Month: June 2021

Edinburgh aims to become net zero Capital by 2030

The Council has set out a city-wide approach to reducing Edinburgh’s greenhouse gas emissions as part of new plans being considered by Councillors to tackle climate change in the Capital.

It will call on residents, community groups and private, public and third sector organisations to work collaboratively to achieve the city’s ambitious climate goals.

Published yesterday, ahead of World Environment Day (June 5th), the Draft 2030 Climate Strategy sets a series of clear and practical steps Edinburgh will take to combat and adapt to climate change and reach its target of net zero emissions by 2030.  

If the draft strategy is approved, a twelve-week online public consultation will kick off on Monday 14 June, seeking views from people and organisations all over the city on the draft strategy and on actions residents and businesses can take to tackle climate change.

The Climate Strategy, which follows on from the Council declaring a climate emergency in 2019, focuses on creating the right policy, regulatory and infrastructure conditions in the city to support net zero behaviour change. 

It also lays out key areas where collaboration and partnership will be supported to deliver on Edinburgh’s climate targets. 

And it further outlines how people, communities, businesses and organisations in Edinburgh can be supported and encouraged to take climate action – and stresses the need for everyone to work together to invest in a better future for the city. 

The draft strategy, which will be discussed by members of the Policy and Sustainability Committee on Thursday 10 June, includes commitments to:

  • Establishing a powerful Climate Delivery Group of the city’s most influential Chief Executives to unlock collective action and develop a pipeline of net zero projects across the city.
  • Delivering a city-wide heat and energy masterplan by 2022 supported by a new strategic partnership with SP Energy Networks which will maximise the benefit of grid investment for the city and its citizens.
  • Bringing public sector organisations together to plan and coordinate the retrofit of the cities buildings. 
  • Expanding the City Climate Compact to support small and medium sized business to transition to sustainable businesses practices.
  • Running a series of citizen awareness campaigns on sustainability and working with young people to embed a legacy of change from COP26 later this year.
  • Creating EV charging hubs for public service vehicles, making them available to residents, where possible, at key times and in key locations. 
  • Test approaches to retrofit in challenging mixed-tenure and heritage settings, including Edinburgh’s World Heritage site.

Within the strategy, the Council is leading by example by committing to: 

  • Deliver an ambitious new net zero development at Granton Waterfront and around 200 hectares of new and enhanced coastal park in North West Edinburgh.
  • Deliver an ‘Edinburgh Homes Demonstrator’, using new materials and on-site building techniques to deliver net zero, energy efficient buildings. 
  • Prioritise investment in expanding Edinburgh’s walking and cycling routes to connect local services and amenities.
  • Scope pilot proposals for creating net zero communities in two neighbourhoods within the city.
  • Exploring the potential for ‘Nature Climate Bonds’ and a ‘Green Innovation Challenge’ finance scheme to support investment in the city’s natural environment and business transition.

Leader of the Council, Councillor Adam McVey said: “In the year that Scotland hosts COP26, the world’s eyes will be on Scotland, and on Edinburgh as its capital and we want to ensure this leaves a legacy of action to address the climate emergency.  

“This strategy will help our businesses, public sector and organisations and residents across our communities reduce or remove their carbon footprint.

“Importantly it also lays out how will come together as a city to collaborate on action at the scale and pace we need to get to net zero by 2030.

“This includes our strategic partnership with SP Energy Networks which will ensure investment in the city’s grid has maximum benefit for our infrastructure plans and for businesses and residents alike. 

“It’s only by working together as Team Edinburgh and with partners beyond that we can achieve the green future we need.

“This strategy aims to create the right conditions to unlock the opportunities that climate action presents, creating jobs and a more sustainable economy while we preserve our amazing Capital City for future generations.”

Depute Lead of City of Edinburgh Council, Councillor Cammy Day said: “Research shows that we could get over 60% of the way to net zero with actions that pay for themselves within seven to twelve years. And while we don’t have all the answers today, we will be relentless as a city in our pursuit of a better greener net zero future for this city and its people. 

“It is great to see that organisations across the city have their own sustainability plans and programmes of activity that are reducing the city’s emissions and that Edinburgh’s communities and citizens, and especially our young people, have a strong track record of climate action. 

“But we must all go further and faster – and we can only do that through a joined-up collective effort. 

“I encourage everyone in the city to take part in the consultation and to have their say in the proposals. Every positive action we take now will have a 10 times greater positive impact than if we waited to take these actions in 2030.”

Next steps for the draft 2030 Climate Strategy

If approved by the Policy and Sustainability Committee next week, a 12-week public consultation on the draft strategy will begin on Monday 14 June.

This will form the basis of a finalised strategy which would be brought to Committee later in the year alongside an implementation plan and initial cost analysis.

Alex Hilliam, Commissioner for the Edinburgh Climate Commission said: “The launch of the City of Edinburgh Council’s draft 2030 Climate Strategy is the start of an exciting conversation for the city as it maps out the decisions we need to take to help tackle climate change in the capital. 

“We know this topic is of huge concern to the people who live, work and visit this city and, with the eyes of the world upon Scotland  later this year with COP26, this strategy is an opportunity for Edinburgh to lead the way in taking bold action to tackle climate change and reducing the impact of harmful greenhouse gas emissions for future generations. 

“We’re pleased that this ambitious and long-term plan also recognises the role that tackling climate change has in improving people’s quality of life – from creating new jobs and boosting the economy, to helping reduce fuel poverty and inequalities in the city.  It is critical that the final strategy and the supporting implementation plan gives meaning to this ambition and turns it into a reality.

“We look forward to responding to the consultation and urge everyone to have a say on Edinburgh’s plans.” 

Guy Jefferson, Chief Operating Officer for SP Energy Networks, said: “We fully support Edinburgh’s ambition to become a Net Zero city by 2030 and today’s publication of the 2030 Climate Strategy is to be welcomed as it outlines what is required of government, industry and communities to bring about the significant change that is required in this decade.
 
“As the electricity distribution and transmission operator for Central and Southern Scotland, we take our responsibilities seriously and recognise that we have a key role to play in helping the city of Edinburgh deliver on its ambitious, but achievable, Net Zero target.

“We will be delighted to develop proposals for a strategic partnership with Edinburgh City Council as it is only through collaboration between government and industry that we can harness the knowledge, skills and resources we need to tackle climate change.
 
“Net Zero is now the prism through which we take all our business decisions, and that has been a profound change for us. It’s one of the key drivers of our decision to become a Principal Partner of the COP26 global climate change conference, which is taking place in Scotland later this year. By working with our city partners in Edinburgh we can deliver the cleaner, greener and better future we all want, quicker.

Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Liz Mcareavey said: “The City of Edinburgh Council is taking a leadership role in tackling the climate challenge. 

“Not only have we set an ambitious target to achieve net zero carbon by 2030 but the draft Climate Strategy is a clear and detailed document that outlines what needs to be done and how we all have to play our part. 

“Not one sector of the city can do this alone and this strategy creates the pathway to success. I commend the work done and look forward to engaging with the City of Edinburgh Council and the business community to ensure business makes a significant contribution to our net zero ambitions but also to take advantage of the opportunities to develop our green economy.”

Bridie Ashrowan, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Voluntary Organisations Council (EVOC) said: “At EVOC, Edinburgh Voluntary Organisations Council, we welcome the publication of City of Edinburgh Council’s Draft 2030 Climate Strategy, not only a key milestone in Edinburgh’s journey to net zero, by 2030, while also a commitment to supporting the development of thriving local communities across the city. 

“There is a recognition that every citizen, community, community or third sector organisation, and company, have a role to play in achieving Edinburgh’s ambitious climate goals is hugely important. 

“We welcome the opportunity for the voluntary and community sector to collaborate in the development and delivery of the strategy as well as empowering the people and communities they support to get involved, and champion where its citizens are already taking positive action. 
 
“We hope that the goals of the strategy will connect with other landmark initiatives, such as the actions and cultural change outlined in the Edinburgh Poverty Commission’s report, working to end poverty by 2030, while also enabling the developments in green skills and jobs, that are part of a recovery with wellbeing of people and nature at the heart of it.”
 

Military drafted in to help increase number of vaccination appointments in Lothian

Race is on to combat Delta (Indian) variant

As the national vaccination programme continues to progress through younger age groups on the priority list, members of the Armed Forces have again been asked to help accelerate the roll-out.

The Scottish Government is working closely with NHS Boards to ensure the number of appointments can be increased in line with national guidance to help combat new variants and provide protection to as many people as possible.

This includes military support and NHS Lothian and NHS Lanarkshire have requested this to enable them to boost their capacity to administer second doses alongside the delivery of first doses to younger cohorts.

Military personnel will therefore assist with vaccinations from Monday 7 June in these areas for up to five weeks.

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has been involved in the vaccine rollout in Scotland, including the military, which has ensured more than 2 million people have received both doses.

“We remain on track to offer the vaccine to all adults by the end of July, but the emergence of the new variant shows that we cannot be complacent. That is why, as we have done previously, we have requested military support to complement our existing resources and to ensure we can get even more vaccinations into arms as quickly as possible.

“The vaccination programme is one of the main ways – along with restrictions and testing – that we are working to beat this virus and so it is crucial that everyone attends for their appointments when they are offered. That includes going for second doses as they are vital in providing greater and longer lasting protection against the virus.”

The Armed Forces have been working to support the rollout of the coronavirus vaccine programme with new deployments planned in Scotland and North West England.

Working together with local health boards and the NHS, personnel are part of Operation Rescript, the Armed Forces Covid-19 response. They are providing ongoing assistance to administer vaccines, provide logistics and planning support, as well as carrying out surge testing in response to variants of concern.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace, said:
The Armed Forces continue to show their incredible versatility and flexibility, deploying wherever and whenever they are needed in support of this national vaccination effort.

I am delighted to see that across all corners of the UK, military personnel are working side by side with their NHS counterparts to help get the British public vaccinated as quickly as possible.

Health and Social Care Secretary, Matt Hancock said: “We have vaccinated over three quarters of UK adults with a first dose and half of adults with a second dose. That is a huge effort across the healthcare system and beyond – and I am incredibly grateful for the amazing role our armed forces have played in this.

“We know how effective the vaccine is, thousands of lives have been saved and thousands of hospitalisations prevented. These are not just numbers, these are our family, friends and loved ones who have all been protected. Each vaccine brings us one step closer to putting this pandemic behind us. So when you get the call, get the jab.”

Commander Standing Joint Command, General Tyrone Urch said: “I am incredibly proud of our servicemen and women who have deployed in support of the Department for Health and Social Care, NHS and Health Boards across the United Kingdom to help deliver the vaccination programme efficiently and at pace.

“We are delighted to be able to support and complement the incredible work done by health professionals and volunteers across the country and we will continue to deliver anything requested of us.”

As part of the UK Government’s response to variants of concern, 400 trained vaccinators from across the Armed Forces are available to be deploy when and wherever required. 4,300 service personnel also remain at high readiness and can be called upon to support with Covid-19 tasks across the UK.

This comes in addition to support the Armed Forces have provided around the world, including delivering vaccines to Ascension Island, Falklands, Gibraltar and Tristan da Cunha, and delivering other essential COVID supplies to India and Nepal.

63 members of the Armed Forces will deploy to Lanarkshire and Lothian from Monday 7 June for up to five weeks.

42 service personnel will provide support to NHS Lothian. This will be made up of 36 vaccinators, 4 registered health professionals and 2 command and control managers. They will be split into 4 vaccine support teams who can deploy across Lothian as required.

21 service personnel will also work alongside NHS Lanarkshire and will consist of 18 vaccinators, 2 registered health professionals and one command and control manager. They will form two vaccine support teams and will deploy across Lanarkshire as required.

Lothian MSP, Miles Briggs, said: “This support from the armed forces gives NHS Lothian a boost in the vaccination race against Covid-19, just when they need it.

“The armed forces played an important role in getting vaccination centres up and running and the extra support they are offering now is extremely welcome.

“The professionalism from NHS Lothian staff in the vaccination programme has been outstanding and if the momentum is kept up they’ll be on top of the second doses soon.”

New campaign urges public to Plant For Our Planet

#PlantForOurPlanet launched on World Environment Day as part of building back greener

  • New initiative to get the country planting more trees and flowers launches on World Environment Day
  • Drive to build back greener comes ahead of UK hosting global climate summit later this year
  • The Wildlife Trusts, Woodland Trust, National Trust and others join the UK Government’s call to get people, businesses and communities planting and protect nature

A new campaign aimed at inspiring the nation to get planting has been launched today (Saturday 5 June), helping us to build back greener and step up our efforts to tackle climate change and biodiversity loss.

The campaign – backed by green organisations such as The Wildlife Trusts, Woodland Trust, National Trust, Horticultural Trades Association and Royal Horticultural Society – is asking individuals and communities to play their part in helping reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, and supporting nature recovery by planting flowers and trees, restoring community spaces and getting out into nature.

Whether it is planting a window box, flexing green fingers out in the garden or sprucing up a community space, the public are encouraged to #PlantForOurPlanet and share their story on digital channels and social media.

From planting flowers for pollinators to a tree in a garden, or wider nature activities such as building insect hotels, vegetable patches or simply letting your grass grow, by encouraging more people to get involved in the campaign, everyone can play a part in helping to protect and enhance our natural environment.

This campaign, launched on World Environment Day, forms part of the UK Government’s efforts to drive action to tackle the biodiversity crisis and work towards nature-based solutions ahead of several major international summits this year, including the G7 (which is being hosted in Cornwall), the upcoming UN Biodiversity Conference (Convention of Biological Diversity COP15), and the UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26), which will be hosted in Glasgow later this year.

Speaking on a campaign launch visit to ‘Walthamstow Village in Bloom’ a community planting group in East London, Environment Minister Rebecca Pow said: “The world has an extraordinary opportunity at COP26 to come together to tackle climate change and reverse biodiversity loss.

“Plant For Our Planet is a chance for the public to take part, planting flowers and trees, restoring a community space and getting out into nature. Through thousands of individual actions, we want to send a simple message – we are in this together for our planet.”

Green groups will also be able to nominate examples of outstanding individuals, groups or projects which showcase the benefits of planting and supporting nature – our “Nature Heroes”. These heroes will receive a personal letter from ministers to thank them for their efforts.

Other easy ways to get involved include joining an existing project, such as the National Trust’s ‘Blossom Watch’ or The Wildlife Trusts ‘30 Days Wild’. People can also plant trees through the Woodland Trust’s ‘Big Climate Fightback’.

There are a variety of nature projects you can join. These include:

To get involved and planet for our planet you can download the Plant for our Planet partner pack here.

Today’s announcement builds on plans to boost biodiversity, protect our peatlands and create new woodlands as set out recently by the Environment Secretary.

This includes aims to treble woodland creation rates by the end of this Parliament guided by the Government’s new England Trees Action Plan, and aims to halt the decline of nature by amending the Environment Bill to require the Government to set and meet a new legally-binding target on species abundance for 2030.

Hilary McGrady, Director-General of the National Trust, said: “The last year has reminded us how important nature is for our health and wellbeing. But just as we need nature, so nature needs us. And never more urgently than now.

“At the National Trust, we are establishing 20 million new trees on our land by 2030, including millions of blossoming trees, creating 25,000 hectares of new nature habitat, and restoring peatland across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Together we can make a huge difference, which is why we are delighted to support Defra’s Plant for our Planet campaign today.”

Joan Edwards, Director of Policy and Public Affairs at The Wildlife Trusts said: “The UK is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world and so every effort is needed to help wildlife recover. We must tackle the climate and nature crises head-on by deploying bold and ambitious restoration projects on land and sea at a large-scale – as well as through local community-led action.

“Initiatives like the Government’s Plant for our Planet help everyone to play a part in bringing back nature where they live as are charity challenges such as 30 Days Wild from The Wildlife Trusts, which is running throughout June and asks everyone to do one ‘wild’ thing a day.

“Never has the need to restore nature and tackle climate change been more urgent – and people must be part of the solution.”

Dr Richard Benwell, CEO of Wildlife and Countryside Link, said: “Our planet is in trouble, but we really can dig ourselves out of this crisis. Each action that adds to our natural world – every bulb, sowing, and sapling – is a step toward restoring our wildlife and beating climate change.

“This Government initiative to inspire community action could be a tremendous boost, if it comes in conjunction with strong legal protection for sites and species, and new laws to improve the State of Nature. So, spades at the ready, everyone! This is the year to plant the seeds of a greener future.

Sue Biggs, Director General of the Royal Horticultural Society, said: “Plants, gardens, and gardening play a vital role in protecting the planet and help mitigate the increasing threat of climate change and biodiversity loss.

“As the UK’s leading gardening charity we continue to support millions of members, gardeners, and visitors in finding ever more sustainable ways to garden and promote nature-based solutions that help combat climate change. I would strongly urge everyone to Plant for our Planet and play their part in making the UK a greener and more beautiful place.”

James Barnes, Chairman of the Horticultural Trades Association said: “This initiative is a great way to harness the power of Britain’s gardeners into a movement which puts the benefits of protecting our natural environment to the fore.

“With three million new gardeners joining since lockdown last year, alongside the 22million who already take part in the country’s biggest hobby, the HTA is urging the great British public to seek advice and planting ideas from garden centres, nurseries and reputable online retailers and plant for the planet.”

  • To hear more about the campaign, share your activities, or to nominate a “Nature Hero”, please contact plantforourplanet@defra.gov.uk
  • To get involved and plant for our planet you can download the Plant for our Planet partner pack here.

Free school meals for all P4 & 5s

More than 90,000 primary school pupils will be entitled to new free school meal support in term time.

The Scottish Government and local authority partners have reached agreement to introduce universal free school lunches for primary 4 and 5 children and targeted support during school holidays for all eligible primary and secondary children and young people.

The £28 million commitment will deliver free school lunches during term time for P4 children by August 2021 and to P5 children by January 2022

A further £21.75 million will provide targeted free school meal support during school holidays in 2021-22. This will start in July for around 145,000 primary and secondary children and young people from low income households.

Councils will determine what approach in school holidays meets local needs and circumstances, which may include the provision of direct payments, vouchers or food parcels. 

Education Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “Free school meals are a vital support to thousands of children and young people across the country – ensuring that children have access to a free, healthy and nutritious meal every day they are in school and are ready to engage in learning. 

“The provision of £49.75 million in new funding to local authorities demonstrates our support for the health and wellbeing of children and young people and our commitment to reduce the impact of poverty on thousands of families across the country.”

Councillor Stephen McCabe of COSLA said: “Councils across Scotland have long been committed to delivering healthy free school meals – to eligible children and young people.

“We are pleased that, in partnership with Scottish Government, this commitment can be further expanded upon by providing free school meals to all Primary 4s in August 2021 and Primary 5s in the later part of the academic year.

“Local authorities will continue to work hard to ensure that children and young people have access to healthy and nourishing meals so that they are fully able to learn, play, and engage with their peers and communities.”

Attempted murder at Fort Kinnaird: Can you help?

Detectives are appealing for information following an attempted murder which occurred in the Fort Kinnaird area of Edinburgh on Thursday (3 June).

Around 5pm a group of four men were standing at Fort Kinnaird when they were approached by two men on a motorcycle.

A short chase took place and one of the men was stopped nearby on Whitehill Road, where the pillion passenger on the bike assaulted him with a bladed weapon.

The two suspects then made off along Whitehill Road.

The 31-year-old victim was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh with serious injuries, where he remains in a critical but stable condition.

The suspects are described as follows – driver dressed in all black clothing with a black helmet while the passenger was wearing a jacket with a red body and grey sleeves, with a dark cap and a snood/ dark face covering. They were travelling on a distinctive off road/trials/scrambler bike which was mainly blue in colour, with red and white livery.

Detective Inspector Clark Martin from Gayfield CID said: “We believe this incident was targeted towards the group of men standing at Fort Kinnaird and the victim has been left with extremely serious injuries.

“I am appealing for anyone who witnessed what happened, or noticed the suspects in the area, to please come forward.

“The motorcycle they were using was very distinctive and I would also urge anyone who thinks they may have seen it in the Edinburgh area on Thursday to pass this information on to the police.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland through 101, quoting incident number 2632 of Thursday, 3 June. Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Hibernian FC’s new principal partner announced

UTILITA GETS ‘UP FRONT’ TO CELEBRATE HIBERNIAN FC’s PRO-PLANET APPROACH TO FOOTBALL

Utilita – the UK’s only energy company created to help households use less energy – has officially announced this week that it will become the front of shirt sponsor as part of its two-year principal partner agreement with one of the UK’s greenest football clubs, Hibernian F.C.

The deal follows a successful partnership between Utilita and Hibernian F.C. during the 2020 and 2021 season, which saw the energy company’s logo on the back of shirt. Now in the fifth year of their long-term partnership, Utilita will feature in prime position on the front of the club’s home and away shirts and third kit strips, which are soon to be unveiled.

Both Utilita and Hibernian F.C. share many common values, with the two biggest being pro-planet and pro-local community.

Over the past few seasons, Utilita has been working with the club to make a difference within the local area, most recently donating significant sums to the Community Foundation’s “Famous Five a Day Campaign” – which provides food parcels to families who need them – and donating match passes to local schools.

Utilita also has offices and an exclusive high street Energy Hub in the buzzing port district of Leith.

Opened just two years ago, the hugely successful Energy Hub is a first-of-its-kind in Scotland, offering face-to-face customer service, energy efficiency advice and technology, access to interactive kid-friendly energy efficiency apps, and a dedicated community space that is open for the public to book and use from Monday to Saturday. Locals can also purchase Hibernian F.C. merchandise in-store.  

Central to the partnership will be Utilita’s industry award-winning Energy High 5 movement – helping households to avoid the five habits that waste energy, enabling households to save up to £163 per year, while helping the planet. Everyone can take part and start saving today, at www.utilita.co.uk/energyhigh5 . 

Greg McEwan, Hibernian F.C.’s Interim Chief Executive, commented on the support from Utilita: “The front of shirt sponsor needs to be just right, and must share the same values as our club.

“Therefore, I am delighted that we have exactly that in our partnership with Utilita, which is pro-planet and pro-community – it’s great to see an energy company with such high moral standards. 

“The team at Utilita are passionate and want to make a difference, not only in terms of reducing energy bills, but in the local community too.” 

Jem Maidment, Utilita’s Chief Marketing Officer, said: “We couldn’t be prouder to be Hibernian F.C.’s principal partner after what has already been a hugely successful four seasons with the club.

“As the greenest club in Scotland – and the third greenest club in the UK – we share many common values and we’re chuffed of the support they’ve given us in backing Energy High 5, a campaign which encourages people to cut down their energy usage with five free and easy-to-follow tips – saving both their pocket and the planet!

“We’re excited to see what next season brings as Hibs take on European opposition.”

The partnership announcement follows Utilita’s newly launched Football Rebooted campaign with environmentalist and former goalkeeper, David James MBE, which encourages people to donate and claim pre-played football boots and all-weather football trainers, to save families a small fortune, as well as 136,000 tonnes of carbon – the same as taking 7,000 cars off the road for a year, or turning the energy off in one million medium-sized houses for a week. Over 500 pairs of boots were donated in the first 48-hours of the campaign launching. 

Football Rebooted is designed to put an aspirational spin on a mechanic that will get good boots through to families struggling to afford new ones, after Utilita’s State of Play report revealed that out of the 74 percent of families who had been impacted financially by the pandemic, 18 percent won’t be able to send their kids back to grassroots football as they can’t afford boots and other items such as goalie gloves and shin pads. 

Founded in 2003, Utilita is one of the nation’s fastest-growing independent energy suppliers – currently powering more than 800,000 UK customers. It’s established itself as a hugely-recognisable brand within British football, having supplied power to a number of iconic stadiums while partnering with over 20 clubs.

Improving accommodation for Gypsy/Traveller communities

£20 million fund for local authorities to establish model sites

Local authorities can now apply to a new fund which will help to provide more and better accommodation for Gypsy/Traveller communities.

This funding will help to build experience and skills in Gypsy/Traveller site development by focusing on demonstration projects which establish examples of model sites.

Improving accommodation and sites is a key part of Scotland’s first long-term national housing strategy, as well as part of the Scottish Government and COSLA’s joint Gypsy/Traveller Action Plan.

Equalities Minister Christina McKelvie said: “It is vital that we improve the accommodation and sites for the Gypsy/Traveller community. This £20 million funding will be focused initially on the development of demonstration projects to establish model sites, and builds on £2 million funding provided in 2020-21 for immediate improvements to all sites.

“We are working in partnership with members of the Gypsy/Traveller community and local authorities to develop a design guide for sites. It will set the standard for new accommodation and ensure our Housing 2040 principles, such as accessibility and energy efficiency, are factored in to planning.”

Councillor Kelly Parry, COSLA’s Community Wellbeing Spokesperson, said: “The creation of a new funding programme over the next five years for Gypsy/Traveller accommodation is a fantastic step forward for our communities. This money will help to build homes that are fit for the future and is going to show what is possible in the design of modern sites. 

“Combined with local investment from councils, the fund will make a meaningful difference to the quality of accommodation that is available and the initial projects will blaze the trail for more developments over time.” 

Krispy Kreme Hotlight Store to open in St James Quarter

A brand new Krispy Kreme Hotlight Store will open its’ doors at new Edinburgh city centre development St James Quarter, when it opens for the first time on 24th June 2021.

The Hotlight Store is only the third concept store to open in Scotland alongside the Edinburgh Hermiston Gait and Braehead stores and only the second to open in Edinburgh since the first opening back in 2013.

Krispy Kreme’s renowned Hotlight gives you the opportunity to enjoy the magic of a freshly made Original Glazed doughnut Hot fresh off the line – whenever you see the ‘Hot Now’ sign lit up at a Hotlight concept store. When it’s on, it’s on!

What’s more – the Edinburgh St James Quarter store will offer six Hotlight hours a day – double the usual Hotlight hours. The store will of course also be adhering to all social distancing and lockdown restrictions.

The Krispy Kreme store will provide 25 new jobs for residents of Edinburgh, who will join 9 internal transfers.

In addition on the opening day, Krispy Kreme will have a limited number of goody bags available with exclusive Krispy Kreme merchandise as well as some exciting giveaways.

Krispy Kreme’s CEO Richard Cheshire said: “We are really excited to be opening our first Krispy Kreme store in Edinburgh City centre partnering with St James Quarter.

“We can’t wait to create more smiles and bring the magic of our iconic Hot Original Glazed doughnuts, fresh off the line, to our fans in Edinburgh.”

Heart Research UK pledges over £500,000 for COVID-19 research

National charity Heart Research UK is to fund three new research projects to investigate how COVID-19 affects the heart and circulatory system – an investment of over half a million pounds.

Research has shown that people with cardiovascular conditions, including high blood pressure, have a higher risk of developing severe COVID-19.

COVID-19 can also cause ‘new’ damage to the heart and blood vessels in people who have no pre-existing disease.

Heart Research UK’s new grant scheme was designed to fund pioneering research to investigate these links and improve outcomes for patients suffering from COVID-19 who may have underlying cardiovascular problems.

The grants have been awarded to Newcastle University, the University of Dundee and University of Glasgow.

The University of Dundee project, led by Professor Faisel Khan (above), Professor of Cardiovascular Sciences, will study whether inflammation in the body caused by COVID-19 contributes to long-term damage to the blood vessels. For more on this grant, click here.

The project at the Newcastle University, which will be led by Professor Ioakim Spyridopoulos (below), Professor of Cardiovascular Gerontology, will investigate long-term inflammation of the heart in COVID-19 patients.

It is hoped that the findings will guide immune-therapies to prevent heart inflammation and therefore reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications in patients recovering from COVID-19. For more on this grant, click here.

The project at the University of Glasgow, led by Professor Sandosh Padmanabhan (above, left)), Professor of Cardiovascular Genomics and Therapeutics, is aiming to answer whether:

  • High blood pressure makes COVID-19 infection worse and if so, why.
  • COVID-19 infection makes high blood pressure worse and if so, why.
  • Monitoring and management of high blood pressure needs to be a greater priority during the pandemic.

For more on this grant, click here.

Kate Bratt-Farrar, Chief Executive of Heart Research UK, said: “We have known for some time that people with pre-existing heart problems are more susceptible to suffering severe consequences from COVID-19, as well as the virus being able to damage the heart itself.

“However, there is a gap in the research here, and Heart Research UK is very proud to be funding three cutting edge projects that are aiming to help us better understand the most pressing medical challenge in a generation.

“The research we fund has one aim – to benefit patients as soon as possible. We are hopeful that these projects will help to bring about tangible improvements in the way we care for those with COVID-19 and cardiovascular issues.”

AA Rural Young Drivers campaign: Teenage driving risk of death underestimated by 8 in 10

  • Drugs, gun and knife crime perceived as bigger threats to teenagers than driving despite global stats to the contrary
  • AA Charitable Trust Rural Young Drivers campaign teams up with Bauer and adam&eveDDB in one-off radio show, Caitlin’s Hour, to highlight the seven in ten fatal young driver crashes happen on rural roads
  • Caitlin’s Hour, on Hits Radio and Kerrang! Radio, will celebrate the life of Caitlin Huddleston who died in a rural road crash at just 18
  • Interactive crash map shows riskiest rural routes for young drivers
  • 36 billboards nationwide to showcase campaign to drivers including one near site of Caitlin’s crash

Eight in ten drivers (86%) underestimate the risk driving poses to teenagers, with just one in six (14%) saying they believe it is the greatest threat to their safety.

New research* from the AA Charitable Trust shows that while the perceived risk of driving has not changed significantly (11% in 2008; 15% in 2013; 17% in 2018; 14% in 2021), the perception of drugs being the greatest threat to teenagers’ safety has risen from 31% to 39% since 2008.

Yet globally, road crashes are the leading cause of death among teenagers. The latest UK statistics** show 2,223 17-to-19-year-olds were killed or seriously injured in road crashes. And research from the AA Charitable Trust Young Rural Drivers campaign shows rural roads in particular pose a particular danger.

The campaign launched last month, with the publication of ground-breaking new research into rural, young driver crashes and an interactive map.   

Key aims of the campaign include raising awareness that 71% of fatal crashes involving young drivers occur on rural roads.

Overall, the research shows young drivers (aged 17-to-24) are over-represented in rural crashes by 9%, relative to all roads, with the over-representation highest for those aged 17 (27%) and decreasing with every subsequent year.

Young drivers were also shown to face a higher risk of death (2%) or serious injury (15.2%) when involved in a crash on a rural road compared to an urban road (0.6%; 11.3%).

Edmund King OBE, AA Charitable Trust director, said: “Road crashes are the single biggest killer of teenagers across the world, yet the general perception is that the inside of a car is a relatively safe place for them to be.

“Understanding how, when and where young people are involved in crashes is vitally important to being able to improve their safety.

“Our latest research takes an in-depth look at rural roads and the particular and significant risks they pose to young drivers.

“It is heart-breaking to hear about young people who have died in crashes, but we hope that by celebrating Caitlin’s life in a special radio show, we will be able to raise awareness of the dangers rural roads pose to young drivers.”

The next stage of the campaign focuses on the story of Caitlin Huddleston, who tragically died in a car crash on the A595 in Cumbria.

Caitlin was just 18 when she died in the crash on July 14th, 2017. She was a passenger in the car, driven by her friend, who was also her brother’s girlfriend, Skye, who also lost her life.

Caitlin, Skye and another friend, were driving to a local Italian restaurant for dinner when Skye lost control of the car on a bend and collided with a van. Neither driver was speeding, but the road was wet, and the coroner said Skye was inexperienced and driving too fast for the conditions. The third occupant of the car and van driver were both severely injured in the crash.

Caitlin’s mother, Sharron Huddleston, has campaigned for road safety for young and novice drivers and their passengers since losing Caitlin. 

She said she was not aware at the time of the crash that rural roads were especially dangerous.  In fact, just a few months before the crash she was concerned about Caitlin travelling with friends on a motorway journey.  Sadly, she didn’t think there was a need to be concerned about the journey the girls were making on the evening of the crash, as the girls were just travelling on local roads.

Sharron Huddleston said: “We are honoured that the AA Trust has chosen Caitlin to be the symbol of their rural roads campaign. I hope the ‘Caitlin’s Hour’ radio broadcast and campaign will highlight to young newly qualified drivers and their parents, the dangers of driving on rural roads after passing their driving test and of the fragility of life too.

“I know Caitlin would want me to raise awareness in her memory, to try to help stop what happened to her, happening to any other young innocent people. This is what we are trying to do through ‘Caitlin’s Campaign’.

“’Caitlin’s Hour’ will let us honour and reflect on her all too short life”.

Caitlin’s life will be celebrated in a one-hour long radio programme, Caitlin’s Hour, A Late-Night Show to Remember on Sunday June 6th. It will run across Kerrang! and Hits Radio regional radio stations between 2am and 3am – a time the AA Trust research has pinpointed represents a significant risk to young drivers on rural roads, particularly for crashes involving fatigue or substance impairment.

The radio show will include interviews with Caitlin’s loved ones and the playlist will include tracks from her favourite artists.

Drivers will also be alerted to Caitlin’s Hour by 36 billboards switching on nationwide when the show airs. A special billboard will also promote the show in advance close to the site where Caitlin was killed in Cumbria.

The interactive map can be found here: 

Keeping Young Drivers Safe On Rural Roads | AA (theaa.com)

Young Rural Driver Crash Fact file:

–        July, August, October and November most concerning months for crashes involving young drivers on rural roads.

–        Proportion of crashes involving young drivers which are on Sundays is 9% higher on rural roads than on urban roads.

–        Single vehicle collisions account for 27% of all young driver crashes on rural roads compared to 16% for drivers of all ages.

–        Substance impairment attributed to a young driver in 9% of young driver rural road crashes on Sundays compared to an average of 4% on other days.

Call to action:

–        New drivers to get more experience driving on rural roads before going out alone.

–        Need graduated learning with a logbook for driving lessons to cover driving on all types of road, at different times of the day, and in different weather conditions.

–        Greater emphasis on rural roads in theory and practical driving test.

–        Campaign to raise awareness amongst drivers and parents of the dangers.

–        Interactive map to be used as a Think! educational resource for schools.

–        Raise awareness that those growing up in rural areas are more at risk on the roads than their urban counterparts.