The risk of wildfires across many parts of Scotland over the next few days has been declared as ‘extreme’.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has issued a warning that fires could ignite and spread easily with warm temperatures and strong winds forecast.
The warning applies from tomorrow, Friday 22 April and lasts until Monday 25 April.
• North, Central and West Scotland EXTREME Friday 22nd – Sunday 24th April
• West Scotland EXTREME Monday 25th April
Group Commander Keith Langley, who is one of SFRS’ Wildfire Tactical Advisors, is urging the public to take the utmost care in the countryside. He said: “The key issues over the next few days are sunshine, warm air temperatures, low humidity and moderate to strong winds.
“Dead grass, leaves, twigs and heather on the ground will dry quite quickly in these conditions and when ignited can burn very fast with extreme fire intensity.
“Please exercise caution outdoors to avoid fires breaking out and think twice before using anything involving a naked flame.”
Wildfire danger assessments are made on behalf of the Scottish Wildfire Forum. They are done on a broad area basis.
Tesco Mobile launch calculator to help customers save money on mobile phone contracts
With the cost of living surge the worst crisis Brits have faced in 30 years, phone contracts are among one of the many inflated costs that families will face from 1 April.
The big networks will be hitting millions of customers with hikes of up to 11.7%at the worst possible time.
To help customers save money and plan their finances, Tesco Mobile has launched a new calculator which allows consumers to find out just how much they could save over the length of their contract.
All consumers need to provide is the length of their contract, their network provider, and their monthly cost – the calculator will do the rest!
A spokesperson from Tesco Mobile commented: “This year, mid-contract mobile price hikes are at their highest ever and they couldn’t come at a worse time. We know that phones are a lifeline which is why the price our customers pay when they sign up, is the price they pay for the duration of their contract.
“What’s helpful about our money saving calculator, is that families can find out exactly how much other networks are taking out of their pockets, making it easier for them to plan their finances for the future.”
Be part of a conversation with some of the candidates standing for election in Edinburgh
Edinburgh’s Third Sector Interface (EVOC, Volunteer Edinburgh, Edinburgh Social Enterprise) and the Poverty Alliance invite you to be part of an conversation with some of the candidates standing for election on Thu 5 May.
The main focus of this event is the challenges arising from cost-of-living increases that are impacting people and communities across the City linked to:
the importance of a thriving voluntary sector
the benefits of an enterprising City
the need for wealth building within communities
Welcome & Introduction: Bridie Ashrowan, Claire Pattullo, Paul Wilson.
Panel Q&A:
Claire Miller, Edinburgh Greens candidate for City Centre
Vicky Nicolson, SNP candidate for Inverleith
Ross McKenzie, Labour candidate for Sighthill / Gorgie
Neil Ross, Liberal Democrats candidate for Morningside
Representatives from each of the political parties have been invited.
SUBMIT A QUESTION
Please submit any questions you have in advance, or if you are unable to attend the event to: comms@evoc.org.uk
ZOOM LINK:
The link will be sent out to everyone who has registered by 1pm on the day.
Chief Constable Iain Livingstone welcomed 297 new probationary Constables to Police Scotland and thanked them for their commitment to public service during an oath of office ceremony at Police Scotland Headquarters, Tulliallan yesterday.
The recruits made the Police Constable’s declaration to faithfully discharge their duties with fairness, integrity, diligence and impartiality, and promised to uphold fundamental human rights under the authority of Justice of the Peace, Dr Vicki Nash.
Chief Constable Livingstone said: “Our officers come from the diverse communities we serve and from who draw our legitimacy. What unites us in Police Scotland are our values and a shared mission to keep people safe.
“As Chief Constable, I welcome our new Constables and thank them for stepping forward to make what is a significant commitment to public service and to underline the values and behaviours they must uphold and promote.
“Policing is a demanding but rewarding vocation. The oath of office ceremony is an important opportunity to emphasise that Constables who discharge their duties in accordance with our values and their oath have my support as Chief Constable, and the support of the Police Service of Scotland.”
The intake, made up of 56% male recruits and 44% female, ranges in age from 19 to 52, with the majority falling in the 25 – 34 years age bracket.
Of the intake, 10% identified as being from a minority ethnic group, totalling 29 officers, and languages spoken fluently by recruits include Polish, Romanian, Norwegian, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Urdu, Punjabi, Hindi, Persian and Chinese Mandarin.
Six of the recruits were previously serving Special Constables with Police Scotland, two were members of Police Staff, and 17 of the new constables have previous military service.
Chief Constable Livingstone said: “Recruiting officers who share our values and reflect and represent all our communities is vital to maintain and enhance our crucial bond of trust with the public we serve.
“We have a positive moral and legal duty to improve the lives of our fellow citizens. This includes being representative of the communities we serve, making us accessible and approachable. The increasing diversity of our recruits continues to help our organisation to do this.”
The new recruits will undertake 12 weeks of initial training before joining colleagues serving communities across Scotland during a two-year probationary period.
The Chief Constable spoke earlier this year of the measures taken in response to the COVID pandemic as well as the need to provide effective policing during the COP26 climate change summit. This included amending intakes and initial training, meaning overall officer numbers were lower than would otherwise be the case.
Architect and TV presenter, George Clarke, with his charity, MOBIE, have been working with Twinkl Scotland to create a selection of educational resources on housing innovation.
Free-to-access learning materials for pupils by MOBIE and Twinkl Scotland will be available from today (21st April). MOBIE, (the Ministry of Building, Innovation + Education) was created to engage children with innovative housing designs, and give younger generations exposure to the housing industry.
Through collaborating with Twinkl Scotland, the George Clarke founded organisation hopes to attract more young people to the world of home, architecture and the built environment. The arrival of these resources is appropriately on the United Nations’ World Creativity and Innovation Day on the 21st of April.
The freely available learning materials are suitable for ages four to 12. The theme of the resources is ‘Building our Future’, inspiring learners to apply their knowledge of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics through a combined approach referred to as STEM.
George Clarke and three young engineers and architects guide classes through each design challenge and provide advice for learners. The resources have a particular focus on constructing homes sustainably.
George Clarke is a TV presenter and architect, best known from appearing on his Channel 4 programmes including The Restoration Man and George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces. His passion for housing and design is evident in his programmes.
Because of this, creating educational resources for children is a great way of making these technical topics accessible.
George says: “I am so thrilled that the MOBIE team collaborated with Twinkl to create this inspirational ‘Building our Future’ programme, enabling our youngest learners to explore environmental design ideas for our homes.
“I am amazed at the incredible range of challenges for each class, from nursery under five-year-olds to those about to go on to high school.
“I would like to wish good luck to all the pupils and their teachers. We sincerely hope that our resources will ignite passions for innovative housing and inspire the next generation of architects and designers.”
Michele McGarvey, the Country Manager for Twinkl Scotland, adds: “It’s been an absolute pleasure to work with George and his MOBIE team to create these materials. Children really are our future, and to provide them with resources that will inspire them to build innovative sustainable housing is wonderful.”
Twinkl was founded in 2010 with a mission to ‘help those who teach’. For further information about Twinkl Scotland’s Partnerships, please visit their website.
The National Trust for Scotland is offering people from across Edinburgh and the Lothians the opportunity to play a part in the future of Scotland’s heritage.
By joining Scotland’s leading conservation charity at one of seven Trust sites across Edinburgh and the Lothians individuals can make the most of the health and wellbeing benefits of working in Scotland’s beautiful nature, while telling the stories of Scotland’s history and preserving important sites, such as Gladstone’s Land and House of the Binns for generations to come.
Last month the National Trust for Scotland launched its new 10-year strategy, Nature, Beauty & Heritage for Everyone, which outlined ambitious plans for the years ahead – from becoming carbon negative through to speaking up for Scotland’s heritage that doesn’t have a voice and increasing visitor numbers to more than 6 million per year. To support its ambitions, the charity is recruiting for 300 roles across Scotland.
Across Edinburgh and the Lothians, the Trust is recruiting for a variety of roles, including several of which are brand new positions for 2022. Together, these roles will contribute directly to the charity’s ambitious objectives across conservation, engagement and sustainability.
There are opportunities to be part of the team working hard behind the scenes with roles such as Nature and Landscape Data Officer and Maintenance Surveyor, among others available at the Trust’s Headquarters in Edinburgh. if you want to work in one of the oldest buildings on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, Gladstone’s Land is recruiting for Visitor Service Assistants to share their enthusiasm and passion with visitors.
In East Lothian, an exciting opportunity has arisen to work in the bustling kitchen within Newhailes Estate where every scone baked and sold helps save Scotland’s heritage.
Other Lothian roles available include Visitor Services Assistants, Supervisors, and Manager positions at House of the Binns and Preston Mill.
With sites such as The Georgian House and Preston Mill known for their links to TV, fans of Outlander, Landward and The Secret Agent can walk in the footsteps of their heroes every day as they take on the role of Visitor Service Assistant.
Stuart Maxwell, General Manager, Edinburgh and East, National Trust for Scotland said: “It’s an incredibly exciting time to join the Trust, particularly following the launch of Nature, Beauty & Heritage for Everyone and the big ambitions we have for the next ten years. With a range of vacancies at our properties, there is always something new to uncover and no two days are ever the same.
“With opportunities ranging from Gardener to Catering roles, there are so many different ways to play a part in sharing the stories of our rich heritage with visitors from all over the world, all while preserving it to ensure it’s there for future generations to discover.
“We are looking for people who are passionate about improving the lives of others through access to Scotland’s nature, beauty and heritage, and who want to get up and head to a job they love every day with a team who share their enthusiasm.”
For more information on the National Trust for Scotland and the vacancies available across Edinburgh and the Lothians, visit www.nts.org.uk/careers.
One of Edinburgh’s oldest pubs is going from strength to strength following restoration by new owners, thanks to a funding deal worth £1.6 million from Royal Bank of Scotland.
Ryrie’s, originally built in the 1800s as a fuelling station for horse and carts, has had its exterior and interior restored to its former glory after £250k worth of refurbishment by new owners D M Stewart Ltd, which bought the Haymarket stalwart just before the pandemic for £2.9 million.
The lending by The Royal Bank of Scotland to the 150-year-old family run business, allowed brothers Christian and David Stewart to add to their portfolio of impressive freehold sites in Scotland’s capital. Use of The Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) supported the business during the pandemic, and allowed the company to quickly progress the pub’s restoration.
Banking with Royal Bank of Scotland since the 1990s, D M Stewart Ltd was grateful for the support received from the bank, allowing the business to go ahead with not only the purchase and restoration of Ryrie’s, but also to continue employing bar staff allowing for a quick return to trading across its sites when restrictions eased.
With aims to continue to build upon its four Victorian Public Houses across Edinburgh, D M Stewart Ltd reopened Ryrie’s in February 2022 having weathered the pandemic. The venue has enjoyed great success ever since with new and regular customers visiting to eat, drink and socialise.
Christian Stewart, Joint Managing Director at D M Stewart Ltd, said: “Once we had purchased the site with the assistance of The Royal Bank of Scotland, we were determined to return the space to its heyday in 1906 when it was redesigned by the famous city architect Robert McFarlane Cameron.
“It was important for us to refine what Ryrie’s already had rather than following trends and fads within the sector.
“We are lucky enough to have a banking partner which understands our business vision, as well as the Edinburgh commercial property market. Welcoming back customers to soak in the beauty of one of the city’s oldest public houses has been delight for our entire team.
“We’re pleased to report that Ryrie’s has created and helped retain jobs for our staff, with the expectation of more to come with the return of tourists and as the development of Haymarket progresses.”
Jason Cram, Relationship Director at Royal Bank of Scotland, said:“Although they specialise in classic style pubs, D M Stewart Ltd has always been forward thinking in its approach to the protection of traditional pubs and what they mean to the community they are located within.
“It’s been brilliant to be able to support this family-run business and see Ryrie’s succeed thanks to the hard-work of D M Stewart Ltd and its committed staff.”
Grant will support Clowndoctor visits at Edinburgh’s Royal Hospital for Children & Young People
The Clowndoctors will be delivering smiles every week at the Royal Hospital for Children & Young People thanks to support of the People’s Postcode Trust.
The People’s Postcode Trust is a grant-giving charity funded by players of People’s Postcode Lottery. Our organisation received £21,605 from the Trust to enable us to deliver weekly Clowndoctor visits at the Royal Hospital for Children & Young People, Edinburgh (formerly The Sick Kids)
Hearts & Minds believe that meaningful human connection is vital for wellbeing, and that this is especially important when we are at our most vulnerable. Through the art of therapeutic clowning Hearts & Minds Clowndoctors connect with children and their families who might be facing anxiety, stress, and feelings of isolation while the child is receiving treatment in hospital.
Recently the Clowndoctors were able to visit Robbie at the RHCYP, where he has been for some weeks. Robbie knows the Clowndoctors well from seeing them at the Royal Blind School, Edinburgh and he calls them his friends.
The Clowndoctors were delighted to visit him in hospital and play his favourite game of “BOO!’ Dr Mousse also recorded a special message for Robbie which he has saved on his phone so he can listen to as often as he likes.
Richard Dalgleish, Robbie’s dad, said: “We wanted to say a big thank you to Dr Mousse and Dr Cous Cous for taking the time to say hello to Robbie when we met the Clowndoctors at the Royal, Edinburgh a few weeks back.
“Even though Robbie is far from well, it was lovely for Robbie to hear from people he knows well from the Sick Kids and from visits to the Royal Blind School.
“Robbie has been in hospital now for 6 weeks and has had 3 operations. The Clowndoctors have visited him regularly and their visits have given him a much-needed boost. Thank you for all the work that you do.”
Rachel Colles, Joint Artistic lead at Hearts & Minds, commented: “It has been a privilege to visit Robbie over many years. We started visiting him when he was a pupil at the Royal Blind School in Edinburgh.
“We built up a great relationship playing with Robbie’s love of slapstick, surprises and words. Robbie loves to send the Clowndoctors flying around and surprising them with a big boo. We felt we had a strong and special connection.
“When Robbie left school, we did not see him anymore, so it was a real pleasure to bump into him and his parents at the hospital and were very happy to arrange a couple of visits on his adult ward. It was great to get the opportunity to visit him in this new setting and be welcomed by the staff on the ward where our visits were seen as a bit of colour and change in their day.
“As Clowndoctors these long-term relationships are very valuable to us and makes me personally very happy when we see children and young people who we know so well and be a positive part of their experience of health care settings.”
Sean Donnelly, Interim CEO, Hearts & Minds said: “We are delighted to receive this funding from People’s Postcode Trust to allow us to continue with much needed weekly Clowndoctor visits to the young people at the hospital in Edinburgh.
“These visits will deliver much needed laughter, fun and imagination to children who face anxiety while undergoing treatment for their illness.”
Please click the links for more information on People’s Postcode Trust www.postcodetrust.org.uk and People’s Postcode Lottery www.postcodelottery.co.uk
Last year the NSPCC Helpline made 897 referrals about child abuse and neglect concerns to agencies in Scotland – an average of two a day.
Half a million children a year suffer abuse in the UK, says charity
NSPCC believes everyone has a responsibility to protect children from abuse and neglect and calls for people to take action on Childhood Day
NSPCC Scotland has today released data and research that paints a worrying picture of the abuse and neglect faced by children. The charity is calling for everyone to play their part in preventing abuse as it reveals details of Childhood Day 2022.
In 2021/22, the NSPCC’s Helpline for adults made 897 referrals about abuse and neglect to agencies in Scotland – an average of two a day.
The most common reason for the charity’s practitioners to escalate their concerns in Scotland was neglect, with 272 referrals being made for this concern.
Across the UK last year, the Helpline made 22,983 referrals to agencies about children thought to be experiencing abuse and neglect – an average of 63 children a day.
The NSPCC Helpline receives contacts from the public and professionals who have safeguarding fears about a child. The charity will refer these on to statutory agencies when serious enough to do so, whilst offering advice and assistance in all cases.
This comes as the NPSCC launches Childhood Day, the charity’s flagship day of fundraising and action that brings everyone in the UK together to protect children.
The leading children’s charity is today emphasising that everyone has a responsibility to protect children from abuse and neglect. This means people reporting any concerns they have about a child, Governments across the UK prioritising child protection at a national level and a rallying call for everyone across the UK to unite on the 10 June for Childhood Day, to raise money and awareness for the NSPCC.
Whether it’s by fundraising, donating, volunteering at a collection, or taking action, the NSPCC is asking people to play their part to help keep children safe from abuse. The charity is encouraging people to ‘search ‘Childhood Day’ to find out more.
Emma Frost was abused as a child. She wishes someone spoke out on her behalf and is calling on everyone to support the NSPCC’s Childhood Day, so that the charity can continue to take vital calls via the Helpline.
Emma says: “I was the eldest of seven siblings and grew up in a chaotic household. I was subjected to emotional and physical torment and made to believe that I was saying, thinking and doing things I wasn’t. I spent four years in care.
“My father abused me from a young age and in 2011, he was found guilty and sentenced to life imprisonment. I wish someone, at some point, had picked up the phone and called the NSPCC Helpline. I would have got the right help a lot earlier and it wouldn’t have done as much damage.
“The NSPCC is just as important now as it was when I was a little girl. Whatever else is going on, it’s vital we all play our part for children suffering abuse.”
Sir Peter Wanless, NSPCC CEO said: “In light of the recent tragic cases, the NSPCC is emphasising how important it is that we challenge ourselves to do all we can to protect children from harm.
“As well as the Scottish Government playing a leading role in this fight, we know that strong communities can help to keep children safe, with thousands of individual people playing their part and doing what’s right.
“That’s why we created Childhood Day – a day that brings everyone in the UK together to make child protection a top priority.”
At the start of next month, the NSPCC will launch its Childhood Day TV Appeal. The advert, which will go out on TV from the 2nd May, sees a member of the public contact the NSPCC helpline with concerns about a three-year-old boy who is experiencing physical and emotional abuse at the hands of his mother.
A voiceover from actress and NSPCC supporter Natalie Dormer says ‘This Childhood Day donate £20 and help us keep answering the calls that can stop abuse. Search NSPCC to donate now.”
This year Lidl GB, who have supported the charity for 5 years and Sky Cares, Sky’s commitment to supporting the communities where their customers and employees live and work, are sponsoring the NSPCC’s Childhood Day as retail and media partners respectively.
Both partners will be helping to raise awareness of Childhood Day, as well as holding their own activities with their colleagues across the UK to help raise vital funds.
Caroline Renton, Supporter Fundraising Manager, NSPCC Scotland said:“We’re encouraging people in local communities across Scotland to get involved and have fun this Childhood Day.
“Whether you hold your own play-themed fundraising event or sign up to volunteer at one of our Childhood Day street collections across the country, every pound you raise will help to keep children safe.”
The NSPCC is urging anyone with concerns about a child, even if they’re unsure, to contact the NSPCC helpline to speak to one of the charity’s professionals.
People can call 0808 800 5000, email help@nspcc.org.uk or fill in the online form.
