The Scottish Government will provide £2 million of funding to mitigate the financial challenges facing the residential outdoor education sector as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis.
The package will include funding to help centres provide safe, impactful outdoor learning experiences to support young people’s education and wellbeing through this challenging period.
Science Minister Richard Lochhead has written to MSPs to outline the package of support. He said: “I met representatives from the sector recently to discuss their concerns and request for funding. I am acutely aware of the challenges the sector has had to face in the wake of the restrictions imposed to supress the spread of COVID-19.
“Outdoor learning is an important aspect of Scotland’s curriculum. It can play a vital role in supporting children’s wellbeing and attainment and we are fully committed to supporting outdoor education providers. I hope this funding, along with third sector and youth work funding streams which are already available, alleviates some of the pressures facing the sector during these challenging times and allows them to offer meaningful experiences to young people.
“Funding on its own will not address all of the challenges that are faced at the current time. We will continue to engage with local authorities to support the important role that outdoor education centres and their staff can play during the period when overnight residential stays are not permitted for public health reasons.”
Discussions on administration of the package of support continue. Details of how to apply will be made available as soon as possible.
Alongside the new fund, the Scottish Government will produce a package of communication and support materials to local authorities and schools in order to publicise the opportunities for outdoor learning experiences in their area.
Guidance for schools and local authorities on the positive contribution made by outdoor education centres, developed by the Scottish Advisory Panel for Outdoor Education, was published in August 2020.
Guidance for school visits and trips to outdoor education centres is here
Guidance on the educational value of outdoor education centres (published August 2020, funded by Scottish Government) is here
‘Extinction Rebellion claim they want to save the planet but you have to ask what planet they are on when they are intent on causing so much disruption to the lives of hard-working people’ – Gary Smith, GMB Scotland.
XR Scotland are taking action today against Ineos, Scotland’s biggest climate polluter as part of their Make the Connections campaign highlighting the collusion between government, fossil fuels and finance on maintaining business as usual in the face of catastrophic climate breakdown
Small affinity groups of no more than 6 individuals have locked themselves together at the gates and aim to remain there all day
Two boats are being used to block the entrances to the refinery and the headquarters.
This morning, Extinction Rebellion Scotland activists blocked the entrances to Ineos in Grangemouth. Groups of no more than six have locked themselves together and they have parked ‘Amal Gous’,the iconic purple boat named after the activist and tea seller killed by Sudanese troops in 2019 and is painted with the words ‘Act Now: The future you fear is already here‘ at the Bo’ness Rd gate.
Another boat is parked at the Ineos office on Inchyra Road, with more activists locked on, painted with the words “Just Transition”.
This boat has been named ‘Ogoni Nine’ in honour of the activists who opposed Shell’s land grab of the Niger Delta for decades and were eventually executed in 1995 for their efforts. The UK and its fossil fuel driven economy continues to profit from the suffering of others. XR Scotland demands that any just transition away from fossil fuels also redresses injustices both internationally and historically.
A further demonstration took place outside the Ineos office in London from 8am – 10am.
Covid-19 safety precautions are being taken, including face masks, social distancing, use of hand sanitiser, and participating activists are using a track and trace app.
The five oil, chemical and power plants owned by the company at Grangemouth spewed 3.2 million tonnes of carbon dioxide into the air during 2019, while Ineos’ owner Jim Ratcliffe, 75th richest man in the world, has recently moved to Monaco to escape paying tax.
Yet it is pure hypocrisy to be profiting from the suffering of some of the poorest communities in the States, who are experiencing the horrific and unjust effects of living in a place where fracking happens – terrorised by earthquakes, contaminated water supplies and flaring.
Ineos is also attempting to resurrect plans to drill for underground gas in central Scotland, intensely lobbying our representatives for their own gain.
Today’s action has been taken in the spirit of this: Extinction Rebellion Scotland aims to actively cut emissions with our actions today by shutting down the Ineos plant.
Mark, 46, a care worker from Glasgow, said: “I’m here today as an everyday citizen with Extinction Rebellion Scotland to highlight the fact that Ineos are Scotland’s single biggest polluter driving climate change.
“Controversial fracked gas is imported from the U.S. to be turned into plastics here at Grangemouth, and Ineos recently requested a £550 million bailout of tax-payers money due to losses they claim Covid restrictions caused, all while Jim Ratcliffe the majority owner and CEO of Ineos, the richest (or 3rd richest, depending on source) man in the U.K. has been accused of tax evasion as he recently changed his status to being domiciled in Monaco, a tax haven”.
Annie Lane, 26 from Glasgow said: “Ineos Grangemouth is Scotland’s largest climate polluter. It is Scotland’s only crude oil refinery. It also stores fracked gas from the States. Given the widely assumed ‘ban’ on fracking in Scotland, for fracked gas which harms communities worldwide to still be processed here is outrageously hypocritical.
“We are here to expose the climate destruction that Ineos is causing. We are running out of time, with the climate crisis affecting so many in the global south already. If Scotland really wants to be the “Climate Leaders” they claim to be, we need to see a just transition to a greener and fairer society, led by ordinary people and not corrupt billionaires like Jim Ratcliffe.”
Meg Peyton Jones from Edinburgh said: “We’re ten years on from Scotland’s first Climate Act, and yet plants such as Grangemouth are still being expanded.
“We cannot trust big oil corporations to prioritise the planet and the long term wellbeing of either their workers or the general population above squeezing every last drop of oil and gas out of the North Sea, no matter how much they try to distract us with greenwash about renewables.
“The government, big oil and big finance companies have outwardly promised for decades to reduce our destruction of the climate, whilst continuing to profit from it. We cannot continue to believe they will solve this crisis they created for their own gain: we need a people-led, worker-led solution, made for the people, by the people – not for profit by the profiteers.”
The campaigners’ actions have been criticised by the GMB Scotland trade union.
Responding to today’s blockade of the Grangemouth petrochemical site by Extinction Rebellion, GMB Scotland Secretary Gary Smith said:“Extinction Rebellion look detached from the reality and struggles of working people across Scotland today. We are in the middle of a public health crisis and we are about to be hit by the biggest jobs crisis in a generation.
“This comes in the same week where Scotland has been caught again exporting the jobs of the future in offshore wind manufacturing, while our workhorse industries like energy and aviation are facing decimation. Our economy is in dire straits and no one in Scottish politics has a credible plan for jobs to aid our post-COVID recovery, but they seem willing to indulge Extinction Rebellion.
“Extinction Rebellion claim they want to save the planet but you have to ask what planet they are on when they are intent on causing so much disruption to the lives of hard-working people. They are looking and acting like part of the problem, not the solution.”
Pupils in Scotland have higher than average awareness of global issues, according to an international survey.
Data from the OECD’s Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) on ‘global competence’ – the ability to examine global and intercultural issues and understand and appreciate different perspectives – also found pupils in Scotland have very positive attitudes towards immigrants and respect for people from other parts of the world.
The 2018 assessment included a test which measured pupils’ knowledge and understanding of global issues and the world views of others. Only two countries out of 27 who took part scored higher than Scotland.
Deputy First Minister John Swinney said: “One of the core aims of Curriculum for Excellence (CfE) is that Scotland’s young people become responsible citizens, with knowledge and understanding of the world and Scotland’s place in it. This survey shows CfE is working – our pupils are highly aware of issues beyond our borders and they are respectful of people from other parts of the world.
“Since this data was collected, a wide-ranging action plan has been published to make it easier for schools to cover important global issues such as climate change and a sustainable economy. This continuing work will help teachers equip our young people with the skills and knowledge to be active global citizens so they can contribute to sustainability goals, flourish in the global economy and contribute to the international community.”
The survey showed:
Scotland’s average score in the global competence assessment was 534. It was one of five countries to score at least 50 points above the average
Two countries (Singapore and Canada) achieved an average score higher than Scotland, two countries/economies were similar (Hong Kong and Taiwan), and 22 countries were lower
Twelve per cent of students in Scotland were at Level 5, the highest level in the assessment, compared to 4.3% of students across all countries. Only two countries had a higher proportion of students assessed at Level 5
Based on responses to a Global Competence questionnaire, students in Scotland had an above average respect for people from other countries, including respecting their values and opinions
Students in Scotland were among the 10 countries/economies (out of 66) with the most positive attitudes towards immigrants
With trick or treating and big bonfires off the cards, Morrisons is helping customers celebrate Halloween and Bonfire Night at home this year with the launch of two new food boxes – delivered direct to your door.
Priced at £23 for Halloween and £17 for Bonfire Night, each box includes delivery and is available for pre-sale from today. The limited edition boxes have everything you need to celebrate the spookiest and sparkliest nights of the year at home.
For customers looking to create their own spook-fest, the Morrisons Halloween Box includes terrifyingly tasty treats to tuck into like Cadburys Goo Heads or a slime cupcake kit for the kids to enjoy and for that haunted house at home there’s spooky bunting and balloons.
And for those looking to celebrate Bonfire Night with a bang, Morrisons is launching the ultimate Bonfire Night Box – packed with 5th November classics from hot chocolate, marshmallows and cinder toffee to bangers and pork pies.
What’s in the boxes?
Morrisons Spooky Halloween Box – £23 Including DeliveryPreorder 8th October – Delivery 24th – 30th OctoberMorrisons Cheese balls 150gHaribo Starmix 176gCadbury Goo Heads 89gMr Kipling Fiendish Fancies 8 PackCadbury Family Treat Size Pack 222gSlime Cupcake Kit 295gMorrisons Sweet Popcorn 100g Halloween Party Pack includes:Paper Napkins 20pkSpider Paper Straws 20 PackSpider Web Cups 10 PackSpider Web Plates 10 PackHappy Halloween Banner 2mSpider Garland 2mSpider Printed Confetti Balloons 5 PackTattoos
Morrisons The Ultimate Bonfire Box – £17 Including DeliveryPreorder 8th October – Delivery 30th October – 5th NovemberMcvitie’s Jamaica Ginger CakeMorrisons Snack Pork Pies 2pk x3Morrisons The Best Pork Sausages 400gMorrisons Lighter Dairy Spray Cream 250gCadburys Drinking Choc 250gMorrisons Marshmallows 200gParrs Cinder Toffee Crunchy Handmade Pieces 150gMorrisons Chip Shop Mushy Peas 400g x2Morrisons Finger Rolls 6 pack
Aidan Buckley, Food to Order Director at Morrisons said: “We know this year is like no other for customers and many may feel Halloween and Bonfire night are off the cards.
“These boxes provide a stress-free way to still enjoy a little magic at this time of year.”
Delight for mental health charity Penumbra and partners as Milestone Edinburgh is recognised in prestigious awards
Penumbra Milestone in Edinburgh has been awarded a prestigious health award in the Mental Health and Wellbeing Awards. Milestone won the award for most innovative mental health service with judges describing the team as “going the extra mile with excellent outcomes”.
Penumbra Milestone is an alcohol-free 10-bed step-down residential facility which provides short-term care for people with ARBD (Alcohol Related Brain Damage) who no longer require medical intervention, but who are not ready to go directly home.
The service is a partnership between mental health charity Penumbra, NHS Lothian, City of Edinburgh Health&Social Care Partnership, Midlothian H&SCP, West Lothian H&SCP, East Lothian H&SCP, and Waverley Care.
Through the provision of intensive, multidisciplinary support Penumbra Milestone improves outcomes for people with ARBD and reduces the number of days they spend in an acute hospital settings despite no longer requiring acute medical care.
ARBD is the term that is used to describe a range of symptoms which occur following a prolonged period of heavy drinking, such as: difficulty remembering, difficulty concentrating, feeling confused, irritated, or having difficulty making choices and decisions. With the right care, support and treatment people with ARBD can make a significant recovery.
Penumbra Milestone Service Manager Lesley Forbes said:“We’re delighted to win this award for Milestone. The team and I are all feeling very proud that our work has been recognised in this way.
“Awards like this are a chance to raise awareness of ARBD and it also shines a light on the innovative work we undertake with the inspirational people who access our service here at Milestone.
“The wellbeing outcomes for people accessing Milestone who are at risk of slipping through the net are quite astounding. But we know that the more we recognise and understand ARBD and with the right support, people can and do make a significant recovery.”
East Lothian IJB Chair Councillor Fiona O’Donnell said:“Penumbra’s Milestone Project richly deserves the Innovative Interventions Award. I know that it has made a real and positive difference in the lives of the people who use its services.
“Congratulations to our partners at Milestone – your work and approach is outstanding and makes a lasting contribution to the recovery of people with ARDB.’’
Fiona Hume, Assistant Programme Manager, NHS Lothian said:“I am delighted that the ARBD Unit at Penumbra Milestone has been recognised for their innovative approach to supporting the mental health and well being of people with ARBD.
“The team’s hard work. skill and dedication to working with this vulnerable group of patients is truly inspiring and even more so in the challenging times of Covid. This service and all the staff involved are a great example of what can be achieved through partnership working and delivering a person centred care service.”
Museums & Galleries Edinburgh officially launch Auld Reekie Retold, the largest collections inventory project ever undertaken in the organisation’s history.
Over the course of three years, the ambitious project will see the recording and cataloguing of the collection of over 200,000 objects which are housed in stores and venues across the City, in preparation for a move to a new store where those objects can be safely stored and effectively managed.
Auld Reekie Retold isn’t solely based on collection management. It will also connect objects in the collection, which has been growing steadily since the 1870’s, with people and places in the City, uncovering new stories from Edinburgh and its residents.
The project will harness that public and professional knowledge about objects in the collection to share it with visitors, both in person at the museums and digitally throughout the project.
That gathered knowledge and data will also be used to develop exhibitions and displays in the future – with all work designed to consolidate Museums & Galleries Edinburgh’s position as a leading Scottish cultural institution and to help better serve the people of Edinburgh and visitors from across the world.
Earlier this year, Museums & Galleries Edinburgh stood in solidarity with the #BlackLivesMatter movement and pledged to play an active role in standing up to racism. Auld Reekie Retold is an important opportunity for greater understanding of the origins of the collections and the way they have been catalogued.
Throughout the lifecycle of the project, the impact of Colonialism will be highlighted, seeking to educate and bring new perspectives and hidden stories to light. Future phases of the project will involve working with diverse communities across Edinburgh to record objects in new ways that better reflect today’s world.
Permanent museum staff have been joined for the project by three dedicated Collections Assistants whose work focuses on matching objects with any existing records, updating the information currently held and carrying out research.
Prior to Covid-19 restrictions being in place, work was underway in object stores across the city and although some of this work is now paused, team members are very much continuing to work through digital records.
Below are a few examples of some fascinating stories and objects that have already come to light, as part of work carried out prior to lockdown, with many more future stories and news of new discoveries and calls for public input being shared across the duration of the project:
Consider for instance a tiny round metal stamp used for impressing on to wax, with the name and Trinity address of William Flockhart. Flockhart and his partner Duncan were surgeon apothecaries who produced a number of drugs and medicines in the 1840s. Among the customers on their books were James Young Simpson, the inventor of anaesthetics, and Florence Nightingale.
Or a playbill printed on a 100,000 Deutschmark note for a play at the Lyceum Theatre entitled “Tons of Money”, staged in 1925, a time when hyper-inflation in Germany had reached a point where money was no longer worth the paper it was printed on. While people were paying for loaves of bread with wheelbarrows of cash, in Edinburgh, the bank note was used to advertise the ironically titled play.
The project will create a web of connections across the collections held by Museums & Galleries Edinburgh, from archaeology to social history. An example of this is the rediscovery of a small silver pendant of the Six Feet Club from the 1830s.
There were a surprising number of secret and not-so-secret societies in Edinburgh at this time, each with its own particular niche interest or membership rule. This club was dedicated to athleticism, and to be a member you had to be a man and oddly enough six foot tall. Sir Walter Scott was made an honorary member despite not being six-foot-tall and left with a limp by a bout of childhood polio.
Sometimes the finds are a little closer to home, like the Ronson Escort 2000 Hairdryer.
A “portable” hairdryer from the 1970’s, designed to be used at home and worn like a satchel with a tube that connected to a shower cap style hood which would allow you to go about your day as you dried and set your hair; as long as your day was only two feet from a plug. This was aimed at the modern women leaving her hands free to get on with her day, but from anecdotes from users it seems to imply it had varying results.
Once lockdown restrictions have eased and the museums reopen, Auld Reekie Retold will continue at pace.
There will be a series of exhibitions hosted across the collection including Museum of Edinburgh, The Writers’ Museum and the Museum of Childhood, allowing visitors the opportunity to learn more about the various processes involved in maintaining the collection and to connect with objects, bringing them to life in the process.
Thanks to a grant from Museums Galleries Scotland Museums Development Fund, the project will also feature a programme of public events and tours to enable visitors and special interest groups to engage with the collection and to share in the discoveries made.
While restrictions are in place, these events will be online, but when visitors are welcomed back in to the museums, they will be able to see and handle real objects themselves.
Information will also be made available digitally with regular updates, news and behind the scenes blogs and podcasts shared via www.edinburghmuseums.org.uk,
Museums & Galleries Edinburgh’s collections belong to the City, and Auld Reekie Retold aims to give every citizen of Edinburgh a sense of ownership of and connection to its objects and their stories as the organisation moves into a new dynamic phase of museums development with people, past and present at its heart.
Project Manager Nico Tyack said:“Auld Reekie Retold is a truly unique opportunity for Museums & Galleries Edinburgh to catch all the stories our collections can tell us about Edinburgh.
“From Jacobite muskets to life in tenements, Edinburgh Rock to Pride, medieval St. Giles to the Festival Fringe, we hope to spark conversations about our amazing collections and their hidden histories, gathering new insights for future generations to enjoy.”
Councillor Donald Wilson, Culture and Communities Convener, said: “Our world class collections are a powerful record of our journey to the present day as well as a window to the past where we can discover links to the Edinburgh and Scotland of yesterday.
“We are lucky as a city to have this resource but at the moment much of it is hidden and inaccessible. This is very important behind the scenes work as we review how we currently meet the needs of our citizens and how we can better use our collections.
“I have long believed there is untapped potential in our collections and Auld Reekie Retold is allowing us to develop and gain a fuller understanding of what we have. By recording and cataloguing the collection of over 200,000 objects, it will also highlight those items that can be used for online resources and future exhibitions”.
Councillor Amy McNeese-Mechan, Culture and Communities Vice Convenor, added: “This project will help to broaden participation with our Museums & Galleries and ensure their long-term relevance.
“This is the story of our city and it needs to be told. It is only by understanding how we got to where we are now that we can know where we want to go in the future.”
SCOTLAND’S FIRST LIGHTING TRAIL OF 2020 OPENS AT HOPETOUN HOUSE
October 21st – November 15th
Designed and produced by the team at 21CC Group and set in the magnificent grounds of Hopetoun House, Scotland’s finest stately home, the gates opened for Scotland’s first lighting trail of the year on Tuesday, welcoming guests to enjoy what has since been described as an ‘unforgettable sound, lighting and effects extravaganza’.
Starting and finishing at the House, the beautifully lit 2km woodland trail begins through the enchanting wrought iron gates to the north, leading visitors to unique and unseen areas of the grounds of Hopetoun.
The track winds through hidden pathways amongst ancient woodlands, clearings and past the old summerhouse before leading visitors back via the Lime Avenue, but not before seeing the magnificent Hopetoun House lit up in all its glory; all with some special, jaw dropping views along the way.
Along with the creative lighting, there are a number of sound and special effects, movement and installations, all of which enhance the nature and natural beauty that is the Wondrous Woods of Hopetoun House.
Geoff Crow, Director of 21CC Group says, “The Hopetoun trails offer us a spectacular environment, really like no other, with a fantastic amount of ground space which allows us to safely deliver this creative lighting journey, ensuring that we are adhering to the strictest of safety guidelines.
“It has been an absolute joy to work with one of Scotland’s best known visitor attractions to bring our vision to life and create something truly special for our guests.”
21CC Group have worked extensively with the Hopetoun team for many years, collaborating with them for the delivery of the highly successful Hopetoun Fireworks & Bonfire event, as well as the delivery of multiple large scale corporate events both within the House and the grounds.
The Earl of Hopetoun comments: “We are delighted to be the venue for the inaugural Wondrous Woods; it is thrilling for me to see the grounds come to life after dark with all the creative lighting and effects that are planned.
“This is the first time we have hosted such an ambitious event at night and it’s hugely exciting, following such a difficult year for us all, to develop something so different for Hopetoun. We look forward to welcoming you back here to see something unique.”
21CC Group are a Scottish based events group based outside Edinburgh, established in 1999. They produce events around the country for corporate groups, festivals, local authorities, and private clients.
Scientists at the Scottish Environment Protection Agency’s (SEPA) have successfully pinpointed fragments of coronavirus’ ribonucleic acid (RNA) in local waste water samples across the country.
SEPA was among the first European agencies to begin this exploratory work back in May, with the backing of Scottish Government and Public Health Scotland (PHS), alongside Scottish Water, CREW (Centre of expertise for Waters) and academic partners from the University of Edinburgh’s Roslin Institute and Heriot Watt University.
The aim was to detect fragments of the virus’ RNA – a genetic footprint which can be measured in waste water even after the virus has begun to breakdown. The World Health Organization has said there is currently no evidence that coronavirus has been transmitted via sewerage systems.
Analysis on samples from across Scotland has now identified traces in waste water from 12 health board areas. The results have been shared with PHS and areas with positive RNA findings are consistent with the areas known to have confirmed Covid-19 cases.
One such example is Aberdeen, where SEPA’s analysis demonstrates how the prevalence of the virus in waste water samples is mirroring cases in the population. At the beginning of August, SEPA analysed a sample from the Aberdeen area which was positive for Covid-19 RNA. This was consistent with an increase in positive cases in the areas.
On SEPA’s request Scottish Water increased the sampling rate to four times a week to provide more information, and over the following three weeks there was a gradual decline to below the level that concentrations can be detected with sufficient accuracy. Sample results remained at the same level until the end of September when they began to rise again, reflecting PHS data on known cases.
Sample results across the rest of Scotland, including in the Central Belt, continue to be consistent with PHS information on cases in the community. SEPA has made data available for all samples analysed at https://informatics.sepa.org.uk/RNAmonitoring/
Since May SEPA and partners at the Roslin Institute have been refining analysis methods to lower the concentration of RNA that can be reliably detected.
Testing is conducted on incoming waste water samples collected by Scottish Water and its operators at 28 public waste water treatment works across the country, covering all 14 NHS Scotland health board areas. Most locations are tested weekly, but this can be increased when local outbreaks are apparent.
Samples are representative of waste water from between 40-50 percent of the Scottish population and, in combination with community testing, are helping Scotland understand the prevalence and distribution of the virus.
SEPA continues to work with academia and public health officials to understand how this monitoring can be best used to support Scotland’s response to the pandemic.
Terry A’Hearn, SEPA CEO, said: “As Scotland’s environmental watchdog and as a public agency, we remain proud to be playing our part in the national effort to combat coronavirus.
“Our scientific capabilities and expertise in designing and implementing monitoring networks made us ideally suited to delivering this trial and the results we are seeing demonstrate its scientific validity.
“Central to the delivery of this project has been our partnership working Scottish Water and the University of Edinburgh’s Roslin Institute, and we will continue to work closely together to refine our techniques and understanding.
“We’ve received support from across the public sector, agencies and institutions – including a donation of specialist kit from Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture – demonstrating how Scotland is coming together to find ways of tackling this virus.”
SEPA is also assisting UK government scientific advisors, who are engaging with the research community to investigate how waste water monitoring can be used to track the transmission of coronavirus.
Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham said: “In order to manage the coronavirus pandemic, it is vital that we continue to develop our understanding of it, and I welcome this UK-wide programme of research and the development of waste water monitoring to help build our knowledge base.
“SEPA and Scottish Water have translated this experimental programme into a comprehensive, Scotland-wide monitoring network. The early data is already providing our public health experts with new information, which complements the wider population testing programme to give a more robust picture of the prevalence of Covid disease in Scotland.
“I look forward to the programme providing further, valuable data over the coming months to support our fight against the pandemic.”
Scientists at The Roslin Institute have been working with Scottish Water and SEPA to develop robust methodologies for detecting and measuring SARS-CoV-2 genetic material in wastewater.
Funding from the Centre of Expertise for Waters (CREW), which is supported by Scottish Government, has allowed scientists in Scotland to work with academic colleagues across the UK to keep pace with international developments in the rapidly expanding field of wastewater epidemiology.
Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre retailer, has announced the development of its first small format store – Little Dobbies.
Little Dobbies, which will be located on Raeburn Place in Stockbridge and is scheduled to open in November, is the first of its kind for the retailer that has 68 garden centres across the UK.
The core of the Little Dobbies’ offer will be horticulturally focused with a range of convenience gardening products. This will be complemented by a carefully curated range featuring houseplants and pots; a small range of gifts; and selected seasonal ranges. For opening, the seasonal ranges will feature Christmas items, including decorations, wreaths and hampers.
There will also be a coffee shop, offering hot and cold drinks, as well as takeaway food.
Graeme Jenkins, CEO at Dobbies, said: “This is an exciting new venture for our team, as we launch the first Little Dobbies. The store will feature gardening essentials for city centre residents and will showcase some of the extensive ranges available at our larger stores and at dobbies.com
“Thank you to everyone who has contributed to the project and we can’t wait to open the doors of Little Dobbies in November.”
Opening hours for Little Dobbies are Monday to Friday, 10:00 -18:00; Thursday 10:00-19:00; Saturday and Sunday 09:00-18:00.
A new course to support locals who want to make North Edinburgh stronger launches next month
‘So, What Now?’ a new course to support locals who want to make North Edinburgh stronger launches in November.
Firstport, Scotland’s support agency for start-up social enterprises, has launched a new workshop series ‘So, What Now?’ as part of their What If… North Edinburgh Programme.
COVID-19 has had a significant impact on communities big and small, and this course is designed to tackle those concerns arising out of the pandemic, as well as existing ones, and provide an opportunity for people to plan for the future.
The six-week workshop series will help individuals identify actions to take to help their local community and develop the skills to get these ideas up and running.
Starting on the 2nd November 2020, the ‘So, What Now?’ group will meet weekly to discuss concerns, take part in upskilling sessions, and access tailored training to support their ideas. Participants will finish the course with the skills and knowledge to get their ideas off to the best possible start.
The course will be run by the What If… North Edinburgh manager, Julie Smith, who already lives and works locally to the North Edinburgh Area to support individuals and groups starting community focused projects and businesses.
Julie Smith, workshop lead, said: “It can be difficult to talk about hope when we are in the middle of a pandemic – but throughout this time we have seen how people power makes a difference.
“The course we’re running – So, What Now? – is designed to provide space and opportunity for people to meet, share their experiences with each other and explore the possibilities for creating new ways of solving old problems in the community. It is about travelling hopefully towards the future, embracing opportunities to develop as a person, a group, and a community.
“The course is really for anyone who wants to get involved in their community, people who have ideas about developing projects or businesses but are not sure what to do, and those who would like space and time to think about what they want to do in the future.”
The workshop series is open to anyone living or working in North Edinburgh, particularly individuals passionate about social concerns in the area, with insight into what needs to be changed, and looking for inspiration and support to make a positive difference in the community.
An information session will take place between 10.00am-11.30am on Wednesday 28th October for anyone interested in finding out more.
This course will be held digitally; however, it will be as interactive as possible. Anyone requiring assistance to take part in the course is encouraged to get in touch with What if North Edinburgh so they can support their request.
