SCOTTISH BUILDING SOCIETY marked its Annual General Meeting (AGM) by announcing a new round of funding to aid local charities and good causes across the country.
The announcement at the AGM, held on Wednesday this week at The Trades House of Glasgow, Grand Hall, will see the Scottish Building Society Foundation award successful applicants with individual grants of up to £5,000 to help their cause.
Marking the third phase of funding from the Scottish Building Society Foundation, the initiative has donated just under £60,000 to local charities across Scotland since it began last year.
Scottish Building Society Foundation was established by Scottish Building Society in partnership with Foundation Scotland, with the initiative designed to give back to Scottish communities.
Launched in May 2023 to align with the organisation’s 175th anniversary, an incredible £175,000 will be granted to local charities and good causes across Scotland.
Paul Denton, Chief Executive Officer, Scottish Building Society, said: “We were delighted to welcome our members to the AGM this year, and it seemed only right that we announce the latest round of funding for the Scottish Building Society Foundation, designed to support the fantastic causes which make a huge difference in their local areas.
“The creation of the Foundation has formalised our commitment to giving back to communities and through this initiative, in just over twelve months, the Society and its members have already supported good causes right across Scotland, from Wick to Galashiels.
“Since the Foundation began, we’re encouraged by the variety of inspiring community groups and charities across Scotland and look forward to seeing how they use the funding to make a positive impact to the people in their towns and villages.
“We hope the Scottish Building Society Foundation will make a big difference to many people across the country and we look forward to supporting more good causes in the years ahead.
“By investing in good causes, the Society and its members are building stronger communities.”
Applicable to a range of community groups and incentives, the Scottish Building Society Foundation particularly welcomes applications that support:
Community facilities and services, transport, open spaces, affordable housing, community development, reduction of poverty, and care for the elderly
Local community events
Youth and education, providing training opportunities and support for vulnerable youngsters
The first phase of funding attracted 44 applications from across 11 local authority areas of Scotland, with nine successful applicants chosen to receive individual grants of up to £5,000 to help their cause.
Meanwhile, the second phase of funding attracted 33 applications from across 11 local authority areas of Scotland.
Forever Edinburgh partners with businesses to capitalise on the ‘Swift lift’
Scotland’s capital is gearing up to welcome US superstar Taylor Swift for the first time, with Forever Edinburgh announcing a programme of activity to help visitors, residents and businesses enjoy the benefits of the concert.
Over 200,000 Swifties will descend on the city next month for the three Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour shows at the Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium on 7th, 8th and 9th June.
The pop icon is set to bring entertainment and economic value, coined the ‘Swift lift’, with shows in the UK expected to gross a combined £1 billion according to Barclays. This includes an average of £121 on accommodation, £111 on travel and £56 on a pre-concert meal.
That impact is already being seen in Edinburgh, with hotels reporting increased demand.
Forever Edinburgh, the city’s destination marketing and promotions brand, which is run by The City of Edinburgh Council is looking to capitalise on this by announcing a series of experiences for those living, visiting and working in the city.
Launching on Thursday, 6th June, almost 50 local hospitality and tourism businesses have come together to create the ‘Edinburgh Taylored Taste Trail’, which was established by Forever Edinburgh.
Across the city, fans can enjoy Taylor themed sweet treats from Babyfaced Baker and MILK. Bonnie and Wild, Cold Town House, Hard Rock Café, Brewhemia, Mackays on the Mile, Mimi’s Bakehouse, and Edinburgh Street Food are offering dedicated menus including themed dishes, Taylor-themed brunches and afternoon teas.
Themed cocktails and mocktails will be available at many of the city’s best bars including Elio’s, Copper Still, Angel’s Share, Revolve Bar, Holyrood Distillery, and the Alchemist.
Elsewhere, Camera Obscura will be hosting a Giant Kaleidosphere dedicated to the Eras musician and in Gorgie, Tynecastle Park is hosting an interactive Swiftie Bingo, open to all ages.
This unique Taylored experience will showcase the best of Edinburgh’s retail, hospitality, and food & drink scenes, encouraging fans and their friends to explore the city’s diverse neighbourhoods by foot, tram, bus, or other modes of transport.
Featured prominently on Forever Edinburgh’s dedicated Swift Fan Hub, the Taylored Taste Trail will be accompanied with a Taste Trail map, a list of top tips to help fans plan ahead and make responsible choices, plus a guide to Edinburgh for Swifties.
Through The Swift Fan Hub, fans can seamlessly create the ultimate Edinburgh experience and fully immerse themselves in all the city has to offer, with a Taylor twist. City leaders have also organised a welcome gift for Swift, collaborating with a selection of Edinburgh businesses to build a hamper full of Scottish goodies. Participants include Eateaket, Edinburgh Gin and kiltmakers Kinloch Anderson, who have made three unique gifts for Taylor from a newly created Edinburgh 900 Tartan.
A personalised itinerary is also enclosed with the must-dos for Swift to visit during her stay, which was personally crafted and gifted to the star as part of the wider city gesture. This is based on her favourite things such as a visit to cat café Maison de Moggy and experiencing Edinburgh’s music scene.
Culture and Communities Convener, Councillor Val Walker Culture said: “We’re enchanted to be welcoming Taylor to the city and to be able to bring all these businesses together to provide a fun weekend for residents and visitors alike. We aim to ignite curiosity among fans to venture across the city, spreading foot traffic and benefits throughout.
“Our goal is to cultivate a positive fan experience, fostering lasting advocacy for Edinburgh among our visitors while ensuring a positive impact on residents. It’s a great opportunity to support Edinburgh businesses and the local economy, so her visit will give a ‘Swift lift’ to the city.”
Neil Christison, VisitScotland’s Regional Director said:“Taylor Swift is a phenomenon, and her shows have created a real buzz in the city.
“We know gig tourism is a growing global trend, with fans seeking to turn their live music experience into a bigger exploration of the destination. The Edinburgh Taylored Taste Trail is an excellent way to engage with the fanbase and encourage them to explore businesses across the city.”
The owners of Ocean Terminal (OT) have confirmed that Greggs will be a long-term fixture in the redevelopment. The food on the go retailer will be relocated within the ground floor, remaining in a prime spot close to the main entrance.
The new store will open later in the year, with the existing shop continuing to trade until then.
Concerns were raised earlier this year that the chain would close, as plans for the regeneration of the site included proposals for new toilet facilities on the existing Greggs unit. However, a relocation agreement has been reached with the food outlet remaining a permanent fixture of the waterfront development.
Chris Richardson, Managing Director of Ambassador Investment Management, the Scottish owners of Ocean Terminal, said: “Greggs has over time become a national institution and one which is much-loved by our existing customers so we are delighted to have reached an agreement to relocate the store to a new prime spot within the redevelopment.
“The repurposing journey of OT is part of a larger regeneration project to develop Leith waterfront, delivering a more sustainable development for the local and wider community, and we are committed to delivery of that long term goal.
“Securing the future of Greggs at OT is part of that commitment and we look forward to opening the newly fitted store later this year, until then customers can continue to visit the existing store within OT.”
The new store will be 1,500 sq ft, double the size of the existing unit, with a new seating area as part of the modern fit-out.
Tony Rowson, Greggs Property Director, said: ““Our mission is simple – we want Greggs to be accessible, wherever, whenever, and however our customers need us. And by ensuring our shops are the best they can be, our customers have a brilliant experience when they visit us.
“We are pleased to be relocating our existing shop in Ocean Terminal into a new unit, where the shop design will allow us to maximise space and increase our capabilities in food preparation – enabling us to realise the potential of both our delivery and Click + Collect digital channels, whilst also offering the best experience for walk-in customers.”
This is just one of many positive developments recently announced as part of the multi-million pound redevelopment of the site, including a new Tesco Express, and the relocation and upgrade of the 24/7 PureGym to a brand new unit last month.
Last year Ocean Terminal revealed it had agreed a long-term lease with Level X, the gaming and immersive entertainment provider, which will see a new purpose-built, 30,000 sq ft, state-of-the-art leisure venue open at the centre adjacent to a brand new Club 3000 Bingo venue which promises to be one of the best clubs ever developed in the UK, enhancing the leisure offering at the new look centre.
The Scotland Euro 2024 Men’s Squad surprised patients at the Royal Hospital for Children (RHC), Glasgow this afternoon with an unexpected meet and greet, ahead of jetting off to Germany next week.
There were squeals of excitement and joy throughout the hospital as Captain, Andrew Robertson, led the team of Scotland’s best male footballers and coaches to visit patients and their families on the wards.
The UEFA Euro 2024 tournament kicks off on Friday 14th June, with Scotland playing Germany in the tournament’s opening match. Having noted the incredible work of the RHC staff and the care that they provide for children from across the country, the squad visited to give thanks to the hospital – and, of course, to drum up excitement among their youngest supporters.
Scotland Team Captain, Andy Robertson said: “It was a privilege for us to visit the Royal Hospital for Children and see the dedicated work of the staff up close.
“We have a squad of players from different backgrounds, at different ages and stages, but the vast majority will have a personal story to tell about loved ones who have benefited from the care and expertise on offer from RHC or somewhere similar.
“It was impossible not to be moved by the kids we met, especially as the father of young children myself. They’re all facing into their own difficult, varied challenges but, in every case, their resilience shines through and it’s reassuring to know they’re being looked after as well as they are by hospital staff, and the Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, who are doing everything they can for them.
“We are not short on motivation for the Euros, but it meant a lot to hear how excited they all are to watch the games and follow our progress. They won’t be far from our thoughts when we’re in Germany.”
The RHC and the Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity work hard throughout the year to bring experiences to patients and their families that extend ‘further than the medicine’ – including visits like these.
Mandy Meechan, Chief Nurse at the Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow explained: “We can’t believe how lucky we have been to have the Scotland team visit us today.
“We thank them from the bottom of our hearts for the smiles they created today, and we hope they take that energy and have great success in Germany. We pride ourselves on our person-centred care, and this visit has inspired hope, strength and tenacity in the kids and their families. It was just what we all needed”.
Kirsteen Watson from Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity added: “We are so grateful to the squad for visiting the children’s hospital today.
“The children felt like VIPs when they realised that the players had taken time away from the training pitch to pay them a special visit, and many have made memories that will last a lifetime.
“There was a sense of unity, hope and positivity during the visit, which can truly transform the hospital experience for children and young people. I’d like to thank our donors and volunteers who help to create moments like this all year round by supporting our hospital play programme.”
Around 7.25pm on Wednesday, 29 May, 2024 two bodies were recovered from Stob Coire Nan Lochan, Glencoe.
They have now been identified as father and son, Tom Parry, 49, and Richie Parry, 12, from Cheshire.
Gemma Parry has released the following statement:
“Tom was a caring and loving father to his children and a loving husband to me, his wife Gemma. Richie was an energetic, loving boy who loved his quizzes, maths, and sports. He always cared for others as well no matter what”.
“We would like to take this chance to thank the Scottish and Cheshire police as well as the mountain rescue service along with all the other emergency services involved in finding Richie and Tom”.
“We would also like to say to the press to give me and my family some privacy during this time of grieving”.
“We would also like to thank to thank the community of Alsager and all of our family friends who have helped us and supported us throughout this time”.
“Tom and Richie will be sadly missed and never forgotten”.
There are no suspicious circumstances and their deaths are being treated as the result of a fall. A report has been submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.
Inspector Katy Duncan said: “Our thoughts remain with the Parry family at what is a very difficult time for them.
“We would like to thank everyone who responded to our appeal, to all emergency services and Mountain Rescue volunteers.”
Water quality information at your fingertips as Scotland’s bathing waters season begins
98% of Scotland’s designated bathing waters meet water quality standards.
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) are encouraging visitors to “check the weather, check the water” via SEPA’s bathing waters website before heading to one of the country’s designated bathing waters this season.
Scotland has 89 designated bathing waters around the country, from Dunnet in Caithness to Brighouse Bay in Kirkcudbright, and 98% will meet or exceed the Sufficient classification for 2024, with 84% achieving the higher standards of Excellent or Good.
Last year Scotland started the season with the highest number of bathing waters ever, after the designation of Wardie Bay in Edinburgh and the re-designation of Fisherrow Sands in East Lothian. In 2024 the country starts with the best water quality on record as both begin the season rated as ‘Good’.
The season begins on the 1st of June and runs until the 15th of September. During this time, SEPA’s specialist teams will be checking the water by collecting and analysing around 1,500 water samples from all designated bathing waters. These provide regular water quality information which is published on online.
The results also form part of the four-year rolling data set that determines the classification for each bathing water every season.
SEPA’s website and electronic messaging signs, which operate at 30 bathing waters, are updated at 10am every day with real-time water quality predictions. Although generally of a high quality, the bathing waters can be affected by heavy rain and results can be accessed at sepa.org.uk/checkthewater so people can check before they travel.
SEPA can also make people aware of any abnormal pollution events that may impact water quality via this page, as well as using the network of electronic signs and physical signs posted by local authorities and other partners at all other beaches.
Check the weather
While sunny weather always draws more people to bathing waters, it’s important to not just check the weather on the day you go. It is recommended that users do not bathe for one to two days after heavy rain – and beaches with SEPA electronic signs will warn against bathing when poor water is predicted.
Our climate impacts on water quality, and heavy rain can wash contaminants off both rural and urban land and can cause overflows from sewage systems. These overflows prevent systems being overwhelmed with rainwater and backing up into homes and businesses.
Altogether the combination of water quality predictions and information about abnormal pollution events shared by SEPA, plus awareness of recent rainfall events and the potential impact allows people to check the water at any bathing water they plan to visit to make an informed decision whether to bathe or enjoy on-land activities.
Ruth Stidson, SEPA’s Principal Scientist for bathing waters, said: “Scotland has the highest ever number of designated bathing waters, with the best water quality since 2015, when tighter standards first came into force.
“We know there’s many physical and mental health benefits of being outdoors and beaches can offer great spaces for that. They are regularly used by coastal communities, as well as by groups for water-based activities. Scotland has a mixture of urban and rural bathing waters, and many are accessible by walking or public transport, often making them a budget-friendly option. Visitors often plan a whole day around being at the water, which can also benefit local economies.
“We encourage everyone planning to visit our beautiful bathing waters this summer to check the weather, check the water before they leave for their day out and ensure they have the best information possible to enjoy their time in our stunning Scottish environment.”
Mairi McAllan, Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy said: “We now have the highest number of designated Bathing Water sites ever, with 98% of Scotland’s bathing waters currently achieving the bathing water quality standards and 84% being rated “good” or “excellent”.
“However, we are not complacent and we continue to work closely with SEPA and Scottish Water to monitor and improve water quality on our designated beaches and in our designated lochs.
“We want to ensure that as many people as possible are able to continue to safely enjoy them throughout this summer and beyond and I would encourage everyone to make use of SEPA’s resources and information to help make an informed decision about where and when to bathe.”
Protecting and improving water quality
SEPA’s monitoring data provides crucial evidence to drive investment and improvement in both rural and urban areas. We regulate and work with businesses, farmers and land managers across the country protect and improve water quality. This approach will continue to deliver real progress in the coming years for the future of our water environment.
Communities and visitors can help to protect our water environment, including beaches and bathing waters.
Visitors are encouraged to bag and bin dog poo, bin litter or take it away, and avoid feeding gulls as that can attract them to areas in higher numbers.
Every year Scottish Water teams deal with around 36,000 blockages, costing customers about £7 million annually, and around 80% of those are caused by people flushing the wrong items down the toilet – particularly wet wipes – or pouring fats, oil and grease down the sink. These meld to cause blockages in the sewer system and can contribute to spills of pollution into the environment.
Professor Simon Parsons, Director of Environment, Planning and Assurance at Scottish Water said: “We would echo SEPA’s call for people to check the weather and the water before swimming at a designated bathing water.
“Scottish Water is committed to continuing to support the protection and improvement of Scotland’s rivers and coastal waters and we are very pleased that almost all bathing waters meet or exceed the “sufficient” classification and that 84% are “excellent” or “good”.
“We check almost 500 of our assets before and during the bathing season to ensure they are delivering the level of service we expect.
“We look forward to playing our part in ensuring bathing waters become destinations for people to enjoy Scotland’s fantastic coastal waters.
“Scottish Water has invested £2.7 billion in improving and maintaining the country’s public drainage system and infrastructure over more than the past decade to help improve our waters.
“Our Improving Urban Waters Routemap, which supports the national River Basin Management Plan objectives (92% good water quality by 2027), commits us to additional investment of up to £500m to further improve water quality.”
