The Scottish Ambulance Service has teamed up with West Lothian College to promote a new Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) in health and social care for staff working at our Mobile Testing Units (MTUs).
The Gateway to Health and Social Care SVQ is a nine-week course developed by West Lothian College in collaboration with the Service.
It provides MTU operatives with the opportunity to formally demonstrate their current skills and knowledge which they have developed in their work at the testing centres. The course, starting in June 2021, is a stepping stone for those who are interested in pursuing a career in Health and Social Care, as successful completion of this short course can be used towards the full SVQ award.
This opportunity for staff working within the MTU has been made possible by a £200 grant for each staff member from Skills Development Scotland. It will provide MTU operatives with a transferable qualification to apply for further opportunities within health and social care.
Our 39 MTUs across Scotland support the ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic by ensuring patients in urban, rural and remote areas have easy access to a coronavirus test. The location of the units is planned by National Services Scotland and local resilience partnerships.
John Alexander, General Manager for the Mobile Testing Units (MTUs) said: “So far over 300 staff members have looked into applying for this great opportunity, which allow them to receive a formal qualification following the practical skills they have developed in their roles.
“We’ve seen the dedication of our staff who have signed up to work at Mobile Testing Units, many of whom were working in very different roles before the pandemic, and this qualification will equip our staff with further skills to develop their careers.”
Jackie Galbraith, Principal of West Lothian College said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Scottish Ambulance Service on this opportunity for their staff and to support the development of the Health and Social Care workforce.
“This is a really valuable qualification, allowing MTU operatives to transfer their skills to other areas within health and social care. I have no doubt that our excellent team of work-based assessors will enable Mobile Testing Unit staff to succeed in this new qualification.”
Fort Kinnaird has gifted £1,250 worth of books to Venchie Children & Young People’s Project to be given to children and young people in the South East of Edinburgh.
Venchie’s Children & Young People’s Project helps children and young people in Niddrie with a range of play, recreation, and issue-based youth work.
The donation means that the charity has been able to gift a diverse range of books covering a variety of genres and themes for different age groups, providing local youngsters with stories to read for enjoyment at home.
The books have been delivered by Venchie’s alongside special art boxes by to enable youngsters in the local area to keep being creative during lockdown.
The initiative has been led by Fort Kinnaird’s owner, British Land, and the National Literacy Trust through their ongoing partnership which is now in its tenth year.
This latest contribution is part of the shopping centre’s broader work in the community, which included the donation of 300 books during the first lockdown last year, as well as the installation of a Giving Box at Fort Kinnaird where visitors can make contactless donations to support local charities.
Susan Heron, Manager at Venchie Children & Young People’s Project, said: “The pandemic has impacted the families we help in all kinds of ways, and we’re incredibly thankful for all of the support Fort Kinnaird has given to us.
“These book donations have helped children of all ages across our community who might not have had access to them otherwise.”
Fort Kinnaird, Edinburgh. April 15 2021
Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said:“We’ve been supporting Venchie’s Children & Young People’s Project for many years, and know they do an incredible job supporting youngsters in the local area.
“The past twelve months have been challenging for all charities, so it’s now more important than ever to keep supporting them as they continue to give back to those most in need.”
Jonathan Douglas, chief executive of the National Literacy Trust, said: “We know that 1 in 11 disadvantaged children do not have a single book at home and that this can be hugely detrimental to their development.
“Initiatives like these ensure local families have books to enjoy at home, and children’s imaginations and literacy skills can continue to thrive.”
Cyrenians has launched their summer appeal ‘Food That Goes Further’, appealing for regular support to their community food projects to ‘help make sure that no one goes hungry’.
Cyrenians is a Scottish homelessness charity, tackling the causes and consequences of homelessness. A large part of their work includes their community food projects – including community pantries, offering dignified access to low-cost, high-quality food, and cooking skills classes.
Joe Gair, Cook School volunteer, said: “No one should have to go hungry. Too often, people struggling to make ends meet are told what to eat, when, and who with – often, that means people just go without. This isn’t good enough.
“Food insecurity comes as a result of living in poverty, and having to make impossible choices, like paying for food or paying your rent. It isolates you from the wider community and has a real impact on your mental and physical wellbeing.
“At our Good Food projects, anyone can come, which makes getting food as well as support so much easier. From money issues to housing, once you’ve built up a relationship with someone, it’s much easier to talk about it and find out how to get help.”
Cyrenians’ food projects include a diverse range of social enterprises – from Cyrenians Farm in Kirknewton, and Arnotdale House and Café in Falkirk, to their Community Cook School and Fareshare depot in Leith. Providing value to local communities, and creating employment and training opportunities, the profits raised from these projects are then reinvested back into Cyrenians’ work tackling homelessness.
Sue O’Neill-Berest, Food Education Manager,said: “Communities cannot be held responsible for food insecurity in Scotland, but community food projects are well-placed to respond to crises, and to promote dignity at a local level.
That’s why our food projects make sure that people can access low-cost, high quality food, and with dignity: open to all, and where people are able to choose what they eat, and when.”
Ewan Aitken CEO,said: “At Cyrenians, we know that the social connections that are creating around making and sharing meals can be just as important as the meals themselves. Building strong community relationships and making sure people can get support they need way before they reach crisis point is a key part of our work tackling homelessness.
“In addition to that, we’re creating employment and job opportunities for communities, and helping to increase the availability of good food to local communities – working with local businesses and producers to create sustainable food networks that are good for people and good for the planet.
“Our community food projects are needed more than ever. We need to build on these projects – but we can’t do that alone.
“If you can, please support our #FoodThatGoesFurther appeal and help make sure that no one goes hungry”
The R&A has announced the countdown to The 150th Open which kicks off with the launch of a special commemorative brand and the introduction of a ticket ballot to ensure the most equitable ticket sales process possible.
First played in 1860, The Open has been graced by golf’s greatest champions including Tom Morris, the grandfather of golf, Bobby Jones, Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Tom Watson, Seve Ballesteros, Sir Nick Faldo and Tiger Woods, and will mark its 150th playing with a true celebration of the sport at the Home of Golf from 10-17 July 2022.
With the extremely high levels of demand to attend this historic championship, the introduction of a ballot for tickets is deemed the fairest and most equitable way of ensuring golf fans from around the world have the chance to secure their place at the world-renowned Old Course next July. Hospitality for the event has been on sale since last year, with 85% of packages already sold.
The ticket ballot will run from Thursday, 1 July 2021 to Monday, 4 October 2021 giving as many fans as possible the opportunity to register for tickets.
A balance of allocations will ensure every generation of fan, from all over the world, as well as throughout the UK and the local area, will be able to attend the celebrations in St Andrews next July.
Martin Slumbers, Chief Executive of The R&A, said: “This is a momentous occasion for golf as well as The Open and one which sports fans everywhere are looking forward to enormously. The 150th Open will give fans the opportunity to be part of a unique and unparalleled celebration at the birthplace of the game in St Andrews.
“We expect exceptional demand to be part of these celebrations and the ballot will give as many fans as possible the chance to secure a ticket and be part of history being made at one of the world’s most revered and renowned sporting events.”
The new 150th commemorative brand will be displayed across a campaign of content and activations that will run throughout the next 14 months until the conclusion of next year’s Championship at St Andrews. The focus of the campaign will be the remarkable journey of The Open and its enduring impact on players, fans and the sport of golf itself since it was first staged back in 1860.
The 150th logo is made up of individual threads that each represent the millions of journeys connected to the Championship.
From the greats of the game, to the hundreds of millions of golfers who have played the game since 1860, to the vast array of championships that take place in the global golfing calendar, the journey of our sport is intimately linked to the pioneers who started The Open to identify the Champion Golfer of the Year more than a century-and-a-half ago.
The threads will be prominently used in imagery throughout the build-up to The 150th Open, emphasising the campaign’s central message that ‘everything has led to this’ as we count down to what promises to be a truly unforgettable occasion.
Ticket prices for The 150th Open will be £95 for an adult on Championship days and will range from £20 to £50 on practice days.
The R&A is fully committed to encouraging more children and young people to attend The Open and free tickets will be available to children through the successful and long-running “Kids go Free” programme, while half-price youth tickets are available for 16-24 year-olds. In order to give as many people as possible the chance to attend the Championship, weekly tickets are being discontinued.
The ticket ballot will be available exclusively to members of The One Club, the free-to-join membership programme.
ST ANDREWS, SCOTLAND – JULY 1978: Jack Nicklaus of the United States looks on following his victory during The 107th Open Championship held on the Old Course at St Andrews, from July 12-15,1978 in St Andrews, Scotland. (Photo by R&A via Getty Images)
Fans can sign up to The One Club any time at www.TheOpen.com and will be among the first to be notified when the ballot is open.
Origins Hospitality, a range of fully inclusive experiences, is available to purchase now and is the only way fans can guarantee their place at the Championship.
A statement from the Scottish Football Association:
Now that the window for Scotland Supporters Club members to purchase UEFA EURO 2020 tickets has closed, all supporters are asked not to travel to London for our EURO 2020 Group D match against England on Friday, 18 June unless they have a ticket for the match.
Trafalgar Square, the traditional gathering point for Scotland supporters, is being used as a socially-distanced, ticketed Fan Zone for key workers, while pubs and bars in London are expected to limit the number of football fans allowed in due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
With Covid restrictions still in place prohibiting large gatherings, Scotland supporters are asked to help limit the spread of the virus by remaining in Scotland. Please stay safe and enjoy the match locally.
Drum Property Group’s vision for the long-awaited redevelopment of a key development site on Leith Walk is to become a reality following the granting of planning consent.
Drum’s ambitious proposals for Stead’s Place, near the foot of Leith Walk, were approved by the City of Edinburgh Council today, heralding a major regeneration of the 2.9-acre site and bringing much-needed investment and interest to this important part of the city centre.
The Stead’s Place site has been earmarked for development by the Council since 2008 and consists largely of an aged industrial estate and office space, together with a two-storey sandstone building facing directly on to Leith Walk.
Drum will now replace the existing industrial units with 148 high-quality apartments, including 38 affordable homes, as part of an attractive landscaped residential scheme linking to Pilrig Park and beyond.
The sandstone building will be retained and refurbished and made available for commercial occupation, providing a vibrant local retail and business frontage onto Leith Walk.
The planning consent is the culmination of four years of research, planning and local community engagement by Drum since the company first purchased the site in 2017.
The current proposal follows a comprehensive six-month consultation programme with the local residential and business community, with almost three-quarters of those consulted either supportive or neutral about the revised plans.
Welcoming the planning approval, Graeme Bone, Group Managing Director of Drum said: “Drum has worked hard to ensure our current proposals are aligned with the objectives and plans of local community groups.
“We listened carefully to their views, enabling us to draw on the positive characteristics of the surrounding area to create a real sense of place that features a mix of private and affordable housing with a refurbished, vibrant and dynamic retail frontage facing Leith Walk.
“Our proposals will replace old and tired industrial, office and retail space with new, more flexible, higher quality accommodation for people to live, work, shop, eat, drink and to be entertained in – as well as opening up a safe and landscaped thoroughfare connecting Leith Walk to Pilrig Park.
“We believe we have responded directly to the objectives and vision the community has for the site. Our proposals now offer the optimum solution for all parties, providing a refurbished retail and office parade combined with a new community of housing to the rear, set in landscaped grounds, enhancing the area’s distinctive cultural feel and identity.”
Drum is now committed to ensuring the shop frontages on to Leith Walk retain the current individual style and size, reflecting and supporting the current local small trader units at the site whilst refurbishing the office suites for rent on the first floor in a revamped business centre offering.
Mr Bone added: “By retaining and refurbishing the red sandstone buildings facing on to Leith Walk, we are also contributing to the wider regeneration of the local area, providing investment to create an attractive and distinctive destination and focal point which is needed now, more than ever, as the local area recovers from lockdown and the new tram works are progressed.
“Drum are now looking forward to building on the positive and productive relationships established over recent years to deliver a new development that continues the rich tradition of diversity, independence and interest which makes Leith Walk such an exciting destination in which to live, work and visit.”
The planning consent follows a previous application submitted by Drum to the City of Edinburgh in 2018.
Stead’s Place Development Timeline:
2008
The 2.9-acre Stead’s Place site is first earmarked for development by the City of Edinburgh Council and becomes one of the city’s most prominent gap sites.
Spring 2017
Drum Property Group purchases the site.
Spring 2018
Drum launches a comprehensive consultation programme – including five days of public exhibitions and setting up a community liaison group
August 2018
Drum submits a planning application to the City of Edinburgh Council for a £50 million mixed-use development plan comprising homes, student accommodation and a hotel – plus a row of retail and restaurant/café outlets overlooking Leith Walk replacing the original sandstone building.
Nov 2018
Revised proposals are submitted reducing the Leith Walk elevation by one storey to keep the building in line with surrounding tenements. The revised proposals also include a more defined and distinct row for the sandstone retail units as well as increased provision for cyclists and pedestrians. The proposals receive more than 700 letters of public support.
Jan 23 2019
The City of Edinburgh Council planning officers recommend approval for Drum’s revised planning application.
Jan 30 2019
Despite the council planning officers recommending approval, Drum’s planning application is refused by the City of Edinburgh Council’s planning committee.
May 2019
Drum lodges an appeal with the Scottish Government challenging the council’s decision not to grant planning approval for the revised planning application.
Dec 2019
The Scottish Government Reporter decides not to uphold Drum’s appeal challenging the City of Edinburgh Council’s decision to refuse planning approval for the Stead’s Place development.
April 2020
Drum launches a Proposal of Application Notice (PAN) which retains the original sandstone building overlooking Leith Walk, which will be refurbished and made available for a range of commercial uses. The existing industrial units located behind Leith Walk are to be demolished and replaced with a new residential-led landscaped development linking to Pilrig Park and beyond.
July 2020
Drum launches an online consultation programme in line with Scottish Government advice following the restrictions in public movement imposed by the coronavirus pandemic.
Nov 2020
Following extensive feedback from the first online event, Drum launches a second online consultation event in advance of a planning application being submitted.
Dec 14 2020
Drum submits a revised planning application to the City of Edinburgh Council following consultation feedback showing more than 80% of consultees wanted to see the site developed
June 2021
The City of Edinburgh Council grants planning consent for Drum’s revised proposals.
Our bathing waters start 2021 season with 94% achieving strict environmental standards
94% of Scotland’s designated bathing waters have been rated sufficient or better by SEPA for the 2021 season.
More bathing waters (34%) have been rated as ‘excellent’ since tighter standards first came into force in 2015.
Half as many bathing waters rated as ‘poor’ than in 2019.
Partnership projects are currently underway to maintain progress and further improve bathing waters including the 5 rated as ‘poor.’
Scotland’s bathing water season officially began yesterday (1 June) in what is shaping up to be a busy year for the country’s beautiful beaches.
With 2021 the year of the staycation more people will be visiting our shorelines, and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) is encouraging everyone to know where they can find information on their favourite bathing location – and what they can do to help protect our water environment while they are there.
This season Scotland has more bathing waters rated as excellent, good or sufficient than at any point since tighter standards first came into force in 2015 – with 94% achieving one of the three grades. There are also half as many bathing waters rated poor as there were in 2019 – down to five from the 10 two years ago.
Scotland currently has 85 designated bathing waters, where SEPA monitors water quality during the season, which runs until 15 September. Sampling results are published online, and SEPA also has daily water quality predictions for 28 beaches which are available on its website by 10am daily. This enables visitors to decide whether their activities will include bathing, or if they will just enjoy on-shore activities.
One of the biggest impacts on the water quality at bathing waters is the weather, especially heavy rain. Because of this swimming is not advised at any bathing water during, or one to two days after, heavy rainfall as there is always a risk that water pollution may occur. This can be as a result of urban and agricultural run-off and sewerage sources.
Due to SEPA’s ongoing recovery from a complex and sophisticated cyber-attack in December 2020, the agency’s network of 29 electronic beach signs will not be fully operational for the start of season. Work is ongoing to re-introduce these over the next few weeks, and the same information is currently available on SEPA’s website.
Samples taken across the season are also used to calculate the general water quality classification for display at the start of the following season. Classifications are excellent, good, sufficient and poor, and are based on four years of monitoring data.
Due to a shortened bathing water season in 2020 because of the Covid-19 pandemic, it was not possible to collect the required number of samples to provide a classification. As a result each bathing water will retain the classification set at the end of 2019 – 29 Excellent; 31 good; 20 sufficient; 5 poor.
Terry A’Hearn, SEPA Chief Executive, said: “Protecting and improving our bathing waters is crucial for our environment, local economies and communities.
“We hope Scotland’s weather will enable both residents and visitors to enjoy our seaside resorts and beaches over the summer months, and with 94% of our beaches already meeting strict environmental standards, it’s great to see that there has been a continued general improvement in Scotland’s classifications over the last few years.
“While this is good progress, we understand that some local communities will be disappointed, as we are, that there are five bathing waters which have been rated as poor. Although it is important to remember that a ‘poor’ classification does not mean that water quality is poor every day – and these are still fantastic beaches to visit – SEPA is committed to the challenge of building on the progress Scotland has made and bringing all of our bathing waters up to ‘sufficient’ or better. We encourage you to look at our daily bathing water predictions.
“We continue to work with Scottish Government and our key partner organisations to help all of Scotland’s bathing waters improve in future years. Work is progressing through further investment and infrastructure improvements, along with managing pressures from rural and diffuse pollution and by engaging with communities.”
Improving water quality
All across Scotland, SEPA seeks to protect watercourses through licensing, inspection and regulation of discharges, advice and guidance to the public, industry, developers and local authorities, and pollution incident response.
SEPA officers have undertaken a series of pre-season inspections at key assets and locations across the country and will continue to monitor key locations throughout the season.
Unfortunately wet weather can have a negative impact on bathing waters. This is due to combined sewer overflows (CSOs) – which are designed to discharge diluted but minimally treated sewage to watercourses and coastal waters to prevent flooding – and run off from rural and urban environments (known as diffuse pollution). As a result SEPA advises against bathing for up to two days after heavy rain due to the risk of poor water quality.
SEPA continues to work closely with Scottish Government and Scottish Water to ensure that planned capital investment programmes aimed at upgrading sewerage infrastructure throughout the country are prioritised to maximise environmental benefits.
In addition, partnership with NFUS and Farming and Water Scotland allows us to work closely with farmers and land managers to provide advice and guidance so they can continue to minimise the impact land run-off can have on the rivers that flow into our bathing waters.
Help improve our beaches and coastlines
Visitors to Scotland’s beaches can also help to protect our water environment. SEPA supports Keep Scotland Beautiful’s (KSB) My Beach, Your Beach campaign.
Waste from animals or litter isn’t just unsightly but can have a negative impact on the water quality so we encourage the public to follow KSB’s advice to take litter home, to clean up after their dogs and to avoid feeding the gulls, ensuring a good beach experience for everyone who visits.
It’s also important that people understand the impacts what they flush away can have on the environment. Blockages can be caused by inappropriate items being flushed down toilets and poured down sinks – including fats, oils, greases and wipes. Whether you’re at home or on holiday, Scottish Water provides advice on how to protect the internal sewer network and Scotland’s water environment at www.scottishwater.co.uk/cycle.
More work underway
While there has been a positive upwards trend in Scotland’s bathing water quality due to focussed improvement plans and strong partnership working, there are a small number of beaches where poor water quality has been an issue for several years.
We have seen before how improvement projects have had a positive impact at beaches with historically poor classifications being rated as excellent, good or sufficient for the first time since 2015:
2019: Heads of Ayr (2021 excellent), Sandyhills (2021 good), Kinghorn (Harbour) (2021 sufficient) and Cruden Bay (2021 good)
As in 2020, Fisherrow Sands is not a designated bathing water this season. Despite making progress in the area to improve bathing water quality, Fisherrow Sands ended the 2019 bathing water season with a fifth ‘poor’ water quality classification.
Whilst this does not mean the beach is closed, it does mean general advice against bathing still applies at this location. Beach users may continue to make their own decisions as to whether they wish to swim.
SEPA will continue to engage with local community representatives about our monitoring work and all other actions focussing on improving the water quality in this location so that the advice against bathing may be withdrawn in future.
Ayr (South Beach)
Ayr (South Beach) currently has four poor classifications. If a poor classification is given after the 2021 season it would not be listed as a designated Bathing Water in 2022 and would have general advice against bathing displayed at the beach.
Work is currently ongoing to improve water quality and all partners are making every effort to ensure that Ayr (South Beach) meets the standard in 2021.
Since 2019, SEPA has had a targeted priority improvement plan in place at Ayr (South Beach), working with partners and regulated operators to focus efforts to protect and improve the bathing water status. Our combined resources and actions with key partners are designed to tackle all the issues which contribute to poor bathing water quality and ensure that the identified improvements are delivered and de-designation is not required.
Poorer water quality is mainly driven by rainfall and so water quality is often good – particularly during dry sunny periods. Although Ayr (South Beach) was classified ‘Poor’ overall in 2019, over 60% of the sample days showed acceptable levels.
Edinburgh Napier student Christy Orr develops tool in memory of her Gran
A sensory box that aims to comfort those affected by dementia through helping recall memories has been created by an Edinburgh Napier student.
Forget Me Not Box has been created by final year graphic design student Christy Orr.
The box contains a set of tools that help trigger the five senses – sight, smell, touch, taste and sound – helping those with dementia recall memories and retain identity. It gives the user the opportunity to completely personalise its items and is split into four main sections.
The lid can be used to showcase photographs. The inclusion of scent bottles provide opportunities for the user to include certain smells such as their favourite perfume. A built-in sound module can provide favourite music or even voice notes from loved ones with another compartment available to store treasured items such as marbles, medals and more.
The box also includes taste cards that can be used as a reminiscence tool. They feature photos and descriptions of food and drink that may trigger memories.
The aim of the box is to allow those affected by dementia to undertake reminiscence therapy sessions with a loved one or carer, with the playful items acting as conversation starters.
Christy, 22, has designed the box as part of her final year graphic design project at Edinburgh Napier, and will this week exhibit her work at the annual Edinburgh Napier Degree Show which takes place online from 2 June.
The toolkit has already been user-tested by individuals at various stages of their dementia diagnosis through a link-up with Yorkshire-based charity Dementia Forward. Christy has also received support from CogniHealth with the project.
Christy, who is from Cumbernauld originally, has created the toolkit in memory of her late-Gran after seeing first-hand her own experiences with Alzheimer’s.
She said: “I was quite young when I lost my Gran to Alzheimer’s but I remember finding it quite difficult to find things to initially talk to her about when I visited her. That’s really where the idea for Forget Me Not Box stemmed from. I wanted to create something that helped start those conversations.
“As I looked more into this area, and learnt more about reminiscence therapy and how it can help, it was important that my box had the ability to be completely personalised to an individual person.
“Everyone has different triggers that invoke memories – whether it be a certain smell, a sound, a photograph, the thought of eating fish and chips or the sight of something like a souvenir from a past holiday. It was essential that the toolkit could help include as many of these things as possible.
“Working with CogniHealth and Dementia Forward has been fantastic, and it’s great to have seen the box out there and being used by people who it was designed for. I’m still awaiting feedback from the user-testing but early indications show that it has been warmly received by those who have used it.
“Although this has been designed as part of my final year project at Edinburgh Napier, I’m very keen to continue with the idea as my time at the University comes to an end. I’m really looking forward to developing the box further in the coming months and if it can help some more people find comfort through a dementia diagnosis, then it’ll have been completely worthwhile.”
The Edinburgh Napier Degree Show runs from today – 2 June. More information and to view this year’s work, visit here.
