Category: North Edinburgh News

RHASS calls for stories to contribute to new agricultural and rural legacy initiative

Scotland’s agricultural charity, RHASS (Royal Highland & Agricultural Society of Scotland), which runs The Royal Highland Show, is calling on the people of Scotland and beyond to share their agricultural and rural stories from across the decades in recognition of its 240th anniversary. 

Over the next 12 months, the 240 Years of Stories initiative hopes to bring to life a rich tapestry of tales that relay people’s experiences of rural life, connections and pivotal moments within the agricultural community to celebrate the past, present and future of one of Scotland’s leading industries. 

From memories of farming traditions that have evolved from the use of horse and cart to machinery, to reflections of farmland being handed down to sons and daughters, to relaying fantastical stories of wins, losses and experiences of attending Scotland’s leading agriculture show, the Royal Highland Show, RHASS is keen to hear from anyone who has a connection to the agriculture or rural community and charity.  

One such story that has already been shared with RHASS, is that of James Logan, who lives at Athelstaneford Mains near North Berwick, farming arable and potatoes. 

James is a third-generation farmer who was born in 1965. He took over the farm from his father, Willie Logan, in 1990, and developed it from a mixed farm which his grandfather, John, started in 1931, to what it is known for today.  

James’ father Willie is now 92 and lives just seven miles away at Samuelston South Mains. Willie’s own story of living and farming through the years features on the OnRecord – Memories of Rural Life, from the makers of the  OnFarm podcast who are a partner of the 240 Years of Stories initiative. 

Like his dad who was a Director with RHASS, James too has been a Director for RHASS for several years. James will also take on the mantle as Chairman of RHASS in the summer, where he will help lead the strategy of the organisation for the next two years. 

James lives at Athelstaneford Mains with his wife, Elinor. Elinor started The Veg Shed, a veg shop with a difference which was started to diversify the farm by offering fresh potatoes, eggs and vegetables from a vending machine.

He said: “Being born on the farm, and having come from a line of farmers, you could say I was always destined to become a farmer. While I toyed with other occupations, my love of the countryside and admiration of what my father did within farming prevailed and after studying agriculture at university, I knew that farming was the right path for me.  
 
“Unlike my father who had and continues to have a great eye for cattle, when I took over the farm, I knew I wanted to run it differently. My dad was very supportive of me changing the format of the farm to focus on potatoes and arable.  We worked together for many years before his semi-retirement developing our crops and the business, so we have lots of fond memories of the highs and lows of running the business.  

“The way I view the future of the farm is that I’m the custodian of my land for a very short while. I have a son and a daughter, who may or may not take over one day, and so I’ve really encouraged them to find their own path to discover what their future looks like. My son, Hamish, studied agriculture too and is currently a food and farming consultant for Savills. He is involved in the young farmers community like I was.  

“My daughter, Anna, has just become a Chartered Accountant, so while neither of them are currently working on the farm full time, they are part of our succession plan. When they takeover, then they will be armed with a broad range of life skills and know-how that will only help to contribute towards future-proofing the land. 

“There are so many other similar stories out there which stretch across generations in how farmland has evolved, the positive impact people have made to the industry and how the use of land has changed to support the future food or supply requirements of wider society. I hope that others come forward to share their tales and help to create a bank of stories that can be preserved for years to come.”

Commenting on his upcoming Chairman appointment, which James will take on this summer, he said: “I’ve worked closely with RHASS for the last seven years as a director and Honorary Secretary, so it’s an honour to be taking on the mantle as chairman to help support the direction of the charity over the coming two years, especially during their anniversary year. 

“It will be fantastic to be working even more closely with the team in helping guide activity around the rural economy, the bursaries and grants the charity offers and what more we can do to support local agricultural shows which is the starting point for those competitors who join us at the Royal Highland Show every June.” 

Willie Logan farmed from 1953, when his father died, to 1990 when James took over. He said: “My memories of farming stem back to when horsepower helped plough the fields and when we used hessian sacks which belonged to the railway company to store and transport stock across the country.

“I even remember picking turnip crops in the winter with my bare hands and having to warm them up under the tap to be able to eat my lunch! 

“While my passion was cattle, my father was a great Clydesdale man and bred and showed horses around the country. 

“I have lived and breathed farming my entire life, even meeting my wife at the Royal Highland Show in Aberdeen when it used to tour the country,  and I have many stories and tales, or some might say words of wisdom, to tell. I’m so delighted that RHASS is capturing these personal stories for the wider community and future generations to enjoy.” 

Hamish Logan, James’ son, 27, studied agriculture at Harper Adams University and is a food and farming consultant for Savills. He said: “After university, my plan was always to work away from the farm for a while so that I could experience working for other companies and learn from other business leaders.  

“What’s great about my current role is that I get to blend the world of work and business with farming. I get to experience being in an office and being out and about in rural settings and visiting farms to learn more about how they’re managed.  

“In the future, I would like to think that I could continue the success that my dad and grandpa have had on our farm. I’m not sure how that looks right now, but being able to continue building the business into the future is a wonderful ambition to aim for.” 

The society’s involvement in supporting both the agricultural and wider community of Scotland stretches from providing financial aid for a newly invented plough to help manage Highland farmland in the late 1700s, to helping to improve milk supply in the early 1900s and leading The Scottish Red Cross Agriculture Fund during the war. 

Throughout its history it has been committed to rewarding excellence and innovation within the sector through awards and grants. It has also supported The Argyll Naval Fund to support boys who had succeeded in gaining a reserved place in the Royal Navy in the 1800s and for 70 years, the society worked with the Scottish Government to support the health and wellbeing of the residents of St Kilda. 

It is hoped that the stories shared as part of 240 Years of Stories will help RHASS connect the stories it receives to its enduring support and commitment to the industry over the past two centuries. 

Alan Laidlaw, RHASS Chief Executive added: “RHASS was formed two hundred and forty years ago and while the organisation has evolved tremendously since then, the very reason RHASS continues to exist today hasn’t changed; and that is to champion agriculture and support those who live and work within it.

“It’s those who have a connection with the sector and industry that we’d love to hear from.   

“Whether you were brought up on a farm, have family who own a farm or have historic tales of generations gone by who worked within the sector and contributed in some way to the industry, we’d love to hear your stories. In gathering tales old and new, we can help preserve these stories so that two hundred and forty years from now, future generations can learn and enjoy what has gone before them.” 

The stories shared with RHASS will be taken forward in collaboration with the OnRecord – Memories of Rural Life, makers of OnFarm podcast The Scotsman Publications (National World). 

Children in Edinburgh in invited to Ziggy Storytelling Show

Free road safety events held at Cameron Toll Shopping Centre on 10 and 11 April

Local children visiting Cameron Toll Shopping Centre in Edinburgh on 10 and 11 April will be treated to a special storytelling show with the loveable Road Safety Scotland* character Ziggy, to remind them of the importance of staying safe on our roads.

The free event is part of a road safety roadshow taking place during the Easter school holidays, designed to equip young children with the skills, knowledge and attitudes to help keep them safe on our roads, both now and later in life.

Together with Ziggy – an alien visiting Earth to learn about road safety – children will enjoy a fun, interactive storytelling show which brings to life important road safety messages. Exciting giveaways will also be available, including a Ziggy storybook.

The sessions will run six times a day on 10 and 11 April starting at 10.30am and hourly until the last session at 3.30pm. In between shows children can enjoy some colouring in to keep them entertained during the school holidays.

Claire Jefcoate, Centre Manager at Cameron Toll said: “We are delighted to welcome Ziggy to Cameron Toll for these fun and lively school holiday sessions – a great way for children and families to learn about road safety together.

“I’m sure our youngest visitors will love the interactive storytelling show and be excited to meet Ziggy in person!”

Debbie Nicol, Assistant Director, Road Safety Scotland, said: “It is important that children are immersed in positive road safety attitudes from a young age, both in the classroom and at home.

“Ziggy is a fun character with an important role and activities like this will help put invaluable skills into practice and create lasting memories.”

Written by children’s author Lynda Kennedy and illustrated by Lynn Taylor, the Go Safe with Ziggy books are freely available to all Early Learning and Childcare centres and Primary 1 classes in Scotland, and parents and teachers have access to online resources and activity ideas. The Ziggy series is also available in Scots and Gaelic.

Books can be ordered on roadsafety.scot/ziggy-order.

This Easter break, Ziggy will be visiting shopping centres in Kilmarnock, Greenock, Glasgow and Edinburgh.

Details are available on Road Safety Scotland’s social media channels: Facebook @roadsafetyscotland and Twitter @RoadSafetyScot.

For more information about Go Safe with Ziggy, visit roadsafety.scot/ziggy-online.

SEPA warns of Sunday storm surge across coastal areas

18 Regional Flood Alerts and 42 Local Flood Warnings remain

  • On Sunday and Monday significant flooding to coastal areas remains possible – in particular in the Western Isles and Orkney due to high tides, surge and waves.
  • Danger to life, property flooding, flooding of roads and disruption to infrastructure is possible.
  • On Tuesday, significant flooding from rivers and surface water is possible in southern, central and north-eastern areas, with coastal flooding continuing due to high sprint tides.

Janine Hensman, SEPA’s Flood Duty Manager, said: “Across Sunday, we’ll continue to see high tides, storm surge and large waves across coastal areas. This combination is particularly dangerous – especially around high tides.

“There is real danger to life from wave overtopping, particularly around causeways, coastal roads and paths.  While the risk is greatest around high tide times, our message is clear :  take extra care if you are near the coast at any point and stay well clear of waves and water.  Be careful when travelling around exposed coastal areas and don’t walk or drive through flood water as there may be hidden hazards.

“Whilst Storm Kathleen will ease on Sunday evening, another weather system is on the way.  Significant flooding from rivers and surface water is possible in southern, central and north-eastern areas on Tuesday, with coastal flooding continuing due to high spring tides.

“Flood Alerts and Warnings are in place so stay up to date though our website. We will continue to work with the Met Office to monitor the situation 24/7 and review regional Flood Alerts and local Flood Warnings as required.

“We advise people to sign up to Floodline to receive free updates for where they live, or travel through, directly to their phone. People can also check our flood updates for all the latest information and view the three-day Scottish Flood Forecast to see what conditions are expected further ahead.” 

Be prepared

  • Check the Scottish Flood Forecast - developed in partnership with the Met Office, it provides the earliest indication possible of when and where flooding is expected over the next three days, and whether the source is from rivers, surface water or the sea.
  • Sign up to Floodline and receive free flood messages letting you know when the area where you live, work or travel through is at risk of flooding.  
  • Create a flood plan which includes knowing how to shut off your gas, water and electricity supplies.  
  • Consider installing flood protection at your home.

Stay safe

  • Follow the advice of emergency responders.
  • Don’t walk through flood water – 15cm of fast flowing water could be enough to knock you off your feet and hazards can be hidden under the water.    
  • Drive with care, and do not travel through deep fast flowing water. It only takes 30cm of fast flowing water to move an average family sized car.    
  • If you’re walking beside rivers be extra careful of wet footpaths and small watercourses.    
  • Stay away from flooded promenades and crashing waves around the coast.
  • Consider deploying flooding protection products if required.

Stay informed

Difference between Alert and Warning

  • We use forecast weather information provided by the Met Office combined with our own observation of rainfall and river levels and advanced hydrological modelling to provide advance warning of flooding.    
  • Regional Flood Alerts are early advice that flooding is possible across a wider geographical area. The purpose of the Alerts is to make people aware of the risk of flooding and be prepared. We normally issue them 12 to 24 hours in advance of the possibility of flooding.    
  • Flood Warnings are more locally specific and are issued for areas where we have forecast models and or monitoring. They are issued at shorter notice when we are more certain that a specific area will be affected.

Workers backed by new employment protections

  • New legislation, including three Government backed cross party Acts, come into force today
  • This comes alongside tax cuts of £900 a year for the average worker, an increase to the National Living Wage, and the introduction of free childcare for working parents

Pregnant women and new parents will now receive special treatment in a redundancy situation, as a suite of new laws are introduced – delivering the Government’s plan to support families and back hardworking Brits.

New laws will protect workers by strengthening existing redundancy protections to cover pregnancy and a period of time after parents return to work.

The Government-backed package of Acts will also boost support to vulnerable workers offering greater flexibility and confidence to workers and businesses – to help galvanise productivity, help grow the economy and tackle inactivity.

Families today receive new employment protections, including redundancy protections for pregnant women and new parents and a new leave entitlement for unpaid carers. In addition, there will be new flexible paternity leave and pay for parents of babies due on or after 6 April. 

Against a backdrop of skills and labour shortages, these measures will help businesses to attract and retain talented staff. The measures also support groups more likely to fall out of the workforce, such as parents and disabled people, enabling them to thrive in the workplace.

This comes alongside measures to make work pay – cutting taxes by £900 a year for the average worker, increasing the National Living Wage from £10.42 an hour to £11.44, and introducing free childcare for working parents worth £6,900 a year.

Business Minister, Kevin Hollinrake said:

Whether you’re a new parent trying to juggle work commitments with a newborn or a pregnant woman balancing the pressures of work and life, or looking after a disabled or elderly family member while working, these new laws will give families greater security and flexibility.

From childcare commitments to hospital appointments, the measures coming in today means more flexibility over where and when you work,   supporting workers across the UK.

These measures are good business sense too, helping firms to attract more talent, increase retention and improve workforce diversity.

Protecting and enhancing workers’ rights whilst supporting businesses to grow remains a priority for this government and a dynamic labour helps to drive up wages, employment and economic growth.

This runs alongside new laws that give workers across Britain more flexibility over where and when they work, unless there are business reasons not to, as the Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Act comes into force.

This means employees now have the right to request reasonable flexible working from their first day of employment, with those requests subject to business approval, and delivers on a 2019 Manifesto commitment to encourage flexible working.

In addition, new measures require employers to consult with their employee before rejecting a request for flexible working. The employee will have the right to two requests a year – with employers needing to respond within two months, down from three.

Minister for Employment, Jo Churchill said:

We know that for some people balancing work with caring responsibilities can be a challenge. To help them and employers the changes we are announcing today will support even more people to find a job that works with their commitments.

Being in work is the best way to get on and our £2.5bn Back to Work Plan offers unprecedented support to help more than a million people find, stay and succeed in work.

Workers will from today benefit from the following new protections:

  • Additional redundancy protection for pregnant women and new parents with the extension of existing redundancy protections to cover pregnancy and a period of time after parents return to work.
  • A new entitlement to a week of leave for unpaid carers who are caring for a dependant with a long-term care need. This will enable carers to better balance their caring and work responsibilities, supporting them to remain in employment.
  • Changes to Paternity Leave introduce greater flexibility in how and when the leave can be taken.  It can now be taken at any time in the first year of the child’s life and it no longer needs to be taken in a single block of one or two weeks
  • An improved flexible working entitlement, supported by a revised Acas Statutory Code of Practice, requiring employers to consider and discuss any requests made by their employee – who will have the right to two requests a year – within two months of a request, down from three.

Joeli Brearley, Founder and CEO, Pregnant Then Screwed, said:

A significant number of new mums are pushed out of their job because they are seen as less committed to their role or a burden to business, the impact can be catastrophic for women and their families.

Extending redundancy protections to pregnant women and parents returning from leave is a vital step towards reducing pregnancy and maternity discrimination.

These new laws will help to increase workforce participation, protect vulnerable workers, and level the playing field by ensuring unscrupulous businesses don’t have a competitive advantage and deliver on our priority to grow the economy.

As well as clear benefits to workers, the measures are also good for British business. Research has shown companies that embrace flexible working can attract more talent, improve staff motivation and reduce staff turnover – boosting their business’s productivity and competitiveness.

CIPD research shows that 6 percent of employees changed jobs last year specifically due to a lack of flexible options and 12 percent left their profession altogether due to a lack of flexibility within the sector. This represents almost 2 and 4 million workers respectively.

Peter Cheese, chief executive of the CIPD, said:

The CIPD has been pleased to feed into the development of these legislative changes which will benefit millions of workers and enable them to better balance their work and home lives, and responsibilities. 

At the same time, these changes will support employers’ efforts to recruit and retain a more diverse workforce by providing more flexibility and support to people with different needs due to ill health or caring responsibilities for example.

This package of new laws builds on the UK’s flexible and dynamic labour market and gives businesses the confidence to create jobs and invest in their workforce, allowing them to generate long-term economic growth.

Usher Hall retains five-star status

The Usher Hall has further cemented its reputation as the Capital’s foremost concert hall with a five-star quality rating from VisitScotland as part of its Quality Assurance Scheme.

The report, compiled during anonymous visits by VisitScotland inspectors, particularly praised the hospitality, friendliness, service, and efficiency of colleagues alongside the general core experience and cleanliness of the venue. This marks fourteen consecutive years of Usher Hall being awarded five-star status by Scotland’s national tourism organisation.

The Usher Hall is Edinburgh’s key venue for visiting national and international orchestras and has been the main venue for the Edinburgh International Festival since 1947.

The venue is the Edinburgh home to the Royal Scottish National Orchestra. The Hall is also a centre of excellence embracing the widest range of music and events, including rock, pop, jazz, world, blues, comedy, talks, school concerts, conferences, sponsorship events, ceremonies, lectures and recording sessions. The concert hall is renowned for its acoustics making it one of the finest in Europe. 

Since opening in 1914, the Usher Hall has played host to some of the most important cultural icons in world history. From David Bowie to Johnny Cash, Ella Fitzgerald, the Rolling Stones, Sergei Rachmaninoff, Adele and countless more this is a venue that has a central role in Edinburgh’s cultural landscape. 

Last year, the Usher Hall welcomed almost 300,000 visitors and this year’s programme is well underway, featuring performances from Underworld, Richard Hawley, Squeeze and many more. Visit the Usher Hall’s website for more information.

Culture and Communities Convener, Councillor Val Walker said: “We’re very proud that the Usher Hall has once again been recognised as one of the best venues in Scotland.

“It has held a five-star VisitScotland award rating each and every year since 2010 and this is testament to the hard work of colleagues who ensure that everyone who visits the Hall has an excellent experience. They have my profound thanks for their dedication and commitment to arts and culture in our city.

“Here in Edinburgh, we’re committed to maintaining the very best cultural facilities for our residents and visitors to enjoy. I’m sure that the Usher Hall will continue to go from strength to strength.”

Neil Christison, Regional Director at VisitScotland, said: “The Usher Hall is an important part of Edinburgh’s musical heritage, and its visitor experience is just as memorable as those icons of music and theatre who have graced its stage.

“For years, the venue has set a high watermark for customer service in the city. This is down to its dedicated staff who have excelled in ensuring visitors have a fantastic day or night out.

“By providing an exceptional visitor experience, the Usher Hall is contributing towards our national goal of making Scotland a world-class destination.”

NEA Easter Event tomorrow

🐰Join us for a Free Family Easter Event tomorrow Monday 8 April, between 10am – 12pm at West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre🐣

Enjoy arts and crafts, an exciting Easter egg hunt, and some refreshments. Don’t miss this family-friendly Easter break fun, simply come along and join us Monday morning. 🌸

For more information, please contact the NEA Link Up Team at 07493 876 130.

Islamic Relief supports the Association of Scottish Muslims to help vulnerable communities during Ramadan

The cost-of-living crisis has put a significant strain on families during Ramadan, and people in Edinburgh have been struggling. 

The food pack distribution is part of a wider initiative by the Embassy of the State of Qatar and Islamic Relief to distribute 2,000 food parcels and 10,500 cooked meals across the UK for the duration of the holy month.  

Food is being delivered through 15 of Islamic Relief’s partners such as local organisations, food banks, mosques and football club foundations from London to Edinburgh. Partners include: East London Mosque, Newham community Project, Sufra, City Retreat, Himmah, Luton Foodbank, Association of Scottish Muslim – Blackhall Mosque, Give a gift, Finsbury Park Mosque, and Renaisi. 

Photos of the signing of the agreement that took place earlier in March with The Embassy of the State of Qatar and IslamicRelief can be found here 

Tufail Hussain, director of Islamic Relief UK stated: “Poverty in the UK has been exacerbated by years of cost-of-living crisis, and families are struggling more than ever to put food on the table. It is imperative more than ever to come together as a community and support one another. 

“To alleviate the challenges people have been facing, the Embassy of Qatar and Islamic Relief is working together to reach even more struggling families here in the UK this Ramadan as we have done with the Association of Scottish Muslims at Blackhall Mosque. 

“Charity is a major part of the Islamic faith, and Ramadan is the time when we see this huge outpour of support for others. We are proud to be collaborating with the Qatari embassy to help make a difference.” 

UK to boost aid support for Gaza

UK Government announces new package of military and civilian support to set up a maritime aid corridor to Gaza

The UK Government is today announcing a package of military and civilian support to set up a maritime aid corridor to Gaza, including the deployment of a Royal Navy ship to join the life-saving mission in the Eastern Mediterranean.  

The ship, alongside new UK aid and British expertise, will support the establishment of an international humanitarian maritime corridor from Cyprus to Gaza, supported by many of our partner governments and the UN, and is expected to be operational in early May.

As well as the Royal Navy ship from the Ministry of Defence , the FCDO is also committing up to £9.7 million for aid deliveries; logistical expertise and equipment support to the corridor, such as forklift trucks and storage units; and expertise, to maximise the levels of aid reaching those people who desperately need it. 

Today marks six months since the devastating October 7 terrorist attacks, and almost a week since British aid workers were killed trying to get life-saving food to those in need. The UK continues to call for an immediate humanitarian pause leading to a sustainable ceasefire, as the fastest way to get hostages safely home and more aid in.

In the meantime, the UK Government is doing everything possible to get more aid into Gaza by land, air and sea. In recent weeks, the Royal Air Force has conducted five airdrops along the coastline of Gaza, safely delivering over 40 tonnes of food supplies, including water, flour and baby formula. 

Supporting the Jordanian humanitarian land corridor from Amman into Gaza and in partnership with the World Food Programme, the UK’s largest delivery of aid crossed the border on 13 March which saw more than 2,000 tonnes of food aid being distributed on the ground to families in need. Land deliveries will now be scaled up with the opening of the Erez crossing, which the UK wants to see reopened permanently. 

A full UK field hospital run by UK-Med is also now fully operational in Gaza and providing life-saving care. It has already treated more than 3,000 people, almost half of them children. 

Foreign Secretary, David Cameron, said: “The situation in Gaza is dire and the prospect of famine is real. We remain committed to getting aid to those who so desperately need it. Along with the US, Cyprus and other partners, we are setting up a new temporary pier off the coast of Gaza to get aid in as quickly and securely as possible.

“Land access remains crucial to deliver aid at the scale now required. The opening of Erez and the Port of Ashdod is hugely welcome and something the UK has long been calling for. Israel has also agreed to increase the number of aid trucks entering Gaza to a minimum of 500 a day. But we need to continue to explore all options, including by sea and air, to ease the desperate plight of some of the world’s most vulnerable people.”

Gazans are facing a devastating humanitarian crisis and there needs to be a significant increase in the volume of vital supplies entering the territory by all routes, as well as changes to ensure aid can safely be delivered on the ground.

Following the killing of World Central Kitchen aid workers last week, the UK government continues to call for urgent reform of deconfliction mechanisms, alongside assurances that guarantee the safety and security of humanitarian aid workers, who work tirelessly on the ground to ensure vital aid supplies reach those who need it most.

The multinational maritime corridor initiative will see tens of thousands of tonnes of aid pre-screened in Cyprus and delivered directly to Gaza, via the new US temporary pier being constructed off the coast or via Ashdod Port, which Israel has now agreed to open. The Prime Minister raised the importance of opening Ashdod to facilitate humanitarian aid earlier this week. 

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps commented: “A Royal Navy ship is now en-route to the Eastern Mediterranean to support international efforts to get life-saving aid to Gaza. 

“The Armed Forces are playing a central role in delivering aid, with the Royal Air Force recently completing five airdrops of food supplies for the people of Gaza. We are now going further, working with international partners to set up a humanitarian maritime corridor from Cyprus to Gaza. A new temporary pier on the coast of Gaza will be critical to supporting these efforts, by hosting cargo ships to deliver aid by sea. 

“I would like to thank all the personnel involved in this effort, working around the clock to help provide critical aid under immensely challenging circumstances.”

British military teams have been embedded with planning teams in the US operational HQ in Tampa as well as in Cyprus for several weeks to jointly develop the safest and most effective maritime route. The UK Hydrographic Office has also shared analysis of the Gazan shore with US planners to help establish the temporary aid pier.

PM statement on six-month anniversary of the October 7th attacks

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, on the six-month anniversary of the October 7th Hamas terror attacks against Israel:

Today marks six months since the terrorist outrage of 7th October – the most appalling attack in Israel’s history, the worst loss of Jewish life since the Second World War. 

Six months later, Israeli wounds are still unhealed. Families still mourn and hostages are still held by Hamas. 

And after six months of war in Gaza, the toll on civilians continues to grow – hunger, desperation, loss of life on an awful scale.

We continue to stand by Israel’s right to defeat the threat from Hamas terrorists and defend their security.

But the whole of the UK is shocked by the bloodshed, and appalled by the killing of brave British heroes who were bringing food to those in need.  

This terrible conflict must end. The hostages must be released. The aid – which we have been straining every sinew to deliver by land, air and sea – must be flooded in.

The children of Gaza need a humanitarian pause immediately, leading to a long-term sustainable ceasefire. That is the fastest way to get hostages out and aid in. and to stop the fighting and loss of life. 

For the good of both Israelis and Palestinians – who all deserve to live in peace, dignity and security – that is what we will keep working to achieve.

An estimated £5 billion in support has been paid throughout Winter to help families with energy costs

Nearly £5 billion of support has been paid to help households with their energy bills this winter  

  • Over £4 billion was paid to pensioners between November and March through the Winter Fuel Payment and Pensioner Cost of Living Payment   
  • An estimated £550 million has been spent this winter as part of the Warm Home Discount to support three million households   
  • Over 1.1 million £25 Cold Weather Payments have been made to households in England and Wales

Halving inflation has ensured everyone’s money goes further, however we remain committed to supporting households across the country with 11.8 million pensioners receiving up to £600 in Winter Fuel Payments and Pensioner Cost of Living Payments.

On top of this, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has today estimated over 1.1 million Cold Weather Payments worth £29.6 million were paid out from November until the end of March – with over £9 million of this going to low-income pensioners receiving Pension Credit.    

Further support was also made available through the Warm Home Discount – to support three million households at risk of fuel poverty, allowing families to keep costs down and more money in their pockets. The Government expects partnered energy suppliers to have spent around £550 million this winter across Great Britain, through direct bill rebates as well other financial and energy efficiency support. 

This support was needed to protect everyday Brits from the inflationary impact of Putin’s illegal war in Ukraine – helping millions of people get through the winter. Now – with energy bills dropping, wages rising, and taxes being slashed – people are set to have more cash in their pocket to help fire up the economy and beckon in more growth.   

We have turned a corner after the shocks of the past few years, and we are in a new economic moment and 2024 will prove to be the year that the economy bounces back.  

Minister for Pensions, Paul Maynard said:  “This Government’s actions have provided vital support to pensioners most in need.

“Halving inflation has helped everyone’s finances, and we remain committed to protecting our older loved ones across the country, with 11.8 million pensioners receiving up to £600 in Winter Fuel and Pensioner Cost of Living Payments. 

“And we are uprating the State Pension further from next week, meaning the full yearly basic State Pension will be £3,700 higher than in 2010, whilst the full rate of the New State Pension will rise above £11,500 a year.”

From this week people will start to see an increase in their Local Housing Allowance rates – benefitting some of the poorest families on either Universal Credit or Housing Benefit who will gain around £800 a year on average. This puts more money in the pockets of the lowest earners – giving them more spending power to boost their local economy.  

The UK Government is delivering £108 billion of support over 2022-2025 – worth an average £3,800 per household – and will continue to drive down inflation to help everyone’s money go further.    

These measures are boosted in April with Universal Credit and other benefits rising in line with inflation by 6.7 percent, and the State Pension increasing by an inflation-busting 8.5 percent – making sure that targeted support is going to those who need it most.  

Have your say on Dalry ‘town centre’ proposals

Proposals to make Dalry greener, healthier and more vibrant are now being presented for consultation.

Plans to make the town centre a more attractive place have been designed to make it easier to access local shops, schools and services with wider pavements and better cycling provision. Ideas include features to create better spaces to spend time, with trees and nature, planting, public art, and opportunities to rest.

Improving public transport is a key focus, with measures to reduce travel times through the area put forward alongside more space at bus stops and resurfaced roads. Better cycle connections and safer routes to local schools are also presented.

Dalry Living Well Locally is one of the first projects that implements the recently announced Our Future Streets approach to provide both a more integrated transport network, and a greener, more inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone in Edinburgh’s neighbourhoods and key travel corridors. 

It is part of a new 20-minute neighbourhood strategy to help local people meet most of their daily needs within a short walk, wheel or cycle from their home.

To make these changes possible, proposals include measures to reduce traffic driving through Dalry on the way to somewhere else, while retaining vehicle access for everyone. This would be achieved through a proposed filter for cycles, buses and taxis just south of the Haymarket junction, operating between 7am and 7pm.

All homes and businesses would still be accessible by car, but most traffic heading from or to the city centre would use alternative routes such as the West Approach Road instead of Dalry Road. The Council will also use this is an opportunity to review the weight restrictions on the West Approach Road.

If approved, the works would be undertaken alongside the Council’s scheduled road renewal programme to minimise disruption to everyone using the area. 

There are also proposals to introduce more one-way streets in the area including along Caledonian Road, Caledonian Place, Orwell Place and Orwell Terrace, and the streets around Murieston Park. 

Ideas for segregated cycle lanes connecting the town centre to local schools, Haymarket and the wider network, including the new Roseburn to Union Canal active travel scheme, are also being put forward. This includes a redesign of the junction between Gorgie and Dalry at Murieston Road to improve the safety of pedestrians and cyclists. 
It is also proposed to improve and expand the pedestrian space to the front of Dalry Swim Centre, enhancing the setting of the B-listed building. Footways will be widened where possible. 

The proposals have been designed using the findings of a survey of local residents and businesses to understand the needs, opportunities, and any barriers that limit people making more active, greener travel choices in Gorgie Dalry.

The survey, conducted between November 2022 and January 2023, identified common issues amongst people who live, work in and visit the local area, including a need for:

  • Wider and better quality pavements, especially at busy bus stops and around local shops
  • More and safer pedestrian crossings, with shorter waiting times
  • Safer and more attractive routes to local schools
  • More pleasant, greener streets and public spaces with more places to stop and rest
  • A less car-dominated environment that retains easy access for people with mobility issues and deliveries to shops and local businesses
  • Safer cycle provision along Dalry Road and Gorgie Road, and secure cycle storage

Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “Like many of the town and local centres across our city, Dalry has plenty of shops, services and facilities that people need every day but it is divided a busy road with cramped public spaces.

“Residents have told us this makes it a difficult area to access and spend time, and we want to improve the way it works for people, allowing everyone to live, shop, work and move around more easily.

“The local area has one of the lowest rates of car ownership in the city, and we want to create more pleasant streets that are better connected with local services and public transport options.

“We are proposing some changes to the flow of through traffic to achieve this, so people who would usually travel along Dalry Road by car to reach destinations like the city centre will simply use other routes such as the West Approach Road instead. Everyone will still be able to drive into and out of the area to reach homes and support businesses.

“This will help walking, wheeling, cycling and public transport to become the natural first choice for most of the shortest journeys. It will help make Dalry more of a destination in its own right, rather than a place people drive through on the way to somewhere else. 

“We will be listening to the local community, and I will make sure all voices are heard. I am also keen to hear from local businesses in the area. I firmly believe high-performing local businesses are at the centre of places like Dalry, and these enterprises need support and a safe and high quality environment for their customers to thrive and grow.

“Residents across Edinburgh tell me they want to be able to access work, leisure and shops easily without having to use their car because they know it’s good for them and the environment. These plans for Dalry could meet that need locally, and become something other parts of our capital may want to follow.”

Sam Valentine, Senior Grant Advisor for Sustrans said: “Working closely with the local community, these early designs present a comprehensive and ambitious vision of a place where people are able to walk, wheel and cycle with ease.

“Safer routes to school and better connections with public transport will create a more inviting space for everyone and restore peace and enjoyment to an area sorely overburdened with car dominance from through traffic. We encourage everyone living and working in the Dalry area to engage closely with these exciting proposals and help make this project a success.

The consultation on the proposals is now open and will close on Wednesday 26 June.

In addition to the 2022-2023 public survey, the Council has organised workshops with local school pupils and engaged with a wide range of community groups.
A ‘Community Advisory Group’ (CAG), including local councillors and community organisations, was established in spring 2023. 

The project team has also joined local community council meetings, visited local businesses and issued leaflets to residents in the area to encourage them to share their views. 

The consultation is being promoted through measures including door-to-door leafletting, lamp post wraps and a local engagement event at The St Brides Centre on Thursday 11 April between 3 – 7pm. 

Following the consultation, any agreed changes to local traffic restrictions or redetermination of carriageway or footway will go through the required statutory processes.