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Edinburgh Reporter
2 days ago
- Business
- Edinburgh Reporter
Festival venue takes a step towards a greener Fringe
Sustainable souvenir scheme tackles single-use cup waste FRINGE-GOERS picking up a drink at one of the capital's busiest venues are being asked to make a small change with a big impact – as part of a bold new drive to reduce waste and support charitable causes. In a new initiative Surgeons Quarter, the commercial arm of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, has introduced a £2 reusable cup policy, replacing throwaway plastic with souvenir-style cups that support good causes. Customers pay a one-time £2 charge for a reusable cup, which is theirs to keep. When returning for another drink, they'll receive a fresh, clean replacement cup at no extra cost. Surgeons Quarter has a longstanding reputation for leading with innovation through environmental initiatives and investing heavily in the wellbeing of its staff. Ten Hill Place Hotel, part of the Surgeons Quarter portfolio, was first awarded a Green Tourism Gold Award in 2008 and has proudly retained this accolade for 17 consecutive years. One of the hotel's many sustainable efforts has been the removal of single-use plastic bottles from guest bedrooms. It's a change which has saved over 100,000 bottles to date. In their place, guests are gifted Scottish wildflower seed packets to take home, encouraging biodiversity in their own gardens and extending memories of their stay at the hotel. Other green initiatives have included a £20,000 investment for installation of EV charging stations at the hotel, as well as a £60,000 investment in new staff members uniforms made from recycled plastic bottles with each uniform preventing 45 bottles from reaching landfills or oceans. But sustainability is only part of the picture. Surgeons Quarter also goes above and beyond for its team. Recognised by the Living Wage Foundation (LWF), it ensures all staff, regardless of age, are paid above the LWF Living Wage. In addition, all employees contribute at least 12% of their salary toward their pension, with 7.5% of that contributed by the employer, more than double the required minimum. Surgeons Quarters Managing Director Scott Mitchell said: 'We're always looking at how we can help improve the planet, improve the guest experience and also improve the working environment for our team. That's why we continually invest in initiatives prioritising long-term sustainability and staff wellbeing. We believe these aspects go hand in hand.' The reusable cup policy reflects this commitment. Surgeons Quarter invested over £20,000 in the upfront cost of the cups, making the £2 charge fair and necessary, so it can continue running operations that pay staff fairly, reduce environmental impact and maintain the support for its local charity partners. Scott added: 'This step is a part of a wider commitment to doing what's right, even when it costs more. That's why we're asking the public to support the reusable cup change as it helps us improve standards across the board.' Some of the reusable and dishwasher safe cups feature the striking silhouette of the iconic Playfair Hall, while others are branded with the logos of theSpaceUK, which hosts the largest and most diverse programme at the Festival Fringe, and Surgeons Quarter itself. The variety of designs provides visitors with eye-catching tangible reminders of their Festival experience as well as supporting the drive to reduce single-use waste. Scott Mitchell said: ' After testing the concept in 2024, we've streamlined the system and are excited to launch the full initiative. We're trying to shift the mindset. Rather than something disposable, we want people to see these as souvenirs that do good. 'We know some will be resistant to change but when it's a minimal cost for an item that supports local and global causes, we hope people will get on board.'' A portion of proceeds from cup sales will support three key causes: carbon offsetting initiatives through Ecologi; a special Supper Soirée hosted by Surgeons Quarter in support of Cyrenians, the homelessness charity tackling isolation and homelessness; and the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh's global efforts to improve patient outcomes around the world. Under the new guidelines, festivalgoers are welcome to bring their own clean reusable cups for wine, spirits, bottled beer and soft drinks only — provided the cup is visibly clean. However, if the cup is not SQ-branded, it is your responsibility to ensure it is hygienic, as staff are unable to wash or handle personal cups. Single-use plastic cups, including supermarket-style cups, will not be accepted. Scott added: 'This isn't about jumping on a trend. It's a long-term commitment to reducing our footprint and boosting our social impact. 'A single-use plastic cup has an impact of 0.07kg CO2e, and a reusable equivalent has an impact of 0.0084kg CO2e per use. Every cup that isn't thrown away is a small win for the environment and every cup that helps someone in need makes that win even sweeter.' Surgeons Quarter promotes, sells, and manages all commercial activities held within the RCSEd campus. These include facilities for conferences, meetings, private events, parties, and weddings, as well as its own four-star hotel, Ten Hill Place, Café 1505, and SQ Travel. Like this: Like Related
The Hindu
10-07-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Jipmer to establish academic ties with Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh
The Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (Jipmer) and the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd) have initiated a process to establish a structured, long-term academic collaboration. As a prelude to formulating a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC), Jipmer hosted a landmark 'Engagement and Collaboration Event' recently for a visiting delegation from the UK. This initiative, conceptualised by Vir Singh Negi, Jipmer Director and Vikram Kate, Dean (Academic), marked RCSEd's first official outreach programme in Puducherry and represented a significant step toward fostering global surgical partnerships and strengthening academic and professional ties between India and the United Kingdom, a press note said. The visit of the RCSEd delegation formed part of their flagship outreach initiative — 'The College Coming to You – Engagement, Opportunity, Collaboration.' The delegation, included Tim Graham, Vice-President of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, Robin Paton, Honorary Secretary, Chelliah Selvasekar and Sai Krishna Vittal, Council Members of the RCSEd, JKA Jameel, International Surgical Ambassador and Sajal Rai, Fellow of the college and an alumnus of Jipmer. Bhawana A. Badhe, Officiating Director, Jipmer with Professor Graham explored the formulation of a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC). The MoC is envisaged to put in place a structured, long-term academic collaboration between the two institutions. The key areas explored during the meeting, included faculty development and mentorship programmes, continuing professional development (CPD) training modules, student and faculty exchange initiatives, and the organisation of joint academic events and surgical training workshops. The discussion also covered collaborative research opportunities, including co-supervision of PhD and postdoctoral scholars, access to shared research infrastructure, and joint publications. The interactions reaffirmed the mutual commitment to enhance surgical training, academic excellence, and global research impact, the press note said. Earlier, an academic session brought together a large and diverse audience, comprising undergraduate students, postgraduate trainees, senior residents, and faculty members from Jipmer and other medical colleges in Puducherry with RCSEd delegates. The team from RCSEd raised the awareness about its fellowship and membership pathways, particularly the Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons (MRCS) exam and provided clear guidance on how Indian surgeons can pursue training opportunities in the UK. The sessions offered valuable insights into topics, such as medical education and training exchange programmes, preparation for the Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons (MRCS) examination, innovations in robotic and endocrine surgery, leadership in surgical education, quality improvement, and global best practices in patient safety, Jipmer said.
Edinburgh Reporter
01-07-2025
- General
- Edinburgh Reporter
Looking back in time with The Old Edinburgh Club
This is the list for July: 1 July – In 1505, the Barber Surgeons of Edinburgh were formally incorporated as a craft guild of the city, and this recognition is embodied in the Seal of Cause (or Charter of Privileges); the organisation is now known as the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. And in 1999, Queen Elizabeth officially opened the new Scottish Parliament in its temporary home in the Assembly Hall on The Mound. 2 July – In 1919, in the early hours, the biggest airship in Britain (the 643ft-long R34) left its hangar at the airfield at East Fortune, took off and headed west; after a journey of four and a half days that encountered poor weather and engine problems the dirigible landed in the USA completing the first east-to-west aerial crossing of the Atlantic. 4 July – In 1505, the provost, bailies, and council announced that they had given Thomas Glendunwyne the post of burgh Bellman with the task of ensuring the High Street was kept clean. And in 1785, James Hutton, geologist, publicly read an abstract of his theory of uniformitarianism for the first time at the meeting of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. Also in 1884, the Theatre Royal burnt down. William John Macquorn Rankine 5 July – In 1560, the Treaty of Edinburgh (also known as the Treaty of Leith) was signed, the purpose being that French and English troops would withdraw from Scotland; and Mary and François were to agree to give up any claim to the English crown and recognize Elizabeth as the rightful Queen; the treaty was never ratified by Mary. And in 1820, scientist William John Macquorn Rankine was born in Edinburgh; Rankine specialised in thermodynamics and his detailed knowledge of the workings of steam engines was sparked by work he carried out as a teenager during study breaks, at the Edinburgh and Dalkeith Railway where his father worked. Also in 1847, the final run of the Edinburgh to London mail coach took place; henceforth mail would travel by train. 7 July – In 1548, the Treaty of Haddington was signed between the French and the Scots at the Nunnery of Haddington in which Mary was betrothed to the Dauphin of France; (See for full text.) And in 1559, John Knox became the first Protestant minister appointed in Edinburgh. Also in 1675, the council granted to Mr James Sunderland, a herbalist, a nineteen-year tenancy of the yard and gardener's house at Trinity College with the obligation that he keep the roof and yard walls in good repair. 8 July – In 1823, the death of Sir Henry Raeburn at his house in St Bernard's, Stockbridge, was announced. 9 July – In 1940, the first major air raid on Edinburgh began with five 250-pound bombs and six incendiaries falling near Craigmillar Castle, a 1,000-pound bomb fell beside Albert Dock, Newhaven, three bombs fell on railway lines at Leith and 48 incendiaries at Seafield Road; 38 civilians were injured and 8 died. 10 July – In 1633, the sailing ship 'Blessing of Burntisland' carrying gold, jewellery, and silver plate belonging to King Charles I, sank in the Firth of Forth; only two of its thirty-five passengers and crew survived. 12 July – In 1698, a fleet of five ships set sail from the Port of Leith for the Isthmus of Darien in Panama; the ships were launching the Darien Scheme, a project which aimed to establish a Scottish overseas colony in the New World to rival those of England and Spain; the scheme was to prove a disaster and caused the ruin of dozens of businessmen and landowners who had invested in the project; the main consequence was the subsequent Union between Scotland and England. And in 1838, the Reverend John Jamieson, lexicographer, philologist, and antiquary, died in a house in George Square. ⚓ 16 ships; only 1 returned 💀 2,000 deaths 📉 1 damaged economy The Darien Scheme was Scotland's failed colony. Explore this & other stories from the bookshelves of @welovehistory's Trinity House: 👉 🖼 Glasgow University Library. Licensor @Scranlife — Historic Environment Scotland (@HistEnvScot) December 22, 2022 14th Scottish National War Memorial 15th Scottish National Portrait Gallery, Queen Street,Edinburgh. National Galleries of Scotland. 14 July – In 1798, the United States' Consulate opened in Edinburgh. And in 1927, the Scottish National War Memorial opened in Edinburgh Castle. 15 July – In 1693, Mr James Sutherland, keeper of the Physic Garden, submitted a petition to the council explaining that he had paid his rent punctually but over the past 2 years the Gardener's House has become completely dilapidated. And in 1889, the National Portrait Gallery for Scotland opened in Edinburgh. 16 July – In 1859, the Prince of Wales arrived in Edinburgh to prepare for his entrance to Oxford. And in 1901, at around 12:30 an ear-splitting explosion broke out at the Tod Brothers flour mill in Baker's Place, Stockbridge, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake and claiming the lives of six people. Also in 1970, the 13th Commonwealth Games opened in Edinburgh. 17th Adam Smith 17 July – In 1790, Scottish economist Adam Smith died in Edinburgh at the age of 67; Smith is regarded as one of the founding fathers of philosophy and economics; his portrait has featured on both Scottish and English banknotes and he is commemorated by a statue at St Giles Cathedral. 18 July – In 1898, actor John Stuart was born in Edinburgh; he appeared in more than 150 films including The Loves of Mary Queen of Scots (1923), The Hound of the Baskervilles (1932), Escape From Broadmoor (1948), Sink the Bismarck (1960), and Superman (1978). And in 1940, bombs fell on Leith and Newhaven. 19 July – In 1911, the Foundation Stone of the Usher Hall was laid. 22 July – In 1913, Edinburgh Zoo opened for the first time. And in 1940, more bombs fell on Leith and Newhaven. 23 July – In 1637, the Wars of the Three Kingdoms (often referred to as the English Civil War) began by footstools being thrown at the preacher in St Giles in Edinburgh in protest against the new prayerbook proposed by Charles I; tradition has it that Jenny Geddes shouted 'Ye daur say Mass in ma lug!' and threw her chair at the pulpit. 27th – The Royal Scottish Academy 29th – James Craig's plan 27 July – In 1760, the Scottish School of Design was founded in Edinburgh; it later became the Royal Institution and finally the Royal Scottish Academy. 29 July – In 1565, the widowed Mary, Queen of Scots, married Henry Stuart, Lord Darnley, Duke of Albany, in the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh, Scotland. And in 1767, the Town Council presented James Craig's plan of Edinburgh's New Town. 30 July – In 1335, a body of Scots led by the Earl of Moray at the Battle of Boroughmuir defeated an English force en route to join Edward III and his army at Perth; the English king had invaded two years earlier, marking the start of the Second War of Scottish Independence. And in 1496, Mr William Forbes, provost of the Collegiate Kirk of St Giles granted the land and chamber of the curate and the school below to the burgh in order to enable the city to enlarge the churchyard and parish burying-ground. Also in 1588, the Earl of Bothwell killed Sir William Stewart in Blackfriars Wynd. 31 July – In 1871, the Emperor and Empress of Brazil, Dom Pedro II and Theresa Christina Maria, visited Edinburgh. Compiled by Jerry Ozaniec, Membership Secretary of the Old Edinburgh Club, [email protected] Like this: Like Related
Yahoo
20-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
A barred surgeon demanded a skills re-test 20 years later. It didn't go well
A surgeon tried to make a comeback two decades after a watchdog barred him for incompetence. But Dr Elroy Weledji's return was scuppered when he failed his assessment disastrously — despite his protestations that he had been put off by noisy football fans. Dr Weledji, who is originally from Cameroon, worked in Monmouthshire and parts of Scotland after qualifying as a doctor in 1992 from University College Dublin. His jobs at that time involved training in surgery and in 1996 he became a fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. That same year he started working as a specialist registrar. His problems began in 1999 when a colleague in Scotland made a complaint about his performance. An assessment by the General Medical Council (GMC) in 2001 concluded there were "widespread deficiencies" in his skills — including his ability to "work within laws" and his "respect for patients". READ MORE: The £30m super yacht that spent the weekend loitering off the Welsh coast READ MORE: What the Met Office says about reports of a heatwave In the following years he failed to "take steps to improve his performance", according to a 2004 medical tribunal which suspended his registration indefinitely. Five years later he applied for the suspension to be revoked but again a tribunal found no evidence of improvement. Dr Weledji made another attempt in 2023. He told the GMC he had left the UK around 20 years earlier and wanted to return to the country to practise surgery for the rest of his working life. He claimed he had been victim to racial discrimination in the UK and that his career had flourished since returning home to Cameroon, where he had become a professor of surgery and a gastrointestinal surgeon in a regional hospital. Dr Weledji told the GMC his "downfall" in the UK had been orchestrated by an NHS consultant with a vendetta. He claimed he had been "reprimanded" for calling for help when he encountered uncontrolled bleeding during an operation. He alleged he had complained to the GMC about the consultant's attitude and that this had resulted in him being forced to take a proficiency exam. The GMC recently agreed to let Dr Weledji take a three-day performance assessment overseen by two experienced surgeons. He was assessed as a consultant general surgeon with an interest in colorectal surgery. The exam took place at a hospital in Wigan and involved surgery on frozen corpses as well as simulated patient encounters. Dr Weledji was found to have made "serious and persistent errors" and displayed "unsafe" open surgical skills. In a real scenario, patients would have been put in "jeopardy", the assessors concluded. Responding to the findings, Dr Weledji claimed he had been affected by "football fans making noise" outside the assessment venue. He also said he had been hungry. The doctor accepted he did not raise these complaints at the time. And the assessors pointed out he had been given lunch and regular breaks. Tribunal chairwoman Ruona Iguyovwe said: "[The assessors] disagreed with Dr Weledji's view that the use of cadavers would make it difficult to demonstrate appropriate skills." The tribunal panel found there would be a risk to patient safety if Dr Weledji were to return to unrestricted practice in the UK. They concluded his fitness to practise remained impaired due to "deficient professional performance". The sanction will be decided at a later date. Get daily breaking news updates on your phone by joining our WhatsApp community here. We occasionally treat members to special offers, promotions and ads from us and our partners. See our Privacy Notice
