The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) is warning of an increasing water scarcity situation across the country with Northwest Scotland, Clyde, Ayrshire, Orkney and the Western Isles moving to Alert level. Most of the rest of the country is moving to the Early Warning tier, with Irvine and Ayr raised to Moderate Scarcity level.
SEPA is providing information for businesses that abstract water year-round on actions to take as resources reach critically low levels.
Changing weather patterns caused by climate change means water scarcity will become more common in Scotland.
Businesses looking for information on water scarcity and meeting licence conditions urged to contact SEPA at WaterScarcity@sepa.org.uk
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has warned of an increasing water scarcity situation across much of Scotland, with businesses which abstract water all year round being encouraged to take steps to reduce their water usage.
The latest weekly water situation report published by SEPA shows that the majority of the country has been raised to Early Warning level as conditions could deteriorate rapidly if the dry weather continues.
June has seen below average rainfall across the country and ground conditions have continued to dry rapidly over the past two weeks.
In north and south-western areas where they have experienced a relatively dry spring, many rivers have had prolonged low flows and depleted water resources.
River levels are now also low across eastern catchment areas – not unusual for the time of year – but with low rainfall forecast in the short term this situation could continue and result in impacts to the environment and affect water supplies. As a result, catchments between north Fife and Aberdeen have also been raised to alert level.
Groundwater levels are falling but so far remain within the normal range for the time of year.
The longer-term forecast suggests that there is an increased likelihood of hot, dry weather compared to normal, with a greater chance of impacts from hot weather.
Water is a resource that underpins key industries across Scotland, from food and drink production through to farming and golf course management, and while some businesses abstract seasonally, others need access to water all year round.
Those reliant on private water supplies are also feeling the effects of water scarcity. Of 22,000 private water supplies, almost 4,000 provide water to large numbers of domestic properties or businesses, including tourist accommodation, schools and care homes.
Businesses have been asked to act in order to mitigate the impacts of depleted resources in the area. These actions are:
Those in the agriculture sector still abstracting should stagger abstractions with other operators
Where possible reduce the volume of water being abstracted
Switch to other supplies or suspend abstractions if possible
Water abstractors licenced by SEPA should have a plan to deal with the range of conditions they may experience, including drought. They should monitor their water usage and equipment to ensure they are operating at maximum efficiency and avoiding any unnecessary leakage.
Changing climate patterns and extreme rainfall events put us in a position where an area can be experiencing water scarcity but still suffer from surface water flooding.
Terry A’Hearn, Chief Executive at the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, said: “The severity of the water scarcity picture in part of Scotland is further evidence that water scarcity will become more and more prevalent – and is just one of the many consequences of climate change the country faces.
“SEPA’s strategy for tackling this definitive challenge of our time is called ‘one planet prosperity’, focused on helping our communities and businesses thrive within the resources of our one planet.
“That is why it is important for businesses that abstract water to understand that SEPA is here to offer support and guidance, and we are setting out the key measures abstractors should be taking to conserve water, which is shared and finite.
“We want to work with businesses to plan long-term about their water usage so that we can preserve the resource as effectively as possible. This will protect both Scotland’s rivers and lochs and reduce their business risks.”
Businesses having difficulty obtaining water supply or that are concerned about meeting licence conditions should contact SEPA at WaterScarcity@sepa.org.uk.
Those concerned about private water supply levels should contact their local authority.
The British Medical Association is urging the Government to keep some targeted measures to control the spread of Covid-19 in place after 19 July in England, amid a continued worrying rise in case numbers.
Weekly cases in England are up 74% on the previous seven days, while the number of people admitted to hospitals in England with Covid-19 has risen by 55% over the last week.
The 19th of July – in just over two weeks’ time – is the earliest time the Government has said it will consider removing all legal restrictions, however both the Prime Minister and the new Health and Social Care Secretary have indicated that some measures could stay beyond this date – something the BMA says is crucial to stop spiralling case numbers having a devastating impact on people’s health, the NHS, the economy and education.
The BMA says these measures and support should include:
Ongoing requirements to wear a mask in enclosed public spaces, such as public transport, shops, healthcare settings and in communal areas in educational settings, where adequate ventilation and distancing are often not possible.
Significantly improved public messaging and education, emphasising that while the virus continues to circulate, practising social distancing and meeting outdoors or in well-ventilated spaces – and wearing masks when this is not possible – remains the best way to reduce risk of infection and keep yourself safe.
Greater guidance and support for businesses and educational settings to create sustainable, Covid-secure environments, as well as enforcement of standards.
Emphasis on the importance of good ventilation, including setting legal standards. Financial and other support for businesses and educational settings must be made available to implement these requirements ahead of the autumn and winter period, when respiratory viruses spread more easily and buildings must be kept warm, limiting options for natural ventilation.
Dr Chaand Nagpaul, BMA council chair, said: “As case numbers continue to rise at an alarming rate due to the rapid transmission of the Delta variant and an increase in people mixing with one another, it makes no sense to remove restrictions in their entirety in just over two weeks’ time.
“The promise was to make decisions based on data and not dates, and while we were pleased to see the Government react to data in delaying the easing on 21 June last month, ministers must not now simply disregard the most recent, damning, numbers by rushing into meeting their new 19th July deadline.
“It’s not a binary decision of ‘all or nothing’, and the sensible, cautious measures that we are proposing, will be vital in minimising not just the impact of rising case numbers on people’s individual health and the health service, but also wider damage to the economy and society, caused by even further waves, new variants and lockdowns.
“We have made excellent progress with both the vaccination campaign and individual action from people across the country over the last 18 months, and the Government must absolutely not throw this away at this critical juncture.
“While the vaccination programme continues at pace, a significant proportion of people remain either unvaccinated or partially vaccinated. This is on top of those who cannot receive the jab or the small number for whom immunisation will be ineffective.
“Neither will all those vaccinated by 19th July be properly protected given it takes about two weeks after the second dose to confer maximum immunity. This means we are still some way from protecting enough of the population from this devastating illness to control the spread.
“Meanwhile although hospitalisations remain relatively low in comparison to the steep rise in cases, the numbers are increasing at pace, with twice as many Covid patients in beds and on ventilators than this time last month.
“This is a particular worry for doctors and their colleagues who are faced with a record backlog of care put on hold by the first waves of the pandemic, and in which even modest increases in hospital admissions will undermine treating the 5 million patients currently on waiting lists.
“Even if people aren’t getting admitted to hospital at the same rate, spiralling levels of community transmission provides a fertile ground for new, potentially vaccine-resistant variants to develop.
“Also worrying is evidence that one in 10 people suffer longer-term impacts of long-Covid after even a mild infection, with an estimated 2 million people in England having lived with long-lasting symptoms. These factors could have serious consequences for the NHS and public health teams as well as business, education and wider society – therefore stemming the spread of the virus in the community with a series of manageable, targeted measures must be the priority right now.
“Everyone appreciates the efforts and sacrifices we have all made so far to suppress the spread of the virus, and it would be tragic if we were to undo this good work now. We are not asking for a full delay on 19th July, rather a series of sensible, targeted measures that will help prevent transmission of the virus while having a minimal impact on people’s daily lives.
“Our appeal is to both the Government to keep appropriate measures in place, and to the public to continue acting in a careful, responsible manner – giving other people space, wearing face coverings in areas where physical distancing isn’t possible and recognising that the virus won’t simply stop posing a serious danger in two weeks’ time.”
Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon insisted yesterday that Scotland’s so-called ‘Freedom Day’is still on track for August, despite a huge surge in coronavirus cases that threatens to pile further pressure on hospitals and health services struggling to cope.
She urged people to get vaccinated at yesterday’s Coronavirus media briefing:
Good afternoon. Thanks for joining Jason and I. There are a few issues I want to cover today – including some important information about vaccinations.
But I will start with a summary of today’s statistics.
The total number of positive cases reported yesterday was 3,823.
That is 10.8% of all of the tests carried out.
The total number of confirmed cases now stands at 289,279.
There are 285 people currently in hospital – which is 10 more than yesterday.
And 19 people are in intensive care, which is 3 more than yesterday.
Unfortunately 4 deaths were reported in the past 24 hours, and that takes the total number of deaths under our daily definition, is now 7,726.
As always, my condolences are with everyone who has been bereaved.
Let me also briefly update on the vaccination programme.
As of this morning, 3,831,770 people have received a first dose of the vaccine.
That’s an increase of 15,519 since yesterday.
In addition, 14,622 people got a second dose yesterday. That brings the total number of second doses to 2,737,347. Now today’s vaccine numbers actually take us across quite a significant milestone. More than 60% of those eligible for the vaccine have now had both doses, but as of today, more than 50% of the entire population is now fully vaccinated. That is an important milestone and one that will be increasing our levels of protection against this virus.
I have a couple of points that I want to cover before I reflect on the overall course of the pandemic, and stress some of our key public health messages, which are of particular importance given the high number of cases that are being reported right now.
The first is to confirm that further funding for Covid matters is being made available to health boards today.
Almost £380 million is being allocated to help with additional costs this year – including for the vaccination programme, the test and protect system, and personal and protective equipment.
This is on top of the £1.7 billion for Covid which was allocated last year to Health Boards and Health and Social Care Partnerships.
Further funding will of course be made available as necessary over the course of the year.
Although we hope we are in the process of emerging from the pandemic, we can see from the situation at the moment, that Covid will continue to place pressures on our health and care services – so we will continue to ensure that they have all the funding that they need to respond to those pressures.
The second point I want to cover relates to vaccination. Getting vaccinated is probably the single most important thing any of us can do right now.
That’s why I strongly welcome a joint statement that has been issued this morning by business organisations and the Scottish Government. It urges people to get vaccinated – and also urges employers to encourage and support employees to get vaccinated.
The statement recognizes that a successful vaccination programme is crucial obviously for our public health, but if it protects our public health then it will always also be good for the economy. So anything employers can do to support people to get vaccinated, will be beneficial for them, as well as for their workers.
That said, the Government has the primary responsibility for ensuring that the vaccination programme is effective – and we are working with health boards to make sure it is as accessible as possible.
I am therefore pleased to confirm today that from Monday, all mainland health boards will offer drop-in vaccination centres for all adults.
These centres will be able to provide first doses to anyone over the age of 18 who has not had a first dose yet. They will also be open for second doses to anyone who had their first dose 8 or more weeks ago, and has not yet had their second dose.
So if you haven’t had a first dose yet – or if you are now due for a second dose – from Monday, you’ll be able to visit a drop-in centre in order to get one. And let me stress, you can do this even if you have had a letter giving you an appointment, or if you have missed an appointment. If you’d rather turn up next week to drop in, you can do that even if you’ve had an appointment scheduled for a week or two from now.
Two health boards – Greater Glasgow and Clyde, and Lothian – will also be providing mobile vaccination units as drop-in centres in some areas, and that is about helping, effectively, to take vaccine to people where we perhaps think there has been particular challenges with uptake.
Information about the drop-in vaccination centres in your health board area, will be available online, so I would encourage you to check this out over the weekend. You can also find out more through the NHS Inform website, or by following your health board area on social media.
Appointments of course will still be scheduled, so if it does suit you better to wait for a scheduled appointment, and you find that more convenient, that is fine.
Everyone in Scotland who is over 18 should now have received an appointment date for a first jag. If you haven’t, then you can turn up at a drop-in clinic – but you can also self-register on the NHS Inform site and get an appointment scheduled.
You can also use the NHS Inform website to rearrange the time or location of your appointment if you need to.
Basically, what we are trying to do is make it as easy and as accessible for as many as possible, so you can turn up from next week to a drop-in centre, you can keep your scheduled appointment, you can rearrange your scheduled appointment. Any of these ways is going to be possible because we want as many people getting these jags as possible.
The importance our vaccination programme is especially evident now. We are continuing to deal with a surge in new cases, heavily driven by the dominance of the Delta variant of the virus.
Vaccination is the reason that surge in cases has not led to the re-imposition of a strict lockdown – as it would have done at any earlier stage in the pandemic.
But now, the vaccines are doing much of the work that lockdown measures previously had to do.
We’ve discussed quite a lot recently the fact that vaccination is weakening the link between new cases, and serious health harms.
For example the proportion of people who get Covid, who now require hospital treatment, fell from around 13% in January, to 3% at the start of June. We continue to monitor that very closely.
All of that is positive.
But – and this is quite a significant but that I’m very deliberately injecting at this stage – all of us do still need to play a part, over and above getting vaccinated to make sure we get through this next period as safely as possible.
The rise in cases is a reminder that we still need to be cautious.
This variant of the virus is spreading quickly, and it is still potentially dangerous.
No vaccine is 100% effective. But these ones are very effective – after two doses. So even if you still get the virus, your chances of becoming very ill with it are much reduced.
That should give assurance to people – especially those who are older or living with other health conditions. I know many of you in particular will be worried right now as you see cases continuing to spike.
I want to assure you that we are not complacent about this. Our priority is to extend vaccine coverage as quickly as possible. That is our best line of protection.
But we are also encouraging renewed caution on behalf of the population while we do so.
Because our biggest vulnerability just now is that there are still, notwithstanding the success of the programme, a lot of people who do not yet have the protection of both doses.
That is why we are making it easier for people to get vaccinated. We are vaccinating as quickly as supplies – and also the clinical advice on timing of second doses – allows us to do.
While we do this, our collective priority must be to do all we can to slow the virus down. That really matters.
The fact is if cases continue to rise as they have been doing, then – despite the effectiveness of the vaccine – we will see pressure build on the NHS. And of course a lot of people being unwell.
Even if only 3% of cases need hospital care now – compared to 13% at the start of the year – on the case numbers we are seeing just now, that will still be a lot of people ending up in hospital.
We should also remember, many people who get Covid but don’t end up in hospital – including many younger people – could still suffer health harms such as long Covid.
I know everyone is tired of hearing this, but I must say again as we do see, we hope, the end point to restrictions in sight, for now we must be careful, especially for these next few weeks while we continue to get the protection from vaccination extended as far as possible.
There are three key things in particular that we all need to do just now.
Firstly – as I have said, vaccination is what will get us out of this.
So make sure that you get vaccinated when you are invited to do so, or turn up next week to a drop-in clinic and get vaccinated then. Just to remind everybody, that applies to all adults who haven’t had a first dose yet. Even if you’ve missed an appointment, don’t worry about that, you can turn up and get your first dose now. And if you’ve had your first dose 8 weeks or more ago, you can turn up to get your second dose at one of these drop-in centres.
Vaccination is how we protect ourselves and it is how we get out of this, so please make sure you’re playing your part by getting both jags as soon as it is possible for you to do so.
Second, please use the opportunities to get tested regularly – this is especially important if you are planning to visit somewhere or visit somebody. Take a lateral flow test before you go just to give that added bit of reassurance.
Free lateral flow tests are available through the NHS inform website.
You can have them sent to you in the post. You can also now collect them from local and regional test sites, or from community pharmacies.
And of course if you test positive through one of these lateral flow devices – or if you have symptoms of the virus – please make sure that you self-isolate, and book a PCR test as quickly as possible. That’s vitally important.
And finally, continue to follow the key rules where you live and all the basic but really important public health advice – for example on physical distancing, hand-washing and face coverings.
Stay outdoors as much as you can if you’re meeting other people.
And if you are meeting people indoors, which in limited numbers is now allowed, please stick to the limits on group sizes, and open the windows. Make sure you’re washing your hands and surfaces, and keeping the room as ventilated as possible.
That still applies, of course, if you are watching the football or the tennis.
If you’re planning to watch the quarter finals of the Euros this weekend, please remember the indoor gathering limits and remember all of the advice that helps keep that environment as risk free as it’s possible to do.
So these are the things that we need to continue to observe right now.
Get vaccinated, get tested and follow the guidance, and where applicable follow the rules.
We are all utterly sick of this. I do believe, just as I have said up until now, that we are seeing the end in sight. But whether we get to that end point, though vaccination, safely or whether we get to it with lots of pressure on our NHS, lots more people getting this virus, comes down to how all of us behave and how successful we are in slowing down the virus while the vaccines get ahead and ultimately win the race for us.
So thank you very much for your continued patience, thank you for your continued observance of all of this, and please for these next few weeks let’s all stick with it to get us through this.
An additional £380 million is being allocated to Health Boards to help with costs arising from the pandemic.
This comes on top of the £1.7 billion already provided to Health Boards and Health and Social Care Partnerships last year. Further financial support will be made available as necessary over the course of this year.
This additional funding includes ongoing support for the vaccination programme, the Test and Protect system, and personal protective equipment (PPE) for health and care workers.
Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “Although we are hopefully emerging from this pandemic, coronavirus continues to add significant pressures to our health and care services.
“We will continue to assess the impact of COVID-19 and provide Health and Care services with the support they require. The remobilisation of the NHS is among our top priorities. We will publish a national recovery plan within the first 100 days of this government.
“The £380 million includes £90.3 million for Test and Protect, a further £76.8 million for the COVID and extended flu vaccination programmes, and £85.5 million allocated to National Services Scotland for PPE costs. The rest of the funding will cover costs including additional staffing to support hospital scale-up, equipment, maintenance and IT.”
The 2021-22 Scottish Budget takes total health portfolio funding in excess of £16 billion – an increase of over £800 million (5.3%) – with a further £1.08 billion of funding to address pressures related to COVID-19.
Civil Service U-14s complete League and Cup double
Civil Service Strollers U-14s celebrated a double success this week after picking up the Paladin Cup days after being crowded league champions.
The North Edinburgh club had to wait until the last day of the season to clinch the Division 3 league title and on Tuesday they came from 4-1 down at half-time to win the Paladin Cup on penalties against Cramond.
Coach, Ryan McIntyre, said: “With everything that has been going on it is great that our players worked hard and brought in two trophies this season.
“We have played well and the boys deserved to win the league and cup double.
“They are a really great bunch of lads and have potential play at a really high level when they get older.
“All the hard work has paid off.
“The club has been buzzing the past few days and it’s been great for the team and the other coaches.
“We will now have some time off before we start pre-season.”
Thinking through holes: A creative response to research Becky Šik and Sukaina Kubba
As part of Becky Šik’s new exhibition Mercury, we’re pleased to invite you to a special online event that will creatively respond to the research and methods around the work.
Mercury centres on a new experimental moving image work which interlaces a fragmented narrative with an evocative resonating soundtrack composed with homemade magnetic instruments.
For this event, hosted on Zoom, Becky will be joined by artist Sukaina Kubba to produce a new creative response to Mercury and to pick up on themes and threads that informed the film.
In particular, Becky and Sukaina will draw on the theoretical-fiction novel Cyclonopedia by Reza Negarestani, using this book and its idea of ‘plot-holes’ and ‘Hidden Writing’ to weave their shared interests through a public reading.
The event will include an open discussion and a chance to ask both artists questions.Tickets free (donations requested) but pre-booking is essential via Eventbrite.
Becky’s film Mercury will be available to view online in advance of the event via a link in your ticket confirmation email.
Mercuryis also showing in the Hillside space at Collective as part of our Satellites Programme for emerging practitioners until 11 July.
Gordon MacDonald, MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, is urging young people in the area to apply for the Job Start Payment if they are starting a new job after a period of unemployment.
The Job Start Payment is available to 16-24-year-olds who have been on certain benefits for six months or more. Eligible young people can apply for the one-off payment worth £252.50, or £404 if they have children.
The payment will help with the costs of starting a job including travel, new clothes or childcare. People can apply via www.mygov.scot/job-start-payment or by calling 0800 182 2222.
SNP MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, Gordon MacDonald said: “The pandemic has been particularly difficult for young people in Edinburgh and the Job Start Payment is a fantastic source of support for young people to ensure they can get off to a good start in a new job.
“Starting a new job can be very expensive for young people when you take into consideration the costs of travel, buying clothes and other costs associated with a new job.
“I would encourage all young people who have been unemployed for a long period of time and are starting a new jo or have recently started one to apply for this support.”
Bank of Scotland’s Business Barometer for June 2021 shows:
Scottish business confidence leaps 27 points to 42% – the highest in the UK
Net balance of 18% of businesses in the country expect to increase staff levels over the next 12 months
UK business confidence remains steady at 33% with all regions and nations reporting a net positive reading for the third consecutive month
Business confidence in Scotland rose 27 points during June to 42%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Bank of Scotland Commercial Banking. This is the sharpest rise in overall confidence this year and means Scotland has the highest levels of optimism anywhere in the UK.
Companies in Scotland reported higher confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, up 32 points at 42%. When taken alongside their optimism in the economy, up 24 points to 43%, this gives a headline confidence reading of 42%.
The Business Barometer questions 1,200 businesses monthly and provides early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide.
When it comes to jobs, a net balance of 18% of Scottish businesses expect to increase staff levels over the next year, up ten points on last month and the third consecutive month the reading has increased.
Overall UK business confidence remained steady month-on-month at 33%. Firms reported a small increase in their business prospects, up two points to 30%, the highest reading since September 2020. Confidence in the economy dipped marginally by two points to 36%.
Across the UK all regions and nations reported positive confidence readings for the third consecutive month. Businesses in Scotland, London (up 17 points to 41%) and the East of England (up ten points to 36%) reported the highest increases in confidence.
While confidence remained positive, firms in eight regions reported a month-on-month drop. The biggest decreases were in Yorkshire and Humber (down 14 points to 30%), the West Midlands (down 12 points to 29%), the North West (down nine points to 29%) and East Midlands (down nine points to 31%).
Fraser Sime, regional director for Scotland at Bank of Scotland Commercial Banking, said:“Business confidence in Scotland rose again in June as firms across the country slowly but surely returned to normal trading. It also positive to see that more firms are now planning to hire new staff this year – another clear indicator that the country is on the path to recovery.
“Despite this, the well-trailed postponement to the easing of lockdown restrictions will have dampened spirits, especially for those in the country’s tourism and hospitality sector and is another sign that we are not out of the woods yet.
“We’ll continue to stand by Scottish business and support firms through the coming months as we look to build back better.”
Differences in confidence between the UK’s regions and nations narrowed this month (chart 5). There were sizeable increases in Scotland (up 27 points to 42%), London (up 17 points to 41%) and the East of England (up 10 points to 36%).
Along with the South West (36%), these were the most confident parts of the country. The largest falls, albeit from previously elevated levels, happened in Yorkshire and the Humber (down 14 points to 30%) and the East Midlands (down 9 points to 31%). There were smaller declines in the South East (down 6 points to 31%), Wales (down 6 points to 31%) and Northern Ireland (down 6 points to 11%).
The majority of responses were given before the various UK governments formally announced the delay to the removal of all limits on social contact, which was originally expected to happen on 21st June in England and close to that date in other parts of the UK.
However, it is likely that anticipation of the delay may have had a small negative impact in confidence particularly in the retail sector (down eight points to 36%) while manufacturing also fell (down 18 points to 35%).
Despite this, confidence remains at historically high levels across the broad industry sectors – in part due to services increasing by five points (31%) to its highest level in more than three years and construction remaining steady at 35%.
Paul Gordon, Managing Director for SME and Mid Corporates, Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “Despite a fall in business confidence in eight of the UK’s nations and regions from the highs of last month, the differences are narrowing.
“It’s pleasing to see such significant improvements in a number of regions, in particular Scotland and London, with both reporting strong increases in confidence. We can be optimistic that the increase in confidence in the services sector, as well as the overall historically high levels across the broad industry sectors, bodes well for businesses as we remain by their side on their road to recovery.”
Hann-Ju Ho, Senior Economist, Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “A fifth consecutive monthly increase in trading prospects and employment expectations highlights the resilience of UK businesses as they continue to recover from the challenges presented by the pandemic.
“Although we must now wait slightly longer for the last remaining COVID-19 restrictions to ease, it’s an encouraging sign that firms continue to have strong overall confidence in the outlook for the UK economy, as well as their expectations for their own growth prospects.”
The 33rd Edinburgh Science Festival is underway, presenting over 200 digital and in-person events for sci-curious minds of all ages with the theme of One World: Science Connects Us and Cirrus Logic as its Headline Sponsor.
Programming for the Planet as Scotland prepares for COP26, celebrating women in STEM and the fight against the global pandemic are this year’s main topics but as always there’s science of all sorts for all ages.
The Festival is very pleased to be back in the live game (alongside an extensive online programme) and able to present a variety of in-person exhibitions, installations and trails, using Edinburgh as a science playground, allowing audiences to safely get their science fix this summer and delivering plenty of fun family activities to kick-start the summer holidays.
Some of the 2021 in-person family highlights include:
Oscillation in Light & Sound sponsored by CityFibre takes over Edinburgh’s iconic St Andrew Square as it invites audiences of all ages to play with giant crystal blocks that come alive through movement, creating a unique light and sound show.
Pale Blue Dot exhibition at the National Museum of Scotland, celebrating all things marine and Scotland’s Year of Coasts and Waters 20/21. This multi-sensory exploration takes audiences through every layer of the ocean, exploring the vastness, majesty and mystery of our seas. From curious species to amazing ecosystems, oceans bounties and intriguing research, the exhibition sheds light on the marine landscape that is so special and how we can protect one of the most precious habitats on Earth.
For those keen to venture out of Edinburgh, the Festival’s closing weekend will see the European Stone Stacking Championships returning to the beautiful Dunbar beach for the fourth time. Filled with competitions and demonstrations – and offering a chance to see stone stacking professionals in action! – the weekend is a perfect opportunity to connect to nature for people of all ages.
Back in Edinburgh city centre, audiences can take part in a wide range of walks, tours and trails.
Walking Through the Covid-19 Vaccine is a family-friendly treasure trail offering a unique insight into the science behind the vaccines and answers to some of the most common questions.
Focused on mental health, My Depression – Your Depression. Same Name, Different Story showcases stories from adults and young people, their relatives and researchers, all with a lived experience of depression. Each story is so different yet it is given the same name. Taking the form of a walking trail around George Square and the Meadows, the project encourages more openness about mental health and highlights the benefits of walking and greenspaces.
Celebrating Scotland’s Year of Coasts and Waters 2020/21, Coastal Knowledge aims to showcase the diverse forms of coastal knowledge, varying from local history to coastal science and art, highlighting the importance of coastal communities in Scotland, resilient in the face of climate crisis.
Audiences are invited to take a virtual tour of Scottish coasts, explore Edinburgh’s coastal community of Granton with the Curious Edinburgh walking tour showcasing Granton’s industrial and fishing history or make a stop at granton:hub, the arts and community centre showcasing the works of local artists.
University of Edinburgh presents a self-led walk Road to COP26 which allows audiences to discover how climate change is affecting our wildlife, from plants to parasites to Scotland’s
With the younger environmentalists in mind, Heriot-Watt University shares its campus with Climate Detectives who will be getting hands-on with nature during a picturesque walk.
For the full list of in-person events for families, visit the Festival website.
More than one million workers came off furlough in the four weeks between the end of April and the end of May, which coincided with the start of restrictions being lifted and non-essential retail, restaurants and pubs reopening.
Latest government statistics show more than one million workers came off furlough in May alone
Milestone moment as the lowest amount of people on furlough since the pandemic began
Comes as scheme begins to wind down ahead of closure in September
More than one million workers came off furlough in the four weeks between the end of April and the end of May alone, which coincided with the start of restrictions being lifted and non-essential retail, restaurants and pubs reopening.
New figures published today show 2.4 million people moved off the scheme between the end of February and the end of May as businesses reopened.
2.4 million people remain furloughed or flexi-furloughed down from a peak of nearly 9 million at the height of the pandemic in May last year.
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak said: “Our Plan for Jobs has supported people’s jobs and livelihoods throughout the pandemic and it’s fantastic to see so many people coming off furlough and into their workplaces with our restaurants, pubs and shops reopened.
“These figures show what we always hoped would happen – that the scheme is naturally winding down as the economy reopens, but continuing to support those businesses and employees that need our help.”
Today’s ONS Business Impact of Covid-19 Survey show numbers may have fallen even further – with estimates that between 1.3 and 1.9 million people are still on furlough.
These figures reinforce other positive signs about how the recovery is progressing. The number of employees on payroll is at its highest level since last April, business and consumer confidence have improved significantly and economic growth is outperforming expectations.
The figures show the largest reduction in the hospitality, retail and accommodation sectors, with nearly 180,000 people in pubs, bars and clubs alone returning to work between April and May.
Furlough was extended until September to allow for businesses to adjust after the end of the Roadmap and to bring people back to work.
Now, as the economy begins to reopen and demand returns, employers are being asked to contribute more and from today, they will contribute 10% towards the cost of paying for unworked hours.
This employer contribution will increase to 20% in August and September, before the scheme closes, with the Plan for Jobs still in place to provide support, including traineeships and more work coaches to help people find jobs.
New statistics for the Self Employment Income Support Scheme, also published today, show more than £25bn has been claimed to date in support for the self employed.
350,000 properties have paid no business rates for 15 months thanks to an unlimited rates relief between March 2020 and July 2021. Over 90% of businesses will now be able to benefit from a 66% reduction in business rates bills until March 2022.
MARKDAVID in Edinburgh has been shortlisted for the prestigious Salon Design award at Hairdresser’s Journal’s British Hairdressing Business Awards 2021.
The awards – now in their 23rd year – recognise the hardworking names that have built outstanding salon businesses, helping to make British hairdressing the most respected in the world. From standout salons and exemplary teamwork to groundbreaking innovations and trailblazing individuals, HJ’s British Hairdressing Business Awards are an annual celebration of business brilliance.
MARKDAVID made the final stage of the competition after compiling a detailed entry outlining their salon’s design brief, budget and how it fits with the brand’s ethos.
Winners will be announced at HJ’s British Hairdressing Business Awards on Monday 4th October at London’s Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, to an audience of some of the industry’s most prolific names.
Mark McCarthy, Owner of MARKDAVID says: “We are thrilled to have made the finals of such a respected event.
“We poured our heart and soul into designing a salon space that would inspire us daily and provide the comfort and luxury that our clients deserve. I’m incredibly proud of the end result.’
Jayne Lewis-Orr, executive director of the British Hairdressing Business Awards says: ‘These awards are a celebration of the talented and passionate people that help make British hairdressing so revered.
“To make the Salon Design shortlist, finalists need to wow us with inspirational moodboards, an impressive design brief and details of how they rose to challenges throughout the project.
“In an extraordinary year that has seen hairdressing hit headlines more than ever before, MARKDAVID should feel proud to be recognised for their exciting ideas and stunning salon space.”
