Month: June 2021

Public to be given a say on new development at Sheriffhall South

Buccleuch Property is to bring forward proposals for the construction of an employment development with ancillary uses on land at Sheriffhall South, Gilmerton Road/Melville Gate, Dalkeith, Midlothian. The development will extend to over 10,000 square metres and will create approximately 300 jobs.

The developer has formally submitted a Proposal of Application Notice (PAN) to Midlothian Council, informing that it intends to submit a planning application for the development following a minimum 12-week community consultation period.

The Scottish Government has suspended in-person public consultation events due to COVID-19.

Full details about the proposals will be made available to the public at 9 am on Tuesday 22nd June on the dedicated project website: www.sheriffhallsouth.com

An online consultation event will take place between 3pm and 7pm on Tuesday 22nd June. Interested parties can join the online event by visiting the project website during those hours at which time consultants will be available to answer any questions and receive feedback through a two-way chat system.

Feedback can also be submitted via the website following the online event, and information will be made available in paper format if requested.

Any representations or suggestions for changes to the proposals shared during the online event will be included in a Pre-Application Consultation report to accompany future applications. 

Please note, comments made to the prospective applicant do not constitute representations to the Planning Authority. A further opportunity to make representations to Midlothian Council will be available following formal submission of the planning application.

If you are unable to access the exhibition boards on the day of the event, please contact Orbit Communications at hello@sheriffhallsouth.com or on 0131 202 3259 or at 4 Queen Street, Edinburgh, EH2 1JE and we can arrange for them to reach you in an alternative manner.

A spokesperson at Buccleuch Property said: “We’re delighted to be giving the public the chance to have a say on our development proposals at Sheriffhall South. This exciting employment development provides the community with high-quality new business space and ancillary services.

“We are consulting extensively to ensure that that the public have an opportunity to input their views and shape our proposals. We encourage the community to attend and ask any questions they may have.”

Veteran Dad shares words of wisdom ahead of Father’s Day

Residents at a care home have been sharing their favourite memories and most important piece of advice in advance of Father’s Day.

89-year-old Matthew Dunnigan, who resides at Cramond Residence in Edinburgh, has shared the advice he would like to pass to future generations of fathers is to treasure all of the time you have with your children and show them as much warmth, care and love as possible.

Matthew also shared one of the biggest perks of fatherhood is being able to socialise with his two children as they got older, adding: “When they were young, I was always Dad but when they grew up, I became a friend too, and that was very special”

Cramond Residence, where Matthew is currently a resident, will be putting on a dedicated Father’s Day spread, with tea, cakes and sandwiches, to help residents celebrate the special day in style, despite restrictions.

Over 190,000 disabled people in Scotland are eligible for worry-free motoring

The Motability Scheme looks to increase awareness in the county as it pilots its first ever national campaign

Everyday activities like going to the supermarket, visiting friends or popping out for a change of scenery can often require a car and 191,860 people with disabilities in Scotland could benefit from the everyday freedom offered by leasing a vehicle on the Motability Scheme.

In response to this, the Motability Scheme has launched its first ever national television advert alongside a print, digital and PR campaign. This ‘Everyday Freedom’ campaign aims to boost awareness and understanding of the Scheme amongst those who are eligible to join and their families.

The Motability Scheme has spent over 40 years supporting people to maintain their independence by providing affordable, reliable cars to those with disabilities. In Scotland, 64,431 people are already enjoying the benefits of a worry-free lease package through the Motability Scheme.

After a successful regional pilot, the national pilot sees the Motability Scheme’s television advert run across ITV, Channel 4 and selected Sky channels for around three months and can be viewed here.

This is being supported by radio, print, digital and PR activity with a range of related content on social channels.

https://youtu.be/AAQg-OXej1E

Delia Ray, head of marketing for Motability Operations, which operates the Scheme under contract to Motability, a national disability charity, said: “We are proud to be providing worry-free mobility to over 630,000 customers across the UK. However, we know that over a million more people with qualifying allowances could also benefit from the Scheme, but many are unaware of how it could help them. This includes the 190,000 eligible people in Scotland.

“This campaign therefore aims to showcase what the Scheme offers to many more people with disabilities, and their families and carers, encouraging them to find out more. And television, with its powerful impact and potential to reach many thousands of viewers, is at the heart of this. 

“When customers talk about the impact of the Scheme, they frequently use words such as independence and freedom. It is this essence that has inspired our Everyday Freedom campaign, and we’re excited to be sharing it with more people this spring.”

Through the Motability Scheme, recipients of the Enhanced Rate of the Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment, Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance, War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement or Armed Forces Independence Payment can choose to exchange their weekly allowance to lease a new vehicle. 

Leasing a car, scooter or powered wheelchair through the Motability Scheme is simple and affordable. The three-year vehicle lease package includes insurance for up to three named drivers, RAC breakdown assistance, vehicle servicing and maintenance, as well as tyre and windscreen repair and replacement.

Motability Operations, the company which operates the Scheme under contract to Motability, the Charity, offers affordable, convenient, worry-free motoring to over 630,000 disabled customers and their families.

It has built a strong reputation, achieving high standards for customer service and engagement, and provides cars, powered wheelchairs and scooters that lead the way in value-for-money, effectiveness and reliability. It pays no shareholder dividends, meaning that all profits are reinvested for the benefit of people with disabilities.

Please visit motability.co.uk for more information or call 0800 953 7000.

City council agrees programme of improvements for green spaces

Plans for how over £4m will be invested in parks, green spaces and cemeteries in a programme of priority works being rolled out across 2021 and 2022 have been approved by councillors.

The Parks and Greenspace Investment report follows the allocation of additional capital budget earlier this year and provides updates on projects either planned, already under way or already completed. The approved report also outlines how funds will be prioritised to make key improvements across the city.

Parks, green space and cemetery structures across the city are being surveyed to ensure that the investment is allocated where need is greatest and to ensure that features remain safe.

As well as hearing about completed and ongoing projects, councillors gave approval to progress works that have been identified as priority rated category 1 urgent (within one year) and priority category 2 (essential within one to two years). The works include making improvements to walls, fences, gates, paths, roads, drainage, bridges and tunnels.

Culture and Communities Convener Councillor Donald Wilson said: “In Edinburgh we’re fortunate to have nearly 200 parks, including 34 with green flag status, recreational green spaces and cemeteries to visit across the city and we want to make sure that they all remain accessible, safe, sustainable and of course open to the public for generations to come.

“Through this capital investment programme we will be able to make immediate and important improvements to the places most in need. Funding will be used to help with landslips, mend walls and fences and improve accessibility.

“I’m delighted that we are able to progress with this work and following further detailed surveys will aim to ensure the spread of investment across the city.

Culture and Communities Vice Convener Councillor Amy McNeese-Mechan said: “We’ve seen over the past year just how important our parks and greenspaces continue to be and it’s so important that we invest in them – for us, now and for future generations.

“We want to make sure Edinburgh remains the beautiful green city that it is and this commitment will bring those most in need of urgent investment back to looking their best. I’m excited that work can get under way and these surveys give us a plan for the next stages, which will help keep us focused as we make improvements throughout the city.”

Progress on the programme of improvements will be reported to the Culture and Communities Committee in its regular business bulletin.

Vaccination programme: First doses now booked in for all adults

All adults in Scotland will have been booked in for their first coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine appointment by the end of next week (27 June), five weeks ahead of the target of 31 July.

Letters are currently going out to those 18-29 year olds who didn’t sign up to the self-registration portal and anyone who hasn’t yet received their blue envelope can see the time of their vaccination online through a new appointment checker.   

The new system allows people to see their appointment details in the system, and enables them to reschedule if the timing or location is unsuitable.

In addition, from Monday 21 June all NHS boards will be routinely scheduling second doses eight weeks after the first to help combat the emergence of the Delta variant.

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “I am delighted that we are on the brink of reaching the major milestone of having scheduled first doses for all adults, five weeks ahead of schedule.

“I want to say a huge thank you to everyone involved in the vaccination programme and all those wo have taken up their offer of a vaccine for their part in this remarkable achievement which has been accomplished in just over six months since the roll-out began.

“Anyone who hasn’t received a letter by next week can visit the appointment checker at NHS Inform. The system lets you rebook if the timing or location is not suitable which will be a useful tool for students and anyone who has recently moved house.

“Additional capacity has been secured by NHS Boards to bring forward of all second doses from 12 to 8 weeks which is important given the emergence of the Delta strain as we know greater protection is provided after the second dose.

“Again, I want to stress how important it is that everyone takes up their offer of a vaccine when they get it. The emergence of the Delta variant shows we cannot be complacent, and the vaccination programme – along with restrictions and testing – offers protection to you, your loved ones and your community.”

Appointment checker

Occupy the Internet: 200 media experts publish wake up call

Demand for Public Service Internet

“The Internet and the media landscape are broken. The dominant commercial Internet platforms endanger democracy. Despite all the great opportunities the Internet has offered to society and individuals, the digital giants have acquired unparalleled economic, political and cultural power.

“As currently organised, the Internet separates and divides instead of creating common spaces for negotiating difference and disagreement” (The Public Service Media and Public Service Internet Manifesto).

An international group of media experts has created a media and Internet manifesto. Released yesterday, the “Public Service Media and Public Service Internet Manifesto” demands the safeguarding of the existence, independence, and funding of Public Service Media such as the BBC as well as the creation of a Public Service Internet.

Prof Christian Fuchs, who is the Director of the Communication and Media Research Institute at the University of Westminster and co-initiated the Manifesto, commented: “Democracy requires Public Service Media and a Public Service Internet.

“The digital giants such as Facebook, YouTube/Google, Netflix, and Amazon dominate the Internet. The results have been monopolies, dataveillance, algorithmic politics, digital populism, the Internet as huge shopping mall, filter bubbles, fake news, post-truth culture, and a lack of debate.

“Our Manifesto demands the creation of a Public Service Internet so that Public Service Media are enabled and properly resourced to be able to provide online platforms that have a not-for-profit imperative and the digital remit to advance information, news, debate, democracy, education, entertainment, participation, and creativity with the help of the Internet”.

The Manifesto was created by a group of international media experts who engaged over several months in an online discussion and collaboration process utilising the ecomitee.com platform.

The Manifesto initiative is part of the research network InnoPSM: Innovation in Public Service Media Policies that was funded by the UK Arts and Humanities Council and is led by Dr Alessandro D’Arma from the University of Westminster and Dr Minna Horowitz from the University of Helsinki.

Dr Klaus Unterberger, who is Head of the Austrian Broadcasting Corporation’s Public Value Department and the Manifesto’s co-initiator, said: “Public communication is more than business. It is a public purpose. The global pandemic, accelerating climate change and increasing social inequalities have demonstrated the urgency of accountable and reliable news beyond fake news and polarization.

“We need a new Internet that provides a public sphere for citizens, not just for consumers. The existing infrastructure of Public Service Media must play a vital role in creating an alternative to the dominance of data companies. There are new opportunities for strengthening the public sphere and democracy. This is why we call for action”.

In the following months, the Manifesto will go global and ask supporters to sign it.

There will be several activities and events addressing media and communications policy makers, Public Service Media, civil society, and the public in order to create a broad coalition for the creation of a Public Service Internet.

The Public Service Media and Public Service Internet Manifesto:

http://bit.ly/psmmanifesto


The Manifesto can be signed here:

http://bit.ly/signPSManifesto

Escape to the countryside thanks to Zoom

Chris Preston and Fiona Ingleby had been living in London, working in the City while enjoying their weekends being active outdoors.

The frustrations of an older property and staying in a busy area eventually got to them, so to be closer to nature, the couple decided to move to Fiona’s home country, Scotland, choosing Barratt’s Preston Square development near Edinburgh.

Fiona said: “Our first house in London wasn’t right for us. It was quite old, so there always seemed to be something that needed to be fixed and the area surrounding it became very built up and busy.

“We soon decided we wanted to live somewhere nearer to open space that we could enjoy. We did quite a lot of research online and chose Edinburgh, as it ticked those boxes, allowing us to continue our careers and be closer to family.”

“Preston Square was in the ideal location and perfectly positioned, with green space on one side of it, and commuter, bus and train links to Edinburgh on the other. We also liked that it was quite small, but with considered green spaces and well-sized gardens,” said Chris. 

However, with Covid-19 travel restrictions in place, there was little chance for Chris and Fiona to view the property in person.

“Our buying process was a bit unusual. Due to travel restrictions, as well as living in London and buying in Scotland, it meant we couldn’t view the development in person.”

“Despite this, Zoe, the sales advisor met with us on a video call, and walked us through the development, showing us the estate and the plot we were interested in. She also sent through extra plans and photos, as well as arranging for physical samples of carpet to reach us.

“The sales and marketing team really made everything possible – Zoe was so helpful and gave us the confidence to go through with the purchase in the middle of the pandemic,” added Fiona.

Chris and Fiona chose a ‘Fenton’ house-type at Preston Square, a four-bedroom detached home, first visiting it on completion day. The home’s open-plan fitted kitchen and dining area provide access to the rear garden, benefitting from a separate utility room and downstairs WC. The Fenton also comes with an integral garage providing added convenience and security.

Fiona said: “Despite the unusual viewing and purchasing process, our experience of buying with Barratt was very different to the stress of when we bought our first house, which involved a lot of uncertainty of bidding through an estate agent.

“We’d recommend buying with Barratt to anyone. The house is a perfect blank canvas – everything is neatly but neutrally finished, easy enough to personalise it and make it feel like home very quickly. It’s also great to have solar panels allowing us to be more environmentally friendly.”

When asked if they had any plans now they had more room, the couple said: “We’re in the process of setting up one of the bedrooms as an office. It’s lovely to have the space to be able to do this properly now as it used to be very difficult not to be able to keep home working separate from everything else.

“We’re also thinking about getting a dog but not quite there yet. We’ve always wanted one, but before we felt like we didn’t have enough space or good enough walks nearby to be able to care for one properly – we’re in a much better position now.”

Preston Square is now sold out but Barratt East Scotland continues to offer several developments close to Edinburgh including, Barratt @ St Clements Wells, St Clements View, Yew Gardens and The Strand @ Portobello.

All feature easy commuting links to Edinburgh city centre and a range of local amenities, with sales centres and show homes open by appointment.

Find out more at www.barratthomes.co.uk

Marine Accident Investigation Branch publishes Annual Report

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has published its Annual Report for 2020.

The Annual Report includes statistics on accidents to UK ships and seafarers worldwide, and to foreign flag vessels and their crews in UK waters.

The Annual Report also contains an overview of the work of the MAIB, details of reports published and contains analysis of the safety recommendations issued during the year and the status of outstanding recommendations from previous years.

During 2020 MAIB:

  • received notification of 1217 marine accidents and incidents involving 1307 vessels.
    commenced 19 investigations, 10 of which involved loss of life.
  • published 20 investigation reports, two safety digests and two safety bulletins during the year.
  • made 42 recommendations (24 were issued in 2019), with an acceptance rate of 92.9% (up from 83.9% in 2019). Two recommendations were partially accepted, none were withdrawn, and one was rejected.
  • two commercial fishermen lost their lives compared with five in 2019 and six in 2018. Regrettably, six commercial fishermen have lost their lives so far in 2021, so the low figure for 2020 cannot be viewed as marking a significant improvement in fishing safety.

Captain Andrew Moll, Chief Inspector or Marine Accidents, said: “In 2020, the MAIB published two investigation reports into the collapse of container stacks on large container ships.

“There have been more accidents involving large losses of containers since, and more general concerns about large container vessels were already being raised before Ever Given grounded in the Suez Canal earlier this year.

“There is no doubt that accidents involving Ultra Large Container vessels will continue to receive intense focus, but it is too early to say what common themes might emerge from accident investigations and whether these could have wider implications for the sector.

“On paper, 2020 was a safer year for the UK fishing industry, with only one accident (Joanna C) resulting in fatalities. Regrettably, six commercial fishermen’s lives have been lost already in 2021, meaning that eight commercial fishermen have lost their lives in the 6 month period November to May. While the investigations are ongoing, the indications are that five lives were lost as a result of small fishing vessels capsizing or foundering quickly.

“The accidents involving leisure and recreational craft that the Branch is investigating are quite varied, but two themes are worth mentioning. As the tragic accident onboard the motor cruiser Diversion demonstrated, lives are still being lost due to carbon monoxide poisoning.

“There can be many sources of carbon monoxide on a cruising vessel, including the main engines, generators, heaters and cooking appliances. Owners of craft with enclosed accommodation spaces are strongly advised to fit a carbon monoxide alarm suitable for use in the marine environment, and to test it regularly.

“Two accidents involving Personal Watercraft (PWC) and Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs) show how vulnerable passengers are to injury when these craft collide or hit stationary objects while travelling at high speed.

“The collision between a PWC and RIB Rib Tickler, and the RIB Seadogz’s collision with a navigation buoy are still under investigation, but both accidents resulted in fatalities that could have been avoided had a better lookout been kept and larger passing distances maintained.”

MAIBAnnualReport2020Download

Closing soon: Scottish Whisky Action Funding for activities tackling alcohol-related harm

Up to £25,000 available to eligible projects – closes 28th June

The Scotch Whisky Action Fund (SWAF) provides funding to eligible projects specifically set up to reduce the negative impacts of alcohol-related harm. Only open once a year, the fund is inviting new applications before the deadline at  noon on Monday 28th June. 

Managed by Foundation Scotland, SWAF has so far awarded over £800,000 to over 70 projects operating across the country since its launch in 2013.  The fund is focused on supporting innovative initiatives and activities specifically designed to tackle alcohol-related harms in Scotland’s communities. 

Groups such as Rowan Alba, Waverley Care, Edinburgh Young Carers Project, and Govan Youth Information Project have received project support. 

Jennifer McPhail, Programmes Advisor at Foundation Scotland, said: “We’re delighted to be running this important funding stream again.  Now in its eighth year, the Scotch Whisky Action Fund has already made a massive impact on individuals and communities affected by alcohol related harms.

“The alcohol industry plays an important role in Scottish society, and Scotch Whisky is at the heart of the industry.  However, the misuse of alcohol through excessive or inappropriate consumption can have implications for health and a range of social problems, including anti-social behaviour, violence, family breakdown, problems with money and work.  This can impact individuals, families and communities.  

“The fund is not set up to support recovery or treatment of alcohol issues. Rather it’s for innovative projects  that educate, raise awareness, and  prevent future alcohol-related harm. Examples of projects include preventative training programmes and diversionary activities for young people, peer support groups for carers and family member counselling services. 

“There are many examples of previously funded projects available on our website and we are advising interested groups to carefully read through all the guidance before applying. The closing date is coming up soon so we are encouraging those that are interested to progress quickly as the fund only opens once a year.” 

Projects which secure funding from SWAF, and can demonstrate an impact after their first year of funding, may be able to receive further funding of up to £25,000 per annum for a maximum of three years, to support their initiative.

For full information, including eligibility criteria and application details visit, https://www.foundationscotland.org.uk/scotch-whisky-action-fund

Aldi launches Scotch Wagyu Steaks in time For Father’s Day

WAGYU WAITING FOR?

Aldi customers are set to enjoy one of the world’s most expensive meats at a fraction of the price as the supermarket launches Specially Selected Scotch Wagyu Ribeye, Sirloin and Fillet steaks.  

Believed to be the first supermarket to stock the famous Wagyu beef in premium PGI-certified Scotch, customers will be able to snap up a Scotch Wagyu steak for as little as £6.50 a pack based on average weight. 

What’s more, the Specially Selected Scotch Wagyu steak range will be available from all 96 Scottish Aldi stores from Thursday 17th June, making them the perfect Father’s Day meal. If he’s a sirloin fan, you can treat him to a steak for around £6.50 (based on £30.75/kg) or a ribeye for an average of £7 (based on £30.75/kg), or he can dine out on fillet for about £10 (based on £44.00/kg).  

Renowned for being one of the most expensive meats in the world, Wagyu tends to only be available in top restaurants or from specialist suppliers and is rarely found on supermarket shelves.   

The steak is famed for its intensely rich flavour and buttery, melt-in-the mouth texture provided by the unique fat marbling in the meat. Once cooked, the marbling melts into the meat, creating an incredibly tender texture and rich flavour.   

Aldi’s Wagyu steaks are produced from traditional pure bred Japanese cattle breeds that are born and reared in Scotland as part of the supermarket’s commitment to championing the highest quality Scottish produce.  

To get the most out of the Scotch Wagyu steaks, Aldi recommends allowing them to come to room temperature before cooking and season well with salt and pepper.  

Graham Nicolson, Group Buying Director, Aldi Scotland, said: “The launch of our Specially Selected Scotch Wagyu steaks is another step forward in our support of the Scottish red meat industry. We are the first retailer to offer Scotch Wagyu steaks and I am so pleased that our loyal customers can enjoy this delicacy at an affordable price. 

If you are looking to treat your Dad to a gourmet meal this Father’s Day, or just fancy indulging yourself, look no further than Aldi Scotland. But be quick, because as with all Specialbuys, once they’re gone, they’re gone.  

Aldi is the biggest retailer of Scottish origin beef* and regularly tops NFU Scotland’s ‘shelf watch’ surveys, which means customers are guaranteed to find the highest quality, locally sourced meat all year round at Aldi stores in Scotland.   

Meat labelled as Scotch Beef PGI means it has been sourced from farms that meet the most stringent criteria in animal welfare and natural production methods.