New Scottish galleries reach half a million visitors since opening

New Scottish galleries reach half a million visitors since opening

Victoria Leckie along with Ella, 8, and William, 7, were welcomed as the 500,000th visitors to the new Scottish galleries. Photo credit Nick Mailer.

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National Galleries of Scotland is celebrating an incredible half a million visitors to the new Scottish galleries in Edinburgh, just seven months after opening. The Leckie family were thrilled to be the 500,000th visitors through the doors on Friday 3 May. Victoria Leckie along with Ella, 8, and William, 7, were welcomed to the new galleries with balloons and goodie bags.

Victoria said: ‘I can’t believe it! I thought you were joking! We have just moved to Edinburgh from South Africa a month ago, so it feels even more unbelievable. We came to explore the gallery and take the kids to the Family Friday event, so this is all very exciting and unexpected.’

The highly anticipated new Scottish galleries at the National opened to the public on 30 September 2023 to rave reviews, showcasing the very best of historic Scottish art from 1800 to 1945. A free experience for everyone to enjoy right in the heart of Edinburgh’s city centre, the new spaces have been a roaring success, transforming the visitor experience and making the National more accessible than ever before.

Prior to the opening of the new Scottish galleries only 19% of visitors to the National gallery made their way to the former Scottish wing. However, since the opening of the new Scottish galleries this has increased to an amazing 62% of people now enjoying the exceptional artworks on display.

With 12 breathtaking galleries to explore, visitors can dive into dramatic landscapes, encounter iconic images and be wowed by art. Spectacular views over the city entice visitors to come in and discover their national collection of art and the pioneering Scottish artists that created them. Whether immersing themselves in the highly Romantic paintings of the Scottish Highlands, on a day out with the family, or just enjoying the views, all are welcome to come and discover their national collection.

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Almost four in ten homes in England are without a carbon monoxide alarm, according to the latest government data, prompting heating experts at Ideal Heating to urge households to make gas safety a priority as autumn approaches. The latest English Housing Survey shows that 62% of homes had a carbon monoxide alarm, leaving a significant proportion without one. With around three-quarters of UK households relying on a gas boiler as their main source of heating, millions could benefit from reviewing their gas safety measures before temperatures fall. As households prepare to rely more heavily on their heating as temperatures fall, experts at Ideal Heating are using Gas Safety Week (14th–20th September) to remind them of the steps they can take to stay safe around gas appliances. From keeping on top of annual checks to recognising the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning, Ideal Heating has shared five things every household should know. Perform annual checks and maintenance Keeping on top of regular checks and maintenance is one of the simplest measures you can take to ensure your home is gas safe. This includes: An Annual Boiler Check Servicing your boiler once a year will not only keep the warranty intact but also ensure it is running smoothly and efficiently. If you haven’t serviced your boiler already this year, Ideal Heating recommend doing so as soon as possible while demand is lower, as boiler servicing and repairs begin to pick up over the colder months. An Annual Gas Safety Check This involves an inspection of relevant gas appliances in your home and should be carried out by a Gas Safe-registered Engineer. If you’re renting your property, your landlord should ensure that these checks are performed every 12 months. This should take only about half an hour and will ensure your appliances are safe and that there are no gas leaks. Typically, these checks are performed together, so you can ensure your home is safe in a single visit. Learn what to do in an emergency Gas is naturally odourless and colourless, so an odorant called mercaptan is added to give it its distinctive sulphur-like or “rotten egg” smell. Acting fast in a gas emergency is vital. If you think you can smell gas, open all the doors and windows in your home to increase ventilation. Then, if it is safe to do so, turn off the gas isolation valve, leave the property, and contact National Emergency Gas Service. Avoid anything that could create a flame or spark, and do not turn the gas on again until the problem has been investigated and you have been told it is safe to do so. Make sure you have a working carbon monoxide alarm It’s important to note that carbon monoxide can also leak from malfunctioning gas appliances, and a carbon monoxide detector should be in place to help detect it. If you have a boiler, stove, or a fuel-burning fireplace, it’s recommended that you have a carbon monoxide alarm in your home. Follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions; it is usually recommended to place the alarm roughly 15 cm away from the ceiling. Regularly test the alarm and batteries to ensure your system is working smoothly. Understand the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning Would you be able to spot the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning? There are 6 key indicators, including: Headaches Dizziness Nausea Breathlessness Collapsing Loss of consciousness If you begin to feel unwell, seek medical assistance immediately, and let them know you may have been exposed to carbon monoxide. Look out for warning signs on your appliances Monitoring your heating system can ensure faults or concerns are addressed immediately. As your heating is used more regularly, pay attention to anything unusual or different in how your appliances operate Look out for any leaks, cracks, or unusual noises from your appliances, and if anything seems out of the ordinary, get it checked by a Gas Safe Engineer.