Category: North Edinburgh News

Dalgety Bay pub is best in Scotland

CAMRA announces the top pubs in the UK

CAMRA’s Pub of the Year 2024 competition is hotting up with the announcement of this year’s finalists from the UK’s nations and regions. 

The Hillend Tavern in Dalgety Bay has been named as the best pub in Scotland.

This community-focused village pub near Dalgety Bay, Fife previously won the Regional Scotland & Northern Ireland Pub of the Year award in 2023.

Locally known as “the Tav”, the pub has a friendly and welcoming atmosphere with cosy coal fires. The traditional bar serves four changing cask beers, and a spacious area at the rear is used to host village events. The Hillend Tavern proudly supports and sponsors local sports teams, including cricket, football and squash.

A total of 17 fantastic pubs have battled it out with thousands of pubs across the UK to be crowned the winner in their area. Pubs in the competition are scored on their atmosphere, decor, welcome, service, inclusivity, overall impression, but most importantly – the quality of live beer, real cider and perry. 

The regional and national finalists will now compete for the UK National Pub of the Year award, with judges whittling the 17 pubs down to just four in late September. CAMRA’s esteemed National Pub of the Year title is the topmost accolade the campaigning group can bestow upon a pub. The overall winner will be announced in January 2025. 

Last year’s UK National Pub of the Year winner was the Tamworth Tap in Staffordshire, which won the crown consecutively in both 2023 and 2022. 

The recognition of pubs and their place in our communities has never been more important, as the announcement of the top 17 pubs come hot on the heels of the one-year anniversary of the demolition of the iconic Crooked House in Himley, Staffordshire. 

The total destruction of this beloved establishment sent shockwaves across the nation, putting a spotlight on unlawful demolitions and conversions of pubs. 

CAMRA continues to fight for stronger planning protections for pubs in Scotland, including closing the planning loophole where freestanding pubs can be demolished without the need for planning permission – being lost to their communities without local people having a say.

Andrea Briers, National Coordinator for the Pub of the Year competition says: “These amazing pubs really are the crème de la crème and I would encourage the public to seek out the 17 winners from across the nations and regions of the UK – they are top-tier pubs serving excellent beer, cider and perry, run by welcoming, hardworking staff.  

“It’s also important to support your local all year round. With constant pressure from stubbornly high energy prices, fluctuating running costs and grossly unfair business rates threatening to drown pubs across the UK, it’s vital to get out and support the licensed trade.”

Top-17-POTY-winners-list-2024Download

Pay offer to NHS Agenda for Change staff

5.5% pay increase for nurses and NHS workers in 2024-25

Nurses and healthcare staff across Scotland have been offered a pay increase of 5.5% that will ensure they have the best pay package in the UK.

The offer, if accepted by trade unions, will see an investment of more than £448 million in 2024-25 and will ensure almost 170,000 NHS Agenda for Change staff – including nurses, midwives, paramedics, allied health professionals, porters and others – benefit from the pay rise which will be backdated to 1 April 2024.

Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “Following weeks of constructive engagement with trade union representatives, I am pleased to have agreed an offer, in recognition of the Pay Review Body recommendations, that will ensure Scotland’s nurses and NHS staff have the best pay package in the UK.

“The unions will now consult their members and I hope it will be accepted.

“I want to express my thanks again to Scotland’s hardworking healthcare staff for their commitment and patience – they are the very backbone of the NHS and we are committed to supporting them, particularly during a cost of living crisis.

“I am grateful for the continued efforts around the table and that the trade unions will now put this to their members.”

A total of £448 million has been committed for Agenda for Change pay in 2024-25. This equates to an uplift of 5.5% for all staff.

Examples of increases for 2024-25:

  • experienced porters (band 2) will receive £1,395
  • experienced healthcare support workers (band 4) will receive £1,651
  • experienced staff nurses (band 5) will receive £2,072
  • experienced paramedics (band 6) will receive £2,535.
 Scottish Pay Settlement2023-24Scottish Pay in2024-25after 5.5%UpliftUplift as£New Hourly Rate
Band 1£23,240£24,518£1,278£12.71
Band 2£23,362£24,647£1,285£12.78
 £25,368£26,763£1,395£13.87
Band 3£25,468£26,869£1,401£13.93
 £27,486£28,998£1,512£15.03
Band 4£27,598£29,116£1,518£15.09
 £30,019£31,670£1,651£16.42
Band 5£30,229£31,892£1,663£16.53
 £32,300£34,077£1,777£17.66
 £37,664£39,735£2,072£20.60
Band 6£37,831£39,912£2,081£20.69
 £39,498£41,670£2,172£21.60
 £46,100£48,635£2,535£25.21
Band 7£46,244£48,788£2,543£25.29
 £48,010£50,651£2,641£26.25
 £53,789£56,747£2,958£29.41
Band 8a£56,992£60,126£3,135£31.16
 £61,522£64,906£3,384£33.64
Band 8b£67,285£70,986£3,701£36.79
 £71,978£75,937£3,959£39.36
Band 8c£79,466£83,837£4,371£43.45
 £85,181£89,866£4,685£46.58
Band 8d£94,345£99,534£5,189£51.59
 £98,384£103,795£5,411£53.80
Band 9£111,595£117,732£6,138£61.02
 £116,428£122,831£6,404£63.67

Poice Scotland confirm closure of Portobello Police Station

LANDMARK BUILDING IS UP FOR SALE

Plans to dispose of Portobello police station following public consultation has been approved and the building will now be marketed for sale.

Police Scotland announced on 14 December 2023 proposals to close police stations across the country as part of their estate transformation strategy.

Public consultation was launched both at a local level and nationally through an online Engagement Hub. The consultation on Portobello opened on 17 January 2024 and closed on 13 March 2024. In total there were 116 respondents.

Portobello has historically been underutilised; operational officers have not been stationed there since October 2016. Community and response officers have been based at Craigmillar police station. The disposal of Portobello would lead to no change in this operational model.

Public counter services can be accessed at Craigmillar police station and St Leonards Police station which are approximately three miles away. Musselburgh police station, in East Lothian also has front office counter provision.

Speaking about the approved disposal, Superintendent Murray Tait said: “Portobello is a very large Victorian building and has continued to incur significant annual running costs and ongoing repairs and maintenance.

“I realise that for many, the physical presence of Portobello police station has provided reassurance and confidence to the local community over the years. However, it’s important to clarify that operational police officers have not been stationed in the building since 2016.

“Community and response officers will continue to actively patrol the Portobello area We are committed to maintaining a strong presence and ensuring the safety of the community.

“Some respondents to the consultation expressed concern about crime during busy summer periods when the town sees greater visitor numbers.

“As part of our policing plan, we have increased police resource throughout the summer in Portobello every year and I would reassure residents this will continue.

“With advances in digital technology and our fleet, officers spend most of their time out in communities dealing with calls and helping the public rather than sitting in police stations.

“Our presence in communities is not defined by buildings but by the officers and staff who work hard to police the area.

“I would like to assure local residents that our officers will continue to be active, visible and accessible. 

“Our officers based at Craigmillar and St Leonards will continue to patrol the east side of the city and the public will receive the same high level of service.”

Copies of the consultation findings have been published on our Engagement Hub.

Education Secretary welcomes female Afghan medical students

Nineteen female Afghan medical students have arrived in Scotland after they were banned from completing their studies by the authorities in Afghanistan.

The Scottish Government amended student funding legislation to ensure the women could be treated as home students and receive free tuition and cost of living support.

Scottish charity the Linda Norgrove Foundation has been supporting the women and secured agreement with four Scottish universities – St Andrews, Glasgow, Dundee, and Aberdeen – where the students will now continue their medical degrees as they work to become doctors.

Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth met the students at Edinburgh Airport to welcome them to Scotland.

Ms Gilruth said: “Gender should not be a barrier to accessing education, and I am pleased that the Scottish Government has been able to support these extraordinary women in their journey to complete their medical education.

“The changes we made to the legislation will ensure they can access the same benefits as their peers, including free tuition and student support. 

“Scotland has a proud history of welcoming people from across the world who need support.

“I wish each and every one of these inspiring women the warmest of welcomes to Scotland and look forward to the positive contribution they will make to our country.”

Edinburgh International Festival announces free Immersive Philharmonia Orchestra VR experience at Space @ Broomhouse

The Edinburgh International Festival announces the opening of the Philharmonia VR Experience at Space @ Broomhouse Hub, which will be available for four days of music and discovery from 20th – 24th August.

This 360° experience, which is free to attend and unticketed, brings the classical music experience to Broomhouse with the opportunity to see the UK premiere of the Philharmonia VR Experience’s performance of Vaughan Williams’s iconic piece, The Lark Ascending, performed by Festival Director Nicola Benedetti with the Philharmonia Orchestra.

Attendees will wear a VR headset which will allow them to sit right in the heart of the orchestra and experience this profoundly moving performance in astonishing detail. This VR experience will be staffed by graduates and members of Space Station, an entry level skills development course designed to support local people into the hospitality sector.

The Philharmonia VR Experience marks the first Edinburgh International Festival event held at Space @ The Broomhouse Hub which was named as the Edinburgh International Festival’s inaugural Community Connections Hub earlier this year. Which is an 18-month partnership exploring opportunities for creative collaboration and connection between the Festival and the local community.

Neil Hay, CEO, Space @ The Broomhouse Hub said: “This is a wonderful thing to be able to bring to Broomhouse. Despite being in Edinburgh, it can often feel as though big cultural activities are set very far apart from communities like those in Southwest Edinburgh.

“This partnership will allow people to experience things they never have before or take part in things that they simply would never have considered. This is the first event as part of our link with Edinburgh International Festival and we are excited to see what the next 18 months might bring.”

This event is free and unticketed. Each slot is 20 minutes long. Listed below are the times the VR Experience is open.

Wed 21 Aug 11.30-13.45, 15.00-16.00, 17.00-18.40

Fri 23 Aug 11.30-13.45, 15.00-16.40

Sat 24 Aug 10.30-11.45, 13.15-14.00, 15.00-16.40

More information on the Edinburgh International Festival’s Discovery and Participation programme, which runs year-round, can be found here: https://www.eif.co.uk/social-impact.

Healthy Heart Tip: Basics of heart health and how you can reduce your risk

Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Tip, written by the Health Promotion and Education Team at Heart Research UK

Healthy Heart Tip: Basics of heart health and how you can reduce your risk

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can be challenging, particularly with the conflicting advice found online and on social media about what is good or bad for your health. Surveys conducted in the UK revealed 33% of men and 31% of women had at least two unhealthy traits that could be harming their health.

Coronary heart disease is preventable. By minimising your risk factors and eating a healthy diet, carrying out regular physical activity, not smoking and reducing your alcohol consumption, you’re helping to keep your heart healthy. In this healthy tip, we ways you can benefit your heart health and basic ways you can look after your health.

Healthy eating

Following a Mediterranean-style diet has been proven to be great for your heart health. This way of eating highlights plant-based foods, lots of fibre and healthy unsaturated fats.

The Mediterranean diet involves consuming lots of fruit and vegetables, wholegrains including wholegrain pasta and rice and wholemeal breads, nuts and seeds, beans and extra virgin olive oil. Moderate amounts of fish, seafood, poultry, eggs, cheese and yoghurt. Little or low amounts of red meat, processed foods, sweets, butter and sugary drinks.

Physical activity

Carrying out regular physical activity will help to strengthen your heart muscle to reduce your resting heart rate and blood pressure. You should aim to carry out at least 30 minutes of physical activity five times a week, this will help you to meet the recommended physical activity guidelines and keep you healthy.

If you’re new to physical activity, then make sure you gradually introduce it into your lifestyle and don’t run before you can walk. Try making the activities part of your daily routine and make sure it’s something that you enjoy doing, this way you’re more likely to continue doing it.

Quitting smoking

Seeking support to stop smoking from professionals will help you to improve your heart health. Try setting yourself a date within the next two weeks when you’re going to stop smoking and make sure to remove all your lighters, matches, ashtrays, cigarettes and any other reminders of smoking from your house.

Within six hours of quitting, your heart rate and blood pressure will improve and within two to twelve weeks your blood will pump more efficiently through your heart and muscles.

Reducing alcohol consumption

Drinking alcohol on a regular basis can increase your risk of developing heart disease, increase your blood pressure and cause weight gain. The NHS recommends no more than 14 units per week spread over three or more days, or skip drinking altogether where possible.

If you do regularly consume alcohol, then try to have more alcohol-free days within your week and make sure to choose lower alcoholic or non-alcoholic options where possible. If you need support to help you to reduce your alcohol consumption, seek professional help and advice from your GP.

Edinburgh Fringe Showcase for Local Creatives

Nearly 80 independent designers will descend on National Galleries Scotland: National in Edinburgh this weekend for a showcase of creative talent.

In what is their debut capital city event, Tea Green Events are holding their first ever market at the beautiful venue from Friday 23 to Sunday 25 August, returning with their festive market in November.

The markets’ arrival in Edinburgh is a fitting end to the Scottish company’s record-breaking run of summer markets to celebrate their 10th anniversary.    Markets have also been held at Aberdeen Art Gallery, The Burrell Collection and Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow, V&A Dundee and Bowhouse in Fife.

Specialising in carefully curated markets within some of Scotland’s most stunning creative spaces, Tea Green Events was launched by Dundee jeweller Joanne MacFadyen who is holding a record 20 markets across Scotland this year, driven by increased demand from independent makers and the public.

Joanne said, “Our arrival at the National in Edinburgh represents a huge milestone for Tea Green Events and is a fitting finale to end our biggest ever summer run of markets which have been absolutely amazing.

“It’s extra special to be working within such a prestigious space in a superb location, a prospect I know the artists and designers are just as excited by.

“Because of the huge number of tourists visiting Edinburgh at this time, it’s a real privilege to be showcasing the very best of Scottish craftsmanship, beautiful hand-crafted pieces of work made by some truly talented individuals.

“We’ll have everything from jewellery and prints to knitwear, letterpress stationery and ceramics, truly something for everyone!”

One of the designers preparing to set out her stall is Fiona McIntosh of Edinburgh-based Tessuti Scotland, who makes a range of hand-dyed and silk-screened accessories.

Fiona, who launched her business in 1985, said, “I’ve been involved with Tea Green right from the beginning and, although I used to exhibit in London, the Tea Green markets have replaced the need to do that. In fact, they have become my main platform for face-to-face selling.

“When you work alone, it’s always brilliant to get out there and meet new people. It also reminds you why you do what you do!  As well as positioning me in front of my target audience, they’re a great way to make new business connections and meet other creatives including local stockists who are looking for new lines to sell in their shops.”

Meanwhile, Jo Walker of Jo Walker Ceramics, who originally studied jewellery design at Edinburgh College of Art, added, “Tea Green markets have made a huge difference to the way craft is portrayed in Scotland.

“In the past, art and craft have been viewed as two distinct things, with art on a pedestal and craft seen as something you tinker away with at a kitchen table. The markets have boosted the status of craft and elevated it to a presence it deserves.

“People are starting to see how much goes into making things, how much skill is involved.”

Isabella Miller, Director of Audience at National Galleries of Scotland said, “We are so excited to welcome the Tea Green’s Summer Market and all of the amazing independent designers to the National.

“We are thrilled that we can offer the beautiful surroundings of the National gallery to showcase the talents of these incredible creatives and support Scottish businesses.

“We hope this will offer something a little different for our visitors to enjoy and that people will pop in to browse the stalls then explore the art. There will be something for everyone to discover during a day out at the National!”

For more information about Tea Green Markets and the programme of events, visit https://www.teagreen.co.uk/

Amazon Edinburgh team pack and donate thousands of back-to-school kits to local children

The kits of essentials are being distributed by The Big House Multibank, backed by Gordon Brown and Amazon

Employees from Amazon in Edinburgh have come together to pack and donate 2,500 backpacks filled with essential back-to-school items worth more than £30,000 to help ensure local children are equipped for the new school year.

The backpacks which contain essential items for pupils returning to school this month, including stationary suppliers, water bottles, and scientific calculators for secondary pupils, were donated to The Big House Multibank which distributes essential items to families in need across in Fife, Edinburgh, Dundee and Perth.




According to a recent study from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, teachers are ‘staggering’ under the extra demands caused by poverty in Great Britain, diverting them away from their core teaching role.

The report found that 7 in 10 (73%) staff in primary schools across Britain say supporting pupils who cannot afford the essentials is a challenge in their school. It results in teachers and GPs informally acting as emergency providers and social workers alongside their day jobs, as they devote time and resources to support struggling parents and children.

Kirsty Thomson, Chief Executive of The Big House Multibank, said: “The start of a new school year should be an exciting time for families but with the cost of living crippling so many in our communities, it’s become yet another financial worry for them.

“Through the donation of these back-to-school essentials from Amazon, The Big House Multibank hopes to provide children with the quality items they need to start the new school year ready to learn and with a smile on their faces.”

Adele Morgan, an employee from Amazon in Dunfermline who took part in the kit packing, said: “I had a great time packing the kits alongside my team.

“It’s a very rewarding feeling when we deliver the kits and see the difference it will make to children and families across Fife and beyond. Thank you, Amazon, for this opportunity!”

The Big House Multibank in Kirkaldy was founded in 2022 by former Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Amazon and The Cottage Family Centre, together with local businesses and suppliers.

It provides surplus essentials, such as hygiene products, household essentials, school uniforms, and bedding donated by businesses, like Amazon, directly to those in need. Since launch, it has helped to distribute 2.2 million donated products to households in need across East Scotland.

‘Hugely concerning’ increase in Scotland’s drug misuse deaths

Figures show 12% rise

Health Secretary Neil Gray has said that the level of drug misuse deaths remains “hugely concerning”, as the latest statistics showed an increase of 121 deaths compared with 2022.  

Figures published by National Records of Scotland found that 1,172 people died due to drug misuse in 2023.

This is the second lowest number of deaths since 2017, with 2022 being the lowest.

During a visit to the ‘The Skylark IX Recovery Trust’ boat-building project which helps people dealing with problem drug use, Mr Gray said: “My heartfelt condolences go to all those affected by the loss of a loved one through drugs.

” This level of deaths remains hugely concerning and underlines why we we will continue to do all we can to reduce harm and deaths caused by drugs.

“We’re taking a wide range of actions through our £250 million National Mission on drugs, including opening a Safer Drug Consumption Facility pilot, working towards the opening of drug-checking facilities and widening access to life-saving naloxone.

“We will also continue to improve access to residential rehab, where we’re on track to meet our target for additional placements, and drive the rollout of Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) standards to make treatment and support available more quickly.

“Despite this unwelcome rise, I believe that National Mission action has led to much being achieved in a short space of time, with projects delivered on an unprecedented scale making a real difference to people.

“We will intensify our efforts and are also working hard to respond to the growing threat from highly dangerous, super-strong synthetic opioids like nitazenes in an increasingly toxic and unpredictable drug supply.

“We’ve seen a 67% increase in funding from 2014-15 to 2024-25 and made record levels of funding, of more than £112 million, available to Alcohol and Drugs Partnerships (ADPs).

“Additional National Mission funding, and support has created momentum in local areas to put services in place to save lives. We’ve now backed more than 300 grassroots projects, including the Skylark IX project in Dumbarton.”

The Dunkirk ‘little ship’ Skylark IX was rescued from the River Leven in 2010, with its restoration leading to a ‘Recovery for Recovery’ initiative helping people from the Alternatives community-based drug project.

Service users now gain hands-on training at its Boatbuilding Workshop in the Scottish Maritime Museum in Dumbarton.

Skylark IX Recovery Trust community engagement officer Amy Dobson said: “Our woodcraft workshops, funded through Corra Foundation, have been a huge success, and received with a lot of enthusiasm from those in the recovery community.

“Most people at our workshops haven’t done any woodwork since high school, and they’re now learning the skills to be able to build wooden oars and paddles for our skiffs and canoes, which will then be used within the wider community.

“Although Skylark IX will never sail again, all of our project work relates back to her story and history. Skylark IX saved lives during Operation Dynamo in 1940, and continues to act as a symbol of recovery and resilience today.”

James Currie, a previous volunteer trainee who returned as trust recovery support staff member said: “Since being a part of the Skylark IX team, I have finally found a purpose in giving back to my community and helping others to see their potential.

“When they go away from the workshops smiling and talking about how they had a nice day, enjoyed the workshop, and found connection, it gives me hope that we can make a real difference to people’s lives.”   

Play with Printing at the Botanics

SATURDAY 24 AUGUST at 10am

Play with Printing is a 2-hour art workshop at the Botanics for children aged 8 and over.

Run by visual artist Lorna Gallagher and inspired by the work of Matisse, the session takes place on Saturday 24 Aug at 10.00am.

Book tickets: https://rbge.cc/PlayWithPrinting