Day: February 18, 2024

Make Memories with Mum this Mother’s Day

This Mother’s Day, forget flowers and chocolates that only last a few days, and instead, share lifetime memory-making experiences. Rabbie’s offers tours to treat your mum across the UK and Ireland, available to book now.

Book the perfect day trip to sample some of the country’s most iconic sweet treats, visit destinations that double as some of our favourite on-screen locations, and to celebrate the special lady in your life. Rabbie’s day trips include:

Explore England’s most famous pudding and finest tea rooms – link

Derbyshire and the Peak District are home to quaint villages and even quainter tea rooms, the perfect place to enjoy cake and tea with mum. On this one-day tour departing from Manchester, visit and indulge in the village of Bakewell, homeplace of the famous Bakewell Pudding.

A unique vista awaits at Monsal Head, as an old rail line viaduct cuts dramatically through the green hills. To make a memorable Mother’s Day, why not try something new with your mum, and at Poole’s Cavern explore the enormous limestone cave system that has been described as one of the wonders of the Peak District.

Departing from Manchester, prices for the one-day Idyllic England: Derbyshire & the Peak District tour is available from £51 per person.

Indulge in Georgian elegance in Bath – link

Bath leaves visitors spoiled for choice for Mother’s Day. Boutique shops, extravagant afternoon teas, and grand Georgian avenues offer options for however you and your mum wish to spend the afternoon.

But before this, Rabbie’s begins the day with style, with a visit to the largest stone circle in the world in Avebury. Choose to spend a quiet moment among the stones or visit the nearby village shops. Next is the picturesque village of Lacock, a rural setting so beautiful that it’s been used as setting for everything from Downton Abbey, to Harry Potter, and Pride and Prejudice.

Whether you’ve snacked on delicious cakes and sandwiches from Lacock’s renowned bakery and inns, or have saved yourself for Bath’s luxurious coffee houses and patisseries, your afternoon is guaranteed to be a delight.

The one-day Bath, Avebury & Lacock Village tour departs from London, with prices from £76 per person.

Extended breaks are a great way for siblings to treat their mum together, and create whole new memories. Rabbie’s offers extended trips across the UK and Ireland, including:

Dingle, Killarney & the Wild Atlantic Way

Find out why the Wild Atlantic Way is known as one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world on this three-day tour of breath-taking views and vibrant Irish culture.

Explore the mountains, lakes, and ancient spiritual structures in Glendalough, and amble through ‘Ireland’s Prettiest Village’, Adare, where classic thatched cottages abound. Use the local knowledge of the driver-guide to discover the best of the peninsula including highlights such as Conor Pass, Tóchar Maothaithe, the Beehive Huts, Slea Head, and Gallarus Oratory.

And enjoy the lively town of Killarney, a thriving town that welcomes visitors all year round and is the perfect spot to make a toast – celebrating and thanking mum.

The three-day Dingle, Killarney & the Wild Atlantic Way tour departs from Dublin, with prices starting from €389.

Rabbie’s offers small group tours that are driven by curiosity and guided by storytellers. The tours take guests beyond the standard tick-list landmarks to explore the lesser-known and uncover the hidden gems across the UK, Ireland and Europe. 

For more information about Rabbie’s and to book, visit www.rabbies.com.  

I’m a dog behaviourist – with the right training XL bullies can thrive under the ban

The recent legislation banning XL Bullies in the UK has sparked heated debate across the country and has left many owners feeling frustrated and confused.

Viral dog behaviourist, Will Atherton has shared his positive advice and solutions to help owners move forward and regain some control during this difficult situation:

Although controversial, the rationale behind banning certain breeds stems from fears over public safety. Nevertheless, any dog, regardless of its breed, can exhibit aggressive tendencies if they’re not properly socialised and trained.

An outright ban unfairly penalises responsible owners and dogs that have never demonstrated aggression. However, with the ban in place, the one thing owners do have control over is ensuring they and their dogs become guiding examples of just how good these breeds can be with the right training and safeguarding measures in place.

As a behaviourist, Will doesn’t differentiate by breed, he simply addresses behaviours through loving leadership based training methods. With thoughtful training and management, even dogs predisposed to aggression can become safe, controlled companions.

The key is differentiating between aggressive behaviour and a dog with an innate aggressive personality. Even the friendliest dog may react with aggression in certain situations, while a dog predisposed to aggression may never show it with proper management.

As we all know, you can’t necessarily train a dog’s inherent personality. However, you can train behaviours and use strategies to prevent aggression from surfacing. With an emphasis on implementing effective training, focusing on obedience training, muzzle training, and setting clear boundaries.

Obedience Training

Teaching them to sit and stay patiently is a fundamental skill every dog should know. It allows them to be safe and the people around them to feel comfortable. As always, communication is important between owners and their dogs – they should always be looking to you for guidance.

If your dog tends to pull on the lead, it’s important to involve loose lead training. It allows you to be in control and show others that your dog isn’t threatening. This is a vital piece of training because banned or aggressive dogs shouldn’t be off the lead, so it allows them to move freely and calmly while still enjoying the benefits of a walk and the outdoors.

Muzzle Training

As of the start of this month, it’s illegal in the UK to walk an XL Bully type dog without a muzzle. There are safe and positive ways to incorporate muzzle training and make it a fun experience for your dog. Introducing them to the muzzle through treats and getting them used to wearing it, makes walkies that much easier.

Will offers a complimentary, comprehensive online course on positive muzzle training for all breeds, you can find further information here.

Clear Boundaries

You need to show your XL bully or aggressive dog that you are in control. As the owner, you have a duty of care to your dog and those around you.

Use the “four on the floor” method – praise your dog when all four paws are on the floor and interrupt the jumping behaviour.

If your dog is prone to problem behaviours like jumping up at other people, Will utilises his 3-step process of interrupting the bad behaviour, so it doesn’t become further established or get worse – then redirecting them to a desirable behaviour we want them to display, such as sitting nicely when they see someone.

You can then reward that desirable behaviour with treats or the attention they were looking for in the first place, so that the next time they see a new person they know what not to do, and what they should do instead – and doing the right thing will be amazing!                                   

If your dog reacts to other dogs by barking or lunging, it can scare people. This is especially true for banned breeds due to unfair stereotypes. Start at home by rewarding your dog for focusing on you instead of zoning out onto distractions. This will allow you both to better enjoy walks and have peace of mind for others.

These training tips don’t just apply to XL Bullies. Any dog displaying aggressive tendencies should follow these tips to ensure future dogs aren’t subjected to banning laws. You can begin training from your living room or garden, however, if you’re struggling it’s advised to reach out to a trainer for peace of mind.

As for XL Bullies, they tend to be powerful, muscular dogs that need extensive socialisation and training. With proper handling, they can make wonderful companions. Will has worked with many XL Bullies and their dedicated owners who prioritise controlling their dogs in public spaces.

Instead of stigmatising specific breeds, Will thinks that legislation should target irresponsible owners. He encourages the XL Bully community to lead by example, being advocates for proper training and management to show what the breed is capable of with the right care and guidance.

For further guidance and training on XL Bullies or concerns regarding dog aggression, readers are encouraged to refer to Will’s video on the subject here.

Call for nominations to join Hostelling Scotland’s Board of Trustees

Hostelling Scotland, a not for profit, self-funded charity that provides great value and welcoming hostelling accommodation throughout Scotland are looking for new Trustees to help them shape their future.  

‘Would you like to inspire all, especially young people to experience and enjoy Scotland?’ 

Previous Board experience is not required as training will be provided, and Hostelling Scotland believes this would be a great opportunity for anyone wishing to take their first steps in charity governance. 

The organisation is very keen to receive applications from as wide a range of talented people as possible irrespective of their religion or belief, gender, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, ethnic origin, political belief, relationship status or caring responsibilities. 

Margo Paterson, CEO of Hostelling Scotland, said: “Hostelling Scotland is open to all. We are committed to inclusion and diversity, and we want our Board of Trustees to be representative of the wide range of talented people we have in the communities we serve throughout Scotland.

 “We value greatly the benefits of having different points of view and experiences on our Board.  We welcome applications from first time Trustees and highly motivated individuals across all age groups and backgrounds.

“We are particularly keen to hear from anyone with experience in Property, Finance, and IT. If you have the enthusiasm and drive to help shape the future of hostelling in Scotland, we would love to hear from you.’’

To express an interest and receive a nomination pack and application form, please email: companysecretary@hostellingscotland.org.uk.  

Please note: an application form is required to be completed by 8 March 2024.

How Much? DVLA auction results reveal most expensive private number plates

Private number plate H1NDU was the most valuable registration auctioned off by the DVLA last year with one eager driver forking out £112,010 plus fees to acquire it.

The plate was one of thousands sold across nine DVLA auctions during 2023 with British motorists spending millions to grab them.

Private plate experts from Absolute Reg scrutinised the DVLA’s auction results to reveal the agency received £43.3 million from the sales of personalised number plates for the financial year 2022/23.

Most of that cash is transferred to the treasury making the sale of number plates a growing earner for the taxman.

Big money plate H1NDU was one of two registrations auctioned by the DVLA for over £100,000 each during 2023, along with 1 DEO, which had a final hammer price of £106,090.

With fees factored in the final sum paid for these plates is considerably higher. On top of the hammer price each plate attracts a seven percent surcharge plus VAT and an additional £80 transfer fee.

DVLA data shows that the government is making increasing sums each year from the sale of private number plates online.

The amount of cash raised has increased each year, almost doubling since 2016 when 12,419 plates were sold for a total of £22.8m.

By 2020 that sum had grown to just under £34m from the sale of 14,259 plates and the upward trend shows no sign of slowing down reaching £43m by last year.

Plates make solid investments with those spelling out religions, acronyms, initials, names or hobbies growing in value each year.

Many motorists also purchase plates to hide the age of their car or to display prestige. Three figure plates sold for tens of thousands last year, including 42 O with a final hammer price of  £96,670 and 5 PS which had a hammer price of £73,010.

The DVLA has run nine actions in the past year, each helping to reach the total sale cost of £43.3 million. This year will see another nine auctions take place, all online.

Jake Smith, Director of Absolute Reg said: “Sales of personalised number plates in the UK are booming, and the DVLA auctions mean British motorists are contributing millions of pounds of additional revenue each year to the taxman.

“Unique and ultra-flashy plates come at a high cost, with many motorists willing to spend over the odds for the most sought after mix of numbers and letters.

“The plate H1 NDU came at a very high cost to one keen motorist who paid over £100,000 to secure it.

“Plates with initials and one number always come at a high cost to motorists, some of the most expensive for 2023 were 42 O and 5 PS.

“When it comes to personalising your car, there is no better way than to have your own personalised registration. Many Brits also buy them as gifts for loved ones, some with funny acronyms and personal jokes.

“These super elite registrations come with a level of prestige many drivers are willing to pay for. If you are willing to invest, you may just get your hands on one of the top selling plates of 2024.”

The DVLA’s top five most expensive plates from 2023:

  1. H1 NDU – hammer price £112,010
  2. 1 DEO – hammer price £106,090
  3. 42 O – hammer price £96,670
  4. DEO 1S – hammer price £80,010
  5. 5 PS – hammer price £73,010
  6. 67 O – hammer price £72,910
  7. 82 O – hammer price £70,000
  8. 46 O – hammer price £58,500
  9. 51 O – hammer price £57,000
  10. BSK 1 – hammer price £53,010

For more information on how to secure your own personalised registration plate, visit https://absolutereg.co.uk/

National study highlights Edinburgh housing provider’s tech success

Major research praises housing specialist for sector innovation

A LEADING housing specialist has been recognised in a national research project for its technology advances in Scotland’s social care sector.

Blackwood Homes and Care has been praised as a leader in adopting new social care technologies, according to a major report published by Strathclyde University’s Fraser of Allander Institute.

The research project examined fresh-thinking and technology adoption across Scotland’s housing, health and social care sectors with the aim of better understanding the potential for innovation clusters, the role of public investment and capacity for innovation in the key sectors.

Despite the research reenforcing sector-wide challenges, Edinburgh-based Blackwood and its bespoke tech solutions were included as a case study of what is possible within tech-enabled care, despite the challenges faced by the sector.

Simon Fitzpatrick, Chief Executive at Blackwood said: “We are constantly striving to find new ways to improve the lives of the people we support. Receiving recognition and awareness for it always motivates us to keep pushing boundaries and leading the way.

“The research study by the Fraser of Allander Institute is an extremely valuable piece of work for the sector that we’re thrilled to be positively featured in. It’s very rewarding to be recognised.”

One tech solution mentioned in the report is Blackwood’s CleverCogs technology, a specially designed tablet-based system, which has delivered measurable improvements in quality of life and efficiencies in service delivery, despite major budgetary constraints.

Many Blackwood properties feature its CleverCogs technology which is personalised and links users to care and health services, home automation, local information, entertainment and video access to family and friends. The CleverCogs digital system lets users customise it to suit their life.

Emma Congreve, Deputy Director at the University of Strathclyde’s Fraser of Allander Institute said: “We were asked by the Scottish Government to analyse the current social care innovation landscape and the potential for further development of tech solutions for those who draw on care.

“Blackwood homes provided an example of an organisation that has been able to take forward significant technological innovations. As our report stated, based on our research with others in the sector, this was an exception rather than the rule.”

The report, which was released late last year, also noted Blackwood’s strategy of close collaboration with residents and technology partners to develop solutions tailored to their needs – noting the crucial role of innovation-focused leadership in driving progress and cultural change.

Blackwood is now renowned as Scotland’s most tech-focused housing specialist, deploying cutting-edge technology to help its customers to live independently. With 600 staff across Scotland, the charity’s headquarters are in Edinburgh.

Simon added: “Making change is a team effort of course, so it’s fantastic to see our co-design approaches with customers and partners held up as an example model.

“The report does an excellent job of highlighting the hurdles the housing and care sector is having to jump in Scotland at the moment and it can be difficult to continue to innovate new forms of tech-enabled care while combatting challenges like funding or labour shortages.

“Despite that, it only gives us more fuel to continue that fresh thinking to allow people to live as independently as possible.

“Our customers are at the heart of everything we do and we owe it to them to explore every opportunity that technology offers to enhance the quality of their lives. It’s rewarding that Blackwood is setting the standard in that.”

As Scotland’s most tech-focused housing provider, its Blackwood House design guide – developed in partnership with architects Lewis and Hickey – is the gold standard for accessible housing.

Over the next five years Blackwood aims to build 400 such homes, that can adapt to tenants’ future needs. Each can be adapted to include a host of benefits such as lift access, remotely controlled automated functions, and digital care and housing systems.

The housing specialist puts customers at the heart of everything it does, and their satisfaction is critical to Blackwood’s success. As a modern, supportive employer it also provides individuals with pathways towards achieving long and rewarding careers in roles that make a positive difference.

For more information, visit: https://www.blackwoodgroup.org.uk/

Sales launching at landmark Edinburgh development

Luxury homes at renowned capital location coming to market

HOMEBUYERS looking to move to one of Edinburgh’s best-known buildings will soon have their chance to secure a luxury property in the heart of the city.

Square & Crescent will launch sales for its anticipated Royal Meadows development next month – which will comprise of a mix of premium townhouses and apartments carefully restored in and around the former Royal Hospital for Sick Children building.

Occupying an outstanding location on the edge of The Meadows, one of Edinburgh’s most famous parks, this unique development will include a mix of one, two, and three bedroom apartments, four bedroom penthouses and four and five bedroom townhouses. 

The high-quality homes sit on a four-acre site directly opposite The Meadows, one of Edinburgh’s best-known landmarks, and lie between Sciennes Road and Rillbank Crescent. 

Euan Marshall, Co-Founder and Joint Managing Director said: “We’ve recognised from day one that taking on a building that has so much history and profile is a major responsibility – and one that our team has embraced. 

“To get to this stage has taken a huge amount of craftsmanship, but the result is homes that will be beautiful and characterful at a location that will offer buyers the very best of Edinburgh. 

“We’re really thrilled to be able to bring the first homes to market in the coming weeks.” 

The Royal Meadows sales suite is set to open next month, with phase one including the sales launch of 22 properties from a one-bedroom apartment to a five-bedroom three storey townhouse. Construction on the residential development is set to be fully completed in around two years from now. 

Nestled in the heart of Marchmont and The Grange area of Edinburgh, the Royal Meadows development is well-connected – just one mile from Princes Street and a short walk from Lothian Road. 

The premium residential developer also recently announced a fitting charity partnership with Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity (ECHC) – which helps seriously ill babies, children and young people in Edinburgh and the Lothians by supporting their medical care, mental health and family’s wellbeing. ECHC’s former headquarters is one of the buildings being converted as part of the major Royal Meadows development.

Simon Cook, Co-Founder and Joint Managing Director said: “We appreciate that the hospital building itself means a lot of different things to a lot of different people and that’s why it’s important for us to carefully restore it as we respect its history and look to do the building justice. Thanks to the ongoing dedication of the team and skilled local contractors for their commitment in the restoration.

“This important milestone marks a major chapter in the development timeline. It won’t be long until people can enjoy their new homes at Royal Meadows.”

Square & Crescent is a widely regarded residential developer with a primary focus on the acquisition and development of historic buildings into beautiful homes.

It has built 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.

For more information on Royal Meadows, or to register interest, visit the development website www.royalmeadows.co.uk or call 07586 129184.

From Football Fields to Funeral Homes: A young Scot’s unexpected career journey

Bruce encourages young people to embrace unexpected career paths

Bruce Lamb (19) has joined the funeral industry and is encouraging other young people to keep an open mind when considering their career choices.

Broxburn-based Bruce works alongside his father at Scotmid Funerals in Forrester Park, where his role includes preparing coffins, ceremonial driving and speaking with recently bereaved family members. No two days are the same for Bruce, something he has described as “one of the best parts of the job”.

After finishing school, Bruce pursued a football scholarship in Virginia, USA but, when that did not work out, he returned home to reconsider his options and choose another path.

As a young boy, Bruce was fascinated by his father’s job. He learned a lot about grief and the whole funeral experience from him, including how to approach the first conversation, managing the service arrangements and aftercare, and how this process helps the bereaved.

When the opportunity to join Scotmid Funerals at Forrester Park came, he jumped at the chance and is so pleased he did.

When asked what people’s reaction is to his job, Bruce answered: “Most people are taken aback to start with and quickly fire a lot of questions at me about the job. When I explain how much I enjoy my work, I receive a positive reaction.”

“I agree that it is unusual for someone my age, but Scotmid has broken the mould. I don’t mind being the youngest because l can learn so much from experienced operatives. Everyone at Scotmid has been great in helping me to be the best I can be in my post.”

Since starting his new role, Bruce has grown a strong satisfaction from his work. He said: “The best part of the job is receiving compliments or a thank you card from a bereaved persons’ relative or loved one.

“This is by far the most welcome reward in doing the job and I’m honoured to play a small role in helping others during their time of need. It’s a long way from what I originally planned to do with my life, but I can’t imagine being anywhere else now.

“I think the biggest misconception is that all funeral workers must be sad (or a little strange?!) to do the job, which is so far from the truth. There is compassion and humour within the industry, with each having their time and place.”

Bruce is now aiming to tackle this common misconception about the funeral industry and is encouraging other young people to keep an open mind when it comes to their career choices.

He continued: “I think the industry is often overlooked because schools do not promote it as a potential career. I would and have recommended the job to a few of my friends and would heartily encourage any younger person to go for it.

“I wanted to be a footballer, but I have joined the funeral industry instead. I may be going against ‘the norm’, which I think is great as it changes the definition of the role.”

Outside of work, Bruce enjoys an active lifestyle – playing for his local football team, Pumpherston u20s, and playing golf when he has free time. Sports, as well as his Xbox, gives him time to unwind after work and spend time with friends.

James Blackburn, Head of Scotmid Funerals, said: “It’s great to see the younger generations coming into the funeral care industry and taking such pride in their work for people in their time of grief.

“Bruce is a great example of embracing the fact that there is no wrong career path and I hope other young people consider funeral care as a personally and professionally rewarding career choice.”

EV Adopters urge those considering making the switch to to their homework

MotorEasy survey finds the cost and practicalities of charging remain a significant challenge for EV owners

New figures reveal that sales of used battery electric cars almost doubled last year, with a record 119,000 of the vehicles changing hands*.

However, despite increasing numbers of motorists making the switch, a new survey of MotorEasy members has revealed that continuing challenges with the cost of charging, access to public charging and the apps used to facilitate charging are damaging the ownership electric vehicle (EV) experience.

Over half of survey respondents expressed frustrations with battery range and one in four said energy costs for recharging are a worry. However, the biggest ownership hurdles for owners are access to public charging (73%) and the practicalities of using these chargers (71%), including the multitude of apps supposedly designed to ease charging (65%). The rapid and much-publicised depreciation of used EVs has also left 65% of owners worried about the loss of value in their EV.

“Although the number of EVs on UK roads is accelerating, our membership survey strongly confirms that the accessibility of EV charging still has a long way to go,” commented Duncan McClure Fisher, CEO of Intelligent Motoring, the parent company of MotorEasy.

“Almost three-quarters of the EV drivers we surveyed have experienced difficulties with accessing and using the infrastructure.

“As a result, EV owners advised those considering the switch to prioritise the installation of a home charger to save both time and money. Experienced owners also suggest new buyers research energy providers and take advantage of nighttime charging tariffs wherever possible, to make powering up even more cost-effective.”

Over 22% also said that service, maintenance and repair costs are putting a strain on finances, with 25% of drivers claiming to have faced challenges finding a qualified garage or technician to conduct service, maintenance or repair work.

Duncan McClure Fisher continued: “With high voltage systems and advanced technology onboard, technicians working on EVs need to have the right training, which can mean EV owners may not be able to use their usual garage.

“However, a little research should identify a qualified EV technician locally or check out the Institute of the Motor Industry’s Professional Register which lists TechSafe-accredited technicians.

“It is vital that owners have the assurance that their vehicle is suitably maintained by a qualified professional and safe to drive.”

EV adopters – two essential points of advice

  • Choose carefully – do your research on different makes and models, take a test drive, do not be swayed by an enthusiastic salesperson, and prioritise range by opting for the vehicle with the longest range you can afford.
  • Get a home charger – it’s a more cost and time-efficient way of charging. Consider your expected usage and charging requirements, and don’t leap into having an expensive fast charger installed – you may not need it if you can charge slowly overnight using a three-pin plug and relevant adapter and cable provided with the car.

*Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT)

Enterprise Mobility and National Literacy Trust donate over 800 books to children across Edinburgh as book ownership falls to five-year low

  • Children at ten Edinburgh schools will receive copies of Onkyeka and the Academy of the Sun
  • Young people from less advantaged backgrounds twice as likely to not have any books at home
  • Part of larger initiative distributing 25,000 books across the UK

Enterprise Mobility and the National Literacy Trust launch their third year of partnership by donating 820 books to children at 10 schools in Edinburgh. This donation is part of a larger initiative distributing 25,000 books across the UK.

This comes amid findings from the National Literacy Trust that book ownership is at a five-year low among children and young people, with those from less advantaged backgrounds twice as likely to not have any books at home.

Tolá Okogwu’s Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun was chosen for this book drive. This captivating tale featuring a Black protagonist aims to promote diverse representation in children’s literature, allowing young readers to see themselves reflected in the stories they read and providing a glimpse into the lives and experiences of those who may be from different backgrounds.

Accompanying the book donations are free classroom resources and videos hosted by Cbeebies presenter Gyasi Sheppy and actress Sarah Lewis Obuba.

Recipient primary schools in Edinburgh include: Balgreen, Canal View, Clovenstone, Niddrie Mill, Pirniehall, Castleview, Windygoul, Gracemount, Craigour Park and Gilmerton.

Jason Vit, Head of Local Areas at the National Literacy Trust, emphasised the importance of fostering a love for reading among children: “Engaging children in the joy and fun of reading is an essential part of building those key literacy skills that will help them thrive at school, and for the rest of their lives.

“At the National Literacy Trust, we work across the UK in places facing the biggest challenges, including literacy levels. Through our partnership with Enterprise Mobility, we can reach more children who need the most support and fire their imaginations and love of reading with thrilling books like Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun.”

Ryan Johnson, Managing Director for the UK and Ireland at Enterprise Mobility, said: “At Enterprise Mobility, we’re committed to supporting the communities where we operate, and we recognise the profound impact that access to books can have on a child’s development and future opportunities.

“Through our partnership with the National Literacy Trust, we are addressing the concerning decline in book ownership among children across the UK. Together, we are working to inspire young minds, promote diversity in literature, and empower children to unlock their full potential through reading.”

Through their partnership, Enterprise Mobility and the National Literacy Trust have now donated approximately 75,000 books to children across the UK, fostering a brighter future through the power of literature.

This project is made possible by Enterprise Mobility’s global ROAD Forward initiative, a £43 million commitment over five years aimed at advancing social and racial equity in communities worldwide, launched in 2020.

Holyrood Committee launches inquiry into housing crisis

A Holyrood Committee will return from the February recess next week to begin a short inquiry into the Scottish Government’s Housing to 2040 strategy.

Holyrood’s Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee will start a short inquiry on Tuesday (20th February) with a roundtable of representatives from the Strategy Board for Housing to 2040 to probe progress on the Scottish Government strategy and route map.

The second evidence session, currently planned for the 27th of February, will see further roundtable discussions with stakeholders including Living Rent, Communities Housing Trust, Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland, Property Federation, Shelter, the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, Citizens Advice Scotland, and Professor Ken Gibb from the University of Glasgow, to provide the Committee with additional views on Scotland’s housing landscape.

Published in March 2021, the strategy seeks to deliver on the Scottish Government’s ambition for everyone to have a safe, good quality and affordable home that meets their needs in the place they want to be.

However, three years after the plan’s publication, statistics show that Scotland’s housing emergency is intensifying.

Decreases have been reported in the number of new homes of all tenures being started and completed, with Scottish Government figures for the year to the end of September 2023 revealing a 6% fall in all sector completions and that starts are down by 24%.

With falling numbers of new homes being built and completed across several local authorities in recent months, a growing number have declared housing emergencies as building rates stall.

Commenting, Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee Convener, Ariane Burgess MSP said: “Scotland’s housing emergency continues to grow, and the Committee want to understand what impact this is having on the ambitions set out by the Scottish Government’s Housing to 2040 strategy and whether the strategy provides the necessary tools to adequately respond.

“Our short inquiry will allow us to look at the strategies effectiveness in meeting housing needs, promoting placemaking, ensuring accessibility and affordability, fostering sustainability, and guaranteeing safety and quality.

“Everyone should have access to safe, sustainable, and affordable housing which can deliver thriving communities for generations to come in every part of Scotland and we hope our scrutiny of Scottish Government plans can ensure this aspiration remains on track.”