Day: March 15, 2025

Alex Cole-Hamilton welcomes former Army HQ transformation

Scottish Lib Dem Leader applauds transformation of popular development

THE LEADER of the Scottish Liberal Democrats has praised the redevelopment of 78 homes at Scotland’s former Army Headquarters, commending ongoing revitalisation efforts.

In a recent visit to the project within his constituency, Mr Cole-Hamilton was invited to tour Craigiehall Meadows, formally Craigiehall Barracks, viewing homes at both the Hillside Road and Riverside areas of the development.

Led by Ralph Sayer and situated on the northwest edge of Edinburgh, the development has attracted strong buyer interest, with more than half of the first phase already sold.

Mr Cole-Hamilton, MSP for Edinburgh Western said; “One thing that’s absolutely vital is new housing, but it’s intelligent new housing that we need. 

“In West Edinburgh, we’ve had our fill of a proliferation of new housing developments and without much thought from developers about what that means for schools or roads or health infrastructure. 

“What I love about the Craigiehall Meadows development is that they are lovingly restoring 1960s housing to the highest specification possible, so that they’ll have a new lease of life where families will enjoy them for decades to come.

“So, it’s been a great privilege to visit to see these houses come on in the way they are, and I’m really grateful for the opportunity.”

Hillside Road introduces a range of affordable homes, ideal for first-time buyers, downsizers, and buy-to-let investors, while Riverside and Primrose will feature spacious, high-spec family residences.

The Riverside area of the development is set to feature a mix of 21 four-bedroom and six five-bedroom detached homes, all designed with modern living in mind and offering private driveways, off-street parking, and garages.

Finally, Primrose, will comprise of eight five-bedroom detached homes, each benefiting from generous plots, dedicated parking, and secure garage space.

Tzana Webster, Head of Estate Agency at Ralph Sayer said: “Our team has been in regular contact with Mr. Cole-Hamilton, so it was a pleasure to finally welcome him on-site and showcase the progress we’ve made in breathing new life into these homes for future residents.

“With new homeowners now settling into Hillside Road, we expect this phase of the development to be fully sold out by the end of the quarter.

“As we move into the next stage, our focus is on finalising the show homes at Riverside and Primrose, preparing them for viewings.

“Given the incredible demand we’ve already experienced, we’re confident these homes will be just as sought after, if not more, than those at Hillside Road.”

Located by the River Almond and set within mature woodlands, the site enjoys a prime semi-rural setting while maintaining strong connections to sought-after areas like Cammo, Cramond, and Dalmeny.

Originally established in 1939 to house military families, the development played a key role in the 1945 German surrender in Norway and later served as the Scottish Army HQ, home to regiments such as The Black Watch until its closure in 2014.

Blending contemporary living with a rich heritage, Craigiehall Meadows offers a rare opportunity to enjoy natural surroundings with convenient city access.

Those interested in the development can register their interest here – https://www.craigiehall-meadows.co.uk/

Viewings are now open and those interested can contact Ralph Sayer on 0131 225 5567 | property@ralphsayer.com to book in a viewing appointment for the 2 Bedroom Juniper or the 3 Bedroom Poplar. 

Bookings are strictly by appointment only.

More support for Scottish universities

Further £10 million for Scottish Funding Council to support the university sector

Additional support is to be made available through the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) to support universities facing financial challenges.

Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said an additional £10 million will be provided to the SFC to support higher education institutions such as the University of Dundee as they navigate current financial challenges.

It brings total additional support for the sector from the Scottish Government to £25 million, on top of the £1.1 billion in the 2025-26 budget for university teaching and research.

The Scottish Government will convene a range of expertise from across the higher education sector, government, and Dundee City Region to support the University of Dundee while it develops its Financial Recovery Plan. This is in addition to work already underway by the SFC, which engages closely with universities on financial sustainability.

Ms Gilruth said: “The Scottish Government is providing an additional £10 million support package to assist universities such as Dundee with navigating immediate financial challenges. This is on top of the £15 million of extra support previously announced for the sector in February.

“Ministers have held further meetings with the University of Dundee, unions and the Scottish Funding Council this week, building on the extensive engagement that has already taken place with the institution since financial issues came to light.

“Both the Higher Education Minister and I have conveyed our deep concern at the level of job losses currently being discussed at the University. While the University is an autonomous institution, it is our clear expectation that the University’s leadership works with us, and engages fully with staff and trade unions, to explore all options to protect jobs.

“Work will continue in the coming days to convene the right range of expertise from across government, the sector, and the wider city region to support the institution as it continues to develop its Financial Recovery Plan.

“Scotland’s universities play a pivotal role in the economy and wider society, and they must be supported to thrive into the future. This support package is another clear sign of the Scottish Government’s commitment to support the sector with financial challenges – challenges which have been compounded by UK Government policies on migration and employer National Insurance contributions.” 

Chief Executive of Scottish Funding Council Francesca Osowska said: “We welcome Scottish Ministers’ continued commitment to the tertiary sector and confirmation of this additional funding.

“Recognising the particular challenges facing the University of Dundee, we look forward to engaging with a wide range of partners to secure its continued success as a world-renowned University delivering excellent outcomes for learners and researchers and contributing to economic growth and social wellbeing.”

The additional £10 million capital funding has been identified from within the education portfolio.

Green, growing and successful?

EDINBURGH by NUMBERS 2024 REPORT PUBLISHED

Edinburgh remains one of the most prosperous and green places to live in the UK, according to findings collated by the City of Edinburgh Council. 

The 18th annual Edinburgh by Numbers is based on data from a variety of sources including the ONS, National Records of Scotland and the Scottish Household Survey.

Looked at together, the figures reveal that residents in the Scottish capital are 1.5 times more likely to take up cycling and running – with most (74%) able to enjoy local green spaces within a five minute walk from home.

With 144 parks making up almost half of the city (49%), 92% of people surveyed are satisfied with local green spaces and Edinburgh has almost halved greenhouse gas emissions over the last decade (by 40.9% since 2012).

Highlighting the city’s economic resilience, Edinburgh has retained its position as the UK’s most economically productive city outside of London with some of the highest wages, skilled workers and employment.

Tourism continues to recover from the pandemic, with hotel occupancy rates at their highest in 6 years (81.4%) and 5 million visitors staying overnight in Edinburgh, and air and travel also rebounding.

The city is growing almost three times faster than the rest of Scotland and house prices are valued at the highest in the country. In 10 years, our population has grown by 8.4% to 523,250 people but for the first time, fewer babies are being born.

Further statistics reveal:  

  • Edinburgh’s weather is changing, with April to June now the wettest months
  • Finance leads Edinburgh’s local economy, generating £7.2 billion – that’s as much as the next three largest sectors combined
  • Satisfaction with public transport is very high at 86% of those surveyed, well above Scotland’s 64% average
  • There are more university students in Edinburgh than school pupils (together, they make up 161,000 of the population)
  • 75.8% of workers have a degree, which is far higher than other UK cities
  • Audiences are eager to return to top rated visitor attractions and events with visitors flocking to Edinburgh Castle (1.9m visitors) the National Museum of Scotland (2.19 million visitors) and the festivals (4.59 million in person and online attendees).

Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “This edition of Edinburgh by Numbers reminds us of the strength and success of our capital city, which continues to punch far above its weight as a place to live, work, invest in and visit.

“Thanks to our fantastic parks and air quality, ‘Auld Reekie’ is no more. We’re leading the way in climate consciousness and outdoor living – with the data pointing to more of us cycling and running, high satisfaction rates with public transport and positive scores for wellbeing.

“We know that the results of Edinburgh by Numbers are hotly anticipated by professionals from across the tourism sector at home and abroad, and the outlook for hospitality is healthy – people are flocking back to the city’s main attractions and festivals and 5 million visitors are staying overnight. That’s 40% of Scotland’s total overnight tourism with hotel occupancy rates their highest in six years (81.4%).

“So, we’re getting outdoors and we’re enjoying our city and, in this report, there is much to celebrate. That said, these numbers also speak to the challenges Edinburgh faces. Drawn by good jobs and a good quality of life, migration means our population is growing three times faster than other Scottish cities. We’re living longer, but the birth rate has dropped. Many residents are struggling with the cost of living – meaning poverty and homelessness remain two of the biggest challenges of our time

“All of this leads to unprecedented demand for homes and public services. Initiatives such as our affordable housebuilding programme, Visitor Levy, climate adaptation and better connectivity around the city will give us more resources and solutions for sustainably managing Edinburgh’s continued economic success and growth.”

Denise Hamilton, Head of Communications at Cycling Scotland, commented: “It’s really encouraging to see 68% of short trips now being made on foot or by bike in Edinburgh. New dedicated cycle routes, like the City Centre West to East Link and Leith Walk, are showing big increases in the proportion of journeys being cycled, compared with other transport.  

“As Edinburgh continues to build its planned citywide network of safe, on-street cycle lanes, it’s likely more and more people will choose to get around by bike and benefit from being active, saving money and getting to their destination quickly. And everyone living in or visiting Edinburgh can enjoy cleaner air and less congestion.”

Edinburgh_by_Numbers_2024Download

 

Starmer: ‘The ball is in Russia’s court, Putin must stop delaying tactics’

The ‘Coalition of the Willing’ will meet today as world leaders drive forward action to support a just and enduring peace for Ukraine

  • Prime Minister Keir Starmer to host around 25 leaders for virtual call in further push for peace
  • Comes as President Putin tries to play games with President Trump’s peace plan
  • Keir Starmer will say countries need to strain every sinew to further ramp up economic pressure on Russia and force Putin into negotiations

The ‘Coalition of the Willing’ will meet today as world leaders drive forward action to support a just and enduring peace for Ukraine.

Around 25 countries, including European partners, the EU Commission, NATO, Canada, Ukraine, Australia and New Zealand are expected to join the virtual meeting tomorrow morning. 

The Prime Minister will tell leaders that now is the time for concrete commitments as President Putin tries to play pointless games with President Trump’s peace plan.

He will say that countries need to ratchet up economic pressure on Russia, to force Putin into negotiations, in the short term and be prepared to support a just and enduring peace in Ukraine over the long term and continue to ramp up our military support to Ukraine to defend themselves against increasing Russian attacks.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “We can’t allow President Putin to play games with President Trump’s deal. The Kremlin’s complete disregard for President Trump’s ceasefire proposal only serves to demonstrate that Putin is not serious about peace.

“If Russia finally comes to the table, then we must be ready to monitor a ceasefire to ensure it is a serious, and enduring peace, if they don’t, then we need to strain every sinew to ramp up economic pressure on Russia to secure an end to this war. 

“Putin is trying to delay, saying there must be a painstaking study before a ceasefire can take place, but the world needs to see action, not a study or empty words and pointless conditions. 

“My message to the Kremlin could not be clearer: stop the barbaric attacks on Ukraine, once and for all, and agree to a ceasefire now.

“Until then we will keep working around the clock to deliver peace.”

The call is expected to delve further into how countries plan to contribute to the Coalition of the Willing, ahead of a military planning session being held next week.

During the session tomorrow morning, leaders are expected to receive an update on progress made at a Chiefs of Defence meeting held in Paris on Tuesday, and updates from countries on efforts to unlock further military aid for Ukraine. The Prime Minister will also pay tribute to the collective European efforts to step up.

The call follows a week of intensive diplomacy by UK ministers after the Defence Secretary travelled to Paris to meet counterparts from Germany, France, Poland and Italy, and the Foreign Secretary travelled to Canada for G7 Foreign Ministers.

It also follows the Prime Minister’s Lancaster House Summit held a fortnight ago, where he again made clear that we must protect our country in a dangerous new era, and deliver on the foundation of security in the government’s Plan for Change.

The government has already accelerated that work, announcing an increase in defence spending to 2.5% of GDP from 2027, with an ambition to reach 3% in the next parliament.