Day: December 23, 2022

2,265 children stuck in temporary accommodation in Edinburgh

Scottish Labour MSP Sarah Boyack has warned that children in Edinburgh may be forced to spend Christmas in temporary accommodation.

Across Scotland, the number of children staying in temporary accommodation has soared to a shameful record high of 8,635.

This includes 2,265 children in Edinburgh – an increase of 20 per cent on the previous year and an appalling increase of 930 per cent since 2002.

Overall the length of time people have to spend in temporary accommodation has also been climbing year-on-year across Scotland, with families being hit hardest by long waits. 

In Edinburgh couples with children are now typically stuck in temporary accommodation for an average of 725 days.

Scottish Labour MSP Sarah Boyack said: “It is nothing short of a national scandal that 2,265 children in Edinburgh could be spending Christmas in temporary accommodation.

“Things are at crisis point across Scotland, after years of neglect under the SNP.

“Leaving children stranded in limbo for so long will have a devastating effect on their wellbeing, attainment and life chances.

“The SNP need to act urgently to fix this shameful dereliction of duty and make sure families in Edinburgh have the safe, secure housing they need. It is appalling that children can be stuck in temporary accommodation for nearly two years.”

ENDS

Notes 

Local Authority  Number of children in temporary accommodationAverage Days Spent in Temporary Accommodation in 2022 – Couple with Children


200220212022



Change
2021 to 2022
(%)

Change 2002 to 2022 (%)
Scotland2,3907,3858,63517%261%343
Aberdeen City158511029%633%76
Aberdeenshire706555-15%-21%84
Angus15202525%67%0
Argyll & Bute156045-25%200%196
Clackmannanshire45304550%0%64
Dumfries & Galloway506560-8%20%93
Dundee City100235215-9%115%656
East Ayrshire5404513%800%131
East Dunbartonshire658580-6%23%288
East Lothian701701806%157%614
East Renfrewshire52060200%1100%125
Edinburgh2201,8802,26520%930%725
Eilean Siar020200%126
Falkirk701601706%143%291
Fife19531539024%100%174
Glasgow City4752,2552,82525%495%359
Highland90210180-14%100%299
Inverclyde1550-100%-100%86
Midlothian10230155-33%1450%656
Moray4035350%-13%81
North Ayrshire5070757%50%141
North Lanarkshire100235230-2%130%126
Orkney15152033%33%0
Perth & Kinross15515200%0%77
Renfrewshire9555609%-37%112
Scottish Borders20405025%150%160
Shetland502015-25%-70%681
South Ayrshire909010517%17%175
South Lanarkshire17537043518%149%252
Stirling401801906%375%319
West Dunbartonshire30759020%200%243
West Lothian14025039056%179%397

Source: https://www.gov.scot/publications/homelessness-scotland-2021-22/documents/ 

Naya Koulocheri (she/her) | Research & Communications Officer

Letter to PM demands urgent funding parity for older victims of abuse

Hourglass have delivered an open letter to PM Rishi Sunak calling on the Government to urgently provide funding parity for older victim survivors and fund their unique 24/7 helpline

Hourglass have submitted an open letter to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak signed by politicians from across the political spectrum. The letter calls for the government to provide urgent financial support for the Hourglass helpline which provides 24/7 support and casework for older victim-survivors of abuse.

The open letter has been signed by MPs, Peers, MLAs, MSPs, MSs, academics, third sector leaders and other community supporters. Members of every major political party in the UK have supported this campaign, either by signing this letter or by contacting the Prime Minister directly asking the Government to support the Hourglass helpline.

Hourglass not only provides a 24/7 helpline, the only one of its kind in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland but also creates tailored care plans for older victim survivors using caseworkers across the UK. The charity income plummeted in 2022 whilst cases have dramatically risen.

In 2022 the Hourglass helpline has seen a 96% increase in calls. Many of these calls are referrals from government and third sector agencies who rely on Hourglass as specialists in supporting older victims.

Despite this, government support for the helpline and casework service provided by Hourglass has declined. The charity is now bidding for funds from a Violence Against Women and Girls tender, which misses a significant swathe of its work.

Richard Robinson, Chief Executive of Hourglass, said: “The Hourglass helpline and case work service plays a critical role in supporting older people who have experienced abuse. This is a truly unique service and ensures older people can have hope during their darkest times.

“During the Conservative Party leadership campaign, the Ready for Rishi campaign promised that if elected a Rishi-led government would engage with organisations supporting victims, such as Hourglass. There has been no engagement, a string of cancelled meetings and limited understanding of challenge older people face, especially now during this financial crisis.

“The Prime Minister now needs to honour his campaign promise by working with Hourglass to ensure the only UK helpline supporting older victims of abuse can continue to provide a 24/7 service and doesn’t downsize drastically.”

Baroness Ritchie, Hourglass Patron, said: “The Government need to support older victims of abuse. In an ageing society, services like the Hourglass Helpline play a vital role.

“I urge the Prime Minister to answer the call of this open letter and provide adequate funding for the Hourglass Helpline.”

open-letter-signatures-20.12.2022Download

The charity is urging those keen to support the charity to donate by visiting www.wearehourglass.org.uk/donate or Text SAFER to 70460 to donate £10.

Texts cost £10 plus one standard rate message and you’ll be opting in to hear more about our work and fundraising via telephone and SMS.

If you’d like to give £10 but do not wish to receive marketing communications, text SAFERNOINFO to 70460

Isuzu UK announce partnership with Scottish Football Association

  • Isuzu UK announced as the Official Commercial Vehicle Partner for Scottish Cup
  • The eagerly anticipated Fourth Round takes place between January 21-23
  • Agreement further demonstrates Isuzu UK’s support and commitment to football in the UK

Isuzu UK has announced a new multi-year partnership with the Scottish FA as the Official Commercial Vehicle Partner for the Men’s Scottish Cup.

With this new partnership, Isuzu UK is further expanding its role as the driving force behind domestic football with a partnership already in place in England, with the Isuzu FA Vase and Isuzu FA Trophy and with the Irish Football Association.

The Scottish Cup first began in the 1873-74 season and is the second oldest competition in association football. The first final was held on March 21, 1874, at the original Hampden Park with Queen’s Park emerging victorious against Clydesdale.

Celtic have won the trophy more times than any other club with 40 titles to their name, the most recent coming in 2020. Their Glasgow rivals Rangers are not far behind with 34 Scottish Cup triumphs.

The next round of this season’s competition is being held on the weekend of 21 January, with the Semi-Finals set for Saturday, 29 April and Sunday, 30 April 2023. The final will be held on Saturday 3 June 2023 at the National Stadium, Hampden Park.

The Pick-up Professionals at Isuzu dealerships across Scotland will be getting actively involved with their local clubs, with some having already started making preparations for local sponsorship deals and promotional matchday activations.

William Brown, Managing Director, Isuzu UK said “We are extremely proud to announce our new partnership with the Scottish FA and the Scottish Cup.

“This agreement further demonstrates our commitment to domestic football and is also the last piece of the puzzle which now provides us with sports sponsorship across the whole of the UK.”

Michael Paterson, Head of Marketing and Partnerships, Scottish FA commented “We are delighted to welcome Isuzu UK as the Official Commercial Vehicle Partner for the Men’s Scottish Cup.

“Our flagship tournament boasts an illustrious history and, with a bumper Fourth Round weekend to look forward to in January, it is a hugely exciting time to welcome on board such an iconic and established international brand.

“This prestigious competition has given us so many unforgettable moments over the years and we look forward to sharing some more alongside the team at Isuzu UK.”

First-of-a-kind, carbon-neutral Santa sleigh to debut in Kirkliston

Santa will be touring the village on Christmas Eve with a revamped sleigh powered by state-of-the-art technology 

#santaiscomingtotown

#christmasinkirkliston 

Santa and his team are set to tour the streets of Kirkliston on Christmas Eve again this year, in a newly revamped, first-of-its-kind, magical sleigh. Powered by a new Lithium Iron Phosphate technology, similar to the technology used in Tesla electric vehicles, the sleigh will operate all night long, on a powerful and sustainable energy source.  

Kirkliston Community Council applied to the City of Edinburgh Council for a community grant fund, which was topped up by local event business 21CC Group Ltd. enabling the Community Council team to refurbish the sleigh in spectacular style, using brand new battery technology that will mean that it can operate without any carbon output. 

Geoff Crow, Director of local business 21CC Group Ltd. comments, “The Kirkliston Community Council sleigh brings the magic of Christmas to the village each year.

“The sleigh hasn’t had any investment for some time and was in much need of refurbishment ahead of this year. We are absolutely delighted to top up the grant award to support the sleigh refurbishment and to enable the Community Council to create something very special this year for the village of Kirkliston.” 

“Santa touring the streets of Kirkliston on Christmas Eve is a tradition that has been upheld and cherished for many years gone by. This investment in the sleigh brings it right up to date, with modern cutting-edge technology, lighting and sound systems, guaranteeing the future of the sleigh for many years to come. We are certain that Rudolph and his herd will be proud that we have been able to continue this tradition with a sharp focus on sustainability.” 

The Christmas Eve celebrations are expected to bring over 8,000 locals to the streets between 3:30 pm and 6:30 pm to enjoy the festivities as Santa and his sleigh tour the village. There will also be a collection on the night for Queensferry Care in the Community.  

David Buchanan, Chair of the Kirkliston Community Council, said, “This is such a wonderful example of community solidarity and togetherness, and we’re very pleased to be doing something a bit different this year.

“Our new sparkling sleigh will be used to bring joy on Christmas Eve. I personally cannot wait to see the smiles on so many faces after what has been a particularly challenging year for so many.” 

Established in 1999 and headquartered in Edinburgh, 21CC Group regularly sow into local community initiatives and events. With event design, management and technical production teams all part of 21CC Group Ltd., they manage and deliver Christmas installations, events and experiential lighting trails all around the country, bringing joy to many at this time of year.   

Housing concierge brings Christmas to Council homes

Highrise homes are being made merry and bright this winter thanks to big-hearted Council worker Billy McGhee.

Billy, who has been working as a concierge officer in Council blocks for 35 years, has been going out of his way to personally decorate foyers and buildings in Holyrood and Lochview Court for the benefit of the 400+ people who live there.

With this year likely to be particularly tough for many households because of rising costs, Billy’s annual tradition of bringing the festivities to people’s front doors has grown bigger than ever.

Here, Billy tells us about his work and the response he’s had from tenants

Billy decorates Lochend View

Tell us why you decided to decorate the building?

I wanted to give something back and what better time than Christmas? I’ve always loved this time of year so thought it would be a good idea to decorate the foyers.

Who was involved in planning and pulling this together?

I’ve done this for many years now and it has just kind of grown every year, I’ve donated a lot of the items myself, other items have been donated from residents or saved from landfill.

What sort of reaction have you had from tenants?

They all seem to love it and really appreciate it. People always ask me at the beginning of December “when are the decorations going up?”

What’s your favourite thing about decorating the building?

The smiles from the tenants when they see the decorations and when they hear the Christmas music playing in the foyer, especially the reaction from the younger ones, the elderly and those that live on their own.

We have a lot of families living in the building with some having relatives that live thousands of miles away, it’s great to see them taking pictures and knowing that these have been sent to loved ones and family in different parts of the world.

It can be a lonely time for some of our residents at Christmas so it’s great to see them interact in the foyer, chatting and connecting.

Can you tell us a little about your day-to-day role?

My typical day involves making sure the building is clean and safe for residents and visitors, I do have a daily routine but I learned very quickly in this role (35yrs ago) that you need to be flexible in your approach to how you manage your day as there is always something that requires attention or a resident or colleague that needs assistance. 

This could be anything from assisting residents with day-to-day repairs or sign posting to more specific services depending on their needs, to working with colleagues from other teams and departments to assist with more complex issues or cases.

I think the most challenging part of my role is working with people that are reluctant to ask for or accept help or those that are less considerate towards their neighbours or community. In these instances I’m fortunate to have a good team around me with years of experience to draw on so that in most cases it allows us make a connection and ultimately help.

I see a majority of residents on a daily basis and always stop to say hello, they really appreciate the time even if it is only for a few moments.  I think the most rewarding part of my role is being able to help people. Doing something to help however small can make a huge difference to someone’s wellbeing and their quality of life.

Councillor Jane Meagher, the Council’s Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, said: “Council concierges have one of the most rewarding and challenging roles in housing, making sure our multistorey blocks are kept safe and clean and often acting as the first port of call for tenants’ needs.

“Whether they are helping a family with a complex issue they have at home or providing a friendly hello to people who live alone, concierges really do provide an invaluable service which too often goes unnoticed.

“Billy is a fantastic example of one of our unsung heroes. Here we have someone who is going out of his way to bring a smile to tenants’ faces, sourcing his own decorations to create Christmas cheer and a real sense of community, not because it’s his job but because he simply wants to.

“Christmas isn’t always an easy time of year, and a lot of people are facing financial challenges, particularly this winter – which may mean Billy’s decorations are the only Christmas lights some households have this year. Thank you, Billy, for bringing the festivities to everyone’s front door.”

Aldi offers alternative air fryer Christmas dinner for budget-conscious customers this year

Aldi Scotland has developed a Christmas dinner recipe that can be made entirely in the air fryer for customers hoping to keep energy costs to a minimum this year.

The discount retailer has developed an alternative Christmas dinner recipe with BBC’s Great British Menu finalist and head chef of Edinburgh’s Angel’s with Bagpipes, Fraser Smith.

The centre piece for the Christmas dinner is Aldi’s Galloway Beef Sirloin Joint, that is paired with beef fat carrots, pancetta roast brussels sprouts, hasselback potatoes and red wine gravy.

Fraser has been trying and testing the air fryer to perfect an alternative cooking method for Christmas dinner this year.

Fraser said: “Airfryers offer a great alternative to oven cooking, they’re fast, compact and energy efficient.

“The results of cooking in them is the same as any oven, delicious and tender cooked meats and crispy delicious sides. I loved developing this recipe with Aldi and I hope others give it a try this festive season.”

Graham Nicolson, Group Buying Director, Aldi Scotland said: “We know that airfryers have soared in popularity this year and with energy costs still concerning families across Scotland we wanted to provide an alternative method to oven cooking Christmas dinner this year.

“Our take on a Christmas Dinner puts our limited edition Galloway Beef Sirloin Joint as the centre piece and provides a selection of delicious, family favourite sides.”

Roasted Galloway Beef Sirloin Joint with beef fat carrots, pancetta roast brussels sprouts, hasselback potatoes and red wine gravy

Ingredients:

  • 4x large carrots
  • 1x Galloway Beef Sirloin Joint
  • 100g diced pancetta
  • 600g brussels sprouts
  • 750g baby potatoes
  • 5g fresh thyme
  • 1x bulb garlic
  • 200ml red wine
  • 10ml vegetable oil
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Method
For the roast:

  • Wash four large carrots and place on the bottom of the air frying basket.
  • Score the fat on the Galloway Beef Sirloin Joint, rub in salt and cracked black pepper and place on top of the carrots in the air fryer basket.
  • Cut the garlic in half and place that, and half the thyme, in the basket.
  • Put the Galloway Beef and carrots in the air fryer at 200°c for 10 mins then reduce the temp to 180°c. Cook for an additional 20 mins per 500g for rare, 25 mins per 500g for medium, and 30 mins per 500g for well done. 
  • While cooking, take time to baste the carrot and beef every half hour.
  • Once the beef is cooked to your liking, remove from the air fryer, cover in foil and allow to rest at room temperature for at least 20 mins.
  • Place the carrots back in the fryer, at 200°c, until they are cooked – this usually take 10 to 20 minutes depending on the size.

For the brussels sprouts:

  • Prepare the sprouts by removing the outer leaves and cutting them in half.
  • Place cut side up in the basket and cover with the chopped pancetta.
  • Place in the airfryer at 180°c for 20 minutes.

For the potatoes:

  • To prepare the hassleback potatoes, place the potato on a wooden spoon and make thin vertical slices through the potato being mindful not to cut all the way through – the wooden spoon should stop you cutting all the way through and splitting the potato.
  • Brush the slices potatoes with oil and sprinkle over some of the remaining thyme sprigs.
  • Place in air fryer at 200°c for 35 mins or until crispy.
  • This can be done in advance and the potatoes reheated just before serving.

For the gravy:

  • Make up some Aldi Specially Selected Beef Gravy as per instruction.
  • Add a splash of red wine to a warm pan, and reduce by half. Add this to the pre-made gravy.

Enjoy!

Winter warmer bundles provide emergency help as cold weather bites

As wintry weather takes hold, a winter warmer bundle provided by a charity’s trading arm is flying off the shelves to help people on a low income keep warm and cook a hot meal in the months ahead, while keeping energy bills down. 

The winter warmer bundle includes items such as a thick blanket, oil filled radiator, microwave, slow cooker and air fryer and is being supplied to grant-makers trying to keep people warm and fed. 

It has been put together by Family Fund Business Services, the trading arm of charity Family Fund, the UK’s largest grant-making charity for families with disabled and seriously ill children, living on a low income.   

Family Fund supports families with grantsfor essential items such as kitchen appliances, clothing, bedding, sensory toys, computers and tablets, much-needed family breaks.   

The charity used its expertise in procuring large quantities of essential goods from suppliers, to set up its own company, Family Fund Business Services, which gifts 100% of its profits back to the charity.

Phil Henderson, director of Family Fund Business Services said: “For our winter warmer bundle we have worked hard to get urgent access to value-for-money quantities of air fryers, slow cookers, thick blankets and oil filled radiators from suppliers.  

“This means that they are readily, and easily, available for organisations such as local authorities and other charities to provide them for people struggling with the cost of living this winter and seeking emergency help to keep warm and make hot food.  The demand for our winter bundle is growing by the day”. 

Family Fund Business Services secures income through its expertise and collective buying power for essential goods with suppliers. It works on behalf of other charities, local authorities and housing associations seeking to help people in need

It provides value-for-money, easy access to thousands of essential products, including washing machines, furniture, energy vouchers and food vouchers for organisations supporting those facing hardship such as veterans, refugees and those struggling financially to meet their most basic needs. 

Phil Henderson added: “The winter warmer bundles demonstrate a unique business model which delivers social value twice over.

“The expertise of Family Fund Business Services in securing cost-effective contracts for essential goods with suppliers,  means the money of local councils, charities and other organisations goes further to help those in greatest need.

“But its work also helps to secure the future of the Family Fund charity so that Family Fund, in turn, can carry on its vital work of helping even more families with disabled children on a low income.”  

Profits from Family Fund Business Services has helped the charity significantly increase its reach. Last year, Family Fund provided over 170,919 grants and services worth over £37 million to families across the UK. 

Funding of more than £13.2 billion for Scotland’s councils

New deal for local government as allocations published

Details of how more than £13.2 billion in Scottish Government funding for 2023-24 will be distributed among local authorities have been published. 

They include a cash increase in day-to-day revenue funding of 3.5% for next year, compared with the 2022-23 Scottish Budget.

The settlement represents a total cash increase of £570 million or 4.5%. This is equivalent to a real terms rise of 1.3% to support vital council services and follows the most challenging Scottish Budget settlement since devolution.

The Scottish Government has enabled local authorities to make their own local decisions, with financial flexibility on council tax, employability and homelessness services, as well as early learning and schools workforce provision.

Deputy First Minister John Swinney said: “I recognise the challenge which local councils face in delivering services during the current bleak economic climate.

“The 2023-24 Budget confirms that, despite the most turbulent economic and financial context that most people can remember, and the huge pressure on public finances, we are providing councils with a real terms budget increase of 1.3% next year.

“Local government had sought even more funding but – candidly – there was no way in the current climate we were going to be able to meet the request in full. The entire country is having to make difficult choices, including government and local authorities, but we have managed to find an extra £570 million for councils on top of last year’s budget allocations.  

“We are building flexibility and autonomy into how budgets can be spent, but a more fundamental shift is required. We will work with local authorities to review how public services are delivered, so that they are designed around the needs and interests of the people and communities of Scotland.

“That means tackling problems through early intervention before they become acute. It means creating a more effective way of working together with local government by focusing on outcomes, not process.”

LOCAL GOVERNMENT FINANCE 2023-4: TOTAL REVENUE SUPPORT
      
 2022-232023-24IncreaseIncrease 
Local Authority£m£m£m% 
Aberdeen City390.6435.945.311.6 
Aberdeenshire499.6539.039.47.9 
Angus237.9255.417.57.3 
Argyll & Bute219.7232.512.85.8 
Clackmannanshire110.2118.78.47.7 
Dumfries & Galloway329.0354.725.77.8 
Dundee City338.0359.921.96.5 
East Ayrshire268.7290.822.18.2 
East Dunbartonshire217.7232.815.16.9 
East Lothian203.6221.017.58.6 
East Renfrewshire205.5222.316.88.2 
Edinburgh, City of872.9948.976.08.7 
Eilean Siar103.7108.64.94.7 
Falkirk327.6352.024.47.4 
Fife760.8820.459.57.8 
Glasgow City1,407.91,529.3121.48.6 
Highland523.6559.736.26.9 
Inverclyde187.8200.712.96.9 
Midlothian190.3204.714.57.6 
Moray188.9204.815.98.4 
North Ayrshire314.5337.723.27.4 
North Lanarkshire719.4774.955.57.7 
Orkney83.989.65.76.8 
Perth & Kinross294.8320.425.68.7 
Renfrewshire365.2393.228.17.7 
Scottish Borders243.0260.117.17.0 
Shetland98.8103.14.34.3 
South Ayrshire235.8256.020.28.6 
South Lanarkshire651.9702.950.97.8 
Stirling196.1209.813.77.0 
West Dunbartonshire213.5228.715.27.1 
West Lothian369.7402.432.88.9 
Undistributed482.9125.5-357.4-74.0 
Scotland11,853.612,396.5542.94.6 
      

This publication starts the formal consultation period on the 2023-24 local government settlement. Final allocations will be published following approval by the Scottish Parliament, expected in February.

The Scottish Budget 2023-24 proposal includes a net increase of £16 million for free school meals.

The Scottish Government is transferring £105 million per year to give effect to the devolution of Non-Domestic Rates Empty Property Relief. This is significantly more than the cost of replicating the existing policy, should councils wish to do so.

Full details of the provisional allocations, including capital allocations, were published yesterday.

Last minute Christmas gifts from Fort Kinnaird

Christmas is just round the corner and to help visitors pick up any last-minute gifts they need for the big day, Fort Kinnaird has rounded up a selection of ideas to help make the search easier.

From fashion gifts to jewellery, there is something for everyone in this collection, with some retailers even offering gift wrapping services so any purchases can go straight under the tree. 

And late-night shopping continues at Fort Kinnaird for the festive season, with visitors able to take advantage of shopping until 9pm at selected stores on Thursday 22nd and Friday 23rd.

Here’s a roundup of the best gifts you can pick up at Fort Kinnaird:

Fashion

Fort Kinnaird is home to an abundance of clothing stores, from M&S to Next and H&M to Primark.

Timeless cashmere jumpers, scarves, hats and gloves from Marks & Spencer and Next are always a welcome surprise on Christmas morning, and Clarks remains the place to visit for men’s footwear. While Ugg’s Classic Ultra Mini Boots are topping the most-wanted lists at schuh along with Veja’s sustainable trainers.

Visitors can discover new looks at Fat Face, or head to Mountain Warehouse and Trespass for weatherproof jackets, walking boots and backpacks ideal taking with you on a long winter walk.  

Jewellery

If you’re thinking of a more luxurious gift, Beaverbrooks and Swarovski are the places to look for gorgeous keepsakes and timeless classics, with their team being on hand to make sure you pick up the most perfect present. 

For a tailored gift, visitors can head to the newly opened Pandora for a bracelet filled with carefully chosen charms plus rings, pendants and lab-created diamonds. 

Beauty 

With most wish lists this year including fragrances by Chanel and Dior and make-up sets from No 17, Maybelline and Benefit, Boots, Superdrug and The Perfume Shop are the places to go. While the Philips Series 9000 Prestige Beard Trimmer, leather wash bags, and skincare gift sets can also be found in Boots and Superdrug and are this year’s grooming essentials. 

Holland & Barrett also have a range of special gift sets from CBD to self-care and sustainable heroes featuring calming tea bags, vegan snacks and naturally soothing beauty.

Gifts for children

With Smyths Toys, Hobbycraft and TK Maxx filled with great ideas for children’s presents, Christmas shopping for little ones is made easy at Fort Kinnaird. 

This year’s most wanted gifts include V-Tech designs, Gabby’s Purrfect Dollhouse, Jurassic World Real FX Baby Blue, Little Live Pets Mama Surprise, Sylvanian Families, Squishmallows, Funko dolls and a big soft Bluey. 

Or if you’re looking for gift ideas for new parent and babies, Mamas & Papas has everything you need from Jellycat toys to soft, comforting clothes, blankets and accessories.

Foodie gifts 

This season’s must-buy recipe and food writing books, including Jamie Oliver’s One, Stanley Tucci’s Taste and Nadiya’s Everyday Baking are all available at Waterstones.

Fort Kinnaird is also a great place to find other special gifts for foodie lovers including chocolate boxes and panettone from Marks & Spencer, barista-grade hot chocolate and Velvetiser from Hotel Chocolat and the latest kitchen gadgets from ProCook.   

Locally made gifts

Fort Kinnaird is home to independent stores including Born in Scotland which specialises in Scottish cards, gifts and crafts – perfect for Christmas. For sustainable and thoughtful gifts, The Leith Collective has beautiful clothes, homewares and gifts recycled, remade and repurposed by local crafts people.

Fort Kinnaird is open 9am – 9pm on weekdays and 9am – 6pm on Saturdays and Sundays. For more information about planning a trip to Fort Kinnaird, please visit www.fortkinnaird.com. 

Edinburgh Castle gives the green light this Christmas in support of the NSPCC

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Ice Rink and Camera Obscura and World of Illusions illuminated green on the longest night of the year on Wednesday, December 21, in support of the child protection charity, the NSPCC and its Childline counselling service.

On the same night, people dusted off their walking boots and took part in the charity’s 5k fundraiser in the city. The NSPCC invited families, friends and colleagues to get together for the sponsored walk to raise money to support it and its Childline service this Christmas.

On average, two children a minute contact Childline. The service’s counsellors receive calls about many concerns and issues, including abuse, neglect, self-harm, and anxiety.

Caroline Renton, Supporter Fundraising Manager for NSPCC Scotland, said: “We’re extremely grateful for the support given by Edinburgh Castle and Camera Obscura in helping raise awareness of the NSPCC and its Childline service. It was fantastic to see them illuminated green on Wednesday evening.

“And thank you to all those who joined in and raised money for our Walk for Children. Every pound raised will make a difference and help Childline to be there for children, this Christmas and beyond.”

For anyone that took part in Walk for Children in Edinburgh, please remember to share any photos on social media using #WalkforChildren.