RNLI Queensferry Lifeboat Station Open Day

SUNDAY 26th JUNE 12 – 4pm

Want to see our boat up close? Chat to some of our crew? Enjoy burgers and cakes? Maybe win a raffle or tombola prize? Play games?

Our Open Day is back in just under 2 weeks time! It is the first we have been able to hold since 2019 and we look forward to seeing you all again!

Trimble and Edinburgh Napier celebrate facilities expansion

Building on a commitment to cultivate a highly-trained workforce that will drive future innovation, Trimble (NASDAQ: TRMB) and Edinburgh Napier University are celebrating the expansion of Scotland’s state-of-the-art Trimble Technology Lab with an inaugural conference hosted by Edinburgh Napier.  

The expansion includes the official opening of the new Merchiston Campus Lab and coincides with the Trimble Technology Lab Conference. The new lab will be showcased as the University welcomes over 50 leading construction, geospatial and natural resources academics from around the world to Edinburgh Napier.

The conference features three days of knowledge exchange and global community building by sharing best practices for teaching using advanced technologies including many Trimble solutions.

Edinburgh Napier was the first UK education institution to establish a prestigious Trimble Technology Lab—now with facilities at its Merchiston and Seven Hills sites. The labs serve students studying engineering, construction and the sustainable built environment. 

Thanks to Trimble’s generous gift, students enrolled in Edinburgh Napier’s Schools of Computing and Engineering & the Built Environment, including architectural technology, civil engineering and construction management, can enhance their studies with hands-on experience of Trimble solutions.

These include scanning buildings and sites, design and 3D printing of architectural building models, and digital fabrication to implement construction cost estimating and scheduling to improve productivity, reduce costs and drive sustainability.

Amy Northcutt, Director of Education & Outreach at NASDAQ-listed Trimble, said: “Our collaboration with Edinburgh Napier University is impactful. The shared focus on education and sustainability aligns with Trimble’s mission of transforming the way the world works.

“Scotland is no stranger to important conversations around climate action and sustainability, which is why we’re so excited to bring together thought leaders from around the world who are equipped with Trimble technology to ideate and collaborate on empowering the future leaders of our industries.” 

Professor Andrea Nolan, Principal and Vice Chancellor of Edinburgh Napier University, said: “We are honoured to be continuing to grow our ground-breaking work with Trimble to extend our Trimble Technology Laboratory facilities, as well as host the inaugural Trimble Technology Lab Conference.

“As home of difference makers, welcoming leading academics from around the globe to Edinburgh Napier celebrates how we strive to support our students with the best ideas and tools to help them design and build the decarbonised future built environment we all need.”

Professor Robert Hairstans, Head of Edinburgh Napier’s Centre for Offsite Construction & Innovative Structures, said: “We are already seeing the tremendous benefit partnering with Trimble makes to Edinburgh Napier students, whether it is using hardware to showcase their new ideas for our human habitats at COP26, to reimagining and rebuilding schools and university campuses to achieve net zero using biogenic materials like timber.

“With the new Trimble Technology Lab facilities ready for action, the next generation of engineering and construction leaders will have every chance to excel in addressing the construction industry’s 21st century challenges by harnessing technological innovation.

“Tech tools that help professionals to increase productivity and decarbonise the built environment.

The lab will include a broad range of Trimble’s industry-leading solutions such as the Trimble® XR10 HoloLens with hardhat, Trimble robotic and mechanical total stations, and a Trimble TX8 3D Laser Scanner.

Advanced software solutions include RealWorks® scanning software, Trimble Business Center, Tekla® Structures, Tekla Structural Design Suite, Sefaira Energy Analysis, Trimble Connect and the company’s popular 3D modeling software, SketchUp.

Falklands Pipe Major’s daughter shares story behind iconic tune on 40th anniversary

The daughter of a Scottish Pipe Major, whose famous tune pays tribute to those who fell in the Falklands, has spoken of the war’s lasting impact on her family.

On Saturday, (JUNE 18th), hundreds of pipers in Edinburgh and around the world will join in unison by playing “The Crags of Tumbledown Mountain” to mark the 40th anniversary of the ceasefire.

The tune was composed on the back of a ration pack by Pipe Major James Riddell while under fire during the decisive battle, in which eight fellow Scots Guards were killed. Shortly afterwards, he climbed to the top of the mountain to play it for the first time.

Musicians from across the UK, and as far away as Peru, New Zealand, and the Falklands, will play in unison at 11am on Saturday. This is part of a day of remembrance events, organised by Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland, in partnership with the Scottish Government and Armed Forces.

Veterans will also join a parade through the centre of Edinburgh, attended by Edinburgh’s Lord Provost Robert Aldridge, Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Veterans Keith Brown MSP, and heads of all three Armed Forces, before a service of remembrance followed by entertainment in St Andrew’s Square.

Forty years on, Pipe Major Riddell’s daughter Teri Newell said the tune still brings a tear to her eye, and brings back bittersweet memories of her father, who died in 1997.

She said that he had returned “a different man” after the Falklands, and there had been a lack of support for many veterans who had struggled with their experiences.

She said: “He seemed like a stranger, not my dad. He became more insular and never spoke about his experiences. I’m almost certain he had post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but it wasn’t recognised at the time.

“There was a lot of support for service families, but very little for the men. There was that attitude that you kept a stiff upper lip and just got on with it.

Born in Stonehaven, Pipe Major Riddell joined the Scots Guards aged 17, following in his father’s footsteps. He married his high school sweetheart, Pauline, and served in Malaya, Borneo, and Northern Ireland.

Teri, their only child, was 14 when he was sent to the Falklands, and living at Chelsea Barracks with other military families.

She said: “I was used to him being away, but this time it felt different. It was really quite scary. He was going off to war and I didn’t know if I’d ever see him again. Every day I would come home from school hoping there was something from Dad. But you just had to get on with life.

“When we heard about the ceasefire it was the most fabulous news. But then the next day came the announcement of the fatalities. My mum remembers that, almost in a heartbeat, they went from elation to immense sadness. It was surreal – we wanted to celebrate but then we had friends and neighbours who had lost their husbands and fathers.”

Pipe Major Riddell was part of the 2nd Battalion, Scots Guards who attacked Argentinian forces on Tumbledown Mountain on June 13th, which guarded the approach to the Falklands capital, Stanley.

They engaged in fierce, hand-to-hand combat for almost nine hours in dark, freezing conditions, before finally taking the stronghold. This led to the Argentinian surrender the following day.

A few weeks later, the families travelled to RAF Brize Norton to be reunited with the returning soldiers.

She said: “It was wonderful seeing my dad in the flesh again,” she said. “But he hardly ever spoke about what he’d been through.

“Later on, he told me he’d scribbled the tune on the back of a ration pack. He told me it just came to him. Things were obviously going through his head at the time, then it all came together.”

Pipe Major Riddell served for 28 years, leaving in 1991 with an exemplary conduct assessment. His comrades remember him as well-respected and protective of the pipers under his command, although he could be a tough task master.

But he found himself struggling to adapt to civilian life, and the family became estranged when Teri was in her 20s. He died of a brain tumour in 1997.

She said: “When he left the military, he found it a very hard transition. He had been a soldier for all his adult life and was used to that structure and following orders. I think being on his own and having to find a job was a very scary prospect.

“I only spoke to him a handful of times after that, but he kept my number.  Then one day, I got a phone call saying he had passed away. I didn’t even know he had been ill.  That was the worst day of my life.”

She now lives in Slough with her husband Eric and is proud that her father’s memory lives on through his music.

“It’s amazing that so many pipers will be playing it on Saturday, it really warms my heart. Whenever I hear it, it brings a tear to my eye and reminds me of him. He was never interested in recognition, he didn’t want to be in the spotlight. But his tune means a lot to people around the world.”

Hundreds of current and former servicemen and their families are expected to take part in Saturday’s parade (JUNE 18th), starting at 10:15am from Charlotte Square. It will be led by the Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines and the Scots Guards Association Pipes and Drums, with the pipers’ tribute taking place at 11am.

There will be a service in St Andrew Square, jointly led by the National Chaplain of the Royal British Legion Scotland The Rev Karen Campbell and The Rev Angus Smith, former Padre to the 2nd Battalion Scots Guards who served in the Falklands.

This will be followed by performances by both military bands, Legion Scotland Sweetheart Amy Hawthorn, Stuart McLean, Juniper 3 and Ellyn Oliver.

For more information of the Falklands 40 commemorative events programme visit www.poppyscotland.org.uk/Falklands40.

Falklands 40 | Remembrance | Royal British Legion

Broughton High School and St Mary’s Primary School win national award for pupil-run Social Enterprise

Edinburgh’s Broughton High School and St Mary’s Primary School have both been recognised at a national award ceremony for pupil-run social enterprises.

56 schools from across Scotland were celebrated for social enterprise projects established in their schools at the 15th Annual Social Enterprise Academy Awards, hosted at the Assembly Rooms in Edinburgh.

Innovated in partnership with The Scottish Government in 2007, Social Enterprise Schools enables every young person to step up, realise their potential, and create the change they want to see in the world through purpose-driven businesses. 

Schools from across the country were celebrated for their creative and expressive examples of social enterprise and 25 of the schools showcased their enterprise at a special social enterprise marketplace on the day.

St Mary’s Primary was one of the schools celebrated on the day for its social enterprise project that tackles isolation in the community, particularly amongst the elderly.

The pupils at St Mary’s grow vegetables and make soup to sell within their community and also organise activities for those who are vulnerable to isolation and loneliness. Going forward, they have plans to expand their service and support the people and refugees of Ukraine, who may be feeling isolated settling into new environments.

Mrs Kehoe, head teacher at St Mary’s Primary, said“We are delighted to be recognised for the school’s commitment to social enterprise at the Social Enterprise Academy Awards.

“Social Enterprise plays an important role in the development of our pupils and it is wonderful to see them channel their social channels and create the change they want to see in the world. Congratulations to all of the schools recognised at this special event.”

Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, Shirley-Anne Somerville joined the celebration to show her support and congratulate young people on their success. She said: “Social Enterprise Schools plays an extremely important role in the development of Scotland’s young people as we recover from Covid-19.

“By establishing a social enterprise in their school, pupils are engaging in the practical and creative skills required to run a business while making a difference to causes they truly care about. They are gaining in confidence and improving their own wellbeing as well as that of their peers and local community.

“It has been wonderful to play a part in such a special day as we come together to celebrate the success of schools from across Scotland. I look forward to supporting the Social Enterprise Academy as it continues to offer the programme to even more schools across the country.”

Around 400 people attended the awards, made up of young people from schools, colleges and universities, teachers, lecturers, family members, business partners and other guests.  

Neil McLean, CEO at the Social Enterprise Academy, said: “By giving young people a real-life experience of running their own social enterprise in school, our programme delivers transformational learning which impacts them and their community.

“The young people participating are of all ages and abilities, and they are passionate and articulate advocates of social enterprise, not only inspiring people in their own communities, but also people and communities across the world in countries such as Australia, Malaysia, Egypt and South Africa.

“Thanks to support from The Scottish Government, we aim to give every school in Scotland the opportunity to create their own social enterprise by 2024. 

“The Social Enterprise Academy Awards is always such a special day that brings everyone together to share their success and swap ideas. A huge congratulations to every student involved!”

The full list of awarded schools is:

  • Aberdour Primary School, Fife
  • Alness Academy, Highlands
  • Ashton Secondary School, Glasgow
  • Battlefield Primary School, Glasgow
  • Banchory-Devenick Primary, Aberdeenshire
  • Bellahouston Academy. Glasgow
  • Blackwood Primary School, South Lanarkshire
  • Blairhall Primary School, Fife
  • Breadalbane Primary School, Perth and Kinross
  • Broughton High School, Edinburgh
  • Burnside Primary School, Angus
  • Carolside Primary School, East Renfrewshire
  • Collinston Primary School, Glasgow
  • Dairsie Primary School, Fife
  • Dirleton Primary School, East Lothian
  • Dunblane Primary School, Stirling
  • Dyce Primary, Aberdeen
  • Gavinburn Primary School, West Dunbartonshire
  • Glebelands Primary School, Dundee
  • Glenbervie School, Aberdeenshire
  • Greenhills Primary School, South Lanarkshire
  • Gourdon School, Aberdeenshire
  • Grangemouth Academy, Falkirk
  • Hazelwood School, Glasgow
  • Hollybrook Academy, Glasgow
  • Invergordon Academy, Highlands
  • Inverness High School, Highland
  • James Young high School, West Lothian
  • Kelso High School, Scottish Borders
  • Kyle Academy, South Ayrshire
  • Lesmahagow High School, South Lanarkshire
  • Lornshill Academy, Clackmannanshire
  • Lorne Street Primary, Glasgow
  • Marr College, South Ayrshire
  • Mayfield Primary School, Midlothian
  • Navigate, Perth & Kinross
  • Our Lady’s RC Primary School, Perth & Kinross
  • Panbride School, Angus
  • Pirie Park Primary School, Glasgow
  • Renfrew High School, Renfrewshire
  • Rosebank Primary School, Dundee
  • Rosemount Primary School, Angus
  • Shawlands Academy, Glasgow
  • St Albert’s Primary School, Glasgow
  • St Bernard’s Primary RC School, Glasgow
  • St Clemens School, Inverness
  • St Constantine’s Primary School, Glasgow
  • St Denis’ Primary School, Glasgow
  • St Francis Xavier’s RC Primary School, Falkirk
  • St Joseph’s Primary School, Glasgow
  • St Margaret’s Academy West Lothian
  • St Mary’s Primary School, Edinburgh
  • St Mungo’s Primary School, Glasgow
  • St Paul’s (Shettleston) Primary School, Glasgow
  • The James Young High School, West Lothian
  • Tulliallan Primary School, Fife

For more information on how to get involved in the Social Enterprise Schools programme, please visit: https://www.socialenterprise.academy/scot/social-enterprise-schools

Scottish National Gallery project set for Summer 2023 completion

A ‘transformative project’ to deliver an inspiring new space for Scotland’s renowned collection of Scottish art has passed a series of crucial milestones and the main construction work is on track to complete this winter.

With all the major engineering challenges now successfully overcome, the project is entering its final phase. This means that members of the public can look forward to experiencing a brand-new suite of world-class galleries at the Scottish National Gallery in the summer of 2023.

The Scottish National Gallery Project will create a beautiful space for Scotland’s art right in the historic heart of Edinburgh, with striking displays drawn from the National Galleries of Scotland’s (NGS) broad-ranging collection alongside special loans from other leading arts institutions.

Large windows will offer spectacular light-filled views across Princes Street Gardens, inviting visitors to come in and discover the work of pioneering Scottish artists such as Phoebe Anna Traquair, William McTaggart, Anne Redpath, Sir Henry Raeburn and Charles Rennie Mackintosh.

Stunning exhibition spaces will enable visitors to experience Scotland’s greatest art anew and feel pride in their national collection. Scotland’s artistic legacy will be revealed through innovative presentations, with much-loved Scottish Colourist paintings appearing among other major works from the first half of the twentieth century, bringing to life key aspects of Scottish art and society.

New ways of looking at Scotland’s built and natural environments will be on offer, with early photographs of Scotland’s cities shown in the same spaces as grand paintings of majestic Highland and island landscapes.

Reimagined displays of drawings and sketches will celebrate artists such as Glasgow Style pioneer Margaret Macdonald Mackintosh and David Allan, whose depictions of ‘Edinburgh Characters’ will allow visitors to get up close to street life in the capital in the late eighteenth century.

The teams working on the Scottish National Gallery project have been dealing with an incredibly challenging location, situated within a World Heritage Site which comprises an iconic A-listed nineteenth-century building with several major modern additions from the late 1960s onwards.

The creation of new Gallery spaces has entailed extensive excavation underneath the existing building and its setting on the Mound. Unexpected remnants from previous developments added significant complexity to the building work.

These include deeply buried layers of dense concrete and other undocumented obstructions which had to be extracted before major waterproofing works could be completed to protect the new development for the future.

In addition, the location of a key area of the site directly above the three Mound rail tunnels, some of the busiest in Scotland, posed distinct logistical challenges. These challenges have all now been successfully overcome and the construction work is entering its final phase.

Director-General of the National Galleries of Scotland, Sir John Leighton, said: “We are excited to be looking forward to a summer 2023 opening for the magnificent new spaces that will be delivered by the Scottish National Gallery Project.

“They will enable our visitors to discover and enjoy Scotland’s greatest art in a fully accessible suite of world-class facilities right in the centre of Edinburgh. Reaching this stage has been no mean feat, given the unique set of construction challenges faced by the Project all within the very difficult context of the global pandemic.

“With these now largely overcome, our attention can now focus on preparing the new Galleries for a joyous and celebratory unveiling next year.”

While construction has been ongoing, a wide programme of engagement and outreach for the Project has also been delivered, taking in schools in Fife, Orkney and West Lothian, social groups for older people experiencing loneliness in Edinburgh, and youth groups in the Borders.

Digital activity has further extended the reach of the Project through a rich and engaging series of videos about star works of art from the Scottish collection, and a painstaking monumental conservation project gripped online audiences during lockdown.

The first phase of the Scottish National Gallery Project was completed successfully in 2019. This included a new entrance area in East Princes Street Gardens, a new café, refurbished restaurant and shop, an elegant sandstone terrace, and new landscaping and paths to improve access to the gardens and the Galleries.

999 BSL service could “prove to be life-saver” says charity

The 999 BSL UK emergency video relay service for deaf British Sign Language (BSL) users has been launched today, Friday 17 June. 

The service gives deaf BSL users the option of calling the emergency services using BSL, via the 999 BSL website and app.

Susan Daniels OBE, Chief Executive of the National Deaf Children’s Society, said: “Calling for help quickly is vital in an emergency and no one should ever have to worry about communication when they do so. 999 BSL should remove these barriers, so we strongly welcome its launch.

“It’s now crucial that the developers do everything they can to make sure that every BSL user in the country knows it exists.

“We’d urge every deaf child and young person who uses BSL to download the app without delay. Having the option to get help so quickly, in their first language, could one day prove to be a life-saver.”

Pandemic paved way for more walking and connecting to nature

More people recognise the wellbeing benefits of walking are encouraged to spend more time outdoors due to their experiences during the Covid-19 pandemic according to new findings.

The research was commissioned by natural heritage body NatureScot in the aftermath of three waves of the Coronavirus crisis to better understand outdoor visit behaviour and how people engaged with nature.

The survey looked at the behaviour of more than 3,000 people who revealed details of how they spent time outdoors as coronavirus restrictions relaxed.

The survey found that people will encourage their children to spend more time outdoors, make more use of local green space, and try to walk more, have been welcomed by Scottish walking charity Paths for All who, along with other partners, supported these 3 studies.

Evidence gathered from respondents following the 2021 third wave found that 68% of people agreed they will encourage their children to spend more time outdoors, 62% will minimise non-essential travel and the same figure will make more use of local greenspace.

The survey also found almost two-thirds (64%) of people will try to walk, wheel or cycle more in favour of using a car, more than half would like to do more to look after local nature and wildlife, while more than one-third (36%) would be willing to volunteer time to help nature.

Kevin Lafferty, chief executive of Paths for All – which champions everyday walking to create happier and healthier lives – welcomed the survey and believes the impact of the pandemic has reset people’s views on how they can interact with nature and enjoy more active lifestyles.

He said: “The negative impact of the wholly necessary Covid-related restrictions on our movements and ability to get out and about cannot be underestimated and it caused great stress and anxiety for all age groups and social classes living throughout Scotland.

“But this survey is hugely encouraging and offers some very positive messages on how people are more willing to incorporate walking and getting closer to nature in their post-lockdown lives.

NatureScot has delivered an impressively comprehensive insight into what is motivating people to embrace nature more, be that on their urban doorsteps or by taking advantage of our vast array of rural landscapes.”

Seventy three percent of those questioned said spending time outdoors after Wave 3 helped them to destress, relax and unwind, while 66% stated that it made them feel energised and revitalised – an increase on both 2020 waves.

Almost three in five (58%) agreed that since the pandemic began nature had become more important to their health and wellbeing, up from 49% in the first survey – but their enjoyment was curtailed by a number of issues.

Litter was a bugbear on visits to the outdoors for almost half of respondents (48%), while nearly one-third cited a lack of public toilet facilities as a factor, followed by pavement cyclists (26%) and cars parking on pavements (25%).

Frequency of participation in outdoor visits remained high during all three waves – between 71-80% – and the survey revealed a marked decrease in the number of adults who took no outdoor visits – down from 19% in May 2020 to only 10% in the final period last September.

More than half of those surveyed said their outdoor activity after Wave 3 consisted of walking under two miles, 43% walked between two and eight miles, a healthy 15% said they walked more than eight miles, with a further 11% taking part in hillwalking.

Kevin Lafferty added: “Everyday walking is key to improving the health and wellbeing of the Scottish people so it is heartening to see such high numbers of people shaking off the restrictions of lockdown and getting out into the fresh air to walk and enjoy the abundance of nature all around us.

“The research indicates a marked drop in the number of people who latterly were not managing to get outdoors at all – probably due to vaccination uptake and rising confidence that Covid-19 is more controlled – and we hope those people have continued to enjoy all the benefits of the great outdoors.”

More than one-third (37%) of respondents reported taking more visits to the outdoors after Wave 3 than pre-pandemic. The key reasons given for the increase were a “pent up demand” following the easing of lockdown restrictions, increased levels of appreciation of the outdoors acquired during the pandemic, seeking to get fit or exercise, and having increased amounts of free time.

However, those who spent less time outdoors during this period, put it down to continued adherence to rules, general health or old age issues and/or continued nervousness about going outside due to the risks of infection or transmission.

Kevin added: “A third of us in Scotland are not active enough and walking is by far the best way for many of us to be more active.

“A brisk 30-minute walk five days a week can prevent illness, improve physical and mental health and improve our connections with our community and the environment.

“This report is important in understanding how Covid-19 impacted the daily habit of taking a walk that many of us take for granted, and hopefully one of the benefits to come out of this global health crisis is that more of us now have a stronger connection to the outdoors.”

Diageo’s Rainbow Network invites LGBTQIA+ hospitality workers to join Pride with Purpose workshop at Johnnie Walker Princes Street

Diageo’s hospitality skills programme, Learning for Life, is hosting a tailored ‘Pride with Purpose’ one-day workshop at Johnnie Walker Princes Street during Pride month, designed to support and upskill LGBTQIA+ hospitality venues and LGBTQIA+ community hospitality workers.

The tailored course will be delivered by Learning for Life partners Springboard and will directly address the challenges that those working in LGBTQIA+ venues or LGBTQIA+ employees might encounter with sessions on positive drinking (DRINKiQ session), inclusive language, inclusive service and an introduction to cocktails masterclass. 

The concept was proposed by members of the Diageo global Rainbow Network, which exists to ensure that the talents and contributions of all Diageo LGBTQIA+ employees are respected, valued, and embraced.

The network maintains both an internal and external focus, supporting one another in the workplace to foster an environment where all employees can bring their whole self to work, while also considering the connection, outreach and social impact that they can have within the broader community in which Diageo operates.

Jorgie Hunt, Keg Plant Manager, and Jack Malcolmson, Business Improvement Project Lead for Brewing, Co-Chair the Supply Chain & Procurement Rainbow Network in the UK and played an important role in developing the partnership with Diageo Learning for Life to create the Pride with Purpose workshop concept.

Jack Malcolmson said: “Diageo’s purpose is to Celebrate Life, Every Day, Everywhere, and Championing Inclusion and Diversity is at the heart of this. The Rainbow Network is one of many Employee Resource Groups in Diageo, and functions to celebrate, and advocate for, members of the LGBTQIA+ community within the business and beyond. 

“We’re celebrating Pride 2022 with an incredible calendar of events. The “Pride with Purpose” workshop, developed in collaboration with Learning for Life and Springboard, is an incredible opportunity for us to engage with LGBTQIA+ hospitality venues and workers, providing them with new skills and qualifications, and showcasing the work Diageo are doing in the I&D and DrinkIQ spaces. LGBTQIA+ venues have faced particular hardship through the COVID-19 pandemic, and I’m incredibly proud that we’re able to support them in this way.”

Diageo’s Learning for Life programme, which began in Latin America and the Caribbean in 2008 and has since expanded across the globe, provides vital training and experience and a route into the hospitality sector.

With a focus on adult education, Learning for Life in the UK has traditionally focused on offering opportunities to young unemployed people, with skills programmes covering key areas within the hospitality industry implemented in partnership with local educational, governmental, and training organisations.

Gillian Dalziel, Learning for Life Programme Manager for Diageo in the UK, said: “It’s really important for us to bring this workshop to the LGBTQIA+ hospitality community over Pride as it demonstrates our support and allyship and really helps us live our purpose by championing inclusion and equality throughout the hospitality industry.

“We wanted to make sure that we delivered a programme that would be truly valuable to those who wanted to attend and would benefit from the resources we have available to us at Learning for Life to help create more positive relationships and experiences for employees in their day-to-today work. I encourage anybody that is interested to get involved.”

The Learning for Life Pride with Purpose workshop is open the anyone aged 18 or over and is free to attend. It will take place on 27th June.

To register please visit: https://form.jotform.com/221561837049964

New incinerators ban welcomed

The Circular Economy Minister has set out the action that will be taken to deliver on the recommendations of an independent review of the role of incineration.

In a Ministerial Statement to parliament, she confirmed that the Scottish Government has accepted all twelve recommendations, including Dr Church’s recommendation that no further planning permission for incineration facilities should be granted.

New national planning policy will be introduced through National Planning Framework 4, which will be presented to the Scottish Parliament for approval later this year. This policy will make clear that the Scottish Government does not support the development of further municipal waste incineration capacity in Scotland, with very limited exceptions.

In the meantime, a notification direction will remain in place, requiring local authorities to alert Scottish Ministers of new planning applications that involve incineration facilities. A similar notification direction was used previously, and successfully, to give the effect of a moratorium on Unconventional Oil and Gas.

Circular Economy Minister Lorna Slater said: “Reducing waste and recycling what we do produce is key to tackling the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity and ensuring we all enjoy a healthy environment. That’s why we are taking action to create a circular economy, in which materials are kept in use for as long as possible and precious natural resources are not wasted.

“We also need to make sure we manage unavoidable and unrecyclable waste in the short term. By putting in place sensible measures to limit and gradually reduce Scotland’s incineration capacity, we can make sure we can manage our waste today, while ensuring our future waste infrastructure aligns with our climate targets.

“I look forward to working with local authorities and industry to take forward these recommendations.”

Environmental campaigners have welcomed the Scottish Government’s commitment to ban new incinerators as an important step forwards and urged Ministers to next tackle the impact of existing incinerators.

Kim Pratt, Friends of the Earth Scotland Circular Economy Campaigner said: “The Scottish Government’s ban on new incinerators is very welcome news and must mark the beginning of the end for these polluting projects that keep us locked into sending valuable resources up in smoke.

“It is vital the Scottish Government acts now to tackle the impact of our existing incinerators, given their huge climate pollution. Reducing the amount of plastic waste burnt is the only viable option for cutting emissions from existing plants. Carbon Capture and Storage is completely unsuitable for incineration as it is technically challenging, extremely expensive and locks us into a polluting system.

“Scotland will have more capacity than there is waste to burn by 2027 because of those plants already in the pipeline. Incinerator investors and operators now have a choice to buy into a circular economy for Scotland or to burn away that future.”

Friends of the Earth Scotland also warned that the approval last week by West Dunbartonshire Council of an application for a waste plastic-to-hydrogen plant, which could be ; “n incinerator in all but name, risks the development escaping the new ban through a loophole.

Kim Pratt concluded: “We are deeply concerned about the approval of a new waste plastic-to-hydrogen plant, which is an incinerator in all but name, by West Dunbartonshire Council.

“The decision, which has come despite the introduction of the ban on new incinerators, undermines the current approach. The Scottish Government must urgently review the boundaries of the ban to ensure it is being applied fully and effectively.”

To find out more read the Friends of the Earth Scotland response to the Incineration Review:

https://foe-scotland.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b5ad0d61b2a67d22c68bf7d8d&id=1faf3d4515&e=195fc3d780