TEEBO POP-UP SHOP
Pilton Youth & Children’s Project
The Greenhouse, West Pilton Brae
Saturday 27 November 11am – 1pm
Reduce – Reuse – Recycle
TeeBo tomorrow at PYCP
Month: November 2021
Spokes new Edinburgh Cycle Map available now
Spokes’ revised and updated map of Edinburgh showing the best routes for cyclists and walkers published
The new Edinburgh Cycle Map (11th edition), produced by Spokes (the Lothian Cycle Campaign), has just been published. Fully revised and updated, the map shows new cycle infrastructure and other developments across the city.
It is invaluable for cyclists and walkers seeking safe routes to shops, work or school and for planning leisure and running routes. The map is available through bike shops, some bookshops and from Spokes.
The whole city was surveyed by local Spokes volunteers and the mapping revised and updated by a skilled volunteer cartographer. Major updates and improvements to the map include all the new housing developments across Edinburgh and contours and hill-shading so users can see the hill spots at a glance.
In addition, the back of the map now shows the area from South Queensferry to Newbridge, as well as the usual large scale map of the city centre. The maps are printed on tear and water-resistant synthetic paper which is fully recyclable.
Members of Spokes and their children recently travelled to the City Chambers to hand over copies of the new map to Council Leader Adam McVey, Depute Leader Cammy Day and Kristen Layne, Network Development Manager with Sustrans. Alex Fitzhowle, co-founder of Farr Out Deliveries, provided logistical support!
The printing of the map was supported by Sustrans Scotland and Cycling Scotland, with much information provided by City of Edinburgh Council.
A spokesperson for Spokes said: “This has been a great voluntary effort by local Spokes members.
“The new map will help residents and visitors find their way around the city in active and healthy ways, as well as showing new quiet routes and short cuts they didn’t know existed!”
Council Leader Adam McVey said: “We’ve got a growing network of safe and protected cycling and walking routes – some of which people might not know about.
“This is a great resource which will benefit so many people to make journeys around the city by bike – thanks to all the volunteers who made it happen.”
Depute Leader Cammy Day added: “Cycling is a healthy, environmentally-friendly and cost-effective way to get around the city and we want to support more people to do that.
“This map is a great way to explore safe and direct routes, whatever level of ability they have.”
Kristen Layne, Network Development Manager at Sustrans Scotland, said: “As Scotland faces the climate emergency, we need to work together to make walking, wheeling and cycling the obvious choices for more journeys across the country.
“We’re delighted to support our friends and partners at Spokes in launching the latest update of the much-used Edinburgh Cycle Map, and hope they continue to inspire many more people to make their journeys in a sustainable and active way.”
The new Edinburgh Cycle Map is available from local bike shops for £6.95.
There is also a special introductory offer for orders direct to Spokes on office@spokes.org.uk before the end of December 2021, to buy one map for £6 (postage-free) or £27 for 6 copies.
Spokes has also produced a buff/snood featuring a central section of the new Edinburgh map. This is on sale only from Spokes. Price £7 post-free or just £3 if added to a map order.
More information on all Spokes maps and sales outlets is available at:
£430,000 funding boost for Scotland’s Winter Festivals
Scotland’s Winter Festivals celebrating St Andrew’s Day, Hogmanay and Burns Night are to share in up to £430,000 in Scottish Government funding.
As Scotland’s national day approaches, the funding will help support up to 100 individual events running from 26 November to 30 November as part of the St Andrew’s Day celebrations.
These include the St Andrew’s Fair Saturday programme and a range of community events organised by BEMIS Scotland – the national umbrella body supporting the development of the Ethnic Minorities Voluntary Sector.
EventScotland-supported St Andrew’s Day events include the SEALL Festival of Small Halls across the Isles of Skye, Raasay and Lochalsh.
The theme of the celebrations this year is kindness and consideration for others and the programme features concerts, poetry readings, ceilidhs, torchlight parades and a Diversity Cup football tournament.
The Scottish Government has also extended support to EventScotland’s Hogmanay celebrations in Stirling, Portree, Edinburgh and Stromness and their programme of events to mark Scotland’s most famous poet, Robert Burns, with Burns&Beyond and the Big Burns Supper in January 2022.
Culture Minister Jenny Gilruth said: “Scotland’s Winter Festivals bring a much-needed brightness and joy to the winter darkness and I’m very pleased that the Scottish Government is contributing up to £430,000 to the programme of events.
“The past year has been challenging for everyone so the government is proud to fund a programme of events that bring people together from near and far to showcase our world-class culture and heritage as well as our values of fairness, kindness, inclusivity and empowerment.”
For more information visit: www.onescotland.org/st-andrews-day
Covid: ‘Deep concern’ over new variant sparks Africa travel curbs
SIX COUNTRIES ADDED TO RED LIST
All travellers returning to Scotland from South Africa, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Zimbabwe and Botswana will be required to self-isolate and take two PCR tests from 12:00 on Friday (26 November), regardless of their vaccination status.
Managed Quarantine accommodation will be stood up to cater for any arrivals from these countries. This will apply to all arrivals from 04:00 on Saturday (27 November).
The decision follows concerns about cases of the emerging B.1.1.529 variant cases in the south of Africa, given concerns over a high number of mutations and the effectiveness of vaccines against it.
Anyone who has arrived in Scotland from any of the six countries in the previous 10 days will need to enter Managed Quarantine hotel on arrival to Scotland and will need a day two and day eight coronavirus (COVID-19) PCR test regardless of their vaccination status.
Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero, Energy and Transport Michael Matheson said: “International travel restrictions are necessary to protect the greater public health. While many restrictions have been significantly relaxed – largely thanks to the success of the Scottish Government’s COVID-19 vaccine roll out – we have always said it may be necessary to quickly impose fresh measures to protect public health in Scotland.”
UK Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Sajid Javid said: “As part of our close surveillance of variants across the world, we have become aware of the spread of a new potentially concerning variant, which UKHSA has designated a Variant under Investigation.
“We are taking precautionary action to protect public health and the progress of our vaccine rollout at a critical moment as we enter winter, and we are monitoring the situation closely.
“I want to pay tribute to our world-leading scientists who are working constantly to keep our country safe, and I urge everyone to keep doing their bit by the getting the jab and following public health guidance.”
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “We’ve always maintained public safety is our number one priority, which is why we’ve kept in place measures which allow us to protect the UK from new variants.
“We’re taking this early precautionary action now to protect the progress made across the country, and will continue to keep a close eye on the situation as we continue into the winter.”
Dr Jenny Harries, UKHSA Chief Executive, said: “Scientists at UKHSA are in constant close collaboration with colleagues around the world to identify and assess variants as soon as they emerge.
“This is the most significant variant we have encountered to date and urgent research is underway to learn more about its transmissibility, severity and vaccine-susceptibility. The results of these investigations will determine what public health actions may limit the impact of B.1.1.529. “
“This is a clear reminder to everyone that this pandemic is not over, and we all have a responsibility to do what we can to limit transmission and reduce the infection rate and prevent the emergence of new variants.
“This means coming forward for vaccination as soon as possible and following public health advice. Wear a face covering in crowded places where it’s difficult to avoid coming into close contact with others, try to meet people in well-ventilated areas and seek a test immediately if you have symptoms.”
The first genomes of this variant were uploaded to the international GISAID database on 22 November. Genomes have now been uploaded from South Africa, Botswana and Hong Kong but the extent of spread is not yet determined.
The UKHSA produces risk assessments of the spread of Variants of Concern or Variants under Investigation internationally.
These risk assessments cover a range of factors for each country including assessment of surveillance and sequencing capability, available surveillance and genome sequencing data, evidence of in-country community transmission of COVID-19 variants, evidence of exportation of new variants to the UK or other countries and travel connectivity with the UK.
More information on international travel and quarantine
Christmas is back at the Botanics – and it’s brighter than ever!
New Christmas surprises unveiled on the festive trail
Christmas at the Botanics opened today [25 November] unveiling brand new sparkling light installations that will be sure to enhance the festive cheer.
Returning for its fifth year, the shimmering trail is set to be better and brighter than ever, bringing in more stunning installations and surprising us with a new festive finale.
Attendees must book their tickets online in advance of their visit and enter the trail during their allocated time slot. A one-way trail route is in place and tickets are contactless to ensure safety measures are in place.
Showcasing a dazzling display of lights, music and projections, the one mile long after-dark spectacular will also welcome back some of the Garden’s favourite installation, including ‘Christmas Cathedral’ and ‘Fire Garden’.
A new finale for 2021, ready to create a glittering spectacular display, is ‘Sea of Light’ – which is set to impress guests with an enthralling mix of sound and light technology from award-winning company ITHACA.
Used by Coldplay during their Glastonbury 2021 performance, the display cascades across the Garden’s landscape like glittering waves.
Visitors can stroll through an enchanting forest with the brand new installation ‘Fireflies in the Woods’. Produced by Electric Foundry, 100 points of LED lights tangle through the trees above, creating a twinkling hidden wonderland.
Rest assured your umbrella won’t be needed for this display: ‘Digital Rain’ by Bespoke lighting and video is an immersive installation of LED lights that ‘rain’ down on guests below to create a shimmering shower that is bound to dazzle!
Rounding off the new installations of 2021’s Christmas spectacular is ‘Aquastell’ by PITAYA, which has large looping arches with beams of light flashing along, like shooting stars across the sky.
This year, there will continue to be health and safety measures in place to ensure that visitors follow Scottish Government guidance on Covid-19 so everyone can enjoy their experience.
Reduced capacity of attendees, a one-way system, a request to make space for others and the mandatory wearing of face coverings in indoor areas. These measures will be monitored and visitors kept informed of any changes to guidance during the run.
Kari Coghill, Director of Enterprise and Communication at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, said: “This year’s trail is one of the most spectacular yet. We are really looking forward to welcom ing visitors to the Garden over the coming weeks.
“Those who attend directly contribute to our wider work, with profits from ticket sales helping to support our vital research and conservation efforts in Scotland and around the world. At a time when the impact of the climate on biodiversity is high on the agenda globally, our work is more important than ever.”
Jonathan Marks, Chief Development Director at Raymond Gubbay, a division of Sony Music, which promotes the trail, added: “Christmas at the Botanics is a huge draw within the Capital’s festive cal endar.
“We are extremely pleased with the breadth of artists and installations that are part of this year’s trail and I am sure that the experience will be as magical as ever.”
Christmas at the Botanics runs for 32 nights on selected dates from 25 November – 2 January. Tickets are on sale from www.rbge.org.uk/christmas.
Tickets prices range from: Adult £20, Member £17, Child (4-16) £14, Family £66 and carers and children under 4 go free.
See booking website for calendar, prices and all ticket information. All tickets are subject to a single transaction charge.
Plaque unveiling ceremony at Madelvic House tomorrow
Madelvic House has been awarded a red wheel by the National #Transport Trust In recognition of the unique #car making that was started in the factory in the late 1890s.
Vice-President John Yellowlees of the Trust will officially unveil the plaque today – Friday 26 November.
We would like to invite you to come along to celebrate this occasion, from 1pm onwards.
The history hub will have displays available, highlighting the importance of the factory and many other industries in Granton.
Bolt marks Edinburgh launch with sustainability drive
UK’s second biggest ride-hailing app marks Edinburgh launch with donation to support the city’s sustainability goals
Bolt – the UK’s second largest ride-hailing app with 4m passengers – is crossing the border into Scotland with its latest launch in Edinburgh, as it continues its rapid expansion across the UK.
Bolt was founded in 2013 and currently has 4m customers across the UK. The company has a mission to reduce personal vehicle ownership and increase availability of more sustainable modes of transport. Through its Bolt Green Plan it ensures all rides are carbon neutral.
The launch will see the fastest growing mobility platform in the world support the city in its bid to be a “Million Tree City” by 2030 with a £20,300 donation to the TreeTime Edinburgh initiative, run by Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust.
As part of the partnership and to mark its commitment to the second greenest city in the UK, Bolt’s donation will help the charity to replace a number of lost trees in the city. Trees have been felled in urban areas for various reasons, but through its donation, Bolt will help to replace larger strategically positioned trees, as well as contributing to extending and enriching woodland areas and parks that surround the city with young saplings.
With a number of larger trees being planted roadside, they will serve as a reminder to residents of the importance of the environment and the issue of carbon emissions in the city. With a third of Bolt’s initial city fleet being electric or hybrid vehicles, the ride-hailing service acts as a fast-growing sustainable alternative to the private car, as well as helping residents travel safely and affordably.
To celebrate its arrival in the city, passengers will have the chance to receive up to £8 off their first Bolt ride by entering the following code into the Promotions section of the Bolt app: ARTHURSCARSEAT* when they launch.
Sam Raciti, Bolt’s UK General Manager said: “Launching into Edinburgh and Scotland is a big step for Bolt.
“We take our responsibility in supporting the communities we operate within seriously and it was only right that we helped support the sustainability goals of the UK’s second greenest city through our partnership with TreeTime Edinburgh.
“We can’t wait to offer residents an affordable and responsible way to get around the city they love.”
Charlie Cumming, CEO at Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust, said: “Edinburgh’s trees are a major part of the local landscape and some of the capital’s most famous landmarks, parks and streets would not be the same without them.
“We’ve calculated that the city needs to be planting roughly 6,500 trees every year to compensate for the trees we lose due to disease and Bolt’s donation and commitment will help us significantly. We’re very pleased to be working with a company like Bolt that shares the same values and commitment to our local environment.”
Bolt is accepting submissions from Edinburgh passengers for the chance to personalise one of 15 unique plaques on trees planted around the city, providing a lasting legacy and the opportunity to share important messages about protecting the local environment.
Submissions can be sent to the company’s Instagram page, @bolt_uk.
MSP welcomes rollout of Child Disability Payments
SNP MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, Gordon MacDonald, has welcomed the Scottish Government’s rollout of financial support for families of children with a disability.
The new payment, which provides money to help with the extra costs of caring for a child with a disability or ill-health condition, opens for applications across the country today.
For the first time anywhere in the UK, disability benefit applicants can apply for Child Disability Payment online, as well as by phone, post or face-to-face.
As the Child Disability Payment replaces the UK Government’s Disability Living Allowance for children, this is for new applications. Those already receiving Disability Living Allowance for children do not need to apply.
These approximately 52,000 current cases are being automatically transferred in phases from the Department for Work and Pensions to Social Security Scotland and will be completed by spring 2023.
This is the first of three complex disability benefits to be introduced by the Scottish Government, with Adult Disability Payment to start next year.
Commenting on the rollout Gordon MacDonald, said: “The Child Disability Payment is a significant milestone for Scotland’s new social security system.
“I’m extremely pleased that families across Edinburgh will benefit from a simplified and much less stressful system that allows them to apply for the payment online, by phone, by post or face to face. For too long families have faced an overly complicated process that feels like it’s been designed to keep them out.
“I’m glad that people both here in Edinburgh, and right across Scotland, are benefitting from an SNP Government that is putting dignity, fairness and respect at the heart of its social security system.”
New concert hall for Edinburgh city centre
Council Leader and Planning Convener for the City of Edinburgh Council welcome the approval of the plans for the Dunard Centre
The planning application, submitted by IMPACT Scotland, was approved yesterday by the city council’s Development Management Sub-Committee.
Council leader Adam McVey, said: “It’s great news that planning approval has been granted for this exciting and important new cultural venue for our Capital.
“This is the first purpose-built concert venue in Edinburgh in more than 100 years and I know so many people in the city are looking forward to enjoying a first class cultural experience with an expanding number of amazing venues.
“The new concert hall is the cultural flagship of our City Region Deal and being in a central location with fantastic public transport connections, it will complement the wider transformation of the east end of the city centre alongside the newly opened Edinburgh St James Quarter helping to keep our city centre a vibrant and thriving destination.”
Planning Convener Councillor Neil Gardiner said: I’m delighted committee today approved the new concert hall planning application and I welcome this major investment in Scotland’s Capital City.
“This state of the art purpose-designed facility now matches our international standing as the world’s premier festival city.
“The architecture of this new concert hall works well with historic Dundas House: the original plan of the New Town was to have cultural buildings at either end of George Street, which will now be fulfilled at St Andrews Square.
“Impact, who will operate the venue, has also committed to reach out to communities and schools across the city to make music accessible which is also welcome.”
Win a Coaching Session with Scots rugby star Hamish Watson
Entries are now open to junior teams across Scotland to win the chance to be put through their paces by Scotland international Hamish Watson at DAM Health Stadium in 2022.
Scottish Building Society has launched a search for a deserving under-18 rugby team to win a bespoke training session from Edinburgh Rugby star, Scotland international and British & Irish Lion, Hamish Watson.
One lucky under-18 squad will receive a specially tailored training session from Watson at Edinburgh Rugby’s newly constructed DAM Health Stadium early next year, with the competition open to junior rugby teams across Scotland, including school sides, established rugby clubs or local community teams.
Led by Watson, with assistance from the Edinburgh Rugby community team, the winning squad can look forward to a masterclass from the back-row star, with the entirety of the session taking place on DAM Health Stadium’s artificial surface.
To enter, all teams need to do is complete this form detailing why they should win the session, sharing details on their team, their ambitions for the season ahead and what they’d like to get out of the session.
Entries must be in by Saturday 8th January 2022.
The winning team will be contacted directly to organise the session that will take place at a time/date TBC in early 2022.
The competition celebrates the partnership between Scottish Building Society and Edinburgh Rugby, which is supporting rugby throughout Scotland.
Paul Denton, Chief Executive Officer for Scottish Building Society, said: “We are excited to be able to offer one team the opportunity to train with one of Scotland’s best players and to gain first-hand experience of his legendary carrying and skills at the breakdown.
“As a mutual we are committed to giving back to our local communities so it’s fantastic to be backing grassroots rugby in this way. I already know some of the great work rugby clubs right across the country are doing both on and off the pitch and I’m really looking forward to seeing the entries as they come in.”
Edinburgh Rugby star, Hamish Watson, added: “I’m really excited to launch this initiative with Scottish Building Society and I can’t wait to welcome a deserving Junior side to DAM Health Stadium in 2022.
“I absolutely loved getting tips and picking up skills from pro players when I was young kid, so it’ll be great to give something back and hopefully the boys or girls take something out of the bespoke session.
“I’d encourage any junior side to enter this competition where they’ll get the opportunity to train like the pros at the brand new home of Edinburgh Rugby.”