Latest News from The Herald Scotland
The Herald Scotland
4 hours ago
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Warning over environmental ‘vapocalypse' despite ban on disposable versions
The crackdown aims to curb their use among young people and reduce the litter and environmental impact. Disposable vapes are non-refillable, unable to be recharged, and are often thrown away with general waste in black bins or littered rather than being recycled. Green campaigners say vape producers have been developing new styles that are cheap but meet reusable criteria, meaning they essentially circumvent the ban. Material Focus, which advocates for circular economies, said increasingly popular 'big puff' vapes are cheaper per inhalation than disposable devices. The group also highlighted pod-based styles, some of which are rechargeable and refillable but remain cheap enough for consumers to have little incentive to reuse them. In many cases the products have a similar look, feel and price to disposable models, the campaigners said. Scott Butler, executive director of Material Focus, said: 'Without quick and extensive action, the threat of a 'vapocalypse' remains and new big puff and pod vape models are already contributing to an environmental nightmare.' He added that vape company design teams have been 'working their socks off to get new legal models on to the market' while the regulatory work was being carried out. 'To most users of these vapes, and shopkeepers even, they may not notice any difference in the old disposable vapes versus the new re-useable ones,' he said. Mr Butler said that while the ban will take some of the most environmentally wasteful products off the market, the UK may need more flexible legislation to tackle challenges around new models and waste. Hazel Cheeseman, chief executive of Action on Smoking and Health, said the incoming regulation on its own 'may be insufficient'. '(The) Government cannot expect leopards to change their spots,' she said. 'If they want a vaping market with products that have minimal impact on the environment, do not appeal to teens and are safe and effective to help adult smokers quit, then further regulations are needed.' Asked on Friday whether the legislation would be enough to stop vape producers flooding the market with similar products, nature minister Mary Creagh said: 'Well let's bring in the ban first. That's what I would say.' Ms Creagh said the tobacco and vapes Bill currently progressing through Parliament will look at further restrictions on vape sales and use, as she spoke to the PA news agency ahead of a visit to Sweeop Kuusakoski's vape processing facility in Sittingbourne, Kent. 'I'm confident that my colleagues in the Department of Health will not hesitate to use those powers should what we're doing this weekend not achieve the goals,' she said. Mary Creagh (Lauren Hurley/PA) 'But I'm confident that it is already sparking a conversation among young people … getting them to ask the questions, getting them to understand that there's no such place as 'away' and that these are really difficult to recycle.' She added that most big puff vapes on the market do not have replaceable coils so they are within the scope of the ban. The Government is considering further ways to drive up levels of separately collected electrical waste including vapes as part of reforms to waste electrical and electronic equipment regulations. Under current rules, vape producers already have a legal responsibility to finance their collection for recycling. Vapes contain valuable and critical materials such as lithium and copper that are regularly binned in household waste. If littered, they can also cause fires and other damaging or toxic impacts on the environment as well as wildlife. To help drive up recycling rates, Material Focus is calling for retailers to make more collection points available as well as the launch of a major communications campaign to drive public awareness about recycling the devices. Mr Butler said: 'The majority of vapers are either unaware of where to recycle their vapes or don't have a good experience of recycling them.' John Dunne, director general of the UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA), said: 'This needs joined-up action from across the waste chain and more effort needs to be done to provide consumers with disposal points at the point of use and not just point of sale.' He said that while the UKVIA works to educate consumers on sustainable vape use and recycling initiatives 'more needs to be done'. 'We would encourage the Government to launch a national consumer education which includes responsible disposal of vapes, why vaping is much less harmful than smoking, and warning of the dangers of buying non-compliant products from the black market or other irregular sellers.' Claire Shrewsbury, director of insights and innovation at the Wrap charity, said single-use vapes have been a 'huge environmental issue'. 'This ban will help remove disposable vapes while giving people a reusable option,' she added. 'And with businesses which sell vapes legally obliged to provide recycling collections, awareness of this remains limited and needs to be better communicated.'
The Herald Scotland
4 hours ago
- Climate
- The Herald Scotland
Temperatures could hit 27C on Saturday before unsettled weather arrives
While the warmer weather will be welcomed by sun worshippers, forecasters have also warned about the possibility of wind and rain. Forecasters are warning of a mixed weather picture to come (Gareth Fuller/PA) Temperatures hit 25.7C at Heathrow on Friday, about 7C hotter than the average for the time of year, and it is due to continue into Saturday with highs of 27C potentially in some areas, Met Office meteorologist Zoe Hutin said. She said: 'For the south east of the country, it is going to be more warm and humid too, but it's going to be the last day where temperatures are so high and humid.' A band of rain will arrive on Saturday morning which will mostly affect Northern Ireland and Scotland, where there could be some heavy downpours, but the south and east of the UK will likely stay dry, Ms Hutin added. On Sunday, temperatures will reach about 22C, and another band of rain will arrive in the north west of the UK. There is a better chance of dry weather in southern and eastern parts, with some areas staying completely dry. Monday, in the first full week of meteorological summer, is likely to be the driest day of the week. Low pressure in the middle of the week will likely result in cloud and showers, according to Met Office meteorologist Alex Deakin. 'Looking pretty unsettled through the middle of next week,' he said, adding that winds coming in from the Atlantic are likely to bring moisture and showers, particularly in western areas. There may be a 'hint of a change' towards the end of next week, with wetter conditions becoming more confined to northern parts. 'But overall, next week looking pretty changeable to say the least. The winds continuing to dominate from the west or the south west, which will keep things reasonably mild, but also keeping things fairly wet, especially so in western areas. 'Complete contrast to the largely easterly conditions we've had for much of spring. 'And that hint, which is all it is at this stage, of something a bit drier in the south to end the week,' he said.
The Herald Scotland
4 hours ago
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Disposable vapes ban to come into force in bid to improve health and cut litter
The ban applies to both online and in-store sales across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and all disposable vapes whether or not they contain nicotine. A sign for customers at a Tesco store in Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire, advises customers that the sale of disposable vapes will end (PA) Retailers are still allowed to sell reusable vapes. It follows the soaring use of disposable vapes in schools and a flood of plastic rubbish from the discarding of the devices. Disposable vapes are non-refillable and unable to be recharged, and are typically thrown away with general waste in black bins or littered rather than recycled. Even when they are recycled, they need to be taken apart by hand, while their batteries are a fire risk to recycling facilities and can leak harmful chemicals into the environment. Rogue traders who continue to sell them risk a fine of £200 in the first instance, followed by an unlimited fine or jail time for repeat offending. Figures from the charity Action on Smoking and Health (Ash) suggests the number of vapers in Great Britain who mainly use single-use devices fell from 30% in 2024 to 24% in 2025, while the use of disposables by 18 to 24-year-old vapers fell from 52% in 2024 to 40% in 2025. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said usage among young vapers remained too high, and the ban would 'put an end to their alarming rise in school playgrounds and the avalanche of rubbish flooding the nation's streets'. Circular economy minister Mary Creagh said: 'For too long, single-use vapes have blighted our streets as litter and hooked our children on nicotine. That ends today. 'The Government calls time on these nasty devices.' Ash deputy chief executive Caroline Cerny said: 'It's promising to see that many people switched away from disposable vapes to re-usable products well ahead of the ban. This is particularly marked among young people, who were more likely to use disposable products due to their attractiveness, affordability, and heavy marketing. 'This new law is a step towards reducing vaping among children, while ensuring products are available to support people to quit smoking. It will be up to manufacturers and retailers to ensure customers are informed and able to reuse and recycle their products securing a real change in consumer behaviour and a reduction in environmental waste. 'If behaviour does not change then further regulations will be possible following the passage of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill.' Association of Convenience Stores chief executive James Lowman said: 'We have been working with retailers, the Government and Trading Standards for months on providing detailed guidance that sets out how to spot non-compliant vapes after the ban comes into force, as well as advising retailers on what they need to do with any stock of disposables left over on June 1. 'We strongly support robust enforcement activity, starting with the businesses that are already openly flouting the rules by selling illicit product and who will continue to sell disposable vapes once they're outlawed. 'It is essential that Trading Standards teams are given the resources they need to get illegal vapes and other products off the streets, as these rogue businesses undermine the work of responsible retailers across the country.' The UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA) said its members had moved quickly to bring new fully compliant products to market well ahead of the June 1 deadline, but warned of 'serious unintended consequences' of bans as a regulatory measure. UKVIA director general John Dunne said: 'Vaping was invented to help adult smokers quit and disposable products became the most successful vape products to do so because they are simple to use and most closely replicate the sensation of smoking. 'We are concerned that this ban will encourage former smokers who have already transitioned from cigarettes – which kill 220 people every day in the UK – to return to combustible tobacco or opt for unregulated vapes. 'We also have clear evidence, from countries including the USA and Australia, showing that black market, counterfeit and illicit vape sales spiked when vape bans and restrictions are introduced.' The separate Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which is currently working its way through Parliament, also includes powers to potentially restrict the packaging, marketing and flavours of e-cigarettes.
The Herald Scotland
5 hours ago
- Sport
- The Herald Scotland
Craig Gordon hopes Serie A stars can fire Scots to World Cup
He is certain that had those opportunities amounted to anything, he would have benefitted from the chance to play in a different league, and he is equally certain that what the likes of Scott McTominay, Billy Gilmour, Lewis Ferguson and Che Adams have been exposed to in Italian football will have improved them as players. 'Absolutely,' Gordon said. 'It's a different experience. It's a different style of football. That can only add to the experience of the squad as a whole and help everybody else. It's definitely going to help. (Image: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire) 'Different managers, different style of play. All these little things. We want to have as much knowledge of that as possible within our team. It's only going to get better for us. 'When you see some of the reports and also the stats that Scotty has put in, the goals that he's scored to help them win the league, it was a tremendous achievement. 'It's brilliant to have them playing at such a high level and going into the Champions League. It's fantastic for the boys to be there to get that. 'I think everybody in the whole squad has been rooting for them.' A curious thing about goalkeepers, given that they are all vying for the one position, is that they tend to also root for one another even when they are in direct competition for the gloves, and such is the case with Gordon and Angus Gunn. Gunn, who was released by Norwich City at the end of the season, will join up with the Scotland squad for the forthcoming friendlies against Iceland and Liechtenstein while Gordon will not. But the Hearts number one is hoping Gunn can put himself in the shop window with a couple of impressive displays for his country. 'I'm sure a goalkeeper of his quality will get picked up,' he said. 'There will definitely be teams after a goalie of that type, without a doubt. I'm sure he'll get a club, no problem. 'It's up to all the goalies around the national team to get games. It's been difficult for a few this season to get the number of games at club level to force their way into Scotland reckoning. 'But next season it all changes and there will be a few guys moving club. And every situation changes at every club. So, it's starting afresh and having to work for that all over again. 'Absolutely, he will be [challenging to be Scotland number one]. I have absolutely no doubt that he will be.' Gordon now has 81 caps for Scotland, keeping 34 clean sheets along the way, but his desire to keep going is not driven by a want to see himself climbing the all-time appearance list, but a desire to appear at a World Cup in a Scotland jersey. 'Yes, I'm still going,' he said. 'I want to play as well as I can for as long as I can, however long that may be. 'I'm in the top five [for appearances] now. There's a few just below me that I think will probably catch me one day. But certainly, for me, it's not all about the numbers. It's about still playing well and helping the team. If I'm not doing that, then I don't want to be just chasing numbers. (Image: SNS Group / SFA) 'We're going into the qualifying campaign, and from start to finish, you have three months, and you know if you're going to the World Cup or playoffs, or wherever you may be after that. 'September, October, November, two games in each. At the end of that you could know whether you're going to the World Cup or not. It's coming all over in the space of six months, and that includes the warm-up to it. 'The last game [against Greece] was disappointing. After a very good result and a good performance away, we didn't hit those heights back at Hampden. It's something that we want to get together, address, and try and not let that happen again.' *Craig Gordon was speaking at a launch event for Scotland Supporters Club (SSC) members for the new JD Buchanan Street Store, which is now open.
The Herald Scotland
5 hours ago
- Sport
- The Herald Scotland
Scotland suffer loss and relegation in Melissa Andreatta's first match
However, her girls lost their sixth consecutive match narrowly and will now drop down a division as a result. Qualifying for the World Cup in Brazil in 2027 will be her ultimate objective in her new role. It was evident from a display which was high on endeavour that it is far from an unrealistic goal. There is, however, clearly much work ahead of her if she is to end this disappointing run of form and make her team a force to be reckoned with on the international stage once again. Andreatta was positivity personified when she spoke to the media at her pre-match press conference yesterday afternoon. Several days of training with her new charges at Oriam just outside Edinburgh had clearly filled her with great optimism for the future. 'I only see opportunity on Friday night,' she said. 'Yes, there's going to be tough times and there's a lot of progress to be made, but we believe we have what it takes to get the win and we're going to fight. 'We want to make sure those points don't leave Hampden Park. What I've learnt about this group is that previous results haven't affected their belief.' It was, however, difficult to see why she was so upbeat once this encounter got underway. The visitors quickly assumed control and applied sustained pressure to their hosts goal. They were unfortunate not to convert one of the scoring opportunities they carved out. Only profligate Austrian finishing and outstanding goalkeeping from Lee Gibson kept the scoreline goalless. The Glasgow City player tipped an Annabel Schasching which found her six yard box over the crossbar. She then palmed a ferocious Verena Hanshaw attempt past her right post with an instinctive reaction save. Scotland, to their credit, responded to those scares by making their way up the other end of the park and carving out a chance of their own. Caroline Weir supplied Erin Cuthbert on the edge of the area. Her team mate, though, snatched at her shot and failed to find her intended target. That, however, was a rare foray into the opposition half by Weir and her countrywomen during the opening 45 minutes. Their rivals dominated possession and bossed the middle of the park. Only the woodwork prevented them from edging ahead before half-time. Gibson, who had just denied Austria captain Sarah Puntigam with her outstretched left leg, was unable to get a hand to a Julia Hickelsberger chip and was relieved first when it hit the bar and then when her right back Emma Lawton headed the ball to safety. But Scotland were living dangerously. Kathleen McGovern, who was on target 25 times for Hibernian in 2024/25 campaign as the capital club pipped defending champions Rangers to the Premier League, was handed her Scotland debut. The 22-year-old, however, received little decent service and was unable to inflict any damage in the final third. Andreatta showed that she will pick players on form not reputation with her team selection. There was no place in the starting line-up for the returning Rachel Corsie even though her captain had announced this week that the Austria game would be last at Hampden and the meeting with the Netherlands her last in a dark blue jersey. But Jenna Clark of Liverpool was preferred to the Aston Villa centre-half. The 35-year-old has admittedly just come back after an extended period on the sidelines. So she probably only had a half of football in her legs. Still, Corsie being left on the bench underlined the new woman at the helm will have no room for sentiment. The 35-year-old came on to win her 155th cap and probably penultimate at the start of the second-half and showed no signs of her lengthy lay-off. She was, though, unable to prevent Hickelsberger glancing a header beyond Gibson and into the net at a Schasching corner and giving Austria the lead. Andreatta threw on Amy Rodgers for Watson, Martha Thomas for McGovern shortly after the forward had forced a save from Manuela Zinsberger, Kirsty Howat for Freya Gregory and Mia McAuley for Lauren Davidson. The Rangers teenager picked up her first cap. Many, many more are sure to follow for the prodigiously talented winger in the years to come. Howat had a chance to net and equaliser shortly after taking to field with nine minutes of regulation time remaining when Martha Thomas teed here up. She was, to the dismay of the 4,063-strong crowd, unable to get a shot away. But she atoned soon afterwards when she forced Zinsberger to tip her long-range effort onto the bar. The strong finish will have heartened Andreatta. But the Netherlands will present a far stiffer challenge in Tilburg on Tuesday. There will need to be a stark improvement to finish this campaign on a positive note. Corsie received a warm ovation from the fans following the final whistle. It was a shame that such a fine servant had to bow out in such disappointing fashion.
