The nation’s leading nursery group, Busy Bees, started the month with a buzz as Scotland’s first graduation ceremony for early years practitioners was held at Edinburgh’s Assembly Rooms.
On Saturday 1October the qualification provider, Busy Bees Education and Training, invited 37 practitioners from across Scotland to don their gowns in celebration of achieving their Social Services Children and Young People SVQ 3 and SVQ 4 qualifications.
The ceremony comprised presentations of the graduates in front of their families and loved ones, as well as addresses from Yvonne Smillie, Busy Bees Scotland Managing Director; Cheryl Creaser, Group COO and Marg Randles, Busy Bees Co-Founder.
For some, the occasion was extra special, signifying the first member of their family to have achieved a higher qualification. Among those celebrating was a mother and daughter team from Dunfermline Castle View, Andrina June and Andrina Becky Francis, 58 and 21 respectively, who supported each other throughout their journeys to achieve their SVQ3.
Caroline Black, Childcare Assessor and Trainer at Busy Bees Education and Training Academy,said: “Andrina June was an amazing practitioner and her rapport with the children, staff and parents shone through. During the training programme she gained more confidence in her abilities and technology skills.
“Her daughter, Andrina Becky, was a committed learner from day one, she always used her initiative and was a super role model for other colleagues”, Caroline added.
Many graduates also conquered personal battles while studying for their qualification, with others continuing to provide the highest early years education and care for the children of key workers during the pandemic.
One graduate, 19-year-old Ailey from Edinburgh’s Newhaven centre, felt she didn’t have the confidence to undertake her SVQ3, saying “I didn’t do well at school; I was rubbish at everything!”
Ailey thought there was no chance she could complete a qualification, however, Caroline Black, saw great potential in her. She said: “Ailey was doing so well practically in the nursery, and had super knowledge of the specific needs of the children in her care.
“You wouldn’t believe her transformation! Going from a young girl who needed a boost in confidence to believing she is really good at what she does. She has gained much more experience in a variety of different areas, is now Room Manager of the Baby Room and has now started her SVQ4.”
In July 2022, Busy Bees was named one of the top 100 apprenticeship employers in the UK and since 2001 has offered additional support for those who want to earn early years qualifications. The apprenticeships help their teams across the country reach new heights and give children the best start in life.
Speaking at the event, Marg Randles, who co-founded Busy Bees nurseries nearly 40 years ago, said: “It is fantastic to recognise the achievements of all our graduates, especially in such challenging circumstances over the last two years. For many, this is their first formal qualification, and it means a lot to be able to support them on their learning journey.
“There is something special about seeing early years education as a profession with the opportunity to progress and develop. Many of us within the Busy Bees’ leadership team have followed that journey, and I’d urge anyone with a genuine passion for children to consider it as a profession.”
The graduation event celebrated 37 learners from Busy Bees’ 20 centres across Scotland, including 21 colleagues who achieved SVQ3 qualifications in Social Services (Children and Young People) SCQF Level 7.
A further 16 completed a Leadership qualification at SVQ4 (SCQF Level 9), many of whom have progressed through various roles within the nurseries to take on leadership positions, including becoming Centre Directors.
Busy Bees is currently recruiting for 30 positions for qualified educators and has openings for school and college leavers through its apprenticeship scheme who want to join and learn on the job.
To find out more about opportunities at Busy Bees in Scotland, please visit:
POLICE are appealing for information after an unprovoked assault on two teenagers in Leith.
The incident happened in the Albert Place and Leith Walk area shortly after 1am yesterday (Wednesday, 19 October).
A group of males on electric motorbikes approached the two male teenagers, aged 19 and 18.
The 19-year-old suffered a stab wound to his leg during the incident and was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh.
The 18-year-old was treated at the scene for an injury to his leg sustained while attempting to get away from the group.
The group of males, all described as white, wearing balaclavas, gloves, rucksacks and dark clothing, then left the scene on their motorbikes in the direction of Albert Street.
Detective Sergeant Steven Dick said: “This was a completely unprovoked incident and we are carrying out extensive enquiries to identify the group of three males on motorbikes involved.
“Our enquiries so far suggest they have been riding their motorbikes a short time earlier in the city centre so I would urge anyone who believes they may have seen them to get in touch.
“Anyone else with any information can get in touch with us by calling 101, quoting reference 174 of 19 October, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
Land Commission launches research in a bid to continuously improve engagement
People in Scotland are being encouraged to participate in a nationwide survey to help inform a major public body on how engagement in decisions about land in Scotland can be improved.
The Scottish Land Commission’s easy-to-use online surveys have officially launched giving people in Scotland an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to land reform.
The Commission is conducting two surveys – one for landowners and one for communities – to find out more about how private and public sector landowners engage with their local communities.
The land reform body is hoping to collect information on the progress that has been made so far while the results will go on to help shape future guidance and regulation changes to encourage more effective engagement with communities when it comes to land.
Hamish Trench, Chief Executive at the Scottish Land Commission, said: “Land is our most valuable asset. It is important to a variety of Scotland’s ambitions such as net zero, nature restoration and community empowerment.
“By listening to the views of landowners and communities, it will paint a better picture of how community engagement has progressed and how it can continue to improve in the coming years.
“Land can and should work to everyone’s benefit and by engaging closely with those across the country, regulations and recommendations can be shaped to ensure everybody is included in that benefit.”
The survey was first run in 2019 to establish a baseline of knowledge for the Scottish Land Commission; the latest survey has launched to look at how the situation has changed.
The survey is now open and will run until the 30 November. The research will then be analysed by the Scottish Land Commission and results may be shared with the Scottish Government and other relevant organisations to inform future work programmes and priorities.
It is the latest initiative from the Scottish Land Commission which recently launched its ‘Land @ Lunch’ bitesize webinars to inform those across the country with practical information about land use and ownership.
The Scottish Land Commission works with landowners, land managers and communities to help them to create a Scotland where everybody benefits from the ownership, management and use of the nation’s land.
The survey for landowners and managers can be found here:
Frontline and third sector organisations invited to apply
Drug support services are benefitting from a £65 million boost to drive down the number of drug deaths each year.
Life-saving organisations which help people who use drugs turn their lives around and offer support to their families are invited to apply for this Government funding which will help people on their road to recovery.
The cash will go to initiatives like Aberdeen Alcohol and Drugs Action which was given almost half a million pounds earlier this year to deliver a “Sharp Response Service” to people in their homes, ensuring they were given immediate access to advice and support to help them get back on track.
The money, from the additional £250 million national mission funding, is being channelled through the Local Support Fund which is open all year round and two further funding pots, which are reopening today (20 October) – the Improvement Fund for organisations delivering residential rehabilitation and associated services and the Children and Families Fund which gives financial help to those working with the loved ones of those affected.
All funds are administered through the CORRA Foundation, a charity which aims to make grants available to projects which make a difference to people and communities.
Drugs Policy Minister Angela Constance said: “The number of lives lost to drugs is still too high in Scotland and these funds are vital for those services working on the frontline to help those affected and their families.
“These organisations save lives and we want to support them so they can extend as far into their communities as possible and offer people the support they need when and where they need it.
“£65 million of the additional £250 million set aside for the national mission on drug deaths over the course of this Parliament will go directly to these funds and we are determined to make every penny count.”
Aberdeen Alcohol and Drugs Action Service Manager Simon Pringle said: “The Drug Improvement Fund has allowed ADA to offer a more flexible service to clients who find accessing mainstream or statutory services – including treatment – difficult.
“Since receiving the funding we have offered help to over 150 individuals helping them access support, engage with NHS Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT), re-engage with services and receive sterile injecting equipment.
“We have been able to target those most at risk and see them quickly – usually the same day – therefore reducing the risks of overdose or other harms. Without the fund we wouldn’t have been able to achieve this.”
CHAOTIC TORY GOVERNMENT LURCHES FROM CRISIS TO CRISIS
HOME SECRETARY RESIGNS
DEFIANT TRUSS CLINGS ON – FOR NOW
Suella Braveman’s scathing resignation letter:
Prime Minister’s response:
If the resignation of another senior government minister was serious enough, worse was to follow on a chaotic evening at Westminster as Tory whips were accused of bullying and physically manhandling MPs over a crucial vote on fracking.
Both the Chief Whip and Deputy Chief Whip resigned – or maybe they didn’t.
Chaos. Utter chaos.
At time of writing Liz Truss remains in post as Prime Minister, clinging on despite her authority collapsing around her. Whether she will still be there this evening is anyone’s guess.
Garden Centre launches 2022 Christmas events programme
Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre retailer, is gearing up to create a Christmas to remember for customers in Edinburgh and announces a magical line up of great-value festive events to get the whole family excited for the season ahead, with booking now open.
Santa’s Grotto is back and better than ever, with families having the opportunity to take part in an interactive experience in the Edinburgh store. Attendees will be greeted by Santa’s elves to walk through the snowy woodland, spotting reindeer, rabbits and more, as well as helping to pack Santa’s sleigh.
They’ll then spend time with Santa and receive a special gift to take home. Families can opt in to purchase a photograph with Santa, creating memories to last forever.
Dobbies’ Quiet Grottos will also be available on 9 December. This experience is designed to help support children with additional needs, with sound and visual elements adapted to reduce anxiety.
If you’re looking to get the whole family involved, Dobbies’ Edinburgh store will also offer a Santa Paws grotto experience. Dog lovers across Edinburgh have the chance to bring their pups to see Santa, with a special doggie gift and photo opportunity available. Children’s tickets can be added, for a full family experience.
The garden centre is also hosting its ever-popular Santa’s Breakfast experience, perfect for families and children under 10 years old. Breakfast options are available for both adults and children, including vegetarian and lighter options, with food, fun activities and a gift from Santa all included in the children’s great-value ticket price.
Dobbies’ Festive Afternoon Tea will also take place, with options to suit the whole family. Guests can indulge in three tiers of fantastic festive food, and unlimited tea and coffee refills. There are also options to upgrade with additional savoury items, hot drinks and Prosecco.
Dobbies’ Partnership and Events Manager, Sarah Murray, said: “Christmas is all about getting the family together and spending quality time with your loved ones.
“At Dobbies we want to give families an experience to remember and unforgettable memories to cherish for years to come. Nothing is more magical than Christmas time, and our interactive festive events in Edinburgh will help bring the season to life for the entire family.”
Customers in Edinburgh are encouraged to book in advance for Dobbies’ Christmas events to avoid disappointment. Customers have the opportunity to make a donation to Dobbies’ National Charity Partner, Teenage Cancer Trust, when booking online: https://www.dobbies.com/events.
Santa’s Grotto events start on 24 November, prices from £11.99 per child
Santa’s Quiet Grotto takes place on 9 December, prices from £11.99 per child
Santa Paws starts running on 3 December, priced at £6.99 per dog
Santa’s Breakfast takes place from 26 November onwards, £13.99 per child and from £7.30 per adult
Festive Afternoon Tea starts on 1 November, £13.50 per adult and £7.50 per child
Santa’s Afternoon Tea runs from 3 December, £13.99 per adult and £13.50 per child
Pop in to chat with the peer-supporters here. This group suits any mums who are breastfeeding and have any questions or experiences they’d like to share. It also suits any mums-to-be who have questions or are thinking about breastfeeding. Just pop in!
August House Price Index from Walker Fraser Steele:
Scotland’s average house price decreased in August by £225
But 31 Local Authorities have seen prices rise over the year
Shetland Islands have highest annual growth rate at 19.6%
Larger number of high-value sales in 2022 than 2021
Average house price £224,117, down 0.1% on July, 7.6% up annually
Table 1. Average House Prices in Scotland for the period August 2021 – August 2022
Scott Jack, Regional Development Director at Walker Fraser Steele, comments:“The average price paid for a house in Scotland in August 2022 was £224,117 – a slight decrease of 0.1%, from the price established in July.
“It is only significant in so far that it is the first decrease in Scotland’s monthly average house price since June 2021, but it is important to remember that on an annual basis, the price is some £15,900, or 7.6%, higher than it was in August 2021.
“One reason for the continued resilience is the number of sales recorded over £750k. Our data shows that some 82 sales were recorded at values over £750k during August 2022. We think this figure will increase as further sales for the month are processed by the Registers of Scotland.
“What this number of sales over £750k tells us is that “working from home” and the “race for space” continue to be important features of the current housing market, even if the prominence of the Covid restrictions are beginning to wane.
“Properties of this nature command more space to accommodate new ways of living but remain in short supply which again supports the average house price – even in the face of some meaningful economic headwinds thanks to global inflationary pressures.
“How resilient prices are over the coming months remains to be seen. Certainly, some of the recent domestically inspired spikes to mortgage affordability may yet dampen buyer enthusiasm, but today’s interventions from the new Chancellor are designed to stabilise the cost of borrowing – and there remains a shortage of desirable property.”
Commentary: John Tindale, Acadata Senior Housing Analyst
The August housing market
The average price paid for a house in Scotland in August 2022 was £224,117. This represents a marginal fall of £224, or -0.1%, from the price established in July, the first fall in Scotland’s monthly average house price since June 2021.
Although the average price fell in the month, on an annual basis the price is some £15,900, or 7.6%, higher than it was in August 2021. This annual rate has slowed from the 10.6% growth seen in June, but that month was assisted by a near £3,000 fall in prices which occurred twelve months earlier in June 2021, meaning that the base point for measuring June’s growth rate had started from a particularly low level.
As Figure 1 below shows, since the start of this year the average house price growth in Scotland has been oscillating on a bi-monthly basis, so the fall in the August rate was not unexpected.
Figure 1. The monthly rate of house price growth in Scotland over the period August 2021 to August 2022
As shown in Table 2 sales of high-value properties in the first eight months of the year are at an all-time high, with no indications that the pace of such sales is diminishing. This would suggest that the post-Covid lifestyle changes associated with “working from home” and a “race for space” remain as motivation for would be home-movers, with competition for the right property continuing to keep prices high.
The commentary in this release relates to the August housing market in Scotland. This does of course pre-date the somewhat remarkable events of September and October, with a Mini-Budget having been delivered on 23rd September and a new Chancellor being installed on 13th October.
As noted in this release, the housing market has shown considerable resilience over recent months, in spite of predictions otherwise. Although interest rates have been edging up, it is clear there is still considerable buying power and appetite in the market. Our task will be to report on what happens to completion prices based on cash and mortgaged transactions across Scotland. There will be much on which to reflect.
Transactions analysis
Figure 2 below shows the monthly transaction count for purchases during the period January 2015 to August 2022, based on RoS (Registers of Scotland) figures for the Date of Entry (August 2022 totals are based on RoS Application dates).
The effect of the Covid pandemic – which started in March 2020 – can be clearly seen from the graph. Housing transactions in April 2020 plummeted with the arrival of the pandemic, to be followed by a slow rise in sales as confidence began to return. Then followed a period when sales exceeded previous levels, from September 2020 to March 2021, as lifestyle changes and the LBTT tax-holiday pushed up demand – especially for properties with space to allow for working from home.
The March 2021 peak is also clearly visible, which coincided with the last month of the LBTT tax-holiday. The final month typically creates a peak in transactions, as purchasers rush to take advantage of the tax-holiday before the end of the month, after which time the tax savings come to an abrupt halt.
Sales from June 2021 onward also tended to be higher than during the previous five years (2015 – 2019), as demand for larger properties with space and potential holiday lets continued to stimulate the market. It is only from the start of 2022 that demand appears to have weakened marginally, with sales from March 2022 to July 2022 no longer exceeding those of the previous years, although Table 2 on the next page indicates that the demand for properties priced in excess of £750k continues to be strong.
In the graph below, the August 2022 total shows a small increase in transactions compared to July 2022, but the figure for the month remains an estimate, so at this stage not too much weight should be given to the predicted rise in sales.
RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors), in its August 2022 Residential Market Survey, is continuing to point to an easing in sales market activity, with metrics on demand and sales remaining in negative territory over the month. RICS do however add that that the current level of market appraisals being undertaken is similar to that seen twelve months ago, suggesting the tight supply backdrop is unlikely to change dramatically in the near future – this remains consistent with a still reasonably solid degree of upward movement in house prices for the time being.
Figure 2. The number of sales per month recorded by RoS based on entry date (RoS applications date for August 2022), for the period 2015 – 2022. (Source: Registers of Scotland.)
Scotland transactions of £750k or higher
Table 2. The number of transactions by month in Scotland greater than or equal to £750k, January 2015 – August 2022
Table 2 shows the number of transactions per month in Scotland which are equal to or greater than £750k. The threshold of £750k has been selected as it is the breakpoint at which the highest rate of LBTT becomes payable.
Table 2 shows that there were 82 sales in excess of £750k during August 2022, and we anticipate that this total will increase by another twenty-plus in number, as further sales for the month are processed by the Registers of Scotland. If this proves to be the case, then six of the eight months in 2022 will have seen a higher number of sales in excess of £750k than in 2021, which was itself ahead of all previous years. Certainly, looking at the first eight months of 2021, for comparative purposes, there were 692 sales above £750k, which have been exceeded by the 710 sales seen in 2022.
These statistics suggest that the “lifestyle changes” associated with the pandemic, of “working from home” and the “race for space”, continue to be important features of the current housing market, even if the prominence of the Covid restrictions are beginning to wane.
The five authorities with the largest number of the 710 high-value sales that have been recorded to date in 2022 are: Edinburgh (360); Glasgow City (46); Fife (39); East Lothian (36); and finally East Renfrewshire (24). From these figures it can be seen that in 2022, Edinburgh accounts for just over half of this sector of the housing market.
Local Authority Analysis
Table 3. Average House Prices in Scotland, by local authority area, comparing August 2021, July and August 2022
Table 3 above shows the average house price and percentage change (over the last month and year) by Local Authority Area for August 2021, as well as for July and August 2022, calculated on a seasonal- and mix-adjusted basis. The ranking in Table 3 is based on the local authority area’s average house price for August 2022. Local Authority areas shaded in blue experienced record average house prices in August 2022.
Annual change
The average house price in Scotland increased by some £15,900 – or 7.6% – over the last twelve months, to the end of August. This is a near £3,100 decrease over the £19,000 growth in prices seen in the twelve months to the end of July 2022 – and represents the second month in a row in which the increase in prices on an annual basis has slowed.
In August 2022, 31 of the 32 local authority areas in Scotland saw their average prices rise over the levels seen twelve months earlier, the same number as in July. The one area that saw values fall over the year was East Lothian, where prices have dropped by 1.9%. In East Lothian, it is the average price of detached properties that have fallen the most over the past year, from an average £520k in August 2021 to £490k in August 2022.
The area with the highest annual increase in average house prices in August 2022 was the Shetland Islands, where values have risen by 19.6% over the year. However, as regular readers of our reports will know, the Islands frequently have the largest movement in average house prices due to the small number of transactions that take place each month, with just 21 sales in August. On the mainland, the authority with the highest increase over the year was – for the fifth month in succession – Argyll and Bute, at 17.1%. Interestingly, in August, it was “Flats” that saw the largest increase in average prices in Argyll and Bute, assisted by the purchase of a ground floor conversion of a Victorian villa in Helensburgh for £560k.
On a weight-adjusted basis, which incorporates both the change in prices and the number of transactions involved, there are six local authority areas in August that accounted for 49% of the £15,900 increase in Scotland’s average house price over the year. The six areas in descending order of influence are: – Glasgow (11%); Edinburgh (11%); South Lanarkshire (10%); Highland (7%); Fife (5%); and West Lothian (5%).
Monthly change
In August 2022, Scotland’s average house price in the month fell by some £225, or -0.1%. This is the first fall in the average house price in a month since June 2021.
In August 2022, 20 of the 32 Local Authority areas in Scotland experienced rising prices in the month, the same number as in July. The largest increase in average prices in August was seen, for the second successive month, in Inverclyde, up by 7.0%. Last month we reported that prices in July in Inverclyde had been assisted by the purchase of an upmarket flat in Greenock. This was a lower-floor conversion of a traditional 5-bedrom 1870 Victorian blonde sandstone property, which sold for £370k. In August, it transpires that a further upper-floor conversion was sold in the same street for £410k, which helped secure Inverclyde’s position as having the highest increase in average prices in the month.
At the other end of the scale, the lowest increase in average prices in August was in Stirling, at -4.9%. The third-highest priced sale of the year in Stirling had been included in the statistics for last month – a detached home in Croftamie, a village located some 25 miles to the north of Glasgow, which sold for £1.4 million. But, having dropped out of the statistics this month and with no similar property taking its place, average prices in Stirling in August dropped accordingly.
Peak Prices
Each month, in Table 3 above, we highlight in light blue the local authority areas which have reached a new record in their average house prices. In August there are 7 such authorities, down from the 11 seen in July. With average prices in Scotland falling in August we should advise that Scotland itself is no longer at a record price, the first time this has happened this year.
Heat Map
The heat map below shows the rate of house price growth for the 12 months ending August 2022. As reported above, 31 of the 32 local authority areas in Scotland have seen a rise in their average property values over the last year, the one exception being East Lothian. The highest increase on the mainland over the twelve months to August 2022 was in Argyll and Bute at 17.1%. 14 of the 32 local authority areas had price growth in excess of 10.0% – two less than in July 2022.
Comparisons with Scotland
Figure 3. Scotland house prices, compared with England and Wales, Wales, North East and North West for the period January 2005-August 2022
Figure 4. A comparison of the annual change in house prices in Scotland, England and Wales, Wales, North East and North West for the period January 2005–August 2022
Scotland’s Eight Cities
Figure 5. Average house prices for Scotland’s eight cities from June 2021–August 2022
Figure 6. Average house prices for Scotland’s eight cities August 2022
RESPECT!, an exciting new exhibition, has opened at the Museum of Edinburgh.The exhibition is a celebration of the culture of Caribbean Scottish people through museum objects, poetry and film and has been created in collaboration with the Edinburgh Caribbean Association.
The exhibition explores what it is like to grow up in the Caribbean, what it means to be Caribbean, links with Scotland and how Caribbean food and music has influenced British culture. The items on display have been chosen by members of the Edinburgh Caribbean Association to share their stories with museum visitors. A Spotify playlist has also been created so visitors can enjoy a full range of Caribbean music.
The exhibition is part of a £250,000 community-led collections research project, Exchange, funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council in partnership with the National Museums Scotland and Royal Museums Greenwich. Exchange | National Museums Scotland (nms.ac.uk)
Cllr Val Walker, Culture and Communities Convener at City of Edinburgh Council said: “Our Museum of Edinburgh celebrates the history of Edinburgh and all the communities who live in the city.
“This wonderful new exhibition has been a community led project, exploring the collections of our Museum of Childhood and the connections between Edinburgh and the Caribbean.
“Visitors to the Museum can enjoy a celebration of the culture of Caribbean Scottish people through museum objects, poetry and film and has been created in collaboration with the Edinburgh Caribbean Association. I would like to thank the association members for their time, creativity and generosity.”
Lisa Williams, Edinburgh Caribbean Association said: “It’s been a wonderful experience collaborating with Museums & Galleries Edinburgh.
“We learned a lot from each other and forged friendship and understanding along the way.”
Curator Lyn Stevens, said: “It has been a tremendous privilege to work with the Edinburgh Caribbean Association.
“The group have shared their knowledge and expertise generously with museum staff and the result is a fascinating insight into the many different Caribbean cultures and what it is like to live in Britain and maintain traditions and a sense of identity.
“I have learnt so much working with them and I am looking forward to our visitors enjoying this wonderful exhibition.”
Dr John Giblin, Keeper of Global Arts, Cultures and Design at National Museums Scotland: “Thanks to a generous grant from the AHRC, the Exchange project has allowed organisations around the UK to work with communities who have historically been marginalised in museum and gallery displays to explore experiences of empire, migration, and life in Britain through their collections.
“Many hundreds of people have come together over the past year to reveal and share a wider range of stories and perspectives, and Respect! Caribbean life in Edinburgh is the culmination of a rich, thoughtful and productive collaboration between a museum and a community group.”
Our Museum of Edinburgh and Museum of Childhood champion local Edinburgh history and Edinburgh communities. The City of Edinburgh council is working to diversify museum collections as part of the Edinburgh Slavery and Colonialism Legacy Review. New acquisitions of dolls, books and magazines have been made as part of this project to add to the Museum of Childhood collections.
The exhibition will be accompanied by a Spotify playlist Respect! Caribbean Life in Edinburgh.
A wide-ranging events programme has been arranged alongside the exhibition.
