Author: davepickering

Edinburgh reporter and photographer

Protection for energy customers ahead of RTS switch-off

Acting Climate Action Minister writes to Ofgem

Acting Minister for Climate Action Dr Alasdair Allan has asked for urgent actions to increase the pace of progress on replacing Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) meters ahead of the service switching off in June.

RTS meters are out of date and energy suppliers are being encouraged by Ofgem to replace old meters with smart meters. If meters are not replaced before the service is switched off, it could mean disruption to heating and hot water supplies, and possibly higher bills for households and businesses still using the technology.

In response to Ofgem’s consultation on an introduction of new licence conditions to the RTS, Dr Allan reiterated the Scottish Government’s repeated calls for further action to be taken to protect energy consumers as the industry works to replace thousands of meters across the country.

Ofgem’s data from suppliers shows that between October 2024 and January 2025 around 18,700 RTS meters were replaced in Scotland. As of January 2025, there were still 146,302 RTS consumers in Scotland who need to have their meters replaced. Support for RTS energy meters ends on June 30 2025.

Acting Climate Action Minister Alasdair Allan said: “Protecting consumers is the Scottish Government’s highest priority. The approach taken so far has been insufficient, and consumers cannot be blamed for the failure of the energy industry to properly plan for and respond to the RTS switch-off.

“People who rely on the RTS will experience considerable detriment unless meters are replaced by the switch-off date – particularly in rural and island communities.

“There is a real and pressing need for suppliers to be made to explain what their workforce plan is to get engineers to premises. Consideration should also be given to additional enforcement action to reduce no-show instances and to ensure that every household is fitted with a fully functioning meter before the deadline.

“Due to the cost of living crisis, it is also unacceptable to expect consumers to pay for expensive re-wiring as a consequence of the RTS switch-off – they should not be confronted with any additional anxieties. The creation of a fund to support consumers in this position is critical.

“While devolved governments do not hold the levers, the Scottish Government will work with Ofgem, the UK Government and industry to raise awareness of the RTS switch-off.”

Energy infrastructure and regulation is the responsibility of the UK Government. 

Full letter from Dr Alasdair Allan to Ofgem

To: Jonathan Brearley, Chief Executive, Ofgem

From: Alasdair Allan MSP, Acting Minister for Climate Action 

10 March 2025

Dear Jonathan,

I wrote to the UK Government in January, copying Ofgem, to urge more action to protect consumers as a result of the Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) switch-off. Protecting consumers remains the Scottish Government’s highest priority in this matter; however, feedback from consumer organisations and members of the public continues to suggest to me that the approach taken so far has been insufficient, and consumers cannot be blamed for the failure of the energy industry to properly plan for and respond to the RTS switch-off.

As your consultation rightly states, people who rely on the RTS will experience considerable detriment unless meters are replaced by the switch-off date – particularly in rural and island communities.

This makes the timely replacement of RTS meters essential. I made it clear in my letter to Minister Fahnbulleh in January that there should be penalties for suppliers who fail to replace RTS with smart meters (whether fully functional or pre-programmed) by June this year.

I am pleased that, by updating license conditions, Ofgem will be able to take appropriate compliance action against suppliers who fail to do so.

The consultation suggests that changing the regulations to prohibit the supply of electricity to RTS consumers through a metering arrangement which relies on the RTS infrastructure will protect consumers and reduce detriment. It also states that RTS meters should be immediately phased out of the electricity market and associated infrastructure.

While I understand that this is an important regulatory change to allow enforcement action to be taken following the switch-off, I have two concerns regarding its implementation. Firstly, that it may in practice see some consumers removed from supply and properties de-energised, and secondly, that it may see some suppliers offering imperfect metering solutions solely to avoid a breach of license conditions.

I understand from my officials that Ofgem does not expect consumers to be removed from supply as a result of these changes, however I feel duty bound to put on record how dangerous such a situation would be, with large scale contingency planning needed now to prevent serious harm to individuals. Safeguards and protections must be put in place.

For example, where a supplier does not have the capacity or capability to upgrade a meter, consideration must be given to proactively offering a change of supplier to any affected consumers. Consumers cannot be left with no support and many are trying, with no success, to arrange a meter upgrade.

The energy industry must ensure those consumers do not suffer any detriment either before or after the RTS switch-off.

While not included in the published consultation, the Scottish Government continues to believe that there should be penalties applied to the DCC for failing to deliver smart-meter coverage across every part of the country. While 99.3% of the UK is covered by the smart meter communications network, this coverage does not yet apply to some rural and island parts of Scotland, England and Wales.

I understand from Minister Fahnbulleh’s response that the DCC is currently undertaking work to develop technical solutions to overcome the connectivity issues that currently prevent some consumers from accessing the WAN. A solution must be put in place as a matter of urgency.

I believe an update to the DCC license conditions would provide enduring protection to consumers given the pace at which technical solutions are likely to change and the potential for meters to become unfit for purpose through no fault of the consumer.

I was pleased to note that the proposed update ensures suppliers must take all reasonable steps to provide a tariff that leaves the consumer ‘no worse off’ than their existing arrangements as a result of a RTS meter replacement.

However, this issue only arises post-meter upgrade whereas many still wait for engineers who never turn up or are insufficiently trained to upgrade the meter in question. I continue to believe that there is a real and pressing need for suppliers to be made to explain what their workforce plan is in terms of actually getting engineers to premises.

Consideration should be given to additional enforcement action designed to reduce no-show instances and to ensure that every household is fitted with a fully functioning meter before the deadline.

Separately, and while understandably not for the license conditions to cover, it is unacceptable to expect consumers to pay for expensive re-wiring as a consequence of the RTS switch-off. As you know well, too many consumers are already in energy and other consumer debt due to the cost of living crisis – they should not be confronted with any additional anxieties.

The creation of a fund to support consumers in this position is critical. If households are to be upgraded in time, and with no financial detriment, then progress on such a fund is needed urgently.

Finally, I want to repeat my assurance that the Scottish Government remains on hand to work with Ofgem, the UK Government, and industry to raise awareness of the RTS switch-off. However, devolved governments do not hold the levers to make a difference in this area, and policy power reservations mean the people of Scotland must rely on decisions taken by Ofgem and the UK Government.

I hope that these license changes are sufficient to substantially increase the number of properties upgraded, particularly in rural and island areas where the number of RTS meters is disproportionate and where the impact on already high levels of fuel poverty could be significant.

However, frankly, I am not convinced that some suppliers will see the prospect of no longer having to deal with the most remote or complex cases as a spur to action to assist them.

Yours sincerely,

Alasdair Allan

Consumers may use an RTS meter if their property: 

  • has a meter that switches between peak and off-peak tariff rates, such as Economy 7 or Economy 10, or a Total Heating Total Control tariff
  • has a meter that automatically turns on heating or hot water
  • uses electric or storage heaters
  • is located in a no-gas supply area (off-grid), especially in rural areas. 
  • Advice Direct Scotland 0800 028 1456 and Citizens Advice Scotland 0800 028 1456. 

Ofgem guidance: Replacing your Radio Teleswitch electricity meter | Ofgem

Varsity American Football Game 2025

A highlight of the Scottish student sporting calendar, the Varsity American football game has been played annually since 2012 and returns to Meggetland Stadium on Wednesday.

The Knights play traditional rivals the University of Edinburgh Mavericks, as both teams fight it out for the most spectacular trophy in UK American Football.

This year’s game is held on a mid-week evening under the floodlights at Meggetland Stadium, Wednesday 19th March, with a 7pm Kickoff.

With all the usual on and off-field family friendly entertainment including live music and the Canalside Bar will be open throughout with hot food available. 

Last years game produced fireworks during, on and off the field, with the Edinburgh Mavericks edging the game in a 14-6 victory.

Meggetland sports complex features a seated stand for watching the action.

Join us under the lights for the city’s biggest American Football fixture of the season!

Tickets are Adults £5, Students £3, and U-16’s Free Entry and can be purchased in advance online or on the gate. Gates open from 6pm, with a 7pm kickoff.

Head Coach of the Knights, Pete Laird, explained why he was looking forward to the game: “This has been an incredible season for the Knights as we claimed the Scottish Division and advanced all the way to the UK Northern Final.

“Now we have an opportunity to finish the season with one last game, a true Cup Final, against our biggest rivals in an Edinburgh Derby match’

 ‘The mid-week Varsity game is such a fantastic event for all those who attend. A bumper crowd of all ages really seem to enjoy watching American Football under the floodlights.

“There’s so much noise, colour, and entertainment on offer, and the players all rise to the occasion to put on a great performance. It’s sure to be another fantastic evening, and with free entry for kids I’m sure the stadium will be jumping again!”

Ticket Link:  Napier Knights Varsity Match

‘Coalition of the Willing’: The world needs action, says Starmer

PRIME MINISTER’S STATEMENT FOLLOWING LEADERS’ MEETING

This morning I convened the largest, strongest group of countries yet behind a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. 

Now a huge amount has happened since I brought leaders together at Lancaster House here in London, just two weeks ago. 

President Zelenskyy has shown once again, and beyond any doubt, that Ukraine is the party of peace. Volodymyr has committed to a 30-day unconditional ceasefire.

But Putin is trying to delay – saying there must be a painstaking study before a ceasefire can take place. 

Well, the world needs action. Not a study, not empty words and conditions. So my message is very clear. Sooner or later, Putin will have to come to the table. 

So, this is the moment, let the guns fall silent, let the barbaric attacks on Ukraine, once and for all, stop and agree to a ceasefire now.

And let’s be clear why this is so important – Russia’s appetite for conflict and chaos undermines our security back here at home.

It drives up the cost of living. It drives up energy costs.

So this matters deeply to the United Kingdom. 

That is why now is the time to engage in discussions on a mechanism to manage and monitor a full ceasefire and agree to serious negotiations towards not just a pause but a lasting peace, backed by strong security arrangements through our Coalition of the Willing.  

And we won’t sit back and wait for Putin to act. 

Instead we will keep pushing forward. 

So the group I convened today is more important than ever.

It brings together partners from across Europe as well as Canada, Australia and New Zealand, with backing from others too – including Japan. 

We agreed we will keep increasing the pressure on Russia, keep the military aid flowing to Ukraine and keep tightening the restrictions on Russia’s economy to weaken Putin’s war machine and bring him to the table. 

And we agreed to accelerate our practical work to support a potential deal. 

So we will now move into an operational phase.

Our militaries will meet on Thursday this week here in the UK to put strong and robust plans in place to swing in behind a peace deal and guarantee Ukraine’s future security.

President Trump has offered Putin the way forward to a lasting peace. Now we must make this a reality.

So this is the moment to keep driving towards the outcome we want to see, to end the killing. A just and lasting peace in Ukraine and lasting security for all of us. 

Man convicted of Leith Street murder

A 25-year-old man has been convicted of murder and an attempted murder in Edinburgh in 2023.

On Friday, 2 June 2023, police were called to attend a report of a disturbance on Leith Street near to the junction with Greenside Row. Peter Mullen, aged 30, was found with serious injuries and was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh where he died a short time later.

Officers subsequently arrested and charged Dylan Curran in connection with the death, and on Friday (14 March, 2025), he was convicted of murder following a trial at the High Court in Edinburgh.

Dylan Curran

Curran was also convicted of the attempted murder of a 43-year-old man during the same incident. He will be sentenced at a later date.

Detective Chief Inspector Bob Williamson said: “Our thoughts remain with Peter’s family and friends as they come to terms with what happened to him. I hope this verdict will bring some sense of justice for them.

“Dylan Curran will now face the consequences of his deplorable actions.

“Thankfully violent crimes like these in public places are rare in our communities. When such incidents take place, we will use all resources necessary to carry out thorough, rigorous inquiries to ensure we track down those responsible to bring them to justice.

“I would like to thank those members of the public who assisted with our enquiries.”

Holyrood to host regional Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians Conference

Conference to look at the importance of women in politics

The Scottish Parliament will host the 11th Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians conference for the British Islands and Mediterranean Region.

The event, held from March 16-18, is titled ‘A parliament for all: the importance of women in politics’ and brings together elected female representatives, officials, campaigners and academics.

Delegates will discuss how Parliaments can become more inclusive, the barriers women face to entering and staying in politics and what more can be done to increase the number of women in politics. They will consider how best to implement recommendations from gender sensitive audit reports and how gender equality networks, working groups and caucuses can be used to influence positive change.

MSPs taking part include Acting Chair of the CWP BIMR Steering Committee, Sarah Boyack MSP; Roz McCall MSP, Member of the CWP BIMR Steering Committee; Michelle Thomson MSP; and Natalie Don MSP, Minister for Children and Young People.

Other speakers include the Swedish Parliament’s First Deputy Speaker, Kenneth G Forslund; Hon. Devina Sammut Hili, Parliament of Malta; Deputy Mary Le Hegarat, States Assembly, Jersey; Hon Joelle Ladislaus MP, Gibraltar Parliament; Savia Orphanidou MP, House of Representatives, Cyprus; Sioned Williams MS, Member of the Senedd Cymru.

Meryl Kenny, Professor of Gender and Politics at the University of Edinburgh and Talat Yaqoob, writer and campaigner and Co-founder of Women 50:50, are also speaking.

Delegates will be joined by young women from across the region discussing what more can be done to encourage young women to go into politics.

The Rt Hon Alison Johnstone MSP, Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament said: “I care passionately about equal representation and participation in politics and it’s a privilege to host this conference.

“The conference brings together parliamentarians and experts to discuss what more can be done to make our politics more inclusive, and to celebrate the role of women in the political sphere.

“It’s clear that many barriers still exist which can limit equal participation in politics. This conference aims to discuss what more can be done to encourage women to get involved in politics and stay involved.

“I’m excited to welcome brilliant politicians, officials and thinkers from across the British Islands and Mediterranean Region, each with their own unique perspective on how we can make our Parliaments truly representative of the communities we serve.”

Enough is Enough: GMB Scotland calls strike at Scottish Water

Union to serve notice of industrial action after accusing utility of sabotaging negotiations

Workers will go on strike at Scottish Water after accusing the company of sabotaging pay talks.

GMB Scotland served notice yesterday [FRIDAY] for a walkout later this month with longer and more disruptive strikes being planned.

The union said all members will take action on 28 March after accusing the company of reducing the terms of a pay offer already rejected by workers.

They had voted against an offer of 3.4% or £1400 covering the last nine months as the company changes the date for annual rises to take effect from July to April.

At talks at conciliation service Acas on Wednesday night, however, the publicly-owned utility revealed the minimum backpay would only be £1050.

Claire Greer, GMB Scotland organiser, said the company had sabotaged the talks without warning or reason: “It is by now hard to be surprised by how this company conducts negotiations but, even for them, this is beyond the pale.

“The terms of the offer were clear, had been discussed at length and had already been rejected by our members.

“For the company to arrive at talks intended to find a way forward only to produce a completely different and inferior offer is not just frustrating, it is inexplicable

“We have spent months discussing this offer only for it to be turned upside down at the eleventh hour for no apparent purpose and with only one possible outcome.

“They are gaslighting workers and making apparently firm offers that change in the wind.

“It is a nonsense and no way to conduct grown-up negotiations.

“While the actions of this company are impossible to predict or understand, the response of our members could not be clearer. Enough is enough.”

Ian Murray MP demands urgent action on GP crisis in Edinburgh South

Ian Murray, MP for Edinburgh South, has renewed calls for urgent action by the Scottish Government and NHS Lothian to tackle the worsening crisis in South Edinburgh GP services, as residents continue to face unacceptable delays in accessing care.

Constituents regularly report waiting hours on the phone to get appointments, with many surgeries unable to register new patients due to severe capacity issues. 

The rapid expansion of new housing developments in South East Edinburgh without the necessary investment in healthcare infrastructure is exacerbating the situation. 

Ian Murray has raised these concerns directly with NHS Lothian, and has met with the leadership teams of under-pressure GP practices, to discuss what support they need. 

Over 3000 local residents have signed Ian Murray’s petition demanding action.

Ian Murray MP said: “GP services in Edinburgh South are at breaking point. Residents are spending hours on the phone just to get through to their surgery, only to be told they’ll have to wait weeks for an appointment. Meanwhile, new housing estates are being built without the infrastructure to support the growing population. Our community cannot be left without access to vital healthcare.

“The incredible doctors, nurses, and staff in our local practices are working tirelessly, but they are being let down by a failure to plan for demand. Following the record funding settlement given to the Scottish Government by the UK Government in the budget last year, this is unacceptable. The Scottish Government must act now to expand GP capacity, allocate the necessary resources to NHS Lothian, and ensure new developments are built alongside proper infrastructure and healthcare provision.”

Ian Murray has also welcomed Anas Sarwar’s recent announcement of Scottish Labour’s plans to reform the NHS and end the “8am rush” at GP surgeries by revising the GP contract, ensuring patients can get timely appointments. 

“These plans offer real, practical solutions to fix our broken NHS and ensure people in Edinburgh South can access the care they need when they need it – representing the biggest reform of the NHS in decades.

“The Scottish Government has failed to get a grip on this crisis – Scottish Labour will.”

Ian Murray is encouraging residents to share their experiences of GP access and has launched a petition to demand better services. He vowed to continue pressing for improvements and holding the Scottish Government to account.

Residents have said: 

“I’m registered at a surgery in Gilmerton. I try to get through at 8 am to get an appointment, but even just a call back is impossible. By the time I get through, all appointments are gone for the day. Been trying almost 2 weeks now and never can get through.” 

“I have a chronic illness, and getting a GP appointment is virtually impossible. The stress of not being able to prebook an appointment and having to call at 8am relentlessly, normally around at least a 100 redials and then to be told there is no appointment available because they only have 1 doctor available that day and they are full, is intolerable.”

“Being a new mum I haven’t got the time to be sitting about waiting for phone calls all day. I haven’t been able to get through to our GP in over a month now for an appointment.  It’s really concerning when I have a 1 year old daughter and can’t get appointments for her.“

Constituents who wish to share their experiences can contact Ian Murray’s office at ian.Murray.MP@parliament.uk. 

The petitions are available at: 

https://www.ianmurraymp.com/edinburgh-south/2021/10/05/edinburgh-gp-crisis/ https://www.ianmurraymp.com/build-better-places/ 

Scottish Climate Minister slammed for attending “Greenwash Fest” in capital

Campaigners have slammed the Scottish Government after a Minister spoke at greenwashing conference in Edinburgh on Thursday despite climate protests.

The Minister for Climate Action Alasdair Allan gave a key address at the carbon capture event which campaigners say was ’full to the brim’ of big polluters.

Sponsors of the event included Shell, National Gas, and the Norwegian Energy Partners group which represents Rosebank oil field developer Equinor. Both Shell and Equinor have slashed their renewable energy commitments in recent months.

 Attendees at the £400 a ticket ‘Decarb Scotland’ event at the John McIntyre Conference Centre in Pollock Halls Edinburgh faced protests due to its heavy promotion of unreliable carbon capture technology, which is being used to extend the life of fossil fuels.

A committee of MPs recently warned the UK Government’s £22billion subsidy for the industry will drive up household energy bills. 

Campaigners are also questioning the appropriateness of the Minister attending an event sponsored by the controversial Peterhead Gas Carbon Capture project, when the Scottish Government is assessing a planning application for the project.

Last summer the Scottish Government was accused of repeatedly breaching the Ministerial Code in its mishandling of this planning application, including for attending the 2024 version of this event sponsored by the applicant. 

Friends of the Earth Scotland oil and gas campaigner Freya Aitchison said: “Ministers should not have endorsed this festival of greenwash, which was full to the brim of major polluters. Many of the companies involved in this event have doubled down on fossil fuel extraction and have slashed their climate promises, which were already woefully insufficient.  

“Carbon capture is a con trick being pushed by fossil fuel giants who are using it to undermine a fair and fast transition and further endanger people by slowing climate action.

“The £22billion bung to carbon capture companies is being paid for by the public, with most of this handout added to our energy bills in the coming years.

“Greedy oil firms have already gotten so rich from exploiting our needs and now we’re all expected to pay to keep their climate-wrecking business going. 

“The Scottish Government refuses to talk to anyone who is raising objections to the Peterhead gas burning plans but once again it is happy to be a key speaker at an event sponsored by the project it is supposed to be impartially assessing. 

“Ministers ditched their climate targets last year, in part caused by their desperate overreliance on carbon capture technology but it seems like they have learned nothing from that experience and are ready to get fooled again.

“Our energy future must instead be built on affordable, reliable renewables that are run in the public interest.

“The skills and experience of workers must be at the heart of creating a credible and fair transition plan that creates secure green jobs, meets the needs of communities and scales up the industries we can truly rely on for the long term.”

Huge queues as Popeyes® opens on Princes Street 

Customers queued for over 12 hours on Princes Street to be first to try the famous Chicken Sandwich yesterday

The much-hyped arrival of Popeyes® UK in Edinburgh yesterday had fans queuing down Princes Street from 10.30pm on Thursday night, eager to be the first to try the world-famous Chicken Sandwich. 

Opening its doors at 11am, Popeyes® UK celebrated its Edinburgh debut in true Mardi Gras style. Its signature New Orleans hospitality arrived on Princes St, with confetti cannons and live band The Brass Funkeys entertaining customers. Making launch day memorable, fans also had the chance to snap a photo in the new Popeyes® bite booth, capturing all of Edinburgh’s first bite moments.  

Over 100 chicken fans lined up from 10.30pm to get a taste of the world-famous Popeyes® Chicken Sandwich.  

First in the queue was Jonathan McCaleb who said: “I’m a huge Popeyes® fan, it’s my top-tier fried chicken restaurant!

“Since moving here from America in September, I haven’t had a Popeyes® and I’ve been craving it – especially after seeing the team out and about on campus at the University of Edinburgh yesterday.

“I’ve been waiting over 12 hours to be first in line, and I can’t wait to finally get a taste of that southern goodness again!”

Tom Crowley, Popeyes® UK Chief Executive Officer, commented: “The turnout in Edinburgh today has been incredible.

“People across Scotland have shown their love for our Louisiana chicken, and Edinburgh has now proved just as popular. We look forward to bringing a taste of New Orleans to even more customers across the city.” 

Now officially open, the Edinburgh Princes Street location serves the full Popeyes menu.

The line-up includes fan favourites like the iconic Popeyes® Chicken Sandwich, Wings and Tenders. Each piece of Popeyes® famous chicken is marinated for 12 hours in bold Louisiana seasoning, then hand-breaded and battered for that world-famous ‘shatter crunch,’ and complemented by delicious sides like its Original Biscuits and Cajun Gravy.

Plus, the all-new Saucin’ range is dripping with bold flavour featuring three New Orleans-inspired sauces: cheesy Garlic Parm, smokin’ Bold BBQ and spicy Buffalo. 

From today, Saturday 15 March, Popeyes® will also be serving up its breakfast menu from 8am to 11am each day. The menu features the Big Cajun Roll, Cajun Hash Browns, and indulgent Nutella-topped buttermilk biscuits – a classic British breakfast with a New Orleans twist.

Popeyes® is located at 131-133 Princes Street, Edinburgh and open from 8am until 10pm. The new 86-seat restaurant includes touch screen self-service kiosks and collection points for orders made online via the Popeyes® UK website or official app. 

Edinburgh Princes Street is Popeyes® seventh restaurant in Scotland, as part of its ambitious plans to open more than 45 restaurants across the UK in 2025.

To find out more about Popeyes® Edinburgh, visit the website here or follow the brand on Instagram at @PopeyesUK or TikTok at @popeyesuk