Category: North Edinburgh News

Scottish Parliament continues anniversary events with visit to Sauchie and Alloa

The Presiding Officer is visiting Sauchie and Alloa in the Mid Scotland and Fife region this month to meet local people to talk about their Scottish Parliament.

The visits continue a series of events in each of the eight Scottish parliamentary regions to mark the Scottish Parliament’s 25th anniversary. The events are to hear people’s reflections on the Parliament and to understand more about what they want from their Parliament in the future. They will also reflect on 25 years of devolution and the impact of the Parliament on local communities.

Taking place on Monday 20 January, the visits have been set up in collaboration with community partners Wimpy Park Community Group, Sauchie Community Group, Scottish Rural Action and Forth Valley & Lomond Youth Local Action.

The morning will see the Presiding Officer and Mid Scotland and Fife MSPs join the Chatty Latte Café at Sauchie Resource Centre, which started to encourage socialising after the pandemic and provide a free warm space for the community. MSPs will then get a tour of Wimpy Park in Alloa from volunteers and residents to hear more about their work to re-establish the space as a resource for the community, reinstating the gardens and play area.

In the afternoon, the Presiding Officer and MSPs will visit the Bowmar Centre in Alloa for a community conversation with local groups. There will be opportunities for MSPs to hear about local projects and for local people to share their views about the issues that matter to them about the role, purpose and future of the Scottish Parliament.

Speaking ahead of the visit, Presiding Officer Rt Hon Alison Johnstone MSP said: “I’m excited to continue our visits across Scotland to meet with local people and to hear their views on the Parliament and their aspirations for its future.

“I’ve so far visited four regions across the country from Shetland to Hawick and what has struck me with every visit is the passion and drive of the work that is going on the length and breadth of the country to improve the lives of those who live and work in our communities.

“I’m really pleased we’ve partnered with four local groups on this visit to Sauchie and Alloa and I’m looking forward to hearing more about how the Parliament can best represent people in Mid Scotland and Fife and to hear more about the exciting community projects that are taking place here.

“Scotland’s Parliament belongs to its people and it’s vital their voices are heard and help shape the Parliament’s future.”

Kate Turner, from Sauchie Community Group said: “Sauchie Community Group is delighted to have this opportunity for our members and users to speak to and get to know our Holyrood parliamentarians.

“Chatty Latte is a weekly coffee morning-style event, started to encourage socialising after lockdown and provide a free warm space for people to come and enjoy a cuppa and camaraderie.

“It’s one of our favourite events that has grown from strength to strength. It’s a great group of people to meet and learn about our group and community from.”

Mary Fox, from Wimpy Park said: “The Wimpy Park Community Group was established in 2017 with an aim to take over the wasted land within the walled garden. The community group secured a 19-year lease from the Council and have since reinstated the gardens and play area and host 4 community events each year in the park and local Bowmar Centre.

“Volunteers of the Wimpy Park Community Group alongside partners who have supported our work including members of Neils Hugs (supporting families affected by suicide), Play Alloa (supporting children and young people with additional support needs) and Community House (supporting local residents of all ages through group work sessions) all look forward to this event.” 

Michaela Scott, member of Forth Valley and Lomond Youth Local Action Group, said: “Along with our fellow youth groups, the Youth Local Action Group is very excited to meet the Presiding Officer and our regional MSPs. 

“We are looking forward to the two-way conversation between the Parliament teams and the young people we’ve invited along to this event, including the youth members and volunteers from the Clackmannanshire Council Youth Forum, the Stirling High School Climate Ambassadors, the Hawkhill Community Centre, Active 8 Sauchie, and The Gate, as well as our friends from the Fife Youth Local Action Group.

“We hope this is the start of a long-lasting collaboration between the Scottish Parliament and the youth voices in our region.”

Mia Lalanne, Rural Youth Action Network lead at Scottish Rural Action, said: “The enthusiasm from rural young people and community-led groups across the Mid Scotland and Fife region to participate in this event and engage directly with the Presiding Officer, the MSPs, and the Scottish Parliament teams has been remarkable.

“Rural and island areas are the worst hit by today’s cost of living, climate, biodiversity, and housing crises, and those residents innately understand the needs and opportunities to address those challenges.

“The run-up to this Community Conversation has clearly demonstrated that rural young people and their communities are keen to share and engage with decision-makers, and greatly welcome any opportunities to help shape the Scottish Parliament.”

The Mid Scotland and Fife visit is the fifth of eight planned events across Scotland for the Presiding Officer to meet communities to hear about the issues they care about and encourage more people to join in with the work of the Scottish Parliament, as it marks 25 years.

Chancellor’s National Wealth Fund ‘fuels 8,600 jobs in six months’

  • 8,600 jobs fuelled across the UK by the Chancellor’s National Wealth Fund since July, with almost £1.6 billion of private investment unlocked, delivering on the Plan for Change.
  • Jobs and investment spread across UK’s growth sectors from clean energy to digital infrastructure, driving government’s number one mission to grow the economy
  • New deal also announced today for North Wales with £92 million committed to support crucial improvements to coastal flood defence barriers protecting business and homes.

Thousands of jobs have been fuelled by the Chancellor’s National Wealth Fund in the last six months, with almost £1.6 billion of investment unlocked, driving growth across all corners of the UK.

The Chancellor began work just days into office to establish a new National Wealth Fund (NWF) that would invest in the new industries of the future to create good jobs and opportunity across every part of the country. With £27.8 billion of firepower, the NWF will help drive the government’s Plan for Change and turbocharge growth across the country to raise living standards in every part of the United Kingdom.

The jobs that have been created will support the digital and clean energy sectors, including 6,500 expected to be created in the retrofit sector across the UK, with the NWF providing a financial guarantee that will see Lloyds and Barclays deliver £1 billion of funding to deliver improvements such as low carbon heating and insulation in social housing.

New figures reveal almost £1.6 billion of private investment has been leveraged into projects across the UK’s clean energy and growth sectors over the past six months. This includes to support faster broadband connections for thousands of businesses and households in Cornwall, Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and Cumbria, fuelling economic growth.

Millions of pounds have also been committed to help West Suffolk Council to decarbonise its buildings and transition its fleet to electric vehicles, alongside supporting the expansion of a successful rooftop solar scheme.

This innovative investment model has the potential to be replicated by other local authorities and means more businesses can benefit from low cost, low carbon electricity, supporting local businesses and the growth of the clean energy sector.

It comes as today, the NWF announces a loan of £92 million to support Denbighshire County Council’s crucial improvements to coastal flood defence barriers in Denbighshire, North Wales, protecting businesses and homes against the devastating impact of flooding, creating jobs and growth in the construction industry.

Chief Secretary to the Treasury Darren Jones said: “Growth is our national mission, and the cornerstone of our Plan for Change that will improve living standards and put more money in people’s pockets.

“And the National Wealth Fund is playing a vital part in delivering economic growth, securing over a billion of private investment since July in industries that turbocharge growth in our economy and create good quality jobs across the UK”.

The Chancellor announced in October how the NWF would drive long-term investment in Britain, working hand in hand with business to create new high skilled jobs right across the UK, helping make people better off.

To mobilise investment at pace, the NWF will expand on the UK Infrastructure Bank’s offer including additional financial instruments so it is more catalytic and will take on more risk to have a greater impact:

  • The NWF has more capital with £27.8 billion – inheriting UKIB’s £22 billion and having an additional £5.8 billion.
  • It has a renewed focus to support the delivery of the wider industrial strategy, and the Government’s clean energy and growth missions. At least £5.8bn of the NWF’s capital will focus on the five sectors announced in the manifesto: green hydrogen, carbon capture, ports, gigafactories and green steel.
  • The NWF will have increased resources and focus on conducting more outreach to identify expanded project pipelines and structure innovative transactions.
    It will have a strong regional mandate to unleash the full potential of our cities and regions.

Scottish Ensemble join forces with puppetry company,  Blind Summit, in The Law of Gravity

Collaborating with creative minds, Scottish Ensemble have forged new paths over  recent years blurring the boundaries between genres and artforms. In their latest  cross-artform project Scottish Ensemble collaborate with Blind Summit to explore  what puppetry can reveal about music.  

Performing Arnold Schoenberg’s Verklärte Nacht (Transfigured Night)  and Philip Glass’ Symphony No. 3 the musicians and puppeteers play together to  blend sound and visuals in this experimental collaboration where puppetry and  music lead each other in a fragile dance. Directed by Mark Down, this new  work will defy the rules to reveal the unseen, unheard and unknown.  

Performances take place on Thursday 13 February at Edinburgh’s Traverse  Theatre (as part of Manipulate Festival), Friday 14 February at Dundee Rep  and Saturday 15 February at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall’s New  Auditorium. 

Jonathan Morton, Artistic Director of Scottish Ensemble, said: “Collaborations which involve a different artform invite us to re-examine some of  our habitual patterns of thought, behaviour and action.

“There is risk involved. And,  more alluringly, the potential encounter with something special. At the start of this  collaboration, I knew very little about puppetry, but I am drawn to the fact that  puppeteers, like musicians, pick up inanimate objects and, somehow, breathe life  into them. You can see this, and you can hear it in The Law of Gravity.” 

Mark Down, Artistic Director of Blind Summit, said: “During the research and development sessions for this project it has been an absolute inspiration to be  surrounded by live music all day, I wish I could have an ensemble at all our  rehearsals.

“The puppeteers and musicians generated seemingly endless ideas, the challenge  was how to edit and organise them to share with an audience. The Law of Gravity is  of course what makes everything fall down, I hope we stay standing” 

In another first for Scottish Ensemble the performances in Dundee and Glasgow will  be audio described. Visually impaired audiences will be able to enjoy the  production through a live verbal commentary describing the visual elements of the  production, whilst being respectful to the music performed.  

Tickets range from £11 – £22 and in Dundee and Glasgow are free for under 16s.

Tickets are available from https://scottishensemble.co.uk/programme/2024-25/the law-of-gravity/

Green MSP calls for drug consumption rooms in nation’s Capital

Scotland’s first legal drug consumption room in Glasgow is a “crucial milestone” and a “big step forward” in tackling drug misuse in Scotland, but it’s only the beginning, says Green MSP for Lothian LORNA SLATER.

At the new Thistle unit, those with medical training operate the facility and can intervene should something go wrong for a user, as well as providing support and advice for people who are giving up drugs.

There are health rooms where treatments are available too, for testing for diseases or having wounds checked and cleaned. The facility also has a recovery area, a shower room and a clothing and book bank.

https://twitter.com/i/status/1879448436292145312

Ms Slater said: “Stigmatising and shunning drug users is wrong, and it does not work. It has contributed to Scotland having the highest number of drug deaths in Europe. Instead, we should be supporting people through addiction and treating them as the human beings they are.

“Safe consumption rooms alone will not solve all the issues associated with drug addiction and misuse. To start to truly tackle the crisis we also need to address poverty and inequality and invest in rehab services, mental health provision and safe housing.

“I urge all related bodies to learn from Glasgow’s experiences and look to implement a service in Edinburgh that remains non-judgemental, supportive, and focused on harm reduction. We need this and other measures quickly.”

https://twitter.com/i/status/1877732427973406728

The City of Edinburgh Council has previously published a report that looks at opening a drug consumption room in the city after months of delay. The latest feasibility study can be found here: 

https://harmreductionjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12954-024-01144-1press@scottishgreens.org.uk

Roads Minister tests the ‘Pothole Pro’ for National Pothole Day, following record £1.6 billion government boost

UK Government pledges funding to fix up to 7 million potholes in England this year

  • Roads Minister visits JCB plant in Derbyshire on National Pothole Day, to see how the government’s record £1.6 billion boost is fixing the nation’s roads
  • new funding includes £75 million for the East Midlands which will see councils across England fill up to 7 million more potholes this year
  • as part of its Plan for Change, the government is investing to boost infrastructure and tackle the pothole plague to get Britain moving

Future of Roads Minister, Lilian Greenwood, is marking National Pothole Day (15 January 2025), with a visit to the JCB Factory outside Derby, to see cutting-edge technology helping councils tackle potholes.

Derbyshire, highlighted by the RAC as the worst area in England for potholes, is set to benefit from a share of the government’s record £1.6 billion investment to resurface across England.

This includes an additional £20 million for the East Midlands County Combined Authority, which includes Derbyshire, as part of a £1.6 billion funding for highway maintenance that will enable councils to fix up to 7 million more potholes.

At the J.C. Bamford Excavators Limited (JCB) power systems factory, the Roads Minister will speak to engineers to learn about the latest innovations being used to tackle the pothole plague. She will operate JCB’s ‘pothole pro’, a machine that can fix a pothole in 8 minutes, with a cost of around £30. The ‘pothole pro’ is currently used by 20 local authorities.

The minister will also meet with local leaders to discuss their plans for filling potholes to deliver safer, quicker and less costly journeys for all road users in Derbyshire. This is part of the government’s plans to work more closely with local authorities to ensure they have the powers to spend it where their communities need it most.

As part of its Plan for Change, the government is committed to delivering safer, smoother journeys – reducing delays, saving drivers money and going above and beyond its manifesto pledge.

Future of Roads Minister, Lilian Greenwood, said: “Potholes are a clear sign of decline in our infrastructure and for too long roads like those in Derbyshire have been left in a state that endangers and costs road users.

“It’s time for change and we are investing £1.6 billion to fix up to 7 million more potholes across England this year, including over £75 million for the East Midlands Combined Authority.

“JCB’s ‘pothole pro’ is one of the many great examples of using new technology to repair potholes faster and demonstrates how companies are harnessing new technology to repair potholes faster.

“We’ll continue to engage with local leaders and industry to ensure innovations are being used to deliver roads the country deserves.”

Ben Rawding, general manager, municipalities at JCB, said: ” We are looking forward to introducing the minister to the benefits that innovation and technology can deliver in tackling the plague of potholes in our country.

“Last month’s announcement by the Department of Transport of £1.6 billion of funding for road repairs in England during 2025 is very welcome. Our appeal to the Minister will be for this funding to be spent wisely to ensure permanent long-term repairs become the priority for local authorities making best use of value-adding, productive technology such as the JCB pothole pro.”

RAC senior policy officer, Rod Dennis, said: “There’s no motoring-related issue drivers are more concerned about than the state of their local roads – where almost everyone’s journeys begin and end.

“Going beyond merely patching potholes is the name of the game, and using the latest technology to perform permanent repairs is a much better use of public money. To stop our roads falling apart in the first place, we support councils surface dressing them at regular intervals and resurfacing those that are beyond reasonable repair.

We’d also strongly encourage drivers to report potholes they’re aware of to their local authority, via GOV.UK, the RAC website or using the Stan app.”

https://twitter.com/i/status/1879423539310207058

The UK government’s latest road maintenance funding builds on the wider support it’s giving to councils to deliver core services and serve their communities.

£69 billion of funding will be injected into council budgets across England to help them drive forward the government’s Plan for Change through investment and reform and to fix the foundations of local government.

You can report potholes on GOV.UK, using the RAC website or the Stan app.

83% of drivers paying out of pocket for pothole damage

Insurance experts are urging drivers to understand how they can claim for motor damage caused by potholes. 

This comes after a survey from Quotezone.co.uk reveals 92% of drivers feel potholes in their local area are getting worse. 

Because of this, many drivers are having to take evasive action to help prevent an incident or unnecessary damage. 

Nine out of ten, (94%), admit to having swerved a dangerous pothole to avoid damaging their car, but the insurance experts say these actions could actually see drivers penalised, disqualified from driving, or hit with penalty points for careless and inconsiderate driving. 

Motorists could find themselves hit with fines of up to £2,500 if their attempts to avoid pothole damage are viewed as driving without due care and attention.

Of those who have experienced vehicle damage due to potholes, over four in five (83%) have paid out of pocket for repairs, while only 6% have claimed through their insurance company. 

Drivers can claim for pothole vehicle damage either through the local council looking after the road, local road authority, or through their insurance provider. 

It’s important to remember no claims discounts will likely no longer be in place for those who choose to claim through their insurance, and they will normally have to pay the excess fee, so it’s worth weighing up the savings. 

Before making a report to the local council, it’s important to gather as much information as possible to help prove eligibility to claim and that the damage was caused by a pothole – witnesses to the incident and evidence from a trained mechanic can help with this. 

Motorists are also told to record where and when the accident occurred and take a photo if it is safe to do so, noting the size and location of the pothole. Note the pothole in question normally needs to be at least 40mm deep.   Copies of this essential information can then be used when making the report to the council or local road authority depending on the area. 

Greg Wilson, Founder and CEO of Quotezone.co.uk said: “With the battle against potholes surging across the country, it’s not surprising to hear so many are having to make manoeuvres to avoid driving over dangerous potholes. 

“Costly damage to vehicles is the last thing any driver needs right now, but we want to help them understand what they are entitled to if they can prove they have experienced vehicle damage as a result of driving over an unrepaired pothole. 

“Many drivers are unaware their attempts to avoid car damage from dangerous potholes could see them penalised. From our survey, 66% of drivers admitted they were not aware swerving potholes was illegal. 

“However, with 92% saying the potholes in their area are an increasing problem and are not being fixed quickly or at all – it is not surprising to hear that so many are having to make potentially dangerous manoeuvres to avoid hitting potholes. 

“When claiming, it’s key to include as much information as possible – you could also provide contact details for anyone who witnessed the incident. 

“This will all strengthen your case when it comes to proving the damage was caused solely by the unrepaired pothole and helping you to secure the appropriate compensation. 

“If you have tried to claim through the local council and been turned away, you can look to your insurance provider for protection.  If your policy is fully comprehensive then pothole damage is normally covered as standard. 

“You will need to provide them with as much information as possible and help them to understand how the damage was solely caused by the unrepaired pothole. 

“However, when taking this route, it is important to remember your no claims discount will likely be affected, so check the policy details carefully and look for no claims bonus protection – also try quoting with the claim added to see if your premium price will change, to help you make the decision.”

Quotezone helps millions of UK drivers every year compare car insurance quotes and find real savings across all sorts of products including car insurance for learner drivers, affordable car insurance for new drivers and even fleet insurance.  

Foot and mouth disease

Risk level increased following discovery in Germany

Imports of cattle, pigs and sheep from Germany have been banned to protect farmers, their livelihoods and food security following the discovery of foot and mouth disease (FMD) in water buffalo in Brandenburg.

The risk level of FMD to the UK has been increased to medium.

FMD does not pose a risk to human health but is a highly contagious virus of cattle, sheep, pigs and other cloven-hoofed animals.

This virus spreads easily through direct contact and airborne transmission is possible; and the disease can quickly affect entire herds/flocks. The Scottish Government will continue to monitor the situation – working closely with German authorities and other UK administrations to take necessary actions to protect livestock.

Scotland’s Chief Veterinary Officer Sheila Voas said: “I appreciate the concern this latest development will be causing to the farming community and wider agricultural sector in Scotland.

“We have not seen foot and mouth disease in Scotland since 2001, and, alongside government restrictions, with strict on-farm biosecurity, compliance with the swill feeding ban, and the reporting of all suspicions of notifiable disease promptly – we can avoid a further outbreak.

“Quickly recognising clinical signs of the disease in livestock is vital to controlling and preventing it from spreading. In cattle and pigs the signs of disease are usually readily seen; however, sheep do not always show obvious clinical signs. I would urge sheep farmers to be particularly vigilant.”

Agriculture Minister Jim Fairlie said: “We have robust contingency plans in place to manage the risk of this disease to protect farmers and our food security.

“The Scottish Government’s preparedness was tested in 2018 through Exercise Blackthorn which simulated a medium to large scale foot and mouth disease outbreak that had spread from England to Wales and Scotland and I am confident in our ability to manage any such occurrence.

“I am urging livestock keepers to remain vigilant for signs of the disease and remind them they have a legal requirement to immediately report any suspicion of disease in Scotland to the local Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) Field Services Office.”

Foot and mouth disease: preparedness – gov.scot

Foot and mouth disease: how to spot and report the disease – gov.scot

Contact APHA – GOV.UK

Livestock keepers are encouraged to:

  • source animals responsibly.
  • source germinal products responsibly and be aware of the disease status of exporting countries and collection centres.
  • be aware of the current disease situation in exporting countries.
  • ensure any animals imported have the correct paperwork and are compliant with the conditions in the export health certificate.
  • keep any susceptible animals that have been imported separate from other animals whilst under restriction.
  • if you suspect signs of any notifiable diseases, you must immediately notify your local APHA office. Failure to do so is an offence.

Police: Be aware – Bike thieves about!

There are bike thieves about. Make sure you ALWAYS secure your pedal cycle using the following guidance:

o Register your bicycle securely with https://orlo.uk/ukE4y it may help to recover it if stolen.

o Consider the use of a bike GPS tracker.

o Photograph and record all your bike’s details and distinguishing features. The serial number is generally located on the bottom bracket.

o If using social media, make your profile private.

o Never leave your bike unattended at popular riding destinations.

o Do not leave bikes unattended on vehicle bike racks, especially overnight.

o Consider anti-grinder bicycle locks

https://orlo.uk/ZP1Iz

Miles Briggs deplores ‘horrifying’ A&E waiting times in NHS Lothian

Scottish Conservative and Unionist MSP for Lothian Miles Briggs has accused the SNP of presiding over “horrifying” A&E waiting times in Lothian.

Mr. Briggs’ remarks come after monthly A&E waiting times for November showed that only 58.5% of patients across Lothian were seen within the SNP’s four-hour target waiting time.

In the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, the figure is at a shockingly low 44.1%.

This was below the average for Scotland which sits at 65.8%.

The SNP’s own target is for 95% of patients to be seen within that time after arriving at A&E.

Lothian MSP Miles Briggs says these waits are “unacceptable” and “undoubtedly put lives at risk” and insists that the SNP have failed to give dedicated staff the resources they need to see patients quickly enough.

Mr. Briggs says that the SNP’s failures mean A&E services in Lothian are in “permanent crisis” mode and that this could “spiral out of control” over winter.

Mr. Briggs has urged SNP health secretary Neil Gray to come up with a proper plan for the health service, which ensures money gets to the frontline, rather than being wasted on pointless bureaucracy.

Scottish Conservative and Unionist MSP Miles Briggs said: “A&E waiting times in Lothian are absolutely horrifying, and this is mirrored across Scotland.

“Far too many patients are waiting too long to be seen in Lothian and that undoubtedly puts lives at risk.

“These waits are unacceptable and successive SNP health secretaries have left Lothian and the rest of Scotland without the resources to meet the demands of patients turning up in A&E.

“My constituents in Lothian are at even greater risk than other Scots – and the buck stops with the SNP government.

“A&E departments are in permanent crisis mode and as winter continues there is a real danger the waits will spiral out of control.

“These waiting times must finally be the wake-up call for Neil Gray to deliver a proper plan to support Scotland’s NHS.

“This must prioritise getting money to the frontline in Lothian and across Scotland rather than being wasted on pointless bureaucracy.”

Reduce your Gas Bill this Winter

Below is a list of 10 tips from heating expert Matthew Jenkins at MyJobQuote.co.uk on how to reduce your gas consumption and keep those winter energy costs in check.

Read on for everything you need to know…

1.  Unleash the Power of Insulation

Let’s begin with the foundation: insulation. A well-insulated home is like a cosy cocoon, retaining the precious heat and preventing those hard-earned pounds from escaping through the roof and walls.

Below is a list of ways to insulate your home:

  • Loft Insulation – The humble loft is often a major culprit in heat loss. Ensure you have sufficient loft insulation. The recommended depth for most homes is around 270mm. If your loft insulation is looking a little thin or patchy, consider topping it up.
  • Wall Insulation – Cavity wall insulation is a fantastic way to significantly reduce heat loss through your walls. This involves injecting insulating material into the hollow spaces between the two layers of brickwork.
  • Draught-Proofing – Those pesky draughts can sneak in through even the smallest gaps. Conduct a thorough draught-proofing inspection around your windows and doors. Look out for gaps around the frames, letterboxes, and keyholes. Employ a variety of draught-proofing methods, such as the following: Draught Excluders, which are soft, tubular devices that can be placed under doors to prevent the cold air from seeping in. Weather Stripping is a self-adhesive tape that can be applied to window and door frames to seal gaps. Window Film is a transparent film that can be applied to single-glazed windows to reduce heat loss.

2.  Master Your Heating Controls

Your thermostat is paramount in tackling high gas bills. Take a look at the tips below:

  • Temperature Tweaks – Lowering your thermostat temperature by even a few degrees can make a noticeable difference in your energy consumption. Aim for a comfortable temperature of around 18 – 20 degrees Celsius.
  • Embrace Smart Thermostats – Consider investing in a smart thermostat. These nifty devices can learn your heating habits, automatically adjust temperatures when you’re out or asleep, and can even be controlled remotely via your smartphone.
  • Timer Tactics – Utilise your thermostat’s timer function to schedule your heating to come on only when you need it. For example, you could set it to warm up the house an hour before you wake up and turn it down again when you leave for work.

3.  Embrace The Cosy

Sometimes, the simplest solutions can be the most effective. Take a look at the tips below:

  • Layer Up – Ditch the t-shirts and embrace the power of layering. Put on some cosy socks and jumpers, and snuggle yourself up in a blanket. You might be surprised just how much warmer you feel without having to crank up the thermostat.
  • Hot Water Bottles – These are a classic for a good reason! A hot water bottle can provide comforting warmth on chilly evenings, especially when curled up on the sofa.

4.  Heating Hacks

Below are some heating hacks that can help make your home warmer while saving you money on your gas bills:

  • Bleeding Radiators – Imagine your radiator as a water-filled pipe. If air becomes trapped inside, this prevents water from circulating properly, leading to cold spots and inefficient heating. Bleeding your radiators regularly allows you to release this trapped air, ensuring that your radiators heat up evenly and efficiently.

How to Bleed a Radiator

Take the steps below to successfully bleed your radiator:

  1. Run your hand over the radiator and check if it is cold at the top or the bottom. If the top of the radiator is cold, this means that there is air trapped inside and that the radiator needs to be bled.
  2. Start by turning off your central heating system.
  3. Then, place a rag or old piece of cloth underneath the valve so that you can catch any water that may start to drip out while you are bleeding the radiator.
  4. Use your radiator key and turn it anti-clockwise by roughly a quarter of a turn. It should start to hiss. Leave it open until the air stops coming out and water starts running out of the valve.
  5. As soon as water starts coming out of the valve, turn the radiator key to the off position again.
  6. Bleed any other radiators that need to be bled while your central heating system is still off.
  7. Check your boiler pressure.
  8. You can then turn your central heating system back on and the issue should now be resolved.
  • Radiator Reflectors – Radiators emit heat in all directions, including towards the wall behind them. This heat is then absorbed by the wall, effectively wasting energy. Radiator reflectors are inexpensive and easy to install. They are typically made of reflective foil and are placed behind radiators to direct the heat back into the room. This simple hack can significantly improve the energy efficiency of your radiators and make a noticeable difference in the temperature in your home.

5.  Kitchen and Bathroom Tips

There are several things you can do in the kitchen and bathroom to help lower your gas bills. Take a look at the list below:

Shower Power

  • Embrace the “Eco” Setting – Many modern showers have an “eco” setting that reduces the water flow. Even a slight reduction in water flow can significantly lower your energy consumption.
  • Timing is Key – Aim for shorter showers. Every minute counts when it comes to reducing water and energy usage. Consider setting a timer to keep track of your shower times.
  • Install a Low-Flow Showerhead – Investing in a low-flow showerhead can significantly reduce your water usage without compromising your showering experience. These showerheads are designed to deliver a powerful spray while using less water.

Lids on Pots

  • Boiling Point Breakthrough – Using a lid when you are boiling water or cooking using the hob creates a much more efficient and faster cooking process. The lid helps trap the heat within the pot, allowing the water to boil much quicker, and this helps to reduce cooking times.
  • Energy Savings – By reducing your cooking times, you are using less energy from your hob. This not only saves you money on your gas bill, but it also helps to reduce your carbon footprint.

6.  Government Schemes and Support

Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs)

An EPC is a legal requirement for most properties in England and Wales. It provides a comprehensive assessment of your home’s energy efficiency, rating it from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient).

The EPC highlights areas where your home is losing heat, such as poorly insulated walls or a draughty loft. By understanding your home’s energy performance, you can identify areas for improvement and prioritise energy-saving measures.

Government Grants and Schemes

The UK government offers various grants and schemes to help homeowners improve their home’s energy efficiency.

  • The Boiler Upgrade Scheme – This scheme provides financial support for homeowners and landlords to replace old gas boilers with more environmentally friendly alternatives such as heat pumps.
  • Energy Company Obligation (ECO) Scheme – This scheme helps low-income and vulnerable households improve their energy efficiency through certain measures such as insulation and boiler upgrades.
  • Local Authority Grants – Local councils may offer grants or funding for energy efficiency improvements within their area.

It is very important to research and explore the available schemes to see if you are eligible and how you can benefit from them.

7.  Washing Machine and Dishwasher Efficiency

  • Take Advantage of Full Loads – Washing machines and dishwashers are designed to operate most efficiently when fully loaded. Running half-empty loads wastes both water and energy.
  • Utilise Eco Modes – Most modern washing machines and dishwashers offer an eco or energy-saving mode. These modes use less water and energy while still achieving an effective cleaning result.
  • Wash at Lower Temperatures – Washing your clothes at lower temperatures (30 or 40 degrees Celsius) can significantly reduce the energy consumption. Modern detergents are highly effective at lower temperatures.
  • Air Dry Dishes – If possible, air dry your dishes instead of using a heated dry cycle in the dishwasher.

8.   Switch Suppliers

The energy market in the UK is highly competitive. Energy suppliers are constantly adjusting their tariffs to attract new customers. Regularly comparing energy tariffs from different suppliers is essential. Consider using price comparison websites and energy-switching tools to easily compare tariffs from various suppliers.

When comparing tariffs, consider your annual energy usage. Some tariffs are better suited for high-usage households, while others are more cost-effective for low-usage households.

Be aware of any exit fees associated with your current energy contract. The switching process is generally quite straightforward. Your new supplier will handle the transfer of your energy supply from your old supplier.

1.  Energy-Efficient Appliances

Consider your choices of appliances and how they are affecting your gas bills. Take a look at the tips below:

  • High-Efficiency Boilers – Consider upgrading your old boiler to a more efficient model, such as a condensing boiler. Modern boilers are designed to extract more heat from the fuel, resulting in significant energy savings.
  • Regular Boiler Servicing – Regular boiler servicing ensures your boiler is operating at peak efficiency. A well-maintained boiler will use much less gas to heat your home.
  • Check for Boiler Issues – If you suspect your boiler is not functioning correctly (for example, it is taking longer to heat up or is producing unusual noises), call a qualified Gas Safe registered engineer to diagnose and repair any issues.

2.  Mindful Habits

It is important to be mindful if you want to save on your gas bills. Consider the following tips:

Using Sunlight

  • Embrace Natural Light – Open your curtains and blinds during the day to allow the natural sunlight to warm your home. Utilise the sun’s warmth to help heat your home during the day, reducing your reliance on artificial heating.
  • Maximise Daylight – Position the furniture in your home strategically to make the most of the natural sunlight.

Use The Curtains

  • Prevent Heat Loss – Close the curtains and blinds at night to prevent heat from escaping through the windows.
  • Reduce Draughts – Curtains can also help to reduce draughts around windows, further improving your home’s energy efficiency.
  • Consider Thick Curtains – Invest in thick, lined curtains for added insulation.

Final Thoughts

By following these simple tips, you can significantly reduce your gas consumption and keep your home cosy this winter without breaking the bank. It’s important to remember to be patient. Making significant improvements to your home’s energy efficiency may take time and investment. However, the long-term savings on your gas bills will be well worth it.

Consider consulting a qualified assessor who can conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your home’s energy efficiency and recommend targeted improvements. Don’t be discouraged if you can’t implement all of these tips at once. Start with a few small changes and gradually work your way through the list. Remember, even small changes can make a big difference!

We hope this comprehensive guide empowers you to stay warm and save money this winter!

MATTHEW JENKINS

Matthew Jenkins has worked as a self-employed tradesman in the domestic heating industry for over fifteen years. Matthew is a gas-safe engineer specialising in heating and plumbing.

He also works closely with MyJobQuote to provide expert knowledge to homeowners and tradespeople and has been featured in a range of established news outlets.

Edinburgh writers win prestigious Ignite Fellowship

Scottish Book Trust, the national charity transforming lives through reading and writing, has today announced the seventh cohort of Ignite Fellows, a prestigious award which supports established writers working on a significant project. The 2025 Fellows include Edinburgh-based writers Katie Goh and Carol Farrelly.

Ignite Fellows receive a £2,500 bursary and creative support tailored to suit their individual projects. Gaelic writer Seaonaidh Charity, based in the Highlands, has also been awarded an Ignite Fellowship this year.

Katie Goh is a writer and editor. Katie’s award-nominated essays, journalism and criticism have appeared in publications including Port, The Guardian, Wasafiri, i-D, Dazed and Gal-dem, and she is an editor for Extra Teeth and Gutter magazines.

Katie is the author of The End: Surviving the World Through Imagined Disasters, which was shortlisted for the inaugural Kavya Prize in 2022, and Foreign Fruit, their debut memoir, which will be published by Canongate in 2025.

Katie grew up in the north of Ireland and now lives in Edinburgh.

Katie Goh said: ‘I am delighted and honoured to be the recipient of an Ignite Fellowship.

“The Fellowship will support a creative non-fiction project, and I am grateful to Scottish Book Trust for this opportunity to further develop my writing as I take the plunge with a new book.’

Carol Farrelly is a fiction writer from Glasgow. Her short stories have appeared in journals such as Granta, Stand and New Writing Scotland, and have been commissioned by BBC Radio 4.

In 2021, her story ‘Turnstones’ won the Commonwealth Short Story Prize for the Canada & Europe region.

She has been shortlisted for the Society of Authors’ Tom-Gallon Trust Award, the Lucy Cavendish Fiction Prize, the Bridport Prize and the Alpine Fellowship. She is a previous Scottish Book Trust New Writer and Robert Louis Stevenson Fellow.

Carol holds a DPhil on Thomas Hardy’s fiction and is a graduate of the University of Glasgow’s MLitt Creative Writing programme. She is currently working on a novel, which travels from Dublin to Dumfries and Galloway.

Carol Farrelly said: ‘I am thrilled to receive an Ignite Fellowship: it’s such a gift. I cannot thank Scottish Book Trust enough for giving me the resources and support to focus on my work.

“Let the new year begin!’

Marc Lambert, CEO of Scottish Book Trust, said: ‘Congratulations to our three new Ignite Fellows, who are very deserving of this award.

“The Ignite Fellowship provides writers with essential mentoring, financial assistance and practical support that will help them reach new heights in their careers.

“We’re thrilled to support these writers on their next chapters and look forward to seeing how their projects progress.’