St Andrews First Aid, Scotland’s only dedicated first aid charity, has been awarded a £28,000 lifeline from leading Scottish convenience retailer, Scotmid.
The funding has been used to purchase new uniforms for staff and volunteers across Scotland, including those located in Edinburgh, who provide life-saving training and emergency response services.
Stuart Callison, CEO at St Andrew’s First Aid, said: “Scotmid’s generous donation means we can purchase more uniforms that will help to enhance our visibility and identity when we cover events or provide public demonstrations.
We are extremely grateful to Scotmid for this support and continued partnership in helping us achieve our mission of making Scotland a safer place for all.”
Lynne Ogg, Scotmid Membership & Communities Manager, added: “The work that St Andrew’s First Aid delivers in communities across Scotland is invaluable and we are proud to continue supporting such a worthy charity.
“The funding will assist the organisation in ensuring its dedicated volunteers are easily identifiable and bring peace of mind to the general public when attending events.”
St Andrew’s First Aid provides vital first aid and mental first aid courses and actively promotes first aid education in schools and communities. Its mission is rooted in the belief that no one should suffer or lose their life due to a lack of first aid assistance.
Join us on the 10th of August to help us celebrate our big 100!
This is a free event open to all, where you can get a free burger and a can. There will be the chance to take part in lots of free activities as well as some at a small price.
Three of Edinburgh Leisure’s staff are heading to Paris representing diving at this year’s Olympics.
Performance Dive Coach Jen Leeming, who has been working for Edinburgh Leisure for 12 years developing the diving programme, will be attending the 2024 Olympics with Team Jamaica, having coached Edinburgh Leisure Dive Coach, Yona Knight-Wisdom, who is representing his country. Meanwhile, Dive Specialist Vicki Tomlinson will be representing GB as a diving judge.
This will be Jen’s second Olympics Games, but third with Edinburgh divers competing at the Games. In 2016 she coached ex-Edinburgh diver Grace Reid to the 2016 Rio Olympic 3m final but was unable to attend as coach. Then, in 2021 Jen supported Edinburgh Diver James Heatly to the Olympic 3m final in Tokyo. Jen and Yona will be travelling out on 23rd July to Paris.
Jen Leeming said: “For Edinburgh to produce three Olympians over 8 years is amazing and really demonstrates the progress and excellent facilities and coaching in Edinburgh.
“Yona is an extremely professional athlete who demonstrates a high-level of consistency day in, day out. Yona is a true role model for all divers in Edinburgh and Great Britain. We are very lucky to have him as an athlete and coach in our programme.”
Born, raised and educated in Leeds, Yona Knight-Wisdom started diving at 9 years old in 2004, deciding to represent his father’s nation of Jamaica in 2011. He graduated from Leeds Beckett in 2016 with a degree in sports science, and also started coaching diving in 2013.
Yona night-Wisdom moved to Edinburgh in 2018 solely to continue his pursuit of diving at the highest level. Yona Knight-Wisdom says: “Jen was the main reason for choosing to move to Edinburgh and it turned out to be the best choice as she was key in getting me to Tokyo and now to Paris.
“Jen was a coach in Leeds when I started diving so she already knew me well and I knew she’d be a great coach for me. As she is about to start a new non-coaching role with Aquatics GB, I’m excited that I’ve given her the opportunity to finish this part of her coaching career at the highest level.
“I needed a job up here and coaching was perfect for me and I have been working with Edinburgh Leisure since 2019. Currently coaching a talent development squad, I have four divers going to compete at the upcoming national age groups.”
Paris will be Yona’s third games after Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020. He has won silver medals at the 2016 World Cup and 2019 Pan Am Games as well as at two Grand Prix events. He currently trains 11 sessions over six days of the week which comes up to about 25 hours of training, and also coaches a squad five days a week.
Vicki Tomlinson who has worked for Edinburgh Leisure as a dive co-ordinator at the Royal Commonwealth Pool since 2008, will be representing GB as a coach.
Vicki Tomlinson (centre) says: “Like Jen and Yona, I’m also from Leeds. I started judging ‘professionally’ back in 2017 and I really do have a lot of thanks to give to Edinburgh Leisure for their support, who put me through the World Aquatic Judging School, which was the start of everything for me.
“I wasn’t even thinking of Olympics at the time –it was more of a hobby and a chance to see elite level diving and bring back the knowledge I learned to my role back in Edinburgh. It was only really in the last year that my Olympic dream became more of a reality when I was selected for the World Championships in Fukuoka, Japan, as well as other world level events in Doha, Berlin, Monreal and Xian. It’s been a crazy busy year but I’ve loved every minute.
Tomlinson found out about her Olympic selection in March having made it into the top 10 European judges and she goes to Paris for two weeks from July 24th.
This will be her first Olympic Games. She has yet to receive her judging schedule but it’s likely a variety of springboard, platform and synchronised events.
Five divers from Team Canada – Margo Erlam (Calgary, Alta), Caeli McKay (Calgary), Kate Miller (Ottawa), Rylan Wiens (Saskatoon) Nathan Zsombor-Murray (Pointe-Claire ) have also been making use of the diving facilities at the Royal Commonwealth Pool, and have been training alongside Edinburgh Leisure’s diving performance squad, before heading to Paris to compete.
Edinburgh was their main choice due to the facilities and being in a great city with opportunities for the divers to relax outside of training.
For those that fancy themselves as a Tom Daley, James Heatly, Grace Reid or indeed Yona Knight-Wisdom, Edinburgh Leisure has a diving pool at the Royal Commonwealth Pool, complete with a dedicated Dry Dive Area with trampolines and harnesses.
Their diving programme follows the National Diving Award Scheme with classes to suit beginners right through to those at a competitive level.
Alongside their diving classes, Edinburgh Leisure offer a range of public diving sessions, which allow you to come along and try out or practice your diving skills. These sessions do not need to be pre-booked, simply check out the online timetable for session information and go along.
For more information on dive coaching at Edinburgh Leisure, visit:
Thousands of visitors turned up to The Centre, Livingston last weekend, (20th and 21st July) to meet two giant, 9ft Transformers who made a very special guest appearance at Comic Con’s ‘Superhero Takeover’, to help raise funds for the local charity, West Lothian Community Foundation.
Following the success of Comic Con’s first visit to the shopping centre earlier this year, the alien robots from Cybertron, which featured in the first Transformers film in 2007 and transformed into cars, made their debut with lots of much-loved superhero characters, including Spider-Man, Bluey and Bingo and Sonic and Knuckles in walkabouts and ‘Meet & Greets’.
The event, which was also attended by over 60 exhibitors showcasing their one-of-a-kind collectables and a variety of movie and television props, was free with the opportunity to donate to West Lothian Community Foundation, which is one of the charities the mall has partner with to run its ‘Jump into Summer” programme of free events like sports-themed pop ups, including basketball and table tennis, and arts and crafts.
The aim of the local charity is to use football as an activity to promote the educational and health development of people of all ages in the community, with particular emphasis on targeting those who are less engaged with sporting activities, to help them reach their full potential.
Patrick Robbertze, Centre Director at The Centre, Livingston, said: “It was great to welcome the 9ft Transformers into The Centre, Livingston at the weekend.
“The impressive iconic characters, along with all the other popular comic heroes were a huge hit with our shoppers, especially the fans, and also our retailers and team.
“It was a great addition to all the other free activities happening all summer at the shopping centre for visitors to enjoy, like sporting ‘try out’ sessions, including table tennis and basketball, kids exercise classes and also arts and crafts and a fantastic opportunity for our charity partner West Lothian Community Foundation to raise funds and awareness of the great work they are doing.”
Ian Bonar from BGCP Comic Con, said: “We are thrilled with our second trip to The Centre, Livingston. Great memories were made with our two 9ft Transformers grabbing everyone’s attention in the middle of the shopping centre, with lots of double-takes.
“We also had the biggest ‘Meet & Greet’ we’ve ever organised with ‘Bluey and Bingo’ on Sunday, as people travelled near and far to get a photo with them.”
Graham Jarvis from West Lothian Community Foundation, said: “Thanks to everyone who helped us to raise funds over the weekend at the Comic Con event, which was great fun!
“Every penny we raise as a charity goes back into helping even more people in West Lothian to get fit and active and meet people which is why we are very appreciative that The Centre, Livingston has chosen us as one of their summer charity partners as it has also given us the chance to raise awareness of all of the work we are doing in the community.”
Historic site to see 78 newly refurbished homes hit the market
AN EXCITING refurbishment of 78 former army HQ homes in one of Edinburgh’s most sought-after areas is due to start.
The houses, once home to military families, will now be renovated into quality starter homes and family residences, nestled within the scenic surroundings of the northwest fringe of Edinburgh.
Renamed Craigiehall Meadows, the enclave is set in a prime semi-rural location, adjacent to desirable areas such as Cammo, Cramond and Dalmeny and nestled against the River Almond where Salmon fishing permits are readily available.
Tzana Webster, Head of Estate Agency at Ralph Sayer, said: “Craigiehall Meadows will be a significant addition to Edinburgh’s residential offerings, bringing beautifully refurbished homes to market with high spec finishings that anyone would dream to have in their home.
“We’re incredibly fortunate to be able to be working at such a historic site and upon completion this will be an incredible location to live in.
“Work is due to start in the coming months and homes will be available to the market during the refurbishment process.
The homes on offer will feature a mix of detached, semi-detached, and terraced, each designed to offer convivial living areas and high-quality finishes.
Within the development, Hillside Road promises to offer great value refurbished starter homes as a blank canvas, perfect for first-time buyers and buy-to-rent owners to make their mark, while the Riverside and Primrose areas will offer large family homes with spacious gardens and high-quality finishes.
Tzana added: “Our hope for Craigiehall Meadows is to create a welcoming community for all stages of life.
“Whether you’re a first-time buyer, growing your family, or seeking a smaller, more manageable space, Craigiehall Meadows will offer something for everyone.
“This is an incredibly exciting project to be a part of and by the time the refurbishment phase is over, and we are starting to bring homes to market, this will be a site re-imagined and transformed.”
Originally requisitioned by the Armed Forces in 1939, Craigiehall has a rich history, including the negotiation and signing of the surrender of German forces in Norway in 1945.
The Ministry of Defence acquired the site in 1951, and it became the Headquarters for the Army in Scotland, marking its significance in military history.
Major developments in 1955 saw the establishment of permanent buildings at Craigiehall, replacing the temporary structures from World War II.
The former Army headquarters, Craigiehall Camp, operated from 1955 until 2014 and housed notable regiments, including The Black Watch, and became the HQ of the 2nd Infantry Division in 2000.
The base was announced for closure in 2011 as part of the Defence Basing Review, with the Army HQ in Scotland merging with the 51st Brigade at Forthside Barracks in Stirling.
Craigiehall Meadows will offer residents a unique combination of historical charm and modern convenience, set within a picturesque environment.
Those interested in the development can register their interest here –
First Minister John Swinney has announced that an innovative bus industry consortium will deliver 252 new zero-emission buses and coaches to Scotland’s roads, backed by Scottish Government investment.
£41.7 million grant funding will support eight operators, led by electric vehicle fleet specialist Zenobē, to deliver the buses along with a Scotland-wide charging network for use by all buses, coaches and HGVs.
The investment completes the second and final round of subsidy from the Scottish Zero Emission Bus Challenge Fund (ScotZEB 2), which brings together businesses from across the bus, energy and financial sectors, and builds upon £113 million the Scottish Government has already invested in zero emission buses and supporting infrastructure.
First Minister John Swinney said: “Supporting zero-carbon buses as a sustainable means of public transport across Scotland will connect communities and open up new economic and social opportunities.
“This investment will deliver 100 new inter-city bus routes and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 600,000 tonnes over the lifetime of the fleet by encouraging more people to swap the car for efficient public transport, which is crucial to reaching net zero by 2045.
“Every £1 from the Scottish Government will leverage £3.20 of private sector investment – demonstrating that our shared decarbonisation goals can be met by working together when it comes to removing carbon emissions from our bus and coach fleets.
“All bus and coach operators, including those operating in smaller towns and communities, will benefit from both the novel approach to financing and the Scotland-wide charging network that will be delivered, helping other modes of transport make the switch to electric vehicles too.”
Steven Meersman, Co-Founder Director of Zenobē said: “We look forward to delivering an additional 252 vehicles and associated charging infrastructure with our consortium partners – this is on top of our existing 110 vehicles in Scotland and alongside our £750 million commitment to battery energy storage systems in the region.
“The consortium brings together family-owned coach companies, well established bus operators, an innovative electric bus start-up and the NHS, showing how private capital can help public funding go the extra mile.”
Policy lead for the Road Haulage Association, Chris Ashley said: “Today’s announcement of additional investment via ScotZEB 2 in the charging network for buses, coaches and HGVs marks another significant step forward as the commercial vehicle sector seeks to reduce its carbon emissions.
“Moving away from fossil fuels requires a change of mindset on how everyone operates. The access to charging infrastructure via ScotZEB 2 is a welcome initiative to help commercial vehicle operators plan the introduction of zero emission vehicles into their fleets.”
£41.7 million grant funding from the ScotZEB 2 Fund will be provided to Zenobē Energy Ltd. who will administer the funds as appropriate amongst consortium members to develop a Scotland-wide charging network for use by all buses, coaches and HGVs.
The successful project is comprised of Ember, NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde, Premier Coaches, McGills Buses, Stagecoach, Hairy Haggis Tours, Maynes Coaches, and D&E Coaches, who will work together to deliver 252 new, zero-emission buses for Scotland, and enable further decarbonisation of road vehicles through the implementation of an accessible charging network.
Zenobe | Discover Zenobe is an EV fleet and grid-scale battery storage specialist, headquartered in the UK. It has around 25% market share of the UK EV bus sector and over 1,200 electric vehicles supported globally. The company is the largest owner and operator of EV buses in the UK, Australia and New Zealand.
As Scotland’s official Team GB Fanzone, St James Quarter is hosting a Festival of Sport to celebrate the 2024 Olympics. From screenings to interactive fitness and competitive classes, the spirit of sport will be all around the Quarter.
Inspired by the Paris 2024 Olympics, St James Quarter will invite guests to ‘get active’ from 26 July—11 August, with a whole host of sporting festivities and special guests, as it launches its ‘Festival of Sport’ right in the heart of the city.
As the official Team GB Fanzone in Scotland, the Quarter will show all the live action from the Olympics in Paris on a giant screen, delivered in partnership with Ocean Outdoor.
Spectators can visit the Fanzone on Level 5 to cheer on their favourite athletes from the comfort of the Quarter’s rooftop bar, with captivating views of Edinburgh’s historic Calton Hill.
The official Team GB mascot Pride the Lion will join in the fun, heading to the Quarter to celebrate with sporting fans on 30th July.
Guests will also have the chance to meet and greet Olympic athletes, with Badminton player Kirsty Gilmour, who is competing in this year’s games, visiting the Fanzone on 7thAugust, and Joel Fearon, who competes in Athletics (Sprint) and Bobsleigh on 8th August.
As part of the two-week-long Festival of Sport, St James Quarter, in partnership with Edinburgh Leisure, is hosting a range of free fitness activities for all guests inspired by the UK’s success at the Olympics.
From Pilates to Body Combat, Hatton Boxing to Musical Theatre Fitness, there’s something for everyone to get into the spirit of the Games, including family-friendly classes.
In addition, with breakdancing making its Olympic debut, B-Boys will ‘pop and lock’ around the Quarter, rocking live battles on Register Square and offering guests the opportunity to give it a spin. There will also be football freestyling exhibitions to wow sporting fans.
Picture – Chris Watt Photography
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During the two-week Festival of Sport, the St James Quarter team, along with invited guests will be gearing up and ‘cycling’ to Paris in the heart of the Galleria, to raise money for the Quarter’s charity partners Health in Mind and Edinburgh Women’s Aid.
Home to over 80 brands from luxury boutiques to high-street stores, plus an enticing mix of restaurants and bars, St James Quarter is the perfect place to shop, dine, play and stay this summer.
Picture – Chris Watt Photography
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To keep up to date with events happening throughout the Quarter, visit the St James Quarter website or download the St James Quarter App.
The projects come from the National Space Innovation Programme (NSIP) – designed to invest in high-potential technologies and drive innovation and growth
Five projects funded by the UK Space Agency across Scotland have been announced on the opening day of the Farnborough International Airshow, providing over £10.5 million in Scottish investment.
The projects come from the National Space Innovation Programme (NSIP) – designed to invest in high-potential technologies and drive innovation and growth in the space sector across the UK.
Two Scottish projects will receive £8.5 million of the total funding for UK Major Projects. These include funding for a sub-orbital rocket test by HyImpulse (Glasgow) from SaxaVord spaceport in Shetland.
A project led by Spire Global (Glasgow) will further develop technology to supply unique weather forecasting data to global numerical weather prediction centres.
Not only will the funding support the growth of UK space businesses and create new jobs, but it will enhance Scotland’s offering of space capabilities and services to international investors and major space players.
An additional three ‘Kick Starter’ projects across Scotland will receive £2.4million between them. These projects are designed to support technologies and applications that are in an earlier stage of development and increase their readiness for use in commercial and scientific endeavours.
These projects include a partnership between University of Strathclyde, UK Atomic Energy Authority and SJE Space, for a feasibility study into whether terrestrial directed energy drilling (plasmas/microwaves) could be adapted for space applications, specifically lunar exploration.
Speaking at the Farnborough International Airshow where he met with a number of Scottish exhibitors, Scottish Secretary Ian Murray said: “This is an exciting time for the Scottish space sector as we look forward to the first satellite launch from SaxaVord in Shetland later this year.
“The burgeoning industry plays a vital role in our economy and employs thousands of people across the country. It was fantastic to meet with some of them here and hear about their pioneering plans which could be a key driver for growth, jobs and investment in Scotland.
“Scotland is a major player in the international space industry and I am delighted the UK Government is continuing to back the sector with £10.9 million in funding for these five Scottish projects.”
Dr Paul Bate, CEO of the UK Space Agency, said: “These new projects will help kickstart growth, create more high-quality jobs, protect our planet and preserve the space environment for future generations.
“They go to the heart of what we want to achieve as a national space agency that supports cutting-edge innovation, spreads opportunity across the UK and delivers the benefits of space back to citizens on Earth.”
Chair of the UKspace trade association, John Hanley, said: “This investment into the space industry demonstrates the importance of funding through a national programme to unlock innovative collaborations in all parts of the UK.
“We hope this will further strengthen the sector and build upon the growth we have seen in recent years.”
This project will set out to conduct a vertical launch of a sounding rocket in the UK with the final goal being the build completion of the second stage of the orbital rocket ready for testing. HyImpulse, in partnership with Cranfield University, Birmingham University and the AVICON Partnership, intends to provide a fully vertically integrated launch service for a low-cost, fast, flexible, and reliable deployment of small satellites to low earth orbits.
Led by Spire Global in partnership with STAR-Dundee Ltd, the Met Office and RAL Space (UKRI STFC), this project will build on the prior developments of the Hyperspectral Microwave Sounder (HYMS) to move it towards an operational mission to supply weather forecasting data to global numerical weather prediction (NWP) centres and create unique weather products.
Kick Starter Projects
DIGGER – Drilling and Integrated GigaHertz-Generated Energy Resource for Lunar and Asteroid applications
Funding: £845,000
In partnership with University of Strathclyde, UK Atomic Energy Authority and SJE Space, DIGGER is a feasibility study into whether terrestrial directed energy drilling (plasmas/microwaves) could be adapted for space applications, specifically lunar exploration.
Direct Detection Receivers for Millimetre Wave Radiometry
Funding: £827,000
Led by UKRI / STFC / RAL Space in partnership with University of Glasgow and Spire Glasgow, the project will develop the critical low noise amplifier and detector technology which will be at the core of the next generation of atmospheric remote sensing instrumentation. This technology will go beyond gathering data for weather prediction, with use cases being developed in emerging fields such as security imaging, and theft prevention.
TARS-IOD: Flight-ready model for In-Orbit Demonstration of Tomorrow’s Astro-Robotic System
Funding: £804,000
Lodestar Space Ltd. will develop a platform-agnostic modular robotic arm to perform contact dependent dynamic space operations. Intended for flight on Momentus’ Vigoride platform, the partnership also involves Growbotics and the University of Glasgow to equip the UK with sovereign capabilities for inspecting, protecting, and repairing vital assets beyond Earth.
Galloway has been confirmed as the proposed location for Scotland’s next National Park with a further investigation to be carried out on its suitability.
The joint proposal from the Galloway National Park Association and the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO biosphere highlights Galloway’s diverse landscapes and stunning coastline, its outstanding biodiversity and rich cultural heritage.
Local residents, communities, businesses and interested parties will be invited to get involved and share their views on whether Galloway should become a new national park and where the boundary for the new park should be drawn.
NatureScot will conduct the public consultation and investigation into whether Galloway should join Loch Lomond and the Trossachs and Cairngorms before submitting its findings to Ministers in April next year.
Rural Affairs Secretary @MairiGougeon announces Galloway as the proposed location for Scotland's new National Park.
NatureScot will conduct a public consultation into whether Galloway should become a new National Park and where the boundary for the new park should be drawn. pic.twitter.com/A4lP4LYn2b
During a visit to Shambellie House within the proposed new park, Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon said: “After carefully considering all of the nominations we received, I am very pleased that we are proposing to create a new National Park for Scotland in Galloway.
“The proposal is community led, has the backing of many local businesses and makes a strong case on the benefits that national park status will bring for people who live in the area, for the local economy and for the environment.
“At this stage it is still a proposal. NatureScot will now lead a consultation with local people, communities and businesses to gauge support and to look at specifics like the proposed boundary, and how it should take account of local circumstances and help to meet the needs of communities.
“We received nominations for new National Parks from some really special places – Lochaber, Loch Awe, Scottish Borders and Tay Forest. I would like to thank everyone who worked so hard on these proposals and all other communities who came together to explore the idea of a new National Park.
“The competition was extremely tough and the bids have clearly shown the outstanding natural and cultural heritage we have in Scotland, as well as people’s ambitions for the rural communities they live in.”
Rob Lucas, Chair of Galloway National Park Association said: “This is fantastic news that the case for Galloway to be proposed as Scotland’s third National Park has been recognised. It would bring transformational economic and environmental benefits to the area and strengthen our local communities.
“We are grateful to the thousands who attended events and shared their views over the last seven years which helped to shape our bid. We look forward to contributing actively to the next important step in the process for putting a National Park at the heart of a sustainable future for Galloway.”
Nature Scot Chair Professor Colin Galbraith said: “NatureScot welcomes the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs’ commission to investigate the proposed location of Galloway for Scotland’s next National Park.
“We are looking forward to the extensive opportunity for consultation this Reporter role demands, building on our experience with Scotland’s first two national parks.
“In preparing our advice, we will consult widely with everyone who has an interest in this special place. We will make a particular effort to meet and listen to people who live and work in the area as it is these voices which will be crucial if Scotland is to establish its third National Park that can deliver a successful partnership for people and nature.”
The Scottish Government has committed to having a new National Park by 2026. Following the investigation by NatureScot, the Scottish Government will take a final decision on National Park status and draw up a designation order for further consultation, before approval by the Scottish Parliament.
