10/06/2021 – Page 2 – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

COP26 Green Power List: Scottish Power seeks green champions and innovators across Edinburgh

ScottishPower is calling on communities across the nation to nominate their top green champions ahead of this year’s United Nations COP26 Climate Change Conference.

The firm, which generates 100% green electricity, is looking for stories of inspiring green champions across Edinburgh, from volunteers helping communities to go greener and innovators creating environmentally friendly technology, to policymakers pushing their community to tackle climate change and passionate people campaigning for an environmental cause close to their heart.

ScottishPower is a principal partner of the United Nations COP26 Climate Change Conference, which will be hosted by the UK in Glasgow this November. The top 26 nominees from across the country will become a part of the Green Power List, with a platform to continue their important work.

The energy supplier is also searching for inspiring young people who have taken on the climate challenge in their own community and have made a real difference in the move towards a cleaner, greener future. Young people nominated will be considered for the Youth Green Power List featuring 26 young people under the age of 30.

Find further information on how to nominate an inspiring green champion in your community here – https://www.scottishpower.com/pages/green_power_list.aspx

Keith Anderson, CEO of ScottishPower, said: “Everyone has a part to play in tackling the climate emergency and with the UK hosting COP26, this is a chance to celebrate the green champions and innovators in our communities right across the country who are taking on the climate crisis in their own unique way.

“If you know someone in your community or workplace who is making a difference, we urge you to nominate them so their story can inspire others.

“We are passionate about showcasing people of all ages and backgrounds who are doing their bit to create a better planet and future for the next generation.”

ScottishPower is the UK’s only integrated energy company and generates 100% green electricity from offshore and onshore wind. It is developing an energy model that will play a significant role in reaching the UK’s world-leading climate change targets and is investing £10billion in the UK over five years – £6 million every working day – to double its renewable generation capacity and drive forward decarbonisation to support the move towards Net Zero emissions.

Its plans include new solar, wind and battery infrastructure, green hydrogen facilities and undertaking the mammoth task of upgrading parts of the country’s energy network to accommodate the expected rapid increase in demand for electricity.

Not Just a Jersey: Hibernian unveils home kit for new season

Hibernian, along with newly appointed technical partner Joma, are excited to present the new official home kit for the 2021/22 season.

The traditional green body and white sleeves remain with the creative sublimation of the street map of Edinburgh showcasing the Club’s strong links across the city. The Club crest proudly sits in its rightful place of Leith within the city map.

Joma has created a shirt preserving the identity of Hibernian using green as the main feature. It is designed with a regular fitting providing comfort adjustment to the body to prevent pulling and provides freedom of movement.

The bottle-green colour grades into a darker emerald green at the bottom in a way to extend the Hibernian feeling further out of the City, into the wider communities of Edinburgh.

Hibernian Creative Manager Peter Burt said: “Our partnership with Joma has allowed us a greater level of creativity which hasn’t been possible with previous kit partners.

“They understand our brand aspirations and working closely with their design team we were able to create something completely unique to our supporters, and the City.”

Interim Chief Executive Greg McEwan added: “As a club we have set some ambitious targets, but realistic at the same time, and with this new kit you can tell we are passionate about our position within the City of Edinburgh and how we plan to grow our brand within the City, the wider country and beyond.

“This kit is really focused on our fans. It is their City and from this design it is very much green and white.”

Joma products are recognised for their quality and technological features. The brand’s quality standards have been applied to the garments for Hibernian.

Fans have given the new strip the thumbs-up:

‘It’s a great design, not like any I have seen before from the Club. It’s a great fit and feels like good quality’ – Scott Robertson

”One of my favourite kits to date, all the small details really add up to make something special for an incredible Club and I am proud to wear our badge” – Jade Brydon (above)

“I thought it was a great design, the stencil outline of Leith embedded into the green is pretty special. Joma and the club have done a great job. Sure it’s going to be a popular kit” – Dan Blake

The shirts are manufactured using polyester, characterised by its quality and elasticity, in addition to being highly resistant and easy care.

This fabric has excellent breathability, due to the application of a next-gen finish, giving the garment’s outer layer enhanced perspiration wicking capacity for speedy evaporation, thus keeping the body dry.

In those areas where the player requires greater perspiration support, polyester is replaced by a MESH fabric, a mesh section allowing air to enter the garment and come into contact with the skin, drying it and retaining a constant body temperature. Antibacterial treatment has also been included.

The new 2021/22 home kit will be available to pre-order next week. Keep an eye on the Hibernian FC website and social media platforms for confirmation of timings. The kit will be available in store from week commencing 7^th July.

Cat welfare education talks can now reach all corners of Scotland

The necessity of taking Cats Protection’s children’s education talks online because of the pandemic has had an unexpected benefit as the charity can now deliver these talks to the length and breadth of Scotland, no matter how remote the classroom.

Volunteers and education officers from Cats Protection love going into schools and community groups to share their feline knowledge with enraptured children, so when the pandemic hit the charity had to quickly look ways to continue these activities.

The challenge was how to deliver an online class that was still as engaging, fun and interactive as in-person ones had been for many years.

The talks help children understand cat welfare and how to be a responsible pet owner using games, animations and storytelling.

Using an online learning platform, the charity has come up with an offering that surpassed expectations and means it can reach more children than ever before as it is no longer constrained by volunteer numbers or geography – the only ask is for a robust internet connection.

Delivered via a readily available video conferencing platform the talks are tailored to three age groups 5-11 years, 7-9 years and 9-11 years. Careers-based talks for secondary pupils and guest lectures for students studying Animal Management at further education level can also be arranged.

Education Team Manager Shelley Brown said: “Delivered by experienced education speakers, our talks are perfect for children and young people across a range of ages.

“We offer a truly interactive learning experience that allows the whole class to get involved. Our exciting new talks feature videos, stories, challenges and games enabling fun learning in a safe way. As potential pet owners of tomorrow, we help children to develop empathy and an understanding of cats and their needs”

To find out more about the talks and to book, visit www.education.cats.org.uk/book-a-talk/

Briggs: Powderhall Green Corridor delay due to Spaces for People

Lothian MSP Miles Briggs is disappointed that the project to transform the Powderhall Railway path into a green corridor has been delayed due to the Spaces for People initiative.

In a letter to the MSP from Edinburgh Council, the Active Travel Department said that “Progress on this has been delayed by the need to re-allocate staff resources to develop and deliver temporary Spaces for People (SfP) schemes”.

The feasibility study into transitioning the disuses railway line into a green corridor is due later this summer, with Network Rail amendable to amendable to the “repurposing of the Powderhall spur line into high-quality urban green corridor for people to walk, cycle and wheel on”.

Network Rail have said the railway line is still classed as operational railway, because the track that leads there is still connected to the wider rail network.

Lothian MSP, Miles Briggs, said: “I am pleased that talks with Network Rail are going well and they are open to transforming the Powderhall spur line into a high quality green corridor.

“It is disappointing that the project team looking at the Green Corridor transformation has been delayed due to working on Spaces for People schemes.

“This is a great opportunity to create a safe green space to connect Powerhall to Meadowbank and beyond.

“The new Powderhall Green Corridor will be excellent for people to walk, cycle and wheel on, as well as fitting in with Edinburgh’s Active Travel strategy.”

Newhaven Fishwives take centre stage in new audio play

Newhaven’s iconic fishwives are at the heart of the latest audio drama from Leith-based theatre company, Citadel Arts Group.

The Fishwives, by Lizzie McLean, stars Nicola Roy as one of the titular fishwives. Nicola is the host and creator of The Cultural Coven podcast and she enjoyed international success playing Elmire in an award-winning production of Liz Lochead’s Tartuffe at the 2020 Adelaide Fringe.

The Fishwives may be set in 1812, but it highlights some surprisingly modern attitudes, as the play’s Director, Mark Kydd explains: “What really struck me about the play was the degree of autonomy and financial independence enjoyed by Newhaven Fishwives in the early nineteenth century, not a period renowned for women’s emancipation.

“I think Lizzie’s writing beautifully captures the strength, humour and camaraderie of these women.”

Nicola (whose character helps a Leith lad evade the clutches of the notorious pressgangs who roamed the ports during the Napoleonic Wars) agrees: “The Fishwives is a beautiful, lively little piece about the resilience, humour and rather modern Newhaven Fishwives.

“As an Edinburgh girl and actress it was great to work in east coast dialect which the writer, Lizzie, captured so well and to learn of the important history and contribution of these ‘on the surface’ ordinary women.”

Not only is the play set in Newhaven, but the production also has a number of connections with the area.

The play’s writer, Lizzie McLean, is Newhaven based, as is musician Sophia Abrahamsen, whose expertise helped bring the vibrant history of the Newhaven Fishwives to life.

Producer and founder of Citadel Arts Group, Liz Hare says: “We wanted to make sure the play was as accurate as possible, so had asked Sophia – who’s in the Newhaven Choir – to help us find some traditional songs to feature in the piece.

“Not only did she find us three wonderful songs, which she also performs in the play, but she was also able to share her historical expertise on the fishwives, helping us with details such as authentic names and language.

“As the last known Newhaven fishwife is believed to have retired as recently as 1976, there are still many people who will remember these remarkable women, so it was particularly important to us to honor their history and traditions”

The Fishwives will be available online at www.citadelgoesviral.com from Sunday 13 June.

WWF celebrates Sir David Attenborough’s outstanding contributions to global conservation

Sir David Attenborough, world renowned naturalist, writer and broadcaster, has been named the recipient of WWF’s Duke of Edinburgh Conservation Award which honours and recognizes outstanding contributions made to the global conservation movement.

For over 60 years, Sir David Attenborough has brought the wonders of the natural world to our screens and into our homes, completely transforming our view of the wild world and inspiring action for our planet’s most precious species and fragile habitats.

His extraordinary broadcasting career began when he joined BBC Television in 1952. From his first ever documentary series to the more recent A Life On Our Planet, Sir David Attenborough has become synonymous with natural history programming.

His lifelong ambition has been to create societal affinity with the natural world through his work and he has been a strong advocate for the need to translate this affinity into real, collective action to protect our planet.

“Sir David Attenborough has been a passionate champion for the natural world, dedicating his life to inspiring hundreds of millions around the world to love and care for nature and wildlife. Across more than 60 years, his universal appeal has transcended generations and borders,” said Pavan Sukhdev, President of WWF International.

“With nature in crisis like never before, we need everyone on the planet to be a voice for nature and Sir David Attenborough has been a shining example of that advocacy. He has been integral in explaining nature to audiences and inspiring action for our planet, our one shared home.”

The Duke of Edinburgh Conservation Award carries particular poignancy this year given the passing of His Royal Highness the late Duke of Edinburgh in April.

Prince Philip – who would have turned 100 today – was a pivotal patron of WWF, serving as a passionate voice, advocate and champion for the organization’s work from its creation and particularly as WWF International’s President from 1981 to 1996. The Prince was also the first president of WWF-UK, from its founding in 1961 until 1982.

In 1970, WWF established its prestigious award, eponymously named the Duke of Edinburgh Conservation Award, to recognize and encourage significant achievement in the global environmental field.

Sir David said: “It is a particular honour to receive an award that carries the name of His Royal Highness the late Duke of Edinburgh. The Duke was a great pioneer of the conservation movement both in the UK and internationally.

“His concern for the natural world came from a deep knowledge and understanding, and his energy, advocacy and ability to reach leaders and people all around the world was an inspiration.”

This year WWF marks 60 years of conservation impact and its mission has only grown in relevance and scope over the last six decades, expanding from the protection of species and places to a systemic approach to nature conservation and sustainable development, partnering with others to address the conservation at scale of wildlife, forests, ocean and freshwater systems and to tackle the main drivers of nature loss.

Today WWF is calling for urgent action to address the global climate and nature crises and ensure a sustainable future for all. The conservation movement, along with world leaders, businesses and communities will have to achieve more in the next 10 years than in the last 60.

Sir David added: “The natural world has never been in greater need of help than it is today. I have seen the damage we have done to it myself. The good news is more and more people are beginning to recognise the threat of impending catastrophe.

“But there is a long way to go and time is running out. It will be the next generation that determines the future of our planet, and the passion of young people that will ensure that change happens.”

MSP applauds talking newspaper

Edinburgh Pentlands MSP, Gordon MacDonald, has commended Cue and Review, a talking newspapers daily service in Scotland, on the launch of their new Alexa “skill” app “Talking Newspaper”.

The MSP welcomed the app, which allows visually and reading impaired users to access talking newspapers and magazines from all over the UK using their Alexa device, by lodging a celebratory motion in The Scottish Parliament

The project was funded with £50,485 from the Scottish Government’s Community Recovery Fund, which enabled Cue and Review, since January 2021, to work on the project with the British Wireless for the Blind Fund (BWBF). The app is currently compatible with all Scottish talking newspaper titles available on the current BWBF Talking Newspaper phone app onto Alexa.

To get started using the skill say “Alexa Enable, Talking Newspapers”. Then say “Alexa, open talking newspaper” to your Alexa device. A short message will play, meaning you have successfully started the skill. Say “play” and the name of the title you would like to listen to; for example, “play Cue and Review The National”.

SNP MSP, Gordon MacDonald, said: “The last year has shown, more than ever, how important it is to be able to access quality, trusted news. It lets us stay informed and connected on a daily basis, and is a vital resource when we are going through some of the toughest times in our lives. It should go without saying that those who are visually and reading impaired should have access to this too.

“I am thrilled that Cue and Review have managed to launch their Alexa Skill , “Talking Newspaper”, and I would like to extend a huge congratulations to everyone who has been involved in this success.

“I would also encourage anyone who would like to support this extremely worthwhile initiative, to volunteer with Cue and Review – you can even help from your own home. I understand that the service is heavily reliant on volunteers so every bit of help will be very much appreciated.”

£250,000 recovery fund for Capital’s carers

The City of Edinburgh Council and VOCAL, Voice of Carers Across Lothian, have announced a new Carers Recovery Fund.

Recognising the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on unpaid carers, the City of Edinburgh Council has committed to an investment of £250,000 to support unpaid carers. VOCAL will serve as the lead partner, managing the delivery of the fund.

Prior to the pandemic, 65,084 people in Edinburgh had caring responsibilities, 13.7% of the population. For many their caring role increased massively and it is estimated that across Scotland nearly 400,000 additional citizens took on caring responsibilities.

Research released for Carers Week by the Carers Week charities found that 71% of unpaid carers in Scotland have not had any breaks from their caring role during the pandemic.

Of those who got a break, over a third (36%) used the time to complete practical tasks or housework, and almost a quarter (24%) to attend their own medical appointments.

Three quarters (77%) reported being exhausted as a result of caring during the pandemic.

More than a third (36%) said they feel unable to manage their unpaid caring role.

The Carers Recovery Fund is an important step towards further investment in carers as the largest providers of care in our communities. The Fund will be allocated as a one-off payment to individual carers, and can be used to support carer health and wellbeing, enable carers to take a short break and to improve the financial wellbeing of carers.

Cllr Joan Griffiths, Carers Champion for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “I’m so pleased we’re investing £250k in this Carers Recovery Fund in recognition of the extra challenges and additional pressures they have faced during the pandemic.

“Many carers have been unable to get a break from their role and have suffered a loss of support networks so this one off investment recognises the dedicated, unheralded and unpaid work they do.

“This funding is really important in the current climate especially for young carers who have been badly affected by not being able to meet their friends through lost school time. Anything we can do to support them is welcome news and we look forward to working with VOCAL on this project.

“The Carers Recovery Fund is part of a wider £21m package boosting our work for core ambitions of the Council – tackling poverty and inequality, boosting sustainability and enhancing wellbeing for everyone here in Edinburgh.”

Sebastian Fischer, Chief Executive of VOCAL said: “We look forward to working with the City of Edinburgh Council to administer the new Carers Recovery Fund for unpaid carers across the city.

“As the Carers Week report has shown, many carers have not been able to access a break due to the pandemic. Now, more than ever, the health and social care system relies on unpaid carers.

“It is vital that their right to regular breaks is recognised. This investment is a statement of intent and will have a positive impact on the lives of individual carers across different caring roles.”

COP26 launches environment education packs for UK schools and students

UK schools to promote the environment to students ahead of COP26 climate conference in November
Prime Minister visits school in Cornwall as part of school education pack launch
Education Pack to encourage student climate leaders to come forward as an inspiration to others

Schools across the UK are being encouraged to start a conversation on climate change with their students, ahead of the UK hosting global climate summit COP26 later this year, as the Together for Our Planet Schools Pack launches today (Thursday 10 June).

The pack, which is hosted on the COP26 website and sent to UK schools, is designed to engage students on climate action, encourage conversations about tackling climate change, and help students learn more about the COP26 summit in Glasgow this year. This will include a guide for running a green assembly, along with ideas like a ‘walk to school’ week and resources that have been created by the likes of WWF and TED Talks to support schools.

Ahead of the G7 Leaders’ Summit, the Prime Minister will visit a school in Cornwall today to see how schools and students are already playing their part in protecting the environment and learning about the fight against climate change.

As part of the pack, there will also be content focused on identifying the UK’s future student climate leaders, remarkable young people who are already contributing to climate action in many ways including recycling, eating seasonal foods and walking to school. The actions that schools and pupils are taking across the country will help inspire others to follow their lead.

On the launch of pack, the COP26 President-Designate, Alok Sharma said: “The role of young people in tackling climate change, one of the greatest challenges of our generation, will be crucial.

“I am delighted to see this school pack being launched today which will be made available right across the UK so that pupils can bring discussion and debate on the environment directly to their classrooms.

“It will be exciting to see young people engage on this pressing issue ahead of COP26.”

The Secretary of State for Education, Gavin Williamson said: “When I visit schools around the country, something I’m always struck by is how engaged in environmental issues young people are. Tackling climate change requires action from each of us on an individual and collective basis and this pack helps schools encourage both those things.

“I’m excited to see how schools’ climate leaders bring their passion, creativity and intelligence to help us secure a sustainable future.”

Matt Larsen-Daw, Education Manager, WWF-UK said: “I’m delighted to be involved in the launch of today’s Together For Our Planet Schools Pack and to have been part of its development.

“Young people have the biggest stake in the outcomes of the UN COP in November, and it is vital that they are informed and engaged as this pivotal milestone in the fight against climate change takes place on their doorstep, here in the UK.

“This pack can help educators bring COP and the issues it seeks to address to life for their students and the whole school community.”

Matt Hipperson, Head Teacher, St Luke’s CEVA Primary School said: “The issue of climate change is probably the most important problem of our age. It is destroying opportunities for large areas of our planet to prosper and live sustainably.

“Our most important resource in the struggle against the impact of climate change is our young people who have the bravery to make the changes needed to give the world hope for a sustainable future.

“This resource will help our children access trustworthy information, organise their thoughts and work towards the solutions that our planet is crying out for.”