Radio North Angus

19/08/2024

Radio North Angus seeks volunteers from Montrose Academy

Radio North Angus is the local commercial radio operating on a voluntary basis and we are recruiting S3 to S5 pupils from Montrose Academy.
We have a studio in the Academy along with studios based in Carnoustie High, Webster's High, along with two each in Arbroath and Brechin/Stracathro.
Our transmitter at Montrose Academy broadcasts on 87.7 FM and covers most of Montrose. We also broadcast on the Tayside DAB Voluntary Channel at certain times of the day, and broadcast worldwide, with an app facility, from our website www.radionorthangus.co.uk

The School’s Out programmes, broadcast between 4.00pm and 6.00pm, Monday to Friday, afford school students a unique opportunity on British Independent Local Commercial Radio to present their own music radio programmes.
The programmes are designed specifically for a teenage audience, whilst giving presenters (DJs) the chance of personal development and to acquire media skills and to gain self-confidence.
We also have some other programmes available.
The voluntary service is regarded favourably by prospective employers and by University selection panels, and can be included as community service for all levels of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, Saltire Awards, etc.
Certain members have proceeded to follow successful careers in broadcasting and journalism.
Programmes can be live or pre-recorded to suit the presenters involved.
Training in music radio production, consisting of seven sessions, will mainly be held between 4.00pm to 6.00pm once a week, but other times can be arranged.
Sharing with a school friend is possible.
The commitment is to present a programme once a week for at least one year.
Arrangements can be made to avoid any conflict with study for examinations.
Music radio is enjoyable, fun, and we welcome expressions of interest.
Initial contact should be made to Malcolm Finlayson, Managing Director, Radio North Angus Ltd, 01241 871446, or e-mail: [email protected] who shall be happy to discuss this intiative with parents or carers if desired.

Malcolm J B Finlayson
Managing Director
19 August 2024

Radio North Angus is a voluntary commercial radio station dedicated to promoting health, education, local organizations, and relieving loneliness through angus.

17/08/2024

16/08/2024

Arbroath West Kirk - Church Service 18 August

With the schools now back for the Autumn term, we resume a regular pattern of Sunday services from the West Kirk Centre that you can listen to Sundays at 3pm on Radio North Angus. This week we are looking at one of the Psalms and how it helps understand more about God - and you'll need to know your alphabet too!
If you are attending, then remember that the service now commences at 10.00am.

Rev.Chris Hay
Minister

15/08/2024

ScotRail issues weekend travel advice

ScotRail is asking customers to plan ahead when travelling this weekend, with the Edinburgh Festivals continuing and football action in Glasgow.

Fewer services are operating due to the temporary timetable currently in place as drivers continue to make themselves unavailable for rest day working, as is their contractual right, while pay talks are ongoing with the trade union ASLEF.

However, to support travel to and from the events, ScotRail is adding as many carriages as possible to services.

For Saturday’s Rangers versus St Johnstone match, which kicks off at 17.45 at Hampden Park, there will be more seats added to trains to and from Mount Florida. Fans using those services should expect queuing times to be longer, allow extra time for travel, and are advised to make their way to Mount Florida after the match to travel back to the city centre.

On Sunday, Celtic will play Hibernian at 15.00 at Celtic Park, and there will be additional stops at Dalmarnock, with trains stopping longer at the station to allow fans time to both board and alight.

The Edinburgh Festivals also continue this weekend, with a summer sessions concert also taking place at the Royal Highland Centre.

As with previous weeks, Sunday’s timetable will be significantly reduced and customers are advised to check the ScotRail app or website to get the latest information. This will be updated by Friday, 16 August.

As a reminder, the changes to support the Edinburgh Festivals are as follows:

Extra carriages to late night services leaving Edinburgh, with an additional express service to Glasgow Queen Street via Falkirk High departing after midnight at 00.15 (except on Sunday night/Monday morning).
Half-hourly service throughout the day and extra late-night trains from Edinburgh Waverley to Glasgow Queen Street via Falkirk High until the end of the festivals excluding Sundays. This is compared with the hourly service from 19.00 under the current temporary timetable.
Sundays will see an hourly service operate on the express service between Glasgow and Edinburgh via Falkirk High.
ScotRail is strongly advising customers to plan ahead and check their journey the day before travelling by using the ScotRail app. Retail systems will be updated by Friday, 16 August.

With thousands of festivalgoers heading to the capital during August, there may be additional queues at some stations for train tickets. Purchasing in advance can save time at the station, and train tickets are available to buy before you board as an mTicket via the ScotRail app.

Extra staff will be on hand to make sure everything goes smoothly, and the train operator is also reminding everyone that the carrying and consumption of alcohol is prohibited on ScotRail trains and in ScotRail stations.

Phil Campbell, ScotRail Customer Operations Director, said:

“This will be another busy weekend for travel across Scotland’s Railway and we are doing everything we can to help customers get to the football matches in Glasgow and the events in Edinburgh.

“Customers are reminded that with the temporary timetable currently in place, there are fewer services than normal in operation. But to support both the football and the Edinburgh Festivals, we’ve made changes to our temporary timetable, including extra seats and services and late-night trains to get people to and from Edinburgh.

“With trains expected to be busier than usual, we’re encouraging everyone to allow extra time for travel, don’t wait for the last train of the night if you can, and check their journey in advance via our online journey planner.

“Buying return tickets before you board using our mTicket system on our mobile app will help your journey run smoothly.”

14/08/2024

Resilient British Muslim charity worker touched by interfaith solidarity at London Mosque

With the rise in Islamophobic violence across the UK, Muslims across the country found themselves second-guessing whether they should leave their homes out of fear for their safety.

However, all hope was not lost, as the British public simultaneously came out in support of all affected minorities with a strong, unbreakable wave of solidarity and national unity.

Nauman Ahmed, Community Fundraising and Volunteers Officer at Muslim Aid, saw this strong sense of community spirit play out before his eyes during a Mosque collection outside a North London Mosque during Friday prayers.

“Muslim Aid’s Community Fundraising team had a discussion on whether we should continue with the Friday Mosque collections, considering the security threat. We decided to put our trust in the Almighty Allah and continue our duty, especially because we were fundraising for Palestinians in Gaza who need us more than ever”, he explained.

On the first Friday after the Southport tragedy, Muslim Aid’s Community Fundraising team prayed for protection and stayed firm in their decision to arrive at the Islamic Association of North London. What happened next was a manifestation of their prayer in the form of deep communal cohesion and solidarity.

“While we were carrying out the Mosque collection, we realised local priests and rabbis, along with representatives of local MP Sarah Sackman, showed up in solidarity with the local Muslim community.”

“Quite honestly, seeing this made my heart melt”, Nauman said.

Each of the community leaders took turns to speak after the Friday sermon, all of whom asserting the refusal to succumb to the attempt to divide the British public and expressing their solidarity with the Muslim community and all others affected by the violent riots that have targeted Muslims, migrants and people of colour.

While Nauman found this show of solidarity heartwarming, he asserted that it only exemplified the natural unity within the wider London and British communities.

“Close to my home, there’s a Mosque, a Sikh Gurdwara, and a couple of Churches. We all live alongside each other peacefully and get along very well. The essence of London is in its diversity and unity”, Nauman said.

“This is the London I grew up in, and there are no plans for this to change. We are one.”

Imam Hamid Qureshi, Director of the Islamic Association of North London said: "Muslims consistently oppose oppression, irrespective of its geographical origin or the identity of those affected. On this occasion, the Muslim community itself was targeted.

However, the Muslims in our area demonstrated remarkable resilience in the face of hatred. It was profoundly reassuring to witness the support of local faith leaders, who visited the mosque on Friday to express their solidarity with the Muslim community."

14/08/2024

Edinburgh Tram workers back strike action over lack of toilet breaks

Unite says it’s ’running out of track’ to resolve health concerns before strike action

Unite can confirm that its Edinburgh Trams membership have emphatically backed strike action in a dispute over late running times to the nation’s largest airport which is preventing workers from taking comfort breaks.

Over ninety per cent of tram workers in the ballot supported strike action. Over 160 Unite members could now take strike action in a matter of weeks, if comfort breaks and wider health concerns impacting the workers are not swiftly addressed.

Unite believes there is a shortfall of between 5-6 minutes in the running time from Edinburgh Airport to Newhaven. Each round trip takes on average two hours to complete.

The maximum driving time before a scheduled break is five hours, and many tram workers go this length of time without hydration or toilet breaks. This is due to running late and having to make up the time.

The unacceptable situation has contributed to health issues developing among Unite’s membership including stress and infections.

The trade union represents drivers, ticket service assistants, controllers and vehicle maintenance workers.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Unite’s Edinburgh tram workers have emphatically backed strike action in order to tackle head-on the unacceptable health and safety situation they face.

“They should not be in this situation because Edinburgh Trams should be implementing measures to ensure our members get their comfort breaks. We will back our tram membership all the way in the fight for decent workplace conditions.”

A new tram timetable has added four minutes to each run, and delays to a new signalling system have contributed to increased delays.

Unite understands that some trams regularly run up to 30 minutes late with control having to turn trams around mid-route. This situation completely removes the ability for tram workers to go to the toilet.

Lyn Turner, Unite industrial officer, added: “Edinburgh’s tram workers are being forced into taking strike action.”

“This is mismanagement plain and simple, and it is having unacceptable consequences for our members.”

“Unite wants to resolve this through negotiation but we are running out of track before strike action takes place. If this happens, then Edinburgh Trams will be solely to blame for any disruption. Management has one more chance.”

10/08/2024

Arbroath West Kirk - Church Service

Welcome back to recordings of worship from Arbroath and District Church. We're in the West Kirk Centre this week celebrating the end of Backpackers - our holiday club. Join us for our final journey to a new destination!

Rev.Chris Hay
Minister

09/08/2024

Gardner Memorial Church Summer Baerbeque

09/08/2024

Scottish Students - Find the perfect student bank account with MoneyHelper’s improved comparison tool



Choosing the right student bank account just got easier



Students in Scotland have received their Highers results, and for many, heading to university will be the first time they manage their own money to pay for essentials.
MaPS has improved its bank account comparison tool, with a filter specifically for students.
“Understanding the features of your bank account is a great first step when it comes to managing money” says MaPS.
MoneyHelper has plenty of free and impartial guides and tools to help manage your money for the first time.


The Money and Pensions Service (MaPS) has refreshed its bank account comparison tool on its consumer-facing site, MoneyHelper, to help make choosing the right bank account even simpler.



One specific group who will benefit from the tool is students, as the tool includes a filter designed specifically to compare student bank accounts.



As Highers results came out on 6 August, vast amounts of young people across the country are set to become university students in the next month.



As school-leavers receive their results and start to think more seriously about leaving home, university students will have to make a number of big financial decisions, including which bank account is best for them.



For many, going to university and paying for things like rent, food, and bills will be the first time that young people manage large amounts of money on their own, and MaPS wants to help new students build confidence in managing money.



MaPS’ refreshed bank account comparison tool will support new students by allowing them to directly compare bank accounts and choose the best one for them, including looking at overdraft limits and varying fees for spending money abroad.



The Money and Pensions Service provides free and impartial advice and is not incentivised to promote one account or company. Instead, MaPS’ simple comparison tool aims to create knowledge around different bank accounts and their features to allow users to make informed decisions about their best-choice account.



Knowing what you want from a bank account and choosing the right one for you is a great start when it comes to having control of your finances.



MoneyHelper, by MaPS, also has plenty of budgeting guidance and tools that can support students in managing their money. Visit the Student and Graduate Money hub on MoneyHelper for free guidance.



Allison Barnes, Scotland Manager at the Money and Pensions Service says:



“As young people across Scotland are about to receive their Highers results and venture into becoming students, many will be starting to think about managing their money for the first time.



It’s great to have this tool refreshed and up to date as we know it’ll hugely help students tackle the first stage of their many student finance decisions: which bank account to choose.



MoneyHelper has plenty of free guides and tools to help students manage their money for the first time. Visit MoneyHelper.org.uk to find out more.”

For further media enquiries, please contact the MaPS Press Office on 020 8132 5284 / [email protected].

About the Money and Pensions Service
Our vision is “Everyone making the most of their money and pensions.”

We offer free, impartial help and guidance on money and pensions via www.moneyhelper.org.uk and 0800 138 7777. For services in Welsh, please visit www.helpwrarian.org.uk or call 0800 138 0555. The service includes a range of free tools, plus the opportunity to speak to an expert via WhatsApp, phone, email or live chat.

We also co-ordinate the UK Strategy for Financial Wellbeing, working with partners and stakeholders to help everyone find their way forward and build a better financial future.

We are an arms-length body, sponsored by the Department for Work and Pensions and funded by levies on both the financial services industry and pension schemes. For more information, visit our website or annual corporate plan and strategy.

08/08/2024

ScotRail issues travel advice ahead of busy weekend

ScotRail has issued travel advice ahead of a busy weekend for travel with Rangers playing Motherwell at Hampden Park and the Edinburgh Festivals in the capital.

Customers are reminded that a temporary timetable is currently in place due to fewer drivers making themselves available for rest day working, as is their contractual right, while pay talks are ongoing with the trade union ASLEF.

However, to support travel to and from the events, ScotRail is adding as many carriages as possible to services.

For Saturday’s Rangers versus Motherwell match, which kicks off at 15.00 at Hampden Park, there will be more seats added to trains to and from Mount Florida. Fans using those services should expect queuing times to be longer, allow extra time for travel, and are advised to make their way to Mount Florida after the match to travel back to the city.

The Edinburgh Festivals, including the International Festival, the Fringe, and events such as Fringe by the Sea, also continue this weekend. With it being the final weekend before the end of the Scottish school summer holidays, travel to and from Edinburgh is expected to be particularly busy.

Additionally, Party at the Palace is taking place in Linlithgow on Saturday and Sunday (10 and 11 August). Customers should note that the final trains on Sunday, 11 August depart Linlithgow before the end of the event.

As with last week, Sunday’s timetable will be significantly reduced and customers are advised to check the ScotRail app or website to get the latest information. This will be updated by Friday, 9 August.

As a reminder, the changes to support the Edinburgh Festivals are as follows:

Extra carriages to late night services leaving Edinburgh, with an additional express service to Glasgow Queen Street via Falkirk High departing after midnight at 00.15 (except on Sunday night/Monday morning).
Half-hourly service throughout the day and extra late-night trains from Edinburgh Waverley to Glasgow Queen Street via Falkirk High until the end of the festivals excluding Sundays. This is compared with the hourly service from 19.00 under the current temporary timetable.
Sundays will see an hourly service operate on the express service between Glasgow and Edinburgh via Falkirk High.
To support return travel to the popular Fringe by the Sea, an additional late-night service will operate from North Berwick to Edinburgh until Sunday, 11 August. On Thursday to Saturday, the last train will leave North Berwick at 0001, with an earlier departure time of 2220 on Sundays.
With services expected to be busier than usual, extra carriages will also be added to key trains to and from the capital city to destinations in central Scotland.

ScotRail is strongly advising customers to plan ahead and check their journey the day before travelling by using the ScotRail app. Retail systems will be updated by Friday, 9 August.

With thousands of festivalgoers heading to the capital during August, there may be additional queues at some stations for train tickets. Purchasing in advance can save time at the station, and train tickets are available to buy before you board as an mTicket via the ScotRail app.

Extra staff will be on hand to make sure everything goes smoothly, and the train operator is also reminding everyone that the carrying and consumption of alcohol is prohibited on ScotRail trains and in ScotRail stations.

Phil Campbell, ScotRail Customer Operations Director, said:

“This is another busy weekend for travel across Scotland’s Railway and we are doing everything we can to help customers get to the football match at Hampden and the events in Edinburgh.

“Customers are reminded that with the temporary timetable currently in place, there are fewer services than normal in operation. But to support both the football at the national stadium and the Edinburgh Festivals, we’ve made changes to our services, including extra seats and services and late-night trains to get people to and from Edinburgh.

“With trains expected to be busier than usual, we’re encouraging everyone to allow extra time for travel, and check their journey in advance via our online journey planner.

“Buying return tickets before you board using our mTicket system on our mobile app will help your journey run smoothly.”

08/08/2024

Public Consultation on Proposed Changes at Carnoustie Golf Links



Angus Council is seeking views on proposed changes at Carnoustie Golf Links.



These changes affect who will manage and operate the golf courses at Carnoustie. Access for local golfers will continue to be protected.



Carnoustie Golf Links Management Committee has developed a proposal intended to preserve access for local golfers at a fair price for the long term, while also seeking to maintain Carnoustie’s status as a venue for major competitions such as The Open Championship.



To begin Phase 1, and to work towards delivering its ambition, CGLMC is proposing to commission a separate operating company (owned by private investors) called Carnoustie Golf Heritage and Hospitality Group Limited (CGHH) to undertake the day-to-day management of Carnoustie Golf Links on its behalf for the remaining period of the Management Agreement which expires in 2033. This separate company already owns and runs the Carnoustie Golf Hotel. CGLMC’s proposal will therefore allow the golf courses and golf hotel to be managed and operated together by one entity.



The operating company (as CGLMC’s investment partner) has plans for significant investment in golf and hotel facilities in Carnoustie which would be delivered as part of a long-term vision to develop the hotel and the course in order to attract major golf events to Carnoustie.



Those long-term investment plans (Phase 2) would be subject to a separate public consultation once they are fully developed.



The survey, open to all, is available from today – Thursday 8 August – until Wednesday 18 September 2024.



The survey is available on Engage Angus online, where full details of the proposed changes can be found.



Two informal drop-in events have been scheduled to take place during the consultation period. Representatives from Angus Council, CGLMC and their investment partners will be available to answer questions about the consultation and changes being proposed at Carnoustie Links.



Public Drop-in Event 1

Date: Tuesday 13th August 2024

Venue: Carnoustie Golf Hotel – please come to the reception area

Time: come along anytime between 2pm and 5pm



Public Drop-in Event 2

Date: Wednesday 4th September 2024

Venue: Carnoustie Golf Hotel – please come to the reception area

Time: come along anytime between 4pm and 7pm



The results of the consultation will be used to inform decisions to be made by Angus Councillors on whether to agree to what CGLMC is proposing.

06/08/2024

SCOTLAND’S YOUTH ARTS OPEN FUND LAUNCHES SECOND ROUND OF NATIONAL FUNDING


A new round of the Youth Arts Open Fund has been launched today. The fund, worth almost half a million pounds, will support children and young people living in poverty and those who face significant barriers to opportunity.



Using arts and creativity to engage children and young people has a huge impact on their learning, mental health, and development, and builds their confidence and skills. Applications are being invited from projects and artists in your local area.



The Youth Arts Open Fund is administered by YouthLink Scotland (the national agency for youth work in Scotland) and is funded by the Scottish Government through Creative Scotland. The purpose of the Youth Arts Open Fund is to support freelance artists or organisations seeking funding so that they can deliver high-quality and accessible arts activity for children and young people, prioritising those who have traditionally found it hardest to access such opportunities.



Freelance artists can apply for funding up to £8k and organisations can apply for funding of up to £15k, to deliver up to 12 months of arts activity.



Awards from the fund will be made to freelance artists or to creative, third sector, or youth work organisations who are based in Scotland, experienced in working with children and young people. Funding should be used to support the delivery of free community-based arts activities for children and young people living in Scotland.



Freelance artists and organisations in your community are encouraged to apply for funding to support creative projects for young people. Applications can be made through the YouthLink Scotland website at https://www.youthlink.scot/national-grant-programmes/youth-arts-open-fund/.



Don't miss this opportunity to bring high-quality arts experiences to children and young people in your area.



Colin Bradie, Head of Creative Learning at Creative Scotland said:



“This fund ensures children and young people benefit from high-quality and accessible arts experiences in their communities, targeting those who have traditionally found it hardest to access such opportunities. We are delighted to be working with YouthLink Scotland again to not only ensure the funding reaches children and young people across Scotland, but also to introduce a youth-led funding decision process, to ensure the projects are selected by young people, for young people. We therefore welcome the Scottish Government’s continued support for the Youth Arts Open Fund.”



Commenting, Jane Dailly, National Grants Manager for YouthLink Scotland, said:



“The role of the Arts in broadening young people’s horizons should never be underestimated. It is often through the power of creative experiences that young people realise there is a positive path in life and they can achieve their ambitions despite difficult circumstances they may face. The continuation of the Youth Arts Open Fund, supported by the Scottish Government, is an investment in the next generation and a mark of a society that values all its young people and their role in our creative industries.”



The deadline for applications is 5th September 2024.



You can apply via the YouthLink Scotland website: https://www.youthlink.scot/national-grant-programmes/youth-arts-open-fund/

The Youth Arts Open Fund provides small amounts of funding for the delivery of arts activities for children and young people.

06/08/2024

Vibrant Communities Community Programme of Support 2024/25



Only one week to go until the Vibrant Communities Drop in Meet the Funder event, everyone is welcome to attend the event although the event is aimed at groups, organisations, including registered charities.



When: Tuesday 13 August 2024.

Where: The Webster Memorial Theatre, 64 High Street, Arbroath, DD11 1AW

Time: 11:00 -15:00



Vibrant Communities Team will be in the foyer to meet you and we look forward to hearing about your projects.



We are delighted to have the funders below attending our event, attendees will be able to meet with Officers to hear more about their funding priorities and discuss potential applications.

• National Lottery Community Fund

• Angus Rural Partnership

• NHS Tayside Charitable Foundation

• Historic Environment Scotland

• Scottish Land Fund

• Voluntary Action Angus – Social Enterprise Support

• Sportsscotland



Although this is a drop in event to give us an indication of numbers please can you let us know if you are planning to attend by registering here:

For groups and organisations, including registered charities, constituted charity groups.   Attendees will be able to speak wit...

05/08/2024

One month left to nominate your councillors for the 2024 Cllr Awards
Your councillors could be in line for a national award at the 2024 Local Government Information Unit (LGIU) and CCLA Cllr Awards – the only national ceremony that celebrates the outstanding contributions of councillors across England, Wales, and Scotland.



For the 15th year, the Cllr Awards will once again shine a light on the achievements of local elected representatives who have made a tangible impact in their communities. Nominations are open to anyone – whether you’re a member of the public, a fellow councillor, or a council officer – who wishes to acknowledge a councillor’s exceptional commitment to improving their community and achieving remarkable results over the past year.



The 2024 Cllr Awards has five categories: Community Champion, Leader of the Year, Young Councillor of the Year, Innovator of the Year and Lifetime Legend. Nominations close on Friday 13 September 2024, and the shortlisted candidates will be announced in the autumn.



Submitting a nomination is free and takes just eight minutes. Applicants must provide details about the nominated councillor, outlining why they deserve recognition and how their initiatives have positively impacted the community.



Winners in England & Wales will be announced at the illustrious Guildhall in London on Wednesday 20 November while winners in Scotland will be revealed at the esteemed City Chambers in Edinburgh on Thursday 14 November.



For more information and to submit your nomination, please visit the official website.

02/08/2024

NHS 24

Get a handle on your hay fever

As pollen levels continue to fluctuate through the summer season, NHS 24 is sharing advice on how to safely manage hay fever as part of their summer health campaign.

The common allergic reaction is caused by pollen irritating the nose, throat, eyes, and sinuses. Symptoms are often like those of a cold, and can include frequent sneezing, a runny or blocked nose, itchy, red, or watery eyes, an itchy throat, mouth, nose and ears, and a cough.

“Hay fever is common, and it can affect up to 1 in 5 people at any point in their lifetime,” explains Dr John McAnaw, Associate Clinical Director at NHS 24.

“While it is not a life-threatening condition, there is no cure for it, and it can make those who have the condition feel quite miserable through the summer months.”

NHS 24 manages NHS inform which is Scotland’s online health information service. The site includes more information on how to self-manage hay fever through its online symptom checker and where to seek further help if required.

Dr McAnaw continues,

“There are some simple things you can do yourself to lessen your symptoms of hay fever.

“If you need to be outside, it can help to wear wraparound sunglasses, and apply a small amount of Vaseline (petroleum gel) to your nostrils to stop pollen getting in your eyes and nose. It also good idea to take a shower and change your clothes after being outdoors to remove the pollen on your body.

“If you continue to struggle with the symptoms of hay fever speak to your local pharmacist, who can give you information on over-the-counter medicines that are suitable for you. If your hay fever is persistent, severe, or it causes complications with any other illnesses such as asthma, you should contact your GP for further advice.

“The most effective way to control hay fever would be to avoid pollen completely, but this would be near enough impossible to do in the summer months. If you struggle particularly with hay fever and the pollen count is high, you might want to consider staying indoors as much as possible.”

More information on the pollen count can be found by visiting the Met Office’s pollen forecast page on their website.

Yolanda Clewlow is the Met Office’s Relationships Manager for Health and Air Quality, and the UK Pollen Forecast Manager. She said:

“We’re constantly monitoring what’s in the atmosphere and what might be coming in terms of pollen in the air. We look at a very broad picture for the pollen outlook, including the weather in the previous year when pollen is formed on some plants to make a judgement on how heavy a season might be for pollen release. Rain, wind, temperature, and sunshine all affect how much pollen will be produced and how much it will be dispersed.

“The first thing to do is to make sure you understand the type of pollen you’re allergic to and monitor the Met Office pollen forecast. That way, you know when the very high days of pollen are coming, and you can take precautions to try and avoid it.”

Find out more about NHS 24’s summer health campaign