Category: North Edinburgh News

Keep Scotland Beautiful secures funding for heritage project

KEEP Scotland Beautiful have been awarded more than £900,000 by The National Lottery Heritage Fund to support communities across Scotland to explore, record, protect and celebrate their heritage and plan for future impacts, including climate change, through Our Heritage, Our Future.

Communities provide vital support and ongoing care and protection of our local historic buildings, monuments, places and traditions. Through community action planning and skills development, Our Heritage, Our Future aims to expand the audience engaging with our historic environment, support community awareness and understanding of the threats facing our heritage and inspire action.

Working closely with local organisations, we are establishing local heritage hubs across the country as a base for engagement activities guiding communities to identify the heritage that matters to them and how it could be looked after in the years to come.

Katie O’Donnell, our Communities Manager, said: “The £962,750 grant provided by The National Lottery Heritage Fund is key to driving forward work to inspire community heritage and climate action, and widening engagement with heritage across the country.

“The Our Heritage, Our Future project team can work with your community to help to develop a range of heritage skills such as creating guided tours, planning a pop-up museum, carrying out historical research and recording the historic environment. Through these activities you can work towards obtaining a formal qualification or take part just for fun – so we’d love to hear from you if you want to get involved!

“Through the project, local communities can not only celebrate and protect their past, but they can also recognise the value of their historic assets today, including opportunities for job creation, carbon reduction, energy and waste minimisation, improved mental wellbeing, and creating community cohesion and pride of place.”

In 2023 a Heritage Fund Development Phase grant of £198,165, alongside funding from Historic Environment Scotland, enabled us to lead community heritage engagement activity with a total of eight communities across Scotland including community heritage climate action planning, training in delivering guided tours, and developing a new Heritage topic for Eco-Schools Scotland.

These activities have formed the blueprint for the newly awarded Delivery Phase funding, with ongoing financial support from Historic Environment Scotland.

Caroline Clark, The National Lottery Heritage Fund Director for Scotland, said: “We are delighted that thanks to National Lottery players we are supporting Our Heritage, Our Future to be delivered in communities throughout Scotland.

“With our significant support Keep Scotland Beautiful will help people work together to identify and understand the risks facing their local heritage. It will deliver lasting impact equipping communities with the knowledge and skills to care for and share that heritage.”     

Find out more about Our Heritage, Our Future and how to get involved.

Our Heritage, Our Future has been made possible with support from Historic Environment Scotland and The National Lottery Heritage Fund, with thanks to National Lottery Players.

The project supports the ambitions of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, with a focus on Quality Education, Gender Equality and Sustainable Cities and Communities.

The funding will support communities across Scotland to explore, record, protect and celebrate their heritage and plan for future impacts, including climate change.

Read more and find out how we can support you:

https://www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/…/funding…/

#NationalLottery

#HeritageFund

Changes to passport application fees

RISE IN COST OF UK PASSPORTS

The government introduced new fees for passport applications yesterday (10 April 2025).

The proposals, which are subject to approval by Parliament, will include the following:

  • the fee for a standard online application made from within the UK will rise from £88.50 to £94.50 for adults and £57.50 to £61.50 for children
  • postal applications will increase from £100 to £107 for adults and £69 to £74 for children
  • the fee for a Premium Service (1 day) application made from within in the UK will rise from £207.50 to £222 for adults and £176.50 to £189 for children
  • the fee for a standard online application when applying from overseas for a UK passport will rise from £101 to £108 for adults and £65.50 to £70 for children
  • overseas standard paper applications will increase from £112.50 to £120.50 for adults and £77 to £82.50 for children

The new fees will help the Home Office to continue to move towards a system that meets its costs through those who use it, reducing reliance on funding from general taxation. The government does not make any profit from the cost of passport applications.

The fees contribute to the cost of processing passport applications, consular support overseas, including for lost or stolen passports, and the cost of processing British citizens at UK borders.

Customers are advised that they should apply in good time before travelling.

In 2024, where no further information was required, 99.7% of standard applications from the UK were processed within 3 weeks.

Passport fees are reviewed in line with HM Treasury guidance.

Mental Health Foundation: Movement can help with stress

Do you know the incredible ways that movement can help with stress?

Movement has physical and psychological effects on our bodies that relieve present pressure and helps prevent stress.

But, it’s often when we’re most stressed that motivation to find time for physical activity suffers. We may not think we have time, or we may feel too exhausted to plan any physical activity.

But, the stress-relieving effects of movement are so great, that even small moments of movement can have an effect. Going on a walk, doing housework or gardening all count. If you’re struggling to find the time and motivation look for these everyday tasks or find small moments in your day. A five-minute stretching session could boost your mood and improve your focus and motivation.

Why not set aside a few minutes today for an activity you enjoy? See if you can find time for it over the coming days and weeks if stress starts to set in.

Children First puts £2.5 million back in struggling families’ pockets in 2024

Children First has published a new report showing the positive impact the charity has made on the lives of thousands of children and families across Scotland.

The report reveals that the Children First support line, which offers practical, emotional and financial help to any family in Scotland, put almost £2.5 million back into the pockets of struggling families in 2024 by securing benefits they were entitled to.

Scotland’s national children’s charity also helped families to deal with debts totalling more than half a million pounds and make them more manageable.

From advice on mental health, money worries and online harm, to struggles at school, Children First’s support line gave expert help and advice to more than 2,500 families and supported over 9,400 people in 2024.

More than 1,000 of those families received financial wellbeing support and advice that helped keep children warm, well and fed.

Mary Glasgow, chief executive of Children First said: “Scotland is in the grip of a childhood emergency with around one in four children living in poverty.

“Poverty has a devastating impact on children’s development, physical and mental health, education and futures that can last into adulthood.

“We are calling on the government to act now to invest in targeted financial advice and support, early help for families and to increase the Scottish Child Payment which is the most effective way to alleviate poverty. Children can’t wait.”

The charity’s impact report also found that more than two thirds of families who reached out for help were worried about their child’s emotional wellbeing and half were concerned about family relationships.

Mary Glasgow added: “Every day our team hears from more and more families in distress and under huge pressure.

“For many, our support is a lifeline to them. But we can’t continue to be there for children and when they need us without your help.

“Please donate today at www.childrenfirst.org.uk.”

In 2024 across Scotland Children First supported more than 8,600 children and over 8,800 parents and carers to have a brighter future through its local services and national support line. In total 17,493 people were supported.

Mum Priya shared: “Thank you so much. I am in tears writing this. I will never be able to thank you enough. I’ve felt shame in asking for help and this year has been the hardest in forever, but Children First has restored the hope I have in this world.”

Mum Sarah, whose son Arthur has a disability was supported to apply for Child Disability Payment said: “Children First helped us apply for Scottish Child Payment which I didn’t know existed. This extra amount will definitely help us with food and electric bills each month.”

Dad James said: “Just knowing we have that extra money coming in is such a weight off our shoulders. We are now not reliant on food banks or family members.”

The Children First support line helps families across Scotland with whatever challenges they face. Families can call the team for free on 08000 28 22 33 or visit www.childrenfirst.org.uk to start a web chat from 9am – 9pm, Monday to Friday or 9am – 12 noon Saturday and Sunday.

Shortlist Announced for the 2025 World Championship Scotch Pie Awards

Celebrating 25 Years of Pie-Making Excellence, Scotland’s Top Bakers and Butchers Battle for the Ultimate Title

The heat is on in Scotland’s pie scene as the highly anticipated shortlist for the 2025 World Championship Scotch Pie Awards is officially unveiled. After a rigorous judging process, where 539 products were put to the ultimate taste test, 58 of Scotland’s best butchers, bakers, and pie makers have been shortlisted, standing out from 88 entrants vying for top honours.

Under the scrutiny of 50 expert judges, pies were assessed for taste, touch, appearance and smell across multiple categories, from the beloved Scotch Pie to Football Pies & Savouries, Macaroni Pie, Steak Pie, Sausage Roll, Hot Savoury, Vegetarian Savoury, Haggis Savoury, Bridie, and Apple Pies. This year also introduces two exciting new categories, Lighter Options and Retailer Pie Product of the Year, showcasing the industry’s continuous evolution and innovation.

The winner of the Scotch Pie category will be crowned WORLD CHAMPION, alongside all Best in Category winners, at a prestigious awards lunch on 10 May 2025 at the Hilton Glasgow.

Scottish Bakers, the trade association championing Scotland’s bakery sector, has proudly organised this annual competition for a quarter of a century, shining a spotlight on the skill and dedication of the nation’s best pie makers.

To mark its 25th anniversary, the organisation has launched the ‘Pieoneers’ campaign, celebrating the craftsmanship, tradition, and innovation that drives Scotland’s iconic pie industry forward.

Lesley Cameron, Chief Executive of Scottish Bakers, said: “This year marks a truly special milestone as we celebrate 25 years of the World Championship Scotch Pie Awards. Over the past quarter-century, this competition has become the ultimate showcase for the craft, passion, and innovation of Scotland’s butchers, bakers, and pie makers. 

“Every pie tells a story: of heritage recipes passed down through generations, of new ideas pushing the boundaries, and of the sheer dedication to producing products that are loved by communities across the country.

“We look forward to crowning our winners in May and shining a well-deserved spotlight on the very best in our industry.”

Since its launch in 1999, the World Championship Scotch Pie Awards has set the gold standard for Scotland’s pie industry, providing a platform to honour the finest craftsmanship and commitment to tradition while embracing innovation.

The 2025 World Championship Scotch Pie Awards would not be possible without strategic partner BAKO Group, Diamond Sponsor, Carr’s Flour and our valued sponsors: Andrew Ingredients, Dalziel Group, DMD (2000) Ltd, Fleming Howden, National Food & Drink Training, Reformul8, Reiser, Rondo, Sure Recruitment, TRKR and Ulrick & Short.

The full list of companies who have been shortlisted is:

  • Aldi
  • Ann Davidsons Butchers Ltd
  • Ashers Bakery Ltd
  • Aulds Bakeries Limited
  • Bald Baker
  • Ballards Butchers 
  • Bayne’s the Family Bakers
  • Beefcake Cafe
  • Belford Butchers
  • Boghall Butchers
  • Brownings the Bakers
  • CAFEV8
  • CC’s Kitchen
  • Cooper Quality Butcher Limited
  • D H Robertson
  • D.G Lindsay & Son
  • David Stein Butchers
  • David Brownings
  • Dunbar Community Bakery
  • Fisher & Donaldson
  • Forsyths of Peebles
  • Gillespies Family Butchers
  • Goodfellow and Steven
  • Grierson Bros 
  • H&S Milne
  • Hame Bakery
  • Harry Gow Bakery
  • Irvines Ltd
  • J & H Cairns Quality Family Butchers
  • J & W Aitken Butcher (TJ Alloa Ltd)
  • J Gillespies & Sons Ltd
  • J M Bakery
  • James Pirie & Son
  • Keptie Bakery LTD 
  • Kinnaird Butcher Shop & Deli
  • Lees Takeaway & Coffee Shop
  • Macleans Highland Bakery Ltd
  • Mathieson Butchers
  • McCaskies Butcher & Cafe
  • McGhee’s Family Bakers
  • Murrays Bakers
  • Nicoll’s Rosebank Bakery
  • Pars Foods Ltd
  • Pastel Bakery
  • Pie Sports Ltd
  • Rendalls Online Butcher
  • Saltire Patisserie Ltd.
  • Strachan Craft Butchers
  • Stuart’s Bakers and Butchers
  • Sugar and Spice
  • The Apple Pie Bakery
  • The Cumbrae Butcher
  • The Kandy Bar Bakery
  • The Little Bakery
  • W F Stark
  • Walkers Bonbon 1 Limited
  • Wee COOK
  • Wrights Butchers

For more information, visit scotchpieawards.com.

Two further arrests in connection with wilful fireraisings in Edinburgh

An 18-year-old man and a 17-year-old male youth have been arrested in connection with wilful fireraisings in Edinburgh.

Both have been arrested in connection with an incident which took place in Hay Drive on Friday, 4 April, 2024.

The 18-year-old has also been arrested in connection with a wilful fire at a premises in Albert Street on Thursday, 6 March, 2025 and the wilful fire of a vehicle in the Parrotshot area on Sunday, 2 March, 2025.

Enquiries are ongoing into the incidents, which are linked to the recent discharge of firearms and other fire-raising incidents in the city.

A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

A 24-year-old man was earlier arrested and charged in relation to two wilful fireraisings. He was due to appear in Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Tuesday, 8 April.

Detective Superintendent Paul Grainger said: “I want to reassure the community that extensive enquiries are ongoing into this investigation and arrests will continue over the coming weeks.

“If you have any information that can assist our investigation, please get in touch.”

Avoid emergency vet visits this Easter by keeping ‘toxic’ traditional treats away from pets

The British Veterinary Association is warning pet owners to keep traditional goodies – such as chocolate eggs and hot cross buns – out of reach of their animals to avoid emergency vet visits this April.

The warning comes as statistics from the Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS), which provides emergency advice to veterinary professionals about poisoning cases and runs Animal PoisonLine for owners, reveal that it received over 100 enquiries about animals eating chocolate last Easter.

Half of all enquiries it receives about pets ingesting hot cross buns, which contain vine fruits that are poisonous to many animals, also unsurprisingly come at Easter. 

Although 80 per cent of enquiries related to chocolate ingestion involve dogs, it’s not just cheeky canines who bite off more than they can chew: the VPIS reports 15 per cent of enquiries about chocolate ingestion relate to cats and 3 per cent to rabbits.

Chocolate, especially dark chocolate, can be dangerous for all pets. Dogs, however, are particularly susceptible to poisoning due to a chemical called theobromine, which is found naturally in cocoa beans.

Theobromine takes a long time to be broken down inside a dog’s digestive system, which means that even small amounts of chocolate can potentially result in toxic levels, especially for smaller dogs and puppies. Although white chocolate is usually safer for dogs if ingested accidentally, milk and dark chocolate can cause poisoning, so it’s better to err on the side of caution and keep all types of chocolate away.

Raisins and sultanas, found in hot cross buns and simnel cakes, and xylitol (found in sugar-free treats) can also be dangerous for dogs if ingested.

British Veterinary Association Junior Vice President Rob Williams said: “Chocolate eggs and hot cross buns are just a few of the treats which spring onto the shelves at this time of year.

“While they are delicious for us, the VPIS statistics show they are also tempting – but toxic – to our pets. Many of us will know the dangers that chocolate presents to dogs, but other pets such as cats and rabbits can also become seriously unwell if they eat it, while hot cross buns also contain vine fruits which is particularly toxic too.

“It’s best to make sure that all sweet treats and tempting titbits are kept out of reach of your pets to avoid emergency vet visits, but if you think your pet has eaten something they shouldn’t, it’s really important that you speak to your vet – it could save their life.”

Symptoms of chocolate poisoning

Symptoms of chocolate poisoning usually appear within 12 hours of ingestion and can last for up to three days. Initially, pets are likely to experience excessive thirst, vomiting, diarrhoea and restlessness.

These can develop into symptoms of hyperactivity, tremors, increased heart rate, hyperthermia and rapid breathing. Severe cases may result in fits and heartbeat irregularities, and even coma and death. If you notice these symptoms in your dog and suspect chocolate ingestion, seek veterinary advice as soon as possible.

For more information on pets and toxic substances, download the free Animal Welfare Foundation ‘Pets and Poisons’ leaflet or information leaflets from Animal PoisonLine.

Pets-and-Poisons-1Download

Queensferry Road fatality: Man arrested and charged

A 31-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with road traffic offences following a fatal hit and run crash on the A90 Queensferry Road.

Around 11.15pm on Tuesday, 8 April, 2025, officers were made aware of a crash involving a Kawasaki KLE650 motorcycle and an unknown car.

Emergency services attended and the 61-year-old male rider was pronounced dead at the scene.

The car has since been traced and the 31-year-old man arrested and charged in connection with road traffic offences. Further enquiries into the incident remain ongoing.

Sergeant Paul Ewing said: “We would like to thank the public for their assistance with our investigation and our thoughts remain with the family of the man who died.

“Anyone with any further information is asked to contact 101 quoting reference 4274 of 8 April, 2025.”

Police activity in Pilton

Following recent enforcement action in the West Pilton and Crewe areas, officers have been carrying out patrols and a letter drop with information on how to contact us or CrimeStoppers.

Tackling crime is a joint effort and relies on the support and confidence of the communities we work with day-in, day-out.

If you have concerns about something in your community, speak to officers or you can log it on the CrimeStoppers website completely anonymously at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

Panmure House partnership to deepen global dialogue on economic and social innovation

Heriot-Watt University today announced a major boost to its mission of advancing global dialogue on economic and social progress through a renewed partnership with Baillie Gifford, supporting a series of programmes based at Panmure House – the final remaining home of Adam Smith.

The ‘Baillie Gifford Panmure House Partnership II Gift’ will power a new phase of activity at Panmure House, designed to revitalise the spirit of the Scottish Enlightenment for the 21st century. It will enhance programmes that convene world-leading thinkers, foster groundbreaking research, and support rigorous debate on the pressing challenges facing economies and societies around the globe.

Professor Adam Dixon, Adam Smith Chair in Sustainable Capitalism at Panmure House, said: “Our mission is to provide world-influencing social and economic debate and research, that will help promote a world in which businesses and governments serve the long-term common good; where policies and public discourse are inclusive, well-reasoned and founded on research.

“We are grateful to Baillie Gifford for this gift that will help continue to revitalize the Scottish Enlightenment for the 21st century and foster rigorous debate and research that addresses the critical economic and societal issues of our time. With this generous support, we will expand our initiatives and continue to champion the values that Adam Smith embodied”. 

The partnership supports a range of existing and new initiatives, including an expanded Adam Smith Lecture Series, bringing Nobel Laureates and world-renowned thinkers to Edinburgh for public and scholarly engagement; the Panmure House Prize, supporting pioneering research into long-term innovation; and the Scholars-in-Residence Programme, establishing Panmure House as a dynamic, global hub for academic collaboration and debate.

This renewed support builds on a longstanding relationship between Baillie Gifford and Heriot-Watt University. Their initial contribution included the Panmure House Prize which recognises and rewards innovative research aligned with Smith’s enduring principles of long-term thinking and public value as well as the Adam Smith Lecture Series.

Furthermore, the gift will form part of Heriot-Watt University’s Shaping Futures campaign, an ambitious initiative to raise over £80 million in support of student support, research excellence, and global impact.

Tom Coutts, a Partner at Baillie Gifford, commented: “Panmure House stands as a beacon of independent thinking.

“We are proud to support Heriot-Watt’s vision to keep that light burning brightly, inspiring new generations of researchers, policymakers, and leaders to engage thoughtfully with the big questions of our time.”

Panmure House was built in 1691 and was the home of Scottish Enlightenment economist Adam Smith from 1778 to his death in 1790. It is now part of Edinburgh Business School, the business school of Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh.

Panmure House continues to reassert its position as a globally relevant centre for impactful scholarship – bringing together academia, business, and policy to chart a more inclusive and innovative future.