Eight men have been arrested and cocaine worth up to £225,000 was seized in a day of action targeting county lines drug activity in Edinburgh.
The action was taken yesterday (Tuesday, 5 September) and focused on eight addresses in Edinburgh and two in London, with support from the Metropolitan Police.
Officers from Edinburgh also worked with colleagues in Highland & Islands Division as part of the investigation, looking into wider links in the Inverness area.
Cocaine worth up to £225,000 was seized over the course of the day along with up to £30,000 in cash.
The eight men, aged between 41 and 21, were arrested and charged in connection with various drug and immigration offences. They are all due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court today (Wednesday, 6 September).
Detective Superintendent Iain Ramsay said: “We are committed to identifying the supply chain which brings drugs into Edinburgh and disrupting the activity of people intent on bringing harm to our communities.
“The county lines model shows crime does not respect borders.
“Activity such as this cross-border operation shows the benefit of working closely with partner agencies in response to concerns raised by local communities, as well working with colleagues across Police Scotland.
“Intelligence is the lifeblood of investigations such as this. Communities should not have to tolerate the damage caused by drugs and I would urge anyone with information which can help us deal with those responsible to pass this on.”
“If anyone has any concerns regarding the abuse of controlled drugs, or anyone who may be involved in the supply of controlled drugs, they are urged to contact Police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
Brand new multi-million pound campus in Livingston opens its doors
ONE of Scotland’s largest centres of performing arts is putting its best foot forward as it ushers in the new era of students with the opening of its brand new campus.
The purpose-built 30,000 sq ft campus in Livingston will see MGA Academy of Performing Arts to triple its student intake to more than 500, extend its educational programme to 11 BA degrees, and two post-graduate Masters degrees, and house 18 state of the art studios.
The new campus based in the former tax office in Almondvale, Livingston, received a multi-million pound investment and will feature Scotland’s largest sprung dance floor which spans 347 sq ft.
Established in 2005 to address a demand for an innovative performing arts academy outside of London, has produced a wealth of talented graduates who have appeared in studios, on stage and on screen in major productions.
Giles Auckland Lewis, Chief Executive of The MGA Academy, said: “It’s a very exciting time for the academy as we open the doors of our brand new campus. There has been a great buzz with new and returning students as they explore all the exceptional facilities.
“Being part of this chapter of the academy’s story has been incredibly rewarding, and as we’re now located almost exactly half way between Edinburgh and Glasgow it’s much more convenient for students and staff.
“We’ve worked hard to ensure the new campus can offer our talented students to advance their skills in singing, dancing and acting and become the stars we know they are.”
Included in the new campus is seven rehearsal studios for acting and musical theatre, seven fully sprung dance studios, four singing rooms and a TV production suite. Other features include a student welfare and physiotherapy room, a learning resource centre and library, IT suites, study areas and a cafe and social areas, as well as 130 parking spaces.
The MGA Academy campus in Balgreen will remain part of the academy’s footprint becoming a hub for junior age groups.
Mr Auckland-Lewis added: “The new campus in Livingston is truly state of the art, we’re in a great position to continue to develop our reputation as a leading international competitor to the world’s most successful arts education institutions.
“The platform we’re providing for aspiring performers allows them to remain in Scotland while studying at a level equivalent to other prestigious UK colleges. We also now have the ability to attract even more students and world class tutors from across the world.”
The MGA Academy is approved by the Scottish Qualifications Agency, the Imperial Society for the Teachers of Dance, and is Scotland’s only fully accredited college with the UK’s Council for Dance, Drama and Musical Theatre.
Graduates from The MGA Academy have gone on to star in West End and TV productions such as Gossip Girl, Wicked, Frozen the Musical and Shrek the Musical.
Learn more about The MGA Academy and how to enrol for courses here:
Disabled people and those with health conditions, who are currently being held back from improving their lives through work, will be better supported to realise their potential under UK Government plans unveiled yesterday.
As part of Government’s mission to support more people into work, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has today launched a consultation on changes to the Work Capability Assessment, following the landmark Health and Disability White Paper published earlier this year
Changes represent the next step in welfare reform, reflecting the rise of flexible and home working and better employer support for disabled people and people with health conditions
Changes also reflect that one in five of those with no work preparation requirements would like to work at some point in the future, with the right support
A consultation, launched yesterday (Tuesday 5 September), will consider changes to the Work Capability Assessment, with proposals to ensure it is delivering the right outcomes for supporting those most in need.
The consultation will look at updating the Work Capability Assessment’s categories so they better reflect the modern world of work and the opportunities more readily available to disabled people.
Earlier this year, Government confirmed investment worth £2 billion to support disabled people and those with long-term health conditions into work, while delivering on the Prime Minister’s priority to grow the economy. Today’s consultation will go further to facilitate appropriate work opportunities for people, by reviewing a range of categories in the assessment – representing its first significant update since 2011.
These categories are designed to determine what activity people can do and how that affects their ability to work. This then informs assessors’ decisions on what additional financial support people can receive through their benefits, and if claimants need to do anything to prepare themselves for work.
The consultation’s proposals include updating the categories associated with mobility and social interaction, reflecting improved employer support in recent years for flexible and home working – and minimising the risk of these issues causing problems for workers.
Those who were found capable of work preparation activity in light of the proposed changes would receive tailored support, safely helping them to move closer to work and ensuring a significant proportion of people are not automatically excluded from the support available.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak MP said: “Work transforms lives – providing not just greater financial security, but also providing purpose that has the power to benefit individuals, their families, and their communities.
“That’s why we’re doing everything we can to help more people thrive in work – by reflecting the complexity of people’s health needs, helping them take advantage of modern working environments, and connecting them to the best support available.
“The steps we’re taking today will ensure no one is held back from reaching their full potential through work, which is key to ensuring our economy is growing and fit for the future.”
Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Mel Stride MP said: “Health assessments haven’t been reviewed in more than a decade and don’t reflect the realities of the world of work today. That’s why we’re consulting on reforms which will mean that many of those currently excluded from the labour market can realise their ambition of working.
“Anyone helped towards work through these proposals would receive appropriate support tailored to their individual circumstances, allowing them to safely access the life-changing impacts that work can provide.”
Jane Gratton, Deputy Director of Public Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “Across the country, businesses are crying out for workers to fill job vacancies. Being employed has many positive benefits for people, so it makes sense to help everyone who wants to work to find a good job that meets their needs and personal circumstances.
“Employers understand this and want to be as flexible as possible to assist. To be effective, it’s crucial that, both sides, have the right support in place for as long as needed to help people find work, stay in work and have fulfilling careers.”
The UK Government is spending £25.9 billion on incapacity benefits this year, a 62% real-terms rise on 2013/14 (£15.9 billion), with current projections predicting a further 13% real-terms rise to £29.3 billion – with an extra 500,000 people coming onto these benefits – by 2027/28 if nothing changes.
This is fuelled in large part by the proportion of new claimants for incapacity benefits assessed as the highest possible award (no work-related requirements) rising from 21% in 2011 to 65% in 2022.
The Work Capability Assessment is being reviewed to ensure it reflects the latest opportunities for employment support, so that growing numbers of people are not missing out on the help available, particularly given the known health benefits from working. This is especially important when research shows that one in five of them would like to work at some point in the future.
Representing the latest step to support people with health conditions into work, this follows last year’s milestone of getting over one million more disabled people into employment compared to five years ago.
Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work Tom Pursglove MP added: “I am incredibly passionate about supporting disabled people to have the most fulfilling life possible, including through work, and these proposals would enable us to provide help to people who could benefit greatly from it.
“We will continue to look at ways to safely support more disabled people into work, unlocking all the positive wellbeing benefits that brings, whilst meeting the Prime Minister’s pledge to grow the economy.”
These proposed changes, due to come into force in 2025, come as part of the Government’s wider multi-billion pound plan to tackle inactivity and boost economic growth.
One of the measures the Government is also consulting on is the substantial risk category, where claimants who would otherwise be capable of work-related activity are excluded from work preparation requirements, on the basis that this could put them at risk to themselves or others.
The consultation will consider whether the application of this category is being applied too broadly, in turn excluding a significant number of vulnerable people from support that would prepare them to move closer to work, financial independence and a more fulfilling life.
This cohort could also benefit from the Government’s £2 billion investment to help those with long-term illnesses and disabilities get into work, and also from funding for work coaches to help people who need further support.
This includes the new Universal Support programme, which will help disabled people and people with health conditions by matching them with vacancies and providing support and training to help them start and stay in that role.
The DWP is also currently running a consultation on occupational health, which is looking at ways to encourage employers to expand their occupational health offer.
And the Spring 2023 Budget provided around £250 million of funding to modernise and digitise mental health services in England, providing wellness and clinical apps, piloting cutting-edge digital therapies and digitising the NHS Talking Therapies programme.
A key strategy has been updated to help people across Edinburgh live well locally in places that are healthier, greener, more vibrant and inclusive.
The Council’s initial 20-Minute Neighbourhood Strategy was approved by the Policy and Sustainability Committee on 10 June 2021, outlining a vision for a city where everyone can meet most of their daily needs within a short walk, wheel or cycle from their home. A further report on 30 November 2021 gave an update on how the Strategy was being delivered.
This strategy has now been refreshed to provide the latest information on key projects that are being progressed, alongside the overall direction and delivery of the concept in Edinburgh.
Through the 20-minute neighbourhood approach, the Council is working in partnership with local communities across the capital to help to deliver its strategic priorities of creating good places to live and work, while meeting its targets of ending poverty and becoming net zero by 2030.
The 20-minute neighbourhood approach in Edinburgh focusses on making it easier for people to access daily services and facilities in their local area. It is now being implemented through several key ‘building blocks’:
• Working with local communities • Supporting people to access the services they need locally • Providing multiple services and facilities from a single location • Delivering mixed-use regeneration and development • Making our town and local centres greener, more inclusive and more people-focussed • Supporting local economies and businesses • Improving sustainable and active travel access to services and facilities
Councillor Val Walker, Culture and Communities Convener, said: “We want to support people across the city to live well locally, and this latest update to our 20-Minute Neighbourhood Strategy shows how we are working to deliver this approach in different parts of Edinburgh.
“The 20-minute neighbourhood concept is one that many communities already enjoy: ensuring services and facilities are close to residents, enabling walking, wheeling and cycling to be the natural choice for shorter journeys.
“Now, we are starting to see how all residents throughout Edinburgh can fully enjoy this approach and live in a cleaner, greener and more thriving city that supports communities and brings people together. By putting local people at the heart of everything, each person living in the city can choose to participate in all community, cultural and heritage activities.
“The updated strategy outlines how our support for local living can give more people more choice within their neighbourhood, while also making it easier to travel further to access the services and facilities they need on public transport and by active travel.
“We know people have strong views on this concept, and we believe engaging and collaborating with communities across the city to understand their needs is essential. That’s why we’re involving communities at an early stage of design projects as a key priority. If we work together, everyone can benefit from healthier, well-connected and thriving neighbourhoods right across the city.”
These updates show different examples how the 20-minute neighbourhood concept is currently being embedded into key projects across the city.
Following initial engagement with communities earlier this year, proposals are currently being developed to make it easier to access Gorgie Dalry, Portobello and Craigmillar town centres by walking, wheeling cycling and public transport while improving the quality of local streets and public spaces.
The regeneration of Pennywell and Muirhouse is a long-standing objective for the Council and its partners. Work completed to date includes a new School, medical centre, retail centre, improved public realm and new homes. There will be around 1000 new mixed tenure homes of which over 50% will be affordable. 730 new homes have been delivered to date across several sites in the area.
A community hub is also under construction at the local centre. The hub will have an early years centre, library, skills hub, six affordable homes and space for North Edinburgh Arts.
The hub is being delivered in partnership with North Edinburgh Arts and aims to promote culture, learning, work and wellbeing within the local community. All staff operating from the hub space will follow a ‘No Wrong Door’ approach to make sure citizens can access relevant services in the space or be signposted where necessary.
The NEAT Connections project will deliver improved active travel links to the new local centre, schools and services.
Granton Waterfront
The Granton Waterfront regeneration will deliver a new coastal town with an ambitious 20-minute neighbourhood vision over the next 10-15 years. The regeneration will deliver around 3,500 new net zero carbon homes (over 35% of them affordable); a primary school, commercial, creative, and community space, and a new coastal park.
The project will create new employment opportunities, meaning residents of this fast-growing area will be able to access work locally. Partner organisations will deliver substantial new cultural and educational assets over the regeneration timeframe.
Early Action housing projects are well underway at Western Villages, Silverlea and the Demonstrator site at Waterfront Avenue. In March 2023, the Granton Station Square building opened and provides affordable workspace for artists and creative industries.
New active travel and public transport infrastructure will be created throughout the regeneration area, including new cycle paths and a mobility hub.
Liberton
Planning permission for a new Liberton High School has been granted, with a GP practice and community facilities a key part of the design.
The creation of a community campus will deliver a range of services and activities and aims to create a place where multiple services and partners can be accessed that contribute to health, wellbeing and learning of young people and the wider community.
Reducing poverty, delivering growth, tackling climate change and providing high-quality public services will be the Scottish Government’s top priorities for the year ahead, First Minister Humza Yousaf has pledged.
Outlining his first Programme for Government, the First Minister described it as “unashamedly anti-poverty and pro-growth”. The package of measures aims to help build a more equal society through concerted efforts to eradicate poverty, tackle the cost of living crisis, and create opportunities for businesses and individuals.
The Programme supports the Scottish Government’s wider work in building a fair, green and growing economy, and strengthening public services.
Key commitments include:
expanding access to funded childcare
paying social care workers in a direct care role and frontline staff providing funded early learning and childcare in the private, voluntary and independent (PVI) sector, at least £12 an hour from April
speeding up renewable energy projects with a new deal for the onshore wind industry
delivering a new £15 million support package to unleash entrepreneurial talent
expanding free school meals in primary schools
The First Minister said: ““The Scottish Government will always be on the side of the people we serve. Scotland is – certainly should be – a land of opportunity, but I know it doesn’t always feel like that to people bearing the brunt of the UK Government cost-of-living crisis, to families living in the poverty, to struggling businesses, to those who still face consequences of discrimination and inequality. I get that.
“This Programme is an opportunity to be explicit about the driving mission of this government. So let me make it abundantly clear, we are a government who will maximise every lever at our disposal to tackle the scourge of poverty in our country.
“But let me be equally clear, we also need to support economic growth. Not for its own sake but so we can tackle poverty and improve our public services. And we will be unapologetic in taking the action necessary to ensure a sustainable future for our children and planet.
“The unfortunate reality is that the Scottish Government is currently operating with one hand tied behind our back. In the last five years we have spent more than £700 million in countering the impact of UK Government welfare cuts alone.
“That’s why this government will never stop believing that decisions about Scotland should not be made by a government based in Westminster, but by the people of Scotland. In proposing the case for independence we will set out a positive vision for Scotland’s future.
“Scotland’s economy already performs better than most parts of the UK, we have world-class universities and colleges, and significant strengths and potential in many of the key economic sectors of the future. Today’s Programme for Government sets out how we will build on these strengths, to make people’s lives better.
“In the year ahead, we will support more than 300,000 children with more than £1,000 a year through the Scottish Child payment.
We will expand the availability of high quality childcare – providing funding in six early adopter local authority areas to offer increased access to childcare from nine months through to the end of primary school. And we will invest in raising the pay of childcare and social care staff.
“We will also safeguard the rights of tenants, promote payment of the living wage, and provide help for disabled people with complex needs, so that they can live independent lives.
“We will do all of this – first and foremost because it is the right thing to do. And also, as I know well from my own family history, because providing people with support and security helps them to contribute to society and to create opportunities for others. This Programme for Government shows how we will make progress towards a fairer, wealthier and greener Scotland.”
Responding to Tuesday’s Programme for Government, Anna Fowlie, Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations’ (SCVO) Chief Executive, said: ““The First Minister has today set out a Programme for Government (PfG) which outlines priorities for Scotland which voluntary organisations working in and for communities have welcomed.
“While the PfG recognises the contribution voluntary organisations make across different portfolios, it doesn’t move far or fast enough to address fundamental changes to the operating environment that would recognise the vital role of Scotland’s voluntary sector in delivering on government priorities.
“Today’s PfG restates the Scottish Government’s commitment to Fairer Funding for the voluntary sector, which we welcome. The Scottish Government’s current poor grant-making practice makes the focus on improving the clarity and consistency of existing approaches very important, but we must continue to work together to support the sector to be financially sustainable.
‘To secure the future of the invaluable work our sector delivers, we must not only address disappointing practice, but also implement the longer-term improvements that are so desperately needed.
“We can’t forget that an on-paper commitment to Fairer Funding was made by ministers earlier this year. It is disappointing that progress on this commitment has been so slow. Today’s announcement commits to developing a plan, when urgent action is needed. Our long-term work on Fair Funding provides clear recommendations, based on the sector’s experiences, and a clear blueprint for next steps.
“The PfG’s firm commitment to taking forward a wider review of charity law is also welcome, particularly the commitment to work alongside the sector. It is important that the review is comprehensive and independent and doesn’t shy away from fundamental issues. We need a holistic approach to regulating the voluntary sector that supports the role of modern charities.
“With charities experiencing growing frustration at the funding relationship with Scottish Government and the impact this is having on organisations, staff, volunteers, and the services and support they offer, we had hoped for more action and urgency.
The steps outlined will move us in the right direction, albeit slowly, and we will of course work with the Scottish Government to ensure that they do so in the ways that make the biggest difference to voluntary organisations across Scotland, supporting the invaluable contribution they make to Scotland’s economy and society.”
‘Warm words won’t stop a warming planet’
Climate campaigners have reacted to the latest Scottish Programme for Government saying that “warm words won’t stop a warming planet.”
Friends of the Earth Scotland climate and energy campaigner Caroline Rance commented, “This is an underwhelming programme for more of the same when what is needed a radical change that can speed Scotland away from the damage being wrought by fossil fuel companies.
“The First Minister talked a good game about the importance of climate action and a just transition to net zero, but warm words won’t stop a warming planet.
“The climate emergency demands scaled up action that rapidly shifts us away from fossil fuels, prioritises public transport and puts in a credible plan in place to support workers in the transition from the oil industry to good, green jobs.”
+++ SPEEDING UP OF RENEWABLES PLANNING
Rance commented: “It’s a positive step that the process for onshore renewables will be quickened up but sites must still be environmentally appropriate, and far more work is needed to ensure that local communities can benefit from developments in their area.
+++ SINGLE USE VAPES
Friends of the Earth Scotland circular economy campaigner Kim Pratt: “The evidence that single use vapes are harmful to young people and polluting our environment is overwhelming.
“Businesses have been allowed to put profit before their obligations to provide safe disposal service for these products. The quickest and surest way to end the harm caused by single use vapes is to ban them.
“While consultation on a ban is welcome, we don’t have time to change our economy one product at a time. From wasteful plastic packaging to phones that can’t be fixed, and harmful products like single use vapes, everything we own needs to become more sustainable.
“That’s why the Circular Economy Bill is so important because it must transform our economic systems so that all materials are used sustainably.”
+++ CIRCULAR ECONOMY BILL
Friends of the Earth Scotland circular economy campaigner Kim Pratt commented: “Scotland’s material use is more than twice sustainable levels. The Circular Economy Bill is an important opportunity for Scotland to change the way it uses materials by making businesses design products with less materials, encourage repair and reuse and limit harmful single use products.
“The Circular Economy Bill must be as strong as possible to create the system change that we need, including strong targets for reducing our consumption and consideration of the social impacts of material use.”
Independent Age: ‘A Missed Opportunity’
Following the First Minister’s Programme for Government, Debbie Horne, Scotland Policy and Public Affairs Manager at Independent Age said: “Today is a missed opportunity to help the 150,000 older people living in poverty across Scotland.
“Alarmingly, this figure has risen by 25% in the last decade alone, with the ongoing costs crisis squeezing the budgets of those in later life to breaking point. The First Minister should have used today’s Programme for Government to announce a strategy to tackle pensioner poverty and reverse this frightening trend.
“None of us dream of a later life where, because of the cost, we risk falls by not turning on the lights or are forced to skip meals, yet this is now a reality for 1 in 7 older people.
“With over 3 in 5 over 65s on a low income currently cutting their food spending, and almost 3 in 4 reducing their heating, they’re terrified for the winter to come.
“The Scottish Government should reconsider this glaring omission from today’s announcement and urgently announce a plan to reduce financial hardship in later life. They’ve said that tackling poverty is a key priority – older people must not be forgotten in this.”
The Capital is once again searching for a worthy recipient of the coveted Edinburgh Award, with nominations for the 2023 now open.
To broaden the range of nominees it has been agreed to widen the eligibility criteria to include people who have ‘a substantial association with Edinburgh’. The update was approved at last Thursday’s meeting of the City of Edinburgh Council.
Previously, some nominations received have been excluded due to an individual not having been born or lived in Edinburgh. Consequently, the Edinburgh Award Panel agreed unanimously to reflect this by adding in ‘substantial association with Edinburgh’ and the panel is particularly keen to welcome nominations which reflect the diversity of the city.
Since 2007, the Edinburgh Award has celebrated an individual who has made a truly unique contribution to the city. With the new criteria it means that someone can now be nominated – whether or not they were born or lived in Edinburgh – if they have gained national and international recognition for Scotland’s Capital through their work.
The 2022 recipient was Sir Geoff Palmer, in recognition of his ground-breaking contributions to academia, his indefatigable defence of human rights in Edinburgh and beyond, and most recently his work heading up the Edinburgh Slavery and Colonialism Legacy Review Group. Sir Geoff was presented with an engraved Loving Cup from the Lord Provost and had his handprints set in stone at the City Chambers quadrangle.
Edinburgh has four weeks to cast nominations for this year’s award, before a recipient is selected by a panel chaired by the Lord Provost.
The Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, Robert Aldridge, has urged individuals and businesses in the Capital to nominate someone for the Award:
“I am delighted that common sense has prevailed and someone who clearly has a substantial association to Edinburgh will be eligible to receive the Edinburgh Award.
“Edinburgh has been a global force in many fields, for over two centuries and this is down to the character, achievement, and excellence of our citizens. The Edinburgh Award represents an opportunity to celebrate exceptional individuals who make Edinburgh the fantastic city we see today and have enhanced the city’s reputation nationally and internationally.
“By nominating someone you can help us showcase these people and give that person the recognition and praise they deserve.
“From outstanding individual feats to the work of community groups, as Lord Provost I am consistently inspired by the ways in which the citizens of Edinburgh calmly persevere and look out for one another. This speaks to the very heart of our capital city and is a source of huge personal pride. If this reminds you of someone, I urge you to put forward a nomination.
“Edinburgh, its reputation, and its enduring global appeal is down to its people. Now looking for its 17th recipient, The Edinburgh Award needs the help of our communities, citizens and businesses to come together and find a worthy winner.”
Nominations are now open and close at 5pm on October 2, 2023.
Boutique will offer luxury jewellery piercings, pieces, and bespoke ear styling service
Edinburgh-born jewellery brand, Laura Bond, is set to open its flagship store, located on Thistle Street in Edinburgh on Saturday (9 September). Previously available online only, the new home of Laura Bond will allow customers to receive the full brand experience in person for the first time.
The new headquarters, in Scotland’s capital, will showcase Laura’s full luxury jewellery collection, provide bespoke ear styling consultations, and will soon be offering piercing services.
Designed by Laura herself, every piece of jewellery is ethically produced and made with responsibly sourced gold. The brand has attracted a strong customer and celebrity fan base including Florence Pugh, Michelle Visage, and Nathalie Emmanuelle, who wore Laura Bond to the 2022 Oscars.
Speaking of the launch, Laura Bond said: “This is a huge opportunity for us and I’m so excited to be opening our first store in Edinburgh. To say it’s a dream come true is an understatement. I can’t wait to welcome customers – old and new, from near or far – to experience our bespoke ear styling service and to get pierced in our stunning piercing parlour.
“I really believe Laura Bond offers a unique experience in the world of luxury piercings and jewellery and I can’t wait to meet everyone in store.”
The new store was previously occupied by the award-winning and much-loved Edinburgh women’s boutique, Jane Davidson. After 53 years of business in the capital, the luxury brand carefully chose Laura Bond to be its successor.
Sarah Murray, Proprietor of Jane Davidson said: “The boutique had been a constant presence in my life; our customers were not only incredibly loyal, but many became dear friends.
“As difficult as the decision was to close our doors last year, I was always determined that if we did, then we would have to find the perfect brand to take on our property. Laura Bond is just that; we can’t wait to watch Laura and her brand grow at 52 Thistle Street.”
With each collection, Laura Bond continues to push the boundaries of delicate and decorative pieces, leaving an indelible mark on the world of conscious luxury jewellery.
Laura said: “I really believe jewellery should be an expression of the person wearing it, and each piece I design is crafted with that in mind.
“We are committed to creating jewellery that isn’t just saved for special occasions but tells a unique story and invites people to express themselves and mark relationships, milestones, or memories with others.”
Laura Bond is available to buy online and in their new flagship store on Thistle Street in Edinburgh from Saturday the 9th of September.
Garden Centre to host children’s pumpkin themed event
Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre, is inviting children in Edinburgh to its great value Little Scare-lings event this Halloween, guaranteed to get them feeling pumpkin-tastic with a treasure trove of family-friendly activities.
Available in Dobbies’ Edinburgh store between 26-29 October, Little Scare-lings is guaranteed to get everyone in the spine-chilling spirit. Great for kids aged 3-10, this event is action-packed and has something special in store for those hunting for the perfect pumpkin to take home and carve.
Kids can also strut their spooky style and take part in the garden centre’s annual scare-a-thon to be in the chance of winning a prize for the best dressed.
Little Scare-ling attendees will sink their fangs into Halloween treats, pumpkin-themed activities and games.
With plenty options for even the fussiest trick-or-treaters, children will have the choice of fish fingers, chicken nuggets or plant based goujons, served with chips and garden peas, or a cheese and tomato pizza with vegetable sticks.
Adults can enjoy a selection of soup and sandwich pairings or a slice of cake. Sticky chocolate orange, blueberry Victoria sponge or a nutty coffee and walnut cake ensure the parents are spoilt for choice.
Families will be invited to visit Dobbies’ very own miniature pumpkin patch. Here children can take a pumpkin home, carve it up using Dobbies’ guide and create their own personalised pumpkin for welcoming trick-or-treaters.
Sarah Murray, who created this year’s event, loves Halloween and can’t wait to welcome Little Scare-lings along for the event. She said: “We’re really excited about this year’s Halloween event in Edinburgh and warmly welcome kids of all ages to get involved with our pumpkin extravaganza.
“These events are always extremely popular with our regular Little Seedling Club attendees, so please book in advance to save any disappointment. It’s a fang-tastic way for families to get together this Halloween.”
Tickets for Little Scare-lings are now available for Dobbies’ Club Members, priced at £9.99 per child and from £3.95 for adult tickets, which officially go on sale to all customers from 5 September.
For more information about how to take part in Dobbies’ Little Scare-lings afternoon event, visit Events | Dobbies Garden Centres.
Northern Brown Argus butterfly discovered after 100 year absence
A once locally-extinct butterfly has made a remarkable return to Stirlingshire after a 100 year absence, Butterfly Conservation and The Future Forest Company has revealed.
The Northern Brown Argus was once found in abundance throughout the Ochil Hills, but due to habitat loss including overgrazing, was believed extinct in Stirlingshire and across much of its former range.
Very few colonies remain in the Ochils, with small numbers clinging on above the village of Alva in Clackmannanshire, living on steep crags where sheep cannot graze the food plants required by their caterpillars too heavily.
However, in a remarkable discovery, a volunteer from Butterfly Conservation found Northern Brown Argus in her garden in Blairlogie, just inside the Stirlingshire border, after planting Common rock-rose, the only plant eaten by Northern Brown Argus caterpillars.
This sparked hope for the once locally-extinct species. Staff and volunteers from Butterfly Conservation and The Future Forest Company conducted a series of searches on the hillside at the award-winning Dumyat Estate in Blairlogie, discovering a few small colonies of the butterfly on the steep hills.
In another exciting turn of events, the Northern Brown Argus is now confirmed to be breeding at the site, which is owned by The Future Forest Company, giving hope for the return of this species across its former habitat.
David Hill, Conservation Manager at Butterfly Conservation, said: “This is a once-in-a-lifetime event, the reemergence of a previously locally-extinct species in its former habitat is incredibly special and rare.
“We’re committed to protecting the Northern Brown Argus and helping it to thrive, with hopes that it will spread across its former home and stretch right across the Ochil Hills once again.”
Lindsay Mackinlay, The Future Forest Company’s Head of Biodiversity, explained: “We are delighted that this rare butterfly can once again be spotted on the hills below Dumyat. We hope to work in partnership with Butterfly Conservation to monitor its numbers in the coming years.
“With the help of volunteers, The Future Forest Company is starting to clear the invasive scrub that is threatening the Common rock-rose plants which this beautiful butterfly depends on, however, more conservation work is required to ensure the long-term survival of this species at Dumyat.
“We have a biodiversity crisis on our hands and everyone can play a part in reversing this, including the private sector. That’s why we are inviting any company that wants to help ensure a future for wildlife at Dumyat, or through our other exciting projects, to get in touch and help transform our landscapes into wildlife havens for local people.”
The State of UK Butterflies Report in 2022, published by Butterfly Conservation, revealed that Northern Brown Argus suffered a 58% decline in abundance between 1979 and 2019, and a 43% decline in distribution during the same time period.
The species is mostly found across Scotland and requires short grassland managed by light-grazing to thrive, however, much of its former habitat has been lost to overgrazing, lack of grazing or encroachment of scrub and woodland.
Butterfly Conservation and The Future Forest Company are working together to protect the fragile colonies and extend the range of this enduring butterfly by planting more Common rock-rose for its caterpillars to feed on and creating more habitats for it to thrive.
For more information on Butterfly Conservation visit:
POLICE are appealing for information after three youths were assaulted in Niddrie.
Around 8.30pm on Sunday, 3 September, 2023, three Ukrainian youths, two males aged 13, and one male aged 15 were walking towards a bus stop in Niddrie Mains Road, Edinburgh.
Around this time, they were approached by a group of eight youths dressed in dark clothing. Two youths from the group assaulted one of the 13-year-old males, leaving him with a laceration to his ear. Other members of the group then attacked the other two youths. The 15-year-old was punched and the 13-year-old was stabbed.
The group, who were all wearing dark clothing, ran off following the incident.
The injured boys were treated at hospital and the incident was reported to police yesterday (Monday, 4 September, 2023).
Officers are treating the incident as racially aggravated and relevant CCTV footage is being reviewed for any additional information on the group of youths.
Detective Inspector Keith Fairbairn said: “I know there were members of the public in the area at the time of the attack and I am asking them to contact us with any information they may have.
“We are appealing for details on the group of youths, who were dressed in dark clothing, perhaps you saw them somewhere else, did you see them running off? Any small piece of information could assist us in identifying those responsible for these attacks.”
Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 2523. You can also call Crimestoppers and give your information anonymously. They can be contacted on 0800 555 111.
