December 2024 – Page 9 – The NEN

Scottish Government unveils 2030 Route map to circular economy

PLAN TO BOOST REUSE AND RECYCLING

Actions aimed at ensuring households and businesses in Scotland boost reuse and recycling rates and cut waste have been published.

The Circular Economy and Waste Route Map sets out 11 priority areas where efforts and resources will be concentrated to support a transition to a circular economy – where resources are kept in use for as long as possible.

They include:

setting new circular economy targets
reducing the amount of food waste produced
developing a model for regional hubs and networks for the reuse of construction materials and assets
improving the provision of recycling and waste services
minimising the carbon impacts of the energy from waste sector

The Route Map is the product of extensive collaboration and engagement with the public, private and third sectors through two consultations since 2022, with consistently high levels of support for the proposals.

The overall recycling rate in Scotland is at its highest level since records began in 2011, and the actions in the Route Map complement provisions in the Circular Economy (Scotland) Act 2024, which was passed unanimously by MSPs in June.

Acting Net Zero Secretary Gillian Martin launched the Route Map at a visit to Grassmarket Community Project in Edinburgh, which upcycles discarded wooden furniture into new items.

She said: “Reusing and recycling materials has a huge role to play in Scotland’s response to tackling the climate crisis.

“We must make the circular option, where we value materials and keep them in use for as long as possible, either in their original form or recycled, an easier choice for Scottish households, businesses and the public sector.

“The Route Map sets out an ambitious plan to help make this a reality and I want to thank all those who have contributed to its development.

“There have been consistently high levels of support for its actions, which promote and support responsible production and consumption, along with the sustainable management of Scotland’s resources – and the final route map will be key to supporting the Scottish Government’s net zero and economic growth goals.”

Helene van der Ploeg, CEO of the Grassmarket Community Project said: “We pride ourselves on our initiatives to repurpose, recycle and reuse through our wood workshop, and Tartan shop. Old furniture, church pews and fallen trees are donated and re-worked into beautiful pieces of furniture or small household items. Leftover tartan from weavers, and donated fabric scraps are handcrafted into beautiful gifts.

“These materials, once considered waste and destined for landfill, are now valuable contributors to the circular economy. Thanks to generous donations, we’re recycling these materials, giving them new purpose, and creating timeless treasures that will be passed down through generations.

“Along the way, we generate income, provide essential skills training for our members (beneficiaries) and volunteers, all of which embodies and reinforces the values of the Route Map and our commitment to the circular economy.”

Read the Circular Economy and Waste Route Map

Summary of priority actions:

* = Relates to provisions in the Circular Economy (Scotland) Act 2024

Publish a Product Stewardship Plan to set out how we will tackle the environmental impact of priority products by 2025/26
Develop an intervention plan to guide long-term work on household food waste reduction behaviour change by 2026/27
*Develop with stakeholders’ effective options to implement mandatory reporting for food waste and surplus by businesses from 2025/26
Support the development of a model for regional Scottish hubs and networks for the reuse of construction materials and assets from 2025-2027
*Facilitate a co-design process for high quality, high performing household recycling and reuse services, 2024 – 2026
Review of compliance with commercial recycling requirements, 2026
Co-design measures to improve commercial waste service provisions, commencing by 2030
Develop a Residual Waste Plan to 2045, by 2027
Facilitate the development of a Sector-Led Plan to minimise the carbon impacts of the energy from waste sector, by 2027
*Develop a circular economy strategy every five years, with first one published in 2026
*Set new circular economy targets by 2027.

North Edinburgh Arts: Heading back home early in 2025

Coming Soon! North Edinburgh Arts is looking forward to returning home early in 2025. Our venue refurbishment and extension is nearly complete and now runs to over 2000 sq m across four floors.

The purpose-built and community owned venue will house a 96 seat theatre, 72 seat café with new welcome desk, 2 wood workshops, 5 multi-purpose studios, 6 artist studios, a music room, 4 offices, a greenhouse, and terrace, all leading out to the well-loved half acre community garden at the rear – also to undergo a makeover in the coming months.

We’re busy working behind the scenes prepping and preparing all the spaces and can’t wait to share more updates with you in the New Year!

Thanks again to our friends at West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre, Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre, and Pilton Youth and Children’s Project (PYCP), amongst others, for hosting our team, our regular programme, and special events for the past 3 years.

Find more festive updates and latest news in our latest e-newsletter at https://mailchi.mp/18beca7e4564/december2024

Visit our website for more information: https://northedinburgharts.co.uk

Serial sex abuser jailed for 16 years

A 35-year-old man has been jailed for 16 years after subjecting numerous women to violent and sexual abuse.

Luke Ford was sentenced yesterday at the High Court in Edinburgh and will also be placed on the Sex Offenders Register.

He is also the first person to be convicted of ‘stealthing’ in Scotland. He told women he was having sex with that he was using a condom when in fact he was deceiving them.

Luke Ford came to the attention of police in June 2020 after officers attended an address in Edinburgh following a report of an assault.

An investigation was subsequently launched with officers discovering Ford had targeted several other women over an extended period.

Through enquiries, officers meticulously built a case against him, and he was arrested and charged in February 2021.

In May 2023 he was convicted at the High Court in Glasgow of numerous offences, including rape, attempted rape, multiple assaults and being in possession of extreme sexual abuse images.

Detective Inspector Steven Gray said: “Ford is a dangerous and manipulative sexual predator. I would like to acknowledge how hard this has been for those involved and to also tell them that their testimonies vastly contributed to Ford being convicted. I hope that knowing he is now behind bars for his crimes helps them continue to move forward with their lives.

“Anyone who has been a victim of sexual assault or abuse should contact us. Please be assured that we will do everything we can to ensure we arrest the perpetrators of such crimes.”

State of the art learning campus opens in Fife

INVESTING IN SCHOOLS AND EDUCATION

First Minister John Swinney has officially opened two new schools in Dunfermline which were supported by £53.4 million of Scottish Government investment.

Based within the new state of the art Dunfermline Learning Campus, St Columba’s RC and Woodmill High School will provide education opportunities from primary school all the way through to college. The campus will also be home to the new Fife College which is expected to open in early 2026.

If the Scottish Parliament votes for the 2025-26 Budget, it will ensure councils share a record funding settlement of more than £15 billion which will help provide vital support for schools and education.

The opening of the two new schools also adds to the proportion of schools in “good” or “satisfactory” condition which has increased from 62.7% in April 2007 to 91.7% in April 2024.

The increasing number of high quality school buildings is supported by the Scottish Government’s £2 billion Learning Estate Investment Programme (LEIP) – delivered in partnership with local authorities. A further nine school projects included in the programme will open in 2025-26.

First Minister John Swinney said: “Investing in our children’s education is one of the most important investments we can make and my government is determined to continue to deliver progress in Education. The pupils of the two schools on the Dunfermline Learning Campus will be learning in state of the art and modern facilities.

“It is my pleasure to officially open the schools within the Dunfermline Learning Campus and to see this fantastic facility come to life which has been supported by over £53 million of Scottish Government investment.

“There is so much to be proud of in Scottish education, with literacy and numeracy at a record high and record numbers of our young people going on to university. Our budget will invest to ensure we can continue this progress.

“That is why I am calling on Parliament to unite behind the Budget and ensure we can drive further improvements in our schools, and deliver for our young people.”

Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said: “The Dunfermline Learning Campus is a key example of the Scottish Government – in partnership with local authorities – delivering for local communities through the £2 billion LEIP. For the pupils attending these schools, this campus will be transformative for their education, for their families and for their future.

“I’m really pleased to see that community initiatives have been a focus during the building period. 814 weeks of apprenticeships have been supported for local young people and more than £56,000 donated to local community groups – putting community and social value at the heart of the campus.”

Mr Swinney attended a rather older ‘learning campus’ earlier this week when he returned to Carrick Knowe, his old primary school in Edinburgh.

Carrick Knowe opened 70 years ago this week and the school has been celebrating that special anniversary by creating an impressive exhibition highlighting key moments in the school’s history. Current pupils also performed a wonderful birthday celebration show – on the very same stage that young John Swinney himself will doubtless have performed as a wee laddie quite a few years ago!

Happy birthday, Carrick Knowe!

Missing woman Santra Saju last seen at Almondvale

POLICE in Edinburgh are continuing to appeal for information to help trace 22-year-old Santra Saju missing from the South Gyle area.

Enquiries have confirmed that Santra was in Asda at Almondvale, Livingston on Friday, 6 December 2024 between 9.10pm and 9.45pm. She had previously been in the Burnvale area of Livingston around 8.30pm the same evening.

Santra is described as 5ft 6 inches, of Indian ethnicity, slim build, with short black hair and was last seen wearing a black jacket with a fur hood.

Inspector Alison Lawrie from Corstorphine Police Station said: “We now know that Santra picked up a black and white shopper style bag from an address in Burnvale on Friday evening, but she did not have it when she entered the supermarket. The bag is distinctive and someone may remember seeing her carrying it.

“We are continuing to review CCTV footage and have released images of Santra from the supermarket in the hope that someone recognises her.

“Extensive enquiries are being carried out in an effort to trace her. If you have any information please contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident number 3390 of Sunday, 15 December 2024.”

Cruden Group delivers 30 tonnes of vital food parcels over five years to support people at Christmas

For the fifth consecutive year, award-winning Scottish housebuilder Cruden has spread festive goodwill by partnering with Trussell, an anti-poverty charity that operates a community of over 1,400 food banks across the UK.

Since 2020, Cruden has made an incredible contribution of over £66,000 and approximately 30 tonnes of food supplies to food banks in the Trussell community, providing vital relief to families and individuals facing hunger and hardship across the UK. These collective efforts have fostered a profound sense of community and care across Scotland during the festive season.

This year, Cruden has continued its notable support by collecting an additional £9,000 in donations and over 6 tonnes of essential supplies, including non-perishable food, toiletries, and festive treats. These provisions were distributed to food banks across Scotland, to support people most in need during the cost-of-living crisis.

These achievements have been made possible through the dedication of Cruden staff, contractors, and partners, who united across six developments and the Central Belt of Scotland to contribute high-priority items identified by local food banks.

Colin Kennedy, Construction Director at Cruden, said: “We’re immensely proud of the impact we’ve made over the past five years in supporting Trussell.

“This year’s contributions are more critical than ever, and we’re deeply grateful to everyone who participated. Together, we’re making a real difference in the lives of families who need it most during the festive season.”

Sophie Carre, Head of Public Engagement at Trussell said: “Thank you to Cruden for supporting Trussell.

“Between March and September this year food banks in Trussell’s UK-wide community distributed more than more than 1.4m emergency food parcels to people facing hardship – this is an increase of 69% over the same period five years ago. More than 500,000 of these parcels were distributed for children.

“Food bank teams are working tirelessly to help people unable to afford the essentials and thanks to the generosity of supporters like Cruden, they can continue to provide vital emergency support in their communities, while we work together to end the need for food banks in the UK. Thank you.”

Scottish Ministerial Code strengthened

Changes increase accountability and transparency

The First Minister has published a new edition of the Scottish Ministerial Code, further strengthening the processes to support transparency, accountability and independent scrutiny.

The new Code includes an enhanced role for Independent Advisers which allows them to initiate investigations into alleged breaches of the Ministerial Code when they feel it is warranted and without a direct referral from the First Minister. If a breach is established, advisers will be able to recommend appropriate sanctions.

In addition, the Advisers will play a role in reviewing the processes in place to manage the annual review of Ministers’ declarations of interest. The Terms of Reference for the Advisers has also published for the first time.

First Minister John Swinney said: “The updated Scottish Ministerial Code, my first as First Minister, contains the most significant changes since 2008.

“The strengthening of the Code gives a clear focus on public service and duty and the enhanced role of the Independent Advisers assures greater scrutiny, transparency and accountability.

“The new Independent Advisers Claire Loftus, Sir John Manzoni and Sir Ernest Ryder will provide invaluable advice and recommendations to me, ensuring Ministers are acting at the very highest standards of integrity and propriety.

“My thanks to former Independent Advisers Lady Elish Angiolini and James Hamilton for their many years of public service.”  

Scottish Ministerial Code 2024 edition: Scottish Ministerial Code: 2024 Edition – gov.scot

Planning permission granted for £4m West Pilton Park redevelopment

GREEN LIGHT FOR WEST PILTON PARK REDEVELOPMENT

West Pilton Park will benefit from over £4M of investment for improvements to access, play, wildlife, planting and recreation.

The park will become a destination and attraction for all within the local area and beyond to access good quality greenspace. Funding has been secured to enable the Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust (ELGT) to procure the services of SLR landscape architects to carry out a redesign in partnership with City of Edinburgh Council.

Following consultation with the local community, planning permission has been granted to enable the project to move to the next step of sourcing a contractor to carry out the work which is due to start in 2025.

The project is being managed by ELGT which aims to reinvigorate the public space, encouraging more people to use the park, which in turn will help improve their health and wellbeing. The development of amenities including new play, skate, and bouldering areas has been welcomed by the local community and will offer local residents the opportunity to use the park more for recreation.

A new community growing space will also allow local people and organisations to participate in community growing activities.

Well-designed, well-maintained, and accessible green space can have a positive impact on public health. Encouraging those who do not currently use the park regularly to do so could make a big difference to everyday lives.

The redevelopment will also help to mitigate against climate change, local flooding, and wildlife loss. This will include the creation of a seasonal wetland area, woodland restoration, meadow creation, and the planting of hundreds more trees across the park. This will provide a boost for wildlife and build climate resilience, as well as providing a visually attractive landscape for people to live their daily lives.

Culture and Communities Convener, Councillor Val Walker, said: “Following consultation with the local community, I’m very excited that the West Pilton Park development will be taking the next steps towards creating a welcoming green space for the community, in partnership with Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust (ELGT).

“We are fortunate to have 144 parks and green spaces across the city and 38 Green Flag Awards – so it’s easy to see why we’re considered the UK’s greenest city.

“Our parks have a positive impact on people’s physical and mental health and wellbeing by providing space for exercise, relaxation, social contact with friends and family, and opportunities for children and young people to play.

“I look forward to seeing the space at West Pilton Park take shape for our community and the development of new play areas and growing opportunities for locals and organisations.”

Chief Executive of Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust, Charlie Cumming, said: “I am delighted with the plans to make improvements to West Pilton Park, with thanks to our funders and the City of Edinburgh Council.

“The new amenities will provide an opportunity to improve the health and wellbeing of local residents as well as helping them to reclaim the park as a welcoming community space.

“The new play facilities will help meet the needs of the local children now and for future generations and will encourage greater use of the park for local families. The local community were at the centre of the consultation process, and it was their responses that ultimately guided the designs.

“Everyone deserves access to modern amenities and it’s important to have high quality greenspaces that people of all ages can enjoy. It also provides an opportunity to reconnect with nature and help to mitigate against climate change and biodiversity loss.

“It has been great for ELGT to lead on this project so far and we look forward to breaking ground soon and delivering this park for the local community.”

Green Projects Manager, North Edinburgh Arts, Valla Moodie said: “We are looking forward to enjoying the rejuvenated park in West Pilton.

“The plans will create an improved space which will be a welcome addition to the quality greenspace across the community, bringing multiple benefits to local people and to local nature.”

Scottish Government to end the use of non-corporate mobile messaging apps

‘Commitment to openness and transparency’

The Scottish Government is to stop the use of mobile messaging apps, including WhatsApp, on official devices following the publication of an externally-led review.

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes welcomed the review of mobile messaging apps and non-corporate technology and confirmed that access to these apps will be removed from government devices in spring 2025.

Updated guidance and training for staff and Ministers will take place ahead of the new policy being implemented.

The review, led by former Channel Islands data protection commissioner Emma Martins, was commissioned in January this year by the then First Minister as part of the Scottish Government’s commitment to improving openness and transparency.

Ms Martins makes 20 recommendations on different areas of corporate governance, including the values of the Scottish Government, learning and development process, recruitment procedures, records management and the use of mobile messaging apps. Improvement work is already underway – including strengthening the Scottish Ministerial Code and refreshing the mobile messaging app policy.

The Deputy First Minister said: “I am very grateful to Emma Martins for her time and insight in conducting her review.

“We have carefully considered the recommendations and we will end the use of mobile messaging applications to conduct government business by spring 2025. At that point, mobile messaging apps will be removed from corporate devices.

“The use of mobile messaging apps increased during the pandemic as staff worked remotely in unprecedented and difficult circumstances. Having reflected on our working practices, we are now implementing changes to the use of mobile messaging apps.

“Ms Martins’ timely review sets out some of the most challenging issues facing all governments. Work has already started to implement recommendations, and we will build on that work to ensure that data management, especially in relation to new technologies, is as robust as possible in order to continue to deliver efficient and effective public services.”

Emma Martins said: “I was pleased to be appointed to conduct this review and I am grateful to the Scottish Government for the open and constructive way in which they have engaged with me throughout.

 “Technologies are changing our lives at home and in the workplace. No organisation can afford to sit back and hope that navigating those changes will come without effort. Values need to be clear, individuals need to engage, and governance needs to be effective.

 “The Scottish Government already understands this and there a number of improvements already in train. It is my sincere hope that the recommendations in this review serve as additional fuel for that important journey.”

Externally-led review into mobile messaging apps and non-corporate devices

BETRAYED: WASPI women fury over Labour Government U-turn

WASPI women WON’T be compensated

Women who say they weren’t given fair notice about a rise in State Pension age will NOT receive compensation, Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall confirmed yesterday.

Angela Madden, chairwoman of Women Against State Pension Inequality (Waspi) said: “The Government has made an unprecedented political choice to ignore the clear recommendations of an independent watchdog which ordered ministers urgently to compensate Waspi women nine months ago.

Waspi campaigner Jan Fulster told BBC Breakfast she feels feels “very let down” by the government. “We’d expected that the government would do the decent thing,” she said.

She adds she was shocked by the decision not to pay compensation because many senior Labour figures had been supportive of the Waspi campaign while in opposition.

“It just feels as if it’s all been a lie,” she says.

WASPI’s response to the Minister’s statement:

“The Government has today made an unprecedented political choice to ignore the clear recommendations of an independent watchdog which ordered ministers urgently to compensate WASPI women nine months ago.

“This is a bizarre and totally unjustified move which will leave everyone asking what the point of an ombudsman is if ministers can simply ignore their decisions. It feels like a decision that would make the likes of Boris Johnson and Donald Trump blush.

“The idea that an ‘action plan’ to avoid such mistakes in future should be the result of a six-year Ombudsman’s investigation is an insult both to the women and to the PHSO process.

“An overwhelming majority of MPs back WASPI’s calls for fair compensation and all options remain on the table.

“Parliament must now seek an alternative mechanism to force this issue on to the order paper so justice can be done.”

UNITE General Secretary Sharon Graham, said: “@GOVUK’s decision not to compensate the @WASPI_Campaign women despite the Ombudsmen’s recommendations is a disgrace.

“Ministers are making the wrong choices – they need to turn back now because voters will not forgive them.”

Labour MP John McDonnell said yesterday: “I am not in Parliament today as I have the flu that’s going round & I am just feeling too ill but having heard of the government’s rejection of any compensation for the Waspi women I believe they will consider this to be a betrayal & I doubt if they will just go away quietly.”

I THINK HE’S RIGHT …