Day: March 6, 2023

Transformation of Leith continues: public views sought on Ocean Point

Property developer S Harrison Developments is giving the public the chance to view updated proposals for residential-led development at Ocean Point 2 in Leith, adding to the ongoing transformation of the Waterfront and delivering further vibrancy to the area.

Neighbouring Ocean Point 1, whose occupiers include VisitScotland, the brownfield site will aim to comprise a mix of homes, a high proportion of which will be for families, alongside other potential uses including purpose-built student accommodation, delivering a truly mixed community.

Along with commercial uses/co-working and amenity space, landscaping and infrastructure, these will occupy two buildings on the site.

Following an initial public exhibition which took place in December, a second exhibition of updated proposals will take place TOMORROW – Tuesday 7 March – between 2pm and 7pm at Ocean Terminal.

In addition to delivering new homes, student accommodation is also being explored with students delivering significant spending power locally and bringing a future skilled workforce to an area which has witnessed little purpose-built student accommodation.

Edinburgh is a university city, and the number of students in higher education has risen by almost a third since the start of the century, with purpose-built student accommodation having the potential to free-up much needed family homes currently occupied by students locally.

Located in Leith, voted in October 2021 by Time Out as one of the “world’s coolest neighbourhoods” and by the Sunday Times as the best place to live in Britain, the proposed development will bring increased vibrancy to the area.

Conveniently situated just two miles from Edinburgh city centre, it is likely to be attractive to those  seeking to live, work and study in the area, taking advantage of local shops, bars, restaurants and cafés.

The development neighbours Ocean Terminal, which is set to undergo a £100 million transformation, delivering a mixed-use development comprising residential, commercial, retail and hospitality.

In addition, Forth Ports, which has been named as a Green Freeport and at the centre of a new supply chain for Scotland’s renewable industry, is seeming to deliver an exciting mixed-use development, including residential, a hotel, local retail, flexible workspaces and offices and leisure facilities.

The extension of the tram line between Edinburgh and Ocean Terminal, anticipated to commence running in June, will also provide connectivity between the development and Edinburgh city centre within 20 minutes.

Further information will also be posted on the website at: www.oceanpoint2.com

Harrison has a long pedigree of working in the city, ranging from delivering the Malmaison at St Andrew Square to student developments at Westfield and Gorgie and hotel development at Osborne House, Haymarket.

A spokesperson for Harrison Developments commented: “Our proposed development, if approved, will bring much-needed homes and other uses to an area which is undergoing a rapid transformation, delivering a truly mixed community.

“Regenerating a current brownfield site, we look forward to continue to engage with the local community following our first exhibition last year and providing it with the opportunity to input their views and further shape our ambitious proposals.”

A Winner Two Course Dinner: Morrisons introduces £8.99 two-course set menu in all it’s Cafes

  • Customers can grab a main, hot dessert and drink for just £8.99
  • Kids Eat Free offer can be claimed alongside new deal
  • Available in all cafes now until April 2nd

Morrisons has launched a new two-course set menu in all its cafés allowing customers to get a main, hot dessert and drink for just £8.99.

Favourite dishes such as fish & chips, lasagne and a roast dinner with all the trimmings can be enjoyed alongside a drink and topped off with a Bramley apple crumble or a sticky toffee pudding – all for under a tenner.

The £8.99 two-course deal is available in every Morrisons café nationwide from today until April 2.  It comes after customers praised the value of the set menu at Christmas and asked if a similar deal could be introduced outside the festive season.

What’s more, the popular Kids Eat Free offer which allows customers to get a free kids meal with every adult meal costing £4.49 or more, can be claimed alongside the new £8.99 deal. Making Morrisons café the perfect spot to enjoy a delicious meal as a family at great value.

Kids can choose from the all-day breakfast menu as well as the main menu which includes favourites such as fish fingers & chips or chicken nuggets, chips & peas.  All items from the children’s menu are served with a piece of fruit and a drink.

Morrisons is committed to providing good quality food at affordable prices in its cafés and this deal follows last week’s two for £10 breakfast offer as well as the permanent price cuts that were made to the café menu at the end of last year. 

Morrisons is also continuing to reduce prices across its stores and has cut 1,000s of products this year alone.  

Chris Strong, Morrisons Café buyer, says: “Our customers told us how much they appreciated the great value of our set menu at Christmas and asked us if we could bring it back at other times of the year. 

“We’re pleased to be doing just that and offering a great value two course meal for just £8.99 – plus a drink!  As it can be used alongside our Kids Eat Free offer it means the whole family can benefit.”

The £8.99 meal is now available in all Morrisons cafés nationwide and to find your local café, visit: https://my.morrisons.com/storefinder/.

First Minister kicks off Scottish Apprenticeship Week

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon officially opened a new training college in Glasgow today to mark the beginning of Scottish Apprenticeship Week.

City Building’s new state-of-the-art training college in Springburn will house up to 250 apprentices across a range of disciplines, providing hands-on training opportunities in plumbing, furniture making, decorating and joinery.

The building’s solar panels will power the entire building with air-source heat pumps providing low-cost, environmentally-friendly heat.

Touring the facility, the First Minister met young people who shared their positive experiences of their apprenticeships and heard of the work being carried out through the college, which was constructed entirely by staff and apprentices.

The First Minister said: “People from all backgrounds and abilities can use apprenticeships to gain skills that will support them not only in work, but throughout their life. At the end of last year, there were almost 40,000 Modern Apprentices training in Scotland.

“The Scottish Government recognises the role apprenticeships play in unlocking potential for the benefit of Scotland’s economy. Growing our workforce is crucial, which is why we must continue our work to increase opportunities for young people by providing them with quality work-based training.

“Apprenticeships also support economic renewal and key priorities, including our Net Zero ambitions. A skilled workforce is vital to our economic growth and we want as many businesses as possible to benefit – I would encourage all employers to find out more about the opportunities available to them.”

Chair of Skills Development Scotland, Frank Mitchell, said: “Designed by industry, for industry, apprenticeships not only help the economy but also create sustainable jobs across all parts of Scotland.

“These opportunities have been taken by individuals from across society, including many young people traditionally with restricted opportunities to progress who have gone onto flourish in the workplace.

“These are real jobs backed by employers who contribute £10 for every £1 spent by government, and at the same time apprentices contribute by paying their taxes.

“Creating a diverse and inclusive workforce through work-based learning is benefiting employers as apprentices enable them to adapt and sustain their business.”

Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2023 runs from Monday 6 March to Friday 10 March.

The Heart of Newhaven Community

Welcome to your March Newsletter

There’s such a lot going on!

We have news of several events and a couple of requests.

Vote for us, join us in a community consultation and hear what is happening at the Heart.

First of all, please vote for us.

Edinburgh Community Climate Fund – Vote for the Heart

HONC has applied for funding from Edinburgh Community Climate Fund. Over 50 projects have been submitted and those with the most votes will be awarded grants until the fund of £100,000 is exhausted.

Voting is open to all Edinburgh residents over the age of eight, until 12th March.

The Heart’s proposal is the development of a teaching kitchen which will complement the partnership work we are already doing with Homestart in the development of a community garden within the curtilage of The Heart, and with Mwamba in our ‘pots of herbs’ project.

Other organisations and groups keen to work with us in developing and using the facility include Edinburgh Community Food, Leith Pantry and the Ukrainian community. We also have close links to Friends of Victoria Park and Victoria Allotments who would provide a seasonal input of fruit and vegetables to the kitchen for community use.

Please vote for the Heart.

Vote below or head to Leith Library (or any other Edinburgh Library) and they are ready to help.

VOTE HERE

Newhaven Community Consultation

Are you interested in local history and heritage? If so, we would encourage you to join Museums & Galleries Edinburgh (MGE) for a discussion of how they can best support heritage within the Newhaven community. The views of individuals and groups, old friends and new perspectives will all be welcomed. The event will be led by Diana Morton, Outreach and Access Manager at MGE.

The last community consultation took place in 2010 and in the intervening years, the Wee Museum at Victoria Primary School formed a focus for MGE’s support of local heritage. However the school community has moved to its new premises, some pillars of the community have passed away, new communities have moved to the area and new groups have been formed.

The consultation is to develop a coherent way forward for MGE to find a solution that meets the needs of the different communities and organisations in the area.

Please come along to find out more or contact Diana Morton, Outreach & Access Manager at diana.morton@edinburgh.gov.uk

The event will take place on 23 March, 6 -7.30pm at the new Victoria Primary School 1 Windrush Drive, Edinburgh EH6 4TN

New event at the Heart

Newhaven resident Gino’s bee journey began in 2014 when he took a beginner beekeeping course and got his first colony of honey bees to care for. He now holds a Beemaster qualification in practical beekeeping, is actively involved with the Scottish Beekeeping Community, keeps bees in Edinburgh, East & West Lothian, and is the recipient of several honey awards.

His three-part Thursday evening course will be a summary of all the important things you need to know about bees, beekeeping, products of the hive, plants, the environment etc… 

It is aimed at people with no knowledge or experience, ideal for gardeners or people looking to learn something new or get into beekeeping. Gino’s very keen to persuade people away from thinking of honey as a cheap sweetener and to realise the rare and unique product that it is that captures the landscape in a jar.

Contact Gino at  gino@simplyhoney.co

Second Coorie-In

We organised an evening event on February 23rd to welcome people into The Heart and give them the opportunity to connect with each other, to meet the people (artists and organisations) who are based in the building and to try their hand at creative activities.  Teas and coffees were on offer and Mwamba provided ethnically diverse hot food which proved very popular.

The evening included a performance by the local Community Choir, taster sessions of Tai Chi and Qi Gong, felting and notebook making, visits to the pottery and violin workshops, as well as the Victorian Schoolroom and Victorian Homelife display. There was even a chance of a free massage and advice from Age Scotland and Ace-It.

Over 100 people attended, not counting the many volunteers helping in various ways, meaning that the demonstrators and tenants found themselves very busy all evening. Visitors loved the “friendly community feel” as well as “visiting each organisation and making connections.”

Here are just a few of the feedback comments we received:

“Watching book binding, seeing the Victorian school and meeting the Heart of Newhaven team!”

“Loved to see the print studio and the pottery.”

“The variety of events available.”

“Ceramics – so lovely and interesting! Ink on Mesh, violin repair specialist, felting, Victorian school. Was really great seeing all. Amazing evening!”

“We loved everything from the Victorian Schoolroom, to the Art, the lovely spaces and friendly members. Food was great.”

“EVERYTHING, BRAVO! Wonderful combination of art, craft, music, history and community initiatives. Also a very welcoming space.”

HONC’s Board is looking for a volunteer with secretarial skills to take on minute-taking for board meetings, etc.

There are also still opportunities to volunteer in various capacities, as well as a couple of places on the Board to fill, in particular for those with legal, financial, marketing or HR experience.

Please check the website for further details or contact admin@heartofnewhaven.co.uk

Finally, welcome to the Leith Folk Club, (LFC) which held the first of its revitalised events at the Heart last month.

To kick things off in their new guise and in a new venue, they held a fundraiser in the old gym hall with music and merry-making for what turned out to be a packed audience. 

A spokesperson for LFC said “The money raised will enable us to recover from the last three years and will be used to get us back to doing what we do best – presenting regular gigs featuring the best Scottish and international folk and world music in the Heart of Newhaven, just down the road from our previous venue.

“None of the musicians got paid for their services and the venue was staffed by LFC committee and HoN volunteers. The night was an unqualified success and a collaborative effort, with the door-take shared equally between both organisations.”

To keep up to date with all that is happening go to Heart of Newhaven and hopefully we will see you at the Heart soon. 

Pet owners are invited to come and ‘Weigh Up’ their pets

American Bulldog Roscoe has managed to shed over 23kg so far!

With success stories like Roscoe’s, a 13-year-old American Bulldog who came into PDSA’s care weighing a whopping 75kg – PDSA are inviting pet owners across Scotland to join in and visit a participating vet practice to get their pet weighed for FREE!

With one month left to go, PDSA and Royal Canin are calling on pet owners across Scotland to take advantage of a free weight check for their four-legged friend by signing up to the new ‘Big Weigh In’ initiative.

The new PDSA Big Weigh In initiative is taking place throughout February and March 2023 and is now in its final month countdown to join in! The campaign is in conjunction with veterinary practices across the UK to help the pet population shed some pounds.

A weight loss success story is Roscoe, a 13-year-old American Bulldog who initially came into PDSA’s care weighing a whopping 75kg and after a tremendous effort from his owner, Craig, Roscoe has managed to shed over 23kg and he is very nearly at his ideal weight!

The excess weight was affecting Roscoe’s daily life through his breathing and energy levels, so losing the weight was vital for his health and happiness.

Craig said: “From struggling to walk him around the local green to seeing him run around with dogs in the park, I’m so pleased we got expert advice to kick-start his weight loss journey. Roscoe has such a big personality, he’s cheeky, loving, and is very intelligent, but when he was overweight he wasn’t the same dog.

“Thankfully, he’s back to his old, happy self and I can’t thank PDSA enough for giving us the support we needed to get Roscoe to where he is today. And I’m so pleased we’ve been able to keep the weight off, although Roscoe does get a little confused still when we don’t give him any leftovers from a Sunday roast.”

The main aim for PDSA Big Weigh In is to help other pets like Roscoe live a better and hopefully longer life, by maintaining a healthy weight.

For dog and cat owners in Scotland; you are able to find which vet practices across the UK are taking part and inviting pets to come in and get weighed on the veterinary practice map.  

In 2022, the charity’s annual PAW (PDSA Animal Wellbeing) Report revealed 60% of owners regularly give their pet human food in some form, such as leftovers (26%), cheese (22%) and bread or toast (10%).

Human food is often high in fats and sugar, and can contribute to obesity and weight problems as well as potentially leading to an unbalanced diet for our pets. As per PDSA calculations, feeding a dog a slice of toast with butter, is the equivalent of a human eating two portions of fries.

Similarly, feeding a cat three small cubes of cheese, is the equivalent of a human eating two quarter pounders!

2023 WeighUp Infographics Dog Toast Chips 72dpi
2023 WeighUp Infographics Cat Cheese Burgers 300dpi

PDSA Veterinary Surgeon, Lynne James said: “Our Weigh Up campaign was popular amongst pet owners who were keen to understand more about their pet’s weight, in order to keep them fit and healthy.

“Now we are taking the next step and launching PDSA Big Weigh In – where we are inviting owners to join in and visit a participating practice for a free weight check.

“We have also launched the PDSA #WeighUp Pet Weight Loss Support Group, for fellow pet owners to join, share their progress and access exclusive tips and content, including weekly Q&A’s with PDSA vets and vet nurses, all to help each pet owner with their pet’s weight loss journey.”

If you would like to find out more before visiting your local participating practice, please visit PDSA’s website.

Uptick in Scottish business confidence

Bank of Scotland Business Barometer

  • Business confidence in Scotland rose four points during February to 14%
  • Scottish businesses identified their top target areas for growth in the next six months as hiring new employees (43%), introducing new technology (31%) and evolving their offer (30%)
  • Overall, UK business confidence remained positive in February at 21% and 31% of firms reported feeling positive about their own trading prospects for the year ahead

Business confidence in Scotland rose four points during February to 14%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Bank of Scotland Commercial Banking.

Companies in Scotland reported lower confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, down one point at 7%.  When taken alongside their optimism in the economy, up eight points to 20%, this gives a headline confidence reading of 14%. 

Scottish businesses identified their top target areas for growth in the next six months as investing in their team (43%), introducing new technology (31%) and evolving their offer (30%).

The Business Barometer, which surveys 1,200 businesses monthly, provides early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide.

A net balance of 1% of businesses in the region expect to reduce staff levels over the next year, down 15 points from January when a net balance of 14% of businesses planned to create new jobs.

Overall UK business confidence decreased by just one point to 21% in February. Firms remained positive about their own trading prospects with a net balance of 31% expecting business activity to increase in the coming 12 months.

Firms also reported plans to create new jobs with 20% of businesses intending to make new hires over the next 12 months – up three points from January.

All UK regions and nations reported a positive confidence reading in February, with six areas reporting a month-on-month increase in confidence. Of those, the West Midlands (up 30 points to 48%) and Yorkshire and Humber (up 22 points to 34%) saw the largest monthly increases.

Chris Lawrie, area director for Scotland at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “After a dip in confidence in January, it is good to see that businesses are once again feeling optimistic about their own trading prospects and the wider economy.

“However, rising costs, supply chain challenges and skills shortages are still affecting several key sectors across the country. As firms grapple with these challenges it’s easy for attention to pull away from seizing opportunities for growth.

“Firms that keep a close eye on cash flow and manage their working capital will be best placed to take on any unforeseen challenges and go after prospects in the months ahead.”

Retail confidence bounced back, rising for the first time in three months to 21% (up 14 points), led by improvements in both trading prospects and economic optimism. However, business confidence fell in construction (down eight points to 19%) and services (down five points to 20%) although this remains higher than in the latter part of 2022.

Scotland only: Paul Gordon, Managing Director for SME and Mid Corporates, Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said:  “While overall confidence has dipped slightly, it’s encouraging to see businesses backing their own trading prospects. This may well be down to the easing of cost pressures as we see the prices of commodities such as oil and energy coming down. At the same time, with pay expectations easing, this may be giving businesses the boost they need to weather the rest of the year.”

“As we move further into 2023, focusing on growth and investment should be key for businesses across the sectors, while ensuring that margins and cash flow are also prioritised.”

Hann-Ju Ho, senior economist for Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “Business confidence has lost a little momentum this month, following the strong gains seen recently. Firms are feeling more cautious about the wider economy. However, confidence in their own trading prospects continues to strengthen, helped by tentative signs that wage and other cost pressures may be reducing.

“While inflation appears to be tapering, pressures on consumers will need to ease further to help make it a more stable environment for businesses to operate.”

Interim report identifies inclusive diploma model for future of qualifications

A new Scottish Diploma of Achievement is being suggested as the centre piece of future qualifications.

The new model put forward by the Independent Review of Qualifications and Assessment led by Professor Louise Hayward, has been designed to recognise a wider spectrum of learners’ achievements, not just those traditionally measured by exams.  

Schools, colleges, universities, employers, parents, and young people from across the country have all contributed to help shape the proposed model for the diploma during an extensive consultation process.

Education expert Professor Hayward, who was asked by the Scottish Government to look at the future of qualifications and assessment, has now published an interim report outlining a possible new approach to be considered further with stakeholders.

Further views will now be taken from schools and colleges to refine this model, before a final report is submitted in May for consideration by Ministers.

Professor Hayward said: “We want the recommendations that come from our work to improve outcomes for all learners.

“By taking a broader and more inclusive approach I believe our proposed model will help create a fairer, more prosperous future society in Scotland.”

The draft model for the Scottish Diploma of Achievement is made up of three key areas:

  • Subject studies – where learners progress knowledge in line with specific curricular areas and individual subjects
  • Learning in context – project-based learning which recognises the importance of equipping learners with skills for the future
  • Personal pathway – the opportunity for learners to evidence their contributions to society and career aspirations

Professor Hayward said: “The design of the diploma, which will be refined after further consultation, represents an opportunity to ensure all learners’ achievements are recognised.

“We need a qualification system that will support all learners as they transition into whatever they choose to do in the next stage of their lives, in college, employment, university or the voluntary sector. 

“This approach would lead to a better balance between external assessment, including examinations, and other ways of gathering evidence across the senior phase.

“A better and more clearly defined integration of academic and vocational qualifications will be at the heart of the proposed diploma.

“There would be a broadening of the evidence collected during the senior phase to include skills and other competencies.

“Learners want to have opportunities to demonstrate more of what they can achieve.

Colleges, employers, and universities are also clear about the important role skills and competences play in future success.”

The model is designed to represent a future direction of travel and details of the model are intentionally left open for further consultation ahead of the final report.

Professor Hayward explains “The purpose at this stage in the Review is to seek views on whether this direction of travel aligns with the vision and principles we have developed and ultimately would provide a better evidence base for learners in Scotland to support their transition into the next phase of their lives.”

External exams will remain part of any new system.

Professor Hayward invited individuals from a range of backgrounds and experiences, including teachers and learners, to join the Independent Review Group (IRG) who helped shape the diploma model.

Oban High Executive Head Teacher and member of the IRG, Peter Bain said: “Scotland has a rich history of providing an outstanding breadth of curriculum, one that is generally recognised through the acquisition of many individual subject awards.

“However, Curriculum for Excellence has allowed us to reshape our understanding of what our learners really need, and what they can achieve in their journey through learning, life and work.

“A Scottish Diploma of Achievement would more fully encapsulate all of which we value: academic and vocational attainment; inter-disciplinary learning; and in acknowledging the wealth of wider achievements across our educational settings and wider communities.”

The Independent Review Group’s final report and recommendations will be submitted to the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills Shirley-Anne Somerville, who will respond in due course.

You can read the full interim report here: Independent Review of Qualifications & Assessment in Scotland: Interim Report – gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

Scotland risks becoming the UK tourism industry’s ‘capital of cruelty’, campaigners warn

Scottish Government urged to U-turn and support UK-wide legislation to end the exploitation of animals abroad

The Scottish Government is being urged to support legislation at Westminster which would help end the abuse of wild animals across the world exploited to entertain British holidaymakers. 

The Animals (Low-Welfare Activities Abroad) Bill, which recently had an unopposed second reading in the Commons, would help end many endangered species including elephants, tigers, monkeys and dolphins being cruelly exploited as part of the tourism trade. 

Elephant calves are deprived of food, water and sleep and then subjected to torture and beatings to force them to submit to giving rides to tourists and performing tricks. The Bill proposes a ban in the UK of the advertising and sale of practices abroad where animals are exploited, harmed and killed for financial gain. 

The Bill requires legislative consent from the Scottish Parliament, but the Scottish Government is refusing to support the Bill on the grounds it has not been given enough time to consider the draft law. 

Unless the Scottish Government changes its approach, and supports the legislation, then either it will proceed through the parliamentary process but exclude cruel holidays advertised and sold from Scotland, or the entire Bill risks being withdrawn.

Chief Executive of the charity, Save the Asian Elephants, Duncan McNair said: “Of course we understand there is political complexity between Scotland and Westminster but it would be a tragedy if Scotland jeopardised the entire future of the Bill by withholding support and also failed to legislate north of the border. At present no commitment has been made for either of these. 

“There are well over 1,000 UK firms promoting these abhorrent activities abroad, including those based in Scotland, such as Scotland’s largest independent travel agency, Barrhead Travel. If the Scottish Government, despite its strong track record on animal welfare, doesn’t legislate alongside Westminster it risks becoming the UK’s capital for cruelty, as tourists will simply book from here instead.” 

In 2016 a Scottish holiday maker was killed after being thrown from an elephant during a trek in Thailand. The elephant was reportedly stabbed by its handler after it failed to respond to commands before rearing up and throwing off and crushing 36-year-old Gareth Crowe. 

Prior to that in 2000 Helen Costigan’s sister Andrea Taylor was killed in a violent attack by a traumatised elephant, also in Thailand. Helen has since spoken of the shocking scenes which led to her sister’s death, yet still today 120 UK companies advertise this cruel and dangerous tourist attraction. 

Helen Costigan supports the new legislation and says: “New law is long overdue to regulate an often greedy and heartless tourism industry, placing profits far above any concerns for animal welfare or human safety.

“I plead with Scotland’s government to support these measures in memory of Gareth Crowe and my own dear sister Andrea, taken from us so horrifically aged just 20.”

Duncan McNair added: “This Bill is a significant, long awaited and well-supported piece of legislation which is not only an important step towards protecting numerous animals from hideous cruelty, but can also prevent needless deaths such as Gareth’s and Andrea’s, both killed by animals driven to insanity by the cruelty they’d been subjected to.” 

An Electoral Calculus poll carried out last year shows overwhelming support across every single UK Parliamentary constituency, including throughout Scotland, for such a  new law.  Of those polled, 85%  support a new law to ban advertising venues abroad where this type of cruelty occurs. Only 2% are opposed. 

The Bill will go to Committee stage in the House of Commons on 8th March.