THE UK’s leading meningitis charity is calling for those who have suffered from the viral form of the disease to ‘Make Viral Visible’ to help dispel myths and misconceptions that this form of the disease is not dangerous and always ‘mild’. Continue reading Meningitis: ‘Make Viral Visible’
Scotland will stop contributing to climate change within a generation under new, tougher climate change proposals. Amendments to the Climate Change Bill have been lodged to set a legally binding target of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045 at the latest with Scotland becoming carbon neutral by 2040.
The existing targets proposed in the Bill were already world-leading. In response to calls from young people, scientists and businesses across the country, Scottish Ministers have adopted the advice of independent experts, the UK Climate Change Committee.
This means that in addition to the net-zero target for 2045, Scotland will reduce emissions by 70% by 2030 and 90% by 2040 – the most ambitious statutory targets in the world for these years.
The Committee’s recommended targets for Scotland are contingent on the UK adopting a net-zero greenhouse gas emission target for 2050.
Climate Change Secretary Roseanna Cunningham said: “There is a global climate emergency and people across Scotland have been calling, rightly, for more ambition to tackle it and safeguard our planet for future generations.
“Having received independent, expert advice that even higher targets are now possible, and given the urgency required on this issue, I have acted immediately to set a target for net-zero greenhouse gas emissions for 2045 which will see Scotland become carbon neutral by 2040.
“I have been consistently clear that our targets must be ambitious, credible and responsible. We must take an evidence-based approach and balance our climate, economic and social responsibilities. We have already halved greenhouse gas emissions from Scotland while growing the economy, so we know we can do it. I am committed to meeting the most ambitious targets possible, and doing so while continuing to build an inclusive and fair economy.
“Every single one of us now needs to take more action – not just the Scottish Government but also all businesses, schools, communities, individuals and organisations. The UK Government must also act.
“The Committee on Climate Change say that Scotland’s ability to meet these world-leading targets is contingent on the UK Government also accepting their advice and using the relevant policy levers that remain reserved. As such, I call on the UK Government to follow our lead, accept the Committee’s advice, and work with us to achieve this goal.
“We can, and we must, end our contribution to climate change. I invite everyone to accept the advice we’ve received and work with us in a just and fair transition to a net-zero economy.”
A man who suffered serious burns after ‘catching fire’ for a whole minute has thanked ambulance staff for helping to save his life. Continue reading Burns victim thanks Scottish Ambulance Service
The Scottish Government has done a good job of delivering its first set of devolved benefits, but the real challenge is still to come, spending watchdog Audit Scotland warns in a report published today. Continue reading Benefits delivery set to get much tougher, says spending watchdog
Action Earth campaign launched at North Edinburgh Arts
The Action Earth campaign, run by national charity Volunteering Matters, launched its 2019 grant giving scheme yesterday with the creation of a new biodiversity pond in North Edinburgh. The campaign, which is funded by Scottish Natural Heritage, offers easy to access grants of up to £250 for environmental activities across Scotland. Continue reading Call for communities to apply for Environmental Grants
WITH TEMPERATURES rising in the capital, property market activity among both buyers and sellers is continuing to hit record levels. According to Warners Solicitors & Estate Agents, activity is at its highest since the ‘credit crunch’, and shows few signs of slowing down despite the prospect of Brexit. Continue reading Edinburgh’s Housing Market Banishes Brexit Blues
If your new year’s resolutions of getting fit never materialised, it’s not too late to get started. Instead of wishing and wanting, start doing and resolve to get fit for life, not just for the summer.
Edinburgh Leisure’s new membership offer could be just the promotion to help you get started. With 30 venues across the capital, their May promotion will give new members a month free, when they join before the end of May 2019.
New members joining between 1 and 31 May 2019, will get June free.* The deal is available online and in venue.
Edinburgh Leisure is also running a ‘refer a friend’ offer for existing members. If a member refers a friend and they sign up during the time of the offer, the member will get £30 cash back (£20 cash back if they are members of Jack Kane, Queensferry or Kirkliston). This deal is only available in venue.
With 1 world class climbing centre, 6 golf courses, 8 saunas and 4 steam rooms, 10 swimming pools, 13 state of the art gyms and 800+ fitness classes per week across the various centres, Edinburgh Leisure is the biggest club in town, with something for everyone to enjoy moving and getting fitter.
David McLean, Fitness Manager at Edinburgh Leisure said: “Past research carried out by Edinburgh Leisure has revealed that those who attend regularly in the first two months of membership are significantly more likely to sustain the fitness habit.
“And rather than focusing on getting fit for the summer, why not make a pact with yourself to get fit for life. Our helpful Edinburgh Leisure staff will be on hand to offer new members support and advice to help you enjoy increased physical activity in the long term and work out a programme that’s achievable, whatever your goal.”
For further information visit www.edinburghleisure.co.uk
An Edinburgh College hairdressing student is on the path to becoming a national champion after winning a regional heat of a major competition. Level 3 Hairdressing student Gintare Dambrauskaite was one of four student winners at the Scotland, Ireland and North-East heat of Wella’s XPOSURE competition which was held at Granton Campus yesterday. Continue reading Wella in! Edinburgh College student reaches final of national hairdressing competition
Edinburgh Pentlands MSP, Gordon Macdonald, has given his backing to an announcement from the First Minister that councils will be handed powers to regulate and control short term holiday lets. Continue reading Edinburgh residents urged to have their say on short-term lets
Nearly a third of a million low income households have accessed emergency funding to help with the costs of essentials such as food and heating in the past six years.
The Scottish Welfare Fund has paid out in excess of £190 million to more than 326,000 households since its first payment on 1 April 2013. Continue reading Emergency cash paid out to 326,000 households across Scotland
