An exciting new speakeasy is being launched in the capital next month.
As part of a major refurbishment for boutique aparthotel group, Native, the imaginative concept called Counter will serve coffee by day and cocktails by night in a new hidden destination bar in the heart of the city centre.
The Counter at Native Edinburgh will be home to a curation of eclectic food and events, highlighting local produce in the daytime and spotlighting homegrown talent at night.
Late summer programming will see Native hosting everything from neo-soul jazz nights, record listening to spoken word poetry, and the venue will shine a light on up and coming creatives from around the city, including artists, writers, musicians and more. Native Edinburgh will soon become the capital’s best-kept secret with speak-easy vibes and cocktails galore.
Their drinks menu has local collaborations with Edinburgh drink specialists Mothership HQ and Base Spirits Collective, which will see innovative cocktails like Pocket Negroni and Hippy Fizz available alongside craft sodas from Bon Accord and locally-sourced coffee from Red Squirrel.
Counter will also serve a range of bespoke bagels, sandwiches, treats and moreish snacks as part of their offering.
Opening later in the month in Native, when all the new hotel refurbishments are complete, Counter will welcome all guests including non residents from 11am until 1am.
With 82 apartments comprising studios, one bedrooms, and ground floor leisure and co-working spaces, Native Edinburgh provides the flexibility and amenities of a design-led boutique hotel, coupled with the space, comfort and privacy of a home from home. The 1790s constructed building is the perfect example of the Neoclassical and Georgian architecture in the area.
The Counter at Native Edinburgh will open later in June.
For more information on Native aparthotels, head to:
Scottish pupils have stunned judges in a nationwide competition with their moving depictions of life in the First World War trenches.
Esha Ahmed, 15, from Fife, and Ciara, 11, from Midlothian, and have been announced as winners of Poppyscotland’s Letters to my Teacher competition. Young people were challenged to imagine themselves serving on the front line during the war and writing home to their former teachers.
Esha, an S3 pupil at Levenmouth Academy, won the secondary school category with her “honest and imaginative” letter. Ciara, who is in P7 at Rosewell Primary, took the primary school award for her “genuinely touching” entry.
Esha reflected on the fragility of life as she described marching through wrecked French villages and towns, with the air thick with smoke and bodies lying on the ground. Ciara wrote of trying to keep up morale in rat-infested trenches, amid the constant sound of gunshots and cries of severely wounded soldiers.
The competition was inspired by letters written by Scottish soldier Douglas Constable to John Hamilton, his former headteacher at St Mary’s Melrose School. Douglas left a promising publishing career to serve with the Grenadier Guards in Belgium and France. He was killed during the Battle of the Somme in 1916, aged 26.
This year’s contest received a record-breaking entry, with almost 500 letters from schools across Scotland. Eight judges from Poppyscotland, Legion Scotland, and the Commonwealth War Graves Commission shortlisted 12 entries to go through to the second round, with the public choosing the final winners.
Gordon Michie, Poppyscotland’s Head of Fundraising and Learning and one of the judges, said: “Our warmest congratulations to Ciara and Esha on their wins. This year saw an exceptionally high standard of entries, and choosing a shortlist was extremely difficult.
“Esha’s and Ciara’s beautifully written accounts stood out as full of imagination, honesty, and humanity. They managed to put themselves in the boots of First World War soldiers, painting a full picture of trench life and its brutalities.
“We’re very pleased that this competition captured the imaginations of primary and secondary school pupils across Scotland. Inspired by the letters of Douglas Constable, it was a chance for children to learn about the daily experiences of Scottish men and women who lived through the First World War.
“Poppyscotland’s learning programme aims to bring history to life, encouraging pupils to reflect on remembrance and the relevance of these events to the present day.”
Ronnie Ross, headteacher at Levenmouth Academy, said: “I was genuinely moved when I read Esha’s work. She has shown genuine compassion and empathy with those who fought on the frontline and protected the free world at the beginning of the twentieth century and for this she must be truly congratulated.”
Hope Wilson, Ciara’s teacher at Rosewell Primary, said: “We are extremely proud of Ciara. The Letters to my Teacher competition inspired many of our older pupils and it has been great to be a part of it.”
The winners will each receive £500 in Amazon vouchers for their school, a visit from Poppyscotland’s mobile museum, Bud, and a special class tour of Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory in Edinburgh, when it reopens this autumn.
Ciara said: “I was really happy to find out that I had won. I had asked all my family and friends to vote for me so I am glad that they supported me!”
Quarriers, has launched its summer fundraising appeal to allow more than 1,000 children to enjoy the gift of new experiences and positive memories.
Now in its 9th year, the summer appeal allows Quarriers to organise carefree days out and activity sessions for the vulnerable children and young people it supports across Scotland. With donations starting at as little as £5, Quarriers is encouraging the nation to donate and help fund opportunities for children to escape the daily pressures they face.
The children and youngsters helped by the appeal face a range of challenging circumstances and include young carers, children with additional needs, children living in poverty, young people who require residential support, individuals dealing with mental health and children living with disabilities.
Many of the challenges faced by those supported are heavy for young shoulders to carry and the summer appeal puts youngsters at its heart, giving them a chance to put their problems aside and truly be a child for the day.
Over the last two years, the Covid-19 pandemic has put more pressure on the children Quarriers supports, as the challenges of lockdown continued, and some youngsters faced the impact of long-Covid. This has underlined the importance of the summer campaign and the positive impact it brings to the lives of hundreds.
Support worker Mary Nadar provides Quarriers Let’s Talk service at Tinto Primary School, delivering vital mental health support for children who may be struggling with the social, emotional or educational elements of school life, and knows just how valuable the summer appeal is.
She said: “Having worked with Tinto Primary School and many other schools across Glasgow for a number of years now, I’ve seen the truly positive impact the summer appeal can have on the children involved.
“For many of the children we support, the summer holidays can be quite daunting, and they often don’t have the same opportunities as their classmates to relax and enjoy fun-filled days out.
“Thanks to the support and generosity of those who donate to Quarriers’ summer appeal, the children have positive experiences which directly impacts on their wellbeing, enhances their independence and helps them get further involved in their local communities.”
The activities are tailored to suit the children and families supported by Quarriers, taking into account their various support needs as well as what they enjoy doing. With donations from the summer appeal, the charity hopes to set up trips to the seaside, art galleries, parks, and the cinema as well as giving the children the chance to try everything from paddleboarding to archery to trampolining.
Ruth Park, Fundraising and Digital Content Manager at Quarriers, said: “Over the past two years, our teams have worked with nearly 3,000 young people and children across Scotland and the long-term impact of the pandemic is clear.
“We’re seeing a significant increase in mental health issues, an increase in young carers who haven’t had a break from their caring responsibilities due to family members shielding and also children with long Covid.
“The lasting impact these fun-filled outings and activities can have on vulnerable children should not be underestimated. For as little as £5, you will allow even just one child the chance to escape their worries for a day and create happy memories that will last long after the summer holidays.
“Our Quarriers Children Fund relies entirely on kind donations from local communities which is why we’re asking the public to back our appeal and show their support for vulnerable young people and children across Scotland, to ensure they don’t just survive the summer holidays, but thrive.”
A gift of £5 will provide one child with a day out and gifts of any amount are welcome.
Police Scotland has released the image of a man they believe may hold information which might assist investigations into a serious assault in the VIP area of Atik Nightclub in West Tollcross at around 1.50am on 12 February 2022.
The male is described as being white, aged between 18 and 24, around 5ft 11in tall with dark-coloured brushed forward hair. He was wearing a red jumper, jeans and dark-coloured trainers.
Detective Sergeant Gary Smyth of Gayfield CID said: “I would urge the male, or anyone who has information relating to this male, depicted in this image to make contact with the Police.
“Anyone with any information is asked to contact Police at Gayfield CID, Edinburgh via 101 quoting reference number 2134 of 18 February 2022. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be passed on anonymously.”
Don’t miss out on this major Royal Forth Yacht Club event this weekend … the Platinum Jubilee Parade of Sail
On the afternoon of Saturday 4th June, Wardie Bay will be filled with the Royal Forth armada of boats. To those members who haven’t signed up so far, don’t miss out on this unique occasion. To all our neighbours, do join in for what will be a fun afternoon both on the water and shore side.
RFYC seeks to create a colourful spectacle, inviting all boat owners to sail a short downwind course across Wardie Bay flying either a spinnaker or goose winged. For motor boats, the flying of flags is encouraged.
Depending on the wind direction, it involves sailing a short course from near the mouth of the harbour to Newhaven or the opposite direction.
We start from 2.30pm, when the launch commences, and the Parade begins at 4.00pm.
Throughout, within the club, our new BBQ will be fired up and the bar will be open. So, whether taking part or spectating, don’t miss out! We will be capturing the event with drone footage.
Every boat taking part will be entered into a Jubilee prize draw with a chance to win a sought after prize!
Follow the link below for more event info and it would be helpful if members could register your boat to take part:
NHS Lothian has backed a new campaign designed to help people in the area look after their mental wellbeing.
The Mind to Mind, campaign features over 30 online videos of people talking about their own mental wellbeing challenges in a bid to help others who may be going through the same.
Covering topics including dealing with anxiety and panic, handling stress, improving sleep, lifting mood and moving through grief, each contributor shares practical advice on what has worked for them.
It also features commentary from a range of professionals and signposts where people can access further help and support.
The campaign also features a new advert across digital and radio to promote the help available.
Dr Belinda Hacking, Director of Psychology NHS Lothian and Consultant Clinical Psychologist said: “This new resource is a valuable addition to the wide range of mental health and wellbeing resources publicly available.
“Alongside our own Wellbeing Lothian website, we hope it goes a long way in helping people know they are not alone and know who to turn to for guidance and advice.
“Hearing about the experiences of others who have dealt with their own wellbeing challenges can really help, as can talking to others about how you’re feeling. Support is available to help you deal with life’s challenges.”
Minister for Mental Wellbeing and Social Care Kevin Stewart, said: “Mind to Mind has been created by people who have experienced mental wellbeing challenges for people who may be going through the same thing.
“If you’re finding things difficult, it’s important to remember support is available. Hearing about the experiences of others can help to navigate life’s daily stresses, and alongside practical advice, the website signposts where people can access further help.
“We’re hugely grateful to everyone who has contributed their advice on what has worked for them. Being so open about the challenges they’ve faced will hopefully help many others look after and improve their own mental wellbeing.”
Stephanie Phillips, Director of Service Delivery at NHS 24, said: “Mind to Mind and the video stories that have been so generously shared with us are a valuable addition to our online mental health resources at NHS Inform.
“If you’re feeling anxious, stressed, or low, or having problems sleeping or dealing with grief this site can help you by hearing from others. You can also explore a range of guides, podcasts and organisations that can help.
“We are committed to offering a range of services to support people in the ways they find best for them when mental wellbeing challenges come along, as they do for everyone. Your GP, our phone lines and the emergency services are available for anyone that needs urgent help.”
Bob, a 68-year-old from Edinburgh has shared the mental health challenges he’s experienced on the Mind to Mind platform, and what he has found helpful, following a diagnosis of PTSD.
Encouraging people to reach out and speak to someone if they need help, Bob said: “To be honest, support group therapy was probably one of the best and most positive experiences for me.
“I found it tremendously helpful, to be able to talk to people who shared the same sort of experiences. It makes you listen and makes it easier for you to relate to things that you think only you go through.
“I would urge anyone if they can find someone or a group of people, they can trust to speak to them. I learned that most people have at some stage gone through some sort of mental health issue, whether that be to a greater or lesser degree.
“This is why I emphasise the idea of trying to speak to someone because you just don’t know. Hearing from other people is what can help you, essentially. It’s what helped help me.’’
To access help and advice on looking after your mental wellbeing visit:
New measures will help cut waste and preserve precious resources
Proposals to help tackle the climate and biodiversity crisis by supporting Scotland’s transition to a zero waste and circular economy have been launched.
The measures, designed to significantly increase reuse and recycling rates, and modernise and improve waste and recycling services, are set out in two consultations – on a Circular Economy Bill and a Waste Route Map.
Key proposals include:
banning the destruction of unsold goods to ensure that products never end up landfilled or incinerated when they could be used or recycled
improving household recycling and reuse services and consulting on separate kerbside collection of textiles by 2025
introducing new reporting to show where recycling goes once it has been collected
measures to reduce the consumption of problematic single-use items and promote reuse of products
new powers to tackle littering from vehicles
a mandatory requirement for businesses to report surplus and waste figures for goods such as food and textiles
powers to set local recycling targets, reflecting the success of Wales, which has the one of the highest household recycling rates in the world
Scotland’s circular economy targets, outlined in the Scottish Government’s Climate Change Plan, include ending the landfilling of biodegradable municipal waste by 2025, reducing the percentage of all waste sent to landfill to 5% by 2025, and recycling 70% of all waste by 2025.
Circular Economy Minister Lorna Slater launched the consultations on a visit to the Edinburgh Furniture, which is run by the homelessness charity Foursquare.
The charity uses donated furniture to furnish its homeless accommodation and to raise money for its other services.
Lorna Slater said: “To tackle the climate and biodiversity crisis, we need to rapidly reduce our demand for raw material, increase reuse and repair, and recycle more.
“We must make a circular option the easy option for Scottish households, businesses and the public sector. I want everyone in the country to experience a modern, easy to use waste service that makes it easy for people to do the right thing for the planet.
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“We are already taking action, including delivering Scotland’s Deposit Return Scheme and our £70 million Recycling Improvement Fund, but we know we need to move faster if we are to meet our climate obligations.
“It requires us to be bold, brave, and focused on delivering the actions needed – and this must be a collective effort.
“These consultations set out the key proposed actions and the tools we will put in place to help everyone play their part in cutting waste in our economy, capitalising on the economic opportunities that a circular economy presents to businesses.
“The Circular Economy Bill will give us the powers to cut waste in our economy, while preserving precious resources and protecting our natural environment.”
Chief Executive of Zero Waste Scotland Iain Gulland said: “Today marks a tremendous step in Scotland’s transition towards a circular economy. “For years, Zero Waste Scotland has championed and helped usher in a more circular economy to reduce over-consumption.
“By supporting Scottish citizens, communities and businesses, through funding and tailored advice we are working hard to implement more sustainable ways of living.
“The Circular Economy Bill includes measures and approaches that will further cement and support the strides we’re making and crucially, it is a step in the right direction to end our contribution to the climate crisis.
“I encourage everyone in Scotland to take part in these vital consultations.”
Environmental campaigners have welcomed the move and are calling for strong targets to reduce the global extraction of resources supplying the Scottish economy, and measures to change the way materials are used in Scotland.
A circular economy is when materials are reused and recycled as much as possible before new resources are taken from nature, as opposed to our current linear ‘take, make, dispose’ model.
Kim Pratt, circular economy campaigner at Friends of the Earth Scotland, said: “Over-consumption by the wealthy few is pushing our whole planet to breaking point.
“Our current economic system, built on the idea of unlimited growth, is driving climate breakdown and leading to global material supply disruptions – it can’t go on. We need to reduce our reliance on new materials by changing our economic consumption patterns.
“The Scottish Government has made some really encouraging suggestions in the Circular Economy Bill. We need circularity to be embedded throughout government and Scotland’s economic sectors for it to be as effective as possible. The commitment to regular reviews and the creation of a circular economy public body are welcome.
“This new organisation needs to be independent of government and adequately funded. Creating a circular economy will require a step change in the scale and rate of change, based on strong leadership and collaboration. Now is the time to be bold.
“Targets to reduce both Scotland’s carbon footprint and material footprints need to be at the heart of the Circular Economy Bill to create real change, so it’s great to see that these have been prioritised in the bill. We must reduce Scotland’s carbon footprint to zero by 2050 to ensure Scotland contributes its fair share to global climate mitigation. Scotland’s material footprint must more than halve by 2050.”
Scotland’s material footprint was 18 tonnes per person in 2017, which is higher than the EU average (14 tonnes per person). Experts suggest that we can live sustainable, high quality lives with eight tonnes per person, by moving to a circular economy where materials are reused and recycled as much as possible.
82% of Scotland’s carbon footprint comes from the products and services we buy. Over half these emissions are due to imported goods but these are not included in Scotland’s climate targets. This means the environmental and social damage caused overseas by demand for goods in Scotland is virtually invisible at the moment, which is stopping it from being tackled.
The Scottish Government launched a review on waste targets at the same time as the consultation on the circular economy bill. The waste targets consultation is a key part of rapid system change required in Scotland.
Since report publication in July 2018, the immigration system in the UK has undergone significant reforms, in addition to leaving the European Union, the covid-19 pandemic had a major impact on immigration.
The Scottish Secretary points out in his response that non-EEA work visa applications are back to pre-pandemic levels, and EEA work visas have been increasing since the end of EU free movement.
At the time of publishing its report – July 2018 – the Committee raised concern that the points-based immigration system was complicated and bureaucratic.
In the Scottish Secretary’s response, he states that reforms are ongoing to streamline and simplify the system. He also offers an update on the latest quarterly statistics on EU immigration, showing that as of 31 December 2021, more than six million EU nationals and their families have been granted status under the EU Settlement Scheme, of which nearly 300,000 are in Scotland.
Scottish Affairs Committee Chair, Pete Wishart MP, said: “I am pleased that our Committee has finally received the Government’s response to the predecessor Committee’s report on immigration.
“However, such a delayed response has made it almost impossible for the Committee to track and scrutinise the impact immigration reforms are having on the people of Scotland.
“The predecessor Committee, which I chaired, would no doubt be disappointed that the Government response failed to address recommendations that could have benefited Scotland.
“This includes helping to tailor the immigration system to the needs of Scotland, such as through a Scotland specific shortage occupation list.”
Due to public holidays, some upcoming payments – Scottish Child Payment, Child Disability Payment and Adult Disability Payment – will go into accounts early:
COP26 President Alok Sharma will take part in two key climate events in Sweden this week to continue the drive for countries to turn pledges made in the Glasgow Climate Pact into action ahead of COP27 in Egypt.
COP President Alok Sharma in Sweden this week to take part in Ministerial on Climate Action and Stockholm +50 climate event
Mr Sharma to push forward on the outcomes from the May Ministerial on Implementation on mitigation, adaptation, loss and damage and finance for climate action
Delivering the commitments made at the COP26 World Leaders Summit on Forests and Land Use will be focus of side event led by UK ahead of Stockholm +50
COP26 President Alok Sharma will take part in two key climate events in Sweden this week to continue the drive for countries to turn pledges made in the Glasgow Climate Pact into action ahead of COP27 in Egypt.
Tomorrow, (Tuesday 31 May) Mr Sharma will speak in Stockholm at the Ministerial on Climate Action (MOCA), co-hosted by Canada, the EU and China, which is focused on the implementation of the Paris Agreement.
Mr Sharma will then take part in Stockholm +50, which is organised by the United Nations General Assembly to commemorate 50 years since the 1972 United Nations Conference on the Human Environment, and meet ministers at related side-events.
At MOCA, the COP President will reflect on the achievements made at COP26, which kept the goal of global temperatures from rising more than 1.5 degrees alive, while cementing progress on finance for climate action, adaptation and loss and damage.
Mr Sharma will also discuss the outcomes from the May Ministerial on Implementation, co-hosted by Egypt and the UK in Copenhagen two weeks ago, which renewed political focus on the necessity of delivering on the Glasgow Climate Pact, and the clear steps that must be taken to achieve this.
Mr Sharma will echo the May Ministerial’s consensus that countries should revisit their 2030 emissions reductions targets before COP27 and strengthen them with workable plans if they do not align with the temperature goals set out in the Paris Agreement.
He will outline the need for scaling up and providing timely access to finance for countries working to adapt to the effects of climate change, as well as delivering on scaling up resources for loss and damage, and ensuring that finance is flowing to climate action.
Mr. Sharma will also meet with a delegation of parents from around the world to talk about the impacts of burning fossil fuels on children’s health.
This follows a meeting between the COP President and a group of mothers at COP26 in Glasgow, where they presented a letter on behalf of nearly 500 parents’ organisations – representing millions of members from 44 countries – calling for an end to new fossil fuels.
The parents attending the meeting with Mr. Sharma are from the UK, India, Poland, Sweden and Colombia.
Speaking ahead of his visit to Sweden COP26 President Alok Sharma said: “At COP26, countries seized the opportunity to act. We showed leadership, worked together and embraced progress to agree the historic Glasgow Climate Pact.
“Six months on from COP26, the world has changed. These events in Sweden are taking place against the backdrop of Putin’s brutal and illegal invasion of Ukraine. Inflation, debt, and food insecurity are growing challenges. Many across the world are still recovering from the effects of the pandemic.
“So once again, we have must demonstrate that these threats have increased, not diminished, our determination to deliver on the Pact. Let us now pick up the pace on delivering a net zero, climate-resilient transition ahead of COP27.
“We must accelerate progress on phasing down coal and ending inefficient fossil fuel subsidies, on our NDCs, finance, adaptation, and loss and damage. We must turn the promises and commitments of the Glasgow Climate Pact into action.”
The COP President will chair a ministerial meeting on climate, forests and land use in the margins of Stockholm +50 on Wednesday, focusing on delivering the commitments made at the COP26 World Leaders Summit on Forests and Land Use, including the Glasgow Leaders’ Declaration on Forests and Land Use.
This declaration was endorsed by 143 countries at COP26, and if delivered upon will provide 10% of the emissions reduction needed by 2030 to keep 1.5C alive. Minister for the Pacific and the International Environment Lord Goldsmith will be the Minister representing the UK at the meeting.
Increasing the scale and pace of delivery of adaptation finance and accelerating action on the ground will be the focus of the second Stockholm +50 side event Mr Sharma will be taking part in.
Ministers at the “Fast-tracking resilience building and adaptation” event are expected to emphasise that developed countries must deliver on the commitment to double the levels of finance for adaptation to the effects of climate change by 2025, as well as improving the quality of and access to adaptation finance.
