Month: April 2021

Council leaders welcome Edinburgh by Numbers report

Statistical Publication, City of Edinburgh Council

Edinburgh residents believe that climate change is an immediate and urgent problem according to the latest Edinburgh By Numbers report produced by the City of Edinburgh Council.

The report showed that nearly three quarters (73%) of people across the Capital are very concerned about the climate emergency.

The finding comes as the city recorded the fourth largest reduction in carbon dioxide emissions per population of UK major cities* between 2011 to 2018, and as the city works towards its ambitious target to reach net-zero emissions by 2030 – 15 years before Scotland’s national target.

The 14th annual edition of Edinburgh by Numbers provides a statistical overview of the Capital and how it compares to other UK cities in terms of People, Work, Economy, Tourism, Education, Environment, Property, Travel and Connectivity. 

This year’s report, covering the time period 2009 to 2019/20, gives a snapshot of a pre-pandemic Edinburgh.

It paints a comprehensive picture of the city’s landscape before the Covid-19 crisis hit the world while also bringing to life our key priorities – as laid out in our three-year business plan, ‘Our Future Council, Our Future City’ – ending poverty, becoming net zero and enhancing wellbeing.

Cllr Adam McVey, Council Leader, said: “These figures show the opportunities that Edinburgh offers to so many of our residents, and demonstrate the attraction for so many people to move here, work here, travel here and study here.

“Although we’ve had a huge disruption to all areas of our lives, our communities and the city more widely during the Covid-19 pandemic, looking at these figures, to pre pandemic times, should give us a sense of optimism about how we go forward.

“We will take stock of the last year and by using our strengths and the resilience we’ve gained, Edinburgh will build back a fairer, stronger and greener economy for the benefit of all our citizens.

“A greener, fairer recovery won’t be without its challenges but our approach to recovery will build a more sustainable future. Through the Edinburgh Guarantee, we’re expanding support to all ages getting back into fair work, education and training.

“We’re working with retail and hospitality businesses through our Forever Edinburgh campaign to help residents and visitors alike sustainably rediscover our beautiful city’s offer all year round.

“We’re welcoming back students to our world-class universities and colleges – once it is safe to do so – to continue their studies, building the skills we need for Edinburgh’s future and creating new technologies that are delivering such a bright economic future for the Capital with opportunities across our communities.

“We also look forward to growing centres of innovation that we invest in, such as the Edinburgh BioQuarter, that feed into the inclusive growth of our economy.

Depute Council Leader, Cllr Cammy Day said: “Tackling inequality and sustainability issues is high on the list of our priorities. Before the pandemic, our economic strategy was focused on good growth, on tackling inequality, on well-being, and also on sustainability.

“The Edinburgh Poverty Commission, an independent group working alongside the council to alleviate poverty in the city, is throwing its full weight behind this and we are investing hundreds of millions of pounds in projects to support this agenda in areas including transport, infrastructure, electronics, pensions, etc.

“We’ll also continue to look at new ways to continue to meet our net zero carbon emissions targets through our City Mobility Plan and our ambitious 30-year housing building and capital investment programme delivering 20,000 affordable and energy efficient homes and carbon neutral neighbourhoods through developments such as the Granton Waterfront, Fountainbridge and Meadowbank.”

Active Travel

In line with the City Mobility Plan, reducing emissions through active travel was also a priority for those going to work. The report highlights that 37% of people took the bus or cycled, over three times the Scottish average. Edinburgh also reported the lowest percentage of journeys undertaken by car or taxi to work at 41.0%, compared to 66.4% of people in Scotland that used these as their main modes of travel to work in 2019.

However, there is still work to be done. Traffic congestion caused a 10mph average last mile speed in Edinburgh, one of the slowest in comparison to other UK cities. This impacted on journey times from traffic congestion during the peak morning and evening period, making it higher in Edinburgh than other UK cities.

Fair Work

The report highlights Edinburgh’s standing in the global economy and ongoing opportunities for entrepreneurs to get support, grow and succeed. In 2018, the city remained one of the most productive economies in the UK with GVA (Gross Value Added) per capita (£47,600) higher than any other major city outside London (£50,500)*.

In the 10 year period, from 2009-2019, Edinburgh saw a growth in new business, with start-ups consistently outstripping closures. More than two fifths (42.1%) of new businesses in the city are still trading after five years, a rate of survival higher than most other UK cities.

In 2019, one in ten (9.6%) people employed in Edinburgh worked in finance and insurance – twice the average across other UK cities – while 50,000 people are employed in the health industry, accounting for nearly 15% of all jobs in Edinburgh.

Edinburgh, relative to other UK cities*, also has a much higher employment share in accommodation and food services, information & communications, and less relative employment in transport and storage, construction and manufacturing.

Forever Edinburgh

The Capital has a renowned global reputation for its hospitality, heritage, culture, festivals, culinary experiences and so much more. From 2013 to 2019, the number of visits by overseas visitors to Edinburgh increased by nearly one million, with the defined summer period proving popular in 2019 with 41% overseas visitors arriving during July to September.

In line with the Edinburgh 2020 Tourism Strategy, driving visitors to visit throughout the year and seasons is key to building a more sustainable tourism sector for the city.

While the traditional peak season increased by 42% – from 568,000 to 804,000 visits between 2013 and 2019 – the increase in the off-season period of October to March was greater – seeing an increase of 113% between January and March, and 143% between October and December.

This will continue to be a focus for the Edinburgh 2030 Tourism Strategy and the push for short-term let legislation to properly control both the concentration and management of holiday lets, putting people and communities at the heart as Edinburgh builds back its thriving tourism sector.

Live and Study

Edinburgh continues to be a vibrant city attracting people from around the world to live, work and study here. In the ten years to 2019 Edinburgh’s population grew by 13.3% to 524,000 people, three times faster than Scotland (4.4%).

Migration (53,000) has been the main driver for population growth in Edinburgh from 2009 to 2019 –  five times higher than the net effect of births and deaths for the same 10-year period (10,390). The size of overseas migration to Edinburgh grew to 6,710 in 2018/19, after falling for two consecutive years in 2017/18 to 4,310, returning to levels seen in 2015/16 (6,790).

As reflected in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2021, Scotland also has a reputation for excellence in education. In 2019 the number of students enrolled in an Edinburgh university was higher than the number of students in primary and secondary schools. 

Four in five (81.6%) higher education students in Edinburgh were from the UK and, compared to other UK cities, Edinburgh has one of the highest proportions of higher education students per 1,000 population.

Also, during 2019, three in five (62.7%) people in Edinburgh’s workforce in employment is educated to degree level or above.

Housing Overview

With more and more people coming to work and study in the Capital this puts increasing pressures on our housing stock with demand outstripping supply, pushing house prices to a premium.

In September 2020, the average property price in Edinburgh was £280,154, higher than most other major UK cities outside London. This compared to the next Scottish city, Glasgow which recorded the average property price of £144,828 – around half of the average cost of Edinburgh.

To support this demand, in the five years to 2019 there were 11,732 new build home completions in Edinburgh. Since 2015, the annual number of new build starts in Edinburgh has exceeded 12,500 – more than double the number of new start builds between 2010 to 2014.

In 2019, a quarter (25%) of Edinburgh households lived in private rented accommodation while more than half (59%) own their own homes. Both are higher rates than recorded across Scotland as a whole and other Scottish cities respectively. 

From 2017 to 2019 the number of purpose-built student rooms was 2,677, a slower pace than the previous period, with around 1,500 fewer rooms built than in 2014-2016 (5,036).

*Throughout the Edinburgh by Number Report, Edinburgh is always compared to a comparative group of eight UK cities plus on occasion London.

The eight cities include: Birmingham, Bradford, Bristol, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Sheffield.

Cramond Island’s rich history

by CONNOR LAW

Did you know you can walk part way across the Firth of Forth? 

North of Cramond village lies an island rich in history: Cramond Island.

The island is rare as it has a geological feature which few islands do: you can walk there, as it is a tidal island. 

Historians believe the Island was likely occupied by the Romans; Cramond is one of very few places in Scotland which is rich in Roman architecture.

Despite this there is little hard evidence of Roman activity on the island. There is, however, evidence which suggests that the island was of significance to the prehistoric culture, that evidence being a burial Cist ( a box like stone coffin).

Despite a lack of firm historical records during ancient times, strong evidence from the British Wool Company confirms that from the 1790s until the death of Peter Hogg in 1904, Cramond Island was used for farming and sheep grazing in particular.

One such piece of evidence comes from a 1853 ordnance survey which show as a Farmstead towards the northern end of the island, although today it is partially concealed in ivy.

Evidence also suggests that Cramond Island was also a fishing island, as the remains of a stone Jetty can still be seen at the northwest corner of the island.

Cramond island was once known for its oysters, but the oyster population has been destroyed due to overfishing.

The island was also requisitioned during both world wars to protect the nearby anchorage for warships and the dock gate at Rosyth Dockyard from German torpedo boats and possible sabateurs. Counter-measures included an anti- submarine net, which was placed along the Forth and ran from Cramond Island to Inchmickery and Inchcolm island and the Fife coast line.

Two-pounder guns (Personal Defence Weapons) were placed on the northern end of Cramond Island during World War One and reinforced with further two pounder guns during World War Two.

The remnants of several second world war buildings can be found on the island, including shelters, engine rooms and store houses. 

The island is approximately 7.70 Hectares in area, roughly 1/3 of a mile away from Cramond village.

Although it is owned by the Dalmeny estate, visitors can cross the causeway and explore the island, although any visitors to the island should take care to visit the island at low tide as visitors are stranded on the island on occasions.

It is difficult to believe that the opportunity to explore such wilderness and historical mystery lies on Edinburgh’s door!

Barratt Developments helps Edinburgh communities with charity donations

FACE (Fighting Against Cancer Edinburgh) and Goodtrees Neighbourhood Centre have each received a £1,000 donation inaugurating Barratt Developments East Scotland’s Community Fund giveaway for 2021.

Barratt Developments, which includes both Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes, celebrated a record-breaking 2020 after its charitable efforts topped more than £46,000 in donations across Scotland, including £14,000 in the east of Scotland.

Each year, the five-star housebuilder works with a wide range of local causes and has continued to step up its efforts through the Barratt and David Wilson Community Fund, which donates £1,000 to a deserving local cause in each of its three Scottish divisions every month.

FACE is a charity based at Western General Hospital that supports patients and families who have been affected by cancer.

The housebuilder’s donation will go towards making hospital stays more comfortable and welcoming, such as camp beds for a relative to stay close to a loved one, refurbishment of wards and complementary therapies to promote wellbeing for those who are unwell.

Goodtrees Neighbourhood Centre, based in Moredun, has worked throughout the pandemic to provide a ‘one-stop-shop’ for food and other essentials for local people in need.

To date the youth volunteers have delivered over 50,000 packed lunches, tens of thousands of hot meals and food parcels to families affected by poverty and the elderly and shielding across Liberton and Gilmerton.

Alison Condie, managing director at Barratt East Scotland, said: “FACE and Goodtrees carry out incredible work supporting those affected by cancer and those in need.

“We’re pleased to be able to help them and hope that our donation will allow them to continue to provide these crucial and important services through what continues to be difficult times for us all.”

Welcoming the donation John Macaulay, Convener at FACE added: “Through our fund raising we aim to provide ‘the little things’ that make a difference for patients and families affected by cancer.

“The donation from Barratt has gone towards a special shower reclining chair at the Western General Hospital, enabling us to shower patients with multiple care needs who otherwise may only be able to be washed in bed.

“The staff are delighted, and it is already making a difference for the ward and patients they care for, including those receiving treatment for cancer.”

John Beatson, Project Manager at Goodtrees Neighbourhood Centre said: “Goodtrees Neighbourhood Centre were delighted to be chosen for Barratt Homes’ £1,000 donation. It came as a surprise and is particularly special to us, as being put forward for the fund by a Barratt employee shows that the work that our young people and staff carry out is valued within the wider community. 

“We plan to use part of the donation to fund a treat to the elderly community we support with the rest of the donation giving us the opportunity to give back to our incredible youth volunteers, the key driving force behind our service, when guidance allows.”

As part of the housebuilder’s ongoing charitable activities, Barratt East Scotland also took part in a virtual 500k challenge, raising over £16,000 for The Prince’s Trust, and walking a total combined distance of 1,721km over the three-week competition period.

The division’s Land team is also providing in-kind support to Empty Kitchens Full Hearts, a foodbank based in Leith which turns surplus food into free meals for those in need.

Now in its third year, the Barratt Homes Community Fund pledges to donate £1,000 each month to a charity or organisation in the east of Scotland. Charities are nominated by and voted for by employees of Barratt Homes and the focus for the fund continues to be on organisations that improve the quality of life for those living in the area.

Interested charities can enquire about donation opportunities at 

charity.eastscotland@barratthomes.co.uk

Visit the Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes websites for more information.

Police chief: Stick to the rules

Edinburgh City Divisional Commander, Chief Superintendent Sean Scott, has released a statement regarding the #Coronavirus restrictions:

“I would like to thank the vast majority of people who are sticking to the rules to suppress the spread of coronavirus.

“The sacrifices people have made have allowed some restrictions around travel and gatherings to be eased from Friday.

“We are going to see increased traffic on our roads and if you are visiting beauty spots then I would urge you to please do so safely and respectfully – leaving no trace of your visit. Please also park responsibly to allow emergency access.

“I would also remind people that under the new restrictions, gatherings are limited to six people from six households meeting outdoors only.

“Our approach throughout the pandemic has been to engage with the public, explain the legislation and encourage compliance, but we will not hesitate to use our enforcement powers as a last resort.

“This approach will continue as restrictions continue to be eased over the coming months.”

“It’s what I like to describe as a do-it-yourself growing up kit”

The Duke of Edinburgh Awards

The Duke of Edinburgh founded the #DofE awards in 1956. Now operating in more than 140 countries, The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award has helped to transform the lives of millions of young people in the UK and across the globe, through the International Award.

Inspired by the Moray Badge, for which Prince Philip had worked whilst a pupil at Gordonstoun School, The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award challenged young people to serve their communities, experience adventure and to develop and learn outside the classroom.

Throughout the UK, over 300,000 people are usually taking part in DofE programmes at any one time.

In tribute to The Duke of Edinburgh, The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award are collecting and sharing people’s #DofE stories and experiences, creating the first-ever nationwide collection of ‘DofE memories.’ https://www.dofe.org/memories/

The #DofE is widely recognised as the world’s leading youth achievement award.

Over 13 million people have participated in the International Award in more than 168 countries and they have launched the first-ever global collection of Award memories.https://intaward.org/memories/

A message from The Earl of Wessex has sent a message to all those who have shared #DofE stories and their memories of his father, The Duke of Edinburgh.

Read it here: https://bit.ly/3e44uSr

His Royal Highness remained committed to The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award from its inception and continued to be involved.

In total, The Duke attended over 500 Gold Award ceremonies, attended by up to 300 young people at a time, since the #DofE was founded.

Lift Off for NHS Lothian’s new helipad at New Sick Kids

NHS Lothian and the HELP Appeal are today (12 April) celebrating an important milestone as the new helipad located at the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People and the Department of Clinical Neuroscience (RHCYP/DCN) officially opens.

The helipad, located above the fourth floor of the RHCYP/DCN will serve both the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh and the RHCYP/DCN giving direct access to child and adult emergency departments, as well as all other clinical departments based on site.

Hospital helipads play a critical role in trauma care by helping to minimise the time it takes to transfer critically ill patients. Without them, patient treatment can be delayed, which can have a devastating impact on survival rates.

Dr Jon McCormack, Clinical Lead for Paediatric Major Trauma, NHS Lothian explained that having access to a helipad plays an important role in optimising patient flow pathways for both planned and emergency transfers.

He said, “The helipad will provide access to hospital services 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with three trained helideck responders being available to ensure safe landing and departure. This will help to enhance patient care by facilitating a seamless transition of patients from the air ambulance to in-patient services.”

The helipad was part funded through the HELP Appeal, which aims to ensure that patients who sustain life threatening critical injuries or illnesses are able to be flown directly by air ambulance to a Major Trauma Centre or key A&E hospital, where all the specialist clinical skills and medical equipment are immediately available, improving their chances of survival and recovery.

The HELP Appeal is the only charity in the country funding hospital helipads.

Robert Bertram, Chief Executive of the HELP Appeal said, “The amazing RHCYP, DCN and the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh treat some of the most seriously ill in Scotland. This lifesaving helipad will dramatically speed up the time it takes to transfer these patients from helicopter to hospital anytime of the day or night, giving them the best chance of survival and recovery.

“We had no hesitation in providing the £700,000 needed to ensure the hospitals had a state-of-the-art helipad – a crucial element in their emergency care offering – as it will save many lives.

“With brand new helipads opening in Applecross and Campbeltown, and the helipad opening in Edinburgh today, we are so pleased that the HELP Appeal is making a positive impact in emergency care across Scotland. We look forward to helping many more hospitals secure helipads in the future.”

Jim Crombie, Deputy Chief Executive, NHS Lothian said, “We are incredibly grateful for the support of the HELP Appeal in part-funding our new helipad.

“It really will make a positive difference to our patients and will no doubt save many lives not just here in Lothian, but across Scotland.”

Scottish Cup ties rescheduled

The Scottish Cup continues apace this weekend, as the Fourth Round kicks off with a bumper Friday night feast, with three ties this evening.

The 16 competing clubs have the carrot of knowing who their potential opponents would be in the Fifth Round if they emerge victorious, with the Fifth Round ties having already been drawn due to the competition’s condensed schedule this season.

St. Mirren and Inverness get the weekend underway at 6pm this evening, in a match where the home side will go in as favourites, being unbeaten in their last four matches against Inverness.

Inverness will be hoping to upset the odds however, and as a side on form will be confident in their ability to do so, having defeated their Highland rivals Ross County in the last round. The tie’s winners have the prospect of a trip to Kilmarnock or Montrose ahead of them.

Motherwell host Greenock Morton at 7pm, with the victors set to travel to either Stranraer or Queen of the South in the subsequent round.

Motherwell will be high on confidence having thumped Formartine United 5-0 in the previous round and will be aware that the competitive record is on their side: Motherwell are unbeaten in their last 19 matches against Greenock Morton at Fir Park in all competitions (W16 D3), while Morton’s last win in Motherwell came in August 1970.

Greenock Morton needed extra time to see off East Fife in the last round and have not beaten top flight opposition in the Scottish Cup since January 2008, when they beat Gretna 3-0 at Palmerston.

Friday’s televised match sees Dundee United travel to Forfar Athletic, live on BBC Scotland at 7.45pm. This will be the first competitive meeting of Forfar Athletic and Dundee United since March 1987, when United beat the Loons 2-0 at Station Park in a Scottish Cup quarter-final, following a 2-2 draw at Tannadice.

History is against Forfar Athletic, who have only reached the Scottish Cup quarter-final five times in their history, most recently in 2001/02, while they have only ever recorded one victory over top flight opposition in the Scottish Cup – a 2-0 victory over Falkirk in 1910/11.

The action continues on Saturday, first with Kilmarnock hosting Montrose at 11.45am in the first competitive meeting of the two clubs since April 1992, when Killie won 1-0 at Rugby Park in the old Division One.

Kilmarnock are aiming to reach the Scottish Cup quarter-final for just the fifth time since they won the competition back in 1997, while Montrose are striving to reach the Scottish Cup quarter-final for the first time since 1975/76, and for just the fifth time ever.

St. Johnstone host Clyde at 5.30pm in what will be just the third time the two sides have ever met in the Scottish Cup and their first meeting since back in 1938/39, when Clyde won 2-0 at Shawfield Park.

St Johnstone have not lost a Scottish Cup tie to a team outside the top two tiers since January 2006, when they were beaten 1-0 by Gretna. Clyde are aiming to reach the Scottish Cup quarter-final for the first time since 2004/05, the only time in the last 32 years that they have made the last eight.

Saturday’s televised match also kicks off at 5.30pm, with Aberdeen v Livingston live on Premier Sports.

Although Livingston hold the advantage in Scottish Cup ties, with three victories to one, Aberdeen are unbeaten in their last 16 Scottish Cup matches at Pittodrie, their last defeat coming against Raith Rovers in February 2010.

Livingston are aiming to reach the quarter-final of the Scottish Cup for the first time since 2004/05, with a home tie against Forfar Athletic or Dundee United awaiting them should they be triumphant.

The first of two televised matches on Sunday kicks off at 12.15pm, with Stranraer hosting Hibs live on BBC One. History is very much on the side of Hibs, with Stranraer’s last Scottish Cup win over top flight opposition coming back in February 1973, when they defeated St Johnstone 2-1 at Muirton Park.

This is just the second time Stranraer and Hibernian have been drawn together in the Scottish Cup – the previous tie in 2001/02 saw Hibs win 4-0 at Easter Road after a 0-0 draw at Stair Park. It will be the tenth competitive meeting of the two sides in total, with the Blues having won just one of the previous nine, a 2-1 win at Easter Road in Division 1 in August 1998.

The action concludes at 3pm on Sunday with the eagerly-anticipated Rangers v Celtic derby bringing the weekend to a close, live on Premier Sports.

This will be the first Scottish Cup meeting of the old rivals at Ibrox since January 2011, when the sides drew 2-2 before Celtic won the replay 1-0 at Celtic Park.

Celtic have won five of their last six Scottish Cup ties against Rangers – the Light Blues’ only victory in this period came in a penalty shoot-out in the 2015/16 semi-final.

With the home side having already wrapped up their first league title in a decade, Rangers now set their sights on completing a league and Scottish Cup double for the first time since 2008/09. Celtic, however, will be determined to end the season with silverware and defend the trophy they have won for the past four consecutive seasons.

Scottish Cup Fourth Round Fixtures:

Friday, 16 April

St. Mirren v Inverness Caledonian Thistle; kick-off 6pm

Motherwell v Greenock Morton; kick-off 7pm

Forfar Athletic v Dundee United; kick-off 7.45pm (live on BBC Scotland)

Saturday, 17 April

Kilmarnock v Montrose; kick-off 11.45am

St. Johnstone v Clyde; kick-off 5.30pm

Aberdeen v Livingston; kick-off 5.30pm (live on Premier Sports)

Sunday, 18 April

Stranraer v Hibernian; kick-off 12.15pm (live on BBC One)

Rangers v Celtic; kick-off 3pm (live on Premier Sports).

Morrisons launches new BBQ box to get you fired up for summer

– The new BBQ Box launches to coincide with alfresco meet-ups –

– The limited edition box includes everything you need for a BBQ and can be ordered for next-day delivery –

With garden get-togethers back on the cards this week and as the weather starts to warm up, Morrisons has launched a new bumper BBQ Food Box to wow your guests and cook up a storm for meat eaters and veggies alike.

The box includes plenty to throw on the grill; with classic British Beef Quarter Pounders and The Best Pork Sausages and Chicken Drumsticks, or Belly Pork Slices and Morrisons Cypriot Halloumi for something a little different.

There’s no need to pick up extras, as the box also features staples such as soft white rolls and cheese singles as well as condiments – Heinz Thai Sweet Chilli Sauce and Flava-It Barbecue Marinade – to set tastebuds alight.

Sides and snacks are also covered, including Morrisons The Best Gruyere & Poppy Twists, Doritos Tangy Cheese Sharing Tortilla Chips and Morrisons Sour Cream Dip for guests to tuck into when they arrive. There are also plenty of fresh ingredients to mix up a tasty side salad.

Finally, those with a sweet tooth can dive into Morrisons Flapjack Mini Bites and Morrisons Market Street Brownie Mini Bites.

Mollie Clarke, Food Box Specialist at Morrisons said: “The sun is finally starting to come out, just in time for friends and family gatherings in the back garden. Our new BBQ Food Box takes away the stress of hosting, featuring everything our customers need to grill up a delicious spread for kids, adults, meat lovers and veggies.” 

Morrisons limited-edition BBQ Food Box costs £40 including next day delivery and is available now on the Morrisons food boxes website – visit:

https://www.morrisons.com/food-boxes/box/BBQ-Box

 For more information on Morrisons Food Boxes range visit 

www.morrisons.com/food-boxes

“We’ve missed you!”

BHF Scotland ready to welcome customers back to its shops

British Heart Foundation (BHF) Scotland is preparing to welcome customers back to its stores across the country, as lockdown restrictions continue to ease.

The nation’s heart charity will be reopening its high street shops and will be able to accept donations in store again next Monday 26th April. The BHF’s home stores reopened in Scotland earlier this month. BHF shops in England and Wales reopened last week and saw their busiest day ever, recording £1million in sales in a single day.

James Jopling, Head of BHF Scotland, said: “It goes without saying how excited we are to get all our shops back up and running in Scotland and we cannot wait to see our loyal customers, staff and volunteers once again. The coronavirus crisis has had a seismic impact on the income of the BHF and the last 12 months have been the hardest in our 60-year history.

“Our shops play a huge role in funding vital research into heart and circulatory diseases and run purely on the support of the public, which is why we never take for granted a camera, book or sofa that’s donated to us. Every item donated and sold can help us to support the 700,000 people living with heart and circulatory diseases across Scotland and aid our recovery from the devastating impact of the pandemic.”

As well as raising funds for life saving research, the BHF’s network of shops across the country also provide a wider benefit to society. Last year alone, BHF shops and stores saved 71,000 tonnes of items from ending up in landfill. That includes around 200,000 sofas, as well as other furniture, electrical items, books, toys and 14,000 tonnes of clothing.

Customers who’ve taken time during lockdown to declutter are being urged to donate preloved items, and there are plenty of bargains and finds for those looking for a Spring makeover too.

Jane Flannery, Senior Regional Director at the BHF, said: “Our teams have been working tirelessly to ensure everything is ready for reopening. Our number one priority will be ensuring the safety of everyone who shops, works and volunteers with us and we have made it easier for people to donate either in store, by post or through our free collection service.

“We’re so fortunate to have such loyal supporters across Scotland and many of them have already been contacting our shops telling us how much they are looking forward to coming back in or donating items to us. We’ve really missed them too.”

In line with Scottish Government guidelines and to ensure the safety of all those accessing the BHF’s shops, a number of changes have been made in the last year, including perspex screens at till points, hand sanitiser points throughout shops, limiting the number of people in each shop at any one time, enhanced cleaning schedules, social distancing on the shop floor and people will be asked to wear masks unless exempt. 

Customers will also be encouraged to pay by card or contactless payment where possible.    

For those not ready to hit the high street, smaller items such as branded clothing, jewellery, vinyl records and cameras, can be donated using the BHF’s freepost donation service.

Customers will larger items to donate can arrange a Covid-secure home collection online or via their local store and have their items picked up free of charge. Goods such as sofas, beds, bookcases, table and chairs, homewares, TVs and other electricals in working order would be welcomed.

To find your local BHF shop and full details on how you can help support us, visit www.bhf.org.uk

‘Berry’ good news as first Scottish strawberries of the season hit Aldi shelves

Customers won’t face any fruitless trips to Aldi from this weekend as punnets of the first Scottish strawberries hit stores across Scotland today. Aldi is the first retailer to offer punnets of delicious Scottish strawberries to their customers this year. 

The first crop of Scottish strawberries to arrive on Aldi’s shelves have been grown by Tim Stockwell at his farm in Fife for Angus Soft Fruits. Berry specialists Angus Soft Fruits supply Aldi stores across Scotland with fresh berries from a select group of 18 growers based across Tayside and Fife, the heart of the traditional Scottish berry growing region.   

Aldi, who currently stock over 450 products from 90 Scottish suppliers, aims to increase the number of Scottish products available in its stores to over 500 in the next two years and has been working with Angus Soft Fruits to ensure shelves are fully stocked with their delicious berries for the warmer months ahead.  

Tim Stockwell, owner of Barnsmuir Farm in Fife, commented: “I am really glad that we are able to supply Aldi with the first Scottish strawberries again this year.

“The last 12 months certainly haven’t been without their challenges, but it’s great to see that Aldi remains committed to supporting local, quality produce.” 

Graham Nicolson, Group Buyer Director, Aldi Scotland, said: “We’re very pleased to be the first supermarket to offer the first Scottish strawberries of the season once again.

“The Scottish strawberry season is always eagerly anticipated by our customers, and we hope that this first crop of strawberries, grown locally in Fife, give them a sweet taste of summer in the months to come.” 

Aldi’s stores in Scotland will be stocking the first pick Scottish strawberries from today (Friday 16 April), with availability increasing throughout spring.

You can find your local Aldi here.