Category: North Edinburgh News

COVID: MUTANT VIRUS CLOBBERS CHRISTMAS AS UK FACES NEW LOCKDOWN

Restrictions tightened due to spread of new variant of COVID-19.

Scotland will significantly tighten protections against Coronavirus (COVID-19) to prevent the spread of the new, highly contagious strain of the virus.

Following confirmation that the new variant of COVID-19 spreads substantially more quickly, the First Minister announced that Scotland needs to act now. 

To keep people safe, the First Minister announced:

  • the planned easing of restrictions around Christmas will be limited to Christmas Day itself, and not the previous 5 day window that was planned
  • legal household limits will still apply – a maximum of 8 people from 3 households – however advice is to minimise the numbers. Where possible, people should celebrate the festive period at home in their own household and meet with others outdoors
  • other than for specific exemptions, travel between Scotland and the rest of the UK will not be legal
  • travel within Scotland will be allowed on Christmas Day
  • from Boxing Day, all of Scotland will have Level 4 restrictions applied, including the closure of non-essential retail and hospitality. The only exceptions will be Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles, and the other island communities where restrictions have been reduced in recent weeks, who will be placed in Level 3
  • from Boxing Day, in line with existing law, travel across local authority boundaries between areas in Level 3 or 4 will not be legal other than for specific exempt purposes

The First Minister also set out new plans for the return of schools in the New Year. Teachers will return to work as planned and children of key workers and the most vulnerable children, will return to schools as planned.

For the majority of pupils the holiday period will be extended until 11 January and learning will begin online from then until at least 18 January.

All these measures will be kept under regular review.

The First Minister said: “Last week it was confirmed that a new variant of the virus had been identified in the UK, and I advised Parliament that a small number of cases of it had already been identified in Scotland.

“While further analysis is required to establish this one way or another, we already have a concern that this strain may be driving what appears to be faster transmission in some hospitals and care homes.

“That’s why we have decided to act and to act firmly.

“Firstly, we are asking everyone to redouble your personal efforts in sticking to the rules and following FACTS.

“Secondly, we intend to maintain a strict travel ban between Scotland and the rest of the UK. This will remain in place throughout the festive period. We simply cannot risk more of this strain entering the country if we can possibly avoid it.

“Thirdly, we now intend to change the law to allow mixing indoors in a bubble on Christmas Day only. The household limits will still apply – a maximum of 8 people from 3 households  – is the law. But the advice will be to minimise numbers as far as possible.

“My message is stay home, stay safe and enjoy Christmas. That is in your own interest and the interest of everyone you love.”

Speaking about beyond Christmas, the First Minister said: “To limit, as far as we can, the risk of this strain spreading further than it has within Scotland, we intend to apply Level 4 measures to all of mainland Scotland for a period of three weeks from one minute after midnight on Boxing Day morning.

“The only exceptions will be Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles, and the other island communities where we have reduced restrictions in recent weeks, who will go into Level 3 but with strict restrictions on who can travel to and from those islands.

“The situation the new strain presents means that until we are sure it is firmly under control – until we are sure we are not facing the same situation as the south of England today faces, we must slightly change our plans for the way our schools work.

“Schools still open next week will close as planned – we are not changing that. They were then due to reopen from 5 January with all councils areas back by the 7.

“Instead of that, here is what we are going to do – for the children of key workers – such as nurses in our hospitals – schools will open and stay open as normal. They will also open as normal for the most vulnerable children.

“All teachers will also return to work as scheduled and planned. For the majority of pupils, however, the holidays are being extended until 11 January. Starting on that date, learning will be online until at least 18 January.

“After that, assuming we are confident we have the virus under control we will aim to reopen schools more fully but at least until then, schools will go online only other than for the children of key workers and the most vulnerable.”

Following the First Minister’s statement, confirming a three week Tier 4 lockdown in Scotland from Boxing Day, Rhea Wolfson of the GMB Scotland Women’s Campaigns Unit said: “The Scottish Government can’t wait until mid-January to roll out workplace testing for home carers – they need to find a way to bring this forward immediately.

“We can’t have 14,000 home carers in Scotland, supported only with PPE, working through a lockdown prompted by a more transmissible strain of COVID-19.

“Failure to act now to protect these key workers and their service users would be an exacerbation of the negligence they have already endured.”

EIS General Secretary Larry Flanagan said: “The EIS welcomes the decision to delay the return of pupils after the Christmas break until January 11th and that for the vast majority of pupils for this return to be to an online platform, with only the children of key workers and vulnerable children being in school.

“With a large number of schools already closed for the break, this late decision will once again create planning challenges for teachers but schools are much better prepared for remote learning than was the case in March. Given that the EIS has been calling for a ‘firebreak’ around the Christmas break, we view this announcement as being the correct one.

“It would make sense for those schools which are still open to move immediately to remote platforms.”

The First Minister’s statement.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson had earlier given a statement at the coronavirus press conference:

Good afternoon, I am sorry to report that the situation has deteriorated since I last spoke to you three days ago.

Yesterday afternoon, I was briefed on the latest data showing the virus spreading more rapidly in London, the South East and the East of England than would be expected given the tough restrictions which are already in place.

I also received an explanation for why the virus is spreading more rapidly in these areas. It appears this spread is now being driven by the new variant of the virus, which we first learned about earlier this week.

Our advisory group on New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats – NERVTAG – has spent the last few days analysing the new variant.

There is no evidence the variant causes more severe illness or higher mortality, but it does appear to be passed on significantly more easily.

NERVTAG’s early analysis suggests the new variant could increase R by 0.4 or greater. Although there is considerable uncertainty, it may be up to 70% more transmissible than the old variant.

This is early data. It is subject to review. It is the best we have at the moment, and we have to act on information as we have it because this is now spreading very fast.

The U.K. has by far the best genomic sequencing ability in the world, which means we are better able to identify new strains like this than any other country.

The Chief Medical Officer last night submitted our findings so far to the World Health Organisation and we will continue to be totally transparent with our global partners.

There is still much we don’t know. While we are fairly certain the variant is transmitted more quickly, there is no evidence to suggest that it is more lethal or causes more severe illness. Equally there is no evidence to suggest the vaccine will be any less effective against the new variant.

Our experts will continue their work to improve our understanding of the variant.

So we are learning more about this variant as we go.

But we know enough already to be sure that we must act now.

I met ministers on the Covid Operations Committee last night and again first thing this morning, and Cabinet met at lunchtime to agree the following actions.

First, we will introduce new restrictions in the most affected areas – specifically those parts of London, the South East and the East of England which are currently in tier 3.

These areas will enter a new tier 4, which will be broadly equivalent to the national restrictions which were in place in England in November.

That means:

Residents in those areas must stay at home, apart from limited exemptions set out in law. Non-essential retail, indoor gyms and leisure facilities, and personal care services must close.

People must work from home if they can, but may travel to work if this is not possible, for example in the construction and manufacturing sectors.

People should not enter or leave tier 4 areas, and tier 4 residents must not stay overnight away from home. Individuals can only meet one person from another household in an outdoor public space.

Unlike the November national restrictions, communal worship can continue to take place in tier 4 areas.

These measures will take effect from tomorrow morning.

All tiers will continue to be regularly reviewed in line with the approach previously set out, with the next formal review point taking place on 30 December.

Second, we are issuing new advice on travel.

Although the new variant is concentrated in tier 4 areas, it is nonetheless present at lower levels around the country.

We are asking everyone, in all tiers, to stay local.

People should carefully consider whether they need to travel abroad and follow the rules in their tier.

Those in tier 4 areas will not be permitted to travel abroad apart from limited exceptions, such as for work purposes.

Third, we must, I am afraid, look again at Christmas.

As Prime Minister, it is my duty to take the difficult decisions, to do what is right to protect the people of this country.

Given the early evidence we have on this new variant of the virus, and the potential risk it poses, it is with a heavy heart that I must tell you we cannot continue with Christmas as planned.

In England, those living in tier 4 areas should not mix with anyone outside their own household at Christmas, though support bubbles will remain in place for those at particular risk of loneliness or isolation.

Across the rest of the country, the Christmas rules allowing up to three households to meet will now be limited to Christmas Day only, rather than the five days as previously set out.

As before, there will be no relaxation on 31 December, so people must not break the rules at New Year.

I know how much emotion people invest in this time of year, and how important it is for grandparents to see their grandchildren, and for families to be together.

So I know how disappointing this will be, but we have said throughout this pandemic that we must and we will be guided by the science.

When the science changes, we must change our response.

When the virus changes its method of attack, we must change our method of defence.

As your Prime Minister, I sincerely believe there is no alternative open to me. Without action, the evidence suggests infections would soar, hospitals would become overwhelmed and many thousands more would lose their lives.

I want to stress we are not alone in this fight – many of our European friends and neighbours are being forced to take similar action.

We are working closely with the devolved administrations to protect people in every part of the UK.

Of course there is now hope – real hope – that we will soon be rid of this virus.

That prospect is growing with every day that passes and every vaccine dose administered.

The UK was the first country in the western world to start using a clinically approve vaccine.

So please, if the NHS contacts you then get your vaccine – and join the 350,000 people across the UK who have already had their first dose.

Yes, Christmas this year will be very different, but we must be realistic. We are sacrificing our chance to see loved ones this Christmas, so we have a better chance of protecting their lives so we can see them at future Christmases.

As sure as night follows day, we will beat back this virus.

We will defeat it.

And we will reclaim our lives.

Aldi launches Gin deals just in time for Christmas

Aldi has just reduced the prices of a collection of its award-winning gins from a variety of Scotland’s most-loved distillers. With flavours ranging from festive to fruity, Aldi’s gin selection proves to be the true spirit of Christmas. 

Whether you are searching for your next tipple to add to your drinks cabinet, or on the hunt for the best present for a gin enthusiast, you’ll be sure to find what you’re looking for at your local Aldi with these great festive savings.  

Award winning gins reduced from 17th December are: 

  • Eden Mill Botanical Range Passion Fruit/Plum & Pink Grapefruit Gin 70cl – Was: £15.99 Now: £14.00 
  • Eden Mill Botanical Range Original Gin/Chilli & Ginger Gin 70cl – Was: £15.99 Now: £14.00
  • Eden Mill Botanical Range Mulled Gin 70cl – Was: £15.99 Now: £14.00
  • McQueen Pink Gin 70cl – Was: £15.99 Now: £13.49
  • McQueen Colour Changing Gin 70cl – Was: £15.99 Now: £13.49
  • Old Curiosity Eidyn Premium Scottish Gin 70cl – Was: £19.99 Now: £15.99

Aldi’s full festive drinks range is on sale at all 96 Aldi Scottish stores. You can find your nearest Aldi store here.  

List of Award Wins 

International Spirits Challenge 2020 

  • Bronze – The Botanical Project Plum & Pink Grapefruit Gin 
  • Bronze – The Botanical Project Passionfruit & Coconut Gin 

Scottish Gin Awards 2020 

  • Silver London Dry Gin of the Year – Eidyn Gin 
  • Silver Flavoured Gin of the Year – McQueen Pink Gin 

Research finds female employees hardest hit by pandemic and working from home

A review of research in organizational and workplace psychology conducted by an international team of academics has revealed the implications of working-from-home for women has been more disruptive.

The review paper, entitled COVID-19 and the Workplace: Implications, Issues, and Insights for Future Research and Action and originally published in American Psychologist, features urgent insight from UCL School of Management Professor, Sunny Lee into the sex- and gender-related implications of changes in work practices that have taken place over the course of 2020.

The review of research indicates the impact of the pandemic differs by demographic characteristics, such as gender. The paper reveals two key implications on the workplace; the first that work-from- home models will increase and continue post-pandemic and the second that although men are more likely to face direct health threats from COVID-19, women are more likely to be affected by the adverse social and economic costs.

Working from home is here to stay

The authors of the paper believe that face-to-face working will reemerge post-pandemic but will most likely return in a hybrid form which mixes face-to-face work with virtual work. Prior research has suggested that hybrid forms of working such as this are effective in increasing employees’ productivity, satisfaction, and psychological wellbeing.[1] And even with the option to work on an entirely remote basis, employees may choose to come to office regularly given humans’ strong social motives to connect with others.

Although working-from-home has turned out to increase productivity for some workers, it does also come with downsides. For example, research shows some workers are being burned out as they have to juggle caring for their children or other family members while working from home, whilst some employees feel distress and loneliness as they struggle with blurring work/non-work boundaries and miss out on social opportunities.

Given that working-from-home is likely to increase in the years which follow the COVID-19 pandemic, the negative consequences of such models will continue unless addressed. The review paper found gender and sex to be an influential moderating factor.

WFH more disruptive for women than men

Prior research has shown that in households where two partners are employed, women typically engage in household tasks more than men. And during national lockdowns and the closure of schools, the burden of household tasks tends to increase for couples with children as they become compelled to assist with children’s virtual learning.

Therefore, although working-from-home may increase overall productivity among employees, work may be substantially more disrupted for women, particularly those who have children. Indeed, a recent research (Feng & Savani, 2020) study showed that during the pandemic, among couples who are both employed, women’s productivity was more disrupted and women felt more dissatisfied with their job.

Additionally, the research showed due to their empathy and communal orientation, women, compared to men, may feel more isolated and stressed by working from home. A recent survey on 996 U.K. healthcare workers found that more females are experiencing emotional distress amid the pandemic (IPPR, 2020).

Sunny Lee, one of the paper’s authors and an Associate Professor of Organizational Behaviour at the UCL School of Management, said: “The research has shown that the work-from-home model has been a success for many companies forced to close their offices during the pandemic.

“However, we can see on a day to day basis the pressure this is putting on women to find a balance in their productivity and home life and this something organisations need to be sensitive to if this model is here to stay.

“Interestingly, one of the emerging trends we observed was the success of female leaders in handling this crisis, with leaders such as Jacinda Arden, Angela Merkel and Tsa Ing-Wen able to flourish in these uncertain environments.

“Going into 2021 organisations need to be aware of creating the right environment, one which is sensitive to the needs of both men and women, so that everyone’s skills are able to flourish during times of uncertainty.”

Equality consultation: there’s still time to have your say

The Equality Act 2010 requires all public bodies to publish equality outcomes every four years.

Working in partnership – Edinburgh, West Lothian and Midlothian Councils (including their education authorities and Midlothian’s licensing board), NHS Lothian, Midlothian Health and Social Care Partnership and East Lothian Integrated Joint Board have developed a set of draft equality themes and outcomes for 2021-2025.

These are based on research and evidence from different sources and on conversations with services and organisations that work to help and support people.

Equality outcomes aim to achieve specific and identifiable improvements in people’s quality of life, eliminate discrimination and promote understanding between people.

Therefore, it is important that people with a variety of life and personal experiences share their thoughts on these.

Please encourage your colleagues / members / networks to give us their views 

Their feedback will influence the development of the final outcomes and help us to agree actions that can make a difference to people’s lives.

CONSULTATION CLOSES on TUESDAY 22 DECEMBER

DSL Business Finance awards £75,000 to support health-food producers in Edinburgh

Two Edinburgh businesses producing healthy foods have received a combined total of £75,000 in loan funding from Scottish responsible finance provider, DSL Business Finance Ltd.

Vegan food producer, Planet Kuku Ltd, was supported by DSL which enabled the family- run business to relocate to a new premises, allowing them to increase production by 400%. The new facility has provided the additional space they require to meet high demand for their products. 

And allergen-free food production company, Saltire Coconuts trading as Calvin’s Free From Foods, was awarded a loan to allow the business to scale up production of its vegan and gluten-free Coconut Flatbread rolls along with other products.

Planet Kuku directors, Mateusz Noniewicz and Maria Janowczyk, first started the business from their home kitchen where they produced their ‘kukus’ – a handmade plant-based frittata which uses fresh herbs and vegetables bound together with chickpea flour and cold pressed Scottish rapeseed oil. 

Their shared passion for plant-based food prepared with fresh and nutritious ingredients saw the business grow and production moved from their home to a shared industrial unit which allowed them to produce up to 40 kukus per day.

 Mateusz Noniewicz said: “We applied for the loan after we learned that we had outgrown our shared kitchen and would no longer have access to it in 2020. The funding from DSL couldn’t have come at a better time, it created an incredible opportunity for us.

“Our new premises has capacity for us to increase production from 40 Kukus per day to 160 and is also providing us with the opportunity to work towards achieving a SALSA (Safe and Local Supplier Approval) accreditation. Not only will this funding allow us to move into our very own rented space, but we will finally be able to meet demand for our product and accommodate for customers seeking much larger orders.”

Mateusz Noniewicz and Maria Janowczyk have bult up a vast network of customers across Edinburgh, supplying local businesses in and around the city including Margiotta, Real Foods, Easter Greens, The Refillery, Bross Bagels and Santosa.

At the start of November this year, they expanded to London and became suppliers of Planet Organic, distributed through Wholegood. They also accommodate private orders and regularly attend Castle Terrace, Stockbridge and Leith markets.

Saltire Coconuts Ltd, the registered company behind brand Calvin’s Free From Foods, plans to use its loan to fund specialist machines required to make their signature flatbreads.

Company owner, Sabine Klaus-Carter was inspired to start the business by her son Calvin, who suffers from multiple severe food allergies. Using her personal experience to identify a gap in the market, Sabine decided to step away from her career in video production to produce healthy and allergen-free food products aimed at the free from, gluten free and healthy eating market. 

Sabine Klaus-Carter said: “Originally, I just developed the coconut breads so our son Calvin could have something to safely eat for breakfast and on the go. However, our coconut breads received overwhelmingly positive feedback from our toddler friends and their families.

“Being able to have bread has been a gamechanger for us as an allergy family and when I found out that there are many others like us struggling to have bread, I knew I needed to do something about it.”

“While my research showed that that there was a gap in the market for my tasty, allergen-free products, I also learned that in order to scale up production and create an efficient workflow, I would require my own specialist machines.”

Sabine identified and secured an all allergen-free manufacturer to provide a premise that would allow her to scale up production to go to market. Sabine turned to DSL Business Finance for a capital loan to help pay for the machines she required.

She said: “Our aim was to have a market-ready product by Summer 2020. However, Covid-19 has pushed this back until now. It’s thanks to DSL that we’re now able to progress our plans and take our products to market.”

Saltire Coconuts has had particular success with its coconut flat bread rolls which were recently shortlisted for Best New Product by Food Matters Live and awarded Highly Commended by British Baker magazine under the gluten free bread category in Britain’s Best Loaf Competition 2020.

Stuart Yuill, executive director at DSL Business Finance, said: “Both Planet Kuku and Saltire Coconuts are fantastic examples of the progressive, healthy food offerings available in Edinburgh and were excellent candidates to receive our support. 

He added: “Mat and Maria have built up an impressive network of contacts and loyal custom throughout Edinburgh and beyond and they have established an excellent market presence. Their product is in high demand and much loved by customers. It’s clear they have a significant presence and understanding within the vegan market.

“Sabine has demonstrated strong knowledge and hands-on experience of sales, marketing, cost and budget strategy in the success of her video production company.  She also has a substantial understanding of the allergen world and impressively, has self-funded Saltire Coconuts over the last two years during its development and testing stages.

“I’m excited to watch each of these businesses grow and follow their journeys as they are led to further success by Mat, Maria and Sabine.”

Heart of Newhaven: December newsletter

Welcome to your December newsletter.

Since the last newsletter, your Board of Trustees and their many volunteer consultants and helpers have been busy working on various projects, as we continue to spend most of our lives online. Hopefully by now you have read about Newhaven Neighbours, Newhaven Sings and Newhaven Lights Up.

The board members have been joined by around three dozen active volunteers to bring these projects to fruition as examples of how we can bring the community together under the Heart of Newhaven umbrella as we continue to work towards acquisition of Victoria Primary School.

However we do have some sad news to share with you. 

We have to report the death of Joan Davidson. Joan was instrumental in helping to launch the Heart of Newhaven Community. Present at the first public meeting at Victoria Primary School in 2018 she preserved the charts produced that night of what was later called “Blue-Sky Thinking”. She introduced them with great enthusiasm when the interim Steering Committee was set up later that year and helped plan the very first meeting.  

Joan continued as a member of the Steering Group progressing the plans and helping to define the area of benefit but then sadly had to step back through illness.  Despite that, she never lost her interest or failed to give her support.  

At the outset she was interviewed for a short video which can be viewed at online where her ideas are recorded.  We will miss her but with gratitude for helping to ‘get the show on the road’! 

In our last newsletter we told you about Newhaven Neighbours.

Many of you answered the call and are now working together with one of our partners, Pilmeny Development Project to help support the isolated and vulnerable within the community.

Thank you all for your support. Thanks to you, Newhaven neighbours are receiving support in all manner of ways. There is always room for more of course, so it’s never too late to sign up to help out.  

Sign Up here.

Following on from Newhaven Neighbours, we have been working on Newhaven Sings Auld Lang Syne in collaboration with several local choirs and individual singers.

Perhaps you have already recorded your contribution but if you haven’t, don’t be bashful. It’s simple to do and will provide such pleasure. The deadline to send in your recording has been extended till Saturday 19th TODAY), so there’s no excuse! All the instructions are on the website.

Hot on the heels of Newhaven Sings, came Newhaven Lights Up, created in collaboration with local artist Johnathan Elders and with help from Men’s Shed.

You may have seen the delightful light boxes on the railings round Victoria Primary School. Help light up Newhaven by creating your own window display. Instructions for this are also on the website.

So although it may seem that little is happening on the wider front of the purchase – look out for more news on that front in the spring – everyone is still working hard behind the scenes.

If you would like to join in and help, or have any ideas for projects you would like to discuss, do get in touch with our volunteering team or any of the trustees via the website.

Don’t forget to check the website too, for updates of all kinds and regular blogs, including from our Chairman, Rodney Matthews View From the Chair 

Christmas is only a few days away and New Year of course follows closely after.

May we wish you and yours a happy Christmas and a healthy and prosperous New Year. Remember to bring it in by playing Auld Lang Syne!

Heart of Newhaven

Barratt East Scotland raises over £14,000 for charity

Barratt Developments, which includes both Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes, is celebrating a record-breaking Christmas with its final Community Fund donations after its charitable efforts topped more than £46,000 in donations across Scotland, including £14,000 in the east of Scotland.

Each year, the five-star housebuilder works with a wide range of local causes and has continued to step up its efforts through the Barratt and David Wilson Community Fund, which donates £1,000 to a deserving local cause in each of its three Scottish divisions every month.

The charities are nominated and voted by employees of Barratt Homes with the focus of fund continuing to be on organisations that improve the quality of life for those living in the area and important issues which worsened due to the pandemic.

Barratt East Scotland’s final Community Fund donations of 2020 have gone to Kids Love Clothes, Social Bite, Edinburgh’s Children’s Hospital Charity (ECHC) and Crisis Edinburgh to support with a number of projects throughout December and the festive season.

In April of this year, the housebuilder donated over 2,300 items of PPE equipment to hospitals around Scotland to help frontline NHS workers and staff in the fight against COVID-19. The company also donated 44 defibrillators from its divisional head offices and constructions sites to St Andrew’s First Aid, who assist the NHS and ambulance service on the frontline should they be called upon.

Reflecting on the achievement, Douglas McLeod, Barratt Developments’ Regional Managing Director for Scotland, said: “As the country’s leading housebuilder, we are committed to creating a positive legacy and making a genuine contribution towards the communities in which we build our homes.

“We are extremely proud of this year’s achievement, as it’s become even more apparent how incredibly important it is to support those around us during these unexpected and difficult times.”

“We looking forward to working with many more organisations and raising even more funds as we go into 2021 and beyond. We would like to thank everyone who suggested the charities, supported our fundraising activity and wish everyone a happy and healthy Christmas and prosperous New Year.”

Amy Ford, Fundraiser at ECHC said: “We are so grateful to Barratt Homes for their generous support at the end of what has been an incredibly tough year.

“Their generosity ensures that we can continue to support the children, young people and families who face the anxiety of a hospital visit or stay. Whether it’s filling hospital playrooms with toys, enhancing clinical spaces to become more welcoming or bringing the fun and creativity of the arts into the hospital, Barratt Homes support means that children have a positive hospital experience and can continue to be a child first and a patient second.”

The full list of 2020’s beneficiaries for Barratt East Scotland is:

·       Edinburgh School Uniform Bank

·       PlayMidlothian

·       Cramond Playgroup

·       Social Bite (pictured, top)

·       Edinburgh’s Women’s Aid

·       Ashlee’s Neuroblastoma Appeal

·       Love Gorgie Farm

·       Marie Curie Hospice

·       LifeCare

·       Tiphereth

·       Kids Love Clothes

·       Social Bite

·       Edinburgh’s Children’s Hospital Charity (pictured above)

·       Crisis Edinburgh

Reindeer set for stable future despite Christmas shutdown

A family-owned reindeer visitor attraction has secured its future, thanks to a Bounce Back Loan from Bank of Scotland.

The Cairngorm Reindeer Herd looks after more than 150 free-range reindeer that live and roam across the Cairngorm Mountains and on the nearby Glenlivet Estate.

The herd were introduced to the mountains in 1952 by co-founders and husband and wife duo Mikel Utsi and Dr Ethel Lindgren before being taken over by Tilly Smith and her husband Alan in 1989. Since then, a visitor centre, shop and paddock have all been added to create a popular attraction suitable for the public.

Before the outbreak of Covid-19, visitors could meet the reindeer on guided group tours, and the herd would be hired out during the festive period to businesses and attractions across the UK to kick-start Christmas celebrations.

When the restrictions around social distancing and public events were implemented by the Government, the business was forced to rethink its business model.

Thanks to a Bounce Back Loan secured with Bank of Scotland, Cairngorm Reindeer decided to focus on its Adopt a Reindeer programme so that fans of the animals could still support the business.

The £42 annual adoption fee goes towards the upkeep, feeding and veterinary care for the animals. Adopters receive a certificate and photograph of the reindeer, regular updates and once restrictions allow, visits to the herd.

The income from the adoption programme, plus the Bounce Back Loan funding, has enabled the business to continue paying for the feed and care of the herd that would normally be funded through the guided tours and Christmas activity.

Tilly Smith, director of Cairngorm Reindeer Herd, said: “In a normal December, our reindeer would be busy pulling sleighs across the UK and making Christmas magical for local communities. But because we’ve had to put a stop to these visits, a huge part of our income has been lost.

“We’ve managed to keep going and our number one priority will always be to look after our herd. Thanks to the support from Bank of Scotland, we now have the safety net of additional income to help with overheads as we continue to promote our adoption programme which is now in its 30th year.

“The support so far from the public has been overwhelming and we hope people continue to help us by adopting a reindeer while we work towards welcoming everyone back in the future.”

Scott Robertson, relationship manager at Bank of Scotland, said: “Cairngorm Reindeer Herd are a perfect example of the more unusual and seasonal businesses that will be directly impacted by the pandemic. It’s encouraging to see the firm using other revenue streams to diversify and continue trading until normal operations recommence.

“At Bank of Scotland, we’re by the side of business as we all work through this challenging time and learn to adapt to restrictions where we can. We’ve worked with the team at Cairngorm Reindeer Herd for a long time, and I’m looking forward to when we’re able to meet again in person and see the great work they do with the herd.”

Morrisons extends key worker discount scheme

Morrisons has extended its 10% ‘Thank you’ discount until further notice meaning key workers can use it throughout the festive season and into the new year.

The discount is available to NHS staff, teachers and Blue Light Card holders to recognise and thank them for the care and support they have offered to the British public throughout the Coronavirus pandemic. 

Morrisons has also made it easier and quicker for NHS staff and teachers to redeem the discount after listening to feedback from key workers.  They can now join the More For NHS Club or More For Teachers Club and use the Morrisons More Card app at the till.

Blue Light Card holders still need to present their card at the till of any of Morrisons 498 stores in order to receive their discount.  

David Potts, Morrisons Chief Executive, said: “As we approach the Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations, we want to continue to support those that have gone above and beyond their usual roles this year, often in exceptionally difficult circumstances. This discount is a thank you for all that they have done and continue to do for us all.”

Morrisons introduced the first ‘Thank you’ discount in April to NHS staff alongside a dedicated shopping hour from 6am – 7am (Mon – Sat).  The service has since been extended to include teachers and their support staff as well as emergency service workers via the Blue Light Card. 

Additionally, Morrisons is also continuing to offer a 5% discount to its 2,700 farmers to thank them for feeding the nation through the Covid-19 pandemic.

The discount is not valid on fuel, spirits (England), all alcohol (Scotland and Wales), tobacco, lottery products,  gift vouchers & cards, infant/formula milk, cash-back, dry cleaning, fireworks, online games & instant tickets, photo printing, saver stamps, postage stamps, ‘Top-Up’ mobile phone cards, garden centre & pharmacy. Full terms and conditions are available here: https://my.morrisons.com/discounts/ 

Planning proposal for new homes at Seafield

Proposals have been put forward by Manse (Seafield) LLP for the delivery of an exciting residential-led mixed-use development on the site of the current Peter Vardy Vauxhall Garage on Seafield Road (24 Seafield Road).

The wider general Seafield site, of which this forms part, is allocated for residential development in City of Edinburgh Council’s Choices for City Plan 2030. This the first stage in the development of the Local Development Plan, which guides future development in the city.

A Proposal of Application Notice (PAN), which signals the intent to submit a planning application following consultation has now been submitted by Manse (Seafield) LLP to City of Edinburgh Council.

While ideally it would be good see the delivery of the whole Seafield site at the same time, not all sites can come forward simultaneously for a variety of reasons. This includes the issue of long leases in place with current tenants and the existing business plans of landowners. This can therefore mean that it will be over 10 years before some areas of Seafield could be developed.

Delivery of this first phase will instil investor confidence that the whole area can ultimately be built out.

The known challenges in building out some of the larger Masterplan sites around the city, even when the market is positive, also demonstrates why landowner buy-in to kick-start this process is essential. This will inspire confidence that not only this site, but that the wider Seafield area is deliverable, and is especially important as when it comes to economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The submission of the PAN will allow the public to engage in the process and assist with the Sounding Board discussions / debates that are taking place involving local stakeholders.  A digital consultation event will take place on Thursday 28th January from 3pm-7pm and can be accessed at www.seafieldroad.scot.

In addition, a PAN submission will deliver detailed input from Council officers (including highways, flood, landscape, environmental, education) and other parties such as Scottish Water / SEPA. as site designs cannot be meaningfully progressed without knowing the site’s key technical constraints and opportunities.

Manse have also commissioned research work on transport, ground conditions and drainage infrastructure both locally and for the wider area.

This will assist in proactively informing the layout, land uses and overall design and ensures the Masterplan Principles for the whole Seafield area are developed with sound underlying technical information.

Manse will work with City of Edinburgh Council, Craigentinny and Meadowbank Community Council as well as other stakeholders, to ensure the delivery of this new, exciting community quarter in line with the aspirations of the Local Development Plan.

Colin MacPherson from Manse said: “We are delighted to be bringing forward these exciting proposals for Seafield, which will serve to demonstrate that not only this site, but development of the wider area is achievable.

“As we have seen with major Masterplan sites across the city, building out an area with the complexity of the whole Seafield will take some time. Our proposals for this first phase will hopefully serve to kick-start that process and instil investor confidence in its deliverability.

“We look forward to continuing to engage with local stakeholders and the community as a whole as we progress this process.”