Category: North Edinburgh News

Additional Scottish support for Middle East appeal

First Minister announces boost for humanitarian aid

First Minister John Swinney has announced an additional £300,000 funding will be provided to support humanitarian aid efforts in the Middle East through the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) Appeal and Scottish charities, SCIAF and Mercy Corps.

This funding, delivered through the Scottish Government’s Humanitarian Emergency Fund programme, will help provide urgent assistance to those affected by the ongoing conflict, including food, clean water, medical care, and shelter for displaced individuals in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon and Syria.

The announcement was made by the First Minister during a parliamentary debate on the international situation in which he also called for Scotland to champion the benefits of international trade, cooperation, and solidarity during this period of international turbulence.

The First Minister said: “I’m pleased to announce a contribution of £240,000 through our Humanitarian Emergency Fund to the Disasters Emergency Committee’s appeal for the Middle East, along with £30,000 each for Scottish charities, SCIAF and Mercy Corps for their responses in Lebanon and Syria.

“This is in addition to the £250,000 that we provided to this appeal last November and comes at a time when humanitarian needs continue to increase across Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon and Syria.

“I believe that wherever we can, we do what is within our power to de-escalate and support recovery from disaster and conflict in our deeply interconnected world.

“Investing in the wellbeing of the international community is also an investment in our national wellbeing and security and I make no apology for doing so in these turbulent times.”

The First Minister added: “At a time when the US, the UK and other donors have slashed their aid budgets, we in Scotland are committed to continuing to support our Global South partner countries, and more widely to responding to humanitarian emergencies globally.

“Though we recognise the amounts Scotland contributes may be small in the face of growing need, we will do all we can to ensure it has maximum impact. Scotland will continue to act as a good global citizen.”

DEC spokesperson Huw Owen said: “This additional donation to the DEC Middle East Humanitarian Appeal from the Scottish Government through its Humanitarian Emergency fund is hugely welcome. 

“The Appeal has now raised close to £4 million here in Scotland, over £45 million UK wide, which also includes many generous individual donations from the public.  We are hugely grateful for this support.

“It will bolster DEC charities and their expert local partners’ continuing efforts in Gaza and the wider region, working in incredibly challenging circumstances, to reach the most affected communities with medical care, food and clean water as well as psychological support for traumatised children and their families.”

Humanitarian needs across the Middle East continue to escalate, with nearly half of the population of Gaza facing emergency levels of food insecurity and water, shelter and medicine in desperately short supply. By providing this funding, the DEC and its member charities can ensure that when the current blockade of Gaza is finally lifted, those needs can be addressed without delay.

The DEC appeal for the Middle East launched on 17 October 2024 and the Scottish Government’s previous contribution of £250,000 supported DEC and partner organisations in delivering humanitarian aid across the region.

Since the appeal’s launch, generous donations from the public have helped deliver lifesaving assistance, and further contributions remain essential to sustain these efforts.

The appeal has raised £3.8m in Scotland and the Scottish public can make a donation at Donate to Middle East Appeal | Disasters Emergency Committee

Boost your mental health with springtime nature

MENTAL HEALTH FOUNDATION

Come rain or sunshine, the spring brings lots of wonderful opportunities to enjoy nature – and boost your mental health while doing so. 🍃🌼

1/ Go for a spring walk and tap into your senses – what do you see, hear, smell, and touch?

2/ Tend to your garden or houseplants, are you seeing any start to blossom?

3/ Get in touch with your creative side and draw, paint or collage spring’s nature.

4/ Animal lover? Walk in the countryside or visit a city farm and spot the new arrivals!

5/ Feeling adventurous? Go on a spring scavenger hunt and discover nature (find resources at Woodland Trust).

What are spring activities you enjoy, that bring you closer to nature?

#Spring

#MentalHealth

#Nature

BYITC’s 7th International Maths Olympiad breaks records with unprecedented participation

13 winners, 11 levels, and one unique online contest for youngsters

The British Youth International College (BYITC) has named thirteen winners of its seventh annual International Maths Olympiad competition, including two children from Edinburgh.  

Tejas Mittal, aged 10, who attends Calderwood Primary School in Edinburgh was the joint level 10 winner.

He said: “Maths feels different now. I actually enjoy solving things, and I can see how much I’ve improved since I started Supermaths!

“The games are my favourite way to learn and practice maths. I wish we had this at school too!”

Tejas’ parents Mukesh and Neha Mittal said: “Seeing my child solve math problems with confidence is amazing! BYITC’s structured learning and supportive teachers have really helped in the Olympiad journey.”

Abel Abby, 10, attends St John Vianney RC Primary School in Edinburgh and was the joint level 11 winner.

He said: “What helped me most was learning how to think through a problem. BYITC taught me not to rush, but to solve things the smart way. The teachers are really kind and explain things until I get it!”

Mum Abby Jose said: “I’m so happy with the progress my child has made through the BYITC Olympiad. The questions really helped sharpen their thinking, and the support from teachers has been excellent!”

Of the thousands of students from all over the world who took part in the week-long free-to-enter challenge, which is aimed at students ranging from four to fourteen, the following were successful and received certificates and trophies: 

Winners (13):

  • Aanya Muppidi, 9, Leatherhead – level 1 winner
  • Anaisha Saxena, 6, Glasgow – level 2 winner
  • Saksham Kataria, 7, Birmingham – level 3 winner
  • Isaiah Tahir, 10, Glasgow – level 4 winner
  • Chinmaye Kanumuri, 8, Hemel Hempstead – level 5 winner
  • Aarav Shah, 12, Birmingham – level 6 winner
  • Kapishan Kadsan, 11, New Malden, London – level 7 winner 
  • Jithya Krithika Kotte, 12, Liverpool – level 8 winner
  • Krishna Nair, 9, Glasgow – level 9 winner
  • Pranav Aiyer, 10, Reading – joint level 10 winner 
  • Tejas Mittal, 10, Edinburgh – joint level 10 winner
  • Abel Abby, 10, Edinburgh – joint level 11 winner
  • Vivaan Rawat, 10, Glasgow – joint level 11 winner

The first-of-its-kind challenge is based on BYITC’s pioneering Abacus Maths programme, with 50 questions in total and results based on accuracy and timely completion. Students used concepts like finger, Abacus, and Mental theory.

The top performers across each of eleven levels of BYITC Supermaths training were awarded certificates and trophies for their impressive arithmetic skills.

BYITC’s Founder, Dr Rashmi Mantri, said: “Congratulations to each of the winners. Every child who took part deserves enormous credit as we can tell they gave it their best shot and worked very hard. 

“Young people are naturally competitive and derive lots of fun from playing and experimenting with numbers. Competitions like this prepare them for higher levels of assessments and exams as they go through their educational journey as they worked on time management and enhance their problem-solving skills.

“As we know from research, such high-level game playing significantly boosts logical thinking skills, an excellent preparation from a future which is going to be dominated by AI.

“Since we launched the Challenge, we have had more than 75 winners which is a great achievement. The success of our Olympiads and the sheer scale of entries from across the globe are very satisfying and give us confidence that there is a huge hunger out there for learning more about, and getting lots of fun from playing with, numbers.”

Glasgow-based BYITC is also now the UK’s largest provider of Abacus Maths classes and creator of the world’s first 100% digital, game-based abacus maths learning application.

Less than half of Scots say reaching net zero will improve quality of life

Mixed views on climate crisis

Almost half (44%) of Scots think that reaching net zero by 2045 would improve their quality of life – compared to just 1 in 10 who think it would make it worse –  according to new official statistics published for the first time today.

The Scottish Climate Survey also found that almost three-quarters of those surveyed (72%) feel climate change is an immediate and urgent problem and almost all households have experienced a severe weather event in the past 12 months. 

More than 4,000 adults across Scotland shared their views on a range of climate-related issues, including transport, nature, preparing for the impacts of climate change and home energy.

The survey found that a third of households (33%) were finding it difficult to afford their energy bills whilst more than four in ten (42%) said they were having to cut back spending on food and other essentials to spend more on energy bills.​

People were also asked about their overall views on climate change and the impact of the transition to net zero. Almost half of adults (46%) reported feeling worried about climate change – with one in ten (11%) saying that their feelings about climate change had a negative effect on them most of the time.

Acting Minister for Climate Action, Alasdair Allan, said: “The findings from this survey highlight that people recognise the benefits that reaching net zero by 2045 will bring.

“However, if we are to persuade people to back climate action wholeheartedly, we must speak not only of the costs and challenges but also demonstrate clear and direct household and community benefits where possible.

“Whilst the powers over energy price setting and regulation are reserved, we continue to prioritise support for the most vulnerable households through access to long-term, sustainable measures with our energy efficiency programmes. We are also calling on the UK Government to introduce targeted energy bill discounts to support those who need it most.

“Scotland is now halfway to net zero and continues to be ahead of the UK as a whole in delivering long term emissions reductions. However in order to reach our target, we need to work together more effectively, at all levels of Government and beyond – and the findings from this survey help demonstrate that Scots not only understand the seriousness of the climate crisis – but want to see action.

“That’s why we will continue to drive climate action that is fair, ambitious and effective at addressing the scale of the emergency which faces us.”

Scottish Climate Survey: main findings – gov.scot

Eligible? Get Vaccinated!

Evidence shows that the vaccine can help prevent severe disease, hospitalisation and death in older adults and those with a weakened immune system.

If you’re eligible, it’s important to take up the offer of an additional dose.

Visit http://nhsinform.scot/covid19vaccine for more information.

Charity welcomes launch of Scottish Pension Age Disability Payment

A Scottish charity has welcomed the launch of the Pension Age Disability Payment. From today, the payment is available across all of Scotland for older people living with a disability or health condition.

Debbie Horne, Scotland Policy and Public Affairs Manager at Independent Age, said: “With the national rollout of the new Pension Age Disability Payment which replaces Attendance Allowance in Scotland, it’s really important that eligible older people receive this support, and everything else, that they’re entitled to.

“Our Older People’s Economic Wellbeing Index Scotland found that one in four (24%) people in later life with a health condition are not aware of disability related social security payments.  

“This is money for people of State Pension age who are disabled, have a long-term health condition, or are terminally ill. It is not means tested.  

“For older people who think they might be eligible, they can find out more from Independent Age’s new Pension Age Disability Payment guide. This is free and has up to date advice on what the entitlement is and how to claim.

“It is available through the Independent Age website or by calling our free helpline on 0800 319 6789 to request a copy. Our helpline and advice team can also advise any older people who is unsure whether or not they could be eligible for the payment. 

“People currently receiving Attendance Allowance do not need to do anything and will be automatically transferred onto Pension Age Disability Payment by Social Security Scotland. They will continue to receive their payment uninterrupted”  

The payment replaces Attendance Allowance in Scotland.

The 150,000 older people in Scotland who receive Attendance Allowance will be automatically transferred onto Pension Age Disability Payment in a phased process.

Friday is deadline day for North Edinburgh Community Benefits Fund

£10,000 Community Fund launched to support North Edinburgh organisations

  • Cruden delivers new grant opportunity as part of wider Granton Waterfront regeneration

A new £10,000 Community Benefits Fund, supported by Cruden and the City of Edinburgh Council, is open for applications. The flexible funding pot is available to third sector organisations operating in North Edinburgh, offering the opportunity to apply for financial grants or building and landscaping support to help improve local services and community spaces.

The deadline for applications is this Friday – 25th April.

The fund has been launched in connection with Cruden’s delivery of 143 high-quality, energy-efficient homes for social and mid-market rent at Silverlea – part of the city’s wider regeneration ambitions for Granton Waterfront. The homes will include a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom properties, including wheelchair-accessible accommodation.

Applications for the Community Benefits Fund will be accepted until Friday, April 25, 2025. Organisations can apply for up to £3,000 in grant funding or equivalent Cruden-delivered services (for individual applicants) or up to £5,000 in grant funding or equivalent Cruden-delivered services (for group partnerships).

Cruden has collaborated closely with R2, a network of organisations in North Edinburgh that focuses on partnership working, knowledge sharing, and generating lasting positive change for the local community, to create the fund.

This collaboration has ensured that the fund is closely aligned with the specific needs of the area.

Applications will be assessed based on their alignment with local priorities that promote partnership collaboration and demonstrate a long-term commitment to North Edinburgh. Special emphasis will be placed on initiatives that enhance the local food economy, promote anti-racism efforts, improve green spaces and public areas, and provide support and training for third-sector staff.

Michael Palethorpe, Production and Community Benefit Manager at Cruden, said: “Working closely with the North Edinburgh community, including the incredibly helpful R2 and City of Edinburgh Council, has been essential in shaping a fund that delivers real, lasting impact.

“This initiative ensures that support goes directly to the organisations and groups who are making a tangible difference on the ground. 

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for local people and charities to receive a valuable cash boost or practical support to bring their ideas to life and continue enhancing the area for everyone who lives there.”

Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener Lezley Marion Cameron said: “Community development funds matter hugely because they are a community benefit directly related to new housing being built.

“In addition to much needed new housing, I welcome funding from the developers that contributes to community projects and initiatives.”

The North Edinburgh Community Benefits Fund is part of a larger initiative to ensure that regeneration projects provide lasting value to the communities they serve.

This pilot scheme is administered by the City of Edinburgh Council, with support from local stakeholders, including R2.

Five Historic Pools, One Day: Edinburgh swimmers complete Victorian Pool Challenge

A dedicated team of swimmers from Leith Victoria Swim Centre successfully completed an ambitious challenge on Easter Monday, visiting and swimming in all five of Edinburgh Leisure’s Victorian pools in a single day to raise funds for the Active Communities programme.

The 14-member “Victorian Pool Crawlers” team swam up to one kilometre in each historic pool while walking approximately 16 kilometres between venues throughout the day. The challenge has raised over £870 to date, with donations still coming in through their JustGiving campaign.

Among the participants was 48-year-old Marek Bernat, who only learned to swim at Dalry Swim Centre in 2019. Originally from Poland, Bernat was motivated to learn after a frightening experience during a holiday in Bilbao, Spain.

“I lost my footing and tumbled down some stairs into water,” Bernat recalled. “That’s when I thought, ‘I’d better learn to swim.'” Now a regular at Leith Victoria Swim Centre’s skills and drills class, Bernat’s journey from non swimmer to Victorian Pool Crawler proves that it’s never too late to learn a new skill.

“This challenge brought together our love for swimming with Edinburgh’s incredible Victorian pool heritage,” said Alistair Clark, the group’s organiser.

“To swim in all five historic venues in one day was physically demanding, but knowing we were raising vital funds for Active Communities kept us motivated.

“The programme helps thousands of people overcome barriers to physical activity, and we’re proud to support such important work.”

Easily spotted in their day-glow, bright orange t-shirts and Edinburgh Leisure swim caps, the team attracted attention and support from other pool users throughout the day.

Edinburgh Leisure’s Active Communities programme works to tackle inequalities and combat the effects of inactivity by providing opportunities for people facing the greatest barriers to physical activity, including those affected by health conditions, disabilities, inequalities, and poverty. Each year, the programme supports around 12,500 individuals.

“The determination shown by the Victorian Pool Crawlers exemplifies the community spirit that makes Edinburgh Leisure’s work possible,” said Jenny Selman, Funding Manager at Edinburgh Leisure.

“Their efforts will directly help us create more opportunities for everyone to get active and stay active, regardless of their circumstances.”

Those wishing to support the Victorian Pool Crawlers can still donate via their JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/poolcrawl2025

Edinburgh Leisure is dedicated to helping people lead more active, healthy lives. With 53 sport, leisure, and school venues across the city, Edinburgh Leisure creates opportunities for everyone to get active and stay active.

Saturday is Apple Blossom Picnic Day in Drylaw

SATURDAY 25 APRIL 2 – 4pm in EASTER DRYLAW AVENUE

This Saturday we are having a BIG celebration of the Drylaw Good Apples project in the East Orchard on Easter Drylaw Avenue.

All welcome for food, fun and music! Bring your friends and neighbours 😄

Date: Sat 26th April

Time: 2 – 4pm

Location: Orchard found down the lane between 6 and 8 Easter Drylaw Avenue

What: food, music and children’s activities

Free breakfast clubs roll out in England

Thousands of children to attend free breakfast clubs today, as UK government delivers its manifesto commitment and promise to working families

School mornings just got easier for families across England as 750 schools open breakfast clubs today, offering 30 minutes of free childcare, a healthy start for kids and a little more breathing room before the school bell rings.

Parents will be supported with additional time at the start of the day to attend appointments, get to work on time and run errands. In total, this means parents will be able to save up to 95 additional hours and £450 per year if their child attends free breakfast clubs every day. 

This amount rises to a saving of up to £8,000 every year when combining the free breakfast clubs with further support through the expansion of government-funded childcare and new school uniform cap on branded items.

With the cost of everyday essentials stretching budgets, these clubs will be a lifeline for working families simply trying to get by. When you’re raising a family, every penny counts and that’s why the government is stepping in to ease the pressure and put money back in parents’ pockets.

No matter the postcode or the pay packet, every child deserves the same chance to thrive. That’s the principle behind this rollout — real support for families in every corner of the country, so no one is left behind.

These clubs sit alongside action to tackle the cost of living, with inflation falling for two months in a row, wages growing faster than prices and fuel duty frozen. The Labour government says that, together, they show the Plan for Change is delivering for working families.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “As a parent, I know that the combined pressures of family life and work can often feel impossible to juggle. That is why our manifesto promised to make parents lives easier and put more money in their pockets with free breakfast clubs. Under a year since we came into office, this government is delivering that through our Plan for Change.

“The rollout of free breakfast clubs is a truly game-changing moment for families in this country. They mean parents will no longer be hamstrung by rigid school hours and have the breathing space they need to beat the morning rush, attend work meetings and doctors’ appointments, or run errands. And crucially, it means better life chances for children.

“By making these clubs free and universal, we’re doing something that previous governments have never done. We’re going further and faster to deliver the change working families deserve. That’s the change this government was elected to deliver.”

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said: “Free breakfast clubs are a central part of our Plan for Change. At a time when there is so much pressure on families, they provide real help with the cost of living and ensure children start the day with a nutritious meal. 

“On top of the hectic school run, parents should not have to worry about how to balance work and getting their children fed and ready for school. These clubs will break down barriers and help children settle in, focus and get the most out of their learning.

“We are delivering on our promises and giving every child the best start in life while making sure families get the support they need, wherever they live.”

According to new government data, parents are also motivated to take up free breakfast clubs because of the improvements they can have on their wellbeing.

Many see them as is an opportunity to socialise with other children before school (30%) and spend more time doing the activities they enjoy (28%) – offering a supportive start to the day that leads to better behaviour, and better life chances.

The rollout delivers on the government’s manifesto promise to ensure state schools offer free breakfast clubs to all pupils; while supporting its Plan for Change milestone to ensure tens of thousands more children start school ready to learn.

Victoria Taylor, mum of two children aged 5 and 7, said: “For me, free breakfast clubs provide vital support, meaning I can get into work a little easier and ensure my two kids are settled and ready to learn.

“I’m a primary school teacher, so early mornings are a must however I try to not let my busy schedule dictate the pace of mornings.

“Taking my children to breakfast clubs means I know they are fed, ready to start the day and emotionally regulated – the commitment to rollout nationally will make the world of difference for working families.”

Trade unions argue that the funding allocated to breakfast clubs just isn’t enough, while charities and campaigners say that scrapping the current two child benefit cap would make a far greater difference in tackling poverty for the poorest families.