SNP MSP Gordon Macdonald has called on the Tory Westminster Government to make good on the money Scotland and Northern Ireland are owed as its share of the £20 billion from Boris Johnson’s ill-fated plan to build a bridge to Northern Ireland. Money which represents the equivalent of up to £1.4 billion for Edinburgh.
The project – promoted by Boris Johnson was costed at £20 billion, but since the plans for the bridge were canned the money has not been allocated for spending in Scotland or Northern Ireland.
Now, Gordon Macdonald MSP is demanding that the money be allocated to Scotland to be spent on worthwhile transport projects that could transform connectivity in Edinburgh.
Gordon said: “Whilst the crossing was a daft idea, the SNP will engage with ideas of how funding can be distributed to ensure worthwhile investment in transport links across Scotland which will benefit communities like Edinburgh. £20 billion for a transport project in Scotland and Northern Ireland is worth up to £1.4 billion for Edinburgh.
“The Tories are up to their old tricks again as we saw last time they had control of Scotland’s money. When they diverted cash from the Highlands to try to boost dwindling Conservative support in south-east England.
“What the people of Edinburgh need is proper commitments that will make transformational changes to connectivity across the area. Edinburgh’s share of the cash would equal up to £1.4 billion and the Tories owe the community that money which would make a significant difference in how people get around.
“This also shows once again how out of touch Boris Johnson really is with people in Edinburgh and across Scotland as he has his priorities all wrong to bring about real change for people here.
“We cannot trust the Tories to act in the best interests of Scotland and that is why the people of Scotland should have the choice of a different path towards independence.”
Almost nine in ten (87%) of adults in Edinburgh class themselves as ‘climate conscious’
However, over three fifths (66%) of pension holders are unaware their pension could help fight climate change
Almost half (46%) of pension holders in Edinburgh want their pension to be invested responsibly.
New research from the UK’s largest mutual pension and investment company, Royal London, reveals that over three fifths (66%) of pension holders in Edinburgh are unaware that their pension could be invested in ways to help fight climate change.
Only one fifth (18%) of pension holders from the city currently invest their pension responsibly, but 46% say they would like their pension to be invested more responsibly.
What does investing responsibly mean?
Terminology can be confusing. A third (34%) of adults in Edinburgh are familiar with the term ‘responsible investment,’ but only a quarter (25%) per cent actually know what it means and understand its collective power to protect the planet. Men are more likely to be familiar with the term responsible investment than women (69% vs 50%) across the UK.
The power of pensions
A third (33%) of pension holders in Edinburgh said they would consider investing a portion of their pension responsibly. Over a fifth (22%) were willing for over half their pension to be invested responsibly. With one in ten (13%) wanting between 90% and 100% of their pension invested responsibly.
Pension holders across the UK were also asked what criteria they would like a responsibly invested pension to consider, with climate change and protecting the environment (43%) being highly rated in Edinburgh. Social factors such as health and safety (40%) and use of plastic (30%) following closely behind.
Sarah Pennells, Consumer Finance Specialist at Royal London, said: “It’s encouraging to see that so many people consider themselves to be climate conscious and our research shows that the nation is taking steps forward to improve the health of the planet.
“But we all need to look at our finances and their collective power to do well and do good. From helping reduce emissions to promoting diversity, pensions can be invested to support individuals in retirement whilst helping us all move towards a more sustainable world.”
With over half (57%) of UK 18-24-year-olds wanting their pension investments to harness a more sustainable planet, compared to just over a quarter (29%) of 65-year-olds and over, it’s clear there is still more that can be done to build a better understanding of inter-generational financial resilience for the future.
Finding out how to invest more responsibly
The research also found:
Over half (54%) of pension holders in Edinburgh do not know how their pension funds are invested.
Those who want to find out more about responsible investment would mostly value the advice of financial advisers (28%), free guidance services, such as MoneyHelper (16%), or their family and friends (6%).
Over a quarter (26%) would carry out their own research to find out about responsible investment.
Royal London’s Invested Generation campaign recently launched a Facebook community https://www.facebook.com/groups/theinvestedgeneration/ which provides a range of support and resources for UK pension holders as to how they can best invest responsibly.
In addition, more information is also available on the Royal London website:
Soaring rents across Lothian demonstrate the need for a system of rent controls to be introduced, according to Scottish Greens Lothian MSP, Lorna Slater.
New government statistics published this week show that between 2010 and 2021 the average rent for a 2 bedroom property in Lothian increased by 41.7%. This is the biggest increase anywhere in Scotland.
The cooperation agreement between the Scottish Greens and the Scottish Government includes a commitment to introduce a new national system of rent controls. This will be part of a package of enhanced rights for tenants.
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Commenting, Lorna Slater MSP said:“Over the past decade, far too many tenants in Lothian and across the country have faced extreme rent rises.
“We simply cannot leave something as fundamental as people’s homes to market forces. I’m proud that with Greens in Government we will bring rent controls to Scotland as part of a fair deal for renters.”
National Museum of Rural Life WesterKittochside, Philipshill Road, East Kilbride, G76 9HR Open daily 10:00-17:00
Willow Star Workshop with Anna Cross 26 Nov 2021 10:15–12:45, 14:00–16:30 £35, suitable for adults (age 16+)
Kick off the festive season by weaving a spectacular willow star with artist Anna Cross. In these half-day workshops for adults, both beginners and seasoned crafters alike will learn how to create their own beautiful decoration. A stylish alternative to traditional Christmas wreaths, you’ll want to display your large willow star year after year.
Children’s Workshop: Make a Willow Decoration Sat 27 Nov 14:30–16:00 £10 per child, suitable for ages 10+ Advanced booking is essential
Keen to learn more about the art of willow weaving? Then book a place on this 1.5 hour-long workshop with willow artist Anna Cross, suitable for children age 10+ with an accompanying adult. Anna will show you how to weave and decorate your very own willow star decoration to take home, perfect for hanging in your room or on the Christmas tree.
Festive Family Crafts 27 Nov – 28 Nov 2021 Sat: 10:30 – 16:00 Sun: 10:30 – 15:30 Free with pre-booked museum admission
Festive family activities across the weekend, from drop-in craft sessions to a children’s willow weaving workshop with Anna Cross, the artist who created our Willow Sculpture Trail.
Our family programming is supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery
Clyde’s Winter Trail 27 Nov 2021 – 9 Jan 2022 10:00 – 17:00 Free with pre-booked museum admission
Spot the festive scenes that Clyde, the Clydesdale horse, and his friends have been creating around the museum as they get ready for the festive season.
Our family programming is supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery
Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF Open 10:00–17:00 daily
Audubon’s Birds of America 12 Feb – 8 May 2022 Exhibition Gallery 1, Level 3 Ticketed
This new exhibition at the National Museum of Scotland will examine the artistry and legacy of one of the world’s rarest, most coveted and biggest books.
Published as a series between 1827 and 1838, Birds of America by John James Audubon (1785-1851) was a landmark work which achieved international renown due to the epic scale of the project and the book’s spectacular, life-sized ornithological illustrations.
Audubon’s Birds of America (12 February – 8 May 2022) will showcase 46 unbound prints from National Museums Scotland’s collection, most of which have never been on display before, as well as a rare bound volume of the book, on loan from the Mitchell Library. This exhibition is a unique opportunity to see so much of Audubon’s work in one place. Supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery
The typewriter’s social and technological influence is revealed in this new exhibition and looks at its role in society, arts, and popular culture. It traces the effect and evolution of typewriters across more than 100 years, from weighty early machines to modern style icons.
The impact of the typewriter has been much wider than simply speeding up the way we write. It helped revolutionise the world of work and change the lives of working women in particular. Typewriters helped them launch their own businesses at a time when female employers were rare and became a vital weapon in the fight for the vote.
24 Sep 2021 – 27 Mar 2022 National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF Exhibition Gallery 3, Level 1 Free display
This small exhibition highlights the exciting work being carried out in Scotland to fight against climate change. It brings together just some of the technological responses that have been developed in Scotland or that are being used here in the effort to cut carbon dioxide emissions. On show are a range of leading-edge equipment, much of it newly collected, alongside samples of natural material. Supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.
24 Sep 2021 – 9 Jan 2022 National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF The Grand Gallery, Level 1 Free display
The Extinction Bell is a work by Bristol-based artist Luke Jerram that aims to raise awareness of biodiversity loss. A fire engine bell from National Museums Scotland’s collection has been adapted to toll at random intervals 150-200 times per day. Each ring of the bell symbolises the extinction of a species, representing the number being lost every 24 hours (according to a 2007 report from the UN).
Supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.
6 Aug 2021 – 9 Jan 2022 Exhibition Gallery 4, Level 1 Free entry
On the 250th anniversary of Sir Walter Scott’s birth, experience his novels through objects that inspired him. In this small exhibition we show how Scott drew upon real historical objects for inspiration, placing objects alongside Scott’s words, and the stories in which they feature. While you view these fascinating objects, you can listen to an actor reading extracts from these tales.
In association with Walter Scott 250: Celebrating 250 Years of Scotland’s Greatest Storyteller.
NEW Costume Conversations 22 Nov 2021, 17:00 Free Instagram live, follow @nationalmuseumsscotland
Join the final instalment of our Instagram Live series exploring how one object can tell multiple stories. In Costume Conversations our expert panel will explore how clothes tell stories on stage and screen. We’re asking the big questions about costume interpretation to find out just what’s involved in fashioning the past in the present.
26 Nov 2021 19:30—20:15 Watch online Free, with option to add a donation
Join model and broadcaster Eunice Olumide as she shares her experience of a transforming industry with museum curator Georgina Ripley. Eunice and Georgina will also discuss Eunice’s recent book How To Get Into Fashion, focussing on creativity, diversity, and wellbeing.
This event will be followed by a live Q&A chaired by Mal Burkinshaw, Head of the School of Design at Edinburgh College of Art.
The mediation process between Cramond and Barnton Community Council, the Cramond Association, the Brighouse Owners’ Association, the Friends of Cramond Campus and the Almond Ward councillors, on the one hand, and the developers, AMA (New Town) Ltd, on the other, is under way.
The purpose of the mediation, as specified by the Council’s Development Management Sub-committee, is to try to agree a long term future for the site, with the early delivery of at least some element(s) of it.
The mediator has had three initial meetings: with the community organisations, the councillors, and AMA. As a result of them he has issued a brief update and agreed that we may share it with the local community.
It reads as follows:”I have now met with representatives of the Community Council and residents’ associations, AMA and Avison Young, and ward councillors. All the meetings were friendly and constructive. They did not, however, reveal enough common ground for me to see a basis on which a way forward might be agreed.
“A number of points of agreement did, however, emerge:
• The main use of the vacant land should be some mix of sports facilities and green space
• The sports facilities will require to be set up on a basis that ensures their sustainability
• This is likely to require some financial subsidy
• Any subsidy may need to be generated through some form of commercial development on a small part of the site
• Further unnecessary delay in completing the development should be avoided
• However, there is no agreed and consented scheme that can be started immediately
“The different parties placed differing emphases on the separate points but there is general agreement on the overall position.
“I have asked the planners to check a number of matters on my behalf and anticipate that this might take a fortnight or so. Thereafter, I hope it will be possible to hold a second round of meetings.”
Watch out for fraudsters selling bogus car insurance on social media, or it could cost you your car! We identified over 21,000 fraudulent motor insurance policies that may be linked to the scam. Find out more: https://t.co/QyX5TltFOK#OpDriveInsuredpic.twitter.com/UsnzODa8Ii
The Insurance Fraud Bureau (IFB) is warning consumers to avoid an increasingly popular scam known as ‘Ghost Broking’, which sees fake car insurance being sold on social media, leaving motorists out of pocket and driving without insurance.
The insurers working with the IFB have reported over 21,000 fraudulent motor insurance policies over 12 months which could be linked to the scam.
The warning comes as 45 police forces take to the road for Op Drive Insured, in a national week of action to seize uninsured drivers’ vehicles.
The Insurance Fraud Bureau (IFB) is warning drivers to avoid bogus car insurance deals on social media, as it reveals over 21,000 fraudulent motor insurance policies were reported to it by insurers in the past 12 months which could be linked to the scam.
‘Ghost Broking’ is a growing scam, which involves fraudsters pretending to be Brokers in order to sell unrealistically cheap and completely fake policies.
The bogus deals are often advertised via Facebook and Instagram with victims ranging from young and new drivers, to communities less familiar with UK insurance laws. The scam not only leaves victims out of pocket, but facing serious penalties for driving without insurance.
The IFB – which acts as a central intelligence hub for insurers to tackle organised fraud – received reports of 21,169 fraudulent motor insurance policies in the past 12 months which could be linked to ‘Ghost Broking’ – equating to nearly 60 bogus policies being generated each day.
With 45 police forces executing Op Drive Insured this week in a national crackdown on uninsured motorists, the IFB is urging drivers to watch out for ‘Ghost Broking’ scams or face the consequences for driving without insurance.
Stephen Dalton, Head of Intelligence and Investigations at the IFB, said:“Clearly, fraudsters are attempting to take out a high volume of fraudulent car insurance policies so they can profit at the expense of insurers and honest consumers. This is a serious problem and I believe the figures we’ve uncovered only begin to scratch the surface.
“With police forces upping their efforts to crackdown on uninsured driving, it’s essential that consumers aren’t tempted by ‘too good to be true’ car insurance deals on social media. They’re entirely fake and will result in the driver’s vehicle being seized for no insurance.
“If anyone has seen evidence of a suspicious motor insurance deal, it should be reported to our confidential Cheatline on 0800 422 0421 or at www.insurancefraudbureau.org.”
Ghost Brokers’ operate by tempting victims with unrealistically cheap prices up front, despite the fact insurance is meant to be priced based on the risk of the individual. Once they’ve caught their victim’s attention, they’ll encourage contact through popular end-to-end encrypted messaging software such as WhatsApp to keep illegal dealings in private.
The IFB has seen its percentage of investigations into ‘Ghost Broking’ double in recent years and believes tens of thousands of motorists could unwittingly be driving with fraudulent cover, who will face serious consequences when caught out by the police.
So far this year over 100,000 uninsured drivers have had their vehicle seized.
Drivers without valid insurance also face a £300 fixed penalty notice and six licence points. If the case is taken to court, they could also receive an unlimited fine and/or a driving ban.
Detective Chief Inspector Edelle Michaels, Head of the City of London Police’s Insurance Fraud Enforcement Department (IFED), said:“The Op Drive Insured campaign has been an important reminder to the public of the consequences of driving uninsured. Whilst some drivers may knowingly be uninsured, there are many who do not realise that they are driving without valid insurance, having purchased their policy through a ‘Ghost Broker’.
“IFED has investigated a number of cases in 2021 which have exposed the immoral tactics used by these criminals to catch out their victims, including two young men who took advantage of their peers being charged high insurance premiums, and an individual who pretended to help those looking to insure their first vehicle in the UK.
“It really is crucial to check that the person you are speaking with is the real deal. It is quick and easy to find out if a broker is authoriser, simply check the FCA or BIBA website – it could end up saving you a lot of money and help you to avoid issues in the long run.”
Avoiding fake car insurance deals
Consumers are urged to avoid deals on social media or messaging apps and to only purchase car insurance through reputable sellers.
If buying directly through an insurer they should appear as a registered member of the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB).
Checks can also be made to see Insurance Advisors are registered with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
Anyone with evidence of an insurance scam should report it to the police and the IFB’s Cheatline which is quick, easy and confidential to use. The Cheatline can be contacted online or via a phoneline (powered by Crimestoppers) on 0800 422 0421.
Insurance fraud reports can also be submitted to Action Fraud.
The hype around Black Friday leads some shoppers to make impulse buys they later regret – with many using credit or borrowing from friends and family to fund their purchases, Which? has found.
Which? surveyed 2,000 members of the public to find out how they felt about items they bought in last year’s Black Friday sales and found that the majority who bought something in the 2020 sales regretted their purchases across five of the seven product categories featured.
Three-quarters (76%) of people who bought DIY products in the Black Friday sales later regretted these purchases.
Two-thirds (66%) of people who bought home appliances, nearly two-thirds (64%) who bought baby and child products, six in ten (58%) who bought health and beauty products and more than half (53%) who bought homeware or furniture also said they regretted their purchases.
The other two categories – clothing, shoes and accessories, and tech products – saw half (49%) and four in ten (41%) of shoppers feel regrets, respectively.
Three in ten shoppers (28%) who bought DIY products had to use credit or borrow from friends or family to pay for their goods, because they did not have the funds themselves.
Borrowing because they had no other way to pay was also common among customers who bought baby and child (24%), homeware or furniture (20%) and health and beauty products (20%).
The hype surrounding Black Friday can lead people to make rash decisions, sometimes skipping steps they would usually take before buying, such as shopping around and checking product reviews.
One in five people (20%) who bought home appliances felt pressured to rush into a purchase. These figures were even higher for people who bought DIY products, with 22 per cent feeling pressured.
To guard against any rash purchases, Which? advises consumers to do some research ahead of Black Friday, keeping an eye on prices for any potentially significant purchases before this year’s deals are announced so they have something to compare them to.
Previous Which? research has found that Black Friday deals are cheaper at other times of the year. The consumer champion’s Black Friday deals guide identifies the deals that offer the best discounts and is a helpful resource for shoppers to check during the sales.
If something catches their eye on the day, consumers can also use price tracker websites to help establish if they are getting the best price and check Which? reviews to see if a product is a Best Buy.
Ele Clark, Which? Retail Editor, said:“Our research has found that many people regret Black Friday purchases, as the hype around the sales pushes them to make rash decisions.
“More worryingly, some told us they had to borrow or use credit in order to fund their purchases, which could impact their credit score if they can’t clear the debt.
“Don’t feel rushed into making an impulse purchase. Thinking about what you genuinely want or need to buy in advance of Black Friday, checking product reviews and researching the item’s price history will help ensure you stay within budget and get the best value for money in the sales.”
Insulin is an important hormone that allows sugar to move from our blood, after digesting food, into our muscles and fat cells to be either burned or stored.
Diabetes, is the name we give to the disease related to problems with our insulin. Whilst some types of Diabetes are caused by factors out of our control, Type 2 Diabetes can usually be prevented in younger individuals by adopting a healthy lifestyle. What’s more, most of the lifestyle actions we can take to limit our diabetes risk will also help to improve our heart health!
With this in mind, here are some tips for doing just that:
Eat more Fibre
Fibre can not only help to reduce cholesterol levels but also helps to slow down how quickly our blood sugar levels increase. Try and swap white pasta and bread for wholegrain options, eat more fruit and vegetables, and snack on unsalted nuts and seeds.
Create Activity Opportunities
Staying active is one of the most effective ways to maintain our weight and lower blood pressure. Consider how you can incorporate a minimum of one ‘activity opportunity’ every day, whether it’s walking the dog, cleaning your house, or dusting off your old bike. Remember to keep it fresh and do something you enjoy!
Take the 5% Challenge
Reducing our bodyweight by more than 5% is an effective way to positively manage our future health, however any weight loss is beneficial, so start small and build on your success! Remember to set a goal over a realistic timeframe; 0.5-2lb per week is sustainable.
Know Your Numbers
Eating excessive amounts of sugar over many years can be harmful to our health. Try and opt for foods with less than 5g of sugar per 100g most of the time, and limit high sugar foods such as fizzy drinks and sweets to less than twice per week.
The Big Issue Shop has your Christmas shopping sorted with a plethora of eco-friendly and socially conscious gifts
The Big Issue Shop has released a whole host of uplifting and unique gifts ideas that make a social impact and are also ethical to boot. With prices ranging from £4 to £65 they suit any budget.
These are Christmas gifts that will make you feel even better about giving to your friends, family and loved ones this holiday season.
You can grab yourself a unique collection of wrapping papers, each design is a highly collectable, limited edition, so do get yours whilst you still can. Artists and designs range from Pure Evil with his highly collectable “Ideas Wheel for Lazy Designers” design and Charming Baker’s arresting “Christmasaurus Rex” design, to the notorious artistic duo, Jake and Dinos Chapman with their bold and bright design “D’You Wanna Be In My Gang”. Plus, many more!
Or maybe you are looking for some Christmassy essentials for yourself. These gorgeous Big Issue Christmas Baubles for just £8 are just the thing to get your house ready for the season. The Big Issue Christmas cards cost just £5 and feature six previous kids cover competition winners – and a 100 per cent of the proceeds go to support The Big Issue’s mission to dismantle poverty.
Friends that are animal mad? How about these adorable save the penguins bamboo socks for £8.99, and to top it off, 10 per cent of all profits will go to the South African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds. Or how about Isobel’s dog design bowl for £25 from ARTHOUSE Unlimited: a collective of artists living with complex epilepsy and learning disabilities.
Looking for some socially conscious stocking fillers? How about these Jollie Socks for £15, for every pair sold the company also donate a pair to a homeless person. Or this eco-friendly coffee husk travel cup for £10.99 a truly sustainable travel cup made with real coffee husks.
You can also get this William Morris-style cosmetic bag for £10. Not only is it beautiful but it comes from Studio 306 collective, based in Haringey, North London, which is a creative project set up to aid recovery from mental health issues.
If you want something a little more expensive look no further than these beautiful bags. Samantha Renke’s inclusive handbag for £40 comes from disability campaigner Samantha Renke and is designed with the needs of disabled people in mind. It is functional and stylish for everyone.
Or how about this Compact messenger bag for £65. It comes from Dece, a social enterprise with two small production hubs in Northwest Romania where they work to educate, employ and empower families living in real poverty.
You can also get your hands on this limited edition bespoke gift hamper for £65, created by The Big Issue in collaboration with Social Stories Club. It is packed full of treats made by social ventures, this hamper would make the perfect gift for the festive season.
As a non-profit, every penny we make goes back into the organisation. With a gift subscription, not only will your friend receive an award-winning magazine each week, but you’re also contributing to The Big Issue’s fight to dismantle poverty – from employing our frontline staff, who provide vendors with vital support, to enabling us to campaign for policy change on a national level … each subscription really does make a difference. Buy a gift subscription here – https://bigissue.com/gift/
To support The Big Issue’s Christmas appeal “The Big Wish”, you can buy a copy of the magazine or a subscription from your local vendor so they receive 50% of the profits.
Alternatively, you can make a donation to The Big Issue Foundation. Visit bigissue.com/bigwish.
Lothian list MSP Foysol Choudhury visited Streetreads Library yesterday.
Streetreads has been taking books and stories out to people affected by homelessness for several years , and in August 2021 opened a library space in the City of Edinburgh Methodist Church at 25 Nicolson Square.
This initiative has been backed by leading city authors such as Alexander McCall Smith, Ian Rankin, and the publishers Canongate, who have donated several titles of their own.
The Labour MSP said: “I’m fully behind the fantastic work Streetreads does.
‘’This library is about so much more than just books and offers a number of ways to connect with stories including. running classes and events helping people connect with their world, where people can listen, take part and create their own stories and provide audio books and the tech for people to listen to them.
“During Scottish Book Week, I am pleased to have been able to highlight this project, which serves as a great reminder that we really must ensure everyone has access to the world that is opened up through books “
