Month: July 2022

Granton GLOWs: Edinburgh College student wins local design competition

An Edinburgh College student has won a creative competition to design a number of posters showcasing projects taking place across Granton and will now have his work on display at the site of the iconic Granton gasometer.

Seventeen-year-old George Kershaw won the creative competition to have his designs displayed at the site of the Granton gas tower, which received significant investment last year to turn the structure into an illuminating landmark which lights up the skyline in the area.

The Foundation Apprenticeship (FA) Design student was named the winner of the competition, after the city council challenged his class to come up with a series of designs to help promote projects and events that have happened in the area, such as the Hidden Doors Festival, COP 26 Climate conference, Diwali celebrations and more.

The iconic gas tower located in the Granton Waterfront area is a beacon of light on the Edinburgh skyline thanks to the partnership project between the College, the City of Edinburgh Council, and 21CC.

George said: “Whilst I expected to do well in the competition, I knew there were several other talented designers also entering so I was very happy to find out that I had won and gained such a great opportunity. I wasn’t as happy to realise that I had also given myself a lot more work than I bargained for, as the process took several months to complete!

“Edinburgh Council set our class with the challenge of designing several promotional banners for the events centred around the Granton gas tower. My design was chosen and expanded on and finalised by me and my tutor Chris Hamilton until it was ready to be printed.

“This involved many conversations between me and the Council and was also my first experience with the many challenges involved in the design process.

“I hope that I can find more great opportunities like this one to challenge myself and so that I can also come out of university with a portfolio full of amazing work, which will help me gain employment at a top design agency once I’ve finished my studies.”

Edinburgh College Assistant Principal for Creative Industries Jakki Jeffery said: “This was an excellent opportunity for the FA Creative Digital Media (Graphics) students to work on a live industry brief from our partnership with Edinburgh Council and 21CC lighting up the iconic Granton Gas Tower.

“We were really impressed with the standard of work submitted by all the students, supported by their lecturer Chris. George is a worthy winner and we wish him all the best in his future career.”

City council leader Cammy Day said: “My warmest congratulations to George on his achievement and I’m sure this will be the first of many more to come in his design career.

“This poster campaign will provide a new and dynamic angle to an already iconic Edinburgh landmark. These posters showcase a wide array of local, national and cultural events. Projects like these in conjunction with Edinburgh College represent the Council’s wider commitment to Granton Waterfront and its long-term regeneration.

“This regeneration will spearhead the capital’s response to the climate emergency alongside providing sustainable economic growth and empowering local communities”.  

Pictures: Fabio Scalici

Community Litter Pick in Drylaw

TODAY: Sunday 10th July – meet Drylaw Skate Park 1pm

Come along and join us – we are meeting at 1pm at Drylaw skate 🛹 park!

Please wear bright/high vis clothes as we will be on the cycle path.

All equipment provided.

Curfews proposed for parents who fail to pay child maintenance

Parents who refuse to pay child maintenance could face curfews, as Ministers plan new powers for the Child Maintenance Service.

The change is being considered as part of fresh proposals that will get more of the money that is owed to the children of separated parents.

The Child Maintenance Service (CMS) collected or arranged £1 billion in child maintenance payments last year, operating as a crucial weapon in the battle against child poverty. Child support payments help lift around 140,000 children out of poverty each year.

Curfew orders would be another method of enforcement, alongside current powers which include passport and driving license confiscation and earnings deduction orders, to tackle parents who continually refuse to pay maintenance owed.

As an alternative sanction to prison, which is costly and prevents maintenance getting to children, curfews would act as a deterrent by restricting and disrupting non-compliant parents’ lifestyles, stopping them, for example, from going out for dinner, to the pub or going on holiday.

The curfews would be monitored by an electronic tag with an electronic monitoring service applying the tag, monitoring and making sure the parent complies with the rules of the tag. If parents fail to comply, the CMS would be able refer them back to court which might then extend the curfew order or impose a prison sentence.

DWP Lords Minister Baroness Stedman-Scott said: “For children in low-income households, maintenance payments can make all the difference, lifting them out of poverty.

“We are not afraid to go after those parents who deliberately and repeatedly refuse to pay for their children.

“Curfew orders are another step towards providing the CMS with a full arsenal of powers to make sure children get the financial support they need to have the best start in life.”

This builds on a new powers introduced earlier this year to digitise all communications to parents and improvements to help the service trace the paying parent, calculate maintenance and enforce arrears more effectively.

The consultation is published here and closes on 12 August 2022.

Healthy Heart Tip: National BBQ Week

Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Tip, written by the Health Promotion and Education Team at Heart Research UK

Healthy Heart Tip: BBQ Week

This week is National BBQ Week, and it is a perfect time to get friends and family together to enjoy some healthy, nutritious food. We all know Covid-19 has impacted on social activities, so BBQ week provides a welcome opportunity to get together, share BBQ tips and recipes and have some fun in the process!

  • Choose the rainbow

See how many different vegetables and fruits you can add to the barbeque to make it extra colourful.

Whether this is on a skewer or as a side, including more fruit and vegetables will increase your fibre intake and reduce your risk of heart disease. Grilled aubergine, courgette, peppers, pineapple and peaches work well.

  • Be creative

Think of a food theme that everyone can enjoy and have fun with. How about having a variety of foods from around the world, trying new recipes, and experimenting with flavours.

You could find foods that are low in fat, such as chicken, fish, or plant-based alternatives. Burgers and sausages are often high in saturated fat, which can contribute to high cholesterol.

  • Dips and sauces

How about creating your own dips and sauces by using fat free yoghurt or low-fat crème fraiche with fresh herbs and spices. A lot of ready-made sauces are high in salt and sugar and they can be high in calories, which can lead to weight-gain and high blood pressure.

By being adventurous and trying out new healthy recipes this BBQ week, you can begin to reduce your risk of heart disease and increase your creativity!

For more tips on how to stay healthy, sign up for our weekly healthy tips at www.heartresearch.org.uk/healthy-tips.

To help keep your heart healthy, why not try out some of our Healthy Heart recipes from our website: https://heartresearch.org.uk/heart-research-uk-recipes-2/.

Or have a look through our Healthy Heart cookbook filled with recipes from top chefs, celebrities and food bloggers:

https://heartresearch.org.uk/heart-research-uk-cookbook/.

Persimmon gives a helping hand to two community groups

Two richly-deserving community-based causes in the west of Scotland are among the latest recipients from the pioneering Community Champions programme, run by leading housebuilder Persimmon Homes. Each has been awarded £1,000 by the company’s Glasgow-based West Scotland division.

Amputee Football Association Scotland was set up in 2017 to provide opportunities for amputees in Scotland to play football. Based in Glasgow but catering for players from all across Scotland, it aims to give players with congenital limb differences the chance to play at grassroots, club and international level.

Spokesperson Ashley Reid said: “We are now resuming competitive games in the post-pandemic environment. Our national team now has overseas commitments and to fulfil these we desperately need help towards travel costs and to acquire new reinforced crutches for all amputee players.

“In addition, we are busy developing training sessions and events for young people, so they can pursue their passion in a fun and friendly environment. We work hard to raise funds to support these developments but have a shortfall. That’s why we turned to Persimmon for some help.”

Around 12 miles away, Old Kilpatrick Food Parcels (OKFP) is the name of an emergency foodbank and community hub based on Station Road, Old Kilpatrick. 

Set up in the wake of the pandemic, the group relies on the support of a dedicated band of volunteers, who are trained on life skills such as cooking, housekeeping, budgeting and counselling.

Founder Maureen Cummings explains: “Our training enables the volunteers to help vulnerable families in our community who are experiencing social exclusion as a result of being isolated for long periods of time. This has been a particular issue during the pandemic.

“Many of the individuals and families we work with have lost their confidence in social settings. That’s why we are so committed to helping rebuild their self-esteem and wellbeing, by teaching them new skills and offering training opportunities.”

On behalf of Persimmon, West Scotland managing director Chris Logan said: “Our region has been hit hard in recent years, through the pandemic and, more recently, the cost-of-living crisis.

“This creates very real difficulties for all but especially for those facing challenges, be it physical impairment or less visible issues, such as social exclusion.

“Our Community Champions programme is designed to offer much-needed support for those groups and the selfless people who work hard to create opportunities and help their communities thrive. That’s why we are so pleased to announce this funding for OKFP and the Amputee FA Scotland. We wish them all every success in the future.”

To find out more about the Community Champions scheme, including details of how to apply, visit: 

https://www.persimmonhomes.com/community-champions

The company has a number of upcoming and recently-completed residential developments in the region. For details, go to: 

https://www.persimmonhomes.com/find-your-new-home

Founded in 1972, Persimmon Homes is one of the UK’s leading housebuilders. With headquarters in York, the Group operates from 31 regional offices throughout the UK, trading under the brand names of Persimmon Homes, Charles Church and Westbury Partnerships, building quality homes across England, Wales and Scotland. 

The company is proud to be an accredited Living Wage Foundation employer and directly employs more than 5,000 people and supports around 86,000 jobs in the construction sector. 

For more information visit www.persimmonhomes.com

Sign up for Step out and help spot the signs of Leukaemia

Participants across the country are being invited to sign up to the Leukaemia Care Step Out Challenge for Spot Leukaemia, which launches this September. 

The aim is to move as far as you can between 1st and 30th September and raise as much as you can – there’s no minimum limit. To take part you can walk, run, cycle or run and set whatever distance you want to. Once signed up, all you need to do is ask friends and family to sponsor whatever they can.

Chief Executive of Leukaemia Care, Zack Pemberton-Whiteley, said: “The challenge is free to sign up to and people can raise anything they can – as every penny raised makes a difference to those living to help make a difference to those living with a leukaemia, MDS or MPN diagnosis.”

Leukaemia Care is delighted to reveal this year’s medal in an eco-friendly design, to be given to anybody who reaches the £50 milestone.

There is also a fabulous new t-shirt for the 2022 event for anybody who raises over £100, while those who raise £250 or more will receive a £20 gift card for the Leukaemia Care online shop. 

This year Leukaemia Care has introduced two fantastic overall trophies – one for the fundraiser that raises the most and another for the person who covers the most distance during the challenge. 

Sign up to Step Out then join the Facebook community to get motivated for your challenge. 

Ahead of Blood Cancer Awareness Month later this year, the charity is keen to share the six most common symptoms of leukaemia which are; fatigue, shortness of breath, fever or night sweats, bruising or bleeding, bone or joint pain, and repeated infections.

Learn more about the signs and symptoms of leukaemia here.

Napier student lands dream role following difficult start to life

Jade Lindsay graduated Business Studies with Human Resources Management this summer at Edinburgh Napier University Business School. Jade was adopted at the age of three and is the first person from her birth family to complete school and go into higher education. 

After completing her SQA Highers and unfortunately not getting the results she needed to pursue her dreams of becoming a vet, she had to rethink her choices. Jade decided to go on my world of work, a website that helps people discover a career that matches their skills.

After completing the different skill and personality tests, Jade said she was given a new purpose as she was recommended to pursue a career in Human Resources. Jade applied to Edinburgh Napier for their business and HRM degree and got an unconditional offer.

Jade said: “I was adopted at the age of three with a very difficult start to life and was the first person in my birth family to complete all of school and enter into higher education, which was a huge achievement.

“During my years at Napier University I have experienced lots of support and made lifelong friends. Over Christmas 2021, I applied to many graduate jobs and recorded many interviews as I looked forward to life after university.

“After completing my last lot of exams in May, I received the news that I was invited down to Bristol for an assessment centre for GKN Aerospace, a global organisation which leads the aerospace technology industry. 

“I was one of only 3 business students out of over 400 applicants to get to the final stage of recruitment.

“I was successful in my endeavour and I have now accepted an offer of a position in the 27 month HR graduate programme which includes 2 global placements and specialisation in one of the HR departments at the end of the programme.

“I will be starting my new chapter in September and I look forward to graduation.”

This year’s ceremony saw over 2,000 students graduating from the university’s 6 schools.

Sovereign launch capital academy for next generation barbers

INSPIRING BARBERS can become fully qualified in just 15 weeks as a booming barbering business announces a new training academy in the capital.

Sovereign Grooming will launch the academy in July within its New Waverley salon in Edinburgh’s city centre and is looking to train up 52 students per year across its two academies.

After investing £500,000 last year to launch its first barbering school and salon in Glasgow, Sovereign Grooming is set to expand the successful programme in Edinburgh in a continuing bid to address the significant skills gap in the male grooming industry.

The centrally located 1,200 sq. ft. space sits across two floors and will be transformed to feature both the original salon and the new academy, allowing budding barbers the chance to get first-hand salon experience.

Kyle Ross, who founded Sovereign Grooming, has a decade of experience under his belt as one of Scotland’s top barbers and will be training students one-to-one alongside elite barbers Liam Allen and Nathan Robb – who have both been shortlisted for Barber of the Year at the upcoming Scottish Hair and Beauty Awards.

Kyle said: “We’re thrilled to announce the launch of our Edinburgh academy which will complement our Glasgow branch in helping to close the skills gap we are seeing as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

“Our Glasgow academy aims to qualify 36 students each year and the new Edinburgh facility will add an abundance of exciting graduates to the industry’s talent pool, with the ambition of training 600 barbers over the next decade.”

Sovereign Grooming’s students benefit from hands-on training throughout the programme and work towards achieving an SVQ Level 2 Barbering qualification which is recognised worldwide. The academy teaches the day-to-day workings of a leading men’s grooming brand while providing students with extra skills in photo shoots, session styling, stage presenting and fashion styling.

The Edinburgh academy will also offer advancement courses to established hairdressers and barbers, carrying out bespoke and tailored sessions to suit student needs.

Kyle said: “We’re delighted to be able to offer this in Edinburgh for people considering a career in the male grooming sector. We want the Edinburgh academy to train the next generation of expert barbers right here in the centre of Scotland’s capital and it’s great to be able to provide that service over a 15-week period. 

“It’s been rewarding to train up Glasgow students and we’re thoroughly enjoying setting people off on their barbering career path. The time is right for expanding this in Edinburgh to help barbers kickstart that journey.”

Kyle Ross opened Sovereign Grooming in his hometown of Aberdeen in 2016 which has since expanded to Edinburgh and Glasgow establishing itself with its luxury male grooming services. 2022 saw the brand’s expansion into barbering training, with the launch of its three-story salon in Glasgow’s city centre.

Kyle was named Scottish Men’s Stylist of the Year in 2017, a year which also saw him win Best Barber UK at the International Barber Awards.  He won Best Barber UK at the International Barber Awards in Germany and was subsequently named Best Barber at the Scottish Hair & Beauty Awards 2018.

Going from strength to strength, Kyle was shortlisted for GQ Magazine’s Barber of the Year title in 2019, one of only a handful of stylists outside London to have been shortlisted. 

Drum launches refurbished offices in ‘Red Sandstone’ building on LeithWalk

Drum Property Group is seeking occupants for high quality office space in the refurbished 1930s ‘Red Sandstone’ building which extends from 106 to 154 Leith Walk.

The distinctive two-storey building, completed in 1933 in the Scottish Art Deco style, will provide flexible and open-plan space for a range of contemporary business suites overlooking Leith Walk, housed above a row of shops, restaurants and a popular bar. 

Simply branded ‘The Red Sandstone’, the building now forms an iconic gateway to Drum’s current £50 million transformation of the 2.9-acre Stead’s Place site, which will bring 148 new homes to the rear of the development linking Leith Walk to Pilrig Park and beyond. 

Originally designed as an office complex supporting the London Midland Scottish Railway goods yard, the ornate building was completed with a red Dumfries sandstone fascia and black marble pediment and became a highly recognisable business and retail focal point towards to foot of Leith Walk.

As part of Drum’s regeneration of the Stead’s Place site, The Red Sandstone has now undergone a complete refurbishment creating a variety of flexible and light-filled office space connected by a common entrance hub to suit a range of business uses.  

Welcoming the launch of The Red Sandstone office suites, Graeme Bone, Drum’s Group Managing Director said: “Sitting above a vibrant retail parade containing shops, cafés, restaurants and a popular bar these sympathetically restored office suites provide an ideal small business location in the diverse and dynamic community of Leith. 

“Directly connected to the tram, cycle and bus networks and only 10-minutes from the city centre, The Red Sandstone is the gateway to the new Stead’s Place residential development to the rear, connecting Leith Walk to the green space and sanctuary of Pilrig Park, a five-minute walk away. 

“We hope the refurbished building will, once again provide a distinctive focal point and destination for Leith Walk, continuing the rich tradition of diversity and independence which makes the area such an exciting destination in which to live, work and visit.” 

The ground floor of the Red Sandstone building is currently being let to a variety of retail and food and beverage operators, with tenants expected to start taking occupancy later this summer. 

For more information on The Red Sandstone and its office suites, visit www.theredsandstone.com or contact office agents Culverwell on 0131 243 9617.  

New Chair for Edinburgh College

The Scottish Government has appointed Nora Senior CBE as the new Chair of the Edinburgh College Board of Management.

Over the course of a 30-year career in industry, Nora has held several senior leadership positions, latterly as Group Executive Chair of global communications and government relations consultancy, Weber Shandwick, and previously with Saatchi and Saatchi.

A former Businesswoman of the Year, Nora holds extensive experience at non-exec board level in both public and private sector organisations, having been Chair of the Scottish Government’s independent Enterprise and Skills Board and as President of British Chambers of Commerce.

She was honoured with a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List 2017 for services to UK businesses.

Ms Senior said: “I am really excited to be taking on the role of Chair of Edinburgh College Board of Management and working with the Board and Audrey and the team to accelerate the focus, purpose and importance of the college within not only the education sector but as part of the wider innovation and business transformation landscape.

“I look forward to working with our staff and students to deliver an exceptional teaching and learning experience and placing the college at the heart of our community.

“My thanks go to Ann Landels for her strong guidance and contribution to the work of the college as Interim Chair.”

Edinburgh College Principal and Chief Executive Audrey Cumberford said: “Having had the privilege of working with Nora in her capacity as Chair of the Scottish Government’s Enterprise and Skills Board I am both delighted and excited with her appointment as the new Chair of Edinburgh College, Scotland’s Capital College.

“Nora’s extensive leadership experience in industry and the public sector, alongside a deep understanding and passion for the role that colleges play in their local communities and wider regions will be invaluable as we strive to realise our full potential and ambitions.”

Nora takes over the position from Non-Executive Board Member (and Vice Chair) Ann Landels, who acted in an interim capacity for over two years. Ann said: “I am delighted to welcome Nora as the new Regional Chair of the Edinburgh College Board.

“It has been my privilege to be Interim Chair of the Board since November 2019 and to lead the Board through the challenging times presented by Covid-19. It is a testament to the work of the Principal, the Executive Team and all our staff at Edinburgh College that we continued to deliver high quality education throughout that time.

“As we anticipate the resumption of a more normal College experience in the 2022/23 session, I am very much looking forward to supporting Nora in her new appointment as I resume my role as Vice Chair.”