Category: North Edinburgh News

Trust in Scottish Water down the drain as Scots call for ban on bonuses

New data from Surfers Against Sewage reveals the extent of anger at polluting water companies, as charity prepares to mobilise public in first ever mass paddle-out protest later this month. 

·       A mammoth 83% of residents in the Scotland support a ban on bonuses for CEOs who fail to adhere to minimum environmental standards. 

·       Trust in water companies is at rock bottom, with less than a fifth (16%) of adults confident that Scottish Water is using their money to improve services. 

·       In response to rising public anger, volunteers backed by Surfers Against Sewage will coordinate a paddle-out protest against sewage pollution at Portobello Beach, Edinburgh on May 20, one of multiple events occurring simultaneously across the UK. 

·       Surfers Against Sewage is demanding calling for an end to sewage discharges into UK bathing waters and a 90% reduction in sewage discharges by 2030. 

New data from charity Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) has revealed the extent of public distrust in Scottish Water amid ongoing outrage at the levels of pollution occurring in Scottish and UK waterways.  

The UK Government and regulators have also come under fire, with 7 in 10 (69%) saying the UK Government should be doing more to tackle sewage pollution. An even bigger proportion (80%) think water company regulators need to do more to make sure water companies reduce sewage pollution. 

The survey data also reveals the issues that are most likely to inform the public’s vote at the next election. A quarter (23%) of Scots report that environmental issues will be their most important factor for voting. Among these people, 6 in 10 (62%) said they cared about water pollution the most. 

SAS are seeking to convert public outrage into action by staging a mass paddle-out protest against sewage pollution, featuring simultaneous events at beaches and rivers across the UK on Saturday 20 May. 

Josh Harris, Head of Communications at Surfers Against Sewage, said: “Last year water companies paid out a combined £1 billion to their shareholders while dumping sewage into UK waterways almost 400,000 times.

“It’s time to put an end to this shameless profiteering. Water companies should not be allowed to profit from pollution, and our data shows that the public agree, with a huge majority calling for an end to industry fat cats pocketing bonuses whilst failing to meet minimum environmental standards. 

“And it’s not just the water companies that need to clean up their act. The Government and regulators should be enforcing high standards and holding water companies to account, but it’s clear to the public that they’re not doing enough. We’ve suffered decades of broken sewers because of our broken system, and now the public have had enough and are demanding an to end this sewage scandal.” 

The data also reveals the importance of river and sea spots for Scots’ physical and mental health.

Over half in Scotland (56%) say access to blue space is beneficial for their physical health, whilst nearly half (41%) go so far as to say that having limited access to blue space is detrimental for their mental health. Despite this, nearly two thirds (62%) say sewage pollution puts them off going in the sea and rivers in the UK. 

Josh Harris, Head of Communications at Surfers Against Sewage, continued: “We’re urging anyone who feels passionately about protecting our blue spaces to join us on 20 May as we rise up against the polluters and stage a mass paddle-out protest across the UK. Water companies are wreaking havoc on our precious rivers and seas, and we refuse to stay silent. Head to your nearest protest and make your voice heard.” 

At least 12 protests will take place across the UK on 20 May, at key locations covering each water company catchment. Swimmers, paddlers, surfers, canoers, kayakers, paddle-boarders, windsurfers and anyone who cares about the health of their local blue spaces will take to the water, beach or riverbank to make their demands heard. SAS are also urging the public to sign their ‘Dirty Money’ petition, which demands an end to water companies profiting from pollution. 

Kim Travers, a volunteer who is organising the paddle-out protest in Edinburgh, said: “We are calling for year-round water monitoring and an end to sewage pollution by 2030.” 

To mark the protests, SAS have worked with Niall Jones – a Cornwall-based product designer and owner of Benthos Surf – and creative agency Mr President to develop a surfboard to represent the extent of sewage pollution in UK seas and rivers.

Jones collected raw sewage from the sea and turned it into resin that soaked into the board, creating unexpected patterns. To maximise the impact of the design, he included two transparent windows in the top of the board that display the two litres of sewage water contained within. 

Mr President have created a video highlighting the extent of the sewage scandal in the UK, and featuring interviews with and footage of Ben Skinner, 11x European Longboard Champion, and other surfers riding the waves on the Floater. 

SAS’s new data comes just weeks after data from water companies and the Environment Agency revealed that sewage was dumped into UK rivers and seas in England, Scotland and Wales just under 400,000 times last year, despite 2022 being one of the driest years in decades.

Last year SAS found evidence of 143 ‘dry spills’ – sewage overflows that occurred when there had been no rain for two days – indicating potentially illegal activity by water companies.

The charity is calling for an end to sewage discharge into UK bathing waters and a 90% reduction in sewage discharges by 2030.

Holyrood to host event to inspire the next generation of women in politics

Women from across Scotland are being invited to attend an event at the Scottish Parliament which aims to inspire them to get involved in politics.

Elect Her, in partnership with the Scottish Parliament, is organising a day to celebrate women in political power on Saturday 24 June and is calling on women from all ages and backgrounds from across Scotland to apply to be part of it.

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Moray, Perth and Kinross, Stirling and South Ayrshire have some of the lowest rates of women participating in politics and women from these areas in particular are encouraged to join us.

Rt. Hon Alison Johnstone MSP, Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament said: “The Parliament has made good progress on equal representation, but we can’t take anything for granted and there is still much more to do.

“We need women across Scotland to join us to learn from and inspire one another to become politically engaged and active.

“Only by inspiring and engaging those who would never have thought politics was for them will we create a more equal distribution of political power across all levels in Scotland.”

Hannah Stevens, Chief Executive of Elect Her said: “We are really excited to be returning to the Scottish Parliament on 24th June, following the success of our event in 2019.  If we want our democracy to truly work for all people in Scotland, we need women in all of their diversity represented across every sphere of politics.

“We’re not short of women who care and are working for change in Scotland, and it’s these women we need in the corridors of power.  We’re hoping you’ll join us at Scotland’s Women GatHER to explore your role in Scotland’s democracy, come together in celebration with fellow women to discover how we can lead the change in politics.”

The day will consist of a programme of free workshops and activities as well as hearing from stories of women already in elected office.  For those unable to travel, there will also be regional hubs based across Scotland and online workshops to enable women from across the country to take part remotely.

The event comes on the back of the publication of the Gender Sensitive Audit which aims to increase representation and participation of women in the Scottish Parliament.

The Batmobile arrives at St James Quarter for Comic Con this weekend

St James Quarter has revealed that the Batman’s iconic Batmobile will be parked on Register Square on the 6th and 7th May for Comic Con. Comic fans will have a chance to get their picture taken with the famous vehicle, which is based on the classic version from the 1989 film.

And that’s not all, Ghostbuster fans will get an opportunity to pose and take a picture with the legendary Ecto-1 Car which will be situated at the Multrees entrance at St James Quarter.

As well as endless picture opportunities, Comic fans will get the chance to meet their favourite superheroes and comic stars, including Spider Man, Shrek and Pikachu. Attendees will also learn about the world of comic books from the experts, with special guest appearances from the likes of Jim Alexander, Monty Nero and Art of Fish who have all written or drawn for Marvel, DC and 2000 AD.

There will also be interactive workshops including a slime making session the kids will love, as well as mask making workshop where guests can step into the shoes of their favourite superhero and create their own iconic look.

Comic Con is encouraging guests to get involved in the action and take part in its renowned cosplay competition on Saturday 6th May at 3:20pm where a first-place trophy and cash prize is up for grabs.

Kicking off from 10am on Saturday, the B3 car park will be transformed into a hub of activity, courtesy of the Big Glasgow Comic Page, featuring everything from comic book and memorabilia sellers and workshops to props and gaming.

Nick Peel, Managing Director at St James Quarter said: “Don’t miss out on the ultimate celebration of superheroes and villains at St James Quarter this weekend. With a diverse range of attractions including the Batmobile, cosplay competitions, merchandise vendors, comic characters, and interactive workshops, there’s something for everyone.

“We cannot wait to welcome you all to Comic Con this weekend!”

For more information visit the BGCP Comic Con event page.

Robertson Trust awards £1.7 million to six projects under Financial Security Programme funding

THE ROBERTSON TRUST has announced that six organisations have been awarded over £1.7M under their Financial Security Programme Awards. All of the projects are working to deliver big change that lasts on tackling poverty and trauma in Scotland.

Through our Financial Security theme, we want to fund, support and influence to improve income adequacy, income security, reduce cost-related pressures on finances and improve financial safety nets for people in financial trouble.

We made an open call for long-term change project ideas through our Programme Awards in October 2022 for organisations focused on delivering big change that lasts on financial security in Scotland. 

Our Programme Awards will allow us to work alongside some of the organisations best placed to achieve impact on poverty and trauma in Scotland, allowing us to learn from them and them from us as we go. 

The successful organisations include proposals to develop strengthening social security in Scotland, reducing the costs of essential goods and services, and preventing and relieving financial crisis now and in the future in Scotland. 

We are pleased to share details of the organisations awarded funding:

  • One Parent Families Scotland awarded £384,678.00. This project will deliver evidence-based recommendations to achieve transformational change to the UK child maintenance system to contribute to reducing child poverty. A partnership with One Parent Families Scotland, IPPR (Scotland) & Fife Gingerbread, each organisation will lead on different strands of work, while working together across all activities. Ambitious policy proposals will be developed, at both Scottish and UK government levels, to radically reform the child maintenance system (CMS), informed by robust evidence and lived experience. The project aims to see action to tackle immediate shortcomings of the existing child maintenance system, and secure public and political support for long-term, systemic reform.   
  • The Poverty Alliance – awarded £492,697.00 to fund new work to tackle rural poverty. Too often people living on low incomes in rural parts of pay a premium for essential goods and services – food, energy, transport, etc. ‘Taking Action on Rural Poverty’ (TARP) will develop new ways of addressing rural poverty in Scotland by reducing the rural poverty premium. The project will do this by bringing together people with direct experience of poverty, community and voluntary organisations, the private sector and public bodies to identify and test solutions to the poverty premium. It will also work to improve processes to involve people in local decision making and to make changes to national policy that will affect rural poverty.  
  • Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) – awarded £249,866.00 CPAG strengthening social security project aims to ensure the delivery of Scottish Child Payment and other national and local payments provide greater financial security and stability for those on the margins of entitlement or excluded altogether. The project will develop new ways of bringing together the voice of lived experience and CPAG’s social security expertise to develop and promote approaches that will ensure more families can access Scotland-based payments, and that these payments can be relied upon throughout changes in family’s circumstances. In so doing it will not only aim to prevent families being pulled into poverty but also look to secure greater financial stability for families in Scotland.
  • Save the Children – awarded £249,761.00. The aim of this ambitious project is to inspire and coalesce public support around sustainable policy solutions to meet Scotland 2030 child poverty targets and deliver financial security in Scotland. The project will provide evidence and deeper insight into public attitudes across Scotland on different interventions that could sustainably drive down child poverty. Importantly, it will build a narrative framework – informed by these insights and our lived experience panel – and work with partners across the sector to ensure policy makers and campaigners have evidence on where the public has an appetite for change. Through engagement and influencing the project will build a network of champions to help ensure that findings and insights are lived and breathed and can have real world impact far beyond the lifetime of this project.
  • The Trussell Trust – awarded £230,000.00. The Trussell Trust is launching a three-year project that will help gain an understanding of how to provide better access to and engagement with local advice and support services that reduce destitution and prevent food bank use. The project as a whole will run pilots in six areas – Glasgow, Perth & Kinross, North Lanarkshire, Dundee, Orkney, and Aberdeenshire. By testing different models in six localities that represent key geographies of Scotland, the aim is to learn which interventions work in different areas, support community-led priorities, evaluate and learn comparatively from their experiences, and make recommendations to local and national government. The Robertson Trust is providing funding to part-fund the whole project, alongside a number of other funders.
  • University of Strathclyde (Fraser of Allander Institute) – awarded £158,742.00. The Fraser of Allander Institute and the Scottish Commission for People with Learning Disabilities (SCLD) are collaborating to address the limited understanding of the additional costs of disability in Scotland. The social model of disability recognises that people are disabled by barriers in society not by their impairment or disability. The extent to which financial barriers constrain and impact the lives of people with a learning disability and their families is a key part of our research. This project, co-produced with a researcher with lived experience, will provide valuable evidence for the Scottish Government for future programmes of social security reform.

Commenting on the announcement of the new Programme Awards, Robertson Trust Head of Programmes and Practice, Russell Gunson, said: “I’m delighted to share the details of the Robertson Trust’s new programme awards today.

“Each of the awards we have made have demonstrated the potential to deliver big change that lasts on poverty and trauma in Scotland. We’re really excited to be working together to make the most of the potential for long-term change in Scotland. 

“Our support comes at a time when people and places facing poverty are experiencing gale force winds against them and their living standards. We have been living through crisis after crisis, stretching back through this cost-of-living emergency, the Covid-19 pandemic and at least back to the financial crash 15 years ago.

“It is often hard to think long-term when the immediate challenges are so pressing but the Trust has protected significant funds for this long-term change work so that we can prevent poverty and trauma in the future, while also helping to make a difference here and now.

“We will only be successful if we commit to the belief that things can change – we’ve made progress before and we know we can again – if we build the participation, partnerships and coalitions necessary to make change irresistible, and if we build social change over the long-term to reshape the systems and structures that sit underneath why we have the levels of poverty, trauma and inequality that we do.

“We look forward to working with each of the projects and are keen to learn alongside them, to understand what helps and hinders in achieving our mutual ambition of ending poverty and trauma, and its negative impacts, in our society.”

Commenting on the announcement of the Programme Awards, David Reilly, Communities and Networks Manager at the Poverty Alliance said: “Rural poverty is an issue of growing concern for the Poverty Alliance.

“This important grant from Robertson Trust will not only allow us to test ideas to practically take action on rural poverty, but will also help us to strengthen the networks and relationships that we need to make long term progress on rural poverty.”

John Dickie, Director of Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) in Scotland said: “Child Poverty Action Group in Scotland is delighted to be awarded funding by The Robertson Trust. This grant provides us with a unique opportunity to help shape the way Scottish Child Payment and other local and national payments support those currently on the margins.

“It will enable us to bring our expertise together with the voice of lived experience to prevent poverty and increase families financial stability by helping create more inclusive, consistent and secure financial support through the social security system”.

Satwat Rehman, CEO of One Parent Families Scotland, said: “One Parent Families Scotland is delighted to receive this funding from The Robertson Trust. Child maintenance is an issue which single parents have raised with us time and again, calling for there to be a fairer and more equitable system.

“Four in ten children in poverty in Scotland live in a single parent family but maintenance payments can contribute to the costs of raising a child and in giving them a decent quality of life.

“However, over £474 million in child maintenance in the UK has gone unpaid – money owed to children. This is an issue of children’s rights and the rights of the child to financial support.

” Working alongside our amazing partners IPPR Scotland and Fife Gingerbread we will develop ways of supporting families through the maze that is the current child maintenance system and work with families to design a model that works for them and contributes to lifting children out of poverty. “

Claire Telfer, Head of Scotland, Save the Children said: “We are thrilled to have received The Robertson Trust grant for this exciting work.

“We believe this will be a game-changing project in the development of policy and actions to drive down child poverty and we can’t wait to get started”.

David Brownlee, the Trussell Trust’s Financial Inclusion Lead, Scotland, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with The Robertson Trust for this ambitious project. The Trussell Trust has just released its end of year stats, showing the highest levels of need ever in Scotland.

“The record levels of need seen this year, represents a 50% increase in the number of parcels distributed by food banks in the Trussell Trust network in Scotland compared to five years ago in 2017/18.

“The chronic cost of living crisis has only deepened our commitment to end the need for food banks in Scotland and the whole of the Trussell Trust network – this project will play a key part in enabling us to see how to achieve that aim.”

Emma Congreve, Deputy Director of Fraser of Allander Institute, said: “The Fraser of Allander are delighted to be collaborating with SCLD and embarking on this project to produce better evidence to underpin more effective policy for people with learning disabilities in Scotland, especially as this will enable us to recruit and support a researcher with lived experience which we would not have been able to do without this investment.”

Police appeal following robbery in Granton Square

Police are appealing for information after a robbery in Granton, on Wednesday, (3 May 2023).

Around 10.45 pm, a 59-year-old man was sitting at the bus stop in Granton Square, between West Granton Road and West Harbour Road, when he was approached by a man who threatened him with a knife and stole his rucksack containing a laptop and personal items.

The suspect, described as black, in his 20s, 5 ft 9 in height, of skinny build and wearing a black hoodie tied tightly around his face, ran off towards Granton Crescent Park.

Detective Constable Cam McDonald, Costorphine CID, said: “I would ask anyone who was in the area and who either saw the robbery or a man fitting the description in the area between 10.30 pm and 10.45 pm to get in touch with police.

“I’d also be keen to hear from anyone driving in that area around the time, if they have dash-cam, to check it in case it has captured any footage that may assist our investigation.”

Information can be passed to police via 101 quoting reference number 4484 of Wednesday, 3 May 2023 or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Eid at Holyrood

Foysol Choudhury MSP co-hosted an Eid with Parliamentarians event at the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday (2nd May 2023).

The Labour Lothians list MSP said: “Tuesday’s Eid celebration at the Scottish Parliament, organised by the Muslim Council of Scotland and co-hosted by myself and Kaukab Stewart MSP, was a fantastic event.

“We heard recitals from the holy Quran and learnt how its lessons can be applicable to all of our lives, discussed the meaning of Eid and Ramadan and joined in celebration together over food and refreshments.  

“We also heard from some fantastic speakers including First Minister Humza Yousaf MSP, Scottish Labour Party leader Anas Sarwar MSP, Scottish Liberal Democrats leader Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP, Meghan Gallacher MSP, the Lord Provost of Edinburgh Cllr Robert Aldridge, the Turkish Consul General Özgür Yavuzer, the Pakistan Consul General Syed Zahid Raza and Dr Adrees from Muslim Council of Scotland.

“Afterwards, we shared in some delicious cake, cut by the First Minister and Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar MSP, to joyous shouts of Eid Mubarak!

“To see the community join in prayer in the Scottish Parliament and share our faith with visitors and colleagues was also a special moment.

“It represented sentiments echoed through the night of how fantastic it is to see Scotland’s diverse communities and faiths represented in the Scottish Parliament, particularly with the election of Humza Yousaf as Scotland’s first Muslim First Minister.

“It was a fantastic celebration of Eid with the Muslim community from across Scotland and many guests and colleagues from all faiths, backgrounds and political parties.

“Thank you to all those who were involved in making it such a special night, including the esteemed speakers, faith leaders, the Muslim Council of Scotland, my colleague Kaukab Stewart MSP and the Scottish Parliament’s staff.

“Eid Mubarak!”

Open Door Wellbeing Day at ELREC

We are celebrating wellbeing and mental health awareness by organising Open Door Wellbeing Day at ELREC on the 20th May as part of Edinburgh ThriveFest #4 (15 to 21 May 2023) – a week of arts and activities supporting the intent to making Mental Health and Well-Being for All a Global Priority.

We have put together a programme for you. Come and take part in wellbeing and creative activities on Saturday 20th of May.

Any form of art is an amazing way to look within ourselves and deal with stress and problems of everyday life.

Come and check yourself how great it can be for our wellbeing!

Spaces are limited, book your ticket for:

wellbeing breakfast & face yoga session 👉https://www.eventbrite.com/…/face-yoga-wellbeing…

macrame & wellbeing lunch 👉https://www.eventbrite.com/…/macrame-wellbeing-lunch…

woodwork & wellbeing lunch 👉https://www.eventbrite.com/…/woodwork-wellbeing-lunch…

conscious painting & tea 👉https://www.eventbrite.com/…/conscious-painting-tea…

Location: ELREC office on 14 Forth Street, Edinburgh, EH1 3LH.

Thank you #ThriveEdinburgh for supporting us!

Luxury New Town Mews join the capital’s property market

HOMEBUYERS looking to relocate to Edinburgh’s historic New Town now have the chance to purchase a dream mews home in a prime location on one of the city’s quaint cobbled streets.

Square & Crescent has officially completed works on its two new-build Georgian-inspired mews homes, nestled in Northumberland Place Lane, at the secluded rear of Abercromby Place.

Located within the city’s World Heritage Site, the high-spec three bedroom homes nod to the city’s past, providing a modern, high-quality build inspired by the traditional mews style which has become centric to Edinburgh’s built history.

The mews style of home is among the most sought-after in central Edinburgh, synonymous with the capital’s landscape and increasingly popular with homebuyers looking for a characterful and private home.

Euan Marshall, Co-Founder and Joint Managing Director at Square & Crescent said: “By mixing the old with the new, we’re certain that the properties will be well received.

“To add the finishing touches to the homes and finalise the works at Northumberland Place Lane was a great feeling and it marks another important milestone for one of our Edinburgh developments.”

Priced at £995,000 and boasting access to Edinburgh’s Queen Street Gardens, the 141sqm homes benefit from a spacious dining kitchen, ensuite to the principal bedroom, separate utility and integral garage with infrastructure for future electric charging points.

The homes feature a specification list befitting of the surroundings, with German-style kitchens designed by Cameron Interiors complete with a suite of high-end appliances.

The mews homes play part to Square & Crescent’s wider Abercromby Place development, which saw the careful conversion of two Georgian townhouses into eight contemporary apartments.

Euan added: “The mews homes offer something different for everyone and are designed to cater for all buyers from downsizers to growing families all the way to couples and individuals.

“With a number of new projects underway and in the works, we’re especially pleased to be bringing such a broad mix of premium homes to the Edinburgh market – it’s most definitely an exciting time for us at Square & Crescent.”

Square & Crescent is now a widely-regarded residential developer with a primary focus on the acquisition, development and refurbishment of beautiful homes.

It recently announced its largest project to date, the conversion of the city’s famous former Royal Hospital for Sick Children building into eight townhouses and 85 apartments.

The firm was founded after friends Euan Marshall and Simon Cook’s career paths crossed on a number of property projects around Edinburgh, with their complementing skillsets providing the perfect testbed to found Square & Crescent in 2013.

Square & Crescent has since gone on to build a strong track record and trusted reputation in providing some of the best residential conversion projects over the past 10 years, making a move in recent years into developing unique new build homes, providing exceptional and sustainable modern living in a variety of different locations within Edinburgh.

To enquire about Square & Crescent’s Northumberland Place Lane mews homes, call the New Homes Sales Team at Rettie on 0131 603 8357.

For more information on Square and Crescent’s Abercromby Place development, visit www.abercromby-place.co.uk

For more information on Square & Crescent, visit https://squareandcrescent.com/