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An independent review of the role of incineration in Scotland, which recommends a cap on future incineration capacity, has been welcomed by the Circular Economy Minister.
Friends of the Earth Scotland have also welcomed it’s findings but say a clear exit strategy is still needed.
The report, which was authored by waste sector expert Dr Colin Church, reviews the role of incineration in the waste hierarchy, with a focus on aligning national capacity with Scotland’s waste reduction targets.
The report makes 12 policy recommendations for the Scottish Government, local authorities and the wider waste industry, including:
The Scottish Government will set out its initial response to the Review in June.
Public consultations on a Circular Economy Bill and a Waste Route Map will launch this month.
Dr Colin Church said: “The evidence I received shows that, whilst well-regulated incineration does have a role to play in managing unavoidable residual waste in Scotland, the capacity currently being proposed is likely to be more than needed, so a lot of it should not be built.
“For the proportion that is developed, the level and quality of engagement with local communities needs to be excellent, which unfortunately has not always been the case to date.
“There is also more that must be done to reduce the climate impacts of waste incineration, and I look forward to revisiting my provisional recommendations in this area in due course.”
Circular Economy Minister Lorna Slater said: “I would like to thank Dr Church for delivering this work, which will play a pivotal role in shaping Scotland’s future waste policy.
“We want to create a circular economy, where materials stay in use for as long as possible, and nothing is wasted. Only by increasing reuse and recycling can Scotland meet its net zero targets, and we will be publishing ambitious proposals to achieve this soon.
“It is clear from the review that although incineration has a role to play in managing Scotland’s unavoidable, unrecyclable residual waste in a safe way, that role is inevitably limited. As we transition to a circular economy, Scotland will need significantly less incineration capacity than is currently projected and it is vital that we do not have more capacity than we need.
“Dr Church has proposed some valuable recommendations and outlined some important considerations for how we can align the management of residual waste in Scotland with our net zero ambitions. We will consider the recommendations carefully and provide an initial response in June.”
Environmental campaigners have also welcomed the independent report which calls for an immediate ban on new incinerators – but say a clear exit strategy from incineration is still needed.
The report from an independent review has been published today (10 May), and shows the scale of the nation’s incineration problem. The report makes 12 policy recommendations for the Scottish Government, local authorities and wider waste industry.
Kim Pratt, circular economy campaigner at Friends of the Earth Scotland, said: “This report shows that the alarming rise in incineration in Scotland must be stopped immediately – rapid action is needed to prevent the loss of valuable resources and stop the climate-wrecking emissions being caused by burning plastics.
“A ban on new incinerators is the first step in turning Scotland’s waste management system around, but it’s only half of the solution. The report makes it clear that more must be done to minimise waste and recycle as much as possible.
“Our current incinerators are some of Scotland’s biggest polluters so they must be phased out if Scotland is to meet its climate goals. It is concerning that the report does not include a detailed carbon assessment, given the direct threat of incinerators to our climate goals.
“Burning plastic releases more carbon than coal and the only way to cut emissions from incineration for good is to stop burning waste. We need to value resources properly, rather than taking from nature, using once then burning or burying the waste.”
The capacity analysis from the report shows that in five years time (2027) Scotland will have more incineration capacity than there is available waste to burn.
One of the first major actions undertaken by Lorna Slater, Minister for the Circular Economy, was to initiate an independent review of incineration of waste. Scotland now joins Wales, which banned incineration in 2021 and has the third highest recycling rates in the world.
Over 1,000 people supported Friends of the Earth Scotland’s calls for an immediate ban of new incinerators and of plastics being sent to incinerators, and a phase out of those already operating.
Margaret Runcie, a 96-year-old World War II veteran, was the guest of honour at a tree-planting event marking the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee held at Edinburgh’s Whitefoord House yesterday.
Margaret, who was born in Hertfordshire and now resides in Haddington, East Lothian, served as a Petty Officer in the Women’s Royal Naval Service (WRNS) in the Second World War.
In June 1944 at the age of 18, she was posted to Royal Naval Air Station Crail in Fife (HMS Jackdaw) as a radio mechanic for 785 Squadron where her duties included changing batteries from aircraft returning from missions, usually at night. During here service, which continued until the end of 1946, Margaret lived in Crail House, a mile from the base.
Despite her South East of England roots, Margaret spent most of her military leave travelling throughout Scotland where she eventually settled following her marriage to Ken in 1956. Her former base in Crail is now one of the biggest preserved Naval Air Stations in the UK, and a room in Crail Museum is dedicated to the life and people who served on HMS Jackdaw.
Margaret visited Edinburgh’s Whitefoord House, a supported housing facility run the charity Scottish Veterans Residences (SVR), where she joined residents to plant a tree in celebration of this year’s Platinum Jubilee.
The tree was sponsored by the Association of Wrens and Women of the Naval Services Edinburgh Branch. The Royal Naval Association Edinburgh branch also planted a tree as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy initiative.
SVR has been operating for more than 100 years providing accommodation and services for UK military veterans who are experiencing homelessness. The charity’s housing support services in Edinburgh, Dundee and Glasgow provide accommodation for up to 160 veterans at one time.
Commenting from Whitefoord House, Margaret said: “I’m delighted to be here planting this tree on behalf of The Association of Wrens and Women of the Naval Services to mark the Platinum Jubilee.
“The Queen and her father, King George, were an immense inspiration to all servicemen and women throughout the war so it’s an honour to be here celebrating the 70th year of her reign.”
Martin Nadin OBE, Chief Executive SVR said: “As an organisation which is fully committed to supporting veterans, we are absolutely thrilled to have Margaret and so many representatives from the Naval Services Association at today’s tree planting.
“As we mark the Queen’s historic milestone, it’s important we also acknowledge the commitment and sacrifice of our veterans who have kept the UK secure during the past 70 years.”
A new Centre of Expertise in Equality and Human Rights to put human rights and equality at the heart of economic policy development is being established.
The Centre, an action from Scotland’s National Strategy for Economic Transformation, will see government working with leading experts to build knowledge and skills among policy officials to address injustice and economic inequality.
Economy Secretary Kate Forbes said: “Our vision for Scotland is to create a wellbeing economy where our society is thriving economically, socially and environmentally, and in which we deliver prosperity for all Scotland’s people and places.
“By focusing on wellbeing and fair work, we can deliver higher rates of employment and wage growth, to reduce poverty – particularly child poverty – and improve health and quality of life for disadvantaged families and communities.
“The Centre of Expertise in Equality and Human Rights will advance our understanding of how equality and human rights should influence the economic policy-making process.
“This includes work in areas to remove barriers to employment for disabled people, women, those with care experience and minority ethnic groups while also tackling poverty through fair pay and conditions.
“Scotland’s National Strategy for Economic Transformation identified challenges to overcoming inequality across the economy, but also opportunities to build a fairer and more equal society with opportunities for all to succeed.”
The Scottish Government will develop the centre in partnership with stakeholders such as Inclusion Scotland.
Senior policy advisor at Inclusion Scotland Bill Scott said: “This new centre is an exciting development which we believe will ensure that equalities and human rights are at the heart of future economic policy development and implementation.
“Its work will be crucial in first identifying and then tackling the inequalities that currently condemn far too many of Scotland’s disabled people to poverty and low pay.”
A 25-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the murder of Aimee Jane Cannon in West Calder.
Aimee Jane (26) was found with a number of serious injuries at a property on Learmonth Crescent, West Calder around 6.35pm on Saturday, 7 May, 2022.
Enquiries remain ongoing following the arrest.
Members of the public can still submit information via an online portal.
The Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) is a website that gives the public access to a form so they can send information directly to the major incident teams based at the Scottish Crime Campus: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/SCOT22S14-PO1
Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101 quoting reference 3181 of 7 May, 2022.
Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.
The Attorney General, Suella Braverman QC MP, visited Ukraine yesterday and met with Ukrainian Prosecutor General, Iryna Venediktova. She also led a delegation of war crimes experts in Poland as part of the UK’s support for Ukraine’s investigations into Russian atrocities.
The delegation included Sir Howard Morrison QC, who the Attorney appointed as an independent adviser to the Ukrainian Prosecutor General’s Office in March. This follows the Foreign Secretary’s announcement (29 April) that the UK would deploy a team of war crimes experts to support Ukraine’s investigations.
As part of the visit, the Attorney met the Ukrainian Prosecutor General, Iryna Venediktova, to discuss what more the UK can do to support her work to bring war criminals to justice.
At the meeting, the Attorney heard first-hand about Ukrainian evidence-gathering processes, their plans to prosecute individuals for war crimes in their national courts, and their collaboration with the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Commenting on the visit, the Attorney General, Suella Braverman QC MP, said: “Russia has brought barbarity to Ukraine and committed vile atrocities, including against women.
“I am pleased to have led the UK delegation of war crimes experts to Ukraine and to have met those leading Ukraine’s journey to justice, including the indefatigable Prosecutor General Iryna Venediktova.
“I am determined that British expertise will help Iryna and her team to uncover the truth and hold Putin’s regime to account for its actions. Justice will be done.
Commenting on the Attorney General’s visit, the Ukrainian Prosecutor General Iryna Venediktova said: “While courts around the world are working to hold Russia accountable, the bulk of the investigation – and the largest number of prosecutions – will be done by Ukraine itself.
“I am grateful for the UK’s help and to Attorney General Braverman for visiting Ukraine to show her personal support for bringing every perpetrator to justice.
Ever since the first covid lockdown, I have always followed the rules.
In that time, the British people have made heart-wrenching sacrifices.
People were left desperately lonely.
They were separated from family and friends tragically, many were unable to see dying loved ones.
This was a collective sacrifice.
People were entitled to expect that politicians would follow the same rules as everyone else.
When my mother-in-law passed away suddenly just before the lockdown, my wife and I were unable to provide her father with the support we wanted to afterwards, because we followed the rules.
Barely a day has passed where we haven’t agonised over that decision, but we did it, because we followed the rules.
We all found those rules frustrating at times –
And I’m no exception to that.
I had to isolate six times during covid, pulling me away from my work and the things that I love.
But I did it, because we followed the rules.
The idea that I would then casually break those rules is wrong.
And frankly I don’t believe those accusing me believe it themselves.
They are just trying to feed cynicism, to get the public to believe all politicians are the same.
I am here to say they’re not.
I believe in honour, integrity and the principle that those who make the laws must follow them.
And I believe that politicians who undermine that principle, undermine trust in politics, undermine our democracy, and undermine Britain.
I am absolutely clear that no laws were broken.
They were followed at all times.
I simply had something to eat while working late in the evening.
As any politician would do days before an election.
But if the police decide to issue me with a fixed penalty notice,
I would, of course, do the right thing and step down.
This matters.
It matters because the British public deserve politicians who think the rules apply to them.
They deserve politicians who hold themselves to the highest standards.
And they deserve politicians who put the country first, rather than themselves.
They will always – always – get that from me.
Thank you.
KEIR STARMER
Leader of the Labour Party
Wardie Bay in Edinburgh has not been designated as one of Scotland’s designated bathing waters following a decision by Minister for Environment and Land Reform, Mairi McAllan MSP.
However, Scotland’s environmental regulator will take water samples and publish them online, reflecting the high number of users during the season, which runs from 1 June to 15 September.
Application for designation
The application for bathing water status was submitted by Wardie Bay Beachwatch.
The submission was considered by the Bathing Water Review Panel and recommendations based on the criteria for designation were passed to the Minister for Environment and Land Reform.
Evidence provided confirmed that Wardie Bay had a large number of bathers, and there was community support for the designation. The third requirement, around beach management, has not yet been met.
Given the level of community use and the commitment from City of Edinburgh Council to continue to work towards accepting beach management responsibilities, SEPA will sample Wardie Bay from May to September 2022 and results will be publicly available on a dedicated section of SEPA’s website.
Nathan Critchlow-Watton, SEPA’s Interim Head of Water and Planning, said: “Scotland’s natural environment is world renowned. Our waters are at their best status on record and the best in the UK, including 99% of bathing waters meeting strict environmental standards in 2021.
“As well as the physical and mental health benefits that being outdoors can provide, bathing waters can support local economies by encouraging visitors.
“Due to the high level of community use, and the ongoing work by City of Edinburgh Council. SEPA’s specialist teams will take samples throughout the bathing water season, providing water quality information for the local community and visitors.”
Help improve our beaches and coastlines
Communities and visitors to Scotland’s beaches can also help to protect our water environment, even when they’re not there.
It’s important that people understand the impact what they flush away can have on the environment – and their local bathing water. Every year Scottish Water teams deal with around 36,000 blockages, costing customers about £7 million annually, and around 80% of those are caused by people flushing the wrong items down the toilet, or pouring fats, oil and grease down the sink. These blockages in the sewer system can result in spills of pollution into the environment.
Whether you are at home, at work or on holiday, Scottish Water provides advice on how to protect the network, and Scotland’s water environment, at scottishwater.co.uk/naturecalls
Protecting our bathing waters while at the beach is also vital. Waste from animals or litter is not just unsightly, it can have a negative impact on the environment. So, visitors are encouraged to take litter home, clean up after their dogs and avoid feeding the gulls, ensuring a good beach experience for everyone who visits.
Find out more at keepscotlandbeautiful.org/mybeachyourbeach
Port of Leith Housing Association (PoLHA) alongside Hackland + Dore Architects have been shortlisted in two categories in the Scottish Home Awards 2022.
The categories are ‘Affordable Housing Development of the Year’ and ‘Housing Regeneration Project of the Year’ in recognition of their Heron Place affordable development in north Edinburgh.
The shortlisted development is situated at Granton Harbour and makes up a stretch of the city’s large-scale waterfront regeneration programme. In total there are 46 homes for social rent, including two wheelchair accessible flats, and 58 homes for mid market rent within the development. The mid market rent flats are delivered by Persevere Developments Ltd, a subsidiary of PoLHA.
The development of Heron Place contributes to the city’s waterfront regeneration by transforming derelict land into a sustainable neighbourhood and addressing local housing needs.
Community activities have been arranged for new residents and locals such as organised walks, courtyard events, and visits to nearby Wardie Bay beach. Tenants have also been involved in gardening within the development’s central courtyard.
Heather Kiteley, PoLHA Group Chief Executive said: “It is wonderful to see residents of Heron Place enjoying their homes and adding to the community at Granton Harbour.
“The development with its friendly courtyard is a joy to visit and I am proud of all those who have been involved in its planning and development as well as the ongoing engagement with those who live there.
“I look forward to seeing the waterfront regeneration programme continue to unfold in the months and years to come.”
Manuela Molendini, Hackland + Dore Architects Associate Director said: “Working collaboratively with PoLHA and CCG, Hackland + Dore Architects have delivered a sensitive design response, focussing on the positive impact on the local community through a range of urban and economic improvements.
“The enhancement of the ‘Public Realm’, comprises of accessible amenity space with high quality landscaping, while expanding connections to the existing marina with a network of paths for pedestrians and cyclists promotes sustainable travel.
“Heron Place is a sustainable response to a brownfield site. The mixed-tenure development provides a comprehensive well integrated placemaking solution that meets housing targets, and delivers a neighbourhood where communities feel connected and can thrive.”
Port of Leith Housing Association has ambitious plans to deliver more than 600 high-quality, affordable homes by 2025. You can read more about this in its strategic plan polha.co.uk/2025.
