Day: April 5, 2025

Scotmid Co-op signs landmark green energy deal to power Edinburgh trading sites

Five co-operative independent society members (ISMs) – Scotmid Co-op, Lincolnshire Co-op, East of England Co-op, Southern Co-op and Central Co-op, who led on the deal – have signed a landmark 10-year corporate power purchase agreement (CPPA) with RWE, the UK’s largest power generator and a global leader in renewable energy, to supply electricity from renewable energy sources to over 400 locations across the UK.

Scotmid has committed to the agreement, which will see around 280 sites including Scotmid stores, Semichem retail outlets and Scotmid Funerals, including those in Edinburgh, supplied by the green energy source.

Starting the 1st of April 2025, the long-term contract will provide up to 53 gigawatt hours (GWh) of green electricity per year, enough to power over 400 retail stores, funeral homes, travel agents and more. Sourced from the London Array offshore wind farm in the outer Thames Estuary, this agreement will see significant savings for the five co-operatives throughout the lifetime of the CPPA. Scotmid has pledged that 50,000 Megawatts of its energy will come from the deal.

This pioneering agreement was made possible with the help of Inspired PLC, the UK’s leading energy and sustainability advisor, who negotiated the CPPA, and Shoosmiths LLP, who led the legal negotiations.Notably, this deal was executed in just three months, less than half the usual timeframe, demonstrating the expertise and efficiency of the partnerships involved.

This agreement is a significant milestone in the co-operative movement’s journey towards sustainability. By securing long-term renewable energy, these five independent co-operatives are not only reducing their carbon footprint but also reinforcing their commitment to ethical business practices and environmental responsibility.

Olaf Lubenow, Head of Commodity Solutions UK, North & South Europe of RWE Supply & Trading, said: “We are pleased to support these five independent co-ops in their ambitious climate protection targets.

“This agreement shows how our clean energy solutions contribute to climate protection in all areas of the economy and ensure cost control by securing a long-term power price.”

Craig Strachan, Chief Financial Officer at Scotmid Co-op, said: “At Scotmid, we are proud to join forces with other co-operatives through this innovative Corporate Power Purchase Agreement.

“This collaboration not only strengthens our commitment to sustainability but also ensures we are securing reliable, clean energy at predictable rates for the long-term benefit of our members and communities.

“By working together, we are not only taking meaningful steps towards reducing our carbon footprint but also contributing to the UK’s collective efforts to reach net-zero. This agreement exemplifies the power of co-operation and collective action in driving real change for a sustainable future.”

Karen Hosking, PPA Manager at Inspired, said of the project: “We have facilitated a unique collective Corporate Power Purchase Agreement (CPPA), bringing together multiple parties to achieve a common goal.

“Typically, such projects take 18 months, but we accelerated execution to just three months, seizing market opportunities—which is a real achievement within our industry.

“By investing in this existing renewable asset, the ISMs secure traceable renewable energy on a long-term basis, support their sustainability targets, and contribute towards the UK’s net-zero journey.”

London Array is operated by RWE and owned by a consortium of four partners: RWE (30%), Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec, Greencoat UK Wind PLC, and Masdar Energy UK Limited. It has 175 wind turbines and an installed capacity of 630 Megawatts. From the time of its fully commissioning in 2013 until September 2018, it was the largest offshore wind farm in the world.

Inspired PLC provides market-leading commercial energy and sustainability advisory services to help clients achieve net-zero and thrive in the future low-carbon global economy.

David Cockshott, Chief Commercial Officer at Inspired, added: “Inspired is proud to have built a long-standing partnership with ISM Co-operatives as their dedicated energy consultant. Together, we are committed to driving sustainability and transforming the lives of their members and local communities.

“Our comprehensive energy management services, including flexible energy buying, invoice validation and data management, alongside supporting with compliance, are helping various ISM Co-operatives work towards their ambitious net-zero goals.

“By working together swiftly and effectively, we’ve achieved something monumental that will help each Co-operative take a significant step forward in their carbon reduction journey.”

Shoosmiths LLP, a leading law firm with 1,500+ colleagues across fourteen locations, provided the legal counsel for thenegotiations.

Head of Shoosmiths’ E&I sector and PPA specialist, James Wood-Robertson said: “It has been a privilege to support this group of independent Co-ops as they take this significant step towards running clean, sustainable operations across hundreds of stores.

“Our firm is committed to helping our clients navigate the shift towards renewable energy and we are thrilled to able to use our expertise in CPPAs to move the dial forward for businesses like these cooperatives that shape our community.”

For over 180 years, co-operatives have championed ethical business, community ownership and sustainability, following the co-operative values and principles that guide their operations. This landmark renewable energy deal reinforces the co-operative movement’s long-standing commitment to fairness, environmental responsibility and collective action.

The United Nations has declared 2025 as the International Year of Co-operatives. This agreement highlights how co-operatives continue to lead by example in tackling global challenges like climate change. By working together, these co-op societies are securing sustainable energy solutions that will benefit their members, customers and communities for years to come.

As the world transitions towards a low-carbon economy, this collaboration sets a precedent for how businesses can work together to drive meaningful change.

Thrill seekers urged to climb the Kelpies and support Children First

Children First, Scotland’s national children’s charity, is calling on thrill seekers across Edinburgh and the Lothians to take on the challenge of a lifetime by climbing the world’s largest equine sculptures on 7 June.

The charity is asking people to take part in a unique adventure and raise funds to give children across Scotland hope and a safer, brighter future.

The exciting feat, which is only open to people raising funds for charities, involves climbing up inside the Kelpies through a maze of ladders, cables and suspended platforms before reaching the top and enjoying the view right from the horse’s mouth.

After conquering the Kelpies, participants will then free hang abseil or descend via the quick flight rope drop back down to the ground.

Among the brave participants is Children First’s chief executive, Mary Glasgow. She said: “Climbing the iconic Kelpies will be an experience like no other and I hope you will join me in taking on this exciting and memorable challenge.

“Every day our teams at Children First hear from children who are coming to us distressed and at risk of serious harm. Each year we provide practical, emotional and financial support to thousands of children and families across Scotland through our national support line and in their homes, schools and communities.

“Together we can give children the help they need to enjoy a safer brighter future.”

Anyone who wishes to sign up to the Kelpie’s Challenge and support Children First can visit childrenfirst.org.uk or call 0345 10 80 111.

History of Scotland’s gardens explored in new exhibition

‘Seeds of Time: Scottish Gardens 1600 to present day’ is a brand-new exhibition opening tomorrow (Saturday 5 April 2025) at Stanley Mills in Perthshire. 

Using material from Historic Environment Scotland’s archives, the exhibition explores the history of gardens in Scotland, delving into what they can tell us about the people who grew them and the world they lived in.

Gardens and green spaces are an important part of life for people in Scotland, providing places in which to relax and reconnect with nature, as well as serving more practical purposes such as spaces to grow food in. Gardens can also offer a window into the past, revealing stories of the people who used and shaped them.

Claire Whitbread, Exhibitions Manager at Historic Environment Scotland, said: “When thinking about our built heritage, castles, buildings and monuments may first come to mind, but our gardens are also a part of that history and provide a sort of living time capsule.

“These green spaces can show us so much about our past, from the grand designs of the aristocracy and the role of empire in revolutionising plant diversity at home, to the vital role city allotments have played in feeding the nation.

“We’re thrilled to welcome visitors to explore this exhibition which aims to show what we can learn from the gardens of our past and what we can take from those that continue to grow around us into the future.”

‘Seeds of Time: Scottish Gardens 1600 to present day’ is on at Stanley Mills from Saturday 5 April 2025 to Sunday 29 June 2025.

Entry to the exhibition is included with admission to the site. Tickets can be booked in advance. Entry is free for Historic Scotland members.

For more information and to book tickets, visit  historicenvironment.scot/whats-on. /

The exhibition is only accessible via a staircase.

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo showcases The Best Of Scotland in Washington DC And New York City

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo visited New York City and Washington DC to celebrate Scottish heritage during Tartan Week and performed for the first time at the Washington Tattoo.

Thirty performers from The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo including Pipers, Drummers, Fiddle players and Highland Dancers have accompanied the Secretary of State for Scotland, Ian Murray, on his visit to the United States.

They kicked off with a performance at Washington’s iconic Capitol building to mark the beginning of Tartan Week.

In the 75th Anniversary year, the Tattoo is playing a key role in promoting the rich culture of Scotland in America and on an international stage.

Jason Barrett, Chief Executive of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, said: “In our 75th year, we are absolutely thrilled to be taking the Tattoo state side for some small-scale performances and strengthen partnerships with key stakeholders within the US.

“Working with The Washington Tattoo and organisers of New York Tartan Week, our performers are excited to perform alongside some of those US performers we’ve welcomed to Edinburgh over the years.

“In partnership with VisitScotland and Brand Scotland, we’re honoured to be able to represent Scotland. It’s so important for us to highlight Scottish and military tradition around the globe and encourage those across the pond to come and see the Tattoo in Edinburgh for themselves.”

Alan Lane, Creative Director of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, said: “We’ve travelled with thirty of our Tattoo Performers to take their talent on tour to Washington and New York.

“The opportunity for our performers to collaborate with such a variety of musicians in America, whilst showcasing the rich Scottish heritage, is one we’re all really excited about.

“It’s great to spread the word of the Tattoo across the globe in our 75th year, and the brilliant performance company on this trip is but a fraction of the power of the full-scale Tattoo production people can see this August on the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade.”

1 in 3 Scotland vets report seeing illegally imported puppies last year

BVA CALLS ON GOVERNMENT TO ACT

More than 30 percent (around 1 in 3) small animal vets in Scotland saw puppies they believe to have been imported illegally into the country in the last year, according to the British Veterinary Association (BVA).

With increased concerns around the risk to public health from imported diseases such as rabies, BVA calls on the UK Government to urgently put a stop to unlawful puppy smuggling by progressing the Animal Welfare (Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Bill through Parliament and into law without any further delay.  

The call comes on the heels of a roundtable in Parliament, hosted by vet and MP Danny Chambers to highlight the potential impact of this legislation, which would introduce crucial measures to clamp down on puppy smuggling, ban the import of pets with illegal mutilations like cropped ears, and secure public health by preventing diseases such as rabies from being imported into the country.   

The Bill, which passed its second reading in the Commons in November, has been awaiting a date for the committee stage since then.  

Data from BVA’s Voice of the Veterinary Profession survey revealed that French bulldog puppies were by far the most common breed vets across the UK reported concerns about, with just under half (48%) of vets who had seen suspicious puppies referring to this breed. 

The biggest source of suspicion that these dogs may have been imported illegally was the client’s explanation of how or where the puppy was acquired (79% of vets said this). Half of vets who had seen illegal pups (52%) suspected they had been imported illegally because the puppies were too young to have been imported but they had been told they came from abroad.

A third of vets (33%) had suspicions because they found foreign microchips in puppies that were too young to have been imported legally, and a similar proportion (30%) had seen puppies whose age didn’t match the information on the passport.  

British Veterinary Association President Dr. Elizabeth Mullineaux said: “These new figures from our members who work in small animal practice show that puppy smugglers are continuing to use unscrupulous methods to bring puppies into the country and duping new owners into buying sick or poorly socialised pets.  

“Illegally imported puppies have often been poorly bred, without the correct vaccinations or necessary health checks needed, which can result in life-threatening illnesses for the pups and heartache for their new owners. 

“In the last few years, we have seen measures to stop puppy smuggling come close to becoming law but disappointingly failing to cross the line. We’re urging Government to progress vet and MP Danny Chambers’ Bill, which has broad support from vets, animal welfare charities, parliamentarians and the general public, into law in this parliamentary session.” 

BVA is calling on the public and its members to write to their local MP, urging them to support the Bill at every opportunity.  

The template letter and more information about BVA’s campaign against puppy smuggling is available at: https://www.bva.co.uk/take-action/pet-imports/  

Greeting Card Association awaits government response as its Royal Mail petition surpasses 10,000 signatures

  • The Greeting Card Association-backed petition calling for MPs to scrutinise changes to the postal service has reached 10,000 signatures – crossing the threshold which mandates a response from government.
  • Milestone reached as Ofcom consultation deadline on reforms looms and Royal Mail raises stamp prices again on Monday 7 April

The Greeting Card Association’s campaign to keep the Royal Mail service reliable, national and affordable, has received a significant boost as its parliamentary petition reached 10,000 signatures.

Despite Royal Mail’s claims that it should be allowed to reduce second class postal deliveries to as few as two days per week and cut Saturday deliveries altogether, over 10,000 UK voters have now joined the GCA’s call for proper parliamentary scrutiny of any proposed changes.

This petition, which also calls on MPs to regulate the price of first-class mail and mandate the Royal Mail meet existing delivery targets before changing the Universal Service Obligation (USO), now must receive a formal response from the government.

And the crossing of the 10,000-signature threshold is timely – the Royal Mail’s regulator Ofcom is currently consulting on those proposed changes setting a 10 April deadline for responses but has made it clear it can make changes to the USO without any involvement from MPs[1].

That’s why the GCA has also today stepped up its social media campaign with a new hard-hitting series of posts at https://www.instagram.com/share/p/BAWEWRMpDm.

The posts highlight the concern caused by the current uncertainty over Royal Mail’s ownership and the threat to the price and reliability of the postal service if they are allowed to dilute the service.

Royal Mail has failed to meet delivery commitments outlined in the current USO since 2022 but has consistently raised prices.  A first-class stamp is now 75 per cent more expensive than three years ago offsetting the £15m-plus fines levied by Ofcom on Royal Mail for missed delivery targets.

The cost of a first-class stamp price is up a staggering 170 per cent over the last decade, and the price rise that takes effect on Monday (7 April) when the price rises to £1.70, will be the sixth in under three years.

GCA members believe the proposed weaking of the USO will lead small businesses and consumers to rely on an increasingly unaffordable, uncapped and unregulated first-class service to ensure cards and important letters are delivered on time.

The GCA, which represents over 500 publishers, retailers, agents, specialist suppliers and distributors that make up an industry worth over £1.5bn to the UK economy now awaits the government’s official response to its petition.

Amanda Fergusson, chief executive of the GCA said: “Our members are deeply concerned that they’re being railroaded into accepting reforms that will make the Royal Mail service they depend on, less reliable and affordable.

“We now look forward to receiving a formal government response to their petition.

“We know a postal service that’s a mere shadow of the service Royal Mail should be delivering, will cause real damage to small businesses, consumers, high streets and communities.”

Petition

The petition can be accessed at https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/701850 or via the QR Code.

It calls on the Government to amend legislation to require parliamentary scrutiny of any change to the Royal Mail’s Universal Service Obligation (USO).

It also asks the government to insist any changes to the USO are dependent on:

  • Royal Mail meeting existing performance delivery targets for letters and cards
  • New regulation for the price of first-class mail to avoid further above-inflation rises and
  • Royal Mail maintaining a national, affordable, and reliable postal service that supports high streets and communities across the UK.

Appeal to trace Edinburgh man reported missing 

*** UPDATE: SEAN HAS BEEN FOUND ***

POLICE are asking for the help of the public to trace a 26-year-old man reported missing from Edinburgh.

Sean Scott was last seen around 5am on Saturday, 5 April, in the Niddrie area and concerns are growing for his welfare.

He is described as white, around 5ft 5ins, of medium build with a shaved head. He is believed to be wearing a blue jacket.

Inspector Richard Homewood said: “We want to make sure Sean is safe and well. He is known to travel around Edinburgh and also to Musselburgh. We are asking people to look out for him.

“Anyone who has seen Sean or who knows where he might be is asked to contact police as soon as possible.”

If you can help please call Police Scotland on 101, quoting reference number 0792 of Saturday, 5 April, 2025.

Internal Market Act ‘must be repealed’

Deputy First Minister urges UK Government to restore Scottish Parliament’s full powers

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes has urged the UK Government to “restore the democratic voice of the Scottish Parliament” by repealing the Internal Market Act and providing full restoration of powers that were removed by the previous UK administration. 

A Scottish Government Position Paper on the Internal Market Act 2020 published today says the Act should be repealed and replaced with a system built around the Common Frameworks approach and agreed by all devolved administrations and the UK Government.

Two votes in the Scottish Parliament, in October 2023 and February 2025, have called for the full restoration of the powers of the Scottish Parliament but have been ignored.

The new paper comes as the consultation period for the UK Government’s statutory review of the Internal Market Act concludes. The UK Government specifically ruled out repealing the Act before its consultation began. 

Ms Forbes said: “The Scottish Government’s position is clear, we must see the full restoration of the powers of the Scottish Parliament. The Internal Market Act should be repealed and the UK Government must work with the devolved governments to deliver an agreed and workable alternative.

“The Act was imposed by the previous UK Government without the consent of any devolved legislature. It remains the single greatest impediment to more effective and respectful intergovernmental relations.

“Neither the Scottish Parliament nor any of the other devolved legislatures gave their consent to the Act. It has introduced radical uncertainty as to the effect of devolved laws, effectively introducing a far-reaching and unpredictable new constraint on the powers of the Scottish Parliament.

“It also provides UK Ministers with an open-ended power effectively to nullify laws passed by a democratically elected – and accountable – legislature.

“It is deeply regrettable that the UK Government explicitly ruled out repealing the Internal Market Act before it began the review process and consultation but this new paper offers them an opportunity to work with the Scottish Government to restore the democratic voice of the Scottish Parliament.”

Scottish Government Position Paper on the Internal Market Act 2020

Pipe band returns to New York Tartan Day parade

The world-famous parade celebrating the USA’s links with Scotland will feature Fettes College’s pipe band for the first time in a generation.

28 members of the pipe band and their instructors will be performing in New York’s annual Tartan Day parade on 5 April along Sixth Avenue. Old Fettesians (OFs) living in the city have also been invited to join them, together with others from the Fettes community making the journey to New York.

The pipers and drummers taking part in the parade are aged between 13 and 18. They are members of the Fettes College pipe band which is made up of students across its senior and prep schools and currently holds the Scottish Schools Pipe Band Championships Junior A Trophy.

Cameron Drummond, Master in Charge of Piping and Drumming at Fettes College, said: “Each year our pipe band performs in a number of prestigious locations including Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace and it is a great honour for our band to also perform in New York and showcase Scotland’s musical heritage.

“We have been practising tirelessly, so we’re all set for this once-in-a-lifetime experience for our students.”

Helen Harrison, Head of Fettes College, who is in New York with the Pipe Band, said: “Fettes has a strong tradition of piping and drumming, and the Fettes pipe band’s performance at Tartan Day highlights their skills and dedication. 

“It will be a special moment to join the students in the parade, and a great opportunity for the Fettes community to show its support. Fettes is a proudly Scottish school that brings together international perspectives, empowering our students to be successful on a global platform.”

The students will be playing a set of well-loved US tunes, including America the Beautiful, The Marines Hymn and When the Saints go Marching In. Prior to the parade, the pipe band will perform for OFs and others in Bryant Park.

Last year Fettes became the only school in the world to have two piping instructors that took part in the prestigious Glenfiddich Piping Championships.

To find out more about Piping and Drumming at Fettes College visit:

fettes.com/senior-school/piping-drumming

Police information: Filming and photography in public places

Police Scotland is aware of concerns being shared on social media about filming around playparks.

We have charged two men in connection with an alleged breach of the peace in Paisley.

In an unconnected incident, a man has been charged in connection with an alleged breach of the peace following concerns raised in Rutherglen.

Officers have also investigated a small number of unconnected reports of filming, these have been found to be parents filming their own children or other individuals who were not filming children and no criminality was established.

Police Scotland takes reports seriously and will investigate any matters reported to us.

Assistant Chief Constable Catriona Paton said: “Given concerns about filming, I would ask people to remind anyone videoing or photographing in public to respect those around them.

“Police officers balance the rights of people to film with the potential to cause fear or alarm and make decisions based on individual circumstances.

“I would encourage responsible use of social media and ask people not to share speculation or inaccurate information. Please think twice about what you read, share and believe from online sources.

“It is not illegal to take photographs or video footage in public places unless it is for criminal purposes.”