Residents and guests at Strachan House care home in Blackhall will be hosting their first of many Edinburgh fringe events on Saturday 26th August at 3pm and are inviting their local community to come along and support what is set to be a magical afternoon.
Following on from the success of a trial of a Fringe Care Festival event last year and the ongoing community links that were built, Barchester Healthcare are now continuing their support by being the founding sponsors of an even bigger event this year and for years to come – The Edinburgh Fringe Festival Care Fest.
Strachan House will be opening their doors to Edinburgh festival performers Octovoce, an accapella group who will be taking everybody on a magical afternoon of well-known music.
As well as this, they are encouraging everyone to come along dressed as their favourite character and enjoy a themed buffet prepared by their wonderful chefs, whilst being immersed in a fairy tale sing along event that would be fit for any prince or princess.
Mandy Head of Activities said “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 get to go first, with the 4 Edinburgh homes taking part!
“Shaping the event foundations for other care providers to follow suit in the coming years…”
General Manager, Gordon Philp said, “Our residents and guests are very excited about this event and the team are working behind the scenes to ensure it is a 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!”
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.
Convener of Regulatory Committee, Neil Ross, said: “The Council was successful in defending large parts of the policy and the Court did not criticise any aspect of the Council’s consultation nor the evidence base which it used to reach its decision. Having reviewed the Court’s decision in detail, the Council has decided not to appeal the ruling.
“We have changed our policy to reflect the decisions reached by the court, which took effect from 13 July, and the date for applying for a licence is 1 October. Existing hosts and operators have until that date to submit an application for a licence.”
Extinction Rebellion (XR) are hosting their talk “Heading for Extinction and What to Do About It” this month as part of PBH’s Free Fringe Programme.
The talk was developed over five years by the climate justice campaign group and is regularly delivered both online and in-person around the UK. Two speakers from XR’s Edinburgh and Lothians local group, Dom and Alex Porter will deliver the talk in the Liquid Rooms on 15th and 22nd August.
Dom said: “The talk is in two parts: what science tells us is causing the Climate Emergency and what humanity needs to change to survive; then, XR’s take on what we need to do to bring about that change.”
As detailed on Extinction Rebellion’s website, the talk is aimed not just at those already supportive but also at those sceptical about the severity of the Climate Emergency or hesitant about joining the climate justice movement. Audience members will have the chance to learn how to get involved with Extinction Rebellion.
When asked why people should come to the talk, founding member of XR, Clare Farrell, said: “We are clearly already in deep shit, the planet is burning and unhinged leaders are doubling down on the cause.
“We have to pull together, to support each other, build successful resistance and commit to creating a caring, regenerative new society.
“Time is short, we have to work together. Come and get involved.”
Your Voice Matters in Shaping Health and Social Care!
Ever wanted to put your question to the Cabinet Secretary for NHS Recovery, Health, and Social Care? Here’s your chance!
Michael Matheson MSP will appear before the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee on 12th September, and the Committee want to hear from you.
Whether you’re part of the public or work in health and care, submit your relevant questions on topics such as the NHS recovery from the pandemic and be part of scrutinising the work of government.
Clare Haughey MSP, Convener of the Committee, says, “This is a great opportunity… your suggested questions may help to inform our scrutiny of the Scottish Government’s approach.”
9 places to eat & drink this Fringe to support the local community
This August, the Edinburgh University Students’ Association hosts a variety of dynamic Fringe Festival spaces. These spaces support Edinburgh students, as well as local businesses, charities and sustainable commerce.
As a registered charity, income earned from the Associations’ Fringe venues and food & drink outlets go towards its student services, providing advice, representation and welfare support to its 49,000 student members.
These include services such as the Advice Place (professionally trained advisors giving free, confidential and independent advice for students across a broad range of issues), Student Opportunities (student societies, volunteering and peer learning), and Student Voice (empowering students to make a change and run campaigns).
The Association’s Fringe food partners (hosted in Students’ Association venues) also contribute to local business, while supporting charities and campaigns that help the community, such as free hot meals, tackling homelessness and promoting sustainable food.
The Students’ Association employs local staff to run its venues. In 2022, around 300 temporary staff were hired, 70% of which were Edinburgh University students. Over half of these then stayed on to work during term time.
“Our Association’s integral part in the festival means we can generate funds to support our students. We hope everyone who visits enjoys the city and has a great time visiting our venues!” – Sharan Atwal, Students’ Association President.
9 Places to Eat & Drink this Fringe to Support the Local Community:
Pleasance Courtyard The Pleasance Courtyard will be packed with city favourite bars and food vendors such as Pizza Geeks, Harajuku Kitchen, Smash & Stack and Mimi’s Bakehouse. The bustling area is a great spot to enjoy the festival come rain or shine, sitting under a canopy of umbrellas and stretch tents in the traditional cobbled courtyards.
Mimi’s Bakehouse (Pleasance Courtyard) This renowned bakehouse has many charity endeavours to accompany its delish cakes. It has a charity partnership with CHAS (Children’s Hospice Association Scotland) where it sells rainbow cupcakes every year (all proceeds to charity), hosts families of children in respite care for afternoon tea at the Leith store (providing cake for children’s and family birthday parties), and has a “pay it forward” cake box (£5) where it delivers cakes straight to CHAS for each customer donation
Each Monday, Mimi’s Bakehouse donates leftover cake to a local food kitchen in Leith for those in need called Empty Kitchens Full Hearts. They also sponsor local football teams Leith Athletic and Hibs Ladies, regularly providing cake for events and during matches. This year, they have special “boob” cupcakes to raise awareness of breast cancer with proceeds donated to charity.
“As a family business, Mimi’s Bakehouse is always excited to launch charity partnerships which support the local community. By embracing new opportunities like these, we hope to make our family business an Edinburgh institution for generations to come by spreading joy through cake and making someone’s day,” Michelle Philips, Owner and Founder.
Pizza Geeks (Pleasance Courtyard) On top of their geeky theme, Pizza Geeks are incredibly community driven. Their Pizza for the People initiative is a way to give back to the community by giving hot meals to those in need, as well as the heroes who help them. Since opening in 2016, they have made and donated 30,000 pizzas across Edinburgh. This Fringe, they’ll be returning with their delicious Neapolitan-style pizzas, including the ever-popular Chorizard with a tomato base, mozzarella, chorizo, black Pudding, fresh chillies, and hot honey.
“Our PFTP initiative is a way to give back to the community. Every week, we make and donate pizzas to those in need all across Edinburgh. You can very easily get involved just by eating our pizzas!” Pizza Geeks
Harajuku Kitchen (Pleasance Courtyard) The Harajuku Kitchen gives customers the option to donate £2 per purchase to Edinburgh charity Social Bite, which will buy a meal for a homeless person. Harajuku Kitchen also donates directly to the charity from the profit they make from the Fringe.
Mint (Potterrow Plaza) Named one of Fringe 2022’s top places to be, the Potterrow Plaza will return outside the Pleasance Dome, this time with an extended space. It will host Mint, which offers its renowned Chicken and Halloumi Wrap and plenty of meat-eater and vegan options.
Teviot Row House Teviot Row House is home to one of the city’s oldest bars, The Library Bar, which serves a varied menu both day and night (including its student-favourite cheesy nachos!). It will also host Gilded Balloon, one of Scotland’s leading festival companies.
Garden at Teviot The Garden at Teviot is a hidden gem next to the busy Bristo Square. The garden offers colourful beach huts (each seating 6), two full-service bars, coffee from Edinburgh’s Throat Punch and delicious local produce from Ròst Eats. There is also a large, covered area to avoid Edinburgh’s likely showers!
Throat Punch (Garden at Teviot) If you’re looking to stay green this Fringe, visit Throat Punch. This local coffee outlet doesn’t use any unnecessary plastics, opting instead for biodegradable wherever possible. It also only uses milk and oat milk that is delivered in glass and collected again for reuse by the manufacturer.
The Screaming Peacock (Charles Street Lane) The Screaming Peacock offers a variety of sustainable food. Their Wild venison comes from their family hunting business, and their Pheasants are sourced through local estates in Fife, making their food 100% sustainable. They even source their salad toppings from friends down the road, working with a local Fife merchant. The burgers are wrapped in recyclable greaseproof paper and a compostable meal box. So, when it comes to ditching the rubbish, all you’ll need is a recycling bin.
Shona Robison: 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships ‘celebrate inclusion‘
With more than 260 medals already awarded, the opening days of the inaugural 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships has seen thousands of cyclists take to the roads, ramps, tracks, and mountains across Glasgow and Scotland for this first-of-its-kind event.
Kicking off on Thursday, 3 August, the biggest cycling event ever has already witnessed some special moments, with events taking place across Scotland following a stellar opening ceremony that was headlined by KT Tunstall in Glasgow city centre on Wednesday, 2 August.
Around 400,000 fans and residents have thrown their support behind the athletes at events over the last four days, including an estimate of more than 300,000 fans across the entire route of the Men Elite Road Race on Sunday. Of that, 190,000 were estimated to have turned out around the Glasgow circuit specifically.
Avid spectators have also been present in venues across the country, watching the incredible action at the BMX Freestyle Park at Glasgow Green, the Mountain Bike Downhill in Fort William and Track and Para-cycling Track at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome with millions more watching from home thanks to action being broadcast live across the world.
Meanwhile in Perth & Kinross and Dundee & Angus more than 2,000 top amateur athletes took to the road for the Gran Fondo and Medio Fondo road races and also the Gran Fondo Time Trials. Among the competitors was UCI President David Lappartient, completing the 160km scenic and challenging course.
Trudy Lindblade, 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships CEO, said: “The 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships has got off to a truly spectacular start with the action across the last four days coming thick and fast. After years of planning, it is fantastic to see fans getting out to support athletes from around the world as they vie for one of the UCI’s famous rainbow jerseys.
“While the first four days have been hugely successfully, we now look forward to another week of world class cycling across Scotland, including BMX Racing at Knightswood, Para-cycling Road in Dumfries and Galloway, Mountain Bike Cross-country at Glentress and the Individual Time Trials in Stirling before we sign off in Glasgow with Indoor Cycling, the Para-cycling Mixed Relay and the Women Elite road race bringing this incredible celebration of cycling to a close.”
New UCI World Champions Crowned
The action has come thick and fast at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome as the Track and Para-cycling Track have been integrated into one event for the first time.
Japan’s Keiko Sugiura took the honour of being crowned the first UCI World Champion of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, winning gold in the Women’s C3 Individual Pursuit. Great Britain got their first UCI World title of the championships thanks to Jenny Holl and Sophie Unwin, who were victorious in the women’s B 1km time trial.
The Great Britian team used the roar of the home crowd to their advantage to win a slew of gold medals and rainbow jerseys over the last four days,
including Scotsman Neil Fachie and his pilot Matthew Rotherham taking the win in the men’s B 1km time trial; para-cycling super power Jody Cundy winning his 14th straight kilo UCI World title, while Jaco van Gass (men’s C3 1km time trial), and Sophie Unwin and Jenny Holl (women’s B individual pursuit) also claimed more gold medals.
Saturday’s action was seen out in style as the team of Katie Archibald, Elinor Barker, Josie Knight and Anna Morris took home the gold in the women’s team pursuit for team GB ahead of the New Zealand team. There were amazing scenes in the velodrome as they took the win by over 4 seconds after a tightly contested first couple of kilometres, especially for home talent, Katie Archibald who makes a thrilling comeback after a tough year.
It was also a sweet return for USA Track cyclist Chloé Dygert who made her return to competition after a tragic crash three years ago by winning the Women’s Elite Individual Pursuit, her 11th UCI World title across Junior and Elite categories on the track and road.
On Sunday, one of the most incredible races of the championships saw 5-time UCI World Champion Filippo Ganna narrowly pip Great Britain’s Dan Bigham in the men’s individual pursuit, while Belgian Lotte Kopecky added a rainbow jersey to her Tour de France green jersey win earlier this year.
A dominant performance by Great Britain’s Fran Brown in the women’s C1 individual pursuit is made even more impressive with the bonus of a world record, while debutant Archie Atkinson became men’s C4 scratch UCI World Champion at the age of 19: this is an athlete we’ll be looking out for in the future.
On the Road
On the road, the Juniors got the action underway as France’s Julie Bego took home the gold ahead of Team GB’s Cat Ferguson in the Women Junior road race and Denmark’s Albert Philipsen blew away competition, winning with over a minute margin.
This set the stage Sunday’s action that saw Dutchman Mathieu Van der Poel power through more than 200km, from Edinburgh to Glasgow to claim his first road UCI World title during the Men Elite Road Race, beating Belgium’s Wout van Aert (silver) and Tadej Pogačar of Slovenia who outsprinted Denmark’s Mads Pedersen for bronze. Van der Poel win saw him become the first Dutch champion to win the Men Elite road race UCI World title since Joop Zoetemelk in 1985.
In the Mountains
Up at Fort William Austria’s Valentina Höll conquered Nevis Range to win her second consecutive gold medal in the Women Elite Mountain Bike Downhill, while Charlie Hatton became the fifth Men Elite British rider to win the UCI World title in the Mountain Bike Downhill.
In the Men Junior MTB Downhill, Germany’s Henri Kiefer overcame a stacked field secure first place, while New Zealand’s Erice van Leuven took the top spot in the women’s junior category, completing dominant display from the Kiwis, who also took silver and bronze medals.
The mountain bike action continued down in Glentress as Brazil’s Henrique Avancini won the men’s mountain bike cross-country marathon ahead of a stacked field. In the women’s race, Mona Mitterwallner solidified her lead midway through today’s race to take the win for Austria.
A full list of 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships medal winners and results are available here.
Tickets for the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championship events are still on sale from as little as £8, with concessions from £5, plus there are many free events to watch throughout the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships.
Deputy First Minister Shona Robison attended the Gran Fondo amateur time trial as the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships continue across Scotland.
The Scottish Government hopes the world’s biggest ever cycling competition will motivate people to cycle for sport, recreation and active travel. The £8 million Cycling Facilities Fund, delivered in partnership with sportscotland, will create a network of new accessible facilities that will encourage people of all ages to ride bikes and enjoy cycling.
In the time trial, cyclists of varying ages and abilities take on a challenging course that starts in Dundee and takes in parts of Angus before returning to the city. It follows two Gran Fondo road races of different lengths in Perth and Kinross last week.
The Deputy First Minister said: “Hosting the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships is helping us to showcase Scotland as an inclusive and welcoming nation.
“I hope that these Championships, through its many events such as the Gran Fondo, will inspire people from all walks of life to build a more active and healthier Scotland through the power of the bike.
“We understand the importance of sport and physical activity, particularly for women and girls in Scotland, and the positive impact on their physical, mental and social health across all stages in life – from early years, teenage years, through adulthood and into later life.”
POLICE have released images of a man who may be able to assist with their enquiries into an assault which took place in Edinburgh on Saturday, 20 May 2023. The incident happened on Hanover Street at around 4.15am.
The man is described as aged between 20-30 years old, medium build, black hair with a tattoo on his left hand. He was wearing a grey and white two-tone puffer jacket, blue jeans and dark shoes.
Detective Sergeant Steven Dick said: “We are keen to speak to this man who may have information which could assist with our enquiries. I would encourage him or anyone who may recognise him to contact us.”
Anyone who can assist is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 0804 of 20 May 2023.
Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.
Students getting their exam results today should be very proud of their achievements, Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth has said, with pass rates remaining above pre-pandemic levels.
Data published by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) showed the overall pass rate for National 5, Highers and Advanced Highers has increased from the 2019 pre-pandemic level, with a record number of passes in an exam year achieved at National 5.
The number of vocational and technical qualifications achieved has also grown to a record high this year – with more than 72,000 qualifications awarded in 2023, an increase of 12.3% from 2022.
The poverty-related attainment gap remains narrower than it was in 2019 across National 5s, Highers and Advanced Highers.
Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said: “I want to offer my congratulations to all of you who have worked so hard and demonstrated so much resilience not just this year but over the course of your studies. Today is all about celebrating your achievements and you should be incredibly proud of all you have accomplished.
“I would also like to send my sincere thanks and gratitude for the continued dedication and commitment of those in our education system – thank you to all of Scotland’s teachers, lecturers, support staff as well as parents and carers for supporting our young people.
“There is much to celebrate in what is another strong set of results showing a clear and continuing recovery from the pandemic – with pass rates at National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher above the 2019 pre-pandemic level, a record number of passes at National 5 and the highest number of vocational and technical qualifications ever awarded.
“While we know that the pandemic has disproportionately impacted young people from more disadvantaged backgrounds, these results show that the gap in attainment levels between the least and most deprived areas remains narrower than it was in 2019. We are determined to build on the progress that has been made and we are investing a record £1 billion in the Scottish Attainment Challenge during this parliamentary term.
“For those who don’t get the results they were looking for, a free and direct appeals service will give all young people the right to request a review of their marked exam papers or coursework for their National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher results this year. Additionally, as you consider your next steps there is help available to guide you.
“The Skills Development Scotland Careers Helpline can offer practical information and careers advice as well as support for wellbeing. The SQA helpline is also open and can help students and their families with queries relating to the Scottish Qualifications Certificates.”
As exam results arrive this morning students are being assured that things may not be as bad as they seem – and that help and advice is at hand:
Adeniyi Alade, Service Head Helplines (Childline), Scotland, said: “At Childline we know that results day and the period running up to it can be a really stressful time for young people and it is vital they feel supported and listened to.
“Young people often tell us they are worried they will get lower grades than they need to get into their preferred course or University, and they feel anxious and unsettled because it’s out of their control.
“Often, they have high expectations for themselves, or they feel their family is putting them under pressure to perform well.
“Some young people think their whole future depends on these results and this is their last chance to get into the further education course of their choice, or an apprenticeship that they have applied for. But it is important they know there are many options, whatever their grades are.
“It’s possible the young person could appeal their results or resit their exams the following year. They could also look at alternative courses or universities through clearing, and there’s the option of taking a gap year. Speaking to a teacher could be very helpful in assisting a young person to decide on which is the best option to take.
“If any young person is feeling apprehensive and worried about their results, I’d urge them to talk to someone about it.
“It can be very upsetting for a young person not to get the grades they had hoped for or expected, and it can affect their confidence. But it’s important for them to know that many others are going through the same thing and there are a range of options to explore.
“There are also lots of trusted adults they can turn to for help and support, whether that’s a teacher, careers advisor, parent, carer or Childline.
“Every year our specially trained counsellors carry out counselling sessions with hundreds of children across the UK who are worried about their exams and results. They listen to the young person’s concerns, offer advice about dealing with anxiety and help explore the different options available for those who don’t get their desired results.
“The conversation is confidential and no worry is ever too small.”
One student said: “It’s my first results day this week and I’m so nervous. I don’t want to let my parents down. They push me so hard to study and excel that I can’t even imagine how they’ll react if I get bad grades.
“I worry everyone at school will see me as a failure. I try to distract myself but when I remember results day is coming, I’m overwhelmed by anxiety and fear. I just wish someone would tell me it’ll all be ok.“ (Gender unknown, aged 16, from Scotland)
Another explaned: “I don’t know what will be of me if I don’t do well on my exams. I feel so stupid I didn’t prepare enough for them.
“My parents told me I shouldn’t stress too much, but I can feel the pressure since my siblings all did super well in their exams and are off to great careers. I didn’t have a good night sleep in over a week, and I worry I may pass out when the results are out.” (Girl, aged 16, from Scotland)
Young people under the age of 19 can get free, confidential support and advice from Childline at www.childline.org.uk or by calling 0800 1111 for free.
Top Italian American restaurant Frankie & Benny’s is giving away FREE pizza and Coke Zero to students celebrating their Scottish Highers results.
No matter what your exam grades are Frankie & Benny’s, the ultimate family friendly restaurant, will help you celebrate your hard work.
This offer entitles guests on Tuesday August 8 results day who show their exam results to a member of staff to a free Margarita Pizza (Vegan & Gluten Free Available) and a regular Coke (Coke Zero, Regular Coke, Diet Coke).
The free meal offer is available on August 8 in Scotland only and additional pizza toppings can be bought from the menu. There are no catches, you don’t have to buy anything just come in and celebrate with Frankie & Benny’s.
Frankie & Benny’s Marketing Director, Andreia Harwood, said: “We recognise that the cost of living crisis is hard on us all but we wanted to make sure our hard working students can celebrate their exam results day on us. This summer has all been about our customers still being able to enjoy great meals out with the family particularly over the summer months when kids are at home and we look for treats to entertain them.
“The summer savings and the exam results FREE offers are all about Frankie & Benny’s putting our customers at the forefront of everything we do and making sure they can have an amazing summer.”
This summer, Frankie & Benny’s, the popular Italian restaurant, want families and friends to enjoy meals out on a budget and have announced a series of summer saving meal deals
The deals were introduced to help families facing the cost of living crisis.
Frankie & Benny’s is offering two ‘always on’ summer promotion offers which are available now and until the end of August.
The first is a weekday offer available Monday to Friday after 7pm allowing guests to have two main courses of pizza, burgers and or pasta dishes for just £20. This will give a saving of up to £15.
Main courses available include the double bacon cheeseburger with fries, and the creamy chicken and ‘nduja fettucine- both solid favourites with Frankie & Benny fans.
The second deal is designed for family and friends dining out at the weekend. Throughout the summer Frankie & Benny’s is offering two for the price of one main meals all day Sunday, saving up to £21.90!
Dishes include the New York BBQ chicken loaded up with bacon, cheese, onion rings and fries, as well the classic Mac & Cheese (with, or without, bacon!).
Mexican favourite Chiquito is putting the fiesta fun in results day by giving away FREE Garlic Tortilla Bread and Coke Zero to students celebrating their Scottish Highers.
No matter what your exam grades are Chiquito, known for delicious food and tasty cocktails, will help you celebrate your hard work.
This offer entitles guests on Tuesday August 8 results day who show their exam results to a member of staff to get a free portion of Garlic Tortilla Bread and a regular Coke (Coke Zero, Regular Coke, Diet Coke).
The free meal offer is available on August 8 in Scotland only and additional dishes can be bought from the menu. There are no catches, you don’t have to buy anything just come in and have fun with Chiquito.
Chiquito Marketing Director, Andreia Harwood, said: “We recognise that the cost of living crisis is hard on us all but we wanted to make sure our hard working students can celebrate their exam results day on us.
“This summer has all been about our customers still being able to enjoy great meals out with the family and friends. The summer savings and the exam results FREE offers are all about Chiquito putting our customers at the forefront of everything we do and making sure they can have an amazing summer.”
This summer Chiquito has helped families and friends with a series of super saving meal deals.
Chiquito, which has been delivering the best of Mexican cuisine for over 30 years, has two amazing ‘always on summer deals’ designed to make dining out more affordable until August 31.
Between Monday to Friday (after 7pm) Chiquito is offering two main meals for £20, which includes delicious sizzling fajitas, tasty burritos, Tacos, chimichangas and enchiladas. This will save guests up to £15.
Chiquito is also offering a summer always on promotions two for the price of one main mealsall day Sunday which will help out those dining out at the weekend. This will save guests up to £21.90.
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 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.
John McKinney, co-organiser of the Green Home Festival andSecretary 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.
Your Voice Matters in Shaping Health and Social Care!
Consultation is open to all – click the link to submit your question today: 
