November 2020 – Page 21 – The NEN

Scottish Government emergency funds for Edinburgh youth arts

Emergency funds from the Scottish Government through Creative Scotland are enabling youth arts and music organisations to roll out new activities and initiatives for young people in the Edinburgh area.

Drake Music, Tinderbox Collective and Starcatchers* are among 18 youth music and wider youth arts organisations receiving a share of £1,053,000 to deliver a range of local and national projects, all of which target priority groups of children and young people and provide important work for freelance artists.

Thursa Sanderson, Chief Executive, Drake Music Scotland said: “This funding will enable us to forge ahead with Sound Explorers, a new programme of online activity. It responds positively to the changed learning landscape for young people with additional support needs – offering an interactive and fun way to make music.

“It will directly tackle the lack of access to music making for young people with disabilities and additional support needs caused by the Covid pandemic removing the barriers for those isolating at home and those in the classroom.”

Jack Nissan, Director, Tinderbox Collective said: “The Youth Arts Targeted fund is an invaluable support that will enable us to provide a range of music projects, youth clubs and creative opportunities to hundreds of children and young people at this time, both on-line and in person, as we adapt to the changing circumstances of the pandemic.

“It is so important that all young people have access to positive, social and creative activities like this, and that we do whatever we can to keep these going at this time.”

Rhona Matheson, Chief Executive, Starcatchers said: “On behalf of Starcatchers, Imaginate and Lyra I am delighted that we have secured the Youth Arts funding to deliver the Where We Are project together.

“As well as providing children and young people with the opportunity to engage with, and participate in creative activities in their own communities, it will also provide more than 15 jobs for artists and freelance practitioners over the next year.

“Given the challenges we are all facing as a result of the Covid pandemic, this is an exciting opportunity to initiate a new project that fosters collaboration, creativity and connection.”

Opportunities for young people are also being provided on a nationwide basis through other Fund recipients including Engage, Film Access Scotland, National Piping Centre, National Youth Choir, Scottish Book Trust, Scottish Brass Band Association, Scottish Music Centre, Scottish Youth Theatre and Youth Theatre Arts.

Culture Secretary, Fiona Hyslop said: “Youth music and youth arts organisations across Scotland are playing an important role in the lives of young people during these difficult times.

“This funding will support these organisations to expand their work and provide creative opportunities to young people as well as work and income for the artists and practitioners working with them through these projects.”

These awards are the first to be announced from the Scottish Government’s £3million funding package for Youth Arts. Further announcements will follow regarding recipients of at least £1.2million through the Access to Youth Arts Fund, the £700,000 Small Grants Scheme and £50,000 assigned to the Time to Shine Nurturing Talent Fund.

Iain Munro, CEO, Creative Scotland said: “All the emergency funds currently being delivered by Creative Scotland on behalf of the Scottish Government are vital in addressing the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“I’m particularly pleased that we are able to announce today the first recipients of this Youth Arts funding which will reach some of the children and young people most adversely affected by the pandemic and provide important work for freelance artists whose opportunities have been so severely impacted by Covid-19.”

The full list of Fund recipients:

Organisation (Trading name)	Local Authority Area	Funding Amount
Drake Music Scotland	Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Highland	£61,880
Engage	National	£40,744
Fèisean nan Gàidheal	Highland, National	£30,000
Fèis Rois	Highland	£64,820
Film Access Scotland	National	£40,744
National Piping Centre	National	£37,477
National Youth Choir of Scotland	Aberdeen, Glasgow, National	£64,820
National Youth Orchestra of Scotland	Glasgow, Stirling	£30,000
Scottish Book Trust	National	£64,820
Scottish Brass Band Association	National	£50,680
Scottish Music Centre	National	£64,820
Scottish Youth Theatre	National	£64,079
Sistema Scotland	Dundee, Aberdeen	£50,805
Starcatchers*	Edinburgh, Fife	£193,605
Tinderbox Collective	Edinburgh, Perth and Kinross	£64,820
Toonspeak Young Peoples Theatre	Glasgow	£44,448
YDance	North Lanarkshire	£35,892
Youth Theatre Arts Scotland	National	£48,939
		Total: £1,053,393.00

*Starcatchers led consortium working in partnership with Imaginate and Lyra.

Updates on all emergency funds are being published regularly on this website and publicised through media and social media communications.

Photograph: Anne Binckebanck, courtesy of Drake Music

Colleges recommend further action to deal with impact of Coronavirus

A collaboration between colleges in east central Scotland has published their proposals on how best to deliver skills and opportunities in Scotland to support the economic recovery.

The East Central Scotland Colleges Collaboration, consisting of Edinburgh College, Fife College, Forth Valley College and West Lothian College, worked to produce a comprehensive skills programme designed to help meet the future needs of the Scottish economy.

Titled the ‘Our Futures Programme’, their report recommends eight distinct reskilling and upskilling products that colleges provide much needed support to individuals and employers who are set to be hit by the economic downturn caused by the Coronavirus pandemic.

They include suggestions such as the creation of Skills Boost Academies in key areas such as digital and industry, and the development of Accelerator Programmes, which would see colleges across Scotland able to introduce accelerated versions of existing qualifications that are already on offer, such as engineering, computing and care. These innovative programmes will place the College sector at the forefront of the country’s agenda for economic recovery.

The other educational products that are recommended in the report include:

Kick Start+
Pre Apprentice Pathways
Short Accredited Programmes
Cooperative Apprenticeships
Adopt an Intern+ (AAI EmployAbility)
Winter Leaver Guarantee

Each skills product was developed by the four colleges alongside Skills Development Scotland (SDS) having analysed labour market information, unemployment rates, levels of furlough, growth sectors and the local knowledge each of the colleges have of their region.

It comes after the Scottish Government formally launched the Young Person’s Guarantee last week, which is designed to help those whose job prospects are set to be hit by the Coronavirus pandemic.

Each of the proposals closely align with the skills-related commitments set out in the Scottish Government’s Programme for Government and target areas that are seen as an economic priority for Scotland.

Edinburgh College Principal Audrey Cumberford FRSE MBE said: “We know that coronavirus is having a significant impact on people’s livelihoods and businesses across the world in a way that we couldn’t have fully anticipated at the start of the year.

“The impact of the virus is unprecedented, and across Scotland the number of unemployed people is expected to rise due to the economic impact we are already experiencing – which is set to continue as we navigate our way through these uncertain times.

“Together, with the other three colleges, Edinburgh College is determined and committed to delivering a range of support and opportunities for people of all ages across our region to retrain and upskill – focusing on meeting the skills needs of businesses and industries that have been hardest hit by the virus.

“By working together, and in collaboration with government and industry partners, we believe the products set out in the ‘Our Futures Programme’ will make an important contribution to enabling people and businesses across East Central Scotland to thrive.”

Principal of Fife College Dr Hugh Hall said: “Colleges across Scotland know that we have a vital role to play in helping individuals and businesses deal with the economic impact caused by the Coronavirus.

“That’s why our four colleges came together in this collaboration – to help develop a strategy for how we can best help deliver the fast-track and relevant training we need in Scotland over the short to medium term.

“Each of the recommendations in the report have been formulated after thorough analysis of the jobs market, and could make a huge difference to those looking to upskill and reskill, and to the businesses who will be looking for skilled workers in the coming months.

“The Young Person’s Guarantee launched by the Scottish Government last week is an important step towards helping deal with unemployment, and colleges have a huge part to play in that. We have the potential to do more, and we’re looking forward to continuing our work with the Scottish Government to help develop and implement these ideas.”

Dr Ken Thomson, Principal of Forth Valley College, said: “I am very excited about Forth Valley College’s involvement in the East Central Scotland College Collaboration initiative.

“By working together, we can have a really positive impact on the people who are, or who will be, affected most by the pandemic lockdown and the inevitable economic downturn that is starting to hit us.

“As a college, we have always been at the forefront of innovative programmes which meet the needs of both individuals and local and national skills agendas.

“Now, this new collaboration will enable all four colleges involved to tap into each other’s expertise to provide the very best courses, professional training, upskilling, reskilling and opportunities.

“This is a chance to make learning work for the people of the Central Belt and the East of Scotland and help the country on the road to economic, educational and social recovery.”

Principal of West Lothian College Jackie Galbraith said: “Colleges are playing a vital role right now to help people and businesses deal with the economic crisis caused by the Coronavirus.

“At a local level, West Lothian College is working hand in hand with the council and other partners to support economic recovery and to strengthen our communities.

“With unemployment rising, our four colleges have created a comprehensive programme to develop the skills people need to succeed in the jobs market now and in the future. This collaborative effort will add real value to what is coming out of our respective local partnerships.

“The Young Person’s Guarantee is a major step towards avoiding high levels of youth unemployment, and this exciting partnership of the four colleges in East Central Scotland will play a pivotal role in making the guarantee a reality for thousands of young people.”

£20,000 grants available to help Edinburgh businesses cut energy bills

Edinburgh businesses could receive up to £20,000 to introduce energy-saving measures.

Zero Waste Scotland’s Energy Efficiency Business Support Service offers free and impartial advice to small and medium-sized organisations (SMEs) to help them cut their energy bills and reduce their carbon emissions.

The service also provides access to the Scottish Government’s SME Loan Scheme, which is now available interest-free with up to 75 per cent cashback thanks to an injection of £4m. The loan is administered by Energy Saving Trust.

Iain Gulland, chief executive of Zero Waste Scotland, said: “It is vital, particularly at the present time, for businesses to make the most of every penny they spend. Cutting down on energy use could make a positive difference to many organisations’ bottom line and it will also help in reducing their carbon footprint.

“The amount of funding is limited, so I would urge eligible businesses to get in touch and see what we could do for them.”

The SME Loan can be used for the installation of renewable heating systems, such as solar, heat pumps and biomass, and many energy efficiency measures, including heating, ventilation, air conditioning and building fabric.

SMEs are able to apply for an interest-free loan and receive a 75 per cent cashback grant of up to £10,000 towards the cost of a renewable heating system. They can also receive a further 30 per cent cashback grant, also up to £10,000, for other energy efficiency improvements.

ECG Joinery in Edinburgh received advice from Zero Waste Scotland’s Energy Efficiency Business Support Service helping the business to make improvements to its heating and lighting to cut its annual energy costs.

Director Lorraine Graham said: “I would definitely recommend Zero Waste Scotland – they have been absolutely fabulous with everything they’ve helped with. And I have advised other companies of the support that’s on offer.”

Businesses should contact the Energy Efficiency Business Support Service for a free energy assessment and advice about applying for a loan.

Visit www.energy.zerowastescotland.org.uk. Alternatively, contact their advisors by calling 0808 808 2268 or emailing EnergyEfficiency@zerowastescotland.org.uk

Children’s organisations launch toolkit to help schools in Scotland tackle online bullying

Anti-bullying toolkit launched by NSPCC Scotland and respectme
Children’s Minister Maree Todd says toolkit will ‘help guide adults across Scotland on how to best support youth-led anti-bullying work’

A toolkit to help schools across Scotland run youth-led campaigns to tackle online bullying has been launched by NSPCC and respectme.

The Think B4 You Type toolkit, which was designed by the two children’s organisations alongside a group of young people from Angus, gives guidance to adults on setting up anti-bullying campaigns.

The resource was born out of a campaign run last year by NSPCC Scotland, respectme and Angus Council, which saw eight secondary schools in the area work to raise awareness of online bullying and find local, youth-led solutions to prevent and address it.

The activities put on by the young people in the schools included arranging sessions with peers to discuss online bullying, making a film on the impact of text bullying and social media comments, holding peer support drop in sessions and giving presentations in assemblies.

Rachel Talbot, who attends Brechin High School in Angus, was on the youth advisory group for the original campaign.

The 13-year-old said: “By working with our peers in our schools and sharing our own experiences, together we were able to create the Think B4 You Type campaign and make recommendations to Angus City Council regarding their anti-bullying policy in our schools.

“This issue matters to me so much personally, because when I was in primary school I was bullied both in person and online.

“It’s important to me to do as much as I can to try to stop anyone from going through the same thing and to help the ones who unfortunately do.

“I believe the activities that we ran at school during anti-bulling week, made everyone really think about the issue and the impact it can have on people’s lives.”

Every year, hundreds of young people from across Scotland contact the NSPCC’s Childline service about their bullying concerns, with cyberbullying becoming increasingly prevalent.

A 14-year-old girl told Childline: “I am being bullied by a girl at school. She has taken photos of me and posted them on Snapchat calling me fat and ugly and how I will never have a boyfriend.

“I have been having suicidal thoughts as this girl is really popular and she has turned my whole year against me.”

Another teenage girl told a counsellor: “Every day I wake up scared to go to school, scared about the comments people will make and scared about walking home. Then I get in and log onto my social networking site and there are horrible messages everywhere.

“It’s like there’s no escaping the bullies. I’m struggling to cope with how upset I feel so sometimes I cut myself just to have a release but it’s not enough. I can’t go on like this.”

Carla Malseed, NSPCC Scotland’s campaigns manager, said: “All children who are affected by bullying can suffer harm – whether they are bullied, they bully others or they witness bullying – and the effects of bullying can last into adulthood.

“Our Childline counsellors talk to hundreds of children in Scotland about bullying each year. Many young people talk about it affecting their self-worth and feeling trapped and isolated.

“While this toolkit focuses on online bullying, it is important that this is looked at in the wider context of relationships, and that any campaign considers the link between online and offline bullying.”

Wendy Harrington, director of respectme, Scotland’s anti-bullying service, said: “The youth-led campaign and activities run in Angus schools last year showed the power of young people to create change in their communities.

“It is vital that young people are empowered to support improvement in their own and their peers’ lives; they are the experts in their own experiences, and their understanding, ideas and solutions are essential to make these campaigns a success.”

Scotland’s Minister for Children and Young People, Maree Todd said: “All forms of bullying, including online bullying, are totally unacceptable. It is great to see young people coming together to take charge and make changes for the better.

“The hard work the young people in Angus have invested into the ‘Think B4 You Type’ campaign which has led to the development of the toolkit, shows the true passion and commitment of everyone involved.

“The toolkit will help guide adults across Scotland on how to best support youth-led anti-bullying work and it will act as a valuable legacy for the campaign.”

As well as providing guidance for adults, the toolkit includes templates and further learning for direct use by the young people themselves. Schools can download a copy of the toolkit from respectme.org.uk

It’s time to talk about women and girls’ mental health in Edinburgh

The First Minister’s National Advisory Council on Women and Girls (NACWG) is urging people in Edinburgh to get involved in the national conversation around tackling gender equality issues in relation to mental health.

Gender roles and expectations have particular mental health consequences for women and girls and the current COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated many of these pressures. Unpaid care work, juggling work commitments and social media pressures are just some of the factors triggering more women and girls to suffer from anxiety, depression, eating disorders and self harm.

The Advisory Council will examine what needs to change to offer greater support to women and girls and take a feminist approach to self-care as well as determine what actions are needed to improve gender equality in relation to mental health.

The NACWG was established in 2017 to play a leading role in raising the issue of gender inequality on Scotland’s agenda by drawing attention to a wide range of issues faced by women and girls. Putting a spotlight on a new theme on a bi-monthly basis, the Advisory Council aims to bring people together and create discussion on many issues still faced by women and girls in Scotland today.

The NACWG is putting a Spotlight on Mental Health until the end of December to understand the emotional and psychological challenges faced by women and girls, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Louise Macdonald OBE, Co-Chair of The NACWG, said: “While we have seen the stigma around discussing mental health decrease in recent years, things like access to support services remain an issue for many.

“Poor mental health can prevent women and girls from reaching their full potential, therefore, it’s important they feel supported, particularly during these unprecedented times.

“The Advisory Council is inviting groups, organisations and networks in Edinburgh, to share their experiences, opinions and ideas around the Mental Health Spotlight. Every bit of feedback will help to gather more insight and help to drive action in creating long-lasting change for women and girls in Scotland.”

To participate in this national conversation, groups, organisations and networks are encouraged to form a virtual Wee Circle to discuss issues surrounding inequalities in mental health and share ideas on how this can be tackled.

Feedback from these Wee Circle discussions, as well as individual feedback, can be submitted online at onescotland.org/NACWG.

Thoughts can also be shared on social media using the hashtag #GenerationEqual.

World Diabetes Day tomorrow: Does your employer take diabetes seriously?

Does your employer take diabetes seriously?

Education, flexibility, training and risk assessment are some ways that employers up and down the country can provide support to diabetic employees.

Health and safety experts at CE Safety have revealed actionable steps for employers to ensure that they have the correct workplace procedures to deal with a diabetic emergency.

It is World Diabetes Day on November 14th, prompting CE Safety to offer guidance about first aid and diabetes in the workplace. With 4.8 million people in the UK living with diabetes, employers should be clued up and support staff who have the disease.

This is especially important in the time of Covid-19, as research has revealed that people with diabetes are at greater risk of dying from the virus. People with diabetes should be taking steps to look after themselves to avoid complications, such as maintaining healthy blood sugar targets and staying fit and healthy.

It is a basic minimum standard to ensure workplaces are risk assessed and suitable for diabetics.

A spokesperson for CE Safety says: “Diabetes is a lifelong serious condition and involves having to control the blood glucose levels in the body to stop it getting too high, which can be dangerous. Among the different types of diabetes, type 1 and type 2 are the most common.

“Huge efforts to raise awareness about the chronic condition are being made around the globe, and not without reason. The statistics on people who already have the disease are stark enough, however, experts also believe there are more than 13 million people in the UK who are at risk or already have undiagnosed type 2 diabetes.

“The team at CE Safety deliver health and safety training in the workplace and feel passionate about ensuring every place of work has the correct procedures and policies to look after their staff.”

Here are practical steps for business owners to support employees with diabetes:

Open up the conversation

Allowing the conversation to open up, and having an honest chat around diabetes can help in a variety of ways. It can improve the mental health and wellbeing of the employee; remove any discrimination; employers can gain an understanding of how staff are coping, and provide a forum to outline initiatives and measures which everyone gains from.

Educate yourself on the disease

There are alarming numbers of people out there who don’t even understand the disease they’re living with, so it’s unlikely that employers without diabetes will fully understand it. There are many resources out there so a quick read will give you a lot of insight. For example, did you know that there’s a link between diabetes and depression?

Be flexible

Understanding what your staff with diabetes need, means you can then put measures in place to help them. Be accommodating for attending healthcare appointments for starters, but also support them around working hours, any modified equipment they need or simply show patience for when the disease becomes debilitating. It’s not easy to balance work with managing a disease.

Provide privacy

Staff with diabetes may need to take injections of insulin or check blood sugar levels throughout the working day. Give them a private and clean space to do this, which will provide peace of mind and inclusivity, and even reduce stress.

Revisit working practices

Do your terms allow for assessing a worker on an individual basis? For example, some employees may benefit from flexible working patterns or a higher level of sick leave. Diabetes can cause short and long term complications, so factor this into any relevant policies.

Train your staff in first aid

Your workforce should know what to do in an emergency situation, but do they know what to do in a diabetic emergency? Pass on the information you have gathered.

Do a diagnostic diabetes risk assessment

Get the overall picture of your workforce. Understand the full health picture of your staff, then you can take steps towards pinning down your approach, ensuring the workplace is prepared, safe and supportive to those who need it.

Look at your company culture

As well as supporting people who already have diabetes, there are many improvements employers can make to do their bit in eradicating the disease. We know there is plenty that can be done to avoid getting type 2 diabetes. Promote healthier choices in available food and drink, encourage work-life balance and exercise, and have policies around mental wellbeing.

Stop sitting down

A study in the journal Diabetologia discovered that people who sit still for long periods of time double the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, even if they exercise too.

The NHS says many adults in the UK sit for about nine hours a day, and that living a sedentary lifestyle is linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes, some types of cancer and early death.

Because many people spend hours sitting at a desk while at work, employers should be finding ways to reverse this problem. For example, encourage people to take the stairs, set reminders to stand, create standing workstations, go for a walk while speaking on the phone or regular coffee breaks.

For further information on diabetes and first aid, please see –

https://cesafety.co.uk/diabetes-and-first-aid-how-to-help-in-a-workplace-emergency/

Lush Snow Fairy coming to Fort Kinnaird

Each year, after a period of hibernation, Lush’s most popular Snow Fairy Christmas range emerges.

To sprinkle some much needed candy floss cheer and bring bubblegum sweetness to the high street and online, Lush has announced that this year they will be launching 9 Snow Fairy scented products and 5 gifting options for the 15th anniversary of Snow Fairy.

On Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th November from 10:00 am – 6:00 pm, the Lush Spa Edinburgh team will welcome the Snow Fairy wagon pop-up at Fort Kinnaird (close to Caffe Nero) to provide some extra shopping space and bring some magic to the high street.

The wagon will be card payment only. This allows for minimal contact between staff and customers for the safest possible shopping experience.

Lush Spa Edinburgh will share more updates on Social Media.

‘Leith Gives’ campaign appeals for help to ease pressure of pandemic over winter months

New campaign ‘Leith Gives’ appeals for help to ease pressure of pandemic over winter months

Seventeen North Edinburgh charities, alongside community organisations, local schools, rugby clubs and others brought together by the Leith Trust, have joined forces in a bid to support people most likely to be hit hardest by coronavirus and associated restrictions this winter as a new collaboration, Leith Gives.

With food banks at risk of being overwhelmed and people likely to feel more isolated during winter months, Leith Gives is hopeful that, with successful fundraising, they will be able to do everything possible to support vulnerable people in December and January.

John Evans, Leith Gives, (above) said: “Leith Gives is seeking support to raise funds for vulnerable households facing a challenging lockdown amid the second wave of the COVID pandemic. This will allow us to provide tailored food hampers and other household essentials to vulnerable individuals and families in the run up to Christmas and again in late January.

“We also plan to provide gifts and other items people may need to celebrate Christmas, Diwali, Hanukah and other festivals, and to offer practical help to get people online and connect with loved ones or support groups.

“People in Leith and north Edinburgh are well known for looking out for the most vulnerable members of our communities and I’m confident that with their support and the collective knowledge and expertise of all the members of Leith Gives, we can spread some hope during what is likely to be a testing winter.

“We believe this approach to be impactful and innovative in its collaboration and every penny raised goes to help the people we support.’’

To make a donation, please go to: https://justgiving.com/campaign/LeithGives

Leith Gives collaborating partners:

All Together Edinburgh

Citadel Youth Centre

Cyrenians

Dangerous Studio

Doctor Bell’s Family Centre

Edinburgh Academy

Edinburgh Community Food

Edinburgh Remakery

Fettes College

Forth Ports (Port of Leith)

Hibs Community Foundation

Home Start Leith and north Edinburgh

Leith Academy

Leith Rotary

Leith Trust

Milan (Senior Welfare Organisation)

Multi Cultural Family Base

Out of the Blue Print

People Know How

Pilmeny Development Project

Port of Leith Housing Association (PoLHA)

South Leith Parish Church

The Leith Agency

The Ripple Project

Trinity Academy

Trinity Primary School

YMCA

Volunteers:
BATs Community Rugby Club
Clockwork Removals
Leith Rugby Club
Trinity Rugby Club

Special taskforce arrests 39 for online child sexual abuse offences

A new taskforce set up to tackle online child sexual abuse has already made 39 arrests in its first four-weeks of operation from 1st September.

Of the 39, 37 resulted in the recovery of material relating to online child sexual abuse and exploitation.

All of those arrested were men ranging in age from 15 to 76 years old.

Dozens of children were identified as being at risk or potentially at risk and have now been protected.

Internet grooming and online child sexual abuse (CSA) remains a priority for Police Scotland.

Assistant Chief Constable Judi Heaton, Lead for Major Crime, Public Protection and Local Crime, said: “Recorded crimes for online offending have risen substantially in line with our determined and recent proactive work to uncover this hidden criminality.

“Online offenders may think they are anonymous, and they may not comprehend the terrible, devastating and lifelong impact their actions have on children. But there is no excuse for their actions. Online images of child abuse and exploitation are not virtual, they show the very real abuse of a real child.

“We are determined to improve our response, invest in resources and latest technologies, to track down predators and abusers, and to make sure they face the full consequences of their actions.

“Tackling online CSA requires a cross partnership effort not only through enforcement but also on deterrence by means of offender programmes. And we are also working with the National Police Chiefs Council on ways we can prevent this criminality on a larger scale.”

From next week Police Scotland will run the next phase of its online child sexual abuse campaign #GetHelpOrGetCaught, which signposts offenders or potential offenders to Stop It Now!Scotland for help to stop or prevent offending.

A total of 1,036 online child sexual abuse crimes were recorded between April and September, according to Police Scotland’s 2010-21 Quarter 2 Performance Report, an increase of 18.4% on the previous year and 35.8% above the five year mean.

Local groups receive awards for Keeping Scotland Beautiful

The efforts of 14 Edinburgh groups have been acknowledged by environmental charity Keep Scotland Beautiful at an online seminar yesterday.

North Edinburgh is well represented among these green-fingered groups, with awards for Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre, Fresh Start Growers, Friends of Granton Castle Walled Garden, Friends of Lauriston Castle Estate, Friends of Starbank Park and North Edinburgh Arts Gardening Group.

The other capital groups to receive awards are Balerno Village Gardeners, Craigentinny Community Gardening Project, Craigentinny Primary Parent Council, Friends of Morningside Cemetery, Friends of Saughton Park, Inch View Care Home, Inspiring Hillside and Northfield Community Growing Group.

Annually Keep Scotland Beautiful runs two community environmental improvement programmes in partnership with the Royal Horticultural Society; the competitive Beautiful Scotland campaign and the It’s Your Neighbourhood initiative.

In total 197 groups, those who would in previous years have been out creating and maintaining community gardens or allotments, looking after habitats for wildlife and adopting streets, have been issued with Certificates of Recognition for the work volunteers and supporters did manage to carry out to brighten up and pull their neighbourhoods together during this year’s health pandemic.

A full list of the 14 groups from Edinburgh can be found in the attached table (below).

Edinburgh-groups Download

Faced with the challenges of 2020, there has never been a more important time to recognise and celebrate the achievements of communities and individuals across Edinburgh.

Throughout lockdown and the following months, groups have worked tirelessly to improve their communities through horticulture, environmental responsibility and working in partnership for the benefit of residents, visitors and our natural environment.

Despite circumstances this year, 47 new entrants were welcomed to the network, and although judging and mentoring visits were not able to take place due to restrictions across Scotland, groups were still supported with online seminars, networking events, question and answer sessions and a weekly e-newsletter.

Barry Fisher, CEO of Keep Scotland Beautiful said, “We know that lockdown resulted in many people reconnecting with green and blue spaces local to them. Yet, it has also been a particularly challenging year for the communities who strive every year to protect and enhance the places they live and work in.

“We have been amazed by the desire of communities, volunteers and local authorities to stay connected, motivated and inspired by each other, all with a steadfast determination to do things to make a difference, even if this had to be done differently this year.

“I’d like to thank all the groups in Edinburgh for the efforts they have made to keep Scotland beautiful this year.”

Although many of the groups had to stop or curtail their planned activities for the year, we have been blown away by what they have managed to achieve – whether that be setting up a food bank, encouraging and supporting others to grow their own, creating virtual garden tours, connecting their members through online catch ups and keeping their neighbourhoods bright and cheerful.

Andrea Van Sittart, RHS Head of Community Outreach said: “It’s truly inspiring that so many Scottish communities continued to support others in need this year.

“From a phone box larder in Muthill to planter kits for others in Inverkip, the groups have shown incredible creativity and ingenuity responding to the needs of their diverse communities through this challenging time. Congratulations to all groups on their amazing efforts.”

If you’d like to join the network in 2021, check out the website for inspiration and details on how to get involved:

www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/BeautifulScotland or www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/IYN