Latest news with #SeanBatty
Daily Record
10 hours ago
- Climate
- Daily Record
Simple ways for your family to save water, energy and the planet
The amount of water we use each and every day isn't something we often stop to consider. But the reality is that we use more than we realise, and crucially, this tends to be more than we actually need. From brushing our teeth in the morning to making that all-important first cup of tea of the day, or from running a shower to washing the family car, the average person in Scotland will have used almost 180 litres of water by the end of today - enough to fill a whole bathtub. With Scotland currently experiencing higher levels of water scarcity, due to the driest start to the year in more than six decades, it's more important than ever for us all to use water responsibly, keeping a close eye on the amount we use each day. Sean Batty, meteorologist and TV presenter for STV Weather, commented on the recent weather: "Springs in the UK are generally becoming wetter - but when we experience a drier-than-usual spring, like this one, those higher temperatures can actually make the situation worse. "One striking aspect of this spring has been the weather pattern reversal between the UK and the Mediterranean. Spain has seen unusually wet conditions, with Malaga on the Costa del Sol recording over 250mm of rain since March 1, whereas some parts of East Lothian have had just 25mm." And though we've seen some rain lately, the problem is far from over, as Sean emphasised: "Although the recent dry streak has finally broken, in parts of eastern Scotland, the rainfall deficit dates back to June last year, with each month since then bringing either average or below-average rainfall. "River levels are exceptionally low in many areas, which will be concerning for many as we head into the summer months, and while reservoirs have more resilience thanks to their large capacity, sustained dry periods and increased water demand could still create problems if we don't watch our water usage closely." How you can help conserve water The good news is that there are lots of simple switches that can be made, making a huge difference in reducing the amount of water we consume - not only better for the planet, but our pockets too. According to a recent study by Home Energy Scotland*, taking just two minutes off your shower could save you at least £50 on your annual energy bill. Reducing your dishwasher use by one cycle per week can save up to 480 litres of water and around £14 per year - and ensuring your washing machine is full and running it at 30 degrees, rather than 40, can cut your water and energy consumption by a huge 57 per cent. Studies have shown that a family of four typically flushes the loo more than 10,000 times every year - equating to about 60,000 litres of clear, fresh water down the drain - so, maybe we don't need to flush every time. Another great way to help conserve Scotland's water supply, widely considered 'world-class' by Scottish residents, is by using a water butt at home. A small Scottish roof collects more than 45,000 litres of water each year, and a large roof can collect more than 90,000 litres per year - which is plenty to help your garden grow. Using a watering can in the garden rather than a hosepipe, a sponge for washing your car, and only boiling the water you actually need when you use the kettle are instant ways to start saving. Turning the tap off whilst brushing your teeth and fixing dripping taps and leaky loos are other easy wins. There are many things we can do to save water all year round, which is good for both the planet and your pocket.
Scotsman
4 days ago
- General
- Scotsman
STV Children's Appeal launches Ignite Fund with 11 charity partners from across Scotland
The STV Children's Appeal has announced 11 charity partners that will receive multi-year funding and support through its newly created Ignite Fund. The charities will receive a share of over £1 million this year, delivering positive impact on the lives of children, young people and families in Scotland. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, 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... The Ignite Fund charity partners are: Flexible Childcare Services Scotland (FCSS), Dundee Bairns, Thrive at Five, One Community Scotland, Scran Academy, The Yard, Why Not? Trust, Community Volunteers Enabling You (COVEY), Glasgow Kelvin College, Place2Be & Youth Scotland, and Who Cares? Scotland. From building inclusive community spaces for disabled children and young people, to creating peer-supported environments for care-experienced parents, and tackling complex social issues such as gang involvement, unhealthy relationships, and drug use —the Ignite Fund partners are selected for their expertise and commitment to addressing and providing actionable solutions to the root causes of poverty. Their work not only brings immediate improvements but also fosters lasting change by building knowledge and networks that secure sustainable outcomes. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The STV Children's Appeal will work closely with its charity partners to understand their goals, ambitions, and the resources they need to grow and make a meaningful impact in their communities. The charities will also be part of the Ignite Academy which provides access to STV's in-house expertise (such as marketing, communications and creative) to offer support and guidance, and will create an inter-charity support network focused on knowledge and skill sharing. Sean Batty and Philip Petrie visit STV Children's Appeal Ignite Fund charity partner, Scran Academy Paul Reynolds, STV Children's Appeal's Chair of Trustees, said: 'The creation of the Ignite Fund sees us extend our work with long-term partners to give a voice to - and crucially, help make a lasting difference for - children, young people and families in Scotland. Our 11 charity partners do incredible work and know best how to support the communities they serve. We're proud to stand beside them in our quest to both deliver immediate impact and find ways to build better futures.' Flexible Childcare Services Scotland (FCSS), which is in their first year of funding, has already seen great success with its flexible childcare model which allows parents to book by the hour and change their bookings in line with their employment commitments, this approach to childcare which opens up opportunities for parents to start, continue or develop in their employment. One mother has been able to restart her hairdressing career since enrolling her child in the Aberdonian FCSS nursery. She has now opened her own salon, where she now employs other parents who previously struggled to juggle childcare and work, lifting more children and families out of poverty. Susan McGhee, CEO at FCSS, said: 'We have so many success stories - 86% of the parents we support are in part time or full-time employment. Again and again, we prove this works - it's a simple system which is scalable and a great blueprint for how we can move forward in Scotland, and across the UK, to better support families and parents who face these very common challenges. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Nearly 140,000 economically inactive adults struggle with caring responsibilities due to finances and schedules. The call for change is urgent, and thanks to STV Children's Appeal, we'll be able to help more families and continue to grow.' STV weather men, Sean Batty and Philip Petrie, visit Scran Academy, one of the Ignite Fund Partners COVEY, which delivers befriending and family support services, is in its second year of a partnership with STV Children's Appeal. Lee Johnstone, CEO at COVEY, said: 'Since beginning our partnership with STV, we have seen our Flourishing Families project thrive. Through this project, we work alongside families to help them navigate one of the most challenging transitions in a young person's life - the move from primary to secondary school. With early and tailored support, young people are improving school attendance, confidence, and emotional wellbeing. The parents and carers of these young people feel more empowered, with stronger family relationships and better access to essential services. By taking a holistic, whole-family approach, Flourishing Families is tackling the root causes of poverty, isolation and educational disengagement, creating lasting change where it's needed most.' The Ignite Fund is just one part of the STV Children's Appeal. The Appeal also contributes to local grassroot charities and organisations via a small grants programme, which is delivered in partnership with other funders and supports community-led efforts. Additionally, through a long-standing relationship with the Wood Foundation's Youth and Philanthropy Initiative, young people are empowered to make a positive difference in their communities.
Daily Record
15-05-2025
- Climate
- Daily Record
Scotland heading for driest spring in 40 years after 'less rain than Gran Canaria'
One forecaster has warned that this could end up being the country's driest spring since the 1980s Scotland has been lapping up the scorching heat and sunshine more or less since the beginning of May. The days have been glorious, and the country has even went as far as to rival the big hitters when it comes to weather. On Monday (May 12), Auchencruive in South Ayrshire was hotter than Los Angeles, California, which records an average of 23.6C in May, with a blistering temperature of 24.5C, followed by a whopping 25.5C the day after. Scotland is going up against other global hot spots for quite negative reasons, too, though. Some spots have been astonishingly dry this spring, rainfall figures reveal. In fact, it has been the driest start to a year in Scotland since 1964. It's been so dry that East Lothian and eastern Fife have seen less rain than Gran Canaria, and Tiree has had less than Majorca, according to STV weatherman Sean Batty, who predicts Scotland is heading for its driest spring in 40 years. "When we average things out across the country, Scotland has had around 130mm of rain so far this spring," Sean told STV. "There's a hint that things might turn more unsettled in the final week of May. "But even with rain, I'd say it's unlikely we'll top the 196mm recorded in spring 2001. "If that holds true, this could end up being our driest spring since the 1980s. At the moment, I think spring 2025 will fall somewhere between the very dry springs of 1980 and 1984, when 150mm and 188mm of rain fell, respectively. That would make it the driest Scottish spring in over 40 years." One of the standout dry spots is Dunbar in East Lothian, which has had a meagre 14mm of rain since March 1. Leuchars in Fife isn't far behind, clocking in at just 34mm, less than many of our favourite Spanish holiday destinations. It comes as Spain has experienced an unusually wet spring. "Malaga has had a hefty 260mm since March 1, and Majorca has seen around 130mm," Sean explained. The Canary Islands, known for its subtropical climate and often intense heat due to being situated so close to Africa, has experienced more rain than East Lothian. Tenerife has picked up 55mm and Gran Canaria about 45mm. Meanwhile, Tiree has come in drier than Majorca, and Glasgow has incredibly beat out the Costa del Sol - a popular go-to for vacationing Scots - by coming in drier than Malaga and Majorca with 100mm since March 1. Although Scots will be savouring some respite from the rain, weather agencies are cautioning that because the winter was relatively dry, too, issues may start to emerge, especially for farmers who depend on river water. Just this week, Scottish Water urged residents to use supplies sparingly such as taking shorter showers and avoiding using hoses where possible. Advice stopped short of calling for a full hosepipe ban for the first time in 30 years. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. Environment agency SEPA has revealed that 23 areas surrounding major bodies of water were now experiencing some level of water scarcity. This includes around the River Clyde, River Dee, Firth of Forth, and Firth of Tay. Local water shortages could also be on the cards if we don't see some much wetter-than-average months. Forecasters do not expect rainfall in the country for another week, until at least Thursday, May 22.
STV News
14-05-2025
- Climate
- STV News
The Haar: What is the Scottish phenomenon visible from space?
A satellite image shows the entire east coast of Scotland covered in the Haar. Taken on May 13 by Nasa's Worldview service, it shows the coastal or sea fog extending from Eyemouth in the Borders to Kirkwall in Orkney. The mist is thought to take its name from an Old Norse word meaning cold sea fog or the Middle Dutch haren, referring to a cold, sharp wind – in parts of England it's also known as fret. Caused by warm air from the land meeting colder ocean air, the phenomenon is most likely to occur between April and September. Getty Images The Haar is known to roll up the Firth of Forth, leading to dramatic scenes. Getty Images The cold air just above the sea's surface cools the warm air until it can no longer hold its moisture. This makes the warm air condense, which forms the fog that we see. Haars usually burn off as the day goes on, with the sun's rays heating up the air again. STV meteorologist Sean Batty said the Haar is common at this time of year and coincides with the colder temperatures in the east of the country. 'A sea breeze from the north is making the east coast cooler,' he said. 'On Tuesday, it was 12/13C on the east coast while it was in the mid-20Cs in the west.' Adobe Stock Haars usually burn off as the day goes on, with the sun's rays heating up the air Adobe Stock The Met Office warns that the sudden onset of coastal fog can sometimes be dangerous, as it dramatically reduces visibility which could cause disorientation. It can also affect industries such as shipping and oil platforms, and airports have had to ground flights. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Daily Record
29-04-2025
- Climate
- Daily Record
The common cooling down habit you should avoid during upcoming mini-heatwave
Scotland has experienced unexpectedly high temperatures so far this spring and, after a cooler couple of weeks, the warm weather is ramping up again. And those who are not a fan of the muggy weather may be starting to worry about how their sleep will fare amid reports of a mini-heatwave. Record-breaking sunshine is on the way for Scotland, according to STV weatherman Sean Batty. And we, along with the rest of the UK, are set to see a scorcher this week, with the Met Office predicting highs of 28C in Britain. The "warmest spell of the year so far" will continue to rise each day this week before blasting to 28C on Thursday, May 1, with a small chance of this climbing to 29C. Brits may be tempted to engage in some age-old habits to avoid overheating. However, an expert has warned that one common way of cooling down may come with some surprising risks. As the mercury ramps up, Scots may opt to go to bed with wet hair in an attempt to keep cool. But a hair specialist is at pains to note that this habit can actually wreak havoc on your locks from the inside out. Hair transplant expert Yannis Giantzides, CEO of Manchester Hair Transplant Clinic , has revealed that wet hair left to air-dry actually suffers worse internal damage than properly controlled heat-drying. This is because hair that stays wet too long faces serious damage to its cell membrane complex (CMC), which is what holds hair fibres together and gives it strength. "It is widely assumed that natural is always better, but when it comes to drying your hair, that's not necessarily the case," Giantzides explained. " Sleeping with wet hair increases friction against your pillow, which can lead to breakage and tangles. In some cases, it can even lead to fungal growth on your scalp." Giantzides also noted that people with dyed or chemically treated hair risk the most damage from air-drying. He went on: "These treatments already compromise the hair's protective layer, making it more vulnerable when wet. For these hair types, quick, gentle drying is especially important. "Hair is most vulnerable when it's wet, because water causes the hair to swell, and this puts pressure on the protective outer layer. When hair stays wet for too long, the CMC can become compromised. "This leads to weaker, more fragile hair which can be more prone to breakage and split ends." Experts say using heat in a controlled way is healthiest for your hair. Specialists at Manchester Hair Transplant Clinic recommend the use of a hair dryer on medium heat, kept about 15 cm from your hair while moving it constantly around different sections. This evaporates water quickly without exposing any single spot to too much heat. For anyone worried about heat damage, Giantzides advises gently removing excess water with a microfibre towel first, using a blotting technique, then a heat protectant spray before blow-drying at a medium temperature setting. There is one caveat, though. Those with natural curls might benefit from careful air drying during the day. Strong airflow from blow dryers can disrupt curl patterns, crack the curl structure and create split ends. If you don't want to give up air-drying, Giantzides says to cut the time that hair is wet as much as possible. To do this, use a microfibre towel to squeeze out water straight after washing, then apply quality leave-in products that help protect your hair's structure. Ensure any air-drying happens during daylight hours, never overnight.
