Category: North Edinburgh News

Revitalise Your Fitness Journey: Edinburgh Leisure unleashes innovative New Year workouts

New Year, new workouts! If you’re craving something different in 2024, Edinburgh Leisure is introducing two new limited edition Les Mills classes in January.

Les Mills Shapes and Strength Development are being launched at Edinburgh Leisure’s most popular fitness class venues, Meadowbank, Leith Victoria, and the Royal Commonwealth Pool.

Shapes is a Mind and Body class that mixes elements of Power Yoga, Pilates, and Barre, while Strength Development is a sequence of 12 progressive workouts that are designed to build muscle and improve lifting techniques.

Alex Smith, Fitness Manager at Edinburgh Leisure explained: “Studio strength and toning based products is a big growing area within group exercise. If you’re not into using the free weights areas within a gym, then a studio strength and toning session will appeal to you. You get all the benefits of group-based training and still get to develop a sweat.

“The classes have been developed as something different from Les Mills regular-based workouts, and we’re aiming to capture the Gen Z market, a group historically underrepresented in group fitness.  However, we see them appealing to our current fitness class customer too who may wish to try something new – especially our Mind/Body customers and those who are fans of weight training in classes such as Body Pump.”

“Both workouts are suitable for people of any fitness level so don’t worry if you’re a beginner. Even if you’re new to fitness classes, these new classes lower the intimidation barrier. Our instructors will invite you to work at your own pace and effort level within timed intervals of work.

“You also have the option to lose any equipment being used throughout the workout at any time you need to press pause. We want you to have full autonomy of your workout – not feeling tied to match the level of the person next to you who might have been doing classes for 10 years.

“The great thing about group fitness is that no matter your fitness level, everyone works to their personal best, and there’s a great sense of group and individual achievement within that training on your own in the gym can’t capture.”

Classes are available to book online and on the Edinburgh Leisure app from 4 January 2024.

Launch Weekend

To celebrate the new classes, Edinburgh Leisure will be holding a launch weekend on 13th and 14th January at 2024 at The Royal Commonwealth Pool, Leith Victoria Swim Centre, and Meadowbank Sports Centre, with new music releases of the classes customers know and love, which include BodyPump 127, BodyCombat 97, BodyBalance 102, RPM 100 and a special focus on the new products, Les Mills Shapes and Strength Development.

Meadowbank will host two one-off Les Mills Shapes classes delivered by Les Mills master trainer Holly Mason on Saturday, 13th.

RPM release 100 will also be hosted at Edinburgh Leisure’s cycle venues, which includes Ainslie Park Leisure Centre, Craiglockhart Leisure Centre, Drumbrae Leisure Centre, Leith Victoria Swim Centre, the Royal Commonwealth Pool, and Meadowbank Sports Centre, celebrating 25 years of RPM and 20 years of RPM at Edinburgh Leisure.

To find out more and to book, go to the Edinburgh Leisure website and the Edinburgh Leisure app.

With unlimited access to their 12 pools,17 gyms, indoor climbing and over 750+ fitness classes each week, Edinburgh Leisure has a new membership promotion that runs from 1st – 31st January 2024 and offers new members joining in January a no-joining-fee offer.

As we step into 2024, wherever you’re at on the map or in life, Edinburgh Leisure provides a diverse array of fitness options, catering to individual preferences and goals.

Whether you’re a tech-savvy tracker, a studio enthusiast, or someone embracing a holistic wellness approach, embrace the New Year and let your fitness journey unfold with the guidance and support of Edinburgh Leisure.

#januREADY.

More information:  www.edinburghleisure.co.uk

Granton shootings: Two Arrested

Two people have been arrested in connection with the death of a 38-year-old man in West Granton. A 32-year-old man and 25-year-old woman have been arrested in connection with the shooting.

Emergency services were called around 11.50pm on Sunday, 31 December, 2023, after a firearm was discharged in West Granton Road, seriously injuring two men.

Both men, aged 38 and 39, were taken to hospital, where the 38-year-old man was pronounced dead a short time later. The dead man has been named locally as Marc Webley.

Enquiries are ongoing and police continue to appeal for information.

Detective Superintendent Graham Grant, Major Investigation Team, said: “We’d like to thank the local community for their support and patience while enquiries are ongoing.

“There will continue to be an increased police presence in the area and anyone with further concerns should speak to officers, call 101, or in the case of an emergency, 999.”

Eight organisations share Victim Surcharge Fund backing

Organisations that support victims of crime have been awarded a total of £405,451 from a fund financed by penalties imposed on offenders who received a court fine.

Eight organisations – including Victim Support Scotland, Dumbarton District Women’s Aid, Migrant Help, The  Moira Fund, The Manda Centre, Survivors of Human Trafficking in Scotland (SOHTiS), Action Against Stalking and Dundee Women’s Aid – will share the funding to provide practical help directly to victims.

This is the fourth round of payments from the Victim Surcharge Fund, which was established in November 2019, and takes the latest funding to £1,322,437.

Victims and Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown said:  “I am pleased the fund has provided support to so many people.

“Since financial awards were first made in January 2021, 14 different victim support organisations have benefited from this fund –  all of which have used the money to help people impacted by crime.

“It is only right that the people who commit crimes should pay towards helping those impacted to recover from the trauma and move on with their lives.”

Kate Wallace, Chief Executive of Victim Support Scotland, said: “Funding to VSS Emergency Assistance Fund made it possible to reach more than 1,400 victims of crime and their families with awards last year totalling over £400,000.

“Too many people face financial hardship as a result of crime, and this funding allows us to cover the costs of essential items such as food vouchers, rent, property repairs, alarms and funeral costs.”

The following organisations are set to benefit from the Victim Surcharge Fund in this round:

Victim Support Scotland (VSS)                                                           £300,000

Dumbarton District Women’s Aid                                                          £11,750

Migrant Help                                                                                         £28,540

The Moira Fund                                                                                    £14,500

The Manda Centre                                                                                £10,000

Survivors of Human Trafficking in Scotland (SOHTIS)                         £20,661

Action Against Stalking                                                                         £15,000

Dundee Women’s Aid                                                                           £5,000

Lindsays’ Edinburgh homes sale values hit record £106m

Hopes for a more stable 2024 as value of capital firm’s deals reach new high

A firm of solicitors and estate agents hailed a strong bounceback from political unrest as its home sales in Edinburgh reached a record £106m during 2023.

The new high was hit by capital-headquartered Lindsays despite the impact of economic turbulence and rising interest rates which hit the market.

It is the second successive year that the total value of homes sold by the firm in Edinburgh has topped £100m – having been £102m in 2022.

The total has been hailed a significant success for the firm in the face of what they describe as a “long hangover” from former Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng’s emergency budget of 2022 and of the nervousness caused by rising interest rates and the cost of living.

Lindsays also warned that politicians north and south of the border should be aware of the impact their decisions have on people and property.

Maurice Allan, Managing Director of Lindsays’ Residential Property team, said: “These figures are a significant success for us, especially given the turbulence we saw in the market during the first half of the year. When you consider all of that, Edinburgh has really held its own.

“The consequences of political decisions have a real impact on peoples’ lives and can be long-lasting. We saw that with the emergency budget and the long hangover which followed for the property sector.

“It took time for people to work out what the impact of all of that was on their finances – and many delayed making offers on properties as a result, practically shutting down the market.

“Yet, over the course of the rest of the year, the market has proven to be fairly resilient. Supply has improved – and good houses continue to sell well. People have adapted to the financial circumstances and regained the confidence to get back into the market.

“We’re not seeing the huge offer prices over valuation that we were post-lockdown, but what we have essentially seen over the past 12 months is a market which has returned to pre-pandemic levels, which is not a bad place to be.”

Lindsays’ Edinburgh-based estate agency team operates mainly throughout the city and the Lothians.

The total number of property sales during the year was also broadly in line with the previous 12 months – with the average price of homes sold through the firm up in Edinburgh up by about 1.5% to £330,000.

And, looking forward, there are hopes of a more stable market during the next 12 months.

Mr Allan added: “While it’s always difficult to predict what might lie ahead, there are genuine signs of positivity.

“The conversations we are having signal a growing belief that interest rates have peaked. With things more stable, many of those who have been sitting on their hands because interest rates were going up and up are now starting to think seriously about doing something in 2024.”

House sales throughout the wider Lindsays group totalled £174m – with £67.9m sold through its estate agency team in Dundee.

Aldi donates over 25,000 meals to Edinburgh and Lothians charities over Christmas and New Year

Aldi donates surplus food from all its stores to local charities and foodbanks when stores close early on Christmas Eve. Aldi’s staff L-R Emily Sutton, Carla Louise Gospel and Tamara Mawson-Phipps 24/12/2022

Aldi donated 25,691 meals to those in need in Edinburgh and The Lothians over the festive period.

The supermarket paired up its stores with local charities, community groups and food banks in the area to collect unsold fresh and chilled food when stores closed their doors early on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.

Charities that benefitted from the donations in Edinburgh and The Lothians include The Pennypit Trust, Tummies Not Trash and Winchburgh Food Store.

The food donations are part of Aldi’s successful partnership with Neighbourly, a community giving platform that links businesses to charitable organisations.  

Aldi’s UK stores donate surplus food to good causes each and every day, with over 40 million meals donated to good causes since its partnership with Neighbourly began back in 2019.  

Britain’s fourth-largest supermarket also worked in partnership with Company Shop Group this Christmas to provide around 2,000 meals at its Community Kitchens across the UK in the run up to Christmas.

Liz Fox, National Sustainability Director at Aldi UK, said: “We are so proud to work with such amazing charity partners throughout the UK and the impact they have cannot be underestimated, especially during the winter months when their services are needed more than ever.

“We are pleased that through our partnership with both Neighbourly and Company Shop we have been able to give back to the communities we serve by providing more donations than ever this Christmas.”

Steve Butterworth, Chief Executive Officer at Neighbourly, added: “We’re pleased to have supported Aldi once again during what is often one of the busiest periods for our charities.

“Large donations like Aldi’s allow us to provide vital support to communities across the country who would otherwise miss out.”

COSLA: ‘Poverty gap in Scotland will continue to grow’

‘A BUDGET OF MISSED OPPORTUNITIES ON TACKLING POVERTY AND LITTLE FOCUS ON PREVENTION’

COSLA has described the Scottish Government’s Draft Budget as a missed opportunity for the communities of Scotland in relation to tackling poverty.

COSLA also added that Scotland’s Council Leaders, Councillors, the Local Government Workforce and communities should be treated with the respect they deserve demonstrated through investment, not cuts.

COSLA said:  “At a special meeting just before Christmas, there was dismay and frustration from Scotland’s Council Leaders about the way Local Government and the communities we represent had been treated in the Scottish Government’s Draft Budget.  As the Budget currently stands, communities will see and feel a range of negative impacts.

“COSLA’s ‘Councils are Key’ budget lobbying campaign set out the case for fair funding that would allow Local Government to deliver for the people of Scotland, particularly around tackling poverty, one of the three shared priorities laid out in the Verity House Agreement.

“The response from the Scottish Government to our Budget ask is disappointing and will mean that the potential that councils have to prevent problems occurring will be limited severely.

“Specifically on poverty, the Budget should have had a focus on tackling the root causes of poverty, particularly its impacts on children. This would have needed a greater prioritisation of the work councils do in prevention and early support.

“The essential social supports councils provide in homes, schools, hubs and communities that aim to support and empower people will be further eroded – this has been the case for a number of years now, due to poor Local Government settlements that cut core funding.

“Services that support Local Government to Keep the Promise made to Scotland’s care experienced children and young people like family support and youth work, are under threat as a result of the proposed Scottish budget. 

“Tackling poverty in Scotland will continue to be a significant challenge when councils do not have the resources they need to support communities.

“This year’s Budget presented the opportunity prioritise prevention and tackle inequity, to invest in communities and realise our ambitions to end poverty in Scotland.

“It did not deliver. Without a fair settlement for Councils, the poverty gap in Scotland will continue to grow. Investing in Local Government is key to a fairer Scotland.”

“The proposed Council Tax Freeze means that money which could have been invested in tackling poverty upstream – in families, communities and schools – is lost, missing a real opportunity to unlock Councils’ potential.

“COSLA’s President, Vice President and political Group Leaders from all parties have written to the Deputy First Minister and are seeking an urgent meeting.  

“Council Leaders will not let this lie, they simply cannot afford to because it will have such a detrimental impact on the communities they represent.”

Serious assaults in Frederick Street on New Years Day

POLICE APPEAL FOR WITNESSES TO DOUBLE ASSAULT

Detectives are appealing for information following a serious assault in Edinburgh city centre.

About 3.30am on Monday, 1 January, 2024 two men were seriously assaulted in Rose Street, Edinburgh at it’s junction with Frederick Street by a group of men and women.

The men who suffered head and facial injuries were taken to hospital for treatment.

Detective Constable Gary Lipscombe from Edinburgh CID said “This was a brutal attack and it is imperative that we trace the people responsible and are keen to speak to anyone who was in the area at the time.

“We know there was a pedestrian who would have witnessed this assault and may have information that can help us. I would also appeal to the people who stopped and provided first aid to the two injured men.”

Anyone with any information, or footage of the incident, should contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident 1142 of Monday, 1 January 2024. Alternatively, a call can be made anonymously to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

RWE heads into the new year with major boost to Scottish onshore wind

•   Company will begin construction of its third Scottish onshore wind farm in 12 months as Strathy Wood prepares for build out

•   RWE is developing an ambitious onshore pipeline of 22 projects in Scotland and Wales as a key partner in the delivery of the energy transition

•   A combined 168 megawatts of onshore wind projects, successful in the 2023 Contracts for Difference auctions, are already progressing

Scotland is at the heart of a drive by the UK’s leading power generator RWE to grow its onshore wind portfolio, with three major new projects already under construction.

The 63 megawatts (MW) Strathy Wood project in Caithness, Scotland, will become the latest to begin full construction, with pre-construction work now underway.

The start of work follows the company’s Capital Markets Day commitment to continue the pace of its UK ambition and investment, pledging to invest €8 billion into new clean energy infrastructure including in Scotland, from 2024 to 2030.

Victoria Allen, Head of Onshore Renewables Development Scotland, said: “RWE is entering 2024 strong, with our ambition in Scotland ever growing, and we are delighted to have reached significant construction milestones for Enoch Hill, Camster II and now Strathy Wood.

“Onshore wind has an important role to play in helping deliver the UK and Scottish governments’ net zero emission targets in the coming years and remains the lowest cost form of renewable electricity generation.”

Construction is already underway at Enoch Hill onshore wind project, located in East Ayrshire, Scotland. The project is expected to be operational by 2025, when it will be capable of generating enough electricity for around 67,000* typical UK homes.

At 69 MW, Enoch Hill will be RWE’s largest onshore wind farm to be built in Scotland and will use 15 Nordex wind turbines, with an overall maximum tip height of 149.9m.

Camster II, a 10 turbine site, is also in construction in Caithness and sits alongside RWE’s existing operational onshore wind site, Camster.  The current construction project is due to be completed in 2025 and, once fully operational, will be capable of producing up to 36 MW of renewable electricity, enough to power around 35,000*  typical UK homes.

Engineering contractor Farrans is leading construction for Enoch Hill and Camster II onshore wind projects, and has worked successfully on several other RWE renewable projects across Scotland.

Strathy Wood, a 63 MW plant located in Caithness, and located near existing onshore wind farm Strathy North will begin full onsite construction later this year.  The project will have 11 turbines generating enough electricity to power 68,000 homes and will be completed by 2025.

RWE has a successful history of delivering onshore wind in the UK. It already operates a portfolio of 33 onshore wind sites with a combined installed capacity of 802 MW, and now has a further 168 megawatts MW currently under construction in Scotland. 

In addition, the company has a strong onshore wind development pipeline of 22 projects across Scotland and Wales, 16 will be located in Scotland, and capable of generating a significant 1.2 gigawatts (GW) of renewable electricity.

At its operating onshore wind farms, RWE is committed to supporting its neighbouring communities through flexible community benefits packages. 

The three onshore wind projects which have now entered construction will leverage an investment equal to around a total of £25 million into Scottish communities, based on a 30 year operational lifetime of the projects.

This provides those communities with an opportunity to plan and develop a more sustainable future and achieve some of their bigger and more ambitious ideas.

More broadly and over their entire lifetime, the renewables projects that RWE currently operates in Scotland will contribute an additional total of more than £17 million to Scottish community benefit funds.

Water safety charity issues warning as floods continue to pose a risk to life

The Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) is issuing safety advice as people take risks as severe floods continue to cause disruption

As Storm Henk continues to affect large parts of the UK and causes ongoing severe weather conditions, there have been an increasing number of incidents reported involving driving through and entering flood water. 

The media has also reported incidents of people falling on slippery banks into open water, with these events sadly resulting in the loss of lives; including three male victims named in North Yorkshire and one woman in Scotland.

With the increase in number of weather-related accidents, there have also been hundreds of rescues as emergency services have been enlisted to help navigate the stormy conditions. 

And with harsh weather set to continue and more serious flood warnings expected, safety around floodwater could mean the difference between life and death. 

Due to the hazardous weather conditions, RLSS UK is urging people to use its water safety advice in a flood:

RLSS UK’s quick advice tips for staying safe during times of flooding:

  • Never try to walk or drive through floodwater – six inches of fast flowing water can knock an adult over and two feet of water will float a car. 
  • Never try to swim through fast flowing water or flood water – you may get swept away or be struck or caught up in an object in the water. If stuck, call 999 and wait for help. 
  • If you see someone in trouble in the water – do not go in yourself to attempt to rescue them – shout for help, call 999, and find a nearby rescue device such as a life buoy. If there is no water rescue equipment nearby – try and find something that floats and throw it to them if possible. 
  • Get to the highest level if trapped in a building – only get on the roof if necessary and signal for help. Do not climb into a closed attic to avoid getting trapped by rising floodwater.
  • Keep an eye on weather reports for flooding in your area. Do not travel in heavy rainstorms unless necessary. 
  • Once flood water has rescinded stay well clear of the water’s edge as it is likely to be extremely slippery and prone to erosion in places.

National Trust for Scotland: Improve your mental wellbeing by heading outdoors this winter

  • New survey by Scotland’s largest conservation charity shows the positive impact the outdoors has on mental health and wellbeing
  • 93% of people across Edinburgh and the Lothians stated spending time outdoors reduces their stress levels and 91% said it enhanced their quality of life

New research for the National Trust for Scotland shows that 98% of Scots in Edinburgh and the Lothians believe access to the outdoors is important for their mental health, a point that is particularly significant at this time of year when wintery weather and dark nights can deter people from spending time outside.

The research for Scotland’s largest conservation charity found that 93% of those surveyed in Edinburgh and the Lothians said spending time outdoors was effective at reducing their stress levels, with 91% stating that it enhances their quality of life.

Across Scotland’s cities, Dundonians have been unveiled as the strongest advocates for spending time outdoors, with 99% agreeing it’s important for their overall wellbeing, closely followed by Inverness (97%) and Glasgow (96%).

The Scottish coast topped the polls as the preferred place to spend time outdoors, with 58% enjoying spending time by the sea, followed by 50% who favoured woodland spaces and 48% favouring country parks or gardens. The popularity of different types of landscape, and their value to people’s wellbeing, has highlighted the importance of the National Trust Scotland’s work to care for, protect and share Scotland’s outdoor places.

Looking after over 100 places across Scotland, the Trust ensures people of all ages have the opportunity now and in future to discover new places, make memories, and learn more about Scotland’s natural and cultural heritage, while experiencing the positive wellbeing impacts of the outdoors.

These range from Newhailes, known for its woodland walks in the 18th-century designed landscape and its Weehailes Adventure Playpark, to beautiful Malleny Garden where people of all ages come to escape from the hustle and bustle of the capital.

Stuart Maxwell, Regional Director for Edinburgh and the East at the National Trust for Scotland, said: “Our charity is privileged to look after some of the country’s most beautiful natural heritage, and every day we see the positive impact that the great outdoors can have on wellbeing and mental health.

“It doesn’t have to be an epic climb of a mountain, or extreme water sports, it can be as simple as a walk around a peaceful garden or the bracing Scottish coastline. Whether you’re looking for a family day out, to make new memories with friends, or share a new experience with a loved one, there’s a place and activity for everyone.

“All of us at the National Trust for Scotland are proud to play our part in looking after and providing access to outdoor places, to continue to offer residents and visitors to our incredible country the chance to make the most of the positive wellbeing impacts of the outdoors.

“It’s thanks to the generosity of our members and supporters that we can continue our vital work of caring for and sharing Scotland’s most special places, helping to create memories that last a lifetime.”

Supporting its work to share the benefits of nature and the outdoors, the National Trust for Scotland appointed Dr Cal Major, vet, adventurer and advocate for nature and the oceans, as its ambassador in 2023.

Speaking frequently about how the outdoors has enhanced her own mental wellbeing, Cal’s role as ambassador is helping to raise awareness of and support for the Trust’s important work, particularly around the conservation of natural spaces.

Commenting on the research results, Cal said: “Over the course of my career, I have discovered that an appreciation of what it means for their wellbeing is why lots of folk feel a strong connection to nature. This often translates into a recognition of its importance in their lives and a desire to protect it.

“Beyond the National Trust for Scotland’s survey results, there is scientific research showing that nature, especially blue spaces such as the ocean, is beneficial for our human wellbeing. This seems logical – as humans, historically we would have been hard-pushed to survive without it, so it’s no wonder we’re drawn to it.

“But in our modern society, which is so fast-paced and disconnected from nature, making space for it in our lives has never been more important. And equally, nature has never needed us to stand up for its protection more.

“It can offer joy and laughter and connection to other people, an opportunity to top up our nature batteries and stay well, or a path to healing. For me, the outdoors is very much my go-to for staying well, and it is hugely reaffirming to hear this is the case for many other people around Scotland.”

To find out more about the work of the National Trust for Scotland, or plan your next outdoor adventure, please visit: www.nts.org.uk.