Day: January 9, 2025

Barratt Homes breathes life into former West Lothian hospital site

Barratt Homes East Scotland will soon be welcoming prospective buyers to visit one of the UK’s most iconic redevelopment projects, as homes at Bangour Village, West Lothian launch next month. 

Built on the grounds of former Bangour Hospital outside Livingston, the regeneration of the site is being carried out by a variety of housebuilders, including Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes which will join in May. 

Earlier this year, Ambassador Group finalised the sale of 14.55 acres of land to Barratt Homes for the development of 179 private residences. The first phase of properties will be available to reserve from February 2025 and includes three and four-bed homes. 

These new homes will become part of the larger Bangour Village Estate, an ambitious redevelopment nestled in 215 acres of woodland. In total, the project aims to introduce up to 998 energy-efficient homes that will benefit from excellent transport links to Edinburgh and Glasgow. 

Once completed, the brand-new community will have a range of amenities including a primary school, nursery, playing fields, a commercial hub comprising a supermarket, café/restaurant, and expansive woodland that has been preserved. 

Lorraine Paterson, Sales Director at Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes East Scotland, said: “As locals will know, the Bangour site is cherished within the community for its scenic beauty and rich heritage.

“We’ve taken care at every opportunity when designing and planning quality homes on the grounds, making sure properties reflect the needs of families, couples and individuals, while being inspired by the spacious tranquillity of Bangour.

“By working with Ambassador Group and other housebuilders, we hope to see the site reborn as a place to live and thrive.” 

To find out more about Barratt @ Bangour Village, visit:

https://www.barratthomes.co.uk/new-homes/dev002785-barratt-@-bangour-village/ 

For more information on Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes in the East of Scotland, visit: https://www.barratthomes.co.uk/new-homes/scotland-east/ 

‘Murder on the Midnight Express’ returns to Somewhere by Nico for a limited time only

  • Somewhere by Nico is calling for all detectives as it brings back its sell-out Murder on the Midnight Express cocktail experience, inspired by the classic game of suspense
  • Running for a limited time only, the menu will be available at Somewhere by Nico in Edinburgh at Charlotte Lane from 8th January – to 2nd February 2025
  • 0% alcohol options are also available, providing new ways to enjoy the experience without compromise

Back by popular demand, Murder on the Midnight Express is making its highly anticipated return to Somewhere by Nico in for a limited time only. From 8th January — 2nd February, this thrilling cocktail experience invites guests to step into a world of mystery, inspired by the classic game of suspense.

As the train pulls back into Somewhere by Nico, guests will be immersed into the exhilarating journey to solve the mystery of who shot Gustave Laroche. For £45 per person, the five-course cocktail menu takes participants on a flavourful and intriguing ride, with each sip revealing a new clue.

For those seeking an extra twist, an optional bonus cocktail provides an additional hint to elevate the detective experience.

Perfect for a new year outing with friends or family, Murder on the Midnight Express is an experience like no other – combining captivating storytelling, exceptional cocktails, and an immersive mystery to solve. With 0% alcohol options available, there’s something for everyone at Somewhere by Nico – without compromising on taste.

This limited-time menu will be available at both Somewhere by Nico Edinburgh (39a Charlotte Lane) and Somewhere by Nico Glasgow (358 Byres Road).

Limited-Time Offer
Guests are encouraged to book early to secure their seat in January with a limited-time offer at just £30pp (saving £15pp).

Early bird bookings for can be made here

Whether for a friend, loved one, or a treat for yourself, Murder on the Midnight Express is the perfect gift that provides an unforgettable experience to share.

Nico Simeone, CEO and Founder of Six by Nico, commented: “We’re thrilled to bring back Murder on the Midnight Express to Somewhere by Nico for a limited time. This unique cocktail journey blends mystery, adventure, and creative storytelling to offer our guests an experience that goes beyond just drinks.

“We can’t wait to welcome guests as they put their detective skills to the test and solve the mystery of Gustave Laroche’s murder. With a carefully crafted five-course cocktail journey, plus 0% alcohol options, there’s truly something for everyone to enjoy.”

For more information about Somewhere by Nico and to secure your booking, please visit here

Royston Wardieburn groups and activities resume next week

We hope everyone had a wonderful festive break.

Please note the majority of our groups will start back next week

Please call the centre on 0131 552 5700 if you are unsure.

ELREC: Conscious Weaving Project Community Exhibition

17- 25 January at St Margaret’s House

CONSCIOUS LIVING EXHIBITION

Come to see the work results and shared experiences of our weaving workshops participants!

We have been running community weaving workshops in Leith with aim to support community building with positive impact on mental health and wellbeing.

The exhibition is celebrating the end of ‘The Conscious Weaving’ project, funded by community voting programme Leith Chooses 2024. We want to show the importance of free art community project and share healing impacts of weaving art practice.

Come to see us and the participants on the opening night on 17th of January (Friday) at 6pm at St Margarets House!

Exhibition information:

Address: Gallery Two, St Margarets House, Gallery 2, 151 London Rd, Edinburgh EH7 6AE

Date: 17 – 25/01/2025

Opening Event: 17th January, 6pm – 8pm

St Margarets House opening hours:

mon-fri 9am-9pm

sat 9am-6pm

sun 12pm-5pm

Hope to see you all there!

#ConsciousLiving

#elrec

Corstorphine Community Centre: Tea Dance on Burns Day

SATURDAY 25 JANUARY from 2 – 4pm at CORSTORPHINE ASTORIA CENTRE

Our first Tea Dance of 2025 will take place on Burns Day, Saturday 25th December …

Come and join us with DJ Colin for a Burns boogie and a wee bite to eat.

Tickets go fast and are on sale now from our charity shop.

We look forward to seeing you…

Signs that a child could be a victim of grooming

THE grooming gangs scandal has raised fears among many parents and carers about the safety of children and young people. 

Even as calls grow for a national enquiry, it appears unlikely new measures will be rolled out anytime soon to safeguard those at risk. 

It means parents and carers will be increasingly concerned about the risks children may be left exposed to by groomers preying on the vulnerable.

With this in mind author, counsellor and wellbeing expert Lynn Crilly has issued advice around how to spot the signs of grooming.

Lynn says:  “In a recent survey I did with my thousands Instagram followers 71% of people said they were worried about their children or grandchildren being groomed. These figures show that more needs to be done to raise awareness and educate people on the dark side of the online and real world.

“There are two types of grooming and each case is different, as is the time scale grooming can take place over.”

Outlining the different types of grooming, Lynn continued: “Grooming can take place in person but a groomer can be a total stranger or someone the victim already knows. It might be a family member, friend, or someone at a club they go to. The connection makes it easier and quicker to build up trust.

“Groomers are very good at disguising and being deceitful as to who they really are. They are good at hiding behind a keyboard, where they can take on any identity they desire, making it easier to befriend a child or young adult. The internet has a very dark side to it and this can be infiltrated in text messages, social media networks, emails, voice and video chats, forums, gaming, sadly the list is endless.

The groomers themselves are also very clever at manipulating the child or young person, so it can be really hard to detect and difficult to spot.”

Here, Lynn outlines the signs that might indicate that a child is being groomed:

Secretive behaviour: It could be a red flag if your child starts to become secretive about their online or offline activities. This also includes being protective of their devices including their phones.

Talks a lot about a specific older child or adult: Or they suddenly wants to spend more time with them, maybe meeting them alone.

Inappropriate knowledge: If a child displays knowledge or behaviour that is inappropriate for their age, such as sexualized language or understanding as this indicate exposure to adult situations 

Avoidance of certain people: if a child is ill at ease around certain adults and is not keen to be in their company this should also be explored as to why they do.

Isolating themselves: If a child spends more time alone in their room, or declines invites to be with friends or family, becoming withdrawn and isolated.

Unexplained gifts: Unexplained gifts and presents appearing without any real explanations to where they have come from. They do not want to talk about where they have come from and openly lies about it.

Stop talking to their trusted adult: As the child withdraws from their normal safe, secure everyday life they will also start to not talk to their trusted adult, lie about where they have been and who with so making it harder for the adult to keep track of where they are.

Physical signs: Look for unexplained injuries or changes in physical appearance that may indicate abuse.

Lynn added: “There are many reasons a child or young person can change their behaviour, and in my experience, no one knows their young person better than their parent, grandparent, or a loving carer. 

“So if you think something is amiss, then you are probably right. Please do not leave it, talk to your child and arm yourself with as much knowledge as you can so you can find the appropriate help and support your child or loved one.”

Golden Moment wins World Sports Photography Awards

A photograph of Brazilian Surfer Gabriel Medina, which captures an incredible moment where athlete, spectacle and photographer come together in perfect harmony, has won this year’s World Sports Photography Awards.

The image was taken by Tahiti-based French Photographer Jerome Brouillet on the third day of the Surfing event at the 2024 Olympic Games in Teahupo’o, French Polynesia.

This image is one of 24 winning images across sports categories including American Football, Baseball, Equestrian, Golf, Racquet Sports and Football. More than 2200 professional sports photographers from over 96 countries around the world submitted more than 13000 images to this year’s competition.

The World Sports Photography Awards are the only global awards for sport photography. Entered by the world’s best sports photographers, judged by leading figures from sport, media, photography, brand and creative.

Designed to recognise and celebrates incredible sports images and the photographers who take them. World Sports Photography Awards tell compelling stories of the emotion, passion, athleticism and focus that are at the heart of sport.

Sophie Collins, Chief Marketing Officer at awards sponsor MPB, said: “As a judge and sponsor of the World Sports Photography Awards, I am once again inspired by the extraordinary talent and creativity showcased in this year’s entries.

“Sports photography holds a unique power to freeze dynamic action and evoke profound emotion in a single frame, capturing stories that transcend the boundaries of the playing field. It’s been thrilling to see the innovation and passion from this year’s participants, setting a remarkable standard for the years to come.”

The full gallery of winning images including Top 10s in every sporting category are available to view on the World Sports Photography Awards website.

For more information, visit www.worldsportsphotographyawards.com

St Columba’s talk: In Search of Stories

We are so excited to be welcoming Hanneke Laarhoven to the Hospice next Friday to deliver what promises to be an unmissable talk ‘In search of stories’, examining how patients interact with the arts to make sense of, and help them to tell their story.

Tickets for this event are free, but registration is required!

Secure your place today at https://stcolumbashospice.org.uk/…/palliative-arts-no…

Free school clothing at Gyle Community Space

TUESDAY 14 JANUARY from 10.30 – 2pm

Do your children need some more clothing for school?

January can be a financially difficult month however there is a pop up uniform bank next Tuesday at Gyle Shopping Centre. All the items are free.

This is run in conjunction with @edinburghschooluniformbank

Edinburgh poised to declare Scotland’s first visitor levy

Councillors set to grasp opportunity to introduce a levy that will ‘enhance and improve the city of Edinburgh’

After years of campaigning and engagement – including successfully advocating for a visitor levy to the Scottish Government to bring forward necessary powers – the Council is set to agree the Visitor Levy for Edinburgh scheme this month.

Following support from Councillors in August and the results of a 12-week public consultation, updated officer proposals will be considered by the Policy and Sustainability Committee on Friday, 17 January and by all Councillors at a special meeting on Friday, 24 January.

With over 4,500 responses, the wide-ranging consultation with residents, businesses and visitors reveals most people are aware of and supportive of the Council’s Visitor Levy plans.

Slight adjustments to officer recommendations have been made to reflect the public feedback, including:

  • 5-night cap: Capping Edinburgh’s levy at 5 consecutive nights per person, rather than 7
  • Campsites and caravans: Temporary campsites and parks proposed to be liable for the levy
  • Refunds within 5 working days: for all visitors eligible for national exemptions
  • New transition period: a levy grace period until May 2025 for bookings made for July 2026
  • Admin support for accommodation providers: equalling 2% of visitor levy income

If agreed, Edinburgh’s Visitor Levy charge will start being applied to bookings made on and after 1 May 2025 to stay in overnight accommodation in the city on and after 24 July 2026, representing a significant step forward in securing a new funding stream for the city.

Once established, the levy is expected to raise up to £50 million a year.

Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “This is the moment we have been working towards – a once in a lifetime opportunity to sustain and enhance Edinburgh’s position as one of the most beautiful, enjoyable destinations in the world. 

“With income of up to £50 million expected once it is established, the funding could provide Edinburgh with the single biggest injection of new funding this side of the millennium, providing a unique opportunity to further improve and protect all that makes Edinburgh the incredible destination it is today.

“We’ll be able to use funds to help us manage tourism sustainably and boost projects which benefit the experience of visitors and residents. I’m looking forward to working with Councillors to agree the scheme this month, which will allow further work to be carried out on the details of Edinburgh’s new levy.”

Some businesses have expressed concerns over Edinburgh’s ‘Tourist Tax’ proposals, however.

Fiona Campbell, CEO of the Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers, said: “Given the importance of the tourist economy to the capital, Edinburgh Council cannot afford to be reckless with these plans. The implementation of short-term let licensing was a policy shambles and we cannot have history repeating itself with the visitor levy.

“Many simply don’t realise that this tax won’t just be paid by international visitors but by ordinary Scots staying in the city – be it for business purposes, seeing friends, visiting family in hospital, or taking in the Fringe. 

“Other European cities might have it, but they often charge a small flat rate, don’t charge their own residents, and don’t have a 20% VAT rate. The schemes are not comparable. There is a real risk of undermining Edinburgh’s position as a leading destination. 

“This policy will also disproportionately impact small local accommodation businesses, including self-catering and B&Bs, further increasing the administrative burden. The accumulative regulatory impact could cripple them at a time when recovery is precarious.”

“We also fear that the transitional period is too short. The Council still has a lot of work to do to reassure business that these plans won’t erode the very industry it is supposedly meant to support.”