling for your level. For further information on schools and childcare see the below section: Caring for others and childcare.
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[su_spoiler class=”my-custom-spoiler” title=”What bubbles can and cannot do”]On 25 December, if you wish to, you can form a Christmas bubble with up to two other households (one of which can be an extended household), up to a maximum of 8 people. Children under 12 do not count towards this number, if from the 3 households. While 3 households is the legal maximum, our recommendation is that 2 is better​​​​​.
You can travel only within Scotland to meet people in your bubble. 1 of the bubble members must live in the local authority area you are gathering in and you should follow local travel rules once you arrive.

You can meet your bubble in a home, an outdoor place or a place of worship. We strongly recommend that you should avoid meeting your bubble within a home if possible and that you should take the following steps to protect your loved ones:

try to limit contact with others before and after forming a bubble
stay 2 metres apart from people not in your own household – children under 12 do not need to do this (and can continue to meet other children under 12 outdoors who are not in their bubble)
don’t meet other people who are not in the bubble socially indoors or outside
follow the FACTS guidance, by regularly washing hands and keeping surfaces clean
avoid sharing crockery or cutlery
Households who have formed a Christmas bubble must not:

be in more than one bubble;
stay overnight;
change the members of the bubble once formed.
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[su_spoiler class=”my-custom-spoiler” title=”Staying safe at Christmas”]The safest way to spend Christmas and the festive period is to stay in your own household, in your own home and your own local area. But we recognise that isolation and loneliness can hit people hard over the Christmas period. To help to reduce this, we are temporarily changing some rules on meeting other people.
Just because we are allowing people to meet up in a limited way does not mean that you have to do so. It is a personal choice.

Everyone should think carefully about the risks involved in increasing the number of people you have contact with, particularly if you or your loved ones are at a higher risk from coronavirus. The virus won’t take Christmas off. If we provide it with opportunities to spread from household to household, it is likely to take them.

If you choose to spend Christmas with family and friends, this guidance aims to help you stay as safe as possible.

If you have not formed a bubble you should continue to follow the travel, socialising and hospitality rules for the council area you live in.
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[su_spoiler class=”my-custom-spoiler” title=”Socialising in Level Three areas”]
Meeting others indoors
You should not meet anyone who is not in your household indoors in your home or in their home. This applies to all age groups 12 and over. You can meet another household indoors in a public place such as a café or restaurant. The maximum number of people who can meet indoors in a public (not a home) place are 6 which can be from up to 2 separate households.

Children under the age of 12 from these households do not count towards the total number of people counted in a gathering.

Where an individual household includes more than 6 people, they can nevertheless meet as a single household even if the total number of people exceeds 6.

When you meet people from another household indoors you should:

minimise the number of meetings you have with people from other households each day
stay at least 2 metres apart from anyone who is not part of your household, unless in a public venue that is operating 1 metre distancing with additional measures being in place to avoid transmission.
maintain hand and cough hygiene
avoid touching hard surfaces with your hands
wash your hands when you arrive, when you leave, when you get home and especially before eating or after touching surfaces
not share food or utensils – if eating, each household should bring, prepare and eat its own food separately
if possible, keep rooms well ventilated – consider opening windows or a door
Those at a higher risk of severe illness from coronavirus (including those who had been shielding, people 70 and over, people who are pregnant and people with an underlying medical condition) should strictly follow the physical distancing guidance.

Meeting others outdoors
You can meet people from other households outdoors in a private garden or in a public place such as a park or an outdoor area of a pub. The maximum number of people who can meet outdoors is 6 which can be from up to 2 separate households.

Children under the age of 12 from these households do not count towards the total number of people counted in a gathering. Children under 12 do not need to maintain physical distance from others. This is to allow children under 12 to play with their friends outside.

Young people aged between 12 and 17 can meet up in groups of up to 6 at a time outdoors and are not subject to the 2 household limit. Physical distancing is required.

Where an individual household includes more than 6 people, they can continue to meet outside as a household even if the total number of people exceeds 6.

You should:

minimise the number of meetings you have with people from other households each day
stay at least 2 metres away from anyone who is not part of your household
maintain hand and cough hygiene
avoid touching hard surfaces with your hands
wash your hands when you arrive, when you leave, when you get home and especially before eating or after touching surfaces
not share food or utensils – if eating, each household should bring, prepare and eat its own food separately
if possible, keep rooms well ventilated – consider opening windows or a door
Those at a higher risk of severe illness from coronavirus (including those who had been shielding, people 70 and over, people who are pregnant and people with an underlying medical condition) should strictly follow the physical distancing guidance.

Going into someone else’s home
If you are meeting people from another household in their garden and the gathering exceeds 6 people, you should only go into their house to:

access the garden – do so quickly and without touching anything
use the toilet – avoid touching surfaces with your hands as much as possible, wipe any surfaces that you do touch with antibacterial wipes, wash your hands thoroughly, dry your hands with a freshly laundered towel or a paper towel, which you should dispose of in a closed bin.
If members of another household are going to visit you and might need to use your toilet, you should ensure appropriate cleaning materials are available. You should also provide either a hand towel for each visiting household or paper towels and a safe disposal option.

Extended households
People who live in different places can form an “extended household” in the following circumstances:

People who live alone​​​​
If you are an adult and you live alone, or if all others in your household are under 18, you, any children who live with you, and the members of one other household (of any size) can agree to form an ‘extended household’. This will allow people who live alone (or those living only with children under the age of 18) to be considered part of another household in order to reduce loneliness, isolation and to provide mutual social support.
Couples who do not live together
Two adults are in a relationship and they do not live together they, and any children they each live with, can agree to form an ‘extended household’.
However, if one member of a household gets coronavirus, there is a strong likelihood that other members of that household will also catch it. For this reason, there are some important rules that extended households should follow to remain as safe as possible:

a household must not form an extended household with more than one other household
households can end the arrangement at any time, but should not then form an extended household with a new household for at least a 14-day period.
All the adults living in both households should agree to form the extended household. We also encourage parents or guardians to involve their children in discussions. Forming an extended household is an important decision that should be properly discussed and agreed beforehand. Physical distancing between members of an extended household is not required

Once two households have agreed to form an extended household they may meet outdoors or indoors, visit and stay at each other’s homes, and do everything that people in other households can do, such as watch TV, share a meal and look after each other’s children.

Members of an extended household are considered to be one household for the legal requirements on meeting other households and going outside, and for the guidance in this document about seeing friends and family and about exercise and leisure activity.

You can continue to interact with members of your extended household even if they live in a different area with a different Level of protective measures.

If someone in the extended household develops COVID-19 symptoms, to avoid spreading the virus all members of the extended household must isolate immediately if they met the symptomatic person at any time between 2 days before and up to 10 days after their symptoms started.

If the symptomatic person tests positive, all members of their direct household must isolate for 14 days from the start of symptoms. Similarly, other members of the extended household must isolate for 14 days from when the most recent contact took place. Isolate means staying in your own home for the full 14 days.

Those at a higher risk of severe illness from coronavirus (including people over 70, people who are pregnant and people with an underlying medical condition) may take part in an extended household arrangement, but should strictly follow the handwashing, surface cleaning and respiratory hygiene guidance on the NHS Inform website.

Shared parenting
Where parents do not live in the same household, children can move between their parents’ homes in all levels, this includes both supervised and unsupervised visitation.

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[su_spoiler class=”my-custom-spoiler” title=”Hospitality in Level Three Areas”]
Restaurants, cafes, pubs and bars can open indoor and outdoors for the consumption of food and non alcoholic drinks. Alcoholic drinks cannot be served. Last entry is 17:00 and all venues must be closed and all customers off the premises by 18:00.

The maximum number of people you can meet indoors and outdoors in a restaurant, café, pub or bar is 6 which can be from up to 2 separate households.

Children under the age of 12 from these households do not count towards the total number of people meeting outdoors only.

Where an individual household includes more than 6 people they can continue to meet as a household in hospitality premises, although the venue may impose a smaller group limit.

Table service and the wearing of face-coverings (unless exempt) when not seated by all customers is mandatory in all hospitality venues. When meeting people from more than one other household, you should think beforehand about what size of table you will need to keep physically distanced between members of your group. The venue you are visiting should be able to advise you of booking options.

You will be asked by to provide your contact details for Test and Protect purposes This information is retained for 21 days with a view to sharing with Test and Protect Teams, if required.

Hospitality venues are required to put in place additional measures to minimise transmission of COVID-19. For example hand sanitiser stations and adequate ventilation. There will also be signs to inform customers whether the venue is in a 2 metres or 1 metre social distancing area.

You should stay at least 2 metres apart from people from other households at all times, unless the venue is operating 1 metre distancing due to additional measures being in place to avoid transmission. Physical distancing and good hand hygiene remain the most effective measures in reducing the transmission of COVID-19. Therefore, distancing requirements need to be maintained, where reasonably practicable, at all times, including when waiting to enter premises and when seated.

You should avoid visiting multiple hospitality premises on the same day. In particular, do not visit more than one pub or bar on the same day, as this increases the risk of transmission.

Takeaways can still operate as normal, provided food and drink is sold for consumption off the premises. Face coverings and physical distancing rules must be followed.

Hotels and other accommodation providers can still serve food to guests staying in their premises up to 22:00. Room service, including alcohol, is allowed as normal.
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[su_spoiler class=”my-custom-spoiler” title=”Restrictions in Level Four Areas”]You should not meet anyone who is not in your household indoors in your home or in their home. You can meet another household indoors in a public place. The maximum number of people who can meet indoors in a public (not a home) place is 6 which can be from up to 2 separate households.
Children under the age of 12 from these households do not count towards the total number of people permitted to gather indoors in a public place but do count towards the maximum of 2 households permitted to meet. For example a children’s party with 10 children from more than 2 separate households would not be allowable, but 6 adults and 4 children from 2 households could meet.

Children under 12 do not need to maintain physical distance from others indoors.

Where an individual household includes more than 6 people, they can nevertheless meet as a single household even if the total number of people exceeds 6.

You can go into another household to provide care and support for a vulnerable person. This can include providing emotional support for someone whose wellbeing is at risk, including for those who are isolated because of disability or a caring situation. Read Coronavirus (COVID-19): advice for unpaid carers

When you meet people from another household indoors you should:

minimise the number of meetings you have with people from other households each day

stay at least 2 metres apart from anyone who is not part of your household, unless in a public venue that is operating 1 metre distancing with additional measures being in place to avoid transmission

maintain hand and cough hygiene

avoid touching hard surfaces with your hands

wash your hands when you arrive, when you leave, when you get home and especially before eating or after touching surfaces

not share food or utensils – if eating, each household should bring, prepare and eat its own food separately

if possible, keep rooms well ventilated – consider opening windows or a door

Those at a higher risk of severe illness from coronavirus (including those who had been shielding, people 70 and over, people who are pregnant and people with an underlying medical condition) should strictly follow the physical distancing guidance.

MEETING UP OUTDOORS
You can meet people from other households outdoors in a private garden or in a public place such as a park. The maximum number of people who can meet outdoors is 6 which can be from up to 2 separate households.
Children under the age of 12 from these households do not count towards the total number of people counted in a gathering. Children under 12 do not need to maintain physical distance from others. This is to allow children under 12 to play with their friends outside.

Young people aged between 12 and 17 can meet up in groups of up to 6 at a time outdoors and are not subject to the 2 household limit. Physical distancing is required.

Where an individual household includes more than 6 people, they can continue to meet outside as a household even if the total number of people exceeds 6.

You should:

minimise the number of meetings you have with people from other households each day

stay at least 2 metres away from anyone who is not part of your household

maintain hand and cough hygiene

avoid touching hard surfaces with your hands

wash your hands when you arrive, when you leave, when you get home and especially before eating or after touching surfaces

not share food or utensils – if eating, each household should bring, prepare and eat its own food separately

Those at a higher risk of severe illness from coronavirus (including those who had been shielding, people 70 and over, people who are pregnant and people with an underlying medical condition) should strictly follow the physical distancing guidance.

HOSPITALITY

Restaurants, cafes, pubs and bars will be closed. Sectors guidance is at: sector guidance for tourism and hospitality
Takeaways can still operate as normal, provided food and drink is sold for consumption off premises. Face coverings and physical distancing rules must be followed.

Hotels and other accommodation providers can still serve food to qualifying guests i.e. key or exempt workers, staying in their premises up to 22:00. Room service, including alcohol, is allowed as normal.
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Cancer Research UK s urging people to sign up now to Walk All Over Cancer and get sponsored to take 10,000 steps every day for a month.

By raising vital funds, people across the region could help to get life-saving research back on track after the impact of COVID-19 – while burning off any excess Christmas calories.

As well as helping towards a healthy body weight, taking part could take a little weight off the mind too. Regular walking is a great stress-reliever and can help with mental wellbeing by improving mood and sleep.

Linda Summerhayes, Cancer Research UK’s spokesperson in Scotland, said: “Fundraising has fallen and right now, future research is at risk – that’s why we’re urging as many people as possible to make ‘Walk All Over Cancer’ their New Year’s resolution.

“We all hope that 2021 has a more positive outlook. So why not give yourself a boost by committing to get more active and having an achievable goal to aim for – all in aid of a good cause.

“There’s plenty of time for supporters to start building up to the challenge in March and planning new ways to fit in some extra steps.

“Sticking to a resolution can be hard, especially through the cold, dark winter months, but registering now and making a public pledge to take part in the Spring, could help people steel their resolve. Plus, there’s the ultimate motivation of knowing every step you take will be helping to save lives.”

Based on the average person’s strides, 10,000 steps is equal to about five miles, so by the end of March participants will have clocked up more than 150 miles.

That’s quite a challenge for some but adopting small changes that you can stick to can really add up – whether it’s doing conference calls on the go, exploring local beauty spots or treating the dog to a month of extra-long walks.

Keeping check on the number of steps taken each day is a great way to create a sense of achievement and it’s easy to do with smartphone apps, pedometers and wearable activity trackers available to help. Walk All Over Cancer is now integrated with FitBit, so that participants can automatically publish their step count on their fundraising page throughout the month.

Linda added: “With around 32,400 people diagnosed with cancer every year in Scotland*, we’re working every day to find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat the disease.

“The truth is COVID-19 has slowed us down, but we will never stop striving to create better treatments for tomorrow. Every step our scientists take towards beating cancer relies on our supporters. That’s why we need everyone to step up to Walk All Over Cancer.”

Before the outbreak, Cancer Research UK was able to spend over £8 million in Edinburgh on some of the UK’s leading scientific and clinical research.

To sign up and receive a free fundraising pack, with tips and ideas to help with the challenge, visit cruk.org/walkallover.

Participants are being encouraged to use #WalkAllOverCancer and tag @CR_UK when sharing their challenge on social media.