A house in the New Town designed by Richard Murphy Architects has won the accolade of RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) House of the Year. The unusual property in Hart Street is architect Richard Murpy’s own home and the house beat off strong competition to win the coveted award. Continue reading New Town dwelling is RIBA Home of the Year
MSP for Edinburgh Northern and Leith Ben Macpherson, has been championing a new local credit union, Castle Community Bank, and opened his own savings account with the community bank yesterday.
The new bank was formed in July when two long-established Credit Unions, North Edinburgh Credit Union and Craigmillar, merged and by expanding across the entire EH postcode area the bank aims to introduce innovative and pioneering ways of conducting traditional financial core services.
Chair of the credit union, Rev Iain May of South Leith Parish Church and Ben Macpherson MSP are highlighting the benefits and security of community banks, like Castle Community Bank, this Christmas.
As the Christmas countdown draws to a close, many families can feel that their only option is to put ‘Christmas On Credit’, and for lower income families, this can be very expensive. High cost lenders and hire purchase retailers may be seen as their only option. Castle Community Bank aims to combat high cost borrowing by offering affordable rates to all, especially at times when people need money the most – Christmas.
In a recent survey 17% of Scots admitted to feeling worried about how much they have borrowed, with 6% feeling trapped in a cycle of debt, and often those who need money the most are those who have to pay the highest rates.
Ben Macpherson, a member of The Scottish Parliament’s Cross Party Group on Credit Unions, commends Castle Community Bank’s ethos to break the debt cycle and make financial services accessible to all across the EH postcodes.
Yesterday he visited Castle Community Bank’s office in Wardieburn to show his support, and said: “Castle Community Bank focuses on affordable financial provision rather than on profit. I am proud to open a savings account with them to help encourage this type of ethical banking in Edinburgh, as well as across Scotland.
“Christmas is the time of year where individuals, families and communities can come together, but it can also be a financially challenging time for some. Castle Community Bank can support families in Edinburgh all year round and especially during this festive period, by helping people avoid the risks involved with borrowing money from irresponsible lenders.”
Chair of the Credit Union Iain May has seen the need for affordable, accessible and applicable credit in his time as minister at South Leith Parish Church. He said: “Christmas is a challenging time for many people, especially when it comes to paying for it. In January when the credit card and other bills land on the door mat, people then realise the true cost of Christmas. Castle Community Bank wants to help folk plan their spending by offering affordable options and want to help people avoid the trap of using high cost lenders, to pay for Christmas.
“Whilst we are different in structure to a traditional High Street bank, we adhere to the same robust regulatory requirements and independent scrutiny aimed at protecting our customer’s interests. Castle Community Bank has taken well over a year to launch, because of the systems we had to adopt. Our core principle is to ensure that the vulnerable in our communities do not have to get caught up in a debt spiral or turn to payday lenders to make ends meet. Residents in Edinburgh will see a significant difference in our approach and I’m sure, will be delighted with what we have to offer.
“Equally, our market research indicated that people across the City would welcome a bank with a strong ethical policy, one that took corporate social responsibility to its heart within every facet of its operation and, importantly, ensures that 100% of all profits were re-invested into the community at all times. On that basis, Castle Community Bank is a bank for all.”
Website www.castlecommunitybank.co.uk
Twitter @castlecombank
Continue reading People before profits: Castle offers refuge from crippling Christmas credit
Britain will provide clean water, food, medical care and blankets to millions of Syrians, including those who have fled Aleppo, been caught up in the current fighting and displaced in neighbouring Jordan, International Development Secretary Priti Patel announced yesterday. Continue reading More UK aid heading to Aleppo
Make this Christmas waste-free
Zero Waste Scotland is calling on Scots to make this Christmas memorable with pre-loved presents and personal style.
Christmas may be the time when most of us put on a few pounds around the middle and lose quite a few from our wallets. While perhaps we may resign ourselves to the first, there is a way to make the second a little less painful – or less wasteful at least.
According to figures from Zero Waste Scotland, Scots are expected to send more than 95 million Christmas cards this year; that’s enough to fill over 13,000 wheelie bins. Meanwhile around 19,000 miles of wrapping paper will be used across the country – enough to wrap the coast of mainland Scotland more than two and a half times. And that’s not even including food waste, with more than 50,000 tonnes of food and drink expected to be binned in Scotland during the month of December alone.
Scots are being encouraged to make Christmas 2016 a waste-conscious one by taking into account simple considerations when doing their shopping – thinking about how they will use up excess food and considering whether the cards and wrapping they buy can be recycled or re-used.
When it comes to gifts, buying trends are edging towards waste-free alternatives. The popularity of gift experiences continues to grow, with practical presents such as upcycling, sewing classes and repair skills appealing as equally as adventure gifts and spa days to those keen for a more meaningful gesture. Meanwhile new leasing and borrowing options are emerging, with trendy presents such as leasing Lego and tool library memberships providing unique and useful gifts for a wide range of ages and interests.
Iain Gulland, Chief Executive of Zero Waste Scotland, said: “Giving Christmas presents is such an enjoyable thing to do, and no-one likes the idea of them going to waste. Scotland is really leading the way on growing the circular economy, so it’s fantastic to see gift options emerging that let people give more meaningful presents that are unique and better for the environment.”
For inspiration on finding waste-free or waste reducing gifts this Christmas, see our 10 tips below:
Buy pre-loved
Visit second-hand shops to find unique gifts that are built to last. Check out our list of Revolve certified stores – Scotland’s national re-use quality standard for retailers
Make memories
Go for an experience – like gig tickets, a fancy meal out, a hot air balloon trip or spa day – rather than material things for an unforgettable gift.
Add a personal touch
Tailor your wrapping paper by personality and give your gifts some flair. Wrap your fashionable friend’s gift using an old copy of Vogue, for example, or re-use old comics to wrap kids’ Christmas presents.
Make things last
Cut down on paper waste by sending e-cards or buying cards made from recycled paper.
Add value
Give someone the gift that keeps on giving. Memberships or courses, such as sewing, upholstery or bike maintenance, give people the chance to develop a skill as well as indulging in a hobby or passion.
Pay it forward
Received a gift you don’t need but don’t want to ask for the receipt? Return it for an exchange, re-gift it if someone else would love it, sell it online or feel great and donate it to charity.
Combine and conquer
Have fun, save money and get a gift you actually want with a friends and family Secret Santa. Put names in a hat along with a hint of what you would like.
Make your own
Get creative and give someone a one of a kind gift. Are you a keen cook? Cakes, jams and chutneys can make useful and thoughtful presents, and cut down on food waste.
Shop smart
Plan your meals before you go food shopping. Writing a list makes sure you don’t overbuy saves you money and prevents food waste.
Be green
Opt for solar power outdoor lights where possible and remember to turn your Christmas lights off when you’re out or in bed.
For more inspiration on unusual eco-friendly gifts, from a remanufactured Polaroid camera to leasing Lego, visit the Zero Waste Scotland website.
