Month: April 2023

City hotel checks in on climate action

Guests invest in good causes with every stay at Ten Hill Place

GUESTS at a forward-thinking Scottish hotel will have the chance to make a meaningful contribution towards improving the environment, simply by forgoing housekeeping visits mid-stay.

Ten Hill Place Hotel in Edinburgh will contribute towards ecological initiatives every time a guest opts out of room cleaning during a two-or-more night stay.

Contributions made by the hotel, which is owned by the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, when guests abstain from housekeeping will offset half a tonne of CO₂e a night.


The new collaboration with Ecologi has already resulted in 100 tonnes of CO₂e offset through a verified carbon avoidance project in Thailand, generating electricity from wind. 100 tonnes of CO₂e is roughly equivalent to 55 round-trip flights from London to New York.

The next project set to receive support will be a small-scale onshore wind power project in Sri Lanka – with projects set to change every four months.

The new initiative follows a major carbon audit on every aspect of the hotel’s operations by Carbon Futures Ltd and Business Energy Scotland which has already resulted in rolling out daylight sensors and set the plans for plant equipment upgrades that would help the Old Town hotel introduce its own energy sources. 

Mark McKenzie, General Manager at Surgeons Quarter which operates the 129-bedroom hotel, said: “It’s very important to us that we make decisions which positively impact the environment and ensure this is at the heart of all of our operations – while also actively encouraging guests to minimise their effects on the environment. 

“Ten Hill Place Hotel is a good choice for conscious consumers as we are committed to doing our bit for the planet. With more and more people looking to live a greener life at home –it makes sense to stay at a hotel with similar ambitions.

“However, we’re still mindful of the effects that travel and the tourism industry have on our planet which has been reflected into how we fulfil all our green commitments and continue the highest standards possible.”

A doorhanger has been designed for all guest rooms explaining the initiative with a QR code linking to the venue’s Ecologi profile so guests can learn about the various projects supported to date.

Linda Adams, Head of Partnerships at Ecologi, said: “When businesses put sustainability in their plans, the list of wins really does go on and on. It is great to be working with Surgeons Quarter and see organisations stepping up and taking climate action to make a positive difference.” 

The venue’s commitment to sustainability has been ongoing for many years. In 2019 the hotel joined a Scottish Water campaign and removed single use bottles of water in the 129 bedrooms to reduce plastic waste. This has already saved around 80,000 plastic bottles  and £22k per year.

Six electric EV points are available for use by guests staying at Ten Hill Place, with more than £20,000 invested into the Garo charging ports with an ambition that the Hill Place hotel car park will, in the near future, only be accessible to electric vehicles. 

Surgeons Quarter Brand ambassador, Sandra Carruthers, added: “Working in partnership with Ecologi has enabled us to identify creative ways to be more sustainable while positively influencing and adhering to legislation at local and national levels.”

The 129-bedroom hotel is operated by Surgeons Quarter– the commercial arm of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd) – with profits put back into advancing surgical standards and improving patient outcomes worldwide.

Surgeons Quarter has also retained Gold Green Tourism Award since 2008 for the efforts to minimise its impact on the planet.

Surgeons Quarter’s Ecologi profile can be found here:  https://ecologi.com/surgeonsquarter

For more information on how the organisation is operating sustainably please visit:

https://www.tenhillplace.com/media/1965/sustainability-policy-2022-july-6.pdf

Cineworld Edinburgh hosts IMAX Film Fest with £3 tickets

  • IMAX FILM FEST TO TAKE PLACE ON SATURDAY 22 APRIL
  • TICKETS REDUCED TO £3 FOR ALL FILMS, ALL DAY, ONLY IN IMAX
  • OFFER VALID ACROSS ALL 27 IMAX CINEMA SITES IN THE UK & IRELAND

Cineworld, the UK’s leading cinema chain, will be holding its sixth annual IMAX Film Fest on Saturday 22nd April 2023.

To celebrate the world’s most immersive viewing experience, this exclusive one-day event will give movie buffs all across the country the opportunity to watch a film of their choice in IMAX for only £3.00 a ticket. 

Cineworld is bringing back some of the biggest blockbusters from the last year including: Avatar: The Way of Water, Top Gun: Maverick, Academy Award Best Picture-winning Everything Everywhere All at Once, and residents can also exclusively catch Ponniyin Selvan: 1 on the day, one week ahead of its sequel release.

The festival will give guests the chance to experience the IMAX difference, with the clearest images on the largest screens and heart-pounding audio that puts you in the middle of the action. 

Stuart Crane, VP of Film Cineworld Group, said: “We look forward to offering guests the chance to escape to other worlds in IMAX for only £3.

“Whether that’s immersing yourself with Avatar: The Way of Water or going Mach 10 and beyond with Top Gun: Maverick, the stunning images and powerful, heart-pounding audio in our IMAX auditoriums will give customers a chance to experience films to the fullest.

“There really is no better way to experience a blockbuster than with IMAX at Cineworld.”

David King, VP, Distribution EMEA & Film Development at IMAX: “We are delighted that Cineworld is hosting the IMAX film festival for the sixth year in a row to celebrate the world’s most immersive cinematic technology.

“With crystal clear life-like images and powerful audio to the highest quality, these auditoriums are made to bring the film to life and  transport audiences into their favourite blockbusters – take advantage of the reduced rate while you can, you’re in for a treat!”

Tickets for this unforgettable experience can now be purchased from the Cineworld website or the Cineworld app.

#IMAXFilmFest

Fresh new line-ups revealed for Heart Scotland and Capital Scotland

  • It’s a battle for breakfast as TWO new shows launch on Heart Scotland and Capital Scotland.
  • Des Clarke is Back on Breakfast, and Tallia cooks up a storm for Capital!

Next month listeners to Heart Scotland and Capital Scotland will be waking up to a brand new schedule and exciting new voices – live from Scotland – seven days a week.

Heart Scotland and Capital Scotland yesterday (11 April) revealed all-star line-ups and fresh new shows. Both Heart Scotland and Capital Scotland will broadcast live from Global’s Glasgow Broadcast Centre on West Regent Street in the heart of the city from next month (May).

On Heart Scotland there will be a brand-new breakfast show, Heart Breakfast with Des Clarke & Jennifer Reoch, which will broadcast live weekday mornings, 6.30am to 10am. The move sees Des Clarke return to breakfast radio in Scotland, having most recently been entertaining audiences on Heart Drive. Des is no stranger to the early alarm clock, having previously hosted Breakfast for 13 years on Capital, Galaxy and Beat 106.

Meanwhile going head-to-head with Heart Breakfast is Capital Scotland’s brand-new breakfast show hosted by Fat Brestovci & Tallia Storm, 6am to 10am. Singer and social media star Tallia Storm has signed her first radio presenting gig, and joins broadcaster Fat to wake up Scotland every morning.

Heart Scotland’s New Schedule – Live from Glasgow!

In addition to the breakfast show there is a fresh new schedule across the whole day for Heart Scotland which also sees broadcaster Amy Irons joining to present a new mid-morning programme, live from Glasgow 10am to 1pm. Cat Cubie also joins to present a new afternoon show.

The new Heart Scotland Drive programme – 4pm to 7pm – will be presented by leading Scottish broadcaster David Farrell, who joins from BBC Scotland. At the weekend, Grace Nicoll will present a new afternoon show 12 noon to 4pm.

Capital Scotland’s Brand New Schedule – Live From Glasgow!

Alongside the fresh new sound of Capital Breakfast with Fat Brestovci & Tallia Storm, Robyn Richford joins to host mid-mornings 10am to 1pm, Ryan Borthwick presents the new afternoon show 1pm through to 4pm and Katy J stays at the helm of Capital Scotland Drive, 4pm to 7pm. At the weekend, exciting new talent Jonny Campbell completes the Capital Scotland line-up 9am to 12 noon. 

This is part of a major investment in Scotland, with an expansion of Global’s broadcast centre in Glasgow including a new creative hub that will produce live radio, visualised content and podcasts for Global Player, as well as housing Global’s Scotland Tech Hub.

Ashley Tabor-King OBE, Founder & Executive President of Global, said: “I’m delighted that we are bringing listeners more choice with shows coming live from Glasgow, hosted by a combination of our much-loved presenters and exciting new talent.

“What’s more, the broadcast centre will be significantly upgraded to become a creative hub in Scotland, with fully visualised studios and a production centre for creating podcast, social and digital content.”

James Rea, Director of Broadcasting & Content at Global, said: “This is an amazing team of presenters with brilliant personalities and these changes will make what we do even more relevant to the lives of audiences in Scotland.

“It’s great to see Des Clarke return to breakfast radio alongside Jennifer Reoch on Heart and I’m certain Fat and Tallia Storm will bring great energy to the Capital team.”

Capital Scotland is owned and operated under a brand licence by Communicorp UK. Mark Lee, Communicorp UK’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “Our new Scottish talent will bring new and exciting content within an already fantastic station.

“Combined with the best hit music from the Capital brand, our place as the Official Radio Partner of the OVO Hydro, and our existing relationships within live music, it will further cement our position as Scotland’s Number 1 Hit Music Station.”

The new line-ups for Heart Scotland and Capital Scotland* will be available on FM and DAB, across the central belt alongside Heart UK and Capital UK on DAB. Listeners will also be able to tune-in from anywhere on Global’s entertainment app, Global Player, via smart phone or smart speaker.

ASH Scotland: Sign up and support the Charter for a Tobacco-free Generation

📣

What do we want?

🗣️

Reduce the harms caused by smoking!

📣

How can we achieve this?

🗣️

Support Scotland’s Charter for a Tobacco-free Generation.

Sign up, make 3 pledges and we’ll help you to carry them out.

Find out more here https://bit.ly/3McxIkL

Royal Bank of Scotland Report on Jobs

Hiring activity across Scotland falls again in March

  • Permanent placements fall for second month running
  • Further marked drop in supply of permanent labour
  • Pay pressures moderate but remain strong overall

The latest data from the Royal Bank of Scotland Report on Jobs survey signalled a fall in permanent staff placements across Scotland for the second consecutive month in March.

The reduction was fuelled by ongoing economic uncertainty, which resulted in increased hesitancy among companies to commit to new hires. Additionally, temp billings fell for the sixth month running.

In terms of labour supply, there was a further sharp fall in the number of candidates for permanent vacancies, while temp staff availability fell at the weakest pace in the current 25-month period of contraction. At the same time, growth of demand for permanent staff moderated in March, with vacancies rising at the slowest pace in just over two years.

Furthermore, demand for temp workers contracted for the third consecutive month. In terms of pay, pressures on starting salaries and wages remained marked, partly due to the cost-of-living crisis, but also competition for workers amid ongoing labour shortages.

Downturn in permanent staff hires softens from February

Permanent placements across Scotland fell for the fifth time in the past six months in March. According to recruiters, the latest downturn was largely driven by economic uncertainty and hesitancy to commit to new hires.

While the rate of contraction across Scotland moderated notably from February, it was stronger than that recorded for the UK as a whole.

A sixth straight monthly decline in temp billings was reported across Scotland in March. That said, the respective seasonally adjusted index picked up from February’s 32-month low, indicating the softest decrease in billings since December last year.

However, at the UK level, temp billings continued to increase and at the quickest pace since September 2022.

Marked contraction in permanent staff supply

A further drop in permanent labour supply was recorded across Scotland in March, thereby stretching the current run of contraction to 26 months. The pace of decrease was broadly similar to that seen in February and stronger than the series average. According to anecdotal evidence, fewer permanent candidates were available partly due to economic uncertainty and the subsequent reduction in active job seekers.

In contrast, the UK as a whole recorded the first rise in permanent labour availability in over two years, albeit one that was mild overall.

March data revealed a fractional drop in temp staff availability across Scotland. Notably, the pace of contraction moderated further from December last year and was the weakest seen in the current 25-month sequence of reduction. A preference for permanent positions and hesitancy to switch roles reportedly weighed on availability. However, fewer work opportunities and the completion of projects helped to improve short-term labour supply in some areas.

Meanwhile, the availability of candidates for temporary vacancies at the UK level increased for the first time in 25 months.

Growth in starting salaries moderates, but remains rapid

Salaries for new permanent hires rose rapidly across Scotland in March. Competition for skilled staff, the cost-of-living crisis and labour shortages were said to have driven up salaries. While the rate of inflation was stronger than the historical and UK-wide averages, the pace of growth was the softest seen in 23 months.

March data pointed to a sharp rise in hourly wages for temporary workers across Scotland, thereby extending the current run of growth to 28 months. While the pace of temp wage inflation intensified from February, the upturn was among the weakest in the aforementioned sequence, and broadly in line with the historical average.

The pace of wage growth across the UK as a whole was quicker than that seen for Scotland.

Softer upturn in demand for permanent staff

Permanent job openings grew solidly across Scotland in March. However, the latest upturn was the softest seen for just over two years and weaker than that at the UK-wide level.

Of the eight monitored sectors, Nursing/Medical/Care saw the strongest upturn in permanent staff demand, with IT & Computing ranking second.

Demand for temporary workers across Scotland fell for the third month running in March. The rate of contraction was marked overall, and contrasted with a modest increase in temp vacancies across the UK as a whole. 

The steepest drop in temp staff demand was seen for Blue Collar roles, followed by Executive & Professional.

Sebastian Burnside, Chief Economist at Royal Bank of Scotland, commented: “March data revealed a further decline in hiring activity across Scotland, as ongoing economic uncertainty weighed on firms’ appetite for new staff.

“Moreover, with growth in permanent vacancies weakening further, and temp vacancies falling for the third month running, it appears unlikely that recruitment trends will improve much in the coming months. Nevertheless, despite the slowdown in hiring, pay pressures remained acute.

“This was in part fuelled by the cost-of-living crisis, but also increased competition for scarce candidates.”

Ensuring everyone has a home that meets their needs

Delivering Housing to 2040

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Increasing and accelerating housing supply, tackling homelessness, ending rough sleeping and progressing Scotland’s 20-year housing plan are key priorities for Housing Minister Paul McLennan.

On his first public visit as Housing Minister, Mr McLennan visited the Letham Mains housing development in Haddington and saw first-hand how Scottish Government funding is supporting local councils and housing associations to deliver energy-efficient homes that meet the needs of communities across Scotland.

Outlining his priorities, Mr McLennan said: “My aim is for everyone to have a warm, safe, affordable home that meets their needs and these 37 new social rented homes in Haddington by East Lothian Council, supported by £2.2 million of Scottish Government funding, will make a real and lasting difference to the lives of the new residents.

“Housing to 2040 sets out the vision for what we want Scotland’s homes and communities to look like. That includes ensuring people have access to green space and essential services, and putting an end to fuel poverty and homelessness.  

“Scotland has led the way in delivering affordable housing across the UK, with more than 118,000 homes delivered since 2007 and we are committed to delivering on our target of 110,000 affordable homes by 2032, of which at least 70% will be available for social rent and 10% will be in our remote, rural and island communities.

“I am well aware of the global issues affecting construction which are impacting housing delivery. I am confident, however, that with the continued support of our partners we can achieve our shared goal of delivering more affordable homes for the people of Scotland.

“Scotland has the strongest rights for homeless households in the UK and we are looking to strengthen these further – taking steps to reduce stays in temporary accommodation, eradicate rough sleeping and prevent homelessness from happening in the first place.

“We are also taking steps to make the right to an adequate home a reality, tackle high rents and increase stability for those in the private rented sector and give local authorities the tools they need to improve access to housing in their local areas.

“I look forward to working with all partners in the coming months as we redouble our efforts to support a robust and strong housing system for now and the future.”

East Lothian Council’s Cabinet Spokesperson for Housing and Property Maintenance, Councillor Andy Forrest, said: “I was pleased to welcome the Housing Minister to this latest phase of the wider development at Letham Mains, which is providing 800 much-needed new homes for this area including affordable housing and, of course, the new Letham Mains Primary School.

“Letham also includes a local centre, community facilities and transport links. This site forms part of the council’s general commitment to build almost 2,000 new affordable homes between now and the financial year 2026/27.

“East Lothian Council is fully committed to preventing and tackling homelessness and welcomes continued engagement with the Scottish Government, and now with our new Minister, to jointly address housing issues and pressures specific to East Lothian.”

Tommy Stirling, Production Director for Taylor Wimpey East Scotland adds: “We are pleased to have had the opportunity to meet the new Housing Minister, Paul McLennan, during his visit to Letham Mains.

“We are proud of our long and established relationship with East Lothian Council, which has and continues to deliver much-needed affordable homes locally at Letham Mains, Haddington.  This visit was a great opportunity for the Minister to see first-hand the high-quality affordable homes that we are building.”

Housing to 2040 is Scotland’s long-term strategy for housing. It was developed following extensive engagement with the housing sector, wider stakeholders and the public, and sets out a vision for what th eScottish Government wants Scotland’s homes and communities to look like by the end of 2040.

housing-2040Download

2023 UCI Cycling World Championship: Latest Power of the Bike episode demonstrates why cycling is a sport for everyone

Power of the Bike series

Organisers of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships have released their latest Power of the Bike episode, part of a digital series shining a spotlight on different individuals and communities across Scotland and how cycling and cycling programmes have positively impacted their lives.

From local cycling clubs to Olympic gold medallists, the series features stories from cyclists of all levels and abilities, from all over Scotland, inspiring more people to become involved in cycling.

Episode 4: Glasgow Track Racing Club

Glasgow Track Racing Club is the focus of the latest episode. Formed in 2018 and headed up by coach and retired professional track sprint cyclist Jonathan Mitchell, the club aims to build a training and racing community that is fun, inclusive, and sustainable.

The new Power of the Bike episode shares the club’s story of how they create a supportive environment for their growing membership of over 40 riders. Everyone from beginners to UCI World Champions are welcome and the club is passionate about showing how cycling can be a sport for everyone, regardless of age, ability or gender.

The video also features several of the clubs’ members including Kath McCormac, a senior rider who became interested in cycling later in life. While admitting that she might not be as fast as some of the younger riders, Kath joined as a member because of how supportive the club is and how much she enjoys the sport and being part of the community.

Watch the latest Power of the Bike episode with Glasgow Track Racing Club on the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships YouTube channel.  

Craig Burn, Director of Strategy and Impact at the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships said: “Cycling is a sport that anyone can enjoy and this latest Power of the Bike episode with Glasgow Track Racing Club demonstrates that message perfectly.

“While elite athletes will be competing at the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, we want to show as many people as possible how cycling and joining communities like Glasgow Track Racing Club can benefit their lives – from improved health and well-being to a cheaper and greener way to travel.”

Jonathan Mitchell, Chair of Glasgow Track Racing Club said: “We are a club of riders, coaches and officials, passionate about developing training and racing opportunities for track cycling in Scotland and the wider UK.

“What makes us special is our community of riders that is built on share values, openness, empathy and hard work.”

Bailie Annette Christie, Chair of Glasgow Life said: “Track cycling in Scotland has a proud history with some of the world’s best cyclists hailing from our country and, in Glasgow, we have a world-class facility that supports this cycling discipline.

“Built for the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games, The Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome has seen numerous champions crowned and celebrated from one of the most high-octane sports.

“But, our velodrome isn’t just for elite athletes, anyone can take the opportunity to ‘try the track’ and perhaps spark a new passion or past time.”

Chopstix Noodle Bar unveils additions to Saver Menu in Edinburgh stores

  • BRITAIN’S FAVOURITE NOODLE CHAIN, CHOPSTIX, LAUNCHES SUPER NOODLE BOWL –  GET YOURS FOR ONLY £4.95 
  • THE PAN-ASIAN NOODLE BAR HAS LAUNCHED A NATIONWIDE ‘SPRING SAVER’ MENU WITH THREE NEW MOUTH-WATERING OFFERS TO CHOOSE FROM 

The noodle chain, which has over 90 stores nationwide, is expanding its menu for spring, and has announced its rolling out three new offers in its Edinburgh store and nationwide. 

The exciting new additions are now available, Monday to Friday, including the Super Noodle Bowl offering diners a portion of noodles, three spring rolls drizzled with katsu curry sauce for £4.95. 

Customers can also opt for a new 4-Topper Bundle which features four toppings of choice, five spring rolls and a medium soft drink. For those just wanting a box, customers can order an extra topping for just £1 more.

In addition, customers can still enjoy fan favourites such as Caramel Drizzle Chicken, Salt ‘N’ Pepper Chicken, Teriyaki Beef and Chicken Katsu Curry which are included in the 4-Topper bundle deal.

Rob Burns, Marketing Director for Chopstix, said: “We’re delighted to be launching these new dishes which give customers even more choice, without breaking the bank. 

“We’re always constantly looking out for and exploring recipes, flavour combinations, bundles and new items to add to our menus to ensure our customers have access to a fresh, fast and tasty alternative to the high street.

“Our 4-Topper bundle ensures customers can choose even more of their favourite items from the menu and tailor their own meal according to their needs whilst our new Noodle Super Bowl celebrates the UK’s love for noodles and spring rolls – plus, at only £4.95, what’s not to love?!”

Chopstix is focused on delivering a faster, fresher, tastier alternative to the high street. Wok Master chefs deliver nourishing noodles, wholesome chicken, beautiful beef and perfect prawns with fresh vegetables and superb sauces to make Chopstix the ‘go to guys’ for boxed fresh flavour. 

For more information please visit: www.chopstixnoodles.co.uk

Christian ditches fixing leaks for mixing beats!

FLY Open Air Festival has announced local DJ and producer, Christian Rogers (23), will play the main stage of the electronic festival this May.

The West Lothian lad has recently ditched his career as a plumber to take up DJ’ing full-time following his latest record being signed by Method – the same label which found the likes of Sam Smith & Disclosure.

Bathgate-born Christian turned his hand to DJing when being gifted his first decks for his 15th birthday and started gigging when he was just 18 years old. Now, his latest single ‘Give Me Your Love (Baby)’ – a genre-bending crowd pleaser – has taken over the Soundcloud charts and has had nearly 1.6million streams.

Christian is the latest in a string of forward-thinking dance acts that are pushing Scotland’s reputation for farming dance music superstars such as Calvin Harris, Ewan McVicar & LF System.

Speaking ahead of the festival, he said: “I was until only recently working full-time as a plumber. That was until my latest track ‘Give Me Your Love (Baby)’ went slightly viral!

So, I made the bold decision last month to pack away my tools and focus on DJing full-time. I can’t wait to join the Team at FLY and play Hopetoun House next month. It’s a dream come true.”

In Scotland’s current music landscape, FLY Open Air is a successful outdoor club event with a huge audience, a first-rate roster of DJs, and a growing international presence. The two-day event – scheduled for Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st May 2023 – will be celebrating its 10th edition and will take place in the grounds of Hopetoun House in South Queensferry.

Tom Ketley, FLY Festival Founder, said: “Christian was set to play on one of our smaller stages but with all of his success in the last few months, we just had to bump him up to the Main Stage.

“He’s insanely talented and a great young talent for Scotland. At FLY we are all about giving homegrown DJs a platform, so I’m excited to see half of West Lothian down to see the man of the moment!”

‘Give Me Your Love (Baby)’ is available to stream/download on all major music platforms now.

Music fans can purchase tickets here: https://tickets.flyflyfly.co.uk/book-tickets

For more information visit https://www.flyflyfly.co.uk

Cramond & Barnton Community Litter Pick Weekend

CRAMOND and Barnton Community Council is involved in organising a local litter pick on the weekend of 22 and 23 April. Can you give up an hour or so to help to keep our community tidy?

Details in pic. Many thanks.