Month: May 2021

Half of Edinburgh homeowners undervalue their homes by more than £28,000

Zoopla reveals the capital’s ‘Hidden Equity’

  • Half of Edinburgh’s homeowners undervalue their home by an average of £28,351
  • Two thirds of homeowners across Edinburgh have lost touch with the value of their home
  • More than half of homeowners in Edinburgh unlocked their ‘hidden equity’ to move to a nicer property

New analysis by Zoopla, the only property portal which offers a free instant online property price estimate, conducted as part of its inaugural Hidden Equity Survey, has found that homeowners in Edinburgh are undervaluing their homes by an average of £28,351.

The Hidden Equity Survey of 2,000 homeowners* who have had their home valued by an estate agent in the past three years establishes for the first time how accurate Edinburgh homeowners’ estimations of the value of their homes really are. It found that just one in three (33%) local homeowners have an accurate idea of the estimated value of their home.

Average home in Edinburgh worth £28,000 more than owners realise

The findings from Zoopla show that almost half of homeowners in Edinburgh (45%) who had their home valued via an estate agent or sold it in the past three years said it was worth more than they thought it was – on average by £28,351.

Bathroom bonus

When asked for their thoughts on why their homes were worth more than expected, two fifths (43%) of homeowners in Edinburgh attributed their good financial fortune to installing a new bathroom. Other popular reasons being given by homeowners in the city for their financial uplift included redecorating (41%) and work on the garden (32%).

Increasingly desired

The practicalities of improving a property aren’t the only reasons for homeowners in Edinburgh to get more for their home than they thought it was worth. Edinburgh becoming an increasingly desirable place to live has also helped to add value to the properties of homeowners, with a third (36%) of homeowners citing desirability of the city for homes being worth more than their owners expected.

The good life

For Edinburgh homeowners who went on to sell their home and benefit from their hidden equity, the financial boost had a significant impact, with the majority (84%) of homeowners saying the additional money ‘improved their lifestyle’. More than half (59%) said they were able to move into a better property than they expected as a result (for example, it had more bedrooms, was in a nicer area, had a garden etc.).

One in ten (12%) homeowners in Edinburgh used their extra cash to go on more holidays and a further one in ten (12%) gifted the money to their children to help their future plans.   

Different decisions

For Edinburgh homeowners who did not know the true value of their home until they got it valued by an estate agent, one in three (34%) said they would have made different financial decisions in the years prior if they had been aware of their hidden equity.

For property owners whose home was worth less than they expected, two fifths (43%) said they would have paid off more of their mortgage. Almost a third (29%) would have worked harder to build their savings rather than assume their home was accruing equity that they could draw on at a later date.

One in ten (14%) of homeowners in Edinburgh said they’d have spent less on non-essential purchases like jewellery, watches or expensive presents.

House prices rising

Zoopla has also revealed the latest House Price Index, which studies multiple local housing trends and prices on an annual basis. The data shows that the average house price in Edinburgh is now £241,000, with prices rising by 2.8% in the last 12 months. The data also shows prices in Edinburgh have increased cumulatively by 24.4% in the past five years.

Gráinne Gilmore, Head of Research at Zoopla, comments: “The direction of house prices has long been a staple of conversation around dinner tables across Edinburgh and many homeowners could be in for a lovely surprise if they have their property valued, according to our research.  

“Because of the impact of the pandemic, many households are re-evaluating how they want to live and this has had an impact on the local housing market. Buyer demand has soared, racing ahead of supply, putting upwards pressure on prices. House price growth in Edinburgh is currently at 2.8% annually.

“Edinburgh homeowners keen to check up on their property’s value should head to Zoopla’s My Home, where they can see an estimated value range for their property and check for potential hidden equity.

“For those keen to progress with a sale and perhaps unlock hidden equity, they can contact an estate agent using My Home to get an expert market valuation and personalised guidance on how to best navigate this busy housing market.”

Staying on top of a property’s value

As a first step, homeowners can check My Home on Zoopla.co.uk, where they can discover their home’s worth with an instant online estimate based on powerful market data. They can also keep track of their house price estimate and access a timeline of their home’s sales history.

My Home also allows homeowners to track the estimated value of other homes in their neighbourhood, as well as homes they might want to buy in the future. Zoopla is encouraging homeowners to get estate agent valuations of their home – the most accurate way to value a property – to see if they are sitting on more equity than they think. 

TOLL: An act of anger, protest, recognition and remembrance

Concrete Block Gallery, Undercroft, 15 Lauriston Gardens, Edinburgh, EH3 9HH

Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th May between 11am and 5pm

As lockdown eases there’s an exhibition opening in an unconventional gallery space in a corner of Edinburgh that might help us to pause and reflect on what has happened before we rush out and enjoy the freedom.

‘Toll’ is an artwork by Edinburgh-based artist Andrew Brooks at the new Concrete Block Gallery, which makes a single mark for each of the first year’s reported deaths involving Covid19 in the United Kingdom.

The total reported deaths involving Covid19 for the first year in the UK was 145,652 and this is the number of marks made over 52 performances by Andrew in the space, each performance representing a single week’s statistics.

Andrew began the project online on March 13th 2021, publishing the first performance video on the one-year anniversary of the first reported deaths in the UK, and will complete this work of protest and remembrance on May 13th.

Andrew Brooks said: “There are two elements to the artwork: the physical piece with the marks made on the paper and also the performance of me in the space making the work – I do it in silence and on my own.  The performance of this is very much the work part of the work and is just as important as the paper.”

Each mark is made with a single brush dab and is 4cm high and made on rolls of paper 1.5m wide and 10m long. The marks fill 53 metres of paper and have used over a litre of black ink.

Each week’s statistics is filmed separately, and the longest film is 3 hours 6 minutes, representing the 6th week of Covid related deaths in the UK which was the highest toll for the year at 9,510.

Andrew continued: “The act of remembrance is very important in the way that I have gone about constructing this, attempting to recognise each one of those deaths. Understanding what one hundred and forty-five thousand marks looks like and how much time it takes to make those.

“I try and be as considered as possible when I make a mark because that is somebody – that is somebody’s family member, somebody’s friend and it’s somebody’s life that’s ended.”

Seeing Andrew’s endeavour on Instagram, documentary film maker, Dave MacFarlane of DMtwo Media, approached him to document the process of making the work.

Dave MacFarlane explained: “This recent filming project is one of those that come along and you can’t help but take notice.

“The subject matter, the artistic concept and the wider social impact were all key factors in wanting to produce this short documentary”.

Reflecting on why he decided to make the work, Andrew said: “When you think about the statistics it easily gets abstracted away but I’m doing this to make it physical and make it so that it can’t be avoided.

“It’s a visualization that really makes you understand what’s happened, over a hundred and forty-five thousand deaths, you have to realise that this is something to get angry about.

“The impetus for this was anger and that’s what’s fed it. It’s anger at Westminster and at central government. I’ve felt that they haven’t been decisive, they haven’t made strong decisions, there has been a lot of waste, that has resulted in over a hundred thousand deaths.

“This is a protest piece, this is my version of holding up a placard and standing out in the street – this is my concerted silent protest. Art can have many roles in society, and one of those is definitely protest and this is my protest”. 

‘Toll’ will be exhibited for viewings at Concrete Block Gallery Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th May between 11am and 5pm. 

Viewings can be booked through Eventbrite here: 

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/toll-exhibition-tickets-153275995629

Pictures: DMtwo Media

Celebrating International Day of the Midwife

Celebrating the outstanding efforts of midwives and midwifery students across the UK:

Responding to the International Day of the Midwife, Andrea Sutcliffe CBE, Chief Executive and Registrar for the Nursing and Midwifery Council, said: “Today is an important opportunity for us to recognise and celebrate the incredible efforts of UK midwives and midwifery students who, despite facing uncertainty and adapting to new ways of working, have continued to provide safe, kind and effective care and support for women and their families throughout the coronavirus pandemic.

“Babies didn’t stop for Covid-19 and midwives and midwifery students have made such an important contribution to the way the UK has responded. I’m glad we have this opportunity to celebrate their skill and professionalism and thank them for their positive impact on the women, new born infants and families they care for and support.”

Midwives have shown resilience and steadfast support for pregnant women and their babies this past year throughout NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s maternity services.

NHSGGC is celebrating the International Day of the Midwife, which always is a day of reflection of the valuable role that midwives play across the world, and especially important in the face of the pandemic.

And the Labour Ward staff team at the Princess Royal Maternity have shown the incredible contribution midwives make to the wider community too. 65 staff took part and raised £8,400 for Quarriers last month by walking an incredible 9850.88 miles – equivalent to walking to Australia from Glasgow!

The 6500-mile adventure was the brainchild of Charge Midwife Jen Johansson, who wanted to do something to help people who might be struggling in these difficult times.

Jen Johansson, Charge Midwife, Labour Ward, Princess Royal Maternity, commented: “Our role as midwives is to empower and support women during their pregnancy and birth to enable them to have a positive experience.

“It’s a very special and precious time for women. When we are with ladies in labour, that can be our full 12 hour shift  – we have to ensure a safe outcome for mum and baby.

“I always wanted to be a midwife from the age of 14 and have now done it for 15 years. We get to spend a lot of time with women and their families getting to know them. Especially in the labour ward, we have a special rapport with women. We are ensuring the safe arrival of precious life, it’s amazing.”

The restrictions to hospital visiting across Scotland meant that midwives were often the only support for women other than their partners while in hospital.

Evelyn Frame, Chief Midwife, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said: “the theme for this year’s International Day of the Midwife is ‘Follow the data: Invest in Midwives’ and we look forward to coming together as a global community to advocate for investment in quality midwifery care around the world”.

This year’s theme is timely as it will coincide with the launch of the 2021 State of the World’s Midwifery Report that provides an updated evidence base and detailed analysis on the impact of midwives on maternal and newborn health outcomes and the return on investment in midwives.

As Chief Midwife Evelyn is extremely proud to be part of such a wonderful midwifery family across NHS GGC and would like to pass on her personal thanks to each and every member of the team who have gone above and beyond over the past year, putting women and their families at the heart of the care they provide.

Dr Margaret McGuire, Director of Nursing, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said: “Midwives always provide skilled, high quality care and understand what matters to the woman and her family.

“They put women first and this past year  they have gone above and beyond to provide woman centred and safe care.  At the core of everything they do is making the pregnancy, birth and postnatal experience as positive as possible for the woman and those who matter to her. 

“My sincere thanks and praise goes out to every midwife in Greater Glasgow and Clyde on this the International Day of the Midwife.”

Hear more from NHSGGC staff here: Dr Margaret McGuire, Director of Nursing, Sandi Reilly, Senior Charge Midwife, and Jen Johansson, Charge Midwife. 

NHS Lothian is also celebrating their midwifery team:

Today, we are celebrating five midwives for #InternationalDayoftheMidwife under the campaign #AMillionPaths.

First up is Vickie Davitt, a gender-based violence midwife:

Bring It Back: Morrisons reintroduces refillable containers at meat, fish and deli counters

Refillable container scheme to be reintroduced at counters to reduce single use plastic

Counter deals to celebrate scheme relaunch will include 8oz rump steaks for £2.50 and pork belly for £4/kg

Morrisons is bringing back its refillable container service at its fresh fish and meat counters to reduce the amount of single use plastic packaging used in stores.

Morrisons Butchers, Fishmongers and Deli experts will now ask a customer if they have brought their own container to be refilled, rather than automatically putting products into single use packaging[1].

The initiative is available in all stores and allows customers to bring their own containers to counters, with each purchase being given a sticky label that is then scanned at the tills.

If every Morrisons customer used a refillable container for their counter purchase, it would save 2,000 tonnes of plastic a year. E

lsewhere, Morrisons has also been working to remove 900 tonnes of plastic from its butchers and fishmongers counter packaging a year by introducing new lighter weight recyclable trays.

Cut-price deals across selected meat and fish cuts and deli will be available to celebrate the return of the service. This includes 8oz rump steaks for £2.50 and pork belly for £4 per kilogram. Morrisons will also be selling reusable containers in their Home aisle to encourage customers to use them.

Natasha Cook, Packaging Manager at Morrisons, said: “Reducing plastic in our stores is an important part of our sustainability agenda and it really matters to our customers too.

“The service was very popular with our customers when it was first introduced before lockdown, and we’re pleased to see it return with some great value deals on our fresh, British quality products.”

Morrisons originally introduced the refillable container scheme in 2018 but it has been put on hold during the pandemic.

It is one of a number of in-store initiatives that Morrisons has unveiled to reduce plastic pollution, with other moves including being the first supermarket to ditch plastic carrier bags in favour of paper bags and using traditional paper bags for loose fruit and vegetables.

For more information, please visit: 

https://www.morrisons-corporate.com/cr/corporate-responsibility/in-store-initiatives/.

Foundation Scotland introduces social investment funding

Major funder announces integration with Resilient Scotland creating significant social investment opportunities to help Scotland recover

Foundation Scotland, Scotland’s community foundation, is extending its dedicated support for the third sector.  The major grant funder now offers innovative social investment opportunities to social enterprises in Scotland.

The move comes as Foundation Scotland and Resilient Scotland announce their integration.  Social investment, offered through the experienced Resilient Scotland team, will expand on the community foundation’s core grantmaking services providing access to a greater range of funding options.

The new ‘Investing in Enterprise Fund’ offers between £10,000 and £500,000 to social enterprises as blended finance. Up to 50% of the funding will be through grants with the remainder through loans, enabling them to become more sustainable, accessing opportunities less reliant on grant funding. Support will help successful applicants to raise funds and only repay part of the total sum. Foundation Scotland will reinvest all returned funds for additional social investment.

Chris Holloway, formerly Head of Resilient Scotland and now Head of Social Investment at Foundation Scotland, said: “The integration of Resilient Scotland into Foundation Scotland makes perfect sense for us as an organisation.  However, most importantly, the move will offer significant benefits to Scotland’s thriving social enterprises. 

“Collectively our knowledge, support and experience will enhance the holistic support provided to Scotland’s social enterprises.  Groups will be able to come to Foundation Scotland for traditional grants, which they continue to need, and now also innovative investment opportunities. 

“This is great timing for us as we paused all new support through the pandemic; instead, we have focussed our support on our existing investees.  A huge thanks to the National Lottery Community Fund for their continued support over the past 9 years.

“For now, it’s business as usual for our current investees, and we very much look forward to opening our doors to new investees.”

Giles Ruck, Chief Executive of Foundation Scotland, said: “Across the last few years, we have witnessed a shift change from our donors.  They have understood that the funding landscape is changing, and they’ve shown an increased appetite to provide communities with wider, longer-lasting funding opportunities. 

“Across our 25-year history, we’ve never been needed more.  We understand that the sector needs our committed, innovative support to  help them build back better.  Our integration with Resilient Scotland will support this and will bring many benefits to the third sector. 

“We are encouraging all social enterprises that are looking for additional investment to visit our website or contact our team directly to discuss your eligibility”. 

Foundation Scotland is offering new social investment opportunities across 13 of the most disadvantaged local authority areas across Scotland. The Foundation expects to extend the service to the whole of Scotland at a later date, and welcome even more new enterprises to Foundation Scotland.

Later this month, the Foundation will be publishing a full evaluation highlighting the impact of Resilient Scotland’s social investments since 2012.

For more information, including details on how to apply for the Investing in Enterprise Fund visit: foundationscotland.org.uk/social-investment

Journalism students will provide Scottish election coverage

ENRG platforms will carry interviews, analysis and results

A group of students from Edinburgh Napier’s Journalism department are to provide live coverage of the Scottish election results.

And they have already gained an exclusive interview with First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.

Third year Journalism BA student Steven Brown is editor for the event, which will be staged on Friday, May 7 as the results from the previous day’s election are revealed.

Around 20 students will take part in the Merchiston campus event, which will feature eight hours of live broadcasting on the Radio ENRG platform plus online support on the ENRG Debrief website.

Steven said: “We are really looking forward to the event. We have secured a number of interviews already, with virtually all of the party leaders in Scotland agreeing to talk to us. We aim to provide expert analysis too as the results happen.

“It will be a great experience. Radio ENRG and the Debrief website have established real credibility and are treated pretty much like other professional media.”

The event follows the hugely successful live coverage of the US elections back in November.

That ambitious enterprise caught the attention of the BBC’s North America Editor Jon Sopel, who tweeted his support, saying: “Have a great night. When I was a journalism student, it was me and Steve Richards (another well-known UK print and broadcast journalist) commenting on the Peckham by-election (of 1982). Glad to see you guys starting with the most consequential presidential election in decades.”

This time round, another top BBC journalist will be involved. Edinburgh Napier journalism graduate Nick Eardley, one of the corporation’s leading political commentators, will give his thoughts on the elections in an exclusive interview with ENRG.

Steven said: “It was fantastic to get support from Jon Sopel last time. It’s great to know that people like him started out in exactly the same way we are. And this time Nick Eardley will be helping us out. Just ten years ago he was himself a student in these same classrooms.”

Hours and hours of preparation – agreeing the broadcast and online schedules, sourcing story ideas, sorting out interviewees – will be done before even an article is published on the website or any audio hits the airwaves.

The live coverage itself will begin at 10am on Friday (May 7) on Radio ENRG and run through to 6pm, while the ENRG Debrief website has already begun publishing content.

Steven added: “These events are incredibly inspiring to work on and offer students a unique and invaluable opportunity to learn and gain knowledge and understanding of what it’s like to work as a journalist on huge events.

“To be able to publish our coverage in two mediums, on the radio and online, will give the event a true industry-like feel. It’s going to be an amazing experience.”

Students taking part come from all four years of the Journalism BA plus the Masters programme.

Radio ENRG is a student-led broadcasting platform, organised from Napier’s journalism department. Since its launch in 2014, it has gone from strength to strength, winning numerous national awards for the quality of its content.

Over the years, the ENRG family has grown to include three websites – Debrief, Sport, and Music & Arts – all of which are led by student editors and publish new content most days. More sites are due to come online in the next few months,

Tune in to Radio ENRG from 10am on Friday, May 7 to hear the live coverage at:

https://radioenrg.net

While the ENRG Debrief website can be found here:

https://enrgdebrief.wordpress.com

Wardie Bay’s Seal of Approval on Star Wars Day!

Harbour (common) seal numbers are declining in some parts of Scotland by up to 95%. The Fife Seal Group counted just 100 individuals in the Firth of Forth in 2019 and have stated a decline here of 40% since the 1990s (writes KAREN BATES of WARDIE BAY BEACHWATCH).

Numbers did not improve in 2021. Over the Covid-19 crisis, we have seen a notable increase in wildlife disturbance at Wardie Bay and Granton Harbour.

Indeed, the story is the same all around the coast, prompting Marine Scotland to publish new guidance for interacting with seals. We are understandably reconnecting with nature on our doorstep and may not be aware of the effect of getting too close to wildlife such as seals.

At Granton Harbour and beyond, the situation for harbour seals has become serious enough that signage has become necessary to help inform those not aware of the consequences of their actions.

Our pontoons are designated for wildlife conservation in this special protection area. Local people have responded by collaboratively creating a sign to help inform visitors and nudge away from behaviour that is causing the ‘flight’ response in the local seal population.

There is enough danger out there for this species. We do not need to cause them more harm. They clearly want to use the designated platform provided for them, but not when humans threaten to get too close.

The #SaveOurSealsSign challenge was sent out to four local primary schools: Wardie, Granton, Trinity and Victoria. 117 children returned some amazing and fun designs.

The public and a panel of seal experts were invited to vote on their favourites to be made into a final sign, which was installed yesterday – May the 4th, Star Wars Day.

The final #SaveOurSealsSign is a collage of the top three voted for designs. Congratulations to Sumaira (Trinity P7), Ella (Wardie P3) and Izzie (Trinity P7) and all the children and teachers for their fantastic work.

Huge thanks go to Kevin of TRAC engineering for coordinating the installation, to Steve and Sarah at Glasgow’s Logo Labels Ltd for their experience and for making the sign for us, and to Sam, Marion and Gregory of P1 Solutions for installing it!

They definitely get the Seal of Approval!

Logo Labels said, “We are proud to help bring awareness of issues in the greater community.

“As a lover of wildlife, owner Stephen McNeil jumped at the chance to help manufacture a sign to support this cause and make people aware of the issue for seals that inhabit the area”.

Wardie Bay Beachwatch said: “We now hope that people will see what local kids have to say, so that we can all enjoy these amazing animals – from a distance – for many years to come. May the 4th be with you!”

PICTURES: KAREN BATES

Aldi Scotland most awarded retailer at the 2021 Scottish Retail Food and Drink Awards

This year’s inaugural Scottish Retail Food and Drink Awards saw Aldi enjoy enormous success as the most-awarded supermarket, winning an impressive 19 accolades for a variety of its high-quality Scottish food and drink.

After almost three weeks of intensive judging involving hundreds of products and more than 60 expert judges from across the food and drink sector, a range of Aldi’s Scottish products from various food and drink categories were announced as the winners.

As well as scooping three Gold Awards in the beer, gin and spirit categories, Aldi also took home two of the six highly sought-after Platinum Awards for their Specially Selected Steak & Ale Pie and 12-Year-Old Speyside Whisky. Both products were described as being “well-balanced”, “exceptional value for money” and of “absolutely outstanding quality”.

Helen Lyons, Scottish Retail Food and Drink Awards Co-Founder, said: “My congratulations go out to all our winners and a big well done to Aldi for their sweeping success this year, which is thoroughly deserved. Their championing of Scottish produce is so clear.

“The Scottish Retail Food and Drink Awards recognises and celebrates the best produce available in Scotland. Our goal has always been to get more Scottish food and drink products onto more shelves, and it has been such a joy to see the high standard of entries this year.

“Receiving a Scottish Retail Food and Drink Award is a stamp of excellence. Aldi should be very proud of their many successes this year, especially their two Platinum Awards.”

Graham Nicolson, Group Buying Director, Aldi Scotland, added: “I am thrilled that 19 of our Scottish products have been recognised by the Scottish Retail Food and Drink Awards. Our success really demonstrates our commitment to providing our customers with the best quality produce that Scotland has to offer at an affordable price.

“I am also so pleased that Aldi has been highlighted as leading the way in Scottish sourcing. The awards and this recognition are a testament to the hard work and dedication of our Scottish suppliers.”

Aldi leads the way with local sourcing and stocks some of the finest quality food and drink from over 90 Scottish suppliers. After reaching their initial goal of stocking over 450 Scottish products by the end of 2020, the supermarket has now increased this target to stock over 500 locally sourced products in the next two years.

The complete range of Aldi Scotland products that have won at the 2021 Scottish Retail Food & Drink Awards are:

ALDI Scotland Product WinnersCategoryRetail Price
12-year-old Speyside WhiskyPlatinum Award – Drink£20.99, 70cl
Specially Selected Steak & Ale PiePlatinum Award – Food£1.99, 250g
ToradhGold Award – Gin£14.99, 70cl
EidynGold Award – Gin£19.99, 70cl
Anti AGold Award – Beer£1.19, 330ml
RubusGold Award – Beer£1.25, 330ml
12-year-old Speyside WhiskyGold Award – Other Spirits£20.99, 70cl 
Specially Selected Sundried Tomato, Lentil & Smoked Paprika SoupStore Cupboard£0.75, 380g
Specially Selected Chicken BalmoralReady Meals & Accompaniments£3.79, 465g
Specially Selected Steak & Ale PieQuiches, Pies and Pasties£1.99, 250g 
Specially Selected Aberdeen Angus 36-Day Aged RibeyeSteak£4.89, 227g
Specially Selected Black PuddingHaggis, Black & White Pudding£0.99, 200g
Specially Selected Scotch Aberdeen Angus Dry Aged Steak BurgerBurgers and Sausages£2,49, 340g
Ginger, Chilli and Lime Infused Scottish Salmon FilletsFish£2.99, 220g
Specially Selected Jersey MilkDairy£0.95, 1l
Specially Selected Scottish Vintage CheddarCheese£1.25, 200g
Specially Selected Orkney Caramel BiscuitsBiscuits – Sweet£1.69, 200g
Specially Selected Oatcake Bikes – Lockerbie CheddarBiscuits – Savoury£0.99, 175g

Aldi’s Specially Selected Lemon Shortbread Rounds were also Commended in the Biscuits – Sweet category.

CALA partners with Tom Kitchin for show home cook-along

KITCHENS within one of Edinburgh’s most high-profile developments are getting the ultimate grilling thanks to a partnership with renowned Michelin-star chef, Tom Kitchin.

In celebration of local producers and the reopening of Edinburgh’s vibrant hospitality scene, Tom is collaborating with CALA Homes (East) on a live event at its Boroughmuir development in the city.

The Masterchef judge regular will be hosting a cook-along at the housebuilder’s recently opened second showhome on 7th May, using ingredients locally-sourced from his favourite suppliers in the city, and showing how home cooks can replicate the magic of his restaurant dishes.

On the menu is salmon fillet, sourced from Welch fishmongers at Newhaven served with spring peas and broad beans. The full recipe will be shared ahead of the event for budding home chefs and followers to easily follow along on the day. 

Chef Kitchin, Scotland’s youngest winner of a Michelin star and Chef Proprietor of four businesses across Edinburgh and East Lothian (The Kitchin, The Scran & Scallie, The Bonnie Badger & Southside Scran), believes the partnership is the perfect opportunity to showcase the best of Scottish produce and hospitality as the industry reopens.

He said: “Edinburgh has a fantastic hospitality scene and it’s great to do something fun and a bit different to celebrate the reopening of restaurants, bars and pubs across the country.

“The invite from CALA is a fantastic opportunity to try out the kitchens at Boroughmuir, while giving home cooks a challenge to replicate the quality of a restaurant meal at home.

“The CALA kitchens have an incredible specification and look like the perfect setting for getting creative, so I’m excited to visit and try everything out.”

Chef Kitchin will be cooking in the development’s showhome kitchen which has been designed by Kitchens International and is fully equipped with integrated Siemens appliances throughout, including an induction hob, fridge-freezer, black glass and stainless steel oven, and combination microwave oven.

Philip Hogg, Sales and Marketing Director with CALA Homes (East), said: “It’s a real honour to have Scotland’s most renowned chef cooking in a CALA kitchen – we’re thrilled to have him showcase how you can create a restaurant-quality dish from home.

“Since we welcomed our first residents late last year, we’ve heard a lot of great feedback on our kitchens, so we wanted to showcase and celebrate that, as well as local produce and hospitality, as best we could.”

To join the cook-along, follow @calahomes on Instagram or Facebook and tune in to the live stream from 5pm on 7th May or search for the dedicated hashtag, #TheKitchinAtCALA

Are you interested in a career in the fire service?

Scotland’s national service is reaching out to members of the LGBT+ community to encourage them to consider a career in the fire service.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is inviting underrepresented groups to a dedicated online information session about operational and non-operational roles.

An exclusive session is being held for members of the LGBT+ community this week.

Liz Barnes is the Director of People and Organisational Development for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. She said: “As an equal opportunities employer, we strive to ensure our workforce represents the communities we work in.

“We want to reach out to diverse groups. This can help increase the number of applicants, which means that we will get the best candidates applying for the right job.”

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the information sessions moved online last year. Next month, they continue with a dedicated LGBT+ event on Thursday (6 May) between 6pm and 8pm.

Liz continued: “During the sessions, we’ll aim to answer questions about the range of careers available in the service and how you can apply for these roles.

“It’s also important for us to discuss any challenges you feel there are and how we may assist in overcoming these.”   

Anyone who wishes to attend can sign up via Eventbrite: 

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/lgbt-information-session-tickets-152107711259

Places are limited however, there will be a holding list for future events.

More online information sessions are planned for other underrepresented groups who are interested in learning more about careers in the fire service, they will be announced shortly.