Month: June 2024

Award-winning architecture firm appointed by group working to save The George Cinema in Portobello

Glasgow-based, award-winning architecture firm Loader Monteith has been appointed to lead a design team undertaking detailed feasibility work on a community cinema project in Portobello,

The commission, by The Friends of George (FoTG) group, is supported by the award of a grant from The Architectural Heritage Fund.

The design team’s work will dovetail into an in-depth commercial and operational assessment being undertaken by independent cinema consultants, Mustard Studios, whose work is being funded by a grant from the Scottish Land Fund.

Loader Monteith approached Stefanie Fischer, a leading cinema architect within the UK’s independent cinema sector to join their team as a subconsultant. Her expertise as a cinema architect complements the expertise of Loader Monteith Architects as conservation architects.

The appointment of the Loader Monteith led team builds on a long running campaign by FoTG who have been working to save the art deco former cinema from demolition. With strong support from within their community, FoTG hope to acquire and restore the C-listed building, and operate it as a cinema for the community. These latest commissions will develop and refine the group’s ambitious plans and will also include input from educational and film industry partners.

Mike Griffiths, Friends of the George Chair said: “We are delighted to be able to appoint such an expert team of professionals to develop and refine our proposals as we continue to point the way towards a positive future for The George not only in the heart of the community of Portobello, but more broadly, to play a role in the cinema sector in Scotland.

“The consultants we have working on this bring extensive expertise and experience to the project and will be led by a firm of architects with a burgeoning reputation for exciting contemporary architectural design, deployed to breathe new life into historic buildings.

“We’re extremely grateful for the financial support we have received from the Architectural Heritage Fund, the Scottish Land Fund and our benefactor Victoria Schwab.”

Iain King, Specialist Conservation Architect and Director at Loader Monteith, said: “We are pleased to have been selected as the lead architects, alongside our expert team of consultants, to support the Friends of The George in developing the proposal for the George Cinema.

“Despite the building currently being on the Buildings at Risk Register, it benefits from strong community support and the dedication of the Friends of The George, a group committed to preserving this Art Deco gem and restoring it as a sustainable, independent cinema.

“We look forward to collaborating with them on this important project.”

Last year, Friends of The George Limited had the cinema building formally valued by a firm of professional surveyors and made an offer to purchase it as a “restoring purchaser”, based on that valuation. Funds for purchase were very generously offered by benefactor, writer V.E Schwab.

This offer was rejected by the current owners of the building who have tried – and failed – twice in recent years to secure consent to substantially demolish The George and develop the site with luxury flats.

Most recently, last October, Historic Environment Scotland (HES) published their decision notice on the application by the current owner to have The George ‘delisted’.  HES confirmed that the building continues to meet the criteria of special architectural and historic interest and so there will be no statutory change to the current ‘C’ listing designation.

Recent silent, community protests, independent of the FoTG group, have called on the current owner of the building to clear up the mess outside of the cinema and to address the continued neglect and dereliction of the building.

Corra grant awarded to develop new Women’s Recovery House

Cyrenians, NHS Lothians LEAP, and Edinburgh Alcohol and Drug Partnership have been successful in a recent Corra Foundation grant bid to develop and implement a Women’s Recovery House in Edinburgh.

The House, for patients moving on from residential recovery in the LEAP program, offers women who do not have a safe home to return to the opportunity to continue their recovery supported by their peers.

The first of its kind in Edinburgh, the house creates a level playing field for women, who until this point have had limited options available upon completing the 12 week LEAP programme.

Amy Hutton, Director of Services at Cyrenians said, “This is a fantastic step forward in supporting the recovery community, particularly women who have been underserved in this area for quite some time.

‘We know, from experience, that highly traumatised women don’t fare well in standard service delivery environments, so to be able to offer a bespoke, safe home, truly is groundbreaking.

‘Men in Edinburgh completing the LEAP programme have benefited from a similar model for many years, so this new Women’s House really levels the playing field and helps us continue providing peer support to women who otherwise would be isolated in their recovery.”

This new funding not only allows the partnership to provide accommodation beyond the LEAP programme, but will also support the development of a Wellbeing Coordinator, providing assistance to patients throughout the LEAP programme and during their stay at the Recovery House.

Viki Fox, LEAP Manager for Cyrenians added: “The number of women attending our LEAP programme has been increasing year on year. To have this move on option available for those who would otherwise be discharged into an unsafe home, or indeed, homelessness, is a fantastic step forward to improving their quality of life and ability to stay in recovery.

‘By providing additional support through our wellbeing coordinator we will be able to offer practical and emotional support that will help build self-esteem and independence.

‘Recovery is only the first step – learning to live again beyond addiction takes time, and without support can feel overwhelming and thankless. The support from Corra Foundation allows us to address this need directly, and ultimately will provide women in Edinburgh the chance to rebuild their lives on their own terms.”

Nearly £50 billion invested in Scottish Government priorities

Funding to support the NHS, reduce carbon emissions and help tackle poverty

Almost £50 billion was spent by the Scottish Government last year on public services to help tackle child poverty, reduce carbon emissions, support the NHS and secure pay deals, according to newly published official figures.

The Provisional Outturn, which compares actual spending with the funding commitments set out in the Budget, shows that the Scottish Government spent £49.3 billion in the 2023-24 financial year. There was £292 million remaining – representing 0.6% of the Scottish Government’s total budget – all of which has been carried over through the Scotland Reserve to be directed towards priority areas in 2024-25.

In 2023-24 the Scottish Government:

  • spent nearly £5.2 billion on social security benefits. This includes £429 million on Scottish Child Payment, alongside funding to introduce Carer Support Payment in pilot areas, ahead of full roll-out in 2024, and to widen eligibility for Best Start Foods
  • invested more than £19 billion in health and social care, supporting recovery and reform to secure sustainable public services, while delivering a pay uplift for NHS staff
  • provided nearly £220 million to the Heat in Buildings Programme to help deliver greener and more energy efficient homes
  • continued providing Just Transition Fund grant funding, including £16.8 million for projects in the North-east and Moray regions, in addition to £3 million to help vulnerable global communities address loss and damage brought on by climate change
  • invested almost £422 million on bus services and concessionary fares, providing up to 2.3 million people in Scotland with access to free bus travel.

Public Finance Minister Ivan McKee said: “These figures show once again how this government is prudently and competently managing the public finances while delivering funding for the things that matter to people across Scotland, not least the NHS and action to tackle child poverty.

“The Scottish Government has consistently balanced its budgets each and every year. This represented a significant challenge last year, as the continued impact of persistently high inflation, pressure on public sector pay, backlogs as a result of the Covid pandemic and the war in Ukraine combined to place pressure on the public finances.

“We are not allowed to overspend, so must leave ourselves with the headroom to manage any unexpected shocks or issues. The remaining funding has been allocated in full in 2024-25, allowing us to implement measures at the most optimal time rather than being constrained to a single financial year.” 

Scottish Charity Awards 2024 winners announced 

Scotland’s voluntary sector celebrated at SCVO’s annual awards ceremony

Run annually by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO), the Scottish Charity Awards celebrates the best of the voluntary sector and this year’s shortlist included 39 individuals and organisations from charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups across the country. 

The celebratory awards ceremony took place at the Radisson Blu in Glasgow on Thursday, June 20. 

The winner of each of the ten categories was decided by a judging panel, with the 11th People’s Choice category winner decided by the public with over 16,500 votes cast online.

The winners of the Scottish Charity Awards 2024 are: 

· Charity of the Year (turnover over £500k): Fife Young Carers 

· Charity of the Year (turnover under £500k): Playlist for Life 

· Partnership of the Year: SOHTIS (Survivors of Human Trafficking in Scotland) and Simon Community Scotland  

· Volunteer of the Year award: Mary Hepburn, Fife Rape and Sexual Assault Centre  

· Climate Impact: Forth Rivers Trust 

· Campaign of the Year: Aberlour Children’s Charity, Cancelling School Meal Debt 

· Community Impact: Fersands and Fountain SCIO  

· Employee of the Year: Amanda Fleet, Highlands and Islands Students’ Association 

· Trustee of the Year: Michelle Robertson, Fallin Community Voice 

· Digital Difference: Lead Scotland 

· People’s Choice: Simba 

Anna Fowlie, chief executive of SCVO, said: “Once again, we enjoyed a fabulous evening for the 2024 Charity Awards. We had a record number of entrants this year, and a record number of votes for the People’s Choice.

“With 39 finalists over the ten categories, you can see the huge diversity of the Scottish voluntary sector. Our finalists were rural and urban, working with older people and young people, large and small, and working with everything from human trafficking to recycling. I’m in awe.  

“There were 11 great winners because this year we split Charity of the Year into smaller and larger organisations – a bonus! It was such an inspiring evening, full of people and organisations who make Scotland a better place.” 

Take care of your summer garden with Dobbies’ Edinburgh store

Garden Centre offers free summer plant care workshops

As the days grow longer and brighter with the start of summer drawing closer, Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre, is inviting gardeners along to its Edinburgh store for a series of free Grow How sessions focused on caring for summer plants.

The live demonstrations will take place on the first Saturday and every Wednesday throughout the month of July, at 10.30am and 3.30pm. The sessions are led by Dobbies’ colleagues in the Edinburgh store who will be on hand to answer any questions from customers.

July’s Grow How session will cover how to choose and incorporate vibrant seasonal flowering herbaceous plants, such as Delphinium and Fuchsia, into summer gardens, to create a stunning display.

Customers will also receive practical advice on maintaining flourishing borders and flowerpots throughout the summer season, along with sustainable flower watering techniques, like substituting the garden hose with a watering can to reduce water usage.

Dobbies’ Buyer, Nigel Lawton, explains the importance of watering for keeping your flower displays blooming this summer.

He said “One of the essential jobs for summer is ensuring your garden gets a good feed with proper hydration. This is especially important during periods of hot weather or if you’re planning a long summer holiday. It’s a good idea to remember to give beds, borders and planters a good water.

“Any water that has been collected in water butts earlier in the year can be used during dry spells to water your plants, which is actually better for your garden as rainwater has none of the chemicals that water from the mains has and its better for the environment.

“There is now more opportunity than ever before for customers to drop into the Edinburgh store to attend a Grow How session. We are looking forward to welcoming gardeners of all abilities to gain valuable advice and top tips from our colleagues into caring for summer plants.”

Dobbies’ Grow How sessions are fun and informal 10–15-minute demonstrations, designed to be interactive and accessible for gardeners of all ages and abilities.

For more information about Dobbies’ Grow How sessions in the Edinburgh store and the summer events, such as Planting and Afternoon Tea – Holiday Edition, and to make a booking, visit dobbies.com/events

Dobbies’ ‘Planting and Afternoon Tea – Holiday Edition’, gives customers the chance to relax and enjoy a traditional or luxury Afternoon Tea experience, plus a demo and Q&A, before getting to create their own planter (worth £30) to take home.

Inspired by summer holidays, the tropical plants featured have been selected by RHS Chelsea Flower Show judge and Dobbies Senior Buyer, Claire Bishop, to bring a pop of summer colour to the garden. This experience is priced at £40 and takes place on Tuesday 16 and Saturday 20 July.

Miller Homes launches Edgelaw View housing development

Leading UK homebuilder, Miller Homes is launching a brand-new development in Edinburgh this Saturday (22 June), bringing 152 homes, including 39 affordable, to a popular residential area just south of the bustling capital.

Edgelaw View will comprise a mix of two-bedroom apartments, three-bedroom townhouses and three and four-bedroom family homes, providing buyers of all ages and stages in Edinburgh with plenty of choice when it comes to new build homes. The development follows the success of Edgelaw, Miller Homes’ 2019 development in the area, and aims to meet the demand for energy efficient homes within easy reach of Edinburgh.

In a move towards helping buyers live sustainably and reduce energy costs, each Miller home at the new Edgelaw View development will come with solar panels and the development will feature electric vehicle charging points.

Speaking about the upcoming launch, Regional Sales Director for Miller Homes Scotland East, Neil Gaffney said: “We’re excited to start selling homes at Edgelaw View and make our return to the area after the huge success of Edgelaw.

“The new development has something for a wide range of buyers, whether they’re looking to get a foot on the property ladder, upsize to a larger home, or downsize to a convenient location near Edinburgh. Given the demand for new homes near the city centre, we’re expecting a big uptake on the styles released for sale this weekend so would encourage buyers considering a move to register their interest now.”

The first homes at Edgelaw View, which are currently being built, will be ready to move into later this year, and buyers will get the chance to explore Miller Homes’ only townhouse showhome in Scotland when it opens early 2025.

Edgelaw View is being sold from Miller Homes’ Carberry Grange development, located off Whitecraig Road, Whitecraig, East Lothian EH21 8PG.

To be kept up to date with the latest news on Edgelaw View, or to find out more about the upcoming development, visit www.millerhomes.co.uk.

Aldi to distribute two tonnes of samples at this year’s Royal Highland Show

Visitors to the Aldi marquee can try a range of products this weekend, from Scotch Sirloin Steak to Specially Selected Scottish Tablet

Aldi is set to distribute almost two tonnes of food samples at this year’s Royal Highland Show as it showcases the very best of its Scottish suppliers.

The retailer’s giant marquee will return to Avenue O (30) with 23 suppliers from around the country including Angus Soft Fruits, Brownings the Bakers, and Aldomak.

Aldi has predicted it will give away:

  • 216 litres of ice cream, with flavours such as Belgian chocolate and creamy Madagascan vanilla.
  • Over 35,000 strawberries, blackberries and raspberries.
  • Over a tonne of beef products, including Scotch 30-day sirloin steak and Scotch quarter pounders
  • Over 500kg of sweet treats, including handmade Scottish fudge and caramel shortcake.
  • 80kgs of haggis.

There will also be beer samples from Fierce Beer and Williams Brothers Brewing, giving visitors a sneak peek of what to expect at the retailer’s upcoming Summer Beer Festival, which launches on Thursday 27 June.

Now in its 202nd year, the Royal Highland Show (20-23 June) is a celebration of the country’s best food, farming and rural life, with crowds of 200,000 expected.

Aldi will be returning to Scotland’s biggest outdoor event as it celebrates its 30th year in Scotland, having opened its first store in Kilmarnock in 1994.

Graham Nicolson, Regional Managing Director, Aldi Scotland, said: “We are very proud of the strong relationships that we have built with our Scottish suppliers. Thanks to these relationships, we will have one of our biggest sampling years yet at the Royal Highland Show, the ideal event to showcase the fantastic quality of produce available right here in Scotland.

“I am very grateful to our network of suppliers who are supporting us at this year’s event.  I encourage everyone attending the show to visit our marquee and try our Scottish range for themselves; I guarantee they won’t be disappointed.”

You can find your nearest Aldi store here.   

Scottish Government’s home ownership support scheme reopens

Help for first-time buyers across the country on low to medium incomes

A scheme to help first time buyers and certain priority groups step on to the property ladder has reopened for applications.

The Open Market Shared Equity (OMSE) scheme is available across Scotland to first-time buyers on low or medium incomes who cannot afford the full price of a home.

Successful applicants will be able to buy a home without having to purchase it in full, usually between 60% and 90% of the property’s value, with the Scottish Government owning the remaining share.

Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “Taking the first step on to the property ladder can be difficult for some, especially during the cost of living crisis where we have seen inflation and interest rates push house prices up.

“We recognise that and by reopening the OMSE scheme we are giving help to as many people as possible to own an affordable home by creating a level playing field with other buyers.

“I would encourage anyone who is either a first-time buyer or in one of the priority groups to consider applying through the scheme.”

Apply here

Student triumphs over postnatal depression to graduate from Heriot-Watt University

A woman who overcame crippling postnatal depression and suicidal thoughts to complete her studies, graduates from Heriot-Watt University today (June 20).

Helan Vinod was presented with an MSc in Business Psychology with Intercultural Communication during the Summer Graduation Ceremonies being held this week at the University’s Edinburgh campus.

It was a moment charged with intense emotion for the 29-year-old who endured a traumatic pregnancy and labour just eight months ago, leading to fears she would not be able to graduate.

Her story is one of resilience and determination.

Helan moved to Edinburgh with her husband in February 2022 from their home in South India.

Shortly after arriving, Helan enrolled into her one-year course at the University’s School of Social Sciences but her world was turned upside down when, just weeks later, she fell pregnant.

Helan recalls: “Falling pregnant at that time was not really in our plans; we were going to wait at least another three years. “But once the shock had subsided we were, of course, delighted. So, I pushed myself to go ahead. I didn’t want to give up on my baby or my degree.”

Helan’s joy quickly turned into trepidation after suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum, causing excessive nausea and vomiting early in her pregnancy.

It became so debilitating that she was unable to attend her new job working in a fast-food restaurant and took the decision to resign.

It was also around this time that Helan was diagnosed with gallstones, resulting in bouts of agonising pain.

With so much to contend with, Helan started to notice a change in her mental health with growing feelings of depression and anxiety.

She said: “There were many factors effecting my mental health at that time. “I’d moved to a new country and knew I must adapt to everything being different, from the climate to the language. But I didn’t have much time to get used to this because everything happened so quickly.

“Being a new mum as well as a new student and trying to grapple with life in a new country, it all became too much for me. My parents were working in India so I couldn’t ask for much support from them. I was kind of stranded.”

Her condition worsened as the pregnancy progressed and started to affect her studies. At many points, Helan questioned whether she would have the physical strength to attend a class again, let alone graduate.

She turned to the University for help and was put in contact with the Student Wellbeing Services, which she credits as playing a crucial role in her academic success.

Helan said: “As an expecting mother experiencing challenges in terms of physical and mental health, there has been multiple instances where I felt that I had to give up on my studies. The support system at Heriot-Watt, especially the Student Wellbeing Services, were empathetic and remarkably accommodating.

“The course leaders were very friendly and approachable, most of them were keen to offer extra support since I had missed a few lectures due to my health constraints.”

On 31 October 2022, Helan gave birth in Edinburgh to a beautiful baby boy, named Isaiah – but shortly afterwards, she noticed a drastic change in her outlook.

She struggled to get out of bed in the mornings, lost her appetite and felt ‘desperate and hopeless’. At her lowest point, Helan admits to feeling suicidal.

She explained: “After the birth, I felt emotionally crippled. Although my parents had made the trip to Scotland for the birth, I was feeling really low, tearful and it was an absolute disaster. I really don’t know how to put it into words. I was feeling suicidal and was completely helpless.

“But the NHS was amazing and recognised these symptoms from early on, from before the birth, and I was placed under the care of the Postnatal mental health team.”

To aid her in her recovery, the University ensured Helan had all the support she needed to complete her studies.

This included granting an extension for her dissertation deadline allowing her to defer until the following year.

Helan concluded: “The student service centre and the visa team were professional, yet sensitive in their interactions. Throughout my pregnancy and postnatal recovery, the University remained accessible to me.

“The breastfeeding rooms, baby-changing facilities and accommodative attitude of the staff and students were important factors that helped me to cope with this pivotal transition period in my life.”

According to the NHS, postnatal depression affects more than 1 in every 10 women within a year of giving birth. Its symptoms can be far ranging and include experiencing extreme highs and lows, frequent crying, feelings of guilt, anxiety and, in some cases, the mother being unable to care for her child.

Helan remains under the care of mental health services as she continues to recover but is looking forward to using her new qualification in her future career.

Danyah Miller to kick off the Summer Reading Challenge in Edinburgh

The Reading Agency’s Summer Reading Challenge is kicking off in Scotland with an exciting event featuring award-winning storyteller Danyah Miller.

On 29 June at 10.30am, Edinburgh Central Library will host Making Marvellous Stories with Danyah Miller, an interactive storytelling experience that celebrates the power of imagination and creativity.

Danyah Miller, an international solo performer, writer, and story trainer, will lead an engaging spontaneous storytelling hour. Through story games and collaborative storytelling, children and families will embark on a journey to spark their imaginations and create lasting memories together.

Oral storytelling is a fundamental component of literacy development, enhancing fluency, vocabulary acquisition, writing skills, recall, and memory. By participating in this event, children will not only have a fun and interactive experience but also develop essential literacy skills.

Participants will have the opportunity to engage in story games, make up fresh, new stories together, and learn tips and tricks for endless storytelling fun. The event promises to be an unforgettable experience, igniting the imaginations of children and families alike.

“We left full of ideas and inspiration,” said a mum of boys aged 7 and 9 after attending one of Danyah’s previous storytelling events.

In addition to the storytelling experience, the Summer Reading Challenge, developed in partnership with Create, a leading charity bringing creative arts to those in need, offers a range of exciting activities and resources that bring reading and creativity together throughout the school holiday. Children are encouraged to explore their creativity through various outlets, including junk modelling, music, dance, drawing, and painting.

The Making Marvellous Stories with Danyah Miller event is free and open to the public. Families are invited to join this unforgettable experience and embark on a journey of storytelling and creativity at Edinburgh Central Library.

For more information and to register, please visit: https://readingagency.org.uk/our-work/events/making-marvellous-stories-with-danyah-miller/