Police seek witnesses to road collision

Police Scotland is appealing for information following a collision involving a police vehicle and a motorcycle in Edinburgh. The incident happened around 1.40pm yesterday (Friday, 5 June) on Marionville Avenue.

The collision involved an off-road Kawasaki motorcycle and a marked Police Scotland BMW X5.

The 36-year-old male motorcyclist was taken to hospital for treatment to non-life threatening injuries. Neither of the officers in the police vehicle were injured.

The road was closed to allow for an investigation at the scene.

Sergeant Stephen Quinn of Police Scotland’s Road Policing Unit said: “We are working to establish the circumstances which led to this collision and would urge anyone who may have seen the incident or who has any other information to come forward.

“We would be keen to speak to other road users who were in the area at the time, particularly if they have dashcam footage.

“Anyone with information can call Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident 1726 of 5 June.”

Support Stockbridge and Leith markets and their traders

Hi all,

Please help support Stockbridge and Leith markets and their producers: we want to be able to come back safely when its time 🙂
Stay Safe, Stay Distanced – but eat well with us! 🙂

help spread the word …

Regards

The Market team
At the Market Limited

Sign Up for StoryCon

Young people encouraged to sign up to free online conference, 18-19 June

Scottish Book Trust, the national charity transforming lives through reading and writing, has today announced the six teenage writers and illustrators who have been recruited to steer the nationwide What’s Your Story? programme, aimed at helping to increase opportunities for young people to access and contribute to literary culture across Scotland.

Niamh Weir (below) from Clifton has been selected for the What’s Your Story? programme. Niamh, 16, is a short story writer and enjoys building worlds and creating suspense in action-packed stories while taking inspiration from issues, events and trends happening in society currently.

She has been working with her mentor, Julie Bertagna, children’s and young adult author of the award-winning Exodus (Young Picador).

This team of young writers and illustrators have been responsible for planning and hosting StoryCon 2020, Scotland’s biggest creative writing and illustration conference for young people.

This year, it will be hosted online, through Zoom workshops and how-to videos. Bestselling author Juno Dawson, comic artistic Frank Quitely and award-winning writer and journalist Patrice Lawrence are among the line-up.

StoryCon will run from Thursday 18 June to Friday 19 June, and young people can sign up for free registrations on EventBrite.

Gaelic content will also be available, supported by the Gaelic Books Council. Poet and author Morag Ann MacNeil and author Tim Armstrong will offer tips on comedy writing and sci-fi.

Young people across Scotland will also be encouraged to submit a story around the idea of ‘see you in ten years’. A selection of the work will be published and put in a time capsule, which will be re-opened in a decade’s time.

More information can be found at the What’s Your Story? website.

Marc Lambert, CEO of Scottish Book Trust, said: “This is the fifth year of the What’s Your Story? programme, which nurtures new and upcoming talent in the Scottish literary scene.

“We are grateful to our funders for making this programme possible, and also to our mentors for providing life-changing support and advice to the young people. Although it is disappointing we cannot hold StoryCon in person, we have a fantastic line-up planned, which will support young people currently learning at home.”

 Niamh Weir said: “I applied to What’s Your Story? to challenge myself to explore and develop my abilities as a writer. I hope to build my confidence and have the best time working with inspirational mentors and like-minded teens.

“I am so excited to be on the StoryBoard and to be involved in this amazing, creative community.”

The What’s Your Story? participants have been involved in creative development: benefitting from an induction programme with the National Library of Scotland, professional mentoring in their chosen forms and genres, and a week-long retreat at Moniack Mhor, Scotland’s creative writing centre, where they had dedicated time with their mentors.

The programme will culminate with a showcase, presenting the work the young people have created throughout the year. Industry experts will train the teens to perform their work live, against a background of visuals and music.

What’s Your Story? is free to take part in and travel expenses will be covered for all participants. The programme is funded by Badenoch & Co., Kiran’s Trust and private individuals.

Six teens in total were selected by a judging team, which included representatives from Creative Scotland, the National Youth Arts Advisory Group, the Super Power Agency and Scottish Book Trust. Participants were selected on the enthusiasm and dedication they expressed for teenage participation in creative and literary culture.

Chief Constable: Don’t have house parties this weekend

Chief Constable Iain Livingstone QPM joined First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and National Clinical Director Professor Jason Leitch at yesterday’s coronavirus briefing.

He said: 

As we enter early June and the summer months I’d like to start on a point I’ve stressed on a number of occasions recently, and that’s by underlining the close bond that exists between policing and the communities of Scotland we serve.

It’s a precious bond of trust forged over many years. Policing in Scotland takes its authority and legitimacy from the people.

It is testament to the common sense and good judgement of the people of Scotland, and their police service, that during this national public health emergency the relationship, if anything, has gone from strength to strength. Of course, the bond will be tested, during difficult times like just now during the pandemic, or when critical incidents occur, where tragedy arises, when human life is lost.

And I know the role of the police, the coercive authority policing at times exercises in the name of our fellow citizens to protect us all, will rightly be subject to robust scrutiny, focus and challenge. I welcome that, I welcome open and direct conversations about policing, it is absolutely vital for democracy and fairness.

Like everyone, as Chief Constable and as a man, I was shocked and distressed by the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis and the subsequent events that transpired and continue to transpire in the United States. Racism in all forms is disgraceful and unacceptable.

I fully understand the desire of people in Scotland to make their voices heard this weekend over racial injustice. The right to be heard; to protest; to campaign, is of vital importance and policing has a key role in enabling, supporting such freedoms to be exercised fully and safely.

Our duty in policing is to enable you to have your voice heard in a way that is safe for you and safe for others. Please do so in a way that does not risk spreading coronavirus. Policing in Scotland will help in this regard.

I know there are a number of planned events this weekend and we are in touch with some of the people involved in organising them to try to help them do that in a safe manner.

As Chief Constable, I urge everyone to follow the regulations and guidance, as the majority of people have thankfully done over the last 10 weeks; to keep themselves and others safe and to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

I would reiterate the comments of the Cabinet Secretary for Justice Humza Yousaf, because the threat of coronavirus is still with us. People should not attend mass gatherings which pose a clear risk to public health. Please find a safe way of making your voice heard.

I know the fatigue and strain many are feeling as the stay at home period continues, albeit with some restrictions lifted is one felt in families and households across the country. As the First Minister has made clear, the desire for easement to all enjoy greater freedoms, is understandable.

The small changes made last week following 10 weeks of strict lockdown rules, did coincide with particularly good weather and, in my judgement, perhaps did lead to some people feeling and acting a bit ‘demob happy’.

Gatherings at parks, beaches, beauty spots were concerning, leading policing to make a little over 2,000 separate dispersals over the 72 hour weekend period. At the same time, we saw non-coronavirus related crime returning to levels which are more in line with business as usual, and in fact we made over 1,000 arrests, none of them in relation to coronavirus regulations, placing acute demand on policing.

We continued to have high levels of engagement with people last weekend to offer advice and, in most cases that was met with support and co-operation.I pay tribute to everyone who is working together to save lives.

The majority of people continue to do the right thing because it is the best way to stop the virus spreading and, ultimately, to contribute to prevent people dying.

I don’t think the weather it to be quite as good this weekend, but I would ask that people do not travel to beauty spots and, crucially, do not hold house parties or gatherings indoors. The police service will take very robust action in that regard because it is vital to control the spread of the virus.

Don’t have house parties if the rain comes on. Don’t have your friends round.

I want to thank our officers and staff and specifically our special constables for their commitment to public service. They have been working round the clock to give help, give advice and to support communities the length and breadth of Scotland.

It is essential that everyone sticks with it, sticks to the rules. Do the right thing to prevent the virus spreading.

If we don’t, more of what is currently guidance may be brought into legislation. If that is the case, Police Scotland will continue to act in a fair and proportionate manner.Our approach won’t change. We will always work with the people to do the right thing.

We will rely on consent and co-operation, act with courtesy, but we will take enforcement measures when necessary.

I greatly value the trust of our fellow citizens and thank you for your forbearance during these difficult days.

Please – look after yourselves and each other, follow the rules and stay safe.

Thank You.

 

City food charity delivers almost ONE MILLION meals to those in need through coronavirus crisis

  • FareShare Central & South East Scotland is now delivering enough food to create around 100,000 meals a week to those at risk of hunger, up from 23,000 before lockdown, to 190 frontline charities across Central and South East Scotland
  • Last year the charity delivered enough food to create almost 1.5 million meals to 138 charities and community groups across the region, including homeless hostels, domestic violence refuges, breakfast clubs and food banks

Food charity FareShare Central & South East Scotland, operated in partnership with Cyrenians, has quadrupled the amount of food delivered to frontline charities supporting vulnerable people since lockdown measures began. The charity is praising the ‘extraordinary’ efforts of its supporters and volunteers during the crisis. 

Over the course of the last year, the Edinburgh-based charity redistributed over 602 tonnes of in-date surplus food from the food industry to 138 charities,  including homeless shelters, school breakfast clubs, food banks and day centres. The food they redistribute includes fresh meat and fish, fruit and vegetables, ready meals, milk and cheese.

However, in the weeks following the lockdown, demand for its service has soared and the charity has distributed over 420 tonnes of food. As well as fresh food, the charity is now providing packets and tins to help create food parcels for those who are self-isolating.

Lynnne Collie, service manager at Cyrenians-operated FareShare, said:“Because of the lockdown many more families and individuals are finding themselves in really tough circumstances, and demand for our food has skyrocketed.

“We’re doing everything we can to continue to get food onto people’s plates, whether that’s delivering fresh food to homeless hostels and domestic violence refuges, or supplying community organisations with the packets and tins they need to get vital food supplies onto the doorsteps of families who are self-isolating.

 “We’re incredibly grateful to our team of volunteers who have gone above and beyond to get this food out, and to everyone who has made a donation. These are tough times for everyone and it’s so heartening to see our community pulling together to get food out to people who need it during this crisis.”

Cyrenians, a Scottish charity tackling the causes and consequences of homelessness, uses FareShare food in a number of its services.

In response to the COVID-19 crisis, emergency food bags are being prepared and delivered to at-risk individuals and families across Edinburgh, Falkirk and the Lothians, including those with experience of homelessness currently self-isolating in hotels. The produce also goes towards their Community Cook School, which has been repurposed into a production kitchen, cooking up to 1,000 ready-meals a day.

Neil Hay, Head of Enterprise at Cyrenians, said:“Nobody should have to go without essentials like food or a home. This crisis has put even more pressure on communities who were already struggling to get by, so it is vital that people get the support they need.

“The team of staff and volunteers have done a phenomenal job in seamlessly scaling up the service to meet this demand during an exceptionally difficult period.

“I would like to extend my thanks to all those who have supported our work – the response over these past few months has been both staggering and humbling, and we could not do what we do without their assistance.”

To find out more and donate to FareShare Central & South East Scotland, visit: www.cyrenians.scot/community-and-food/good-food/fareshare.

Lord Provost thanks Edinburgh’s volunteers

This Volunteers Week, Lord Provost Frank Ross pays tribute to those who have volunteered to support vulnerable residents during the pandemic:

During national Volunteers’ Week, I would like to pay tribute to the thousands of people who have volunteered to support vulnerable residents across the Capital during the coronavirus pandemic.

Volunteers’ Week, which runs from June 1-7, gives organisations across the country an opportunity to thank their dedicated volunteers for the huge contribution they make.

Normally, I have the  honour of hosting Edinburgh’s Annual Inspiring Volunteer Awards to celebrate the huge range of organisations and individuals who give their time freely to work with the city’s vibrant charity and non-profit sectors.

However due to the current restrictions this is not possible so it has never been more important than now to use the platform Volunteers’ Week gives us to celebrate the efforts of the capital’s volunteers.

From those supporting their neighbours and friends to those giving hours of their time helping strangers through volunteering with organisations.

Over the last few months I’ve heard of the great work being delivered by Helping Hands (@EdiHelpingHands) all done by volunteers in their community, funded by their community, working with the community through their People’s Free Food Program.

I have also been directly involved with Corstorphine Community Centre (@CorstorphineCo1)  which has been working with local restaurants the Torfin, Jill’s Deli and Abida to deliver free meals to those most in need in the community.

Edinburgh has always had a thriving voluntary and community sector with thousands of volunteers helping people throughout the city giving their valuable skills and time to worthy causes every year.

In my role as Volunteer Champion I have the privilege of meeting many who go out of their way to help others and I’ve been further humbled over these past few months when the city has come together in our response to the pandemic. Every single person giving their time, skills and commitment to help others is a vital part of Edinburgh’s response and a symbol of how we’ll move forward.

It will not be forgotten and as we get ready to launch our annual Edinburgh Award scheme – work is underway to look at how we can honour those who have gone above and beyond this year during the pandemic and I look forward to sharing more details on this in the near future.

The world has been changed forever, but what has not is that we will always help one another. This week is dedicated to you. And on behalf of the people of Edinburgh – I thank you.  

Newsletter deliveries continue this weekend

Deliveries of the NEN Covid-19 Special Edition newsletter continue over the weekend – whatevever the weather! – and new volunteers are more than welcome.

Managed by members of North Edinburgh’s Covid-19 Food Share Group team, volunteers are delivering an informative newsletter to Drylaw, Pilton, Royston Wardieburn, Boswall and Granton.

Volunteers are given a route map and delivery instructions and are also issued with hand sanitiser, protective gloves and a contact number should they encounter any problems during the distribution run.

Meeting times this weekend:

Saturday 6th June and Sunday 7th June:

WEST PILTON / WEST GRANTON

11am – 1 hour delivering

Meet at Fresh Start, Address: 22-24 Ferry Rd Drive, EH4 4BR

Phone: Willie Black : 07515686421

GRANTON / BOSWALL

2pm: – 1 hour delivering

Meet at Ainslie Park Leisure Centre car park, 94 Pilton Drive, EH5 2HF

Phone: Willie Black: 07515686421

If you wish to deliver in your own time, call Lesley Hinds on 07778413792 or Willie Black on 07515686421.

Our thanks to the volunteers who have helped with distribution so far

FM: Young People – you are not immune

Statement given by the First Minister Nicola Sturgeon at a media briefing in St Andrew’s House on Friday 5 June:

Good afternoon everyone. As you can see, I’m joined today by Iain Livingstone, Chief Constable of Police Scotland and by Professor Jason Leitch, our National Clinical Director.

I’ll start today – as I always do – by updating you on some of the key statistics in relation to COVID-19.

As at 9 o’clock this morning, there have been 15,582 positive cases confirmed – which is an increase of 29 from yesterday.

A total of 995 patients are in hospital with confirmed or suspected COVID-19. That represents a decrease of 26 from yesterday, including a decrease of nine in the number of confirmed cases.

Now as I said yesterday, in relation to the number of people who had their deaths registered in the previous day, we have to be very careful at reading too much into single day figures, but nevertheless I think it is reasonable to point out, that this is the first time since the 30 March, that the number of patients in hospital has been lower than 1,000. So again, a positive indication of the progress that we are making.

A total of 23 people last night were in intensive care with confirmed or suspected COVID-19. That is a decrease of five since yesterday.

I am also able to confirm today that since 5 March, a total of 3,778 patients who had tested positive for the virus have now been able to leave hospital.

In the last 24 hours though, 14 deaths have been registered of patients confirmed through a test as having COVID-19 – that takes the total number of deaths in Scotland, under that measurement, to 2,409.

Now as I always do, I want to stress that these numbers are not just statistics. They are individuals whose loss is being deeply felt by their loved ones. So – once again – I want to send my deepest condolences to everyone who has lost a loved one to this virus.

I also want to express my thanks – as I always do – to our health and care workers.  Your efforts are enormously appreciated – and not just by me and by the Scottish Government, they are appreciated, I know, by everyone in Scotland.

There are – of course – many other frontline and key workers who are helping the country through this crisis and with the Chief Constable here today, I want to take the opportunity to say a special thank you again, to our police officers and staff. They are also working under real pressure at the moment but they are doing an exceptional job for all of us.

There are two items I want to cover today.

The first concerns the economic impact of COVID-19.  I have just come from the Cabinet sub-committee on the economy earlier this morning – where we noted the latest monthly report, from our Chief Economist. 

That document, which was published this morning, provides a summary of Scotland’s key economic statistics.

Among other things, it shows that – in the first half of May – almost 1/5 of businesses in Scotland were temporarily closed and that contributed to more than 750,000 people being furloughed or unable to work as normal.

The report also shows that turnover is down in almost every sector of our economy.

And it contains new modelling, which takes account of the different phases for easing lockdown. On that basis, the report forecasts a more gradual economic recovery – one which might not see us return to pre-crisis levels, for a number of years.

In short, today’s publication confirms the scale of the economic crisis that we now face. In doing that, it further underlines why government action is so important and why it will continue to be so important.

The Scottish Government has already allocated more than £2.3 billion to help businesses and protect jobs.  And of course that’s before we consider important UK-wide measures currently in place – such as the Job Retention scheme.

That kind of support is helping to mitigate some of the economic impact of this crisis.  And it will continue to be vital as our businesses seek to rebuild.

And I want to again today give an assurance that the Scottish Government is determined to everything we can to support that process of rebuilding and recovery.  We will continue to do everything we can to protect your livelihoods.   That’s important in the short-term, but it is also vital to help lay the groundwork, for a sustainable economic recovery.

Of course that recovery will be helped by continued progress against this virus. If we have a set-back in tackling the virus, it will make the re-opening of our economy all the more difficult.

So the second item I want to cover today, is directly related to the first, and it concerns the current lockdown restrictions and particularly how I hope the people will comply with them over this weekend and beyond.

We’re now, of course, at the close of the first full week since we moved into phase 1 of our route map out of lockdown – and eased some of the restrictions.  So far, the vast majority of people have stuck by the new rules.  And I want to take the opportunity again today, to thank all of you who have continued to do the right thing.

However, it’s also clear that – over the past week – not absolutely everyone has done that.  The Chief Constable may say more later about compliance – and how the restrictions will be enforced, if necessary.

For my part, I want to set out very clearly again today, what the current rules are.  And to do that, instead of focussing on what we are now allowed to do, I want to again emphasise what we’re asking everyone not to do because it’s by not doing the things, that we know from the evidence that allows the virus to spread more easily, that we will keep it under control.

So to start, you mustn’t meet people from other households indoors. I know that might be a particular temptation on a weekend like this – when we’re expecting again poor weather. 

But let me be clear, that is extremely high risk. We know –  and we don’t know everything yet about this virus – but we do know that it transmits much more easily between people inside than it does outside.

So if you’re not willing to meet outdoors  – in all likelihood the rain  – please do not meet up with people from other households at all and I cannot emphasise that strongly enough.

I am not exaggerating when I say that if you do meet people from other households indoors, you are putting yourselves and you are putting them at risk of getting the virus of becoming ill with it and potentially dying from it and I would ask you not – please – to take that risk.

However, while the risk of meeting outdoors is lower, it is not absolutely zero  – so that means that if you do meet outdoors, you must not get within 2 metres of members of another household.

You should certainly not be shaking their hands or hugging them, difficult though I know that is and you shouldn’t share food of utensils with people from other households of touch hard surfaces that they may also have touched because again, these are ways in which we know the virus spreads relatively easily.

And were asking that – when two households do meet up – there should be no more than eight people in total in a group. In addition, you should not go more than five miles for recreation and you shouldn’t leave your face uncovered if you are in and enclosed space like a shop and public transport.

Wearing a face covering helps you protect others – and having others wear a face covering – means that they help protect you.

A more general point I want to make is that – even now – you should still be seeing far fewer people than you might normally do.  And you should still be trying to stay at home as much as you possible.

Basically, if you start to feel that your social life is returning to normal – that’s not a good sign right now.

That message applies to everyone – but it’s perhaps particularly relevant to young people. I want, today, to make a special plea to all of you, the young people of Scotland.

Many of you – I know – will be desperate to spend more time with your pals, after weeks of being apart.  You might even think that as young people, you are less likely to become seriously ill as a result of the virus and I know this from speaking to the young people in my own life.

But I want to be very clear – you are not immune from this virus, you can get it and it can be very harmful to you.

But even if you’re not seriously affected yourself, you can still pass it on to other young people.  They might then pass it on to others who are at greater risk from COVID-19 – such as their parents or grandparents.  And that could have really tragic consequences.

So I would urge you – and I know you all know how important this is  –  please don’t just think about your own risk, please think about the risk to your parents and your grandparents and to your friends’ parents and grandparents.

Don’t take risks that you could end up regretting and possibly grieving in the weeks ahead. Please stick to the rules.

Can I also say finally, just a very brief word and a very heartfelt word to those who I know want to make their voices heard this weekend in support of Black Lives Matter.

I want to urge you to make your voices heard. We all feel very strongly about this but I want to ask you, to do so safely.

In normal times, I may well have been planning to join a gathering of support this weekend. But coming together in mass gatherings right now is simply not safe. It poses a real risk to health and it poses a real risk to life.

So I would encourage you to read the statement that was issued yesterday by Kadi Johnson, Sheku Bayoh’s sister, and by Humza Yousaf, Anas Sarwar and Aamer Anwar asking people to protest in different ways.

For example you can make your voice heard online, you can lobby elected representatives, or you can make a donation to anti-racism campaigns but please, please, try to stay within the rules that are there for your own protection and above all please stay safe.

In fact, that’s a message which all of us should heed.  If you’re wondering whether or not it’s okay to do something this weekend, ask yourself if you’ve giving the virus an opportunity to spread.   And if you’re in doubt about whether your plans are within the rules or not, please err on the side of caution.

Above all else, please remember that every single decision we take right now as individuals, will affect the safety and the wellbeing of everyone.

The progress we’ve made against this virus – over these past few weeks – is real and I say that every day because I mean it – and it is as a result of all of us, overwhelmingly, sticking to these rules.  And that kind of collective effort will continue to be vital – as we slow the spread of this virus, even further.

I’m confident that the vast majority of you will continue to play your part.  And I want thank all of you, in advance, for showing that solidarity with each other and for doing exactly that.

Brian Cox ‘interviews’ a cat to promote animal adoption, spaying, and neutering

“For the Family You Can Choose. Adopt. Spay. Neuter.”

That’s the message of Succession star Brian Cox‘s new PETA campaign, which sees the head of one of television’s most dysfunctional families share the screen – and a conversation – with an adorable cat from the Mayhew animal shelter named Patches, who has since been adopted into a loving home.

In the accompanying video “interview”, Patches shares with Cox that she’s spayed (“That’s rather personal, but yes”) and wearing her own fur (“I don’t really have much of a choice”) – and he’s quick to assure her that he’s a huge proponent of adoption and a big fan of felines overall. He’s the guardian of two adopted companion cats.

“The thing I love about cats is their independence,” he says. “They can take it or leave it, and that’s their power – that’s their strength. They’re very dependable. They have an instinct about what you need, and sometimes you don’t always know, and then a cat comes, and then you go, oh, thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” says Patches.

 

Brian Cox urges people to do right by cats like Patches by always adopting them from animal shelters and never buying them from breeders or pet shops, which only contribute to the homeless animal overpopulation crisis.

Every year, hundreds of thousands of dogs and cats end up in animal shelters, and many of them have to be euthanised simply because there aren’t enough good homes for them. The solution, as Cox notes, is prevention through spaying and neutering.

Cox joins a long list of celebrities – including Twiggy, Simon Cowell, Sir Paul McCartney, and Joaquin Phoenix – who have teamed up with PETA and its affiliates to promote kindness to animals.

PETA – whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way” – opposes speciesism, a human-supremacist worldview.

Local ethical baby and toddler clothing rental service awarded Zero Waste Scotland grant

Graceful Changes, an Edinburgh based ethical baby and toddler clothing rental service has been awarded a £19,900 Zero Waste Scotland grant to support them scale their operations in Scotland as well as accommodate nationwide fulfilment.

 The family run business caters for newborns up to age 3 years and provides a complete wardrobe for parents seeking a sustainable alternative to clothing their children. Subscribers are granted access to an online inventory platform, allowing them to customise their clothing selection and exchange items as and when required.

The grant is provided from Zero Waste Scotland’s Circular Economy Investment Fund, which is supported by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

Jayne Stirling, Project Manager Circular Economy Investment Fund, Zero Waste Scotland comments, “Graceful Changes is a vital initiative and we are very proud to be supporting them to expand their operations which will in turn contribute to growth of the circular economy in Scotland and beyond.

“A circular economy is one that’s sustainable, and by using and reusing items as much as possible eliminates waste.  It’s an alternative to our current ‘take, make, dispose’ approach and means that products and materials are kept in a high-value state of use for as long as possible. Graceful Changes is a perfect example of a business working to achieve this.”

Josefa Buckland, founder of Graceful Changes said: “This funding will help us fulfil our true potential as a business.  Working with Zero Waste Scotland has been a pleasure and we are so grateful for their support. 

“Fashion is the second most polluting industry in the world and we must change the way we shop and dress ourselves and our children to make it sustainable.  At the same time, we want to ensure our service is enjoyable, convenient and cost effective for parents.”

Jess Twemlow, Circular Economy and Sustainability Business Area Manager at Ricardo, a sustainability consultancy has been engaged by Zero Waste Scotland to provide consultancy support to Graceful Changes, supporting them to scale their operations as  effectively as possible. 

Twemlow comments: “Josefa and her team have been a delight to work with and we are really enjoying our consultancy role with them.

“The business concept is a very sound one and we hope to see many parents across the UK turn to Graceful Changes as both an affordable and sustainable clothing solution for their children.” 

Zero Waste Scotland provides leadership and practical support to encourage growth of the circular economy in Scotland.

They are investing £18 million as grant funding to small and medium sized enterprises who are helping to create a more circular economy thanks to support from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

The Circular Economy Investment Fund is a funding opportunity for businesses and organisations in Scotland working in all business and social economy sectors.

For more information on Graceful Changes visit www.gracefulchanges.co