Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre, today launches Dobbies Community Gardens, to offer support for community and charity groups in Edinburgh and the Lothians to help transform, restore or start their indoor or outdoor green spaces.
Committed to bringing a smile to its local communities, Dobbies is inviting anyonewho has a community space that needs gardening knowledge and inspiration – indoors or outdoors – to get in touch, with applications now open.
Dobbies’ colleagues are passionate about gardens and plants, championing garden living all year round to create experiences that bring people and communities together.
The Stockbridge little dobbies and Edinburgh store will select a project to support from the nominations that are made. The winning groups will receive products, tools and plants to help bring their community space to life during a personal-shopper session with a dedicated Dobbies’ colleague. In addition to this, there will be volunteer hours allocated to help bring the project to fruition.
Successful applicants will receive support over the year to keep their indoor or outdoor space blooming.
Nick Anderson, Dobbies’ Operations Director, is looking forward to hearing from groups across the country. He said: “There are so many brilliant community groups near our Stockbridge little dobbies and Edinburgh store – from schools and nurseries, to In Bloom Groups and charities, and even local sports teams.
“Our store colleagues are ready to take on a fresh challenge for this year and we want to hear from groups in Edinburgh and the Lothians who would benefit from our support.
“If anyone knows of a community group that has a garden living project in need of our help, please encourage them to enter.”
Applications are now open and taking part couldn’t be easier. Those entering must be located within 20 miles of Dobbies’ Edinburgh store or five miles of the Stockbridge little dobbies store. For more information about how to get involved in Dobbies Community Gardens, visit Dobbies Community Gardens
Nominated projects will be invited along to the Edinburgh store for the free Grow How session on Saturday 4 May, 10.30am, and the winner will be announced. The Stockbridge little dobbies store doesn’t hold a free Grow How session, the winner will be contacted separately.
The winning team for each store will meet a colleague that will support them throughout the project.
Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Tip, written by the Health Promotion and Education Team at Heart Research UK
Healthy Heart Tip: Importance of sleep
Insomnia, or difficulties in sleeping, can be linked to high blood pressure and heart disease. Studies found that poor sleepers have a 39% higher risk of cardiovascular disease mortality, and seven to nine hours of sleep per night is optimal for a healthy heart.
Poor sleep can lead to unhealthy habits such as being less motivated to be physically active and making unhealthy food choices. Both can cause obesity and high blood pressure, two risk factors for heart diseases.
Here are some tips on how to get a better night’s sleep:
Reduce your screen time
For at least one hour before bed, you should avoid using electronic devices such as phones, tablets and computers.
These all give off blue light which reduces your melatonin production and prevents you from falling asleep. Instead, you could try reading a book, listening to a podcast or meditating.
Follow a routine
By following a routine, it improves your sleep hygiene. Your routine should begin with a set time to start winding down and relaxing.
Going to bed and waking up should be done at the same time every day, including weekends for optimal sleep quality.
Change your sleep environment
Many people find it easier to fall asleep if their environment is right, for most this means dark, quiet and cool.
This varies for every person, you may prefer to listen to white noise or gentle music to help you to fall asleep instead.
Diet and exercise
It is beneficial to avoid eating large meals close to bedtime with most studies recommending that you shouldn’t go to bed for three hours after your evening meal.
Drinking caffeine in the morning is unlikely to impact our sleep. However, with caffeine staying in the bloodstream for hours after consumption, you may find it beneficial to avoid drinking it after lunch. Swapping to caffeine-free alternatives might help.
Partaking in physical activity can help with sleep by increasing melatonin production. Try to avoid being too energetic for up to 90 minutes before bed as this can hinder our sleep.
Scottish charity Art in Healthcare has appointed renowned artist Juliana Capes to run its Caring Spaces project, an innovative initiative which supports unpaid carers.
Juliana, a multi-disciplinary visual artist and filmmaker, has recently shown her work at the Edinburgh Art Festival, Alchemy Film Festival and CCA, Glasgow.
In this new role, she will lead the latest series of monthly online sessions which provide participants with some respite from their day-to-day caring responsibilities by offering them a safe and relaxed space to learn about and develop their passion for art while building peer support.
Along with her strong artistic pedigree, Juliana brings direct experience to the role as a parent carer of two children with intellectual disabilities.
Caring Space is an innovative project which AiH has developed over several years with VOCAL (Voice of Carers across Lothian). This existing programme, delivered in Musselburgh, Dalkeith, Leith and online, brings carers together through monthly online art sessions and in-person visits to galleries.
Commenting on the new position, Juliana said: “It’s great to be appointed as the Caring Spaces artist for this latest project where I am connecting with other carers and support organisations.
“I’m delighted to bring my own experiences, both as an artist and as a parent carer of two children with additional support needs, to help the participants maximise the wonderful experience this programme has to offer.”
Jeanne Marie Lee, Carer Training Officer, VOCAL Edinburgh said: “Caring Spaces is one of our most popular courses.
“Our carers love the opportunity to get creative with new materials and techniques. With that in mind, it is incredibly exciting to have Juliana joining us in this programme to inspire and delight the group with her ideas.”
Iona McCann, Associate Director (Communities), Art in Healthcare said: “We are really excited to work with Juliana and see what she brings to the Caring Spaces programme.
“Working with someone with lived experience of caring was incredibly important to us as she has a deep understanding of the challenges unpaid carers face. As an organisation, we also want to learn on how we can best support unpaid carers within our team.”
Bringing empty homes back into use to increase housing stock
The Scottish Empty Homes Partnership will receive £423,000 of funding to continue its work of increasing the supply of homes by bringing empty properties back into use in 2024-25.
The Partnership works with local authorities and private homeowners to provide advice and support to help bring empty homes back into use. Since 2010, more than 9,000 homes have been brought back into active use through this successful project.
Housing Minister Paul McLennan said: “Bringing empty homes back into use is one of the most cost-effective ways of increasing housing stock. However, we know the reasons why homes become, and stay empty, are complex and building relationships with owners is often key to unlocking them.
“That’s why I’m pleased to announce further funding for the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership to continue this important work.
“I want to see local authorities engaging with the Partnership to explore all options to bring more homes back into use. This is essential if we are to address issues such as homelessness and the transition to net zero. In turn this supports the Scottish Government in its aims to provide warm, safe and secure housing for those in need.”
Shelter Scotland Director Alison Watson said: “We are delighted the Scottish Government has agreed to fund the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership for a further 12 months.
“Over the past year, as well as continuing to support the network of empty homes officers across Scotland, the Partnership has supported several ground breaking projects with third sector organisations and produced our strategic empty homes framework.
“The funding will allow us to continue with this work and encourage more local authorities to see empty homes as something that can make a real contribution to providing the affordable housing Scotland needs.
“We thank the Scottish Government for their continued support.”
Following a review of the application, assessment, and contractual agreement regarding the project Rein, Creative Scotland has made the decision to withdraw support for this project and will be seeking recovery of funding paid in respect of this award to date.
What has emerged in the latest phase of the project represents a breach of the conditions of funding award, as the nature of the project has changed.
The central role that ‘non-simulated’ (i.e real) sex acts now play in the project, marks a significant change to the nature of the work presented in the original application which was assessed for funding. This significant change to the nature of the work has been evidenced in the most recent announcement on the project’s website, without the agreement of Creative Scotland.
Creative Scotland makes in the region of 2,000 funding awards each year. We support artists and projects across all art-forms, some of which are challenging in content, and push creative and social boundaries.
However, Creative Scotland has important responsibilities to the public for the appropriate use of public funding, and, as recipients of that public funding, award recipients also have legal responsibilities as reflected in their funding contract.
The project was awarded £84,555 through the Open Fund for Individuals on 29 January 2024 following an application, assessment, and panel decision process.
Creative Scotland’s contract for the Open Fund states that:
No changes may be made to a project without Creative Scotland’s prior written permission
Award recipients must start, complete and carry out the project as set out in their application. If the project is varied or the timeline does not meet the dates set out in the application, or as agreed between Creative Scotland and the award recipient in writing, Creative Scotland reserves the right to withdraw the offer of funding, and;
Should an award recipient wish to issue a press release or make any public announcements regarding their or Creative Scotland’s involvement in the project, the award recipient must seek Creative Scotland’s prior written approval.
The above conditions apply to all recipients of funding through our Open Fund. Failure by an award recipient to comply with the conditions of the funding award entitles Creative Scotland to require repayment of any funding received by that recipient.
Creative Scotlandis the public body that supports culture and creativity across all parts of Scotland, distributing funding provided by the Scottish Government and The National Lottery.
Definition of extremism updated to respond to increased extremist threat since October 7 terror attacks in Israel
Definition of extremism updated to respond to increased extremist threat since October 7 terror attacks in Israel
New engagement principles published to ensure government does not legitimise extremist groups
Follows Prime Minister’s commitment to stamp out extremism to ensure we keep our citizens safe and our country secure
An updated, more focused definition designed to help tackle the ever-evolving threat of extremism in the UK has been published by the government today.
The updated and more precise definition of extremism will be used by government departments and officials alongside a set of engagement principles, to ensure they are not inadvertently providing a platform, funding or legitimacy to groups or individuals who attempt to advance extremist ideologies that negate our fundamental rights and freedoms and overturn the UK’s system of liberal parliamentary democracy. This definition is not statutory and has no effect on the existing criminal law – it applies to the operations of Government itself.
Since the 7 October Hamas terror attacks in Israel concerns have been raised about the wide-ranging risk of radicalisation. On hate crime, since 7 October the Community Security Trust recorded 4,103 antisemitic incidents in the UK in 2023, an increase of 147% compared to 2022, and Tell MAMA recorded a 335% increase in anti-Muslim hate cases in the last four months.
As the Prime Minister said recently, this kind of behaviour and intimidation is unacceptable, does not reflect the values of the United Kingdom and must be resisted at all times.
The new definition and engagement principles will make sure those who promote extreme ideologies or spread hate in their communities are not legitimised through their interactions with government. Following publication, the Government will undertake a robust process to assess groups for extremism against the definition, which will then inform decisions around government engagement and funding.
It is the first in a series of steps to promote social cohesion, democratic resilience, and to counter extremism and religious hatred.
Michael Gove, Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities said: “The United Kingdom is a success story – a multi-national, multi-ethnic, multi-faith democracy. It is stronger because of its diversity.
“But our democracy and our values of inclusivity and tolerance are under challenge from extremists. In order to protect our democratic values, it is important both to reinforce what we have in common and to be clear and precise in identifying the dangers posed by extremism.
“The pervasiveness of extremist ideologies has become increasingly clear in the aftermath of the 7 October attacks and poses a real risk to the security of our citizens and our democracy.
“This is the work of Extreme Right-Wing and Islamist extremists who are seeking to separate Muslims from the rest of society and create division within Muslim communities.
£They seek to radicalise individuals, deny people their full rights, suppress freedom of expression, incite hatred, and undermine our democratic institutions.
“Today’s measures will ensure that government does not inadvertently provide a platform to those setting out to subvert democracy and deny other people’s fundamental rights. This is the first in a series of measures to tackle extremism and protect our democracy.”
The new definition provides a stricter characterisation that government can use to make sure that extremist organisations and individuals are not being legitimised or given a platform through their interactions with government.
It reads:
Extremism is the promotion or advancement of an ideology based on violence, hatred or intolerance, that aims to:
negate or destroy the fundamental rights and freedoms of others; or
undermine, overturn or replace the UK’s system of liberal parliamentary democracy and democratic rights; or
intentionally create a permissive environment for others to achieve the results in (1) or (2).
The new definition is narrower and more precise than the 2011 Prevent definition, which did not provide the detail we now need to assess and identify extremism. This new definition helps clearly articulate how extremism is evidenced through the public behaviour of extremists that advance their violent, hateful or intolerant aims.
It draws on the work of Dame Sara Khan and Sir Mark Rowley’s 2021 ‘Operating with Impunity Report’ and addresses key recommendations from the 2023 Independent Review of Prevent.
The definition is clear that extremism involves advancing or promoting an ideology based on violence, hatred or intolerance, a high bar that only captures the most concerning of activities. It is not about silencing those with private and peaceful beliefs – not will it affect free speech, which will always be protected.
It does not create new powers, it instead helps the government and our partners better to identify extremist organisations, individuals and behaviours.
Alongside the new definition, the government is also publishing a set of engagement principles which are designed to help officials to engage more widely whilst mitigating the risk of undertaking engagement that undermines government’s core aims to:
Maintain public confidence in government;
Uphold democratic values; and
Protect the rights and freedoms of others.
UK Ministerial departments will be expected to consider the engagement standards when deciding whether to move forward with engagement with groups that meet the new definition.
This will ensure the government does not meet, fund or provide a platform to extremist groups or individuals. It will also apply to the honours system and due diligence for public appointments.
Non-central government institutions, such as arms-length bodies, higher education institutions and independent organisations including the police and CPS, will not be obliged to adopt the definition or apply the engagement principles initially.
To ensure that government has the tools it needs to effectively counter extremism, a new counter-extremism centre of excellence has been established in the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.
This unit will provide leadership for the cross-government counter-extremism community, ensure consistent application of the definition and engagement standards, and take the lead on producing strategic assessments of extremism.
This team will draw on the expertise of the Commission for Countering Extremism as well as counter extremism policy fellows – some of the country’s foremost counter-extremism experts – will join the centre of excellence to ensure the very best academic insight is shaping our approach.
Lord Walney, Independent Adviser on Political Violence and Disruption, said: “The threat to Britain from extremists includes those who may not use violence directly yet target our core values, so it is welcome that this updated definition includes those who seek to undermine or replace liberal democracy.
“Greater clarity in defining extremism can underpin a concerted approach across civil society to protect our country.”
Professor Ian Acheson, Senior Advisor, Counter Extremism Project said: “These are necessary next steps to confront and deter those who advocate for violent extremism.
“Hateful anti-British ideas that undermine our democracy creating intimidation and fear need ideologues to drive them. It is intolerable that the state underwrites people and organisations poisoning community life in one of the most successful multi-ethnic countries in the world.”
The Real Mary King’s Close launches its brand-new Medical History Tours, a unique guided experience which takes guests on a journey through the fascinating development of medicine through time
Located beneath the Scottish capital’s iconic Royal Mile, The Real Mary King’s Close is launching a brand-new tour based on 17th century medicine this Edinburgh Science Festival.
The new Medical History Tour will explore the nature and development of Edinburgh’s last plague outbreak, as well as the stories of Scots who revolutionised medicine to make it what it is today. All whilst exploring Edinburgh’s iconic underground street.
Edinburgh has famously been a focal point for medical innovation and experimentation. The city’s medical school is the oldest in the English-speaking world and was at the heart of the Scottish Enlightenment. While many amazing discoveries and advancements came from Edinburgh, like everywhere, some ideas were slightly strange…
Guests will learn about everything from the unusual methods of diagnoses employed by local apothecaries – such as former resident of Mary King’s Close, Dr Arnott – to the city’s worst plague outbreak.
Due to overcrowding within the city walls, the plague permeated the area in 1645. Those suffering from the plague would hang a white sheet from their window to warn their neighbours to keep away, quarantining themselves while awaiting a visit from the Plague Doctor.
Visitors will also learn about key moments in history that defined 19th century medicine, such as the formation of the Edinburgh Seven – an all-female group of aspiring doctors spearheaded by Sophia Jex-Blake, who fought for women’s education and the right to practice medicine.
The story of Dr James Barry is also highlighted on the tour, a renowned military surgeon who performed the first successful caesarean section in the British Empire.
The celebrated attraction continues to provide both tourists and locals in Edinburgh with a fascinating glimpse into the city’s dark past. As a result, The Real Mary King’s Close has not only established itself as one of Edinburgh’s top tourist attractions, but as one of the UK’s most highly rated experiences on TripAdvisor.
The new Medical History Tours from part of Edinburgh Science Festival, running from the 30th March to the 14th April.
Each year, the world-class Science Festival brings science to life through an exciting array of events, workshops, shows, and talks for all ages.
Whether you’re a science enthusiast, a curious mind, a creative or a family looking for an educational adventure, the Edinburgh Science Festival promises amazing and interactive experiences.
Paul Nixon, General Manager at The Real Mary King’s Close, said: “We’re really looking forward to welcoming people to our brand-new Medical History Tours at The Real Mary King’s Close.
“On the tour, we delve into the fascinating history of the medical scene here in Edinburgh, hearing from pioneers in the field. Our team is passionate about telling powerful stories and educating people about Edinburgh’s rich history.
“We can’t wait to see new and familiar faces on the tour and look forward to inspiring the next generation of budding doctors!”
Tours are available on Saturday 30th March, Saturday 6th April and Saturday 13th April.
Figures published in theScottish Grocers Federation (SGF) Crime Report & Safer Business Guide 2023/24, today highlight a shocking escalation in retail crime over the past year.
The organisation is calling for urgent action from government.
Findings uncovered by the convenience trade association show that the average cost of retail crime skyrocketed to £12,164 per store in 2023/24. As an average across the 763 stores which took part in the SGF annual crime survey. Scaling up the sample to represent all 5,171 convenience stores in Scotland, this accounts for an annual cost of approximately £62.9million which is crippling the sector.
Information gathered for the report and published during the SGF annual Crime & Wellbeing Seminar, being held at Hampden Park today, shows that:
100% of convenience retailers agree that shoplifting has increased in the past year, while 99.5% say that shoplifting is now a daily occurrence.
More than nine out of every ten stores report that violence against staff occurs at least once a week and Hate Crime once a month (92.8% and 92.7% respectively)
Over half (56.9%) of respondents also report experiencing daily incidents of abuse when refusing a sale or when asking for proof of age.
Analysis of the data also reveals a fall in confidence in the Scottish Justice System to tackle the growing problem of retail crime. With, for example, over two thirds of respondents saying they are either unlikely or very unlikely to report shoplifting incidents to the police.
SGF Chief Executive, Dr Pete Cheema OBE, said:“Almost every week we are told of another terrible incident in one of our members’ stores. From machete and knife attacks to organised gangs roving through communities targeting vulnerable businesses to loot. It’s completely understandable that some members of staff are now refusing to come to work for fear of their safety.
“Sadly, these incidents and many others even more distressing and harrowing cases of shop theft, abuse, threatening behaviour, and violence are now commonplace in stores right across Scotland. Our annual survey of Scottish convenience stores shows just how bad things have become.
“It’s not just the escalating price tag of theft and vandalism that is costing convenience businesses, but harm to the physical health and wellbeing of retailers and staff. That trauma is then carried home to people’s families and their local communities.
“That is why we desperately need Ministers to take urgent action, now. The police and courts can’t cope, and many crimes are going unreported because retailers don’t believe the authorities will respond. Offenders know they’re unlikely to face any consequences for their crimes and even if they are arrested, many will spend years awaiting conviction.
“We are urging the Scottish Government to act now, before things get even worse. If not now, then when?”
The SGF Crime Report & Safer Business Guide 2023/24 provides a range of resources and materials, including crime case studies from Retailers Against Crime and advice for retailers on conflict management, in-store security measures and cybercrime.
A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “Around 70 firefighters, 12 fire appliances and additional specialist resources are currently in attendance at a well-developed fire involving a high rise building in the Breadalbane area of Bonnington.
“We received the call at 4.10am following reports of a fire within a flat.
“The building has been evacuated and firefighting operations remain ongoing.
“There are no reported casualties at this time involving members of the public.
“One firefighter has sustained minor injuries and has received treatment from Scottish Ambulance Service at the scene.”
POLICE are in attendance at a fire at the block of flats in Breadalbane Road.. Approximately 100 local residents have been evacuated and a police cordon is in place.
UPDATE at 10am:
“Around 70 firefighters, 12 fire appliances and additional specialist resources are currently in attendance at a well-developed fire involving a high rise building in the Breadalbane area of Bonnington, City of Edinburgh.”
The Persimmon Homes building is understood to house 111 flats. Some are believed to have been destroyed in the blaze.
Edinburgh-based physical activity charity, Edinburgh Leisure, has announced the appointment of a new Chief Executive. Jen Holland will join Edinburgh Leisure on Monday, 18th March 2024, from Scottish Borders Council.
Jen is currently Director of Strategic Commissioning and Partnerships having been with Scottish Borders Council since March 2019.
She takes over from CEO, June Peebles, who retired at the end of February 2024.
A qualified accountant by professional qualification, Jen Holland joins Edinburgh Leisure with a wealth of sector experience and insight, having previously worked with various public sector and charity organisations including Fife Cultural Trust, NHS Fife, Live Borders, and Scottish Borders Council.
Scott Haldane, Chair of Edinburgh Leisure’s Board said: “June’s outstanding leadership has left an indelible mark on the business, exemplifying exceptional skills and a clear vision for individual and organisational performance.
“While everyone – staff and customers alike – was sad to see June go, she has left behind an organisation that is mature and certain of its purpose. A charity dedicated to make a positive difference by creating opportunities for everyone to get active, stay active and achieve more.
“She has nurtured a committed and enthusiastic team who will continue to work with the City of Edinburgh Council and other partners, ensuring Edinburgh Leisure continues to thrive.”
Jen Holland said, “I am delighted to be joining Edinburgh Leisure as CEO and looks forward to working with colleagues, customers, partners and local communities.
“Edinburgh Leisure has an incredible track record and commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of the people of Edinburgh through a huge variety of services, programmes and projects and I am very proud to be able to lead the organisation in the continuation of this work.”
Edinburgh Leisure operate over 50 first class venues across the City and offer hundreds of activities for people to enjoy no matter what their age and stage.
From the iconic Royal Commonwealth Pool, the brand-new purpose-built Meadowbank Sports Centre, Victorian Swim Centres, Europe’s largest climbing arena, six golf courses, leisure centres and school facilities; all facilities are based in the heart of Edinburgh’s communities.
Edinburgh Leisure is committed to creating opportunities for everyone to be and stay active. This places them in the unique position to use their venues and expertise to harness the power of physical activity and sport to tackle inequalities and combat the effects of inactivity.
The Active Communities Team have a big role to play, working with partners and focusing on individuals and communities who need additional support to be active and enjoy improved wellbeing.
Active Communities support over 10,000 people affected by health conditions, disabilities, inequalities, and poverty to overcome barriers and tackle inequalities to improve their health and wellbeing.
The services Active Communities provide are at no or low-cost, and in her role as CEO June helped influence receipt of statutory funding to deliver this valuable work. Jen will take up this mantle as more and more people need support in Edinburgh.
Eden Scott worked with Edinburgh Leisure to support the recruitment process.
