North Edinburgh News – Page 1521 – The NEN

Scottish Government launches local food strategy consultation

An opportunity to shape food policy

The public are being urged to help shape the first ever local food strategy produced by the Scottish Government.

Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon has urged everyone, from private individuals to businesses and organisations, to take part in a consultation – the first stage in a strategy to make high quality food accessible to all and promote the benefits of locally produced food and drink.

One of the Scottish Government’s 100 days’ commitments, the consultation covers a range of issues including promoting local produce, encouraging people to grow their own food and making quality local food and drink available to all.

It seeks views on the three pillars of the strategy, namely connecting people with food, connecting producers with buyers and harnessing the buying power of public sector procurement.

Vertical farming, a new agricultural technology that could help support local food production, is also included in the consultation.

The food and drink sector in Scotland is made up of more than 17,000 businesses which employ around 122,000 people, many in remote and economically fragile rural and island communities.

Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon said: “Scotland has some of the best food and drink anywhere in the world and the benefits of consuming locally produced food goes well beyond the plate.

“By encouraging more locally-based production, we can reduce the distance food travels as well as enabling more people to grow their own food.

“As a nation, our approach to food has been changing for the better – people want to know how their food was produced, such as welfare standards and how far it has travelled.

“Brexit and the Covid-19 pandemic have accelerated that pace of change and we want to maximise the potential that local food production has to offer – enriching lives, improving diets, supporting local economies and ensuring that a low income is not a barrier to healthy, nutritious food.

“This consultation includes the use of new technologies like vertical farming and food production and harnessing the spending power of public sector procurement and I would encourage individuals, businesses and organisations to be part of the process that will make Scotland a good food nation.”

The consultation runs until 26 November.

Today is National Tooth Fairy Day!

Capital bairns are losing out!

It’s often one of our first experiences with money, and probably one of the most magical. You go through the pain of losing your first tooth, pop it under your pillow when you go to sleep, and the next day you discover that the Tooth Fairy has come and swapped your tooth for a shiny coin …

Children in Edinburgh are currently paid £0.75 on average per tooth, with that only paying £15 per mouth for a whole set of baby teeth. Harrogate in North Yorkshire however, are paid £2.50 per tooth.

Whilst we don’t know where Tooth Fairies get their seemingly bottomless pot of funds from, the financial experts at Raisin UK have worked out the exact size of the global Tooth Fairy fortune, including why explaining gifting to your children before they become adults is a good idea.

The average cost per tooth is now £3.42 in the UK!

UK kids today appear to be making a pretty penny for each tooth as the national average the Tooth Fairy is dishing out is £3.42 – and with children expected to lose all their 20 baby teeth by the time they’re 12-14, this means there’s an extra £68.40 to be made alongside pocket money!

However, this figure isn’t universal and varies across the UK. According to research by Stem Protect, Children in Bradford receive £0.50 per tooth on average, whereas the Tooth Fairy grants a whopping £2.50 per tooth for children in Harrogate. Children in London are paid £1.50 per tooth.

Ultimately, if each child in the UK lost only one tooth per year, the Tooth Fairy fortune would have to amass to a staggering £40.9 million to cover the money left under pillows, or £818.1 million a year if each child lost all their milk teeth!

US Tooth Fairies leave the dollar bill behind, shedding out $4.70 for one tooth!

Across the pond, It seems the funds for US tooth fairies have increased even more than in the UK. On average, US children are receiving $4.70 per tooth – that’s just under $100 ($94) for their full set of baby teeth!

However, not all children in America are getting this generous handout from Tooth Fairies. Children in the Midwest receive the least on average at $3.71 per tooth, whereas Tooth Fairies in the Northeast of the USA are splashing out $4.35 a tooth!

Children under the age of 14 currently make up around 21.4% of the US population (around 60.2 million). If each child lost one tooth a year, the Tooth Fairies’ bill would be a whopping $283.1 million a year! If every child lost only half their baby teeth, the Tooth Fairies would need $2.8 billion to keep up with America’s dental demands.

The reality is parents are shelling out £68.40 per child

In reality, the disparity between countries and towns shows that numerous factors come into play when gifting cash for your children’s teeth as the Tooth Fairy.

The disparity in cost per tooth is clear when looking at research from Stem Protect. In areas of relatively high socioeconomic wealth such as Harrogate, children are earning more per tooth, compared to Bradford who are earning less.

Area of UK	Rate (£)	Rate (£) per 20 teeth
Bradford	£0.50	£10.00
Edinburgh	£0.75	£15.00
Nottingham	£1.00	£20.00
Manchester	£1.20	£24.00
Bristol	£1.25	£25.00
London	£1.50	£30.00
Leeds	£1.50	£30.00
Harrogate	£2.50	£50.00

In Ireland and Spain, however, the Tooth Fairy is paying out €3.90 (£3.36) per tooth, which calculates to €78.00 (£67) per mouth. The Spanish Tooth Fairy gives £464,104,913.90 away each year, and the Japanese Tooth Fairy spends £1,016,585,320.21 per year.

What’s influenced the Tooth Fairy inflation?

The Tooth Fairy has different rates everywhere. Whether it’s because of how far they have to travel, the rate varies across the UK. Tooth Fairies also pay less for unclean bedrooms, not going to bed on time, and not eating vegetables.

If you can, try and let the fairies know they are due, so they have time to write a note in the diary, drop off your money with plenty of notice, and dip into their savings in time!

Capital Cops: Latest update from Edinburgh Police Division

Here’s the latest Capital Cops column from Chief Superintendent Sean Scott:

The lifting of virtually all coronavirus restrictions now means that most of the features that makes Edinburgh great are starting to re-emerge.

This is in no small way down to the significant sacrifices and efforts you have made over the past 18 months, including getting vaccinated. I would encourage everyone who can, especially the younger generation, who have been a bit slower on the uptake, to get vaccinated.

The city is starting to buzz again, which is so welcome, especially Edinburgh’s world-renowned night time economy.

Our Operation Nightguard deployments have recommenced, with officers patrolling areas around licensed premises and conducting regular checks within to offer reassurance to staff and patrons and deter criminal activity.

We want everyone to be safe and really enjoy themselves so please ensure that, if you are on that long-awaited night out, you drink and behave responsibly and don’t let over-indulgence ruin things.

Other great news is that the Edinburgh Festival is back, albeit on a smaller scale but that still equates to a much busier city centre with hotels starting to fill again.

Consequently, Operation Summer City has commenced, which my officers and staff really enjoy, as it’s an opportunity for them to meet and help people from across the globe in making the most of their visit, representing both the capital and its Police Scotland guardians in the best light possible.

The good news, so far, is that there have been very few issues with the vast majority of those attending Festival events and celebrations doing so in good spirits, while adhering to those remaining COVID precautions.

Our Edinburgh Division social media channels are continuing to provide the public with useful advice and guidance on how to stay safe during the Festival so please ‘like’ us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to receive these updates.

Alternatively, visit www.scotland.police.uk where all of our personal safety and crime prevention advice is readily available 24/7.

Like me, you’ll have been enjoying the sunny weather over the past few weeks and with that, we have seen larger numbers of bicycles and motorcycles back on our roads. I would encourage all road users to be mindful of cyclists and motorcyclists, giving them plenty of space and time when passing or joining traffic.

Similarly, I would also encourage those who ride bikes of any sort to do all you can to stay safe on the road. This includes wearing high-visibility clothing and helmets, travelling at appropriate speeds and obeying all traffic signals and signage.

Unfortunately, the increase in people using this healthier form of travel can lead to an unhealthy increase in bike thefts, if care isn’t taken around security.

To that end, our Prevention, Intervention and Partnerships Department have been holding crime prevention stalls and bike marking events as part of the national Pedal Protect bike security campaign.

Please think seriously about getting your bike marked and contact your local policing team to arrange it – details are on our website at

http://www.scotland.police.uk/…/protecting-your-bike.

The summer comes … and then it goes to be replaced by all our autumn and winter responsibilities such as Halloween, Bonfire Night, Christmas and New Year. However, on top of those, it won’t have escaped your attention that the COP26 climate conference in Glasgow between 31 October and 12 November is on the horizon.

Edinburgh will have no small part to play in these globally important proceedings but I can reassure everyone that, with the eyes of the world on Scotland and its police service, careful and detailed planning is underway to ensure that all communities will still receive the quality, responsive service they need and deserve during that time.

As always, I look forward to working closely with partners for the planning phases of all these policing operations.

Stay safe and I hope you all enjoy a great summer with everything that Edinburgh has to offer.

Chief Superintendent Sean Scott, Divisional Commander for Edinburgh

Winter Firewalk to support Held in our Hearts

Held In Our Hearts are excited to launch their first live event this year.

The Fire Walk will take place on 4^th December from 6pm at Craiglockhart Leisure Centre and we are delighted to have Scott and the team back again from UK Firewalk.

www.ukfirewalk.com

In 2019 it was such a roaring success and we look forward to seeing people coming back to events again.

We are asking you to push yourself out of your comfort zone and walk across red-hot coals to raise money to support our bereaved parents.

For more information on how to sign up please email tracy@heldinouthearts.org.uk

Edinburgh offers shelter to people from Afghanistan

Capital will offer a haven to Afghans escaping the turmoil in their homeland

The City of Edinburgh Council has been asked to offer shelter to a number of people fleeing Afghanistan.

The capital will offer a number of places for permanent resettlement, as well as responding to the Home Office’s urgent request to accommodate a cohort of people on a temporary basis, as the security situation in Afghanistan deteriorates.

Due to the speed with which plans are being developed, details – including exact numbers and location – are still to be confirmed. Work will continue with the Home Office and partners and particularly services such as education and health to coordinate arrival and support planning.

Council Leader Adam McVey said: “Nobody can fail to be shocked and appalled to witness the desperate situation unfolding in Afghanistan. As a city we stand ready to help in whatever way we can.

“We’re in contact with both the UK and Scottish Governments to develop plans for how best we and our partners can offer support and housing to as many Afghans in need as possible. Edinburgh stands ready to welcome people to ensure they are immediately safe as well as welcoming new citizens to live in our city.

“We hope to be a position to confirm the level of Edinburgh’s involvement very soon. Meanwhile we continue to work rapidly with partners in the city to ensure that support is in place for people fleeing for their lives.”

Council Depute Leader Cammy Day said: “Scotland’s Capital has a long and proud history of welcoming people escaping desperate circumstances such as this.

“Our highly skilled team has an excellent track record over the last five years, successfully welcoming, supporting and settling more than 500 new residents displaced by the Syrian civil war into our city.

“I’m sure our communities will join us in doing everything they can to support those fleeing the horrendous situation we are all seeing in Afghanistan.”

Stories by the Sea

SEA STORIES at Wardie Bay next week!

When: Thursday 26th August – 11am – 12:30pm

Where: An Eco-therapy Group Event at Wardie Bay/Granton Pier

If you would like to join please email Jenna: jennacorker@pchp.org.uk

Join us a Wardie Bay… Connecting with nature is good for us.

Eco-therapy practitioner Stephen McCabe Nature Therapy Online is passionate about the ways that Scotland’s traditional myths and stories can connect us with our beautiful landscapes.

Join us at Wardie Bay as Stephen shares a traditional story from the area related to the sea.

We will then, as a group, take a relaxing walk and share our own stories with each other related to the sea.

Personal memories are welcome, as well as our favourite stories with water themes!

Group activities and walking will last from 11-12, followed by lunch by the water. The lunches and snacks are on us!

If you would like any extra support to access this event please let Jenna know. Email Jenna at jennacorker@pchp.org.uk

#TakingStepsToBetterHealth

#wellbeing

#NorthEdinburgh

£5 million investment to improve Scotland’s play parks

Play parks across Scotland will be modernised and restored through £5 million of funding, following agreement between the Scottish Government and Cosla.

Each local authority will receive a share of the funding to improve the standard of existing play parks, enhancing play opportunities for children and young people.

The funding is the first round of the Scottish Government’s total planned investment of £60 million for play park renovation over this parliamentary term and delivers on another commitment for the first 100 days of this government.

Minister for Children Clare Haughey said: “We know that play is an absolutely crucial part of children’s health and well-being and as we continue to recover from the pandemic, playing outside will allow children to reconnect with each other and allow them to return to enjoying their childhood.

“Our overall investment of £60 million will ensure that all children across Scotland have access to quality play in their own community and helps to deliver on children’s right to play, enshrined in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

“We will continue to listen to children and young people throughout this process to ensure our funding is spent on play spaces that work for all.”

A Parcel of Rogues: Pandemic Profiteers

STUC Online Event

Covid-19 has had a profound impact on Scotland’s economy, but the cost of the crisis has not been shared evenly. What can we do about it?

About this event

Join us on Tuesday the 24th of August to hear from leading economists and trade unionists about the parts of Scotland’s economy that have prospered during the Covid-19 pandemic, the potential long-term economic impacts, and how trade unions and policymakers can respond.

Speakers will include:

• Laurie Macfarlane, Economics Editor at openDemocracy and Head of Finance at the UCL Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose. Prior to this Laurie was Senior Economist at the New Economics Foundation.

• Christine Berry, economist, writer, and co-author of ‘People Get Ready! Preparing for a Corbyn Government’. Christine was recently appointed as Director of the thinktank IPPR North.

• Jennifer McCarey, Chair of Glasgow Trades Council.

• Richard Hardy, National Secretary of Prospect, a Commissioner on the Scottish Government’s Just Transition Commission, and sits on the STUC General Council.

Open to all, free to attend.

Chief Medical Officer urges pregnant women to get vaccinated

“By far the best course of action for you and your baby is to get both doses of the vaccine”

Scotland’s Chief Medical Officer is urging pregnant women to get the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine to protect them and their baby.

Following a recent study showing evidence of increased hospitalisations, Dr Gregor Smith is encouraging all expectant mothers to discuss the vaccine with their healthcare professionals so they can make a fully informed choice.

The UK Obstetric Service (UKOSS) published research last month which showed the number of pregnant women being admitted to hospital with COVID-19 across the UK is increasing, with many experiencing acute symptoms.

The report also suggests the Delta variant is associated with an increased risk of severe illness among hospitalised pregnant women.

Dr Smith said: “Firstly I want to thank all our healthcare staff for everything they are doing across Scotland not just in relation to the wider vaccination programme but also for their efforts to ensure good outcomes for women, families and babies during the pandemic.

“We have written to heath boards and GPs to ensure they are aware of all the latest evidence-based advice and guidance to enable them to fully discuss the very clear positive benefits of the vaccine with their patients.

“Recent data shows the number of pregnant women being admitted to hospital with COVID-19 has risen, and that is concerning. Evidence suggests that the Delta variant may be associated with an increased risk of severe illness among hospitalised pregnant women.

“We want all pregnant women to have the information they need to make an informed choice, so if you have any concerns or questions, please speak to your midwife, GP, or go along to a drop-in clinic. By far the best course of action for you and your baby is to get both doses of the vaccine.”

UKOSS study

NOTE: 3,613 new cases of COVID-19 were reported in Scotland yesterday. The trend is upwards – this pandemic is far from over.

Alex Cole-Hamilton confirmed as new Scottish Lib-Dems leader

Edinburgh Western MSP Alex Cole-Hamilton has been confirmed as the new leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats. He was elected unopposed.

Mr Cole-Hamilton takes over from Willie Rennie, who stepped down after the Scottish Parliament elections in May which saw the Lib-Dem contingent reduced to just four MSPs at Holyrood.

Following the announcement Mr Cole-Hamilton said: “With everything we have been through Scotland needs new hope right now. As the new leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats, I want to offer that to the people of our country.

“We no longer have to choose between the Scottish nationalisms of the SNP and the Brexit nationalism of the Conservatives, the Scottish Liberal Democrats are the positive, unifying alternative.

“Our country is a beautiful and dynamic place to live, our people are proud, and our history is magnificent, but over time we have become subdued by the collapse of industry, failing health and disinterest from those in power.

“As we come out of the pandemic, we need to do things differently. Going back to the way things were cannot be the limit of our ambition. We need to bring our country together so we can focus on the issues and the challenges we are all facing.

“Here are some of my priorities:

Tackle the climate emergency, without the baggage of nationalism
Value and reward our carers
Make Scotland the best place in the world to receive an education, once again
Give people the freedom to live the lives they want, without government interference
Give local communities a bigger say
Make Scotland a powerhouse for research and innovation
Closer cooperation with our partners across the UK and in Europe

“We can achieve all of this and more, but only if we get beyond the divisions of the past.

“If you agree with me, you can be a part of the new hope I want to bring to Scotland. Join me and the Scottish Liberal Democrats.”

Lib-Dem leader Ed Davey said: “A huge congratulations to @agcolehamilton on his election as Leader of @ScotLibDems. Alex is a true liberal and tireless campaigner.

“I look forward to working closely with him to fight the climate crisis, value carers, and deliver world-class education and services for Scotland.”

Mr Cole-Hamilton’s appointment was announced by his colleague Edinburgh West MP Christine Jardine on the same day as the SNP – Scottish Greens working agreement was confirmed.

Ms Jardine said: “Alex is not just someone who’s in this because of politics, he’s in this because of what he believes and it will be his vision, his views, his direction that will take the party forward into the next phase.

“We all have a job to do in supporting Alex, we all have a job to do in getting the message out there, and we all have a job to do in ensuring that this next phase of our history is a strong, positive one.

“Alex is the one who’s going to lead us forward in portraying that to the Scottish people, winning their support again, and making sure that we change Scottish politics.”

The Scottish Parliament has been in recess since 26 June but resumes on 29 August.