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From 15 May, Big Issue North vendors will sell the national Big Issue UK weekly magazine, as Big Issue North magazine ceases production.

The change will not have an impact on people experiencing poverty and homelessness across the region, who will continue to earn an income through selling a magazine on the streets of the North. They will still be in towns and cities, selling Big Issue UK magazine, keeping the profit they make.

They will continue to visit the same offices and see the same members of Big Issue North’s team. And they will still buy a magazine for £2, selling it on the streets for £4; the only change will be the magazine they buy. While they buy their magazines, vendors are offered support, guidance and advice on everything from housing and employment issues to healthcare and financial concerns.

Since 1993, Big Issue North has been an independently produced magazine, focusing on regional stories and profiling some of the biggest names across the Northern cultural landscape. However, a decline in sales in the aftermath of the pandemic as town centre footfall decreased, alongside increased print, energy and paper costs, mean that continuing to produce Big Issue North is no longer financially viable.

To make sure that Big Issue North continues to provide a local and regional voice, the organisation will publish stories via the Street News app and its social and web channels and offer content to Big Issue UK and the whole of the International Street Paper Network. These stories will focus on amplifying the voices of marginalised communities, shining a spotlight to people who do not typically get their fair share.

Fay Selvan, CEO of Big Issue North, said: “We could not be prouder of the impact that the magazine has had, both in giving marginalised people a chance to work their way out of poverty, and in the stories we have told from our communities.

“We have explored a number of alternatives, but ultimately, ceasing production and offering the national Big Issue magazine to vendors in the North is the route that gives the best possible opportunity for the most people to earn an income and change their lives.

“We will continue to support vendors and to raise income through our charity, Big Issue North Trust, to do more than ever to give people the opportunity to earn an income and change their lives.

“This decision is incredibly hard. We don’t take it lightly, but we believe that this is the best possible route to take to ensure that for many years to come, marginalised people in the North facing poverty or homelessness are supported to earn an income, gain support in all areas of their lives, and work towards a more hopeful future.

Kevin Gopal, editor of Big Issue North, said: “This is a sad moment for independent northern-based publishing and a sign of the difficult commercial outlook for much of the media industry. But I’m grateful for a great 16-year spell – thanks to readers, sources and contacts, a brilliant band of freelance contributors and especially the wonderful editorial team here.

“Hopefully we’ve done good journalism and helped vendors. I’m pleased the vendors will continue to get the support they sorely need.”

A souvenir issue of Big Issue North magazine will be on sale from vendors from Monday, 8 May. From 15 May, the public will be able to buy Big Issue UK from their local northern vendor.

Edinburgh Science charity, known for its climate work and producing the annual Science Festival, presents a new Buy Local Act Global Coffee Trail in Edinburgh.

This is the second of this kind of trail that the Edinburgh Science team has presented, following the success of the Toast to Gaia drinks trail which has won several awards, including the Regional and National Working Together for Tourism Scottish Thistle Award by Visit Scotland.  

Over 95 million cups of coffee are consumed daily in the UK with many bought from independent coffee shops. However, the coffee industry is experiencing increasing challenges caused by climate change, ranging from the production of coffee beans to supply chain disruptions caused by extreme weather events.

Through the Buy Local Act Global campaign, Edinburgh Science hopes to demonstrate the powerful impact that supporting everyday businesses can have, not just locally, but globally.  

Featuring 6 independent Edinburgh-based coffee shops and roasters, the Buy Local Act Global trail is the key component of an environmental campaign aiming to both shed light on the impact of climate change on the coffee industry and highlight the ways in which Edinburgh businesses – and especially small to medium size enterprises (SMEs) – are taking climate-conscious actions to build resilience.  

The 6 independent Edinburgh-based coffee shops and roasters participating in the campaign are: 

• Williams & Johnson 
• The Milkman 
• Machina 
• Fortitude 
• Babyfaced Baker 
• Little Fitzroy 

Coffee enthusiasts can pick up a card in any participating venue, the card links to the Buy Local Act Global website. The website details the actions that businesses are taking and the local and global impact of these as well as actions that they can take themselves.  

The campaign is associated with The NetZeroToolkit – a free online resource by Edinburgh Science that supports organisations of any size, but particularly micro businesses and small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) to build carbon management strategies. 

Many coffee shops on the trail have signed up to and are using The NetZeroToolkit and visitors to the trail are encouraged to share this resource with their own businesses or SMEs that they use to get more Edinburgh SMEs building effective carbon reduction strategies.  

Emily Stone, Climate and Sustainability Business Development Manager at Edinburgh Science said: “Small-to-medium size enterprises – or SMEs make up a massive 99% of the UK business community, their contribution is vital if we are to meet our ambitious – and necessary –net zero targets.

“The good news is that there are many SMEs, such as these, working incredibly hard on making climate conscious and sustainable decisions even in areas that are being badly affected by the impact of climate change such as the coffee industry.

“Any business, from any sector can – and should – sign up to The NetZeroToolkit today, for free. At Edinburgh Science we believe that if we work together now; we can build a better future for everyone.”  

A representative from the Machina coffee shop said: “The impact of climate change is being felt throughout the coffee industry – from the producers themselves, through the supply chain and right to our own shops in Edinburgh.

“Taking climate-conscious and sustainable actions has long been a priority for Machina and so we’re delighted to appear on this project, highlighting both our own actions and those of our colleagues across the city.

“As small businesses we all have a responsibility to act now so that we can build an Edinburgh coffee scene for the future.” 

A spokesperson from Williams and Johnson coffee shop said: “At Williams and Johnson, we’re proud to be a part of the Buy Local Act Global campaign. Our ethos isn’t just great coffee – it’s great coffee and contributing to a better future for our planet and people.

“ It’s incredibly fulfilling to know that our efforts can make a difference and we’re excited to continue our work towards a more sustainable future as well as inspire others to join us in this crucial mission.” 

Funding to provide food, shelter and healthcare in wake of Tropical Cyclone Freddy

Two charities will each receive £200,000 from the Scottish Government for emergency relief projects in Malawi, after the country was hit by severe flooding following a record-breaking cyclone in March.

More than 500 people were killed and over 500,000 displaced as a result of Tropical Cyclone Freddy, which struck even as Malawi was dealing with the deadliest cholera outbreak in the country’s recorded history.

The funds being given to Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund (SCIAF) and Save the Children International will be used to provide food, shelter and improved access to water, sanitation and healthcare for those affected by the cyclone.

International Development Minister Christina McKelvie said: “The loss of life and the substantial damage to thousands of people’s homes and livelihoods in Malawi is devastating particularly at a time when the country is facing a severe cholera outbreak. 

“Scotland has a longstanding relationship with Malawi and our ability to fund this humanitarian response is a good example of the role and importance of the Scottish Government’s strong international relationships.”

Head of Save the Children Scotland Claire Telfer said: “This support from the Scottish Government will make a big difference to the children and families we work with in Malawi, as they come to terms with the devastating effects of Cyclone Freddy and try to piece their lives back together. 

“With more than 100,000 households in Malawi displaced by the cyclone, there’s a critical need for food, water and sanitation facilities, which our teams are working to provide. Children are also at risk of water-borne disease, particularly as Malawi was already experiencing a serious cholera outbreak. 

“Save the Children will use these funds to support thousands of families displaced by the cyclone through cash transfers, nutritional support targeted at pregnant women and new mothers, and water, sanitation and hygiene support in the areas worst affected.” 

Chief Executive of SCIAF Alistair Dutton said: “Once again the Scottish Government has stepped up and responded at a time of need for the people of Malawi. 

“On a visit in January, we could see the difference made by previous funding from the Scottish Government in response to Storm Ana and Cyclone Gombe which struck in 2022. Working through our partners, the funds were used to help communities prepare and protect themselves against further weather events. This included flood defences such as dykes and channels. Just weeks later Cyclone Freddy struck, testing these defences to the limit.

“This latest cyclone brought devastation to much of southern Malawi in March and we are very grateful for this further funding which will be used to relieve some of the suffering the cyclone caused. Access to water, sanitation and health services as well as food and shelter are our priorities as we work with our partners in the wake of this catastrophe.”

The £400,000 in support for Malawi was awarded through the Humanitarian Emergency Panel from the Scottish Government’s International Development Fund.

The funding was announced on 23 March by the then First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, in a letter to President Chakwera conveying expressions of condolences for the tragic loss of life.

In January 2023 the Scottish Government provided £236,137 to the Malawi Government through its partnership with UNICEF Malawi in response to the cholera crisis.

SHORT COURSE FOR ADULTS STARTS 4rh MAY

The city council’s local Life Long Learning team are offering a new training course for people who would like to go back to learning.

Brush up on Digital Skills and improve your writing skills. This and more to prepare for future learning.

The course runs at West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre from May 4th.

Contact Melinda to book or for more info on 0131 552 5700 or email melinda.peto@ea.edin.sch.uk