Day: July 27, 2021

Capital estate agents join forces

Broughton Property Management becomes part of Braemore brand

AN EDINBURGH estate agency, which has helped thousands of people find new homes since launching 24 years ago, is itself on the move – after joining forces with another agency.

Broughton Property Management, formerly based on Broughton Street, has been acquired by the growing Braemore brand, whose local roots also span more than two decades.

The agreement has seen its whole team of six staff, and its portfolio of 290 rental properties, transfer seamlessly into Braemore’s flagship branch on Morningside Road.

“We are delighted to welcome Broughton’s clients and all its team members into the Braemore Edinburgh family,” said CEO of Braemore, Andrew Seldon.

“This is a great opportunity for Braemore, allowing us to extend our footprint in Edinburgh and further progress our ambition of being the number one agency in the region.

“We inherit a prime portfolio of properties, ranging from modern city flats to leafy detached homes across all of Edinburgh’s most sought-after areas.

“It is a great people fit too, as we welcome a team brimming with the same local knowledge, industry insight, and high customer service standards on which we pride ourselves.”

He added: “Between both home-grown success stories, we pool almost half a century of Edinburgh expertise in meeting the needs of tenants and landlords, sellers and buyers.

“This creates a strong platform on which to innovate and strengthen our customer service, as well as expand further through more acquisitions in and around the capital.

“As lockdown restrictions begin to ease, this acquisition is a timely signal of our continued confidence in Edinburgh and its all-year-round appeal as a place to live, work, study and holiday.”

The deal is the second this year for Braemore, which also has a branch in St Andrew’s. In April, it strengthened its specialism in managing Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) after acquiring the student rental portfolio of 90 HMOs in Edinburgh managed by Complete Letting (Scotland) Ltd.

Braemore is part of the Edinburgh-based Lomond group of residential letting and sales agencies across England and Scotland, and is the sister agency of fellow Scottish chain Stonehouse, which operates out of Aberdeen and the surrounding district.

New Funds for Touring Theatre and Dance

New funds are available for Scottish based artists, companies, producers and venues for touring live theatre and dance work from Summer 2022.  

With support from The National Lottery as well as enhanced funding of £375,000 from the Scottish Government, Creative Scotland’s £2million Touring Fund for Theatre and Dance eligibility criteria is now live and will open for applications on Tuesday 17 August.  

Culture Minister Jenny Gilruth said: “It is fantastic to see the Touring Fund for Theatre and Dance re-open for applications. Delivered by Creative Scotland with an additional £375,000 of Scottish Government funding, the fund will help support a range of touring theatre shows for more people across Scotland to experience and enjoy in places which normally have fewer opportunities.   

“Fulfilling one of our 100 day commitments, this fund will not only generate increased opportunities for new audiences to experience the best of Scottish theatre, it will provide artists, producers and companies with an opportunity to showcase their creative works after such a difficult year for the sector. I look forward to hearing more about the productions which will benefit from this funding.” 

Since the Fund’s inception in 2018, £4.2million has enabled a wide range of new and topical re-stagings of acclaimed theatre and dance shows including circus for babies, gritty drama, and musical comedy capers exploring themes from international friendship to mental health to criss-cross Scotland. 

From small, medium and large-scale venues pre-covid, shows have been specially created and re-imagined during the pandemic, to suit outdoor spaces and unconventional places such as allotments, woodland trails, garden centres, loch-sides, and people’s gardens.   

Laura Mackenzie Stuart, Head of Theatre at Creative Scotland said: “It’s with thanks to the generosity of National Lottery players, who raise £30 million for good causes across the UK every week, and funding from the Scottish Government, that artists and companies can continue to re-connect with audiences as we slowly begin to emerge from the pandemic, bringing live in person performance back to communities throughout Scotland. 

“Partnerships with established venues will play a vital role – being at the heart of the communities they work in year-round, every year.   Whilst we have endured an incredibly challenging and disrupted period, those links have been kept vibrant and strong. They will be key as audiences begin once again to enjoy the uplifting experience of theatre and dance in person, and a physical reconnection with performing arts.”

Witness Appeal: Bottle attack on priest in St Mary’s Cathedral

A Statement from Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh:

A praying priest was attacked by a man with a bottle in St Mary’s Cathedral in York Place yesterday. Edinburgh Police say enquiries are ongoing and urge anyone with information to contact them on 101.

Maciej Zurawski photography

In a statement, the Archdiocese of Edinburgh and St Andrew’s said: “Yesterday morning (Monday 26 July) a priest sitting alone praying in a pew at St Mary’s Cathedral in Edinburgh was subject to a violent and unprovoked assault by a man carrying a glass bottle.

“Just prior to the attack the man had asked him if he was a priest. When the priest replied that he was, the man attempted to hit him on the head with the bottle, before chasing him to the back of the cathedral.

“The bottle broke on the ground and the man continued using it in his assault. The priest managed to fend him off with a chair before the attacker ran out of the cathedral. The priest escaped without injury.

“Anyone with information is urged to call Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 0823 of Monday 26 July.”

A police spokesperson confirmed: “Around 9.35am on Monday, 26 July, police were called to a report of a 35-year-old man being assaulted within a church in York Place, Edinburgh.

“Officers attended and the victim did not require hospital treatment.

“Enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident and anyone with information is urged to contact Police Scotland through 101, quoting incident number 0823 of Monday, 26 July, 2021.”

Post-lockdown Scotland will need to lock-up or lose out

Over 4/5 of Scotland at risk of burglary this summer

As the UK flocks to full capacity pubs and newly opened clubs, home security must rise to the top of homeowners agendas.

New data from Quotezone.co.uk, insurance comparison website, shows that over 80% of people in Scotland do not have a burglar alarm system in their homes.

More worrying still is that the findings, which are based on a sample size of more than 350,000 home insurance policies collated over three years, shows that 79% of neighbourhoods in Scotland do not currently have a neighbourhood watch in operation.

It’s clear that home security has fallen down the priority list for many and now couldn’t be a better time to rectify this. Burglaries reduced by 28% as a result of lockdown as more people stayed at home, suggesting that without the right measures in place a rebound post-lockdown is very likely.

What’s more, this coincides with studies which show that during the months of June-August home burglaries are the highest with a spike of 10% compared with the rest of the year.

Therefore, a surge of people spending more time outside of their homes as well as abroad on holiday, alongside a seasonal spike in crime means that now is most definitely the time to be thinking about simple steps to keep you home protected this Summer.

Some top tips from Quotezone.co.uk below:

  • Do invest in light timers to switch on your lights as it approaches dusk for an hour or two to give the appearance that someone is home. The light sensors that switch on when someone approaches the property illuminates intruders and act as a deterrent.
  • Do not broadcast your plans on social media and if you do want to post holiday snaps, make sure your settings are set to private to avoid alerting strangers to your location.
  • Do make any security or alarm systems you do have noticeable to potential burglars with key positioning at the front or back of the house. If you do not have a system then you can pick up CCTV signs from your local police station.
  • Do check your insurance policy before you travel, look out for limits on leaving your property unoccupied and how long you can be away and still make a claim.

Greg Wilson, Founder of Quotezone.co.uk comments: “It does seem as if we could be heading towards a perfect storm in which more people spend time outside for the first time in 18 months, alongside a seasonal spike in crime, leading to a wave of burglaries throughout July and August.

“It is surprising that so few people across the UK have alarm systems or are involved in neighbourhood watch groups. Now is a good time to rethink the way they households are protecting their homes.

“Even if an alarm system is not something people can invest in right now, there are many other tips and tricks to secure your home and leave you feeling safer this Summer.”

‘Summer’s Here’: Looking out for each other on city’s shared paths

A new City of Edinburgh Council campaign has been launched encouraging people to be mindful of others when using Edinburgh’s shared paths.

With more people choosing to walk, cycle, jog or wheel, the city’s network of off-road paths is busier than ever, so we’re sharing top tips to help people exercise and travel safely.

Through social media, digital and citywide advertising, the ‘Summer’s Here’ campaign asks everyone to look out for one another and follow guidance for using the paths, such as:

  • give each other space 
  • take it easy and slow right down when on your bike on a shared path
  • stay left and pass on the right
  • keep your dog on a lead in busy areas
  • stay alert, especially if using headphones or your phone
  • remember that not all disabilities are visible – slow down and give enough warning

Councillor Karen Doran, Transport and Environment Vice Convener, said: “Being able to get out and about and exercise on our fantastic network of off-road paths has been a saving grace of the pandemic, and we want to make sure people can continue to do that safely and comfortably.

“It’s no surprise these are busy, popular routes, where everyone can walk, jog, cycle or wheel, so we just need to be mindful of one another when we make use of them. Through the Summer’s Here campaign, we’re sharing handy tips and advice to help everyone to enjoy and benefit from these shared-use spaces.”

The city council is reminding residents and visitors to take extra care in areas where people walking, wheeling and cycling share the same space. Advice for different groups includes:

Cyclists

  • Use your bell to let people know you are there well in advance, especially at blind corners
  • Give others space
  • Don’t pass at speed
  • At night – avoid dazzling others with your lights: dip, dim, don’t strobe

Walkers and runners 

  • Listen for cyclists’ bells
  • Allow cyclists to pass
  • At night, think about whether you are visible to others

Dog walkers

  • Keep dogs on a short lead or close to heel
  • Clean up after your dog
  • At night, use a reflective collar or coat on your dog

Find out more on the Paths for Everyone website.

You can also find guidance from Sustrans and from Scottish Cycling for walking and cycling safely as lockdown measures start to ease on their websites.

Yellow weather warnings in place

The @metoffice has issued a YELLOW weather warning for THUNDERSTORMS today (Tuesday 27th July) from 12:00 – 23:59 and a YELLOW weather warning for RAIN tomorrow (Wednesday 28th July) midnight – Thursday 29th July) 06:00am.

There’s more info at: http://ms.spr.ly/6013nYaOc

Flooding Outlook – 27 July

David Faichney, SEPA’s Duty Flooding Manager said: “A mix of heavy rain and thundery showers are expected across much of the country from Tuesday to Thursday, with the worst affected areas likely to be Easter Ross and the Great Glen, Findhorn, Moray, Nairn and Speyside, Tayside, Central, Edinburgh and Lothians and West Central Scotland.

“Due to the nature of thundery showers, it’s hard to pinpoint exactly where will be worst hit, but what we do know is that it can happen quickly and can be highly localised.

“It’s important that those out and about, holidaying, engaging in activities near rivers and streams or out hillwalking are aware of the hazards and stay safe. Some rivers and streams can rise to dangerous levels very quickly, so avoid camping near water and be very mindful of conditions if considering activities such as swimming or canoeing.  

“15 regional Flood Alerts have been issued, and people living and working in affected areas are advised to plan their journeys and consider the steps they need to take now to be prepared, including keeping flood protection products, like sandbags, in place in high risk areas. You can stay up to date with regional Flood Alerts and local Flood Warnings at sepa.org.uk/floodupdates.

“Extreme weather such as prolonged heavy rain following a period of warm, dry weather, is something we will see more of as our climate changes and these patterns become more common in the future.

“SEPA is working 24/7 to monitor rainfall and river levels and is in close contact with the Met Office and other partners to review the forecasts, which are combined with local expertise from all regions of Scotland to understand and present the flooding risk. We would encourage the public to remain vigilant, especially in isolated, low lying agricultural areas susceptible to flooding. The most up-to-date information is always available on our website.”

Thunderstorms

  • Thunderstorms can cause very intense and localised torrential downpours, with potential dangerous flash flooding impacts.
  • It is very hard to predict where exactly impacts may be experienced; it can also happen suddenly, so it is important you are prepared and remain vigilant.
  • It is your responsibility to take action to protect yourselves and your property against flooding, for information on how to prepare visit, www.floodlinescotland.org.uk.
  • Be careful on the roads. Spray and sudden flooding can lead to difficult driving conditions. You should not drive through flood water.

Staying informed

  • All SEPA’s Alerts and Warnings are available on our website at sepa.org.uk/floodupdates
  • Floodline is always the most up-to-date information – with any new flood updates available as soon as they are issued.
  • Advice on what you can do to prepare for flooding can be found at floodlinescotland.org.uk

Be prepared and stay safe

  • Check Floodline – visit sepa.org.uk/floodupdates
  • Don’t walk through flood water – 15cm of fast flowing water could be enough to knock you off your feet and hazards can be hidden under the water.
  • Drive with care, and do not travel through deep fast flowing water. It only takes 30cm of fast flowing water to move an average family sized car.
  • If you are walking beside rivers be extra careful of wet footpaths and possibly small watercourses in spate.
  • Please consider deploying flooding protection products if required. 

What’s the difference between a Flood Alert and a Flood Warning?

We use forecast weather information provided by the Met Office combined with our own observation of rainfall and river levels and advanced hydrological modelling to provide advance warning of flooding.

  • Regional Flood Alerts are early advice that flooding is possible across a wider geographical area. The purpose of the Alerts is to make people aware of the risk of flooding and be prepared. We normally issue them 12 to 24 hours in advance of the possibility of flooding.
  • Flood Warnings are more locally specific and are issued for areas where we have gauges on rivers to measure the exact river height. They are issued at shorter notice when we are more certain that a specific area will be affected

Pop-up Covid vaccination clinic opens at Gyle Shopping Centre

NHS Lothian has opened a pop-up vaccination clinic at Gyle Shopping Centre.

The team can administer all three vaccines – Pfizer, Moderna and AstraZeneca – so it is open to all ages. No appointment is necessary and those needing a first or second dose are welcome, as long as you have waited eight weeks between injections.

The clinic, which is just next to M&S, will run from 10am til 6pm, seven days a week from today – Tuesday 27 July.

More information here: http://ow.ly/3IWJ50FDPel

Scottish Government launches Young Patients Family Fund

£5 million to help families be there for children in hospital

A new fund has been launched to help families with the costs of visiting and providing essential care for their children in hospital.

The Young Patients Family Fund will support the parents and siblings of young inpatients by covering expenses for travel, food and overnight accommodation where necessary.

Initial investment of £5 million has been set aside for the fund, although actual spend will depend on demand.

Public Health Minister Maree Todd launched the fund at the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People in Edinburgh, where she met with Deborah Robertson whose 10-year-old son Zak is an inpatient receiving treatment for Cystic Fibrosis.

Ms Todd said: “When a hospital stay is necessary, families want to focus on the health and wellbeing of their child, without the worry of the financial costs around being there for them.

“This fund will provide support when it is most needed, and is an extension of our Neonatal Expenses Fund, which covers costs for the parents of sick or premature newborn babies.

“The Young Patients Family Fund extends the support to cover the families of all inpatients from birth up to the age of 18.”

Associate Director of Policy, Influencing and Voice at the charity Young Lives vs Cancer Helen Gravestock said: “When a child is diagnosed with cancer, the whole family’s world turns upside down.

“Parents often have to stop working, children can be taken out of school and suddenly they have to travel miles for life-saving treatment. The last thing they should be worrying about is how to afford the petrol to be by their child’s bedside.

“On average, families spend an extra £600 every month while their child is having cancer treatment.

“The Young Patients Family Fund will be very much welcomed by children and young people with cancer and their families. Young Lives vs Cancer looks forward to working with colleagues in Scotland to ensure that all eligible families can benefit from it.”

NHS Lothian’s Service Director for Women’s and Children’s Services Allister Short, said: “When a child or young person requires a stay in hospital, it can be a really challenging time for them and their family, and anything that helps to reduce this stress is a really welcome step.

“This new fund really will make a big difference for families not just here in Lothian, but across Scotland.”

Bliss Scotland Chief Executive, Caroline Lee-Davey, said:  “This new fund will now mean that parents of premature and sick babies who need hospital care once their neonatal treatment is over will continue to be supported throughout their hospital journey.

“We will continue to work with the Scottish Government to ensure the Fund meets the needs of families and will keep campaigning for the other UK nations to introduce similar support for families with a baby in neonatal care.” 

Fire and Rescue Service issues urgent water safety warning

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is urging people to stay safe in and around water this summer. The reminder has been issued following the deaths of six people in Scotland’s waterways between Friday, July 23 and Saturday, July 24. 

This included the recovery of a 16-year-old from the water at Balloch Country Park on Friday, July 23, an 11-year-old from the Alexander Hamilton Memorial Park in Stonehouse on Saturday, July 24, and a 13-year-old from water at Hazelbank, near Lanark on Sunday, July 25.

On Saturday, July 24, a further three people lost their lives in water near Pulpit Rock, Ardlui. They were a 41-year-old man, 29-year-old woman and a nine year old boy, while a seven year old boy remains in hospital in intensive care.

Alasdair Perry is the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s Deputy Assistant Chief Officer and Head of Prevention and Protection.

DACO Perry said: “I would like to offer my sincere condolences and those of everyone at the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to those affected by this weekend’s tragic events. 

“They are a very sad reminder that Scotland’s waterways can be dangerous, and we are asking everyone to take care and heed all available advice.”

Many people have chosen to visit lochs, rivers, and reservoirs due to the warm weather.

However, despite high temperatures, the water can still be extremely cold and people can get into difficulty due to cold water shock. This can interrupt breathing, cause loss of strength and coordination and affect swimmers of any age, fitness, or experience level.

Scotland’s many waterways can also have hidden dangers such as fast moving currents or obstacles which can also present a risk.

DACO Perry advises: “If you do get into trouble, try to keep calm then control your breathing. Lie on your back, spread out your arms and legs and float or swim. Then shout for help and, if you can, make your way to safety. 

“We would ask that no-one swims alone and that, where you can, have the proper buoyancy and safety equipment. Never leave children or young people unattended and do not mix alcohol with swimming.”

Water Safety Scotland is a voluntary association of organisations and individuals whose main purpose is to understand the risks around water in Scotland and engage with partners to develop a consistent approach to the prevention of water related fatalities.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is a member of that group.

DACO Perry added: “We are committed to working with our partners and through Water Safety Scotland to educate as many people as possible about the risks involved in swimming or playing in water.

“In coming weeks, we will be conducting more visits to popular areas to engage with swimmers and visitors directly. “I would urge people to visit our website to find out more about how to stay safe.”

For more information on water safety see: https://www.firescotland.gov.uk/your-safety/water-safety.aspx