HALLOWEEN DISORDER IN HAY DRIVE MARKS START OF BONFIRE SEASON
Council Leader Cammy Day yesterday repeated his calls for a complete ban on the public sale of fireworks and tougher sentences for those misusing them and causing public disorder – but trouble flared up in Niddrie last night.
Councillor Daysaid: “We all remember vividly the shocking scenes we saw last year with emergency services being attacked while trying to do their jobs. And more recently the appalling reports of violence and antisocial behaviour with buses and cars coming under attack.
“Whilst this isn’t an issue unique to Edinburgh, or indeed Scotland, I’m clear that this sort of behaviour has no place in our city.
“It’s long been my view that we need to ban the public sale of fireworks, given the potential risk to health, if misused, but also the unnecessary fear and alarm they cause in our communities.
“I will be writing to my colleagues in the UK Government to request a review of the legislation, as well as the Crown Office to ask for tougher sentences for those found guilty of committing these crimes.
“I’m determined to do everything within our power to prevent a repeat of last year. Earlier this week I chaired the latest multi-agency meeting with colleagues, the police and fire service as part of our ongoing preparations, and the implementation of our firework control zones, which come into effect tomorrow (1 November).
“In addition to FCZs, we’re also increasing patrols from our waste services to collect items that could potentially be set alight.
“Bonfire Night should be an opportunity for communities to come together to celebrate and spend time together. I would urge everyone in the city to only attend organised displays and look out for one another.
“Please work with us and our fantastic emergency services to help make it a safe and enjoyable occasion this year. If you witness any criminality, please call the police on 101.
“I want to thank our emergency services once again for the professional and measured way they carry out their duties under the most difficult of circumstances. Police officers, firefighters and paramedics have a tough enough job already without being subjected to violence and abuse.
“Please show them the respect they deserve this Bonfire Night.”
Chief Inspector Mairi Creanoradded: “We know that certain areas of Edinburgh experienced unprecedented levels of disorder during Bonfire Night last year, and because of this a significant number of officers responding to the incidents that arose sustained a range of injuries.
“The unacceptable actions of a minority of individuals left communities in a state of alarm and put the safety of emergency service workers at serious risk of harm.
“Such offences cannot and will not be tolerated and detailed planning has been undertaken since last year to ensure we have appropriate resources in key areas and can provide additional support should they be required.
“It is an offence to use fireworks in any manner within a Fireworks Control Zone and we will take appropriate action against anyone in breach of an FCZ over the Bonfire Night period.
“This is just one of the tools at our disposal and we’ll continue to work with key partners to keep our communities safe and bring those intent on causing harm to justice.”
Firework Control Zones will come into effect in four areas of the city – Niddrie, Calton Hill, Seafield and Balerno – from 1 to 10 November, making it a criminal offence to use fireworks (excluding sparklers and indoor fireworks) unless part of a licensed display.
UPDATE: Council Leader @cllrcammyday has responded to reports of disorder taking place across Edinburgh last night.
Police officers attended the Hay Avenue area following reports of disorder. Police vehicles and public transport providers were targeted with fireworks and missiles, including bricks.
Roads in the area were closed during the incident, but were reopened by 11pm.
Cllr Cammy Day said: “I’m shocked and saddened to hear of the mindless violence and disorder taking place in areas across the city tonight.”
COMMUNITY PROJECTS TO LEARN THEIR FATE AT EIJB MEETING
SIXTY-THREE voluntary sector organisations will learn their fate today when Edinburgh Integration Joint Board makes crucial decisions on cost-saving measures.
EIJB is looking to make ‘savings’ (i.e. cuts) of £60 million and the proposal to disinvest in third sector projects would see the EIJB ‘save’ £4.5 million, but the voluntary sector argues that the scale of the cuts in some of the capital’s poorest communities – cuts imposed without any prior consultation – will actually cost the city far more in real terms – and they are urging the EIJB to think again.
If the EIJ Board accepts Chief Officer Pat Togher’s recommendations to disinvest, projects across Edinburgh will be forced to slash services, make staff redundant and, in some cases, close completely.
One of the projects affected is Libertus Services, a charity dedicated to supporting people to live independently. Libertus provides two registered Day Care services to local older people, located in Gracemount and Canalside, alongside a plethora of recreational, educational, cultural and social activities.
Libertus Services is dedicated to empowering its’ Members to make informed choices and to engage with activities which offer a selection of physical activity, reminiscence, games and art as therapy.
Their Positive Futures project supports local people (50+) across Edinburgh to develop and run activity groups in community based settings. The groups take place on a weekly basis, facilitated by a dedicated team of volunteers.
Andrew Farr, General Manager at Libertus, said:“Libertus Services has been established for 43 years and employs 23 staff members to provide services for people at risk of many vulnerabilities, including social isolation, and has provided support to thousands of people.
“The impact of EIJB cuts to Libertus Services will affect at least 300 people aged over 50, and older vulnerable people and their support base who rely on the input and outcomes achieved within our groups.
“The loss of peer support, interaction and professionally led early intervention will inevitably lead to an increase in our vulnerable population of older people becoming more reliant on statutory services now and in the future.
“The potential closure of our Positive Futures over 50’s service and our volunteer service additionally losing 42 volunteers not only increases risks to our Day Services for older people, which will no longer receive the additional social and practical input from our volunteers, but also reduces our financial stability.
“This is due to our premises increasing their reliability on the already reducing contract with the EHSCP, following a 10% in year contract reduction, followed by additional year on year 10% reductions in funding from 2025 onwards.
“A significant number of people would be without our support, leading to social isolation for a significantly higher number of people with social and psychological needs. Service provision would need to be absorbed by adding further pressure within statutory services, including hospital admissions and readmissions, due to the increase in demand resulting from the loss of this preventative service.”
The projects facing cuts today are:
ACE-IT
Art In Healthcare – Room For Art project
Autism Initiatives
Bethany Christian Trust – Passing The Baton project
Bridgend Farmhouse – Community Kitchen
Calton Welfare Services
Care for Carers – Stepping Out residential and short-term breaks for Carers
Caring in Craigmillar – Phonelink
CHAI Community Help and Advice Initiative (Edinburgh Consortium) – Income maximisation, debt and welfare advice
Citizens Advice Edinburgh (Edinburgh Consortium) – Income maximisation, debt and welfare advice
Changeworks – Heat Heroes programme
Community One Stop Shop – COSS
Community Renewal Trust – Health Case Management
Cruse Bereavement Care Scotland – Edinburgh bereavement services
Cyrenians – Golden Years Community Connecting Service
Drake Music Scotland – Musicspace
Edinburgh and Lothians Greenspace Trust – Healthy Lifestyles South Edinburgh
Edinburgh Community Food – Healthier Food, Healthier Lives, Healthier Future
Edinburgh Community Health Forum
Edinburgh Consortium (CHAI, Citizens Advice Edinburgh and Granton Information Centre) – Income maximisation, debt and welfare advice across the city
Edinburgh Garden Partners – Befriending Through Gardening project
Edinburgh Headway Group – ABI Rehabilitation Support Project
Edinburgh Leisure – Steady Steps programme
Edinburgh Rape Crisis Centre – Rape crisis support service
Eric Liddell Centre – Caring for Carers Befriending Service
FAIR – Family Advice and Information resource for people with learning disabilities
FENIKS – Reach Out, Help Within support for Eastern European community
Fresh Start – Helping previously homeless people make a home for themselves
Granton Information Centre (Edinburgh Consortium) – Income maximisation, welfare and debt advice
Hillcrest Futures – Futures Hub
Health All Round – Community health initiative in Sighthill Gorgie
Health in Mind – Counselling in Craigmillar
Home Start Edinburgh West and South West – promoting positive perinatal health
LGBT Health and Wellbeing – Core funding and community programme
Multicultural Family Base MCFB – Syrian mens mental health group
Murrayfield Dementia Project – Day Resorce
Pilmeny Development Project – Older people’s services
Pilton Equalities Project – Mental health and wellbeing support service
Pilton Equalities Project – Day Care services
Portobello Monday Centre – Informal daycare for people with dementia
Portobello Older People’s Project – Lunch and social club for isolated people
Positive Help – HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C support service for vulnerable adults
Queensferry Churches Care in the Community – support services for older people
Rowan Alba Ltd – CARDS service for people with alcohol-related brain damage
Scottish Huntingdon’s Association – Lothian Huntingdon’s Disease service
Sikh Sanjog – Health and wellbeing group for ethnic minority women
South Edinburgh Amenities Group – community transport service
South Edinburgh Day Centre Volunteer Forum
Support in Mind Scotland – RAISE for Carers project
The Broomhouse Centre – The Beacon Club
The Broomhouse Centre – Vintage Vibes consortium
The Broomhouse Health Strategy Group – B Healthy Together initiative
The Dove Centre – Social day centre
The Health Agency – Community-led health improvement initiative
The Living Memory Association – drop-in facility for isolated older people
The Open Door Senior Men’s Group – tackling social isolation
The Ripple Project – Community hub in Restalrig
The Welcoming Association – Welcoming Health programme for migrants/refugees
Venture Scotland – Outdoor activities and residential experiences
VOCAL – Counselling support for carers
Waverley Care – HIV and Hepatitis C support
The following projects will make deputations to this morning’s meeting:
It’s looking increasingly likely that common sense will prevail today and that recommended funding cuts will NOT be imposed before the end of this current financial year – always an unrealistic ambition given the timescales involved and the lack of prior consultation.
Edinburgh Green Councillor Alys Mumford tweeted yesterday: “I’m sure everyone has been very concerned about news of potential in-year cuts to 3rd sector organisations.
“Here is an update from the Edinburgh Councillor Group, and as a board member of the Integration Joint Board, I’m glad I’ve submitted this joint proposal to reject the cuts:
So a small victory for the voluntary sector IS possible today, maybe, but would this be just a stay of execution, a short reprieve?
The EIJB must balance it’s books, and with the city council, NHS Lothian and the Scottish Government all facing financial challenges of their own, just how does Edinburgh Integration Joint Board fill that black hole?
And what is the future for our community projects – and the hundreds, perhaps thousands. of vulnerable people they support across what is supposed to be an affluent capital city – come the new financial year? Can it be a Happy New Year for them?
Hopefully all will become clearer this afternoon.
Good luck to all of the deputations this morning and here’s hoping Edinburgh Integration Joint Board belatedly sees the real human cost of the cuts being proposed – and rejects them.
Kids Operating Room and Smile Train successfully install solar surgery systems in 23 hospitals across Nigeria
The Solar Surgery system ensures reliable power for medical equipment during surgeries, addressing frequent power cuts
Initiative boosts patient safety and surgical outcomes, and reduces carbon emissions
Partnership aims to upgrade more than 30 paediatric theatres across Africa by 2025
Kids Operating Room (KidsOR), the Scottish charity dedicated to ensuring every child has access to safe surgery in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), and Smile Train, the world’s largest cleft-focused charity, announce the successful implementation of the Solar Surgery system in 23 hospitals across Nigeria.
In their groundbreaking partnership, the two organisations are taking significant strides to enhance surgical care in Nigeria through the creation of new surgical facilities, training of local surgical teams, and now the deployment of solar powered operating theatres to ensure every child has access to a safe operation, free from the risks of power outages.
Solar panels have been installed on the roofs of the operating facilities in Nigeria, charging smart battery units that power vital medical equipment in an operating room. This innovative approach combats the frequent power cuts experienced in many African hospitals, ensuring uninterrupted care and better outcomes for patients.
The system monitors what power is needed by the surgical team and provides that directly from the panels, meaning children across Nigeria are now having operations powered entirely by the sun. However, the system can seamlessly switch to a blend of solar and battery power on cloudy days and can go on to provide 8-hours of continuous use into the night. Only when there is no sunlight, and the reserve is being depleted will the system start to pull power from the local grid.
The partnership between KidsOR and Smile Train promises to deliver reliable power to Nigerian hospitals, improving patient safety and improving surgical results while also reducing the carbon emissions of the facilities – setting a sustainable standard for medical treatment across Africa.
Globally, one in 700 babies are born with a cleft lip and/or palate. Sadly, many of these children miss out on the vital reconstructive surgery they need, which can lead to challenges in eating, breathing, and speaking. Smile Train is the world’s leading charity focused on transforming the lives of these children and recently announced supporting their 2 millionth cleft surgery.
Nkeiruka OBI, Vice-President and Regional Director, Africa of Smile Train, commented:“Erratic power supply is a norm in Nigeria, like most developing countries. Interruption of power during a surgical procedure could jeopardise the life of the patient. It is not a desirable experience.
“By harnessing clean and renewable solar energy, which by the way we have in abundance in this part of the world, surgical teams can confidently operate critical medical equipment and ensure that children with clefts can receive safe, timely surgeries regardless of power outages.
“The solar-powered theatre is a game changer, in transforming healthcare delivery across Africa, especially in areas where unreliable power limits access to safe surgical care.
“With each solar-powered theatre, we take a step closer to universal access to safe surgery, amplifying the impact on children, families, and entire communities. Smile Train and KidsOR’s partnership truly serves as a model on how meaningful collaboration and innovation can overcome healthcare challenges and drive sustainable change across the continent.”
David Cunningham, CEO of KidsOR, commented: “Our partnership with Smile Train is making a life changing difference to children in developing countries across the globe. In Nigeria, and across Africa, we are working with Smile Train to pave the way for a future where no child has to fear a power outage as a significant risk to their life during an operation.
“In Nigeria, we will shortly have moved 30 operating rooms onto the exciting Solar Surgery system, which means surgical facilities across the country will be able to operate at full capacity and are no longer restricted by frequent power outages.”
Scottish Parliament debates committee report on commissioners
Over seven in ten (74%) older people (over 65) in Scotland feel their issues are not understood by the Scottish Government.
Charity Independent Age calls for greater focus on the issues affecting older people in Scotland and the creation of an Older People’s Commissioner.
Polling revealed as Scottish Parliament set to debate Finance and Public Accounts Committee report that proposes a pause on new commissioners in Scotland.
Independent Age, the national charity supporting pensioners in poverty is calling on the Scottish Parliament to ‘carefully and urgently’ consider how it will ensure older people on a low income will be protected, have their voices heard and their rights upheld.
As the Scottish Parliament is set to debate a report from the Finance and Public Accounts Committee into the commissioner landscape in Scotland, new polling commissioned by the charity shows that 74% of pensioners in Scotland feel their issues are not understood by the Scottish Government.1
The report calls for a moratorium – a pause – on any new commissioners in Scotland until a review can be carried out2 , which the charity says risks continuing to leave older people without an independent champion in these times of rising energy costs, the onset of winter, and recent changes to the eligibility for Winter Fuel Payments.
Support for an Older People’s Commissioner is wide-spread. In May last year, over 30 organisations working with and supporting older people across Scotland called for an OPC.3 The MSP Colin Smyth introduced a Private Member’s Bill calling for the creation of the position which recently secured the cross-party support required to be formally introduced to Parliament.
The charity says this has never been more urgent as the number of pensioners in poverty – 150,000 – is up in number by 25% since 2012 and has remained stubbornly high in recent years. 4
Debbie Horne, Scotland Policy and Public Affairs Manager at Independent Age, said: “It’s hard to overstate the devastating impact that deepening poverty is having on older people across Scotland.
“In a socially-just society, no one should live in poverty. It is also incredibly worrying that the majority of older people feel their issues are not understood by the Scottish Government.
“While we welcome the robust efforts of many MSPs to support their older constituents and represent their views in Parliament, polling shows that more needs to be done. Careful and urgent action is required to support the many pensioner households suffering the impacts of poverty.
“We firmly believe the only way to tackle pensioner poverty in Scotland is through a strategic approach. A key part of this being the introduction of an independent Older People’s Commissioner. Without such a champion we worry that older people’s issues will continue to fall between the gaps.”
Borderer has been honoured for her reporting and charity work
Sports broadcaster and motor neuron disease (MND) charity leader Jill Douglas has returned to her roots to collect an honorary doctorate from Edinburgh Napier University (ENU).
Best known for her on-screen coverage of rugby, cycling, snooker and athletics, Jill began her career by studying newspaper journalism at ENU while working in the Scottish Borders at her local paper, The Southern Reporter.
She would go on to become a well-recognised face in broadcast sport, covering the Olympic Games and Commonwealth Games, Rugby World Cups and British & Irish Lions tours for the likes of the BBC, ITV and Sky Sports.
In a journalism career full of highlights, she was the first female to present the BBC’s Rugby Special programme, reported from cycling gold medal wins at the 2012 London Olympics, and interviewed South Africa’s Rugby World Cup winning captain Siya Kolisi on the pitch following their win in Yokohama in 2019.
As a close friend of the late rugby player Doddie Weir, Jill has been involved with My Name’5 Doddie Foundation since its inception, serving as CEO until the spring of this year. She remains a patron at the charity, which was set up in 2017 following Doddie’s diagnosis with MND and has since raised more than £20m to back research and support.
Jill now lives with her husband Carl and their two children in Cheltenham and is President of Cheltenham Tigers RFC.
Reacting to her graduation, which took place at Edinburgh’s Usher Hall today [Thursday 31 October], Jill said: “I began my life in journalism and broadcasting at Edinburgh Napier. It is where I laid the foundations for my career, and I still rely on the many skills and lessons I learned on campus at Craiglockhart and Merchiston.
“It is a great honour to be recognised by the University with an Honorary Doctorate. It is very special to share graduation day with so many students who are embarking on their own careers.
“Journalism and broadcasting have allowed me to travel the world and experience some amazing events and I hope those graduating in 2024 have as many opportunities and great times as I have enjoyed over the years. I’d like to thank my old lecturers for their patience and the current team for this honour.”
Presenting her with her honorary doctorate, Dr Tony Westbury from ENU’s School of Applied Sciences said: “It has always been the qualities of knowledge, understanding and preparation that established Jill as an authoritative and skilled broadcaster.
“There is no doubt that her professionalism, knowledge and authentic love of sport has contributed to the enjoyment of many and inspired the next generation of journalists, both male and female.”
Edinburgh Napier University’s autumn graduation ceremonies conclude at the Usher Hall on 31 October.
An awareness campaign is underway to ensure people know the best place to access healthcare this winter.
Right Care Right Place helps the public decide the most appropriate service for their healthcare needs – whether they should contact their GP or pharmacy, call NHS 24 on 111 or use self-help guides on the NHS Inform website. Hospital emergency departments should only be visited for critical emergencies.
The campaign features targeted advertising on television, radio and online and aims to help alleviate pressures on the NHS and social care ahead of an expected seasonal increase in demand.
Health Secretary Neil Gray visited East Lothian Community Hospital to hear about work being undertaken to address delayed discharges. The hospital supports patients leaving acute hospitals who require intermediate care before returning home.
Mr Gray said: “We have been working closely with colleagues across the NHS and social care to make sure we are as prepared as possible ahead of winter.
“Public information and awareness of the treatment options and how to access them when needed is key to ensuring services are directed where they are most needed.
“This will help everyone to get the right care, in the right place as quickly as possible while helping alleviate pressures on the rest of the NHS. People can also help by making sure they receive their Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), Covid-19 and flu vaccinations if eligible.”
Self-help guides can be found on NHS inform and include advice on the most common winter illnesses.
Pioneering research to protect and conserve Arctic whale populations is to begin under a new five-year collaboration between Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, Scotland and HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions), a world leader in travel exploration.
The partners have signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), beginning in 2024, to research challenges facing marine life in the high Arctic – the most northern part of the Arctic region and one of the world’s most fragile ecosystems.
The agreement will see Heriot-Watt University and HX work together on the Whales & Arctic Vessels Project (WAVE), a collaboration driven by the urgent need to better understand how often and where whales are encountering vessels in the high Arctic, and how whales are responding to these interactions – an area of research that remains largely unexplored.
“We have very little understanding about how frequently Arctic whales are encountering vessels in the high Arctic and how they may be impacted by these interactions,” explained project lead Dr Lauren McWhinnie, an Assistant Professor at Heriot-Watt’s School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society.
“We know in other areas of the world that whales can be affected by vessels in a variety of ways, from exposure to underwater noise to being physically stuck or disturbed.
“As vessel activity increases in the Arctic, it’s important that we work with industry, policy makers and communities to ensure that the maritime sector is operating in a responsible and sustainable manner and is not placing any further pressure on these animals whose habitat is significantly changing due to climate change.”
Heriot-Watt University is the first UK university to partner with HX in a project of this scale. The collaboration will see the two organisations jointly publish findings, delivering impact reports and scientific results that will further the understanding of the pressures on Arctic whale populations and contribute to global conservation efforts.
The partnership will harness HX’s extensive expedition network and will benefit vastly from the company’s ability to engage both guest passengers and the wider public in this important environmental research.
Heriot-Watt’s researchers will benefit from access to multiple vessels within the fleet, enabling scientists to conduct multi-year data collection in areas rarely surveyed. Passengers aboard HX ships on planned commercial voyages will also have the opportunity to participate in citizen science programmes, both contributing valuable data and allowing them to see how their contributions can make a difference.
Dr Verena Meraldi, Chief Scientist for HX, said the research would help improve our understanding of the pressures on Arctic whales and enrich the knowledge and experience HX can provide to its guests: “As Chief Scientist for HX, I have the honour of working alongside various scientists across different disciplines to get a deeper understanding of the processes governing our planet, and the impact we (as humans) are having on it,”
Dr Meraldi said. “Conveying this to our guests and getting them involved in projects such as WAVE is exactly the kind of project we look to support. We hope by supporting this project we will support further knowledge and understanding of Arctic whales, and also enrich the journeys and mindset of our guests.
“This MoU represents a vital collaboration between academia and industry, aiming to advance the scientific understanding of Arctic ecosystems, while making a tangible contribution to whale conservation in the region.”
The collaboration aims to promote global awareness and support the conservation of Arctic whale species, while gathering critical data to inform and support evidence-based management strategies. WAVE also seeks to foster academic growth in marine sciences by supporting and developing the next generation of researchers.
With increasing vessel activity being documented in the Arctic, it is crucial for academia to work alongside industry partners, policymakers, and local communities to ensure that both future and current use of this marine space takes place in a responsible and sustainable manner, the scientists say.
This is particularly important given the significant changes to the habitat of Arctic whales, caused by climate driven sea ice reductions, and the need to avoid adding further pressures on these vulnerable species.
Dr McWhinnie said: “When we are working to conserve whales, we are so often on the back foot – reacting to deal with a problem that is already having a documented impact.
“What’s incredibly exciting about this research is that we are being more proactive, trying to make sure an impact doesn’t occur, and learning from lessons we’ve seen arise elsewhere.
“As a researcher this is a truly fantastic opportunity to bring about a positive change, and I’m incredibly excited to work with our partners, HX Hurtigruten Expeditions, to ensure that future vessels visiting the Arctic will have a minimal impact on these incredible animals.”
Two 15-year-old males have been charged and will be reported to the Procurator Fiscal in connection with the serious assault and robbery of a man and a woman in Leith Street, Edinburgh.
The incident took place around 10pm on Monday, 28 October, near to the Princes Street junction.
Officers are continuing further lines of enquiry in relation to the incident.
Detective Sergeant Steven Gray said: “We would like to thank the numerous members of the public who have assisted our investigation so far and continue to appeal for information, as enquiries remain ongoing.
“Anyone with information can call 101, quoting reference 4015 of 28 October, 2024. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, if you wish to remain anonymous.”
A grade A listed octagonal church in Renfrewshire is set to be bought by the local community following a £233,300 grant from the Scottish Land Fund.
Lochwinnoch Community Development Trust will purchase the former Lochwinnoch Parish Church and develop it as a community hub, with space for a range of services and activities.
The grant is amongst eight, totalling £829,692, that have been announced during this year’s Community Land Festival, which celebrates community landowners and their achievements, and runs until Sunday, 3 November.
Other groups receiving funding to pursue their community ownership ambitions include Glen Urquhart Rural Community Association SCIO, which has been awarded £217,340 to purchase a piece of land in Drumnadrochit, Inverness in order to develop a community sports, health and wellbeing hub and Sanday Development Trust, which has been given £98,098 to acquire a three-bedroom detached bungalow on the island of Sanday, Orkney. The house will be used to provide affordable rented accommodation for the community, primarily aimed at key workers.
The Scottish Land Fund reopened to applications in April 2021. The programme is funded by the Scottish Government and delivered in partnership by the National Lottery Community Fund and Highlands and Islands Enterprise, both of which have extensive experience of helping communities to acquire and develop their assets for over a decade.
Mairi Gougeon, Cabinet Secretary, Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands, said: “The Scottish Land Fund gives people an important say in the way that assets in their communities are run and used.
“The variety in the recipients in this round is really encouraging and I would like to congratulate all the groups behind the projects and wish them all the best as they take these forward.”
Cara Gillespie, Scottish Land Fund Committee Chair said: “These awards will provide groups across the country with the resources to acquire and develop assets that they themselves have identified as important, helping to strengthen and empower communities”.
Sandra Holmes, head of community assets at HIE, said: “The successful projects announced today across Scotland have all identified opportunities to help their local area to thrive and are great examples of people taking control of local resources for the long-term benefit of their communities.
“Through the purchase of land and properties including a parish church and a memorial hall, groups will be in a position to deliver economic, social and environmental benefits to the community.
“Ownership will give them greater control over important assets that will reap rewards for people now and for generations to come.”
Diarmid Harris, Chair, Lochwinnoch Community Development Trust (LCDT) said: “The award from the Scottish Land Fund will allow us to acquire the Lochwinnoch Parish Church, a beloved, iconic building in the heart of Lochwinnoch.
“The power of community ownership of our own cultural heritage, symbolised by the restoration and refurbishment of this building, will be a catalyst for local innovation, creativity and economic development in our village.
“LCDT believes that the revitalisation of this building will have a significant impact on Lochwinnoch for generations to come.”
Susan Griffin, Chair, Glenurquhart Rural Community Association,said: “This award will allow us to purchase the Old Shop in Drumnadrochit, which has lain derelict for a number of years.
“Working with the Glen Urquhart Shinty Club and the Glen Urquhart Football Club, this will allow us to move ahead with our plans to develop a sports focussed health and wellbeing centre with enhanced changing facilities.
“A fitness suite and range of treatment rooms for use by our growing community are also planned, reducing the need for our residents to travel a 30 mile round trip to access such facilities.”
And Clive Struver, Chair, Sanday Development Trust,said: “Sanday Development Trust is immensely grateful for the funding awarded by the Scottish Land Fund towards the purchase of Viggie House, which will help provide the additional low-cost, affordable rental provision that Sanday desperately needs.
“We look forward to Viggie becoming a new home for a family or those with the essential skills that Sanday requires to survive. Affordable housing is essential, particularly in remote rural communities where it is very difficult to attract professionals and those with a trade.
“We still have a long way to go but Viggie is a very important part of achieving a sustainable population on the island. We also thank the Sanday community for their engagement and support of this acquisition.”
Other groups receiving funding are:
Westray Development Trust Awards – £83,128 and £37,838
Westray Community Development Trust (WDT) will use its grant of £83,128 to purchase a property on the outskirts of Pierowall for a phased affordable housing project. The building comes with several outbuildings and five acres of land. With a second grant of £37,838 the group will purchase a further property on the edge of Pierowall. The space is in poor condition and being used for storage, the group proposes to demolish it and build a multi-functional community space. Fort Augustus and Glenmoriston Community Company Award – £44,800
Fort Augustus and Glenmoriston Community Company (FAGCC) will acquire the Memorial Hall building in Canalside, Fort Augustus. The group will develop it into a warm, welcoming, accessible community space and an office providing shared workspace. Sunart Community CompanyAward – £61,188
Sunart Community Company will acquire Strontian Parish Church in Strontian for future transformation into a modern heritage centre. This will benefit the community by enhancing learning, providing an additional community meeting place and attracting visitors to the area. North Sutherland Community Forest TrustAward – £54,000
North Sutherland Community Forest Trust is seeking to acquire the site of Rosal clearance village. The group aims to preserve, interpret and promote the historic site for community benefit.
POLICE are warning the public to be vigilant of fraudulent online ticket sales following a significant number of reports over the past nine months.
Between January and September, 2024 there were 313 reported incidents of frauds across Scotland involving the online sale of tickets for major events. This equates to 6% of all cyber fraud incidents.
60% relate to the Taylor Swift Eras Tour in Edinburgh with others for concerts and sporting events.
These frauds are not connected to the artists, venues, promoters or reputable ticket sale sites. The majority take place on social media and online marketplace platforms by individuals and groups looking to exploit members of the public for financial gain.
According to the figures, woman between the ages of 18 and 24 are most at risk from this type of fraud.
Inspector Alasdair Penny, Cybercrime Harm Prevention, said: “We’ve noticed a trend in this type of crime reported around major events happening in Scotland. The figures represent a significant proportion of cybercrime, but we believe these types of incidents are underreported and the true figure will be much higher.
“Reports relating to the Taylor Swift Eras Tour have made up the majority and we’re aware there are a number of highly anticipated events next year, including the Oasis tour and TRNSMT.
“We have publicly raised the threat of cyber criminality and the increase in online offending and have put plans in place to address it. The Chief Constable unveiled a new vision for Police Scotland, including a commitment to establish a new Cyber Command and increase our capabilities to tackle online fraud.
“We want to make sure the public is aware of potential fraudulent sales and provide advice around how to spot it. Our message is: be vigilant. If a price or offer seems too good to be true, it probably is.
“Before purchasing, carefully review the ticket details for authenticity. Check for accurate event information, including the date, time, and venue. Pay attention to the seating section or assigned seats, which can indicate fraudulent tickets.
“Buy from legitimate sources, check bank details provided and use secure payment methods. Credit cards and reputable online payment platforms offer additional protection against fraudulent transactions. Avoid paying with cash, wire transfers, or unsecured payment methods.
“Please report any fraudulent activity to police. We will fully investigate and we work alongside partners to raise awareness and tackle those involved in such offences.”
More information on online safety can be found on our website at:
