Month: November 2023

Tomorrow: Winter Warmer at Royston Wardieburn Community Centre

COMMUNITY EVENT – WEDNESDAY 29 NOVEMBER from 9.30am

Consultation on tougher sentences for knife and domestic killers in England

A consultation looking at whether cowardly domestic killers should receive tougher sentences if they subject their victims to a campaign of coercive and controlling abuse, has been launched by the Lord Chancellor

  • Public conversation launched on reforming murder sentencing
  • Consultation to consider raising starting points for killings with a history of coercive and controlling abuse or with a weapon 
  • Move latest step in UK Government’s plan to tackle domestic abuse and violence against women and girls

Ministers will also consider whether murderers who use a knife or another weapon already at the crime scene to kill should also face steeper starting points – a change that could result in higher minimum terms in these cases.

Every year, around 90 people – overwhelmingly women – are killed by their current or ex-partner, with most of these murders taking place in the home. And when a weapon is used – often a kitchen knife – it is normally already at the scene.

This means that although weapons are used, these offences generally do not qualify for a higher starting point – with a discrepancy of up to ten years compared with murders where a weapon is taken to the scene.

Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary Alex Chalk said:  “It is shocking that around 1 in 4 murders are committed by a current or former partner, or relative.

“This Government has already gone further than ever to protect women and girls, with tough new protection orders plus laws to ensure abusers and killers spend longer behind bars.

“To make sure sentencing policy is meeting the threat, it is right to review this complex landscape so that the scourge of violence against women is tackled as coherently and effectively as possible.”

Currently, when a knife or other weapon is taken to the murder scene with intent, the starting point is 25 years. This reflects the increased risk to the public when knives are carried on the streets. Where a knife is used, but not taken to the scene, a 15-year starting point normally applies.   

Campaigners on this issue include Carole Gould and Julie Devey, whose daughters Ellie Gould and Poppy Devey Waterhouse were killed by their former partners using knives found in the home.

Justice Minister, Gareth Bacon, said:  “For some evil people, murder is the brutal final act of a controlling and coercive relationship with their partner. It is only right we look at whether the sentences for these types of killings reflect this sustained and unacceptable abuse.  

“This consultation builds on the action we are taking to clamp down on domestic homicide, by introducing new laws to punish abusers with longer jail terms, and better protect victims.”

The consultation reflects the Government’s determination to ensure the sentencing framework for murder properly punishes perpetrators of this horrific crime, while giving victims’ families the justice they deserve.

In response to Clare Wade’s landmark independent review of sentencing in cases of domestic homicide, the Government has introduced a raft of measures to ensure sentences reflect the seriousness of the crime.  

This includes the introduction of new legislation which will make:  

  • “Overkill” and previous controlling or coercive behaviour by the murderer a statutory aggravating factor resulting in longer sentences  
  • A history of controlling or coercive behaviour a mitigating factor where the perpetrator was subject to this behaviour 
  • Killing connected with the end of a relationship a statutory aggravating factor, through the Criminal Justice Bill 

The Domestic Homicide Sentence Review was commissioned in 2021 to examine whether the sentencing framework should be reformed to better reflect the seriousness of domestic homicide and to identify options for improvements.  

It followed a series of high-profile domestic murders and concerns from the then Victims’ Commissioner and Domestic Abuse Commissioner about how these offences are handled by the justice system. 

This is the latest step in the Government’s commitment to be tough to keep the worst offenders locked up.

The UK Government has already ended the automatic release of sex and terrorist offenders, brought in a minimum 14-year jail term for anyone convicted of serious terror offences and under the new Sentencing Bill, the most horrific murderers will spend the rest of their lives locked up, including for any murder involving sexual or sadistic conduct, while criminals who commit rape and other serious sexual offences will spend every day of their sentence behind bars.

Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home reveal record year for number of pets seeking new homes

– It’ll be lonely this Christmas for almost a hundred dogs and cats in Edinburgh as a record number of families have had to make the difficult decision to give up their pets this year –

With a rise in the number of households welcoming new pets to their family during Covid, coupled with the financial devastation of the cost-of-living crisis, 2023 has seen the Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home taking in more pets than ever before.

So far this year, the Home has received a staggering 1,208 surrender requests (898 dogs and 479 cats). The dramatic increase in demand has left the Home unable to take in 85.8% of the requests.

Additionally, since January 2023, more than 561 enquiries, a 33% increase from last year, have been made by families struggling to make ends meet and subsequently seeking support to help keep their pets at home, and the Home’s food bank service across East and Central Scotland has seen a 39.4% increase in demand from last year.

But all hope is not lost, as thanks to the hard work of its staff and volunteers, the Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home team has already supported 148 dogs and 72 cats to find new loving homes for life this past year and has managed to keep over 4,500 pets with their owners through community support services such as pet food banks, educational content and training, and other outreach services.

The Home has also delivered a fantastic 85 emergency dog first aid courses and an additional 144 full dog first aid qualifications to pet owners in Edinburgh, helping to keep the city’s pets safe and healthy.

Piper is one pet who came into the hands of the Home earlier this year, heavily pregnant and living outside as a stray.

Piper was brought to the Home by a couple after they had seen her around their neighborhood for a couple of months and had attempted to find her owner via Facebook and various other groups to no avail. When they noticed that Piper’s belly was getting bigger, they put it down to a potential health problem and decided to bring her in – luckily just in time.

Piper gave birth to 4 healthy kittens on her very first night in the Home, without which, she would have had to try and find a safe space to give birth outside and her kittens might not have made it. The team had her settled into the Home quickly on the night she arrived and witnessed the relief she felt being able to give birth to her kittens in a safe environment. By the morning, the first of her litter had arrived.

Just a few months later, Piper has been happily rehomed with vet nurse Lauren, who fell in love with Piper when she visited Lauren’s vet practice for mastitis treatment after giving birth, and then again to be spayed.

Lauren and her partner visited Piper a couple of times at the Home and enjoyed playing with her and getting to know her. From the first night they took her home, she was snuggled up on their bed, enjoying head scratches and cuddles and is slowly gaining trust to come up to them and sit on their laps.

Lauren said: “It just feels like my life wasn’t complete without having a cat and she’s just fitted in so well, I feel like it was meant to be. She’s honestly amazing. I love her little personality, she’s independent but so friendly and affectionate as well, she’s the perfect cat.”

Pipers kittens; Snowflake, Calico, Atreyu, Maya are are all doing well and have recently gone to their own loving homes.

Lindsay Fyffe-Jardine, CEO of Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home said: “Thanks to the hard work of our team, the support of volunteers who have donated almost 2,000 hours over the course of the past year, and the generosity of the people of Edinburgh and beyond for their kind donations, we have been able to help many pets through preventative community work and by caring for and rehoming animals who come to us.

However, to help us keep on top of the unprecedented increase in demand, now more than ever we’re relying on funding from public donations to enable us to support owners going through hard times to stay together with their pets, or rehabilitate and rehome pets like Piper.”

The Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home finds winter an especially difficult season as higher costs drain funds while demand for their vital services increases. To help get through the winter months, the Home recently launched a Winter Appeal, seeking donations to enable the Home to cope with the increased demand, continue providing vital support to animals in need and help people to keep their beloved pets at home.

To make a donation and to read more of their life-altering stories please visit www.edch.org.uk/winterappeal OR text SURRENDER to 70560 to donate £5.

Donations of £20 can provide a cat with the vaccinations they require to be rehomed or £100 could keep a dog warm in the Home for three months.

Texts will cost the donation amount plus one standard network rate message, and you’ll be opting into hearing more from Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home. If you would like to donate but don’t wish to hear more, text SURRENDERNOINFO instead.

The support of generous donors has kept Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home open for 140 years and given Piper and hundreds like them a safe place to recover and find love.

The Home has become an important part of the city and to bring this to life Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home has photographed some of its former residents that have now been rehomed; Reggie, Truffle, Martha, and Toffee, at some of Edinburgh’s other iconic locations including the Forth Bridge, Greyfriars Bobby and Edinburgh Castle.

Christmas & Dry January drinks: Dare to explore the fiery flavour of Talonmore

Inspired by the versatility of Edinburgh’s historic charm, Talonmore is a unique blend of complex and fiery flavours – perfect in a warming Talonmore Toddy, neat, on the rocks, or in a multitude of non-alcoholic cocktails.

Introducing Talonmore Drinks Company; the Scottish based, family run business established itself in Edinburgh in 2020. 

The new batch of Talonmore includes a brand-new look & feel, with an upgraded label and eye-catching flagship red foil. Using a mix of rooted and plant-based ingredients, Talonmore can be used to replicate spirit strength drinks in a multitude of non-alcoholic cocktails and beverages. 

Talonmore’s distinctive taste is fired by the spice of ginger and cinnamon whilst complemented with malty notes and fruit sweetness. Inspired by Edinburgh’s festival spirit and history of innovation, Talonmore was created to provide an exceptional alcohol-free drink that can be enjoyed without compromising health, control and taste. 

Using brewing methods of manufacture, rather than distilling, Talonmore have developed a unique beverage that ensures flavour is at the forefront, replicating the experience of drinking a dark spirit. Talonmore can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, with a mixer or in a multitude of non-alcoholic cocktails.

In 2022, Talonmore was awarded Silver at the International Wine and Spirits Competition scoring an impressive 92 points out of 100. 

Lewis Kennedy, Managing Director at Talonmore Drinks Company said: “Talonmore is all about offering choice. The popularity around alcohol-free serves is seeing a meteoric rise right now.

“We are so proud of our liquid and the versatility it brings to the table. Our new red foiling is designed to catch the eye of consumers looking at the back bar, or equally online, for a satisfying alternative to an alcoholic drink. 

“The historic charm of Edinburgh gives our team endless inspiration. You will see key landmarks of the city on our recently updated branding, all which play a part in the story of Talonmore. 

“We want to create foundations for sophisticated adventurers who want to celebrate climbing to the peak of a mountain in style, drivers who want to make the most of their road trip or professionals having the perfect serve for a midweek social gathering.” 

With over 8 million adults in the UK looking to reduce their alcohol intake, Talonmore is designed to shake up the non-alcoholic drinks market through championing the adventurous lifestyle that could normally be sacrificed with traditional alcohol. 

Protesters call for action on one year anniversary of Edinburgh councillors voting for divestment

Campaigners staged a protest outside Edinburgh City Chambers on Friday (24 November) to call on the Lothian Pension Fund to divest from fossil fuels. The protest marked one year since Edinburgh City Council voted in favour of divestment, but the fund has still not enacted the request.

Lothian Pension Fund has at least £350 million invested in the fossil fuel industry, according to new analysis by Platform and Friends of the Earth Scotland. This is a significant increase from the £229 million investment it held when the research was last conducted in October 2021.

Lothian Pension Fund is the second biggest fossil fuel investor of all the council pension funds in Scotland. It invests in some of the world’s biggest climate polluters, including Exxon Mobil, Shell, Equinor, TotalEnergies and BP.

With virtually all oil and gas companies set to expand their operations, campaigners are calling on the Lothian Pension Fund to listen to councillors and stop funding fossil fuels.

The protest highlighted the role French oil giant TotalEnergies – that Lothian Pensions have investments worth £19 million in – is playing in worsening the climate crisis and threatening human rights.

TotalEnergies is currently developing the East African Crude Oil Pipeline, stretching 1444 km across Uganda and Tanzania. Building this pipeline is displacing communities and destroying livelihoods in Africa in order to pump oil out of the continent to be consumed by people living in the global north.

John Hardy from Divest Lothian said: “It’s extremely disappointing that as the climate crisis worsens, the Lothian Pension Fund has failed to follow the democratic will of the council to divest from the fossil fuel companies that are driving climate breakdown.

“In particular, their investments in TotalEnergies and the East African Crude Oil Pipeline harms our climate and puts local communities and important ecosystems at risk.

“The Lothian Pension Fund needs to listen to the people of Edinburgh and the Lothians and divest from all fossil fuel companies immediately. Our future is at stake, and we cannot afford to wait any longer.”

Sophie Burgess from Global Justice Edinburgh Youth Collective said: “We need to Stop EACOP for my future, the future of people in Uganda and Tanzania and the future of people globally.

“We cannot allow pensions to continue to fund fossil fuel giants like TotalEnergy, who are continuing to threaten all our futures with devastating projects like the East African Crude Oil Pipeline.”

The Lothian Pension Fund administers the pension funds of almost 90,000 members from the four councils in the Lothians and 59 other employers, including Scottish Water, Edinburgh Napier University, VisitScotland and Heriot-Watt University.

Locals urged to help families this Christmas by donating decorations and treats

The Leith Collective launches Christmas tree and festive food exchange

As the temperature drops and heating bills rise, many families across Edinburgh are facing a crisis this Christmas.

The choice between heating and eating is an all too real dilemma for many, which means this Christmas will be one of sacrifices and shortages for those struggling to make ends meet. However, one local Community Interest Company is working hard to ensure those in need can still experience the spirit of Christmas. 

Friday 1st December will see The Leith Collective launch its Christmas tree and festive food exchange across its four Scottish stores. Locals are being urged to search their homes for any unwanted Christmas trees and decorations that may be languishing in cupboards and attics.

Non-perishable store cupboard essentials and festive treats are also being accepted. Because it’s the little things that can make all the difference and lift the spirits of families in need at this time of year. 

All items will be available for anyone to collect at Edinburgh’s Fort Kinnaird and Ocean Terminal, and Glasgow’s St Enoch Centre and Glasgow Fort completely free of charge. No stigma, no judgement, no questions asked. 

The Leith Collective founder, Sara Thomson, explains why the Christmas tree and festive food exchange is so necessary; “We’ve heard a lot of talk this year about people ‘feeling the pinch’ of rising costs, but from what I’ve seen, that’s a massive understatement.

“There are people genuinely struggling to survive. Christmas is a time for giving, and the gift of a Christmas tree, some decorations and a few treats to a family that has nothing is a lovely way to show them that they matter, that they are not forgotten, and that they too deserve to be included in the magic of Christmas”.

Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said: “The Leith Collective works hard all year round to support our local community. We saw first-hand just how needed the free school uniform exchange was in the summer and the impact it made to local families – and the festive season will be no different.

“Many of us have Christmas decorations we no longer use which could make another family’s festive season really special. I’d like to thank our visitors for their ongoing support towards these initiatives and ask that they donate what they can to The Leith Collective this Christmas.”

Christmas trees, decorations and non-perishable festive food can be dropped off or collected at The Leith Collective at Fort Kinnaird, Ocean Terminal, St Enoch Centre and Glasgow Fort during opening hours.

It is hoped that by hosting the Christmas tree and festive food exchange in these accessible locations, those that have can help those that don’t, which is after all what Christmas is all about.

Celebrity duo Scarlette and Stuart Douglas Double The Love with Mary’s Meals

Donations made to Mary’s Meals this winter will be matched, up to £1 million

TV stars and siblings, Scarlette and Stuart Douglas, are encouraging people across Scotland to support Mary’s Meals’ new appeal, Double The Love.  

From 22 November 2023 to 22 January 2024, all donations made to Mary’s Meals will be doubled by a group of generous supporters, up to a total of £1 million.

Funds raised will help to provide nutritious school meals for children in some of the world’s poorest countries including Malawi, Haiti and South Sudan.  

Popular double act Scarlette and Stuart are celebrating the launch of the campaign, which is a cause close to their hearts. Mary’s Meals, which was founded in a shed in Argyll, currently feeds more than 2.4 million hungry children every school day. The promise of a meal attracts these children into the classroom, so that instead of working or looking for food, they have the energy to learn.  

Scarlette, a campmate on the 2022 series of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, says: “Stuart and I are so impressed by the incredible work of Mary’s Meals. To serve a daily school meal to 2.4 million children is an amazing feat, as is the fact that Mary’s Meals can feed a child for a whole school year for just £19.15. 

“And with Double The Love, £19.15 will feed two children for a school year, so there’s never been a better time to donate!” 

Stuart, who hosts Channel 4’s Worst House on the Street with Scarlette, added: “I have four children, so Mary’s Meals’ work resonates greatly with me; no child should go hungry. Mary’s Meals provides a daily school meal alongside an education, which is so important to give children a chance at a brighter future. 

“Double The Love gives everyone who donates the opportunity to have their kindness reach even more hungry children with Mary’s Meals, and that’s something we should all get behind!” 

Matt Barlow, Executive Director of Mary’s Meals, says: “Scarlette and Stuart know a thing or two about being a great double act, so I’m really grateful to them for backing our Double The Love appeal! 

“Mary’s Meals is built on so many little acts of kindness – from those volunteers in our programme countries who rise with the sun to cook and serve Mary’s Meals to their children, to those in the Scotland who support our work in so many incredible ways. By donating to Mary’s Meals this winter, your kindness can go even further in helping us to reach the next hungry child waiting for our nutritious school meals.” 

Double The Love runs until 22 January 2024. For more information please visit marysmeals.org.uk/double 

Fanta and Jebbah’s story 

Like Scarlette and Stuart, Fanta and Jebbah are a great double act. 

Fanta, 15, and Jebbah, 14, are best friends who met when they started to attend Quadafi School in Liberia. The girls are in sixth grade and are inseparable both in and outside of school. They dream of becoming doctors and helping people in their community, inspired by their mothers, both of whom are nurses. 

Every day, the girls walk for an hour to get to school on an empty stomach. When they arrive, they most often feel tired and sleepy because of the long distance they have walked. But after eating their portion of Mary’s Meals, the girls have the energy to learn and enjoy school with their classmates. 

Thanks to Mary’s Meals’ incredible supporters, Fanta and Jebbah are able to gain an education and work toward their dreams of a future where they can help to lift their community out of poverty. 

Letter: Increase in school violence is no surprise

Dear Editor

The annual survey from the EIS teaching union, highlighting the scale of violence in our schools, should come as no surprise.

Just under two-thirds of those teachers surveyed said there were daily incidents of pupil-on-teacher violence or aggression in their school, and these had significantly increased over the last four years. Many of these incidents are linked to pupils with additional support needs (ASN), with numbers more than doubling since 2012, and now amounting to more than a third of children, who are also experiencing an increasing complexity of need. These numbers have been exacerbated by the traumatic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and the cost- of-living crisis, with us also facing a mental health emergency.

However, this is set against a background of acute under-resourcing to support their needs, with the number of specialist ASN teachers falling by 546 between 2012 and 2022 as just one example.

Additional funding is desperately needed to increase the support available to those with ASN, including specialist teachers, teaching assistants, mental health professionals and educational psychologists.

While we support the principle of mainstreaming, that all children be taught in mainstream classes unless exceptional circumstances apply, this has never been properly resourced. Those with ASN are therefore frequently being inadequately supported, which is also impacting on other pupils.

Violence against any member of school staff or another pupil is never acceptable, and it is critical that with the Scottish Budget being published next month, our schools are given the necessary resources to ensure that they are safe places in which to work and to learn.

Yours faithfully

The Scottish Children’s Services Coalition:

Kenny Graham, Falkland House School

Lynn Bell, LOVE Learning

Stephen McGhee, Spark of Genius

Niall Kelly, Young Foundations

42 Charlotte Square

Edinburgh EH2 4HQ

Tel: 0131 603 8996

Charity creates Magical Moments this Christmas

Right There, a charity which helps prevent homelessness, has launched ‘Magical Moments’, a festive campaign to give people going through hard times, special moments at Christmas and beyond.

Tapping into the real magic of Christmas, ‘Magical Moments’ hopes to spread the message of goodwill and community kindness through a series of festive fun experiences for the children and adults being supported, including Glasgow, Edinburgh, Inverness, and Orkney. 

Every year the charity supports around 4,000 children, adults and families who are experiencing, or at risk of homelessness.  Providing one-to-one tailored support, Right There offers safe places to live, along with emotional and practical help – from mentoring to housing advice and support in the community. 

By creating ‘Magical Moments’, the charity is asking members of the public to give a gift that will last far beyond Christmas. By donating to Right There via its online campaign at rightthere.org, everyone has the opportunity to change someone’s life for the better.  

Right There Chief Executive, Janet Haugh said: “Christmas is a time for family, friends and exchanging gifts, but sadly this is far from the reality for some of the people we support who are living with the effects of homelessness, poverty, or have been separated from their families.

“Every day our dedicated teams help people create life-changing moments in their lives. Be that a young person from care having a mentor to help achieve their goals or supporting an adult with a safe place to live so they can move on from the trauma of homelessness.

“The festive period can be an extremely challenging time for those without a safe place to call home, but we hope ‘Magical Moments’ will spread the magic of Christmas and enable people to create a lasting legacy that will help those who need it the most all year round.”

14 year old Rhianna experienced homelessness for six months after her grandmother passed away. The trauma from this had a significant impact on her attendance at school and resulted in conflict at home with her parents. 

Since getting support from Right There things have started to change with Rhianna now attending school again and having the confidence and awareness of how to manage her behaviour in a positive way.

Rhianna’s step-mum Chloe said: “My magical moment is seeing Rhianna brighter after the help from Right There, I am seeing her confidence grow.

“She’s becoming more independent and it’s so good to see her happy and enjoying school.”

To find out more about the Magical Moments campaign visit righthere.org or follow ‘Right There Org’ on social media.

Janet Haugh added: “Without giving too much away, you can expect musical performances, Santa’s grotto, festive feasts, giant crackers and much more.”