Author: davepickering

Edinburgh reporter and photographer

Three Edinburgh-based community food groups receive research funding

  • First year of Healthy Planet, Healthy People research grants by Williamson Trust and Royal Society of Edinburgh
  • Nearly £60,000 worth of funding will be given to 12 research projects in communities across Scotland
  • Community research projects to promote the health of individuals will take place in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Renfrewshire, Dumfries and Galloway, Inverness, Campbeltown, Fife, Lewis, Orkney and Perth.

The Royal Society of Edinburgh and the Williamson Trust have given their support to three community research projects in Edinburgh, aimed at promoting healthy living.

The RSE and Williamson Trust have given their support to 12 new community-led research projects, which will promote the health of individuals by fostering healthy communities, healthy environments, and healthy food.

This is the first year that the Healthy Planet, Healthy People awards have been given out. Originally only ten awards were planned, however the strength of the applications was such that a further two projects will now be supported.

The Community Renewal Trust in North Edinburgh has received £4,600 of funding. The Trust is part of the R2 network of organisations that collaborate to achieve better outcomes in local communities. 

Through the project, the group will explore the feasibility of establishing a food buying group for local organisations that would achieve economies of scale, improve the quality and quantity of food available in the area, reduce food waste and reduce the time, energy and food miles that local organisations are spending in procuring food in north Edinburgh.

R2 co-ordinator Anita Aggarwal said: “Local people and organisations have been at the forefront of finding dignified solutions to food insecurity in the area.

“This award will help us work towards our vision of sustainably produced food being affordable and available in the area. As a network of organisations, we know we can achieve more if we work together, but finding time to collaborate can be hard, so this helping hand will go a long way and have a wide impact in the long term.”

Art Walk Projects based in Portobello is set receive £5,000 to develop a series of public conversations with artists, scientists, farmers, landscape architects and climate scientists to establish a strategy for coastal communities to achieve net zero.

Founder and artistic director Rosy Naylor said: “We are so very delighted to receive the support from RSE and Williamson Trust enabling us to develop our new project ‘Thrift: Climate Conversations’ involving local coastal communities in conversations around issues of food production, farming and coastal ecologies of northeast Edinburgh.

“It will provide for a rich multi-disciplinary approach engaging local publics around possible future food environments.”

Nourish Scotland’s “Our Right to Food” project is the third in Edinburgh to benefit from funding, receiving £5,000. The project aims to develop ways to measure the progress towards the right to good quality affordable food in Scotland.

Senior project officer Irina Martin said: “We are delighted to have been successful to get the ‘Healthy Planet, Healthy People’: Community-led Award. The Our Right to Food project aims to learn what people in Scotland would choose as a healthy and enjoyable way to eat so that rights holders and decision makers can better identify how to make this accessible for all.

“It does this by working with people from the community to create and then price “shopping baskets” for typical households across Scotland – the idea being that these baskets can be used to measure whether a “good enough” diet is affordable.

“This funding will support the next phase of the project which will focus on a typical Pakistani household in Scotland. This is to explore whether a “good enough” diet is more or less affordable for different groups within Scotland, and in doing so, show the functional value it could have when it comes to measuring progress toward achieving the right to food in Scotland.”

Aside from the three food security projects in Edinburgh, funding has also been awarded to a number of other projects in the west of Scotland, the Highlands and Islands, Fife and Perth.

Professor David E Salt FRSE, chair of the Williamson Trust said: “I speak for all the trustees when I say we were incredibly excited to see the very strong response we got from communities across Scotland.

“From food waste, the right to food and cooperative local growing, to rebuilding biodiversity and land rights, community street play, urban forests, and climate conversations as street theatre.

“The Trust hopes this seed funding will deliver real change and lead to larger impacts going into the future. We are very excited to be working with these communities across Scotland to help them make a new and better future.”

RSE Vice President, Research, Professor Anne Anderson OBE FRSE said: “This is the first time that the RSE has supported this type of research, as the Society broadens its range of research awards, and I feel that it is vital that we do so.

“The health of the individual and the health of the environment are inextricably linked, and it is my hope that these awards will now provide a boost to these exciting research groups which will lead to improvements in both.

“I very much look forward to following their progress and achievements over the next 12 months.”

Investigation into Scottish National Party finances: Peter Murrell charged

PETER Murrell has been charged with embezzlement in connection with the embezzlement of funds from the Scottish National Party.

Mr Murrell, the former Chief Executive of the SNP and the husband of former leader Nicola Sturgeon, announced last night that he has resigned his party membership.

An SNP spokesperson said last night: “While this development will come as a shock, the police investigation remains ongoing and it would, therefore, be inappropriate to make any comment.”

POLICE SCOTLAND ISSUED THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT LAST NIGHT:

‘A 59 year old man has today, Thursday, 18 April, 2024, been charged in connection with the embezzlement of funds from the Scottish National Party.

‘The man, who was arrested at 9.13am today and had previously been arrested as a suspect on 5 April, 2023, was charged at 6.35pm after further questioning by Police Scotland detectives investigating the funding and finances of the party.

‘A report will be sent to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service in due course.
The man is no longer in police custody.

‘As this investigation is ongoing we are unable to comment further.

‘The matter is active for the purposes of the Contempt of Court Act 1981 and the public are therefore advised to exercise caution if discussing it on social media.

‘For this reason, Police Scotland has turned off the comments function on this post.’

‘Worst environmental decision in the history of the Scottish Parliament’

SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT SCRAPS CLIMATE TARGETS

The Scottish Government says it is ‘stepping up action to tackle climate change with a suite of new policies on transport, including increasing the number of electric vehicle chargers, and land use’ – but has confirmed it will SCRAP its annual and interim targets for cutting greenhouse gas emissions.

The increase in charging points comes as part of a wider climate package that also includes an integrated ticketing system which can be used across all public transport. In agriculture and land use, a new carbon tax on large estates to incentivise peatland restoration, tree planting and renewable energy generation will be consulted on, and ways to reduce emissions from livestock through the use of special feedstuffs will be piloted.

Net Zero Secretary Màiri McAllan yesterday confirmed the Scottish Government’s ‘unwavering commitment to reach net zero by 2045’ and announced new legislation will be brought forward to introduce multi-year ‘Carbon budgets’ replacing the current, annual targets.

In light of the UK-wide Climate Change Committee’s (CCC) recent rearticulation that the 2030 target for emissions reduction is not achievable, this will no longer be a statutory target.

Responding to the Climate Change Committee 2023 progress report for Scotland which challenged the Scottish and UK Governments to go further and faster, actions include:

  • the publication of a new route map this year for the delivery of approximately 24,000 additional electric vehicle charge points by 2030
  • an integrated ticketing system that can be used across all public transport
  • a pilot scheme to support the roll out of methane suppressing food products to reduce emissions from livestock working closely with Scottish businesses
  • consulting on a new carbon tax on largest estates to encourage peatland restoration, tree planting and renewable energy generation
  • helping people reduce their reliance on cars with a 20% fall in their use by 2030
  • the creation of a Just Transition plan for the Mossmorran industrial site developed in partnership with the operators of the plant, workforce and local community

Scotland is already around halfway to net zero and has decarbonised faster than the UK average. In 2022, 87.9% of electricity generation was from zero or low carbon sources, nearly 63% of new woodlands in the UK were created in Scotland in 2022 -23 and more than two million Scots are now eligible for free bus travel.

In a statement to the Scottish Parliament Net Zero Secretary Màiri McAllan said: “The race to net zero is one that we must all win and I want to begin by affirming this Government’s unwavering commitment to ending our contribution to global emissions by 2045 at the latest, as agreed by Parliament on a cross-party basis.

“I was grateful for the latest report from the Climate Change Committee on our progress in reducing emissions. The CCC are a key partner in our net zero journey and their insights are essential. 

“Their report recognised much to be proud of, including this Government’s provision of free bus travel to all under 22s, our work delivering more woodland in Scotland in a year than any other UK nations combined and our work on decarbonising Heat in Buildings, noting that it could become a template for the rest of the UK.

“Considerable progress is also being made in energy. Scotland is becoming a renewables powerhouse – with 87.9% electricity generation coming from zero or low carbon sources in 2022.

“These are just some of the examples of the considerable work that has been taken and which sees us nearly halfway to net zero, narrowly missing our most recent annual emission reduction target, but decarbonising faster than the UK average.

“But rightly, just as with the UK Government, the CCC challenges us to go further. And that is exactly what we will do as today, I have announced a new package of climate action measures, which we will deliver with partners to support Scotland’s transition to net zero.”

Minister for Zero Carbon Buildings, Active Travel and Tenants’ Rights Patrick Harvie, said: “The package of new climate measures announced today is absolutely critical, to ensure that Scotland gets back on track and can meet net zero, becoming one of the first countries in the world to end our contribution to climate change in a just and fair way.

“Only by working together across the political divide and with all levels of government, the public sector and the business community can we tackle the climate crisis with the pace and urgency required.

“We are making progress towards our goal of net zero by 2045 – as demonstrated by our recent consultation on proposals for a Heat in Buildings Bill which the Climate Change Committee described as a potential template for the rest of the UK. 

“We will now carry on working with stakeholders and communities to ensure progress is delivered fairly and in the right way, recognising the different needs of rural, island and urban areas.”

Climate campaigners are furious that the Scottish Government’s has decided to scrap its 2030 targets to cut climate pollution labelling it ‘the worst environmental decision in the history of the Scottish Parliament’.

The Scottish Government’s repeated failure to bring in policies like improved public transport and better insulation and heating and homes has meant carbon emissions have not been reduced in line with the legal commitments.

Scrapping these targets will mean a rollback of climate action commitments, a reduction in scrutiny on Ministers and is a ‘betrayal’ of those people impacted by climate breakdown.

Friends of the Earth Scotland’s head of campaigns Imogen Dow said: “SNP and Green Ministers choosing to scrap these climate commitments is the worst environmental decision in the history of the Scottish Parliament.

“The 2030 target could and should have been met, but instead politicians are going to break their promises and betray both their constituents and the most vulnerable people already enduring the impacts of climate breakdown.

“Instead of using the past decade to deliver warm homes, reliable public transport and a fair transition away from fossil fuels, inept, short-termist politicians have kept millions of people trapped in the broken status quo that only benefits big polluters.

“These climate targets are based on what climate science says Scotland must do as part of the global effort to limit dangerous warming. Politicians right across the spectrum made a promise to the people of Scotland by backing strong 2030 targets, so they must be willing to work together to back the transformative ideas that improve lives and cut climate pollution.

“Government must come clean about what they can achieve by 2030, scale up action to get back on track, publish the delayed Climate Change Plan and apologise for their colossal climate failure.

“Instead of significant response and a ramping up of action, the Scottish Government has presented a weak package of re-heated ideas, many of which were already pledged years ago and never delivered. “

Napier nursing researcher to lead study aiming to improve HIV/AIDS care in Ghana

Dr Mary Abboah-Offei’s trial has been backed by a £1.5m grant

A study led by Edinburgh Napier University (ENU) will look at how health care for people living with HIV/AIDS in Ghana can be improved – after securing a major grant of around £1.5m.

The trial of community-based, person-centred care will see healthcare professionals trained to offer a more holistic way of managing the condition.

The study, titled ExtraCECI (Extra community-based enhanced care intervention) aims to recruit around 650 patients. A smaller feasibility study of CECI suggested that participants felt the approach had the potential to improve their quality of life.

ExtraCECI is now set to get underway in May, after being backed by £1,468,810 in funding from the Medical Research Council.

Led by Dr Mary Abboah-Offei from ENU’s School of Health and Social Care, it will also involve academics and researchers from Kings College London, the University of York, and the University of Ghana.

If successful, the research could provide evidence to help make ExtraCECI a part of routine HIV/AIDS care in Ghana.

Dr Abboah-Offei, who is from Ghana, began her journey in healthcare research by working as a nurse in emergency care there.

This grant – one of the largest of its kind for an ENU researcher – represents a significant achievement for an early career academic with a background in nursing.

ExtraCECI will see medics from randomly selected HIV clinics trained to give a holistic assessment of the physical, psychological, social, and spiritual wellbeing, of their patients. This will then allow them to work together to plan and deliver their care.

Information will then be collected at regular intervals to see if the person-centred approach to care brings about any improvement in health outcomes.

Dr Mary Abboah-Offei said: “I am delighted to have the opportunity to begin this study. Having previously worked in healthcare in my home country, this feels like a way of giving back.

“Our previous research found that people living with HIV/AIDS there were experiencing distressing symptoms and concerns, even while taking their medication. This person-centred intervention approach aims to improve that.

“We found that patients were thrilled to have the opportunity to have a say in their treatment – while healthcare professionals found it eye-opening.

“I hope this wider trial can lead to a better quality of life for people living with these conditions.”

Professor Andrea Nolan, Principal and Vice Chancellor of Edinburgh Napier University, said: “Securing such a significant level of backing for this programme of work is a major achievement for Mary.

“Given her background in nursing, she will be well aware how ExtraCECI has the potential to make a positive difference to people’s lives in Ghana.

“Mary’s colleagues at Edinburgh Napier University will support her and the multidisciplinary team to deliver successful outcomes.”

Scottish Ensemble announce Concerts for a Summer’s Night

Scottish Ensemble have built a devoted following for their Concerts by Candlelight in the Midwinter, and they now present a series of concerts revelling in the long days and abundance of natural light around the Summer Solstice.

Light-filled venues will resonate to the sounds of vibrant, uplifting music, performed with Scottish Ensemble’s characteristic zest and warmth.

From the 17th to the 21st of June, Concerts for a Summer’s Night will celebrate that magical juncture when daylight outlasts the night, filling the air with the promise of endless possibilities. Performances will take place in Rossie Byre in Perthshire, Strathpeffer Pavilion, Aberdeen Art Gallery, The National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh and Glasgow’s Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum.

Audiences can expect a treat as the ensemble blend classical and contemporary works for string orchestra into a joyful sonic summer cocktail.

From familiar works by Elgar and Mendelssohn to the innovative sounds of Tunde Jegede and Sigur Rós, the programme promises to transport listeners through centuries and musical styles, focusing on themes of joy and connection.

The much-awaited second instalment of Glasgow-based composer David Fennessy’s two-part commission will also feature. Following the warmly received debut of RAIN I during Scottish Ensemble’s Concerts by Candlelight performances last December, this new piece promises to captivate and inspire.

Jonathan Morton, Artistic Director of Scottish Ensemble, said: “Following on from last year’s second and warmly received Concerts for a Summer’s Night, I am looking forward to the third edition!

“We hope these events will become – like Concerts by Candlelight in December – a regular and anticipated feature of our season.

“At this time of year, natural light is almost a constant, tempting us to spend more time outside and reconnect with the natural world as well as with each other.

“There is a unique kind of energy around the time of the summer solstice, and I hope that hearing live music in these light-filled venues will be a vibrant and memorable experience.”

Tickets range from £9 – £22.50 and are free for under 16s.

Tickets are available from:

 https://scottishensemble.co.uk/programme/2023-24/concerts-for-a-summers-night-2/

Listings information

Monday 17 June

Rossie Byre, Perthshire, 8pm

Tuesday 18 June

Strathpeffer Pavilion, Strathpeffer, 8pm

Wednesday 19 June

Aberdeen Art Gallery, 8pm

Thursday 20 June

The National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh, 8pm

Friday 21 June

Kelvingrove Art Gallery, Glasgow, 8pm

Concerts for a Summer’s Night programme

Jörg Widmann 180 beats per minute

Tunde Jegede Dancing in the Spirit

Peter Sculthorpe Movement I from Jabiru Dreaming

Caroline Shaw Valencia

Sigur Rós arr. Guy Button Fljótavík

Felix Mendelssohn arr. Lynne Latham Movement I from Violin Concerto in E minor

Edward Elgar Movement II from Serenade for Strings

Ana Sokolović Innamorati from Commedia dell’arte III

Leoš Janáček arr. Jarmil Burghauser On an Overgrown Path

Jessie Montgomery Smoke from Break Away

Sufjan Stevens arr. Michael Atkinson Year of the Ox from Run Rabbit Run

David Fennessy RAIN II (World Premiere)

Sex offender jailed for nine years

Bernard Callaghan has been jailed for nine years for a series of sexual offences which took place in the Fife, Edinburgh and East Lothian areas.

The 53-year-old targeted three women over a 15-year period from 2007 to 2022.

Callaghan was found guilty at the High Court in Edinburgh on Monday, 4 March, 2024, and returned for sentencing today, Wednesday, 17 April.

Detective Sergeant Craig Donnelly from Police Scotland’s Public Protection Unit said: “Bernard Callaghan is a very dangerous individual who is now being held accountable for his despicable behaviour towards the three victims.

“Their experiences will undoubtedly have left a lasting impact however I hope that today’s outcome provides them with some degree of closure and helps them to move on with their lives.

“Police Scotland takes all reports of sexual abuse extremely seriously and we will work with victims to thoroughly investigate and bring perpetrators to justice.

“We would encourage anyone who has, or is experiencing this type of crime, to have the confidence to come forward and make a report to Police Scotland on 101.

“There is no time limit on reporting and no matter when the abuse occurred you will be listened to, you will be supported and together we will bring the perpetrator to justice.”

Starcatchers take award-winning Little Top show to France

Starcatchers, Scotland’s arts and early years organisation based in Wester Hailes, have travelled to France this week to present their acclaimed co-production with SUPERFAN, “Little Top” at Les p’tites tommettes festival in Creil, France. 

The show launches the Scottish showcase for the British Council’s UK-France, ‘Together We Imagine’, Spotlight on Culture, which is building artistic collaborations and celebrating the cultural links between the UK and France throughout this year.

Set in a specially designed ‘little top’ circus tent the show is designed to create a magical first circus experience for babies aged 0-18 months. At a time in their development when young children are discovering their own physicality, and the pleasures and perils of gravity, Little Top invites babies to experience all the fun of the circus.

Rhona Matheson, CEO of Starcatchers, is delighted to bring Little Top to France: “Little Top will transport you to a playful, joyous, upside down, topsy-turvy world where people can fly, patterns fill the air, and anything is possible.

“We are excited to present our award-winning show, a co-production with SUPERFAN, at Festival Premières Rencontres.”

The festival appearance strengthens Starcatchers’ partnership with French arts company Compagnie ACTA, following their recent Erasmus+ collaboration exploring topics around artistic awakening in early childhood.

The two organisations have already collaborated to share research findings and exchange best practices in arts for early years. Starcatchers and Compagnie ACTA presented research at PREMIERES RENCONTRES festival 2024’s European Forum in March. The Early Childhood Principles were developed by Starcatchers, Compagnie ACTA, 2turvenhoog and LaSala Teatre.

Rhona Matheson continues: “We are very grateful to the British Council’s UK-France Spotlight Fund for this invaluable opportunity to strengthen our international connections.

“It’s a huge privilege to showcase Scottish work on this platform as we deepen our understanding of what artistic experiences can mean for very young audiences.”

Starcatchers is one of six Scottish-based awardees to receive over £100,000 in funding from the Spotlight on Culture Fund programme, funded with partners including Creative Scotland and the National Lottery.

Their festival presentation is part of a wider celebration of UK-France cultural partnerships happening throughout 2024, coinciding with major events like the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Norah Campbell, Head of Arts, British Council Scotland added: “What a wonderful opportunity for very young children to experience the magic of physical theatre for the first time. An excellent example of how through cultural exchange, artists can come together to share groundbreaking research and performance.

“We’re proud to help bring this innovative work to France, a fabulous start to the UK-France Cultural spotlight activity for this year.

“All the projects are now helping to maintain vital links between Scotland and France, and creatives across both countries are coming together to connect, collaborate and form lasting relationships.”

Groathill accident: Can you help?

Road Policing officers are appealing for information after a pedestrian was seriously injured in a crash on South Groathill Avenue at Queensferry Road South.

The incident, which happened around 7.10am on Wednesday, 17 April, 2024, involved a red and white DAF truck and a pedestrian.

Emergency services attended and a 58-year-old woman, the pedestrian, was taken by ambulance to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. Her condition has been described as critical but stable.

The road was closed for around two hours to allow for investigations to take place.

Sergeant Louise Birrell said: “Our enquiries into this collision are ongoing and we would like to ask anyone that was in the area at the time who has not already spoken to us to please get in touch.

“We would also be keen to see any dashcam or private CCTV footage from the area around the time of the crash. In particular, there was a blue BMW X2 which was stationary at the time and may have information which could assist.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101 quoting incident number 0487 of 17 April.

Diabetic patient denied health technology she tested due to health funding cuts

An Edinburgh based diabetic patient has been told she will be not given the new closed loop diabetic pump technology, despite the fact that she has been testing the system, for the NHS since last year.

Megan Ormond, who has had diabetes for all her teenage and adult life, contacted Labour MSP, Sarah Boyack to raise her situation.

Ms Ormond was taking part in a study of the closed loop system and was told partaking in this study would likely secure her the technology faster.

However, at her last meeting, she was told, due to budget cuts, the closed loop system would not be made available to her after the study.

While using this closed loop system, her HBA1C which is used by doctors to test a patient’s glucose levels over the last 3 months, has been the lowest it has been for her entire time with diabetes.

The Scottish Government’s Diabetic Improvement Plan cites rolling out the closed loop system, as quickly as possible as a key target.

However, due to budget cuts and required savings, NHS Lothian is unable to carry out their rollout of the system at their expected rate.

NHS England began rolling out the closed loop system on the 1st April 2024.

Commenting on Megan’s case, Lothians MSP Sarah Boyack, said: “Megan’s case shows the absolutely shocking state the SNP Government has allowed NHS Lothian to fall into.

“Life changing technology and treatment are being denied to patients due to a lack of funding. That is unacceptable anywhere in Scotland, never mind our nation’s capital.

“The Scottish Government must act to ensure Megan and other diabetics are able to access this ground-breaking treatment as they were promised.

“There is real opportunity to improve the quality of life for diabetes patients in Edinburgh, but that opportunity isn’t just being denied to my constituents its being snatched away.”

Megan said: “When I got told that there is potential no funding for me to remain on the system, I felt let down and upset.

“It’s like dangling a sweet in front of a child and then taking it away.

“I was informed a few months back that it was highly likely that I would remain on the system but that’s clearly not the case.

“Part of my job of being a nurse is advocating for the most vulnerable in society but who is advocating for us type 1 diabetics?”

Information on a closed loop system can be found here:

https://www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/diabetes-technology/closed-loop-systems

New disability benefit for pensioners

Five areas first to get Pension Age Disability Payment

Pensioners in five Scottish local authorities will be the first in the country eligible for a new disability benefit, subject to parliamentary approval of regulations.

From 21 October, Pension Age Disability Payment – the replacement for Attendance Allowance – will be piloted in Argyll & Bute, Highland, Aberdeen City, Orkney and Shetland.

The benefit will become available in 13 more local authority areas on 24 March next year before becoming available across Scotland by 22 April.  

Pension Age Disability Benefit is for people of pension age who have a disability or long-term health condition that means they need help looking after themselves or supervision to stay safe. 

It is not means-tested and is worth between £290 and £434 a month depending on the needs of the person who gets it.

Currently over 150,000 people in Scotland get Attendance Allowance from the Department for Work and Pensions.

They do not need to take any action as their awards will be automatically moved  from the DWP to Social Security Scotland. This will happen in phases, with the first expected to be transferred in early 2025.

Pension Age Disability Payment was designed with the people who will be eligible for the benefit and those who support them. Improvements include a streamlined process for people to nominate a third party representative who can support them to communicate with Social Security Scotland.

Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “In the midst of the cost of living crisis it is more important than ever that older people get the support they’re entitled to.

“We developed Pension Age Disability Payment by listening to the people who would be applying for it and those who support them. We made changes including making it easier for an eligible person to nominate a third party representative, something people told us was important for many older people.

“The pilot phase will allow us to put our different approach into practice, learning and improving before the benefit is rolled out across Scotland.

“If you think you might be eligible for support right now, I encourage you to apply for Attendance Allowance from the Department for Work and Pensions.

“Anyone getting that benefit will automatically have their award transferred to Pension Age Disability Payment next year so there is no reason to wait.”