Bird Flu restrictions to be lifted

BIRD KEEPERS URGED TO REMAIN VIGILANT

The mandatory housing measures for poultry and captive birds, which were introduced across the UK to help stop the spread of bird flu, will be lifted from 00:01 on Monday 2 May, Chief Veterinary Officers confirmed yesterday.

Poultry and other captive birds will no longer need to be housed, unless they are in a Protection Zone, and will be allowed to be kept outside. While the risk of bird flu has been reduced to ‘medium’ for premises with poor biosecurity, the enhanced biosecurity requirements that were brought in as part of the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) will remain in force as infection may still be circulating in the environment for several more weeks. All poultry gatherings will remain banned.

Those who intend to allow their birds outside are advised to use the upcoming days to prepare their outside areas for the release of their birds. This will include cleansing and disinfection of hard surfaces, fencing off ponds or standing water and reintroduction of wild bird deterrents.

The UK has faced its largest ever outbreak of bird flu with over 100 cases confirmed across the country since late October. Scrupulous biosecurity is the most effective method of disease control available and all bird keepers should apply enhanced measures at all times to prevent the risk of future outbreaks.

In a joint statement, the four Chief Veterinary Officers said: “Whilst the lifting of the mandatory housing measures will be welcome news to bird keepers, scrupulous biosecurity remains the most critical form of defence to help keep your birds safe.

“It is thanks to the hard work of all bird keepers and vets, who have played their part in keeping flocks safe this winter, that we are in a position to take this action. However, the recent cases of avian influenza show that it’s more important than ever for bird keepers to remain vigilant for signs of disease and maintain stringent standards of biosecurity.”

The Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) will remain in force across the UK, with only the housing measures component being lifted from Monday 2 May.

This means all bird keepers (whether they have pet birds, a commercial sized or a backyard flock) must be diligent in continuing to take effective and precautionary biosecurity measures including cleansing and disinfecting equipment, clothing and vehicles, limiting access to non-essential people on their sites, and workers changing clothing and footwear before entering and when leaving bird enclosures.

Poultry and captive bird keepers must be vigilant for any signs of disease in their birds and any wild birds, and seek prompt advice from their vet if they have any concerns.

All bird keepers must:

  • cleanse and disinfect clothing, footwear, equipment and vehicles before and after contact with poultry and captive birds – if practical, use disposable protective clothing
  • reduce the movement of people, vehicles or equipment to and from areas where poultry and captive birds are kept, to minimise contamination from manure, slurry and other products, and use effective vermin control
  • thoroughly cleanse and disinfect housing on a continuous basis
  • keep fresh disinfectant at the right concentration at all farm and poultry housing entry and exit points
  • minimise direct and indirect contact between poultry and captive birds and wild birds, including making sure all feed and water is not accessible to wild birds

All keepers are encouraged to register their flocks with the Animal and Plant Health Agency. For poultry this is a legal requirement if you have 50 birds or more (poultry includes chickens, ducks, turkeys, geese, pigeon (bred for meat), partridge, quail, guinea fowl and pheasants). Registering means that keepers will be contacted with information or action required should an outbreak happen near them.

Do not touch or pick up any dead or sick birds that you find. If you find dead swans, geese or ducks or other dead wild birds, such as gulls or birds of prey, you should report them to the Defra helpline on 03459 33 55 77.

Figures of Speech: New Event Series Takes You on Explorative Journey of Scottish Words and Culture

Edinburgh UNESCO City of Literature and the Scottish Storytelling Centre have joined forces to create a new series of events in celebration of Scotland’s Year of Stories 2022 that will launch on Fri 20 May at the Scottish Storytelling Centre.

Figures of Speech is a fresh and exciting cross-artform series that will bring together writers and artists to take us on a road trip through Scottish literature.

Covering six universal themes (music, friendship, future, love, place, big ideas), each event explores literary blockbusters, hidden gems and modern classics.

Expert guides will take us on a journey through Scotland’s iconic books and stories, navigating the dazzling array of new voices, and presenting newly commissioned work by artists responding to each theme. This will be a journey across the curious contrasts and contradictions that define Scottish literature.

The events will also be supported by eight newly commissioned pieces of work from contemporary artists inspired by the themes. These will offer fresh expression, creative interpretation, and a reimagining of some of Scotland’s well-known and well-loved stories, as well as shining a light on some of the lesser known but equally loved contributions to Scotland’s literary canon.

The series will feature singers, poets, filmmakers, storytellers, authors, musicians, visual artists and more; a well-rounded and supportive platform for new and emerging talent as well as championing those already established in the literary scene.  

The first event will be held on Fri 20 May with broadcaster Nicola Meighan in discussion with author Arusa Qureshi on all things music in Scottish literature.

Next up on Fri 24 June, poet Michael Pedersen will talk friendship with Val McDermid and on Fri 22 Jul, writer and poet Russell Jones speaks future horizons and forward thinking with writer T.L. Huchu.

The series continues on Fri 23 Sep with Gaelic poet Peter Mackay getting amorous with his words in discussion with romance writer Jenny Colgan, whilst visual artist and writer, Amanda Thomson, will drop a pin in the literary map with a discussion on place and locality with poet and film maker Roseanne Watt on Fri 21 Oct.

The season concludes on St. Andrew’s Day with some big ideas and pertinent questions in relation to Scotland and our world at large.

Professor David Farrier will host an evening of discussion with climate activist and author Jessica Gaitán Johannesson on Wed 30 November.

All the events will be recorded and made available online a week later, and both the live and recorded events will be supported by BSL interpretation. Each of the six events will be supported by a pop-up bookshop from Lighthouse Books. Their expert booksellers will be on hand to supply the must-read books to match the event.

Daniel Abercrombie, Programme & Events Manager at the Scottish Storytelling Centre, says: “‘Figures of Speech’ will bring audiences and performers together to debate and discuss the famous and not so famous words and stories across these themes in Scottish literature.

“This project is all about variety, partnerships, and a celebration of words, so we hope and imagine people will have their own thoughts and opinions on these themes, which is all part of the fun in this Year of Stories!

“I’m looking forward to finding new stories to explore and seeing the emerging creative responses to the themes, taking the story forward.”

Frank Ross, Lord Provost of Edinburgh, says: “‘Figures of Speech’ is a wonderful collaboration between Edinburgh City of Literature and the Scottish Storytelling Centre for Scotland’s Year of Stories 2022.

“It really exemplifies the partnership working that takes place in Edinburgh as a UNESCO City of Literature. The six events in the programme bring a totally fresh approach to looking at Scotland’s writing and stories and it’s great to see such diversity of artists, writers and voices.’

Ali Bowden, Director, Edinburgh UNESCO City of Literature Trust, says: “We’re delighted to be launching the Figures of Speech series and to be making all these events available to watch free on demand.

“Edinburgh is the world’s first UNESCO City of Literature and we’re excited and proud to be putting Scotland’s incredible artists on a global stage and using our international networks to help audiences around the world discover more about Scotland’s amazing books and stories.”

Scotland’s Year of Stories 2022 will spotlight, celebrate and promote the wealth of stories inspired by, written, or created in Scotland. Figures of Speech is supported by EventScotland as part of this celebration.

Scottish Government Culture Minister Neil Gray, says: “We’re delighted to support this joint initiative from Edinburgh UNESCO City of Literature and the Scottish Storytelling Centre through EventScotland’s Year of Stories Open Fund. 

“This inspiring new multi-artform series of events will make a wonderful contribution to Scotland Year of Stories as it takes some of our best loved tales and explores them anew as part of wider more contemporary themes.”

Each themed event will be supported by newly commissioned pieces of work from contemporary artists such as Katie Ailes, Kim Carnie and Jeda Pearl Lewis amongst others.

Author and Figures of Speech contributor Val McDermid, says: “‘Figures of Speech‘ is a fantastic way of taking a fresh look at Scotland’s stories

“I’m looking forward to exploring friendships found both on and off the page: the lovely letters between Barrie and Stevenson; Holmes & Watson; my own 1990s correspondence with Ian Rankin when he was in France and I was in Manchester; my determination that Kate Brannigan should not be a friendless PI stalking the mean streets of Manchester, but rather should have a nexus of female friends …

“I’m excited to talk Scotland’s iconic friendships past and present with Michael Pederson and look to the future of Scottish literature.”

Tickets and further information can be found at https://cityofliterature.com/figures-of-speech/ and www.scottishstorytellingcentre.com | https://bit.ly/FOSYoS22

And you can follow the story online with #FoS22.

The Figures of Speech programme was made possible by financial support from EventScotland as part of the Year of Stories 2022, City of Edinburgh Council and The Stevenston Charitable Trust, and the Edinburgh UNESCO City of Literature Trust and Scottish Storytelling Centre gratefully acknowledge this support.

Dobbies announces Helping Your Community Grow shortlist

NORTH EDINBURGH COMMUNITY FESTIVAL IS ONE OF THREE FINALISTS

Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre, is helping one community project brighten up their green space in the Lothians with its Helping Your Community Grow initiative.

This spring, Dobbies’ Edinburgh store is supporting a sustainable project through its popular initiative. In recent months, community projects across Edinburgh and the Lothians were invited to nominate themselves for support and now a shortlist has been selected by local team members. People now have the chance to vote for their favourite project.

The winning project will then receive advice, products and support from their local Dobbies’ team. Sustainable products, such as peat-free compost and recycled pots, will be use wherever possible.

North Edinburgh Community Festival is looking for support to help them teach the community about how to grow their own produce and encourage them to get into gardening.

With a particular focus on the seed to plate approach and making produce last longer, Dobbies’ support would provide essential growing resources.

St Thomas of Aquin’s R.C. High School is striving to create an urban garden area for pupils, where they can learn about sustainable gardening practices and how to care for and protect the planet. 

Dobbies’ support would help the high school improve the overall wellbeing of their pupils through this green space, encourage them to get outdoors, and hopefully pique an interest in gardening. 

Ward 5 at East Lothian Community Hospital supports the elderly and cares for patients with a wide range of medical conditions and is looking to create a relaxing space for the body and mind. 

Dobbies’ resources would help the ward spruce up their outdoor terrace area with vibrant plants and planters to make it a beautiful garden for all to enjoy.

Dobbies’ CEO, Graeme Jenkins, said: “Helping Your Community Grow is a really popular initiative in Edinburgh and the Lothians and we’ve seen a great response from community groups and projects looking to make a difference to their local area.

It’s been positive to see so many projects place importance on sustainability and environmentally-friendly products.

“Now the community voting gets underway and we’re looking forward to seeing which projects receive our support.”

In addition to the Edinburgh winner, the project which receives the most votes across the UK will win the national Helping Your Community Grow title, gaining additional support from Dobbies to deliver their project.

There will be further opportunities for community groups looking to brighten up their local areas. Community groups are invited to contact their local store for details of the community initiatives available on a case-by-case basis.

Voting will remain open until 16 May.

For more information on how to register your vote, visit Helping Your Community Grow | Dobbies Garden Centres.

UK boosts humanitarian support to help Ukraine’s beleaguered hospitals

  • UK is sending more ambulances and fire engines to Ukraine as part of continued support to the country
  • New UK funding to help train Ukrainian doctors to deal with mass casualties and vital medicine following Russian attacks on Ukrainian hospitals
  • Donations are in response to a request from Ukraine’s Government as they regain access to medical facilities in frontline cities

New ambulances, fire engines, funding for health experts and life-saving medical supplies are being donated to Ukraine as part of the UK’s continued steadfast solidarity with the country, the Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced today (Tuesday 26 April).

There have been more than 130 attacks on healthcare facilities since the invasion and the UN has recorded around 4,800 civilian casualties. More than 100 fire stations and 250 fire engines have been destroyed in Ukraine.

The UK is supplying 22 new ambulances to Ukraine – in addition to those from NHS Trusts already announced – equipped with paramedic kits and medical grab bags. They are due to leave for Ukraine in the coming days. This is in direct response to a request from the Ukrainian government.

Two further convoys of more than 40 fire engines – packed with thousands of items of rescue equipment including 300 fire hoses and almost 10,000 items of protective clothing – have arrived in Ukraine and are already providing vital support to firefighters on the frontline. This is the largest fire deployment to ever leave the UK.

The UK has already committed up to $1 billion in loan guarantees to support Multilateral Development Banks, such as the World Bank, to bolster Ukraine’s economy and allow the government in Kyiv to continue providing basic services. The total offer of humanitarian support to the current Ukraine crisis is around £400 million.

This goes alongside the Prime Minister’s commitment to continue to provide defensive military aid, including protected mobility vehicles, drones and anti-tank weapons to Ukraine – reiterated on a call to President Zelenskyy on the weekend.

Last week the Prime Minister announced Ukrainian personnel are being trained in the use of armoured vehicles in the United Kingdom.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “We have all been appalled by the abhorrent images of hospitals deliberately targeted by Russia since the invasion began over two months ago.

“The new ambulances, fire engines and funding for health experts announced today will better equip the Ukrainian people to deliver vital health care and save lives.

“Together with our military support, we will help to strengthen Ukraine’s capability to make sure Putin’s brutal invasion fails.”

Frontline medical aid charity, UK-Med, will receive funding – worth up to £300,000 – from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) to help train Ukrainian doctors, nurses and paramedics on how to deal with mass casualties.

They will also set up mobile health clinics to support the most vulnerable civilians remaining in Ukraine, including the elderly and young children.

The UK is also donating £300,000 worth of medicines and pharmaceutical supplies to UK-Med which could support a hospital for up to six weeks.

Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said: “The Kremlin continues to lie about deliberate attacks on Ukraine’s hospitals and the indiscriminate targeting of civilians.

“Now our vital humanitarian support will help save lives and deliver medical expertise to the frontline.”

Minister for Brexit Opportunities and Government Efficiency Jacob Rees-Mogg said: “I was privileged to be able to visit Ashford and meet the volunteers and civil servants behind the fire aid shipments to Ukraine.

“This aid demonstrates the tremendous practical work that Britain’s public servants are doing for the people of Ukraine, and is an example of the good-heartedness of the British people and their determination to help.”

More than five million medical items have also been donated to Ukraine including wound packs, intensive care equipment and medicines.

At the beginning of March, UK-Med launched a national fundraising appeal to fund its work in Ukraine and has sent 26 doctors, nurses, paramedics, surgeons and humanitarian health programme specialists to the country.

UK-Med CEO David Wightwick who’s currently in Eastern Ukraine said: “I’ve seen with my own eyes the devastating impact of this cruel war. Ensuring the more than 7 million internally displaced people across the country have access to vital primary health care is and will continue to be of the upmost importance for many months to come.

“This very welcome funding from the UK government will enable us to continue to deliver primary health care and lifesaving specialist clinical training in both the east and the west of the country, reaching those who need it most.

“We’re proud to stand in solidarity with the people and with our Ukrainian medical colleagues in this desperate time.”

Edinburgh woman with muscle-wasting condition to host fundraiser at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery

  • Art enthusiast Alexandra Gardyne is the subject of exceptional pieces by well-known Scottish artist Damian Callan, which will be displayed at the fundraiser at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery
  • Alexandra lives with Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy, a condition that gradually weakens the muscles, and wants to change the perceptions that others may have when they see someone with muscular dystrophy
  • Visitors can expect to view and purchase unique pieces reflecting many artists’ perception of muscular dystrophy and a full range of the artists’ own portfolio of work
  • Artists include: Damian Callan, Jennifer Illustrated Lab, Ritchie Collins, Eleanor Cunningham, David Schofield, Lucy Campbell. Photographer Maxine Ragni
    Alexandra is hosting the fundraiser to raise money for Muscular Dystrophy UK

Art enthusiast Alexandra Gardyne, who lives with Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy, is the subject of exceptional work by Damian Callan, one of Scotland’s well-known artists.

The work will be shown as part of a one-off exhibition on the evening of 21 May she has organised at the Scottish Portrait Gallery to fundraise for Muscular Dystrophy UK.

The evening will begin at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery’s Grand Hall. Drinks will be available from the Heritage Portfolio Company while visitors can meet Alexandra and attending artists.

Damian, a figurative artist whose work reflects that of Degas and Renoir, said he found an extraordinary determination in the way Alexandra deals with the challenges of her condition.

“For many years I have worked on depicting the characteristic movements of sports figures and dancers. Alexandra asked if I would consider working with her with a view to capturing the particular ways in which she moves and thus possibly offering an insight into the experience of living with muscular dystrophy.

“Through a process of drawing her in the studio and photographing her walking in the Botanic Gardens, I began with a series of charcoal and pastel studies and developed these into paintings. I have attempted to produce positive and uplifting images that recognise an extraordinary dignity and determination in the way Alexandra deals with the challenges of this condition.”

Register to attend the event: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/perceptions-life-with-muscular-dystrophy-tickets-221911462157

Get to know Alexandra and view some of the artwork: Instagram.com/ali.artspoken

Alexandra – a 35-year-old mum from Edinburgh – said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to raise awareness and educate about muscular dystrophy through art. I am delighted that so many artists have jumped on board.

“There will be a good range of pieces, with and without attachment to muscular dystrophy, so the mix is eclectic enough to suit people’s style and pockets.

“I have always found art stimulating and exciting, and enjoyed galleries and local shows. I used to do a lot of arts and environmental workshops in my 20s. I love creating space for other people’s creativity to flourish and be appreciated.”

Alexandra was diagnosed with Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy when she was 22. “I was symptomatic since toddlerhood but only diagnosed in my twenties when I could no longer run, kept tripping on the stairs and always feeling exhausted.

“I find it very hard to live with my condition but I am passionate about connecting with people and making things happen. I am trying to change the perceptions that others may have when they see someone with muscular dystrophy.”

Ritchie said: “When I met Alexandra and she told me about the Muscular Dystrophy UK charity, I thought it was a great idea to host an evening of art in the magical setting of the National Portrait Gallery.

“It’s an honour to be able to draw awareness and raise funds for such a great charity through my work.”

Julia Smith, senior manager, regional development at Muscular Dystrophy UK said: “Alexandra has put a lot of time and effort into this fundraiser and we are so grateful.

“We look forward to seeing photos from the event and expect it will be a fun and relaxed evening. Any funds raised will go towards Alexandra’s family fund to to raise essential funds for research into Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy.”

Alexandra added: “Muscular Dystrophy UK is a charity with a great level of experience and determination in their mission and the staff, and that always comes across. They have created many opportunities for people with the conditions.”

The venue is fully wheelchair accessible.

Children’s coalition warns new councils of a ‘lost generation’

An alliance of leading children’s service providers has warned that Scotland faces a potential “lost generation” of children and young people with additional support needs (ASN), heightened by the Covid-19 pandemic and cost of living crisis.

In its Manifesto for the council elections, the Scottish Children’s Services Coalition (SCSC), which campaigns to improve services for vulnerable children and young people, has called on incoming town hall administrations to put their needs at the very heart of future policy commitments.

Proposals include a plea for the increased funding of services for children and young people with ASN and care experience, better training of those working in this field, substantially increased investment in mental health services, for an elected councillor to be appointed as ‘mental health champion’ and for greater investment in programmes that support those with ASN and care experience into training and employment.

ASN provision in Scotland is under severe pressure due to increasing demand, against a backdrop of staff shortages and inadequate services. These have been exacerbated by the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, which saw many of those with ASN miss out on the care and support they needed, as well as increasing mental health problems and the ‘cost of living crisis’.

The SCSC has called on incoming council administrations to renew their focus on services for children and young people with ASN, such as those with dyslexia, autism, mental health problems and are care experienced, and work with the Scottish Government to increase resourcing of these.

It notes that 232,753 children and young people in Scotland’s publicly funded primary, secondary and special schools are classed as having ASN, amounting to just under a third (33.0 per cent) of pupils. This represents an almost doubling (97.2 per cent) increase in the number of those identified with ASN since 2012.[1]

However, the provision of services has not kept pace with this demand. Since 2012, for example, the number of specialist ASN teachers in council primary, secondary and special schools has fallen by 503, from 3,389 to 2,886 (full-time equivalents), equating to a cut of 14.8%. [2]

The SCSC has called for increased resourcing and staffing to deliver a greater provision of those such ASN teachers and pupil support assistants, as well as educational psychologists, mental health professionals and other support services, supporting the closure of the educational attainment gap.

Key recommendations include:

  • Increased resourcing and staffing: There must be greatly increased resourced and staffing to support those with ASN and care experience. Councils must work with the Scottish Government to ensure the delivery of these.
  • Better training: There must be better training of teachers, social workers, health professionals and other practitioners, including continuing professional development, so that they can adequately identify and support children and young people with ASN.

·         Supporting mental health and wellbeing: Services must have the resources to identify children and young people with mental health problems, helping them get early support. There must be substantially increased investment in community level support, ensuring waiting times for child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) are drastically reduced.

·         School-based counsellors: All schools must also have access to a qualified and appropriately experienced counsellor, providing support to troubled and/or distressed children and young people, including those with mental health difficulties.

·         Introducing a local health champion: Councils should elect one member as champion for mental health. Once a councillor becomes a champion, their role will then include raising awareness of mental health problems in the development of council policies and strategies and in public forums, leading discussions on mental health with NHS organisations in their local area, and speaking with schools, businesses and community groups about mental health.

  • Right to independent advocacy: Care experienced children and young people must have access to independent professional advocacy, ensuring that they make informed decisions on matters which affect their lives, and this must be made statutory.

·         Implement The Promise: Ensure that councils work the Scottish Government to deliver on The Promise, which came out of Care Review, ensuring that children and young people who are or become care experienced are loved and supported to fulfil their potential.

·         Training and employment opportunities: there must be greater investment in training and employment programmes by councils to benefit those with ASN and care experience.

  • Increased specialist provision for children and young people: The educational needs of some children and young people with complex or specific needs, are often better met in specialist settings. The number of special school/unit places available, on a wider geographic basis, and these places may be provided by the local authority or independent sector.
  • Greater partnership working: There must be greater partnership working and integration between the public sector and private and third sector service providers, so that the needs of the child or young person can be properly supported in the most appropriate setting.

A spokesperson for the SCSC commented: “The Covid-19 pandemic and ‘cost of living crisis’ are having a devastating impact on the lives of many of our children and young people, exacerbating already existing staff shortages and inadequate services.

“That is why it is essential that incoming council administrations put services that benefit the lives of our children and young people at the very heart of policy commitments.

“We are conscious that councils are facing an incredibly challenging financial environment, but they play a critical role in supporting those children and young people with ASN, or we are in danger of facing a ‘lost generation’ of vulnerable children and young people.

“If Scotland is to be one of the best places in the world for vulnerable children and young people to grow up in, we would urge our councils to work with closely the Scottish Government and other agencies, across the public, private and third sectors, to ensure that we can turn this vision into a reality.”

Muirhouse youth project ‘devastated’ by arson attack on minibus

MUIRHOUSE Youth Development Group’s minibus was the victim of arson on Saturday afternoon.

All at MYDG are devastated as this will have a massive impact on the project’s programme and what they are able to offer local young people.

If you have any information please contact @PoliceScotland on 101

Elderly Edinburgh care home residents ask for local support to create fresh outdoor space

With spring in bloom, elderly residents at care homes across Edinburgh are looking forward to time spent outdoors following colder months. Now, as green-fingered residents get ready for gardening activities, Scottish care home provider Renaissance Care has put out a call for donations from the local community.

In the hope of freshening up Letham Park Care Home’s garden, staff are on the hunt for the likes of gardening furniture, tools, plants and ornaments. With art supplies on hand, the care home will gladly accept donations in need of a little love or lick of paint, while the home boasts keen gardeners who are ready to get their hands dirty with seeds or bulbs.

The focus on gardening falls in line with Renaissance Care’s health and wellbeing strategy, which prioritises the emotional, mental and physical health of those in its care. Following the Winter Olympics activity which saw residents embracing the colder weather, Renaissance Care has set aside time for gardening activities in order to bring the new season in with a garden refresh.

As well as a focus on embracing the outdoors, Renaissance Care also hopes to create lasting partnerships with the nearby community which could be fostered through the shared goal of improving the local area. The staff within the home welcome any helping hands who would like to support the initiative.

Letham Park Care Home began its facelift last month, as it looked to create a fresh space to enjoy in summer, particularly with the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations upcoming. Staff hope that work carried out outdoors will benefit their indoors too, as they are following along an online webinar hosted by the Care Inspectorate and Trellis, allowing residents to grow their very own vase of flowers in their rooms.

Nicola Edwards, activities co-ordinator at Renaissance Care’s Letham Park Care Home, said: “We strive to create fun activities which will use the wisdom of our residents. With several keen gardeners within the home and warmer weather round the corner, it is the perfect time to launch our gardening projects.

“We are very lucky to be situated within such a supportive community and we are hopeful that this call will prompt some further generosity. Our garden could do with a little love and our residents have years of experience which we know will be put to good use. If you have anything to spare, please do get in touch.”

Cath Webster, who is the daughter-in-law of one of Letham Park’s residents, said: “‘A working group of residents and volunteers are currently creating features of the sensory garden which is being developed.

“We have recycled old Wellies and painted them. The plan is to fill the wellies with herbs to stimulate our senses of taste and smell, as well as bright flowers to delight our sense of sight. Other ideas and developments are currently being discussed.”

To offer donations to Letham Park Care Home, contact: mfyfie@renaissance-care.co.uk

Cruden Homes to hold public consultation on new Leith apartments

Edinburgh-based housebuilder Cruden Homes is to hold a digital consultation event on its exciting proposals to deliver much-needed housing in Leith.

Located on the site of the Edinburgh Carpet and Flooring Warehouse, on the corner of Salamander Street and Salamander Yards, the proposed development will aim to comprise 99 apartments.

Including a range of different sized apartments, the development will range from four to six storeys, with the added bonus of ground floor retail fronting onto Salamander Street. 

A web-based community consultation event, in line with Scottish Government Covid-guidelines, will allow the community to provide feedback on and shape the proposals.

This online public consultation event, where the development team will be available via a live chat function to answer any questions, will take place on Thursday 28th April between 3.30pm and 7.30pm at www.orbitconsultations.scot/salamanderstreet

Further information relating to the proposed development may be obtained at the above website, or if unable to view material online by contacting:

Email: salamanderstreet@orbitconsultations.scot

Address: Salamander Street Consultation, c/o Orbit Communications, 4 Queen Street, Edinburgh EH2 1JE. Tel: 0131 202 3259

The event follows extensive engagement locally with key stakeholders.

Commenting on these proposals, Rory Stephens from Cruden Homes said: “We are delighted to be bringing forward these exciting proposals for consultation with the local community.

“This ambitious scheme regenerates the current brownfield site, delivering much-needed sustainable housing, including affordable homes, as well as providing a retail offering on the ground floor.

“We’re keen to hear community views, allowing us to further shape and refine our proposals for the site, and would urge those able to do so to participate.”

US trade ‘delivering for Scotland’ as Aberdeen hosts transatlantic dialogue

  • International Trade Secretary welcomes US counterpart Ambassador Tai to Aberdeen to discuss how transatlantic trade is delivering for the people of Scotland and the rest of the UK.
  • Talks focus on key sectors for Scottish economy and bring together iconic Scottish businesses including Walker’s Shortbread and innovative energy SME, Enpro-Subsea.
  • Figures show US investment is supporting over 100,000 jobs and generating nearly £50 billion for the Scottish economy.

The UK will today host the second transatlantic trade dialogue in Aberdeen aimed at boosting our £200 billion trade partnership with the US.

Against a backdrop of Aberdeen’s flourishing tech scene and world-leading energy sector, the dialogue will focus on agreed priority areas including digital and innovation, green trade, supporting SMEs and supply chain resilience.

Latest figures show the importance of transatlantic trade to Scottish workers, businesses and industry:

  • Nearly a quarter of the nation’s services exports are to the US
  • Scotch whisky exports continues to play a vital role in wider UK-US trade, with almost two thirds of beverages exported to the US coming from Scotland
  • The US is Scotland’s number one foreign investor, according to EY
  • US-owned businesses support over 100,000 jobs, generating nearly £50 billion for the economy

The Secretary of State for International Trade Anne-Marie Trevelyan will discuss the importance of trade for creating jobs and spreading economic opportunities throughout the UK – a key part of our levelling up agenda.

The dialogue will convene leaders from across Scottish, central and local government, a wide range of businesses as well as trade unions and civil society groups such as Trades Union Congress.

International Trade Secretary, Anne-Marie Trevelyan, said:  “This dialogue gives us a platform to explore more modern, digital ways of trading. It will identify and resolve barriers to trade to make it cheaper and easier for businesses in Scotland and throughout the UK to do business with our US friends.

“As two leaders in green innovation, it also gives us the opportunity to harness trade to tackle shared challenges such as climate change.

The Trade Secretary met with leaders from Scotland’s food and drink industry including Walker’s shortbread and Clootie McToot last night.

Attendees also included US spirits company Brown-Forman which owns three of Scotland’s top distilleries GlenDronach, Benriach and Glenglassaugh and employs hundreds of people in the UK. The firm hailed the lifting of tariffs on US whiskey thanks to the recent resolution of the S232 steel and aluminium tariffs dispute, and revealed it is now planning a multi-million pound investment in its Scottish facilities.

Ahead of the dialogue, Trevelyan and Tai will visit offshore energy SME, Enpro-Subsea in Aberdeen where Trevelyan will highlight the UK’s energy strategy aimed at securing energy security and independence, while we support the transition from fossil fuels to new technologies. The company demonstrates that achieving our environmental goals must go hand-in-hand with an evolving North Sea industry.

Discussions at the dialogue will provide a solid foundation for further engagement with the US. This includes ongoing work at a state-level such as mutual recognition of qualifications as well as continuing to remove barriers to trade.

The Government has already helped lift the ban on UK exports of lamb and beef and resolved the Large Civil Aircraft dispute, which removed 25 percent tariffs on Scotch whisky, resulting in huge wins for Scottish producers and exporters.

UK Government Minister for Scotland Iain Stewart said: “We’re delighted to host today’s talks in Aberdeen, marking a positive development in our already strong trade relationship with the US. Improving our partnership will create new high-quality opportunities for businesses in Scotland, including from our thriving food and drink, tech and energy sectors.

“At a time when we face immense global challenges, joining with our friends in the US to lift barriers, improve communication and encourage new and innovative ways of working together will support jobs across Scotland and beyond, benefiting businesses of all sizes.”

Shevaun Haviland, Director-General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “The UK and US are natural trading partners. These dialogues are an opportunity to build on that relationship and set new ambitious standards on sustainable trade. In a shifting and uncertain world, we must also take this opportunity to reinforce the resilience of our supply chains and stabilise prices.

“Smaller businesses make up the majority of our membership, and the UK economy, so it’s vital they are given a voice in these talks and that they get to reap the benefits on both sides of the Atlantic.

“Supply chain disruption and soaring inflation have reduced the operating margins of many small firms to almost nothing, so reducing the costs of trade with the US would be a huge boost for them. This would then help communities right across the UK to see the benefits that improved trade with the US could bring.”

Allan Hogarth, Executive Director of the Scottish North American Business Council (SNABC) said: “The SNABC is very much looking forward to participating in the Aberdeen session of the Transatlantic Dialogue, building on the success of the Baltimore session last month.

“These discussions will cover vital areas to the Scottish, UK and US economies – it is a great opportunity to make sure Scottish voices are heard on this, our single biggest export market, and to try and make it simpler for us all to continue to prosper and strengthen the transatlantic relationship for our mutual benefit.”

According to EY’s Attractiveness Survey Scotland, June 2021 , the US was the largest contributor of Scottish FDI projects in 2020. The 38 investment projects originating from the US accounted for 35.5 percent of all projects recorded in Scotland in 2020.