North Edinburgh News – Page 2161 – The NEN

Amey appeal: Name that gritter!

Today, Amey announced its Winter Service Programme for the Scottish South-West Trunk Roads network (NMC SW), which it operates on behalf of Transport Scotland.

At the heart of the Winter Service, which runs until May 2021, is a fleet of new 56 Econ gritters and snowploughs, 16 new footpath gritters, 12 tractors and 115 Highways Operatives.

The winter service vehicles, in their distinctive bright orange livery, will become a regular sight on the trunk road network this winter.

Traditionally, Amey has run naming competitions with local schools to give each of these gritters a different identity – but this year, with the challenges of the coronavirus crisis and in the interests of safety this has not been possible.

Therefore, Amey is running an appeal asking the Scottish public to name the rest of the NMC SW gritter fleet.

We have already started the ball rolling by naming one of our gritters, “Yes Sir, Ice Can Boogie”, in reference to the Scotland football team’s ‘unofficial’ anthem, and this has already proven to be a popular choice.

IRN-BRU® have also supported the appeal by running a competition to name a gritter, with “Grits You Through” being announced as the winner, today.

These vehicles follow in a proud tradition of gritters such as “Sir Salter Scott”, “David Plowie” and “Spready Mercury”. The naming appeal will run until Friday 15^th January 2021, and winners will be announced between 23^rd December until the closing date.

In addition, we are asking the public to name our new ‘mini’ footpath gritters in honour of Key Workers, Community Champions and Volunteers who have made a real difference to their communities during the pandemic.

Gritter and Mini-Gritter names can be submitted to Amey online via the NMC SW website: https://swtrunkroads.scot/winter-service/help-name-our-gritters/ and the winning gritters will be visible on the Traffic Scotland Gritter Tracker app: https://trafficscotland.org/wintergritterinfo/

With new Christmas Covid-19 restrictions being introduced for all but essential travel, Amey have developed a virtual Santa’s Grotto, which allows Amey staff and the public to take part in different festive fun events and support local charities.

This platform can be found here: https://swtrunkroads.scot/winter-service/visit-our-xmas-grotto/

The Winter Service for NMC SW is comprised of 27 Frontline Routes, 15 Patrol Routes and 12 Footway Routes (requiring 197km of winter treatment).

All the patrol vehicles are fitted with the latest Mobile Condition Monitoring Equipment, and all are fitted with Dash Cams. In addition, we will be using an innovative liquid brine solution on all our roads and footpaths, to provide more effective clearance of ice and snow.

In preparation for Winter in 2020 and 2021, Amey amassed 25,000 tonnes of road salt, 231,000 litre of Brine and 50,000 litres of Potassium Acetate, overseen by 10 Winter Service Duty Officers (WSDO), providing a 24/7 presence on the network.

To support the travelling public, a free Winter Road Alerts service is available, providing real-time updates on weather-related incidents on the network.

An email address is all that is required to sign up for this service:

https://swtrunkroads.scot/roadwork-alerts/

More details of NMC SW Winter Services can be found here:

https://www.transport.gov.scot/media/48662/winter-service-plan-2020-2021-sw-unit.pdf

Our full NMC SW Winter Plan can be found on the Transport Scotland website:

https://www.transport.gov.scot/media/48662/winter-service-plan-2020-2021-sw-unit.pdf

To report a problem on the network please visit:

https://swtrunkroads.scot/report-a-problem/

Real-time journey information can be obtained by visiting www.trafficscotland.org or via Twitter: @TrafficScotland

Christmas is NOT Cancelled in Kirkliston!

Santa will be touring the village on Christmas Eve – all within government ‘elf and safety guidelines!

The curse of COVID has crushed festive plans for so many, but a local resident was determined to keep spirits high in his village, Kirkliston, this year by working hard to preserve a tradition that has been cherished for many years gone by.

This year’s plans for Santa’s visit were set to be scuppered with the council calling time on the activity earlier in the year due to the potential health and safety hazards that it could impose, however after much determination and good will, members of the community have managed to use their connections and influence to save the event.

Geoff Crow, Director of local company 21CC Group, and responsible for the team who successfully delivered Wondrous Woods at Hopetoun House earlier on this year, said: “We understand that this event was initially cancelled for very good reasons but with the release of new government guidance, my team and I, along with some residents of the village were able to find a way to make this happen safely this year.

“This is such a wonderful example of community solidarity and togetherness, and we’re absolutely delighted to be sharing this news with the village. I personally can’t wait to see the smiles on so many children’s faces on Christmas Eve after what has been such a hard year for so many families.”

Alex Cole-Hamilton, MSP for Edinburgh Western commented: “I am absolutely thrilled that Santa will be making an in-person appearance in Kirkliston, on Christmas Eve ahead of his world tour that evening. How lucky are we?! This will be such a lift at the end of a dark year. Particular thanks to his helper, Geoff Crow for making it happen.”

Joining in with the festive fun is local Lib Dem councillors Kevin Lang and Louise Young, who will be dawning their elf outfits and joining Santa on route. Children will be able to watch Santa and his elves pass by from the safety of their homes and gardens.

Santa’s tour of the village on Christmas Eve will commence at 3.30pm before taking to the skies, to fly over Queensferry and the Firth of Forth on their way across to Fife and beyond.

21CC Group are an Edinburgh based Event Management company, established in 1999. They produce events around the country for corporate groups, festivals, local authorities, and private clients. 

#santaiscomingtotown #christmasinkirkliston

Hospital delivery service gets more than it bargained for!

The volunteers at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s Give and Go service have been some of the pandemic’s unsung heroes but together with the bags of laundry and Lucozade they’ve been given to deliver, they have also had some unexpected items in the bagging area!

The delivery service has been a godsend for patients and loved ones alike at a time when visiting’s been restricted. Friends and family simply drop off items for patients and can also collect their dirty laundry.

Dr Margaret McGuire, NHSGGC’s Director of Nursing said: “I simply cannot put into words just what an invaluable part the Give and Go service has played in our Covid response. Sadly for many, many months our patients have not been able to have visitors, due to the risk of transmitting the virus.

“Not only is this lonely for patients but at the beginning it also meant they couldn’t get essentials like fresh pyjamas and their own drinks and toiletries. And then came the amazing response from our volunteers! We’ve had such positive feedback from patients and families about what a difference this has made for everyone. Well done and thank you.”

Over at Glasgow Royal Infirmary there are 83 volunteers helping to keep patients in touch with their families by delivering what they need most. However, there have been a few raised eyebrows at some of the more unusual items they have been asked to transport.

Louise Colquhoun is the Volunteer Manager who runs the service. She said: “We did expect to get the odd cigarette and lighter being smuggled in, but even we were surprised at what we got through the door!

“We have had a 55 inch telly, a microwave, and lots and lots of alcohol, some even ‘cleverly’ disguised. But we rumbled them all and returned them to their rightful owners.

“It’s been a long year for all my volunteers – we deliver around 1,000 items a week to patients. Our unusual drop-offs have kept us all on our toes and given us all a wee laugh.”

The volunteer army will continue to work across hospitals and sites through Christmas and New Year, with many of the deliveries already including festive treats and a few gifts before Santa makes his own appearance on the big day.

If you want to join the volunteers as part of the Give and Go service, please email voluntary.services@ggc.scot.nhs.uk

Pictured is volunteer Aimee Macphail who is a cabin crew member at British Airways.

A message from Edinburgh Leisure

Due to Level Four restrictions, Edinburgh Leisure will not be reopening indoor venues (including gyms, swimming pools, indoor courts and the climbing arena at Ratho) from 26/12/20 for at least three weeks.

You can still stay active with us until 4pm on Christmas Eve. After this, our golf courses and outdoor courts will remain open and we hope to see you there.

We have contacted all of our customers via email regarding direct debits and memberships.

Please rest assured that you will not be charged for anything while we are closed. We’ll be reinstating our ‘Find Your Feel Good at Home’ online fitness hub in the new year, which will be packed with advice and activities to help keep you active.

We’re also looking forward to rolling out our live-streamed online fitness classes and we will be in touch about this in due course.

Remember – stay active, stay well and we will get through this together!

Edinburgh Leisure

First Minister: Stay close to home

Homeware stores and garden centres to close in level 4

Homeware stores and garden centres will close in all level 4 areas from Boxing Day with the exception of click and collect.

Members of the public within level 4 are also being urged to stay close to home where possible to help stop the spread of Coronavirus (COVID19).

The stricter definition of essential retailers and new stay at home message have been introduced to help tackle the new variant of the virus which can spread far more quickly and easily.

The changes were announced during a statement to Parliament by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon yesterday. She said: “Given the severity of the situation we face and the need to limit interactions as much as possible, we intend to define essential retail more narrowly than we have done recently.

“In short, that means homeware stores and garden centres will be classed as non-essential and will therefore require to close, with the exception of click and collect.

“Financial support will remain available for businesses affected and the Finance Secretary is urgently assessing what more the Scottish Government can do, particularly for the sectors most affected.

“For those living in level 4 areas – which from Saturday will be the vast majority of us – our strong advice is to stay as local as possible and to stay at home as much as possible.

“We will be considering in the days ahead whether we need to place that advice in law.

“As more evidence of the impact of this new strain becomes available, we will consider whether there is a need to strengthen level 4 restrictions any further.”

The First Minister’s statement.

Alexander McCall Smith to receive 2020 Edinburgh Award

Internationally-admired Edinburgh-based author Alexander McCall Smith CBE has been chosen as this year’s recipient of the prestigious Edinburgh Award.

In recognition of his writing success, legal career and work within academia, Mr McCall Smith will be presented with an engraved Loving Cup from the Lord Provost and have his handprints set in stone at the City Chambers as soon as it can be arranged within the ongoing pandemic restrictions.

Emeritus Professor of Medical Law at the University of Edinburgh, Mr McCall Smith became a hugely successful novelist through his The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency, The Sunday Philosophy Club and 44 Scotland Street book series, the latter of which is set in the heart of Edinburgh’s New Town.

He is now one of the world’s best-loved writers for both adults and children and his 2books are published in 47 languages.

He will become the 14th person to receive the Edinburgh Award, following in the footsteps of last year’s recipient Ann Budge (2019) and fellow writers Ian Rankin OBE (2007) and JK Rowling OBE (2008), as well as fellow academics Professor Peter Higgs (2011) and Sir Timothy O’Shea (2017).

Writing four or five new books every year Mr McCall Smith’s career continues to go from strength to strength. The Edinburgh Award will go some way towards recognising Alexander’s celebrated and thriving writing career, through which he often shares his love of Scotland’s capital city.

Lord Provost Frank Ross said: “Through his wonderfully charming and engaging writing Alexander McCall Smith has done much to promote Edinburgh across the world. It therefore gives me great pleasure to announce him as the recipient of the 2020 Edinburgh Award.

“The Edinburgh Award enables citizens to pay a lasting tribute to someone who has made an outstanding contribution to our great city, and Mr McCall Smith has done exactly that through his truly impressive bibliography.

“He has written and contributed to more than 100 books including specialist academic titles, short story collections, and a number of immensely popular children’s books, becoming one of the best-loved authors in the world. He is a true advocate for Edinburgh through his writing and legal career and is a highly deserving recipient of one of Edinburgh’s most prestigious awards.”

Alexander McCall Smith CBE said: “I am immensely honoured by this award. The people who really deserve it, though, are those who have helped me in my work: the publishers, editors, and bookshop staff who help get the printed word out about this wonderful city.”

Nominations for the Edinburgh Award are invited annually from Edinburgh citizens and the awarding decision is taken by a judging panel chaired by the Lord Provost, with representatives from all political groups on the City of Edinburgh Council, Edinburgh Voluntary Organisations Council and Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce.

First launched in 2007, the Award is a way for Edinburgh residents to pay a lasting tribute to individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the Capital through their achievements.

Coalition urges Government action as latest figures highlight more than 50 per cent drop in legal support for those children with complex needs

An alliance of leading providers of services to vulnerable children and young people has called on the Scottish Government to ensure that those with complex and high-level needs receive the support they are legally entitled to.

The call from the Scottish Children’s Services Coalition (SCSC), which campaigns to improve services for these children and young people, comes as the latest statistics highlight a dramatic decline in the number of children with additional support needs (ASN), such as autism, dyslexia and ADHD, receiving a so-called co-ordinated support plan (CSP).

Despite a Scottish Government promise that there would be no reduction in the proportion of pupils receiving them since their introduction in 2004, there has been a significant fall in the number of pupils with CSPs, from 3,448 in 2012 ^[1] to 1,534 in 2020 ^[2], amounting to a drop of 55.5 per cent (publicly funded primary, secondary and special schools). This is a reduction from 2.9 per cent to 0.7 per cent of those with ASN and currently amounts to 0.2 per cent of the pupil population.

This is against the background of an almost doubling in the number of those with ASN from 118,034 in 2012 to 226,838 pupils in 2020, amounting to 32.3 per cent of pupils.

In May 2019, the Scottish Government announced that it will review the use of CSPs, which the SCSC had also called for, but despite this being more than 18 months ago, this has yet to be published.

A CSP is a legal document, the only education plans that are legal documents, requiring services such as education, health and social work to work together to give a child or young person the support they need. It provides some guarantees of entitlement to additional resources and legal redress, placing statutory duties on local authorities to review and ensure the provisions contained within it are being met.

While those with ASN come disproportionately from the most deprived neighbourhoods, they have a lower proportion receiving a CSP when compared with those from the least deprived neighbourhoods.

This raises concerns that those from deprived communities who are entitled to a CSP are not receiving this required legal support.

Local authorities are more reluctant to provide a CSP than previously, viewing them as cumbersome and time-consuming. They instead prefer to use other types of plans, such as Child Plans, which are not legally enforceable. Many local authorities are now not providing them unless the parents or carers request them, reinforced by the fact that cuts in health, education and social work services mean that authorities are reluctant to provide such support.

Parents or carers on the other hand believe statutory plans are important to ensure the needs of children and young people are properly recorded and reviewed.

This is in contrast with England where the number of those receiving an education, health and care plan (EHCP), the CSP equivalent, is 3.3 per cent of the pupil population, fifteen times the rate of that in Scotland and is on the increase and amounts to 27.3 per cent of those with special education needs (SEN).^[3]

This is an important difference between the countries. While more than a quarter of SEN pupils in England have a statutory support plan, less than one per cent of ASN pupils in Scotland have equivalent legislative protection.

The SCSC has called on the Scottish Government to urgently publish its review and, working with local authorities, ensure that those children and young people requiring it receive the legislative support they both require and deserve.

A spokesperson for the SCSC commented: “It is clearly of some concern that we are experiencing a decline in the use of CSPs, which are designed to support those with the most complex needs.

“This is despite an increase in the numbers of those requiring such support and is in contrast with south of the border where the number of those with the equivalent of a CSP is more than a quarter of those with special educational needs while in Scotland it is less than 1 per cent for those with additional support needs.

“The disparity in those with a CSP between those in the least and most deprived areas is troubling, as if we are to close the educational gap, it is key that we target the resourcing to those in the most deprived communities.

“We are also concerned about the disparities that exist between local authorities on such support, which clearly raises concerns about how such a policy is being implemented and a lack of standardisation of who is identified as having ASN and who get a CSP.

“It is vital that the Scottish Government urgently publishes its review of CSPs, which has now been ongoing for more than 18 months and working with local authorities ensures that those who require a CSP get it, making parents and carers aware of their legal rights.”

Inspiring Volunteer Award 2020? This one’s for YOU!

Thousands of Edinburgh citizens who have given up their time to volunteer and support their communities during the COVID-19 pandemic have been honoured by Lord Provost Frank Ross.

This was after it was announced they are all Inspiring Volunteer Award-winners 2020.

Edinburgh’s Inspiring Volunteer Awards, now in its fourteenth year, reflects the huge range of organisations and individuals who give their time freely to work with the city’s vibrant charity and non-profit sectors.

Volunteers within community projects received award certificates earlier in the year but until now the winner of Volunteer of the Year had yet to be announced.

It was decided that this year a different approach was needed and, in recognition of those many thousands of citizens who have assisted others during the coronavirus crisis, that ‘the Citizens of Edinburgh’ should receive the Volunteer of the Year award.

The updated Roll of Honour plaque naming the Citizens of Edinburgh as the joint winners was unveiled during a special virtual meeting between the Lord Provost, Deputy Lord Provost Joan Griffiths and Paul Wilson, Chief Officer of Volunteer Edinburgh as they paid tribute to the volunteering efforts in 2020.

Edinburgh routinely benefits from around 30% of our residents giving up their time to assist their fellow citizens. During the pandemic, the commitment from volunteers remained and interest in volunteering in the Capital has grown by more than 200%.

Lord Provost Frank Ross said: “Edinburgh has always had a thriving voluntary and community sector with thousands of volunteers helping people throughout the city and giving their valuable skills and time to worthy causes every year.

“In my role as Volunteer Champion I have the privilege of meeting many who go out of their way to help others and I’ve been truly humbled this year by how brilliantly our city has come together to respond to the pandemic. Every single person giving their time, skills and commitment to help others is a vital part of Edinburgh’s resilience and a symbol of how we’ll move forward.

“Choosing my Inspiring Volunteer of the Year is always a virtually impossible task and for 2020, in such difficult times, with so many more people giving their time for others, the Deputy Lord Provost and I, with the assistance of Paul, agreed that we needed to take a different approach.

“That’s why we’re awarding the Citizens of Edinburgh our Inspiring Volunteers of the Year, to recognise and thank the many thousands of citizens who have gone the extra mile help others during the coronavirus crisis. My sincerest thanks to you all for the help, time, care and consideration which has been so freely given, you have truly done Edinburgh proud.

Deputy Lord Provost Joan Griffiths said: “In recognition of how many people have helped others, be they family, friends, neighbours or strangers, countless people have benefitted from this assistance, and I was honoured to unveil the Lord Provost’s Inspiring Volunteer of the Year 2020 entry for the Citizens of Edinburgh.

“The entire city is united in our gratitude to the legions of volunteers who have, and who I hope will continue to, help looking after our most vulnerable citizens throughout this pandemic and going forward as we return to normality.”

Paul Wilson, Chief Officer of Volunteer Edinburgh, added: “Edinburgh has always been a city of volunteers with many thousands of people giving their time, energy and commitment every single day. However, this year it has been inspiring to see how many people wanted to support their communities.

“Whether that was informally by being a good neighbour, joining one of the brilliant mutual aid groups that sprung up during lockdown or volunteering more formally, I am confident that the city could not have gotten through the past 10 months without them all. I can’t think of a more fitting Inspiring Volunteer of the Year 2020, than the people of our city who made and continue to make such a huge difference.”

The Inspiring Volunteer Awards plaque in the City Chambers is part of the city’s civic heritage, which will be seen by the public for many years to come.

Relief all round as border reopens

An agreement to reopen the UK-French border to allow accompanied freight services and some passenger services to resume between the two countries was reached by the UK and French governments last night.

Rail, air and sea services will resume this morning, with all people travelling from the UK into France required to show proof of a negative Coronavirus test taken within the previous 72 hours.

The protocol agreed with the French Government will be reviewed on 31 December, but could run until 6 January. All lorry drivers, irrespective of nationality, will require a lateral flow test.

This can detect the new strain of COVID-19 and provide results in around 30 minutes, rather than the 24 hours required after a PCR test.

The French government will also carry out sample testing on incoming freight to the UK.

The UK government continues to strongly urge hauliers not to travel to Kent until further notice, while a mass testing programme for HGV drivers gets underway to alleviate congestion at ports.

Operation Stack remains in force along the M20 while lorry drivers in Kent are continuing to be directed to the Manston holding facility, where they have access to food and welfare facilities.

Under the agreement announced this evening, admittance into France will only be granted to those travelling for urgent reasons – including hauliers – French citizens, and British citizens with French residency. 

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “I am pleased that we have made this important progress with our French counterparts this evening. This protocol will see the French border reopen to those travelling for urgent reasons, provided they have a certified negative COVID test.

“We continue to urge hauliers not to travel to Kent until further notice as we work to alleviate congestion at ports.”

The Transport Secretary also announced the temporary relaxation of drivers’ hours for hauliers to help drivers get through UK borders safely, including via Kent, during the coming weeks. The rules came in force at midnight.

Scotland’s Transport Secretary Michael Matheson has called for drivers moving goods such as seafood and salmon to be prioritised as an agreement is reached to allow hauliers into France.

Speaking after a discussion with the UK Transport Secretary last night, Mr Matheson, said: “This has been an extremely worrying time for a number of our sectors who are heavily dependent on the Channel ports, especially at this time of year.

“It has provided an alarming insight into the likely disruption a No Deal Brexit or any additional trade barriers will bring, and I would again stress the need to extend the transition period while the country gets to grips with coronavirus (Covid-19).

“I spoke with the UK Transport Secretary and am pleased that he reported that significant progress had been made regarding arrangements to reopen the closure of the French border to UK freight and that the UK Government has agreed that a Lateral Flow Test – of similar quality to that being used by the NHS – will permit drivers and other essential travellers to travel to France within 72 hours of a clear test. Arrangements will be in place until 6 January, with a mutual review agreed for 31 December.

“The UK Government has informed us that they have a plan to deploy Lateral Flow Tests to drivers at locations in Kent where drivers are parked, and UK Ministers must now urgently prioritise those drivers with perishable goods, such as Scottish seafood and salmon.

“What has always been of concern is the impact on exporters, not least of Scotland’s premier food produce rightly in demand in Europe. This is their most critical time of year and the dismay caused by the uncertainty and length of delay has been avoidable and regrettable.

“Now we have clarity on the type of test required, the Scottish Government will work with the haulage industry and the NHS to explore how we can support drivers to take those tests in Scotland in the future, before beginning their journey.

“To reiterate, Scotland is currently well stocked with food and medical supplies. We remain in close communication with the NHS and with food retailers and there is no issue that causes concern for the immediate few days ahead. What has always been of concern is the impact on exporters, not least of perishable goods such as seafood. This is their most critical time of year and right now, and the dismay caused by the uncertainty and length of delay has been avoidable and regrettable.

“I have again raised the question of financial support for those hit by this action with the UK Government. We stand ready to help in any practical way we can as this situation develops and will keep all actions under active review.”