Author: davepickering

Edinburgh reporter and photographer

Scotland’s Climate Week: Firms receive ÂŁ9.4m to help cut carbon

Decarbonisation fund recipients announced as applications re-open

Ten companies have been awarded a total of ÂŁ9.4 million to help Scottish industries reduce carbon emissions through decarbonisation and energy efficiency projects.

The recipients from the second round of the Scottish Industrial Energy Transformation Fund (SIETF) are predominantly involved in the manufacturing and food and drink sectors.

The projects include a more energy efficient dryer at a seaweed processing facility, whilst several brewers and whisky distilleries will also receive funding for projects that aim to reduce the emissions that are created during energy-intensive manufacturing processes.

The projects awarded funding have the potential to reduce emissions by 40,482 tonnes of CO2 a year, the equivalent of the annual emissions from 17,000 households.

A further ÂŁ160,000 has also been made available to conduct up to four engineering or feasibility studies into future projects that will aim to reduce emissions and increase efficiency within the sector by creating a pipeline of future projects.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced the funding while visiting Graham’s Family Dairy, where previous SIETF funding allowed them to upgrade steam production and heat distribution infrastructure.

The First Minister said: “Reducing emissions in our manufacturing sector will be a crucial step in ensuring Scotland reaches its net zero target by 2045.

“I am pleased that the Scottish Industrial Energy Transformation Fund continues to support companies across the sector to embrace decarbonisation, improve efficiency and reduce their impact on the environment.

“This week is Scotland’s Climate Week, which puts a renewed focus upon the ongoing climate emergency and our efforts to tackle it. And as households and businesses struggle with rising energy costs, it has never been more important to support industry to become more energy efficient.

“I welcome the work that the Fund has already supported and I hope that many more businesses will apply in the future.”

Up to ÂŁ34 million of Scottish Government funding will be made available through the lifetime of the five-year SIETF, which runs until 2026. The third round of applications is now live.

Robert B Graham, Managing Director at Graham’s Family Dairy said: “The SIETF programme has enabled us to accelerate our industrial decarbonisation programme, driving energy efficiencies and reducing waste.

“SIETF funding support has meant we have been able to deliver a number of process decarbonisation projects in parallel, to achieve scalable impact across our supply chain and share results to support Scottish industry & businesses with their journey to net zero.”

Peter Davison and Kieran Healey-Ryder from the Sustainability Leadership Team at Whyte & Mackay, which has secured second round funding, said: “As whisky makers we believe in a sustainable future for what we do here on Jura.

“This Scottish Government programme is a galvanising platform for industry to come together and solve for a green future right across these islands.

“This grant will accelerate our journey towards a sustainable future for whisky making here on Jura.”

The Scottish Industrial Energy Transformation Fund was launched on 11 December 2020. The first recipients of SIETF were announced on 8 October 2021.

SIETF supports industrial sites with high energy use to transition to a low carbon future. It will improve the international competitiveness of many companies whilst protecting jobs.

The application window for the third round of projects will remain open until 18 November 2022.

The second round of recipients of SIETF funding are detailed below:

NameCompetitionSectorLocationTechnology
Grant offered: over ÂŁ2m
DSM Nutritional ProductsDeploymentFood and drinkEast AyrshireMechanical Vapour Recompression (MVR) technology
Whyte & MackayDeploymentFood and drinkArgyle and ButeSteam boiler with biomass fuel burner and flue gas purification
Grant offered: ÂŁ1m – ÂŁ2m
Pauls MaltDeploymentFood and drinkAngusThe installation of a hot water network and CHP
Grant offered: ÂŁ500k – ÂŁ1m
BrewdogDeploymentFood and drinkAberdeenshireFood grade (green) CO2 production via CO2 capture
Carbon Capture ScotlandDeploymentDry Ice ProductionDumfries and GallowayCO2 Feedstock Recycling
Uist AscoDeploymentManufacturingWestern IslesInstallation of a more efficient dryer with heat recovery
UPMDeploymentManufacturingEast AyrshireReplace existing pumps with three energy efficient turbo blowers
Grant offered: ÂŁ250k – ÂŁ500k
DiageoDeploymentFood and DrinkAberdeenshireInstallation of High Temperature Heat Pump
MacphieDeploymentFood and DrinkAberdeenshireConversion of oil fired steam plant to natural gas
Tennent’sDeploymentFood and DrinkGlasgow CityAir compressor and spent grain transfer and smart air injection and spent grain removal technology
Grant offered: ÂŁ100k – 250k
DSM Nutritional ProductsDeploymentFood and drinkEast AyrshireHeat recovery DCM evaporator and preheat feed effluent columns
Grant offered: under ÂŁ125k (study only)
DiageoStudyFood and drinkFifeNatural gas to electricity transition
GlenAllachie DistilleryStudyFood and drinkMorayMechanical Vapour Recompression (MVR) technology
IneosStudyPetrochemicalsFalkirkEnergy efficiency of pyrolysis furnaces
TennentsStudyFood and drinkGlasgow CityInvestigation of low carbon heat pump technology

Scotland’s Climate Week 2022: Edinburgh’s commitment

City council leader Cammy Day said yesterday: The climate crisis represents the single greatest threat to all humankind, and it is something that we must face together.

Whilst recent events such as the death of Her Majesty The Queen, the ongoing cost of living crisis, and events in Ukraine have dominated our thoughts and indeed the news cycle, we must now turn our efforts back to arguably the most pressing issue of our time. 

As Scotland’s Climate Week begins today, I would like to reiterate our commitment to becoming a net-zero city by 2030 and spearheading the climate fightback here in Scotland’s Capital. This is a cornerstone of the Council’s long-term goals, and I am determined that we will play our role in the wider climate effort.  

As Council Leader I will be attending the UK100’s Climate Leadership Academy this autumn. This programme for leaders across the UK will provide knowledge on decarbonisation, financial transition, energy, and nature/adaption.

I relish the opportunity to speak to other local government leaders from across the country and the political spectrum. The climate crisis is a collective problem and as such requires a collective and cooperative solution.

To achieve net-zero, everyone must play their part in driving climate action. A reduction in emissions needs to take place across all areas of society and business sectors. Overwhelmingly, the scientific evidence clearly shows that to prevent the worst impacts of climate change, the increasing global temperature must be limited to 1.5°C.

Here in Edinburgh, we are already on our way to becoming a greener city.

This summer we launched a citywide network of electric vehicle chargers located on streets and at park and ride sites, which will help people to choose cleaner, low emission electric cars.

In June the city was awarded silver status by the Sustainable Food Places Network, recognising the Capital’s pioneering work to promote healthy and sustainable food. The City of Edinburgh Council was also ranked third in the UK by Climate Emergency UK in their scorecard of local authority’s climate action plans.

Edinburgh’s ten-year City Mobility Plan aims to transform the way we move around the city, reducing emissions and air pollution, positively impacting public health, and tackling congestion amongst other benefits. Actions include projects like City Centre Transformation, Trams to Newhaven, George Street and First New Town, 20-Minute Neighbourhoods and the extension of 20mph speed limits, as well as behaviour change initiatives and seamless public transport ticketing.

At the start of #ScotClimateWeek I would like to call upon our fantastic residents, businesses, and partner organisations to renew their climate commitments. Our dedicated climate webpage  is filled with information on Edinburgh’s 2030 climate strategy, tracking our progress and climate action in the city. I would encourage everyone to educate themselves on the climate crisis and find out how small, individual changes can make a lasting impact.

Encouraging people to consider alternatives to travel by car like walking, wheeling, cycling and travel by public transport is essential to our net zero goals and we’ve set a target of reducing the kms travelled by car in Edinburgh by 30% by 2030. Last week we marked Car Free Day and this Sunday (2 October) we’ll be holding a fun event on Waverley Bridge to celebrate the occasion. The area will be transformed into an inclusive community hub of information, inspiration and activity encouraging people to consider more sustainable forms of transport.

There is also an Edinburgh Net-Zero events page and Climate Fringe Festival Calendar find out what’s going on in Edinburgh for Scotland’s Climate Week. 

We remain in the midst of a challenging fight against climate change, and the significant impacts that are already being felt across the globe. However, I remain confident that our capital city and its people will persevere and play their part in this shared effort to make our planet a safer, sustainable, and more prosperous place to live.  

Leith Collective launches winter coat exchange as ‘season of crisis’ looms

Locals urged to donate to those struggling with the cost of living

Heating bills are at an all-time high, inflation is on the rise, and the temperature outside is plummeting.

There is no doubt that the necessity to keep warm and the stress of trying to keep up with the rising cost of living will sadly push many people to their breaking point this winter. However, one local business is doing all it can to offer practical help. 

Saturday 1st October will see The Leith Collective launch its winter coat exchange across its three Scottish stores. Locals are being urged to donate good quality winter coats and waterproof jackets suitable for all ages and sizes. The coats will be available for anyone to collect at Ocean Terminal, Fort Kinnaird and St Enoch Centre completely free of charge, no questions asked. 

The Leith Collective launched its first ever winter coat exchange in January 2022. At the time, it proved to be a genuine lifeline for many local individuals and families unable to afford a warm and comfortable coat to protect themselves from the elements.

Sadly, The Leith Collective founder, Sara Thomson, predicts this winter will be even more challenging for even more people: “We launched the winter coat exchange at the beginning of the year and sadly, here we are again. Except this time, it is even worse.

“Right across Scotland, there are people that are genuinely scared of what this winter may bring. People who now can’t afford even the most basic essentials because the cost of living has skyrocketed. For many people, winter 2022 will be a season of crisis. But we are determined to make a difference, and we know there are countless people in Edinburgh and Glasgow that want to help too.”

The winter coat exchange is not only a practical response to the cost of living crisis, but also to the climate crisis – a cause which lies at the heart of The Leith Collective. The winter coat exchange is a sustainable solution that aims to keep quality clothes out of landfill and in use for longer, promoting a circular economy and reducing the environmental impact of the textile industry.

As a Community Interest Company, all profits from The Leith Collective go towards supporting the community and promoting sustainability through the arts.

The Leith Collective actively supports individuals with mental health or support needs to grow in confidence and gain experience in the workplace, and offers business mentorship to any members of the Collective.

It is hoped that by hosting the winter coat exchange in accessible locations such as Ocean Terminal, Fort Kinnaird and St Enoch Centre, those currently experiencing difficulties will be able to receive a helping hand.

Coats can be dropped off or collected at The Leith Collective at Ocean Terminal, The Leith Collective at Fort Kinnaird, and The Clydeside Collective at St Enoch Centre during opening hours.

Next steps in Kwarteng’s cunning plan

Chancellor moves to steady market panic

On Friday 23 September, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Rt Hon Kwasi Kwarteng MP, set out how the government would fulfil its commitment to cut taxes for people and businesses and announced wider supply side policies to grow the economy.

Building on this, as the much-criticised Growth Plan set out on Friday, Cabinet Ministers will announce further supply side growth measures in October and early November, including changes to the planning system, business regulations, childcare, immigration, agricultural productivity, and digital infrastructure.

Next month, the Chancellor will, as part of that programme, outline regulatory reforms to ensure the UK’s financial services sector remains globally competitive.

He will then set out his Medium-Term Fiscal Plan on 23 November.

The Fiscal Plan will set out further details on the government’s fiscal rules, including ensuring that debt falls as a share of GDP in the medium term.

In the Growth Plan on Friday, the Chancellor set out that there would be an Office for Budget Responsibility forecast this calendar year. He has requested that the OBR sets out a full forecast alongside the Fiscal Plan, on 23 November.

As the Chief Secretary to the Treasury set out this weekend, the government is sticking to spending settlements for this spending review period.

The Chancellor also confirmed that there will be a Budget in the Spring, with a further OBR forecast.

The ÂŁ has continued to trade down against both the dollar and the Euro following the Chancellors announcement on Friday.

A new YouGov opinion poll suggests the Tories now trail Labour by 17 points. There is even talk of a vote of no confidence in Prime Minister Liz Truss, who has been in post for just three weeks. A remarkable achievement.

Healthy Heart Tip: Sleep

Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Tip, written by the Health Promotion and Education Team at Heart Research UK

Healthy Heart Tip: Sleep

Poor sleep can negatively impact our heart health, along with many other areas of our physical and mental wellbeing. Prioritising your seven to nine hours shut eye every day is one of the best things you can do to support your overall health.

During sleep, our body gets to work helping us to recover both mentally and physically, which helps us feel energised, alert, and ready for the day. Sleep isn’t something to overlook, so here are some tips for helping to improve your sleep:

Limit Caffeine

Who doesn’t love a morning cuppa? Whilst a small amount of caffeine early in the day is unlikely to impact our sleep, caffeine can stay in our blood stream for many hours after consumption. This can negatively impact the quality of our sleep and ability to fall asleep. So, say no to caffeine after lunch!

Turn off the Screens

Melatonin is our sleepy hormone, and we need to allow our body to produce lots of it to ensure a good night’s sleep.

Bright lights in our environment can reduce the production of melatonin, specifically the blue light from computer screens, tablets, and mobile phones. Try switching off screens an hour before sleep time and read a book or have a bath instead.

Spend time Outdoors

Research shows that simply being inside during the day, rather than spending time outdoors, reduces our melatonin production at night by 50%!

Grab your trainers and hit the pavement for a walk or run outdoors for at least 20 minutes every day.

Create a Routine

Humans are creatures of habit, and we thrive on routine. Creating a bedtime ritual can help signal to our bodies that it’s time for sleep.

Try to choose low stimulation activities like reading, listening to music, or even having a cup of (caffeine free!) tea such as camomile.

For more tips on how to stay healthy, sign up for our weekly healthy tips at www.heartresearch.org.uk/healthy-tips.

To help keep your heart healthy, why not try out some of our Healthy Heart recipes from our website: https://heartresearch.org.uk/heart-research-uk-recipes-2/.

Or have a look through our Healthy Heart cookbook filled with recipes from top chefs, celebrities and food bloggers:

https://heartresearch.org.uk/heart-research-uk-cookbook/.

Police to host Online Recruitment Event tomorrow

POLICE will be hosting an online recruitment event aimed at people from all European communities across Scotland.

This event will give attendees a fantastic opportunity to hear from serving officers and their experiences as police officers in Scotland as well as the opportunity to ask questions.

The event will also focus on the recruitment process and the training, with a unique insight into life at the Scottish Police College.

The event will be on Tuesday 27th September 2022 – 6.30pm – 8.30pm, on Microsoft Teams.

To sign up, please email: recruitmentpositiveactionteam@scotland.police.uk with your name, phone number and date of the event you wish to attend.

Hopetoun House Fireworks & Bonfire Night back in a blaze of glory

Much-loved event returns after two-year pandemic pause  

The skies above Hopetoun House will light up again when its fabulous fireworks and bonfire night extravaganza returns this November. 

November 5 sees the 11th year of this hugely popular event which was put on hold for two years as a result of the pandemic but is due to attract 5,000 revellers. 

Now back in a blaze of glory with a We Will Rock You spectacular, it features fireworks that promise to rock your heart plus fairground attractions, the famous bonfire and lots more family fun. 

Enjoy the entertainment of daring fire dancers, savour some delicious dishes from the food trucks, warm up with indulgent hot chocolate and mallows, then just gaze heavenwards and take in the glittering show in the sky set to music. 

Designed and produced by Scottish events experts 21CC Group and hosted at beautiful Hopetoun House, South Queensferry on the outskirts of Edinburgh, the event will definitely deliver a night to remember. 

Geoff Crow, Director of 21CC Group says: “It’s fantastic to be back and we are thrilled to present this year’s spectacular. It’s always a sell-out and this year is sure to be no different.

“We’re pulling out all the stops to make up for the last couple of years and have put together a truly stunning show.”  

The event runs from 4 – 7.30pm on Saturday, November 5 with the firework display at 6.30pm. Tickets must be purchased in advance and children three years and under are admitted free. 

The Earl of Hopetoun says: â€œWe’re delighted to see this exciting event return to Hopetoun. It was a tradition for more than a decade and has been much missed over the last couple of years.

“It’s always a stunning display that brings so much fun and this year it sounds like it will be even better than ever.” 

For more information and ticket prices please visit:

https://hopetounfireworks.co.uk/about 

Maths Week Scotland returns for sixth year

Maths Week Scotland returns for its sixth and biggest-ever annual event from 26 September to 2 October 2022. This week, pupils, community groups and families in Edinburgh and the Lothians will be enjoying an exciting range of maths-themed activities and events across local schools, science centres and museums.

Part of the Scottish Government’s drive to encourage positive attitudes to numeracy and maths, Maths Weeks Scotland is developed and delivered by National Museums Scotland. This year, the Small Grants Fund – a partnership between the Edinburgh Mathematical Society, the Glasgow Mathematical Journal Trust and the Scottish Government – has supported 67 different classroom activities for schools across the country to encourage pupils to think about maths in a creative way.

The theme for 2022 is the beauty of maths, focusing on the creative and inspiring side of the subject, and how maths plays a vital role in art, music and design. School pupils across Edinburgh and the Lothians will be encouraged to think about maths in a creative way through activities such as art and sculpture exhibitions, budgeting projects, and outdoor learning.

Science centres and museums across Scotland have also received support from Maths Week Scotland for large-scale family activities and workshops as well as programming for schools and community groups that encourage innovation and participation while linking maths with the arts.

Alongside in-person events, Maths Week Scotland has created a fun online programme to inspire and intrigue people of all ages, from schools and educators to families and adults. The virtual programme includes using coding to create art, ideas for hands-on classroom activities, and a mathematical art workshop by mathematician Lucy Rycroft-Smith with a free kit posted to participants.

The National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh is organising an exciting programme of maths-themed family events, including free art exhibition (2 October) and a schools programme of renewable energy workshops.

Lauriston Castle in Edinburgh is launching the ‘Maths Attack’ trail around the estate to teach pupils about how to use and make their own set of Napier’s Bones – a calculation device for multiplying large numbers.

Edinburgh’s National Galleries of Scotland is showcasing Scotland’s art through a mathematical lens with an online resource for schools and gallery visits to Modern One.

The University of Edinburgh is organising an exciting programme of events, with a display of geometric illuminations and optical illusions at James Clerk Maxwell Building (1 October) as well as virtual (27-28 September) and hands-on (1 October) maths activities for families. The university is also providing workshops for teachers and educators to inspire ideas for practical maths activities in the classroom.

Museum on the Mound is hosting online and in-person ‘Money Maths’ workshops to explore different money around the world.

On 29 September, Surgeons’ Hall Museum is arranging school workshops on using investigating bones and surgical equipment as well as a drop-in session for the general public on 1 October.

Stockbridge Library and Moredun Library are hosting Bookbug sessions and art activities for individuals and families.

Katie Oldfield, Maths Week Scotland co-ordinator, said: “We are thrilled to be launching Maths Week Scotland for its sixth consecutive year with such a bang.

“Mathematicians often refer to the subject as ‘beautiful’, and our aim is to inspire families, schools and community groups in Edinburgh and the Lothians to view maths in a new way and to find it in unexpected places, such as art and music.

“We are so excited to be bringing back more interactive, in-person events at schools and public venues across the country. It’s brilliant to see that so many schools have devised fun and engaging activities for pupils to discover how creative maths can be.”

The schools programme is core to Maths Week Scotland. Schools and community projects receiving grants in Edinburgh and the Lothians are:

Edinburgh:

·       Ferryhill Primary School – Skatepark Maths: Pupils P1-7 will create their own skateparks for finger skateboards

¡       Edinburgh Council Libraries: Three primary schools exploring outdoor space at Newington Library

¡       Bruntsfield Primary School: Creation of an exciting outdoor learning space

¡       Gilmerton Primary School – Financial and Budgeting: Pupils will be given a budget and go shopping for ingredients to create a nutritious meal

¡       Number Berries Maths Play Club: Mini Exhibition of art and sculptures inspired by manmade structures and nature

¡       Corstorphine Primary School: Beauty of Maths exhibition

Lothians:

¡       Cedarbank School: Exhibition of numeracy themed artwork created by pupils and their families

¡       Polkemmet Primary School: Beauty of Maths art exhibition for families

¡       Pinewood School – Maths Week Scotland Sale: Materials will be purchased to craft items to sell at a Maths Week Scotland sale to practice recognising coins and budgeting 

Maths Week Scotland is supported by winner of The Great British Bake Off 2020, Peter Sawkins.

Maths Week Scotland has a supporting year-round programme for schools, families, adults, and community groups. This is part of an ongoing drive to transform Scotland into a maths-positive nation through raising the profile of maths and encouraging enthusiasm for maths across the country.

National Museums Scotland is working with a wide range of organisations and collaborators to support and deliver Maths Week Scotland activity across Scotland.

For a full list of contributors and to view the whole programme, visit:

www.mathsweek.scot