Aldi has revealed when its stores will be open over the festive period.
In the run-up to Christmas, Aldi are extending their opening hours, providing more time to pick up last-minute food and presents before the big day.
Stores will also be opening until 6pm on Christmas Eve, but customers should check local store details online to avoid disappointment.
Aldi will close its stores as usual on Christmas Day, and will once again keep all stores shut on Boxing Day as a thank you to colleagues and in recognition of their hard work throughout the year. The supermarket has always remained closed on Boxing Day, ever since opening in the UK over 30 years ago.
The majority of stores will also be open from 8am until 8pm in between Christmas and New Year, and until 6pm on New Year’s Eve to help shoppers get everything they need to ring in 2022.
Aldi has everything customers need to make this Christmas and New Year unforgettable, thanks to its award-winning range of delicious food and drink, and an array of gifts for all the family. Details of Aldi’s amazing Christmas range can be found
The supermarket also offers a Click and Collect service in over 200 stores, meaning thousands of shoppers across the UK will be able to get quality Aldi groceries online at unbeatable prices in time for Christmas.
Shoppers will be able to choose from a range of grocery items online here, then drive to their local store where their shopping is brought to their car by Aldi colleagues contact-free. Pre-order slots for Christmas will be revealed soon.
The UK Government Office for Science has launched a new Foresight Project to help inform the government’s long-term net zero strategy.
The report titled A net zero society – scenarios and pathways follows the COP26 summit in Glasgow where global leaders convened to outline coordinated action to tackle climate change.
The UK government has committed to achieve net zero by 2050 which is essential to keeping global temperature rises limited to 1.5C.
Societal norms, practices and behaviours will play a significant role in emissions reduction, but these are uncertain and likely to change in the future. This project will provide the evidence and tools to help understand how behaviours could impact net zero.
Patrick Vallance, the government Chief Scientific Adviser, said: “If we are to keep warming below 1.5C, changes within society will matter as much as big technological changes. Through this research, we can understand the impact of potential societal changes on our path to achieving net zero.“
This project, due to run until late 2022, will produce an expert evidence review and a set of future scenarios and their implications for the energy system and for different groups within society.
The limited-edition single cask whisky was laid down 26 years ago in 1995, when the first COP climate summit took place in Berlin
100 bottles will be available from 22nd November for a charity auction with Royal Mile Whiskies, raising funds to tackle climate change
This follows Glenfiddich’s sustainable transport initiative, launched earlier this year
Glenfiddich, the world’s most awarded single malt whisky, has created a limited-edition 26 Year Old whisky – in partnership with Stop Climate Chaos Scotland – to commemorate the climate change summit, COP26, in Glasgow..
The partnership enables Stop Climate Chaos Scotland and Glenfiddich to raise awareness of the active steps Scotland is taking to tackle climate change.
These include the brand’s recently launched, pioneering ‘closed loop’ sustainable transport initiative, ‘Fuelled By Glenfiddich’. This involves converting production wastes and residues into Ultra-Clean Low Carbon fuel that is starting to be introduced to some of its transport fleet.
World leaders and COP26 conference attendees will have already had a chance to taste the one-off Glenfiddich 26 Year Old whisky at a series of COP26 events during the summit with Mark Thomson, the Glenfiddich Ambassador to Scotland, leading guests through exclusive tastings.
Whisky enthusiasts and sustainability supporters alike will have the chance to bid on a true collector’s item, one of 100 bottles, via a charity auction through Royal Mile Whiskies.
The auction is raising money for Stop Climate Chaos Scotlandand will be live from Monday 22nd November, concluding on Monday 29th November 2021.
Claudia Falcone, Glenfiddich’s global brand director, commented:“Glenfiddich is a brand that encourages us to individually and collectively push boundaries and always consider the next step.
“It has taken more than a decade for Glenfiddich to become the first global spirits brand to process its production wastes and residues into biogas fuel to power some of its trucks. We’re honoured to support the wider sustainability agenda.
“By releasing the 26 Year Old in partnership with Stop Climate Chaos Scotland, we hope to bring attention and inspiration to continued climate change progress through our one-off auction of the limited-edition commemoration bottle.”
Stop Climate Chaos Scotland is a diverse coalition of over 60 civil society organisations in Scotland campaigning together on climate change.
Alistair Dutton, Board member of Stop Climate Chaos Scotland added:“We’re pleased to be working with Glenfiddich and hope this incredible whisky will raise funds to tackle the climate emergency.
“The proceeds from the Royal Mile Whiskies auction will help Stop Climate Chaos Scotland members in their work to create a greener future for Scotland.”
Scotland has set an ambitious target to cut emissions by 75% by 2030, and to become Net Zero by 2045. With whisky forming such a large part of Scotland’s identity, the Scotch Whisky Association has outlined its ambitious and impressive vision for the future with a focus on four main areas for industry action:
· Tackling climate change by having net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040;
· Moving to a circular economy by making all packaging reusable, recyclable or compostable by 2025;
· Hitting responsible water use targets by 2025; and
· Caring for the land through the active conservation and restoration of Scotland’s peatland by 2035.
The Glenfiddich 26 Year Old whisky will be available to bid on from Monday 22nd to Monday 29th November via Royal Mile Whiskies at:
Detectives in Edinburgh are appealing for information after a man was attacked in the Gracemount Drive area. The incident took place around 8pm on Thursday (11 November).
The victim – a 32-year-old man – was seriously assaulted by a man outside Tesco, before making his way into the shop for assistance. He later attended the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment.
The suspect man was seen to break the window of a car in Tesco’s car park before running from the area and entering a dark hatchback vehicle on Captain’s Drive and driving away.
Detective Inspector Bob Campbell said: “This appears to have been a targeted attack and we do not believe there was any risk to the wider public.
“It took place in public outside a busy shop, with numerous members of the public present, so we are appealing to anyone who witnessed the incident to come forward.
“We’re also keen to hear from anyone with potential dashcam footage or private CCTV from the Gracemount Drive and Captain’s Drive areas last night, as it could prove vital to our enquiries.”
Anyone with information should call police on 101, quoting incident 3297 of 11 November. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, if you wish to remain anonymous.
Backed with £27.5 million of UK government funding, the Urban Climate Action programme will support cities across Africa, Asia and Latin America to tackle climate change.
A new multi-million UK Urban Climate Action Programme launched today to help developing cities reduce their emissions and grow sustainably
UK as COP26 Presidency calls on cities and regions across the world to commit to net zero emissions by 2050
decarbonising the world’s urban buildings, which are responsible for around 40% of global emissions, crucial in combating climate change
The UK government has launched the new Urban Climate Action programme (UCAP) to support the cities and regions in developing countries most impacted by climate change to accelerate their transition to net zero.
Backed with £27.5 million of new UK government funding as part of the UK’s International Climate Finance commitment, the programme will support cities across Africa, Asia and Latin America to take action to tackle climate change and create a sustainable future, by helping them to become carbon neutral by 2050 and prepare low-carbon infrastructure projects.
The programme will help cities like Nairobi, Kuala Lumpur, and Bogotá develop low-emission public transport systems, renewable energy generation, sustainable waste management, new climate-smart buildings codes and climate risk planning.
To date over 1,000 cities and regions across the world – over a fifth of the global urban population – have committed to slashing their emissions to net zero by 2050.
On Thurday, as part of the UN COP26 climate summit’s Cities, Regions and Built Environment Day in Glasgow, the UK called on cities yet to make commitments to step up and set a net zero target that will help protect the places where people live and work, future proofing the world for future generations.
Business and Energy Minister Lord Callanan said: “From our homes and workplaces to our towns and cities, the buildings we live in are a fundamental part of our daily lives, but also a significant source of global emissions.
“That’s why at COP26 today we are calling on cities, regions, governments and businesses to seize the moment and set bold net-zero targets as we work together as a global community to end our contribution to climate change.”
The world’s urban buildings, including homes, workplaces, schools and hospitals, are responsible for around 40% of global carbon emissions. By 2050, 1.6 billion people living in cities will be regularly exposed to extremely high temperatures and over 800 million people living in cities across the world will be vulnerable to sea level rises and coastal flooding. Accelerating the transition to net zero emissions for the world’s cities will therefore be vital to achieving the goal of keeping global warming to close to 1.5 degrees.
Energy and Climate Change Minister Greg Hands said: “By 2050 urban areas will be home to two thirds of the world population, with the speed and scale of urbanisation set to lock in high-carbon infrastructure and inequality if we do not act now.
“The UK’s new programme will provide invaluable support to cities across Africa, Asia and Latin America to help them grow sustainably, and make them resilient to climate risks, securing a greener future for generations to come.”
Joy Belmonte, Mayor of Quezon City, one of the cities that will be supported through UCAP said: “Quezon City’s Enhanced Local Climate Action Plan was successfully developed with the support of the UK government.
“With the assistance of the C40 Cities Finance Facility, the city is also pioneering the deployment of solar PV on public schools and on critical public healthcare facilities, contributing to a green and just recovery.
“We are immensely looking forward to continuing our fruitful partnership with C40 to implement Quezon City’s Climate Action Plan as a matter of urgency, continuing the journey together with the support of the UK government.”
C40 Chair and Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said: “This is the single most important decade for climate action, and every commitment we make to boost our ambition needs to be backed with the resources to make it possible.
“This new funding agreement from the UK government will put policy into practice for our boldest climate goals – from cleaning the air and creating new economic opportunities for our residents to improving access to sustainable solutions for cities most impacted by the climate crisis.”
UCAP will follow on from the flagship Climate Leadership in Cities programme, which was funded by the UK and successfully supported megacities in Latin America and Asia to develop ambitious climate action plans consistent with the Paris Agreement – including developing pathways to net zero by 2050 and committing to ambitious interim targets by 2030 to keep 1.5 degrees within reach.
As the first major economy to legislate to end its contribution to climate change by 2050, the UK is already taking action to tackle emissions from the built environment sector.
As heating for homes and workspaces makes up almost a third of all UK carbon emissions, reducing these emissions is key to achieving the goal of net zero by 2050.
Through the recent heat and buildings and net zero strategies, the UK government has set out how the UK will deploy the low-carbon technology needed to decarbonise homes, workplaces and public spaces.
To address emissions from the wider built environment, the UK government is investing £3.9 billion through the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, the Home Upgrade Grant scheme, Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund, Boiler Upgrade Scheme and Heat Network Transformation Programme.
Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Minister Eddie Hughes said: “Net zero provides a real opportunity as we level up across the UK – delivering new green jobs and skills and boosting local economic growth.
“Many local areas are already taking action and we continue to work very closely with them to meet our climate change commitments.
“We are also taking action to cut the CO2 emissions of all new build homes by at least 75% from 2025 under the Future Homes Standard, and by 31% through an improvement in building standards later this year.”
The transition to net zero will drive levelling up across the country while supporting communities towards a greener future – providing opportunities for economic growth and delivering new green jobs for local people.
Many local areas are already taking strong action on climate change, including:
the Gateshead District Energy Scheme, a renewable heat network for up to 1,250 new homes, backed by £5.9 million government funding
Suffolk County Council has set out plans to build new walking and cycling infrastructure, work with industry in Suffolk to utilise innovative waste heat technology, and deliver a public education campaign on the climate emergency to change behaviour
The government is supporting councils to reduce local carbon emissions and take advantage of the opportunities created, including through the Local Net Zero Programme. Almost £22 million has been invested in the programme to date for local places to build capacity and capability to deliver on net zero. A Local Net Zero Forum will also be established to bring together national and local government policymakers on a regular basis.
Call comes ahead of protests in Clarks Village today (Saturday)
TUC says Johnny Chen should urgently get around the table with union representing striking workers
The TUC has called on the new CEO of Clarks Shoes Johnny Chen to “get around the table” with union leaders and end the dispute over the company’s controversial use of ‘fire and rehire’ tactics.
The TUC says Johnny Chen should meet urgently with the general secretary of Community Roy Rickhuss to come to a fair agreement.
The call comes ahead of protests today (Saturday). Workers currently on strike, their families and their supporters will march through the iconic Clarks Village to protest the usage of fire-and-rehire by Clarks and ask them to reconsider.
Members of Community union – working at Clarks warehouse in Street, Somerset –have been on strike since October 4th after the company threatened to dismiss them and rehire them on worse terms.
TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said: “Nobody wants to see this dispute drag on – least of all Clarks’ workers.
“We urge the new CEO to urgently get around the table with the general secretary of Community and come to a fair agreement.”
TUC Deputy General Secretary Paul Nowak, who will join the march and protest in Clarks Village today, said: “Generations of families have worked for and contributed to the success of Clarks shoes. All they want is for is staff to be treated with dignity at work.
“A company with Clarks’ proud tradition and history should not be using ‘fire and rehire’ tactics to drive down pay and conditions.”
Community General Secretary Roy Rickhuss said: “Over the past month, workers at Clarks have been overwhelmed by the outpouring support that people from across the country have given them. Fire-and-rehire is cruel and wrong, and everyone is aware of this. Sadly, this has led to no progress with Clarks and their plans will be continuing.
“Clarks is a staple brand on the British high street, with a history dating back over a century. Their roots in their local community go even deeper. There once was a time where Clarks built schools, libraries and theatres for their workers and their families in Somerset. This is a betrayal of their roots, and everything Clarks once stood for.
“We are protesting on Saturday to send a message to Clarks that we stand strong and we will resist these changes at every turn. We do not want to be on strike, and we do not want to be protesting. We urge Clarks to call off the diminishing of terms and conditions and reconsider this move. We remain ready and waiting for productive discussions on how we can succeed together going forward when they are.”
St James Quarter hosts first Christmas switch on supporting local charity partners
St James Quarter celebrated the launch of its first Christmas season at The Quarter’s official switch on last night. The magical moment was followed by an exclusive performance from Edinburgh Rock Choir.
An enchanting array of festive stars have taken centre stage of The Quarter with over 40 glowing sculptures on display giving an explosion of gold sparkle throughout the galleria for Christmas shoppers to admire.
The event, which took place on Register Square, saw representatives from St James Quarter’s charity partners Deaf Action and Cash 4 Kids hit the big red button to declare Christmas at the Quarter officially here.
Edinburgh Rock Choir rang in the special occasion with their own rendition of ‘I Wanna Dance with Somebody’ and ‘Hold Back The River’.
Deaf Action Choir performed ‘Merry Christmas Everyone’ and ‘Thank You For The Music’ and both charities together helped raise vital funds throughout the night.
Nick Peel, Managing Director at St James Quarter, said: “Christmas has officially arrived at The Quarter. Having our charity partners here to help us kick off the festivities was the perfect way to welcome the festive season.
“Not only was it a fantastic evening but we also managed to raise money for some great causes. For some, Christmas can be a difficult time of year so we’re pleased to be able to do our bit and help where we can.
“We hope everyone had a great night and we’re looking forward to welcoming all our customers over the festive period.”
To make the most of the festive period St James Quarter has extended its opening hours on various days throughout December.
Police in Edinburgh are continuing enquiries and appealing for information following an incident in Fishwives Causeway on Thursday (11 November).
Around 11.30 pm, a 30-year-old woman was walking along Fishwives Causeway when a man approached her from behind, took hold of her arm and tried to pull her along the pathway.
A passing cyclist intervened and the suspect ran off.
The suspect is described as white, in his 20’s, around 5ft 8, blue or grey eyes and crooked teeth. He was wearing a dark jacket with the hood up and dark trousers.
Detective Constable Neil Donaldson at Fettes Police Office in Edinburgh said: “This would have been a frightening and traumatic experience for the victim.
“Whilst this appears to be a rare and isolated incident we would like to speak to anyone who was in the vicinity of Fishwives Causeway around 11.30 pm on Thursday, 11 November 2021 and who may have seen a man fitting the above description”.
Anyone with information should contact police via telephone number 101 quoting incident number 3903 of 11 November 2021. Alternatively calls can be made via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where anonymity can be maintained.
A new climate change focused fellowship promoting equal participation by women in peace resolution is being supported as part of a £300,000 funding commitment from the Scottish Government.
The Beyond Borders UNSCR1325 Climate Change Fellowship will provide peacekeeping, negotiation and reconstruction training to women in areas of conflict.
It will enable climate activists, people from indigenous and island communities, and areas where there is no state control, to share their experience of issues of gender, climate change and conflict.
This new programme is one of the three fellowships delivered by Beyond Borders to support women with conflict resolution supported by Scottish Government funding in 2021-22.
The fellowship on conflict resolution has involved over 250 women from more than 20 countries across the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia since it began in 2016.
Speaking at the New York Times Climate Hub at COP26, External Affairs Secretary Angus Robertson said: “We know that women and girls are disproportionately affected by climate change.
“Our transition to net zero can only truly be just if it also tackles inequalities that women and girls face around the world, but that are particularly apparent in the global south and places of conflict – such as increased food insecurity, displacement and sexualised violence.
“We have an opportunity to support women to play a full role in work to mitigate climate impacts, disaster risks and loss and damage that are inextricably linked to both conflict and the climate emergency, and this funding will further the work already started by the Beyond Borders fellowship.”
Beyond Borders Founder Mark Muller Stuart, QC, said: “Beyond Borders welcomes the continued support of the Scottish Government for the development of the Women in Conflict 1325 Peacemaking Fellowship Programme.
“Since 2016, the Fellowship has created a unique community of practice of women working in conflict resolution and peacebuilding, and will now build upon this community in exploring the critical nexus of climate change, gender, conflict and security.
“Following the lead of the United Nations Secretary General, the Fellowship is committed to providing a platform for the discussion of these crucial themes and to developing a framework concerning climate change and conflict, and the instrumental role that women play in working to ameliorate both phenomena.”
