Month: January 2023

Tynecastle development given green light despite local opposition

A Scottish Government Reporter has granted planning permission for a planning application by S1 Developments for an ‘exciting new student residential development’ at Edinburgh’s former Tynecastle High School site.

In addition to 468 bedspaces, the original school hall will be repurposed as a central amenity hub, sitting within a collegiate-style courtyard space and providing high quality shared facilities for student residents.

Landscaping proposals increase green space across the site by more than 40 per cent, helping to increase biodiversity within the local area.

The development has been designed to be highly sustainable with zero parking, 100 per cent cycle parking, the employment of low carbon technologies and no use of fossil fuels.

In his report, the Reporter noted that the “development of the site for mainstream housing would be constrained by the presence of the listed buildings”, making student development a more viable option.

In addition, he identified the site which is dominated by the football ground and North British Distillery, as being more suitable for students “who would only spend part of their year in residence” and then only for the length of their University or college courses.

The Reporter also noted the proximity of universities and colleges to the site and that the student population in the local area, including the proposed development would be approximately 24% and therefore not lead to an overly concentrated student population in the area.

He notes that this figure is well below the 50% given to demonstrated excessive concentration of students and in his view would not lead to an “imbalanced community”.

Developers S1 Developments say this high-quality student development will regenerate a site that has lain vacant for over a decade and fallen into a state of disrepair.

The careful restoration of the original Category B-listed school building, designed by John Alexander Carfrae, forms an integral part of the proposals. The development will far exceed amenity standards for similar student developments and has sustainability at its heart.

Council guidance points to the benefits of purpose-built student accommodation in freeing up traditional housing stock for families with children and it has been estimated that a development such as this could release up to 180 properties back into the housing market. Local businesses will also benefit through increased spending from student residents. 

Charity People Know How will act as preferred operators for community facilities on the site. This which already works with Tynecastle High School, will operate a community facility within the building.

People Know How will operate a community facility, with the option for other local community groups to use space. The charity supports children, young people and their families in Edinburgh transition from primary to high school; helps individuals access the digital world and assists communities to shape their areas through community consultation and empowerment.

A large number of students volunteer to work with the charity, and this enables a positive relationship with students in the building to be established. Not only does this support the charity in its work, but also benefits the volunteers and engages them in the local area.

Dan Teague, Director at S1 Developments, said: “We’re delighted to have received planning permission for this exciting development.

 “The original school building has fallen into a sorry state since it ceased being a school over a decade ago. Whilst the redevelopment is challenging, our proposed use brings with it an opportunity to save and renovate the original school building and continue its educational use, benefitting the local community.

“The Reporter also noted that this was a site more suitable for student housing than mainstream housing due to the constraints of the football stadium and North British Distillery.

“We look forward to working constructively with the community in delivering this development.”

National Lottery funding provides dignified support to Scots facing cost of living pressures

COMMUNITY ANCHOR AWARDS TO EIGHT EDINBURGH PROJECTS

Community led groups across Scotland are today sharing in over £1.5 million of National Lottery funding to distribute to individuals most vulnerable to the cost-of-living pressures.

The latest round of funding from The National Lottery Community Fund to 73 groups means that well targeted support from food or fuel provision and access to warm clothing or electric blankets can be distributed immediately in response to the challenges that people are currently facing on a day-to-day basis. 

Eight Edinburgh projects received grants. There’s £28,600 for Edinburgh Commmunity Food, who will work to support their community who have been particularly affected by the cost- of- living crisis.

Bridgend Farmhouse will support their local community by running warm spaces sessions, setting up a crisis fund and piloting some affordable eating sessions in schools – they receive £19,580.

Edinburgh Community Health Forum applied for Community Anchor funding on behalf of its eight member organisations so that they can support people and families most affected by the cost-of-living crisis.

They receive £26,491 which will be used to provide support including food and food vouchers, community meals, cooking sessions, access to warm spaces and warm clothing.

Restalrig’s The Ripple Project was awarded £25,232.

This group will support people most in need due the cost-of-living crisis by providing food, heating, warm clothing and blankets, laundry, cheaper cooking options and transport.

There’s funding, too, for Old Town Development Trust, Home-Start Edinburgh, Lister Housing Co-operative and Prospect Community Housing.

Elsewhere in Scotland, an award of £23,500, Annexe Communities will provide emergency provisions to local people and households in Partick.

As well as distributing food vouchers, clothing vouchers and energy top ups the group will be able to run a soup social and provide soup packs with all the relevant ingredients needed for people to make their favourite soups at home.

The money means that the Annexe can continue this work which began during the COVID-19 pandemic helping many more people like 41-year-old Kelly Young from Partick.  Kelly is mother to four children and was referred to the Annexe when she lost her job in December 2021.

Struggling to keep up with rent payments and put food on the table, Kelly lost two stone in six weeks because she wanted to make sure that her children ate first. 

Over the last year Annexe Communities have been there for Kelly providing advice, food parcels and fuel vouchers. Kelly said: “I now have a job as a cleaner and am working hard to support my family as best I can. I have always been a believer in being able to help yourself but when you are in such a deep hole it’s impossible.

“It took a lot for me to swallow my pride and admit that I needed help for me and my family but the truth of it is that I am out working and I still can’t manage.  Pay day becomes pay away day and I am constantly living on my overdraft – it’s a never-ending cycle. 

“That’s why places like the Annexe are so important right now, they keep contact with me and it’s good to know that people are there for me and that it’s a safe place for me to come and not sit in my house stressed and isolated.”

Jane Cowie, Development Worker, Annexe Communities, said: “This funding means we can support struggling local families and people over the next few months so they can eat and are able to heat their homes.

“We have joined forces with other local organisations and are using our collective knowledge to work together and to reach and to help as many people in need. The money means we get the relevant support to people who need it now.”

Announcing the funding, Kate Still, Scotland Chair, The National Lottery Community Fund said: “This latest round of funding is just one of the ways our National Lottery funding is being distributed to organisations who will directly support people and communities facing very difficult circumstances.

“Local charities and community groups are fully aware what’s going on right now in their local areas and are therefore best placed to deliver this support quickly so there’s no delay with providing people with the help they so desperately need.

“It’s all thanks to National Lottery players that they can continue this vital work.”

The National Lottery Community Fund distributes funding on behalf of National Lottery players who raise more than £30 million each week for good causes throughout the UK. 

Full list of projects:

Community-Anchor-Awards January 2023.pdf

More than 600,000 self-employed to miss self-assessment deadline?

Handelsbanken Wealth & Asset Management research shows self-employment is changing

More than 600,000 self-employed people think they will miss the January 31st deadline for completing self-assessment tax returns and paying any money owed, new research* from Handelsbanken Wealth & Asset Management shows.

Data** from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) shows that a week before the deadline (January 24th), around 3.4 million had still to file returns for the 2021/22 tax year and it is expecting 12 million returns in total compared with 10.8 million for the 2020/21 tax year.

Handelsbanken Wealth & Asset Management’s research found young men aged 18-34 are most likely to believe they will miss the deadline, with 13% of them fearing they won’t respond in time.

The study highlights how the rising number of self-assessment returns reflects changes in the way people are employed. It found half (50%) of working adults say they are a PAYE employee with no additional income while, more than a quarter (28%) are retired, meaning that nearly a third (29%) – 9.4 million people –are self-employed in some capacity. Many will have PAYE jobs and self-employment income on the side, while some will be entirely self-employed.

Men (25%) are more likely than women (16%) to have an income stream from self-employment, while younger adults aged between 18 and 34 are much more likely to be self-employed at 40%, compared with older age groups. Just 20% of those aged 35 to 54 are self-employed to some extent, and only 10% of those aged 55-plus have additional self-employed income.

The West Midlands is the UK’s ‘capital of the side hustle’, with 21% of workers saying they are PAYE with additional self-employed income compared to 10% for the UK as a whole.

Overall, the West Midlands has the highest number of people who make money through self-employment, with 33% of adults needing to fill in a self-assessment tax return, ahead of London (32%) and the South West (28%).

The rise of the side hustle is partly down to the cost-of-living crisis, but is also being driven by people deciding to follow their passion alongside their PAYE employment.

More than a third (35%) said they became self-employed to do something they are passionate about, while around a quarter (24%) did it to supplement the income they receive from their main job, due to the pandemic and cost-of-living crisis. Job satisfaction is more important to younger people, with 24% of those 18-34 saying they became self-employed because they were not enjoying their job, dropping to 21% for 35–54 and just 10% for the over 55s.

Mark Collins, Head of Tax at Handelsbanken Wealth & Asset Management said: “While tax doesn’t have to be taxing, as the old HMRC adverts say, filling in self-assessment forms becomes a little more complicated when people have a range of income streams from different sources.

“There is plenty of help available from HMRC however there is the possibility of a £100 fine for being late with further penalties kicking in after three months. This highlights the importance of seeking advice, being organised and keeping a close eye on your tax records, including business income and outgoings, throughout the year.”

Anyone struggling to complete forms can visit GOV.UK to access a wide range of resources including guidance, webinars and YouTube videos.

Edinburgh-based Trevor Jones new artwork: EthBoy takes over Oxford Street in London for a day

The latest chapter in a unique programmable art project by NFT leading artist, Scottish-based Trevor Jones is due to drop tomorrow. (January 31, 2023) 

Already a pioneer of NFTs in the art world, he initially painted Ethereum Boy, a play on Picasso’s Paul Dressed as Harlequin the image, as part of an exploration of crypto cubism in tribute to Picasso’s creative genius. 

Trevor then partnered with crypto artist Alotta Money and digital artist, producer and DJ Don Diablo to create the precedent-setting ETHEREAL Collection for a programmable Async Art project. This was the first drop to be included in a ten-part series with the concept that the painting changes daily in response to uncontrollable outside variables such as Ethereum price fluctuations, gas fees and even the birthday of Vitalik Buterin, founder of the Ethereum network whose baby face features in the painting. 

The experiment, with the programmable accessories layer, follows Vitalik as he experiences life’s highs and lows with each new chapter released as an NFT every six months over five years, meaning each animation consists of approximately 182 days of changes.

Tomorrow sees the launch of the fourth chapter of the initiative, featuring guest musical artist, world-renowned DJ Sasha. 

And, to mark the partnership and Vitalik’s birthday, EthBoy will today take over the prestigious space in the windows at luxury store Flannels, 167 Oxford St, London, for this unique collaboration between art and music to be enjoyed from this famous location for a one-day exclusive. 

DJ Sasha comments:“ Trevor was one of the first artists that I noticed and was inspired by when I first became aware of NFTs.  

“After dipping my toe into the space with the LUZoSCURA and most recently the TEN drop, the chance to collaborate with Trevor came up – and of course, I jumped at it. I love the story that ETH Boy tells – continually documenting the events happening in this brave new digital art world. I wanted the audio accompanying the piece to capture the highs, lows and bittersweet turbulence of ETH Boy’s last 6 months. “ 

The artwork is a 1/1 and collectors of previous Chapters featured in the series will also receive ownership revenue, with portions of the profits allocated to all purchasers, thus symbolizing future stakes in the work of not only Trevor Jones himself, but all collectors involved. 

The owner of the EthBoy NFT will receive a signed, limited-edition print of the original oil painting. 

Trevor Jones, best known for his iconic Bitcoin Angel, based on his painting of Bernini’s baroque marble sculpture The Ecstasy of St Teresa, says: “In such a fast-paced and volatile space, having the opportunity to take the lead in an innovative, long term project with the late, great Alotta along with many of the biggest name musical artists exploring web3 is an honour and a privilege.  

“Many in the web3 community think in terms of months rather than years and therefore this half-decade-long collaborative project will undoubtedly become a historic work of art and a grail for the 10 collectors/partners involved.” 

Mark Dale, founder of W1 Curates says: “Our digital exhibition space is a one-of-a-kind public art platform dedicated to bridging the gap between digital art and the traditional art world.

“Located in the prime location of Oxford Street, London, our site offers brand new state-of-the-art floor-to-ceiling digital screens, providing a unique interactive experience for the viewer. It’s an honour to bring this unique art and music collaboration to Life. This project is all about connecting people through music and art, and we want to share it with as many people as possible”. 

A fine art graduate and traditional painter, Trevor has worked at the intersection of art and technology for more than a decade and experimented with QR code paintings and augmented reality (AR). When he invested in Bitcoin in 2017 it inspired a new creative direction, leading to his crypto-themed AR paintings and his passion for NFTs in art. 

His Art Angels podcast, on which he features various internationally based digital artists, has also been responsible for hugely boosting the earnings of those he has chosen to promote. 

Healthy Heart Tip: Healthy Hearty Soups

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

Healthy Heart Tip: Healthy Hearty Soups

Soups are great for lunch or dinner, or even as a snack between meals in a mug. When planned properly, soups can be a healthy, balanced meal and be a great way to increase your intake of vegetables. They’re usually a low cost per portion, great to make in bulk and convenient to warm up in a hurry or take out and about in a flask.

We’ve outlined some tips for building a balanced, nutrient-dense soup below:

Base

A great soup starts with a tasty base. Sautéed onions, celery and garlic make a wonderful starter for most soups.

Next select your stock, homemade is best and the most cost effective as you can make it from leftover meat bones and vegetables. Shop-bought stock cubes can be high in added salt and sugar so if you are using these make sure you choose a low-salt and low-sugar variety or leave it out altogether.

You can use herbs and spices to add depth of flavour.

Carbohydrates

White potatoes, sweet potatoes, wholewheat noodles/pasta, and brown rice are all great options for adding to soup.

They provide a healthy source of carbohydrates to give you the energy you need to fuel your body.

Vegetables

All vegetables work well in soups, try choosing ones you wouldn’t usually eat to increase the variety in your diet.

Butternut squash, parsnips, carrots, cauliflower and broccoli are great options.

Protein

Protein is often forgotten in soups, but it is an important nutrient for growth and repair in the body. It also helps us feel fuller for longer which can help us maintain a healthy weight.

Healthy sources of protein include chicken, turkey, fish and low-fat cheeses. Plant based options such as different varieties of lentils and beans are healthful options, and these are a cheap option for bulking up soups.

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/.

Call for nominations to join Hostelling Scotland’s Board of Trustees

Start 2023 with a new and exciting adventure!

Hostelling Scotland, the not for profit, self-funded charity, who operate a network of nearly 60 exceptional quality assured youth and affiliate hostels throughout Scotland, and facilitate a number of youth and community initiatives, is on the lookout for new members to join its Board of Trustees.

The organisation is very keen to receive applications from as wide a range of talented people as possible irrespective of their religion or belief, gender, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, ethnic origin, political belief, relationship status or caring responsibilities.

With the challenging economic climate Hostelling Scotland would love to hear from applicants with skills and experience in managing operational change, charity/corporate governance, law, risk management, and youth travel and hospitality.

Margo Paterson, CEO of Hostelling Scotland, said: “Hostelling Scotland is open to all. We are committed to inclusion and diversity and we want our Board of Trustees to be representative of the wide range of talented people we have in the communities we serve throughout Scotland.

 “We value greatly the benefits of having different points of view and experiences on our Board.  We particularly welcome applications from first time Trustees and highly motivated individuals across all age groups and backgrounds, with a wide range of skills and experiences, and the capacity and commitment to grow into the role.”

“If you are looking for a new and exciting adventure and keen to do something great.  If you believe you have the enthusiasm and drive to help shape the future of hostelling in Scotland, we would love to hear from you.”

To express an interest and receive a nomination pack and application form, please email: companysecretary@hostellingscotland.org.uk. 

Please note: a formal nomination form is required to be completed by 10 March 2023.

Don’t hide behind ‘fine’ – seek out your breathing space

As Breathing Space Day approaches on 1st February 2023 the message for people across Scotland who might be feeling down is one of hope and support.

Scotland’s mental health service, Breathing Space,  is encouraging people to open up when they are feeling down, instead of hiding behind the phrase we all use, ‘I’m fine’.

Opening up to friends, colleagues, or family is a good place to start but the service’s trained advisers know it’s not for everyone. It recommends finding ways to support one’s own breathing space in ways to suit them which might include a brisk walk, a favourite TV show or podcast, a good book, a feel-good play list or simply some time to sit quietly with their thoughts and feelings.

Breathing Space benches across the country provide spaces for a quiet moment or a quick chat. Breathing Space unveiled its 50th bench recently in Golspie, Highland, in partnership with Change Mental Health as they marked50 years of supporting people.

Mental Wellbeing Minister Kevin Stewart said: “Looking after our mental health and wellbeing is as important as looking after our physical health. That message is especially relevant now, given the continuing challenges which we all face in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic and cost of living crisis.

“Breathing Space is a free service providing vital out-of-hours support to people across Scotland who are feeling low, stressed, or anxious. I am pleased to highlight the help available and to support Breathing Space Day.

“I would urge anyone who is experiencing low mood, anxiety or distress in their lives to get in touch with Breathing Space or to look at the range of helpful advice on the website.”

Tony McLaren, National Coordinator of Breathing Space, said: “We are all finding our way in uncertain times right now. If you are struggling to find your own breathing space, please don’t hide behind ‘fine’. Our team are here for you and you can lift the phone or contact us on webchat to open up. 

“Our advisors at Breathing Space are available in the evenings and at the weekends on 0800 83 85 87 or through web chat, to listen and offer information and advice.”

Dobbies: Give a gift that will grow

Houseplants are the new bouquets according to a recent survey by Dobbies Garden Centres, in which 24% of Edinburgh residents said they preferred to receive houseplants rather than cut flowers because they last longer.

A further 31% of Brits said they would happily give a houseplant as a gift.

Houseplants are the ultimate sustainable gift, especially for Valentine’s Day, where a long-lasting houseplant acts as a reminder to your loved ones for years to come.

Dobbies’ Edinburgh and little dobbies’ Stockbridge stores have a wide range of cost-effective houseplants are the perfect way to show your appreciation for your partner with a gift that will last. With a multitude of positive effects, houseplants have air-purifying benefits, and can enhance your home, as well as your wellbeing. 

From the green-fingered plant parent to the novice gardener, Dobbies has a houseplant to make everyone feel good. Follow Dobbies’ Senior Houseplant Buyer Claire Bishop’s top tips on ensuring your gift will grow to its fullest potential:

“Houseplants make a beautiful addition to any space with their greenery and colour.

“If you are in search of a romantic but low-maintenance plant, Phalaenopsis will make an impression. These are one of the most popular houseplants, and flowering houseplants are a key trend for 2023. They make a wonderful present for anyone, coming in a range of colours as well as being easy to care for. Place them in bright, centrally heated room (but out of direct summer sun) and watch them bloom!

“Our limited edition Anthurium Clarinervium is ideal if you prefer a tropical look, with its stunning deep green leaves overlain with decorative white. Native to southern Mexico, this rare houseplant loves humidity and would find itself at home in a shower room or steamy kitchen. Ensure its soil is damp but not over-saturated by misting regularly.

“Aglaonema’s stunning variegated leaves and variations of colours lend a pop of colour to any home, guaranteeing your loved one will be thrilled to receive this patterned beauty. This houseplant loves a warm, consistent temperature so keep away from any cold air drafts. In lower light areas, aim to periodically rotate your plant for even growth.”

Visit in store or online at www.dobbies.com to explore Dobbies range of houseplants and Valentine’s gifting ideas, with plenty of styles and sizes to suit every budget and space.

For top tips on caring for houseplants, listen to Claire’s advice on the Positively Plants podcast www.dobbies.com/podcasts

Letter: Edinburgh schools encouraged to take part in NSPCC Number Day this Friday

Dear editor,

Schools across Edinburgh are being encouraged to sign up to NSPCC Number Day to help more children engage with and enjoy maths.

Number Day is aimed at nurseries and schools, with teachers and pupils raising vital funds for the NSPCC.

The event takes place this Friday, February 3, with free curriculum-based downloadable activities available to schools across the country.

The event is being supported by veteran children’s TV presenter and maths enthusiast Johnny Ball.

The funds raised from this event could help fund NSPCC school’s programs like Speak Out Stay Safe, which teaches children in an age-appropriate way to recognise the signs of abuse and speak out if something is worrying them.

If you would like to know more about taking part in the NSPCC’s forthcoming Number Day please visit: www.nspcc.org.uk/support-us/charity-fundraising/schools-fundraising-ideas/number-day/

Our school’s team is also recruiting new Speak Out Stay Safe volunteers in specific areas of Scotland to deliver workshops in primary schools to years five and six.

To find out more about becoming a Speak Out Stay Safe volunteer please email volunteerrecruitment@nspcc.org.uk

Sincerely,

Georgia Hall-Newell,

NSPCC Schools Coordinator for Edinburgh

The Sixth ‘Walk for Autism’ campaign returns this spring

Walk for Autism is returning in 2023 with a spring in its step

Walk for Autism 2023 will be one of the most successful campaigns in its history. The annual fundraising campaign invites participants from up and down the country to walk 10,000 steps per day for eight days wherever they choose. 

The walking week begins on March 26 and ends on World Autism Awareness Day, April 2.

In 2022, the campaign saw over 3,800 walkers step up to the Walk for Autism challenge. Together, they raised £407,448.48 and totalled 211.6 million steps. The money raised from Walk for Autism helps to fund autism projects across the UK and Ireland, along with funding for specialist staff.

Last year’s campaign provided funding for a Health and Wellbeing Lead, who runs wellbeing groups ranging from football sessions, to cycling and hiking. Thanks to these projects, autistic people attending the groups have developed stronger social connections, built self-confidence, and felt the benefits to their mental and physical health. 

Walk for Autism Fundraising Manager, Liz Oakley said: “This campaign is so close to our hearts, as we see how much of an impact it makes every year. It really helps to improve the quality of life of the people we work with, and allows us to create communities for people who need them.

“Taking part is also a brilliant opportunity to spend time outdoors and improve your health and wellbeing. It’s important to us that the challenge is inclusive to all abilities, so whether you opt for short walks each day, walking the dog, or take on longer hikes, the challenge can work around you.

“Walk for Autism also includes steps from everyday activities, such as pottering in the garden or walking upstairs. Every step counts and makes a difference.”

The 2023 campaign has been further boosted by the support of Bridgerton and Emmerdale star Simon Lennon, who will once again be stepping out in support of the Walk for Autism campaign.

Simon said: “I’m delighted to take part in Walk for Autism again this year because it’s really important to get everyone in the UK walking and talking about autism and it’s fun too.

“Many people taking part have a special connection to autism and they are doing their bit to help raise funds for autism projects around the UK and Ireland.”

The team are encouraging walkers to complete their steps by walking and talking with family and friends, at their own pace. Those who sign up and raise their first £20 will be sent a free ‘Walk for Autism’ t-shirt to assist in their fundraising.

Liz added: “Autism affects more than 700,000 people in the UK and Ireland. It’s amazing to see the difference that our walkers make each year, and essential that we continue to help as many people as possible through our fundraising efforts.”

Walk for Autism is a campaign led by Autism Initiatives Group, a national charity committed to improving the lives of autistic adults and children and their families across the UK and Ireland. Founded in the 1970s, the charity recently celebrated its 50th anniversary.

You can now sign up for Walk for Autism at www.walkforautism.co.uk