Category: North Edinburgh News

AustralianSuper announces £8 billion investment in the UK

  • Australia’s biggest pension fund to invest more than £18 billion in UK by 2030.
  • Set to unleash billions in productive finance for innovative businesses in the high-growth sectors of the future like clean energy and digital infrastructure.  
  • Chancellor hails investment as part of vision to make the UK the global capital for capital. 

A fresh £8 billion investment from Australia’s biggest pension fund, AustralianSuper, will take its total investment in the UK to over £18 billion by the end of the decade.  

It comes after Chancellor Jeremy Hunt met with CEO Paul Schroder, alongside some of the Board, this afternoon and rounds off a day of significant investment announcements, including the government announcing over £360 million of funding for advanced manufacturing.  

The Prime Minister attended the groundbreaking of a development site in Swindon today owned by Panattoni, Europe’s largest developer of new build industrial and logistics facilities, which has the potential to create 7,000 jobs for local people and add £1.2 billion to the economy, and the Chancellor visited Siemens Mobility, which revealed a €100 million investment for a manufacturing and research and development centre in Chippenham.  

Growing the economy is one of the Prime Minister’s priorities, and is part of the plan to improve economic security and opportunity for everyone. The UK has secured investment from major corporations over the past year, and according to PWC, around 4,000 CEOs see the UK as a top-three priority country for investment, alongside the US and China. 

It also follows the announcement of a series of pension fund reforms to back British business and increase returns and transparency for savers, including a new Value for Money (VFM) framework aimed at improving the performance of defined contribution pensions – a market growing rapidly, fuelled by the success of Automatic Enrolment in increasing pension savings by over £26 billion between 2012 and 2022.  

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “The raft of investment announcements we have seen today show that the UK remains one of the most attractive places to invest in the world. 

“But because of the difficult, long term decisions the government has taken the economy is now turning a corner, and we must stick to the plan – driving investment and growth to deliver long-term change and a brighter future for everyone.”  

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt said: “This major investment from AustralianSuper will promote growth and strengthen the UK’s position as a leading financial centre, creating wealth and helping to fund public services.  

“Britain continues to be Europe’s leading hub for investment, and it is through commitments like this that we will funnel billions into our brightest, burgeoning businesses to scale up and grow.” 

The Australian pension fund industry is the fastest growing in the developed world with assets under management doubling every five years, and the Chancellor has previously referred to the success of the pensions model in Australia, which has pioneered a similar set of reforms to VFM.   

AustralianSuper has had a presence in the UK since 2016, with approximately £8 billion currently invested in the UK and holding over £2.5 billion in UK listed equities. It is on track to deploy more than £8 billion of new capital by 2030 into large-scale, long-term investment opportunities in some of the fastest growing sectors in which Britain excels in comparison to its European peers, such as the energy transition and digital infrastructure.  

Mr Schroder has praised the UK’s investment opportunities for enabling high-quality, long-term returns for members. In future the company stated it expects £7 of every new £10 invested to be deployed outside Australia, as it pursues the best global investment opportunities and long-term returns for members.    

The United Kingdom has the largest pension market in Europe, worth over £2.5 trillion. Last year the Chancellor set out his ‘Mansion House Reforms’ to capitalise upon this, with the possibility to unlock an additional £75 billion for high growth businesses – supporting the Prime Minister’s priority of growing the economy and delivering tangible benefits to pensions savers. These include the ‘Mansion House compact’ which encourages pension funds to invest at least 5% of their assets in unlisted equity, which is in line with the Australian model.  

Minister for Investment Lord Johnston said: “Foreign investment is not just about numbers on a spreadsheet. It creates jobs, nurtures skills and unleashes our nation’s innovative spirit. That’s why the UK’s recent trade deal with Australia prioritised boosting investment flows.  

“AustralianSuper’s ongoing commitment shows the strong relationship we have built as they create a global centre of excellence in London. We are a top choice for major investments like this, and the Government is committed to promoting the opportunities available to global investors so they choose the UK.”  

The UK-Australia free trade agreement, which came into force on 31 May 2023, includes comprehensive provisions on investment, which has made the UK a more attractive place to do business.  

Chartered Institute of Housing to declare a Scottish ‘Housing Emergency’ at national conference

Scotland’s housing professionals are coming together this week for the country’s biggest housing event as its professional body is ready to announce a housing emergency.  

With three local authorities (Argyll and Bute, Edinburgh and Glasgow) having declared a housing emergency, and up to a dozen on the brink of doing so, Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) Scotland will set out its call that Scotland has moved past a housing crisis and is in the midst of a housing emergency. 

This call from CIH Scotland comes the week after the Scottish Government cut the affordable housing supply budget by £196 million and new homeless figures show over 30,000 open homelessness cases, a 10% rise on figures 12 months ago.  

CIH Scotland national director, Callum Chomczuk, said: “Scotland is the midst of a housing emergency, and we need a political response. 

“We want to see the UK budget on Wednesday provide increased spending, increased capital spending and clarity over future Financial Transaction allocations, which would mean more funding could be provided for affordable housing in the coming year.  

“However, we also want to see the Scottish government prioritise the delivery and building of affordable housing. We want to see the affordable housing budget front loaded so social landlords can keep building, as it is always going to cheaper to build today than it is tomorrow.  

“The Scottish budget last week fell far short of what the sector has been asking for, but it is never too late to invest in people, invest in communities and invest in social housing. We need an emergency plan and funding for delivering the social homes Scotland needs.” 

Callum’s comments and the declaration of a housing emergency are expected at today’s opening session of the two-day Housing Festival which brings together around 800 housing professionals, speakers, and exhibitors at the SEC in Glasgow to discuss the latest issues, challenges, and solutions for the sector.  

Day two of the conference begins with a breakfast general election hustings session giving the housing sector a chance to hear the priorities of each of the five main political parties and ask questions about how they seek to support the housing sector.

Later that morning the housing minister is expected to discuss the Housing Bill and Housing to 2024. Providing another opportunity for lively debate as housing professionals ask questions of the minister and provide feedback on the current status of housing in Scotland. 

Police renew appeal for help to trace Khasha Smith

POLICE are continuing enquiries to locate Khasha Smith, 35, who is missing from the Calder area of Edinburgh.

Extensive enquiries are ongoing and police we have established that the last known confirmed sighting of Khasha was Tuesday, 10 October, 2023.

Her family is extremely concerned for her and are today appealing to the public for any information which could help trace Khasha.

Khasha’s mum Nicola Neil said: “Khasha, we love you so much and just need to know you are safe. We need you home with us. If anyone, anywhere, knows where Khasha is – please tell us. Please don’t let us go on like this.

“Khasha is a brilliant mum to her three children and is loved by all our very close family. We are all sick with worry. Khasha is my friend as well as my daughter and we are living a nightmare. 

“It’s hard to find the words to explain the “not knowing” where she is and if anything has happened to her. These past few weeks have been horrendous and painful for us all. I would ask anyone out there – even if we don’t know you – please come forward if you know anything at all.

“Please help us bring Khasha home. This waiting is unbearable. I’m begging you from the bottom of my heart – please get in touch. I miss her so much and we need to find her.”

Khasha’s daughter Calley Smith said: “I recently had my 18th birthday and didn’t hear anything from my mum. She would never miss my birthday, my sisters’ birthdays, or Christmas.

“It’s just not her. We miss her so much. We want nothing more than my mum to walk through the door and to be able to give her a massive hug. It feels like I’m living the worst dream I could ever imagine. 

“I can’t express what it would mean to have my mum home. Even the smallest piece of information might be all we need to find her.

“So I’m asking anyone with any information – please come forward and help the police bring my mum home for me, my sisters and the rest of the family.”


Khasha is around 5ft tall, with a slim build. She has blue eyes and long, blonde hair. She also has tattoos, one which is visible on her right wrist and says ‘Forever’.

She is known to visit the Gorgie, Broomhouse and Wester Hailes areas.

Khasha always maintains contact with her family. However, none of her relatives or her friends have seen, or heard from her, and this is very distressing for them.
  
Specialist officers are supporting and keeping in close contact with Khasha’s family.  

A number of national resources have been used in the search for Khasha including the dog branch, underwater unit and specialist search officers.

Enquiries are ongoing and officers are again appealing for anyone with any information to come forward.


Detective Chief Inspector Bob Williamson said: “Khasha’s family are understandably extremely worried about her.

“We have a dedicated team of officers who are working around the clock to find her and get answers for her family.

“While we are keeping an open mind, and continue to hope Khasha will be found safe and well, we have to consider the possibility that she may have to come to harm. We must consider all possibilities.

“Our enquiries are ongoing and a key focus of our investigation is continuing to build up a picture of Khasha’s life in the months prior to her disappearance.

“We are keen to speak to any of Khasha’s friends who may have information about her whereabouts before the last known confirmed sighting of her on Tuesday, 10 October, 2023.



Police have also set up an online portal to encourage members of the public to submit information, including any recorded footage.

The Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) is a website that gives the public access to a form so they can send information directly to the major investigation team.

“It is absolutely vital that we find Khasha and I would again ask anyone with information – no matter how small or insignificant it may seem – to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 3915 of 5 January, 2024.”

The MIPP can be accessed here: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/SCOT24S01-PO1

Palace of Holyroodhouse launches gin infused with herbs from its historical royal Physic Garden 

A dry gin infused with botanicals grown in the Physic Garden at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Scottish seat of the Royal Family, is now available online and from all shops managed by the Royal Collection Trust, a department of the Royal Household. 

The Palace of Holyroodhouse Dry Gin is infused with mint and lemon thyme hand-picked from the Physic Garden for their vibrant flavour. Inspired by the garden’s history of cultivating medicinal and culinary herbs, the botanicals – which are steeped for 24 hours before the distilling process begins – combine with juniper to create a delicately fragrant gin with a complex citrus top note.

The gin pairs beautifully with mediterranean or elderflower tonics to further enhance the refreshing flavours of the herbs. Garnished with fresh mint leaves and a sprig of thyme, it makes an elegant aperitif.

The Physic Garden was opened adjacent to the Palace in 2020 to recreate the earliest known gardens on the site, and can be freely enjoyed year-round by the people of Edinburgh and visitors to the Palace.

Founded in the grounds of the Palace in 1670 by two Scottish physicians, Sir Robert Sibbald and Sir Andrew Balfour, the original garden provided fresh ingredients for pharmacists and allowed students to learn the medicinal properties of plants. It was the first garden of its kind in Scotland and was the forerunner of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.

Today, visitors to the Physic Garden will see plants such as fennel, lavender, and lemon balm growing. Alongside, a meadow of wildflowers with healing properties evokes the 15th-century monastic gardens of Holyrood Abbey, while 17th-century royal gardens have been reimagined through geometric springtime displays of bulbs including crocuses, tulips, and alliums.  

In a further nod to its historical surroundings, the floral bottle design of the Palace of Holyroodhouse Dry Gin is inspired by the 17th-century Scottish textiles seen on the bed in Mary, Queen of Scots’ Bedchamber inside the Palace. With interlacing leaves, vines, and flowers, the stylised foliage is typical of Jacobean crewelwork, a fashionable type of embroidery from the time.

All profits from sales of the gin go towards the care of, and access to, the Royal Collection through the public opening of the Royal Residences, exhibitions, loans, and educational programmes managed by Royal Collection Trust, a registered charity.

The Palace of Holyroodhouse Dry Gin, 40% abv, can now be purchased from the Royal Collection Trust shops in Edinburgh, London, and Windsor, and from the online shop for £40.00 for a 70cl bottle.

NHS Lothian Announces New Chief Executive

Caroline Hiscox has been appointed to the post of Chief Executive of NHS Lothian, a position she will take up later this year following the retirement of the Board’s current Chief Executive, Calum Campbell, after 40 years’ service in the NHS.

With an exceptional career history in Nursing, Professor Hiscox has over 30 years’ experience in corporate and public sector clinical and senior leadership roles.  She is currently seconded to the role of Interim Chief Executive at NHS Tayside from her substantive role as Chief Executive at NHS Grampian, a post she has held for 3 years.

During her time at NHS Grampian, Professor Hiscox placed great importance on improving patient care, creating a healthy working culture and collaborating with other public partners in the region towards common goals.

Commenting on her appointment Professor Hiscox said: “These are challenging times for the NHS but I believe that by working together we achieve great things. I am delighted to be joining NHS Lothian whose teams already deliver the highest quality treatment and care.

“I look forward to working with them to explore new ways to transform services against a backdrop of rising demand. Our goal is to ensure that quality is maintained sustainably as we strive to further reduce health inequalities, improve outcome for patients and maintain joy in our work.”

Welcoming Professor Hiscox, NHS Lothian Chair John Connaghan said, ‘On behalf of the Board, I wish to congratulate Prof Hiscox on her appointment. 

“Caroline is a highly respected Board Chief Executive in NHS Scotland, with an impressive track-record in strategic and system leadership and a real focus on improving experiences for patients and staff. We look forward to working with her to build on the existing great work of our teams.”

Calum Campbell retires from his role as Chief Executive at the end of May and Jim Crombie, Deputy Chief Executive will lead as Interim Chief Executive until Professor Hiscox takes up her new role later in the summer.

Counting butterflies reduces anxiety, new study proves

  • New scientific research reveals reduction in anxiety of almost 10% and improvements in mental wellbeing when taking part in the Big Butterfly Count
  • The first-of-its-kind study also shows citizen science activities can connect people with nature, a vital step towards conservation success and nature recovery

Leading wildlife charity, Butterfly Conservation, has today revealed that counting butterflies reduces anxiety by almost 10%, in new scientific research published in collaboration with the University of Derby. 

The pioneering study involved surveying people taking part in Butterfly Conservation’s Big Butterfly Count in 2022. The results demonstrate that briefly tuning into nature to count butterflies reduces anxiety by 9% on average, while also enhancing mental wellbeing. 

Researchers also found that spending just 15 minutes observing and counting butterflies boosted participants’ feeling of connectedness with nature. Noticing butterflies more often was sustained over 6-7 weeks after taking part.

How connected people feel to nature, known as nature connectedness, is directly correlated to how motivated they are to protect it. Therefore, the findings of this new study show that citizen science projects could play a vital role in nature’s recovery.

Dr Richard Fox, Head of Science at Butterfly Conservation, said: “While we have long known that there is a link between nature and human wellbeing, this study is the first to prove that the simple act of looking for and counting butterflies leads to a measurable decrease in anxiety. 

“The results suggest that citizen science projects such as the Big Butterfly Count can play a part in improving people’s mental health, as well as gathering important data on how butterflies are faring to inform our conservation work.”

Dr Carly Butler, a Researcher in Nature Connectedness at the University of Derby and lead researcher on the study, said: “Our study showed that even small periods of time spent watching and counting butterflies are beneficial, with the benefits of reduced anxiety and stronger nature connectedness being the same whether people carried out just one 15-minute count or took part multiple times.

“This is key in proving that simple, small pockets of time connecting with wildlife and nature have a profound and beneficial effect on how we feel.”

Participants reported a range of positive and negative emotions, including joy, fascination, sadness, and concern; the latter driven by not seeing as many butterflies as they expected and fear over what is happening to our planet.

Carly added: “Interestingly, the more intensely participants felt these emotions, the more their feeling of closeness to nature and noticing wildlife increased afterwards, with participants reporting they felt motivated to help butterflies and nature more, by doing things such as transforming their gardens into butterfly-friendly havens.”

In conclusion, Dr Richard Fox said: “In order to save wildlife and ensure nature’s recovery we need people to care, and we know that being connected to nature sparks these caring feelings and a desire to do something positive.

“This study indisputably shows that citizen science activities, such as spending just a few minutes counting butterflies, makes people feel more connected to nature – a vital step in the battle to save wildlife. 

“We’re at a tipping point, nature is in crisis, but we can all do something to help. Simple acts such as creating wild spaces to provide a haven for wildlife, or planting butterfly friendly plants in pots on a patio, terrace or balcony can have a positive impact.”

The Big Butterfly Count is Butterfly Conservation’s flagship citizen science activity, involving tens of thousands of participants across the UK spending 15 minutes in any sunny spot and recording the number and type of common butterflies and day-flying moths that they see.

This year’s Big Butterfly Count will take place from Friday 12 July – Sunday 4 August.

For advice on creating a Wild Space for butterflies ready for the Big Butterfly Count, visit www.butterfly-conservation.org/wild-spaces 

Spring Talk From Great British nature writer Sir John Lister-Kaye

One of Britain’s best-known conservationists, John Lister-Kaye, described by Springwatch’s Katie Humble as ‘joyful and inspirational’, gives a rare glimpse into his intriguing life and work at a literary talk and book signing at the Royal Scots Club on 23rd March, 10:30am-12:30pm.

Entry is free and there will be a pop-up Toppings bookstall.

A true naturalist, John Lister-Kaye patiently and meticulously observes and records the lives, habits and habitats of otters, badgers, weasels and pine martens. Hours of careful waiting and watching in the woods and loch, the river, fields and moorland is rewarded with insight into how these animals live when unhindered by human interference; sometimes red in tooth and claw, but often playful, familial, curious and surprising.

John’s own journey from aristocratic roots to being captivated by the creatures of Scotland and becoming one of the most respected academic observers of the natural world gripping too.

During deep dives exploring natural history, familial characteristics and ecological significance, he began to find the animals were ‘teaching me to become feral myself, guiding me into their ways so that my senses seemed to merge with theirs at a level far more intimate than just scientific interest or admiration.’

His new book, FOOTPRINTS IN THE WOODS, The Secret Life of Forest and Riverbank, is not only a love letter to these elusive animals and what he describes as the ‘irresistible wildness’.

It is also a timely reminder of the fragility of habitat and the beauty and variety we have to lose if we don’t choose to actively protect it.

‘A peerless observer who is as much a part of the land as his beloved badgers. This, unusually, is nature writing that is actually about nature rather than the writer, and so it has the power and wisdom of the hills and forest. Marvellous’ – CHARLES FOSTER (Author, Cry of the Wild)

‘No one writes as movingly, or with such transporting poetic skills, about encounters with wild creatures’ – HELEN MACDONALD (Award-winning writer, H is for Hawk)

‘I am addicted to the writings of John Lister-Kaye’ – JOANNA LUMLEY

Sir John Lister-Kaye is one of Britain’s best-known naturalists and conservationists and has spent a lifetime exploring, protecting and celebrating the British landscape and its wildlife. 

John came to live in the Highlands of Scotland in 1968 to work with the celebrated author and naturalist Gavin Maxwell of Ring of Bright Water fame. 

He is the author of eleven books on wildlife and the environment, including The Dun Cow Rib, shortlisted for the Wainwright Prize, and Gods of the Morning, winner of the Richard Jeffereies Award for Nature Writing.

John has lectured on the natural environment all over the world. He was awarded an OBE for his services to nature conservation, the Royal Scottish Geographical Society’s Geddes Environmental Medal and honorary doctorates from two Scottish universities for his contribution to nature writing. 

He has served prominently in the RSPB, the Nature Conservancy Council, Scottish Natural Heritage and the Scottish Wildlife Trust. He lives with his wife and family among the mountains of the Scottish Highlands, where he runs the world-famous Aigas Field Centre.

The literary coffee morning with author talk will be held on 23rd March 2024 at The Royal Scots Club, 29-31 Abercromby Place, Edinburgh, EH3 6QE starting at 10:30am.

There will be an opportunity to purchase books for signing by the author at a pop-up bookshop provided by Topping & Company Booksellers, Edinburgh.

The event is free and is open to all, members and non-members alike, with numbers limited by venue capacity only.

Reservations may be made by via Eventbrite or by emailing The Royal Scots Club on events@royalscotsclub.com

Scottish Apprenticeship Week: Look Beyond the Label

Dear Editor

This week marks Scottish Apprenticeship Week (4th – 8th March), a fantastic opportunity to shine a light on the vital role apprenticeships play in supporting people, employers and the economy.

Modern Apprenticeships allow people from diverse backgrounds, no matter their background and abilities, to gain and develop skills for every business no matter its size or sector.

The rewards of getting young people who are disabled or care experienced into work are well worth it. They bring passion, skills, dedication and drive to the workplace.

Recruiting a Modern Apprentice enables employers to fill the skills gaps that exist within their current workforce, as apprentices begin to learn sector-specific skills from day one, developing specialist knowledge that will positively affect the bottom line.

However, as always, we can do more and support for businesses and other employers is key as it is they who clearly make the vital difference.

As we mark Scottish Apprenticeship Week, we would urge Scotland’s employers to look beyond the label and take on a Modern Apprentice who may have an additional need, taking advantage of the excellent skills offered by many of these young people.

Yours faithfully 

The Scottish Children’s Services Coalition:

Kenny Graham, Falkland House School

Lynn Bell, LOVE Learning

Stephen McGhee, Spark of Genius

Niall Kelly, Young Foundations