Author: davepickering

Edinburgh reporter and photographer

Broughton High School and St Mary’s Primary School win national award for pupil-run Social Enterprise

Edinburgh’s Broughton High School and St Mary’s Primary School have both been recognised at a national award ceremony for pupil-run social enterprises.

56 schools from across Scotland were celebrated for social enterprise projects established in their schools at the 15th Annual Social Enterprise Academy Awards, hosted at the Assembly Rooms in Edinburgh.

Innovated in partnership with The Scottish Government in 2007, Social Enterprise Schools enables every young person to step up, realise their potential, and create the change they want to see in the world through purpose-driven businesses. 

Schools from across the country were celebrated for their creative and expressive examples of social enterprise and 25 of the schools showcased their enterprise at a special social enterprise marketplace on the day.

St Mary’s Primary was one of the schools celebrated on the day for its social enterprise project that tackles isolation in the community, particularly amongst the elderly.

The pupils at St Mary’s grow vegetables and make soup to sell within their community and also organise activities for those who are vulnerable to isolation and loneliness. Going forward, they have plans to expand their service and support the people and refugees of Ukraine, who may be feeling isolated settling into new environments.

Mrs Kehoe, head teacher at St Mary’s Primary, said: “We are delighted to be recognised for the school’s commitment to social enterprise at the Social Enterprise Academy Awards.

“Social Enterprise plays an important role in the development of our pupils and it is wonderful to see them channel their social channels and create the change they want to see in the world. Congratulations to all of the schools recognised at this special event.”

Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, Shirley-Anne Somerville joined the celebration to show her support and congratulate young people on their success. She said: “Social Enterprise Schools plays an extremely important role in the development of Scotland’s young people as we recover from Covid-19.

“By establishing a social enterprise in their school, pupils are engaging in the practical and creative skills required to run a business while making a difference to causes they truly care about. They are gaining in confidence and improving their own wellbeing as well as that of their peers and local community.

“It has been wonderful to play a part in such a special day as we come together to celebrate the success of schools from across Scotland. I look forward to supporting the Social Enterprise Academy as it continues to offer the programme to even more schools across the country.”

Around 400 people attended the awards, made up of young people from schools, colleges and universities, teachers, lecturers, family members, business partners and other guests.  

Neil McLean, CEO at the Social Enterprise Academy, said: “By giving young people a real-life experience of running their own social enterprise in school, our programme delivers transformational learning which impacts them and their community.

“The young people participating are of all ages and abilities, and they are passionate and articulate advocates of social enterprise, not only inspiring people in their own communities, but also people and communities across the world in countries such as Australia, Malaysia, Egypt and South Africa.

“Thanks to support from The Scottish Government, we aim to give every school in Scotland the opportunity to create their own social enterprise by 2024. 

“The Social Enterprise Academy Awards is always such a special day that brings everyone together to share their success and swap ideas. A huge congratulations to every student involved!”

The full list of awarded schools is:

  • Aberdour Primary School, Fife
  • Alness Academy, Highlands
  • Ashton Secondary School, Glasgow
  • Battlefield Primary School, Glasgow
  • Banchory-Devenick Primary, Aberdeenshire
  • Bellahouston Academy. Glasgow
  • Blackwood Primary School, South Lanarkshire
  • Blairhall Primary School, Fife
  • Breadalbane Primary School, Perth and Kinross
  • Broughton High School, Edinburgh
  • Burnside Primary School, Angus
  • Carolside Primary School, East Renfrewshire
  • Collinston Primary School, Glasgow
  • Dairsie Primary School, Fife
  • Dirleton Primary School, East Lothian
  • Dunblane Primary School, Stirling
  • Dyce Primary, Aberdeen
  • Gavinburn Primary School, West Dunbartonshire
  • Glebelands Primary School, Dundee
  • Glenbervie School, Aberdeenshire
  • Greenhills Primary School, South Lanarkshire
  • Gourdon School, Aberdeenshire
  • Grangemouth Academy, Falkirk
  • Hazelwood School, Glasgow
  • Hollybrook Academy, Glasgow
  • Invergordon Academy, Highlands
  • Inverness High School, Highland
  • James Young high School, West Lothian
  • Kelso High School, Scottish Borders
  • Kyle Academy, South Ayrshire
  • Lesmahagow High School, South Lanarkshire
  • Lornshill Academy, Clackmannanshire
  • Lorne Street Primary, Glasgow
  • Marr College, South Ayrshire
  • Mayfield Primary School, Midlothian
  • Navigate, Perth & Kinross
  • Our Lady’s RC Primary School, Perth & Kinross
  • Panbride School, Angus
  • Pirie Park Primary School, Glasgow
  • Renfrew High School, Renfrewshire
  • Rosebank Primary School, Dundee
  • Rosemount Primary School, Angus
  • Shawlands Academy, Glasgow
  • St Albert’s Primary School, Glasgow
  • St Bernard’s Primary RC School, Glasgow
  • St Clemens School, Inverness
  • St Constantine’s Primary School, Glasgow
  • St Denis’ Primary School, Glasgow
  • St Francis Xavier’s RC Primary School, Falkirk
  • St Joseph’s Primary School, Glasgow
  • St Margaret’s Academy West Lothian
  • St Mary’s Primary School, Edinburgh
  • St Mungo’s Primary School, Glasgow
  • St Paul’s (Shettleston) Primary School, Glasgow
  • The James Young High School, West Lothian
  • Tulliallan Primary School, Fife

For more information on how to get involved in the Social Enterprise Schools programme, please visit: https://www.socialenterprise.academy/scot/social-enterprise-schools

Scottish National Gallery project set for Summer 2023 completion

A ‘transformative project’ to deliver an inspiring new space for Scotland’s renowned collection of Scottish art has passed a series of crucial milestones and the main construction work is on track to complete this winter.

With all the major engineering challenges now successfully overcome, the project is entering its final phase. This means that members of the public can look forward to experiencing a brand-new suite of world-class galleries at the Scottish National Gallery in the summer of 2023.

The Scottish National Gallery Project will create a beautiful space for Scotland’s art right in the historic heart of Edinburgh, with striking displays drawn from the National Galleries of Scotland’s (NGS) broad-ranging collection alongside special loans from other leading arts institutions.

Large windows will offer spectacular light-filled views across Princes Street Gardens, inviting visitors to come in and discover the work of pioneering Scottish artists such as Phoebe Anna Traquair, William McTaggart, Anne Redpath, Sir Henry Raeburn and Charles Rennie Mackintosh.

Stunning exhibition spaces will enable visitors to experience Scotland’s greatest art anew and feel pride in their national collection. Scotland’s artistic legacy will be revealed through innovative presentations, with much-loved Scottish Colourist paintings appearing among other major works from the first half of the twentieth century, bringing to life key aspects of Scottish art and society.

New ways of looking at Scotland’s built and natural environments will be on offer, with early photographs of Scotland’s cities shown in the same spaces as grand paintings of majestic Highland and island landscapes.

Reimagined displays of drawings and sketches will celebrate artists such as Glasgow Style pioneer Margaret Macdonald Mackintosh and David Allan, whose depictions of ‘Edinburgh Characters’ will allow visitors to get up close to street life in the capital in the late eighteenth century.

The teams working on the Scottish National Gallery project have been dealing with an incredibly challenging location, situated within a World Heritage Site which comprises an iconic A-listed nineteenth-century building with several major modern additions from the late 1960s onwards.

The creation of new Gallery spaces has entailed extensive excavation underneath the existing building and its setting on the Mound. Unexpected remnants from previous developments added significant complexity to the building work.

These include deeply buried layers of dense concrete and other undocumented obstructions which had to be extracted before major waterproofing works could be completed to protect the new development for the future.

In addition, the location of a key area of the site directly above the three Mound rail tunnels, some of the busiest in Scotland, posed distinct logistical challenges. These challenges have all now been successfully overcome and the construction work is entering its final phase.

Director-General of the National Galleries of Scotland, Sir John Leighton, said: “We are excited to be looking forward to a summer 2023 opening for the magnificent new spaces that will be delivered by the Scottish National Gallery Project.

“They will enable our visitors to discover and enjoy Scotland’s greatest art in a fully accessible suite of world-class facilities right in the centre of Edinburgh. Reaching this stage has been no mean feat, given the unique set of construction challenges faced by the Project all within the very difficult context of the global pandemic.

“With these now largely overcome, our attention can now focus on preparing the new Galleries for a joyous and celebratory unveiling next year.”

While construction has been ongoing, a wide programme of engagement and outreach for the Project has also been delivered, taking in schools in Fife, Orkney and West Lothian, social groups for older people experiencing loneliness in Edinburgh, and youth groups in the Borders.

Digital activity has further extended the reach of the Project through a rich and engaging series of videos about star works of art from the Scottish collection, and a painstaking monumental conservation project gripped online audiences during lockdown.

The first phase of the Scottish National Gallery Project was completed successfully in 2019. This included a new entrance area in East Princes Street Gardens, a new café, refurbished restaurant and shop, an elegant sandstone terrace, and new landscaping and paths to improve access to the gardens and the Galleries.

999 BSL service could “prove to be life-saver” says charity

The 999 BSL UK emergency video relay service for deaf British Sign Language (BSL) users has been launched today, Friday 17 June. 

The service gives deaf BSL users the option of calling the emergency services using BSL, via the 999 BSL website and app.

Susan Daniels OBE, Chief Executive of the National Deaf Children’s Society, said: “Calling for help quickly is vital in an emergency and no one should ever have to worry about communication when they do so. 999 BSL should remove these barriers, so we strongly welcome its launch.

“It’s now crucial that the developers do everything they can to make sure that every BSL user in the country knows it exists.

“We’d urge every deaf child and young person who uses BSL to download the app without delay. Having the option to get help so quickly, in their first language, could one day prove to be a life-saver.”

Pandemic paved way for more walking and connecting to nature

More people recognise the wellbeing benefits of walking are encouraged to spend more time outdoors due to their experiences during the Covid-19 pandemic according to new findings.

The research was commissioned by natural heritage body NatureScot in the aftermath of three waves of the Coronavirus crisis to better understand outdoor visit behaviour and how people engaged with nature.

The survey looked at the behaviour of more than 3,000 people who revealed details of how they spent time outdoors as coronavirus restrictions relaxed.

The survey found that people will encourage their children to spend more time outdoors, make more use of local green space, and try to walk more, have been welcomed by Scottish walking charity Paths for All who, along with other partners, supported these 3 studies.

Evidence gathered from respondents following the 2021 third wave found that 68% of people agreed they will encourage their children to spend more time outdoors, 62% will minimise non-essential travel and the same figure will make more use of local greenspace.

The survey also found almost two-thirds (64%) of people will try to walk, wheel or cycle more in favour of using a car, more than half would like to do more to look after local nature and wildlife, while more than one-third (36%) would be willing to volunteer time to help nature.

Kevin Lafferty, chief executive of Paths for All – which champions everyday walking to create happier and healthier lives – welcomed the survey and believes the impact of the pandemic has reset people’s views on how they can interact with nature and enjoy more active lifestyles.

He said: “The negative impact of the wholly necessary Covid-related restrictions on our movements and ability to get out and about cannot be underestimated and it caused great stress and anxiety for all age groups and social classes living throughout Scotland.

“But this survey is hugely encouraging and offers some very positive messages on how people are more willing to incorporate walking and getting closer to nature in their post-lockdown lives.

“NatureScot has delivered an impressively comprehensive insight into what is motivating people to embrace nature more, be that on their urban doorsteps or by taking advantage of our vast array of rural landscapes.”

Seventy three percent of those questioned said spending time outdoors after Wave 3 helped them to destress, relax and unwind, while 66% stated that it made them feel energised and revitalised – an increase on both 2020 waves.

Almost three in five (58%) agreed that since the pandemic began nature had become more important to their health and wellbeing, up from 49% in the first survey – but their enjoyment was curtailed by a number of issues.

Litter was a bugbear on visits to the outdoors for almost half of respondents (48%), while nearly one-third cited a lack of public toilet facilities as a factor, followed by pavement cyclists (26%) and cars parking on pavements (25%).

Frequency of participation in outdoor visits remained high during all three waves – between 71-80% – and the survey revealed a marked decrease in the number of adults who took no outdoor visits – down from 19% in May 2020 to only 10% in the final period last September.

More than half of those surveyed said their outdoor activity after Wave 3 consisted of walking under two miles, 43% walked between two and eight miles, a healthy 15% said they walked more than eight miles, with a further 11% taking part in hillwalking.

Kevin Lafferty added: “Everyday walking is key to improving the health and wellbeing of the Scottish people so it is heartening to see such high numbers of people shaking off the restrictions of lockdown and getting out into the fresh air to walk and enjoy the abundance of nature all around us.

“The research indicates a marked drop in the number of people who latterly were not managing to get outdoors at all – probably due to vaccination uptake and rising confidence that Covid-19 is more controlled – and we hope those people have continued to enjoy all the benefits of the great outdoors.”

More than one-third (37%) of respondents reported taking more visits to the outdoors after Wave 3 than pre-pandemic. The key reasons given for the increase were a “pent up demand” following the easing of lockdown restrictions, increased levels of appreciation of the outdoors acquired during the pandemic, seeking to get fit or exercise, and having increased amounts of free time.

However, those who spent less time outdoors during this period, put it down to continued adherence to rules, general health or old age issues and/or continued nervousness about going outside due to the risks of infection or transmission.

Kevin added: “A third of us in Scotland are not active enough and walking is by far the best way for many of us to be more active.

“A brisk 30-minute walk five days a week can prevent illness, improve physical and mental health and improve our connections with our community and the environment.

“This report is important in understanding how Covid-19 impacted the daily habit of taking a walk that many of us take for granted, and hopefully one of the benefits to come out of this global health crisis is that more of us now have a stronger connection to the outdoors.”

Diageo’s Rainbow Network invites LGBTQIA+ hospitality workers to join Pride with Purpose workshop at Johnnie Walker Princes Street

Diageo’s hospitality skills programme, Learning for Life, is hosting a tailored ‘Pride with Purpose’ one-day workshop at Johnnie Walker Princes Street during Pride month, designed to support and upskill LGBTQIA+ hospitality venues and LGBTQIA+ community hospitality workers.

The tailored course will be delivered by Learning for Life partners Springboard and will directly address the challenges that those working in LGBTQIA+ venues or LGBTQIA+ employees might encounter with sessions on positive drinking (DRINKiQ session), inclusive language, inclusive service and an introduction to cocktails masterclass. 

The concept was proposed by members of the Diageo global Rainbow Network, which exists to ensure that the talents and contributions of all Diageo LGBTQIA+ employees are respected, valued, and embraced.

The network maintains both an internal and external focus, supporting one another in the workplace to foster an environment where all employees can bring their whole self to work, while also considering the connection, outreach and social impact that they can have within the broader community in which Diageo operates.

Jorgie Hunt, Keg Plant Manager, and Jack Malcolmson, Business Improvement Project Lead for Brewing, Co-Chair the Supply Chain & Procurement Rainbow Network in the UK and played an important role in developing the partnership with Diageo Learning for Life to create the Pride with Purpose workshop concept.

Jack Malcolmson said: “Diageo’s purpose is to Celebrate Life, Every Day, Everywhere, and Championing Inclusion and Diversity is at the heart of this. The Rainbow Network is one of many Employee Resource Groups in Diageo, and functions to celebrate, and advocate for, members of the LGBTQIA+ community within the business and beyond. 

“We’re celebrating Pride 2022 with an incredible calendar of events. The “Pride with Purpose” workshop, developed in collaboration with Learning for Life and Springboard, is an incredible opportunity for us to engage with LGBTQIA+ hospitality venues and workers, providing them with new skills and qualifications, and showcasing the work Diageo are doing in the I&D and DrinkIQ spaces. LGBTQIA+ venues have faced particular hardship through the COVID-19 pandemic, and I’m incredibly proud that we’re able to support them in this way.”

Diageo’s Learning for Life programme, which began in Latin America and the Caribbean in 2008 and has since expanded across the globe, provides vital training and experience and a route into the hospitality sector.

With a focus on adult education, Learning for Life in the UK has traditionally focused on offering opportunities to young unemployed people, with skills programmes covering key areas within the hospitality industry implemented in partnership with local educational, governmental, and training organisations.

Gillian Dalziel, Learning for Life Programme Manager for Diageo in the UK, said: “It’s really important for us to bring this workshop to the LGBTQIA+ hospitality community over Pride as it demonstrates our support and allyship and really helps us live our purpose by championing inclusion and equality throughout the hospitality industry.

“We wanted to make sure that we delivered a programme that would be truly valuable to those who wanted to attend and would benefit from the resources we have available to us at Learning for Life to help create more positive relationships and experiences for employees in their day-to-today work. I encourage anybody that is interested to get involved.”

The Learning for Life Pride with Purpose workshop is open the anyone aged 18 or over and is free to attend. It will take place on 27th June.

To register please visit: https://form.jotform.com/221561837049964

New incinerators ban welcomed

The Circular Economy Minister has set out the action that will be taken to deliver on the recommendations of an independent review of the role of incineration.

In a Ministerial Statement to parliament, she confirmed that the Scottish Government has accepted all twelve recommendations, including Dr Church’s recommendation that no further planning permission for incineration facilities should be granted.

New national planning policy will be introduced through National Planning Framework 4, which will be presented to the Scottish Parliament for approval later this year. This policy will make clear that the Scottish Government does not support the development of further municipal waste incineration capacity in Scotland, with very limited exceptions.

In the meantime, a notification direction will remain in place, requiring local authorities to alert Scottish Ministers of new planning applications that involve incineration facilities. A similar notification direction was used previously, and successfully, to give the effect of a moratorium on Unconventional Oil and Gas.

Circular Economy Minister Lorna Slater said: “Reducing waste and recycling what we do produce is key to tackling the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity and ensuring we all enjoy a healthy environment. That’s why we are taking action to create a circular economy, in which materials are kept in use for as long as possible and precious natural resources are not wasted.

“We also need to make sure we manage unavoidable and unrecyclable waste in the short term. By putting in place sensible measures to limit and gradually reduce Scotland’s incineration capacity, we can make sure we can manage our waste today, while ensuring our future waste infrastructure aligns with our climate targets.

“I look forward to working with local authorities and industry to take forward these recommendations.”

Environmental campaigners have welcomed the Scottish Government’s commitment to ban new incinerators as an important step forwards and urged Ministers to next tackle the impact of existing incinerators.

Kim Pratt, Friends of the Earth Scotland Circular Economy Campaigner said: “The Scottish Government’s ban on new incinerators is very welcome news and must mark the beginning of the end for these polluting projects that keep us locked into sending valuable resources up in smoke.

“It is vital the Scottish Government acts now to tackle the impact of our existing incinerators, given their huge climate pollution. Reducing the amount of plastic waste burnt is the only viable option for cutting emissions from existing plants. Carbon Capture and Storage is completely unsuitable for incineration as it is technically challenging, extremely expensive and locks us into a polluting system.

“Scotland will have more capacity than there is waste to burn by 2027 because of those plants already in the pipeline. Incinerator investors and operators now have a choice to buy into a circular economy for Scotland or to burn away that future.”

Friends of the Earth Scotland also warned that the approval last week by West Dunbartonshire Council of an application for a waste plastic-to-hydrogen plant, which could be ; “n incinerator in all but name, risks the development escaping the new ban through a loophole.

Kim Pratt concluded: “We are deeply concerned about the approval of a new waste plastic-to-hydrogen plant, which is an incinerator in all but name, by West Dunbartonshire Council.

“The decision, which has come despite the introduction of the ban on new incinerators, undermines the current approach. The Scottish Government must urgently review the boundaries of the ban to ensure it is being applied fully and effectively.”

To find out more read the Friends of the Earth Scotland response to the Incineration Review:

https://foe-scotland.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b5ad0d61b2a67d22c68bf7d8d&id=1faf3d4515&e=195fc3d780

Air quality in focus for next generations on Clean Air Day

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) is educating young people about the detrimental impacts of air pollution and what can be done to tackle it as part of Clean Air Day.  

Schools, businesses, local authorities and other organisations across Scotland, and beyond, are taking part in Clean Air Day – a national air quality campaign. Now in its sixth year, Clean Air Day’s theme is ‘Air pollution impacts our health from our first breath to our last’. 

Air quality sensors are being installed at a number of schools across Scotland this week (June 13 – 17) as part of SEPA’s work. These have been installed at the request of the schools and will allow pupils to access real time air quality data, identifying issues such as vehicle idling around pick-up and drop-off times or even regional pollution events depending on the weather.

The pupils will then use this information to help put into practice positive actions they are learning through SEPA and Glasgow Science Centre’s ‘Our Amazing Air’ education programme to reduce air pollution.  
 
Over the last six weeks as part of ‘Our Amazing Air’, youngers have been taking part in bespoke lessons and experiments about air pollution, how it affects our health and the environment and what positive steps can be taken to tackle the issue. This project has been delivered in conjunction with Glasgow Science Centre, as part of its long running partnership with SEPA.  

SEPA has contributed to teaching materials for ‘Our Amazing Air’, with air quality experts visiting some of the participating schools and speaking directly to pupils about these issues.

The pupils have been keen to ask the experts about the serious issues and impacts around air quality and to discuss the practical measures that can be put in place to reduce overall pollution levels. The children have also been busy producing artwork and colourful banners to be displayed outside their schools.

Dr Colin Gillespie, SEPA’s Air Modelling Unit Manager, said: “Good air quality is essential for a good quality of life, helping maintain human health and wellbeing and our climate and habitats. It is also vital in our work towards becoming a net zero nation.  

“There are many ways to improve air quality but, like climate change, it is vital to involve younger generations and inform them about the issues facing our environment today.  
 
“Everyone has a part to play in helping to improve air quality and tackle pollution – and education is a vital part of this. SEPA works with local authorities and schools across the country to promote, educate and inform about air pollution. This year’s ‘Our Amazing Air’ programme was a great way to teach children about air pollution, how it impacts our health and the environment and what positive steps we can take.  

“Clean Air Day gives everyone an important opportunity to consider how we can change or adapt our behaviour to improve the quality of our air and spread the positive message about the benefits of clean air.” 

John Bynorth, Policy and Communications Officer at Environmental Protection Scotland, which coordinates Clean Air Day on behalf of the Scottish Government, said: “We are delighted with SEPA’s work to promote efforts for children to learn about air quality across schools in Scotland on Clean Air Day.

“These citizen science projects help young people better understand air pollution impacts and pollution sources. This contributes to their households making informed choices about the simple steps they can take to reduce their contribution and exposure to pollution and encourage cycling and walking.

“There is an ever-increasing body of evidence that suggests air pollution affects every part of the human body, from the lungs and heart to the brain, and even during pregnancy. On Clean Air Day, we can all do something to cut air pollution to benefit our health and the planet. On June 16, let us all work together to make Scotland’s air quality the best in Europe.”

Air pollution monitoring 
 
SEPA initially started educational work around air pollution monitoring with a national teaching package (www.learnaboutair.com), that was developed with North Lanarkshire Council. Through the years, SEPA has extended its work into the classrooms up and down the country, working with more than half of Scotland’s local authorities on air pollution monitoring and educational projects.  
 
Where possible, SEPA has been undertaking air quality monitoring around schools (on request or in partnership with local authorities) and this information is provided to allow pupils to learn about air pollution and how they can take steps to reduce air pollution around their schools.  

School pupils in Edinburgh have helped mark Clean Air Day 2022 by pledging their own clean air goals.

children from Sciennes Primary School were joined yesterday by Environmental Protection Scotland, who coordinate Clean Air Day in Scotland, to call for action on air pollution.

This year, Clean Air Day highlights the negative impact poor air quality can have on our health, encouraging people to leave the car at home and take alternative, more sustainable modes of transport like walking, cycling or public transport where possible.

Sciennes was the first primary school in Edinburgh to set up a ‘bike bus’ – where children, parents and marshals group together to cycle, walk or wheel along an agreed route to school.

It was also amongst the first nine schools to introduce ‘School Streets’, which restricts cars outside the gates at the start and end of the day to create safe and welcoming environments for travel by foot, bike or wheel.

Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, joined pupils yesterday to find out about their efforts to travel sustainably, as well as sharing some of the work to improve air quality and support environmentally friendly travel across Edinburgh.

This includes a Low Emission Zone, which was formally introduced on 31 May and will limit the most polluting motor vehicles in the city centre.

He said: “We all have a right to breathe clean air and today we’re reminded just how important that is to our health and wellbeing. I’m proud to see our youngest residents engaged in the conversation about better air quality – they will be the catalysts for change.

“We owe it to future generations to do everything we can to create a cleaner, greener city for everyone. Thankfully there’s already lots going on – just last month the Council introduced a Low Emission Zone in Edinburgh, which will tackle air pollution in the densely populated city centre, with knock-on improvements to air quality expected across the wider city area. This will save lives.

“This is just one of a number of tools at our disposal to reduce air pollution. From investment in public transport, including bringing the tram to Newhaven, to transforming the city centre and areas around Edinburgh through our 20-minute neighbourhood programme, which encourages people to travel locally in ways that are cleaner, greener and improve our wellbeing, and progressing major walking, wheeling and cycling projects like George Street and City Centre West to East Link, I want to support people to make healthy, sustainable transport choices.”

John Bynorth, Policy and Communications Officer at Environmental Protection Scotland said:  “The main thing we’re focusing on with this year’s national air quality campaign is that air pollution affects every part of your body.

“A lot of people know about the impacts relating to conditions like asthma, bronchitis and heart and lung disease but there’s emerging evidence that it affects your brain and cognitive ability and there’s research into how it affects unborn babies in pregnancy.

“It’s really fantastic what Edinburgh’s doing with Clean Air Day, particularly so soon after the launch of the Low Emission Zone, which is going to make a real difference to the health and wellbeing of people in the Capital.”

Lucy Gallagher, Acting Head Teacher of Sciennes Primary School, said: “We are very pleased to continue our support for Clean Air Day to raise awareness of children’s right to good health and to promote active travel. Our young people know that air pollution can harm the human body.

“They also know that young people are even more at risk and so they want to speak out to make a difference!  We would like all our children to have clean air every day on their safe and active route to school. 

Activities have been taking place in schools around the Capital in the lead-up to Clean Air Day. Pupils from Stenhouse, Craiglockhart and St Mary’s RC Leith primary schools have each designed clean air banners for their school gates as part of a dedicated poster competition launched jointly by SEPA and the Council.

Blackhall and St Mary’s East London Street primary schools have created banners through Our Amazing Air, a learning programme run by Glasgow Science Centre and SEPA.

On Thursday, children from Preston Street Primary School shared their ‘Clean Air Heroes’ with each other before cheering on classmates leaving school by foot, wheel or bike and at Canal View Primary School an air quality sensor was installed this week so pupils can learn about air pollution.

A new, dedicated webpage, Future Edinburgh, was also established this week to highlight projects underway or in planning that aim to address climate change, population growth and poverty, as well as tackling issues like air pollution and congestion.

The page provides information on the plans and strategies underpinning these ambitions – City Plan 2030, City Mobility Plan and Net Zero 2030.

Amongst initiatives are the development of 20-minute neighbourhoods to create a network of healthier, greener and thriving local areas where everyone can meet most of their daily needs within a short walk, wheel or cycle from their home, City Centre Transformation and Trams to Newhaven.

Several major active travel projects are in the pipeline including George Street and First New Town, West Edinburgh Link and City Centre West to East Link, which is currently under construction.

Find out more on the Council website.

Miners’ Strike Pardon Bill passed – but no compensation

Scotland has become the first of the home nations to pardon former miners convicted of certain offences related to strike action in the 1980s.

The historic legislation passed by MSPs ensures a collective and automatic pardon for miners involved in strike action which extends to members of a miner’s household and other close family members who may also have been convicted.

The legislation was recommended by an independent review, led by John Scott QC, into the impact of policing on Scottish communities during the industrial dispute.

Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Veterans Keith Brown described the legislation as ‘ground-breaking’ and said the UK Government should now give consideration to a UK-wide public inquiry into the strike and compensating former miners.

He said: “The miners’ strike was one of the most bitter and divisive industrial disputes in living memory. This landmark moment will go some way to aid reconciliation – and to help heal wounds within Scotland’s mining communities.

“This ground-breaking legislation will restore dignity to those convicted, provide comfort to their families and, I hope, bring some closure to the sense of injustice members of mining communities may continue to feel.

“I very much sympathise with miners who lost out on redundancy payments and pension rights as a result of being sacked by the National Coal Board after being arrested or convicted for actions while participating in the strike.

“By securing this pardon, we have done what we can within our powers to restore dignity to individuals who meet the qualifying criteria and their families.

“It is now right that the UK Government recognises the passing of this historic legislation and gives further consideration to a UK-wide public inquiry and the payment of compensation to former miners. I have written to the Home Secretary this week urging her to reconsider her position given the strong support for this landmark Bill.”

Professor Jim Murdoch of the School of Law at Glasgow University who worked with Mr Scott QC on the independent review said: “As members of the independent review, our task was primarily to listen: to show that those affected by the miners’ strike had a voice more than a third of a century later.  

“At each of the meetings we held, it was clear that the pain felt by former miners and their families was still raw.  

“The response to the miners’ strike at the time left a deep scar on too many communities. Their stories showed without doubt that the criminal justice system all too often reacted in an arbitrary and disproportionate manner.

“Our task was to seek to promote a sense of reconciliation, and we are pleased that our report and its recommendation have received clear support today in the Scottish Parliament.”

Nicky Wilson, President of the National Union of Mineworkers (Scotland), said: “The NUM welcomes the passing of the Miners’ Pardon Bill. It removes the stigma of a criminal record given to miners who were striking to save their industry, jobs and communities which led to their convictions and sacking in some cases.”

Mental Health Awareness Week: Doctor’s advice on combatting loneliness and social isolation

  • Loneliness affects more than 25 million people in England, disproportionally affecting older people 
  • Psychologist Dr Cecilia Radecka shares what it means to be socially isolated, how it affects our brains and the steps you can take to overcome its effects 

For Loneliness Awareness Week (13th-17th June), a psychologist has shared her top advice on how to overcome the effects of social isolation. 

Below, Dr Cecilia Radecka, psychologist at Livi, explains the difference between loneliness and social isolation and looks at how social isolation affects our brains. 

How to overcome the effects of social isolation 

  1. Make social connections a priority

“Although it may seem impossible, making small steps to connect with others is important. There are many forms of friendships – but the key here is quality, not quantity,” explains Dr Radecka. “Arrange to chat to someone you haven’t spoken to in a while or set up a weekly phone call.” 

  1. Engage in the community

Being part of a community gives us a strong sense of belonging. Join a class based on your interests. “Doing activities that we enjoy is good for our mental wellbeing and a way to meet new people,” says Dr Radecka. Try taking part in a book club, dog-walking group or choir or volunteering at a community garden. One study found that group singing significantly boosts psychological wellbeing. 

  1. Get moving

“If you’re struggling with social anxiety, keeping physically active can improve your mood and decrease symptoms of depression and anxiety,” says Dr Radecka. “It boosts the feel-good chemicals in the brain and decreases stress hormones, including adrenaline and cortisol.” 

  1. Ask for help

Dr Radecka said: “If you feel that social isolation and loneliness are affecting your health, don’t be afraid to reach out to family, friends or a health professional. A Livi doctor or therapist can evaluate your symptoms and talk you through treatment options available.” 

The difference between social isolation and loneliness 

“The main difference between social isolation and loneliness is in how people experience them,” says Dr Cecilia Radecka, a Livi psychologist.  

“Social isolation is a state where you have few people to interact with regularly. Loneliness is a feeling, where you can be surrounded by people yet still feel lonely. 

“Studies show that it isn’t the quantity but the quality of social interactions that matters. For example, while social media can help us stay connected, it can lead to lower quality interactions. One study found that spending too much time on social media can increase feelings of loneliness.” 

It’s not just the elderly who feel lonely 

Social isolation disproportionally affects older people, and in some countries, up to 1 in 3 older people are lonely.   

“Older adults are at increased risk of loneliness and social isolation due to living alone, the loss of friends or family and poor health,” says Dr Radecka. 

However, social isolation can affect us all at some point. For some, being socially isolated comes and goes – perhaps as a consequence of life events, like a death of a loved one, a relationship break-up or moving somewhere new. For others, it’s more long term. 

How social isolation affects our mental health 

Social isolation is associated with an increased risk of mental health problems like anxiety and depression – and mental health issues can also increase your chances of feeling lonely. There’s even evidence that social isolation can shorten life span. A study found that people who are socially isolated are more likely to die prematurely, regardless of underlying health issues. 

However, while social isolation and loneliness can impair our cognitive function, there’s also evidence that re-socialising and making new connections can reverse the negative effects of isolation. In a recent study conducted during the pandemic, residents who suffered cognitive decline during lockdown quickly recovered when restrictions eased. 

To improve access to mental health treatment, Livi, the UK’s largest digital healthcare company, has this week launched an Online Therapy service, offering Cognitive Behavioural Therapy with qualified and accredited mental health practitioners. Appointments can be booked online, and people can see a therapist by video in their own home, at a time that suits them. 

George Jones, Director of Mental Health at Livi, said: “England saw a record 4.3 million referrals to mental health services last year, and every month our GPs help thousands of patients with mental health concerns.

“Livi’s new Online Therapy service will improve access to mental health treatment for patients and ease the pressure on NHS services.  

“Everyone should have access to the help they need, when they need it, and outstanding digital healthcare can play a vital part in meeting increased demand by improving access and reducing waiting times.” 

Livi partners with the NHS to provide video appointments with GPs and other health professionals, covering eight million patients under NHS contract.