Day: February 25, 2021

Usdaw and Crimestoppers unite to challenge abuse of shopworkers

Retail trade union Usdaw has welcomed the launch of a joint campaign by Crimestoppers Scotland to raise awareness and stop abuse of shopworkers. The key message is to ‘speak up 100% anonymously about attacks on shopworkers’.

The independent charity Crimestoppers Scotland joint campaign comes following the passing of the Protection of Workers (Scotland) Bill, which was successfully steered through the Scottish Parliament by Daniel Johnson MSP (Labour, Edinburgh Southern). The campaign is supported by Usdaw, the Scottish Grocers’ Federation and the Scottish Government.

Usdaw’s 2020 survey of 2,729 shopworkers across the UK found that:

  • 88% experienced verbal abuse
  • 61% were threatened by a customer
  • 9% were assaulted.

Stewart Forrest, Usdaw’s Scottish Divisional Officer, says: “Retail staff have been on the frontline throughout the coronavirus crisis, helping to keep our communities fed, despite the risks of contracting the virus. We owe them a debt of gratitude and abuse should never be a part of their job.

“The final results of our 2020 survey show that 9 in 10 shopworkers had been abused last year. So we very much welcomed the ground-breaking legislation to protect shopworkers from violence, threats and abuse, passed by the Scottish Parliament last month. Usdaw has campaigned for many years to secure these legal protections.

“Crucial to the new law having the desired impact is criminals understanding that assaulting and abusing shopworkers is totally unacceptable. So we welcome the opportunity to work with Crimestoppers Scotland, the Scottish Government, police and retailers to promote that message. Our hope is that this new legislation will result in retail staff getting the protection and respect they deserve.”

Angela Parker of Crimestoppers says: “Everyone has the right to feel safe. Violence and aggression towards shop staff can often leave people traumatised with vital, local shops at risk of closing. We would encourage communities to speak up to our charity 100 % anonymously if they know or suspect who is responsible.

“Please help us to help you by telling us, completely anonymously, what you know. You can talk to us by calling our UK Contact Centre which is open 24/7 on freephone 0800 555 111 or you can use our easy and secure anonymous online form at crimestoppers-uk.org.”

Voices from the frontline: 

Some of the comments Scottish shopworkers shared when responding to Usdaw’s survey:

  • “Shouting, being dismissed, being spoken down to. Treated like scum.”
  • “We deal with everything – threatened to be stabbed after work, family threatened, grabbed by the neck and pushed against the wall.”
  • “Pandemic has brought out the worst behaviour in many people. Verbal abuse for limiting items during lockdown, making people queue and most for mask wearing.”
  • “Varies from comments such as stupid bitch, jobsworth, being told to f*** off or shut up.”
  • “Always about alcohol. The refusal to sell to an intoxicated person or when asking for age identification.”

The impact of abuse, threats and violence on retail staff will be highlighted in a new awareness-raising campaign.

It comes following the passing of the Protection of Workers (Scotland) Bill and findings from the Scottish Grocers Federation, which show a rise in reported attacks on staff in 2020.

Real life testimonies feature in the campaign emphasising the damaging effect this criminal behaviour has on retail staff.

The campaign is being delivered by Crimestoppers, Fearless and the Scottish Grocers Federation, and is being funded by the Scottish Government.

Community Safety Minister Ash Denham said: “Shop workers play a crucial role in our communities and their outstanding dedication and sacrifice throughout the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has only emphasised this.

“While overall violent crime is much lower than a decade ago, the Scottish Grocers Federation crime survey last year indicated an increase in verbal or physical abuse in 2020 among the sector. Such appalling behaviour is completely unacceptable and no one should have to experience it while doing their job. Like everyone else, shop workers are fully entitled to be able to work free from the threat of violence or abuse.

“Our awareness campaign encourages everyone to be respectful and think about how they interact with shop workers. For any shop worker who experience this type of criminal behaviour, we ask that they report it immediately to the Police or anonymously through CrimeStoppers or Fearless.org”

Dr John Lee of the Scottish Grocers Federation said: “The launch of this retail crime campaign is a major step forward in making our shops safer for retailers and customers.

“We are delighted that the Scottish Government is supporting the campaign and we are fully committed to making it a success. Shop staff should not have to put up with any form of abuse or threatening behaviour and we are calling on all our colleagues across the industry to report every incidence of retail crime.”

Angela Parker of CrimeStoppers said: “Everyone has the right to feel safe. Violence and aggression towards shop staff can often leave people traumatised with vital, local shops at risk of closing. We would encourage communities to speak up to our charity 100 % anonymously if they know or suspect who is responsible.”

AVA calls for support as research shows COVID impact on vending and coffee service providers

The Automatic Vending Association (AVA) has called on Local Authorities in Scotland to support the ‘vital vending industry’ as new research shows two thirds of operators have seen turnover reduced, with some losing all revenue completely.

Across Scotland, AVA members have experienced resistance when seeking help from Local Authorities despite specific funds being allocated in the form of ‘Additional Restrictions Grants’ to support businesses impacted by closures in the Leisure and Hospitality sector.

Ensuring that keyworkers have access to food and drink while carrying out their essential work has been at the forefront of thinking for those in the vending and food to go industry since to start of the COVID-19 pandemic. With restaurants and canteens being forced to close the option to get food on the go has been a lifeline to those on the front line of fighting the virus and saving lives.

Scottish Board Director of the Automatic Vending Association, Jane MacDonald (above), said: “Vending is a vital lifeline for those working to get Scotland through the pandemic and our members need support to continue to be there for our keyworkers.

“With canteens, leisure facilities and workplaces forced to close and numbers of those commuting cut significantly, vending has been severely impacted and as our data shows the level of impact is high.

“While products in other retail areas can be stored and sold at a later date, in the food and drink sector, expirations dates have passed during the forced closures resulting in further losses for these businesses.

“Food to go is an essential part of the food service industry, worth approximately £2.17 billion to the Scottish economy, and without the support of funding now, these businesses will not be around when the world eventually goes back to normal.”

For further information on the Automatic Vending Association visit: 

https://www.the-ava.com/

UK smartphone owners could be entitled to a £480 million payout

Around 29 million Britons could be entitled to a payout after being overcharged for their smartphones, if a landmark claim by consumer champion Which? is successful.

According to Which?, consumers could be owed a collective £482.5 million in damages from multi billion-dollar tech giant Qualcomm.

Which? believes Qualcomm has breached UK competition law by taking advantage of its dominance in the patent-licensing and chipset markets.  The result is that it is able to charge manufacturers like Apple and Samsung inflated fees for technology licences, which have then been passed on to consumers in the form of higher smartphone prices.  

Which? is seeking damages for all affected Apple and Samsung smartphones purchased since 1st October 2015. 

It estimates that individual consumers could be due up to £30 depending on the number and type of smartphones purchased during that period, although it is expected at this stage that most consumers would receive around £17.

Qualcomm has already been found liable by regulators and courts around the world for similar anticompetitive behaviour and Which? is urging Qualcomm to settle this claim without the need for litigation by offering consumers their money back. 

Which?’s legal action could help millions of consumers get redress for Qualcomm’s anticompetitive abuse. This is possible because of the opt-out collective action regime that was introduced by the Consumer Rights Act 2015.

It has been near impossible for individual consumers to take on big companies like Qualcomm in the past, but the collective regime opened the door for Which? to represent consumers where large numbers of people have been harmed by anticompetitive conduct.

This action is vital to obtain redress for consumers and to send a clear message to powerful companies like Qualcomm, that if they engage in harmful, manipulative practices, Which? stands ready to take action.

Anabel Hoult, CEO of Which?, said: “We believe Qualcomm’s practices are anticompetitive and have so far taken around £480 million from UK consumers’ pockets – this needs to stop. We are sending a clear warning that if companies like Qualcomm indulge in manipulative practices which harm consumers, Which? is prepared to take action. 

“If Qualcomm has abused its market power it must be held to account. Without Which? bringing this claim on behalf of millions of affected UK consumers, it would simply not be realistic for people to seek damages from the company on an individual basis – that’s why it’s so important that consumers can come together and claim the redress they are entitled to.”

Visit www.smartphoneclaim.co.uk to find out more about the claim and sign up for campaign updates. 

‘Hidden in Plain Sight’: Moderator launches photo competition

Rt Rev Dr Martin Fair, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, has launched a photo competition – ‘Hidden in Plain Sight’ – with both children and adults alike invited to send in their photographs showing the Cross in our everyday surroundings.

The winner in each category will be awarded a gift to the charity of their choice.

Dr Fair, who has spent his year as Moderator reaching out to congregations and churches online due to the Covid-19 pandemic, is keen to show that the Cross is an ever-present support in our lives, particularly during difficult times such as these.

“As we head towards Easter, the Cross will come ever more into view – the central symbol of the Christian faith,” Rt Rev Dr Martin Fair said.

“Generally speaking, we find Crosses set within church buildings or worn as jewellery. But, when we open our eyes to the possibility, we can begin to see images of the Cross all around us – in both nature and the built environment.

“Your challenge, should you choose to accept it: find a Cross that is ‘hidden in plain sight’ and using your camera, or your phone, take a photograph of it.

“Perhaps it will be two branches on a tree which form a Cross shape. Perhaps you’ll see a Cross in a section of wrought-iron fencing. Maybe you’ll see it in a set of road markings or in a random piece of graffiti?

“The only limit is your imagination. Open your eyes and you’ll see that the Cross is all around you.”

How to take part

To submit your entry for the photography competition, please email MediaRelations@churchofscotland.org.uk, attaching your photograph(s) as well as your name and which category you are in:

  1. Primary school age
  2. Secondary school age
  3. 18+

The rules are very simple:

  • The photograph must be one that you’ve taken yourself.
  • You must take the photograph within your own community and must observe all Covid-related restrictions when doing so.
  • Each entrant can submit up to three photographs.
  • Images can be taken either on cameras or smartphones and must be submitted by email. Please note, we unfortunately are unable to accept photographs submitted via post at this time.

The competition will run for one month – from Wednesday 17 February (the start of Lent) until Wednesday 17 March. All submissions must be received by the closing date.

All entries will be featured in a special photo gallery on the website.

The Moderator will head a judging panel and the winners in each category will be announced in the lead up to Easter Sunday, with a gift to the charity of the winner’s choice being awarded in each category.

The winning entries will be displayed across the Church of Scotland’s social media channels on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and in a special photo gallery on the website.

Let the fun begin. Get snapping!

Greens call for councils to stop investing millions in fossil fuels

The Scottish Greens’ Lothian MSP, Alison Johnstone, has called for Lothian Pension Fund to end its multi-million pound investment in fossil fuels and instead make more socially responsible investments.

New research from Friends of the Earth Scotland shows that council pension funds in Scotland invest £1.2bn in fossil fuel giants, with devastating consequences for communities, climate and their own finances.

Lothian Pension Fund, which is operated by City of Edinburgh Council for its own area and on behalf of East Lothian, West Lothian and Midlothian, have agreed not to make new investments in fossil fuel companies they do not already invest in, but this does not end existing investments in climate-wrecking companies, or prevent them from increasing.

Alison Johnstone said: “Public pension funds in Scotland continue to invest millions to bankroll fossil fuel companies every year. Lothian Pension Fund invests £165m in major polluters, at a time when leadership is needed in tackling the climate crisis.

“The public don’t want to see these pension funds exacerbating the problem, particularly when this cash could be invested into socially responsible endeavours like green energy production, house building and public transport improvements.

“This year the world will come to Scotland when Glasgow hosts the UN climate change summit. It’s time for Scotland to take a lead in tackling the climate crisis, and one of the most straightforward ways we can begin to do that is by ending these public investments in big oil and gas.

“Lothian Pension Fund must show that it is serious about tackling the climate emergency by bringing its influence to bear and ending these obscene oil and gas investments.”

Green light for Bonnington Build-to-Rent scheme

PLATFORM_’s planning application for a Build-to-Rent (BTR) scheme at Bonnington Road Lane was ‘minded to grant with conditions’ by the City of Edinburgh Council Development Management Sub-Committee yesterday.

PLATFORM_ intends to build 453 BTR units, including 25% affordable housing. BTR is an innovative housing solution where homes are built, rented, and managed over the longer term. They are not for sale.

The site extends from the former Bonnington Resource Centre at the southern edge and over the recently demolished John Lewis depot to the north.

The development is a mixture of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, duplexes, and studios, and will benefit from on-site concierge and maintenance staff. The proposals also include communal amenity spaces such as a residents’ lounge, roof terraces, a Bike Café and Workshop and gym.

To help create a vibrant atmosphere, the proposals also include retail and employment space at ground level which will be available to residents, start-up companies, and other workers.

Additionally, the development will create a public pocket park, a new pedestrian priority public street connecting Bonnington Road Lane and Anderson Place, and will replant 80 additional trees across the site.

PLATFORM_ has undertaken an extensive community and stakeholder engagement programme.

A community consultation was held in December 2019 and readvertised again in December 2020 to demonstrate improvements made since the original May 2020 submission.

Proposals were recommended for approval ahead of yesterday’s meeting after thorough discussions and collaboration with city planners.

Turley provided planning support and architectural design was produced by jmarchitects. Hirst were the landscape architects and Harley Haddow the project engineers.

A spokesperson for PLATFORM_ said: “We are very pleased to have received approval for our high-quality Build-to-Rent scheme at Bonnington Road Lane.

“The development will offer residents flexibility on a wide range of housing needs. The project will support the delivery of regeneration within the local area.

“Our key aim is to create quality, sustainable, and responsibly managed properties and we are looking forward to delivering this for Edinburgh.

“We will continue to update the community as the project develops and look forward to working with our partners across Edinburgh to deliver this exciting development.”

Thank you for the music

Emergency Scottish Government relief funds reach grassroots music venues in Edinburgh

16 Edinburgh venues have received over £932,000 through the Scottish Government’s Grassroots Music Venues Stabilisation Fund delivered by Creative Scotland. 

Bannermans, Henry’s Cellar Bar, LaBelle Angele, Leith Depot, Opium, Sandy Bell’s, Sneaky Pete’s, Stramash, Summerhall, The Banshee Labyrinth, The Bongo Club, The Caves, The Jazz Bar, The Mash House, The Voodoo Rooms and Whistle Binkies in Edinburgh are among 82 venues across Scotland which have received a total of £4million.  

Aimed at providing grassroots live music venues with emergency support to help address the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and prevent closure, the £4million fund closed for the second round of applications on Wednesday 3 February 2021. 

Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop said:  “This is an incredibly difficult time for the live music sector and it is important that we support our grassroots music venues – which are key to our rich and diverse music scene – to survive until they can reopen. 

“This fund, part of our ongoing commitment to support cultural sectors during the pandemic, aims to do that by ensuring financial support reaches a wide variety of music venues across the country.  

“I thank the music sector for continuing to work with us to identify the most effective ways to help it.” 

Alan Morrison, Head of Music at Creative Scotland said: “We’ve now been without live music for much longer than anyone could have imagined. Covid-19 has hit the music industry hard, and we all look forward to the day when musicians and audiences can get back together – in the same place, at the same time – to ignite the special spark of live performance. 

“Grassroots venues are where talented musicians test and perfect their original material, where careers are borne and local scenes have their deepest roots. The first round of awards from this fund covered the length of Scotland, from Dumfries to Kirkwall.

“The second round broadens that support, reaching Arran and the East Neuk of Fife. These awards are proof of the confidence that the Scottish Government and Creative Scotland have in our music sector, its artists, its audiences, its technicians and, of course, its much-loved grassroots venues.” 

This is the second of two funding rounds. To date, over both funding rounds combined, 85 venues across Scotland have now received a total of £6.2million through the Fund. £2.2millon was awarded in the first round in September 2020. 

Rowan Campbell of Summerhall said: “Summerhall is immensely grateful for this award which will help to secure our staff, our ongoing costs while closed and our ability to reopen in the coming months.

“It is a welcome lifeline that recognises our place as an important venue in the live music landscape of Scotland.” 

Henry’s Cellar Bar owner/manager, Claire Grandemange said: “Thanks to the Creative Scotland’s Grassroots Music Venues Fund and all the help from the team of the Music Venue Trust, the uncertainty over our ability to carry on paying staff and other fixed costs has been removed, and we are confident about our future reopening as a music venue once restrictions are lifted.” 

Recipients of the £4m Grassroots Music Venues Stabilisation Fund are:  

Venue Name Awarded Amount Local Authority 
1703 Dunfermline £35,000 Fife 
1807 £35,000 West Lothian 
1912 £35,000 West Lothian 
Aros Centre £28,000 Highland 
Audio £32,000 Glasgow City 
Backstage Kinross £40,000 Perth and Kinross 
Bannermans £66,200 City of Edinburgh 
The Banshee Labyrinth £50,000 City of Edinburgh 
Beat Generator Live! £51,608 Dundee City 
Berkeley Suite £57,060 Glasgow City 
BLOC+ £66,200 Glasgow City 
The Blue Arrow Jazz Club £66,200 Glasgow City 
The Blue Lamp £9,554 Aberdeen City 
The Bongo Club £50,000 City of Edinburgh 
Box £66,200 Glasgow City 
Bridge Street Social Club  £50,000 Aberdeen City 
Broadcast £66,200 Glasgow City 
The Bungalow £38,000 Renfrewshire 
Café Drummonds £60,000 Aberdeen City 
Callums Cavern CC’S  £19,298 Renfrewshire 
The Caves £66,200 City of Edinburgh 
The Church £66,200 Dundee City 
The Clutha Bar £45,000 Glasgow City 
Conroy’s £23,422 Dundee City 
Cottiers Theatre £30,000 Glasgow City 
The Douglas Arms £20,000 Dumfries and Galloway 
Dreadnoughtrock £45,490 West Lothian 
Flying Duck £60,000 Glasgow City 
Futtle £22,000 Fife 
The Gellions £50,000 Highland 
The Glad Cafe C.I.C £66,200 Glasgow City 
Harleys £66,200 South Ayrshire 
Henry’s Cellar Bar £66,200 City of Edinburgh 
Hootenanny £66,200 Highland 
The Howlin Wolf £66,200 Glasgow City 
The Hug and Pint £66,200 Glasgow City 
The Hunter S Thompson £21,000 Dundee City 
Ivory Blacks £40,601 Glasgow City 
The Jazz Bar £66,200 City of Edinburgh 
King Tuts Wah Wah Hut £66,200 Glasgow City 
King’s £66,200 Dundee City 
The Kings Theatre Kirkcaldy Limited £30,000 Fife 
Krakatoa £59,500 Aberdeen City 
LaBelle Angele £66,200  City of Edinburgh  
La Cheetah Club £66,200 Glasgow City 
Leith Depot £27,981 City of Edinburgh 
Marmions  £35,000 Scottish Borders 
The Mash House £66,200  City of Edinburgh  
McChuills £63,800 Glasgow City 
McGeochs £43,500 Inverclyde 
Midnight Breakfast Club £3,749 West Lothian 
Mono £60,000 Glasgow City 
Muckys Bar &  £28,774 Perth and Kinross 
Nice N Sleazy £66,200 Glasgow City 
Opium £66,200  City of Edinburgh  
Nicos bar  £40,000 Glasgow City 
The Old Hairdressers £55,000 Glasgow City 
The Pierhead Tavern £30,000 North Ayrshire 
PJ Malloys £52,732 Fife 
The Poetry Club £30,000 Glasgow City 
Priory Bar £45,000 Glasgow City 
Purple Orange £28,524 West Lothian 
Room 2 £59,049 Glasgow City 
The Rum Shack £19,251 Glasgow City 
Saint Luke’s & The Winged Ox £66,200 Glasgow City 
Sandy Bell’s £10,000 City of Edinburgh 
Sneaky Pete’s £66,200 City of Edinburgh 
The Sound Archive £34,911 Orkney Islands 
Stramash £66,200  City of Edinburgh  
Stereo £66,200 Glasgow City 
The Sub-Club £66,200 Glasgow City 
Summerhall £66,200 City of Edinburgh 
Swing £50,000 East Dunbartonshire 
Temple £64,200 Falkirk 
The Tooth and Claw £59,996 Highland 
Tunnels £50,000 Aberdeen City 
The Twa Tams £66,200 Perth and Kinross 
Unit 51 £50,000 Aberdeen City 
The View £20,000 Argyll and Bute 
The Voodoo Rooms £66,200 City of Edinburgh 
Whistle Binkies £66,200  City of Edinburgh  
Woodside hotel £15,000 Fife 
Total 

George Street ‘transformation’ plans unveiled

View along whole of George Street with new design

The final proposed concept design for the transformation of George Street has been unveiled.

Detailed artist’s impressions and a 3D fly-through illustrate how the street and surrounding area within the UNESCO World Heritage Site could look under the George Street and First New Town Public Realm Improvements Project.

Significantly widened pavements, landscaped spaces for play and relaxation and a cycling thoroughfare, where motor traffic is largely removed, will create a people-friendly setting. By retaining symmetry and removing street clutter alongside ‘urban greening’ through shrubs and hedging, the designs both protect the area’s heritage and enhance the environment.

Improvements are being delivered as part of a coordinated package of projects under Edinburgh City Centre Transformation.

This includes the forthcoming Meadows to George Street and City Centre West to East Link schemes, which will transform walking, wheeling and cycling routes and connections across the city centre.  These schemes also support the City Mobility Plan, a ten-year strategy to overhaul transport and mobility in the Capital to deliver a sustainable, net zero carbon and inclusive future.

The concept design for George Street, which has been progressed by a design team led by Tetratech with LDA Landscape Design, follows several years of development and engagement to refine design objectives with the public and stakeholders, including community councils and heritage, business, walking, cycling and accessibility groups.

During February and March, further engagement will take place with key groups, while the public will be able to see the design for themselves and tell us how they might enjoy a revitalised George Street.

Feedback gathered in February and March will inform a final iteration of the design proposal before being brought to Transport and Environment Committee in April. The required statutory processes under which the scheme will be constructed would begin this summer.

https://youtu.be/YaWvPP4QFTQ

Transport and Environment Convener Councillor Lesley Macinnes said: “These animated concept designs offer an exciting glimpse into what George Street and the surrounding area could look like in 2025 – a welcoming, relaxing and unique space, where people will want to spend time, to visit local shops, cafes and restaurants and to travel to and through the city centre.

“This vision has been years in the making and follows significant engagement with the public and a range of groups representing different interests. It’s essential that its design works for everyone, which is why we’ve spent time ensuring it meets people’s access needs, that it allows residents to go about their daily lives and that it will encourage local businesses to flourish, particularly as we look to make a strong, green recovery from the COVID crisis.”

Transport and Environment Vice Convener Councillor Karen Doran said: “I was thrilled to see the concept designs for this project brought to life and look forward to hearing the responses of all those who watch our video or see the beautiful, detailed illustrations.

“This initiative offers the opportunity to transform one of Edinburgh’s iconic streets for the better, creating an accessible, inviting space, where both the historic environment is protected and biodiversity promoted, and where people can relax and spend time on foot, bike or wheelchair.”

The Transport and Environment Committee first agreed to increase pedestrian space in the city centre in 2013 and in 2014 and 2015 a new layout was trialled on George Street, with stakeholder engagement and a subsequent series of user surveys demonstrating a strong appetite for change.

Since then, a vision and design principles have been developed and the project was widened to include the interconnecting Castle, Frederick and Hanover Streets and the junctions with Charlotte and St Andrew Squares. Further, significant engagement with the public and stakeholders has led to the designs published today.

Key considerations for the project have been putting people first, protecting the area’s heritage, promoting the environment and biodiversity and providing accessible transport links.

Elements of the concept design relating to each include –

Putting people first:

Increased pedestrian space; adaptable, landscaped areas with seating, space for play and opportunities for events; space for outdoor seating for cafes and restaurants; better lighting to animate the streets after dark; level access crossings at street junctions for unimpeded crossing; disabled parking bays on George Street and interconnected streets

Protecting heritage:

Retaining symmetry on George Street; removing unnecessary street clutter; removing parking to reduce the dominance of motor traffic; upgrading pavements with high quality materials

Enhancing the environment:

Suitably scaled soft landscaping including shrubs and hedging, reducing the impact of heavy rain and floods; permeably paved areas to allow drainage

Improved walking, cycling and wheeling connections;

Largely car-free; cycling is prioritised in George Street and directly connects with the Meadows to George Street and CCWEL cycle route schemes at Hanover Street, St Andrew Square and Charlotte Square; improved pedestrian crossings at junctions; loading retained for businesses

The George Street and First New Town Public Realm Project responds to and supports various Council initiatives, such as Edinburgh City Centre Transformation, the City Mobility Plan and the Active Travel Action Plan, as well as projects like Trams to Newhaven and Low Emission Zones.

If approved, it is intended to begin construction work on the scheme in 2023, with an anticipated completion in 2025. It is expected to cost £32m, with £20m from Transport Scotland via Sustrans. 

Simon Strain, Interim Head of Infrastructure Delivery for Sustrans Scotland said: “George Street is one of the most vibrant and distinctive shopping streets in Scotland, thanks to the insightful planning of James Craig.

“We are pleased to be supporting the increased space for walking, wheeling and cycling that this project will create, upgrading one of the city’s key travel routes. The new spaces for sitting and relaxing provide both visitors and residents with comfortable spaces where they can rest and enjoy the World Heritage Site.”

Richard Grant, from Spokes, said: “George Street forms a crucial section of the Council’s flagship west-east ‘CCWEL’ cycleroute project, as well as being a major destination in its own right. 

“The new George Street plans, taking lessons from European “cycle streets,” provide a wide central “cycling zone” shared with blue badge and (at restricted times) delivery vehicles treated as ‘guests.’   This replaces the previously planned segregated bidirectional cycleroute.

 “This will be an innovative scheme for Scotland, which could be widely followed, and as such the Council must get it right. Given the funding from Sustrans, safe and pleasant conditions for cycling and walking are critical.

“Spokes welcomes the scheme subject to strict enforcement of the limited number and timings of permitted vehicles, as well as design details.  We particularly welcome the assurance of enforcement, by automated means such as number plate recognition or in other ways, which is essential to success.”

Edinburgh Access Panel

“EAP is aware that George Street currently presents many obstacles for people with disabilities. We are delighted to be involved in a scheme which will remove so many barriers that prevent a significant proportion of the population, both residents and visitors from being able to participate fully in the many facilities that are available in this attractive central city location.”

Living Streets Edinburgh

“Edinburgh – perhaps uniquely for a European city of its size and history – lacks any significant space in the city centre where pedestrians really come first.  George Street has been dominated by traffic and parking for too long and is the obvious place to put this right in the heart of the New Town. These proposals offer the prospect of George Street becoming a place where it is finally a pleasure to walk in and linger.”

George Street Association

“There is no doubt that the current pre-occupation of George Street Association members is how to recover when the prolonged coronavirus restrictions are lifted.  However, we have a mutual interest with the City Council and others involved in this ambitious project to deliver the high-quality changes needed for the future success of this iconic street.

“This overdue transformation to the appearance and operation of George Street will impact on our members and affected businesses in the area will need support throughout the inevitable disruption involved.

“We appreciate the opportunity for ongoing engagement with the City Council on the final concept design and thereafter.”

Essential Edinburgh

“Essential Edinburgh welcome the proposed concept designs for George Street which are the result of extensive consultation. It is vital the design works for all its users whether they be retail and hospitality businesses, residents, office workers and people undertaking active travel. 

“The design takes this into account including issues related to servicing and accessibility and we look forward to continuing to work with the Council and other stakeholders to support delivery of a plan that works for all.”

Edinburgh World Heritage

‘Edinburgh World Heritage is highly supportive of the design for the public realm improvements in George Street as currently proposed. Over time, the proposal has evolved into a simple and elegant design, removing traffic and street clutter, with the potential to enhance the character and authenticity of this significant centrepiece of the First New Town in relation to its existing state.

“New elements have been carefully introduced and will echo the symmetry and materials of the historic streetscape. Based on the current visuals, we believe these changes will improve the way the street is experienced and valued by putting pedestrians first and allowing them to enjoy the rich heritage which surrounds them. We would like to thank the City of Edinburgh Council for taking our views on board at critical stages during the design process.’

Find out more about the George Street and First New Town Public Realm Improvements Project and watch the 3D fly-through, developed by Luma3D, on the Council website.

Community projects in the running for Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce awards

Community projects and third sector organisations have been short-listed for awards at next month’s Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce Business awards.

North Edinburgh’s COVID 19 Response and Recovery Group has been nominated for the Inspiring Partnership Award, with Citadel Youth Centre and Leith Rugby Club and Cyrenians and Natwest partnerships also in the running in that category.

The North Edinburgh COVID-19 Response and Recovery Group was formed at the outset of the coronavirus pandemic. Local projects and community organisations joined together in an informal coalition and have been working together ever since to ensure that the community’s most vulnerable people are being supported and protected during the pandemic.

Cyrenians is also nominated in the Local Business Hero, Employer of the Year and and Young Leader of the Year categories.

A Chamber spokesperson explained: “Each year, the Edinburgh Chamber looks forward to hosting its much loved Business Awards ceremony to recognise the successes and achievements of our vibrant business community.

“2020 has been a tough year for all. However, despite the ongoing challenges caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, we have watched businesses across the city come together to lead, innovate, collaborate and support those in need.

“We feel it is important to recognise the efforts and dedication shown by organisations over the past year, and so we’re delighted to announce the launch of our first ever virtual business awards.

“Our virtual awards will bring the business community together to showcase the resilience, adaptability and outstanding contribution of our local businesses and professionals, in the most challenging of years.”

Award Categories 2021:

  • Responsible Business – sponsored by City of Edinburgh Council
  • Innovation in Business – sponsored by CityFibre
  • Director of the Year – sponsored by Royal Bank of Scotland
  • Developing the Young Workforce – sponsored by Developing the Young Workforce
  • Employer of the Year – sponsored by Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie LLP
  • Young Leader of the Year – sponsored by Thorntons Law LLP
  • Inspiring Partnership Award – sponsored by Openreach
  • Excellence in Circular Economy – sponsored by Circular Edinburgh
  • Export Business of the Year – sponsored by Forth Ports
  • Service Excellence – sponsored by Heehaw
  • Local Business Hero – sponsored by TLT LLP
  • Lifetime Achievement – sponsored by Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce 

This event will take place virtually during the week of the Edinburgh’s Business Festival .

The virtual festival, taking place from 1-5th March, offers 18 events over the 5 days, ranging from keynote speakers and panel discussions to networking events and practical workshops. The Chamber will also host its annual Business Awards, to recognise and showcase the resilience, adaptability and outstanding contribution of local businesses and professionals, in the most challenging of years.

The headline sponsor for this year’s Business Festival is St James Quarter.

Martin Perry, Director of Development for St James Quarter, said: “At St James Quarter we’re passionate about doing our part to support the local Edinburgh community – and the businesses within it.

“We’re delighted to partner with the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce and look forward to connecting with our peers and neighbours throughout the event.”

 You can download the full programme here 

Edinburgh’s Business Festival is open to all and free to attend. For more information please click here.

If you have not booked a Festival ticket, you may book this event separately via ECC’s event page.

COVID Testing centre to open at Ainslie Park Leisure Centre

Do you have symptoms of COVID-19?

When booking a test through nhsinform.scot or the helpline, you will be directed to the one closest to your postcode.

A full list of all testing centres can be found here ➡️https://www.nhslothian.scot/…/Pages/testing-centres.aspx

Two new centres are opening this week:

One of them will open on the 25th of February in at the Jack Kane Centre car park in Niddrie: 208 Niddrie Mains Rd, Edinburgh EH16 4ND. The centre will open from 8am – 8pm every day.

Another walk-through testing centre will open at Ainslie Park Leisure Centre car park, 92 Pilton Drive, Edinburgh EH5 2HF on the Saturday 27 February.

It will also be open from 8Aam – 8pm every day.