Day: August 22, 2020

SECTT holds out a helping hand to apprentices made redundant during the COVID-19 crisis

Apprentices made redundant by the fallout from COVID-19 are being offered a lifeline by an industry-focused charitable trust backed by one of Scotland’s largest trade associations.

The Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust (SECTT), which was established by campaigning electrotechnical trade body SELECT and Unite the Union, has stepped in to work with both trainees and employers to help mitigate the effects of the pandemic.

SECTT, which manages high-quality training on behalf of the Scottish Joint Industry Board (SJIB), is actively seeking alternative employment for apprentices whose posts have disappeared, and has placed many out “on loan” to companies to keep their training and skill sets up to speed.

It is hoped these employers will now offer the apprentices employment and the opportunity to complete their apprenticeship, with 50% of the young people temporarily placed with other companies now being offered full-time jobs.

The Trust says the number of apprentices being taken on has fallen from a running average of 700 to 380 since the construction industry in Scotland was shut down in March this year. Of the 2,650 apprentices in training, 52 have been made redundant, 29 of them since June 1.

Anne Galbraith, chief executive of SECTT, (above) said: “The Trust is acting decisively because, in times of crisis, not only are training budgets in the firing line, but recruitment freezes close off employment opportunities for young entrants to the workforce.

“SECTT Training Officers have been working urgently on this issue, since not every one of our trainees has access to IT and communications tools, and face-to-face training effectively ceased in March. Working with our approved centres we have been able to offer remote learning for some of the course work.

“Five months is a long time without site or college interaction and it has been proving difficult to engage with some apprentices, but thankfully only a few. The fear is that many are struggling with confidence issues and even fear of going out.

“We have been identifying those at risk and supplying laptops so that they can remain in contact and complete any online course work. SECTT Training Officers have also been operating a business as usual policy and contacting apprentices on a regular basis.

“Having said that, it is very encouraging that most SELECT members are not paying off apprentices and are also trying hard to help those in trouble. Their reaction has been extremely positive. And while recruitment numbers are down, they are rising again every week.

“As well as advice and a friendly ear, we want to be able to support the redundant apprentices to continue at college so that they can complete the stage they are in, as this makes them more attractive to employers.”

Anne added: “My priority is on our current apprentices and ensuring that they can return to college safely and are all able to complete the stages of their apprenticeship. We can then focus on recruitment. All the above supports the Scottish Government’s recovery plans.”

Fiona Harper, The Secretary of the SJIB, said: “We know times are hard and, although the UK Government’s furlough scheme has helped, some businesses are still faced with a challenging economic future.

“In an ideal world, we would want these employers to retain their apprentices where possible, but we also realise that this may not be a realistic option for everyone. However, if the worst does happen, we want apprentices to know that we are here for them and will do our very best to help.

“SECTT has been working extremely hard over these past few months, finding alternate employment for apprentices and placing them with suitable employers.

“SELECT Members should also be saluted for the way they have stepped in and offered to help with much-needed offers of work, helping us to give these would-be electricians hope for the future.”

SECTT was established in 1990 to manage the SJIB Apprentice and Adult Training Schemes. It runs the only industry approved training schemes for electrical apprenticeships in Scotland. The SJIB Schemes are designed to regulate the entry, conditions of service, training and education of all persons in the electrical contracting industry, with a particular focus on apprenticeships. 

SECTT manages the apprentices throughout their training from the first day at college to becoming a qualified electrician. 

For more information, please contact Iain Mason, Director of Communications at SELECT, the Electrical Contractors’ Association of Scotland, The Walled Garden, Bush Estate, Midlothian EH26 0SB. T:  0131 445 5577. F: 0131 445 5548. E: admin@select.org.uk. W: www.select.org.uk

Twitter: http://twitter.com/updates_select

Search and rescue dog Diesel has retired

A Fire Service search and rescue dog that has responded more than 300 times to protect communities in Scotland and abroad has now officially retired.

Springer Spaniel Diesel has hung up his protective boots and doggles after helping locate casualties over the past eight years – or approximately 55 ‘dog years’.

The clever canine joined the United Kingdom International Search and Rescue team in 2012 and then the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service in 2015.

And he was trained to use his powerful nose to move quickly through collapsed buildings or across wide areas of land to detect the live scent of an injured or trapped survivor.

Based in Portlethen, Aberdeenshire, Diesel has been working side-by-side with handler Gary Carroll who is a Crew Commander with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

The pair were notably deployed to Nepal in 2015 as part of the UK’s International Search and Rescue team after an earthquake hit the region and thousands sadly lost their lives.

11-year-old Diesel was the first search dog employed by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and will officially hand over the lead to his protégé Mac.

Looking back at their time together, Crew Commander Carroll said: “Myself and Diesel have had a great working relationship over the years.

“I’ve had him since the day he was born and have been able to watch him grow into an incredible search dog.

“When we’ve attended incidents he’s always checking that I am ok, in the same way that I have done with him.”

He added: “He’s been a real asset and been able to help firefighters and other agencies at incidents by searching large areas in a short time frame.

“By doing this he’s able to help ascertain whether someone is within the search area – and, if not, then we can quickly move the focus onto another search area.”

Mac is a four-year-old English Springer Spaniel and has been an operational search dog with the national service since October 2019, also based in Portlethen, Aberdeenshire.

Martin Blunden is the Chief Officer for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

He said: “Firstly, I want to thank Diesel for his service – he’s been an important part of our response across Scotland for a number of years now.

“Even though he sees searching as a game, he’s dedicated a large part of his life to helping people when they are in need and that should be commended.

“I’d also like to thank Gary and his family for the hard work and time they have put in to training both Diesel and Mac.”

Crew Commander Carroll works as an Urban Search and Rescue instructor at the training centre in Portlethen.

Chief Officer Blunden continued: “It’s an incredible level of commitment shown by both handler and dog to be there for people across Scotland when needed.

“Whether it is the middle of the night or just as dinner is being served, a call can come in and Gary will drop anything to provide a potentially life-saving resource.”

To find out more about search dog Mac follow him on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram @sfrsdog.

Conifox re-opens to help you escape the city and have some safe family fun this summer

Family run for family fun, Conifox has re-opened its doors to welcome back kids, adults, parents and friends all in need of a little (wild) escape.

The adventure park and restaurant, situated 20 minutes from Edinburgh city centre, has passed the Visit Britain Covid 19 We’re Good To Go Industry Standard and is excited to once again see the park flooded with smiling faces and hear it ringing with peals of laughter whilst ensuring maximum safety guidelines are being followed and operated.

James Gammell, director of Conifox, is thrilled to see the park returned to its former pre-pandemic buzz: “we are so excited to welcome our friends and family back to Conifox.

“Whether we are watching you speed around the pedal go-kart racetrack or peeking out from behind our fingers as you off-road on our pedal tractors, it is so wonderful to be reminded of the park as it should be; a kids – and adults! – wonderland!

“To ensure the safety of our guests and our staff, we are adhering to the strictest guidelines, so even if you are showing off your skills on the 9-hole footgolf course, jumping on the giant pillow, bouncing all over the trampolines or excavating the giant sand pit, you can feel content that your wellbeing – and your enjoyment – is our paramount concern.

“As a family run business, we are passionate not only about what we do, but also about delivering the absolute best in customer experience. No matter if you are 8 or 80 you are welcome here and we will do everything in our power to make it a day that stays with you as an everlasting, happy memory.”

Constantly innovating and improving their customer offering, Conifox is the perfect spot for a full day out with family and friends. Although the Stables Bistro is closed to ensure compliance with social distancing measures, there is still a selection of delicious food available, including a sizzling BBQ (weather permitting) and all-day breakfast baps, as well as coffee and tea when you need a little refresh.

Alongside the huge and varied to-do list of activities you will certainly have planned ready for your arrival, there is also an exciting and everchanging calendar of events offering fresh and unique entertainment each and every month. From ‘Princess Parties’ to ‘Living Room Magic’, you will wish you had more hours in your day!

Situated on the outskirts of Kirkliston, just five minutes from Edinburgh Airport, Conifox is the ideal venue for school group outings, corporate fun days and birthday parties, thanks to boasting plenty of outdoor space for everyone to enjoy.

To keep visitors safe, tickets are currently only available to pre-book and some attractions will be closed at certain times throughout the day for deep cleaning.

To find out more visit the Conifox Facebook page@conifoxadventurepark or www.conifox.co.uk.

People in the Lothians urged to keep up active lockdown habits to boost mental health

The benefits of staying active as restrictions ease have been highlighted, as new research shows worry about the coronavirus situation has risen amongst Scots.

A new phase of the Clear Your Head campaign launched yesterday to help people look after their mental health, as research shows seven in ten people in Scotland (71 per cent) are worried about the coronavirus situation, the highest level seen since mid-June1 (59 per cent).

The latest phase of the campaign is encouraging people to keep up any new habits they may have started during the pandemic.  It also highlights how making time to get active and do one thing, however big or small, can help people feel calmer and boost mood.

The website – clearyourhead.scot – gives practical tips and ideas on how to stay active and feel the benefits, including:

  • Build being active into your day by stretching, working out, walking or cycling
  • Be realistic about what’s achievable, start small and build up over time
  • Do something you enjoy, mixing things up to help make it interesting
  • Make it sociable, turning being active into a chance to catch up with people

The website also signposts helplines for those who need to talk to someone about how they’re feeling, including NHS24, Breathing Space, SAMH and the Samaritans.

Minister for Mental Health Clare Haughey said: “Life may be moving more as restrictions ease, but this can bring new challenges as people juggle work, family and other commitments. We are living in uncertain times and feelings of stress and worry are understandable as things continue to change, but there are practical things you can do to help you cope. 

“Getting outside and keeping up active habits adopted during the pandemic, even for a short period of time, will help you feel better and more in control.  It’s so important to be kind to yourself, and remember that help and support is available if you need to talk to someone about how you are feeling.”

Cycling Scotland and Paths for All backed the campaign, as organisations that recorded increases in cycling and walking rates during lockdown2 – and encouraged people to keep going. 

Keith Irving, Chief Executive of Cycling Scotland said: “Cycling is great for your physical and mental health. Many more people were on their bikes during lockdown and we heard from so many how much of a difference cycling was making to their mental health, enjoying cleaner air, quieter roads and reducing feelings of stress.

“As we battle against Covid-19 and move through different phases, everyday physical activity is more important than ever to look after our physical and mental health. Whether it’s a bike ride at lunchtime, when you go to the shops or at the weekend with people in your household, cycling can really help you fit physical activity into the daily juggle.

“Workplaces, campuses, schools and social housing providers can play their part by working with Cycling Scotland and partners to provide cycle parking and make bikes available to more people. Everyone can help support each other through this terrible pandemic and cycling is a great way of clearing your head.” 

Ian Findlay CBE, Chief Officer at Paths for All, said: “Walking is an easy way to reduce stress and anxiety and feel good in body and mind.  Just a 30-minute daily walk is one of the best ways to look after your physical and mental health and, as it’s something we can do from our own front door.

“We’ve been gathering stories documenting how life-changing walking during lockdown has been for many. We’ve spoken to people whose anxiety has melted away thanks to walking. People living alone used walks to see others safely, and feel connected to their communities. Some used walking to have fun as a family, while others walked to relieve stress and enjoy some time away from desks and busy homes.  We’ve genuinely discovered that whatever your situation – a walk can often help.”

For practical tips on keeping up good habits, visit clearyourhead.scot

MSPs seeks views on financial impact of Covid-19 on human rights budgets

The impact of the coronavirus pandemic on future public spending decisions to protect equalities and human rights in Scotland is to be considered by a Holyrood Committee.

The Scottish Parliament’s Equalities and Human Rights (EHRi) Committee has issued a call for views on the financial implications arising from Covid-19, including the impact on funding of third sector organisations which support people to be treated equally and to access their rights.

MSPs will focus on how inequalities highlighted by the public health emergency and the response to the crisis can be addressed in Scotland’s economic recovery.

The Committee also seeks views on what more can be done to ensure equalities and human rights are central to Scottish Government budget decisions.

Committee Convener, Ruth Maguire MSP, said: “As this committee’s on-going inquiry into the impact of Covid-19 on equalities and human rights has shown, it is some of society’s most vulnerable groups who have experienced disproportionately negative effects as a result of the virus and as a consequence of the lockdown measures imposed.

“Covid-19 has exacerbated existing inequalities in Scotland, but it has also shown that positive outcomes can be achieved with targeted funding to support individuals and particular groups.

“Now that we are moving out of the crisis and restarting the economy, we want to hear how the pandemic has affected funding to support people to access their rights and ensure they are treated equally.

“We also want to explore how the Scottish Government considers equalities and human rights when it makes budget decisions. We want to know what actions should be taken and what data collected to make this happen more effectively, to address the unequal impact of Covid-19 on specific groups and tackle long-standing health and social inequalities in Scotland.”

The closing date for responses to the call for views is Friday 18 September 2020.

The Committee is are looking for information about the following questions:

1. Last year we were successful in getting the Scottish Government to commit to increasing the Equalities and Human Rights allocation to £30.2m. What is this extra money being used for and is it enough?

2. During last year’s budget scrutiny, we found that spending decisions were sometimes being made without due consideration to equality impact assessments. With unprecedented levels of grants being provided to the private and third sectors over the past six months in response to COVID 19, how confident is the third sector and other stakeholders that money is being committed only after due consideration is given to equality impacts?

3. In the Scottish Government’s response to the Advisory Group on Economic Recovery, the Scottish Government has committed (p.69-70) to “recognise the necessity of embedding an Equalities and Human Rights approach across our policy thinking and development for economic recovery and renewal.” It has listed what it’s done so far to help meet this commitment and what it intends to do in the near future. What more should be done and how can the 2021-22 budget contribute?

4. Any other relevant comments?

Staying Safe in the Hills

“Plan your walk, walk your plan” is the message Sergeant Peter Lorain-Smith of Police Scotland’s Mountain Rescue Team wants to get out at this time.

Peter said: “If you are thinking of heading to our beautiful hills and mountains, it is important to be prepared by planning the route you are going to walk and having suitable equipment and clothing, as the weather up in the hills can change quickly.

“Unfortunately we have come across examples recently of walkers not being prepared for the walks that they are undertaking, including people being on the hills without maps, torches or basic survival gear, or the skills and knowledge to use them. The message remains simple – come to the hills and enjoy them, but be prepared for all eventualities and don’t go beyond your ability.

“We do not want to put anyone off enjoying the great outdoor activities we have here in Scotland but we would ask that people plan their routes, take sensible precautions and consider whether it is safe to climb a particular route. The environment of the Scottish mountains is by its very nature an unpredictable one and it is important that people take as many precautions and plan ahead as much as possible if they are going to go climbing.

“If you do find yourself in need of assistance in the mountains because of being lost or injured then please remember to phone 999 and ask for Police then Mountain Rescue, you will be helped, but because of the COVID-19 restrictions and volume of calls, it may take longer than normal for us to get to you.

“It is also very important to have respect for the Outdoor Access Code, particularly as it relates to where and when not to park, on what can often be narrow and somewhat crowded roads at this time of year. Emergency vehicles can require access to almost anywhere and a badly parked vehicle could hinder emergency access. Use designated parking areas where possible.

“Details of the code can be found at www.outdooraccess-scotland.scot .”

Council pushes ahead with Winter Festival plans

Councillors have approved initial plans for delivering Edinburgh’s Christmas and Hogmanay differently this winter.

Thursday’s Policy and Sustainability Committee saw cross-party agreement for the proposals developed by the Council and event producers Underbelly to adapt this year’s festivals in light of COVID-19 and put ‘Edinburgh’s residents and businesses first’.

Further meetings for both events will now take place to refine plans and help to ensure Edinburgh’s place as the home of Hogmanay and world-class Christmas celebrations remains intact, before further details are launched later in the year.

The council insists the final go-ahead for events will remain subject to the latest public health guidance in Edinburgh.

Under the proposals Princes Street Gardens will continue to host the Big Wheel and Star Flyer and the much-criticised Christmas Market will also return, albeit with a renewed focus as the Edinburgh Chrsitmas Makers’ Market.

A City Centre Trail is alo being developed to ‘spread the footprint’ of events which previously have centred on East Princes Street Gardens

Council Leader Adam McVey said: “We all agree that Edinburgh needs a very different approach to Christmas and Hogmanay this year. Safety absolutely needs to come first and I’m pleased that the proposal for lowering numbers and spreading activity so that we can continue to support local businesses has received cross-party support.

“These plans provide the people of Edinburgh with an enjoyable, fitting series of events to mark the end of what has been one of the most challenging years in living memory. There is a strong focus on support for local all-year-round business which will ensure that if events go ahead, our local traders will see even more benefit to help them survive and thrive.

“I can’t stress enough however that all plans will need to be subject to the latest public health guidance, and of course the continued containment of COVID-19 in Edinburgh, before we can say with certainty that these specific plans will take place.”

Depute Leader Cammy Day said: “There is no question that we’ll have to adapt this year’s Winter Festivals and this report sets out how we intend to do that.

“We’ll be looking at dispersing the Christmas market from the City Centre and offering a special Torchlight event to thank key workers, and as far as we can we want to put on a programme we can all enjoy after a challenging year. Working with Underbelly, the city of Edinburgh will remain one of the world’s finest celebrations of Christmas and New Year.

“We’ll need to keep numbers lower but we also have an opportunity to spread activity further out to help support local businesses and communities. These events are so important for our local economy and we’ll use this winter as an opportunity to explore trying something new, using hardstanding surfaces wherever possible.

“We also need to make sure that at this critical time, when local businesses will need footfall more than ever, we put on a show which residents and visitors can really enjoy and come to, and that they are encouraged to support businesses while they’re here.”

Charlie Wood, a Director of Underbelly which produces Edinburgh’s Christmas and Edinburgh’s Hogmanay events on behalf of the Council, said: “We’re delighted that the Council has reached a unanimous decision on the way forward for Edinburgh’s Christmas and Hogmanay.

“As we move forward into detailed planning, our absolute priority will continue to be public safety and putting Edinburgh first.

“We look forward to developing and delivering the programme in collaboration with the Council and other key partners to retain the city’s global status as a destination for Christmas and Hogmanay.”

Further information on what is proposed can be viewed in the Committee report, an Update on Edinburgh’s Christmas and Edinburgh’s Hogmanay 2020/2021.

Action to tackle child poverty

Scottish Child Payment to start in February.

Low-income families with a child under six will be able to apply for £10 per child, per week to assist with living costs from November, with payments to start from the end of February.

Communities Secretary Aileen Campbell announced the update as part of a statement to Parliament on the Child Poverty Second Year Progress Report.

She also confirmed that a further £2.35 million will be made available to the Parental Employability Support Fund this financial year to boost the £5 million already allocated. £1 million of this additional funding will be targeted at supporting disabled parents to progress toward employment and compete for jobs.

Ms Campbell said: “These past months have been challenging for everyone but we know that coronavirus (COVID-19) has had a greater impact on the poorest in our society – many of whom will have struggled to make ends meet.  

“That is why we’ve worked at pace and focused resources on getting the new Scottish Child Payment ready for applications. We know this vital payment will play a key role in tackling the blight of child poverty. To ensure that families receive the full support they are entitled to, we will link the Scottish Child Payment with the Best Start Grant and Best Start Foods through the application process. With all three schemes combined, low income families will receive over £5,200 of support for their first child by the time they turn six.

“What’s more, we are making an additional £2.35 million available for the Parental Employability Support Fund to focus support for both disabled and young parents and to maximise the impact of expanded Early Learning and Childcare entitlements. This will help families to move towards and into employment and provide wrap-around support and advice on issues such as housing and childcare.

“We are determined to continue to tackle child poverty. This has been shown by our investment targeted at children living in low-income households rising to £672 million – part of an estimated £1.96 billion directed at low-income households in 2019-20.”

Despite the significant impact of COVID-19 and the lockdown, the introduction of the Scottish Child Payment has only been delayed by two months.

Child Poverty Second Year Progress Report 

Campaigners have repeated their calls for the Scottish Government to provide an urgent cash boost to low income families struggling amid the pandemic.

It comes as a new Scottish Government report detailing progress against Scotland’s child poverty targets – including cutting child poverty to less than 10% – reveals a worrying outlook for families.

The report highlights how the Covid-19 pandemic has created the perfect storm for families living on low incomes, pulling them into hardship and plunging many into even deeper poverty. It comes at a time when there is clear evidence that women – particularly lone mothers – and minority ethnic families face particularly high levels of poverty and have been disproportionately impacted by the crisis. This has increased the strain on families who were struggling to stay afloat amid a rising tide of poverty, even before the pandemic.

Members of the End Child Poverty coalition in Scotland have welcomed strong political focus to date on tackling child poverty in Scotland, including the commitment to the Scottish Child Payment, which will provide £10 per week per child to all eligible families. However, the Scottish Government’s roll out of the payment has been delayed and, as was confirmed today, won’t reach families until next year.

The coalition says today’s progress report reinforces the need for the Scottish Government to bring forward urgent interim financial assistance to support families through the coming months, particularly as the UK Government’s Job Retention Scheme winds down.

Peter Kelly, Director of the Poverty Alliance, said: “Today’s Scottish Government child poverty update makes clear we face a defining moment in tackling poverty in Scotland.

Almost 1 in 4 children in Scotland were growing up in the grip of poverty pre-pandemic. With Covid-19 disproportionately impacting people already most likely to be in poverty – like lone parents, disabled people, and BAME families – the pandemic has swollen the waves of an already-rising tide of hardship in our communities.

The cross-party will for ending child poverty in Scotland is evident, but we need that will turned into more urgent action. Today’s confirmation that the Scottish Child Payment will be delivered for under-6s by February is welcome. But for parents struggling to put food on the table in August, February seems like a very long time away. They need to see measures brought forward now to bridge that gap, with direct and urgent financial support.”

Martin Canavan, Head of Policy and Participation at Aberlour, on behalf of the End Child Poverty members in Scotland said: “We are urging the Scottish Government to act quickly to protect children from poverty by bridging the gap until the initial roll out of the Scottish Child Payment next year.

“Low income families need direct and immediate financial support, and this should be at least equivalent in value to the £10 per week per child payment for all eligible families.

“Many families are facing desperate situations; we know there are over 30,000 more families with children who are now claiming Universal Credit in Scotland since Covid-19 hit. Low-paid women and their children, who were already at particular risk of poverty, have been put at even greater risk as a result of being disproportionately impacted by unemployment and enforced reduction of hours. The last five months will have caused yet more stress to those already walking the tightest of financial tightropes.

“There has been much political discussion and debate about the wider economic impact of the pandemic and how we can avert a financial catastrophe. But many families are already deep in this crisis and feel like there’s just no way out.

“The Scottish Government must prioritise the lives of children growing up in poverty and ensure families receive the financial support they urgently need.”

Jo*, a Mum from Irvine with two children aged 14 and 5, who is being supported by End Child Poverty member, Children 1st’s Money Advice Team said: “An additional payment would be a huge help and relief for many families during this pandemic.

“For us it would help to buy in that extra food as the kids are eating all the time and help with electricity. I’d also maybe spend it on arts and crafts or fun activities for the kids. Some families like ours, don’t get the opportunity to buy that sort of thing as we’re on a low income.”

Spend £5 get £10 on Leith Walk as business support scheme begins

A voucher scheme encouraging people to visit shops, cafes and restaurants on Leith Walk will launch on Monday (24 August) as part of the Trams to Newhaven project, the city council has announced.

The council is offering shoppers and diners £10 for the price of £5 to spend in a range of participating venues through the itison deal, which is part of our £2.4m Support for Business measures during construction works.

They will also be relaunching the offer for businesses on Constitution Street next month, where vouchers sold out within days when they were first introduced in November 2019.

Main Trams to Newhaven construction work began on Leith Walk in June, following a pause to comply with Government guidance and to protect the safety of workers and residents during the coronavirus outbreak.

The council says they have worked closely with local traders along the route to develop the Support for Business package, which aims to maintain the area’s appeal, drive footfall and minimise disruption throughout construction.

This includes logistics hubs to help businesses get goods into and out of their premises, on-street customer service staff providing advice to customers and businesses and a digital ‘Open for Business’ marketing campaign. They are also working with Sustrans to introduce cargo bikes for service deliveries and moving goods around. 

Transport and Environment Vice Convener Councillor Karen Doran said: “We’re excited to be launching this phase of the itison voucher scheme, which will give an added incentive to visit the range of independent shops, cafes, bars and restaurants on offer in the area.

“We know that any disruption can be challenging for businesses, particularly paired with the trying circumstances in which we find ourselves in now. We want to do everything we can to help them to continue to operate, and flourish, over the years to come.

“This project is critical for the city’s carbon neutral future, where transport is sustainable, connected and accessible. We want its benefits to be felt by everyone and we’re working hard to make this happen.”

Over 70 Leith Walk bars, restaurants, cafes and shops have signed up to the itison voucher scheme, which lasts until 31 August. Customers can buy up to three vouchers at a time to use in any of the participating businesses. Vouchers for Constitution Street must be bought separately, and for specific businesses.

Lothian MSP Miles Briggs said: “This is an excellent initiative to encourage customers to continue visiting businesses on Leith Walk and promote trade.

“Shops on the walk have been hit hard by the double blow of lockdown and the tram extensions, so making efforts to support businesses is very welcome.

“I encourage everyone to make the most of this offer and support local businesses.”

Find out more about Trams to Newhaven on the project website.

North Edinburgh Arts to become community-owned hub

North Edinburgh Arts (NEA) has been granted full community ownership in a community asset transfer from the City of Edinburgh Council. With the additional transfer of a plot of land to the north of the organisation’s venue, NEA is now in a position to lead on the development of an extended creative and community hub for the area, working in partnership with the Council. 

Bringing the organisation, established in 1998, into community ownership and working to extend the facilities will make sure this dynamic community venue is fit for purpose for the next two decades.

New enterprise, workshop, learning space and creative studios are planned, alongside a dedicated youth area, expanded café, and shared atrium all working to complement the Council’s adjoining library and early year’s provision.

NEA carried out extensive consultation to gauge support for the project with 96% of respondents in favour. The organisation offers local residents a place to relax, explore, learn, meet, share, volunteer and have fun in. Last year over 40,000 visits were made to the venue once described by STV as ‘a bright bubble behind Muirhouse shopping centre.’

NEA is based in the heart of Muirhouse and their current venue incorporates two studios, a 96 seat theatre, recording studio, gallery, offices and the pop in community café with children’s play area leading onto a large garden. NEA offers a safe, comfortable and creative space for people of all ages to develop within. 

Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic over 30 hours of creative workshops were on offer each week, most with a family focus, alongside a wide range of other events from singing groups to circus skills workshops, exhibitions, community theatre, film clubs, and festival events.

The venue is also home to Muirhouse Link Up, Firstport Social Enterprise, North Edinburgh Drug and Alcohol Centre, and the Tinderbox Orchestra, all working to serve the most disadvantaged children, families and individuals in the North Edinburgh area.

Chair of NEA, Lesley Hinds, said: “NEA has won five national awards in the last six years for place making and creative projects. This new capital project will allow the organisation to flourish, alongside Council provision, and bring a first class facility to Macmillan Square.

“NEA is a special place for the community of North Edinburgh and has been a trusted community anchor providing emergency food and support throughout the COVID lockdown. The granting of the Community Asset Transfer from the Council is the first step on our next exciting journey.” 

Director Kate Wimpress added: “The bright blue NEA building has been a beacon of hope for many throughout the lockdown. Alongside our COVID activity of the last four months we have been working closely with Council colleagues to share and establish our vision of a world class creative hub for the next generation of North Edinburgh residents.

“Today’s endorsement from the Council takes us one step closer to this vision becoming a reality.”

Contact: Kate Wimpress director@northedinburgharts.co.uk 

www.northedinburgharts.co.uk 

Twitter @northedinarts

Facebook facebook.com/northedinarts

Pictures: Robin Mair