Looking for some independent classes or training for you or your family? Take a look below to see if you can find something to fit your niche: 

Scotland: The Home of Golf

Commonly regarded as the home of golf, Scotland is full of great courses to play and stay, from the classic links of St. Andrews and Carnoustie through to the more modern courses like the Trump International in Aberdeenshire. Scotland is awash with great courses for all handicaps and casual players all the way through to seasoned pro’s.

Here is our guide to very best that Scotland and beyond has to offer.

Your big day is important, and we know this means you want the best services to make it a day to remember. Below is a vast bundle of products and services that covers everything from your hair to your venue, why not take a look and find what you could be missing:

Thinking about the death of a loved one, or even your own is a very difficult thing. And dealing with the organisation of a funeral can be incredibly distressing. Make sure you have planned ahead to make sure your funeral arrangements are as smooth as possible for the sake of your loved ones, and yourself. We have collected some quality services to help you below:

Buying a new home or renting is potentially a very stressful experience, however the expert agents featured here can take all that stress away. Finding the perfect property shouldn’t be difficult though, Scotland has the perfect combination of town and country living for everyone and caters to all budgets and tastes.

Farm insurance: How to get the best value possible

Farm insurance is critical to rural businesses across the length and breadth of the UK, but how do they ensure they get the best cover and the best service for the best price?

Getting value from farm insurance is often tricky because although cost is important, especially in the current climate, lower premiums can also mean less cover and a poor service experience when it comes to claims or making changes to your policy.

In the long run, it is often better to consult an experienced rural insurer and take out a more comprehensive policy.

Tendering for farm insurance

There are significant benefits to building up a good working relationship with your existing broker over months and years, such as discounts and a named personal contact available on the phone to handle queries and claims.

That said, it if you want to review the farm insurance products on the market and get a good understanding of what’s on offer, then it may be good practice to carry out a tender exercise.  

However, limit the number of insurance companies approached to three and focus on asking the right questions to ensure products quoted for are fit for purpose.

Begin by checking which markets brokers provide for and that they offer a wide pool of insurers to choose from. This will help you achieve a good balance of cost versus value.

To yield the most attractive premiums, you should carry out a thorough risk assessment that clearly demonstrates how you mitigate dangers in and around your farm.

Another way of reducing the cost of farm insurance is to exclude specific items or buildings from the cover, such as old barns that would not be repaired if they were damaged by extreme weather.

Provide a detailed brief

When you approach your broker, provide a detailed brief to ensure insurance policies quoted precisely match your needs. If you need a like-for-like policy, supply copies of your existing paperwork, which should include all schedules and claims histories.

The more information you can provide the better, so check what brokers and other providers you speak to need or whether they have a tender guide. This will enable them to come back with a comprehensive review containing risk mitigation improvement recommendations and advice.

Honesty is the best policy

Openness and transparency when it comes to what you want to insure, details of buildings, land and employees working on your farm, as well as risk mitigation measures in place, is essential when buying insurance.

Whether you are dealing with brokers or directly with insurers this will help them provide the best premiums and cover available (and from multiple markets in the case of brokers).

Also, if you are dishonest about any aspects of the information you provide, this could lead to insurers rejecting a claim and refusing to pay, as well voiding your policy.

Finally, timings are important when it comes to buying insurance so don’t leave it until the last minute. Although many brokers and insurers can, depending on how complex your requirements are, provide an indicative quote, allow as much notice as possible (a month to six weeks if possible).

This will allow brokers and insurers to thoroughly review the information provided and offer a competitive quote.  

Making a final decision

To make a final decision you need to understand the cover being provided and be clear on any exclusions to avoid a potentially ruinous situation where you think you are insured for something you are not.

Be sure you have asked all the right questions before making a decision to buy and if something isn’t clear, speak to brokers or other providers on the phone, via video conferencing or even in person.

Sometimes, inviting brokers or insurers to your farm may help identify and resolve issues that previously might not have come to light.  

Before deciding on your farm insurance policy be sure to consider price, level of cover and service too. Good brokers or insurers often stand apart from others based on how they handle queries and claims, so do your research and read the online reviews.

Farm insurance: How to get the best value possible

Farm insurance is critical to rural businesses across the length and breadth of the UK, but how do they ensure they get the best cover and the best service for the best price?

How biodiversity net gain (BNG) can unlock a strong and stable financial future 

Professor David Hill CBE, chairman, Environment Bank

As farmers and landowners continue on the seven-year Brexit transition journey, there is a raft of political, economic and legislative measures that will change.

From a financial perspective, a key shift is an end to the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) which will be phased out by 2027. Many farmers and landowners are also currently experiencing huge rises in input costs as products like fertilizer rocket in price. It’s vital therefore that farmers and landowners explore other methods of long-term revenue and look at how they can create diversified and sustainable income streams to safeguard their future.

One way is through creating Habitat Banks in partnership with Environment Bank. Habitat Banks are a new, privately funded scheme that guarantees an income for 30 years. The scheme was created as a result of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), a concept that was legally mandated under the 2021 Environment Act in November 2021.

Under the Act, all new developments and infrastructure projects in England are legally required to offset and deliver a minimum uplift of 10% in the amount of biodiversity as a result of the developer’s activity – called Biodiversity Net Gain. Essentially leaving nature in a better state than before development began. The initiative is a game-changer in the way biodiversity is considered within the land and development sector.

BNG is the concept where the landscape and habitats impacted by a development are measured, and a score is applied to the biodiversity value of the land (in biodiversity units). The total number of units is then increased by a minimum of 10% (many planning authorities are requiring a greater than 10% uplift) and this is the number that has to be delivered as part of the development planning permission.

The development masterplan is assessed and the number of units lost as a result of the develoment, calculated. For example, the land for development may have 136 biodiversity units; increase that by 10% and the developer has to deliver 150 biodiversity units. Some of that can be accommodated within the development site boundary (as long as 30-years of funding is guaranteed by the developer). The remainder will be placed off-site, perhaps within proximity of the development.

We are now creating hundreds of Habitat Banks across England to accommodate the demand for frictionless delivery of BNG. The Habitat Banks are established so as to generate ‘conservation credits’ which are purchased by the developer to make their development compliant with the mandated regime. And that’s where farmers and landowners have a role to play. 

Why is habitat banking relevant to me?

Farmers and landowners play a key role in habitat banking. We partner with them to create new habitats at scale and pay them annually per hectare of land for managing it over a 30-year contract. This contract is called a Conservation Bank Agreement. Our expert team of ecologists monitors how the Habitat Banks perform according to the objectives of a Biodiversity Management Plan that’s developed in partnership with land managers from the outset. The plan is tailored to your needs and is relevant to your circumstances. 

We create Habitat Banks on many land types, usually 10ha+ in size where sufficient biodiversity uplift can be delivered with the appropriate conservation management interventions. The best uplift occurs where we convert arable farmland into woodlands, wood meadows, species-rich grasslands, wetlands or rewilded sites. We pay the cost of conversion upfront and then the focus is on management to achieve and maintain what is set out in the contracted plan.

Why should I choose habitat banking to secure my financial future?

Firstly, there’s no financial risk involved. Your habitat banking project is fully funded upfront. We are not dependent on the commercial environment or markets, so whatever may happen, there’ll be no risk or cost to you. Your payments are guaranteed, it does not affect your land or tax status and you’ll receive your first year’s rent upfront then annual payments that increase with inflation for the 30 years.

How does it work?

You’ll find videos and answers to frequently asked questions at www.environmentbank.com which feature landowners who are already delivering BNG. Get in touch with our team who can talk you through the process and offer an initial desk-based assessment. Our ecologists will visit your site to discuss the habitat options that are best for you and nature.

Securing financial security and creating a new plan for our planet

Not only does our Habitat Bank scheme provide a realistic and long-term funding option for landowners, but it also enables you to support the restoration of biodiversity in the UK. You’ll be playing a key role in creating a new plan for our planet – something we need to take urgent action on if we are ever going to deal with the dual threat of climate change and the nature emergency.

For more information, please call one of our experts on 01904 202990 or visit

www.environmentbank.com.

The biological control of slugs

Due to relatively high costs, biological control of slugs is particularly suited to organic systems and high-value crops. It is also extremely useful in situations where it is difficult to target the slugs effectively with pellets, such as in mature lettuce crops.

Use of nematodes

A biological molluscicide, based on a nematode parasite of slugs (Phasmarhabditis hermaphrodita), is available. Unlike pellets, nematodes can target soil-dwelling slugs, as well as surface-active slugs. However, slugs may not feed or rest on substrates treated with nematodes.

The nematodes enter the slug’s shell sack (mantle) and release bacteria from their guts. The nematodes feed on the multiplying bacteria. Eventually, the slug’s mantle swells and bursts. Although it usually takes 7–21 days for an infected slug to die, it stops feeding soon after the nematode enters the body. When the slug dies, the nematodes feed on it until the food source is depleted. They then leave in search of more slugs.

The grey field slug is highly vulnerable to the nematode but larger species are only susceptible when they are young and small.

Nematodes can be applied in advance of expected damage, at sowing or any time during the crop’s lifetime. However, they are best applied in dull weather, in the evening and before rain. Success is dependent on wet conditions after application.

In ideal conditions, nematodes provide a reduction in damage for about six weeks after application. To get the best out of the product, it may need to be used soon after purchase (always follow the instructions carefully).

Natural enemies include ground beetles, rove beetles, parasitoids, birds, amphibians and hedgehogs, so providing habitats for these species may help to control slug populations.

The chemical control of slugs

The chemical content of bait/pellets affects their attractiveness to slugs and their durability. Too much active substance may deter slugs from feeding before receiving a lethal dose. Too little may also prevent slugs receiving a lethal dose, especially in larger slugs. There are no records of resistance to plant protection products authorised for slug control.

Ferric phosphate

Ferric phosphate is particularly suitable for organic systems. Slugs quickly stop feeding, become less mobile and die within 3–6 days. As slugs often die underground, effectiveness of the treatment should be measured by the decrease of feeding damage in the crop.

Metaldehyde

Metaldehyde is a selective molluscicide and principally acts on slugs by inducing excessive secretion of mucus, leading to subsequent dehydration and death. At high temperatures (around 20°C), the activity of metaldehyde is optimised. At low temperatures, its toxic effect may be diminished. Metaldehyde does not harm predatory ground beetles.

Metaldehyde withdrawal timeline

This active ingredient has been a central component of the chemical control of slugs for decades. However, its detection in raw (untreated) water above the drinking water standard, along with environmental concerns, placed a great deal of scrutiny on this relatively cost-effective option. As a result, metaldehyde will be withdrawn and integrated control, using various techniques, will become increasingly important. http://www.desangosse.co.uk

Health is the key to success!

With the smaXtec health system, make the first step towards a healthier dairy herd – most precise heat detection included!

A healthy herd is the basis for your economic success. Only fit cows have a stable and high milk yield, a significantly reduced cell count, a lower insemination index, easier calvings and require less time for individual care.

To ensure or improve animal health, you have to keep a close eye on your cows at all times. This is the only way you can intervene early in case of health problems, thus prevent serious disease progression, save on antibiotics and costs.

A number of issues can be recognised and solved through good observation and care but changing farm structures and sizes do not always allow for the ideal level of individual care. This is where the proven smaXtec technology supports you and detects health issues earliest possible.

Success through holistic monitoring with the smaXtec health system

The deeper the insights, the earlier you notice changes in your cows’ health status. smaXtec measures the meaningful parameters inner body temperature, rumination with smaXtec TruRumi™, activity and drinking behaviour in the highest quality directly in the reticulum. The collected data is automatically transmitted to the smaXtec Cloud and processed by the smaXtec TruD™ technology, where data is combined and supplemented. This is the basis for valuable recommendations for action and particularly helpful for the early detection of diseases. The more factors and symptoms are taken into consideration, the better, earlier and more accurate the recommendations.

As soon as the immune system reacts to pathogens or stress, for example, the inner body temperature changes – long before external signs become visible! As a result, the smaXtec system detects diseases up to 4 days before clinical symptoms become visible.

Monitoring animal health by temperature measurement offers another advantage: depending on the temperature change, you know what to check the cow for. If inner body temperature rises, it is an indication of a feverish condition, infection or inflammation. A drop in temperature, on the other hand, is an indication of a metabolic disease such as milk fever or ketosis.

In addition, continuous measurement of rumination allows you to draw even more precise conclusions about the disease and its severity. To make the unrivalled parameter package complete, smaXtec also measures drinking behaviour and activity, detecting issues such as lameness in a very early stage.

Steps ahead through early detection

Early detection allows you to intervene earliest possible, reduce the risk of serious disease progression and significantly reduce the use of medication, especially antibiotics. You can thus improve animal health and welfare and further increase the success on your farm. Customers report a reduced usage of antibiotics by up to 70% since using the smaXtec system.

With smaXtec early detection you detect diseases such as mastitis up to four days before clinical symptoms become visible. This way you are able to treat the cow with lighter medication such as an anti-inflammatory, avoid legal waiting periods caused by antibiotics, reduce the vet’s bill and workload.

Health, heat AND calving detection – is it possible?

smaXtec not only detects diseases earliest possible, by monitoring your animals 24/7 the system gives you the possibility to follow the recovery process of every cow over time. Thus, you are able to see if the treatment has made an impact on the health of the cow and when she has fully recovered.

Additionally, when using the smaXtec health system on your farm you receive precise and automatic heat detection as well earliest possible calving detection.

smaXtec detects heats for you and provides you with additional information on the ideal insemination time. Your benefits are shorter calving intervals, improved pregnancy rates, reduced insemination costs, ongoing productivity and much more.

smaXtec also supports you with reliable and early calving detection. The system not only monitors your cows’ health in the critical phase around birth, but you are also informed about imminent calving. You receive a notification on average 15 hours before calving, enabling you to take measures if necessary. This guarantees a problem-free calving and a good start for cow and calf.

The smaXtec system pays for itself

Customers report that the smaXtec system pays for itself within a very short period of time! But how?

By monitoring your herd’s health with smaXtec you ensure a stable, high milk yield with no loss of production. The system helps you to cut treatment costs by up to 30% and through early detection you are able to reduce use of antibiotics by up to 70%. Your cows are healthier and severe disease progression is 90% less likely. But also, reproduction figures, such as the calving intervals improve with the help of smaXtec.

The smaXtec health system helps you to be successful, reduce costs and workload on your farm.

Ready for your success. With smaXtec to a healthier herd. Get in touch now and implement the most comprehensive system for monitoring health and reproduction in dairy cows on your farm tomorrow!

Your consultant:

Chris Howarth

T: +44 7973 26 92 86

E: info@smaXtec.com

Spring grass growth – don’t let it dwindle

Philip Cosgrave, Country Grassland Agronomist, Yara UK

One of the most important factors affecting spring grass growth on Scottish farms is the timing and quantity of the first spring nitrogen (N) fertiliser application. The high value associated with spring grass availability on livestock farms means that however modest any increase in grass growth might be, it is worth it when livestock can be let out to grass.

Silage crops too require improved spring N management to optimise 1^st cut yields and quality, particularly on multi-cut systems. We need to fine tune these spring N applications, so they are economical and potential losses to water are kept minimal.

Spring N for Grazing

There’s always an element of debate around the right approach to spring N management. As a rule of thumb, the timing of the first N application should coincide with soil temperatures reaching 5 – 6^oC and only when favourable weather and field conditions allow. Farmer experience and common sense, should always prevail in the final decision.

We recommend on good perennial ryegrass swards, 20 – 23 units N/acre of YaraBela Nutri Booster for this first application. For the second we should aim to deliver 40 – 45 units, to coincide with improving growing conditions in April.

Spring N & S for Silage

Timely nitrogen and sulphur applications for 1^st cut silage are important, especially for those planning to cut early. Anything we can do to boost grass growth in early spring, results in more growing days and greater leaf area, ready to take advantage of longer days and improving growing conditions in April.

For 1^st cut silage we should aim for a total N rate of 100 units/acre. The available N in spring slurry applications must be accounted for when calculating your 1^st cut fertiliser N requirement. We can use the following simple example to calculate the fertiliser N rate for a 1^st cut with slurry.

3,000 gallons of 6% DM cattle slurry applied by trailing shoe, contributes 27 units of available N (24 units if by splashplate). This leaves a fertiliser N requirement of 73 units/acre. We would plan to have this fertiliser N applied 6 weeks before the preferred harvest date. Again, YaraBela Nutri Booster would fit well in this instance with the added benefit of increased silage selenium content.

Get organised this spring. Calculate your fertiliser requirement and have it ordered and delivered in good time. It’s better to have what you need sitting in your yard rather than someone else’s!

For more grassland advice visit www.yara.co.uk

What is NovaPro?

Sustainable dairy cow feed NovaPro is produced at Yelo’s state-of-the-art rapeseed expelling facility in Warwickshire. It uses 100 per cent UK-grown oilseed rape (OSR) in its manufacturing process, supporting British farmers and reducing food miles. Around 60% of the OSR fed into the process becomes NovaPro, with the remaining 40% being the expelled oil that is subsequently refined and sold by Yelo as the UK’s only pressed, refined rapeseed oil.

While many protected rapemeal diets are available, NovaPro uses heat and mechanical presses to squeeze oil from the rapeseed, creating a high energy rape expeller – rather than producing rapemeal with hexane solvent extraction. The residual cake is then treated, using a unique patented process with Xylig, a wood extract rich in Xylose, which increases the level of rumen bypass protein. This process, coupled with NovaPro’s higher energy content, gives it the edge over many other protected rape proteins and helps to explain how it has improved milk performance over soya based rations.   

Protected ruminant proteins work by increasing the bypass protein, lowering its digestibility in the rumen and increasing the proportion that passes intact, to be digested in the small intestine. This increases the availability of the essential amino acids lysine and methionine to the small intestine. These two amino acids are both present in rape based protein feeds at levels better matched for milk protein production than soya, which further drives milk performance.

NovaPro was tested in formal trials with M&S at several of its dairy farms in 2020. An “out-in-out” testing regime compared milk performance, with and without soya, using a nutritional equivalent ration made with NovaPro. Milk performance across several farms, either remained unaffected or improved with the replacement of soya with NovaPro. 

Yelo is currently undergoing a detailed carbon life-cycle analysis on its products as its facility is supplied by its own renewable heat and power using UK-sourced, low-grade biomass residues or clean recycled wood chip derived from used wooden pallets. In addition, the wood sugar used in the process is a co-product from the wood pulping industry and for every tree used, another three are replanted. Yelo says the environmental footprint of rape cake has around 60-70 per cent of the impact of soya.

FARMFIT – THE PERFECT FIT FOR YOUR FARM!

The expert team at FarmFit have been working at the forefront of the industry for over 12 years, putting their unrivalled experience at the heart of the agricultural industry to great use. The family business was founded when the team realised that there was a gap in the market for a reliable agricultural equipment manufacturer who could also provide a full design, fitting and installation service.

Through utilising personal knowledge and experience, and working alongside those using the products and veterinarians, FarmFit has developed an ergonomically efficient range of quality products which deliver added value to customers’ operations for generations to come. The team work to make sure that your wants & needs are met, and that available space is used as efficiently as possible, all while keeping the wellbeing of your animals in mind.

Since FarnFit’s conception, not only has the companies own range of products grown significantly but the number of well-established partners they have has grown too! FarmFit have excelled in filling the quota of one-stop-shop” – whether you are looking for a set of self-locking yokes, a gate, concrete T Walls, a replacement water bowl, a handling system, lambing accessories or some GRASSMEN goodies to keep you warm, they’ve got you covered.

Whether you are wanting to kit out a full new build shed, breathe some life into an existing setup, or simply replace some worn equipment, the friendly team at FarmFit are here to help from start to finish! You can contact them via email at sales@farmfituk.com, for a chat at 01576 204 963 or you can even pop in to see them at the FarmFit shop in Lockerbie if you are nearby. Thanks to their continued growth, the team have also recently acquired a new office and stockyard, so keep your eyes peeled for further information on where you can visit and look at their range of products in person!  And finally, as the team know first hand that farming is not a 9-5 job, you can shop & browse online 7 days a week at www.farmfituk.com

Premium Sheep and Goat Health Schemes – helping you to stay one step ahead of Maedi Visna (MV) and Johne’s Disease 

SRUC’s newly launched Monitoring Schemes provide an opportunity for more sheep owners with commercial flocks to cost effectively screen for Maedi Visna (MV) and Johne’s Disease. Regular monitoring not only provides an early warning to limit disease spread, it also attracts potential purchasers who want to avoid buying in disease.

The monitoring schemes tackle two endemic ‘iceberg’ diseases: maedi visna (MV) and Johne’s disease.  The term ‘iceberg’ is applied to diseases when only a small proportion of a flock might be showing symptoms, but in fact a much larger proportion will be infected; similar the way in which only a small fraction of an iceberg is visible above the water.  For this reason, iceberg diseases are impossible to control without testing and can be devastating to a farm in terms of their financial impacts.

Monitoring will be of value to all flock owners wishing to minimise the impact of disease in their flocks, especially commercial sheep farmers with large flocks for whom the more stringent biosecurity requirements of the accreditation scheme may be a barrier to joining.

While PSGHS Accreditation is the gold standard, the monitoring schemes provide a level of assurance for buyers looking to reduce disease risk, making them particularly useful for producers of female breeding stock who want to provide reassurance to buyers. 

Members of the monitoring scheme test three groups of animals:

• High risk animals – 12 per year for flocks below 500 animals or 20 per year for flocks over 500 animals
• All rams on the holding
• A proportion of added animals that are not from a monitored or accredited flock

Samples are taken by the veterinary surgeon and undertaken at least six weeks before animals are due to be sold.  The ‘high risk’ animals for testing are to be selected by the vet, consisting of those that are thinner, have raised poor lambs or had a poor milk yield with no other apparent reason (such as lameness or dental disease).  The farm’s vet will also need to carry out an annual appraisal of the biosecurity measures that are in place. In instances where disease is found, members can take a proactive approach to manage the disease with the help of their vet.

Membership of the monitoring scheme is just £40 per year, for one or both diseases plus discounted testing rates for each disease.

Visit www.sheepandgoathealth.co.uk for information on PSGHS monitoring and accreditation schemes and/or www.cattlehealth.co.uk for PCHS information email: psghs@sruc.ac.uk

Needing help with your finances? Find your peace of mind and check out the businesses below

Parris and McNally : A forward-looking accountancy firm geared up for the digital age.

This Xero Gold Partner Firm is based in Prestwick, with clients across Scotland.

Xero Gold Status is an achievement that reflects Parris & McNally’s level of experience using Xero for our customers. It is an achievement we are intensely proud of and intend to build on.

“Our strapline says accountancy for a digital age,” Joint Owner Colin McNally said  “So we assist businesses to develop their financial management and book keeping reporting to truly deliver a cloud based accounting experience.”

Parris & McNally take pride in their ability to communicate with their clients. They are a company prepared to listen to their customers’ needs, so that they can understand the services required and deliver a second-to-none bespoke experience.

If a company needs that refresher on how to to get the bet out of cloud accounting software “We also do a considerable amount of training on cloud accounting and we make sure clients understand how to best use Xero.”

In these difficult times it has never been more important to get the right people onside. Those with the experience, the know how and the technological insight to help you develop and grow.

To make contact simply go to the website https://parrisandmcnally.co.uk or to make direct contact  you can reach out to lucy@parrisandmcnally.co.uk

Companies like Parris & McNally are not only ready for the challenges of the 21st century but are also equipped – as the strapline says – for the digital age. Simply essential.

When Does A Hobby Become a Business Venture?

With an abundance of spare time over the last couple of years, it’s no surprise there has been a significant shift in perspective of how people want to approach their working lives. Either the perception that “life’s too short” has occurred to many of us, and people are putting their own interests over their primary job role.

Some intrepid individuals have found a winning combination, turning their beloved hobbies into profitable ventures, but when exactly does a hobby become a business?

If you’re thinking of turning your hobby into a source of income, then you’re already part-way there. There are a few giveaway signs that you may already be enjoying more than just a hobby, known as the Badges of Trade. Not all the badges will apply to everyone, and some may point in different directions but they can determine whether or not you’re trading as a business.

The Badges of Trade

• You’ve been selling products or services to make a profit
• You’ve made a number of similar transactions showing buying and selling
• The items you have bought are of a type that can only give an advantage by selling them
• You have repaired, changed or improved items to sell or gain profit
• You carried out the sale in a way that is typical of other trading businesses
• You took out a loan to buy items and can only repay that loan buy selling the items on
• There is usually a short time period between buying and reselling an item
• You haven’t acquired the items by inheritance or as a gift

If any of the above statements apply to you then it may be time to consider registering with HMRC as a business, sole trader or as self-employed but don’t let this administrative side of things put you off. It may seem daunting because it’s new to you, but every new business faces this when they start out. Plus, it’s why friendly accountancy companies like us exist, we’re here to help, and if you feel you have a business idea that is ready to bloom we’re right here to support you.

Turning something that you love doing into a money making venture can be extremely rewarding and it’s important to note that you should not risk trying to keep your profitable hobby as simply that. Should you be caught out by HMRC you will likely be facing fines.

You can find more useful tips about starting a small business on our website: EzycoAccounts.com or just give us a call 0131 510 0002.

Your 2020/21 tax return and Covid Grants – a warning for the self-employed

With HMRC beginning to send out Tax Return requests for 2020/21 you need to be aware of how any grant monies you may have received impacts on your tax bill.

This particularly applies to those of you who are self-employed or in a partnership.

Your business profits are taxed in the year in which your year end falls.

For example, if your year end is 31 May 2020 then those profits are taxed in 2020/21 (because it lands between 6 April 20 and 5 April 2021)

What you may not realise is that not only are the May 20 profits taxed but HMRC have stipulated that you must also include any SEISS grants you may have received up to 5 April 2021 even though most of the grant monies will be included in your May 21 results.

It could mean that May 20 was for the most part a normal year (apart from April and May) and that this year your profits are much lower because of lockdown going on for much of the year.

But if you have to add in to your May 20 profits the SEISS (Self Employed Income Support) grant monies it could possibly put you into the Higher Rate tax bracket when you are not normally in that position.

Then when you submit your May 21 results for 2021/22 and you take out this year’s SEISS monies (even HMRC don’t tax you twice) you have little or no profit left and therefore a much smaller tax bill – if any.

There are two new boxes on returns this year just to record SEISS grants. One to record grant monies received correctly and the other for incorrect claims. You need to exclude your SEISS monies from your accounts schedules and show them instead in the relevant SEISS box.

With one hand the taxman gives and with the other…..

Seeking a product or service to aid in the improvement of your home or garden, check out the collection of services below to see if there is something to suit your needs:

GutterPRO. THE PROFESSIONAL GUTTER CLEANING SERVICE

No need for scaffolding, ladders or cherry pickers when using GutterPRO for gutter cleaning. We can do it quickly and easily using a ground based powerful vacuum and super light 34ft carbon fibre poles which can clear the gutters of three and four storey homes.

This means we can reach over garages, extensions, conservatories and outbuildings without risk to your roof.

There is no mess, because all the gutter muck is sucked up, not washed out with water or scooped out by hand.

It’s safe, effective and we can even take before and after photos so you can see how clear the gutters are when we’ve finished

Even if you have grass, moss or ferns growing from your guttering, we haven’t been defeated yet. You may well be surprised what’s growing in there.

Fully insured, fixed prices, no matter how long it takes.  We make it really easy to book, see the work we have done, and offer cash, cheque and credit or debit card payments at your door.  It’s the GutterPRO way.

As we approach spring, our gardens leap back to life. Daffodils bloom and many birds make their happy return to the UK to nest over the warm period. It’s also when the improving weather causes grass to start growing faster, meaning you’ll need to fire up the lawnmower more frequently.

At Greensleeves, we advise all of our customers to mow occasionally throughout the winter to keep the lawn healthy. However, if you didn’t heed this advice and stopped mowing in the autumn you may be concerned now about how you can resume mowing again without causing too much damage to the lawn.

The most important thing to remember is to never take off more than the topmost third of the grass. You might be tempted to set the mower to its usual cut height and whack off all the length in one go, but this can cause huge damage to the lawn that will take it a long time to recover. If you’ve ever wondered why your lawn looks yellow and lifeless after mowing it, this is why. Instead work the length of your lawn down incrementally, over several weeks until you reach your desired length. You can mow several times a week, but initially give your lawn a few days in between mows to recover.

If there’s a lot of thatch or moss in your lawn it may be worth considering carrying out scarification to help prevent lawn disease and to help nutrients reach the soil. Although you can purchase domestic scarifying machines, these for the most part are poor quality devices and can cause more harm to the lawn than good. Instead, call a professional. Commercial scarification machines are more effective and forgiving to lawns. You also have the unparalleled advantage of having a professional doing the job, minimising damage.

In the future, you can minimise thatch development by being vigilant with your rake, giving the whole lawn a thorough raking after each mow. This extracts excess debris that if left on the lawn settle and add to the thatch layer. A small amount of thatch is part of your lawn’s natural defence, but it can become problematic if it becomes too thick.

Finally, now is the time to give the lawn its first fertilisation of the year, this will nourish the grass with all of the nutrients it needs to develop a rich, deep, green colour. Don’t risk scorching your lawn with low-quality, garden centre grass fertiliser. At Greensleeves, we use our own specially formulated springtime fertiliser which is designed to give your lawn everything it needs. To find out more about lawn treatments contact us, or visit our website.

MILL Architects Limited

Embarking on any building project requires confidence and is certainly not for the feint-hearted but this has to do with the magnitude of the process and must be balanced with the enormous rewards, which can be reaped from the process.  My message, therefore, is to follow your ambition and make sure you start the journey with the right architect to guide you along the way.

I set up Mill Architects in 2004 after a career working in a wide cross section of architectural practices in Edinburgh.  The experience I gained ranged across every sector from Healthcare to Sports Centres, from category A-listed buildings to Laboratories and always with a sound base of residential work to go alongside.  Working with both old buildings and new I have always preached the need for architects to have a sound grasp of construction and ideally to have got their hands dirty somewhere along the way.

At Mill Architects, named after the old farm building I converted into my family home 20 years ago, we carry on that ethos.  In October 2006 we were joined by Richard Webb and together we run the practice from our offices in Dalmeny.  We have a very similar approach to the architecture we create and have both got our hands dirty building our own houses.  There’s no house style – we aim to work with our clients and flex our designs to give them what they want, as far as possible.  Our job is to make sure the bunch of ideas presented at the start come together in a holistic solution that meets function, aesthetics and budget.

The practice has been fortunate to have found a dedicated and talented group of architects and technologists to help produce the work.  We share a desire to create buildings which are attractive and appropriate to their setting, urban or rural.  When engaged on projects involving our built heritage we have Jo Parry-Geddes, who has achieved Advanced Conservation Accreditation and she keeps us straight on matters historical.  Jo has spent her career in the care and conservation of listed buildings, particularly the restoration and preservation of their external fabric.

We focus strongly on the ecological aspects of building and aim, always, to cut down energy usage and source local, sustainable materials wherever possible.  Timber is a valuable, beautiful and renewable resource and we have developed an expertise in its use as a construction material and for internal finishes.  Much of our work is carried out in rural communities and our project at Cairns Farm, by Harperrig Reservoir, is to create a new wedding venue in a wild and remote corner of the Pentland Hills.  The timber used on the building cladding and hardwoods for the internal fit-out was felled on the farm and milled on site.  It has zero transportation miles under its belt and looks fantastic on the building.

When you’re ready to embark on your project; a house, an office, a factory or the restoration of tired masterpiece be sure to find the most appropriate architect for your professional companion.

PowerDoors is an award-winning Prince’s Scottish Youth Business backed company established in 1996 and have a combined experience of over 50 years and specialise in the supply and installation of garage doors along with other associated products.

Like all outdoor projects a garage door can be costly, and we are here to help advise you on what would best be suitable for you and your needs.  Our showroom based in Lochwinnoch (10mins from Glasgow Airport) has several doors on display of all the available designs allowing you see what you would be wishing to purchase.

We offer a free quotation service for supply only, supply & install of automatic and manual garage doors in a range of designs such as,

Up ‘n’ Over – Sectional – Roller – Automatic Doors

We also offer a repair and maintenance service and cover a vast area throughout Scotland’s central belt.

Scotland is full of good places to eat, so much so that we know sometimes it can be hard to find the best and most suited place for what you and your family may need. Give yourself a head start and look at the amazing options below and find those good eats:

Oakbank celebrates a decade of success

Oakbank Products Ltd is celebrating ten years in the drinks industry, and is looking to the worldwide range of whisky, gin, and rum brands to consider their services as they look toward the next ten years.

Oakbank specialises in bottle sealing wax, providing services for brands looking to dip their bottles or apply a brand enhancing seal to their packaging. Our wax is found on some of the rarest whisky bottles in existence, including Glenfiddich 50-year-old, The Macallan in Lalique and The Ardbeg.

In 2009, Thomas Corbett and Ian Cuthbertson began to work on the development of a new sealing wax that would be more durable and not crack or crumble after application. In 2012, as the business was beginning to grow and new clients were appearing, Pauline Corbett came on board to handle finances, and Oakbank Products Limited was established in 2013,

Following Ian’s death in 2014, his son Roddy became a partner in the business.

The company continued to flourish, building valuable and strong relationships with clients, including Glenmorangie, Edrington and Chivas Brothers to name just a few.

A decade of success has not been without its challenges. Like many businesses, the pandemic was particularly hard, with the terrible loss of Pauline Corbett early on during the lockdowns.

While younger members of the family have now chosen to follow their own paths, the family tradition of the business is still being honoured. Tam Corbett has brought in his brother Bill to oversee the company’s office and administrative work, while his son Ian is managing the production process.

The personability of everyone involved at Oakbank is why they have thrived across the last ten years. There has always been a large emphasis based on keeping the family feel of the company even as it grows, to ensure that traditions are kept in place and honoured as times goes on.

The wax itself is supplied around the world, with Oakbank’s extensive list of clients reaching out across Europe, South America, The Indian Ocean, and the Caribbean.

While the brand’s speciality is in the drinks industry, they have also supplied perfumeries and artisan food producers.

Oakbank works with some of the most prestigious brands in the drinks industry including the following list of esteemed clients:

• Edrington
• Chivas Brothers
• Dewar’s
• The Macallan
• Tomatin
• ShortCross
• Glenfiddich
• William Grant & Sons
• Whyte and Mackay

Despite such as an expansive range of whisky partners, Oakbank are looking to venture further into the rum and gin markets. While some of Oakbank’s client list includes some of the most premium names in the drinks industry, they still supply many craft distillers, too, helping them to develop their products.

For the future Oakbank intends to build on the elements that have already provided them success in the last decade. The brand wants to continue to branch out across the drinks industry, while maintaining a presence within the whisky market, nurturing its family traditions and familiarity.

Spontaneous, self-sufficient, and with a little spirit thrown in

for good measure, that’s Stuart and Adelle Brown, founders of

Deerness Distillery – Orkney’s first traditional distillery for over 130 years.

It is here that they produce their multi-award winning ‘Sea Glass

Gin’, ‘Scuttled Gin’ new VÁra pink gin, and Orcadian Moon coffee liqueur, as well as the UK’s most Northerly distilled vodka,

Gin and Into the Wild Vodka – launched back in May 2017, after a year of construction and product development.

2020 has seen the Orcadian Moon win five golds at the World Liqueur awards and win the best other spirits category at the Great British Food Awards, whilst Into the Wild Vodka won the UK’s best vodka.

The distillery boasts a beautiful shop as well as tastings of their spirits for visitors. Plans are afoot to extending their award winning spirits with a small batch whisky in 2021. The whisky is going to be something unique and special with grains grown in Deerness, malted on site, distilled and casks stored at the distillery until released for bottling.

Deerness Distillery spirits are a must try if you’re looking for an exclusive premium gin, vodka or liqueur!

House of Elrick gin

Nestled in the rich, rural tapestry within the lowlands of Aberdeenshire, the House of Elrick is the source of a delicious range of premium quality spirits.

House of Elrick’s signature gin is crisp and fragrant. The botanicals, hand-picked by their Master of Gin are a complement of juniper, coriander seeds, angelica root and citrus peel, built around a core of heather, pink peppercorns, sweet fennel and rose petals. 

Refreshing and aromatic, House of Elrick Gin is a spirit made with the essence of Scotland, using local ingredients. It is a fresh and vibrant infusion. The versatility of the gin means that it can be enjoyed on the rocks, or as the foundation of your favourite gin-based cocktail. 

Owner Stuart explains, “for the House of Elrick brand, quality over quantity is key. All of our spirits are distilled and bottled by hand in batches of 600 bottles per run, so we can maintain absolute control over every bottle that leaves the distillery.”

Members of the Elrick Estate note that a perfect serve for their signature gin would be served on the rocks or with a fine, quality tonic from a deep wine glass to retain the aromas. When it comes to garnishing, they recommend you opt for aromatic orange zest. The orange will accent the fragrance and intensify the rose and peppercorns notes. 

For many Lockdown has presented many challenges. However, House of Elrick have taken this opportunity to develop and craft some delightful premium new flavoured spirits across their Rum and Gin ranges, particularly their Estate Coconut Gin and Estate Plum & Peach Gin. These two Estate gins are based on their award-winning signature gin profile.

The Coconut Gin is a delicious tropical spirit blended with a natural coconut flavouring, perfect for creating those summer tropical cocktails. Whilst the Plum & Peach Gin is refreshing and well balanced with the sweetness of the plum and peach, yet compliments the juniper, coriander, and citrus notes.

To purchase these new ranges, and other House of Elrick spirits visit the website today and sign up to their newsletter, to make sure you are kept up to date and follow House of Elrick on their journey.  Won’t you join us for a drink!

www.houseofelrick.co.uk

The No 1 Nutrient for your body – Health Promoting Water.

More people are becoming aware of the benefits to their health of consuming water. They are realising that any fluid will not meet the hydration needs of the body. In fact many drinks such as coffee, alcohol and soft drinks will have a dehydrating impact on the body.

Typically our body is 70% water. It has a huge effect on our health. It is not an inert substance that fills up the space around the cells. In fact recent research by eminent water researcher Professor Gerald Pollack from the US has shown that the health of our cells is greatly affected by the quality of the water around the cells. That is critically important for many aspects of our health including our immunity.

Many people believe that good healthy water is purely water with contaminants removed. This is an important characteristic of health giving water but only one aspect of the health giving properties of water that is ideal for the body. A couple of decades ago the prime concern as far as contamination in the water supply was heavy metals, particularly lead. However more recent concerns are trace levels of drug residues ( prescribed and illicit), hormones, glyphosate (Round Up) and micro plastics. These are all results of modern living.

The drive to consume cleaner water has resulted in more and more people installing water filtration systems in their homes.  This is a positive move towards drinking and cooking with healthier water. However technology that originated in Japan has resulted in systems that take this a stage further in that they transform water that is filtered into water which has got alkaline, antioxidant properties and good water structure. This greatly enhances the quality of the water that you drink and is a wonderful aid, for hydration, for detoxification and to help build healthy water surrounding our cells.

Not only will these type of systems improve the quality of water that you drink, it will taste better as systems remove chlorine, which is added to the water as a disinfectant. 

Water for Health Ltd, based in Scotland are the premier UK company supplying unique products to enhance the health giving properties of water. Their focus is not just on clean water but on health giving water. There are many clients throughout the UK that appreciate the quality of water their systems bring and have commented that drinking healthy water has improved their wellbeing.  You can find out more details at www.water-for-health.co.uk

Hands. Face. Space.  Three words we are still all reminded of regularly as the government advice for reducing the spread of Coronavirus. 

At Almond Hearing we’re acutely aware how detrimental the removal of lip-reading, visual clues, and increase of distance between speakers has been for a person with a hearing loss.  Impossible for some, as we learned from a chance connection through social media with Amy Morton, a hearing aid user, with a severe loss since childhood.  She told us how even the simplest tasks like the school run had become stressful for fear of not being able to talk easily with other parents wearing masks.  Amy has launched a campaign, Living with Hearing Loss, and we have been delighted to be able to support her quest to enable customer service businesses to offer themselves up as lip-reading friendly and to educate establishments about the exemption associated with hearing loss.  We proudly display Living with Hearing Loss signage in our clinic and hope to spread the message across West Lothian and further.

We pride ourselves on creating a welcoming and comfortable environment for someone to consult on their hearing and use clear face masks with clients who rely on lip-reading.  We are also huge advocates of remote microphone technology, to overcome the enforced increase in physical distancing, and help people hear better in challenging listening environments.
The Pandemic really has made so many realise just how important hearing is. Whether it’s a temporary loss due to wax build up or something more, Almond Hearing are here for you at Barden House in Murieston, Livingston.

If you are experiencing any form of hearing loss or balance problems then you can contact Almond Hearing online at www.almondhearing.co.uk or call on 01506 888478

Are you a local business and would like to make your environment more accessible to the one in five people in the UK who live with hearing loss?  You can find out more at: www.livingwithhearingloss.co.u

Almond Hearing, one year on.

They say the first year of business is the hardest. What about the first year of business during a global pandemic? We opened the clinic on the 2^nd September 2020 and have just celebrated our first birthday. We’ve made it through our first year and here’s a little on how we’ve managed and what’s to come.

Having recently moved to the area we saw that Livingston would be the perfect place to open a new independent hearing clinic and when we found the unit in Barden House, Murieston. We knew it was a perfect fit for our modern audiology business.

We are passionate about Almond Hearing becoming the trusted hear care provider in our local community and making a small contribution to improve the lives of our clients and feel we’ve gone some way to achieving this over our first 12 months

We’ve had an interesting and exciting first year, especially with the storm of the coronavirus pandemic. 

Here at the clinic, we are seen as an essential service so were able to remain open throughout the crisis, although footfall at some points was low.  We adhered to industry wide guideline and erred on the side of caution. We always want our clients to know that their health and wellbeing comes first with both Coronavirus procedures and with their ear health and hearing.

This year we have had many highs; we know how important hearing is and we are pleased that so many that come to us decide after our audiologist’s advice to go ahead with us as their hear care provider. We like to think this has a lot to do with our transparency and honesty. Client feedback makes us happy and means a lot to us. Recommendations are wonderful and we couldn’t be more grateful to the clients who are happy with our service and send custom our way.

The most important part of Almond hearing is our team. We all really do care, and this is reflected in the services and procedures we offer. Whether it’s a balance assessment with Peter, ear wax removal with Ruth, a hearing assessment with Frazer or a smile and a warm welcome from Bailey or Susie on reception. Some faces may go this year and some new ones may arrive, but all will have the same ethos at heart, and all will always be part of the Almond Hearing family.

We’ve been delighted to have articles in local and national papers and to be supporting local sports teams and charities. You can expect to see Almond Hearing up in lights at this year’s Westrigg Electrical Halloween light show to support a very worthwhile cause.

We are excited to see what the next 12 months holds for Almond Hearing.

Thank you to all our wonderful clients for their support during our first year.

https://www.almondhearing.co.uk/contact/.