Author: davepickering

Edinburgh reporter and photographer

Edinburgh pupil wins international essay competition

  • An Edinburgh school student has been named a winner in the STEM Next global essay competition organised by the Scottish charity Techfest, which encouraged students to share their ideas about the future of industries in energy, medicine, and science.
  • TechFest is transforming STEM education and delivering a new generation of talent. STEM Next encouraged young people across the world to consider their future in Energy in Action, Medicine & Life Sciences, and Chemistry & Biological Sciences.  
  • The competition inspired students worldwide, with winners across a variety of categories and nations including England, Scotland and South Korea.  
  • Martha Gavan, Deputy Managing Director of TechFest, said: “STEM Next empowers young people to explore careers in STEM, helping them chart a path towards innovation and preparing them to lead in the industries of tomorrow.” 

An Edinburgh school student has been named a winner in the STEM Next global essay competition organised by the Scottish charity Techfest, which encouraged students to share their ideas about the future of industries in energy, medicine, and science.

TechFest is a charity focused on making STEM education more engaging and inclusive in schools throughout the country whilst helping to connect STEM to various sectors.  

STEM Next was a solo digital project that required independent research and writing, open to students aged 16 – 18 across the world.  

Participants were invited to submit an essay between 1000-3000 words that addressed one of the provided essay questions, with three categories available: Energy in Action, Medicine & Life Sciences and Chemistry & Biological Sciences. 

The competition aimed to inspire students worldwide, drawing winners from London, Kent, Edinburgh, and Dwight Seoul in South Korea.  

Samantha van Rooyen from Wimbledon High School, Earl Xavier Fornillos from St. Bonaventure’s RC School, and Ishan Madhok from St. Paul’s School triumphed as 1st place winners, each taking home a £200 Amazon voucher. 

Martha Gavan, Deputy Managing Director of TechFest, said: “STEM Next is a challenge designed in partnership with industry and education to help shape the future workforce.  

“The competition is a fantastic chance for industry to connect with brilliant young minds and discover the next generation of STEM leaders. 

“Early industry relationships can ignite a passion that shapes the future problem solvers in STEM. STEM Next offers an exciting opportunity for industry leaders to connect with the next generation of innovators.” 

The project enabled TechFest to make introductions that provided entrants with valuable career insights while also helping to shape their interviewing skills as part of the research requirements. 

Young people who competed in the STEM Next competition are eligible for CREST Awards, providing an opportunity for students to add additional achievements to their UCAS application. 

In addition to developing their researching and writing skills, STEM Next also connects young people with industry professionals to learn first-hand about their chosen industry.  

STEM Next is a collaboration with various partners including: Airswift, CNOOC International, Ocean Winds and Thistle Wind Partners (TWP). 

Ruth Cameron, Managed Services Director EMEA at Airswift , said: “STEM Next is shaping the skilled workforce needed to tackle future challenges. This aligns with Airswift’s goal of transforming lives through workforce solutions in STEM industries.” 

Victoria Allan, Buzzard Onshore Mechanical Support Engineer at CNOOC International, said: “At CNOOC International, our focus on delivering safe and sustainable energy aligned perfectly with STEM Next, which showcased bold and practical solutions from the world’s top young thinkers this year.” 

Roger McMichael, Stakeholder Manager at Ocean Winds, said: “Ocean Winds is leading the global energy transition into a greener future, and we believe STEM Next provided extraordinary insight from the fresh perspectives of young people.” 

Kirsty Macaulay, Stakeholder Engagement Manager at Thistle Wind Partners, said: “At TWP, we are committed to encouraging the next generation to explore STEM subjects and have been delighted supporting TechFest’s STEM Next competition. Congratulations to all of the winners!” 

TechFest is interested in increasing industry partners for this project, if you are interested in sponsorship or volunteering, please get in touch via: 

https://techfest.org.uk/education/ages-over-11/stem-next-essay 

Gracemount fireworks disorder: Police release CCTV images

POLICE have released images of two more men officers believe might be able to assist with enquiries into an incident on Tuesday, 5 November, at Captains Road, in the Gracemount area.

The first male is described as a white, between 20 and 22-years-old, 5ft 4ins tall with a slim build. He was wearing a black baggy jumper with the hood up, a black Canada Goose puffer jacket with a logo on the left arm and dark trousers.

The second male is described as a white, between 20 and 25-years-old with fair/blond hair. He was wearing a grey North Face jacket with black sleeves to the elbows, then grey from elbow to wrists, a red hoodie underneath, black Nike trousers and black Nike trainers with white soles.

Detective Sergeant Steven Dick said: “We are keen to talk to these males as we believe they may have information which could assist with our enquiries. The males pictured, or anyone who may recognise them, are asked to please contact us.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact 101 quoting Gracemount incident dated 5 November 2024. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Two convicted of violent attack in Gracemount

Two men have been convicted of violent offences in connection with a serious assault in Gracemount in November 2021.

A 32-year-old man was assaulted outside a supermarket on Gracemount Drive around 8pm and was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

George Baigrie, 42, was found guilty of attempted murder on Wednesday, 18 December, 2024, following a trial at the High Court in Edinburgh. Kevin Richardson, 24, was also convicted in connection with the incident.

Both men are due to be sentenced at a later date.

Detective Chief Inspector George Calder said: “This was a shocking attack in a public place which left a man with life-changing injuries as a result.

“We will continue to target those involved in this kind of violence as we work to make our communities safer. I would like to thank the public for their support and everyone who worked on the investigation.”

NHS 24: Festive health tips

Claire is from Glasgow and has been a Senior Charge Nurse at NHS 24’s Cardonald contact centre for a year. She is working both Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

Claire says: “It has been lovely to take part in the school festive traditions with the kids throughout December. I’m really looking forward to attending the panto on Christmas Eve as well getting involved in some carol singing.

“It’s such a magical time of the year to spend time with the family, and we have lots of quality time planned in between my shifts.

“My top tip for over festive is if you have kids, ensure you have child-friendly remedies available at home.

“Pop into your local pharmacy where they can give you advice on the most appropriate medicines for your family.”

NHS 24 – #PoweredByPeople

Working this Christmas? Check your pay!

Festive workers, including those on short-term contracts, are being urged to check their pay to make sure they aren’t missing out on the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage.

Seasonal staff and students employed over the Christmas period are legally entitled to receive at least the same minimum rates as other workers.

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is reminding all workers to check their hourly rate of pay, and to look out for unpaid working time – such as time spent cleaning and closing premises, training, or picking up extra hours. 

Deductions, for things like uniforms or tools, can also reduce pay rates. 

HMRC’s festive video issues a clear reminder: 

“Have you started a Christmas job? 

“No matter how long you’ve been employed for, you are legally entitled to be paid at least the National Minimum Wage. This includes temporary seasonal staff working in shops, hotels, garden centres, Christmas markets, restaurants and warehouses.

“Always make sure that you check your pay and look out for any deductions, or unpaid working time that could take you below the minimum wage.

“If you think you’ve been short changed, even if you no longer work for that employer, we’re here to help. Visit GOV.UK and search ‘check your pay’ to find all the information you need about wage rates, and how to report your employer if they’re not paying you correctly.”

The National Minimum Wage hourly rates are currently:

  • £11.44 – Age 21 and over (National Living Wage)
  • £8.60 – Age 18 to 20
  • £6.40 – Age under 18
  • £6.40 – Apprentice

Anyone not being paid what they are entitled to, or people concerned that someone they know may not be getting paid correctly, can report it online at https://www.gov.uk/minimum-wage-complaint. It takes around 10 minutes and reports can be made after the employment has ended. 

To speak with someone, raise a concern or get further information, phone the Acas Pay and Work Rights helpline on 0300 123 1100 for confidential, free advice (Monday to Friday*, 8am to 6pm).– *Except Bank Holidays. 

Employers can also access support at any time to ensure they are paying their workers correctly:

They can also contact Acas for advice.

Scotland’s criminals made to pay to support victims

Additional £1.1 million for people impacted by crime

More victims of crime are to receive support through a fund financed by penalties imposed on offenders.

More than £1.1 million from the Victim Surcharge Fund (VSF) will be shared among 12 organisations that support those impacted by crime.

Child victims, rape survivors and those who have suffered domestic abuse are among those who will receive support. This can include help with essentials like food and clothing, repairs for property damaged as a result of crime, and emotional support.

More than 5,000 people have already benefitted from the VSF since it was set up in 2019 and this fifth round of payments will mean hundreds more will receive support.

Under the scheme, offenders who receive a court fine after being convicted of a crime are charged an additional penalty – the victim surcharge. This is transferred to the VSF and distributed to organisations who support victims. Including this payment round, a total of £2,446,787 has been paid to 18 victim support organisations.

Victims Minister Siobhian Brown said: “The impact of crime on victims can be devastating – it can cause financial hardship, damage to property and ongoing trauma, and it is absolutely right that offenders should pay to support victims to recover.

“The Victim Surcharge Fund has already benefitted more than 5,000 victims and hundreds more will be supported with the distribution of more than £1.1 million in this latest round of payments.

“The Victim Surcharge Fund builds on the Scottish Government’s wider support for victims. We have invested £93 million to support victims in the past five years, while taking a series of other actions to ensure victims are placed at the heart of the justice system.

“This includes a significant package of reform proposed in the Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform Bill to ensure victims are treated with compassion and their voices are heard.”

Kate Wallace, Chief Executive of Victim Support Scotland, said: “This funding will be instrumental in expanding access to our Emergency Assistance Fund (EAF) to as many people impacted by crime as possible, helping them to rebuild their lives.  

“So far, we have supported thousands of people through the EAF, providing critical help to people who are in urgent need of financial aid – providing funding for things like emergency housing, security equipment, clothing and groceries. 

“With this new funding, we have the chance to reach even more people who have been affected by crime and explore options to develop our offering, including supporting access to mental health services. This funding will also benefit those supported by many of our specialist partner organisations, like Action Against Stalking and ASSIST.” 

Dot Horne, Director of 6VT Edinburgh City Youth Café, which supports young victims of crime through their Cairn service, said: “We are delighted to be successful recipients from this round of the Victim Surcharge Fund. This funding will allow us to respond quickly to the immediate, practical needs of children and young people affected by crime.

“Additionally, it provides an opportunity to offer financial support for victims to access positive activities that can help ease the difficult times that young people may be facing.”

The following organisations will benefit from the Victim Surcharge Fund in this round:

  • Victim Support Scotland                                              £850,000
  • Women’s Aid South Lanarkshire and East Renfrewshire      £31,800
  • Migrant Help                                                               £73,985
  • Dunbarton District Women’s Aid                                  £13,500
  • The Moira Fund                                                          £14,500
  • Survivors of Human Trafficking in Scotland)               £27,465
  • Jubilee House                                                            £10,000
  • Dundee Women’s Hub (Women’s Rape And Sexual Abuse Centre)    £10,000
  • 6VT Edinburgh City Youth Café                                   £5,000
  • Action Against Stalking                                               £16,000
  • Central Advocacy Partners                                         £5,000
  • AberNecessities                                                          £67,100
  • Total                                                                           £1,124,350

Fort Kinnaird confirms festive opening hours

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

Fort Kinnaird has confirmed its festive opening times for last minute shopping and anyone planning a day out over the Christmas period.

Fort Kinnaird’s full opening times in the run up to and throughout the Christmas week are: 

  • Friday 20th December: 9am – 9pm
  • Saturday 21st December: 9am – 6pm
  • Sunday 22nd December: 9am – 6pm
  • Monday 23rd December: 9am – 9pm
  • Tuesday 24th December (Christmas Eve): 9am – 5pm
  • Wednesday 25th December (Christmas Day): Closed  
  • Thursday 26th December (Boxing Day): 9am – 6pm
  • Friday 27th December: 9am – 8pm
  • Saturday 28th December: 9am – 6pm
  • Sunday 29th December: 9am – 6pm
  • Monday 30th December: 9am – 9pm
  • Tuesday 31st December (Hogmanay): 9am – 5pm 
  • Wednesday 1st January (New Year’s Day): Selected stores open from 9am 6pm
  • Thursday 2nd January (Bank Holiday): 9am – 8pm
  • Friday 3rd January: 9am – 8pm
  • Saturday 4th January – normal trading hours resume: 9am – 6pm

Opening days and times will vary by store, so it’s always recommended that visitors check with individual retailers before setting off. 

Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said: “Whether you’re visiting to pick up last-minute Christmas gifts, enjoy a seasonal meal, or simply to spend time with loved ones, we’re here right through the festive period to ensure you can get everything you need.”

In collaboration with Edinburgh-based charity, Cyrenians, Fort Kinnaird has also launched a Letters of Hope initiative this festive season, collecting and distributing heartfelt Christmas cards to those at risk of homelessness in and around the city.  

Shoppers can post letters and cards into the special post box – located outside ODEON Cinema – until 20th December. They will then be distributed by Cyrenians in plenty of time for Christmas.  

For more information on Fort Kinnaird and to plan your festive trip please visit https://www.fortkinnaird.com/christmas-day-out

Community benefits consultation

Views sought on benefits from renewable energy developments

Views are being sought on ways to improve how communities will receive additional benefits from renewable energy developments.

‘Community benefits’ are provided by developers to local groups and can include funding, actions such as in-kind works, the direct support of projects, or other site-specific benefits – such as a reduction in energy bills through local electricity discount schemes or building affordable housing.

Feedback on how to ensure the benefits are sustainable, meaningful and make the biggest positive impact on communities, will be used to update existing guidance for onshore and offshore energy developments, setting out the best practice approach for developers and local areas when delivering community benefits.

Over the past 12 months, more than £30 million has been awarded in community benefits in Scotland, up from £25 million in 2023.

This figure is expected to further increase with investment in clean energy sectors forecast to reach £40 billion over the next decade – providing greater opportunities for local areas to benefit from community benefit schemes.

Acting Energy Secretary Gillian Martin said: “Scotland is set to become a global renewables powerhouse – generating not only  enough green electricity to power all our homes and businesses, but also to export electricity to our neighbours who also need to decarbonise and become more  energy secure. 

“We believe that communities should be at the heart of this transition, and it is vital that they share in the significant economic and social benefits which will be created as we develop our renewable energy resources.

“This means making sure that energy developments provide community benefit schemes which deliver tangible and long lasting legacy benefits for local areas – as well as supporting local jobs, supply chain businesses and wider growth.

“I encourage everyone with an interest to take part in the consultation, to ensure that our arrangements deliver  positive and  meaningful impacts of the type that communities want and help support our just and fair transition to net zero and clean energy security.”    

Scottish Renewables, Chief Executive, Claire Mack said: “As our clean energy transition gathers pace it is important to ensure lasting benefits are secured for Scotland. Delivering our pipeline of projects will provide a significant boost for the economy through high-value jobs, supply chain growth and inward investment.

“Scotland’s renewable energy industry is proud of our positive record to date on community benefits from projects and we want to ensure they continue to deliver for communities. In that effort, however, we must not lose sight of the challenges facing project deployment.

“We look forward to engaging constructively with this consultation to ensure community benefits are sustainable for industry and strategically placed to deliver a long-term, positive impact for local communities.”

Zoë Holliday from the Scottish Community Coalition on Energy said: “We commend the Scottish Government for committing to update the Good Practice Principles for community benefits.

“Since its establishment, the Scottish Community Coalition on Energy has been calling for these to be overhauled to reflect current technologies and context.

“Now is the time to be ambitious and to make improvements to the guidance to ensure a Fair Deal from the energy transition for communities across Scotland.”

Take part in the consultation

Community benefits are additional benefits, that are currently voluntary, which developers provide to the community. The Scottish Government does not currently have the power to legislate for community benefits, which lies with the UK Government.

Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry Hearings: Commencement of Phase 9

In spring 2025 the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry (SCAI) will begin its public hearings in relation to Phase 9 of its investigations: The provision of residential care in establishments for children and young people with long-term healthcare needs, additional support needs, and disabilities.

SCAI’s investigations into this area of residential care have been ongoing throughout the life of the Inquiry.

The organisations involved in the provision of such residential accommodation included the National Health Service, local authorities, voluntary providers, and private providers.

The period examined by SCAI’s investigations into abuse at those establishments extends from within living memory until the end of 2014.

This case study will explore the nature and extent of all forms of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse including the abusive use of corporal punishment and restraint.

Reporting systems and the wide-ranging impact of abuse have been and continue to be aspects of SCAI’s investigations, as do staff recruitment, training, and organisational culture; these will also be explored during the case study.

The case study will include the presentation of evidence from individuals who experienced abuse when in residential care in one of these settings, from relevant experts, from regulatory bodies, and from providers.

It may include evidence from a range of other witnesses in relation to a number of particular establishments. Hearings will be held at the Inquiry’s venue at Mint House, 20 West Register Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2AA.

At this stage, applications may be made for leave to appear for this case study. Anyone wishing to apply should do so as soon as possible and, in any event, no later than Friday 24 January 2025.

What is involved in having leave to appear is explained on the Inquiry’s website: 

www.childabuseinquiry.scot/procedure/pre-hearing-procedures.

Application forms are also available on the website: 

www.childabuseinquiry.scot/procedure/application-leave-appear.

Members of the public do not need leave to appear to watch hearings from the public areas in the Inquiry’s venue. They are welcome to do so at any time.

SCAI has also created an Easy Read information guide with simple language and pictures to help people understand more about the Inquiry. This is now available on the website: www.childabuseinquiry.scot/accessibility-support

Seventeen establishments have now been confirmed as being included in the case study:

SchoolProviderLocation
Children’s HomeAlgrade TrustHumbie
Donaldson’s School for Deaf ChildrenThe Donaldson TrustEdinburgh
Harmeny SchoolHarmeny Education TrustBalerno
Ladyfield East Unit, Crichton Royal Hospital Hannahfield Hall Unit, Crichton Royal Hospital Ladyfield West Unit, Crichton Royal Hospital Eskdale House Unit, Crichton Royal Hospital NHS Dumfries & GallowayDumfries
Lendrick Muir SchoolSeamabRumbling Bridge
Lennox Castle HospitalNHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde, and East Dunbartonshire CouncilLennoxtown, Glasgow
Linnwood Hall Children’s HomeFife CouncilLeven
Melville HouseFife CouncilCupar
Monken Hadley / Corsbie Hall / Woodlands SchoolIndependentNewton Stewart
Ovenstone Residential SchoolFife CouncilPittenweem
Royal Blind SchoolRoyal BlindEdinburgh
Royal Scottish National HospitalNHS Forth ValleyLarbert
Starley Hall SchoolIndependentBurntisland
St Joseph’s HospitalDaughters of Charity of St Vincent de Paul Rosewell
St Mary’s BalnakeilCongregation of the Poor Servants of the Mother of GodGalashiels
St Vincent’s School for the Deaf and BlindDaughters of Charity of St Vincent de PaulTollcross, Glasgow
Woodfield Ladymary SchoolOur Lady of Charity of the Good ShepherdColinton, Edinburgh