Month: October 2019

General Election looms as Westminster unable to resolve Brexit impasse

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement Bill “will now be paused” after MPs voted against the accelerated timetable for the Brexit Bill. The withdrawal is now subject to weeks of scrutiny.

It was the second vote of the night. The first was a win for the government – a rare occurrence in recent times – when MPs supported Boris Johnson’s withdrawal agreement in principle. This result was notable in that it was the first time MPs have shown their backing for any Brexit deal, but it was soon back to ‘business as usual’ as parliament voted to reject the government’s proposals to railroad the Bill through in just three days.

With the Bill now ‘in limbo’, it’s clear that the 31 October date for leaving the EU will not be met.

EU leaders will now consider whether to grant a delay to the 31 October Brexit deadline and what length it should be. It is possible, if unlikely, that EU members won’t approve the extension and if that’s the case the UK will ‘crash out’, leaving the EU without a deal on 31 October.

With parliament seemingly incapable of reaching agreement over Brexit, a general election is looking increasingly likely. And while all political parties say they would welcome a general election, there is a real possibility that, depending on the result, a general election may resolve nothing at all.

Six years for Edinburgh child abuser

A man was sentenced yesterday for child sexual abuse committed in the Edinburgh area over a three-year period. 

Jason King, 41, was convicted following a trial at the High Court on 19th September, where he was found guilty of three offences of indecent behaviour toward young girls. Continue reading Six years for Edinburgh child abuser

Halloween Trail at The Botanics

Join us for our annual Hallowe’en Trail through the Garden to see what Caley, the good garden witch, and Mì-àgh the cat are planning.

Complete the trail and receive a yummy treat from Mackie’s Ice Cream & Chocolate

Suitable for age 3+ . Pick up a trail booklet from the John Hope Gateway reception, £2 per trail.

Leading care and wellbeing charity appoints new chief executive

 

Leading Scottish charity, Ypeople, has appointed Janet Haugh (above)) to be its new chief executive officer (CEO). The Glasgow-headquartered charity delivers support to vulnerable groups, including providing homelessness support and youth services across Scotland.  Continue reading Leading care and wellbeing charity appoints new chief executive

Sales record set for East of Scotland homebuilder

A STRONG summer performance and a broad range of homes available has helped a developer’s east of Scotland regional team secure more than 100 reservations within a single quarter.

CALA Homes (East), which is currently selling homes in East Lothian, Midlothian and Edinburgh achieved its record three month period in July-September, with an average selling price of close to £450,000.

Key to the developer achieving its highest ever total was a run of reservations at its flagship development The Crescent, the sweeping arc of glass-fronted apartments in the grounds of Edinburgh’s famous Donaldson’s College – with sales exceeding £20 million.

In addition, its Waterfront Plaza development in Leith launched in July and became one of its fastest selling sites ever, with 16 homes sold in the first two weeks alone.

Philip Hogg, Sales and Marketing Director for CALA Homes (East), said: “We have some truly excellent projects on offer at the moment. 

“This is tempting buyers with everything from modern apartments for first time buyers through to some of the largest newly-built five bedroom homes on the market.

“In addition, it’s clear that buyers have reacted positively to a range of purchaser incentives available, to take much of the stress out of a home move.

“This includes our up to 100% Part Exchange, which can help buyers to act swiftly and secure their dream home within a development.”

The strong showing wasn’t just the preserve of the Scottish capital. In Midlothian, CALA completed its final sale at Mayburn Park in Straiton and enjoyed the successful launch of a new development in Penicuik, Belwood Oaks, with a number of homes reserved in the opening weeks.

In East Lothian, its North Berwick development, Law Gardens, continued to attract buyers, with strong sales at Castle Bay near Dunbar (top) and Haddington’s Letham Views.

In Gullane, it reached key milestones at two of its developments, with more than 60% of Fentoun Green sold and 40% of homes reserved at its award-winning restoration of Henderson House, part of its Marine Rise development.

Philip added: “We’re delighted with the reception our developments have received and encourage buyers to act quickly if they are looking to secure a home this year or early into 2020.”

For more information on CALA’s developments in the east of Scotland, please visit www.cala.co.uk/eastscotland 

Autumn gardening tips

Green-fingered Britons who’ve made the most out of their gardens this year have been offered six tips to protect their outdoor space before winter comes. 

Horticulture experts from BillyOh.com are encouraging gardeners to spread their compost and clean their sheds in order to give plants the best start next spring. Continue reading Autumn gardening tips