Ahead of today’s meeting of City of Edinburgh Council’s Policy and Sustainability Committee, the Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers (ASSC) has joined the chorus of industry warnings regarding the operability of the Council’s plans for a tourist tax.
It will also be put to a vote of all councillors next Friday (24th January).
The so-called ‘visitor levy’ – which will be payable by those staying overnight in tourist accommodation, including Scottish residents – is not officially due to start until 24th July 2026. However, affected businesses are expected to start applying the surcharge to advance bookings in May of this year which many have cautioned is operationally impossible.
In recent days, business and tourism stakeholders like the Scottish Tourism Alliance and Federation of Small Businesses have warned of the significant disruption this timeline would likely cause accommodation providers in the capital.
The ASSC joined them in writing to Edinburgh Council and Scottish Government pointing out the insurmountable challenges and calling for a postponement of the implementation period.
Fiona Campbell, CEO of the Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers, commented: ““Edinburgh Council have two choices for their tourist tax – they can be sensible or slapdash.
“A sensible approach involves taking stock and listening to the concerns of the small businesses who will be the ones ultimately responsible for collecting this new tax on both Scots and international visitors.
“However, the timeline is totally unrealistic for operators to start applying the tax to advance bookings in just 15 weeks’ time and risks undermining it before its officially begun. The Council wants to be visionary but this could easily end up as a cautionary tale in how not to do public policy.
“Indeed, the Council’s experience with its flawed short-term let regulations, and subsequent court losses, shows what happens when policy is rushed through without due regard to the consequences. The capital’s small businesses simply cannot afford to repeat the same mistakes with a slapdash approach.
“As the ASSC have said from the outset, if you are going to do this, do it right.“
Focusing on one of the ten themes of Edinburgh 900 celebrations, ‘the City of Leisure’, the exhibition showcases the history of Edinburgh Leisure’s five Victorian pools and the Royal Commonwealth Pool, and the vital role Edinburgh Leisure has played in promoting active lifestyles for the past 26 years and generations before.
The free exhibition can be viewed on the mezzanine level next to the Café at Glenogle and includes a 2005 film by Sitar Rose and Karen Chambers, ‘Liquid Paradise’, which can be viewed by scanning the QR code and captures the unique atmosphere of the Victorian Warrender Swim Centre.
Kerry Teakle, Project Lead for Edinburgh 900 at Edinburgh Leisure said: “We’re delighted to relocate the exhibition to the historic Glenogle Baths, our stunning Victorian facility in the heart of Stockbridge, as it marks its 125th anniversary year.
“This move gives residents and visitors in this vibrant part of the city a chance to experience the exhibition in a truly special setting. We invite you to make an afternoon of it – enjoy a swim and refuel with a coffee and homemade treat at the fabulous Café at Glenogle while exploring the exhibition in this architectural gem.”
Edinburgh Leisure was awarded funding as part of the prestigious Edinburgh 900 celebrations, a landmark initiative commemorating the city’s rich history.
Edinburgh 900 represents almost a millennium of shared history, and the full programme examines how Edinburgh came to be over centuries, from commerce to conflict and from faith to finance. The programme also celebrates Edinburgh in the present day and looks ahead to its future ambitions and aspirations.
Exhibition Details
Opening Times: 7:00 hrs – 21:00 hrs / Exhibition on display until further notice
Location: Glenogle Swim Centre, Glenogle Road, Edinburgh EH3 5JB
Work underway to strengthen response to civil emergencies
Ministers will act on all recommendations relating to Scotland in the UK Covid-19 Inquiry’s report on pandemic resilience and preparedness of the United Kingdom, Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes has announced.
The Module 1 report contained ten recommendations for the four UK nations to improve civil emergency planning and response.
Speaking on publication of the Scottish Government’s formal response, the Deputy First Minister said work was already underway in a number of areas including pandemic planning, improving risk assessment processes and ensuring the availability of reliable health, economic and social data.
In addition a Ministerial Oversight Group, co-chaired by the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care and the Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs, will meet for the first time in the coming weeks to co-ordinate preparedness across Government.
Scotland will also play a full role in the largest ever UK wide pandemic response exercise this Autumn which will be designed to test and strengthen the UK’s preparedness for future pandemics.
Ms Forbes said: “Our deepest sympathies remain with all those who lost loved ones during the pandemic. And it is with those people firmly in mind that we will work to ensure Scotland is in the best possible position to prepare for, respond to and recover from future threats, including pandemics.
“In advance of, and in parallel to, the work of the Scottish and UK Covid-19 Inquiries, the Scottish Government has identified and actioned a number of improvements, including establishing an independent committee to provide expert advice on future pandemic risks and how best to prepare for them. We are also working with the other governments in the UK to deliver exercise plans for UK-wide civil emergencies.
“We know the pandemic greatly impacted the most vulnerable in society. As part of wider work to tackle inequalities, we will improve how we identify, assess and address the potential impacts of civil emergencies on those who need the most protection.
“We are also mindful of other potential emergencies – not least the impact of extreme weather. We will work with counterparts across the four nations and a range of organisations to learn from past events and global best practice.”
RCN report reveals harrowing statements from thousands of nursing staff, showing how widespread the issue is across the UK
Patients dying in corridors, lack of equipment and unsafe practices are the findings of a new RCN report documenting the experiences of more than 5,000 NHS nursing staff.
Almost 7 in 10 (66.8%) respondents to an RCN survey said they’re delivering care in over-crowded or unsuitable places – such as corridors, converted cupboards and even car parks – on a daily basis.
Demoralised nursing staff report caring for as many as 40 patients in a single corridor, unable to access oxygen, cardiac monitors, suction and other lifesaving equipment. They report female patients miscarrying in corridors, while others said they cannot provide adequate or timely CPR to patients having heart attacks.
More than 9 in 10 (90.8%) of those surveyed said patient safety is being compromised.
RCN General Secretary and Chief Executive Professor Nicola Ranger said: “This devastating testimony from frontline nursing staff shows patients are coming to harm every day, forced to endure unsafe treatment in corridors, toilets and even rooms usually reserved for families to visit deceased relatives.
“Vulnerable people are being stripped of their dignity and nursing staff are being denied access to vital lifesaving equipment. We can now categorically say patients are dying in this situation.”
A nurse working in the South East region said: “We’ve had cardiac arrests in the corridor or in cubicles blocked by patients on trolleys in front of them, delaying lifesaving CPR. Despite these ‘never-events’, we still are obliged to deliver care in the corridor.”
More than a quarter of nursing staff surveyed said they weren’t told the corridor they were providing care in was classed as a “temporary escalation space”, as described by the NHS in England.
This means risk protocols and additional measures may not be in place to ease pressures and protect patients.
Nursing staff also report cancer patients being put in corridors and other inappropriate spaces. In the South West region, a nurse said: “It was a cancer patient whose immunity was very low because of her treatment. She should’ve been in a side room. She was very upset and crying. We put screens around her but she was in the path of the staff room and toilet, so it was constantly busy. That poor lady eventually passed away.”
Our report follows a letter sent to the Westminster government and NHS England from an RCN-led coalition, calling on officials to publish how many patients are being cared for in corridors and other inappropriate places.
Nicola added: “The revelations from our wards must now become a moment in time. A moment for bold government action on an NHS which has been neglected for so long. Ministers cannot shirk responsibility and need to recognise that recovering patient care will take new investment, including building a strong nursing workforce.”
Read our full report to discover the extent of corridor care across the UK, as told by our members.
Whenever you see concerning practices in the workplace, including corridor care, raise a concern in line with your employer’s policy. Raising concerns isn’t always easy, but it’s the right thing to do.
Read our guide on how to do this, created to help nursing staff based in both NHS and independent health and care settings.
Figures show that 21 per cent of those killed on Scotland’s roads over a five-year period were not wearing a seatbelt1 and research demonstrates that wearing a seatbelt reduces both fatal and non-fatal injuries in front and back-seat passengers.
Despite this, 11 per cent of drivers admitted to not always wearing a seatbelt in the front or back of the car, while around one in five drivers (18 per cent) said they don’t think it’s important to wear a seatbelt in the back.2
Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop said: “Fastening your seatbelt is one of the simplest actions you can take to protect yourself and others. In a collision, failing to wear a seatbelt can have devastating consequences – not only for the driver and passengers but for your loved ones.
“This campaign serves as an essential reminder to anyone travelling in a car: a seatbelt can mean the difference between life and death and it’s not just you who gets hurt. Make it a habit on every journey.”
The campaign stresses the importance of wearing a seatbelt at all times – regardless of time of day, length of journey, and whether you are driving on busy or quiet roads. It also reminds people that it is a legal requirement to wear a seatbelt while traveling in a taxi or private hire vehicle.
Chief Superintendent Hilary Sloan, Head of Road Policing at Police Scotland, said: “Wearing a seatbelt isn’t optional, it’s the law. Our officers will engage with and educate drivers and passengers on the importance of seatbelts, but we will also continue to take appropriate enforcement action, with those caught not wearing a seatbelt facing a fine up to £500.
“Drivers should also remember they are legally responsible for ensuring passengers under 14 are using their seatbelts, with fines issued for every child not properly restrained.
“The evidence is clear – seatbelts reduce injuries and save lives. Don’t take an unnecessary risk – wear a seatbelt every time you travel.”
The campaign will run across streaming services, cinema, radio, digital and outdoor channels.
Hundreds of creative businesses and projects across the UK are to receive government funding to help them grow as part of a major boost to the economy – marking the first step of the Government’s Sector Plan for the creative industries.
Culture Secretary hosts major economic growth summit in Gateshead for creative industries and announces key priority areas
Marks first step towards delivering Sector Plan, as part of the government’s modern Industrial Strategy
£60 million package of support to drive growth, including £40 million investment for start-up video game studios, British music and film exports and creative businesses outside of London
British Business Bank will increase its support for the sector to help the UK’s Creative Industries realise their full growth potential, while government also launches Soft Power Council to drive investment
Hundreds of creative businesses and projects across the UK are to receive government funding to help them grow as part of a major boost to the economy – marking the first step of the Government’s Sector Plan for the creative industries.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy is bringing together more than 250 creative businesses and cultural leaders at the The Glasshouse International Centre for Music, in Gateshead today. As part of its modern Industrial Strategy, she will set out how the Government will work together with the sector to increase growth and investment, starting with a £60 million package of government support.
This includes investments for start-up video game studios, grassroots music venues and creative businesses to boost British music and film exports, which will facilitate investment and innovation in communities, in turn supporting businesses and employment.
Growth is the number one mission of the Government’s Plan for Change, so we can put more money in people’s pockets. Today’s summit is the first step towards delivering the Creative Industry Sector Plan, as part of the UK’s modern Industrial Strategy. It will set out the enormous growth potential of the sector and where the biggest opportunities are at home and in new markets abroad.
It will identify what key barriers are currently holding back the sector’s growth potential, and government and industry’s shared commitment to overcoming them, laying the groundwork for the publication of the full Creative Industries Sector Plan in the spring.
At the summit, the Culture Secretary will also announce that the priority regions for Creative Industries are the North East, Greater Manchester, Liverpool City Region, West Yorkshire, West Midlands, Greater London, West of England, South Wales, Glasgow, Edinburgh-Dundee corridor, and Belfast.
Alongside this, the Government will provide additional funding, to be agreed as part of the Spending Review, to six Mayoral Combined Authorities (North East, Greater Manchester, Liverpool City Region, West Yorkshire, West Midlands, West of England) . This will maximise the strengths of these areas to deliver growth and builds upon progress to provide an attractive business environment and encourage strong, continued investment in the creative industries for years to come.
As the Government ramps up support for the sector, the Culture Secretary will also announce that we will bring forward changes so that shorter apprenticeships are available from August 2025, recognising the particular needs of the creative industries, as one of our first steps towards a more flexible Growth and Skills Levy. The government is working with industry, including through a Creative Industries Taskforce chaired by Baroness Shriti Vadera and Sir Peter Bazalgette, on the sector plan and there will be more detail and policy announcements made in the months ahead.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: “From film and fashion to music and advertising, our creative industries are truly world-class and play a critical role in helping us deliver on this Government’s mission to drive economic growth in all parts of the UK.
“Our £60 million funding boost will support creative and cultural organisations across the UK to turbocharge growth by transforming local venues, creating jobs, supporting businesses and spreading opportunity across the country.
“But this is by no means the limit of our ambitions, which is why the creative industries are at the heart of the forthcoming Industrial Strategy and will continue to play a key part in this Government’s Plan for Change.”
The Government will create the most attractive business environment to encourage strong, continued investment in the creative industries for years to come. The Government will design the sector plan with business, who have set out the barriers to growth, including skills and access to finance.
The Government will design the sector plan with business, who have set out the barriers to growth, including skills and access to finance. As a result the Government is also making a significant signal of intent ahead of the Spending Review by announcing positive changes to the way the British Business Bank, UK Research and Innovation and skills policy will prioritise the Creative Industries.
The British Business Bank, which supports £17.4 billion of finance to over 64,000 smaller businesses, has committed to increase its support for creative businesses to access the finance they need to grow.
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said: “Our number one mission is to grow the economy and our creative industries are a British success story with a big part to play.
Building on our plans to boost our AI sector, this is another step as we go further and faster to deliver growth so we can put more money in people’s pockets.”
Today’s summit comes as the Culture Secretary and Foreign Secretary David Lammy also confirmed the membership of a new Soft Power Council. The council will act as an advisory board to the UK Government and will bring together soft power and foreign policy experts to champion the UK abroad, and drive investment and growth at home.
Members include former rower and chair of UK Sport Katherine Grainger, former athlete and television presenter Baroness Grey-Thompson and V&A director Tristram Hunt.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy said: “Soft power is fundamental to the UK’s impact and reputation around the world. I am often struck by the enormous love and respect which our music, sport and educational institutions generate on every continent.
“But we have not taken a sufficiently strategic approach to these huge assets as a country. Harnessing soft power effectively can help to build relationships, deepen trust, enhance our security and drive economic growth.
“That is why I have created the Soft Power Council to channel British expertise as we look to re-imagine Britain’s role on the world stage, reinvigorate alliances and forge new partnerships.”
To attendees and those who wished to be kept in touch about conference developments:
Hi,
Thank you for attending the workshop on Saturday or for expressing an interest in campaign developments. We will produce a written report on the conclusions arising out of the discussion at the plenary session of the workshop.
Attached is the agenda for the workshop on Saturday,
One of the key issues to be discussed at the workshop is the City Council’s response to the proposed cut in funding to third sector organisations.
The cut will take effect on 30/6/25. However, we understand that Council action to mitigate the effects of the cuts will be discussed during the Council’s budget setting meeting on 20/2/25.
There may need to be a lobby of the Council meeting.
Regards,
Des Loughney Secretary Edinburgh TUC
EDINBURGH SOCIAL CARE CAMPAIGN – THE WAY FORWARD
Unitecd Augustine Church, George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EL
Workshop Saturday 18th January 2025
AGENDA
Chair: Ian Mullen (UNISON City of Edinburgh Council Branch)
9.30 am – 10.00 am: Tea/ coffee and biscuits.
10.00 am – 11 am. Introduction to workshop
Des Loughney – Secretary, UNITE Edinburgh Not For Profit Branch (1)
Councillor Tim Pogson – Vice Chair of the Edinburgh Integration Joint Board (2)
Denise Ritchie: Fair Work Project Officer, Scottish Trades Union Congress (3)
Linda Sommerville: Deputy General Secretary, Scottish Trades Union Congress. (3)
11am to 12.30pm Working Groups ( two)
12.30 pm to 1.00 pm – Plenary Session and summing up.
Speakers:
Des Loughney will comment on the impact of the proposed EIJB cuts on services and third sector worker terms and conditions. The impact includes compulsory redundancies and downgrading of contracts of employment from guaranteed working weeks to zero hour contracts,
Councillor Tim Pogson will update us on the response of the Council to the proposed EIJB cuts. The City Council is seeking to mitigate the impact of the cuts on the third sector.
Denise Ritchie and Linda Sommervile will brief the workshop on proposed campaigning activity at a local level and a Scottish level.
Police are appealing for information to help trace a missing family in the Edinburgh area.
Bahara Denisa Baci, a 13-year-old girl, Shakira Baci a 7-year-old girl and Umut-yronn Saban, an 11-month-old boy were last seen around 12.30pm yesterday – Thursday, 16 January – in the Captain’s Road area.
All three are understood to be in the company of their mother, Narcisca Baci, aged 28 and their father Serbanica-Ibram Saban aged 32, who are also missing.
Superintendent Murray Tait said: “Our concern for the family is growing and we would urge anyone who has information on their whereabouts to contact police urgently.
“We believe the children and their parents are together but we want to ensure they are safe and well.
“If anyone sees any of the family or knows their whereabouts, please contact Police Scotland urgently on 101, quoting incident number 1380 of 16 January, 2024.”
HealthCare in Mind, a new dedicated service offering private autism, ADHD and mental health assessment treatments and therapies, has launched in Edinburgh to improve access to high quality mental health diagnoses and address the growing wait times for critical mental health support.
With average NHS wait times for autism and ADHD assessments reaching one to two years across the country, HealthCare In Mind provides a much-needed alternative for families and individuals seeking answers and support. The service is now live in Edinburgh and will allow patients to access care instantly through both remote and in-person appointments to suit their needs.
HealthCare in Mind offers a range of mental health services, including fully comprehensive diagnostic assessments for both children and adults, and therapy treatments to manage mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder and mood disorders.
HealthCare In Mind is led by Dr Simon Le Clerc MStJ, and Dr Kate Higham, alongside an expert team of psychiatrists, psychologists and therapists to provide instant access to the highest quality care to those in need.
Dr Simon Le Clerc commented: “Cases of adults and children seeking answers about their mental health, and the way they experience the world have risen dramatically in Edinburgh, and NHS waiting lists are struggling to keep up.
“It is not uncommon for wait times of up to a year for a first appointment for ADHD, autism and mental health assessments, and after assessment there are further waiting lists for accessing therapy treatments to help people manage their conditions.
“By offering private, tailored neurodiversity assessments, we can offer an option to families and individuals in need of a quicker solution. Our ambition for the future is to work with the NHS to support with clearing the waiting lists, but our service is also available for those in need today.”
With Dry January in full swing, many are swapping alcohol for healthier alternatives like protein shakes to support their wellbeing goals. But could your daily shake be secretly sabotaging your oral health?
Nina Gonzero, an oral specialist at Avangart Dental Clinic, warns that some popular protein drinks may harm your teeth and breath more than you realise.
The Hidden Oral Health Risks of Protein Shakes
While protein shakes are praised for their convenience and nutritional benefits, they often contain sugars, acidic ingredients, and artificial sweeteners that can negatively impact oral hygiene. The sugars feed bacteria in the mouth, leading to plaque buildup, tooth decay, and even persistent bad breath.
“People often sip protein shakes throughout the day, unknowingly exposing their teeth to a prolonged acidic environment,” says Nina Gonzero. “This not only weakens enamel but also contributes to dry mouth, which makes bad breath worse.”
Why Your Breath Might Suffer
Protein itself can be a culprit when it comes to bad breath. As the body breaks down protein, it produces sulphur compounds that can linger in the mouth, creating unpleasant odours. Coupled with a lack of hydration and sugary additives, protein shakes can quickly become a double threat to oral health.
Top Tips for Protecting Your Smile While Staying Healthy
Rinse with Water: Drink water immediately after your shake to wash away residues.
Avoid Sugary Shakes: Opt for low-sugar or unsweetened protein powders to reduce bacteria-feeding sugars.
Brush and Floss: Maintain a consistent oral hygiene routine, especially after consuming shakes.
Chew Sugar-Free Gum: This helps stimulate saliva production and neutralise acids in the mouth.
Use a Straw: Minimise contact with teeth by drinking through a straw.
Balancing Wellbeing and Oral Health
As people strive to prioritise health and fitness this January, it’s crucial to maintain a balance that also protects your teeth. “Protein shakes can absolutely fit into a healthy lifestyle,” Gonzero adds. “The key is to be mindful of their effects on oral health and take simple steps to mitigate any risks.”
