November 2021 – Page 15 – The NEN

Capital Theatres announce new partnership with Brewgooder

Capital Theatres are delighted to announce a new corporate partnership with Brewgooder, a Scottish-based craft beer company whose ‘Brewed on Purpose’ commitment to create waves of people-positive change through their business, chimes with our own brand values of consideration and collaboration alongside our sustainability objectives in our own business practices.

Among their many ethical initiatives, Brewgooder work with impact partner Charity Water to ensure that for every can or pint of their beer enjoyed, they commit to 100 pints or cans being provided in clean water on projects across the world. Similarly, they continue to strive for more ethical business practices and a more diverse and inclusive brewing industry through their Work in Progress scheme.

In July Brewgooder were incredibly proud to be recognised as one of the ‘Best for the World™’ B Corps of 2021. This was awarded for their clean water efforts in the Community area as well as meeting the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose.

Capital Theatres and Brewgooder began working together last year as part of Brewgooder’s Panto in a Box initiative – a pack of four themed beers, panto snacks and a panto story with a proportion of the profits going to the Theatre Artists Fund, including local schemes which benefited Capital Theatres’ artistic community.

Since the pandemic had put a pause on the King’s Panto we were more than happy to help Brewgooder promote this fun alternative to benefit artists whose income had disappeared overnight.

Building on this relationship, as a Capital Theatres’ Corporate Partner Brewgooder will benefit from a brand match with Scotland’s largest independent theatre charity operating three city-centre venues: the Festival Theatre, the King’s Theatre and the Studio. With a diverse year-round programme of drama, dance, musicals, opera, ballet, children’s theatre and more, our theatres attract audiences from across Edinburgh, the Lothians and beyond.

Fiona Gibson, Chief Executive of Capital Theatres said: “We’re thrilled to find partners in Brewgooder who share our values and have ethical and environmental policies and practices at the heart of what they do.

“As Scotland’s largest theatre charity, we’re passionate about working alongside local businesses which, as in Brewgooder’s case, have a global reach. It feels good to know that every pint or can of Brewgooder sold in our bars will result in clean water for those who really need it.”

James Hughes, Co-Founder of Brewgooder said: “We’re delighted to see the Capital Theatres venues reopening with performances returning, and are very proud to have our beer stocked across their venues.

“Last Christmas we had dedicated our festive campaign to support the devastated performing arts scene and to raise money for local relief funds set up for venues that included Capital Theatres, so having hopefully come through the worst of these difficult times, we’re keen to create plenty of positive moments and outcomes together via this newly formed partnership.”

Artisan commits to new design standards for Sustainable Homes Development

New homes launches in Edinburgh & Leeds target zero carbon city living

Niche housebuilder Artisan Real Estate has raised the bar for sustainable development with the launch of an ambitious design framework geared to achieving low to zero carbon city living.

The developer will now incorporate a set of rigorous guiding principles throughout the development cycle, governing both its environmental and social responsibility whilst responding to the changing requirements of home buyers and local communities across the UK.

Artisan is now applying the new design framework new residential developments in key UK regional centres – including Rowanbank Gardens in Corstorphine, Edinburgh and Kirkstall Place in Leeds.

The new framework will help define future development locations, with Artisan committing to the concept of ’15-minute neighbourhoods’ in primarily brownfield city centre areas. It also sets out a radical blueprint for smart building design and the use of innovative technology to reduce energy usage and promote sustainable and community-focused low carbon living.

“The environmental challenges which have been laid bare during COP 26 has accelerated the importance of changing the way we deliver new homes development,” explains Clive Wilding, Artisan’s Property Director.

“Artisan is a niche developer which has always striven for improvement by creating a lower carbon footprint in the homes and buildings we create – not just in delivery but throughout their multi-generational lifespan.

As well as reducing urban sprawl by optimising the number of people living in well-designed, sustainable homes in well-connected locations served by public transport, we are also pioneering the application of new technology to eliminate the use of fossil fuels whilst vastly reducing energy consumption.”

This design philosophy is being applied to two of Artisan’s soon-to-be launched regional developments – the 126 apartment Rowanbank Gardens in Corstorphine, Edinburgh and 263 new homes at Kirkstall Place in Leeds.

An innovative approach to placemaking and community has been matched with smart, energy-efficient building design geared to achieving low to zero carbon developments – with an open and landscaped environment set to benefit general health and well-being.

With no fossil fuels being used and both heating and hot water delivered through individual air source heat pumps, the developments provide smart energy-efficient design geared to achieving low to zero carbon ratings – with the added benefits of lower home-running costs.

Corstorphine’s Rowanbank Gardens (top) in particular has been designed to respond to the rapidly changing requirements of home buyers and the wider community post pandemic.

Apartments have been designed around an internal courtyard garden filled with fruit trees and communal planting beds and as well as a natural woodland area and play areas. And innovations such as green roofs ensure benefits of surface water retention, improved insulation whilst encouraging ecological biodiversity.

Clive Wilding continues: “Rowanbank Gardens in Edinburgh is a perfect showcase for the quality of sustainable development that Artisan is now committed to. At its heart is a sustainable design which reflects the demands of modern life, with buildings designed to minimise carbon footprint and maximise daylight.

“Significant emphasis is also placed on the quality of internal space and light to create enjoyable home-working environments, whilst accessible gardens and landscaping promote health and well-being by making nature and well-designed outdoor space integral to the day-to-day living experience.

He adds: “With Artisan’s Kirkstall Place development in Leeds, we are providing 263 family homes with large amounts of external space, providing a wide range of biodiversity. All the homes have been designed to meet our low carbon, non-fossil fuel standards.”

Artisan is perhaps best known for large-scale city regeneration projects like the award-winning New Waverley, which has transformed the heart of Edinburgh’s historic Old Town. The developer is now applying the same values and philosophy which has guided the successful design and execution of New Waverley to its residential developments, setting it apart from other major UK homebuilders.

“Remaining true to our urban regeneration credentials, at the heart of all Artisan’s developments is building a strong sense of place,” continues Clive Wilding. “We are specialising in niche urban developments in the most exciting parts of the city centre, creating a high-value premium product for a wide range of homebuyers, including young professionals, families and downsizers.

“Artisan now has an opportunity set a new benchmark for high quality urban regeneration in sensitive city-centre environments – whether it be commercial, residential or mixed-use. Our track record across the UK has given us a strong understanding of the importance of high quality placemaking, which is at the heart of all Artisan’s developments.”

For more information on Artisan’s commitment to sustainable development across the UK visit: www.artisanrealestate.co.uk

Slower Speeds, Safer Streets for Edinburgh: Living Streets group launches Action Plan

Action Points for the City of Edinburgh Council

1 CEC should set a ‘Vision Zero’ target of no deaths or serious injuries on its roads, within its new Road Safety Plan, with a target of 2030 for realising that vision. (A more ambitious target than the national one is realistic in Edinburgh, where speeds are lower and road safety problems are less diverse.)

2 Excessive speeding is the principal source of the collisions that result in casualties. Realising this vision will require stronger and more comprehensive actions to reduce speeds on the city’s roads. Stronger measures both to enforce speed limits, and to redesign streets are essential.

3 Maximum use should be made of both fixed and mobile speed cameras, and red light cameras for enforcement. Suitable technology should be employed to ensure that the breaking of all speed limits (from 20 to 70 mph) can be enforced. Successful schemes on main roads using average speed cameras, such as that on Dalkeith Rd, should be rolled out across the city. But camera deployments must also be targeted by evidence of highly excessive speeds, not just by whether these have yet resulted in collisions.

4 Enforcement of 20mph limits across the city is never likely to be a priority for the police however, and CEC initiative and support will be essential. Involvement of the public and community groups, through initiatives such as ‘Speedwatch’, is vital for the identification of speeding problems and targeting of enforcement efforts on residential streets.

5 With the necessary legal powers, the council could readily undertake enforcement actions, alongside and co-ordinated with the police, under a system analogous to that for parking offences. Lesser speeding offences should be subject to fines issued by council wardens, with evidence of more serious abuses passed on for action by the police. CEC should seek the necessary devolved powers for such an enforcement system, with the fines set to fully fund the costs of enforcement.

6 A renewed emphasis on street redesign is needed, with the full range of traffic calming measures flexibly used wherever required. More use of soft measures such as speed indicator signs can be helpful, but they are no substitute for the hard engineering measures such as humps, cushions, and speed tables that effectively curb speeds. A single road hump on the approach to a sharp bend for example can eliminate a serious risk. Perceptions of safety are also very important for pedestrians and are an additional benefit on traffic calmed streets.

7 Raised crossings should become the norm on residential streets with 20mph limits. There should be a presumption that all new crossings, whether formal or informal, should be raised, with appropriate tactile paving, making them safer and easier to use for pedestrians. Especially where located at the approaches to junctions the slower speeds would have additional traffic calming benefits.

8 The current CEC safety review of major junctions is very welcome and needs to be made comprehensive. There are also still a multitude of more minor junctions with dangerous wide splay entrances that need to be redesigned. A new targeted review and investment programme is needed to systematically improve them, with tighter radii, build outs and raised entrances, as appropriate.

9 School safety plans are needed that provide for safer routes and for the safer school entrance areas that are needed at many of the city’s schools. Wider pavements should be provided that allow for the concentration of pedestrian activity these areas inevitably attract, with reduced parking and less use of guardrail.

10 Many pavements in the city are sub-standard, and often far too narrow. A comprehensive review and investment programme is needed to widen pavements and meet minimum design standards wherever possible. Where narrower carriageway widths result this will often also help to slow traffic speeds.

Action Points for the Scottish Government

1 ‘Vision Zero’ has strong public support, but to be realistic it requires more resources to support camera enforcement of speed limits at national and local level. Fines should be set at increased levels to ensure that finance will be available to support sufficiently comprehensive enforcement efforts, independent of the more general state of public finances.

2 Fines and license penalties should be graduated by the degree of excessive speeding involved and should be applicable to employers as well as individual drivers, where there is evidence of repeat offending.

3 Powers should be devolved to local authorities to allow them to undertake proportionate enforcement actions through wardens and levy fines for offences including speeding, red light jumping, pavement cycling and illegal use of e-scooters in co-ordination with the police. This will be vital for effective enforcement efforts where 20 mph limits apply across residential areas, with police resources and priorities necessarily being stretched.

4 National driver and employer education campaigns should be undertaken on the consequences of speeding, aimed at making speeding as socially unacceptable as driving with excess alcohol has become.

5 More advice and resources should be made available to local authorities to support the creation of safer streets through redesign and traffic calming. There is still a massive design deficit in terms of safety, but local authority road safety budgets and teams have been severely cut over recent years. Without strong and prioritised central government support, ‘vision zero’ will remain a mirage on many local authority streets.

Living Streets Edinburgh Group

Bereavement Service at Davidsons Mains Parish Church

Sunday 21 November at 2:30pm

ALL WELCOME

Parliament committees to scrutinise National Planning Framework

Policies governing the development of Scotland’s cities, towns and rural areas until 2045 are to be scrutinised across several Scottish Parliament committees.

The fourth National Planning Framework sets out the Scottish Government’s strategy for Scotland’s long-term development and a series of national planning policies, which will guide decisions on every application for planning permission submitted in Scotland. It also identifies 18 “national developments”, intended to support the delivery of the strategy.

Now, for the first time this session of Parliament, a number of Parliament committees will work together to scrutinise the proposals. They want to hear from you about how communities should be planned, with a view to tackling major issues such as the climate emergency and nature crisis, while supporting community wealth building and wider sustainable economic growth.

This includes hearing about what your ideal community would look like, how public and open space can be used to stay healthy, and how we can future proof our places while supporting recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.

Speaking as the Committees launched their scrutiny, the Convener of the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee, Ariane Burgess MSP said: “The National Planning Framework aims to have a huge impact on the way we live in Scotland.

“This ambition is clearly to be welcomed. But it is important we take the time to ensure these bold claims can be realised and that the people of Scotland have the opportunity to get involved in the proposed transformational change in how we live and work.”

The Convener continued: “The Framework is wide ranging and detailed and it is important that the Parliament has the chance to scrutinise this fully.

“To do this, this work will take place across a number of Parliament committees. Each of these committees will use their expertise and knowledge to assess the practical impacts of the Framework as well as how this could be improved to ensure real, lasting and meaningful change.”

Members of the public are invited to give their views on the Framework via: https://yourviews.parliament.scot/lgc/npf4/

The deadline for responses is Monday 10 January 2022.

The National Planning Framework was introduced to Parliament on 10 November 2021. The Scottish Parliament has 120 days to report on the Framework.

More details of the Committee’s consideration of the Framework can be found at: https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/committees/current-and-previous-committees/session-6-local-government-housing-and-planning/business-items/national-planning-framework

Capital police launch Operation Winter City

Police in Edinburgh have launched Operation Winter City, their annual campaign focused on keeping those who live, work and visit the Capital safe throughout the festive period.

The campaign, which runs between Saturday, 20 November, 2021 and Tuesday, 4 January 2022, will see local officers and specialist colleagues undertaking high visibility foot and mobile patrols within the city centre throughout this period.

With the majority of COVID restrictions now eased, it is anticipated that significant numbers of people will take the opportunity to travel into the city to shop, socialise and enjoy the attractions on offer.

This dedicated policing presence will provide public reassurance, and while officers are there to respond to any incidents, they also look forward to engaging with and offering members of the public a range of crime prevention advice.

With the return of Edinburgh’s night-time economy, specialist officers will also be visiting licensed premises to remind staff of their licensing responsibilities, with the intention of preventing and deterring criminal activity taking place within these venues.

As ever, social media will play a vital role in delivering festive safety information and should you wish to receive key messaging, please follow us on Twitter @EdinburghPolice or ‘like’ the Edinburgh Police Division Facebook page.

Superintendent Sam Ainslie, Operation Winter City’s Lead Officer, said: “Last year’s festive period proved challenging for many of us, however, with the majority of the COVID restrictions now removed, we look forward to welcoming people back into Edinburgh to enjoy all that the city has to offer.

“No different to any other time of the year, we remain focused on ensuring that everyone remains safe, and whether you have travelled in to shop, enjoy the various attractions or sample the night time economy, you will undoubtedly see our dedicated resources throughout the city centre over the coming weeks.

“In addition to offering reassurance to the public and respond to any incidents, my officers will also be offering a range of crime prevention advice, including how best to protect yourself, your home and your belongings, and I would encourage you to speak with them.

“If you plan on visiting the city centre over this period, I would advise you to plan your journey in advance, including your journey home and remember to keep hold of your belongings and purchases.

“If you are here to enjoy the night time economy, then please drink responsibly and behave considerately towards others, as highlighted officers will be providing a highly visible presence throughout the city centre area.

“But above all, Edinburgh Division wishes you and your loved ones a safe festive period.

“We will be utilising our social media channels to share crime prevention advice and broader messaging over the course of Operation Winter City, so please follow our Facebook and Twitter pages to receive this information, or, if you would prefer to view ahead of time, please visit www.scotland.police.uk/advice-and-information.”

Ainslie Park community to remember the Cairngorm tragedy

50 years ago on 21 – 22nd November a group of students from Ainslie Park High School along with a trainee instructor from Lagganlia sadly lost their lives whilst on an expedition to the Cairngorm mountains.

Recognising the impact this tragedy had on all involved as well as the wider community of North Edinburgh, Granton Parish Church will be holding a memorial service tomorrow – Sunday 21st November – at 2pm in the church.

Full details at https://www.grantonchurch.org.uk/cairngorm-tragedy…/

The tragedy remains the worst peacetime loss of life in a mountaineering accident in the United Kingdom.

Recognising the impact this tragedy had on all involved as well as the wider community of North Edinburgh, Granton Parish Church will be holding a memorial service on Sunday 21st November at 2pm in the church.

The service will be live-streamed for those who cannot physically make it.

Please continue to hold the families of those who lost their lives as well as all those affected in your prayers.

We would appreciate everyone spreading the word, especially if you are in contact or know of families, friends and pupils who were directly affected by the tragedy.

As Covid restictions for churches have been relaxed there is now no need to limit numbers attending. However, bear in mind that if you would be more comfortable following online then that option is available.

Note that it is still a requirement to wear a face-covering in churches unless an exemption card is held.

If you would like to get in touch with the church in relation to the memorial service please telephone Norman of 0131 551 2159 or email info@granton.org.uk.

Edinburgh homeowners avoid DIY tasks due to a fear of failure

Almost a third (30%) of homeowners in Edinburgh put off trying DIY tasks – such as wallpapering or building furniture – due to a fear of failure, new survey shows.
The DIY Fulfilment Survey, conducted by Blinds Direct, uncovers the nation’s attitudes towards DIY tasks and how this impacts our home décor habits.
Edinburgh homeowners’ least favourite DIY tasks were revealed to be decorating a room (e.g. repainting), small DIY fixes (damaged pipes), and cleaning the car.
Other factors that put off Edinburgh homeowners from DIY tasks include concerns around the difficulty of the task (50%), and quality of the end result (40%).

Almost a third (30%) of homeowners in Edinburgh avoid a DIY task due to a fear of failure, suggesting a regional lack of confidence in home décor skills, a new survey reveals.

The DIY Fulfilment Survey, conducted by Blinds Direct looks at the nation’s attitude towards common DIY tasks and our home décor habits. These include the tasks we find the most satisfying to do ourselves, how much we spend on décor, and which rooms we focus on.

The survey also found that homeowners in Edinburgh are deterred from taking on a DIY task due to concerns around the difficulty of doing so (50%), the quality of the end result (40%), and the time taken to complete (34%).

For homeowners in Edinburgh, the survey showed that the room that sees the most regular décor updates was the living room, followed by the kitchen and master bedroom.

And the most important factors for local homeowners when it comes to purchasing a home décor product came out as the cost (51%), the quality (42%), the durability (31%), and the aesthetic (30%) – while the least important factor came out as the availability (10%).

The survey also found that the majority of Edinburgh homeowners spend between £250-500 on home décor products each year.

Darren Green, Managing Director at Blinds Direct, commented, “It’s encouraging to see so many homeowners, and especially younger people, happier with their homes now than they were a year ago.

“It’s also heartening that we’re becoming increasingly confident in taking on the challenge of keeping our homes beautiful ourselves. Whether it’s fitting a wooden blind, painting a wall or building a new desk, we are becoming increasingly confident in our own abilities and the positive effect it has on our happiness reinforces the importance of doing things independently.”

Other key focus areas encompassed in the survey included which factors people deem the most important when considering a home décor product, and which DIY tasks result in the greatest sense of achievement when completed.

To see the full breakdown of results, please visit the DIY Fulfilment Survey here:

https://www.blindsdirect.co.uk/fulfilment-survey

Full fibre focus!

Zen switches on gigabit-speed broadband to Scotland’s capital

Zen, the only Which? Recommended Provider for Broadband 2021 brings full fibre to Edinburgh over the CityFibre network
A quarter (24%) of adults in Edinburgh planning to move on to a different broadband provider in next 18 months
The new full fibre service can be accessed at a number of speed options starting at £29.99 per month

Residents in Edinburgh today have access to one of the fastest and most reliable broadband services available to any home in the UK, thanks to Zen Internet.

With a quarter (24%) of adults in Edinburgh ready to switch broadband provider in the next 18 months*, residents can choose and benefit from the UK’s only Which? Recommended Provider for Broadband 2021.

People living in Scotland’s capital can now access a reliable service, with award-winning support, from a business committed, through its B Corporation certification, to having a positive impact on the planet.

The latest move from Zen, in collaboration with CityFibre, aims to transform the city’s digital capabilities. CityFibre has invested £105 million into Edinburgh’s infrastructure deployment as part of its nationwide Gigabit City Investment Programme while Zen, as a certified B Corporation, is part of a community of organisations around the world, that believe in business as a powerful force for good.

The new service can be accessed at a number of speed options starting at £29.99 per month as a special launch offer. The service is available now to many homes, with Zen following the CityFibre rollout across the city over the coming months.

To check if the service is already available in your area or to sign up for availability updates visit www.zen.co.uk.

World class infrastructure rollout

Full fibre broadband is transforming customers’ digital capabilities with speeds of up to 900Mbps. This service has the capability to unlock the full potential of every smart device in the home and provides a solid platform for fully enabling smart home applications and Internet of Things (IoT) devices of the future. Today, it provides a solid connection for hybrid working, entertainment and keeping connected post-pandemic.

Paul Stobart, CEO at Zen Internet, said: “The next few years will be absolutely pivotal for connectivity in the home. Deemed the gold rush decade, the 2020s will see implementation of full fibre across the nation.

“By 2030, everyone will have made the switch to full fibre. Today, though, people in Edinburgh can get ahead of the curve by accessing Zen’s award-winning service delivered over CityFibre’s high quality infrastructure.

“As a B Corporation and with an ambition to be Net Zero by 2028, residents can choose Zen with confidence, knowing we are a provider that will always strive to do the right thing.

“We ensure that our responsibilities to society and the environment are embedded in our DNA.

“We want to inspire the residents of Edinburgh to choose the right path when it comes to their internet connectivity, which will in turn unlock the power of sharing, learning, and communication.”

What can you do with gigabit speeds?

	Standard broadband (10Mbps)	Full Fibre 900
Download a HD TV show (600MB)	8 minutes 23 seconds	5 seconds
Download a HD movie (4GB)	57 minutes 15 seconds	38 seconds
Download a game (60GB)	14 hours, 19 minutes	9 minutes 32 seconds
Upload a large file (1GB)	2 hours 23 minutes	9 seconds

For more information, please visit: www.zen.co.uk or call 01706 902 001.

Police Scotland issues warning on Gift Card scams

We would like to raise awareness of Gift Card scams.

Typically, the victim receives a call, text or email demanding an urgent payment by purchasing gift cards/vouchers from reputable organisations or high street retailers.

Fraudsters may claim to represent organisations or employers.

Following the purchase, the victim is asked to provide the gift card code to the fraudster who then either sells the codes on, or purchases high-value products, at the expense of the victim.

The fraudster does not require to have physical control over the card/voucher.

Employees may also receive urgent emails purporting to be from management asking them to purchase gift cards on their behalf.

A legitimate employer will not ask you to handle company business through gift card purchases.

• No reputable organisation would ask for payment of a bill or debt using vouchers or gift cards.

• Never reveal the codes on vouchers or gift cards you have purchased apart from entering them on official websites as full or part payment for goods or services.

• Take a moment to think if the offer sounds too good to be true.

• Be wary of any texts or emails you receive, even if it appears to come from an organisation you know and trust.

• Don’t follow links in text messages or phone any numbers provided within the message.

Trading Standards Scam Share Bulletin http://ow.ly/1F6650GRgsm

Cyber Scotland Bulletin http://ow.ly/tlAW50GRgsl