Every weekend in Edinburgh city centre #OpNightGuard is in place to prevent disorder and provide reassurance to the public.
Dedicated teams of officers are deployed on foot during the evening and night time to prevent incidents, assist vulnerable people and ensure that everyone gets home safely.We are always out and about supported by The City of Edinburgh Council who have additional staff out including taxi marshals, environmental wardens, night time teams and CCTV operators.
There are always volunteers from Edinburgh Street Pastors, Street Assist Edinburgh and other outreach services who are on hand to help and support vulnerable people.
New research shows that Scotland’s incineration capacity is so high that it is likely to stop councils from recycling waste. Campaigners are calling for a ban on new incinerators so that councils focus on reducing and recycling waste, rather than sending it up in smoke.
The Scottish Government set up an independent review into incineration which is currently taking place. As part of this, the reviewers have researched whether existing and planned incineration capacity matches Scotland’s projected waste levels.
It shows that if Scotland meets its recycling targets, by next year we will already have more incineration capacity than we need. Even if we make no progress towards these targets, there will still be overcapacity by 2026.
The 2025 ban on sending biodegradable municipal waste to landfill means councils have had to find some other way to dispose of waste. Rather than attempting to reduce the waste through recycling and other measures, councils have signed up to expensive and lengthy incineration contracts.
It is now emerging that the amount of waste councils have agreed to supply is greater than the waste available. This means to fulfil their contracts, councils must supply huge amounts of waste to be burnt, instead of focusing on reducing and recycling.
Kim Pratt, circular economy campaigner at Friends of the Earth Scotland, said: “The Scottish Government has unwittingly created the perfect conditions for waste management companies to make as much money as possible from keeping Scotland’s waste levels high. The ban on biodegradable waste to landfill means councils have sought alternative waste management solutions in a hurry.
“Councils have panicked and signed up to contracts that now create a conflict of interests. They are faced with choosing between helping residents reduce and recycle their waste and fulfilling the incineration contracts. Through a lack of strategic thinking, the Government and councils have ensured Scotland’s recycling targets are now much harder to achieve.
“It’s vital we stop burning our valuable resources if we are to bring down the consumption levels that are wrecking the planet. We need to see an end to new incinerators being built in Scotland, and an immediate ban on burning plastics.”
This overcapacity problem is evident at a local level, as well as a national one. Three councils in the North East of Scotland, Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire and Moray Councils, have signed a joint contract to build and supply a privately run incinerator. The NESS Energy Project is due to start operating later this year.
The incinerator has been built to take 150,000 tonnes of waste. The Environmental Statement for the project shows this was based on the amount of residual waste generated from the councils in 2016 when planning permission was granted.
However, data from SEPA shows that, even before the plant has opened, there will not be enough household residual waste to supply the plant. The 20-year contracts mean these councils will be looking for more material to burn, rather than supporting residents to reduce and recycle waste.
Scotland is now burning almost as much of its household waste as it is sending to landfill. Household waste statistics published in December show a 33.6% increase in waste being incinerated between 2019 and 2020 – that’s an extra 152,000 tonnes burnt in one year.
As well as burning valuable resources, incinerators contribute to climate change by emitting greenhouse gases from the waste they burn.
To find out more visit: www.foe.scot/campaign/plastic-pollution/incineration/
Science-based technology company 3M urges local authorities to address concerns felt by drivers, cyclists and pedestrians
Roads, transport and parking should be the number one agenda item for local authorities in 2022, according to almost half of residents living in Scotland (47%).
The new research from science-based technology company, 3M reveals that within the region, this is the area most in need of attention alongside housing (47%) and followed by jobs, business and investment (41%), and education (35%).
After more time spent working, travelling and exercising close to home in the past two years, 80% of people in Britain believe the pandemic has highlighted the need for vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians to be able to co-exist. However, there are specific factors preventing these groups from doing so in harmony.
Accessibility for cyclists in Scotland
It is estimated that one in five Brits now cycle in a typical week. However, in Scotland nearly a quarter of those who already cycle (23%) say that despite having access to cycle lanes where they live, they still wouldn’t feel safe enough to travel on a bike during peak times.
74% of this group don’t believe the right infrastructure is in place to allow them to ride safely and 62% say that their local authorities could do more to make the area more accessible to cyclists.
Drivers vs cyclists – the perception gap
The research has brought prevalent safety concerns and the contrasting opinions of road users to the fore, particularly when it comes to motorists and cyclists. Seven in 10 (70%) cyclists worry that drivers don’t know the correct etiquette when using roads with cycle lanes in their area.
Meanwhile, only 53% of drivers confidently say that they know the latest Highway Code rules in relation to cyclists, which at the time of the study had not been updated since 2015.
Outside of lane usage, overtaking is a bone of contention for motorists and cyclists alike; 93% of drivers say they leave as much room when overtaking a cyclist as they would a car whereas 73% of cyclists say drivers pass too closely.
In Scotland, one thing both parties do agree on is there not being clear enough road markings on cycle lanes for all road users – only 27% of motorists and 25% of cyclists feel there are clear visible markings in their area.
The lack of visual guidance could be part of the problem when it comes to navigating shared road spaces, easily improved by solutions such as better signage that incorporates retroreflective technology, while also improving education on the Highway Code.
Andy Fish, Technical Specialist for 3M Transportation Safety Division, said:“Its fantastic that investment in new cycle lanes, walkways and other infrastructure is being put to good use.
“This research shows that irrespective of mode of transport, the majority of people want to be able to share spaces with others safely, and they are looking to their local authorities for support.
“At 3M we are actively encouraging local councils and highway authorities in Scotland to participate in a pilot scheme that would allow their communities to benefit from traffic safety solutions designed to address some of the concerns expressed by drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.”
Drivers’ admitted lack of understanding of the Highway Code could be to blame for some of the frustrations they have towards cyclists – 86% say seeing two or more ride side-by-side is frustrating and 72% say they become frustrated simply by driving behind one.
This is in spite of it being legal for two cyclists to ride next to each other unless on narrow or busy roads or cycling round bends, along with recent rule changes including cyclists riding alone being instructed to use the centre of the lane in slower moving traffic.
To find out more about 3M’s leading road marking and signage solutions, such as 3M Diamond Grade DG3 reflective sheeting. and 3M Stamark road marking tape, visit www.3m.co.uk.
The cost of living crisis is going to cause hardship for millions of people. Huge rises in energy prices will see oil companies make vast profits whilst people struggle to heat their homes.
Protests will take place across the UK this weekend.
Speakers from lots of organisations making demands for a fairer society.
Whe did the propertied class begin to clear the land of the people?
Howlong did ot take and is it now completed?
What was the timescale between clearances and the industrial expansion?
We know that following the industrial expansion the working class became wage labourers, their working time and hours under the tight control of the propertied class. It still remains that this is the source of the power of the propertied class.
The length of the working day/week/the shift work/all variations of day work/night work are still owned and controlled by the propertied class.
Finally, everything that is made becomes the outright property of this class solely.
But we have seen a degree of organisation of the working class in the formation of the Trade Unions, for example. They fight to reduce the amount of people’s time stolen by the propertied class.
from 4am this morning (11 February) all testing requirements removed for eligible fully vaccinated arrivals and only a simplified passenger locator form needed, ahead of half termholidays
arrivals who do not qualify as fully vaccinated will only need to take a pre-departure test and a PCR test on or before day 2 after they arrive in the UK
changes come as children aged 12 to 15 in England can now prove their vaccination status or proof of prior infection for outbound travel with the digital NHS COVID Pass
Major changes to the UK’s coronavirus (COVID-19) travel rules have come into force today (4am, 11 February 2022). This will make international journeys cheaper and easier for passengers ahead of the half term.
The relaxation in requirements is thanks to the success of the UK’s vaccine and booster rollout. It means that eligible fully vaccinated travellers arriving in the UK no longer need to take any COVID-19 tests – resulting in the UK having one of the most free-flowing borders and open societies in Europe.
Eligible fully vaccinated travellers are, therefore, only required to fill out a simplified passenger locator form, confirming their vaccination status, travel history and contact details.
Also, from today, arrivals who do not qualify as fully vaccinated will only need to take a pre-departure test in the 2 days before they depart for the UK and a PCR test on or before the end of day 2 after they arrive in the UK, as well as completing the passenger locator form. These passengers will not need to self-isolate on arrival and will only need to do so if they test positive.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “The UK has eased international travel measures for COVID-19 and now has one of the most free-flowing borders in the world – sending a clear message that we are open for business.
“As our travel sector rapidly recovers, and we accelerate towards a future where we want travel to remain open for good, these rule changes coming ahead of half term are good news for families, businesses and the travel sector.”
Determined to make travel cheaper and easier for families, the decision to remove testing requirements could save the average family around £100.
Since 3 February 2022, children aged 12 to 15 in England can demonstrate their vaccination status or proof of prior infection via a digital NHS COVID Pass for outbound travel. This makes it easier to travel to countries that require proof of vaccination or prior infection in order to access venues or services, including museums, restaurants and cafes.
By the end of February, people will also have an extra day to fill out the passenger locator form before travelling.
Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid said: “As we learn to live with COVID-19, we are taking a balanced approach to opening up international travel and removing all tests for people who have played their part and have been vaccinated.
“Thanks to the millions of people who have come forward for their COVID-19 jabs, we are one of the most boosted countries in Europe and are able to take these steps today.”
As the government goes one step further to reopen the travel sector, the UK will be reconnecting with key global markets, and from today will accept vaccine certificates from an additional 16 countries and territories including China and Mexico. This will bring the total list to over 180 countries and territories worldwide.
VisitBritain CEO Sally Balcombe said: “Britain’s tourism industry is ready to welcome international visitors, we know there is pent-up demand for travel and our priority is to build back visitor spending as quickly as possible, competing hard for international visitors who contribute billions to our economy.
“Our £10 million global GREAT Britain marketing campaign is already rolling out across our major overseas markets, showing that Britain is packed full of fresh and exciting experiences to come and enjoy today.
“This year’s landmark events including HM The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, the Commonwealth Games and the ground-breaking ‘Unboxed’ events across the UK, set to be global tourism draws, also present exciting and timely opportunities to highlight experiences that visitors can only have here, and to promote our warm welcome and creativity to the world.”
With more people travelling overseas, the government is continuing to remind everyone that travelling abroad is still different and countries may change their own rules at short notice.
All travellers are encouraged to check FCDO travel advice for the latest entry requirements and COVID-19 rules for their destination beforehand.
Sean Doyle, Chairman and CEO of British Airways, said: “It’s great news that restrictions are being lifted in time for families to get away for a much-needed break this half term.
“We’ve seen a boost to bookings directly as a result of lifting restrictions and customers can now travel, safe in the knowledge that they won’t be burdened by expensive and unnecessary testing to return to the UK. We hope that other countries will soon catch up with the UK’s pragmatic approach.”
Sophie Dekkers, Chief Commercial Officer of easyJet, said: “We’ve continued to see pent-up demand each time restrictions are removed and UK bookings increased following the welcome reduction of travel restrictions, which has been sustained in recent weeks with a further boost from the removal of all testing by the UK government.
“We have been encouraged to see strong late bookings in the lead-up to half term, which is a key time for many of our customers, with thousands set to enjoy a long-awaited family break and we can’t wait to welcome more customers back on board in the coming days.”
Andrew Flintham, Managing Director for TUI UK, said: “The recent changes to travel, particularly the removal of testing for everyone is who double vaccinated, is a huge leap forwards in getting travel back to normal.
“There remains a huge pent-up demand for international travel and we’ve seen strong and sustained booking patterns since the announcement as customers look to go abroad with ease and without the added expense of testing.
“As a result, bookings for February half term and Easter holidays are comparable to 2019, with Mexico, Dominican Republic, Cape Verde and the Canaries the most popular destinations. And we expect this summer to be stronger than 2019 for the UK market.”
Mark Tanzer, Chief Executive of ABTA – The Travel Association, said: “Today’s changes are a big step forward for the outbound travel industry and holidaymakers, and a recognition of the importance of travel to people’s lives and to the UK economy.
“Travel rules have been holding people back from taking a foreign break, so these changes should serve as a boost to consumer confidence, leading more people to plan and book their overseas trips.
“There are still steps people need to take when heading abroad and ABTA travel agents and tour operators are on hand to guide travellers through the process.”
While the red list will continue to remain on standby as the first line of defence against future variants of concern arriving from abroad, the government is looking to replace the hotel quarantine policy with other contingency measures including home isolation – provided a sufficiently robust digital solution to ensure compliance with home isolation can be found.
Further details will be set out on this later in the spring.
Police are appealing for information after a woman was assaulted in her home on Parsons Green Terrace around 5.10pm on Wednesday (9 February).
Two men entered the property and assaulted a 47-year-old woman. The men then ran off when the woman’s 10-year-old daughter began screaming.
They were seen heading west, towards the Meadowbank area.
The first suspect is described as white, 30 to 40-years-old, 6ft, slim build and was wearing a light grey snood over his nose and mouth, grey joggers, jacket and light coloured jumper.
The second suspect is described as white, 30 to 40-years-old, 5ft 10, slim build and was wearing dark joggers and fleece, had the bottom half of his face covered and was carrying an orange food delivery bag.
Detective Sergeant Gary Smyth, of Police Scotland’s Violence Reduction unit, said: “Although the victim was not seriously hurt this was a distressing experience for her and her young daughter.
“It is important we trace these men and I would urge anyone who may have seen them in the area at the time to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting reference 2552 of Wednesday, 9 February 2022.”
Holyrood’s Presiding Officer has launched an audit that will review the representation and participation of women in the Scottish Parliament.
Based on work developed by both the Inter-Parliamentary Union and the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, all of Holyrood’s parties will be represented on a board that will oversee this work, consider the audit’s findings and make recommendations for change.
Presiding Officer, Alison Johnstone MSP, said: “Last May’s election returned our most representative and diverse Parliament to date. We know, though, from viewing the Parliament’s make up from 1999 until now, that this welcome progress can’t be taken for granted.
“This is an important opportunity to have a broad look at how the Parliament takes account of barriers to equal representation in its work.”
Working with Holyrood’s political parties, parliamentary staff, pre-eminent academics and Engender, the audit will cover a wide range of issues. These will include the number and position of women parliamentarians, participation and intervention levels in Chamber business and the impact of parliamentary procedures and policies.
Fiona Mackay, Professor of Politics at the University of Edinburgh and one of the academic advisers to the board, said: “When the Scottish Parliament was created in 1999, it was internationally praised for its world-leading levels of women’s representation, and its attention to equal opportunities and participation.
“Now is a good time to take stock. This audit, based on a well-tested comparative framework, will let us know how well Scotland has done over the long haul. And, crucially, what work still needs to be done to make it an inclusive parliament for the 21st Century.”
Eilidh Dickson, Policy and Parliamentary Manager, Engender, said: “Women are underrepresented in almost all areas of our democracy, resulting in policy decisions which not only ignore women, but actively deepen inequality.
“By examining the make-up of committees, gathering data on who is being invited to give evidence, and understanding where gender mainstreaming is being ignored, we can work towards a Scottish Parliament which can act as an exemplar for women’s equality. We are delighted to be involved in the project.”
Work on the audit will begin immediately with a report detailing recommendations for improvement due by the end of 2022.
Audit Board Membership
Presiding Officer, Alison Johnstone MSP
Alex Cole Hamilton MSP, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Eilidh Dickson, Policy and Parliamentary Manager, Engender
Fiona Mackay, Professor of Politics, University of Edinburgh
Jeremy Balfour MSP, Scottish Conservative Party
Karen Adam MSP, Scottish National Party
Maggie Chapman MSP, Scottish Green Party
Dr Meryl Kenny, Senior Lecturer in Gender & Politics, University of Edinburgh
Monica Lennon MSP, Scottish Labour Party
Sarah Childs, Professor of Politics & Gender at Royal Holloway
Susan Duffy, Head of Engagement & Communications, Scottish Parliament
Tracey White, Group Head of Legislation & Parliamentary Business, Scottish Parliament
Academic Advisory Group to the Board –
Sarah Childs is currently Professor of Politics & Gender at Royal Holloway, University of London, and will move to the University of Edinburgh in May 2022. Her research centres on the theory and practice of women’s representation, gender and political parties, parliaments and institutional change.
An eminent author, her latest book is Feminist Democratic Representation. She also authored The Good Parliament Report in 2016, advised the Commons Reference Group on Representation and Inclusion that met between 2016-18 and worked on the pilot (2018) which instigated permanent change to Standing Orders to allow proxy voting for babyleave (2020).
Dr.Meryl Kenny is Senior Lecturer in Gender and Politics at the University of Edinburgh and Co-Director of the Centre on Constitutional Change (2021-22). She has published widely in the areas of gender and political institutions, political representation and recruitment, and Scottish politics.
Meryl convenes the University of Edinburgh’s Gender Politics Research Group (which hosts the genderpol blog); sits on the steering group of the University’s genderED initiative; and is a member of the steering group of the cross-party Women5050 campaign for legal gender quotas in Scotland.
Fiona Mackay is a Professor of Politics at the University of Edinburgh, and currently Dean and Head of the School of Social and Political Science. Mackay is founding director of genderED, the University of Edinburgh’s interdisciplinary hub for gender and sexuality studies. She researches gender, politics and policy at Scottish, UK and international levels. She is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh.
Engender is a feminist policy and advocacy organisation, working to increase women’s social, political and economic equality, enable women’s rights, and make visible the impact of sexism on women and wider society.
Police Scotland has issued an update on the search for missing woman Alice Byrne:
‘Extensive enquiries have been carried out as part of our efforts to trace 28-year-old Alice Byrne, including house to house enquiries, CCTV reviews and detailed searches in the local area.
‘Alice was last seen leaving a friend’s flat in Marlborough Street, Edinburgh, on the morning of Saturday, 1 January, 2022, and walking towards the promenade and beach.
‘Our enquiries have subsequently indicated that Alice entered the water alone on the morning she went missing.
‘Efforts to trace her continue and officers are providing support and updates to Alice’s family.’
In a statement released though Police Scotland, shortly after herdisappearance Alice’s family said: “Alice has been missing for one week now and we are shocked and distressed by her disappearance.
“She always keeps in contact with us so we are extremely worried because we have not heard from her. We are desperate to know where she is.
“If Alice sees this, we want her to know how much we miss her. We just want her home safe and well.”
Finance Secretary Kate Forbes announced a further £290 million in financial support to help address the rising cost of living at Holyrood yesterday.
Ms Forbes said that while the Scottish Government is awaiting final confirmation from the Treasury on funding allocations, the £290 million for Scotland announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer last week is not likely to mean net additional funding. This is due to an expected reduction of a similar amount in other consequential funding previously anticipated through the forthcoming UK Government Supplementary Estimates.
Despite these budget pressures and existing support in place to help people, Scottish Ministers have honoured the commitment to allocate £290 million to help tackle the cost of living crisis and are going further to ensure those hardest hit have support.
New measures announced include:
£280 million to provide £150 to every household in receipt of Council Tax Reduction in any Band and to provide £150 to all other occupied households in Bands A to D. This means 1.85 million households, or 73% of all households, will receive financial support through their council tax bill or a direct payment
£10 million in 2022-23 to continue the Fuel Insecurity Fund to help households from rationing their energy use
This is in addition to the £120 million previously announced for local government in 2022-23.
A further £39.5 million has also been allocated to businesses from the £375 million of Omicron business support funding for the current financial year. Following consultation with businesses, who asked for financial support to now focus on economic recovery, this funding will help support local economies and cities continue their economic recovery and help build a more resilient economy.
Funding allocated includes:
£16 million for culture and major events
£7.5 million to support inbound tour operators
£6.5 million to support the childcare sector
£3.5 million for outbound travel agents
£3 million for city centre recovery
£3 million to help digitalise SMEs to increase competitiveness, productivity and drive growth
Ms Forbes said: “Large rises in energy bills, increased costs on every day essentials, rising interest rates and the UK Government’s new National Insurance hike are causing huge concern and worry, and people are struggling. These additional costs will hit the most vulnerable in our society, the hardest.
“That is why we will honour our commitment, whatever other Budget challenges we face, to pass on the full £290 million to help families now. I am therefore today announcing that there will be three elements to the package of support today.
“Firstly, we will provide £150 to every household in receipt of Council Tax Reduction in all Council Tax bands. The Council Tax Reduction Scheme already identifies households in greatest need and will allow us to target this intervention.
“Secondly, I will provide local authorities with funding to pass on £150 to other occupied household in Bands A to D in Scotland. In total, combining these elements, 1.85 million, or 73% of all households, will receive £150 of support. I know that the cost of living crisis is affecting households who are not in receipt of benefits, who are not claiming a Council Tax Reduction. And they are facing hardship too. We must seek to do what we can to prevent those households and families on the edge of the poverty line, from falling over it.
“Thirdly I am also announcing £10 million in 2022-23 to continue our Fuel Insecurity Fund to help households at risk of self-disconnection, or self-rationing their energy use, due to unaffordable fuel costs.
“Households across Scotland, across the UK, are struggling with the wide range of rising costs and many of the macro levers, for example, around energy regulation reside with the UK Government. That is why I will be writing to the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, again highlighting that we must work together urgently so we can use our joint powers to do more to tackle the cost of living.”
Responding to the Budget announcement Peter Kelly, Director of the Poverty Alliance, said: People across Scotland are feeling the grip of poverty tighten on their lives. But the measures announced today by the Scottish Government in response to the cost of living crisis do not do enough to target support at people on the lowest incomes.
Sat 12 Feb 1pm
Glasgow: 
