While high blood pressure is often prevalent in older people, the study of 8586 people over the age of 16 across the UK showed that one in three under the age of 34 in Scotland had a high blood pressure reading.

The average blood pressure reading for Scotland was 141/86, with 58 per cent of those tested showing signs of high blood pressure, while only one in four people in the area had ideal or normal blood pressure.

Men seem more at risk than women with a troubling 12 per cent of men in Scotland showing signs of severe hypertension compared to 9 per cent of Scotland’s women.

Research conducted by Lloydspharmacy shows that more than seven in ten people in the UK have never had their blood pressure checked. With one in five doing no forms of exercise, it is perhaps no surprise that blood pressure is soaring.

Shafeeque Mohammed, clinical pharmacist and heart health expert at Lloydspharmacy, said: “Although we must bear in mind that a one-off blood pressure test is not conclusive, cumulatively the average readings were higher than anticipated. It was particularly worrying to see the number of younger people with readings that put them in the hypertensive category. We would certainly want to explore this further.

“High blood pressure is something that most people don’t think they need to worry about until later in life, but it can affect you at any age. It often has no symptoms until it has become extremely severe, so it’s vital to have your blood pressure tested regularly.

“That’s why we are inviting all adults in the UK to have their blood pressure tested in-pharmacy for free. Through our heart campaign we want to encourage a change in attitude and help people manage their own health and to take steps to prevent illness.

“There are also a number of factors that can contribute to higher blood pressure including smoking, lack of physical activity, obesity, an unhealthy diet and excess alcohol, so it’s important for young adults to recognise the risk and take action by managing their lifestyles carefully.”

Professor O’Brien, Professor of Cardiovascular Pharmacology at The Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, adds: “Lack of blood pressure control increases the chances of cardiovascular problems such as strokes, heart attacks or kidney problems.

“Recent evidence shows that although prescribing of blood pressure-lowering drugs has increased, BP control has not improved. It is apparent that prescribing alone is not the answer – people of all ages need to take their blood pressure seriously and re-evaluate their lifestyle to reduce the risk of hypertension.”

Lloydspharmacy has been offering free blood pressure checks in its pharmacies since 2003 and has conducted over 1.5 million checks to date. In addition to the testing service, the pharmacy chain has recently launched a new range of affordable blood pressure monitors which are approved by the British Hypertension Society and offer a convenient way to monitor your blood pressure at home in between GP appointments. For more information, visit www.lloydspharmacy.com/heart.

Why not update the bathroom or kitchen? Renewing the tiling can revive the look of a dated bathroom or bring a slightly over the hill kitchen up to date. Tile the kitchen floor and take the same tile through into the dining room for an illusion of space. Why not tile the lounge as well for a long lasting virtually maintenance free flooring? As time passes, you can ring the changes with rugs.

Tile the bathroom floor and include under tile heating for real luxury at a surprisingly affordable cost. You can tile on most suspended timber floors but do check with your tile supplier or fixer.

Then if the weather is good why not book a cheap mid-week break in this country and get a professional tiler in to do the job for you? However good you are at DIY you will be doing a job that someone else has spent a lifetime learning how to do properly. Whenever you want a professional tiler, check out The Tile Association.

The Tile Association has over 600 company members across the UK. TTA checks out any tile retailer, fixer or tile fixing company wishing to join their ranks. It checks their experience, abilities, track record and financial health. Fixers have to provide customer references, have their work checked out or be recommended by an existing fixer member.

And once something has become trendy the social network takes over, with the internet providing all the information and imagery you could ever want. But a new book takes a leap away from the computer screen and lands firmly, heftily, on your coffee table. 42×12: The Cult of Fixed. The numbering refers to a suggested fixed wheel gearing (42 tooth chainring and 12 tooth sprocket). The reference to fixed wheel riding being a ‘cult’ is perhaps as easy to explain, with many fixed wheel riders (myself included as my daily commuter is a one-geared 44×16 joy) being truly evangelical about this particular way of riding.

42×12 is as eclectic a collection as the diverse riders themselves. It initially sets out to demystify fixed wheel riding – dragging it away from being a trend, away from being a ‘brand’, and simply about bikes and people who love bikes. It’s a convincing argument to anyone who rides fixed, but those looking in will see a publication which simply oozes ’style’ and immediately pigeonhole it into simply being part of that trend the first words set out to decry.

It’s a hard argument to counter as you read more. The book is essentially a series of articles, loosely linked, but more because they’re all about fixed wheel riding rather than a descriptive narrative. It feels like a magazine with a hard cover, peppered with stunning photos and reasons why people forego geared momentum. Many of the articles, most of the articles, are written in a spoken style. That is they’re written down exactly as someone would speak about cycling a fixed wheel bike. This could, possibly should, make for a disjointed feel to text, but somehow it works. Perhaps it is because it fits in with the disjointed style of the publication as a whole, jumping from short article to short article. But I think in the main it’s this style which retains and honesty and truth about what is being said.

This is what marks the book away from being simply another part of the trend. This is written by the people who actually ride – there isn’t a single touch of a marketing man looking for buzzwords and niches into which he can tap. This is a book by people who love bikes, for people who love bikes. The opening words were right. And yes this means that the preaching is being done to the converted, and is most likely the reason I liked reading through it so much. It is also the reason having read it I find myself returning to look at the pictures contained inside. Yes I can put the computer on and look at thousands more, but there’s a nice immediacy to this sitting on the table ready to be picked up at any moment.

Non-fixed wheel riders may find themselves looking at it differently, though any bike lover will still appreciate much of what is being said as it relates to riding as a whole, and the images will still work for those people on exactly the same level.

When the book first arrived I had to wonder just who it was aimed at, and if it was a publication that was trying too hard to fit into a new trend, taking advantage in a surge in popularity. In the end it may end up being a book found in many cyclists’ homes for the exact reason that it isn’t trying to do that at all. Truly a love of cycling that pours from every page; being about fixed wheel riding almost seems ancillary as you reach the end.

RRP £17.95 but check out prices on Amazon for The Cult of Fixed 42×12

The evening comprised of a number of races, taking in the excruciatingly steep and poorly-surfaced Victoria Street, before haring down George IV Bridge and swinging round Greyfriar’s Bobby. The entire loop might only be 1.3 miles, but it’s one of the toughest criterium courses in the country.

A criterium consists of lapping the course for a set length of time, then on expiry of that time a further designated number of laps. For the elite riders, as darkness began to fall, this meant an hour of circuit-after-circuit before a five lap sorting out.

Tactics play out over the entire length of the race, and so it proved with Scottish rider Evan Oliphant (riding for Endura Racing) heading out into the lead on his own after about half an hour. Kristian House of Rapha-Condor had sat in the main bunch which let Oliphant escape, before launching his own attack, and as the hour came and went he had been seen to gradually reel in the man out front, work with him for a couple of laps, before powering off on his own, and managing to stay ahead of the chasing pack for victory. Oliphant came home third, with the two main attackers of the evening being split by Aussie Cameron Meyer (who finished third last year).

While it’s always exciting to see top pros competing up close (and many making the cobbles up Victoria Street look flat, and the gradient level) perhaps the most entertaining part of the evening is the folding bike race.

Here competitors, dressed in ‘business’ attire (though the rules on this are fairly relaxed given most work cycling shoes to attach to clipless pedals), start Le Mans style, with their bikes folded 20 metres away from them. After the initial run and unfolding carnage there follows three laps of the circuit, with the riders here proving no less committed than the big-wheeled standard bike competitors.

But the night isn’t just about the racing. The atmosphere on the Grassmarket on a Saturday night is usually boisterous, but that never spills over into trouble at the event (save for a few who always try to spoil it for everyone), and for cyclists there is a true carnival atmosphere that the morning commute by bike just doesn’t provide. Here they can compete in timed trackstand competitions, or race of staic roller bikes.

The numbers in the crowds actually seemed a little down on last year – though a clash with the first day of the Tour, as well as a Spanish world cup quarter final, might have had something to do with that. Everyone who went will simply be hoping that it comes back for a third year in 2011, and I might personally be convinced to take part in the folding race again after sitting it out this year…

Rocking Horse War is set in 1927. Author Lari Don explains, “The aftermath of the first world war (the Great War to the characters) is the reason – I needed them all to be born during that time, and to have lost family members in a war, and once I did the arithmetic, 1927 was the perfect year.  Also the very first image I had of the book (Pearl looking at a wooden horse by a pool, and searching for some missing children) didn’t feel like now, it always felt like it was set a while ago.  ALSO the fact that they are comfortable tracking and hunting and riding, and allowed to be out on their own all day, seemed more plausible a few decades ago.  It did mean Pearl and her sisters are handicapped by dresses all the time, but that didn’t stop Pearl climbing trees, walls, cliffs and mountains!”

This is certainly one solution for today’s authors, who are hampered by the nanny society’s attitudes to how much children should be allowed to do on their own. But while Pearl may appear reckless with her own safety, she is very protective of her younger brother and sisters – in fact that’s what the story is about, her search for the triplets who are stolen from their nursery one morning.

As they tramp around the countryside, Lari weaves a tale of past magic and destiny that can be accepted (if you think you know it) or challenged (again, if you think you know it). Passive or active? Are these characteristics one can adopt or deny?

At 239 pages, it’s a good long read for 9-12 year olds who would really enjoy being out and about themselves if it weren’t raining, or if they were allowed sufficient freedom. Fiction can be about escapism into the life of a hero or heroine, or confirmation of  the kind of person you hope to be. There are plenty of children out there who will be excited and inspired by this book, so snap it up on Amazon here

Shrek Forever After, Predators, The Last Airbender, Despicable Me

SHREK FOREVER AFTER:
Releases July 2nd 2010

Shrek (voice of Mike Myers), once a feared ogre outside the fairy-tale kingdom of Duloc, has now become, to his exasperated irritation, a cuddly celebrity in the once faraway kingdom of Far Far Away.

What with infant triplets, neighbours who barge in and make themselves at home every night, tour-carriage announcers invading his privacy and an endless battle with backed-up toilets, it seems more or less reasonable for him to blow his top at a birthday party where strangers and friends alike demands things from him constantly.
When his wife, the ogress princess Fiona (Cameron Diaz), chastises and guilt-trips him for it, showing no empathy, it’s no wonder he storms off—or that he becomes easy prey for the Machiavellian Rumpelstiltskin (Walt Dohrn).

That leprechaun-like goblin sweet-talks Shrek into a disastrous deal: The ogre can have one day all to himself, scaring people and being a carefree bachelor, in exchange for losing one day in his life. Of course, that turns out to be the day he was born, and so when Shrek’s present is over, so is he.

Like a long-running TV series, Shrek Forever After assumes that we’re comfortable with the characters and will appreciate some twists. (In other words, if you’re not a regular viewer of the Shrek sitcom, now’s not the time to jump in.)
The first animated film by director Mike Mitchell, Shrek Forever After moves along jauntily enough; a chase sequence on flying broomsticks is rather exciting; the pace is suitable. But whether it is going to set the audience alight with enthusiasm is another thing – it does seem like we might have already seen the best bits.

PREDATORS:
Releases July 8th 2010

Predators centres around Royce, a mercenary who reluctantly leads a group of elite warriors who come to realise they’ve been brought together on an alien planet… as prey.

With the exception of a disgraced physician, they are all cold-blooded killers – mercenaries, Yakuza, convicts, death squad members – human “predators” that are now being systemically hunted and eliminated by a new breed of alien Predators.
The film follows a group of elite warrior-types who are being hunted by members of a race of merciless alien trackers called Predators.

The story is: A tribe of predators has kidnapped a group of humans, the most deadly killers to be found on planet Earth, and dropped them on an alien planet which serves as a predator game preserve (note: It is not the predator home world). Think of it like a fisherman stocking his pond with trout. The primary trout here are played by Adrien Brody (who has seriously bulked up and against all odds is utterly convincing as a total badass), Topher Grace (who still looks like Topher Grace), Danny Trejo, and Alice Braga. They’ve been dropped in with no idea how they got there or who brought them, and they don’t really get along.

Laurence Fishburne shows up after the main leads have landed, as a human character already on the planet. He’s utterly kickass, chewing scenery up and spitting it back out. Director, Rodriguez , describes his character as “the one who got away”. He’s survived on the predator hunting preserve for an unspecified period of time, he knows all the tricks, and he’s figured out a way to beat them at their own game.

The predators’ game involves real hunting techniques the likes of which we’ve never seen before, leading to the development of some of those new types of predators mentioned previously.

As another alien movie it ticks all the boxes and offers a few never-before-tried elements that are worth seeing.

THE LAST AIRBENDER:
Releases July 2

Based on the hugely successful Nickelodeon animated TV series, this live-action feature film is set in a world where human civilization is divided into four nations: Water, Earth, Air and Fire.

The Fire Nation is waging a ruthless, oppressive war against the other three nations. The film’s hero, the reluctant young Aang (Noah Ringer), is the “Last Airbender” — the Avatar who, according to prophecy, has the ability to manipulate all of the elements and bring all the nations together.

Aided by a protective teenage Waterbender named Katara (Nicola Peltz) and her bull-headed brother Sokka, Aang proceeds on a perilous journey to restore balance to their war-torn world. Dev Patel plays the Fire Nation’s evil prince Zuko. Exiled from the Fire Nation by his father, Zuko is sent to capture the Avatar in order to restore his honour and right to the throne.
Apparently Sixth Sense director M. Night Shyamalan decided to make a live action movie after he started watching the show along with his kids and fell in love with it.
The Last Airbender is the director’s first big budget special effects-driven fantasy epic and the studios have so much trust in the project that they have moved its opening date to the very lucrative (and competitive) July the 4th weekend.

Many of the details of this epic, designed to appeal to all ages, have been kept under wraps. However, it is clear that The Last Airbender looks like nothing but fun. It’s got people sieging castles on the backs of giant lizards, fireballs, dragons, tidal waves, fireballs, naval invasions and even more — and that’s just the trailer.

It is also highly likely that there will be an open-end to this movie; the show ran for 61 episodes over three seasons so it is unlikely that all the detail can be crammed into one film.

DESPICABLE ME:
Releases July 9th

Universal has brought out its first 3D-animated movie, which captures much of what one likes about Pixar cartoons.

Despicable Me starts with a cute yellow creature who appears before the opening credits mimicking Pixar’s bouncy table lamp, It adopts the principle that all things which populate a child’s fantasies — whether toys on a bed, monsters in dreams or the robots and superheroes of science fiction — are very, very real.

It is a story about superheroes longing for the quiet life, and takes a playful poke at super villains. Wouldn’t you know, they turn out to be poor fellows beset with Mummy and Daddy issues.

The film’s comedy lies in a clash of opposites: a super villain called Gru who loves to mess with everyone while committing high-profile crimes, versus three little orphan girls whose wills are every bit as strong as his. However Gru isn’t that good at villainy – his antics are more a cry for attention.

Steve Carell plays Gru, and as the character issues threats, plots dastardly deeds and pops a child’s balloon, Carell hints at the little boy lost within this blackened soul.

You see, some villain out there has overshadowed Gru. Some villain has stolen an Egyptian pyramid! Flushed with shame and outrage, Gru vows to steal the moon. That’s right, the moon. All he needs is a shrink-ray gun. Acquiring this weapon should be an easy task for a super villain, but, oops, just as Gru steals it, someone else steals it away from him.

This someone turns out to be his nemesis, Vector (Jason Segel). Super villains can have bad days, too, apparently, and Gru is having a particularly bad one. Gru’s unsupportive, sarcastic mom (Julie Andrews) doesn’t make things any easier, either.

Gru becomes convinced the solution to his Vector problem lies in three adorable orphan girls, whom he quickly adopts. The bespectacled Margo (Miranda Cosgrove) is the trio’s sensible, strong-willed ringleader, but Agnes (Elsie Fisher) and Edith (Dana Gaier) are no less staunch in their insistence that their new “father” should take them to ballet class, ride a roller coaster and read bedtime stories.

The film is overrun with colourful characters. Gru’s assistant, Dr. Nefario (Russell Brand), is like James Bond’s Q, a genius at inventing devices. But his hearing isn’t always acute. So when asked to design a dart gun, he concocts something that sounds like dart, only the word begins with an “f.”

The animation is outstanding in terms of energy, colour and imagination and the story has enough in it to keep you entertained throughout. For a first attempt, pretty good by anyone’s standards.

The Rangers Service based at Holyrood Park is inviting visitors to step back in time to find out about a selection of ancient sports and outdoor pursuits.

Interpretation Ranger Matt McCabe said: “We wanted to give visitors an opportunity to learn about some fascinating traditional outdoors activities which are less common today.

“They’ll have an opportunity to try their hand at archery, a favoured sport of kings and commoners through the ages. Falconry was another great pastime of centuries past and we’ll have a variety of fascinating birds of prey here for people to get right up close to. And if the weather and ground conditions permit, there will also be artificial lure coursing with Whippets.

“Our free ‘Royal Pursuits’ event from 11am to 3pm on the 18th July is an opportunity for visitors to learn about the long heritage of these various activities and their links to the rich past of Holyrood Park, together with its importance as a royal hunting ground.

“We’ll also be highlighting the fact that the range of interesting and unusual ways to enjoy the environment around you is immense and there’s always scope for finding new outdoors activities to enjoy.”

The Rangers Team is also extending a welcome to visitors who would like to join them on an informative guided walk around the Park exploring its history, archaeology and natural wonders.

The Ranger Team hopes visitors will also join them on an exploratory walk around Holyrood Park. Every Monday until the end of August there’s a gentle stroll or ‘Amble Around Arthur’, whilst those who enjoy a more moderate walk can take part in the ever popular ‘Arthur’s Secrets’ which takes place on Tuesdays until 28th September. Or if you’re feeling energetic enough why not come along on the strenuous ‘Arthur’s Adventure’ every Wednesday until 25th August. There’s a free walk suitable for all abilities!

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Breakfast from 7am till noon

Bookings : 0870 118 1664
Email: info@oroccocopier.co.uk
17 High Street,
South Queensferry,
Edinburgh EH30 9PP

Most ornamental onions flower in June, just after the real spring flowerers, and before most summer flowers comes into bloom. They therefore form an indispensable perennial that keeps the border in flower well into the year.

For best results, plant your allium bulbs in November in a sunny spot, quite deep (just over twice as deep as the height of the bulb), in well-drained fertile soil. Because of the great variety of bulb sizes (from 3cm to over 20cm), it is best to draw up a planting plan. You can then keep track of their location and heights in the border, and also make allowances for the fact that alliums foliage dies back quite early. By planting them in combination with plants like Stork’s Bill, for example, you can cover the gaps made by dying foliage.

Nearly all have narrow, basal leaves smelling of onions when crushed, and most have small flowers packed together in a dense, spherical or shuttlecock shaped umbel. Dried umbels of tall border species are good for winter decoration.

Borne on sturdy stems that emerge from between grayish-green leaves, Allium ‘Gladiator’ grows well and makes a great combination between tall border plants like phlox, speedwell, yarrow, knotweed (Persicaria), the off-white gypsophila or the blue strawflower (Catanache Caerulea) (both about 50 cm).

The delicate Blue Globe Onion (Allium Caeruleum) works well between the lower border plants and the unusual, low growing and highly decorative Allium Karataviense ‘Ivory Queen’® deserves a prominent spot, at the front of the border,  and is also ideal for pots and planters.

Chives are a fantastic type of ornamental onion to bring variety and height difference in your border. Unlike other alliums, chives keep on producing new foliage, and the little additional extra is that the stalk-like foliage is edible. It is most tasty before the plant flowers. It is a very tasty addition to boiled or fried eggs, tomato, on salads or in soups.

Alliums are available in a wealth of varieties, colours and sizes:

Allium Amplectens has magnificent white globular flowers on tall stems. The tips of the petals are a pale lavender.

Allium ‘Fireworks’ have pendulous flowers in yellow, purple and white which is a most striking feature of this allium variety. The shape of the flowers suggests an exploding firework.

Allium ‘Forelock’ is a delightfully fragrant ornamental onion with a distinctive ‘forelock’ on each flower. The flowers which can grow to 20 cm across gradually open from the top to the bottom. This variety is an excellent garden subject, beautiful in a vase and also suitable for dried flower arrangements.

Allium ‘Gladiator’ produces magnificent light-purple, globe-shaped flower heads that are larger than tennis balls. Enrich your spring garden with this exceptionally striking plant. The large flowers are 15-20 cm across and make fantastic, long-lasting cut-flowers. These ornamental onions are increasingly popular, deserving prominence in both traditional and contemporary gardens.

Allium Karataviense ‘Ivory Queen’® (pictured top right) is an ornamental onion and is also known as Turkestan onion. Both the flowers and the foliage are striking. The leaves are silvery-green with pale veins, and the handsome globular flowers are a pinkish-white to cream. Attractive to butterflies and bees.

Alliums are fully to frost hardy. They should be planted during the autumn in an open, sunny position in well drained soil. They are best left undisturbed to form clumps.  If the flowers become smaller after a few years, split and replant to allow more space.

Cryptic Crossword
Clues Across

1         Encourage it to be in a nice mess (6)

7         I’ll take ninety-nine with it being outside the law (7)

8         Heading it back and getting the bird about it (7)

9         Smart to give voice about the start of the trend (5)

10         Buildings that were standing before Sion was in ruins (9)

12         But do deer lay eggs? (3)

13         Therefore it comes back to the monster (4)

15         Stopped talking because he felt parched (5,2)

17         See a different form of relaxation (4)

19         Bring back a dish of gold dust and make a pile (3)

21         Those who cheat have a sort of wildness about what is right (9)

22         The girl to entertain at Christmas (5)

23         Tending to run back and croon (7)

24         Journeys along a back street to make it complicated inside (7)

25         Return the bribe and put down the drink (6)

Clues Down

1         Multiply in the fold (8)

2         In which a policeman can get himself into hot water? (6)

3         Chatter about the weight following a trite exchange (7)

4         The high quality of the group (5)

5         Performing an exacting part (6)

6         The animal for men only (4)

7         There are ones among the Sikhs, for examp1e, who belong to

another Asian country (11)

11         Company of the French body of law (4)

13         Though possibly looking milky, there’s nothing to lap up (4)

14         Look at the view with vision (8)

16         Urged on to endure (7)

18         Spanish Communist has a feast (6)

20         The dangers of misplacing small pincers (6)

21         Keels over to look smooth (6)

22         Cast out the pets (4)

SOLUTIONS to July Cryptic Crossword

Quick Puzzle

Clues Across

1          Followed (6)

7          Movement of cars in streets (7)

8          Valet (7)

9          Bias (5)

10          Day (9)

12          Expression of affirmation (3)

13          Annoys (4)

15          Brought into harmony (7)

17          Apparatus (4)

19          Ocean (3)

21          Conceivably possible (9)

22          One who suffers loss (5)

23          Wandering (7)

24          Idiots (7)

25          Words spoken in undertone (6)

Clues Down

1          Financially supporting (8)

2          Firm (6)

3          Simplest (7)

4          Common flower (5)

5          Occurrence (6)

6          Tax (4)

7          Association of workers (5,6)

11          In the vicinity of (4)

13          Notion (4)

14          Noiseless periods (8)

16          Inhabitants of Greenland (7)

18          Reply (6)

20          Stayed (6)

21          Instruct (5)

22          Be deficient (4)

SOLUTIONS to July Quick Crossword

Click here for solution.

The couple met at a Beltane Festival one Spring. Alastair was a performer and Friederike was selling home made chocolates. From Germany, she had been making chocolates since she was a little girl and when Alastair saw what she was doing, he fell in love with it – and her.

Mathematician Friederike had designed a geodesic dome built on mathematical principles and made from shaped pieces of drainpipe and broomstick handles, draped with canvas. Inside was a solar powered chocolatiere, where she produced fantastic sweets and cakes. With this mobile home cum shop, the couple went to music festivals and community events, last year surviving flash floods in middle England, but also having a fantastic time, doing what they loved.

All their products are ethically produced – in fact everything about the company is carefully considered for its impact on the economy and the environment. “We only sell at Farmer’s Markets and events which have a green ethos, or to small family businesses and delis, not supermarkets,” Alastair explained.

They were fortunate in finding an old bakery in Haddington, where they could develop a cottage industry and make delicious cakes. “It was a big thing for us at the time as it was important to us that it wasn’t a modern retail unit. We are passionate about sustainability at every level. One of our chocolatieres cycles 10 miles a day to work.”

When their baby Roslyn came along, two years ago, the couple had a decision to make. The business was doing well with demand for cakes and chocolates growing and they felt they should be settling down and travelling less. So they spent all their savings on a chocolatiere in Bruntsfield. Today, they employ 4 chocolatieres and another 12 members of staff between the kitchen and the shop.

“I wanted to work with chocolate,” Alastair says, “but I’ve become a businessman! It’s a good feeling but it has its stresses. You’re working 24/7. What gives me the motivation to keep going is when you’re at a music festival or somewhere like that and you see the smile on the face of someone who’s just bitten into one of your chocolates. There’s such energy about these festivals, and about our food.”

Throughout the expansion, it’s impressive how closely Alastair and Friederike have kept to their ethical principles. “I love local food,” Alastair admits, “but obviously chocolate isn’t Scottish, so transport is the worst problem. Ours comes from organic suppliers because we know that organic farming is environmentally friendly and takes care of the rain forest. Although not all our sources are Fair Trade registered, they often attain even higher standards. We are also very excited about the relationship we’re developing with the Grenada Chocolate Company.”

This is a cooperative which has revolutionised the relationship between grower and producer by not only growing and farming the cocoa but also processing it into chocolate on the same premises. The factory is equipped with specially designed equipment which is solar powered and the resultant chocolate won the Academy of Chocolate Awards 2008 Silver Medal in the Best Organic Chocolate Bar.

Meanwhile, Alastair refutes any suggestions that chocolate is to blame for Scotland’s dire record on obesity. In the same way that guns are not dangerous, only people are, he reckons that an unbalanced diet is the reason for overweight Scots.

“After the second world war, after rationing was lifted, we lost our respect for food. Since then food has been about profit instead of quality,” he thinks – and has the waistline to prove that a love of chocolate doesn’t have to add unhealthy  inches.

At Edinburgh Filmhouse from July !6th till August 5th.

Edinburgh’s Garden District will comprise of the Calyx – Scotland’s International Garden Showcase, a Sports Village, a 25,000 seat regional stadium, 3,500 sustainable homes and a network of parks and other green spaces.

The Calyx: Scotland’s International Garden Showcase. A world class visitor attraction, the Calyx will provide accessible information on Scotland’s national hobby, gardening, and encourage locals and visitors to engage in a healthier lifestyle. With international themed gardens, education facilities and experimental horticulture, it will be a must-see experience in its own right – a living landmark in the Capital.

Sports Village: The Sports Village will provide the Capital with a centre of sporting excellence. The new facilities could address several long-standing requirements including a new athletics venue and the opportunity to create a national curling academy. It could also create opportunities for other regional and national sports facilities and allow all communities in Edinburgh and the east of Scotland access to national standard sports facilities.

Edinburgh Stadium: At the centre of the Sports Village will be a new regional stadium seating up to 25,000. This will mean that Edinburgh can host a greater variety of sporting and cultural events, reflecting its status as the Capital City. Given its exceptional location the stadium will provide direct connections to over 80% of the population within a 90 minute journey time.

Homes: The Garden District will provide up to 3,500 new family houses, creating a high quality visually attractive and sustainable urban expansion to the City. A quarter of these houses will be affordable, significantly assisting with the projected shortfall in this type of social housing. The aim will be to create communities that have access to a range of community facilities, including schools, shops and green spaces.

The west of Edinburgh features heavily in the planned growth of the City. With the expansion of Edinburgh Airport, the redevelopment of the national showground and the International Business Gateway all planned for the area, Edinburgh’s Garden District will sit alongside these nationally important projects, putting homes next to jobs, schools, universities and sports facilities, integrating with and developing existing transport infrastructure and creating a recognisable community.

All homes will be within five minutes walking distance of a bus or tram stop, ensuring that Edinburgh’s Garden District is truly sustainable. Excellent public transport links will make it easy to travel in and out of the district and residents will have a real opportunity to lead more sustainable lifestyles, with most of their needs within walking or cycling distance. The planned orbital bus could be routed through Edinburgh’s Garden District, linking it to other suburbs without the need to travel in and out of the city. This route would be serviced by 12 buses an hour.

Edinburgh’s Garden District has been conceived from the outset with the issues of sustainability at its core.  Sustainable technologies will play a big part in reducing carbon and to make sure the homes are as environmentally friendly as possible.   Additionally there will be a big emphasis on each household growing their own fruit and vegetables.

Jestyn Davies, Managing Director of Murray Estates said, “We have taken great care to plan a district that can deliver family homes in a truly sustainable place to live. The area is supported by an excellent transport infrastructure and has access to some of the best sporting and leisure facilities in Scotland. The fact that these communities will provide housing for the west of Edinburgh, home to Scotland’s fourth largest concentration of employment, only adds to the benefits offered by this development.”

The development is the most ambitious project ever undertaken by Murray Estates.

Sir David Murray, Chairman of Murray International Holdings said, “The Murray Group has been a long term investor in Scotland. We purchased over 600 acres of land at Hermiston in 1989 as part of a long term property investment strategy. Our vision in 2010 for Edinburgh’s Garden District has therefore been carefully formulated over several years and we believe these ambitious proposals will provide a positive lasting legacy for the City.

“We are an indigenous company and one of the biggest employers in Scotland so we look forward to embarking on a project that could provide employment for the present and into the future. Edinburgh’s Garden District will undoubtedly provide a significant boost for the Scottish economy, creating real jobs and investment.”

One of the main employment opportunities in the development will come in the form of the Calyx. The concept for this international standard tourist attraction came from Jim McColl, presenter of the BBC’s Beechgrove Gardens.

Jim McColl said, “My colleagues and I came up with the idea for the Calyx over 20 years ago. Having faced funding issues, we were delighted to team up with Murray Estates. This partnership could turn our concept into a reality. Primarily designed to serve the people of Scotland, the Calyx will inspire, inform, educate and delight the people who visit. This will include many from outwith Scotland, drawn by its innovative design, its status as a centre of excellence and its role in educating the populace on some of the big issues that face society.”

Timescale:

2010 Launch
2013 SES PLan approved and tramline complete
2014  Calyx development & early infrastructure commences
2016 Residential development commences
2017 Calyx completed and open to the public
2018 Orbital bus route completed. Early phase of Sports Village in development
2022 Sports Village completed and open to the public
2030 Edinburgh’s Garden District completed

Murray Estates intend to undertake extensive public consultation to further shape plans for Edinburgh’s Garden District.

www.edinburghsgardendistrict.co.uk

A number of companies expressed interest in joining a council-led group to set up events in Midlothian during Scottish Food and Drink Fortnight, which runs from the 4th of September to the 19th.

Cllr Adam Montgomery, Provost, Midlothian Council, said: “Some of our local restaurants are among the very best in Scotland while I know how tasty some of our local produce is.  I try and encourage people to shop locally and locals and tourists alike should appreciate how lucky we are to have high quality hotels, restaurants and food producers on our doorstep.  It was good to see so many companies interested in working with the Council and Visitscotland to capitalise on events like the Scottish Food and Drink Fortnight and other events.”

2010 is Scotland’s Year of Food and Drink, a Scottish government initiative that offers an opportunity to celebrate and enhance Scotland’s reputation for its own food and drink production.

Whether it’s a cheap single use tent for a festival, or an ultra lightweight tent for backpacking, or a sturdy home from home for all the family,  there has never been a better selection and Halfords has everything you need for camping and carvanning.

We don’t really condone throwaway tents but it’s hard to argue with £12.99 for a night’s accommodation. However, if you want to spend a bit more and have the convenience of a pop-up tent, Gelert do one that pitches in just a few seconds, and is perfect for fun, festivals and camping without fuss. There’s £5 off at the moment, pricing this little gem at £29.99 and it comes in a range of funky colours so that you can find your tent amongst all the others.

If you’re looking for something to take into the hills, or on a long carry such as the West Highland Way, look at the size and weight. You don’t want to carry more than 2kg and the Gelert solo comes in at just 1.5kg. This is currently on offer at £29.99 with £10 off.

You should also look at the waterproofing (just in case). 1500mm hydrostatic head is the minimum but ideally you want 2000mm or 3000mm – the higher this figure, the more waterproof the tent is –  and the seams should be taped. This combination of lightweight poles and high performance material is what you pay for with the more expensive tents. They will also have better ventilation to prevent condensation and things like pockets for storing torches, books etc.

One of the best deals around at the moment though, must be in Halford’s tent packs. The Halfords Family Tent Pack includes a fantastic four-man tent, complete with all the accessories you will need for a great camping holiday. Included are four envelope sleeping bags, two double airbeds and two LED camping lights – the perfect kit for a great night’s sleep!

Easy to pitch, the tent is spacious and has standing height, meaning no more ducking inside! The tent is double-skinned, reducing condensation and improving insulation, and has two separate bedrooms. Previously priced at £239.99 this now has £150 off and is coming in at £89.99.

If you’re starting from scratch you may also want to buy a cookset kit. Again Halfords has the answer with this set for just £25 online price (£59.99 instore) It consists of a portable gas stove, 4 pans,  3 cooking utensils and 4 plastic food containers with a durable rucksack to store and carry all the items.

Prices quoted here are current online prices. Some are web exclusive so not available under Halford’s popular reserve and collect system. Well worth checking is the range of videos showing you how to put up your tent.

As well as free lunches for the first 2,000 people, there will be entertainment including a live jazz band and giant garden games, as well as the chance to have your picture taken with Ben himself. Or, if you prefer just to kick back and relax, there will be a ‘chill-out zone’ with hay bales to rest on and books and magazines for you to read.

The event is being held by Nature Valley, one of the UK’s favourite snack bar brands, and has the full support of urban dweller himself, Ben Fogle, who is encouraging as many Edinburgh folk as possible to come along.

Says Ben, “I’m working with Nature Valley to encourage everyone to take some well-deserved ‘Green Time’ during their busy day.  A break in the fresh air in green surroundings really can make all the difference and recharge your batteries.”

So, whether you can escape for a full hour, or only spare a few minutes, make sure you sign up to receive full event details at www.facebook.com/NatureValleyUK, where you will also be able to vote for the flavour of Nature Valley snack bar that goes into the picnic lunches. And if you don’t get down to St Andrew’s Square in time to grab a free lunch, there will still be plenty of Nature Valley snack bars to feast on!

This year, the National Theatre has taken a year out, so the Lyceum decided they would have a go at organising their own version. The recent Connect Festival featured youth theatres mainly from the Central Belt of Scotland, who performed plays of their own choosing, two or three a night.

The Lyceum’s own Youth Theatre performed on the last two nights, the senior group on Friday (pictured are a couple of Douglas Robertson’s shots from Mugged, by Andrew Payne and directed by Natalie Ibu) and 3 junior groups on Saturday. The popularity of the Youth Theatre is staggering, with around 120 seniors (aged 14-18), almost 100 juniors (aged 11-13) a further 60 who attend ‘mini and play’ sessions. There’s even a Playtime group for 2-4 year olds, who can come along with their parents.

“We take child protection issues very seriously,” explained co-ordinator John Glancy “and always have 2 adults around, a tutor and an assistant, and we try to keep to a ratio of 1:15. Although it’s quite a big group, the children have chosen to come along so there are seldom disciplinary issues.”

John himself was an original member from 1999-2002, inspired by a visit to his school. He attended the Arts International Drama School in York and trained as an actor. While waiting for a job, he was offered a post at the Lyceum as a workshop assistant, but 5 years later is now project manager.

Other previous members of the LYT have gone on to become practitioners, such as technicians and actors. Kirsty Mackay, who recently played Wendy in the National Theatre of Scotland’s production of Peter Pan, is one such former member. “They learn about themselves, they learn to trust their own judgement, even when they go into other fields,” says John.

Should you go and watch a Youth Theatre production? We’ve all been to productions where the cast had a great time but the audience should have been paid to attend. Actors could potentially be dire! They are clearly not going to be as experienced as their professional counterparts but there is an energy and an integrity about their performances which is truly engaging. There are no hidden agendas with these youngsters.

“At the heart of their performances is the ensemble,” John says. “It’s a team effort. We are not trying to produce solo stars of the future, just vibrant, exciting, dynamic, theatre. And if you think they can’t do moving, emotional pieces, you should have seen Castlebrae High’s Hard Bare Rock Youth Theatre from Craigmillar. Their play Blackout dealt with the kind of social issues they have to face daily and it was emotional and moving.”

Next up for the Youth Theatre will be Summer on Stage, a 3 week course culminating in 2 performances on stage. The senior group will be working on A Vampire Story, by Moira Buffini and the junior group will study and perform The Musicians by Patrick Marber, both plays from the Connections portfolio, which you will be able to see on 24th July.

“We look to give young people – not just ours, it’s open to non members as well – an authentic experience of the theatre,” John explains.

There are also technical courses for those who don’t want to be in front of the spotlights, involving technical and mechanical aspects of stage craft and one on costume and stage make up.

An inclusive policy means that there are not usually auditions, but there is a waiting list and you do have to pay £75 or £85 (depending on age) per term. Easter and Summer workshops are open to non members. There’s lots of information on the website. The best way to find out what’s happening is to sign up here for the mailing list.

The World Health Organisation recommends babies have only breast milk up to the age of six months. It is nutritionally balanced, with the perfect amount of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and iron to help the baby to grow. The colostrum which is produced during the first 3-8 days after birth contains antibodies to protect the newborn from infection.

For mothers, breastfeeding helps to strengthen the bones, lower the risk of developing ovarian or breast cancer and shrink the uterus, thus helping get you back to your normal shape more quickly.

“But the best part for me,” one mum told us, “is that I ended up having a caesarian section and ‘wasn’t there’ when my baby was born. As soon as I was able, I started to breast feed and I know it helped to overcome that awful initial separation and bring us closer together.”

So why would anyone choose not to breastfeed?

Of course not everyone is able to produce enough milk and breastfeeding needs patience. Some mothers can’t or don’t want to take the time. Anyone can give a baby a bottle, so it frees mum up to return to work or do other things.

Breastfeeding is no longer part of our normal culture in Lothian. Even some dolls sold have bottles of ‘disappearing’ milk with which they can be fed. Bottles are used as a sign for baby changing and feeding rooms, on birth congratulation cards and so on. And there are no company profits from a mother breastfeeding her baby!

The most effective way of supporting breastfeeding is through one-to-one support or informal group work by trained health professionals. Mums who choose to begin breastfeeding can be encouraged to continue through the tired times and become successful and confident. Peer support – women supporting women – has been successful in many areas and West Lothian has a particularly successful group.

Breastfeeding rates are found to be lowest in low income areas and there are moves to encourage  workplaces to recognise the benefits of addressing the needs of mothers who return to work while breastfeeding.

Since 2007, the Breastfeeding Friendly Premises Awards have helped businesses create a welcoming environment for breastfeeding mothers and their families. The award helps mothers to feel more confident breastfeeding in public while assisting local businesses to actively participate in the health and wellbeing of their community.

Art in Healthcare is a Scottish Charity based in Leith which has been lending high quality artwork to hospitals and other healthcare centres throughout the country for almost 20 years. They are the only charity in the country to provide this service.

Says Director Trevor Jones, “We have a large collection of over 1300 works by Scottish artists including John Bellany, Callum Innes, Victoria Crowe, Alan Davie, Eduardo Paolozzi, and many more.

“Every two years we work with a well established artist to create a Prestigious Print, which we sell to raise much needed funds so we can continue our unique services. This year we have been very fortunate to acquire the services of the Edinburgh artist, John C Brown. John has produced a lovely print entitled Flowers for Frida. ”

Inspired by a recent trip to Mexico, Flowers For Frida exemplifies Brown’s distinctive, colourful and expressive style. Warm hues of red, orange and yellow, reflective of the Mexican landscape and culture intermingle and balance with darker colours, while a sketch of Frida Kahlo sits to the right of a vase overflowing with tulips.

This exquisite artwork, printed by hand at Edinburgh Printmakers Workshop from 15 screens, is available in a signed and limited edition of 75.

John C Brown, RSW

John Brown trained at Glasgow School of Art in drawing and painting. He won a major travel scholarship from RSW and GSA resulting in a one man show in the museum of GSA.  Subsequently, Brown taught for twenty five years while continuing to paint for shows throughout the United Kingdom.

Following the tradition of many Scottish painters, Brown enjoys travelling to countries where the sun accentuates colour. The subject matter is informed with collecting information by way of drawing and sketchbook work and the painting is then begun, and completed, in his studio.

Those purchasing the print will acquire a picture by an artist of the highest quality whose work is in many public and private collections throughout the world. A launch event showcasing the print and featuring a talk by John Brown will be held at Out of the Blue Drill Hall on Dalmeny Street, Edinburgh, 7pm, 24 June 2010. Tickets, priced £9, are available from Art in Healthcare

The print may be purchased for £295 and there are framing and delivery options available. Further details may be obtained from Art in Healthcare,  www.artinhealthcare.org.uk