MsMissMrs launches ‘Womanufacture’

MSMISSMRS, the Glasgow-based community interest company that makes the famous “Empowerment Pants”, has launched its own factory, called “Womanufacture”. Its micro-manufacturing space will allow MsMissMrs to increase the production of its Empowerment Pants and Femfoods aprons. The proceeds from sales of the products are re-invested directly to support women and girls. Sylvia Douglas, founding director…

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How Granny’s copper coin inspired flower innovation

IT’S a Granny’s trick passed down from generation to generation – and used by plenty of church flower arrangers too: stick a copper penny in a vase of cut flowers to make them last longer. Copper inside old pennies kills the bacteria that builds up in the water, stopping them from attacking the flowers. Now,…

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Edinburgh Science Festival launches line-up

THE line-up for the Edinburgh Science Festival has been announced. Thirty-one venues will host events on 1-16 April. “Edinburgh Science Festival continues its commitment to championing the achievements of women in science and science communication, and strive for a balance representation of gender in its programming,” said the festival’s organisers. “With 60% of artists and…

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Stirling opens ‘pay what you can’ winter shop

A SHOP inviting customers to “pay what you can” for coats and other winter warmers has opened in Stirling. The Thistles shopping centre has opened the store in partnership with local charity Transition Stirling. The shop sells coats, rain jackets, jumpers, accessories, and boots for adults and children. Gary Turnbull, Thistles’ centre director, said: “These…

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Waverley paddle steamer in ‘urgent’ cash appeal

THE team behind the Waverley paddle steamer has this lunchtime issued an “urgent” funding appeal to raise £180,000. The cash is needed to pay the boat’s winter dry dock costs and recommission the vessel for this season’s sailings. Waverley, which is the world’s last sea-going paddle steamer, carried more than 100,000 passengers last year as…

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Blackcaps pick UK over Mediterranean for winter

SOME Scots might be heading to the Mediterranean for its winter sunshine, but more and more blackcaps are doing the opposite. Historically, blackcaps have bred in the UK and then returned to the Mediterranean during the winter. Now, scientists have discovered that a growing number of the robin-sized birds are not only staying in the…

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Islanders slam ferry services, but praise staff

SCOTLAND’S ferry services are falling “well below” the public’s expectations, according to the Scottish Parliament. Nearly 400 individuals and groups responsed to a survey run by Holyrood’s Net Zero, Energy & Transport Committee. The results, published today, revealed anger at “short-notice service cancellations and the impact this is having on many aspects of life in…

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Union Chain Bridge prepares to reopen

THE Union Chain Bridge, which links Scotland to England, is preparing to reopen after Hogmanay. Restoration of the 202-year-old structure, the the oldest vehicle suspension bridge in the world, began in October 2020. Around 95% of the handrails are now in place and final painting work is continuing – although the surfaces need to be…

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Dundee clothes makers celebrate success

THE fourth group of clothes makers to train on the Kindred Clothing (Garment Production) course are celebrating their success. Run by Dundee-based charity Front Lounge, the course – which has received the thumbs up from the Scottish Qualifications Authority – was started by a group of young mums in 2019. Following the latest 12-week course,…

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Banchory Bangle raffle deadline approaches

THE raffle to win this year’s “Banchory bangle” comes to an end on Friday. Jewellery designer Malcolm Appleby has made been making a bangle each year since 1976 to raise money for Children 1st. Appleby uses recycled gold and silver to make his bangles, which have raised £184,000 so far for the charity. Raffle tickets…

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