Day: August 7, 2023

Green Home Festival: WWF poll shows there is “real appetite for change”

Organisers of the upcoming Green Home Festival say the results of a recent survey show that there is “very real appetite for change” among Scottish homeowners looking to make their homes more eco-friendly.

The team behind the week-long renewables jamboree have welcomed a new poll by environment organisation WWF Scotland which says that the majority of Scots support moves to phase out the use of fossil fuel boilers in existing homes.

And the Construction Industry Collective Voice (CICV) says the survey’s other findings demonstrate “an encouraging willingness to commit to a green future ” – and have urged homeowners to convert their enthusiasm into action at its upcoming event.

In the survey published on Monday 31 July by WWF Scotland, more than half of those asked said they would support the introduction of Scottish Government policies to phase out fossil fuel boilers.

In addition, 65% said they believed there should be new rules for better insulation in existing homes at vital moments, such as buying or selling a property. Other findings included:

  • 40% of respondents said they would consider installing a heat pump as an alternative to a fossil fuel boiler within the next five years.
  • 57% would be willing to purchase a heat pump with some or no government support.
  • 71% are aware of the negative impact of oil and gas boilers have on climate change.
  • 80% believe higher oil and gas prices contribute to inflation and higher cost of living.

Green Home Festival co-organiser Fiona Hodgson, who is CEO of plumbing and heating association SNIPEF, said: “These findings show there is a very real appetite for change among homeowners, who are aware of the importance of climate change and want to help Scotland build towards net zero.

“It’s particularly pleasing to see so many people recognising the need to move away from fossil fuels and embrace cleaner energy sources, and also encouraging to see that two-thirds of those polled want better insulation rules enforced.   

“The upcoming Green Home Festival supports these ideas wholeheartedly and will be offering practical demonstrations of how we can make them become a reality as we aim to build a more sustainable future, one home at a time.”

Kicking off on Monday 14 August in Edinburgh, the second Green Home Festival will deliver 11 free shows on low-carbon living as part of the official Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Topics will include how to reduce energy bills, preparing for heat pumps, community heating networks, creating sustainable kitchens, green garden rooms and offices, making retrofit projects eco-friendly, converting churches and how the home of the future will be powered.

Live Green Home Festival sessions will once again take place at the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) at 10 Charlotte Square in central Edinburgh, with contributions from the likes of Home Energy Scotland, Scottish Water, SNIPEF and SELECT.

John McKinney, co-organiser of the Green Home Festival and Secretary of the National Federation of Roofing Contractors, added: “Scotland has already taken its first steps down the path to a more low-carbon future, but we still have a long way to go. However, the results of this survey show that people are aware of the need to make real and lasting change.

“Attending the Green Home Festival and taking on board the wealth of free advice from our experts will help homeowners take their next steps as we harness the power of renewables and move to a more sustainable way of living.”

The festival is the latest in a string of practical and constructive initiatives launched by the CICV since its creation at the start of the pandemic in March 2020.

Made up of 28 trade associations, professional services bodies and companies, it has maintained a steady supply of information and practical advice to the sector as well as carrying out surveys, producing animations and posters, hosting webinars and maintaining close dialogue with Scottish Government ministers.

  • Full details, including how to book tickets for each event, are available on the Festival’s website at greenhomefestival.co.uk.

Core-Asset recognised as one of the top 200 women-powered businesses

Female-led Scottish scale-up crowned one of the UK’s best

SCOTLAND’S leading financial services recruiter has been identified by JP Morgan Private Bank as one of the top 200 women-powered businesses in the UK. 

Founded by respected entrepreneur Betsy Williamson in 2005, Core-Asset Consulting receives the accolade shortly after being named a leading trailblazer at the end of 2022.  

The firm – which now turns over £26.5m a year – places a strong focus on diversity, equity, inclusion and progressive working practices for both men and women. 

Louise Powrie, co-Managing Director of Core-Asset Consulting, said: “This year’s standings perfectly reflect our continually growing upward trajectory which has seen us truly excel as a business.

“We place inclusion at the heart of what we do and have recently launched a new initiative to help improve socio-economic diversity in the sector – this accolade from JP Morgan highlights that we are more than meeting these goals.

“As an Edinburgh-based business that has grown from a start-up into Scotland’s leading financial services recruiter, the report – which celebrates women-powered businesses – should serve as a driver for all companies across the country which are fuelling female ambition and advancing financial equality. 

“We are delighted to be a part of underlining the incredibly diverse role that women play in impacting and shaping British businesses and the economy.

“Each and every one of the top 200 businesses deserve their recognition – it’s fantastic high-growth businesses like these that will fuel our future.”

Core-Asset was born out of Betsy’s desire to take the best of her experience of large corporate recruiters, applying the focus on infrastructure and training to a more sector-specialised business.

It ranked 38 out of 200 in the third instalment of the annual JP Morgan report. It analysed over 46,000 companies that together form the UK’s high-growth ecosystem, revealing 13,255 women-powered businesses founded, led, owned, or managed by women.

Charlotte Bobroff and Stephanie Khalef-Wassmer, Co-heads of UK Women & Wealth and Executive Directors at J.P. Morgan Private Bank said: “Investing in the advancement of women is a focus of our firm that we believe is critical. 

“Over the years, we have developed and launched a range of resources, networks and tools that enable women to progress in their career journeys as despite their impressive performance, women-powered companies still face the challenge of being underrepresented compared to their male counterparts.”

Core-Asset Consulting is Scotland’s pre-eminent recruitment and headhunting agency dedicated to financial and professional services. 

Based in Edinburgh, the firm employs 24 people and works across the entire financial services sector, from the smallest boutiques to the biggest global players.

Initially the firm carved its reputation in Scotland’s globally-renowned asset management sector. However, the success of its model allowed it to expand across the wider financial services market. It now boasts dedicated accounting, investment operations and finance teams and also works in Scotland’s thriving legal sector.

Exam results: Support for pupils

Education Minister visits Results Helpline Centre

The Skills Development Scotland (SDS) Results Helpline is staffed by more than 30 expert careers advisors and opens tomorrow (Tuesday 8th August) for four days.

The service provides impartial careers advice and guidance on the next steps to students, and their parents and carers, following receipt of their exam results.

Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth met SDS staff at a Results Helpline centre in Edinburgh to learn more about their work and how it benefits pupils.

Ms Gilruth said: “Results day can be a very emotional one for pupils, parents and carers. The opportunity to have a conversation with someone who is impartial and knowledgeable is so valuable.

“Whatever a person’s results, there are options out there for everyone and I would encourage anyone with any concerns or uncertainty about future choices to contact the results helpline to speak with friendly, knowledgeable staff for advice about your next steps.”

SDS Head of Career Information, Advice and Guidance Operations Sharon McIntyre said: “We are so pleased the Education Secretary took time out to come and visit the Results Helpline staff this year.

“It was very clear from the conversations we had that she recognises just how valuable our support is for worried pupils, parents and carers. We wish everyone all the very best with their results this year, but please don’t worry if you don’t get the outcome you hoped for, just phone 0808 100 8000 and we will help you find alternative options.”

The SDS helpline can be reached on 0800 100 8000 and will be open from 8am to 8pm on Tuesday 8th and Wednesday 9th August.

It will then open from 9am to 5pm on Thursday 10th and Friday 11th August. The SDS’ careers advisers will be on hand to offer advice about all post school options, including UK colleges and universities, Confirmation and Clearing, apprenticeships, jobs and volunteering.

Students can also access the SQA Candidate Advice Line (CAL) on 0345 279 1000.

It offers support and information relating to the Scottish Qualification Certificates and is open from 8am-6pm on 8 August and 8.30am – 5pm on 9 August.

Cammy Day opens Drum’s Red Sandstone building on Leith Walk

The renaissance of Leith Walk in Edinburgh is set to continue with the official launch of Drum Property Group’s ‘Red Sandstone’ building – now home to a range of exciting range of new shops, cafes and businesses.  

City of Edinburgh Council Leader, Cammy Day, formally opened the distinctive two-storey Scottish Art Deco building following a major refurbishment project. Known simply as The Red Sandstone, the building extends from 106 to 154 Leith Walk and provides a range of open-plan first floor business suites housed above a row of shops, cafes, restaurants and a popular bar and arts venue.

The opening of the building is set to capitalise on the renewed interest in Leith Walk following the launch of the new tramline connecting Edinburgh city centre with the port of Leith and Newhaven.

All 10 of the street-level retail units have now been fully let, with more than two-thirds of the first-floor office suites occupied by a range of small to medium sized independent businesses. 

The building’s tenants include Hobz Bakery, Cornelius Wines, Middle Eastern street food restaurant Sharawama, vintage clothing store Rhinestone Cowboys, Chorrito Sauce Company, pizzeria San Ciro’s and Zoomo, the E-bike sales and hire service.

They join Leith Depot, an established bar, restaurant and music venue which has been based at the location since 2015 and has now signed a new lease expanding the venue and extending its stay at the retail parade.

The Red Sandstone now forms a spectacular gateway to Drum’s £50 million transformation of the 2.9-acre Stead’s Place site, which will bring 148 new homes to the rear of the development linking Leith Walk to Pilrig Park when complete next year.  

Welcoming the opening of The Red Sandstone, Council Leader Cammy Day said: “With the tram service up and running, the regeneration of this section of Leith Walk couldn’t come at a better time.

“Drum was able to work closely with the community to revise their plans while creating this scheme and the result is a thriving and creative space. The existing occupiers and new units are clearly receiving lots of footfall already, which is great to see.”

Fife Hyland, Drum’s Operation Director added: “After a long period of community consultation and refurbishment, it’s testament to the revival of Leith Walk that the Red Sandstone building is now fully operational and buzzing with activity.

“With the tram now open and Leith Walk coming back to its bustling best, the building is set to fulfil its potential as a distinctive focal point and destination for the area.  

“We have been hugely encouraged with the high levels of occupier interest in the retail units, which are now all fully let, and in the office spaces above – of which we only have a few remaining suites available. 

The vibrant retail parade has a diverse range of independent traders including shops, cafés, restaurants and the ever-popular Leith Depot bar and arts venue, whilst the sympathetically restored office suites have proved very popular as a small business location in the diverse and dynamic community of Leith.

 The refurbished Red Sandstone building is now well set to play a key role in promoting the rich tradition of diversity and independence which makes Leith such an exciting destination in which to live, work and visit.”

Edinburgh businessman Aytac Gul has opened Middle Eastern street food restaurant Sharawama at The Red Sandstone, as well as operating the café space providing the entry point for the first-floor office suites. A

s the operator of some seven restaurants and cafes in the Leith area over the last 12 years, Aytac has witnessed many changes to the local neighbourhood.

“Leith Walk has undergone a radical transformation in the last decade,” he says. “It is now one of the most contemporary yet diverse streets in Edinburgh. It’s a genuinely cosmopolitan community which brings together a hugely diverse range of independent retailers, cafes and bars and is especially appealing to the younger generation looking for something a little different to the rest of the city, often providing better value and a more eclectic mix of attractions.

“The new tramline is now bringing more visitors and footfall to the area, especially when there are more shops, cafes, businesses and homes being created here, attracting more people from the city centre to venture further down Leith Walk.”

The last remaining office suites on the first floor of the Red Sandstone building are available for immediate occupancy.

For more information on The Red Sandstone and its office suites, visit www.theredsandstone.com or contact office agents Culverwell on 0131 243 9617.

Lovell breaks ground for new Midlothian homes

Lovell Partnerships has marked the start of an exciting new housing development in Midlothian with a sod cutting ceremony.

The event took place at the Oakwood Edge site, near Dalkeith, to officially celebrate the beginning of construction at the eagerly anticipated Lovell development.

Oakwood Edge will offer a range of stunning new two-, three-, and four-bedroom homes, with 39 of the homes to be provided for social use by Melville Housing Association, on the land owned by Lovell.

The new homes will make a significant contribution towards tackling the housing shortage in the local area.

Donna Bogdanovic, Chair of Melville Housing Association, officially broke the ground at the event, which was attended by staff from Lovell, Melville Housing Association, and Hardies Property and Construction Consultants. 

Oakwood Edge is ideally located, close to Dalkeith, Newtongrange, and Mayfield, and will enjoy considerable local amenities, as well as easy access to Edinburgh.

A play park and an art installation will also form part of the new development, in line with Lovell Partnerships’ commitment to providing community benefits and social value where it builds.

This development will be one of the first to benefit from Lovell energy efficient homes, helping to reduce the heating and lighting bills for the Melville Housing Association residents.

Lovell thanks all its partners who joined in to mark this crucial stage at Oakwood Edge and expresses its excitement at the prospect of bringing these key homes to the area.

Sarah Freel, Head of Partnerships at Lovell, said: “Oakwood Edge is an incredibly exciting development for Lovell and our partners, so it was wonderful to see the ceremonial first shovel going into the ground on it.

“As a partnership housebuilder, we’re delighted to be working with Melville Housing Association to deliver this development. Oakwood Edge is an example of how partnership working can benefit communities and the local economy, whilst creating numerous jobs and training opportunities.

“I’d like to express our gratitude to everyone involved in this sod cutting ceremony and thank them for their continued dedication to making Oakwood Edge a great place for families to live.” 

Donna Bogdanovic, Chair of Melville Housing Association, said: “It was my pleasure to take part in the sod cutting for Oakwood Edge which marks the continuation of a productive relationship between Melville and Lovell that began more than 15 years ago.

“This exciting opportunity, made possible thanks to Scottish Government funding and support from Midlothian Council, will allow us to help some of those on Midlothian’s huge social housing waiting list who are desperately waiting for a quality affordable home.

“On behalf of everyone at Melville Housing Association, I would like to say just how much we’re looking forward to following the progress of this exciting project and, when the time comes, welcoming tenants to the Oakwood Edge development.”

Free tickets for discussion events at The Hub

Edinburgh International Festival is hoping that Edinburgh citizens in particular will take this opportunity to join in and to contribute at the following events:

Monday 7th August 2.30pm – Exploring Community Over Chaos:

https://www.eif.co.uk/events/exploring-community-over-chaos-at-the-hub

Tuesday 15th August 2.30pm Exploring hope in the face of Adversity

https://www.eif.co.uk/events/exploring-hope-in-the-face-of-adversity-at-the-hub

Monday 21st August 2.30pm Exploring a Perspective that’s not one’s own

https://www.eif.co.uk/events/exploring-a-perspective-thats-not-ones-own-at-the-hub

The topics are selected around the themes of this year’s Festival, and there are some interesting speakers lined up at each session, with time for audience engagement at each one. 

COSLA Excellence Awards: Finalists Announced

Fifteen projects from eleven Councils across Scotland have been announced today as finalists for the 2023 Excellence Awards, which are COSLA’s annual celebration of Scottish Local Government success – celebrating the very best of Scottish Local Government.

No City of Edinburgh Council projects have made the final shortlist.

Scotland’s 32 Councils were invited over the summer to submit entries to a judging panel comprising a number of experts across local and national government as well as the private sector.

After much deliberation our judging teams determined their finalists from dozens of applications of an incredibly high quality. The judges’ shortlist features a series of projects and programmes which highlighted areas of best practice and innovative service delivery over five categories: Service Innovation and Improvement, Achieving Better Outcomes for the Most Vulnerable in Partnership, Tackling Inequalities and Improving Health and Wellbeing, Strengthening Communities and Local Democracy and Just Transition to a Net Zero Economy.

More than 200 applications were received, and the judges had the unenviable task of choosing just three category finalists in each category.

A further series of judging days will take place in late August, during which a team of judges led by COSLA President Shona Morrison, and Vice-President Steven Heddle, will decide on a winner in each category as well as the winners of four special awards – COSLA Chairperson’s Award, SOLACE Best Team Award, The Scottish Government – Delivering Excellence Award, and the Excellent People, Excellent Outcomes Award.

Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony at COSLA’s Annual Conference and Exhibition, which will take place on Thursday 28th September, 2023.

Councillor Shona Morrison, COSLA President and Chairperson of the Excellence Awards, said: “I’m delighted that we are able to announce this year’s COSLA Excellence Awards finalists.

“It hasn’t been an easy task for our judges to narrow the applications down to just fifteen finalists across our categories, especially given the exceptional high quality of projects and programmes that have been entered by councils across Scotland this year.

“It has been wonderful hearing so many positive and inspiring stories from council teams working hard to deliver valued services in communities right across the country.

“The challenges councils are facing cannot be underestimated. What really shone through from the entries this year was innovation and creativity at a local level to overcome challenges – and the sheer determination from Scotland’s councils to simply make people’s lives better at a very challenging time for all.

“So, huge congratulations to this year’s finalists – it has been a pleasure to hear first-hand about the amazing work going on across our councils. I look forward to our winners being announced at the in-person awards ceremony in September”.

This year’s finalists are:

Category 1: Service innovation and improvement (Sponsored by Food Standards Scotland)

  • Delivering School Meals by Drones – Argyll and Bute Council
  • Stirling Council Healthier Homes Project – Stirling Council
  • 24/7 CCTV/Digital Alarms Hub – Falkirk Council

Category 2: Achieving better outcomes for the most vulnerable in partnership

  • Lighthouse – Perth and Kinross Council
  • Building Skills Together Refugee Integration Project – Dundee City Council
  • Up streaming Prevention of Youth Homelessness – West Lothian Council

Category 3: Tackling inequalities and improving health and wellbeing (Sponsored by Public Health Scotland)

  • Implementing regulate, relate, reason in education – Fife Council
  • Libraries for wellbeing – Falkirk Council
  • Alcohol and substance awareness education resource – Renfrewshire Council

Category 4: Strengthening communities and local democracy

  • Zetland Park Project – Falkirk Council
  • Historic Links to Slavery – Inverclyde Council
  • Joint Bonfire Protocol and Multi-Agency Control Centre – Glasgow City Council, Neighbourhoods, Regeneration and Sustainability

Category 5: Just transition to a net zero economy

  • Orkney’s Community Wind Farm Project – Orkney Islands Council
  • Blackburn as a Climate Action Town – West Lothian Council
  • Sustainable Grass Management Pilot Project – Falkirk Council

Places can be booked for the Awards Ceremony at COSLA’s Conference and Exhibition here.

Strachan House Care Home nets success in football tournament

Residents and staff at Strachan House Care Home in Edinburgh, Archview Care Home and Drummond Grange Care Home in Lasswade put the ‘fun’ into ‘fundraising’ with an inter-home football tournament to raise money for Barchester’s Charitable Foundation. 

Residents and staff from each home came together at the astro pitches in Gorebridge for a fantastic afternoon of footie fun. Each team and their supporters dressed for the occasion as the Strachan House Spartans went into battle coming out the victors on the day.

Mandy Head of Activities said “What amazing fun it was to raise funds and see everyone enjoying themselves.

“Our residents have been looking forward to this for a while. We had so much fun preparing for it and despite the scores it was a win win for everyone on the day”.

Alex Morris smiled: “What a great afternoon of football. The atmosphere was incredible and to walk away with the cup was amazing.

“I can’t wait for it to happen again next year! “

Gordon Philp General Manager at Strachan House said: “We love to fundraise for charities throughout the year, we pick different causes to support that have been selected by staff, residents and friends of the home.

“Barchester’s Charitable Foundation is a great cause that helps many people in need, and is a charity very close to ours hearts. Our staff and residents had a fantastic afternoon, so we feel really proud to have been able to raise this money as well as bring the cup home to Strachan House. Thank you to everyone who donated!”

Barchester’s Charitable Foundation supports older people and other adults living with a disability or mental health problems by giving grants to help them connect or re-connect with others in their local communities.

For more information please visit www.bhcfoundation.org.uk

Strachan House is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering high-quality care across its care homes and hospitals Strachan House provides nursing care, residential care, and respite care for 83 residents.

Glasgow photographer to showcase ‘A Love Letter to Glasgow’ exhibition … in Edinburgh


The exhibition offers a captivating and intimate look at Glasgow, exploring the city’s vibrant and diverse character. Iain Clark’s photographs are a celebration of Glasgow’s people, its architecture, and its culture, presented through his lens with a keen eye for detail and composition. 

Breathing life into Glasgow’s very essence, this homage exposes the spirited pulse that thrives within the city’s veins. 

Commenting, Iain Clark said: “My intimate affection for Glasgow is demonstrated by unveiling a deep sense of community amongst its vivid characters – my tribute to a city that embraces and inspires all who are fortunate enough to call it home. 

“Street photography is the lifeblood of the exhibition and it illuminates the ordinary and the extraordinary alike. The anonymous faces of passers-by intertwine with the familiar visages of local legends, each expressing the collective spirit that reverberates within the city.” 

Jane Frame, Doubtfire Gallery Director, said: “We are thrilled to host Iain Clark’s ‘A Love Letter to Glasgow’ exhibition during the Edinburgh Festival.

“The images are a poignant tribute to Glasgow and its people, and we are excited to share this work with the many people who descend on Edinburgh throughout the festival and residents alike.” 

‘A Love Letter to Glasgow’ will run from 2 August to 2 September at Doubtfire Gallery on Wednesdays to Sundays 12pm – 4pm, located at 28 North West Circus Place, Edinburgh, EH3 6TP. 

Don’t miss this opportunity to experience Iain Clark’s stunning photographic tribute to one of Scotland’s most beloved cities. 

Cat found with 10cm blade of grass up his nose

A cat from Nottingham, who transformed his owner’s life after she was diagnosed with cancer, has been saved by vet charity PDSA who removed a 10cm blade of grass from his nose.   

Ginge, (6), was taken to Nottingham PDSA Pet Hospital after his owner Laura Mellors, (52), said he was struggling to breathe and sneezing blood. 

“It was very scary,” she explained. “Ginge was having sneezing fits and coughing, and then all of a sudden he started bringing up blood. I didn’t know what to do.”  

Laura, who was eligible for the charity’s services after having to give up work when she was diagnosed with cancer a few years ago, took him to her local PDSA Pet Hospital straightaway.  

“PDSA were amazing,” she added. “The team sedated Ginge and pulled out a huge 10cm blade of grass, I couldn’t believe it. 

“You couldn’t see anything stuck in his nose or in his mouth so it must have been pretty far back. After the vets got it out Ginge was back to his normal self almost instantly. I can’t thank them enough!”   

Laura was diagnosed with breast cancer at the start of the pandemic and had to give up her job in Tesco.

Because of her Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), it meant she was eligible for the charity’s veterinary services.  

“From my diagnosis, to the pandemic and now the cost-of-living crisis, it’s been a hard few years and I’m so thankful to PDSA for being there for Ginge and for me,” she shared. 

Laura lives in Bestwood with her partner Sam, (62). She said Ginge is a big part of the family after ‘choosing her’ when he appeared in her garden as a stray cat. 

“Ginge came into our lives around the same time I was diagnosed with cancer,” she explained.  

“I feel like he chose us to be honest. He was a stray cat who used to come and sit in our garden. One day he came in through the back door, and then he never left. We tried to see if he was owned by anyone – we asked our neighbours, and took him to be scanned for a microchip but nothing came of it. 

“We wouldn’t be without him for the world though – he’s an amazing cat! He’s slow and chilled out, he plods around the garden and sits in the sun. 

“He’s always eating bits of grass and even though I tell him to stop, I didn’t think it would cause much harm. But I’ll definitely be a lot more mindful of this from now on.”  

PDSA Vet Catherine Burke explained that this is common amongst cats and can be tricky to diagnose and treat. “When a cat gets a blade of grass lodged in the back of their nose or throat, it can be very uncomfortable and irritating for them, and could cause an infection, 

“It can cause severe bouts of sneezing or coughing, and in some cases such as Ginge’s, the cat can start sneezing or coughing up blood which can be very distressing for both cat and owner. 

“It can be really difficult to prevent this from happening, as cats will often wander where we can’t keep an eye on them. If your cat eats grass in your own garden, keep it cut short to reduce the risk of the longer grass blades getting stuck. 

“Sneezing from time to time is nothing to worry about, but you should contact your vet if your cat can’t stop sneezing, sneezes blood or seems to be in pain.”  

In times of hardship, pets like Ginge will still fall ill or become injured and need emergency care. PDSA is appealing for donations so that the charity can continue to support owners who have nowhere else to turn by providing life-saving care to vulnerable pets.

To donate, visit pdsa.org.uk.