Author: davepickering

Edinburgh reporter and photographer

New zero emission buses for Scotland

£41.7 million investment in bus decarbonisation

First Minister John Swinney has announced that an innovative bus industry consortium will deliver 252 new zero-emission buses and coaches to Scotland’s roads, backed by Scottish Government investment.

£41.7 million grant funding will support eight operators, led by electric vehicle fleet specialist Zenobē, to deliver the buses along with a Scotland-wide charging network for use by all buses, coaches and HGVs.

The investment completes the second and final round of subsidy from the Scottish Zero Emission Bus Challenge Fund (ScotZEB 2), which brings together businesses from across the bus, energy and financial sectors, and builds upon £113 million the Scottish Government has already invested in zero emission buses and supporting infrastructure.

First Minister John Swinney said: “Supporting zero-carbon buses as a sustainable means of public transport across Scotland will connect communities and open up new economic and social opportunities.

“This investment will deliver 100 new inter-city bus routes and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 600,000 tonnes over the lifetime of the fleet by encouraging more people to swap the car for efficient public transport, which is crucial to reaching net zero by 2045.

“Every £1 from the Scottish Government will leverage £3.20 of private sector investment – demonstrating that our shared decarbonisation goals can be met by working together when it comes to removing carbon emissions from our bus and coach fleets.

“All bus and coach operators, including those operating in smaller towns and communities, will benefit from both the novel approach to financing and the Scotland-wide charging network that will be delivered, helping other modes of transport make the switch to electric vehicles too.”

Steven Meersman, Co-Founder Director of Zenobē said: “We look forward to delivering an additional 252 vehicles and associated charging infrastructure with our consortium partners – this is on top of our existing 110 vehicles in Scotland and alongside our £750 million commitment to battery energy storage systems in the region.

“The consortium brings together family-owned coach companies, well established bus operators, an innovative electric bus start-up and the NHS, showing how private capital can help public funding go the extra mile.”

Policy lead for the Road Haulage Association, Chris Ashley said: “Today’s announcement of additional investment via ScotZEB 2 in the charging network for buses, coaches and HGVs marks another significant step forward as the commercial vehicle sector seeks to reduce its carbon emissions.

“Moving away from fossil fuels requires a change of mindset on how everyone operates. The access to charging infrastructure via ScotZEB 2 is a welcome initiative to help commercial vehicle operators plan the introduction of zero emission vehicles into their fleets.”

£41.7 million grant funding from the ScotZEB 2 Fund will be provided to Zenobē Energy Ltd. who will administer the funds as appropriate amongst consortium members to develop a Scotland-wide charging network for use by all buses, coaches and HGVs.

The successful project is comprised of Ember, NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde, Premier Coaches, McGills Buses, Stagecoach, Hairy Haggis Tours, Maynes Coaches, and D&E Coaches, who will work together to deliver 252 new, zero-emission buses for Scotland, and enable further decarbonisation of road vehicles through the implementation of an accessible charging network.

Zenobe | Discover Zenobe is an EV fleet and grid-scale battery storage specialist, headquartered in the UK. It has around 25% market share of the UK EV bus sector and over 1,200 electric vehicles supported globally. The company is the largest owner and operator of EV buses in the UK, Australia and New Zealand.

‘Break’ into the Olympic spirit at St James Quarter

As Scotland’s official Team GB Fanzone, St James Quarter is hosting a Festival of Sport to celebrate the 2024 Olympics. From screenings to interactive fitness and competitive classes, the spirit of sport will be all around the Quarter. 

Inspired by the Paris 2024 Olympics, St James Quarter will invite guests to ‘get active’ from 26 July—11 August, with a whole host of sporting festivities and special guests, as it launches its ‘Festival of Sport’ right in the heart of the city.

As the official Team GB Fanzone in Scotland, the Quarter will show all the live action from the Olympics in Paris on a giant screen, delivered in partnership with Ocean Outdoor.

Spectators can visit the Fanzone on Level 5 to cheer on their favourite athletes from the comfort of the Quarter’s rooftop bar, with captivating views of Edinburgh’s historic Calton Hill. 

The official Team GB mascot Pride the Lion will join in the fun, heading to the Quarter to celebrate with sporting fans on 30th July.

Guests will also have the chance to meet and greet Olympic athletes, with Badminton player Kirsty Gilmour, who is competing in this year’s games, visiting the Fanzone on 7th August, and Joel Fearon, who competes in Athletics (Sprint) and Bobsleigh on 8th August.  

As part of the two-week-long Festival of Sport, St James Quarter, in partnership with Edinburgh Leisure, is hosting a range of free fitness activities for all guests inspired by the UK’s success at the Olympics.

From Pilates to Body Combat, Hatton Boxing to Musical Theatre Fitness, there’s something for everyone to get into the spirit of the Games, including family-friendly classes. 

In addition, with breakdancing making its Olympic debut, B-Boys will ‘pop and lock’ around the Quarter, rocking live battles on Register Square and offering guests the opportunity to give it a spin.  There will also be football freestyling exhibitions to wow sporting fans. 

Picture – Chris Watt Photography 07887554193 info@chriswatt.com www.chriswatt.com

During the two-week Festival of Sport, the St James Quarter team, along with invited guests will be gearing up and ‘cycling’ to Paris in the heart of the Galleria, to raise money for the Quarter’s charity partners Health in Mind and Edinburgh Women’s Aid. 

Home to over 80 brands from luxury boutiques to high-street stores, plus an enticing mix of restaurants and bars, St James Quarter is the perfect place to shop, dine, play and stay this summer.

Picture – Chris Watt Photography 07887554193 info@chriswatt.com www.chriswatt.com

To keep up to date with events happening throughout the Quarter, visit the St James Quarter website or download the St James Quarter App. 

£10.9m boost for Scottish space sector

The projects come from the National Space Innovation Programme (NSIP) – designed to invest in high-potential technologies and drive innovation and growth

Five projects funded by the UK Space Agency across Scotland have been announced on the opening day of the Farnborough International Airshow, providing over £10.5 million in Scottish investment.

The projects come from the National Space Innovation Programme (NSIP) – designed to invest in high-potential technologies and drive innovation and growth in the space sector across the UK. 

Two Scottish projects will receive £8.5 million of the total funding for UK Major Projects. These include funding for a sub-orbital rocket test by HyImpulse (Glasgow) from SaxaVord spaceport in Shetland. 

A project led by Spire Global (Glasgow) will further develop technology to supply unique weather forecasting data to global numerical weather prediction centres.

Not only will the funding support the growth of UK space businesses and create new jobs, but it will enhance Scotland’s offering of space capabilities and services to international investors and major space players. 

An additional three ‘Kick Starter’ projects across Scotland will receive £2.4million between them. These projects are designed to support technologies and applications that are in an earlier stage of development and increase their readiness for use in commercial and scientific endeavours.

These projects include a partnership between University of Strathclyde, UK Atomic Energy Authority and SJE Space, for a feasibility study into whether terrestrial directed energy drilling (plasmas/microwaves) could be adapted for space applications, specifically lunar exploration.

Speaking at the Farnborough International Airshow where he met with a number of Scottish exhibitors, Scottish Secretary Ian Murray said: “This is an exciting time for the Scottish space sector as we look forward to the first satellite launch from SaxaVord in Shetland later this year.

“The burgeoning industry plays a vital role in our economy and employs thousands of people across the country. It was fantastic to meet with some of them here and hear about their pioneering plans which could be a key driver for growth, jobs and investment in Scotland.

“Scotland is a major player in the international space industry and I am delighted the UK Government is continuing to back the sector with £10.9 million in funding for these five Scottish projects.”

Dr Paul Bate, CEO of the UK Space Agency, said: “These new projects will help kickstart growth, create more high-quality jobs, protect our planet and preserve the space environment for future generations.

“They go to the heart of what we want to achieve as a national space agency that supports cutting-edge innovation, spreads opportunity across the UK and delivers the benefits of space back to citizens on Earth.”

Chair of the UKspace trade association, John Hanley, said: “This investment into the space industry demonstrates the importance of funding through a national programme to unlock innovative collaborations in all parts of the UK.

“We hope this will further strengthen the sector and build upon the growth we have seen in recent years.”

PROJECT SUMMARIES:

Major Projects

  • SHARP – Sustainable Hybrid: Accelerated Rocket Programme 

Funding: £4,995,000  

This project will set out to conduct a vertical launch of a sounding rocket in the UK with the final goal being the build completion of the second stage of the orbital rocket ready for testing. HyImpulse, in partnership with Cranfield University, Birmingham University and the AVICON Partnership, intends to provide a fully vertically integrated launch service for a low-cost, fast, flexible, and reliable deployment of small satellites to low earth orbits. 

  • Operational Hyperspectral Microwave Sounder-Satellite (OHMS-Sat) 

Funding: £3,524,000

Led by Spire Global in partnership with STAR-Dundee Ltd, the Met Office and RAL Space (UKRI STFC), this project will build on the prior developments of the Hyperspectral Microwave Sounder (HYMS) to move it towards an operational mission to supply weather forecasting data to global numerical weather prediction (NWP) centres and create unique weather products. 

Kick Starter Projects

  • DIGGER – Drilling and Integrated GigaHertz-Generated Energy Resource for Lunar and Asteroid applications  

Funding: £845,000

In partnership with University of Strathclyde, UK Atomic Energy Authority and SJE Space, DIGGER is a feasibility study into whether terrestrial directed energy drilling (plasmas/microwaves) could be adapted for space applications, specifically lunar exploration.

  • Direct Detection Receivers for Millimetre Wave Radiometry  

Funding: £827,000

Led by UKRI / STFC / RAL Space in partnership with University of Glasgow and Spire Glasgow, the project will develop the critical low noise amplifier and detector technology which will be at the core of the next generation of atmospheric remote sensing instrumentation. This technology will go beyond gathering data for weather prediction, with use cases being developed in emerging fields such as security imaging, and theft prevention.      

  • TARS-IOD: Flight-ready model for In-Orbit Demonstration of Tomorrow’s Astro-Robotic System

Funding: £804,000

Lodestar Space Ltd. will develop a platform-agnostic modular robotic arm to perform contact dependent dynamic space operations. Intended for flight on Momentus’ Vigoride platform, the partnership also involves Growbotics and the University of Glasgow to equip the UK with sovereign capabilities for inspecting, protecting, and repairing vital assets beyond Earth.

New National Park is proposed in Galloway

Consultation and study to begin

Galloway has been confirmed as the proposed location for Scotland’s next National Park with a further investigation to be carried out on its suitability.

The joint proposal from the Galloway National Park Association and the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO biosphere highlights Galloway’s diverse landscapes and stunning coastline, its outstanding biodiversity and rich cultural heritage.

Local residents, communities, businesses and interested parties will be invited to get involved and share their views on whether Galloway should become a new national park and where the boundary for the new park should be drawn.

NatureScot will conduct the public consultation and investigation into whether Galloway should join Loch Lomond and the Trossachs and Cairngorms before submitting its findings to Ministers in April next year.

During a visit to Shambellie House within the proposed new park, Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon said: “After carefully considering all of the nominations we received, I am very pleased that we are proposing to create a new National Park for Scotland in Galloway.

“The proposal is community led, has the backing of many local businesses and makes a strong case on the benefits that national park status will bring for people who live in the area, for the local economy and for the environment.

“At this stage it is still a proposal.  NatureScot will now lead a consultation with local people, communities and businesses to gauge support and to look at specifics like the proposed boundary, and how it should take account of local circumstances and help to meet the needs of communities.

“We received nominations for new National Parks from some really special places – Lochaber, Loch Awe, Scottish Borders and Tay Forest.  I would like to thank everyone who worked so hard on these proposals and all other communities who came together to explore the idea of a new National Park. 

“The competition was extremely tough and the bids have clearly shown the outstanding natural and cultural heritage we have in Scotland, as well as people’s ambitions for the rural communities they live in.”

Rob Lucas, Chair of Galloway National Park Association said: “This is fantastic news that the case for Galloway to be proposed as Scotland’s third National Park has been recognised. It would bring transformational  economic and environmental benefits to the area and strengthen our local communities.

“We are grateful to the thousands who attended events and shared their views over the last seven years which helped to shape our bid. We look forward to contributing actively to the next important step in the process for putting a National Park at the heart of a sustainable future for Galloway.”

Nature Scot Chair Professor Colin Galbraith said: “NatureScot welcomes the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs’ commission to investigate the proposed location of Galloway for Scotland’s next National Park.

“We are looking forward to the extensive opportunity for consultation this Reporter role demands, building on our experience with Scotland’s first two national parks.

“In preparing our advice, we will consult widely with everyone who has an interest in this special place. We will make a particular effort to meet and listen to people who live and work in the area as it is these voices which will be crucial if Scotland is to establish its third National Park that can deliver a successful partnership for people and nature.”

The Scottish Government has committed to having a new National Park by 2026. Following the investigation by NatureScot, the Scottish Government will take a final decision on National Park status and draw up a designation order for further consultation, before approval by the Scottish Parliament.

As the next step on this process, Scottish Government has today published a statutory proposal and reporter requirements for a new National Park in Galloway: National Parks – Landscape and outdoor access – gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

‘Give us a break’: Edinburgh Tram workers balloted on strike action

Health concerns for workers rise due to tram late running times

Unite has confirmed today that its Edinburgh Trams membership are being balloted on strike action over late running times to the nation’s largest airport which is preventing workers from taking comfort breaks.

The strike ballot opens on 29 July and closes on 12 August. 

In a consultative ballot previously conducted by Unite, over 160 tram workers indicated by 99 per cent that they are prepared to take industrial action on an 84 per cent turnout.

Unite claims there is a shortfall of between 5 – 6 minutes in the running time from Edinburgh Airport to Newhaven. Each round trip takes on average 2 hours to complete. 

The maximum driving time before a scheduled break is 5 hours, and many tram workers go this length of time without hydration or toilet breaks. This is due to running late and having to make up the time. 

The unacceptable situation has contributed to health issues developing among Unite’s membership including stress and infections. 

The trade union represents drivers, ticket service assistants, controllers and vehicle maintenance workers. 

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said:  “Unite’s Edinburgh tram workers are facing an unacceptable health and safety situation due to the pressures of having to get the travelling public to Edinburgh airport. We will back our tram membership all the way in the fight for better jobs, pay and conditions.”

A new tram timetable has added 4 minutes to each run, and delays to a new signalling system have contributed to increased delays.

It has further been reported to Unite that some trams regularly run up to 30 minutes late with control having to turn trams around mid-route. This situation completely removes the ability for tram workers to go to the toilet.

 Lyn Turner, Unite industrial officer, added: “Edinburgh’s tram workers are emphatically saying give us our breaks.

“The sustained pressure being put on our members to complete the airport to Newhaven round trip is resulting in an alarming rise in incidents at work including stress and infections.

“The situation has arisen due to delays in the new signalling system and changes in the new timetable which were not properly tested before going into passenger service. Action needs to happen quickly or strike action will be inevitable.” 

Edinburgh seeks views on short term lets policy

Residents and industry are being encouraged to share their experiences of Edinburgh’s short term lets (STL) licensing.

Available to take part in online until October, the Council has launched a 12-week consultation as part of a planned review of the local policy. This is in line with a decision taken in 2023 that the city’s policy would be reviewed after a year.

The exercise will allow residents, stakeholders and businesses affected by the operation of the scheme to offer comments and feedback, with targeted discussions with resident groups, industry bodies and other key stakeholders also set to take place. This will cover the Council’s approach to secondary letting, temporary exemptions, fees, and the application process.

Regulatory Convener, Councillor Neil Ross, said: “Since we launched Edinburgh’s STL licensing policy in October 2022, we’ve granted over 1500 applications. This is helping to ensure holiday lets are safe and properly regulated in our city.

“We now want to hear how the scheme has impacted the residents and businesses of Edinburgh. The opportunity for everyone to input into how the short term lets licensing scheme is working was a commitment we gave last year and over the coming weeks, we want to hear your views.

“I’m confident this will help us to better understand how people are finding the regulation through licensing of short-term lets in Edinburgh and help inform any future decision making.”

A report highlighting the results and further recommendations will be brought forward in the Autumn.

£2m Scottish Government backing for Acorn carbon capture project

Fast-tracking Scotland’s energy transition

A project that aims to capture, transport and safely store CO2 emissions from across Scotland will be granted £2 million from the Scottish Government.

The new funding will be used to explore how a pipeline could transport Carbon Dioxide from Scotland’s central belt to the North East.

The Acorn Carbon transport and storage project is a joint venture with the Scottish Cluster, benefitting from the collective expertise of Storegga, Shell UK, Harbour Energy and North Sea Midstream Partners, along with National Gas.

The project is working with industrial, power, hydrogen, bioenergy and waste-to-energy businesses, including those in Peterhead, Grangemouth and Mossmorran, who wish to capture CO2 emissions and send to permanent geological storage under the North Sea.

Visiting St Fergus in Aberdeenshire, where the Acorn transport and storage terminal will be located, First Minister John Swinney said: “The Acorn project will be essential in securing the future of key industrial sites like Grangemouth and Mossmorran.

“A National Gas pipeline is a critical component of the project and I am delighted that the Scottish Government is providing funding to accelerate this innovative work.

“We are determined to support projects like this to support the development of Scotland’s carbon capture and storage sector and the fair and just transition of oil and gas sector.

“This announcement today demonstrates our unwavering support for carbon capture and storage, and I am confident that the UK Government will work constructively with us to ensure the Acorn Project is awarded Track 2 status. Enabling this innovative work to progress will help unlock so many opportunities not just for Scotland, but for the UK as a whole.”

Managing Director of Acorn Nic Braley said: “We welcome the Scottish Government’s support for the SCO₂T Connect project, and the recognition of its importance for the decarbonisation of Scotland’s industry.  

“Working together, Acorn and National Gas can provide a CO₂ transport and storage solution to the Scottish Cluster, a diverse range of emitters from across Scotland and the rest of the UK, who are all committed to timely and cost-effective decarbonisation.

“The Scottish Cluster, with Acorn at its core, and the UK and Scottish governments can collectively make a major contribution to UK Net Zero commitments, supporting ambitions for clean energy, green prosperity and value for money.

“We look forward to working with both Scottish and UK Governments to make the Scottish Cluster a reality.” 

CEO of National Gas Jon Butterworth said: “We are committed to reaching net zero, and excited to explore how our world-class gas network can be at the heart of the drive to decarbonise with carbon capture and storage.

“We welcome today’s announcement from the Scottish Government. It is a brilliant example of how government and industry can work side-by-side to deliver clean energy solutions.”

Friends of Saughton Park set to mark tenth anniversary this Saturday

The Friends of Saughton Park are celebrating our 10 year anniversary with a community event on Saturday 27 July from 12 till 4pm.

There will be music at the band stand and family activities – hope you can come and celebrate with us!

Improving the Cancer Journey

NEW DROP-IN AT PILTON COMMUNITY HEALTH PROJECT

New Drop-in!! Pilton Community Health project together with Macmillan Cancer Support and NHS Lothian are happy to announce a new drop-in.

Is cancer part of your story?

If it is, we have drop in sessions 1st Tuesday of the month 12-2 pm with Lee, a Link Worker from ‘Improving the Cancer Journey’, a Macmillan funded service to support people with the non clinical impact of cancer – money, work, the emotional impact & practical issues.

This service is open to families and carers too and offers everyone time to talk about what matters to them, helps them access local supports and services and be a listening ear/point of contact.

#fivewaystowellbeing

#PCHP40

#cancersupport

#family

#community

The NEN North Edinburgh News

Royston Wardieburn Community Centre

Granton Information Centre

Granton Library

‘Stinking Scottish summer’ looms as Unite rejects COSLA pay offer

Union says workers are being ‘grossly undervalued’ compared with UK council counterparts 

Unite has confirmed that its committee for local government workers has rejected the latest COSLA pay offer following a meeting in Glasgow yesterday (22 July 2024).

Unite said no ‘extra cash’ has been added to the new pay offer by COSLA, which amounts to a 3.2 per cent increase for a one-year period between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025. COSLA has taken two months to shift from its previous offer, which was also rejected outright by Unite on 24 May. 

Unite is highlighting that the new pay offer ‘grossly undervalues’ Scottish council workers in contrast with the offer made to UK counterparts.

An offer of £1,290 has been made to council workers in England, Wales and Northern Ireland by the National Joint Council (NJC). This equates to a rise of 67p per hour or 5.2% for a council worker earning around £25,000 based on a 37-hour week. In contrast, the COSLA offer of 3.2% equates to £800 or a 41p per hour increase.

The pay offer difference means that a Scottish council worker would need to earn above £40,000 to match the offer being made to council workers across the UK. This means the lowest paid council workers are being disproportionately hit by COSLA’s offer. 

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “COSLA has taken months to put a new offer to our local government membership, and it’s one that does absolutely nothing to address more than a decade of deep cuts to pay and services.

“Unless COSLA and the Scottish government move quickly to make an acceptable offer then mountains of rubbish will pile up across the nation’s streets. The politicians have a choice, and one more chance, to resolve this pay dispute before strike action.” 

Unite has the largest union membership on the verge of participating in a first wave of strike action involving waste workers, street cleaners, and recycling centre operators. 

The union has strike action mandates involving thousands of its members across 16 councils, and it is in the process of re-balloting workers in 5 other councils (see notes to editor).

Graham McNab, Unite industrial officer, added: “COSLA’s latest pay offer doesn’t add any extra cash. It continues to grossly undervalue Scotland’s council workers compared with the offer made to their counterparts across the UK.

“A stinking Scottish summer looms unless COSLA and the Scottish government quickly sort this out by injecting more cash into a new offer. Any offer will need to value the lowest paid council workers, at least, on similar terms as the offer made to other UK council workers.”

“The Scottish government can no longer sit idly by, we are on the brink of nationwide strike action which could last for months.”