Category: North Edinburgh News

Climate Catastrophe: No Time to Lose

The United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report published yesterday (Monday 4 April) shows growth in global emissions has slowed over the past decade, but much more needs to be done, including halving global emissions by 2030, to keep the goal of 1.5C in reach and avoid the worst impacts of global warming.

  • The window to keep 1.5C in reach is closing fast
  • Global growth in emissions slowed in last decade but further urgent action vital
  • UK COP Presidency calls on countries to deliver on the historic Glasgow Climate Pact agreed at COP26

The United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report published yesterday shows growth in global emissions has slowed over the past decade, but much more needs to be done, including halving global emissions by 2030, to keep the goal of 1.5C in reach and avoid the worst impacts of global warming.

The IPCC’s independent report highlights the need for urgent action in decarbonising energy, industry, transport and making homes more energy efficient, to achieve the Paris Agreement’s central goal of keeping a global temperature rise this century to well below 2C above pre-industrial levels and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase even further to 1.5C.

The report also shows reasons for optimism with a trend showing a slowing growth of global emissions. It also details how economic growth can be achieved alongside ambitious emissions reductions and the falling costs of renewables. Since 2010, solar energy costs and lithium-ion battery costs have decreased by around 85%, and wind energy by around 55%.

The UK is calling on countries to deliver on the Glasgow Climate Pact, in which 197 countries agreed to revisit and strengthen their 2030 emissions reduction commitments (Nationally Determined Contributions) as necessary this year to align with the Paris Agreement temperature goal and thereby limit the worst impacts of climate change.

Governments from around the world have spent a fortnight at a UK-hosted session examining climate scientists’ evidence for this report. The IPCC has concluded that to limit warming to 1.5C, global emissions must peak before 2025, and then be halved by early 2030s – in part by ending the world’s reliance on fossil fuels, including reducing use of unabated coal by three quarters by 2030.

COP26 President Alok Sharma, said: “This report makes clear that the window to keep 1.5 degrees alive is closing alarmingly fast. The warning lights are yet again flashing bright red on the climate dashboard and it is high time for governments to sit up and act before it is too late.

“That is why it is absolutely vital that as agreed in the Glasgow Climate Pact all countries, especially the G20 nations which are responsible for 80 per cent of global emissions, revisit and strengthen their 2030 emission reduction targets this year as necessary to align with the Paris temperature goal if we are to avoid the catastrophic impacts of climate change.

“But this report also gives hope that the rate of growth in emissions is slowing and that thanks to the falling cost of renewables and technological innovation it is possible to transition to a cleaner future.

“We know that a net zero economy presents huge opportunities for growth and the creation of good green jobs and so countries and companies need to accelerate that transition.

“The UK has already committed to reducing carbon emissions by 68% by 2030 and by 78% by 2035 compared to 1990 levels, before reaching net zero by 2050 as set out in the UK’s comprehensive Net-Zero Strategy. It is calling on the global community to honour the commitment to provide at least $100bn a year to support developing countries take ambitious climate action.”

UK Minister of State for Energy and Climate Change, Greg Hands, said: “Today’s report is a reminder to the world of the grave threat of climate change.

“There is still a window of opportunity to act to reduce the effects.

“The UK is going further and faster to generate more cheap and clean renewable power. This will reduce our exposure to expensive global gas prices.

“We call on the global community to seize the moment and join us in stepping up a green transition.”

The IPCC’s last report, published in February, warned that some of the impacts of global warming are “irreversible”, with more than 40% of the world’s population now highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, such as extreme weather events like floods and heatwaves.

Today’s report also highlights the economic opportunities from the transition to a net zero economy, with the falling costs of renewable energy, and comes six months after the UK published a comprehensive Net Zero Strategy.

This sets out how it will secure 440,000 well-paid jobs and unlock £90 billion in investment by 2030, by helping British businesses and consumers transition to clean energy and green technology. It included £1 billion investment in electric vehicles, £3.9 billion for insulating our homes, along with support for commercialising sustainable aviation fuel and help heavy industry move to hydrogen power.

This month the UK is starting to spend its £200 million pledged to support developing countries cut emissions through the new extension of the Partnering for Accelerated Climate Transitions (PACT) programme.

The UK will also soon publish a new International Climate Finance (ICF) Strategy, laying out its delivery plan for £11.6 billion of investment to help countries across the globe respond to the climate emergency. The funding represents a doubling of support for communities worst affected by global warming.

Friends of the Earth: IPCC Climate Report shows ‘economic system is incompatible with life on Earth’

Environmental campaigners have said that the latest UN climate report makes clear that Governments must say no to new fossil fuels and tackle an economic system that is speeding us towards climate breakdown.

The IPCC’s latest report looks at ways to mitigate climate change and follows reports on the physical science in August 2021 and on the impacts of a changing climate that was presented last month. These reports help shape Government climate action around the world.

The report presents various models of future mitigation scenarios or ‘pathways’, for reducing emissions. These models are limited in that they are shaped by a variety of economic assumptions including continuous economic growth, and are therefore hotly debated politically choices about how to act.

Many of the models presented assume that we can allow global heating to rise beyond 1.5°C – known as overshooting – and then bring the temperature back down using as yet unproven technologies at some point in the future.

The IPCC’s last reporting cycle was 8 years ago, in which time the remaining carbon budget for holding warming to the critical 1.5°C has significantly diminished.

Friends of the Earth Scotland Head of Campaigns Mary Church said: “Today’s UN report is another stark warning that the likelihood of avoiding 1.5°C is shrinking fast.

“Deep emissions cuts are needed now, and the message at the heart of this latest study is that we must say no to all new oil and gas, put an end to fossil fuel subsidies and urgently start delivering a just transition for impacted communities.

“In assuming varying degrees of overshooting the critical 1.5°C threshold, the pathways set out in this report are simply untenable and show the political battles that are being fought around how to act on the science.

“Only last month we saw the previous UN report warning that the impacts of climate breakdown are happening sooner and are more devastating than previously thought, and of the irreversible impacts of going beyond 1.5°C.

“Yet corporations who are profiting from this catastrophe are pushing dangerous and speculative techno-fixes, that would gamble with life on earth for the sake of squeezing out every last drop of oil, and we are seeing their influence in the pathways set out.

“What’s crystal clear is that this crisis is being driven by over-consumption by the rich, particularly in the global north. Despite the bleak findings of today’s report, hope remains because the science also shows that another world, with decent standards of living for all, is possible within the remaining carbon budget.

“But only if we rapidly phase out fossil fuels, and wealthy countries responsible for driving the climate to the brink step up to the plate and start doing their fair share of action.”

Hemantha Withanage, Chair of Friends of the Earth International, based in Sri Lanka, said: “We cannot betray the promise of a 1.5°C degree warming threshold. If the IPCC’s WG3 report does not contain any mitigation pathways that keep us from breaching 1.5°C degrees within the constraints of the current economic paradigm, that is only proof that this economic system is incompatible with life on Earth.

“The priority for our communities, movements, and decision-makers must now be to end the era of fossil fuels and transform our societies and economies towards sustainable systems designed to address peoples’ needs, safety and wellbeing, not profit and greed.”

Scottish Child Payment doubles

104,000 children have payment increased to £20 per week

The flagship family payment – Scottish Child Payment – has now doubled to £20 per week per child. 104,000 children are already benefiting from this increase.

The payment, which is unique to Scotland, was designed to tackle child poverty head on. It is one of five family benefits which provides financial support to low income families with children aged under 6.

The benefit will be extended at the end of the year to all eligible children under the age of 16 – and at that point also increase further from £20 to £25.

Once extended, it is expected over 400,000 children could be eligible. The newly doubled Scottish Child Payment, together with the three Best Start Grant payments and Best Start Foods, will provide families with more than £10,000 by the time their first child turns 6 and £9,700 for subsequent children.

This compares to less than £1,800 for an eligible family’s first child in England and Wales, and less than £1,300 for subsequent children.

Visiting Glasgow based family charity Govan Help, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “We are using our social security powers to take immediate steps to put cash in the pockets of families by doubling the Scottish Child Payment to £20 per week per child – support not replicated anywhere else in the UK.

“This is a key part of our national mission to tackle child poverty. We will further increase this payment to £25 by the end of 2022 – five times the amount campaigners originally asked. This will gives families additional financial support of £1,300 for each eligible child every year. We will back this with investment of around £671 million over the next two years – just part of our package of support for families.

“Our Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan will also build on our investment in employment support for parents, through new skills and training opportunities and key worker support to help reduce household costs and drive longer term change.

“We are determined to give children the best start and a bright future by putting more money into the pockets of those who need it most. Increasing the Scottish Child Payment will make a real difference to families and help to build a more equal and fairer Scotland for everyone.”

Viv Sawers, Chief Officer at Govan Help, said: “This is a fantastic measure from Scottish Government in tackling Child Poverty in Scotland. The roll out and the uplift in Scottish Child Payment will have an incredible impact on the families across Scotland who need it most and we are delighted to see money going directly to families who we know are struggling to meet their basic cost of living.  

“Govan has higher than average rates of Child Poverty so this will have a hugely positive impact on the quality of life for families in this local community. We see families struggling daily, they have told us what a difference this has made already with the cost of living increases, we look forward to supporting more families to access this as it rolls out to children up to age 16 later this year.

“We know parenting is a really hard job, without financial pressures, this funding will go a long way to removing stresses that can impact on  healthy family functioning and wellbeing.”

  • Scottish Child Payment increased to £20 from Friday 1 April
  • Parents and carers do not need to reapply and will see their payments increase automatically
  • Social Security Scotland administers five benefits for families on tax credits and certain benefits. These include Best Start Grant Pregnancy and Baby Payment, Early Learning Payment, School Age Payment,  Best Start Foods and Scottish Child Payment. Parents and carers can find out more and apply at mygov.scot or by calling 0800 182 2222
  • Ahead of extending the Scottish Child Payment to under 16s, the Scottish Government is set to invest £225 million this year (2022-23) in our Scottish Child Payment.
  • The Scottish Government is also  putting around £150 million in the pockets of families through Bridging Payments to families of 145k children in receipt of free school meals across 2021 and 2022
  • The extension of Scottish Child Payment is subject to data on qualifying benefits being received from the Department of Work and Pensions
  • The Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan 2022-26 – Best Start, Bright Futures outlines actions to be taken to provide immediate support to children and families and to break the cycle of child poverty

Monopoly reimagined

WHAT WOULD THE BOARD LOOK LIKE WITH MODERN HOUSES PRICES?

  • The board gets a reshuffle, with Whitehall and Strand now some of the most expensive places in London, with prices increasing over 700% in the past 25 years alone
  • Victor Watson’s 1935 selection looks to be completely different
  • Old Kent Road and The Angel, Islington still among the cheapest

While the original 1935 order of the Monopoly board was loosely based on property values at the time, new research has revealed what the board could look like with modern property values.

The research by gaming experts SolitaireBliss analysed the average sale price of each area since 2015 to see what the order of the board would look like nowadays. It also looks at property size to see each area’s average ‘price per metre’.

It found that Mayfair still sits as the most expensive area with an average sale price of £6,830,154. Strand, which was once halfway down the board as a red tile, is now the second most expensive area, with an average sale price of £5,438,715.

One of the most significant differences in Whitehall, which has now seen itself be moved 13 spots up the board to a green tile, with an average sale price of £4,393,652. Adjusted for inflation, 1935 prices would see Mayfair worth only £93,911, Strand worth only £74,799 and Whitehall worth only £60,410.

Whitechapel Road, The Angel Islington and Old Kent Road remain as the three cheapest on the board.

Oxford Street, which was previously one of the most expensive tiles on the classic board, has been moved down 13 places, with an average sale price of £1,019,975. Coventry Street has also seen a significant reshuffle, being pushed down 11 spots to now be a light blue tile. Adjusted for inflation, a 1935 property in Oxford Street would cost you only £14,020 on average.

StreetAverage sale priceAverage price per metreOriginal order
Mayfair£6,830,154£29,338Mayfair
Strand£5,438,715£30,945Park Lane
Whitehall£4,393,652£23,847Bond Street
Trafalgar Square£3,786,694£23,964Oxford Street
Piccadilly£3,706,235£28,958Regent Street
Vine Street£3,629,885£34,276Piccadilly
Park Lane£3,113,750£25,554Coventry Street
Bond Street£2,230,125£21,311Leicester Square
Bow Street£2,153,900£20,584Trafalgar Square
Pall Mall£2,041,488£16,445Fleet Street
Marlborough Street£1,890,650£17,628The Strand
Regent Street£1,861,179£25,127Vine Street
Fleet Street£1,480,313£21,101Marlborough Street
Northumberland Avenue£1,310,257£15,168Bow Street
Euston Road£1,110,000£12,658Northumberland Avenue
Pentonville Road£1,052,125£17,311Whitehall
Oxford Street£1,019,975£13,478Pall Mall
Coventry Street£796,774£18,598Pentonville Road
Leicester Square£670,779£11,950Euston Road
Old Kent Road£539,438£10,261The Angel Islington
The Angel Islington£501,117£6,706Whitechapel Road
Whitechapel Road£423,509£8,998Old Kent Road

In terms of looking at the average ‘price per metre’, The Angel, Islington comes in as having the lowest price per metre of £6,706.

Whitechapel Road and Old Kent Road are the second and third cheapest. Vine Street has the highest price per metre with £34,276, along with Strand and Mayfair coming in second and third.

A spokesperson from SolitaireBliss said: “What can be looked at as simply a modernisation of the legendary Monopoly board game, can also be viewed as an illustration of current house prices in the capital.

“It’s interesting to see how more commercial areas have seen huge changes with the likes of Oxford Street and Whitehall, whereas more residential areas such as Old Kent Road and Whitechapel Road have seen a steady and consistent with housing cost trends.”

This study was conducted by SolitaireBliss, an online gaming service with a wide array of card games and challenges available to play for free. 

Loose Women’s Carol McGiffin becomes breast cancer ambassador

Chat show star and breast cancer survivor raises awareness of forgotten disease 

Loose Women star and breast cancer survivor Carol McGiffin has been appointed as an ambassador for a charity highlighting a forgotten form of the disease. 

The outspoken broadcaster, who underwent a year of treatment after her own diagnosis, will represent Make 2nds Count, which campaigns to fund research into secondary breast cancer and support patients and their families. 

And her big personality and fearless opinions are set to raise the profile of the little-known, incurable cancer which kills 1000 women a month. 

Secondary breast cancer – also known as metastatic, advanced or stage IV breast cancer – is a cancer that has spread beyond the breast to other parts of the body.  On average there are around 35,000 patients in the UK currently living with this form of the disease. 

Carol was diagnosed with the aggressive and highly-invasive triple negative form of breast cancer in 2014, the year after she came an impressive fourth in Big Brother.

Following successful treatment, she passed her five-year remission milestone in late 2019. But her cancer was not suitable for treatments like Herceptin and Tamoxifen which can help to prevent the disease returning. As a result, she is well aware of the feelings that can provoke. 

She said: “I am constantly aware and fearful of secondary cancers that might not be obvious early on but can never be cured. I monitor my health religiously and attend checks all the time. But I’m concerned at the lack of awareness of secondary breast cancer and of this brilliant charity which does so much to help women who are suffering.” 

Carol learned of Make 2nds Count, which recently celebrated raising its first £1 million, when it supported a live tour she was taking part in and is now passionate about promoting its work: “Even though secondary breast cancer is incurable, early detection is still key and treatment more likely to preserve a decent and longer life.

“So, it’s vital that more people are aware of the disease and informed about the support, information and initiatives like patient trials that Make 2nds Count promotes.” 

Make 2nds Count founder Lisa Fleming of Edinburgh said: “Having Carol on board is fantastic and  gives us a really vibrant, authentic voice. She’s got the lived experience and can identify exactly with what we are trying to do and the anxieties patients face. We’re really looking forward to working together to raise the profile of the disease and our work.” 

Lisa set up Make 2nds Count after being diagnosed with secondary breast cancer. She had no primary diagnosis, warning signs or lump when she was told the disease had already spread to the majority of her bones. It swiftly spread to her brain and she is living with a life sentence. 

Carol started her media career at Music Box, precursor to MTV, and later co-presented a weekend morning radio show with her former husband Chris Evans. She went on to become a producer on the Big Breakfast before moving on to Talk Radio and, subsequently, other radio work. In 2000 she joined the Live Talk panel – Loose Women by another name – and, barring a five-year break in 2013,  has been there ever since.    

She had a lifelong dream to live in France and in 2016, motivated by the cancer diagnosis, sold her London flat and bought a house near Nice where she lives with her now husband Mark, travelling back to the UK to do Loose Women. 

Artisan Real Estate’s Rowanbank Gardens nominated for National Climate Crisis Award 

 

Artisan Real Estate’s wholesale commitment to sustainable residential development across the UK has been recognised with its Edinburgh-based Rowanbank Gardens development being nominated for a prestigious national accolade geared to tackling climate crisis.  

Rowanbank Gardens, in the bustling Edinburgh suburb of Corstorphine, has been shortlisted for the best residential Climate Crisis Initiative for the 2022 RESI Awards, which recognises excellence in UK-wide residential property.  

The award nomination reflects Artisan’s continued multi-million investment in fossil-fuel free regeneration-based residential projects in key regional city centres across the UK – with major developments currently taking place in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds and Bristol. 

Due for completion in 2023, Rowanbank Gardens provides immaculate environmental credentials creating a spectacular blueprint for low-carbon living. The industry-leading sustainable development, replacing a former care home on a brownfield site, is set to deliver 126 high quality apartments all with private gardens and balconies set around a shared courtyard garden in a well-connected central location. 

Welcoming the RESI Climate Crisis Initiative award nomination, Clive Wilding, Artisan’s Group Development Director said: “I am absolutely delighted that Rowanbank Gardens has won national recognition for its bold ambition to tackle the very real challenges of climate change which are currently facing our industry.  

“As a niche developer, Artisan Real Estate has always striven for improvement by creating a lower carbon footprint in the homes and buildings we create – not just in delivery but throughout their multi-generational lifespan. 

“Rowanbank Gardens is the latest manifestation of Artisan’s stated commitment towards a radical improvement in its development cycle to create the lowest possible carbon footprint in the residential buildings that the company creates. With innovations such as green roofs, it brings together smart energy-efficient design geared to achieving low to zero carbon ratings whilst responding to the rapidly changing requirements of home buyers and the wider community post-Covid.”

He added: “The evolution of Rowanbank Gardens shows that, as well as reducing urban sprawl by optimising the number of people living in well-designed sustainable homes in well-connected locations served by public transport, we are also pioneering the application of innovative technology to eliminate the use of fossil fuels whilst vastly reducing energy consumption.” 

Fuelled by a desire to transform brownfield city centre sites into sustainable, contemporary and low carbon homes developments, Artisan’s residential developments are creating a progressive residential blueprint which has a timely resonance for post-lockdown living across the UK.  

As well as Rowanbank Gardens, this has also helped shaped the delivery of the 179-apartment Canonmills Garden development, overlooking the Water of Leith to the north of Edinburgh’s city centre which is now nearing completion. 

The development has pioneered the integration of low and zero carbon generating technology, incorporating green roofs as well as a combined heat and power system helping to support building energy loads whilst charging electric vehicles, reducing both building and transport CO2 emissions.  

Artisan is also delivering the Kirkstall Place development in Leeds, providing 263 family homes designed to meet low carbon and non-fossil fuel standards together with substantial amounts of external space, providing a wide range of biodiversity. 

The winners of the 2022 RESI Awards will be revealed on Wednesday 11th May at a live ceremony in London.  

For more information on the awards, visit:

https://www.resiawards.com/resiawardslive/en/page/home 

Medical Research Scotland inspires Scotland’s future scientists with live streamed careers events in schools

Medical Research Scotland, Scotland’s largest independent medical research charity, has helped more than 350 young people across Scotland connect with the country’s leading scientists and academics to learn about further education and careers in medical science.

Reaching 350 pupils from more than 30 schools across the country, the Medical Research Scotland Academy aims to inspire the next generation of scientists so they can play a role in addressing the STEM skills shortage in Scotland.

The participating local Edinburgh schools were St George’s School, Stewart’s Melville College, The Edinburgh Academy and The Mary Erskine School

S4, S5 and S6 pupils joined the Medical Research Scotland Academy for a month of live-streamed interactive lessons broadcast to science classrooms across Scotland – from Aberdeen to Dumfries.

The programme was provided to schools free of charge, featuring inspiring young scientists at the cutting edge of their field alongside senior university lecturers. The bitesize sessions are also available on-demand at medicalresearchscotland.org.uk.

One school to benefit was Bishopbriggs Academy where pupils learned about medical research into viruses, the brain, sleep and parasites alongside many other topics from research scientists at the University of Aberdeen, University of Glasgow, University of Edinburgh, University of St Andrews and the University of Strathclyde.

Lesley Dawson, teacher at Bishopbriggs Academy, said: “While the pandemic has caused huge challenges for the education sector, it has also inspired our pupils to find out more about medical research and they were excited to access this live streamed education programme.

“The Medical Research Scotland Academy was an opportunity to connect our students with inspirational scientists. The webinar series has ignited our pupils’ passion for science and provided a taste of the higher education and career opportunities open to them.”

Medical Research Scotland works tirelessly to improve health in Scotland by funding world-class research into the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases.  

If you would like to help contribute to these efforts, please visit:  medicalresearchscotland.org.uk.

Professor Heather Wallace, PhD (Aberdeen), Chair of Medical Research Scotland, said: “Scotland has a proud tradition of developing world class research scientists making pioneering discoveries and improving global health.

“Through the Medical Research Scotland Academy, we aimed to inspire and connect the next generation with Scotland’s leading medical professionals and academics. Bringing together schools from across the country, we’ve seen first-hand the huge interest in medical science amongst school leavers.”

Innovative Bon Accord drinks arrive in Morrisons’ Edinburgh stores

 

Edinburgh shoppers with a thirst for unique Scots drinks can now get a taste of the innovative Bon Accord brand in Morrisons after the company signed a new deal to supply their unique, naturally sweetened range to Morrisons supermarkets. 

100% naturally sweetened with real fruit juice and organic coconut nectar, Bon Accord contains no refined sugar or artificial sweeteners, making them the only soft drinks company to use this innovative, natural way of sweetening their drinks.  

Perfect for the health-conscious and environmentally-aware consumer, they’re sold in recyclable glass bottles, enhancing the company’s natural green credentials. 

Bon Accord co-founder Karen Knowles said: “We’re delighted that now even more customers will have the opportunity to buy our fizzy drinks.

“Our whole ethos is to inject a bit more joy into juice and that’s why we are committed to creating products that are not only tasty and good value but also a healthier option for our customers.

“With our 100% sweet by nature range, we’re aiming to help health-focused consumers take small steps to reduce refined sugar in their diet and feel good about fizz.” 

Bosses at the family-owned firm have also had a bit of fun compiling their own tasting notes, suggesting how the sparkling drinks can best accompany food. Forget a robust red – anyone for blue cheese with Rhubarb Soda? 

Five delicious varieties from the Bon Accord family will be available to buy in Morrisons across Edinburgh: 

  • Rhubarb Soda – 750ml bottle: Crisp and refreshing, with real rhubarb flavour, it’s a bestseller for a reason.  
  • Cloudy Lemonade – 750ml bottle: Tangy and tart with a zesty zin, exactly how lemonade should taste. This Cloudy Lemonade has all the hallmarks of a classic drink.  
  • Ginger Beer – 750ml bottle: Made with real ginger for a flavour that gently tingles and builds without overwhelming. 

    Rhubarb Soda and Ginger Beer will also be available to purchase in a handy 4 x 275ml pack. 

    Angus Bell, Senior Local Buying Manager, Scotland comments, “We are excited to introduce Bon Accord into 10 Morrisons stores in the East of Scotland as part of our Local Foodmakers programme.  

    “Many will remember the iconic Bon Accord delivery lorries and I’m sure that the reinvented, healthier and naturally sweetened range will be a big hit with our local customers. Morrisons’ Local Foodmakers programme searches for local food and drink makers of known and locally loved products and we have started working with over 100 new local suppliers through the programme, supporting local communities and economies.”

    Originally established in 1903 by the current founder’s great-great-grandfather in Arbroath Bon Accord delivered soft drinks to communities all over Scotland for over 100 years on their iconic lorries. Reimagined – and refreshed – in 2016, Bon Accord Soft Drinks is still a family-owned and run business, but times have changed and with a new generation at the helm, they are championing a new and exciting approach to pop.  

    For further information please visit www.bonaccordsoftdrinks.com 

Funding for local food initiatives

Projects that celebrate locally sourced and produced food and drink are being encouraged to apply for funding.

The Regional Food Fund aims to support the food and drink sector’s recovery from the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic with £110,000 of Scottish Government funding.

The fund, managed by Scotland Food & Drink, provides grants of up to £5,000 to applicants across the country.

Last year the fund was allocated across 42 projects, which varied from helping regional food group producers in Argyll & Bute grow their sales, to supporting the expansion of the Bowhouse market in Fife to allow more local producers to showcase their food and drink offerings.

Mairi Gougeon, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands said: “This government is committed to supporting and promoting Scotland’s local produce, which is some of the finest in the world.

“I would encourage eligible groups and businesses to apply for this year’s Regional Food Fund.

“Since its launch in 2018, the Regional Food Fund has provided over £550,000 to 121 projects, and this additional funding will support many more projects and initiatives.”

Fiona Richmond, Head of Regional Food at Scotland Food & Drink, said: “The Regional Food Fund has already played an important role in promoting food and drink in local communities and delivering benefits to Scotland’s local food and drink sector over the long-term.

“It’s great to see the fund reopen and continuing to promote and encourage great local food initiatives by supporting regional activities, networks and collaborative initiatives across the country.”

Regional Food Fund information and application

Who can apply?

  • individual businesses in the food and drink sector, including primary producers, on behalf of a collaborative group or project
  • regional and community groups (both rural and urban)
  • individuals on behalf of a collaborative group or project

The deadline for applications is 5pm, 9 May 2022.

Edinburgh woodland regeneration innovators secure £370k investment

A company behind innovation to create healthy forest ecosystems which support successful tree-planting has secured £370,000 in equity investment.   

Edinburgh-headquartered Rhizocore Technologies produces locally adapted mycorrhizal fungi to enhance tree-planting projects, a key measure in addressing carbon sequestration. The company’s specially developed fungal pellets are used when new saplings are planted helping accelerate woodland regeneration, improve forest productivity, and increase natural capital benefits.  

Rhizocore was founded by Toby Parkes, a Biology graduate from the University of Bath who also holds a PhD in Biochemistry; and David Satori, a Master’s degree graduate in Plant and Fungal Taxonomy, Diversity and Conservation from Queen Mary University of London and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.   

The pair developed their business idea with support from the University of Edinburgh’s Roslin Innovation Centre. Rhizocore also participated in the Food & Agriculture Science Transformer (FAST) programme.

A collaboration between Deep Science Ventures and the University of Edinburgh, FAST is supported by the University’s Data-Driven Entrepreneurship programme to work with innovative high growth start-ups operating in the agriculture sector. The initiative draws applications from around the world.   

The seed investment package secured by Rhizocore includes £85K of equity funding via the Edinburgh Technology Fund (ETF) managed by the University of Edinburgh’s Edinburgh Innovations Investment Team, and a further £85K from Deep Sciences Ventures. An additional £70K comes from climate tech investors including David Rowan with £130K investment from Nucleus Capital, specialist investors which provide finance for purpose-driven entrepreneurs tackling planetary health challenges.  

The company has also secured around £180K in additional grants from SMART:SCOTLAND, Scottish Edge, the Forestry Commission, and Graduate Career Advantage Scotland.

The University of Edinburgh assisted Rhizocore providing strategic business advice including internal and external due diligence support on its recent SMART:SCOTLAND grant application.   

Now employing seven staff, Rhizocore will use this additional investment to scale its business across all parts of the UK where local fungi is implemented as part of its production processes. The company will also invest in further strategic partnerships aimed at enhancing woodland ecosystems and increasing carbon sequestration from tree-planting projects.  

Rhizocore is currently involved in several existing pilot projects including one with woodland regeneration charity Trees for Life in the Caledonian rainforest, and another with forestry management company Tilhill in the Scottish Borders. 

  

Rhizocore co-founder and CEO Toby Parkes said: “This latest investment will help us scale production as we aim to support the planting of 40 million new trees across the UK every year.   

“The range of support we’ve had from angel investors and grant funding bodies is a real testimony to our innovative approach in addressing the challenges of successful and sustainable tree-planting by enhancing local forestry ecosystems.”  

Charlotte Waugh, Enterprise and Innovation Programme Lead at Edinburgh Innovations, said: “The University of Edinburgh is proud to support and invest in Rhizocore, a purpose-led business focused on maximising the impact of reforestation projects.

“The company’s participation in the FAST programme and further support through the Roslin Innovation Centre has helped Rhizocore develop its proposition where it’s now ready to scale for significant growth. We look forward to working with them and supporting the exciting journey that lies ahead.”