Category: North Edinburgh News

Edinburgh and the Lothians to light up red for Scottish Poppy Appeal

Dozens of Edinburgh and the Lothians’ most iconic landmarks, tourist destinations and businesses are being urged to “Light Up Red” in support of the Scottish Poppy Appeal.

From castles to council buildings, schools to statues, Poppyscotland is encouraging buildings across Scotland to take part in the lead up to Remembrance Sunday on November 13th.

The charity hopes to surpass last year’s record total of around 300 buildings taking part nationwide, including Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Airport, Cockenzie House & Gardens, and Loanhead Parish Church.

Any building with external lighting can take part simply by adding red gel filters to the flood or up-lights to join Poppyscotland in showing support for the Armed Forces community.

The Scottish Poppy Appeal is Scotland’s biggest fundraising campaign, raising more than £2 million for the charity’s welfare work with veterans, servicemen and women and their families.

Three million poppies, handmade by veterans at the Lady Haig Poppy Factory in Edinburgh, are already on their journey around the country.

Austin Hardie, Director of Poppyscotland, said: “It’s always wonderful to see so many landmarks across Edinburgh and the Lothians lighting up red for the Poppy Appeal. This is a fitting and poignant tribute to our Armed Forces community, and we know it means a lot to them to see this visual support for their contribution, past and present.

“We’ve been delighted how this idea has captured people’s imaginations, and are very grateful for the support of so many businesses and other organisations.

“Of course, with current concerns over energy costs, we understand that not every building will be lighting up this year. But if they already have external lighting, then we’d encourage them to consider adding red filters in the run-up to Remembrance Sunday.”

For more information about how to Light Up Red for Poppyscotland and the 2022 Scottish Poppy Appeal, visit www.poppyscotland.org.uk/light-up-red

Record recruitment to Scotland’s Ambulance Service

Recruitment to Scotland’s ambulance service has hit a record high, helping to boost the service this winter. A record 540 paramedics, ambulance drivers, call handlers, and clinicians have been employed in the last year.

This is driven by a £45 million funding boost announced as part of last week’s NHS winter resilience plan, which will ensure the NHS is working as efficiently as possible.

The increase in staff numbers is already having a tangible impact on response times – with 99% of all serious incidents, such as heart attacks, being dealt with in under 30 minutes.

The investment will increase the number of patients treated in the community, reducing the need for hospital admission and easing pressure on NHS services. 

On a visit to an ambulance station in Edinburgh, Health Secretary, Humza Yousaf said: “This winter will be one of the most challenging our NHS has ever faced, and we need to make sure people are getting the right care, in the right place, at the right time.

“We are determined to equip the Scottish Ambulance Service with the resources and staff to continue to deliver a high-quality emergency service to the people of Scotland.

“Ambulance staff have shown remarkable resilience in the face of sustained pressure on services and I would like to thank them for their continued commitment and hard work.”

Pauline Howie, Scottish Ambulance Service Chief Executive said: “The last 12 months have been the busiest ever in terms of recruitment for the Service and this funding announcement is great news as we continue to experience unprecedented pressures on our services alongside the entire NHS.

“With the increased demand for our services, it’s vital we boost our capacity and resilience by introducing extra resources and staffing. These new staff will complement our existing staff who have done an amazing job before and right throughout the pandemic, providing the very best patient care to communities across the country.”

Shannen McLoughlin is a newly qualified paramedic who has graduated from the University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN) and started with the Scottish Ambulance Service in October 2021.

She said: “I absolutely love my job and have already been fortunate enough to have worked with a number of fantastic paramedics. I found this really benefited my practice and allowed me to get to grips with the transitional role from a student paramedic to a newly qualified paramedic.

“There is such a wide variety of jobs on a shift, there really is never a dull moment and that is why I am so glad I chose to become a paramedic in Edinburgh.”

Those recruitment figures are good news for our beleaguered NHS, but the Tory opposition are keeping up the pressure on Humzah Yousaf:

Climate crisis: ‘People power is critical to reach our environmental goals’

Westminster’s Environment and Climate Change Committee has published a report which warns that the Government’s current approach to enabling behaviour change is seriously inadequate and will result in the UK failing to meet its net zero and environment targets.

The Committee identified—drawing on the Committee on Climate Change’s assessment—that one third of greenhouse gas emissions reductions up to 2035 require decisions by individuals and households to adopt low carbon technologies and choose low-carbon products and services, as well as reduce carbon-intensive consumption.

The Committee found that while the Government has introduced some policies to help people adopt new technologies, like electric cars, that focus has not been replicated in other areas.

The Committee concluded that there has been too great a reliance on as yet undeveloped technologies to get the UK to net zero and a reluctance to help people cut carbon-intensive consumption.

During the inquiry the Committee heard from 146 organisations from across the UK and further afield including businesses, local authorities, charities and think tanks as well as government ministers, academics & researchers, and young people.

Baroness Parminter, Chair of the Environment and Climate Change Committee said: “After a summer of record temperatures, fires and hose pipe bans, it has never been more apparent that the twin crises of climate change and nature loss demand an immediate and sustained response.

“People power is critical to reach our environmental goals, but unless we are encouraged and enabled to change behaviours in how we travel, what we eat and buy and how we heat our homes, we won’t meet those targets. Polling shows the public is ready for leadership from the Government. People want to know how to play their part in tackling climate change and environmental damage. 

“The Government’s mantra of “going with the grain of consumer choice” demonstrates a reluctance to help people cut carbon-intensive consumption. It is in a unique position to guide the public in changing their behaviours, however their approach is inadequate in the face of the urgent scale of the environmental challenge.

“The Prime Minister urgently needs to set out her vision of a country where low carbon choices and behaviours can flourish.”

Key recommendations

The Committee recommends that the Government should:  

  • learn from examples of where it has enabled behaviour change, including during the COVID-19 pandemic, and enable people to make the necessary shifts in the key areas of how we travel, what we eat, what we buy and how we use energy at home 
  • launch a public engagement campaign to build support for helping people to adopt new technologies and reduce carbon-intensive consumption in the key areas where behaviour change is required 
  • help the public to reduce carbon and resource-intensive consumption in diets, products, services and travel
  • use the Net Zero Forum, announced in October 2021, to address the coordination, resourcing and responsibilities between local and central government, recognising the key role of local authorities in helping enable behaviour change in local communities
  • use every lever the Government has–including regulations and fiscal incentives and disincentives–to address the barriers which prevent changing behaviours
  • place fairness at the heart of policy design and tailor behaviour change interventions to avoid placing a burden on those who can least afford it. For example, providing financing support for low-income households as part of a national drive to improve the energy efficiency of our homes.

Appeal for witnesses following early morning police pursuit in Edinburgh

Road policing officers in Edinburgh are appealing for witnesses after a car was seen travelling the wrong way on the A720 Edinburgh City bypass and later refused to stop.

Around 1.10am this morning (Tuesday, 11 October, 2022), officers received a report of the movements of a blue Vauxhall Astra car.

Roads policing officers attended and following a pursuit, deployed tactics to bring the car to a stop on the M9 between Junction 1A and 2.

The M9 was closed at 2am and reopened shortly after 5.30am.

Three police officers were taken to Forth Valley Hospital to be checked over.

Inspector Stephen Quinn said: “Our enquiries into the circumstances surrounding the vehicle which failed to stop are ongoing.

“I would urge anyone who may have witnessed this vehicle’s movements or was in the area around the time of the pursuit to contact police.

“Also, anyone with dash-cam footage which could assist our investigation should get in touch.”

Anyone with information can contact police on 101, quoting incident number 0115 of 11 October.

Lorna Slater welcomes introduction of rent freeze and eviction protection

Lorna Slater, the Scottish Greens MSP for Lothian has welcomed the Scottish Parliament’s vote to introduce a national rent freeze and new protections from evictions.

The measures in the Bill, which was introduced by a Scottish Green Minister, Patrick Harvie MSP, was overwhelmingly passed last week. It will provide vital protections for tenants over Winter and last until at least March 2023.

These changes will help tenants across Lothian where the average monthly rent is £942, which is an increase of 41.7% since 2010.

Lorna Slater, the Scottish Green MSP for Lothian said: “I am delighted that this Bill has been passed. These are vital changes that will make a huge difference at what is a desperate time for tenants all across Scotland. 

“The measures in the Bill will provide stability and support for households and families across Lothian and beyond at a time when many are being hit by soaring costs and bills. 

“These are the most progressive set of tenants’ rights anywhere in the UK. The legislation, which will last until at least the end of March 2023, puts Scotland at the forefront of tenants rights in the UK and sets a crucial precedent for other governments to follow.

“With Greens in the Scottish Government, we are leading the change and building a fairer, greener and better future for our communities.”

Cat lovers urged to support compulsory microchipping

Cats Protection has urged Scottish pet lovers to join its campaign for compulsory microchipping of pet cats – a measure which is already in place for dogs.

The charity says compulsory microchipping would be a major step forward in feline welfare in Scotland, yet there are currently no plans for it to be introduced. This is in contrast with England, where the measure is due to become law.

Scottish animal lovers are now being asked to join the charity’s campaign by using an online form on its website to contact their MSP to ask they support the move.

Cats Protection’s Advocacy & Government Relations Officer for Scotland Alice Palombo said: “Microchipping is an important part of responsible pet ownership and is already compulsory for dogs in Scotland. It is also due to become compulsory for pet cats in England, so we’re keen to make sure cats in Scotland are not left behind.

“Compulsory microchipping of pet cats would ensure more cats can be reunited with their owners if they are lost or missing. It also helps to identify cats which have sadly died in road accidents, and helps to reduce the pressure on animal charities which may find it impossible to trace the owner of an un-microchipped stray or lost cat, despite their best efforts.

“We’re asking for the help of cat lovers in Scotland to send a message to MSPs that cats deserve the same level of protection as their canine counterparts.”

Animal lovers can fill in a simple form on Cats Protection’s website which will send an email to their local MSP telling them to support compulsory microchipping of pet cats.

To find out more, please visit: www.cats.org.uk/scot-chipping

Meet & Eat: Free community meals at Fresh Start Kitchen

In response to the cost of living crisis, Fresh Start will be hosting a weekly community meal (Meet and Eat) on Wednesday evenings and Friday afternoons at Fresh Start Kitchen, 28-30 Ferry Road Drive – see flier (above).

This is for anyone you can think of who would benefit specifically from a free two course hot meal in a safe and welcoming environment.

We will begin the Wednesday evening Meet and Eat on 26th October, and this will run until March 2023.

Our Friday afternoon Meet and Eats are currently running as usual:

Dobbies donates real Christmas trees to charitable causes in Edinburgh

Dobbies Garden Centres is looking to spread the spirit of Christmas in Edinburgh with its festive Not Your Average Community campaign, in partnership with Needlefresh.

The UK’s leading garden centre is inviting charitable groups across Edinburgh to get in touch and help the Dobbies team donate Nordmann Fir Christmas trees to four worthy causes, just in time for the seasonal build-up.

A Christmas tree is the classic centrepiece, not just in the home, but in schools, community centres, churches and other charity centres, and Dobbies is looking to spread some yuletide cheer with donations across Edinburgh.

Dobbies is committed to sustainability and all the real Christmas trees sold are grown from specially selected seeds, taken from hand-picked cones which have been left to dry and nurtured into seedlings. 

The growing team use specialist pruning techniques to create a bushy and uniform shape by hand, reducing any impact on the surrounding environment and protecting the animals and plants in and around the tree base.

Dobbies’ Horticultural Director, Marcus Eyles, said; “We’re proud to be in a position where we can support local communities, so thank you to Needlefresh for supporting us with this campaign. We would encourage schools, community groups and charities across Edinburgh to get in touch with a nomination to be within the chance of receiving a Christmas tree donation.

“The Nordmann Fir is the most popular Christmas tree in the UK because it loses very few needles, meaning your tree will remain green and full, with the right care. It’s the perfect tree for our Not Your Average Community campaign.”

Needlefresh Managing Director, George Hood, added; “We take great pride in growing our sustainable trees and are excited to partner up with Dobbies on this brilliant community initiative.

“We look forward to seeing community groups across Edinburgh decorating and enjoying their sustainable grown, real Christmas tree.”

There will be eight winning projects in Edinburgh, each to receive a 180 – 21cm, Nordmann Fir Christmas Tree.

Nominations can be submitted via dobbies.com by filling out a simple form. Deadline for submissions is Monday 24 October.

All entries will be reviewed by the Dobbies’ team and the winning community groups will be contacted in early November and invited along to the Edinburgh store to hand select their tree. Those who apply to a little dobbies store will have their tree delivered.

For more information or to submit an entry, visit: www.dobbies.com/not-your-average-community.

PoLHA wins commendation at the Herald Property Awards 2022 for Heron Place development

Port of Leith Housing Association (PoLHA) has won a commendation at the Herald Property Awards 2022 in the Affordable Housing Development of the Year category (sponsored by NHBC) for its Heron Place development.

Heron Place was also shortlisted for the Scottish Home Awards 2022 and nominated for Architecture: Regeneration Heron Place at the Scottish Design Awards 2022.

The development situated at Granton Harbour consists of 46 homes for social rent, including two wheelchair accessible flats, and 58 homes for mid market rent. The construction and design team comprised of CCG (Scotland) Ltd, architects Hackland and Dore, structural engineer Bayne Stevenson Associates Ltd and M&E engineer The Keenan Consultancy.

The Herald Property Awards for Scotland 2022 honoured the achievements of Scotland’s most innovative and successful home and commercial builders, developers, agents, interior designers and registered social landlords. The awards took place on Thursday, September 29 at the Doubletree by Hilton, Glasgow.

The Affordable Housing Development of the Year category was open to registered social housing providers, charities, trusts or public bodies in partnership with a local authority and/or a developer for rent and/or shared ownership.

The judges were looking for evidence of how the development has impacted positively on the lives of local residents and contributed towards the regeneration of the area. Consideration was given to the use of sustainable materials and building techniques, as well as the development’s impact on the local environment.

Heather Kiteley, Group Chief Executive of PoLHA, said: “We’re proud that Heron Place is thriving within the Granton waterfront community with sustainable, affordable homes and brilliant communities.

“Receiving a commendation for Best Affordable Housing Development at the Herald Property Awards on top of our shortlist at the Scottish Home Awards 2022 is incredible rewarding.”