22/01/2024 – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

Resilience committee updated ahead of next amber weather warning

The Scottish Government’s Resilience Room (SGoRR) has met to consider the impacts of Storm Isha and preparations for Storm Jocelyn.

The meeting was chaired by First Minister Humza Yousaf and attended by members of the Cabinet, including the Transport Minister, the Met Office, Police Scotland, Transport Scotland, SEPA, transport and utilities companies and resilience partners.

While today’s Met Office yellow warning for wind has now been lifted, some rail and ferry services have resumed and all trunk roads have reopened. Power companies are working to restore supplies to more than 15,000 properties, and 17 regional flood alerts and 32 local flood warnings remain.

An amber warning for wind has been issued for the Western Isles, western Highlands, northern coast, Orkney Islands and part of the Moray Firth coast from 1800 tomorrow until 0800 on Wednesday.

A yellow warning for wind covers the rest of Scotland – except the Shetland Islands – from 1600 tomorrow until 1300 on Wednesday. A yellow warning for rain for parts of west and southwest Scotland is also in place from 0700 to 1800 tomorrow.

ScotRail will suspend services from 1900 tomorrow, and there will be no rush hour services on Wednesday morning,

People are urged to continue to check all relevant safety advice issued by the police and other agencies.

First Minister Humza Yousaf said: “Tragically, Storm Isha has led to lives being lost and I send my sincere condolences to the families affected.

“The strong winds and heavy rain have impacted communities across Scotland. I want to thank all those who have worked throughout the night and today to keep the public safe and respond to those impacts and restore normality.

“But the exceptional weather conditions are not over. Storm Jocelyn is on its way to the UK and is likely to cause more disruption, with another period of strong winds further buffeting our infrastructure and rain falling on already saturated ground.

“Travel is likely to again be difficult, particularly heading into Wednesday’s rush hour, so I urge everyone to follow guidance from Police Scotland and check updates from transport providers, Transport Scotland and the Met Office.”

Martin Thomson, National Operations Manager for Resilience at Transport Scotland, said: “Focus is now shifting onto the next named storm, Jocelyn, for tomorrow into Wednesday, and preparations are already underway with rail, aviation and ferries colleagues to ensure we are as ready as we can be.

“The public can play its part and plan ahead by visiting www.traffic.gov.scot. Staff from our trunk road operating companies will be patrolling the network and undertaking inspections to respond quickly to any further treefall or blocked drains. Their proactive efforts in terms of branch cutting and drain clearing at vulnerable locations has helped minimise disruption in the past.

“Across the wider network, we can expect to see more delays and cancellations with ferries, flights and rail from Tuesday into Wednesday morning. Please check with your public transport operator for the latest information and your local authority and Police Scotland for the latest information on local roads.”

Lionel the Lurcher longs to meet “his only luve”

A poetic soul named Lionel Longlegs, who resides at Dogs Trust West Calder Rehoming Centre, has had a poem penned in his honour in the hope it might lead to him meeting “his only luve”.

As we approach the celebration of Scotland’s national bard, Robert Burns, who famously wrote about two dogs in ‘The Twa Dogs’ and ‘luve’ in ’A Red, Red, Rose’, it’s the perfect time to share Lionel’s story.

Three-year-old Lionel is described by Dogs Trust staff as having a heart as expansive as the Scottish Highlands. One of his Canine Carers Jill McLees, who is an aspiring Poet, put pen to paper about the special Lurcher:

“My name is Lionel Longlegs and if only I was a man,

I’d be able to read Rabbie Burns without needing a helping hand.

I really am a wonderful boy, I’ve got so much love in my heart,

I’m looking for my special person, from whom I’ll never part”.

Kim McNeill, Assistant Manager Administration at Dogs Trust West Calder Rehoming Centre said: “Lionel is a very loving and loyal dog who has a big heart. He thrives in the company of his favourite humans and once you meet him, you can’t help but fall in love with him.

“With Burns Night approaching, we knew we had to tell the world about him in the hope his forever family might spot him. In his poetry Rabbie Burns writes about being deeply in love with his wife and we know the feeling having lost our hearts to Lionel. He is a tender-hearted, playful boy who adores the great outdoors, snuggles with human friends, and revels in the simple joys of life.

“We hope anyone looking for a canine companion who will be on their side, and by their side through thick and thin will consider Lionel as he has so much love to give.”

Read more about Lionel Longlegs here:

www.dogstrust.org.uk/westcalder

where you will see he is described as an ‘underdog’. This is the term given to any dog who has spent more than six months in Dogs Trust Care.

Ofcom: Save money on your phone, broadband and pay-TV bills in 2024

Now that we’ve rung in the New Year, many people are thinking about ways to save money in 2024. Household budgets continue to feel the pinch amid rising living costs – so it’s important to find out if you can cut costs on your phone, broadband and pay-TV bills.

If you’re looking to get on top of your finances for the year ahead, there are steps you can take to avoid overpaying for these services.

Here’s five things you can check to make sure you’re not missing out on savings:

1. Are you in or out of contract?

Millions of people in the UK are out of contract for their phone, broadband or pay-TV services and could be missing out on better deals. Check with your provider to make sure you’re not one of them.

If you’re out of contract, you’re probably paying too much and it’s time to see if there are better deals available. Check out comparison sites accredited by Ofcom to see what’s on offer. Talk to your current provider to see if they will match, or even beat, the best deal available. If not, consider switching provider. To find out more, see our guide to switching.

2. Are you eligible for a social tariff?

If you receive Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Employment and Support Allowance, or other benefits, you might be eligible for a cheaper broadband deal. Packages start from just £10 a month and could see you make savings of around £200 a year.

If your existing provider offers a social tariff and you are eligible, you can switch to it at any time, free of charge.

To find out more about the range of social tariffs on offer and to see if you might qualify, check our guide.

3. Could you save using a SIM-only tariff?

If you’re looking to save money on your mobile, check out offers available on SIM-only tariffs. If you already have a handset and just want a monthly allowance of calls, texts, and data, this could be the best option for you. They’re often cheaper than a contract with an inclusive handset, and many tariffs cost less than £10 a month.

If you don’t already have a handset, it’s usually still cheaper to buy a handset separately and use it with a SIM-only plan. However, a one-off payment for a handset can still cost a significant amount and might not be affordable for everyone.

4. Could you save on broadband with a bundle?

If you need a landline service too, you can save money by getting your broadband and phone as part of a bundle deal. Our recent research revealed you could save as much as 34% by bundling these services with the same provider. Check with your provider to see what packages they offer and whether these suit your needs.

If you don’t need a landline and you’re looking for a standalone full-fibre broadband package, it’s worth checking out smaller providers as well, with packages available from between £25 and £50 per month.

5. Do you use all your pay-TV subscriptions?

It’s easy to sign up to a range of pay-TV and streaming services with so much great content on offer – and many homes have multiple subscriptions on the go.

But if you’re trying to save money, it’s worth thinking about how much you use these services and whether you’d be missing out if you cancelled them.

Many streaming services can be cancelled – or paused – straight away without needing to pay any sort of penalty, so it could be useful even as a temporary measure.

More information

We’ve got more tips on cutting costs on your phone, broadband and pay-TV bills.

Granton Crescent murder: Man jailed

A 29-year-old man has been jailed after previously pleading guilty to the murder of a man and the serious assault of a woman in Granton last March.

Sam Atkins (pictured) appeared at the High Court in Glasgow today and was sentenced to 18 years.

Officers were called to a flat in the Granton Crescent area on 25 March, 2023, following a report of a disturbance.

Charles Paul, aged 69, was found with fatal injuries. A 36-year-old woman was found with serious but not life-threatening injuries and taken to hospital for treatment.

Atkins was arrested at the scene and he was charged the following day.

Detective Chief Inspector George Calder said: “We welcome the sentencing and hope that it brings some kind of closure for Charles’s family and friends and that of the woman also.

“These were despicable and callous acts carried out by Atkins, who showed an utter disregard for the life of Charles Paul or for the woman he seriously assaulted.

“I would like to thank all officers involved for their dedication and commitment throughout the investigation as well as those members of the public who assisted with our enquiries.”

Couple who lost son in tragic drowning incident support RLSS UK campaign

A couple who lost their son eight years ago this month is supporting The Royal Life Saving Society UK’s (RLSS UK) annual Don’t Drink and Drown campaign. The campaign aims to encourage those who have been drinking to be responsible for their friends after a night out, be a mate, and ensure they return home safely.

Don’t Drink and Drown was launched following multiple tragic and high-profile student drownings in 2014. It aims to ensure that people remain safe around water after a night out. In a sample of UK accidental drowning cases analysed by RLSS UK, figures revealed that 81% of those aged 16-25 who drowned under the influence of alcohol or drugs, weren’t with friends at the time of drowning[1].

Support for the initiative comes from Margaret and Duncan Spiers after their son Christopher, aged 28, tragically lost his life after returning alone from a night out in Glasgow. On 29 January 2016, Christopher, who was believed to be under the influence of alcohol, was walking near to the River Clyde in stormy weather when he slipped into the water and was swept down the river. Despite several rescue attempts, Christopher couldn’t be saved and drowned.

Speaking about the RLSS UK campaign, Duncan said: “We are happy to support such an important campaign. It is vital people don’t walk home near water after a night out, as there are so many dangers.

“We are pleased to work with the Royal Life Saving Society UK to raise awareness of its lifesaving work and I know we have its support which means so much.”

After losing their son to drowning in 2016, Margaret and Duncan founded Christopher’s Saving Lives Campaign in his memory and have since dedicated their lives to promoting water safety and awareness of the dangers of outdoors.

The couple, who also sit on the Scottish Parliament Community Safety Committee as Water Safety Ambassadors, have successfully fought to have ropes attached to the lifebuoys at the Clyde since the incident and continue to do work within the local community to help prevent more tragic drowning accidents.

Duncan added: “We didn’t think of the dangers and risks associated with water until it happened to Christopher, and this is why we launched Christopher’s Saving Lives campaign.

“All Margaret and I want to do is save lives, we don’t want anyone to go through what we have – it’s been horrendous but we do this for him, in his name. We already know some of the ropes installed onto life buoys have helped to rescue a number of people, which is a privilege to know.”

Margaret added: “Christopher was a happy go lucky person with a big heart, he loved to help others and was so caring.

“We feel very lucky to have had him as a son and he lives on in our hearts.”

Lee Heard, Charity Director at RLSS UK, said: “As we mark the eighth anniversary of Christopher’s tragic death in the River Clyde, the work we carry out at RLSS UK continues to raise awareness of these devastating incidents, along with providing the public with vital water safety advice that could help save lives.

“Sadly, Christopher isn’t the only to have lost his life under these terrible circumstances. Our Don’t Drink and Drown campaign was launched following various instances where young people’s nights out have sadly not ended the way they had planned.

“We have seen cases of young people walking home after a night out, and for various reasons getting too close to the edge and ending up in the water – which is why this campaign seeks to encourage friends to Be A Mate and take responsibility for one another.

“We’d like to thank both Duncan and Margaret Spiers for their continued support for our Don’t Drink and Drown campaign, and for their help in raising awareness on this key issue in Christopher’s memory. We’d also like to praise their ongoing efforts to promote water safety education as we work to prevent any more lives from being lost to drowning.”

For more information on RLSS UK’s Don’t Drink and Drown campaign, please visit: www.rlss.org.uk/dont-drink-and-drown.

Visit our website at: rlss.org.uk

Visit our Facebook page: facebook.com/RLSSUK  Call: 0300 323 0096

[1] Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK)– Detailed analysis of 16 cases of accidental drowning amongst those aged 16-25 years. Data sourced from UK Water Incident Research Hub (WIRH) August 2022.

Health charity urges Edinburgh residents to share experiences of successful quit smoking attempts

People in Edinburgh who have successfully given up smoking in the last couple of years are being encouraged by a campaigning health charity to share their experiences about how they managed to quit.

As part of the charity’s preparations for No Smoking Day which takes place on 13 March, ASH Scotland is urging Edinburgh residents to share details of their journeys to live a tobacco-free life by highlighting the motivating factors which prompted their quit smoking attempts and if they gave up through sheer willpower and personal determination or the types of support they found to be most useful.

Sheila Duffy, Chief Executive of ASH Scotland, said: “Ahead of No Smoking Day on 13 March, we would love to hear from people in Edinburgh about their successful experiences in the last couple of years or so of giving up smoking for good.

“We look forward to discovering everyone’s inspirational stories, which could encourage others to quit smoking for the first time or try again to live a life free from tobacco and enjoy a healthier future with opportunities to spend their money in other ways.”

The charity is asking people to share stories up to a maximum of 200 words by emailing: comms@ashscotland.org.uk or via ashscotland.org.uk/your-story.

ASH Scotland is tackling tobacco head-on by campaigning to reduce the harms caused by smoking. For more information, follow the health charity’s social media channels on Instagram and Facebook.

Defending the right to strike: Lessons from GCHQ

Forty years ago – on 25th Jan 1984 – Margaret Thatcher’s Conservative government attacked trade union rights at GCHQ (writes TUC General Secretary PAUL NOWAK).

Trade union members were told to resign their membership or be sacked.

But after a long and heroic campaign marked by the fortitude of the workers and their families, and the solidarity of the whole movement, they were reinstated when an incoming Labour government repealed the ban.

The spirit and fight shown at GCHQ in Cheltenham has never been more badly needed.

Today, the Tories are once again hellbent on attacking the right to strike – a fundamental British liberty.

Their draconian Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Bill is even more extreme than Thatcher’s attack in 1984.

This time over five million workers face losing their right to strike – including PCS members in border security.

It would place onerous restrictions on public sector and rail unions and make taking effective industrial action far harder.

Last month the TUC called its first Special Congress in 40 years to discuss how we resist these spiteful new laws.

The message from the trade union movement was unanimous, resounding and clear – we will defend the right to strike at all costs. And we will not rest until this pernicious legislation is repealed from the statute books.

Because let’s be clear: if the Tories get their way this is just the start. We should expect further attacks on the rights of workers and trade unions in other sectors not yet affected.

The government wants to use this heinous new bill as a Trojan horse for other anti-union measures, including an attempted clamp-down on picketing.

It is an ideological assault on workers’ and trade unions’ rights and a brazen attempt to silence workers’ voices and reduce their power.

The imposition of minimum service levels means that when workers lawfully vote to take strike action, they could be told to attend work – and sacked if they don’t comply.

Our public services are crying out for investment to address the recruitment and retention crisis they face. But, instead, the Conservatives are seeking to poison industrial relations, with the result that services deteriorate even more.

It is all driven by an unelected and out-of-touch prime minister who has lost the confidence of the British people. We won’t let this happen.

We will use every lever at our disposable to defeat these unworkable – and almost certainly illegal – new laws. We will name and shame any employer or public body that uses this legislation. We will challenge every work notice issued by employers.

And the full force of the whole union movement will stand behind any worker disciplined or sacked for exercising their right to strike.

Please join me – and trade union members from across the country – on Saturday the 27th of January 2024 as we march and rally in Cheltenham to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the GCHQ trade union ban.

Let’s channel the spirit of those brave GCHQ workers and show our collective defiance against the Tories’ attack on the right to strike.

Parents facing separation urged to avoid courtroom conflict as Family Mediation Week kicks off in Scotland

Parents facing separation urged to avoid courtroom conflict as Family Mediation Week kicks off in Scotland

Parents living in Scotland who are considering separation or divorce in 2024 are being urged to seek an alternative to a courtroom confrontation to settle parenting arrangements, with the launch of Family Mediation Week, 22 – 26 January.

January usually sees a dramatic rise in the number of parents deciding to live apart as the various pressures that go hand-in-hand with the Christmas period act as a final straw for relationships.

Stuart Valentine, Chief Executive of Relationships Scotland said: “Family Mediation Week is designed to raise awareness of the benefits of family mediation, a process that can help ex-partners agree what works for them, whilst avoiding the court process with all the stress, delay and cost it can bring.

“Many parents emerge from the festive period feeling defeated by the pressures on relationships and finances that have been highlighted during the holiday period.

“Here in Scotland we find parents in this position simply don’t know which way to turn. Their life-changing decision to separate brings with it so many tough questions: Who lives where? Where will the children live, and how will we make sure we each spend time with them? How will we sort money? What about debts and pensions? And even the family dog?

“Family Mediation Week shines a helpful spotlight on these tricky issues, offering separating parents information about their options as they look to make arrangements for parenting, property and finance.

“Family mediation is a process where an independent, professionally-trained mediator helps you work these things out, enabling you to avoid courtroom confrontation. Professional mediators help empower you to create long-term solutions for your particular circumstances, rather than leaving it to a court to make decisions for your family.”

The Scottish Government fund Relationships Scotland to provide family mediation at low cost where children are involved, and Legal Aid may also be available.

Anyone wanting to know more about the benefits of family mediation can visit:

www.relationships-scotland.org.uk or call 0345 119 2020.

Virgin Money and Good Things Foundation team up to support millions of households facing digital exclusion

Virgin Money and the UK’s leading digital inclusion charity, Good Things Foundation, have teamed up to help millions of people facing digital exclusion across the nation by introducing the National Databank programme into Virgin Money’s full network of stores.

Latest data¹ compiled by Good Things Foundation shows that although 77% of people in the UK believe having internet access is an essential need, 1 in 14 households have no home internet access at all, more than 2.5 million households struggle to afford broadband and 10.2 million people lack the most basic digital skills to use the internet.

Aiming to help reduce the digital divide, Virgin Money – the first and only bank in the UK to take part in the programme – has worked with Good Things Foundation to introduce the National Databank²into its 91 UK stores.

The National Databank works like a foodbank, but provides free mobile data, texts and calls for people in need. Through the programme, which was founded by Good Things Foundation and Virgin Media O2, digitally excluded people (anyone that doesn’t have regular access to the internet) can visit their nearest Virgin Money store and pick up an O2 sim card loaded with 20GB of free data – enough for around 220 hours of internet browsing per month. The free data allowance renews every month for six months.

Good Things Foundation has also provided specialist training to the bank’s customer service colleagues to help them better identify and support individuals impacted by digital exclusion and signpost them to a nearby National Databank, whether it is a Virgin Money store or not. In addition, through a range of initiatives colleagues across the bank will help to raise awareness and secure donations to Good Thing Foundation’s National Device Bank programme, which works alongside the National Databank to provide free smart devices to people who are unable to afford them.

Finally, to help bridge the digital skills gap, Virgin Money and Good Things Foundation will work with Learn My Way, an online digital skills platform, to provide training to anyone looking for help to improve their knowledge of using the internet. The sessions, which can take place both in store and online, will cover various topics, including advice on how to stay safe when browsing and information on how to access essential online services.

James Peirson, General Counsel & Purpose Officer at Virgin Money, said: “Digital exclusion is a real issue in the UK and one that needs prioritising.

“For many low or no-income households, paying for broadband is often seen as a luxury that they can’t afford, but in reality, it is an essential purchase – especially in this digital age. That’s why we are proud to support the vital work of Good Things Foundation by making the National Databank programme easier for people in need to access across the UK.

“We are also keen to encourage other organisations that are in a position to help to join the initiative. Whether that’s by becoming a National Databank themselves or donating their old smart devices that would otherwise go to waste.

“Each small gesture goes towards making a huge difference, and by working together we can try put an end to the digital divide.”

Helen Milner OBE, Group CEO, Good Things Foundation, said: “We’re delighted to help tackle digital exclusion by extending our partnership with Virgin Money to make the National Databank available to its full network of 91 stores.

“There are still 2 million households that struggle to afford internet access in the UK today, and 10 million adults lack the most basic digital skills. We need to act now.

“We urge organisations to apply to become a National Databank and become part of our National Digital Inclusion Network, helping local communities access data, devices and digital skills through the National Databank, the National Device Banks, and the Digital Skills platform Learn My Way.

“By the end of 2025, our ambition is to engage 1 million people helping them benefit from the digital world and support 5,000 Digital Inclusion Hubs across the UK. Together we can fix the digital divide.”

For details of Virgin Money store locations, visit: Store Finder | Virgin Money UK | Virgin Money UK

To find out more about Good Things Foundation or to locate the nearest community organisation taking part in the National Databank programme, visit: https://www.goodthingsfoundation.org/databank/.

Former government ministers add their support to SELECT’s campaign for regulation of electrical industry

The groundswell of opinion in favour of the campaign for protection of title for electricians has continued into 2024 with a New Year declaration of support from another four prominent members of the Scottish Parliament.

Former Business and Trade Minister Ivan McKee and ex-Transport Minister Kevin Stewart have both shown their backing for regulation of the industry by signing up to the Wall of Support being spearheaded by SELECT, Scotland’s largest construction trade body.

The duo have been joined by Conservative MSPs Craig Hoy and Oliver Mundell as the long-running campaign continues to attract cross-party support from all political factions.

Mr McKee, SNP MSP for Glasgow Provan, said: “Our future heating and energy demands will be met by technology such as solar panels, battery storage and electric heating, which means that electricians will play an ever-increasing role in all our lives.

“Regulation would provide the reassurance that someone calling themself an electrician was qualified to undertake such work and would also enhance the profession’s status and reputation. That’s why I am backing SELECT’s campaign to regulate electricians by introducing protection of title for the profession of electrician.”

Mr Stewart, who is the SNP MSP for Aberdeen Central, said: “Being an electrician is a safety critical profession, so it vital that only those people with appropriate skills and qualifications carry out such work.

“Using a qualified electrician gives consumers the confidence that they are employing an expert who undertakes continued professional development and regular assessments to ensure they maintain the highest standards of safety and technical integrity at all times.”

Mr Hoy, who represents South Scotland, signed up to the Wall of Support after visiting SELECT headquarters in Penicuik and speaking to senior staff last month.

He said: “There are thousands of people in Scotland claiming to be electricians without adequate training or certification. This is a serious risk to public safety, and we need support in law for qualified electricians.”

Mr Mundell, who holds the Dumfries-shire seat, added: “It is vitally important that consumers are helped to make informed choices whenever they employ an electrician.”

The latest expressions of solidarity follows the addition last year of Labour MSP and businessman Foysol Choudhury and leading construction organisations the Building Safety Group, LINIAN, Flexel and Hager.

SELECT Managing Director Alan Wilson said: “As we enter another year in our long-running campaign, it is particularly heartening to receive even more support from prominent parliamentarians, particularly those who have served in a ministerial capacity.

“AT SELECT, we feel there is a growing understanding of the validity of the case that is being made for electricians, who will be the professionals we turn to as we transition to net zero and an electric future

“The campaign, which focuses on safety in the home and in businesses, has been a long, hard road, but there is a sense that we are entering the end game and we will continue to focus all our efforts in bringing it to a successful conclusion.”

Mr Wilson added: “The new names on the Wall clearly illustrate that, while the campaign is under consideration in the Scottish Parliament, and has Westminster MP support for raising the matter in the House of Commons, support is still very much a live issue.”

By putting their names on a virtual brick in the Wall, supporters are taking a public stance underlines their backing for legislation in Holyrood which would make it an offence for someone to call themselves an electrician when they have no, or inadequate, qualifications.

SELECT has been leading the campaign for years with other industry bodies, including the Scottish Joint Industry Board (SJIB) and Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust (SECTT) to ensure that those who work in the industry do so in a safe and competent manner.

As well as more than a third of MSPs, other bodies that have contributed a brick to the wall include Unite the Union, Electrical Safety First, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, the Scottish Association of Landlords, the Specialist Engineering Contractors’ Group and the Energy Saving Trust.