Month: May 2023

HMRC: Number of Self Assessment customers who file early doubles in 5 years

The number of Self Assessment customers who choose to file their tax return on the first day of the tax year (6 April 2023) has more than doubled since 2018, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has revealed.

More than 77,500 customers submitted their tax return for the 2022 to 2023 tax year on 6 April 2023, compared to almost 37,000 customers on 6 April 2018.

The deadline to file tax returns for the 2022 to 2023 tax year is 31 January 2024 and customers have been able to submit theirs since the start of the new tax year.

By completing their Self Assessment early, customers have avoided the stress of last-minute filing – something which encouraged more than 860,000 customers file their tax return for the 2021 to 2022 tax year on 31 January 2023.

Visit GOV.UK to find out more about Self Assessment and how to file a tax return for the 2022 to 2023 tax year.

https://youtu.be/TnRQs2kvchA

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said: “Filing your Self Assessment early means you can spend more time building your business or doing the things that you enjoy and less time worrying about completing your tax return. To find out how you can start yours and get help with budget planning, search ‘Self Assessment’ on GOV.UK.”

Customers can find out sooner if they are owed money. Once they have submitted their tax return for the 2022 to 2023 tax year, HMRC will let customers know as soon as the return has been processed and arrange for any overpayment to be refunded. Customers can also check if they are due a refund in the HMRC app once they have filed their return.

Customers who file early also benefit from knowing how much tax they owe and can set up a budget plan to help spread the cost and manage their payments. The Budget Payment Plan allows customers to choose how much and how often they want to pay – putting them in control of managing their bill.

Taxpayers can check if they need to complete a tax return by using the free online tool on GOV.UK. They may need to do Self Assessment if, for example, they:

·         are newly self-employed and have earned over £1,000

·         are a new partner in a business partnership

·         have received any untaxed income

·         are claiming Child Benefit and you or your partner have an income above £50,000

HMRC has updated guidance on filing tax returns early and help around paying tax bills on GOV.UK.

It is important that customers let HMRC know if there are any changes in details or circumstances such as a new address or name, or if they are no longer self-employed or their business has closed down. They should not assume someone else will update HMRC on their behalf.

If customers no longer need to do Self Assessment, they will need to tell HMRC. Find out more information on YouTube.

HMRC is reminding customers to protect their personal information and always be on their guard against tax scams. If a customer is contacted by someone saying they are from HMRC, they should never let themselves be rushed, especially if they are urged to transfer money or share personal information. Customers should not share their HMRC login details with anyone, including their tax agent.

Tax scams come in many forms – some offer a rebate while others threaten arrest for tax evasion. HMRC advises customers to take their time and if they’re unsure, check HMRC scams advice on GOV.UK.

World Baking Day: Five high protein healthy bakes from the fitness experts

World baking day is just around the corner (17th May), and no doubt many indulgent recipes will be taking over the internet. 

But bakes that are nice on the lips don’t always go straight down to the hips. 

If you are craving something sweet and chocolatey, but also want it to be macro friendly and high in protein, the fitness experts at bulk.com have got you covered. 

Below, the experts at bulk.com share five of their favourite bake recipes, that can be incorporated into an everyday healthy lifestyle, helping you get those all-important post gym gains.  

1. 5-Ingredient High Protein Brownie Recipe 

Created with just five ingredients, Nadia’s Protein Brownies are set to satisfy your chocolate cravings, serving as many as eight people! 

Pure Whey Protein™ is combined with Smooth Peanut Butter, Organic Cacao Powder, dark chocolate chips and ripe bananas, giving you a brownie that packs a protein punch while retaining a soft, velvety core.  

Who says upping your protein intake is difficult? 

INGREDIENTS (SERVES 8) 

METHOD 

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C/160°C fan. 
  1. Mash the bananas and mix in the peanut butter. 
  1. Mix in the protein powder and the cacao powder. 
  1. Transfer into a lined baking and scatter chocolate chips. 
  1. Bake for 20 minutes and leave to cool before slicing. 

2. Lucy Watson’s Vegan Banana Bread Recipe 

 We may not have Paul Hollywood, but we’ve got a nice bake that’s not too much of a technical challenge and leaves no risk of a soggy bottom! 

This banana bread is vegan friendly and super easy to make. 

INGREDIENTS (SERVES 6): 

  • 3 Large Ripe Bananas 
  • 70ml Vegetable Oil 
  • 100g Brown Sugar 
  • 1 tsp Cinnamon 
  • 200ml Almond Milk 
  • 300g Plain Flour 
  • 3 tbsp Cocoa Powder 
  • 1/2 tsp Salt 
  • 1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract 

For topping: 

  • 1 Banana 

METHOD 

  1. Preheat oven to 200c (180c fan, gas 6), and grease a 900g loaf tin with a little oil. 
  1. Peel the bananas and put them in a large mixing bowl. Mash them well until they are creamy. Add the oil, sugar, cinnamon and milk. Combine well. 
  1. Sift the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt, then add the nuts and chocolate. Stir with the wooden spoon until all the ingredients have been incorporated. Pour the mixture into the prepared tin loaf. 
  1. Peel the banana and slice it lengthways. Lay both pieces on the loaf with the inside facing up. Sprinkle with sugar. Bake in the centre of the oven for 50-60 minutes until cooked through and a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. If there is cake mix on the skewer, return the loaf to the oven for 5-10 minutes more. 
  1. Leave it to cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool a little more. 
  1. Slice and serve warm. We love it with peanut butter smothered on top! 

3. Chocolate Almond Protein Doughnuts 

 These Chocolate Almond Protein Doughnuts will be your new favourite way to meet your protein goal. They’re baked instead of fried, keeping your cravings in check and your nutrition on track. 

You dough-not want to miss out on these! 

Courtesy of Bulk ambassador Nadia’s Healthy Kitchen. 

INGREDIENTS (SERVES 6): 

  • 1 flax egg or 1 regular egg* 

You can create a vegan egg alternative by mixing 1 tbsp milled flaxseed with 3 tbsp warm water and leaving it to set for 10-15 minutes. 

TO MAKE THE FROSTING: 

METHOD: 

  1. Preheat your oven to 180C/160C fan. 
  1. Mix all the doughnut ingredients in a bowl, then divide between 6 lightly oiled silicon doughnut moulds. 
  1. Bake for 15 minutes, then leave to cool completely. 
  1. To make the frosting, add the almond butter and coconut oil in a heat-proof bowl, then microwave for a few seconds to soften, then pour in the zero-calorie maple syrup. Mix to create a smooth frosting. 
  1. Dip each doughnut in the frosting mixture, then decorate with some cacao nibs. Enjoy! 

4. Bulk Baked Oats 

 Oats are one of the most versatile breakfast ingredients. A healthy source of fibre and carbohydrates, they are a great addition to smoothies, soaked overnight with fruit toppings and now, our favourite – baked.  

Therefore, step up your breakfast with a baked oats recipe that gives the texture of a fresh baked cookie – crisp on the outside, warm and gooey on the inside.  

Perfect for those cool mornings, here is the Bulk Baked Oats recipe. Even better – it’s super simple, 100% vegan and 100% delicious. 

Courtesy of Bulk’s ambassador, Maëlys. 
 

INGREDIENTS (SERVES 2):⁣⁣ 

METHOD:⁣⁣ 

  1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees 
  1. Blend all ingredients together (minus the Vegan Protein Chocolate Buttons)⁣⁣ 
  1. Bake in the oven for 30-35 mins at 180 degrees⁣⁣ 
  1. Top with Vegan Protein Chocolate Buttons, Peanut Butter, fresh berries or any other toppings of your choice and dig in! 

5. High-protein Brownie Cupcakes 

 Who can resist a cupcake? Or, more accurately, who can resist a decadent, chocolatey, spongy cup-cake that’s both high in protein and low in carbs?  

This high-protein cupcake recipe is made to curb chocolate cravings and add a bit of joy to your diet. Replace those lifting gloves with some oven mitts – it’s baking time.  

WHAT ARE THE MACROS AND CALORIES? 

  • 269 Kcals 
  • 12g Protein 
  • 17g Fat 
  • 17g Carbs 

 INGREDIENTS (SERVES 6): 

  • 85g Fat Free Greek Yoghurt 
  • Duo Milk & White Chocolate Hazelnut Protein Spread  
  • 1 Medium egg 
     

METHOD: 

  • Chop up the Protein Chocolate 
  • Mix the egg, powders, flour, almonds, oil and greek yoghurt. 
  • Place the mixture into a baking tray. 
  • Bake for 15-20 minutes at 160C/180C fan 
  • Top them with Protein Spread and one square of Protein Chocolate

Massive ‘flowering’ roof rolled out at Rowanbank Gardens

1000 sq m Rooftop Natural Sedum Carpet Protects Building Whilst Encouraging Biodiversity

View the video here: https://we.tl/t-kthGXYETj7

More than 1000 square metres of living ‘green’ roof has been laid on top of Rowanbank Gardens, in  Corstorphine, Edinburgh, as niche developer Artisan Real Estate continues to set new standards in environmentally sensitive living.  

The natural sedum roof is one of the largest ever to top a residential apartment building in the city and is the latest sustainable innovation to be added to the development, described as a ‘spectacular blueprint for low carbon living’.

Sedum are hardy yet striking flowering succulent plants with a host of natural properties that make them ideal for roof greening. The plants are virtually self-perpetuating and drought resistant, with shallow roots requiring very little soil in which to grow. Once in full bloom, sedum roofs provide many benefits including natural insulation, drainage and protection from the elements whilst encouraging increased biodiversity by attracting insect and bird life.

Welcoming the rolling out of the new roof, David Westwater Artisan’s Development Director for Scotland said: “It’s wonderful to see such an expansive green and natural space being rolled-out in front of our eyes, surrounding the spectacular penthouse apartments at Rowanbank Gardens.

“It provides another important statement of intent, underpinning our commitment to raising the benchmark of environmental standards across all our buildings – both inside and out. The sedum roofs will attract plant, insect and bird life which are encouraged with natural inducements such as wild-flower planting, beehives and roosting sites. We will also be working with residents and the local community to explore the potential of hosting bee hives on the apartment roofs.”

He added: “We want to create external environments which are both in tune with nature and instrumental in bringing residents together.  We are also planting 150 new trees, plus herb and vegetable growing beds and more than 500metres of evergreen hedgerows. Rowanbank Gardens’ residents will also be able to grow their own herbs and vegetables together in raised growing beds as well as being able to harvest cherries and apples from almost 30 fruit trees.”

More than a third of apartments at Rowanbank Gardens development have now been sold following a buoyant sales start to the year. The development will deliver 93 apartments for private sale set around a large garden space filled with fruit trees and communal planting beds. 

Work began in summer 2021, with the first move-ins expected by the end of the year. As well as an abundance of green open spaces, Rowanbank Gardens also provides smart, energy-efficient internal design geared to achieving low to zero carbon ratings, with the added benefits of significantly lower home-running costs. 

Latest research shows that average annual hot water and heating costs for a two-bedroom apartment at could be as low as £775 per year – or less than £65 per month – providing long-term cost savings for first-time budget-conscious buyers or purchasers looking for more energy efficient living.

Prices for a one-bedroom apartment start from £245,000, with a two-bedroom from £315,000 and a three-bedroom from £422,500 making the development a perfect destination for first-time buyers and downsizers wanting to live in well-connected, bustling community just minutes from the city centre. 

To register interest in Rowanbank Gardens and book an appointment at the on-site sales and marketing suite, call 0131 516 3302 or visit the development website at:

www.rowanbankgardens.com 

How to help someone through a mental health crisis

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK

Many people recognise the importance of looking after their mental wellbeing. Despite this, many feel uncertain they could help someone experiencing a mental health crisis.

This is particularly concerning given that one in six people will likely experience symptoms of mental health concerns like depression or anxiety during this week alone.

With Mental Health Awareness Week taking place this year from the 15th to the 21st of May, first aid instructors at Onsite First Aid Training have shared the signs to watch out for if you think someone is having a mental health crisis and how best to offer support.

What is a mental health crisis?

A mental health crisis is when a person’s thoughts, feelings or behaviours prevent them from functioning, taking care of themselves, or when they put themselves or others at risk of harm.

It can happen to anyone, and you don’t have to have a pre-existing mental health condition. A mental health crisis can be triggered by negative events or stresses such as bereavement, divorce or losing a job, or it can be the result of a prolonged period of substance abuse.

Signs that someone might be experiencing a mental health crisis

You might notice warning signs in advance, or they could come seemingly out of nowhere. Some common warning signs to watch out for, which could indicate someone is experiencing a mental health crisis include:

  • Intense or sudden change in mood or behaviour
  • Experiencing psychosis – including hallucinations or delusions
  • Feelings of paranoia
  • Feeling increasingly agitated, angry, or violent
  • Suicidal ideation or talking of ‘making plans’
  • Self-harming or wanting to harm themselves or others
  • Isolating or withdrawing from others
  • Inability to function or perform daily tasks, including personal hygiene.

Six ways to help someone experiencing a mental health crisis

Assess the risk of harm or suicide

It is vital to first identify if someone in crisis has hurt themselves or is thinking about hurting themselves.

If you can see that someone has seriously injured themselves or they report having taken an overdose, immediately dial 999 and stay with them until paramedics arrive.

If the person has self-harmed, but the bleeding has stopped, it is still important to call 111, as they will be able to assess the severity of the injury over the phone. Do your best to describe the extent of the injury, as this will determine whether the person is likely to need medical attention to prevent infection or to remove sharp objects, such as glass, from their skin.

Ask open-ended questions

When talking to someone in crisis, ask more open-ended questions, as these will encourage a more detailed response. Questions such as “How would you describe what you’re feeling right now?” can make it easier for the other person to convey their thoughts and feelings and can help bring them back down to baseline. A good tip is to try and start each question with either ‘how’, ‘why’, or ‘what’.

Closed-ended questions, on the other hand, typically prompt a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ response and don’t leave as much room for exploration of feelings. These types of questions can still be useful when you need a straightforward answer to a question, such as asking, ‘Have you hurt yourself?’ or ‘Do you feel suicidal?’

Actively listen, and let the other person talk

When talking with someone about their mental health, try to actively listen rather than trying to offer advice and guidance.

This means putting your phone away and engaging in eye contact, using open body language, and listening without judgment or trying to offer a solution, showing you are providing your full attention.

Simply clarifying or repeating what they have said in your own words can go a long way in making someone feel heard, even if you don’t know how to respond to a particular piece of information.

Small verbal and non-verbal affirmations such as “That sounds really difficult” or simply nodding show that you acknowledge what has been said without interrupting the person in crisis.

Have patience

When someone is in crisis, they may find it difficult to think clearly and articulate their thoughts and feelings into words. Try to remain patient and not rush through the conversation; otherwise, they may not feel it is a safe space to talk and could shut off entirely.

Remember, they may have never talked about these feelings with anyone before and might be unfamiliar with how to navigate what they are experiencing. Assure them that they can take their time to fully express how they are feeling.

Accept that someone might not be ready to talk

Remember that not everyone will feel ready to talk to you when in crisis, particularly if you are a total stranger. They may not trust you or may feel uncomfortable talking in the current location.

Unless it is to determine whether someone intends to or has harmed themselves or others, it’s important to respect someone’s wishes not to talk. Simply letting someone know you are there can encourage them to talk when they feel ready.

Encourage professional help

Talking with someone during a mental health crisis could potentially save their life, but it’s important to remember that you are not a substitute for professional help.

Once you have established that the person can keep themselves safe, encourage the individual to seek support from qualified professionals as they will be the best equipped to support their needs.

Usually, this will be their GP, who can guide the person towards mental health resources and medical help through the NHS.

There are also local organisations that can provide support too. These can be found on Hub of Hope, a website that lists local organisations that provide mental health support.

New details of Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2023 app announced

Today, Tuesday 16 May, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society is delighted to announce details of the new Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2023 app, which will be available ahead of the festival.

The app will include many navigational features which will support audiences in exploring the wealth of performance available at the Fringe.  Users will be able to view and search full programme listings, book tickets on the go and use a ‘nearby now’ function to find shows starting soon, which are close to their location.

Based on feedback from audiences, artists, participants and venues following the 2022 Fringe, the new app will also include new features which weren’t within the previous Fringe app, last available in 2019.

Following a move to a fully e-ticketing journey in 2022, e-ticket QR codes will be stored in the app’s planner area and will be seamlessly integrated with users’ day-by-day show schedules, providing a very easy user experience.  Users will also be able to add tickets for multiple shows in one simple transaction,

In addition, two great festival-time additions will see users able to have the option to enable notifications for when their next show is about to start and will also benefit from a new ‘Shake to Search’ function which will provide users with a random show suggestion simply by shaking their phone.

The development of the 2023 app has been made possible through kind support from Scottish Enterprise, and new sponsors Playbill and Synatec. 

Since the start of 2023, the Fringe Society have been working with Australian-based agency equ on developing a new app for this year’s festival.  equ previously supported the Perth Fringe Festival with the development of their app.  Throughout the development phase, the Fringe Society team have also already started exploring potential additional features for Fringe 2024 and beyond.  

Through festival-time, users will be invited to submit feedback on the new app, encouraging suggestions of any additional features they’d like to see that would help them get even more out of the Fringe as well as provide feedback on their app experience.

Shona McCarthy, Chief Executive of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, said: ‘Developing an app required to support the scale and complexity of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe takes a significant period of time and resource, and we are delighted to be able to share the exciting features which will be launched within the app for this year’s festival.

“We recognise the app is a key tool for Fringe artists, with many audiences using it to explore new ideas and performances they may not have yet experienced, and the “nearby now” functionality is particularly useful for performers who offer free shows within the programme.

“We’ve ensured that the new app does all that and more, and while there’s still a few more weeks before it’s fully ready, I can’t wait for Fringe audiences to download it and support the thousands of artists performing in Edinburgh this summer.’

equ Managing Director, Warren Gibbs, said: ‘We are thrilled by the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the ongoing success of the world’s largest arts festival, and will be looking to create a platform that adds significant value for all stakeholders including artists, venues and customers’.

The new Fringe app is designed for use on the ground in August, and will be available for download in late July, ahead of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2023.

Scots ‘too busy’ to look after wellbeing

Scots prioritising working, watching TV, socialising and gaming instead

  • 1 in 3 Scots say they are too busy working to look after their own health and mental wellbeing
  • 15% confess they fritter away hours binge-watching soap operas instead of doing things to improve their fitness or manage stress and anxiety levels, while1 in 10 say socialising and watching sport on TV is more important to them than their wellbeing
  • Most people in Scotland say they struggle to look after their health and wellbeing, with many blaming a lack of time or confusion over what is actually good for them
  • In light of this, dietitian Jennifer Low and Yakult Plus are educating people on the ‘power of small’ and how quick and easy everyday changes can make a big difference to overall health

Nearly 1 in 3 (30%) people in Scotland say they are too busy working to look after their own health and wellbeing.

Meanwhile, 15% confess they fritter away hours binge-watching soap operas instead of doing things to improve their fitness or manage stress and anxiety levels.

1 in 10 people in Scotland say socialising (11%) and watching sport on TV (11%) is more important to them than looking after their wellbeing, while more than 1 in 20 (6%) people say they are too busy gaming to look after their health. 

The new research by Yakult Plus reveals that Scots struggle to look after their health and wellbeing, with many blaming a lack of time or confusion over what is actually good for them.

15% of Scots admit that not having enough time is the top reason for struggling to look after wellbeing, with nearly 1 in 10 (8%) saying they have just five minutes or less a day to spend on looking after diet and nutrition.

Over 1 in 10 people (12%) say that they have less than five minutes a day to commit to mental wellbeing, while almost 1 in 20 (4%) say they have just five minutes a day to spend on exercise.

Other reasons people struggle to look after their wellbeing are confusion around the conflicting information available (14%) or simply not having the willpower (13%).

More than 1 in 20 people (6%) blamed feeling defeated due to positive changes never lasting long, confusion over who or what sources to trust (5%), not knowing where to start (4%), or being confused by health myths online (2%).

On the research, dietitian Jennifer Low commented: “There is so much misinformation about diet and health and the research reveals many people are confused about the best ways to look after their overall health.

“It seems many also feel like they don’t have the time required to look after their wellbeing, as they are prioritising other areas of their lives. Whilst things like watching TV and gaming are forms of self-care and sadly for some, maybe the only form of rest they know, it’s also sad to see that so many people have so little time to spend on things like exercise, healthy eating, and sleep – which can benefit gut health as well as overall health.

“Small changes however, such as a gentle walk or including more fruit and vegetables each day, can have a big impact on your health. There is no need to take part in the latest diet or exercise fad or download the latest app.

“I would encourage people to start small, making one easy change at a time, thinking about what they can add to their life and diet, and build from there.”

Alongside the poll of consumers, the research from Yakult Plus also included a survey of nearly 500 dietitians conducted through the British Dietetic Association (BDA). It echoed the findings of the consumer survey – that 1 in 3 (36%) people say to dietitians that they find it complicated to look after their health, with one of the top reasons being a lack of time (16%).

The survey of dietitians revealed however that 9 in 10 (86%) of the dietitians questioned believe people may actually be overcomplicating looking after their wellbeing.

The research was commissioned by Yakult Plus to mark the launch of Yakult Plus and highlight how quick and easy everyday changes can make a big difference to one’s overall health.

Like all Yakult products, Yakult Plus is bursting with 20 billion friendly bacteria, scientifically proven to reach the gut alive, but in addition, is rich in vitamin C which supports the immune system and helps lower fatigue and also contains fibre that can feed the bacteria in the gut. Quick to enjoy every morning, it fits in easily to your routine.

For further information, please visit www.yakult.co.uk.

Barratt Developments supports women and families with East of Scotland community fund

Three essential causes focused on improving the lives and wellbeing of women and families in the East of Scotland have benefited from donations from Barratt Developments’ community fund.

Barratt Developments, which includes Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes, currently donates £1,500 per month to local charities in its divisions as part of the homebuilder’s pledge to improve the quality of life of those living in the areas in which it operates.

To kick off the first quarter of the year, £1,500 was donated to Smart Works in January – an organisation that supports the most vulnerable women in society by providing interview clothing, styling services and professional interview coaching.

The women who come to Smart Works are often referred from Job Centres, mental health charities, women’s refuges, homeless shelters, the prison service, the care service and youth organisations. The essential resources provided by the charity not only allow 72% of its service users to gain employment each month, but also helps improve women’s overall confidence and self-esteem.

Rachel Shields, Fundraising and Partnerships Manager at Smart Works Scotland, said: “We’re so grateful for this donation. In the shadow of the cost-of-living crisis our service has never been more needed.

“In response to increasing demand, we are expanding our service in Scotland, and we just had our biggest month for appointments in March.

“With support like this from Barratt, we’re one step closer to achieving the ambition of our 3-year plan to double the number of women who access our transformative service by March 2025.”

In February, a further £1,500 was given to Stepping Stones North Edinburgh. 

Supporting pregnant women and young families, Stepping Stones provides a range of services focused on mental and emotional wellbeing, resilience building, reducing isolation and early learning services.

The donation has been used by the Stepping Stones team to improve play materials used by the organisation’s Steps to Grow group. Run on Wednesdays throughout the year at Granton Community Garden, the shared space provides children and their caregivers with the opportunity to socialise in a safe, secure and enriching environment.

Dee Reid, Early Learning Practitioner at Stepping Stones North Edinburgh, said: “Barratt’sgenerous donation has enabled us to purchase some much needed and durable equipment for our garden group to proceed in a safe and effective way, within our environment.

“This will hopefully benefit our families greatly, and they can continue to enjoy the equipment and new resources for years to come.”

To round off the quarter, Barratt Developments donated £1,500 in March to SiMBA (Simpson’s Memory Box Appeal).

The charity’s aim is to honour babies who have died, are stillborn or miscarried through supporting parents by gathering precious items in Memory Boxes, spending time with the baby in a comfortable Family Room, and providing the chance to remember and reflect at the Tree of Tranquillity.

The funds received from Barratt Developments will help SiMBA to continue to provide these services to families in the East of Scotland.

Vanessa Rhazali, Head of Fundraising and Communications at SiMBA, said: “We were delighted to receive a generous donation from Barratt Homes.

“The funds will go directly towards providing Memory Boxes to bereaved parents at their critical time of loss. The Memory Boxes offer comfort at one of the most traumatic times of their lives, while also holding cherished memories for the family to honour their baby for the years that follow.”

Alison Condie, Managing Director at Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes East Scotland, said: “Giving back to the communities in which we build has always been a priority for Barratt Developments, and we try our best to identify the charities most in need in our divisions with the help of our customers.

“This quarter we’ve donated to three fantastic causes that are supporting women and families in the East of Scotland. To be able to provide essential services in the current climate can be extremely challenging for charities.

“Hopefully, these donations will help them to continue the vital work they are doing in their local communities.”

For more information on Barratt Developments in the East of Scotland, visit:

https://www.barratthomes.co.uk/new-homes/scotland-east/

Edinburgh Science is set to star at this year’s Scottish Charity Awards  

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 following a record-breaking number of nominations. 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. 

Edinburgh Science has been recognised as a finalist in the ‘Climate Conscious’ category and are encouraging those in Edinburgh to vote for them. 

A spokesperson for Edinburgh Science said: “Climate change is undoubtedly one of the greatest challenges of our time but we believe that if we all work together we can build a better future for everyone.

“Edinburgh Science has been dedicated to taking climate action for many years now, from empowering our Edinburgh Science Festival audiences, supporting small businesses and organisations to build their own carbon management plans with The NetZeroToolkit and even with senior business leaders and decision-makers through our Climate Co-Lab meetings.

“We are proud to be shortlisted for this important award – it really does mean the world to us.”  

The 2023 Scottish Charity Awards winners will be announced at a celebratory awards ceremony in Edinburgh on 23 June 2023 – hosted by TV presenter Sally Magnusson. 

Anna Fowlie, Chief Executive of SCVO, said: “This year’s 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! 

To view the full list of finalists, visit the SCVO website. 

Edinburgh’s next net zero carbon affordable housing project

> The Edinburgh Home Demonstrator (EHD) explores an innovative approach to design, procurement, and delivery of affordable net zero carbon homes.

> Planning permission has been granted for EHD’s second pilot project in Greendykes, delivery of which will be led by Urban Union and supported by Donaldson Timber Systems and Robertson Timber Engineering.

> The development of the Greendykes project will complete the last stage of the 15-year Greendykes North Masterplan aimed at regenerating the wider Craigmillar area.

> Both Donaldson Timber Systems and Roberson Timber Engineering will be using their proprietary offsite manufactured timber systems to deliver the build.

Proposals to transform currently vacant land into an affordable net zero carbon housing development in Edinburgh have now been approved by city planners.

Located between Greendykes Avenue and Greendykes Road in east Edinburgh, the development named ‘Greendykes K & L’, will comprise 28 two-storey terraced houses and 112 flats in four-storey tenement style blocks.

As well as being the final stage in the Greendykes North Masterplan to regenerate the Craigmillar area, the Greendykes K & L development is also the second of three confirmed pilot projects being delivered by The Edinburgh Home Demonstrator (EHD) – a programme providing an innovative approach to building affordable net zero carbon homes at scale.

The Scottish Government-backed programme has engaged a community of research and development experts to develop a catalogue of house types with the goal of demonstrating how we can create and set a new standard for affordable net zero carbon homes at scale across the six local authorities within the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Deal Region.

The homes that will be delivered as part of the EHD will be built using modern methods of construction (MMC) including offsite manufacturing techniques in accordance with the EHD’s design and performance standard that outlines a route to achieving net zero.

Specifically, the Greendykes pilot will be looking to optimise existing, and develop additional, house and flat types for the EHD catalogue and to test design, performance standard and mass customisation of the EHD house and flat types. Using the EHD types allowed an additional seven homes to be built on site showing the efficiency of the EHD design.

Anderson Bell + Christie Architects were appointed by Urban Union, housing developer and principal contractors, to create the plans for the Greendykes development on behalf of the City of Edinburgh Council. Donaldson Timber Systems and Robertson Timber Engineering will deliver the offsite manufactured elements.

Each firm will use their proprietary offsite manufactured, closed-panel timber systems at Greendykes. Both systems will allow the build to be less wasteful and more efficient, while reducing embodied carbon emissions and increasing the quality and energy efficiency of the housing once complete.

As the second project delivered by EHD, the Greendykes development will benefit from the data and insights gathered during the first pilot project which is under way in Granton.

By carrying out extensive pre- and post-occupancy evaluations into build speed, energy demand and whole-life embodied carbon emissions, the development of the Greendykes site is projected to similarly provide insights that will feed into and inform the EHD business model and the ongoing regional approach to delivering net zero carbon affordable housing at scale.

John Smith, Technical Director, Donaldson Timber Systems said: “The approach of one site, one contractor, and two different timber systems gives us the ability to measure both.

“We can test, monitor and compare each system all the way through the process from build to occupancy, which will teach us a great deal about how best to deliver future net zero carbon housing at scale.”

Nicola Jackson, Net Zero Projects Lead, Robertson Group said: “This project is significant for bringing together two members of industry to develop and optimise the future model of net zero carbon house types.

“For Robertson, it is specifically important as it’s an opportunity to increase the pre-manufactured value (PMV) of our timber systems, meaning we can increase the quality of a build project and ensure that once complete, the homes will meet energy efficiency goals.”

For more information, visit: https://edinburgh-home-demonstrator.org/