Latest news with #ScottMitchell
Edinburgh Reporter
3 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
Scotsman
7 days ago
- Business
- Scotsman
Festival venue takes bold step towards greener Fringe
Sustainable souvenir scheme tackles single-use cup waste Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... 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. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Surgeons Quarter has a longstanding reputation for leading with innovation through environmental initiatives and investing heavily in the wellbeing of its staff. Scott Mitchell, Managing Director at Surgeon's showcases new sustainable cups 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 Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad recycled plastic bottles with each uniform preventing 45 bottles from reaching landfills or oceans. Scott Mitchell, Managing Director at Surgeon's showcases new sustainable cups 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.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 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. New sustainable cups introduced by Surgeons Quarter for the Edinburgh Fringe 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. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 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. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 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.
CBS News
15-07-2025
- CBS News
Runyon Canyon hikers stop suspected arsonist during brush fire
Some alert hikers helped stop a man suspected of starting a brush fire in Runyon Canyon Sunday morning. Fashion designer Davanh DiMarco was hiking with her partner Scott Mitchell, a former University of Kentucky wide receiver, when she spotted a man coming out of the bushes seconds after the fire started. "I'm like that's odd, but maybe he was just trying to go to the rugged terrain," DiMarco said. "Then, like 15 seconds later, the tree was on fire." After connecting the dots, DiMarco shouted for people to stop the man as he tried to get away. "Guy's about 150 yards away. I had to track him down, run him down," Mitchell said. Mitchell and another hiker stopped the man from running away until park rangers arrived and arrested the suspected arsonist. "We feel the magnitude more now because we understand what it could have been," Mitchell said. The flames burned near the Sunset Fire scar, one of the several wildfires that threatened Los Angeles County homes in early January. Firefighters doused the fire with water drops and held it to less than an acre. Law enforcement has not identified the suspect. Prosecutors have not charged him as of Monday.
BBC News
01-07-2025
- BBC News
Boy who was 15 when he killed Alness father-of-two is jailed
A teenager who killed a father-of-two in an attack in the Highlands has been jailed for six-and-a-half boy, who was 15 at the time, punched and kicked Scott Mitchell, 48, in a back garden in Alness on 17 June High Court in Edinburgh heard the teenager had an "anger problem" and mistakenly believed Mr Mitchell was sexually assaulting a Lord Arthurson described the killing as "savage and merciless". The teenager, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, admitted to the culpable homicide of Mr Mitchell during a hearing in Inverness last month. The court previously heard how Mr Mitchell, a BT engineer who had split from his wife, met a woman in Alness' Station later went to a house where the teenager saw Mr Mitchell kissing the woman in the back boy had been drinking at a friend's house and was walking home at about midnight.A neighbour heard the teenager's screams of anger and shouted at him to leave Mr Mitchell alone, but the attack Mitchell, a keen runner and cyclist who had raised thousands for local charities, died after suffering injuries to his found the teenager soaked in blood in a nearby park. He later told officers he had an anger had originally faced a murder allegation before prosecutors accepted his guilty plea to the reduced charge. 'Sheer brutality' Donald Findlay KC, defending, told the High Court in Glasgow the teenager had "misread" the situation between Mr Mitchell and the woman with "appalling consequences".The advocate added that the boy was now "absolutely distraught" at what he had him, Lord Arthurson said: "This was a savage, sustained and merciless case of sheer brutality. "You punched and kicked your victim to death."You battered his face to a pulp while you were, as you later stated, out of control with anger."The judge said Mr Mitchell died a terrible, violent and lonely Arthurson added: "One day you will complete your sentence and return home to resume your life - that prospect has been wholly denied for Mr Mitchell and his grieving family entirely due to your appalling behaviour."
Edinburgh Reporter
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Reporter
Fundraiser with Cyrenians planned for autumn
Event combines hospitality with tackling homelessness. Community dining is being reimagined this October as leading hospitality venue and homelessness charity join forces for a powerful night that combines food, immersive storytelling and a mission to tackle homelessness head-on. Surgeons Quarter has partnered with the charity Cyrenians to host a flagship fundraising event, the Supper Soirée. The event is set to take place on Thursday, 30 October, at the Prince Philip Building- one of the four historic venues managed by Surgeons Quarter. With a shared passion for creating meaningful community experiences, the partnership marks the first time the Supper Club concept will be hosted on this scale, showcasing fresh produce from Cyrenians' organic farm. Scott Mitchell, Managing Director at Surgeons Quarter, said: 'Food has a way of bringing people together, and we've long admired the community built around Cyrenians Supper Club events. 'At SQ, we've built a reputation around sustainable, purposeful hospitality and this event is a perfect extension of that. 'Everything we do contributes to global healthcare improvement. Working with a charity like Cyrenians allows us to reflect those same principles at a local level, helping people live healthier, more supported lives.' The evening will feature a banquet-style menu curated by Executive Chef Dominik Kawalec, using fresh, seasonal ingredients grown at Cyrenians' farm. Each course will reflect a different part of the charity's work, from prevention and early intervention to support into stable housing. Guests will enjoy a specially created welcome drink, followed by a thought-provoking, interactive dining experience that shines a light on the people and programmes supported by Cyrenians. Games and a live auction will also be held on the night, raising vital funds for the charity's frontline services. The evening is also a celebration of Cyrenians' award-winning supper club model, originating with chef Noura, whose authentic Syrian dishes and warm community spirit have made these supper club events one of Edinburgh's hottest tickets. Sophie Bell, Fundraising Manager at Cyrenians, said: 'There's a real sense of magic in these events. Noura's food has always brought people together, not just to share a meal, but to connect through stories, cultures and community. 'With Surgeons Quarter's support, we're taking that to a new level. 'Whether you're a long-time supporter or discovering our events for the first time, we promise a night that delivers unforgettable flavours, powerful moments, and a positive impact in your community.' Between 2018 and early 2020, Cyrenians hosted 26 supper clubs with more than 500 attendees. This marks the first large-scale iteration, reinforcing the charity's commitment to meaningful, community-led fundraising. Funds raised on the night will go directly towards Cyrenians' frontline work supporting people at risk of or currently experiencing homelessness. This includes services like addiction recovery, family mediation, and access to community food education. Surgeons Quarter has an established partnership with Cyrenians, with Café 1505 acting as a veg bag collection hub and a key site in the composting of coffee grounds for use on the charity's farm and is fully sponsoring the Soirée. Previous collaborations have included joint awareness events and sustainability initiatives, making the Supper Soirée a natural progression of the organisations' shared values. Tickets for the event are priced at £120 per person or £1,100 for a table of ten, with capacity limited to 100 guests to maintain the intimate, community-focused spirit of previous supper clubs. Tickets are available here: 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
