Author: davepickering

Edinburgh reporter and photographer

Online Safety Bill ready to become law

  • The Online Safety Bill has been signed off by the Houses of Parliament and will become law soon
  • the bill will make the UK the safest place in the world to be online by placing new duties on social media companies – honouring our manifesto commitment
  • the bolstered bill has been strengthened through debate, with firmer protections for children, more control for adults and clarity for social platforms

The Online Safety Bill has passed its final Parliamentary debate and is now ready to become law.

This major milestone means the government is within touching distance of delivering the most powerful child protection laws in a generation, while ensuring adults are better empowered to take control of their online lives, while protecting our mental health.

The bill takes a zero-tolerance approach to protecting children and makes sure social media platforms are held responsible for the content they host. If they do not act rapidly to prevent and remove illegal content and stop children seeing material that is harmful to them, such as bullying, they will face significant fines that could reach billions of pounds. In some cases, their bosses may even face prison.

The bill has undergone considerable parliamentary scrutiny in both the Houses and has come out with stronger protections for all.

Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan said: “The Online Safety Bill is a game-changing piece of legislation. Today, this government is taking an enormous step forward in our mission to make the UK the safest place in the world to be online.

“I am immensely proud of what we have achieved with this bill. Our common-sense approach will deliver a better future for British people, by making sure that what is illegal offline is illegal online. It puts protecting children first, enabling us to catch keyboard criminals and crack down on the heinous crimes they seek to commit.

“I am deeply thankful to the tireless campaigning and efforts of parliamentarians, survivors of abuse and charities who have all worked relentlessly to get this bill to the finish line.”

Without this groundbreaking legislation, the safety of children across the country would be at stake and the internet would remain a wild west of content, putting children’s lives and mental health at risk. The bill has a zero-tolerance approach to protecting children, meaning social media platforms will be legally responsible for the content they host and keeping children and young people safe online.

Social media platforms will be expected to:

  • remove illegal content quickly or prevent it from appearing in the first place, including content promoting self-harm
  • prevent children from accessing harmful and age-inappropriate content
  • enforce age limits and age-checking measures
  • ensure the risks and dangers posed to children on the largest social media platforms are more transparent, including by publishing risk assessments
  • provide parents and children with clear and accessible ways to report problems online when they do arise

In addition to its firm protections for children, the bill empowers adults to take control of what they see online. It provides three layers of protection for internet users which will:

  1. Make sure illegal content will have to be removed
  2. Place a legal responsibility on social media platforms to enforce the promises they make to users when they sign up, through terms and conditions
  3. Offer users the option to filter out harmful content, such as bullying, that they do not want to see online

If social media platforms do not comply with these rules, Ofcom could fine them up to £18 million or 10% of their global annual revenue, whichever is biggest – meaning fines handed down to the biggest platforms could reach billions of pounds.

Also added to the bill are new laws to decisively tackle online fraud and violence against women and girls. Through this legislation, it will be easier to convict someone who shares intimate images without consent and new laws will further criminalise the non-consensual sharing of intimate deepfakes.

The change in laws will make it easier to charge abusers who share intimate images and put more offenders behind bars and better protect the public. Those found guilty of this base offence have a maximum penalty of 6 months in custody.

Former Love Island star and campaigner Georgia Harrison said: “Violence against women and girls is so common, with one in three women in the UK having experienced online abuse or harassment.

“The Online Safety bill is going to help bring this to an end, by holding social media companies accountable to protect women and girls from online abuse.”

Under the bill, the biggest social media platforms will have to stop users being exposed to dangerous fraudulent adverts by blocking and removing scams, or face Ofcom’s huge new fines.

The government has recently strengthened the bill even further, by amending the law to force social media firms to prevent activity that facilitates animal cruelty and torture (such as paying or instructing torture). Even if this activity takes place outside the UK but is seen by users here, companies will be forced to take it down.

Anticipating the bill coming into force, the biggest social media companies have already started to take action. Snapchat has started removing the accounts of underage users and TikTok has implemented stronger age verification.

Ofcom Chief Executive, Dame Melanie Dawes said: “Today is a major milestone in the mission to create a safer life online for children and adults in the UK. Everyone at Ofcom feels privileged to be entrusted with this important role, and we’re ready to start implementing these new laws.

“Very soon after the bill receives Royal Assent, we’ll consult on the first set of standards that we’ll expect tech firms to meet in tackling illegal online harms, including child sexual exploitation, fraud and terrorism.”

While the bill has been in progress, the government has been working closely with Ofcom to ensure changes will be implemented as quickly as possible when it becomes law.

The regulator will immediately begin work on tackling illegal content and protecting children’s safety, with its consultation process launching in the weeks after Royal Assent. It will then take a phased approach to bringing the Online Safety Bill’s into force.

Passing of the Online Safety Bill ‘a momentous day for children’ says NSPCC chief

  • The Online Safety Bill will finally require tech companies to make their sites safe by design for children
  • New laws come after years of campaigning and robust political scrutiny in Parliament
  • NSPCC CEO Sir Peter Wanless thanks survivors and bereaved parents and urges tech companies to seize the opportunity offered by regulation
  • Survivors of online child abuse tell how the Online Safety Bill will address further preventable harm to countless other children
  • Charity releases video with young people welcoming the Online Safety Bill

The NSPCC has welcomed the passing of the Online Safety Bill, a ground-breaking piece of legislation they say will radically change the landscape for children online.

After years of campaigning, tech companies will now have a legal duty to protect children from sexual abuse and harmful material on social media sites, gaming apps and messaging services.

The UK Government first promised regulation to help protect children online at the NSPCC’s annual conference in 2018, following the launch of the charity’s Wild West Web campaign. 

The charity has helped strengthen the legislation during its long journey through UK Parliament, ensuring that it results in regulation that comprehensively protects children online.

The charity says the legislation will mark a new era for children’s safety at a time when online child abuse offences are at a record high and children continue to be bombarded with harmful suicide and self-harm content on social media.

In August this year, NSPCC Scotland revealed that more than 3,500 online grooming crimes* had been recorded by Police Scotland over the past six years while the legislation was being discussed. Last year (2022/23), 593 Communicating Indecently with a Child offences were recorded in Scotland, with more than half of the offences against children under the age of 13.  

The Online Safety Bill was published in May 2021 and has been subject to robust scrutiny and debate by MPs, Lords and civil society.

Its importance was starkly highlighted by the inquest into the death of 14-year-old Molly Russell in September last year, which ruled that the self-harm and suicide content that Molly had been recommended on social media had contributed to her death.

Ruth Moss, whose 13-year-old daughter Sophie died by suicide after viewing harmful content online, joined forces with Molly’s father Ian Russell and other parents whose children died following exposure to harmful content online, to form the Bereaved Parents for Online Safety group to strengthen the protections in the Bill.

The Edinburgh nurse has been campaigning with the NSPCC for several years for robust new legislation that would force tech bosses to make their sites safe for children.

Ruth said: “I’m pleased that the Bill has passed. I have always argued that self-regulation by tech companies hasn’t worked. Numerous families, including mine have highlighted these failings over many years. So, I welcome the bill wholeheartedly. It is a big step in offering protection to children online.

“For at least two years, we struggled to keep my daughter Sophie safe online. In spite of removing devices, restricting internet use, implementing parental controls and having conversations about internet safety, these were not enough to prevent her from being exposed to websites that promoted self-harm, suicide and contained dark, graphic, harmful material. Complaining to internet and social media companies was either impossible or futile.

“The impact of Sophie viewing this harmful material was a deterioration in her existing mental health struggles, with devastating consequences. Sophie was 13 years old when she died by suicide. We will never truly recover from her death, and it is rightly every parents worse nightmare.

“This Online Safety Bill may not solve all the issues that children have online. But it is essential to start regulating online platforms. They have a duty of care to keep their users safe to the best of their ability.

“Of course, I do have some reservations about the Online Safety Bill. It is a new piece of legislation that has not had the chance to be tested – so there will be some unknowns. And no piece of legislation will be perfect. We will only really know if the legislation goes far enough over time. 

“The Bill will need to stay relevant. If we look at other initial law, it develops over time with the changing environments in which we live. Technology changes and with it, the legislation around it will need to keep up. But this is a good first step. It sends a message to tech companies that safety should not be compromised for the sake of profit and that tech companies cannot deny responsibility for keeping their service users safe on their websites.

“In my opinion, the enforcement of the Bill is key. This will be challenging. It will require Ofcom going up against some of the most powerful and influential organisations in the world. Ofcom will have a difficult job. Currently, I have confidence that they will do what is necessary to uphold the legislation where needed, however time will tell.

“As with any piece of complex legislation, there were amendments that did not get passed around legal but harmful content for adults, the appointment of a children’s advocate and other areas that I would like to have seen included in the bill. But again, no Bill is perfect, and I am pleased to see it passed.”

The Online Safety Bill has been shaped in large part by survivors of abuse, bereaved parents and young people themselves who have campaigned tirelessly to ensure the legislation leads to real-world change for children.

Aoife (19) from East Kilbride, South Lanarkshire, was 15 when she was exploited by a man online who pretended to be a teenager. She said: “He convinced me to send him photos and then blackmailed me with them.

“It was terrifying but luckily I knew to report to Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) and he was eventually convicted.

“I know this kind of thing happens all the time – we need the new law to stop it from hurting more lives.”

Sir Peter Wanless, NSPCC Chief Executive, said: “We are absolutely delighted to see the Online Safety Bill being passed through Parliament. It is a momentous day for children and will finally result in the ground-breaking protections they should expect online.

“At the NSPCC we hear from children about the completely unacceptable levels of abuse and harm they face online every day. That’s why we have campaigned strongly for change alongside brave survivors, families, young people and parliamentarians to ensure the legislation results in a much safer online world for children.

“Children can benefit greatly from life online. Tech companies can now seize the opportunity to embrace safety by design. The NSPCC is ready to help them listen to and understand the online experiences of their young users to help ensure every child feels safe and empowered online.”

The NSPCC’s commitment to protect children online does not end with the passing of the Bill and the charity will continue to advocate to ensure it results in truly safe online spaces for children.

Online Safety Bill Timeline:

  • 2014 NSPCC launches a campaign calling for a new offence to make online grooming a crime, by making it illegal for an adult to send a child a sexual message.  50,000 people signed our petition
  • 2015 The Government included the offence in the Sexual Offences Act 2015, but it took two more years of sustained campaigning before they finally brought the offence into force so police could take action and arrest offenders
  • April 2017 Sexual Communication with a Child became an offence
  • April 2017 The NSPCC first called on Government to bring in statutory regulation of social networks
  • Dec 2017 NSPCC call for tech companies to have a legal duty of care to keep children safe
  • April 2018 Launch of NSPCC’s Wild West Web campaign 
  • June 2018 Following an NSPCC campaign, then Culture Secretary Matt Hancock commits to legislate to protect children  
  • Feb 2019 Taming the Wild West Web was published outlining a plan for regulation 
  • April 2019 Government publishes the Online Harms White Paper 
  • January 2020 Online Harms paving bill, prepared by the Carnegie Trust and introduced by Lord McNally, was selected for its first reading in the Lords 
  • February 2020 Government publish initial consultation to the Online Harms White Paper, announcing Ofcom as the likely watchdog 
  • September 2020 NSPCC sets out six tests for the Online Harms Bill in its Regulatory Framework 
  • December 2020 Government published its Online Harms White Paper consultation response  
  • March 2021 NSPCC analysis of the consultation response found significant improvement is needed in a third of areas of proposed legislation if the Online Safety Bill is to extensively protect children from avoidable harm and abuse 
  • May 2021 Government publishes draft Online Safety Bill  
  • September 2021 Parliamentary scrutiny begins, and the NSPCC publish Duty to Protect – An assessment of the draft Online Safety Bill against the NSPCC’s six tests for protecting children 
  • October 2021 Facebook whistleblowerFrances Haugen gives evidence to the Joint Committee on the Draft Online Safety Bill 
  • December 2021 The joint committee on the Draft Online Safety Bill call for a number of changes to the legislation to better prevent child abuse 
  • January 2022 DCMS Committee back NSPCC’s call for the Online Safety Bill to put a legal duty on tech firms to disrupt the way offenders game social media design features to organise around material that facilitates abuse  
  • January 2022 The Petitions Committee also called for the Online Safety Bill to be strengthened 
  • March 2022 NSPCC urge Government to listen to the overwhelming consensus of Parliamentarians, civil society and the UK public to close significant gaps in the way Online Safety Bill responds to grooming 
  • March 2022 The Government publishes the Online Safety Bill 
  • April 2022 Online Safety Bill has its Second Reading and NSPCC publish its Time to Act report which sets out where the Bill can be improved to become a world-leading response to the online child abuse threat 
  • May 2022 Online Safety Bill Committee Stage begins 
  • July 2022 Online Safety Bill Report Stage debates  
  • Summer 2022 Online Safety Bill delayed by two changes to Prime Minister
  • September 2022 Inquest into the death of 14-year-old Molly Russell finds social media contributed to her death
  • December 2022 Online Safety Bill returns to Parliament
  • December 2022 Bereaved Families for Online Safety formed to campaign for strong protections for children and families through the Online Safety Bill
  • January 2023 Conservative MP rebellion backs NSPCC amendment that forces Government to commit to holding senior tech managers liable for harm to children
  • January 2023 Online Safety Bill begins its journey through the House of Lords
  • Spring 2023 Government amendments strengthen protections for children following campaigning by civil society, including NSPCC and Bereaved Families for Online Safety
  • September 2023 Online Safety Bill due its Third Reading in the House of Lords and to return to Parliament for final passage

Edinburgh-based vaping retailer to open 15 new stores across UK by end of 2023

  • VPZ, the UK’s largest vaping retailer, has announced that it will open 15 new stores by the end of 2023.
  • The new stores will offer specialist stop smoking advice will offer specialist advice to local communities throughout England, Wales and Scotland, increasing the specialist’s UK footprint to over 160 stores. 
  • The growth comes amidst VPZ’s launch of its new vape recycling service in partnership with WasteCare across all its stores in response to the rising environmental concern over disposable vapes. 
  • Doug Mutter, Director, said: “We are delighted to be continuing our brand expansion and mission of supporting adult smokers to quit whilst bringing our own innovative recycling services to tackle the negative environmental impact of disposable vaping.” 

 VPZ, the UK’s largest vaping retailer, is set to open 15 new stores by the end of 2023. The new stores will expand the brand’s presence in communities throughout the nation, with key locations in Cardiff, Aberdeen and Newcastle Metrocentre set to increase the specialist’s footprint to over 160 stores.  

The growth comes amidst VPZ’s launch of its new vape recycling service in partnership with WasteCare across all its stores in response to the rising environmental concern over disposable vapes. 

The service is open to all vapers, as anyone can visit any store within the VPZ network and dispose safely of their vaping devices or e-cigarettes.  

VPZ is pushing ahead with growth at a time when the UK is moving towards ambitions to be Smoke Free by 2030. 

To date, Edinburgh-based VPZ has already helped over 700k smokers in the UK quit since it was established in 2012. 

Doug Mutter, Director, said: “As the UK’s leading vaping specialist, we are spearheading the fight against the nation’s number one killer – smoking. 

“Our plans to open fifteen new stores and the launch of our vape recycling service reflect our ambition to help more smokers take the first steps on their quit journey and properly address the environmental impact of disposable vapes. 

“There has been a rising concern of disposable vapes on our environment, as more and more devices are being discarded in our community areas. 

“Our innovative recycling service is a definitive step in cleaning up local spaces throughout the country and educating adult vapers on being responsible and using more sustainable vaping products.” 

The NHS in England recently announced its world-first innovative swap-to-stop initiative to encourage smokers to switch to vaping in its ambition to create a smoke-free nation. The scheme will provide a vape starter kit alongside behavioural support to 1 million smokers in their journey to quit and improve the nation’s health through cutting smoking rates. 

A further report from the Royal College of Physicians Tobacco Advisory Group backs vaping as an effective treatment for tobacco dependency and recommends that it should be included and encouraged in all treatment pathways. The report also found that the long-term impact of vaping is 95 per cent less harmful than smoking cigarettes. 

VPZ has already called on both the UK and Scottish Governments to introduce tighter controls and licensing for selling vaping products both in physical and online retail environments. 

Despite continued efforts during the past two years to develop positive dialogue with the Scottish Government, VPZ has been excluded from an industry-wide online roundtable event today (September 6th ) to discuss policy options to reduce the environmental impacts of single use e-cigarettes. 

Doug Mutter, however welcomed news that First Minister Humza Yousaf would hold a consultation on a single-use vape ban as he set out his priorities for the coming year. 

Doug Mutter said: “Despite all the evidence of vaping already helping the UK towards its 2030 goal, there is still a looming challenge in the industry, as many imported, unregulated, disposable vapes are readily available to underaged people at local convenience stores and other general retailers with no age verification control.  

“This issue has extended to online retailing where products are accessible and available to young people with limited or no age restrictions.  

“This is a significant problem that threatens the huge progress of vaping in transforming the health of the nation and helping the country meet its 2030 smoke-free targets. 

“We have urged the Scottish Government to act now and follow best practice from countries like New Zealand where physical and online retailers must be licensed, where stringent age verification frameworks are in place and consultation is aimed towards adult smokers and vapers. 

“As the country’s leading vaping retailer we have made sustained efforts to develop positive dialogue and support the development of a transformative smoke free strategy – however we continue to be ignored. 

“Alarmingly we have also been excluded from a roundtable event today (September 6th) which draws on insight and participation from a host of industry experts on how we tackle the impact of disposable vaping products. 

“We are fully supportive of a disposables ban and we have also introduced a pioneering recycling scheme that leads best practice across the sector. 

“News that the Scottish Government will consult on curbing the sale or an outright ban on disposables is fully welcomed, but as the leading authority for the industry we are asking for a seat at table and the chance to help them seize this once in a lifetime public health opportunity.” 

Edinburgh Community Food AGM

TUESDAY 10 OCTOBER 11.30am – 1.30pm

at OUT OF THE BLUE DRILL HALL, DLAMENY STREET

You are invited to our 2023 AGM on Tuesday 10th October 🍓🍓

Where: Out of the Blue, Dalmeny Street, Edinburgh

When: 11.30am – 1.30pm

We’d be delighted if you can join us to hear all about what we’ve been up to over the past year. A light lunch will be provided at 12pm.

Please book a place here: https://edinburghcommunityfoodagm2023.eventbrite.co.uk

We hope to see you there!

What are you doing to celebrate National Fitness Day?

As the nation gets ready to celebrate National Fitness Day on Wednesday 20 September 2023, Edinburgh Leisure, the city’s largest provider of sports and leisure facilities is asking the citizens of Edinburgh, “What are you doing to celebrate National Fitness Day?”

Ally Strachan, Fitness Development Manager at Edinburgh Leisure said: “While bringing people together through physical activity on National Fitness Day has a hugely positive impact, it’s important to view this day as just one step in a much bigger journey. 

“Because after all, your health is for life. So, no matter where you’re at in life or on the map, Edinburgh Leisure has the facilities, activities and expert support needed to help you get active and reach your fitness goals, this National Fitness Day.

“If you follow Edinburgh Leisure on social media, we’ve created a fun Slam ball Workout of the Day for you to follow. Keep an eye on our social media channels on Wednesday, 20th.

“This Workout of The Day is a four-round ladder-styled workout consisting of six exercises to choose from that can work full body, core, or power exercises.  But don’t worry, if this is too strenuous, any activity that gets you moving will benefit your physical and mental health. 

“So, put on your walking shoes, and see if you can challenge yourself to reach 10,000 steps today, or perhaps go the extra mile and keep it up for the rest of the week.”

For those not already a member, Edinburgh Leisure currently has a no-joining fee campaign running until the end of September.

Being a member gives you additional member benefits including priority bookings, free gym introductions and 1:1 instructor sessions. There is no contract, and you are free to freeze or cancel your membership whenever.

And to help you maintain motivation by offering prizes and rewards for being more active, the first-ever National Fitness Day app (search for ‘Fitness Day Rewards’), is available to download from either the Apple or Android stores.

The free app allows you to connect any wearable fitness device to track your levels, accumulating one point for every minute of physical activity, and then using these to enter competitions for prizes for the world’s leading fitness and lifestyle brands, such as Les Mills, Headspace, Brooks Running and more.

Fitness Day Rewards app will be available until the end of the year, supporting National Fitness Day to inspire millions of people to begin, and continue their health journey.

To find out ways to get active with Edinburgh Leisure, search:

 https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/activities

UK Savings Week: Next generation banking on financial education for economic resilience 

Cost of living crisis brings need for financial literacy in young people into stark reality, says charity

Young Enterprise Scotland is highlighting the importance of financial education for young people during UK Savings Week.

Running from the 18th – 24th September, UK Savings Week is a campaign designed to heighten awareness of the benefits of saving, and creating positive attitudes towards financial resilience.

The call for awareness comes on the back of findings which show just 50% of 12-17 year olds in Scotland recall learning about money management in school (MaPs, 2020). A figure which is concerning in light of the current cost of living crisis.

The charity has created and developed Scotland’s Financial Schools programme to support the implementation of financial education in the curriculum, with the aim that every young person in Scotland is equipped with essential financial skills that will support them into adulthood.

The programme provides practitioners with support and a wide range of resources to develop their own understanding and support their students, including workshops, online modules, and their free ‘’Your Money Matters’ textbook, created through funding and support from Money Saving Expert, Martin Lewis. Featuring tips on budgeting, borrowing, and recognising scams and fraud, the textbook can be accessed for free on their website.

Emma Soanes, Chief Executive of Young Enterprise Scotland, said: “It has never been more important for young people to have the skills and knowledge to set them up for success, and financial education is a key component.

“We are determined that every child in Scotland should have access to financial education from an early age, and we aim to support teachers and schools to deliver this across the country.”

Financial education for young people is central to the work of Young Enterprise Scotland, which works with volunteers from the business community to deliver a future-proof programme of blended learning that is accessible to all. They also work with budding entrepreneurs, nurturing business ideas and supporting young people to bring their ideas to life, whilst developing skills and achieving their goals.

Find out more about Scotland’s Financial Schools here: 

https://financialschools.scot/index.php

Monteviot Lights – A magical winter wonderland illuminating Monteviot House & Gardens

Prepare to be enchanted as Monteviot House & Gardens unveils its inaugural winter light trail event, Monteviot Lights, illuminating the natural beauty of the Scottish Borders on nine dates between November 30th to December 10th, 2023.

This captivating spectacle promises to be a magical experience for families and visitors of all ages.

Monteviot Lights is not just another light show; it’s a unique opportunity to witness the first lighting and audio spectacle in the heart of the Scottish Borders. Unlike traditional light installations, Monteviot Lights embraces the natural backdrop of Monteviot Gardens, accentuating the beauty of nature itself. Visitors are in for a treat, with an unforgettable evening of wonder and enchantment.

This captivating outdoor illuminated journey unfolds within Monteviot House’s spectacular gardens as dusk settles over the historic grounds. Starting at Harestanes Visitor Centre, you’ll walk a 1.5km route through beautifully lit gardens and woods. Creative lighting brings nature to life, complemented by breathtaking soundscapes.

Pass through the magic doorway to encounter a symphony of twinkling lights, casting a spellbinding glow. Each step reveals a new spectacle, inviting you to immerse yourself in the ethereal ambience.

Follow the illuminated pathway winding through the grounds, leading to a captivating winter fairytale.Visitors are invited to take their time and to enjoy locally sourced food and drink also available at the event.

Monteviot Lights Near Jedburgh, Scottish Borders, Scotland. Picture Phil Wilkinson

The light trail seamlessly incorporates the garden’s natural surroundings and key features, creating immersive experiences, produced by NL Productions, who have over 50 years’ experience of delivering large-scale events, including The Enchanted Forest in Pitlochry; Castle of Light at Edinburgh Castle; and Edinburgh Zoo’s Halloween Spooktakular and Christmas Nights.

The event aims to attract 7,500 visitors in its inaugural year while focusing on long-term growth and sustainability, aiming to preserve the natural environment that the event beautifully illuminates.

The family behind the event has been instrumental in its creation and eagerly invites visitors to share in the experience. Michael, 13th Marquis of Lothian, expresses excitement about hosting the Scottish Borders’ first winter light trail.

He said: “We are delighted to be hosting the Scottish Borders’ first winter light trail; it is thrilling for me to see the gardens my family and I have spent many years creating come to life with the beautiful lighting trail that is planned.

“As a family we have had a vision for this event, and it is such an exciting time to see it all come to life. It will not only be a wonderful event for us at Monteviot but we hope for everyone across the Borders. We look forward to welcoming you to Monteviot Lights.”

Phil O’Halloran, NL Productions Event Producer, shares his enthusiasm for the event, emphasizing the magical experience of creative lighting and soundscapes, created in collaboration with Serena Foyle, amidst Monteviot Gardens’ natural beauty.

He commented, “We are very excited to be producing Monteviot Lights and can’t wait for everyone to experience the beauty of the trail in these stunning natural spaces. It is thrilling that this will be the Scottish Borders’ first winter light trail.

“Monteviot Gardens is a wonderful location with paths meandering through historic woodland, past ponds, and amongst awe-inspiring gardens. Families will have the chance to experience an evening of pure magic as creative lighting and soundscapes bring the winter landscape to life.”

Event Details:

  • Dates: November 30th – December 3rd and December 6th – 10th, 2023
  • Time: 16.30 – 19.30
  • Tickets: Sold in 15-minute timeslots
  • Location: Monteviot House & Gardens, Jedburgh, Scottish Borders
  • Parking: As you arrive at Harestanes Visitor Centre, enjoy food and drink along with toilet facilities. Support small local businesses like Buy Design Gallery, Out-There Artisan, Rub-A-Dug-Dug, Harestanes Glass Studio, and Mary’s Dairy, all based at Harestanes Visitor Centre.

Join us at Monteviot Lights for a winter wonderland like no other. For more information, ticket bookings, and updates, visit our website:  

www.monteviotlights.co.uk

Dobbies’ Edinburgh store gets into the C******** Spirit with exciting line up of festive events

Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre retailer, will make Christmas the most wonderful time of the year, with an incredible line up of fun and affordable festive events in its Edinburgh store to make the holiday season extra special for families. Tickets for all events are on sale now.

No Dobbies’ Christmas is complete without the famous Santa’s Grotto. Families in Edinburgh can enjoy an immersive experience where they’ll be guided by an elf through a Christmas tree forest, spotting magical characters along the way, before making a special item to take home. After that, they’ll spend time with Santa and get a special gift. Attendees can also choose to get a photo with Santa, so they’ll always have that special memory.

Santa’s Quiet Grotto will also be available on 8 December. This experience is designed to assist children with additional needs with customised sound and visual features to minimise anxiety.

Families with dogs will be thrilled to know that Dobbies’ Edinburgh store will be offering a Santa Paws Grotto experience. Dog lovers can bring their furry pals for doggie gifts and photo opportunities with Santa.

The always-popular Santa’s Breakfast is also taking place and is ideal for those under 10. Breakfast options will be available for both adults and children, including vegetarian selections. Kids can dive into exciting craft activities, enjoy festive games and receive a gift from Santa.

Dobbies’ Festive Afternoon Tea is the perfect opportunity for family and friends in Edinburgh to spend time together enjoying seasonal magic. There will be three tiers of tasty festive treats from finger sandwiches with honey roast ham to sweet treats like scones served with Cornish clotted cream, as well as unlimited tea and coffee. Attendees can also upgrade to enjoy more delicious savoury snacks like the prawn marie rose vol au vents, festive hot drinks, and even Prosecco for an additional treat.

It’s jingle bells all the way at Santa’s Arrival where lucky families will have the opportunity to see Santa at an informal opening night of the Grotto on 23 November. Santa will walk around the store, spending time with kids, taking selfies, and spreading holiday cheer.

Dobbies’ Christmas Shopping Night on 30 November is the perfect time for families to enjoy festive shopping while supporting Dobbies’ National Charity Partner, Teenage Cancer Trust. They can pick from lots of great gifts, beautiful decorations, and seasonal staples.

The Little Seedlings Christmas Party will also be taking place, exclusively for Little Seedlings Club members aged 4-10. Members will receive a VIP invite to attend, and can anticipate Christmas games, dancing, and delicious food, alongside a special visit from Santa, bearing a special gift.

Sarah Murray, who has developed this year’s events programme, said: “We are filled with excitement about the upcoming Christmas events in our Edinburgh store. Seeing families and friends come together, sharing laughter, and creating special memories is at the heart of what we do at Dobbies.

“Our team has poured their passion into crafting an array of festive experiences that will truly bring the magic of Christmas to life. We can’t wait to see the happiness these events bring our customers and their loved ones.”

Customers in Edinburgh are encouraged to book in advance for Dobbies’ Christmas events to avoid disappointment.

  • Santa’s Grotto runs from 23 November, £11.99 per child
  • Santa Paws runs from 2December, £6.99 per dog
  • Santa’s Breakfast takes place from 25 November onwards, £13.99 per child and from £9 per adult
  • Festive Afternoon Tea starts on 1 November and runs through December, prices from £13.50 for adults and £8.50 for children.
  • Santa’s Arrival takes place on 23 November from 4.30pm to 7pm
  • Christmas Shopping Night runs on 30 November, from 5pm to 9pm
  • The Little Seedlings Christmas Party takes place on 3December

To learn more about the events and bookings, please visit dobbies.com/events

Let’s work together to Save Our Pools

Responding after the Save Our Pools debate at the Scottish Parliament, Foysol Choudhury MSP said: “At the Save Our Pools debate recently, the Scottish Government attacked partly-Labour led West Lothian Council for being forced into closing swimming pools because of inadequate Scottish Government funding.  

“Many other Councils across Scotland are having to make difficult decisions about closures because they are cash-strapped, including partly-SNP led Aberdeen Council.

“Yet, the Minister did not seem to want to admit that and failed to answer my question when I asked her about closures elsewhere in Scotland, choosing instead to attack Labour for decisions that, actually, councillors all across Scotland, including SNP councillors, are having to make.

“It’s time the Scottish Government take this issue seriously and start providing more funding to councils within Scotland, instead of deflecting questions to compare Scotland to England or to attack the opposition.

“When I previously asked to meet with the Minister to discuss this important matter of swimming pool closures she said she had no time, yet, I have now come to learn that she has time to meet with her SNP colleague Fiona Hyslop MSP to discuss this issue. 

“The Scottish Government should urgently begin to work with colleagues across the Chamber for the sake of our shared constituents, to ensure they have access to the vital health, safety and social resources which are our swimming pools.

“Will this SNP administration stop being insular and work with all elected officials for the sake of our communities?”

Macmillan Coffee Morning hosted by Deidre Brock and Ben Macpherson

FRIDAY 29th SEPTEMBER at HEART of NEWHAVEN

Deidre Brock MP and Ben Macpherson MSP are hosting a Coffee Morning in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support on Friday 29 September. The event will run from 10.30 am – 12 noon in the Anchor Room West at the Heart of Newhaven Community Centre.

All are welcome to come along and join them for a cup of coffee or tea, to help raise funds for a vital cause. Newhaven Connections Cafe will also be offering some delicious cakes, traybakes and other treats. 

If you’d like and are able to contribute, you can make a donation via the event page, with all proceeds going directly to Macmillan Cancer Support through JustGiving – there will also be a donation box there on the day. Every penny will go towards helping people affected by cancer live their lives as fully as possible.

Deidre Brock MP said: “Many of us have personal experience with the challenges that come with a cancer diagnosis, either first-hand or through our family and friends.

“I know the support offered by Macmillan has been an invaluable lifeline for lots of folk in the constituency during difficult times. So come along for a blether and a cuppa, and let’s raise some money for a fantastic charity.”  

Ben Macpherson MSP said: “Along with my colleague, Deidre Brock MP, we are grateful to Macmillan for what they do to support people in the constituency, and across the country.

“Cancer can affect anyone at any time and the support that Macmillan provides can be life changing. Please do come along on Friday 29 September at 10.30am to the Heart of Newhaven to have a cuppa and a chat, and if you can, consider donating to this invaluable organisation.”

https://coffeefundraising.macmillan.org.uk/fundraising/cm23012306?fbclid=IwAR0jbEpDhkzws0d53TPFNLlBApZChGqwNsDm_yx0cIZ075K99sk9p1okQcU

https://www.facebook.com/events/648992663856654

Scottish House Prices in July edge down from record highs

July House Price Index from Chartered Surveyors, Walker Fraser Steele:

  • Scottish House Prices in July edge down from record highs
  • Transactions continue to languish
  • Demand for higher-value properties decreasing
  • A small majority of local authorities see annual price falls
  • Glasgow reports record high prices
  • Average Scottish House price in July £223,035, down 0.4% on June, 0.3% up annually

Table 1. Average House Prices in Scotland for the period July 2022 – July 2023

Scott Jack, Regional Development Director at Walker Fraser Steele, comments:

“With the end of interest rates rises perhaps in sight, we may yet see better news in the coming months for house price growth. But for now, the picture in July is less rosy as the housing market contracted due to the persistent challenges from rising interest rates, cost of living increases, and affordability pressures.

“All of these are conspiring to take the wind out of prospective buyers’ sails – not least new buyers who are particularly impacted by affordability challenges. However, with the announcement of the first sub-5% fixed rate mortgage in mid-September, we hope to see transactions increase and confidence to return to the market towards the end of the year.

“The pattern of slight monthly rises that we saw in prior months came to a stop when the average property price decreased by £900, or -0.4%. The average home price in Scotland is currently little over £223,000, which is still the third-highest month on record.

“Lack of supply of the right type of property will always support prices in the long-run, particularly given the news of builders slowing down or stopping developments. Not all sectors and geographies are affected equally by the headwinds either. There were almost equal numbers of local authorities reporting higher or lower prices in July 2023, with 15 of the 32 local authority areas in Scotland seeing their average prices rise above the levels of twelve months earlier and 17 authorities reporting price falls.”

Commentary: Bob Pannell, Acadata Senior Housing Analyst

July’s housing market

Scotland’s housing market retreated a little in July in the face of ongoing headwinds from higher interest rates, cost-of-living and affordability pressures. The average property price edged down by £900, or -0.4%, bringing to an end the pattern of small monthly increases seen in previous months. Scotland’s average house price now stands a little above £223,000, still the third-highest month on record.

Figure 1. Scotland’s average house price for the period from March 2020 to July 2023

Figure 1 shows how average house prices in Scotland have changed since the start of the Covid pandemic in March 2020. Prices have risen by £40,000 from £183,000 to £223,000 as at July 2023. The increase of 21.9% over the period compares to one of 18.8% in the CPIH Index – so in real terms (after allowing for consumer price inflation) the average house price in Scotland since the start of the pandemic has risen by around 3%.

House price inflation, measured year-on-year, remains in positive territory but only just – up 0.3% compared with July 2022. This represents a sea-change from just over a year ago, when Scotland briefly witnessed double-digit percentage increase in house prices. It also marks the weakest performance since early 2019, that is before the Covid epidemic.

Much of the adjustment to the more challenging conditions facing the housing market is coming through as lower levels of activity, with sales so far this year about 10% lower than the corresponding months of 2022. Whilst a significant correction, this is only about half that seen in England & Wales.

This pattern of subdued market prices and turnover may continue for some while. Nevertheless, with continuing strong earnings growth and financial markets beginning to look forward to official interest rates peaking, there are grounds for optimism that Scotland’s housing market will see a soft landing and subsequent recovery.

Local Authority Analysis

Table 2. Average House Prices in Scotland, by local authority area, comparing July 2022, June 2023 and July 2023

Table 2 shows average house prices, calculated on a seasonal- and mix-adjusted basis, by Local Authority Area for July 2023, June 2023 and July 2022, together with the corresponding percentage price changes over the last month and year. The ranking figures are based on average house prices. Line items are shaded in blue in cases where average house prices in the Local Authority area or Scotland as a whole have experienced record highs.

Annual change

The average house price in Scotland in July 2023 has increased by £762 – or 0.3% – over the last twelve months. This represents the weakest annual rate of growth since early 2019, before the Covid epidemic.

Although there were almost equal numbers of local authorities reporting higher or lower prices In July 2023, with 15 of the 32 local authority areas in Scotland seeing their average prices rise above the levels of twelve months earlier and 17 authorities reporting price falls, this was in fact the first net negative balance since 2016.

East Renfrewshire was the area on the mainland with the highest annual increase in average house prices in July 2023 – up 7.7% – followed by Midlothian (5.9%) and East Lothian (4.8%). Meanwhile, Stirling had the largest fall in prices over the previous twelve months, at -6.4%.

Despite the more subdued nature of the housing market recently, several local authorities – East Renfrewshire, Midlothian, North and South Lanarkshire and West Lothian – have reported year-onyear price rises every month over the past year (albeit negligible increases in July in the case of North Lanarkshire and West Lothian).

At the other end of the spectrum, Aberdeen was the only local authority in July to have consistently experienced annual house price falls every month over the past year. However, a total of 10 authorities have seen annual price falls for the last three months or more in a row.

Monthly change

In July 2023, Scotland’s average house price declined by some £900, or -0.4% – the worst outcome since February 2023, but broadly comparable with the modest declines seen over the first quarter as a whole.

In July 2023, 10 of the 32 Local Authority areas in Scotland experienced rising prices in the month, 20 saw price falls and price movements in two – Fife and Stirling – were negligible. The net balance fell from +2 in June to -10 in July.

The distribution of local authorities with price increases in July was reasonably even, with 5 in the top half when ranked by price and 5 in the lower half.

The largest increase in average prices in the month was in Argyll and Bute, up by 5.2%. In second and third places are Clackmannanshire (3.8%) and Na h-Eileanan Siar (3.0%).

Peak Prices

In Table 2 above, those areas which have reached a new record in their average house prices are highlighted in light blue. In July 2023, there were 3 such authorities, down from five in June. Interestingly, the highest local authority area with a record average price this month is Glasgow, ranked in 15th place by value and featuring for the second month in a row.

Transactions analysis

Figure 2 below shows the monthly transaction count for purchases during the period from January 2021 to date, based on Registers of Scotland (RoS) figures for the Date of Entry (except for July 2023, which is based on RoS Application Dates).

As the focus here is on recent market trends, we will not look closely at how the Covid epidemic, and measures taken in response, affected Scotland’s property market (a topic covered in previous news releases). Suffice to say that 2021 – the brown line – was not a typical year, with the early months characterised by a peak in sales and subsequent slump associated with a LBTT tax-holiday being discontinued from the end of Q1.

Sales returned slowly to relatively high levels as the mantra for “the race for space” and “working from home” took hold. Taken as a whole, 2021 proved to be something of a high-water mark for the market, with the year recording the highest number of sales averaging about 9,500 transactions per month.

Although 2022 – the pink line – started well with an average 8,400 sales per month to the end of August, Liz Truss came into power on 6 September 2022, with her mini-budget raising the interest rate to 2.25%, on 22 September 2022. Ms Truss departed as Prime Minister on 25 October 2022. The bank rate was further increased on 3 November and 15 December 2022, ending the year at 3.5%. The graph shows the decline in monthly transactions over the period from October to December 2022.

Figure 2. The number of sales per month recorded by RoS based on entry date from 2021 – 2023

Finally, the black line charts 2023. This year started with the lowest volume of January sales of the last nine years, at 5,871 transactions. Although sales have picked up since then, total sales for the first seven months of the year – at nearly 52,000 – are about 10% lower than 2022 and (other than the Covid year 2020) the lowest since 2013. The Bank rate is one of the prime reasons for the slowing in sales, having reached 5.25% at the time of writing – its highest level of the last 15 years.

Scotland transactions of £750k or higher

Table 3. The number of transactions by month in Scotland greater than or equal to £750k, January 2015 – July 2023

Table 3 shows the number of transactions per month in Scotland which are equal to or greater than £750k. The threshold of £750k has been selected as it is the breakpoint at which the highest rate of LBTT becomes payable.

There were 66 such transactions recorded by RoS relating to July 2023. Currently, this is the thirdhighest July total recorded to date, and although we can expect RoS will process further high-value properties for the month, it looks set to remain comfortably below corresponding levels in 2021 and 2022.

Looking at the number of high-value properties sold in the first seven months of each year in Table 3, 2022 is ranked first with 642 high-value sales, followed by 2021 – when sales were boosted prior to the ending of the Covid related LBTT tax-holiday in April of that year – with 591. 2023 is ranked in third place.

However, there is a clear trend, in that the totals in each of the first seven months of 2023 are lower than a year earlier. In aggregate, these declines are larger than the downturn in the market as a whole, indicating that last year’s enthusiasm for the purchase of high-value homes has dissipated at least for the time being.

Edinburgh accounts for 246 of the 504 high-value sales (49%) that have been recorded to date by RoS in 2023. This compares to 50% in 2022 and is consistent with the gently declining importance of Edinburgh sales based on this metric, from its peak of nearer 60% a few years back. Glasgow and East Lothian continue to vie for second place, with cumulative sales of 32 and 30 high-value homes respectively so far this year. Several other local authorities – Fife, East Renfrewshire, Perth and Kinross, and Stirling – account for a further 20+ sales apiece, but these six local authorities combined account for just over 30% of this top-end market.

Heat Map

The heat map below shows the rate of house price growth for the 12 months ending July 2023. As reported above, 15 of the 32 local authority areas in Scotland have seen a rise in their average property values over the last year.

How Scotland Compares

Figure 3. Scotland house prices, compared with England and Wales, North East and North West for the period January 2005-July 2023

Figure 4. A comparison of the annual change in house prices in Scotland, England and Wales, North East and North West for the period January 2020–July 2023

Scotland’s Eight Cities

Figure 5. Average house prices for Scotland’s eight cities from May 2022–July 2023

Figure 6. Average house prices for Scotland’s eight cities July 2023