Two men have been arrested and charged following a disturbance in the Clermiston area of Edinburgh on Sunday, 7 March.
Around 5pm police received a number calls regarding an ongoing incident in the Clermiston Park and Clermiston Gardens areas.
A 17-year-old man and a 27-year-old man have been arrested and charged in connection with alleged possession of offensive weapons.
They were due to appear before Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Monday and a report was submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.
Further enquiries are ongoing into the wider disturbance involving a group of youths which occurred on Sunday evening, and police are appealing for any witnesses to come forward.
The two men will also be the subject of a report to the Procurator Fiscal in connection with the serious assault of a 48-year-old man in Drum Brae South around 3.25pm on Thursday, 4 March.
Chief Inspector Sarah Taylor, Local Area Commander for North West Edinburgh, said: “This type of mindless, irresponsible and reckless criminal behaviour will not be tolerated in our community and there will be additional patrols in the area.
“We are aware of ongoing issues with antisocial behaviour which is completely unacceptable, particularly in the midst of a pandemic when people are being told to stay at home. Local officers are working with partners to address these issues and proactively put a stop to this.
“I would urge anyone with information or concerns regarding antisocial behaviour to contact Police Scotland through 101, or speak to officers out on patrol.
“Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Always dial 999 when a crime is in progress.”
We’re delighted to announce that the BBC Antiques Roadshow is coming to the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh!Do you have hidden treasures waiting to be uncovered?
Fiona Bruce and the BBC Antiques Roadshow team are set to come to the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh later this year for the 44th series of the much loved family favourite.
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic the team are once again asking members of the public who’d like to participate to share their stories online. The series will be filmed on a closed set with an invited audience only to ensure the safety of guests, production and the wider public. Successful applicants will be invited to attend a recording session where they will share their items with a Roadshow expert who will be able to reveal more about the craftsmanship, history and provenance of each piece – as well as the all-important value.
Share your story
Returning for her 14th year at the helm, Fiona Bruce acknowledges the team’s success at recording the show under challenging circumstances in 2020 and goes on to encourage people to apply to be a part of the programme in 2021:
“We were thrilled that we managed to make a series of the Antiques Roadshow last summer despite all the difficulties of filming during the pandemic . Hopefully things will be easier this summer though life may not yet be back to normal by the time we start filming . So if you have an item that you’d like to bring along to the Roadshow, do please get in touch with us beforehand. Here’s hoping for a summer of great finds!”
Series Editor Robert Murphy said:
“We can’t wait to see what long lost treasures and family heirlooms might be lurking in the attic or gathering dust on a shelf. Sometimes it’s the most unexpected items that catch our interest – a silk escape map that belonged to a Caribbean airman in the Second World War, a 19th century guitar, a vintage movie poster, even old Star Wars toys! What mystery objects have you found during that lockdown clear-out? Get in touch and you’ll have a chance of being invited to the Roadshow this summer to find out more without even having to queue! We look forward to hearing from you.”
More information and frequently asked questions can be found at the Antiques Roadshow website or on the show’s Facebook page.
NEW SURVEY FOR TOP GEAR HIGHLIGHTS THE FAMILY ‘MOTORING MEMORIES’ THAT COULD SOON BE LOST TO HISTORY
Classic in-car ‘I-Spy’ style games, parents bickering over directions and children’s cries of ‘are we there yet?’are now all part of a bygone age of motoring according to a new study.
Survey into the history of family car travel identifies the motoring experiences that younger generations will never encounter
Research reveals six in ten (63%) adults aged 40 and over cherish childhood memories of family outings by car
60% say the most honest and heartfelt chats with family take place in the car
Study marks the launch of a new series of hit BBC One motoring show Top Gear on Sunday 14th March
First episode sees presenters Paddy McGuinness, Freddie Flintoff and Chris Harris drive their old family cars as they reminisce about their childhood motoring memories
Mum and Dad bickering over maps and directions, playing ‘I Spy’ style car games with the kids and using wire coat hangers for replacement aerials are now all part of a bygone age of motoring, according to a new survey released today.
The research for Top Gear into family car travel over the last 40 years reveals a seismic change between generations and identifies the in-car travel experiences that could soon be consigned to the history books.
Tuning in the car stereo, picking up hitchhikers and the plaintive cries of ‘are we there yet?’ from listless children are also listed among the motoring expereince wthe motoring experiences that younger generations are unlikely to encounter.
The survey of 2,000 UK adults aged 40 and over was commissioned by BBC Studios to mark the start of the 30th series of flagship BBC One motoring entertainment show Top Gear on Sunday 14th March.
In the series opener, presenters Paddy McGuinness, Freddie Flintoff and Chris Harris drive their old family cars and reminisce about their childhood motoring memories.
The top ten family car travel experiences which have been lost to history:
Unfurling of maps and arguments between parents over directions (54%)
One CD or tape in the car that you had to listen to every single time you went on a drive (53%)
Pre-planning routes (39%)
Using a coat hanger as a radio aerial (39%)
Using the cigarette lighter for its original intended purpose (35%)
Endless tuning to get a radio signal (34%)
Classic ‘in car’ games such as ‘I Spy’ (34%)
Picking up hitchhikers (30%)
The rallying cry of ‘are we there yet?’ (24%)
His and hers windscreen stickers (sunscreen strips) (23%)
Bygone experiences which just missed out on a top 10 placement included changing your own spare tyre (23%), the discovery of local radio stations being picked up as you drive through a hilly region (19%) and going for a Sunday family ‘leisure drive’ (19%).
The survey also revealed that the countless hours spent on childhood car journeys hold vivid and cherished family memories for the vast majority (68%) of British adults.
In car games such as ‘I Spy’ and imaginative checklists to spot road signs were also named as the most fondly remembered ‘motor memories’ of a now bygone era (67%) and whilst it may have been their parent’s worst nightmare the rallying cry of ‘are we there yet’ still has a place in our hearts, with over half of those surveyed (56%) saying it was one of their most vivid family road trip memories.
Conversely, arguments between parents over directions (44%), endlessly tuning to find radio stations (43%) and arguments over what radio station to listen to (37%) are the experiences we miss the least.
Paddy McGuinness commented: “Kids now will never witness the delights of an A to Z or the games of eye spy in a very warm car.
“It was great to take a drive down memory lane in our old family cars for the new series. One thing we all recalled with huge affection was the heartfelt chats we had with our parents on those long car journeys when we were growing up.”
The research, launched ahead of Mothers’ Day, reveals that over half of us find it easier to have deep and meaningful conversations with family whilst on a car journey.
53% of respondents recall memorable heart-to-hearts with mum on the road whilst 47% also delved into deeper ‘in-car’ conversations with their fathers. Six in ten of those surveyed said they connected most with their parents while chatting in the car.
Clare Pizey, Top Gear’s Executive Producer said: “As this new survey would seem to prove, whilst long car journeys back in the day took for ever, weren’t always very comfortable – or indeed safe given lots of us didn’t have rear seat belts – what they did have was loads of family chats and games that have made precious memories.
“Fred, Chris and Paddy certainly felt like they were driving down memory lane when they drove their Dads’ cars recently and they all remembered just being with their parents in the car very fondly.”
Further findings revealed that 59% of Brits now identify satellite navigation aids as the number one piece of modern tech they would not want to live without followed by Hi-tech entertainment systems (12%) and sophisticated security features (8%).
The new four-episode series of Top Gear, produced by BBC Studios, returns to screens this Sunday 14 March and will feature: a titanium-shoed presenting team being dragged down a Scottish runway by The Stig driving their cars; a tribute to the most famous and least well-known Bond cars; Freddie racing in the battery-powered-off-road Extreme E against a Jetpack man; and a ‘Mid-life Crisis Cars’ episode involving bicycles, lycra and jet skis!
Top Gear starts this Sunday 14 March at 8pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer
A 38-year-old man has been arrested and charged in relation to this incident and is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court tomorrow (Wednesday, 17 March, 2021).
Detective Inspector Bob Campbell said: “We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen a black Dacia Sondero vehicle in the vicinity of Wester Drylaw Drive on the afternoon of Tuesday 9 March and in particular to the occupants of a small white VW Caddy van that was seen in the area at this time.
“I also urge motorists with dash cams to check their footage as they may have captured images which would assist our investigation.
“There will be additional patrols in the area and local residents are encouraged to speak to these officers if they have any information or concerns as it is vital that we trace everyone responsible.”
Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland via 101 quoting incident number 1880 of 9 March 2021. Alternatively, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.
THE ORIGINAL STORY:
An investigation is under way after a man was found injured in Wester Drylaw.
At around 3.45pm on Tuesday (9 March 2021) a 35-year-old man was found injured by a member of the public in Wester Drylaw Drive. The man was seriously injured and was taken to hospital where he is receiving treatment for head, leg and arm injuries.
Officers attended and carried out door-to-door enquiries to establish what had happened. The location of the attack is believed to be within a rear garden of one of the properties on Wester Drylaw Drive.
Detectives are also checking CCTV footage from in and around the surrounding areas for any additional information on the incident .At this stage, detectives do not know who is responsible, whether it was a single person attack or if a group of people attacked the man.
Detective Inspector Bob Campbell said: “The motive for this attack is unknown and we are still working to establish exactly what has happened.
It’s clear from the man’s injuries that he has been assaulted and we need to find out who is responsible and why. I am appealing to members of the public who were in the area around the time of the incident to contact us.
“I would also ask motorists with dash cams to check their footage as they may have captured images which would assist our investigation.”
Chief Inspector Sarah Taylor said: “I know there will be concerns around this incident and I would like to reassure local residents that we will have additional officers on patrol.
“It is imperative we trace whoever is responsible for this attack and we can do that with the support and co-operation of local people, so I would urge anyone with information to get in touch with us.”
Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland via 101 quoting incident number 1880 of 9 March 2021. Alternatively, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.
– Collaboration with Hereford-based NMITE will shape the future of sustainable built environment –
New Model Institute for Technology and Engineering (NMITE) has announced that Professor Robert Hairstans has joined as Founding Director of its Centre for Advanced Timber Technology (CATT).
His role will be to lead the development and delivery of the CATT, to help establish it as the leading national location in timber education and to work with the broader NMITE academic team to create a sustainable educational portfolio.
Hairstans joins on a two-year secondment from the number one modern university in Scotland, Edinburgh Napier University (ENU), where he is head of the Centre for Offsite Construction + Innovative Structures (COCIS) within the University’s Institute for Sustainable Construction.
Commenting on the appointment, Professor Beverley Gibbs, Chief Academic Officer, NMITE said: “We are thrilled at Professor Hairstans’ arrival and know he has the expertise, experience and passion to develop and deliver the CATT’s vision.”
Professor Hairstans’ specialist expertise is in the fields of timber engineering and technology with a focus on adding value to the timber supply chain with an emphasis on engineered timber products and offsite (modular) construction.
Commenting on his appointment, he said: “I am delighted to be the Founding Director of the CATT. Working with industry I want to accelerate the utilisation of timber, digitisation and factory-based approaches by ensuring an inclusive educational model which generates a value return for the sector via the next generation of built environment professionals.”
Central to this vision is a new learning and teaching building in Hereford’s dynamic enterprise zone – Skylon Park.
NMITE’s building will be a beacon of sustainability and is NMITE’s inaugural advanced campus building that will impact timber technology and advanced manufacturing, sectors that are critical to regional and national growth.
The building will accommodate extensive workshops, studio learning space, breakout/study space and ancillary areas. Planning permission has been submitted with the expectation of starting on site in April 2021 and structural completion by March 2022.
When complete, this facility will complement the research and timber testing infrastructure of ENU and, by extension, the Construction Scotland Innovation Centre which is hosted by ENU. This Centre has a unique Innovation Factory capable of manufacturing advanced timber technologies including a vacuum press for Cross Laminated Timber production.
The appointment has the additional benefit of bringing together two organisations who, having seen the potential of a future partnership, have now signed a Memorandum of Understanding.
A key focus of the UK wide collaborative framework is the idea of CATT as a ‘living lab’, working with industry to develop projects that prototype solutions with students gaining knowledge from real-life conditions.
Professor Gibbs explains: “NMITE has always shown interest in working in partnership with existing sector leaders who support NMITE’s potential and are open to exploring new educational approaches for the benefit of industry and society.
“Throughout the recruitment process we constantly heard that ENU were the UK players to talk to and work with and ENU also has a better-than-standard gender split on their built environment course which is one of our core values.
“We are therefore excited at the prospect of a partnering relationship with ENU and respect its accomplishments in sustainable built environment.
“Together, we believe we can offer a joined-up UK-wide educational provision for timber technology that extends throughout the supply chain and user base. We believe a NMITE-ENU partnership could provide a clear opportunity to accelerate and leverage CATT’s full potential.”
Hairstans agrees “I look forward to forging a collaboration between NMITE and ENU which will shape the future of construction delivery to more sustainable forms.”
In the longer term NMITE explains its ambition is to catalyse a UK-wide, full-sector skills strategy for timber technology and sustainable built environment, bringing about growth and impact on industry, society and the environment.
NMITE will continue to focus on education and skills and will benefit from ENU’s research and technology transfer. Sited on the England/Wales border, NMITE believes by working with ENU it will be able to look at a UK-wide framework, without competing, for the benefit of all.
NMITE explains that it is looking forward to meeting the needs of its industry partners and furthering its vision to develop and provide a degree apprenticeship in Timber Engineering underpinned by a Timber Technology, Engineering and Design competency framework that supports flexible learning and pathway progression.
Councillor Lesley Macinnes, Transport and Environment Convener, writes for City Transport & Traffic Innovation (CiTTi ) Magazine on the future of travel in Edinburgh:
Edinburgh is not alone in the challenges it faces. But as a historic, compact Capital, with a unique landscape and, under normal circumstances, a world-beating cultural scene, our response to these must be custom-made.
Here, transport accounts for 31% of carbon emissions, and that’s rising. Poverty rates vary considerably across the city, yet the cost of travel averages at more than £80 a week – 14% of average weekly budgets. Congestion significantly impacts daily journeys, adding up to 41% to travel time during peak hours. And our population continues to skyrocket, with a forecast growth of 12% to 600,000 by 2043.
We simply must adapt if we are to address these issues head on, to achieve our net zero carbon goals by 2030, to improve air quality and provide inclusive, accessible transport options while creating a better place to live. Our next steps will be crucial as we work to make a green recovery from the COVID crisis, helping citizens to return to normality while supporting local businesses to flourish.
In direct response to this, our City Mobility Plan sets out a ten-year plan to deliver a better connected, carbon neutral transport system, a healthier environment and a thriving, inclusive future.
We’ve spent the last three years honing this strategy, engaging closely with the people who live and work here, with partner organisations and with accessibility, active travel, transport and business groups.
We’ve analysed Edinburgh’s specific travel patterns and data as well as drawing from pioneering cities around the world. A major public consultation received significant support for proposals to overhaul movement to and around the city.
For that reason, we know we’ve created a plan which meets people’s needs but also pushes forward with the kind of changes we must make if we are to address the climate emergency and create a better quality of life for everyone.
Of course, as we emerge from the COVID pandemic, we will remain in a period of uncertainty, so the Plan will be flexible to take account of longer-term impacts as they become clearer.
However, over the next decade we’ve committed to delivering a bold programme of policy measures to meet these goals. By encouraging a change in behaviour towards environmentally friendly transport, while providing flexible and affordable public transport fares, we’ll help people to make sustainable choices.
Plans to expand the tram and mass rapid transit network and improve bus routes will further support the transition from private car journeys while introducing ‘mobility hubs’ in communities and a city operations centre to monitor traffic will be pivotal to reducing the impact of polluting vehicles and congestion.
We’ve pledged to create more liveable places less dominated by motor traffic and to build on Edinburgh’s network of walking, wheeling and cycling routes. We’re already a compact, walkable city, where 45% of households don’t own a car – we want to make getting from A to B by foot, bike or wheelchair even easier.
This people-focused approach was brought to life with the publication of new concept designs for the George Street and First New Town public realm improvements project.
The £32m scheme is central to the broader transformation of the city centre and a key element of the City Mobility Plan, and the new designs offer a glimpse of how we can create more liveable places in the city.
Under the proposals, we would turn this car-dominated street into a largely pedestrianised area, with a cycling thoroughfare and places to sit, play and hold events. The designs, which conserve the street’s heritage, have already been well received, and if approved by committee we want to deliver the improvements by 2025.
Our commitment to support 20-minute neighbourhoods as part of the plan will help to create great, liveable places to spend time in too. Thanks to the compact make-up of our city we want to go even further to facilitate 10-minute neighbourhoods, helping people to shift away from longer journeys to active travel and to meet our net zero carbon target.
We’re not starting from scratch with the City Mobility Plan. We’re recognised as one of the most liveable cities in Europe and since the ‘90s we’ve made great strides to enhance transport systems and invest in streets and public spaces.
This ranges from the completion of 95km of off-road cycleways and walkways between 1995 and 1999 to the launch of Edinburgh Trams in 2014 and becoming the first Scottish city to implement a citywide network of 20mph routes in 2018.
Ongoing projects, such as the completion of Trams to Newhaven and the introduction of a Low Emission Zone, put us at the forefront of sustainable transport development.
These have all been ambitious ventures, but we’ve achieved them, or soon will. As we move forward with the next ten years of transport and mobility in the Capital, we want, and need, to be just as bold, for the sake of its future and for the generations of people who will live, work and visit here.
Failure to support the nation’s pubs return from lockdown risks imperilling the government’s levelling up agenda for economic and social renewal, the think-tank Localis has warned.
In a report entitled ‘The Power of Pubs – protecting social infrastructure and laying the groundwork for levelling up’ Localis argues it is vital that the lockdown roadmap is not allowed to slip back further for pubs, and that the commitment to end all trading restrictions by 21 June must be delivered to return all pubs to viable trading.
Without such assurances and medium-term support to help place the pub sector at the foundations of a strong recovery, the authors warned local economies and community resilience in left-behind parts of the country – including ‘blue wall’ former industrial heartlands, rural and coastal areas – would be particularly hit.
Among key recommendations, the report authors urged central government to further reduce the tax burden on the pub sector to aid the recovery and called for an extension to the Business and Planning Act 2020.
Local councils should be directed to help pubs by issuing licence fee refunds – paid for by the Treasury – for the six months to June 2021, through business support grants, the study advised.
Additionally, where premises have been put to new community purposes during the pandemic, councils should offer a diversification grant to pubs looking to retain or expand the services they provided during lockdown.
Localis chief executive, Jonathan Werran, said: “The case for treating Britain’s pubs with fair consideration in exiting lockdown measures is, at core, as simple as it is heartfelt. Where there’s a pub, there’s a community.
“As one of the biggest contributors to the UK economy, the sector has a vital role to play in the recovery and levelling up journey of the country as well as in maintaining community cohesion and social resilience well beyond the pandemic.”
Emma McClarkin, chief executive, British Beer and Pub Association,said: “The Pandemic has fractured our communities economic environment and frayed our social ties.
“The pub is a powerful embodiment and symbol of both, woven into the fabric of our society and it is one we need to support and strengthen as we rebuild our trade as well as reconnect our communities.”
The replacement Sick Kids hospital will fully open at last this month, Health Secrtary Jeane Freeman announced today.
Answering a question from Edinburgh Pentlands SNP MSP Gordon MacDonald, Ms. Freeman said: “NHS Lothian have now received the final validation reports for the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People remedial works and they are all satisfactory.
“I am therefore pleased to confirm that NHS Lothian will proceed with the migration of outpatients in the week commencing 22 March, this migration plan has been designed in collaboration with the support of medical, nursing and support services such as Laboratories, Radiology and Theatres.
“This is the final phase of the plan and from that date, all relevant clinical services will be delivered from the new hospital.
“I want to record my thanks to all those involved in delivering a project that has resulted in a safe hospital for the patients, families and staff of NHS Lothian.”
Lothian Conservative MSP Miles Briggs said:“The opening of the Royal hospital for Sick Children has been a long time coming and I am pleased for families in Edinburgh and the Lothian’s that it has finally arrived.
“I hope that the new hospital will be a centre of excellence for treating children and young people in the region for a long time to come.
“All the best to NHS Lothian paediatric staff in their overdue new home.”
NHS Lothian confirmed that the new Royal Hospital for Children and Young People will fully open on Tuesday 23 March.
From this date, the remaining Children’s services presently located at Sciennes, including A&E, will move to the stunning and world-class Royal Hospital for Children and Young People located next to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh at Little France.
The new facilities are already home to the majority of the Children’s Outpatient services and the Department of Clinical Neurosciences (DCN), which both migrated to the Little France site in July 2020. Earlier this year, the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) inpatient facilities and some outpatient services also moved to the new hospital.
The Royal Hospital for Children and Young People will deliver local, regional and national services in some of the most modern and best-designed healthcare facilities in the world.
With the new facilities connected to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, paediatric care, specialist neonatal care, neurosciences and both Emergency Departments are now all on the same site. This reduces the need for emergency transfers between hospitals, and ensures that our teams can share skills and expertise for the benefit of all our patients.
Calum Campbell, Chief Executive, NHS Lothian said, “I am delighted to announce that the new Royal Hospital for Children and Young People will fully open on the 23 March 2021, bringing world class clinical facilities to the people of Lothian.
“Our wish for this project was for it to be designed in collaboration with patients and their families, as well as our staff, and the facilities that are available within the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People are testament to the success of that approach.
“The spaces are welcoming, but also fun; intended to put children and young people at ease at a time when they might otherwise be frightened, unsure or upset. The designed space is complemented by the inclusion of the latest clinical thinking and technology, enabling our teams to provide the best treatment and care for our patients not just now, but for years to come.”
The full opening of the site, follows a commissioning stage, where the remaining facilities were extensively checked, equipment was tested and staff orientation took place.
Ms Susan Goldsmith, Director of Finance and Executive Lead for the project explained that a huge amount of work had taken place to get to this point. Ms Goldsmith said, “Many teams and individuals have helped with this incredibly important project and I would like to take a moment to express my thanks to them all for their diligence and commitment.
“I am delighted that the remaining services will soon move to the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People. It will be a fantastic moment to see the building fully open and for our patients to benefit from the amazing facilities that are on offer.”
The remaining Children’s Services that are presently located at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children at Sciennes will move to the new hospital by Tuesday 23 March.
From 8am on Tuesday 23 March, all patients and any child or young person requiring access to A&E, must go to the new Royal Hospital for Children and Young People at Little France.
The new hospital includes:
Children’s Emergency Department, next to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh Adult Emergency Department
242 Beds
10 Theatres
10 Wards (Inpatient and Day Care)
Therapy departments
Outpatients
Outdoor play areas
Physical and mental health specialities on one site
Modern Imaging equipment
An Art and Therapeutic Design programme worth over £5million, which enhances the environment and experience of the hospital. This programme has been funded by Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity (www.ECHCharity.org) and Edinburgh and Lothians Health Foundation (www.elhf.co.uk)
Ronald McDonald House (accommodation for families of paediatric patients)
Two kidney transplant recipients have spoken about the reality of living with kidney disease ahead of World Kidney Day (Thursday 11 March 2021).
Fiona Davies, 39, from Airdrie, and Ross Young, 48, from East Calder, both diagnosed with Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD), have shared their gratitude for the transplants that have given them their lives back, and the chance to see their children grow up.
Fiona and Ross have backed the campaign to raise awareness of the forthcoming organ and tissue opt out law, in the hope that it will get people thinking about their donation decision.
There are currently around 420 people in Scotland waiting on a kidney transplant, many of whom are on dialysis to keep their kidneys working.
Ross was diagnosed with PKD in 2003, and has since found that his two sons, now 13 and 16, have the same hereditary condition. His kidney function deteriorated to the point that he was listed for transplant in March 2010, and received his transplant in November 2010 after only ten weeks on dialysis.
Fiona was diagnosed with PKD as a teenager, which she successfully managed until the birth of her son James in 2012 impacted on her kidney function. She reached end stage kidney failure in October 2016, and was listed for transplant in March 2017. Her transplant went ahead just three weeks after she was put on the waiting list.
Scotland’s opt out law, which will be introduced on 26 March, means that if people aged 16 and over haven’t recorded a decision about donation, they will be considered a possible donor if they die in circumstances in which they could donate.
People have a choice – to be a donor, or to opt out of donation – and the campaign is encouraging people to record their decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register, and share it with family.
Informing family is important, as under the new law, they will still be consulted to check what their loved ones latest views on donation were. This is to ensure donation doesn’t proceed where the individual didn’t want it to.
Speaking about the impact kidney disease and her subsequent transplant had on her life, Fiona said: “Looking back, I had no idea how ill I actually was towards the end. I was getting through life, but was constantly tired and had no concentration. Motivating myself to do things became harder and harder.
“I wanted to hold off dialysis until my son started school, but could start to feel things dipping. I had restless legs and couldn’t sit for any length of time, I felt sick when I ate and was in bed for 7.30pm every night.
“I got the call just minutes after my son’s fifth birthday party and the transplant surgery all went to plan. I was home six days later and things just got better and better. It’s quite unbelievable the change it’s made to my life and I have my donor to thank for that.
“I am very pleased that Scotland is moving to an opt out system. You don’t truly understand the impact of organ donations until your life is touched by it and I hope that the move will help increase the number of viable organs available and help those waiting. Because of organ donation, my son has his mum back, and I have a future.”
Talking about the law change to an opt out system from 26 March, Ross said: “I wouldn’t say life on dialysis was easy, but I knew it was keeping me well, and then the transplant changed everything.
“I have always felt strongly about the law changing to an opt out system, and I even approached the Scottish Parliament, which is when I learnt the wheels were already in motion for the Bill.
“I am really pleased to see the law finally coming into action. It’s the simplest way to make a difference while making sure everyone knows they’ve got a choice. If you don’t want to be a donor you just have to opt out.
“Knowing that both my sons have the same condition as me, I’m grateful for developments like the law changing before either of them finds themselves in the position I did.”
For more about the law change, and to record your donation decision, visit organdonationscotland.org or call 0300 303 2094.
Kidney Care UK is hosting a webinar tomorrow (Thursday), which will involve a range of speakers and experts answering questions around living well with kidney disease, kidney health, and the forthcoming organ and tissue donation law change in Scotland.
Scottish Liberal Democrats secure over £8.4 million for the City of Edinburgh
Scottish Liberal Democrat candidate for Edinburgh Northern and Leith, and mental health spokesperson Rebecca Bell has welcomed additional funding secured by Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie in this year’s Scottish budget yesterday at Holyrood.
In negotiations with the Scottish Government, the party secured an additional £1,162,488.10 for the City of Edinburgh council to provide more in-class support to children who need it by topping up the Pupil Equity Fund.
This is money paid directly to headteachers to provide additional support to pupils from less well-off backgrounds. This represents a 16% increase on the current year.
Rebecca Bell said:“I am delighted that the Scottish Liberal Democrats have secured this extra money to help pupils across Edinburgh. Everyone deserves the best possible start in life and with this money we will provide more in-class support to children who need it.
“This funding is so vital just now, as we’ve sadly seen existing inequalities widen during the pandemic, and this financial boost will go directly towards addressing this problem.
“I am also really proud of our party pushing for an extra £120 million for mental health, this money will be spent on services in the community and I know how much these are needed. We had a mental health crisis before Covid-19 struck, and now the demand for treatment has grown rapidly, so we need to support our handworking NHS teams with proper funding.
“We have also managed to push the Government to move on the eye hospital, I am so happy to see this. I don’t want to see services moved out to Livingston, we need to go ahead with the rebuild of the Princess Alexandra as planned, it’s best for patients and best for staff.
“At the forthcoming election Scottish Liberal Democrats will put the recovery first by focusing on the issues that affect people day in, day out. If you elect me as your MSP I promise to stand up for education, jobs and mental health.”
Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie said:“People expect parties to work together in the middle of a pandemic. Our focus has been to put recovery first.
“We have highlighted the need for business support, an education bounce back plan, and better mental health services, given the pressure we know that the virus crisis has put on people.
“These proposals show the impact that Liberal Democrat MSPs can make, balancing important national matters with targeted local support for our constituents and putting the recovery first.
“That’s what you get with Scottish Liberal Democrat MSPs.”
The Scottish Green Party had earlier pledged their support for the SNP’s budget, thus ensuring it would be passed.
