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Scotsman
6 hours ago
- General
- Scotsman
Two volunteers celebrate 3,500 hours of dedicated devotion to dogs
Two dog-loving volunteers who have racked up a total of nearly two decades of dedicated devotion to Dogs Trust West Calder's handsome hounds are encouraging others to come and join the volunteer team. Free weekly newsletter Join our weekly YourWorld newsletter for updates, behind-the-scenes insights from editor David Summers, and your chance to shape what's next. Free weekly 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... Having spent over 3,500 hours volunteering, Isabel Taggart and Kay Wallace are urging others this Volunteers' Week to consider joining the Dogs Trust West Calder team. Isabel Taggart from Livingston has been a firm fixture at the rehoming centre since 2011, when she first joined the volunteer team as a dog walker. Isobel has always liked dogs, but as she worked full-time, she didn't have a dog of her own, so volunteering allowed her to help dogs in need. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad When Isabel retired in 2017, everything changed as she adopted her first dog from Dogs Trust and continued to volunteer cleaning kennels. Isabel is so committed to the charity that both dogs she has rehomed from Dogs Trust, Jovi and Suzi, had experienced very unsettled starts in life and were proving difficult to rehome until Isabel came to the rescue. Dogs Trust West Calder Volunteer Isabel Taggart Isabel says: 'You can't take all the dogs home, but by volunteering, you are making their lives better. By cleaning the kennels, the staff can spend more time with the dogs, which makes me happy. 'As I am now retired, I feel it's nice to still be making a contribution. I enjoy coming in in the morning and seeing the dogs' faces. The longer-term dogs get to know us and respond in a positive way. I feel a real sense of achievement volunteering with Dogs Trust.' Kay Wallace, also from Livingston, began volunteering for Dogs Trust in 2021 after losing her beloved dog Pepsi the year before. Despite working full-time as a Treatment Room Nurse, Kay volunteers on Saturday and Sunday at the rehoming centre. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Kay said: 'When I lost my Labrador Pepsi, I decided not to get another dog as it's too heartbreaking when they die, so instead I've been volunteering ever since. My role involves cleaning the kennels and ensuring the dogs have a comfy, clean bed, which I love doing as no dog should have a scruffy bed. Dogs Trust West Calder Volunteer Kay Wallace with Volunteer Co-ordinator Garry Lee 'Volunteering gives me so much joy. As much as I enjoy my job as a nurse, coming to the centre on the weekend are the best two days of the week. Spending time with the beautiful dogs is wonderful, especially saying good morning to them and seeing their reaction when they get to know you. I feel very much like I am part of the team at West Calder, where everyone is so hard-working and friendly. I recommend volunteering to anyone with the time and love of dogs.' Dogs Trust West Calder is currently seeking volunteers for different roles at the centre including: ·Canine Assistants who spend time helping clean the kennels and being with the dogs; Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad ·Administrators who carry out tasks such as answering the phones, filing and carrying out internet research; ·Meet and greet volunteers who are often the first point of contact for visitors, ensuring people receive a warm welcome, and have an enjoyable visit; ·Volunteer Laundry Assistants to make sure dogs have clean and fresh blankets and bedding when it's time to rest and enjoy a snooze; ·Home from Home foster carers who care for dogs in their home temporarily until they find their forever homes. Dogs Trust meets all costs involved in caring for the dog. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Although more than 60 people currently give their time to help at the centre, Volunteer Co-ordinator Garry Lee, says they would love more to join. Garry says: 'Our volunteers are amazing and go above and beyond for our dogs here at West Calder rehoming centre. They devote so much of their free time to us and are always willing to help whenever possible. Without them, giving the dogs everything they need would be much more difficult. 'Isabel has been a core member of our volunteer team for many years. When she retired, she moved closer to the centre and was then able to volunteer more often. She also helps other volunteers by giving them lifts to and from the centre. Kay is also a valued part of the team. She works extremely hard Monday to Friday as a nurse and yet spends her weekend mornings with us, looking after our dogs. We really appreciate their hard work and dedication. 'Every volunteer makes a huge difference to what we can achieve at the centre, and we welcome more local dog lovers to come and join us.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Volunteers must be aged 18 and over, and all are welcome. It's a fantastic way to develop new skills, gain further experience and meet new friends. All that's required is a positive attitude and a love of dogs. To find out more, please go to or contact Garry Lee, Volunteer Co-ordinator at [email protected]
Scotsman
9 hours ago
- General
- Scotsman
Vets save dog's life after his heart stopped following car crash
A dog owner has thanked vets for their lifesaving actions after his beloved pet was injured in a road accident and his heart stopped multiple times during surgery. Free weekly newsletter Join our weekly YourWorld newsletter for updates, behind-the-scenes insights from editor David Summers, and your chance to shape what's next. Free weekly newsletter 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... Six-year-old cocker spaniel Dougal was on a walk when he slid off an icy pavement and was hit by a passing car. He was referred to Linnaeus-owned Veterinary Specialists Scotland (VSS) in Livingston, where the expert team discovered his front leg was fractured badly, involving the wrist. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Dougal underwent surgery to fuse the wrist, called pancarpal arthrodesis (PCA), but while under anaesthetic his heart stopped several times and surgery was postponed. Dougal Anne French, specialist in veterinary cardiology at VSS, carried out an investigation which found bruising to Dougal's heart which was sustained when he was hit. Anne said: 'Dougal was hospitalised with us for several days to give time for any bruising of the heart to improve. A few days later, the PCA surgery was attempted and again under anaesthesia Dougal developed a slow heart rate and his heart kept stopping for prolonged periods. 'We had to use an external pacer to look after Dougal's heart while we completed surgery on his leg. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The leg recovered well, however, tests revealed Dougal's heart continued to stop for up to 10 seconds at a time. After discussions with his owner, the decision was made to implant a permanent pacemaker which has now helped resolve his heart problems. Dougal Owner James Springthorpe from Broxburn said: 'When we were told his heart had stopped and surgery had to be postponed, we were devastated. We knew, however, he was in good hands at VSS. 'The surgery to repair his leg was very complex and with the added concern over his heart it was an awful time for my wife and I. We thought we would lose him but Anne French and her team did an amazing job under very difficult circumstances.' Due to his active nature, Dougal was calmed with sedatives in the weeks after his pacemaker was implanted to ensure the lead did not become displaced. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad James added: 'Thank you to VSS, they are a wonderful, dedicated team who have got Dougal back to his old self. Nothing gets in his way now!' Dougal at VSS VSS is a specialist-led multidisciplinary referral hospital offering services in cardiology, dermatology, emergency and critical care, internal medicine (feline and canine), neurology, orthopaedics, and soft tissue surgery, supported by specialists in diagnostic imaging and anaesthesia and analgesia. For more information about VSS and the services it offers, visit or search for Veterinary Specialists Scotland on social media.
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Scotsman
a day ago
- Business
- Scotsman
Iceland: UK stores closing soon in favour of Food Warehouse
Long-serving high street staples are set to disappear this summer 🧊 Sign up to the weekly Cost Of Living newsletter. Saving tips, deals and money hacks. 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... Major frozen food retailer Iceland is closing two long-established UK stores this summer The Margate branch will shut on June 21, with the Inverness store to close on July 12 Around 20 jobs will be affected, with staff offered redeployment offered 'where possible' The closures not part of a wider wave, but reflect a shift toward larger Food Warehouse outlets Iceland says the move is strategic, tied to evolving shopping habits and lease reviews A major UK frozen food retailer has announced the closure of a number of its long-established UK supermarket branches. Two Iceland sites, which have both been mainstays in their respective areas for years, are set to shut their doors for good this summer. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The firm will close its Margate store, which has operated from Rose Street in College Square for over a decade, on Saturday, June 21, followed by its Inverness site on Saturday, July 12. Roughly 20 jobs are believed to be affected in Inverness, while staff at both branches have entered into a consultation process, with the company pledging to offer redeployment opportunities at nearby stores 'where possible.' () | Getty Images Will more Iceland stores close? Iceland has been closing several of its UK stores over the past two years, though the latest shutdown are not part of a wider wave of branch closures. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad While Iceland has not officially confirmed the reasons behind the closures, local reports suggest the move is part of a strategic shift to prioritise the expansion of its larger-format Food Warehouse outlets. Iceland's executive chairman, Richard Walker, has previously explained that the company regularly reviews its store portfolio to adapt to changing shopping patterns and lease expirations. The closures are not indicative of financial distress but are strategic decisions to optimise the company's retail presence. If you're concerned about a specific Iceland store in your area, it's advisable to check the company's store locator or contact their customer service for the most up-to-date information. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Are you struggling to make ends meet as costs continue to rise? You can now send your stories to us online via YourWorld at It's free to use and, once checked, your story will appear on our website and, space allowing, in our newspapers.
Scotsman
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
You're probably showing your age if you use these words and phrases, at risk of dying out
But language is an ever-evolving thing and as new words and sayings are born, others inevitably fall out of fashion. We've put together a list of words and phrases you don't hear as often as you once did - some of which are at risk of dying out. They may be the victims of developing technology and changing lifestyles, or perhaps they've been superseded by their US equivalents. There are some fantastically colourful turns of phrase among them, which it would be a shame if we lost for good. But if you find yourself uttering any of these words and sayings on a regular basis then you're probably showing your age. How many of these do you use, are there any you don't recognise, and what other sayings do you not hear as often today as you once did? Do you have any retro pictures or nostalgic memories to share with us? Send them online via YourWorld at It's free to use and, once checked, your story or picture will appear on our website and, space allowing, in our newspapers. 1 . Put it on the other side This used to be a common phrase uttered among families gathered around the TV set, meaning change the channel. It dates back to a time long before streaming and when there was much less choice when it came to what to watch, with the UK only getting a fourth channel in 1982. People also often refer to TV shows rather than programmes these days, too, while the British word series is facing a battle for survival against the US equivalent season. | Frank Martin/BIPs/Getty Images Photo: Frank Martin/BIPs/Getty Images Photo Sales 2 . Pip pip This is another charming old phrase to which most people have waved goodbye. Very few of us would say 'pip pip' today rather than bye or see you. In fact, a 2022 poll by Perspectus Global, found that 70 percent of people questioned had never used the phrase 'pip pip'. | TopicalPhoto: TopicalPhoto Sales 3 . Going to the pictures People used to talk about going to the pictures - a phrase dating back to a time when cinemas were called picture houses. But the word movie has largely replaced picture, flick and even film in common usage. | Evening Standard/Photo: Evening Standard/Photo Sales 4 . Don't get your knickers in a twist This saying, meaning don't get too upset about something so trivial, is another which appears to be dying out. People today are more likely to simply tell you to 'calm down'. Either phrase invariably has the opposite effect to that of its stated aim. |Photo:Photo Sales Related topics: NostalgiaBoost
Scotsman
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
You're probably showing your age if you use these words and phrases, at risk of dying out
But language is an ever-evolving thing and as new words and sayings are born, others inevitably fall out of fashion. We've put together a list of words and phrases you don't hear as often as you once did - some of which are at risk of dying out. They may be the victims of developing technology and changing lifestyles, or perhaps they've been superseded by their US equivalents. There are some fantastically colourful turns of phrase among them, which it would be a shame if we lost for good. But if you find yourself uttering any of these words and sayings on a regular basis then you're probably showing your age. How many of these do you use, are there any you don't recognise, and what other sayings do you not hear as often today as you once did? Do you have any retro pictures or nostalgic memories to share with us? Send them online via YourWorld at It's free to use and, once checked, your story or picture will appear on our website and, space allowing, in our newspapers. 1 . Put it on the other side This used to be a common phrase uttered among families gathered around the TV set, meaning change the channel. It dates back to a time long before streaming and when there was much less choice when it came to what to watch, with the UK only getting a fourth channel in 1982. People also often refer to TV shows rather than programmes these days, too, while the British word series is facing a battle for survival against the US equivalent season. | Frank Martin/BIPs/Getty Images Photo: Frank Martin/BIPs/Getty Images Photo Sales 2 . Pip pip This is another charming old phrase to which most people have waved goodbye. Very few of us would say 'pip pip' today rather than bye or see you. In fact, a 2022 poll by Perspectus Global, found that 70 percent of people questioned had never used the phrase 'pip pip'. | TopicalPhoto: TopicalPhoto Sales 3 . Going to the pictures People used to talk about going to the pictures - a phrase dating back to a time when cinemas were called picture houses. But the word movie has largely replaced picture, flick and even film in common usage. | Evening Standard/Photo: Evening Standard/Photo Sales 4 . Don't get your knickers in a twist This saying, meaning don't get too upset about something so trivial, is another which appears to be dying out. People today are more likely to simply tell you to 'calm down'. Either phrase invariably has the opposite effect to that of its stated aim. |Photo:Photo Sales Related topics: NostalgiaBoost
