August 2023 – Page 2 – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

Business confidence rises in Scotland

Bank of Scotland Business Barometer

Business confidence in Scotland rose four points in August to 36%
Companies in Scotland reported higher confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, up 12 points at 53%
In August, overall UK business confidence reached its highest level since February 2022, increasing 10 points on July’s reading to 41%

Business confidence in Scotland rose four points during August to 36%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking.

Companies in Scotland reported higher confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, up 12 points at 53%. When taken alongside their optimism in the economy, down two points to 19%, this gives a headline confidence reading of 36%.

Scottish businesses identified their top target areas for growth in the next six months as evolving their offer (47%), investing in their team (39%) and entering new markets (31%).

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

A net balance of 24% of businesses in the region expect to increase staff levels over the next year, down five points on last month.

National picture

Overall UK business confidence increased to its highest level since February last year, jumping 10 points to 41% in August. All 11 regions and nations reported a positive business confidence reading in August, with nine regions and nations reporting a higher confidence reading month-on-month.

Optimism in the UK economy also increased in August by 16 points to 37%, and the number of businesses expecting an increase in their trading prospects rose by three points to 46%.

Businesses in London reported the highest levels of business confidence at 52% (up 20 points month-on-month), its strongest reading in 14 months. Firms in the South East reported the second highest reading at 47% (up 17 points month-on-month), followed by those in the South West at 46% (up 12 points month on month).

The construction, retail and service sectors all saw a rise in business confidence in August. Services gained 12 points to reach a 22-month high of 42%, while retail firms were up nine points to 44%, an 18-month high.

Construction firms’ confidence also increased by 11 points to a four-month high of 42%. In contrast, manufacturing confidence fell for a second consecutive month with a 4-point decline to 30%, taking it to the lowest level since April 2023.

Chris Lawrie, area director for Scotland at Bank of Scotland, said: “It’s great to see confidence amongst Scottish firms climb this month and to see so many looking at avenues for growth. Businesses that invest now in new opportunities will stand themselves in good stead for the years to come.

“However, there are challenges, particularly with continued high prices which many firms are finding difficult to navigate. This makes it the perfect time for businesses to review their working capital and ensure they have the money they need to invest in opportunities as they arise.

“We’ll reman by the side of Scottish firms, providing them with the tools and support they need.”

Paul Gordon, managing director for SME and Mid Corporates at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “We’ve seen a strong rebound in confidence, now higher than at any time since the Russian invasion of Ukraine and well above the long-run average. Business optimism is helped by the outlook on peak interest rates and the direction of travel on inflation.

“However, this month we are seeing a clear difference in confidence levels between large and smaller firms. Larger firms are continuing to feel the headwinds of the overall macroeconomic climate, while smaller firms, which are more likely to trade locally, are benefiting from the counter-inflationary measures and relative economic stability.

“We are here to support businesses of all sizes and can offer expertise not just for those who trade in the UK, but internationally as well.

“Manufacturing confidence in the UK has fallen this month once again, reflecting the overall challenges for the sector in most major economies. Some manufacturing businesses continue to experience challenges with recruitment, resulting in upward pressure on wages. The Bank of England will need to consider carefully in its next decision for interest rates.”

Hann-Ju Ho, Senior Economist Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “The bounce in economic optimism this month is the standout point. Our analysis shows that businesses felt relief that interest rates may be reaching their peak, alongside hopes that measures to tackle inflation are having an impact.

“With trading prospects remaining stable, and hiring and wage intentions also rising, the macro environment for small businesses and those outside the manufacturing sector is more upbeat.

“From the data, large firms and manufacturers are experiencing some degree of caution, which is likely to reflect the wider global economic environment and, for manufacturing, the rotation of spending towards services.”

Edinburgh College shortlisted for six national awards

Edinburgh College has been shortlisted for six awards at the 2023 CDN College Awards – the annual celebration of talent, innovation and achievement across the sector.

Professional Cookery and Bakery lecturer Kellyanne Cockburn has been shortlisted for her work in creating the Mezz and Hub cafes at Milton Road and Granton campuses. These student-led cafes provide an outlet for goods produced by students to be sold while providing the student community with a low-cost lunch during the cost of living crisis.

Music and Sound Production Learning Assistant Sarah May has been shortlisted in the Professional Services Colleague of the Year for introducing the Music Box Sessions – a set of extra-curricular recording sessions that allow students to record a high-quality example of their work in the College’s purpose-built music teaching hub – The Music Box – before having it released to the public on social media.

In the Community Learning Category, the College has been shortlisted for providing support to a number of Ukrainian families associated with Scottish charity Dnipro Kids, as well as other Ukrainian refugees living across the city, through a variety of different projects which has helped them make Edinburgh their home.

In addition, the College has been shortlisted in the Skills Development category for the Aspire programme, which supports vulnerable and disengaged young people, and their families, in East Lothian. Through allowing S2 pupils to try a range of different taster sessions that combine industry-themed projects in areas of job growth, the programme helps young people to build an understanding of future career choices, whilst also developing the skills and knowledge they need for employment.

In the Employer Connections category, the College’s Computing department and software development company 2iTesting have been shortlisted for a course they developed to enable students from underrepresented backgrounds to build their digital skills and find routes into the tech industry.

Finally, the College’s Creative Industries team has been named finalist in the Inclusive College for its Story Valley project. The shortlisted saw the College work with The City of Edinburgh Council, to welcome Story Valley partners from three other European UNESCO Cities of Literature – Leeuwarden, Ljubljana and Nottingham.

Story Valley allows students from Europe to learn about each other’s heritage (stories) in a fascinating way, while strengthening their language skills. Story Valley uses the power of these stories and creativity as an engine to preserve cultural heritage and enrich it with the stories of other cultures.

“Congratulations to all of our students and staff involved in these magnificent award nominations. To receive six shortlistings is truly outstanding and shows the depth of talent, creativity and innovation we have here at Edinburgh College. I am extremely proud and give huge thanks to our students and staff.”

Audrey Cumberford, Edinburgh College Principal

Nessie Hunt: the jury’s oot!

Biggest search for Nessie in 50 years concludes with hydrophone capturing loud underwater noises and several potential sightings

Hundreds of volunteers and media participated in the largest surface area search of Loch Ness in 50 years this weekend, with numerous potential sightings and strange noises heard from the depths of Loch Ness.

Wild weather on Saturday (nicknamed ‘Nessie’s revenge’) did not put off hardy hunters who flocked along both sides of the 23-mile long loch to volunteer in the surface watch, alongside hundreds who participated online via webcams.

Highlights from the weekend included:

Four mysterious and previously unheard loud noises from the depths of the loch
Possible video footage of the monster with mysterious ‘humps’ filmed on the loch moving, before disappearing
An online volunteer captured a giant shadow just under the surface, moving, dipping out of sight, then returning and swimming across again
Multiple submissions of potential sightings via sighting form submissions including streaks in the water

Nessie is clearly still capturing people’s imagination and interest as much today as it did 90 years ago.

The mysterious monster has become so popular worldwide that Continuum Attractions (which runs award winning visitor attractions across the UK) has recently invested into the new Loch Ness Centre, giving visitors and enthusiasts the chance to take a tour and learn more about the history, view real artefacts, and see the scientific evidence. At the end of the experience guests are given the chance to debate the existence of Nessie.

Christie McLeod, who travelled to take part from Toronto, Canada, said: “I’ve been hunting the monster for nine years, but this is my first official hunt.

“I’ve previously hired my own boat, so this is great as it’s organised by Loch Ness Exploration with support from the Loch Ness Centre. I’ve heard lots of stories from the locals, which all contradict each other.

“There are two types of people in the world, Nessie believers and non-believers, and I’m not interested in the latter. I have a spiritual connection to the Loch Ness monster and think there is a portal to another dimension in the loch.”

Paul Nixon, General Manager of the Loch Ness Centre, said, “This excitement this weekend has proven that the ongoing hunt for the Loch Ness Monster is still very much alive and continues to draw and attract a global audience, from America, Canada, France, Italy, Japan and more.

“We all want the same thing, to see and find out what the Loch Ness monster is. We’ve been delighted to welcome so many people into the Loch Ness Centre for visitor centre tours and Deepscan boat trips across the weekend.”

Alan McKenna, of Loch Ness Exploration, said: “I’d like to thank all the volunteers who have supported us over the weekend, both in person and online.

“It’s been an exceptional weekend, with lots of potential sightings and huge interest from across the globe. We know the monster is elusive, so it is not surprising we don’t have a concrete sighting, but we’ve all had lots of fun and proven the mystery lives on. As for what happens next, watch this space…!”

To book your trip to The Loch Ness Centre or a cruise tour, please visit: lochness.com.

Scottish Parliament Committee to visit dairy farms

Holyrood’s Rural Affairs and Islands Committee will visit three dairy farms and Carbon Capture Scotland in Kirkcudbrightshire this week as part of its on-going pre-legislative scrutiny of the Scottish Government’s proposals for future agriculture policy.

The Committee is due to scrutinise the Agriculture Bill when it is introduced later this year.

Having visited an arable farming partnership in June this year, the Committee is keen to learn more about different production methods used by farms of various sizes and the steps that can be taken to reduce environmental impact and restore biodiversity in their holdings.

Members are set to visit Littleton Farm and The Ethical Dairy, both in the Gatehouse of Fleet, and Torr Farm in Auchencairn. The Committee will also visit Carbon Capture Scotland, a leading carbon capture asset specialist in Crocketford, where delegates will be accompanied by Crofthead dairy farm and South of Scotland Enterprise.

Committee Convener, Finlay Carson MSP and Members Karen Adam MSP; Alasdair Allan MSP; Jim Fairlie MSP; Kate Forbes MSP; Rhoda Grant MSP and Rachael Hamilton MSP will all take part in the fact-finding visits.

Speaking ahead of the visit today, Committee Convener and leader of the delegation, Finlay Carson MSP said: “These visits will help us really get to grips with issues surrounding the support farmers need in relation to CAP payments and to understand the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead for different farming systems.

“It’s crucial that we get to the root of what farmers need from future agriculture policy to best support their farms and help them provide for a just transition.

“Before the Parliament’s summer recess period, we had already covered a lot of ground by hearing the views of a broad range of agriculture sector stakeholders on the themes of food production, supply chains, climate change and biodiversity to name a few.

“But this crucial ‘on the ground’ insight will help us better understand how future agriculture policy needs to work to allow the sector to flourish over many years to come.”

More detail about the Committee’s pre-legislative scrutiny of agriculture policy can be found on the Committee webpages.

People in Edinburgh urged to apply to Suicide Prevention Panel

SAMH (Scottish Association for Mental Health) is inviting people from Edinburgh with lived experience of suicide to apply to take part in the Suicide Prevention Scotland Lived Experience Panel.

The panel exists so that people with experience of suicide can help shape Scotland’s mission to prevent suicide.

The Lived Experience Panel works alongside Suicide Prevention Scotland to influence and advise on its work to deliver the Scottish Government and COSLA’s suicide prevention strategy, Creating Hope Together.

Suicide Prevention Scotland is the community of people and organisations working together to deliver the strategy.

The panel was initially formed in 2019 to support the delivery of the previous strategy.

It played a vital role in the development of guidance to support local authorities, learning & development resources, the launch of the United to Prevent Suicide campaign movement, pilot projects to support families bereaved by suicide, and shaping an approach to supporting people in suicidal crisis, Time Space Compassion.

This model has been so successful that it has been recognised by the World Health Organisation as a significant international example of participation of people with lived experience in suicide prevention work.

Those who have previously attempted suicide, experienced suicidal thoughts, or have lost a loved one to suicide are encouraged to apply to be on the panel.

The Scottish Government provides funding to SAMH to host the lived experience panel, providing support to the group’s members so that they can contribute fully and safely help influence suicide prevention strategy.

Seonaid Stallan, is a current member of the Lived Experience Panel. She lost her son Dylan to suicide; three weeks later her sister-in-law Vanessa took her own life.

She said: “After losing my son and sister-in-law to suicide, I knew there were things which needed to change to prevent this happening to others.

“Being a member of the Lived Experience Panel has given me the opportunity to share my personal lived experience, insight and knowledge of suicide.

My experience is valued, and I have been able to use my voice to help influence and shape a variety of actions and services in suicide prevention.

“I am pleased to say that Scotland now has a pilot service which supports families bereaved by suicide, families like mine. This will save lives.”

Dan Farthing, Head of Suicide Prevention at SAMH said: “This is a unique opportunity for people in Edinburgh to play a significant part in Scotland’s mission to prevent suicide.

“SAMH is proud to have worked collaboratively to establish and develop the Lived Experience Panel and to continue to host it for Suicide Prevention Scotland.

“Working with panel members we’ve created a safe space for open conversation, and constructive challenge. Those who join the panel will be able to genuinely shape what Scotland’s approach to suicide prevention looks like in the future.

“Support and safeguarding are always at the forefront of everything we do, and so those who are interested in contributing this way should know that their wellbeing is our top priority.”

Haylis Smith, National Delivery, Suicide Prevention Scotland said: “Over the last four years the Lived Experience Panel has become a vital part of the three-way approach to the development of suicide prevention policy and practice alongside public health professionals and our academic advisors.

“Members understandably want to do all they can to prevent suicide, but it is the quality of their contributions that have made such a difference.

“The idea of a lived experience panel was very new when this one was set up, and some people were probably quite nervous about taking this approach.

“However, we’ve seen so many meaningful contributions that have helped shape our approach, and in some cases bring about change that may not have happened.

“We’d warmly encourage anyone who has experience of suicide in Edinburgh, who feels they are ready to contribute to this work to put themselves forward.”

To find out more about the role and to apply, visit: https://www.samh.org.uk/about-mental-health/suicide/suicide-prevention-scotland-lived-experience-panel

Strachan House hosts a fairytale start as part of new Fringe Cares initiative

Strachan House Care Home in Blackhall was one of four Barchester homes who set their stage by hosting their first of many Edinburgh Fringe Cares events on Saturday.

Following on from the success of our Edinburgh Fringe Cares events last year at Barchester’s Queens Manor and the ongoing community links that were built, Barchester became the founding sponsor of an even bigger event this year and for years to come – The Edinburgh Fringe Festival Care Fest.

Eventually, the long term goal would be for all Edinburgh care homes to be part of this amazing initiative, no matter what company, but in the meantime Barchester got to go first, with 4 of their Edinburgh homes taking part!

It’s hoped this year’s events will shape the foundations for other care providers to follow suit in the coming years.

Strachan House immerse their residents and families into a spectacular performance from their nominated Edinburgh Fringe performer’s Octovoce, who took the audience through a magical journey of cappella style song.

The promotional event was one of four that Barchester Healthcare sponsored to showcase how the Edinburgh Fringe should be made accessible to everyone in care homes.

Strachan House was one of the four homes to demonstrate how successful these events can be and how it can benefit residents wellbeing.

Mandy, Head of Activities, said: “This was a fun event to do. Staff and residents loved getting on board by dressing up in character and our chefs prepared a themed menu of goodies for the special occasion.

“The home was transformed into a colourful castle of colour as our residents were taken on a magical afternoon of music. But the biggest success has been to be part of the four Barchester homes to showcase how every home in Edinburgh can do this.

“Along with Queens Manor, Archview and Drummond Grange, who also hosted their Edinburgh Fringe Cares events, we hope that this is something that will continue for years to come for everyone living in a care home.

“Putting this event together and having the residents on board with all their ideas has been amazing and to support them to bring it all together has been an honour.

“Professor Joe Goldblatt who attended the event and created the idea behind Edinburgh Fringe Cares has been truly inspiring.”

General Manager, Gordon Philp said, “Our residents and staff have been very excited about this event and the team worked so hard behind the scenes to ensure it is was great success.

“We do our best to provide a wide range of activities and entertainment at Strachan House as part of the lifestyle enrichment programme for residents, and this was will certainly be outstanding, and certainly will be remembered for years to come.

“Our aim was to demonstrate to other care providers how this can be achieved and the benefits of delivering it within a care home setting.”

Strachan House care home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering personalised care across its care homes and hospitals. Strachan House provides residential care, nursing care and dementia care for 83 residents from respite care to long term stays.

Holyrood Hives: Parliament’s bee population swarms to over a million

The Scottish Parliament’s burgeoning bee population has grown to over one million bees.

As the population continues to thrive, the number of beehives onsite has also grown, increasing from 11 last year to 15.

The beehives were first installed in the Members’ Garden of the Scottish Parliament in 2014.

During the summer months, the bee population in Holyrood’s grounds rises to in excess of a million bees, falling back to a third of that figure through winter.

The Rt Hon. Alison Johnstone MSP, Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament said: “As a Parliament we are keen to do everything we can to ensure that the future is a sustainable one for all of us.

“We’ve had these bees with us since 2014 and they’re very much part and parcel of our grounds.

“They play a really important role in highlighting all organisations and institutions should do their bit when it comes to promoting biodiversity, tackling climate change and looking at how we produce our food.”

Stuart Hood, beekeeper and owner of ‘Hoods Honey’, who look after the beehives, said: “This is our ninth year having beehives on site in the Scottish Parliament. In that time we’ve gone from four hives up to fifteen now.

“The bees love being based here and thrive in this environment, and I’m proud to say all of the hives on site have been bred here and so are a unique strain to the Scottish Parliament.”

Key info:

The bees typically forage for pollen and nectar at a distance of up to 2 miles, but with Holyrood Park on their doorstep, they do not have to fly very far.
In the height of summer each hive will have between 65,000 and 70,000 bees.
On a daily basis, one hive’s combined flight distance for all the flying bees will equate to flying from the Earth to the Moon.
They fly at an average speed of 17mph when flying to plants and 12mph coming back fully laden with their goods.
The beeswax (which is a by-product of beekeeping) is used to fill the Great Seal of Scotland and seal acts of the Scottish Parliament.
As the world’s most important pollinator of food crops, it is estimated that one third of the food that we consume each day relies on pollination, mainly by bees, but also from other insects, birds, and bats.

Lifeguard/Leisure Attendant Recruitment Open Day

Lifeguard/Leisure Attendant Recruitment Open Day

On Tuesday 12th September, we’re hosting a recruitment open day at the Royal Commonwealth Pool. With full and part time positions available, there’s a role for everyone!

Find out more information here https://tinyurl.com/37j4wtdp

The Monarch of the Glen moves to its new home

ONE MONTH UNTIL OPENING OF NEW GALLERIES AT THE NATIONAL

One of the most celebrated paintings in the world – the iconic The Monarch of the Glen by Sir Edwin Landseer – is on the move to its new home.

With only one month to go until the opening of the new Scottish galleries at the National in Edinburgh, The Monarch of the Glen is one of over 130 exquisite art works taking up residence in the stunning new spaces.

A new free experience for everyone to discover, right in the heard of Edinburgh’s city centre, the new Scottish galleries at the National will open on 30 September. In contemporary and fresh spaces, the new galleries will showcase the very best historic Scottish art like never before. With 150 years of Scotland’s art to discover, visitors might recognise some much-loved favourites as they travel through the new galleries.

Painted in 1851, Landseer’s work of art famously depicts a proud stag imperiously surveying a majestic Highland landscape. Closely associated with Scotland, The Monarch of the Glen is an extremely powerful painting, and a rich source of debate about the issues of history and identity. Through its widespread use in commercial advertising and in popular culture, the iconic painting has become instantly recognisable today.

Sir Edwin Landseer (1802-73) was intoxicated by the Scottish Highlands. He first visited the country in 1824 and was overwhelmed and inspired by the experience of the landscape and its people.

The artist returned on sketching expeditions annually in late summer and the autumn, developing a particular affinity with the novelist Sir Walter Scott and his work. The resulting paintings range from intimate and remarkably fresh landscape studies, painted on the spot, to his most famous large-scale picture, The Monarch of the Glen. His works played a key role in formulating the deeply attractive and romantic image of the Highlands, which still resonates today.

The Monarch of the Glen was originally intended as part a series of three works to be displayed in the House of Lords, but the scheme was never realised and the painting was sold to a private collector soon after its completion.

From the moment it was first exhibited in 1851 at the Royal Academy in London it proved immensely popular, and the admiration has continued right up to the present day. The work was widely reproduced in the nineteenth century, especially through steel engravings, and in 1916 it was purchased by Sir Thomas Dewar. From that point it was regularly used as a marketing image, first by Pears Soap, then by John Dewar & Sons Distillery and Glenfiddich, and later by Nestlé and Baxter’s soup.

Following a four-month fundraising campaign, the painting was acquired by the National Galleries of Scotland in March 2017, with overwhelming support from the public, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Art Fund, private trusts and foundations, Scottish Government acquisition grant funding and by a part gift by previous owners Diageo Scotland Ltd.

Director-General of the National Galleries of Scotland, Sir John Leighton, said: “Landseer’s The Monarch of the Glen is one of the most potent and familiar images associated with Scotland. The proud stag is recognisable across the world from his long career in marketing, adorning just about every kind of product imaginable, from soap and whisky to countless shortbread tins.

“Today, it remains a compelling and contested image, viewed by some as the ultimate evocation of the romance of the Highlands, by others as a gloss on the harsh realities of life in the Scottish countryside in the 19th century. Love it or hate it, no one can deny that it is an extraordinary, powerful painting. You are warmly invited to see this incredible work of art in its new setting at the National.”

As well as The Monarch of the Glen, the new Scottish galleries at the National will be home to work by artists from across Scotland, including the West, Highlands, Islands, Scottish Borders, Glasgow and Edinburgh.

Large windows will offer spectacular views of Princes Street Gardens, enticing visitors to come inside and experience the artists who created the images of Scotland the world knows today.

Discover the work of pioneering Scottish artists such as William McTaggart, Anne Redpath, Phoebe Anna Traquair, Charles Rennie Mackintosh and the Glasgow Boys.