Day: October 9, 2023

New Chief sets out her priorities for Police Scotland

Scotland’s new Chief Constable Jo Farrell promised to prioritise trust, confidence, high performance, and officer and staff wellbeing as she took command of the national police service today (Monday, 9 October).

Chief Constable Jo Farrell pictured smiling in front of a police vehicle outside Police Scotland Headquarters, Tulliallan.

Chief Constable Farrell made a commitment to focus on threat, harm, and risk, and on prevention and problem solving, during a swearing in ceremony at Police Scotland Headquarters, Tulliallan.

She also committed to prioritising the wellbeing of Police Scotland’s officers and support staff.

Chief Constable Farrell said: “I believe passionately in the value policing brings to our communities: keeping people safe from harm, protecting the vulnerable, bringing criminals to justice, solving problems, and reducing offending. We stand up for and with our communities, which strengthens them, improves their wellbeing, and allows them to prosper.

“My operational focus is on threat, harm, and risk. Police Scotland will focus on prevention, problem solving and proactivity, and on looking after our hard-working officers and staff so our people can deliver our vital public service.

“Police Scotland is a highly credible public sector organisation known for its compassion and it attracts huge public support. It is a privilege to be entrusted with the leadership of so many talented, professional, and courageous police officers, staff, and volunteers.”

Chief Constable Farrell also underlined her determination to drive an anti-discriminatory agenda after former Chief Constable Sir Iain Livingstone’s statement that Police Scotland was institutionally discriminatory.

She said: “I know the acknowledgement of institutional discrimination is a difficult message for many dedicated and honourable officers and staff.

“Having considered Sir Iain’s reasons, I agree Police Scotland is institutionally discriminatory. People with different backgrounds or experiences, including our officers and staff, have not always received the service that is their right.

“The onus is on us to challenge bad behaviour and prejudice, address gaps and eradicate bias, known or unwitting, at every level. Our Policing Together programme drives this moral, legal and operational imperative so that we maintain and build confidence with all communities.

“I will bring my support and leadership to this work and our success will be measured by the improved experiences of our officers and staff, and of the public.”

Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs Angela Constance said: “I am delighted that the new Chief Constable Jo Farrell has been appointed to the role. It is very clear from the rigorous selection process, led by the Scottish Police Authority, that she has the leadership and skills that are essential to head our national police service and to meet the opportunities and challenges ahead.

“There is much to be proud of within the UK’s second biggest police service – which is in a strong place as the new Chief takes up her role.

“Police Scotland’s officers and staff and their commitment to serving our communities are the bedrock of the service’s success. From crime, road policing, missing persons, prevention, partnership, dealing with increasing vulnerability in communities, and many other areas – their work should be a source of pride and confidence for our country.

“Both the First Minister and I look forward to formally welcoming the new Chief. I am sure we will forge a strong partnership, founded on a shared desire to continue the delivery of sustainable excellence within Scotland’s police service.”

Scottish Police Authority Chair Martyn Evans said: “The Authority is delighted the new Chief Constable is now in post and we look forward to working closely with her and the wider leadership team in the months ahead.”

Chief Constable Farrell led Durham Constabulary as Chief since 2019 having been Deputy since 2016 and having served in Northumbria Police since 2002. She started her career in Cambridgeshire Police in 1991.

Justice of the Peace Gillian Thomson accepted the Declaration of a Constable, an oath set out in law that every holder of the office of Constable in Scotland promises to faithfully discharge their duties with fairness, integrity, diligence, and impartiality, and to uphold human rights and accord equal respect to all people.

This morning, Chief Constable Farrell chaired a meeting with the Force Executive to set out her priorities and approach before meeting with probationary Constables and hosting a virtual session with Divisional Commanders in the afternoon.

Chief Constable Farrell’s leadership follows the retirement from policing of Sir Iain in August, following 31 years’ service, including six as Chief.

Pet Fostering Service Scotland calls for ban on restrictive housing policies 

Call comes as the charity struggles to find homes for all animal companions after record number of people look to put their pet up for fostering after being made homeless 

Animal care charity Pet Fostering Service Scotland is calling for an end to restrictive housing policies after its service has seen a record number of people looking to put their pets up for fostering.  

The charity has seen over 1,000 enquiries to use Pet Fostering Service Scotland’s aid this year, a rise in over 20% compared to last year, and is now unable to find a foster home for all pets of owners in need, which could result in pets not having a safe place to stay.  

With pets often abandoned by the people they depend on for care and support, Pet Fostering Service Scotland helps those in emergency situations who are eager to keep their furry companions. 

Due to a multitude of reasons, pet owners can experience serious disruption to their home lives, often resulting in the dilemma of how to survive whilst also keeping their beloved pet.  

Pet Fostering Service Scotland is a charity which has been supporting pet owners for 40 years. Now, the charity is calling for a ban on restrictive housing policies.

Those who have been evicted and made homeless can often feel there is no option other than to abandon their pets. According to the charity implementing less restrictive housing policies could avoid situations like these taking place. 

Often accommodation for those who have either been made homeless or require refuge has a no pet policy. There has also been a rise in pet owners looking for new accommodation that accepts pets, currently having to wait one year for suitable housing to become available.

As a result, Pet Fostering Service Scotland has had to put pets into fostering for a year or longer, which is detrimental to the animal’s health as it is too long a period. This can also be distressing for owners due to the loss of consistent and familiar companionship provided by pets.   

The cost-of-living increase has had a significant impact on finding temporary accommodation for those who have been made homeless, as most housing options exclude the homing of pets. 

Pet Fostering Service Scotland has processed over 1,000 enquiries for pet care across Scotland this year. 37% of those were from people in a homeless or re-housing situation and as a result could not care for their pets in the short term.  

Bob Sinclair Chair at Pet Fostering Service Scotland said: “For those who have been made homeless or are facing an emergency situation, being housed alongside their beloved pet is so important.

“The significance of the companionship between a pet and owner is important for wellbeing for both sides. Changing restrictive housing policies and allowing pets into temporary accommodation could be life changing for these individuals and result in far fewer abandonment scenarios.” 

The Pet Fostering Service is non-chargeable and relies solely on donations for the work they provide, and volunteers can apply to become pet fosterers.

Pet fostering gives volunteers the companionship of a pet without the long-term responsibility and can bring a sense of reward from helping those in need, both human and animal.  

The charity currently has over 300 volunteers. 

If you are interested in fostering a pet or want to hear more about the charity, please visit https://www.pfss.org.uk/

MGA Academy to run first Open Day in new campus

  • Top performing arts school opens doors to future stars 
  • MGA Academy welcomes future talent to new home in West Lothian 

ONE OF SCOTLAND’S leading performing arts schools is opening its doors to the public, encouraging future stars to remain in Scotland to study.  

The MGA Academy of Performing Arts, Scotland’s only fully accredited performing art college, is holding its first open day at its new campus in West Lothian to showcase its state of the art facilities to those considering applying. 

The next generation of stars will be welcomed to the new multi-million-pound building in Livingston on 16th November, giving potential students a chance to learn more about the wide range of courses available.   

Marcella Macdonald, Principal of the Academy said: “We want to show people that MGA can provide a platform for aspiring performers to remain in Scotland while studying at a level equivalent to prestigious London colleges. 

“With the new campus now located almost exactly halfway between Edinburgh and Glasgow, we hope it will make studying here more accessible and convenient to more students.”

MGA recently made the transition to its West Lothian campus, allowing the school to triple its annual intake while increasing the number of courses it offers to 12 each year. 

Marcella added: “We would welcome anyone who is considering a career in acting, dance or musical theatre to come along to see what we do and how, with our fantastic teaching faculty and wonderful resources, we can develop their creativity and set them up to thrive in the industry.  

“Our experienced and knowledgeable teaching staff will be on hand to answer questions and provide tours of the campus where our current students will be performing and chatting to guests about their experiences.

“It’s a really great opportunity for those potential applicants to see all we can offer here at MGA” 

Those interested can register for the open day at https://bit.ly/MGAOpenDay  

The open day is a part of a series of outreach events the school plans to host at its new 30,000 sq ft campus, with an Industry teacher’s open evening, scheduled for October 11th with the aim of forging strong connections and lasting relationships with teachers across the country as part of the Academy’s commitment to nourishing Scottish talent here at home. 

Any Expressive Arts teachers wishing to learn more or express interest in the industry event should , contact: admissions@themgaacademy.com 

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. 

To read more about the talented students at the MGA academy of Performing Arts, please visit their website here: The MGA Academy of Performing Arts 

Dobbies’ stores spread Christmas cheer with real tree donations

Garden Centre set to give away Christmas trees

Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre, is spreading Christmas joy to local schools and nursery groups in Edinburgh with real tree donations as part of its Not Your Average Community campaign, in partnership with sustainable real tree grower, Needlefresh.

Set to twinkle corridors and delight children with yuletide cheer, Dobbies’ Edinburgh store and Stockbridge little dobbies will be donating Nordmann Fir Christmas trees to local schools and nurseries to create a centrepiece for celebrations and is now welcoming nominations.

All of Dobbies’ Christmas trees are sustainably grown in environmentally managed fields across Scotland where the growing team do everything from planting, pruning and harvesting by hand to reduce the impact on surrounding environment, wildlife and plants.

Dobbies’ CSR and Community Communications Executive, Chloë Bell, has been delivering Dobbies’ Not Your Average Community campaign for two years and is excited announce this year’s focus.

She said: “Community is at the core of Christmas at Dobbies and we love sharing the festive joy with those around us.

“We want to help create Christmas magic in local schools and nurseries in Edinburgh and hope that through the tree donations with Needlefresh, kids can come together, decorate the tree and make memories.”

Needlefresh Managing Director, George Hood, added: “Our sustainable Nordmann Fir Christmas trees make a wonderful centrepiece to festive celebrations as they are bushy and full, and good needle retention.

“We are excited to see how local schools and nurseries bring this classic tree to life through their decorations and we are delighted to be partnering with Dobbies on delivering a magical moment for children in Edinburgh.”

Nominations are now open. Entries close on Wednesday 25 October and successful applicants will be contacted in November to arrange a date to collect a Nordmann Fir tree from their local store.

For more information about how to get involved or make a nomination, visit Not your average community | Dobbies Garden Centres

Henderson Place: Former tram depot on track for luxury living

‘Historic’ New Town development taking shape ahead of 2024 launch

THE HISTORIC site of one of Edinburgh’s original tram depots is set to become the city’s latest high-profile housing development, with a sales launch on track for early next year. 

Construction is well underway at Square & Crescent’s Henderson Place development, which is set to bring 42 contemporary homes to the previous Silvermills Tram Depot site in the New Town.

Bordering Edinburgh’s World Heritage Site, the development located between Stockbridge and Canonmills will comprise of a mix of homes – from studio flats to four-bed apartments.

Multi-level biodiverse roofs will add greenery and contrast to the use of traditional red brick and building techniques. Striking ironmongery helps reflect the character of the surrounding area, which includes the neighbouring former Royal London office building on Henderson Row, the last remaining portion of the former depot.

Euan Marshall is Co-Founder and Joint Managing Director at Square & Crescent, which is renowned for taking on challenging projects to create some of Edinburgh’s prime residences. He said: “There is a real responsibility in bringing forward a new build development in such a prominent and historically significant location.

“We’ve worked with our architecture partners to create something that we believe will be a fitting next chapter – and nods to the past use of the site while bringing in highly contemporary touches.

“The green roof spaces should add a further point of interest and they reflect the low carbon building techniques and sustainability at the core of this project.”

Fittingly, the development is in a prime location offering extensive connectivity. Situated just half a mile from Princes Street, residents will have swift access to Dundas Street, Stockbridge, the new tram network and Waverley Station.

In the late 80s, the original depot building was demolished and transformed into office blocks, which will now be replaced with the thoughtfully redesigned residential apartments. The former Royal London offices on Henderson Row preserved the last remaining portion of the original depot.

Reaching a five-storey high point, the dynamic development will feature private terraces and balconies, as well as private patios on some of the ground floor properties.

Simon Cook, Co-Founder and Joint Managing Director said: “The site certainly has a rich history and that has been at the forefront of our minds throughout. The use of materials like traditional red brick with a precast stringer aims to preserve as much of that history as possible while adding a visually impressive building to the area.

“As we continue work on the project, we’re looking forward to bringing a broad mix of high-quality homes to the market, in a fantastic area.”

This is the latest project underway for Square & Crescent, which recently started construction works on its landmark Royal Meadows development, which will see the careful transform of the old Royal Hospital for Sick Children building into luxury apartments and townhouses.

Founded in 2013, Square & Crescent has since gone on to build a strong track record and trusted reputation in providing some of the best residential conversion projects over the past 10 years, making a move in recent years into developing unique new build homes, providing exceptional and sustainable modern living in a variety of different locations within Edinburgh.

It is now a widely regarded residential developer with a primary focus on the acquisition, development, and refurbishment of high-quality homes.

For more information on Henderson Place, or to register interest, please visit:

 https://squareandcrescent.com/developments/henderson-place/ 

or call 07586129184.

Their Finest Hour

COLLECTION DAY: SATURDAY 25 NOVEMBER from 10am – 4pm

Their Finest Hour is a digital preservation project run by the University of Oxford, and supported by volunteers around the country, which aims to collate as many World War Two stories and artefacts as possible from across the UK.

The project is running a series of Digital Collection Days across the UK, where members of the public can bring war-related memories, photographs, diaries, and any other remnants of the War to be recorded and uploaded to a free-to-access online archive.

As these stories are fast fading from living memory, it is vital that they – and the wartime objects that often accompany them – are preserved for future generations.

The Collection Day will be taking place Saturday 25th November between 10:00-16:00, at Rainy Hall, New College, University of Edinburgh if you are interested in attending.

Sign-ups for the event are not compulsory, but would be appreciated (so that we can gauge numbers) via the following link: https://edin.ac/451MiRy.

Celebrating Scotland’s Communities

Crimestoppers and Fearless event celebrates work of community groups

On Friday (6th October 2023), independent charity Crimestoppers and their youth service Fearless celebrated the vital work that community groups across Scotland undertake at a special event in Maryhill, Glasgow.

Supported by Network Rail Scotland, the charity awarded six youth-focused groups and six adult-focused groups £500 to spend on creating a special day during the summer that provided an opportunity to learn about the charity’s 100% anonymous reporting service.

Whilst Crimestoppers is not normally a grant giver, this project was an exceptional effort to show support for the very local groups who play an invaluable role in making communities stronger.

Guests at the celebration included The Minister for Victims and Community Safety Siobhian Brown MSP and representatives from community partners, safety projects and other charities.

Over 120 invited guests heard from the award winners about the fantastic work they undertake in communities and the difference the funding provided by Crimestoppers and Network Rail Scotland made to their summer:

Man On! are a mental health charity operating in Inverclyde. With support from Fearless (the youth service of Crimestoppers), they organised a football wellbeing cup for 200 young people during the summer holidays to encourage them to come together to learn more about mental health issues, community safety and Fearless.  

The players had a great time – keeping fit, working together and learning how to stay safe and healthy.

Milan Senior Welfare in Edinburgh supports older South Asian communities and unpaid carers. They used the funding to host a series of community events. Over 90 people attended, many experiencing language barriers, so they heard about how Crimestoppers’ language line can offer 147 different languages to those choosing to report crime anonymously.

Lyndsay McDade, National Youth Projects Coordinator at the charity Crimestoppers, said: “Both I and the Crimestoppers Scotland National Manager have worked in the charity sector for the duration of our professional careers. We have seen firsthand the difference youth workers, community workers and local charities make to so many lives – every single day.

“Shining a light on the tremendous work carried out by local charities and supporting them to empower their group members with key information about crime and awareness of our charity, has been truly inspiring. We’re so glad that, together with Network Rail Scotland, we could bring both knowledge and joy this summer.

“Today’s celebration was an important reminder that everyone has a right to feel safe wherever they live and that through Crimestoppers and our youth service Fearless, we help communities to achieve that.”

Minister for Victims and Community Safety, Siobhian Brown said: “Crimestoppers is unique in its role, giving people the opportunity to make their communities safer by anonymously reporting information about crime.

“I was pleased to be able to join the event today and learn more about the positive impact of Crimestoppers and their dedicated youth service Fearless.

“I want to say a personal thank you to community groups for the difference they continue to make in local communities and the contribution they make.”

Innis Keith, Health, Safety & Environment Director, Network Rail Scotland, said: “Scotland’s Railway has partnered with Crimestoppers and Fearless for many years now and the partnership has, and continues to raise awareness around the dangers of railway crime and the devastating impact it has on our communities.

“It’s so important that people know how to anonymously report unsafe or criminal behaviours and activities.

“We’re really proud to be supporting this special project to help keep passengers and communities across Scotland safe while stamping out crime on the railway.”

Scottish Ambulance Service staff and volunteers awarded for acts of bravery and heroism

A Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) call handler along with SAS volunteers, members of the public and two youngsters have been rewarded for their bravery at this year’s Brave@Heart awards.

The Brave@Heart Awards celebrate acts of bravery in exceptional circumstances by blue-light services, voluntary rescue organisations and members of the public.

Claire Morrow Taylor, Claire Weller, Alison Mckay, Jackie King, Alister Brown, Richie Batho, Craig Scott, Ben Kilner, Stephen Kilner, Jacob Bothwell and Jayden Fox all collected Brave@Heart certificates on Tuesday (October 3) at an award ceremony in Edinburgh Castle attended by Stephen Massetti, SAS’s Director of National Operations, and presented by First Minister Humza Yousaf.

Claire Morrow Taylor, an Ambulance Control Centre (ACC) call handler based at SAS’s West ACC, helped save a life of a member of the public who was lying on a road in Glasgow.

Her award submission said: “She immediately took control of the situation, instructing her husband to direct traffic around the incident whilst she called 999 to request an ambulance and attended to the patient. Claire, a non-clinical member of staff, demonstrated that she lives and breathes the SAS and NHS’s core values – we are proud of her actions and feel lucky to have Claire as part of the SAS Team.”

Claire Weller, a SAS Wildcat Cardiac Responder, along with Alison Mckay and Jackie King, all members of the Findhorn Coastal Rowing Club, came to the aid of their crewmate MacLean MacLeod when he suddenly collapsed in April 2022. 

Their award submission said: “They immediately recognised what had occurred and could see that MacLean wasn’t breathing and had no pulse; Claire quickly began CPR chest compressions, along with Alison, and instructed the other crew members to dial 999 and access the nearest defibrillator for deployment at the scene. Jackie, who was out walking at the time, delivered two of the AED shocks.”

MacLean was transferred by ambulance to Dr Gray’s hospital and has since made a full recovery. At the time, he said: “I would not be here today were it not for Captain Claire and the crew.”

Alister Brown, a community First Responder at Largs was meeting his friend Jim Stevenson at Largs Golf Club in March 2022.  However, Jim arrived breathless and then collapsed shortly thereafter. 

His award submission said: “On examination, he realised Jim wasn’t breathing and his training kicked in. He began CPR whilst also calling for assistance to deploy the defibrillator which was located on the golf club premises. On one shock, things started moving and signs of survival were visible.”

At the time, Jim said: “I wouldn’t be here today. It’s simple – this is life-saving work.”

Richie Batho, Craig Scott, Ben Kilner and Stephen Kilner attended to a man who took unwell in the grounds of The Unit Gym and Fitness centre in Banchory. 

Their submission said: “The group realised the patient was unconscious and in cardiac arrest. They immediately commenced CPR taking turns and were able to give four shocks with the Automated External Defibrillator which was on the premises.”

Young Jayden Fox, 14 of Kirkcaldy, was on holiday in Banchory with his grandfather Bill Fox suffered a cardiac arrest. 

His award submission said: “Jayden sprang into action and commenced performing CPR on his grandfather even before emergency crews arrived on the scene.  He remained calm and collected throughout and continued performing CPR until paramedics arrived on the scene which led to a positive outcome for Bill.”

Jacob Bothwell, 11 of Montrose, was at home when his mother became unwell in February 2022. 

The award submission said: “Young Jacob smartly dialled 999 from his mother’s mobile to ask for assistance from police and ambulance services. Jacob managed to call for assistance and contact his father who was out of the house on work on the day as well.  In addition to this, he looked after younger siblings simultaneously to ensure they were not panicking as well.”

SAS Chief Executive Michael Dickson said: “The actions of all the Brave@Heart recipients are truly commendable and they have each showed extraordinary bravery.

“All our staff and volunteers do amazing, lifesaving work each day. They are all wonderful ambassadors for the Scottish Ambulance Service and their communities and are fully deserving of their awards.

“I’d like also to commend the actions of the members of the public, including the two youngsters who did amazing jobs to help relatives.”

This Saturday: Big Quiz at Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre

TABLE QUIZ – ALL WELCOME!

Saturday 14th October at 7.00pm in Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre

SHARE WITH YOUR FRIENDS!

Tea, coffee and refreshments provided, with an opportunity to donate to the work of Tearfund.

Tearfund is a Christian charity which partners with churches in more than 50 of the world’s poorest countries – tackling poverty and injustice through sustainable development, by responding to disasters and challenging injustice.

Funding for Motor Neurone Disease research

The Scottish Government is teaming up with MND Scotland to fund research to investigate potential causes of and therapies for motor neurone disease (MND).

Each partner is contributing £125,000 to provide the opportunity for a clinical professional to undertake a PhD to both enhance MND research and MND clinical capacity in NHS Scotland. The three-year Clinical Academic Fellowship will start in 2024.

According to MND Scotland, in the UK, there is a 1 in 300 lifetime risk of getting MND and there is currently no cure or effective disease modifying treatment available. Average life expectancy following diagnosis is just 18 months.

Deputy First Minister Shona Robison announced the funding in Paris where she welcomed charity cyclists who had travelled from Edinburgh to raise funds for the MND charity My Name’5 Doddie Foundation.

Ms Robison said: “MND is a devastating condition, and we are committed to ensuring that all people living with MND in Scotland are able to access the best possible care and support.

“MND is incredibly distressing for the person with the condition and their family. The research funding in collaboration with MND Scotland will allow vital work to study the progression of the condition and help inform the development of future treatments.”

Dr Jane Haley, Director of Research at MND Scotland, said: “We are proud of our ongoing partnership with the Scottish Government. This is our third joint funded fellowship and will further build MND research capacity within the NHS in Scotland.

“MND is a brutal disease that affects too many lives. With this joint funding, we are taking a further step towards understanding the causes of MND and the search for effective treatments.

“We look forward to future collaborations with the Scottish Government, including ensuring that Scotland is equipped to roll out any emerging treatments for MND which may arise from the clinical trials currently underway.”