Month: October 2020

Protection Levels: First Minister addresses the nation

Address to the nation following the confirmation of local authority protection levels – Thursday 29 October: 

Firstly, a heartfelt thank you to all of you for the sacrifices you’ve made, as we’ve faced this Covid challenge together.

For some of you, these sacrifices have been compounded by the loss of a loved one, serious illness, or worry about your job and paying the bills.

This has been difficult for everyone, but truly awful for many. No words can make that better.

And I am sorry to again ask for more.

But Covid is still with us. And it is still dangerous.

Europe is now firmly in the grip of a second wave. Some countries, including France and Germany, are back in full lockdown.

Here in Scotland, we see rising cases, more people in hospital and, tragically, more lives being lost.

But we also have grounds for cautious hope.

The difficult restrictions introduced a few weeks ago to limit household visits and hospitality are slowing the rate of increase.

Restrictions are still necessary, but this slowdown is allowing us to act in a more targeted way.

Today I confirmed the different levels of protection that will apply, from Monday, to different parts of the country, depending on the levels of infection.

Detailed information about the level in your area is available on the Scottish Government website. And from Monday a postcode checker will let you find out exactly what the rules are in your area at any given time.

These levels will be reviewed weekly.

But I want to emphasise two restrictions which, for now, apply everywhere.

The first is household mixing. 

It remains the case – in all parts of Scotland – that we should not meet up in each other’s homes. That is incredibly hard for all of us. But household mixing – especially indoors – is one of the biggest risks of transmission.

And secondly travel.

A regional approach to restrictions will only be sustainable if we don’t spread the virus from high to lower prevalence areas.

So if you live in a level 3 area, you should only leave your own local authority for essential purposes, such as work, education or caring responsibilities.

And if you live in a level 1 or level 2 area, do not travel to a level 3 area, except for the same essential purposes.

These restrictions are tough but please believe me when I say they are still necessary.

Of course, I wish I could tell you when things will return to normal.

I can’t do that yet. I can only be straight with you.

And given the challenge we face, I cannot guarantee that we won’t have to return to the highest level of restrictions across the whole country.

But I do know the best way for us to avoid that – and I hope secure some degree of Christmas cheer –  is to keep abiding by all the rules and guidance. I know that because it is starting to work already.

Doing that – as it has always been – is fundamentally an act of solidarity, compassion and love.

It is how we make each other safer, protect our NHS, and save lives.

This all gets so much harder after seven months and as winter and Christmas approach. I know that. I feel that.

But we need to dig deep. And we need to stick with it. We will get through this. Let’s keep doing it together – and for each other. Thank you.

Do we still need to reach higher and go further for Scotland’s student carers?

Carers Trust Scotland investigates the challenges for student carers

New Carers Trust Scotland research shows the key challenges for Scotland’s student carer population.

Key findings from student carer respondents:

  • 47% find it difficult to attend class.
  • 75% struggle with finances and budgeting.
  • 35% find handing in coursework on time challenging.
  • 61% struggle to concentrate in class.

Since October 2019, Carers Trust Scotland has been undertaking research into the experiences of student carers across Scotland’s colleges and universities. This study was made possible due to generous funding by Mr and Mrs JMB Charitable Trust.

It is estimated that there are over 30,000 students in Scotland, studying alongside providing unpaid care for a family member or friend who is ill, frail, disabled or has mental health or addiction problems.

Student carers, carer services and college and university staff from across Scotland’s colleges and universities were invited to participate in the research through interviews and surveys. Their perspectives have shaped the research, which illuminates the challenges for student carers and the support that can improve their experiences.

From application stages, through to the experience of studying, student carers face unique challenges. Unpaid carers give their caring role a great amount of thought when applying to college or university.

For many students, studying is an opportunity to move away from home and into student accommodation. Student carers, however, may be unable to move away from their caring responsibilities.

For those that stay at home, it is important that they can travel from college or university to the person they care for as quickly as possible, and so the location of course is given consideration.

Studying itself can present challenges for unpaid carers, with their time under pressure from caring responsibilities, their studies and in many cases, part time work.

Attending class, concentrating on work both at home and on campus, and meeting coursework deadlines are difficulties faced by many. A lack of time and competing responsibilities can take its toll, with 84% of student carers surveyed finding it challenging to keep good mental health while studying.

Finding time to socialise is also difficult for student carers, which can leave many feeling isolated from their peers, and the wider college or university community.

College and university staff, are aware that studying is challenging for unpaid carers and want to provide comprehensive support. However, it can be difficult to reach unpaid carers within student populations, meaning that it is only at crisis point when recourse for action is more limited, that student carers become known.

Supporting student carers can be challenging for college and university staff who are managing large caseloads and working with many students requiring support.

Considering the challenges student carers face, and the barriers that college and university staff face in supporting them, the Student Carer Experience in Scotland makes recommendations and suggestions that could improve the studying experience for student carers.

Visible, proactive and flexible support, with individually tailored and practical solutions can help student carers on their college and university journey. Despite challenges, with the right support in place student carers can, and do succeed in their studies.

Hannah Martin, Research and Engagement worker for Carers Trust Scotland said: “Studying can be a real challenge for student carers. There are many barriers, unique to their circumstances, that they can face from application right through to completing their course.

“The good news, is that there are measures that can support student carers, that college and university staff can take on.”

Not all Halloween has to be at home …

Drive-in Movies at Edinburgh Airport offers a fright-filled cinema experience for the whole family to enjoy in a safe, outdoor environment.

Presented by Edinburgh International Film Festival and Unique Events and supported by Edinburgh Live, Drive-in Movies is the go-to event for people of all ages this Halloween! Between 29 October and 1 November, film buffs and Halloween enthusiasts alike will be transported into the ghoulishly terrifying world of cinema classics: from family favourites and cult titles to recent blockbusters.

With some screenings sold out or with limited tickets available, audiences are encouraged to book now to avoid disappointment. The line-up includes such hits as Coco, E.T., Labyrinth and Jurassic Park, among many others – all presented in a safe, outdoor environment strictly following the health and safety measures.

The pre-screening entertainment includes Halloween-themed sing along, film quiz with spot prizes, competition for best costumes and carved pumpkins displayed on the dashboard, all run by the event’s MC, Edinburgh DJ Stewart Calverto who becomes Count Calverto…

Food and drink available to purchase on site include seafood specialists Alandas, offering some of the best fish and chips in the country, and Cold Town Beer, born and brewed in Scotland.

All designated drivers at screenings of 15+ films will be offered a free Heineken 0.0% beer.

Ticket and full line-up information available here: www.edinburghdrivein.co.uk

LaunchMe gears up for sixth intake of applications

LaunchMe, Scotland’s social enterprise accelerator has opened its sixth round of applications, looking for innovative social enterprises with the ambition to grow and achieve social impact at scale.

Delivered by social enterprise agency Firstport, LaunchMe supports social enterprises to grow by providing a comprehensive business support package, seed funding to get them investment ready and direct access to investor networks. Since 2014, the programme has helped 37 social enterprises to scale and increase their impact, 13 of them have gone on to raise over £1m of private investment.

Social enterprises, like most businesses, have suffered as a result of the pandemic. In Scotland, 97% of them reported negative impacts whilst experiencing a marked increase in the demand for their services at the same time. This is hardly surprising given that social enterprises operate in areas including mental health, social care, employability, and homelessness.

From providing emergency food aid and childcare to vulnerable children to mental health support and more, social enterprises have played a key role supporting the emergency and recovery efforts of the last six months.  While the future remains uncertain and a recession looms, backing social enterprises with the potential to scale seems more critical than ever before.

One LaunchMe participant that is ready to step up to the challenge is Brave, Strong, Beautiful, CIC (BSB).

Founded by Edinburgh-based Kerry Anderson, it is the only hair and beauty salon in Scotland providing training and employment opportunities for disadvantaged young people.

Despite being forced to close during the national lockdown, BSB is now ready to scale and plans to open two more salons in the next 12 months to provide training, employment and mental health support to disadvantaged and vulnerable young people living in areas of deprivation. With the unemployment rate at its highest level in three years and young people being particularly affected by this, social enterprises such as BSB are needed to tackle the challenges ahead.

Kerry Anderson, founder of Brave, Strong, Beautiful, CIC, said: “I set up Brave Strong Beautiful because I became aware that some young people were being overlooked by society. I realised that the most vulnerable were struggling to find training and gain employment whilst dealing with difficult home lives.

“Coming from a challenging background myself, I understand first-hand the difficulties young people face. This is why I decided to use my skills as a hairdresser, employment development worker and counsellor to offer opportunities for young people to gain a trade skill in hairdressing, whilst also offering a support package so we can ensure they achieve success.”

Josiah Lockhart, Chief Executive of Firstport, said: “LaunchMe has a well-established track record of supporting scaleable social enterprises to grow and increase their social impact.

“As the effects of the pandemic and lockdown measures continue to take hold, we need strong, adaptable, and resilient social enterprises to rise to the challenge and create social impact at scale. Whilst the future is uncertain, LaunchMe is well placed to provide the support that social enterprises need right now to pursue and achieve their growth plans in the future.”

Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Local Government Aileen Campbell said: “The Scottish Government is delighted to continue to support the LaunchMe accelerator programme.

“The Scottish social enterprise sector has seen consistent growth over the past decade and we continue our partnership with Firstport. At a time of unparalleled challenges across society, the social enterprise sector remains at the forefront as we move forward towards recovery, and LaunchMe is well placed to support social entrepreneurs and social enterprises.”

Margaret McSporran, Head of Social Enterprise Development, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, said: “The additional challenges we have faced this year have shown just how vital social enterprises are to the Highlands and Islands economy and to community resilience, particularly in some of our most rural areas.

“We very much welcome this latest round of applications for LaunchMe and would encourage innovative and ambitious social enterprises to consider applying.”

LaunchMe-A-Model-For-Scaling-UpDownload

Applications for LaunchMe are now open and close on Monday 14 December. More information is available on the Firstport website.

8 best films to watch this Halloween

Pete Appleyard, a tutor at Ealing’s world famous MetFilm School, has a massive interest in the genre of Horror. He’s taken time out to pull together this haunting selection of spooky films from the last 100 years!

It’s a mixture of classics, blockbusters and unusual but worthy finds.

Pete’s final choice – Host – was written, shot, edited and released during the Covid-19 lockdown … it will make you think again when accepting an unexpected Zoom call invitation …

Nosferatu – 1922

This early, unofficial adaptation of Dracula by F.W Murnau still holds every bit of its gothic power almost 100 years after it was made. Its filled with iconic gothic imagery and features an amazing central performance by stage actor Max Schreck as the terrifying Count Orlock (who’s name translates as Max Fear). It also works as a wonderful introduction to silent film for those new to early cinema.

Trailer:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0LOOhc2eML4

Frankenstein– 1931

The first Horror blockbuster and the film that made a star of Boris Karloff. Few films can claim to be as iconic as this classic from universal pictures. From the gothic production design to the incredible Jack Peirce make-up for the Monster, Frankenstein feels like the definitive version of Mary Shelley’s morality tale of man playing god.

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BN8K-4osNb0

Dead of Night – 1945

One of the few Horror films produced at Ealing Studios during its golden era, Dead of Night is one of the earliest examples of the Horror Anthology film. Essentially a collection of short films linked together by a wraparound story, the anthology format became a staple of British horror films through to the 70’s and 80’s but rarely was it done as well as here. The scenes of Michael Redgrave being menaced by an evil ventriloquist dummy remain terrifying to this day.

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8UCJz617E8s

Night of the Living Dead – 1968

With his debut feature George A Romero managed to do some incredible things. First and foremost he re-invented the Zombie film moving away from the voodoo stories of old to the flesh eating ghouls we know and love today. Secondly, he cast the genre’s first black lead actor, the amazing Duane Jones. And finally, Romero managed to hide biting social commentary on the civil rights movement and the US’s role in Vietnam amongst the gore and mayhem. Political horror at its best.

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ob8vZhSjES8

Nightmare on Elm Street – 1984

The horror boom of the 80’s gave birth to a number of new horror icons but king amongst them has to be Wes Craven’s ultimate boogie man Freddy Kruger. A killer who stalks you in your dreams, Kruger was brought to life by the classically trained Robert Englund. Whilst the sequels are imaginative and fun it’s the original film that has all the scares, including a very gory encounter with a young Jonny Depp.

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCVh4lBfW-c

The Ring – 1999

The late 90’s saw and explosion in new Japanese horror cinema and the most terrifying of all has to be The Ring. The set up is simple, once you have watched the cursed VHS tape you have 7 days to live unless you pass the curse onto another. Blending MR James with Japanese folk law, The Ring is a slow burn of a film with an explosive and horrifying final. Forget the watered down American remake and numerous sequels, the original is the real deal.

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9Z-MOqAvtY

Raw – 2016

Julia Ducournau’s Raw starts as a coming of age drama about a young woman joining her older sister in a French veterinary school but soon morphs into something more sinister. A strange mix of John Hughes and David Cronenberg, it’s one of the most effective body horror films in recent years and represents a new wave of female directed horror.

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFlXVX2af_Y

Host – 2020

The haunted Zoom call film! A great example of what you can do with very limited recourses, Host was written, shot, edited and released during the Covid-19 lockdown. Drawing its influence from other format bending films such as The Blair Witch Project and Ghostwatch, it has more atmosphere, jokes & scares packed into its lean running time than most horror films made for 10 times its budget.

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNlKbqHqGcY

James graduates with distinction – the hard way

MBA journey included two redundancies and serious illness in the family

Determined James Homan was awarded a degree with distinction after an extraordinary journey which saw him twice made redundant and his wife diagnosed with cancer.

The dedicated student and dad-of-two refused to give up on his Master of Business Administration dream despite having to juggle his academic work and family challenges with living in Edinburgh and having demanding jobs in Dubai and London.

James collected his MBA this week – one of hundreds of Edinburgh Napier students to graduate after completing their final year during a global pandemic. He is still searching for work and his wife is undergoing chemotherapy, but he spoke today of his pride in securing an impressive degree in difficult circumstances. 

Sales and marketing executive James, 44, from Currie, had no idea of the obstacles which lay in wait when he set out on his online MBA in January 2018. Even though he lived in Edinburgh, he opted for distance learning due to work and family commitments.

However, just one month later, James – who is married to Lindsey, 48, and has two daughters, Olivia, 14, and Ruby, 11 – had to rethink his plans after losing his job in the capital.

He found new employment within weeks in the shape of a contract role in Dubai. Leaving his family in Edinburgh, he jetted out to the Emirate, landing in Dubai at 7.30am and starting his new job two hours later.

It was an extremely demanding job – long hours, big budgets, more than 120 staff and on call seven days a week – and his MBA work and visits home had to be crammed into any spare time he could find.

James said: “The job also involved plenty of travel around the Middle East and over to Africa. I remember sitting in Lagos airport completing one of my module assessments.”

The contract ended in August last year and he was able to return to Edinburgh to family life and some study at Edinburgh Napier’s Craiglockhart campus, but by December he was on his travels again after being offered a job based in central London.

James settled into a life of London during the week and Edinburgh at weekends, the carriages of the Edinburgh-King’s Cross service becoming his new study area.  Then came Covid-19 and lockdown, followed three months later by James being placed on furlough.

The anxiety didn’t end there though.  James said: “In June this year, my wife was diagnosed with breast cancer, which knocked us all sideways.  It was time to take stock and focus on what was important in life, which perhaps meant putting the final part of my MBA – the research project – on hold.

“After liaising with my wife, my tutor and even my kids, and after very careful deliberation, we decided I should continue the project, push through and hit the August deadline. As long as I could provide my wife and family with the necessary emotional support and be able to focus there was no reason to put the project on hold.”

James did push on and hit his deadline – but not without the added stressful complication of again being made redundant.

He said: “The decision had been made though, and with continued academic support from my tutor and emotional reinforcement from my wife, despite her condition and regular visits to the hospital to begin chemotherapy, I completed the project in August.”

James concluded: “My 32-month MBA journey has had its twists and turns, but despite being placed on furlough, made redundant twice, moving abroad and moving back and my wife being diagnosed with cancer and starting her treatment, I managed to obtain a distinction as my final mark.

“I guess undertaking a tough academic programme such as an MBA and expecting a smooth passage throughout would be naïve. Maybe the elements of adversity that popped up throughout the course actually helped me focus more. Whatever the case, I feel proud to have achieved my final mark which I could not have done without my family’s love, tolerance and support throughout.”

His wife Lindsey added: “He always made me smile because mid-way through each module he would complain that it was the hardest unit he had done yet – no matter what the subject was – yet every time he would pull it out of the bag and he managed to achieve an overall distinction.

“Through sheer determination and hard work he did it, and we’re so proud of him.”

Anna MacVicar, James’s MBA dissertation supervisor at the University, said: “James was always a highly motivated, focussed dissertation student.  I would have completely understood if he had wanted to pause his efforts and told him so, but I also reassured him that I was sure he could pass.

“I was absolutely delighted when his work achieved distinction level.”

Pictures: Allan Shedlock

New Playground unveiled at St. Columba’s to support grieving children

St Columba’s Hospice Care was delighted to unveil its new children’s playground, which will help to support children whose family members are receiving care.

The Hospice, which provides specialist care and support to people from the age of 16 with terminal conditions across Edinburgh and the Lothians was due to open the play space in June, but had to push this back following delays caused by COVID-19.

As well as allowing children to express themselves and have an outlet for their emotions through play, the playground will allow parents, carers and family members who are patients at the Hospice to watch their children safely enjoy the space which was opened this month.

The installation of the playground space was made possible by donations made by SPIFOX and the Morrisons Foundation, the charitable arm of the supermarket.

Donna Hastings, Family Support Team Worker said: “We hope that any children visiting the Hospice will be able to use the play areas. It will allow them to play and express themselves and have an outlet for their emotions through play.

“Play is simply having fun – a spontaneous activity and normally part of their everyday lives. Having a play space at the Hospice will help promote that continuity of normal family life. We are grateful to the Trustees of SPIFOX and the Morrisons Foundation who agreed to fund the project and enabled it to go ahead.”

David Scott, Morrisons Foundation Trustee, said: “St Columba’s is a charity close to the hearts of many people in Edinburgh and the Lothians.

“We are absolutely delighted to see the vision that was presented to us come to life and know that this will have a long lasting legacy. The playground is warm, welcoming and embodies the positive family environment that makes St Columba’s so widely admired.”

The Morrisons Foundation was set up by Morrisons supermarket in 2015 and awards grants for charity projects which help improve people’s lives.  Since launching over £32 million has been donated to hundreds of charities across England, Scotland and Wales.

Local charities are encouraged to visit www.morrisonsfoundation.com to find out how to apply for a grant.

Keep Scotland Beautiful calls for support to record scale of dog fouling problem

#TurdTag returns this Halloween

Environmental charity Keep Scotland Beautiful is once again looking for individuals and families to get involved with their popular Clean Up Scotland campaign.

#TurdTag will help establish how much of a problem dog poo is across Scotland and comes after Keep Scotland Beautiful data showed that 32% of people across Scotland think dog poo had got worse during lockdown.

Community support during #TurdTag in May showed an average of 12 dog poos every 100m and that bagged dog poo was 1.5 times more common than unbagged. 

The return of #TurdTag during autumn will see if the darker, colder weather leads to more dog poo being left behind whilst also reminding owners to act responsibly and #BagIt and #BinIt even in the wintery months. 

For two weeks, starting on 31 October, volunteers are being asked to identify a 100m stretch of local road, path or walk through a local greenspace and count, then submit information on, the number of dog poos (bagged and un-bagged) that they find.

Results should be emailed to cleanup@keepscotlandbeautiful.org by 20 November 2020 and can also be shared using social media and the hashtag #turdtag.

Heather McLaughlin, Campaigns Officer at Keep Scotland Beautiful said: “Following the success of our #TurdTag campaign earlier this year, we are really keen to encourage as many individuals and families as possible to get out to count dog poos for us again, so we can get a really good understanding of Scotland’s dog poo problem year round.

“We all know that dog poo on our streets and green spaces is a disgusting problem caused by a minority of thoughtless people, so the information we get will form a unique new data set which will be used to increase awareness and drive action to tackle one of Scotland’s worst environmental complaints.”

Police launch Operation Crackle

Nine disperal zones in place for bonfire season

Police in Edinburgh have launched their annual campaign to keep the public safe during the period between Halloween and Bonfire Night.

Operation Crackle will see local officers throughout the Capital out on patrol during evenings and weekends to deter antisocial and criminal activity involving fireworks and keep communities safe from disorder and damage.

Halloween and Bonfire Night weekends are typically some of the busiest times for police, not only in Edinburgh, but across the city, and as always a partnership approach is being taken by the division.

Working alongside the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and City of Edinburgh Council, officers have been engaging with young people through school inputs and social media to highlight the risks associated with fireworks and the consequences of getting involved in any forms of crime using these items.

In addition, police have conducted joint patrols with council environmental wardens and SFRS personnel to carry out environmental audits and identify any debris or materials that could be used to start bonfires.

When found, these items have been removed.

While working to ensure the safety of the public within the city, Operation Crackle also looks to preserve the safety of all emergency service workers deployed during the coming weekends.

A zero tolerance approach towards violence and threatening behaviour is being taken and everyone is urged to act responsibly if handling fireworks.

Supporting Operation Crackle, Police Scotland’s national initiative, Operation Moonbeam is again in place to support local divisions with a range of additional and specialist resources.

These additional officers can be used if public disorder and violence takes place requiring a more robust response.

Dispersal zones will be in operation across Edinburgh again this year in an attempt to combat antisocial behaviour and disorder over the bonfire period.

This is the third year dispersal zones have operated across the city. The zones will run between 2pm and midnight on Wednesday 4th November to Saturday 7th November.

The areas covered by the zones include Muirhouse, West Pilton, Portobello, Loganlea, Saughton, Gorgie, Gilmerton, Moredun and Southhouse.

The dispersal zones enable police to instruct groups of two or more people who are congregating and behaving in an antisocial manner in these areas to disperse. Those who fail to comply, or fail to stay away for up to 24 hours, can face arrest.

Police are asking parents and guardians to have frank conversations with young people in their care and remind them to behave in a manner that does not put themselves, or others, at risk of harm.

Unlike previous years, organised Bonfire Night events have all been cancelled as a result of COVID-19. Police patrols will take place across the city to identify illegal bonfires, as well as deal with any breaches of current Scottish Government coronavirus restriction legislation.

Chief Inspector David Happs, who is leading on Operation Crackle, said: “We know that the vast majority of those who purchase fireworks do so in order to enjoy Bonfire Night responsibly. However, a small minority use the Halloween and Bonfire Night period to get involved in disorder and commit acts of violence and damage.

“Let me make it clear, that such behaviour is not acceptable and if you are involved in criminality involving fireworks, you can expect to be arrested. If not on the night, then as we carry out follow-up inquiries.

“I know many people will be really disappointed that they are unable to attend organised events this year, but I would urge everyone to be mindful of existing guidelines and legislation aimed at stopping the spread of COVID-19. Please do not do anything that puts you in breach of the current restrictions.

“For the past three years, we have been able to call upon additional specialist national resources to assist local officers. Once again, these officers are available if they are needed and I’m grateful to have them as an operational consideration.

“We want everyone to have a great Halloween and Bonfire Night, but please enjoy these events responsibly and help us keep you, and everyone else, safe throughout.”

Kenny Rogers, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Local Senior Officer for the City of Edinburgh, said: “This Bonfire Night will be a different experience for many of us.

“We know that many organised public displays have been cancelled due to COVID-19 and that some may consider private use of fireworks in their gardens.

“We would urge caution over the private use of fireworks and remind people that these items can pose grave dangers.

“If you are planning on using fireworks in a private setting, please familiarise yourself with our Fireworks Code before purchasing. It is designed to help keep you and your loved ones safe.

“I would like to stress that this is our busiest night of the year and that we must maintain a capacity to respond to emergencies.

“Last year we saw a large spike in deliberate fire-setting and this can divert firefighters away from genuine emergencies, where lives may be at risk.

“We do take a zero-tolerance approach to fire-setting and will work with police to identify those responsible, but we also realise it’s a very small minority of people involved.

“Ultimately, I would urge those who are marking Bonfire Night to help us by reading all safety advice before using fireworks and by helping protect Scotland’s emergency services.”

“For more information visit our fireworks safety page at ww.firescotland.gov.uk/your-safety/fireworks-safety.aspx”

Councillor Amy McNeese-Mechan, Chair of Edinburgh Community Safety Partnership said: “Protecting our communities from harm is a priority for us all in the Edinburgh Community Safety Partnership and we will continue to work with our partners to prevent anti-social behaviour in the lead up to Bonfire Night to ensure that Edinburgh remains a safe place for its residents.

“It’s important that we all look after each other. Fly tipping during the Bonfire and Fireworks season can be a major cause of fire and we ask that if anyone sees fly tipping or notices an area where there is a build-up of refuse or combustible material to please let the council know.”