A further service change will take effect on our network from Sunday 25 April, with improved reliability and increased frequency across Edinburgh and the Lothians, as well as new direct links in West Lothian to and from the vaccination centre at Pyramids Business Park.
Teams across Lothian have been analysing travel patterns and monitoring customer demand in order to best meet the needs of those travelling with us while we continue to move through the Scottish Government’s route-map to recovery.
Key changes to the network will include:
More buses during the day on Services 3, 8, 19, 21, 43 and 47.
Increased frequency on Monday to Saturday evenings until 2200 hrs approximately on Services 7, 11, 14, 16, 22, 25 and 26, to coincide with the reopening of the hospitality sector.
Improved reliability across the network, particularly for morning journeys.
New direct links in West Lothian between the Vaccination Centre in Bathgate and Addiewell, Polbeth and West Calder.
We are also pleased to announce that Shandwick Place TravelHub will reopen from Monday 26 April between 0830 – 1730 hrs from Monday to Saturday for Ridacard customers only.
Other TravelHubs will remain closed at this time until further notice.
If you need to visit our TravelHub, please read our advice below prior to attending:
We can only have a limited number of customers in the TravelHub at any one time. When necessary we will limit the flow of people coming in to ensure that they don’t become too congested.
Follow Scottish Government advice – You must wear a face covering when visiting us, unless you are exempt.
A hand sanitising station will be available for use before you enter the TravelHub. We recommend washing or sanitising your hands thoroughly before and after you visit us at the TravelHub.
You may be asked to queue inside before a member of our team is able to assist you. To help you, we have introduced floor markings and new signage to create a safe flow throughout the Travel Hub.
Our Network timetable information is available through our app or Traveline Scotland. No printed timetables are available at this time.
If you are looking to either restart or set up a new direct debit, please visit our Shandwick Place TravelHub where our team can help you complete an application form, take your photograph and issue you with your new Ridacard. If you can, please download our application form and complete this prior to your visit. If you have previously held a Ridacard with us and still have it in your possession, please return this to the TravelHub when you visit.
If you are wearing a face covering and you are purchasing a new Ridacard, we will ask you to briefly remove your face covering for a moment whilst we take your photograph.
For Ridacards with valid products which customers have been unable to use, Lothian will extend the validity of these tickets. This extension will be equal to the difference in days between either 26 December or the last usage of the ticket thereafter; and either the date you wish to start travelling on our services again, or the expiry of the product on the card – whichever is earlier. To claim the extension, customers should take their Ridacard to Shandwick Place TravelHub where our team can help you. Your extension will start from the day you visit us. We can’t set this to start from a date in the future, so please don’t visit until you are ready to start using your Ridacard again.
Avoid using cash where possible. Please use contactless or pay by card if you can.
Please respect our Travel Advisors and be considerate of all our customers.
We’d like to take this opportunity to thank all customers and colleagues who’ve shown compassion, understanding and support during these incredibly challenging times.
Significant easing of restrictions across retail, hospitality and travel
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced details of the further relaxation of restrictions across Scotland.
From Monday 26 April, hospitality venues such as cafés, pubs and restaurants can reopen, along with tourist accommodation. Non-essential retail outlets and close contact services such as beauty salons can also reopen, in addition to indoor attractions and public buildings such as galleries, museums and libraries.
The First Minister confirmed that all parts of the country will move to Level 3 from Monday 26 April. The remaining travel restrictions within Scotland will be lifted and travel within the UK will be permitted for any purpose. If everyone continues to follow the rules, the First Minister said it is expected that all of Scotland will move to Level 2 on Monday 17 May.
Further changes from 26 April include:
adults on the shielding list can return to the workplace, if they cannot work from home, while children who have been shielding can return to school
non-essential work inside people’s homes – such as painting, decorating or repairing – will be permitted, subject to mitigations
non-essential informal childcare will resume
driving lessons and tests can take place, while gyms and swimming pools can reopen for individual exercise
the attendance limit for funerals and weddings – and related events such as receptions – will increase to 50
cafés, pubs and restaurants can resume full outdoor service, subject to local licensing, and serve food indoors without alcohol until 8pm
takeaways to resume normal service, with physical distancing and face masks in premises
The First Minister also announced that rapid coronavirus (COVID-19) tests will be made available to anyone in Scotland and to those planning travel to the islands.
From today, anyone planning travel to the islands next week can order a free home test kit online. The first test should be taken three days before travel and the second on the day of departure.
From Monday, lateral flow home test kits will be available to anyone in the wider population who does not have COVID-19 symptoms. They can be picked up from local walk/drive-through test sites for people to test themselves twice-weekly. Anyone in Scotland who develops COVID-19 symptoms should self-isolate and book a PCR test.
The expansion is aimed at finding cases that would otherwise go undetected, so those people can self-isolate and avoid transmitting the virus to those around them.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “The changes that come into force next week have been hard earned by all of us. I know that many will be looking forward – quite rightly – to their first drink in a beer garden, to catching up with a friend in a café, or to going on holiday somewhere in Scotland.
“But even as we enjoy those moments, we still need to be careful. We must remember the virus is more infectious now than it was when bars and cafés were last open, so we must still stick to the rules. However, we are hopeful of seeing sustained progress in the weeks and months ahead.
“We are keeping island communities in Level 3 at the moment, so that we can allow travel between those communities and the rest of Scotland. If you are planning to travel to an island and do not have COVID-19 symptoms, we will encourage you to take two lateral flow tests for COVID-19 before you depart.
“This is an important way to reduce the risk of bringing COVID-19 into island communities. If you are travelling to an island next week, it is possible to get tests from today, and I would encourage you to do that.”
Light at the end of the tunnel as Edinburgh Leisure venues able to reopen
Edinburgh Leisure’s Chief Executive, June Peebles, has welcomed the First Minister’s latest announcement, which means their leisure centres can reopen again, after almost a four months’ closure.
As a charity responsible for running over 50 sports and leisure facilities across the Scottish capital and their Active Communities programme, which uses the power of physical activity and sport to tackle inequalities and combat the effects of inactivity, June Peebles is “looking forward to welcoming customers back and continuing to help local people enjoy active and healthy lives. Never before has health and wellbeing been so important.”
During lockdown, Edinburgh Leisure has continued to motivate their customers to keep active through their ‘Find Your Feel Good’ online hub, which has provided a range of home workout videos, as well as coaching activities and resources to support their customers to stay active and well.
Since November 2020 and during the closure, Edinburgh Leisure’s Active Communities programme has continued to work with around 450 customers per week through a blend of on-line classes and one to one sessions and ‘wellbeing’ phone calls to keep more ‘vulnerable’ customers active and well at home, safely.
Outdoor contact sports for 12–17-year-olds started back on 5 April 2021 and community access to high school sports facilities on 19 April. Edinburgh Leisure’s tennis courts and golf courses have been open since June 2020. Golf in particular, has seen an upsurge in people participating, with the uptake of their Winter Golf membership up 400%, compared to figures in 2019.
From Monday, 26 April, Edinburgh Leisure indoor venues can reopen for individual exercise. It is hoped that outdoor adult contact sport and indoor group exercise can restart on 17 May, and indoor non-contact sport from early June, as advised in the Scottish Government’s Route Map.
Just like in September 2020 when Edinburgh Leisure reopened their venues after the first lockdown, the Edinburgh Leisure experience will be different from before but customers will still receive the warm, Edinburgh Leisure welcome.
The main changes that customers will notice are:
All activities must be booked via the Edinburgh Leisure app or website.
Edinburgh Leisure continues to operate in a cashless environment, accepting contactless payments.
Safety guidance will be on display throughout the venues.
Enhanced cleaning will take place and there are additional sanitisation stations are available in the venues for use before and after each visit.
All activities are timetabled with staggered session start times to reduce congestion.
Customers must wear face coverings in communal areas, but not for their activities.
During lockdown, despite being closed, Edinburgh Leisure has continued to invest in their venues and services to enhance the customers’ experience when they return.
Some of the improvements include:
‘Easy access’ has been installed at Gracemount and Ainslie Park Leisure Centres, creating a quicker and more efficient way for customers to access their booked activities, without the need to check in at reception first. Customers simply swipe their fob or membership card when they enter a venue.
New digital technology in the form of boditrax, installed at the Royal Commonwealth Pool and MyZone at Craiglockhart Leisure Centre, will motivate customers to understand and achieve their training goals. MyZone is already available at Leith Victoria Swim Centre, Royal Commonwealth Pool, Dumbrae Leisure Centre and Ainslie Park Leisure Centre.
Their ‘Refresh’ cafes at the Royal Commonwealth Pool and The Edinburgh International Climbing Arena will also reopen on 26th April. Although they will be operating a limited menu, customers can choose to either takeaway or sit-in. For those customers sitting in, enhanced cleaning arrangements will be in place and customers will be asked to ‘check-in’ and scan the QR code in-venue to support NHS Scotland’s Test and Protect service, which can be downloaded as an app to a customer’s phone.
To help support a return to the water, some new pool products are being introduced. New relaxed swim sessions for adults will be available at Portobello Swim Centre and the Royal Commonwealth Pool. The pool will be divided width-wise into four. Two of these areas will be for anyone who wants to swim widths, and customers won’t need to get out of the pool if they want to take a break, as long as physical distancing is maintained. The other two areas will be for customers who just want to enjoy the water but not necessarily swim widths. Again, physical distancing measures will apply.
Family swims are also available.
There’s also some bookable one to one adult swim coaching at the Royal Commonwealth Pool. Suitable for beginners or those more experienced swimmers who want to improve their stroke, these sessions will help swimmers reach their goals quicker with expert coaching from an Edinburgh Leisure swim coach.
Edinburgh Leisure is keen to support swimmers with a disability to continue to swim. As all activities need to be booked in advance, a new Carer Access Card has been created, which allows carers to book a place alongside the individual they are supporting. The access card allows a carer to book into an activity alongside an Edinburgh Leisure member at no additional cost to the carer.
June Peebles, CEO of Edinburgh Leisure said: “Edinburgh Leisure is committed to ‘building back better’ to a sustainable Edinburgh Leisure and to continue making a positive impact to the citizens of Edinburgh’s health and wellbeing – as we have done for the last 23 years.
“We’re very grateful for all the support we have received throughout lockdown from customers and the City of Edinburgh Council. The positive messages we’ve received from customers have boosted our spirits no end. The benefits of being physically active are more important than ever and we remain committed to helping Edinburgh keep active and well – always.”
The City of Edinburgh Council’s Leader and Depute Leader have promised to help businesses recover safely and sustainably, as Scotland prepares for the easing of lockdown from 26 April.
Council Leader Adam McVey said: “The First Minister’s update is great news for people across the Capital – I’m sure businesses will be delighted their hard work to plan for reopening will pay off after this most challenging winter.
“Many of us are already planning catch-ups with friends, a reunion with family members from across Scotland or elsewhere in the UK or a long-awaited return to the gym.
“We need to help our local economy reopen safely and sustainably and our licensing and business support teams, along with partners like Edinburgh Leisure, are working hard to make sure that happens, helping businesses to navigate the changing guidance.
“We know residents are keen to get back to their fantastic local and city centre shops, cafés, restaurants and museums and taking advantage of so much more besides that our Capital has to offer. After so many months without these luxuries this is an opportunity for residents to rediscover their Capital.
“We’ll soon be launching a campaign, along with partners, to inspire locals and, as restrictions allow, visitors, to explore all the city has to offer and to find new places to visit, shop or dine.
“While the forthcoming lifting of restrictions is very welcome, and recognises the sustained fall in COVID cases, we must not let all of our hard work and sacrifices go to waste. We still need to stick to the rules and keep to the public health guidance. Social distancing, self-isolating and getting tested when needed will still be a feature for some time to come if we are to stay on-track for the city’s long-term recovery.”
Depute Leader Cammy Day said: “With spring in full bloom, all children back to school and, now, the reopening of shops, hospitality venues and gyms, not to mention libraries and museums across the Capital, there is much to be hopeful about, and to look forward to over the coming months.
“I want to thank the many people who have been so patient and careful over the winter, helping us to keep COVID numbers down and preventing unneeded pressure on the NHS. It’s down to all of you that we’ll now be able to tentatively emerge from lockdown, and we’ll be working hard to support the many businesses who have sacrificed over recent months to get back up and running.
“However, as we look toward a brighter future, we still need to be mindful of the real risks the virus continues to pose – we’re not out of the woods quite yet. So please, let’s continue to keep observing the rules in place, keeping one another safe for a healthy and happy summer.”
Scotland is a beautiful country. Our roads are how we travel and explore it. So we know that as travel restrictions ease this Friday, individuals and families across Scotland will be excited about exploring our countryside, parks and beaches once again.
Over recent years our annual litter surveys have highlighted that our throw-away society has resulted in an increase in litter nationally and many of our roadsides are blighted by a jumble of cans, bottles, cups, crisp packets, and food wrappers, tubs and boxes, flung from the windows of passing vehicles.
As travel restrictions are lifted this weekend, it is more important than ever that we all play our part in looking after our country and our roadsides.
Catherine Gee, KSB’s Deputy Chief Executive said: “Prior to lockdown more than 50 tonnes of litter was thrown onto Scotland’s roadsides each month.
“This litter is difficult, dangerous and expensive to clean up and ruins the view for locals and visitors alike – with 91% of people believing roadside litter creates a negative impression of our country.
“During lockdown our polling indicated that 30% of people believed the overall condition of their local neighbourhoods had deteriorated.
“Over the last twelve months local authorities and road operating companies across the country have been under pressure to adapt services due to the health crisis and prioritise essential services to protect public health.
“Now, as we emerge from lockdown, we want to work with all of the main stakeholders – the road operating companies with responsibility for litter removal on the motorways about their deep cleans scheduled for this spring and summer, local authorities who have responsibility for all other roads, and retailers – about possible interventions we can support them with to raise awareness of the illegal behaviour of tossing litter from a vehicle and the impact it has on our environment.”
Litter ruins the view for locals and visitors alike. It is harmful to wildlife and environmental quality.
With our Summer Clean coming up between May 28 and June 20 we are asking people across Scotland to pledge to pick up litter, but cleaning up on the roadsides is dangerous – cleaning up is not the answer, prevention is.
Lord Brodie, Chair of the Scottish Hospitals Inquiry, visited the now vacant Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Edinburgh last week as part of the Inquiry’s information gathering work.
Visiting the site of the hospital more commonly known as the Sick Kids, at Sciennes, Lord Brodie met with NHS Lothian staff and was given a COVID-19 compliant tour of the wards.
This included the haematology and oncology department, paediatric intensive care unit, surgical and critical care wards and A&E. Lord Brodie also visited ‘PJ’s Loft’ to see the facilities that were available to families accompanying their children during hospital stays.
The independent Inquiry is investigating the delayed opening of the new Royal Hospital for Children and Young People and Department of Clinical Neurosciences (RHCYP/DCN) at Little France. As part of its work, the Inquiry wishes to establish what impact the delay had on patient care and treatment.
Public hearings are scheduled to take place from 20 September and will focus on the experiences of patients and families and how they were affected by issues at the Edinburgh hospital, as well as the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital campus in Glasgow.
A remote procedural hearing is planned for 22 June where Lord Brodie will set out details of how the autumn hearings will operate.
Lord Brodie said: “This visit was important to give context to how the hospital and its staff dealt with the delayed move to the new Royal Hospital for Children and Young People. As we continue our work, being able to relate to the space, layout and operation of the Sick Kids helps the Inquiry better understand the experience of staff, families and patients.
“I have said from the start, one of the priorities of this Inquiry is to understand the experiences of affected patients and their families and so this visit proved vital.
“As we prepare for our September hearings, I continue to call on anyone who has relevant experience or information in relation to the delayed opening of the new Royal Hospital for Children and Young People to get in touch.
“We want to understand what went wrong, whether these issues could have been prevented and what impact they had on patient care. The witness engagement and support team is on hand to guide individuals through the process and answer any questions.
“Our investigations will inform recommendations aimed at ensuring that past mistakes don’t happen again in future NHS infrastructure projects.”
Relevant information can be shared by calling the Inquiry’s dedicated phone line on 0808 196 5000 between 8:30am and 5:00pm Monday to Friday or email:
More than 10 million people in the UK vaccinated with a second dose of a COVID-19 jag
Almost one in five adults in the UK have now received both doses
People urged to take up their second doses to maximise protection
Over 10 million people in the UK have received their second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.
Health services across the UK have now administered a total of 43,084,487 million vaccines between 8 December and 18 April, including 32,932,448 million people with their first dose and 10,152,039 million with their second.
The milestone means over 19% of all UK adults have received both vaccines.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “Vaccines offer us the best possible protection from the virus, so it is fantastic that 10 million people have now received their second dose.
This is another remarkable milestone in our vaccination programme, which has already saved thousands of lives.
“I want to thank the brilliant staff and volunteers involved in the rollout, and urge all those who are called to keep coming forward.”
Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock said: “This is another terrific milestone, meaning over ten million people who are the most vulnerable to COVID in the UK now have double protection from this awful virus.
“Second doses are crucial to maximising the strength and duration of your protection from COVID-19 and I’m urging everybody eligible to get their jab as soon as possible.
“This milestone is thanks to the dedication and tireless efforts of our NHS workers, volunteers, civil servants and everybody working on the frontline to save lives and stop this virus in its tracks.”
The government has already hit its target of offering everybody in cohorts 1 to 9 – those aged 50 and over, the clinically vulnerable and health and social care workers – a first dose of the vaccine by 15 April and remains on track to offer a jab to all adults by the end of July.
Vaccine Minister Nadhim Zahawi said: “Vaccines have already saved more than 10,000 lives and they are the best way to protect you and your loved ones from this dreadful disease.
“We want to send this virus into retreat. No matter who you are, where you live, your race or your religion, I encourage everyone to get both doses when offered and help this country return life to normal.”
All vaccines being used in the UK have undergone robust clinical trials and have met the independent Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency’s strict standards of safety, effectiveness and quality. Rolling reviews are underway by the MHRA to assess the Janssen and Novavax vaccines.
The speed and breadth of the UK vaccination programme means even more people will soon develop strong protection from serious illness from COVID-19 infection, saving countless lives and significantly reducing pressure on the NHS.
Data from Public Health England’s real-world study shows the vaccines are already having a significant impact in the UK, reducing hospitalisations and deaths, saving more than 10,000 lives between December and March.
Approved vaccines are available from thousands of NHS vaccine centres, GP practices and pharmacies. Around 98% of people live within 10 miles of a vaccination centre in England and vaccinations are taking place at sites including mosques, community centres and football stadiums.
The latest UK-wide vaccination statistics are published here.
PHE’s real-world data on the efficacy of Covid-19 vaccines is available here.
Through the government’s Vaccines Taskforce, the UK has secured early access to 457 million doses of eight of the most promising vaccine candidates, including:
BioNTech/Pfizer for 40 million doses
Oxford/AstraZeneca for 100 million doses
Moderna for 17 million doses
Janssen for 30 million doses
Novavax for 60 million doses
Valneva for 100 million doses
GlaxoSmithKline and Sanofi Pasteur for 60 million doses
CureVac for 50 million doses
To date, the government has invested over £300 million into manufacturing a successful vaccine to enable a rapid roll out.
The UK government is committed to supporting equitable access to vaccines worldwide. The UK is the largest donor to the COVAX facility, the global mechanism to help developing countries access a coronavirus vaccine, and has committed £548 million in UK aid to help distribute 1.3 billion doses of coronavirus vaccines to 92 developing countries this year.
The Crown Office yesterday published data on the Covid deaths in care homes that have been reported to it. The prosecution service was considering at least 3,400 deaths linked to Covid-19 as of 8 April.
The data, which was released to BBC Scotland under a Freedom of Information request, is part of a wider investigation to determine whether the deaths should be subject to the fatal accident inquiry (FAI) mechanism or prosecution.
The figures reveal some individual care homes accounted for a significant number of deaths.
HC-One’s Orchard Care Centre in Clackmannanshire accounted for 19 per cent of that council’s total fatalities (110).
Deaths were higher on average in homes where the provider owns one facility as opposed to a chain. For example, 25 deaths were reported in the one home operated by BUPA Care Homes, while 195 deaths were reported across Advinia’s 11 homes, averaging to roughly 17 per residence.
A Scottish government spokeswomansaid the Crown Office data was “consistent with the findings” of a Public Health Scotland report which “did not find statistical evidence that hospital discharges of any kind were associated with care home outbreaks”.
She added: “We mourn every death from Covid and express our sympathy for all those who have lost loved ones, and for the distress and grief experienced by individuals and their families.
“As the first minister and health secretary have previously said the Scottish government will continue to learn lessons from the Covid-pandemic and, subject to the outcome of the election, intends to have a full public inquiry which considers all aspects of how the pandemic has been handled, including the impact on care homes and their residents.”
Health Secretary Jeane Freeman has said the Scottish government “didn’t respond quickly enough to what was needed in our care homes”. Ms Freeman is standing down at next month’s Holyrood elections.
A spokesperson for the Crown Office said: “CDIT [Covid-19 Deaths Investigation Team] is working together with other agencies including the Health and Safety Executive, local authorities and the Care Inspectorate to ensure that appropriate investigations are undertaken in relation to these deaths.
“These arrangements will ensure that the circumstances of each death can be fully considered by this dedicated team, and appropriate decisions made about any further investigation required, whether criminal or non-criminal.”
In a statement, Scottish Care said: “We note the publication by the BBC of data supplied by the Crown Office detailing the deaths of hundreds of people in Scotland’s care homes during the pandemic.
“This data demonstrates the terrible toll which has been felt by those who live, visit loved ones, and work in care homes as a result of Coronavirus. However, whilst the numbers tell us one story there are many things which they do not communicate.
“The numbers do not describe the unique lives of special individuals who have been lost to the pandemic. Lives which have been cut short before their time by a deadly virus. Behind each number is an individual who is loved and greatly missed by family and friends. Their loss is felt too by care home staff who have cared for and supported them for many months and years.
“The numbers do not describe the sad reality that those living in group and congregated settings such as care homes have been disproportionately affected across the world. They do not describe the reality that those who have suffered the most and who have died across the world are those who are very old and frail, and those living with multiple co-morbidities.
“The numbers do not describe at what point in the pandemic lives were lost in individual care homes. The number may describe deaths in multiple outbreaks across a long period of time or they may equally be a description of an intense and overwhelming single incident.
“The numbers do not detail at what point of time the deaths occurred in the last year. They do not describe whether they happened after testing had been introduced for frontline care staff after we learned the lessons of asymptomatic spread and the risk this posed to residents.
“The numbers do not describe whether individuals had been transferred from hospital or community, potentially carrying the virus into the care home.
“The numbers do not describe whether or not the deaths occurred at a time when we know less than we do now about the use of PPE and other infection control measures which are now protecting so many.
“The numbers do not describe whether these deaths happened during this particularly hard second wave with a much more virulent strain of the virus which has had such a devastating impact.
“The numbers of deaths tell part of the story but what they certainly do not tell of is the amazing professionalism, sacrifice and dedication of frontline nursing and care staff who daily put themselves at risk and on the line to protect some of our most vulnerable citizens facing the threat of this deadly global virus.
“As we consider the numbers, we remember all the lives lost and the dedication of those who worked to save life. As we consider the numbers, we would ask everyone to reach out to support the care homes, staff, residents and families affected and to do so with compassion and solidarity.”
Responding to yesterday’s Crown Office publication of data surrounding COVID-19 and care home deaths in Scotland, GMB Scotland Secretary Gary Smith said: “Before the first lockdown, care home staff were ringing the alarm about the vulnerability of services users and themselves.
“Those concerns were dismissed and even derided by the Scottish Government and care industry representatives.
“The reality is that while Ministers were clapping for carers, staff were having to fight for the proper PPE and workplace testing, the basic tools needed to try and protect their health and safety and their service users too.
“There is no credibility in hiding behind poorly executed reports or investigations that focus on ordinary workers who had no say whatsoever in the decisions that led to one-third of all COVID related deaths to date occurring care homes.
“We need a public inquiry where the inaction of all responsible will be laid bare.”
The Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) is warning of an impending unemployment tsunami, with up to 24,000 jobs thought to be at risk within weeks, as a majority of struggling night-time economy businesses have now run out of cash to pay furlough contributions and fixed costs.
The Scottish Government released the latest Strategic Framework update on Friday, which confirmed businesses will be subject to the commercially unviable levels system of restrictions for many months longer despite all financial support being withdrawn by the end of April.
Worse still, there is no commitment or target date for the return to commercially viable trading for businesses in the sector, which is only possible when social distancing and all other legal restrictions end.
A survey this month of NTIA members confirmed the perilous state the sector is now in, with average Covid related debt reaching a wholly unsustainable £150,000 or more per premises, and businesses facing an imminent cash flow crunch.
The survey also confirmed that less than a quarter of premises have licensed outdoor areas, the vast majority are many months behind on rent or mortgage payments, fewer than a third have been able to trade viably at any point in the last year, and almost all cannot reopen or trade viably while social distancing remains.
These businesses have now exhausted financial resources. Cash reserves have been depleted, more borrowing is now impossible with no guaranteed opening dates and businesses are rapidly running out of cash to pay their fixed costs and furlough contributions.
Business insolvencies and mass job losses are now inevitable within weeks unless the Scottish Government acts urgently. The NTIA wrote to First Minister Nicola Sturgeon earlier this month highlighting the issues and requesting immediate crisis talks.
It is beyond disappointing that as yet we have had no response whatsoever.
NTIA Spokesman Gavin Stevenson said: “Our members have done the right thing, closed their previously successful businesses for the sake of public health, and gone deep into debt paying the enormous fixed costs and furlough contributions to keep staff employed for over a year now.
“We were the first to close and will be last to open. No sector has suffered more. But Government have consistently taken our sector for granted and refused to engage meaningfully with our representatives.
“Many of our members have been closed for over a year now, and virtually all have suffered crippling financial losses. In short, the money going out every month has been far greater than the money coming in, and government support has typically covered less than a quarter of this deficit.
“To add insult to injury government support has now ended while there is no end date to forced closure and other restrictions. Scottish Government now only has two options, provide substantial and immediate additional support for as long as it is mandated that our businesses stay closed and/or operate under the restrictions that make them unviable, or provide a clear route map with target dates for the end of all legal restrictions on capacity, activity, and opening hours.
“If neither of those options are forthcoming then our First Minister is, in effect, asking thousands of small Scottish business owners to bankrupt themselves.”
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will make a statement this afternoon. She is expected to confirm the latest easing of restrictions will take place next Monday (26 April) and will include the reopening of hospitality, gyms and non-essential shops.
Scottish drivers are experiencing some of the biggest price drops since 2014, when the cost of insurance fell by 17% in the Scottish Borders
Drivers in Central Scotland are seeing biggest monetary savings year-on-year, as prices drop by £80 (15%), taking the average premium to £456.
The overall cost of insurance in Scotland has fallen by £72 (15%) year-on-year – with the average premium standing at £416.
Motorists in the UK can now expect to pay £538 for their car insurance, on average, after an £87 (14%) fall in prices year-on-year.
Shopping around proven to save drivers money, as further research of UK drivers finds almost half (45%) of those who received their renewal in the past quarter (Q1 2021) saw their price increase by £45, on average (1).
Drivers in Scotland are seeing some of the biggest drops in car insurance costs in almost seven years, new data reveals.
The average cost of car insurance in the Scottish Highlands and Islands dropped by £72 (16%), the highest percentage decrease in 12 months, meaning drivers in the region can now expect to pay £374, on average.
The last time car insurance prices in Scotland fell by this much was in 2014, when drivers in the Scottish Borders saw car insurance premiums drop by 17%, on average.
That’s according to the latest car insurance price index by Confused.com (Q1 2021), powered by Willis Towers Watson. Based on more than six million quotes per quarter, it’s the most comprehensive new business price index in the UK.
According to the data, motorists in all Scottish regions have seen a drop in their car insurance costs when shopping around.
In particular, Central Scotland saw big year-on-year price drops, as the average premium fell by £80 (15%), to £456.
Meanwhile, those in the East and North-East of Scotland have seen a saving of £60 (13%), making the average premium stand at £387. And drivers in the Scottish Borders can save up to £62 (15%), as the average cost for car insurance has dropped to £352.
Overall, the average cost of car insurance in Scotland dropped by £72 (15%) in 12 months, following a turbulent year which has sparked significant changes in driving habits. This means the average cost of car insurance in Scotland as a whole is now £416 on average.
Throughout this past year, prices have been steadily declining, as drivers spend less time on the road. As a result, prices in Scotland have decreased by £23 (6%) in the last three months alone (Q4 2020- Q1 2021), as insurers adapt their pricing to reflect the current level of risk on the roads.
Looking at the rest of the UK, similar savings are being seen, as motorists can now expect to pay £538 for their car insurance, after a price drop of £87 (14%) in the last 12 months, on average.
However, Louise O’Shea, CEO at Confused.com, explains that not all drivers will see these savings. While those shopping around and buying a new car insurance policy will have saved as much as £87, further research of UK drivers found that almost half (45%) of drivers who received their renewal in the past three months saw their price increase by £45, on average. This suggests they could be paying more by opting to renew with their current insurer.
In fact, of the drivers who saw their renewal price increase this past quarter, almost half chose to stay with their current insurer, despite their price being more expensive.
Of those who did stay with their insurer, one in 10 (11%) claim their insurer automatically renewed the policy on their behalf. And it’s this practice which makes it difficult for motorists to opt out of their policy and find a better deal.
This is something that is being investigated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), which is looking into changes that will make it easier for customers to cancel their policy and benefit from the price savings being reported for new policies.
The FCA’s proposal won’t just make it easier to cancel auto-renewals, it is also set to prohibit insurers from calculating a price based on whether someone is a new customer or a renewing their policy.
However, this does not mean that renewal prices will stay the same or decrease, as they could still increase year-on-year. The FCA has been clear that shopping around will still give customers opportunities to save.
While all drivers in Scotland have been able to benefit from savings on their car insurance policy, some regions have seen greater savings than others.
In Central Scotland, it’s drivers in Glasgow that have experienced the greatest price cuts, with the average premium standing at £502 after an annual drop of £93 (16%). However, motorists in Kilmarnock are making the greatest quarterly savings, as prices drop by £29 (7%). Drivers in this region are also paying out the least for their insurance, as the average premium costs £396.
Motorists in Dumfries in the Scottish Borders are also seeing great savings, as the average premium has fallen to £351 after a price drop of £67 (16%) compared to 12 months ago. Prices have also gone down by £26 (7%) in the last three months, as drivers in the area benefit from the cheapest insurance prices in the region.
Meanwhile, drivers in Kirkcaldy in the East and North East can expect to save £65 (15%) year-on-year. They are also seeing the biggest quarterly savings, after prices have fallen by £28 (7%), taking the average premium to £377 – the lowest premium in the region.
In the Highlands and Islands, drivers in Paisley have seen the biggest annual savings, as prices fall by £86 (17%). Yet, it’s motorists in Shetland that have experienced the greatest quarterly savings, as the cost of insurance drops by £44 (11%), taking the average premium to £358. However, Kirkwall motorists are paying out the least for their insurance, with the average premium standing at £317.
The price drops are good news for both genders also. Females in the Scottish Borders are paying the least for their insurance, following a £59 (15%) drop in prices year-on year and a reduction of £19 (5%) in the last quarter – taking the average premium to £334.
Males in the Scottish Borders are also paying the least for their insurance, as prices dropped by £63 (15%) in the last 12 months and by £25 (6%) in the last three months, with the average premium ringing in at £363.
Meanwhile, both male and female motorists are making the greatest savings in the Scottish Highlands and Islands. Year-on-year, females have saved £67 (16%), and males have seen savings of £74 (16%), on average. The biggest quarterly savings can be found in this region also, as females can see price drops of £27 (7%), while males can see price cuts of £29 (7%), with average premiums standing at £348 and £390, respectively.
And, in a similar trend to the last quarter, all age groups across all Scottish regions are making savings on their car insurance both year-on-year and quarterly.
However, while it was younger drivers that were able to see big savings three months ago, now it’s older drivers who are faring the best.
Those aged over 71 can expect to make big savings, as males in the Highlands and Islands are seeing cuts of £77 (19%) year-on year, taking the average premium to £322, while females in the region can save £67 (18%), with average insurance premiums standing at £293.
In Central Scotland, females over the age of 71 are set to save £68 (17%) since 12 months ago, while males in the area can make savings of £74 (17%). Prices for this age group have also fallen in the East and North East, with males saving £65 (16%) and females saving £44 (13%), on average. Drivers aged over 71 who live in the Scottish Borders are seeing reductions of 17%, with females saving £60 and males £66 year-on-year.
But the youngest category of drivers is also benefitting from price cuts, as those aged 17-20 saved 11% in the Highlands and Islands, with prices dropping by £142 for males and £109 for females in the last 12 months.
In Central Scotland, females aged 17-20 can look to save £108 (9%), with males set to save £99 (7%). Equally, in the East and North East of Scotland, females in this age range can save up to £95 (10%), while male drivers are making savings of £142 (10%) in the last 12 months.
However, while the price of car insurance is decreasing, some motoring costs are in fact starting to creep up as the UK eases out of lockdown. In fact, Confused.com’s fuel price index suggests that petrol and diesel prices have been on the up since the end of last year.
According to the data, drivers can now expect to pay 124p for petrol, on average. This is 11p more than December 2020. Meanwhile, diesel prices have increased from 118p to 127p in the same period. With these costs increasing, drivers will no doubt be looking to make savings where they can, starting with their car insurance.
Louise O’Shea CEO at Confused.com, says: “It’s been just over a year since we went into lockdown for the first time and this triggered a lot of changes in how we’re using our cars. And this is a change that could be here to stay for the foreseeable future, so it only seems right that our car insurance costs are cheaper to reflect this.
“What we are seeing is the biggest drop in prices in Scotland in almost seven years. But it’s important to remember that these lower prices are only benefiting those who shop around. It’s clear from our research that automatically renewing could in fact cost you more money.
“Loyalty clearly doesn’t pay! But if the increase is small, or you are fortunate to see your renewal price drop, please don’t settle for this as there will be an insurer out there willing to offer a better price. At Confused.com we’re so certain of this that we’re offering to beat your renewal quote or give you the difference, plus £20”
A campaign has launched across city schools encouraging parents, carers and families to take extra care at the school gates when they return this week.
Ahead of all pupils resuming in-school learning from today (Tuesday 20 April), we’re sharing advice on steps to take to help limit the potential spread of COVID and make sure schools and childcare settings can remain open.
Posters, leaflets and social media posts are encouraging people to wear face coverings, stay two metres apart and to stick to one adult when dropping off and picking up children, as well as discouraging car sharing and urging neighbouring households to make sure hedges are cut back to give extra space.
Every school in Edinburgh has been assessed for improvements to help families physically distance too. Measures have been put in place at every Council and independent school where extra space is needed to help people walk, cycle and wheel safely.
Amongst the changes are road closures, prohibition of motor vehicles, widened footpaths or better signage, as well as the removal of guardrails and new access gates to aid one-way systems.
Councillor Karen Doran, Transport and Environment Vice Convener, said: “I’m sure children and young people across the city will be looking forward to the return to school and a sense of normality, and the chance to interact with their classmates.
“While this is a positive step in the lifting of lockdown restrictions, we must continue to observe guidance and take care when mixing with other people. Over the last year we’ve been working hard to introduce measures outside of every school to help children and carers walk, cycle and wheel safely and easily while physically distancing.
“We’re also encouraging everyone to follow advice to limit the spread of the virus, helping to make sure children can continue enjoying being back in the classroom.
In February we also introduced a temporary ‘Quiet Connection’ between Greenbank and the Meadows, providing a safer route for children travelling to nearby schools South Morningside Primary School, St Peter’s RC Primary School, James Gillespie’s Primary and High Schools, Bruntsfield Primary School, Boroughmuir High School and Edinburgh Steiner School.
Jessica Cameron, whose children go to James Gillespie’s Primary School, said: “My family really appreciate the new quiet route to the Meadows, which covers a significant portion of our trip to school.
“With traffic reduced on Whitehouse Loan, we have more options for getting to school safely. My kids love cycling and riding scooters, and they’re building their skills and confidence while not having to worry about avoiding cars. With more space, it’s easy for us to socially distance if we run into their friends on the way to school.”
All primary school pupils returned full-time from 15 March, with secondary school pupils resuming in-school learning on a part-time blended basis.
Earlier this month the Scottish Government confirmed all primary and secondary pupils would return to the classroom full-time as part of its easing of lockdown from 12 April (Edinburgh’s Easter holidays run until 20 April), with restrictions in place.
More than 30 firefighters are working to extinguish a large fire at the Debenhams building on Princes Street.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service was alerted at 1.23pm this afternoon to reports of a fire on the ground floor of the building.
Operations Control immediately mobilised four fire engines and an aerial appliance to the scene.
Crews wearing breathing apparatus entered the building where the fire was found to be within the ground and lower ground floor and a further four appliances were mobilised.
No casualties have been reported. Crews remain on the scene and are expected to do so for some time as they work to make the area safe and extinguish the fire.
