Day: May 10, 2023

Scottish Government fails to deliver on key recommendations of incineration review

Environmental campaigners have criticised the Scottish Government’s failure to commit to banning the incineration of plastics by 2030, as recommended by the independent review it commissioned.

Last Friday (5 May), the Scottish Government published its response to the second and final part of its independent review on the role of incineration in dealing with waste in Scotland.

In June 2022, the Scottish Government banned new incinerators following the review’s recommendation, and this latest announcement aims to reduce carbon emissions from existing plants – but campaigners say it falls short.

Rather than phasing out existing incinerators, the Scottish Government is supporting the development of expensive heat networks for them. Experts from the Scottish Government’s own advisory body have shown that the carbon emissions from heat generated from incinerators are higher even than gas boilers, so such measures are likely to increase, rather than decrease carbon emissions.

While the Scottish Government has indicated that it supports a ban on burning plastics by 2030 in principle, it has failed to commit to doing so or set out a credible action plan to deliver it.

Kim Pratt, circular economy campaigner at Friends of the Earth Scotland, said: “The failure of the Scottish Government to commit to the main recommendations of its own review is a missed opportunity to phase out existing incinerators and end the harmful practice of burning plastics as soon as possible.

“Plastics are fossil fuels, so burning them is directly contributing to climate breakdown. The independent review showed that incinerators are locking Scotland into a single use system – relying on market forces and promises of future policy changes is not enough to change this. We must take urgent action at every part of the supply chain if we are to stop mountains of non-recyclable plastics being thrown away and burnt.

“The Scottish Government response admitted that plastics often contain toxic chemicals, but the failure today to commit to ending a system which perpetuates their production means it is now more likely that these plastics will continue to harm people and the environment for far longer than they should.

“Instead of committing to a plan to phase out incinerators the Scottish Government has indicated support for the expansion of high-carbon incinerator linked heat networks. Its trust in carbon capture and storage to reduce emissions from incinerators is misplaced.

“Even if cost and technology barriers can be overcome, carbon capture will come too late to be effective for Scotland’s incinerators, which are some of the largest sources of carbon emissions in Scotland right now.”

Dobbies’ Edinburgh store teams up with RSPB to help save the house sparrow population

Garden Centre encourages customers to welcome declining bird species into their gardens

The UK’s leading garden centre, Dobbies, has teamed up with the UK’s largest nature conservation charity, the RSPB, to educate its customers in Edinburgh on the declining house sparrow population this May and encourage them to do their part to welcome this bird species into their gardens.

During the month of May, RSPB volunteers will be raising awareness and collect donations across a number of Dobbies’ stores while offering the opportunity to sign up to become an RSPB member.

Since the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch began in 1979, encouraging people to count birds for an hour in January, the house sparrow’s population has gone from an average of 10 visitors per garden to only about four in 2022.

Although house sparrows topped the Big Garden Birdwatch for the 19th year in a row in 2022, their population has declined so drastically that they are now on the UK Red List for birds, and any further declines would be disastrous.

As part of this campaign, Dobbies’ Edinburgh store hosted a Little Seedlings Club workshop on Sunday 7 May. Children learned about the official Red List and the house sparrow, as well as some helpful tips on how to encourage more house sparrows into their gardens.

Dobbies’ Community and CSR Communications Executive, Chloe Bell, explained: “Our Little Seedlings Club attendees are the next generation of gardening enthusiasts and this awareness workshop with RSPB at our Edinburgh store is extremely important when it comes to helping rescue the house sparrow.  

“I have fond memories as a child listening to the house sparrows as I watched them fly about the garden and we want the younger generation to experience this too. You can help these birds by planting trees, shrubs and flowers in the garden, a place for the house sparrow to take shelter, forage for insects to feed their chicks, and ultimately help increase the population.”

Adrian Thomas, the RSPB’s wildlife gardening expert, said: “We are really looking forward to working with Dobbies to spread the word about these wonderful garden birds, and how people can help them.

“They’re great fun for kids to learn about too – house sparrows are delightfully sociable and chattery and they really benefit when we give them the food, water, and home they need. It shows how little actions can really make a difference to our local wildlife.”

Dobbies’ latest podcast with Adrian Thomas talks about the house sparrow, where podcast host, ITV This Morning’s Daisy Payne, asks how we can create a welcoming environment in our gardens to help increase population numbers. The episode is available to listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, dobbies.com/podcast.

Customers looking to encourage house sparrows to visit their garden can pick up RSPB-branded supplies from their nearest Dobbies’ store. Spotlight products for May include Medium Easy-clean Seed Feeders, Sunflower Hearts, High Energy Fat Bals, Table Seed Mix, Suet Sprinkles and highly nutritious Mealworms.

Products:

–          RSPB Sunflowers Hearts, £12.99

–          RSPB Mealworms, £13.99

–          RSPB Favourites Blend, £6.99

–          RSPB High Energy Fat Bals with Sunflower Hearts, £2.99

–          RSPB Table Seed Mix, 6.99

–          RSPB Suet Sprinkles, £10.99

–          RSPB Medium Easy-Clean Seed Feeder, 16.99

For more information on Dobbies, visit www.dobbies.com

If you live rurally and can’t take part in the in-store workshops, there are downloadable resources at doobies.com you can access at home. 

For more information on RSPB and how to become a member, visit www.rspb.org.uk

Cyclists urged to get on their bikes to support Armed Forces Community

Cyclists of all abilities are being encouraged to get on their bikes to take part in Poppyscotland’s annual Sportive in September.

Back for its 8th year, the event takes place on Sunday 24th September and is expected to attract more than 800 cyclists to three scenic routes through East Lothian, Midlothian and the Scottish Borders. Tandems and e-bikes are welcome.

The event is Poppyscotland’s biggest fundraiser outside of the Poppy Appeal, and has already raised more than £300,000 to provide vital support for current and former members of the Armed Forces and their families across the country.

This year’s event was launched by cyclists from VIE Velo, a tandem club for visually impaired people and sighed pilots, with Poppyscotland supporter Lieutenant Colonel Hugo Clark, who took part in the 2022 event and is dusting his bike off again for this year.

Allan Balfour, a visually impaired cyclist from VIE Velo who also took part last year, said: “I was delighted to participate in the Poppyscotland Sportive in 2022 and was overwhelmed by the supremely efficient manner in which the event was conducted.

“The Sportive was a great challenge for me – it was the longest ride I have undertaken, and I’m looking forward to returning this year. Most of all though, it was great to be able to support such a deserving cause.”

Lt Col Clark said: “The Sportive is a great cycling event – three routes catering for all abilities, through beautiful landscape, for a great cause. 

“Whether you’re a serious road racer looking for a challenge or fancy a more gentle, ‘social’ pace, the Poppyscotland Sportive has something for you.  The atmosphere is really friendly, it’s brilliantly organised, and worth remembering that that the funds are being raised for one of Scotland’s most effective and well-respected service charities, supporting those who have stepped up and served the nation, and now need our help. So give it a go – you really won’t regret it!”

Starting and finishing at Prestonpans Community Centre, the three routes range from 45 to 102 miles, taking in the stunning coastal road to North Berwick then looping round the East Lothian countryside.

More adventurous riders will cycle over the Lammermuirs, dipping down to Chirnside and Duns in the Scottish Borders before heading on ward to Midlothian.

Gordon Michie, Poppyscotland’s Head of Fundraising and Learning, said: “The Sportive is always a hugely popular event, so we are encouraging cyclists to sign up as soon as possible. We’re really pleased to be welcoming back e-bikes and tandems, following their successful introduction in 2022.

“We keep numbers low to avoid the need for road closures, and the intimate and friendly feel of the event is one of its attractions. The route takes in stunning coastal views and country roads, while the timed hill climb will challenge more experienced cyclists.

“I’m very grateful to all the cyclists who have helped to raise more than £300,000 to provide vital welfare support to families across Scotland, from help with housing and employment to mental and physical health issues.”

The Sportive is an ‘open road’ cycling event, meaning that no roads will be closed, to minimise disruption to the public.

For more information or to register, visit www.poppyscotland.org.uk/sportive

Mental health matters – owning pets ‘a lifeline’ for many during the cost of living crisis, says PDSA

Ahead of Mental Health Awareness Week (15 – 21 May), a leading vet charity is advocating keeping pets and their owners together through the cost of living crisis.

Nearly all pet owners (94%) say that owning a pet makes them happy, according to new figures from the upcoming 2023 PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report – and their support has been vital, especially as many people have been forced to make drastic cutbacks to stay afloat.

While worrying figures have shown that as many as 770,000 owners are going without necessities in order to keep caring for their pets, almost half of owners (44%) have also said that their four-legged friend has been a lifeline during the cost of living crisis.

Nearly all (90%) pet owners felt having a pet improved their lives, a comfort which is especially important as many feel the impact of the cost of living crisis. This figure is higher especially among dog (91%) and cat owners (89%).

The findings also highlight the benefits of having a pet on overall health, with 87% stating owning a pet makes them mentally healthier. While over two thirds (67%) feel it makes them physically healthier – a figure that is even higher among dog owners (86%).

Meanwhile, at a time where many people are having to juggle energy bills and soaring living costs, which can prove isolating, furry friends are essential when it comes to providing companionship. For example, the figures show that over four in five pet owners (85%) say that owning a pet makes them feel less lonely.

PDSA Veterinary Surgeon, Lynne James, said: “Pets are family, and we know that pet owners will go to great lengths to ensure they can continue to care for their beloved pets. It vitally important that with everything pets do for us, we make sure that they have everything they need to live healthy and happy lives.

“Our latest figures show pets are invaluable, especially when their owners are going through hardship. As the cost of living crisis worsens, the work of charities like ours becomes vital, not only to provide essential veterinary care, but also to keep pets and their owners together in their time of need.

“In 2022, we provided veterinary care for over 390,000 pets, whose owners would otherwise have struggled to afford the cost and may even have had to resort to other options such as rehoming – the mental health consequences of which are unimaginable.

“As Mental Health Awareness Week approaches, I’d like to encourage pet owners who are struggling due to rising costs, and who are concerned about being able to afford the cost of veterinary treatment to reach out to us. Our website includes a free eligibility checker to find out whether they’re able to access our services, which is a great place to start.

“We also have lots of free advice on how to reduce the cost of caring for pets, while ensuring they remain healthy and happy – something we hope will take a mental load off for many pet owners through the cost of living crisis.”

PDSA relies on donations to deliver life-saving treatment to hundreds of thousands of pets across its 48 Pet Hospitals in the UK. 

To help keep pets and people together, the charity is urgently calling on the public’s support to prevent vulnerable people having to make a truly heart-breaking decision. 

To find out more about PDSA’s vital work during the cost of loving crisis, or to donate, visit www.pdsa.org.uk/costoflovingcrisis.

MSP meets Bangladesh’s PM

Responding after meeting with Bangladesh’s Prime Minister, HE Sheikh Hasina, yesterday, Foysol Choudhury MSP said: “It was an honour to meet with HE Sheikh Hasina, Prime Minister of Bangladesh, to discuss current affairs in Bangladesh. 

“It is always a privilege to meet with HE Sheikh Hasina to learn more about her work and dedication to important matters such as women’s equality, climate change and healthcare equity. 

“We discussed Bangladesh’s humanitarian response to the 2017 Rohingya Crisis and how Bangladesh can maintain support for its Rohingya refugee population.  

“We also reflected on exciting developments in infrastructure such as the Padma Bridge and discussed how Scotland, the UK and Bangladesh can build stronger relationships around industry and knowledge sharing. 

“I look forward to taking these discussions back to the Scottish Parliament’s Cross-Party Group on Bangladesh and it is hoped that the CPG will soon be able to visit Bangladesh to see developments such as the Padma Bridge. 

“I hope that the Scottish Parliament’s CPG on Bangladesh will help to build stronger relationships and shared cooperation between Scotland and Bangladesh.” 

Edinburgh adventure park hopes to raise £1k for emergency services with family-friendly heroes weekend

  • Edinburgh family attraction hosts weekend-long event dedicated to members of the armed forces and emergency services
  • Activities include an inflatable assault course, emergency service displays and tours of emergency vehicles
  • The £2.50 entry fee will be donated to charity

An Edinburgh adventure park is celebrating the country’s armed forces and emergency services with a Heroes Weekend on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 May.

Conifox Adventure Park in Kirkliston is inviting families along to the weekend event where they’ll meet members of the Army, Royal Air Force, Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Police Scotland, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Scottish Ambulance Service and the RNLI, and have the chance to take part in interactive displays and various activities provided by the services.

Tickets to the event are only £2.50 and are available online at www.conifox.co.uk. All proceeds will go to charities that support service people and their families and, with plenty of family-friendly fun on offer, the attraction is hoping to raise more than £1,000 in donations over the weekend.

Some of the displays and activities available for kids and adults alike over the weekend include an inflatable Scots Guard assault course, decommissioned Royal Airforce weapons and various uniforms and protective gear that can be tried on.

Visitors will also get the chance to take a look inside ambulances, fire engines, police cars and other protection vehicles where the service personnel will be happy to answer any questions they might have.

For adults, there will also be recruitment information available for many of the services. There will also be food and drink available to purchase on the day.

James Gammell, Managing Director of Conifox Adventure Park said: “We appreciate the work and dedication of our armed and emergency services and want to celebrate their bravery with this charity event. We also know how exciting their jobs can be, and we wanted to bring that to our customers alongside some fun displays and activities.

“It’s a chance for us as a community to give back, and a chance for families to create memories that will last a lifetime. Who knows – it might even inspire some heroes of the future!”

Conifox Adventure Park is open to visitors Wednesday through to Sunday and tickets for both the Heroes Weekend, Adventure Park and indoor Activity Centre are available to purchase online at www.conifox.co.uk.

Scottish Charity Awards 2023 Finalists Announced

Vote for your favourite Scottish Charity Awards finalist!

Run annually by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO), the Scottish Charity Awards celebrate the best of Scotland’s voluntary sector.

This year’s shortlist includes 32 individuals and organisations from charities and voluntary groups across the country. Among those nominees are West-Pilton based Fresh Start, who have been shortlisted in the Community Action category.

While a judging panel will determine the winners under nine distinct categories, members of the public can have their say by voting for their favourite overall entry in the People’s Choice Award – by visiting scvo.scot/vote – before 5pm on Wednesday 24 May 2023.

The full shortlist includes:

Campaign of the year

  • Feniks – Shed Your Armour, Show the Scars
  • Brain Health Scotland – My Amazing Brain
  • Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity – Jack’s Wee Snowman with the Big Heart
  • Western Isles Violence Against Women Partnership – Safer Outer Hebrides

Volunteer of the year

  • Andrii Zhehestovskyi – Libraries & Information Services Dundee
  • Garry Duthie – Camphill School Aberdeen    
  • Gordon Harkin – Cancer Support Scotland

Pioneering project

  • Quarriers
  • SAMH (Scottish Association for Mental Health)
  • GEMAP
  • Capability Scotland
  • Cycling Without Age Scotland

Employee of the year

  • Man On! Inverclyde – Peter Canevale
  • Children’s Hospices Across Scotland – Charlie Leavy
  • Beatson Cancer Charity – Paul Sheerin

Community Action

  • Fresh Start Scotland
  • Golden Friendships
  • Maryhill Integration Network

Climate Conscious

  • YouthLink Scotland
  • Edinburgh Science
  • Climate Action Strathaven

Trustee of the year

  • Disability Snowsport UK – Carmel Teusner
  • Amma Birth Companions – Vongayi Mufara
  • Glasgow East Alcohol Awareness Project – John Strange
  • RSABI – David Leggat MBE

Digital Citizens

  • Simon Community Scotland
  • Scottish Union of Supported Employment
  • North East Sensory Services (NESS)

Charity of the year

  • Team Jak Foundation
  • Maslow’s Community
  • Diversified
  • Community Food Initiatives North East

Winners will be announced on 23 June 2023 in a celebratory awards ceremony hosted by broadcaster Sally Magnusson at the Sheraton Hotel, Edinburgh.

Anna Fowlie, Chief Executive, SCVO said: “The Scottish Charity Awards are a fabulous opportunity to celebrate the exceptional individuals and groups within our vibrant sector.

“This year’s record-breaking number of nominations underlines the strength of Scotland’s voluntary sector, and the crucial work that we see from charities and voluntary organisations across the country.

“The hard work and dedication of people and organisations like these 32 finalists are making Scotland a better place to live and work.

“There is still a chance to have your own voice heard by voting in the People’s Choice Award. Don’t be late – participate!”

Rural education charity launches schools ‘Snack Attack Challenge 2023’

RHET challenge Scottish Schools to discover the power of the superhero Scottish seeds and grains. 

Four new superheroes, “Awesome Oats”, “Brilliant Barley”, “Wicked Wheat” and “Omazing Oil Seed Rape”, will be embarking on a sustainable healthy eating campaign during the 2023 school summer term. 

Have you ever wondered how these super seeds, the staple of our diet, are grown in Scotland, and incorporated into so many of our everyday foods? Join the Snack Attack challenge to find out. 

Rural education charities, The Royal Highland Education Trust (RHET) and Royal Northern Countryside Initiative (RNCI) have been working to create a super powered journey of discovery of our sustainable Scottish seeds and grains.

As part of the year-long spotlight on arable crops, RHET have produced a number of focused teaching resources for all age levels, linked to the Curriculum. Journey of Food – Seeds and Grains is now entering the final few months of the project and with the summer approaching, why not have some fun with our Super Heroes!? 

“Food production in Scotland is as wide and varied as our landscape” explains Katrina Barclay RHET Executive Officer.

“Our ‘Journey of Food…’ activity offers an opportunity to spotlight a different sector within Scottish agriculture (each year,) which demonstrates local food production, careers, nutritional information, environment and land use, data gathering and meeting the people behind the sector, to name a few areas.

“This makes it fully interdisciplinary, accessible to all and based on current practices. We pride ourselves on working in collaboration with a variety of businesses and organisations to bring the facts so pupils can investigate further, enquire, and use their curiosity to make informed choices.

“With support from organisations such as the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland, James Hutton Institute and Scottish Agronomy, we are able to access not only research data but also people in the food sector using cutting edge technology who can explain the ‘how’ the ‘what’ and the ‘why’.” 

Scottish companies Nairns and Hamlyns are both generously supporting the Snack Attack challenge. A spokesperson from Nairns commented: “Oats are one of the earliest known superfoods and the Scots have been eating them for hundreds of years, usually in porridge and oatcakes.

“At Nairn’s, we’ve been baking oatcakes since 1896 and, whilst we have made a few small changes over the years and expanded our range of products, we still insist on the very best oats and only a few natural, simple ingredients.

“Our aim is to make it easy for everyone to find tasty, versatile oat snacks which are healthy, low in sugar and full of natural goodness.”

Hamlyns have been working with RNCI and RHET on projects over the years and support from industry is an excellent opportunity to follow the Journey of Food. 

If you are a teacher, or have children in school this challenge is now live and after a school is signed up for the ‘Snack Attack’ they will be entered into a draw to have a real tractor visit their School!

Pupils will be encouraged to help find these Super Heroes in their snack and vote for their favourite.

Competition is heating up, so be sure to visit https://www.rhet.org.uk/teachers/the-ghret-snack-attack/ or see our social media posts for more information. 

Adult Education One-Day Courses

Several one day courses are still available to book on, such as the very special experience on  Sketching Animals in the Zoo – close up sketching animals at rest and play in real life.

The  professional artist tutor will support individuals with tips and techniques on how to improve  skills, whilst having a great day out. There is plenty of shelter if the weather is not so good and entry to the zoo is included in the fee course.

Sign up right away for the course on  Friday 19th May. Might be the last chance to see the pandas before they return to China!  

To enrol, students must ring 0131 556 7978 weekdays between 10am-4pm (3pm on Friday)  and they can book on and give a link for payments.

More information at City of Edinburgh  Council website www.joininedinburgh.org (fees are aound £20 per person) 

Outdoor courses 

Walks: History – Old Town – All – (27th May) – OUT59686E 

Walks: Geocaching – All – (27the May) – OUT58986E 

Walks: Navigation – Hillwalking – Beginner – (3rd June) – OUT60196E 

Walks: Navigation – Hillwalking – Beginner – (27th May) – OUT60186E 

Art(PR): Sketching Animals in the Zoo – All – (19th May) – OUT182125E 

Walks: Archaeology – History of Cammo Estate – All – (20th May) – OUT57986E 

Walks: Dancing in Georgian Edinburgh – All – (27th May) – OUT58686E 

One Day courses at Broughton Community High School – all on  Saturday 20th May 

Art(PR): Drawing & Painting – All – (20/5) – BHS12386E 

Cookery: Thai With a Chef – All – (20/5) – BHS25186E 

Cookery: Cake Decoration with Chocolate – Beginner – (20/5) – BHS21786E 

Craft: Quilt Making – All – (20/5) – BHS29286E 

Criminology & Criminal Justice – All – (20/5) – BHS30686E 

Photography: Digital Photography – Beginner – (20/5) – BHS51886E

Swimming should be prescribed to improve health, says expert

Medical specialist tells MSPs about the multiple health benefits of swimming

AN EXPERT in the medical benefits of swimming has told an influential group of MSPs how encouraging the population to take up the sport could transform Scotland’s health.

Dr Mark Harper is renowned for his research in the area and was one of a series of guest speakers at an “Everyone Can Swim” event at the Scottish Parliament.

He told some of Scotland’s key political figures how 15% of people in the UK are taking five or more medicines a day, in some cases to deal with the side effects of another medicine and how taking up swimming can act as a medicine in its own right.

Dr Harper, who swam competitively as a Masters swimmer, told the audience: “There is one medicine that everyone should use and its exercise. For a lot of people, swimming is one of the only things they can do. 

“If someone is frail or has a loss of balance, swimming is really the only option. It improves heart and lung health while strengthening joints and lowers diabetes. 

“Swimming, as a life skill and an exercise, can have hugely positive impacts on people’s lives and it’s important that people in Scotland are taught to swim from a young age.”

The event was hosted by Scottish Swimming, which in partnership with Scottish Water delivers the Learn to Swim programme for children – a Framework that is creating Scotland’s “Generation Swim”, as a lasting legacy for the nation.

It has already helped more than 100,000 youngsters to be safer and more confident in the water and aims to reach a further 100,000 by 2025, helping them to unlock long lasting health benefits.

Across Scotland there are 37 National Learn to Swim Framework providers, working across 160 pools, with currently 76,500 children learning to swim each week.

Dr Harper, a Consultant Anaesthetist at Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals whose research has focused on cold-water swimming, told the Holyrood audience that one in three adults in England can’t swim, yet 7.5 million take to the water outdoors every year. He cited swimming lessons as the only way to keep people safe in the water.

Euan Lowe, CEO of Scottish Swimming, said: “To have an expert of Dr Harper ‘s calibre reinforcing the huge benefits of swimming really helped the message cut through with the audience. 

“All of us at Scottish Swimming share his mission to ensure awareness is raised about the major health advantages that swimming offers, along with the other benefits it can bring to so many lives.”

Brian Lironi, Director of Corporate Affairs with Scottish Water said: “Our drive to create Generation Swim is about leaving Scotland with a long-lasting legacy.

“Teaching children how to be safer and more confident in the water is a first step to unlocking significant health and wellbeing dividends. It was brilliant to hear Dr Harper underline that so emphatically.”

The ‘Everyone Can Swim’ event featured a range of high-profile advocates for the importance of swimming and its impact on safety, health and communities. 

Speakers included popular triple Olympian Hannah Miley MBE; Alan Lynn, former national coach of Scottish Swimming and Head of Performance Development at British Swimming; and Fulton MacGregor MSP, who sponsored the reception.

Dr Harper is a consultant anaesthetist at Sussex University Hospitals in the UK and Kristiansand in Norway. He is a leading expert in the prevention of hypothermia in surgical patients and the therapeutic uses of cold-water adaptation and open-water swimming.

Learn to Swim is a National Framework committed to creating supportive and quality environments in which children can learn to swim regardless of their age, ability, or skill level. It aims to develop competent swimmers, as well as encouraging youngsters to adopt a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle with sport and fun at its heart. 

For more information on the Learn to Swim programme, visit:

https://www.scottishswimming.com/learn-to-swim