North Edinburgh News – Page 590 – The NEN

Edinburgh people urged to have their say on legislation addressing unsafe cladding after Grenfell tragedy

A Holyrood Committee visited a building with potentially dangerous cladding in the Leith area on Tuesday this week to meet with residents and hold talks with a fire safety expert.

The visit followed the launch of a call for views on legislation which would give Scottish Ministers new powers to assess and remediate buildings in Scotland with unsafe cladding, following the 2017 Grenfell Tower fire.

The Scottish Parliament’s Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee, which is leading scrutiny of the plans, is now encouraging other people in Edinburgh, who live in or own properties with potentially dangerous cladding, to respond to the public consultation on the Scottish Government’s Housing (Cladding Remediation) (Scotland) Bill.

The legislation seeks to give Scottish Ministers powers to assess and remediate buildings with unsafe cladding, including where consent of the owners cannot be provided.

Under proposals in the Bill, the Scottish Government would also create and maintain a Cladding Assurance Register to give residents confidence about the assessment and works undertaken once those buildings are remediated.

The Bill would also give Ministers the power to establish a Responsible Developers Scheme, to support engagement by developers and encourage them to pay for or carry out remediation work.

Such a scheme would likely include agreement to pay for remediation costs by developers, with potential sanctions for developers that are eligible but do not join or fail to comply with the terms of membership.

As the Scottish Government has not carried out public consultation on the Bill, the Committee’s call for views will be critical in providing stakeholders including owners and residents of properties in buildings with potentially unsafe cladding, developers, insurers, surveyors, and fire safety experts an opportunity to comment on the proposals.

The call for views is now open and runs until Friday 8^th December 2023.

Following the visit, Committee Convener, Ariane Burgess MSP, said: “Cladding was a major contributing factor to the fire which destroyed Grenfell Tower in June 2017, one of the UK’s worst modern disasters, and we want people in Edinburgh to have their say on this new Bill.

“Visiting a property affected by cladding alongside one of Scotland’s leading fire safety experts gave us a real insight into the risks that residents are currently forced to live with and the substantial challenges behind the remediation work needed in buildings like the one we visited, right across the country.

“Meeting with Edinburgh residents living in a property with potentially unsafe cladding allowed us to discuss the impact this is having on them financially through increased insurance rates and the increased levels of anxiety and fear that comes along with living with the heightened fire risks.

“As our consultation is the only opportunity for the public to comment on the proposals in the new Bill, we are encouraging people in Edinburgh who live in or own properties with potentially dangerous cladding to respond before the 8^th December.

“The Committee understands the urgency in addressing the issue of unsafe cladding, and this Bill represents a critical step towards achieving safer conditions for all those affected in the Lothian area.”

Chartered Building Surveyor and fire safety expert, Phil Diamond, who accompanied the Committee on the visit said: “It was good to see Brooker Diamond’s involvement in North Edinburgh recognised by the committee’s visit.

“We carried out the Single Building Assessment which is a very complex process and the development posed many varied challenges which will require a comprehensive scheme of remediation.

“We look forward to contributing to the assessment programme and remediation of more blocks across Scotland and help to make homes safer as part of the future work flowing from the Cladding Remediation Bill.”

HOLYROOD COMMITTEE HEARS OF CONCERNS FIRST HAND FROM HOME OWNERS AFFECTED IN EDINBURGH

The site visit by the entire committee charged with leading scrutiny of this Bill, gave credence to the seriousness of their intent to ensure that the proposals are properly understood and reviewed by the MSPs.

The urgent and important need to address the issues in domestic residential accommodation, of risk to life and property, is recognised by the introduction of this bill in an expedited process.

If approved by the Scottish Parliament, then the Royal Assent could be on or before 24 July 2024. It could then have a commencement date at the beginning of September 2024.

Chris Ashurst – the Group Coordinator of High Rise Scotland Action Group said: “ I wholeheartedly welcome the committee’s pro-active efforts to understand the concerns, experiences and perspectives of those living in ‘high-rise’ homes.

“It is their safety physical and mental, and the safety of their homes and property which is and must be the supreme concern of the legislator, and must shape the new law.

“Owners have been able to express: –

 their dismay at suggestions that the very builders who caused the problems, might instruct their own appointed surveyors and professional advisors to decide what defects need to be remedied and, or, decide on and implement their own remediation or mitigation measures.

 The conflict of interest and the financial liability could, (and would be) seen by owners as reason to mistrust and doubt the integrity of any such assessment or plan. It remains to be seen what confidence lenders and insurers would place in such a process

 The feeling that the revised criteria introduced in December 2021 are too rigid, and that no building would be able to satisfy them. The frustration on the part of some that the widened brief had exceeded the original one to an unacceptable degree and that there should be some element of grading of risk, based on an assessor’s professional assessment of any risk.

“I wholeheartedly endorse the request from the Convenor of the Committee that owners should make submit their views in the consultation to them by Friday 8 December using the links provided.”

Link to convenor’s video

Share your views on the cladding bill proposals. https://ow.ly/BmM850QcX6L

Small Business Saturday: Edinburgh residents encouraged to shop local

Small Business Saturday returns this weekend (2 December) for its eleventh year in the UK.

Small Business Saturday is a grassroots, non-commercial campaign which highlights small business success and encourages us to ‘shop local’ and support small businesses in our communities. It takes place each year on the first weekend in December.

Edinburgh’s Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, Councillor Jane Meagher, has been out visiting small businesses and enterprises around Leith and the Shore to mark the occasion and celebrate the area’s recent recognition as ‘the best neighbourhood in the UK and Ireland’ at the 2023 Urbanism Awards.

Clockwise Serviced Offices – Located in what was originally a bonded warehouse, Commercial Quay, the building has been converted to create open-plan office space to suit any business.

Shore Deli – Recently opened under new management, The Shore Deli serves breakfast rolls, sandwiches and salads with a wide variety of coffees and cakes.

Destined for Home – An independently run interior and gift studio which places emphasis on high quality, individuality and purpose.

The ‘great neighbourhood’ award is one of five given out each year by The Academy of Urbanism, a network of built environment experts from across Europe. They recognise Britain and Ireland’s best place, street, neighbourhood and town and are based on several factors, including commercial success.

Small Business Saturday is an opportunity to showcase the great mix of independent shops that make Leith, and the rest of the city, such a special place to live, work and visit.

Councillor Jane Meagher, Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, said: “It was a pleasure to visit some brilliant local businesses in Leith as Small Business Saturday kicks off. The small businesses in and around Leith and the Shore form a huge part of what makes the area so special, and the recent award is testament to this.

“Edinburgh is home to a number of fantastic small businesses that form the backbone of our high streets. They play a key role in our communities, creating vital job opportunities and contributing to the economy.

“As we continue to feel the effects of uncertain economic times, this year more than ever we need to make sure we support small enterprises and contribute everything we can to their success. I would encourage everyone to shop local, not only this Small Business Saturday but all year round.”

Support your local shops this Small Business Saturday

Small Business Minister Kevin Hollinrake urges everyone to support their local small businesses

Targeted government intervention is addressing gaps in accessing finance from traditional lenders to help them scale up and grow

Small Business Minister Kevin Hollinrake has urged everyone to go out and support their local small businesses this Small Business Saturday.

Small Business Saturday is an initiative which encourages consumers to shop locally and support small businesses in their communities and it falls on the first Saturday of December.

In a call to action the Minister said: “I urge everyone to join me in supporting our local small businesses this Small Business Saturday. The best support we can give them is to shop local this festive season.

“Every penny spent at your local small business is an investment in your community.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak welcomed small businesses, charities and local communities to Downing Street for a Christmas Market Festive Showcase on Thursday 30th November ahead of Small Business Saturday, and Minister Hollinrake was able to meet with some of the businesses beforehand.

Engagement with Small Businesses is a government priority, and Minister Hollinrake was able to discuss the important topics of accessing finance as an SME, as well as the issue of late payments, which some of the businesses reported had improved since the Department of Business and Trade published the Prompt Payment and Cash Flow Review, signalling clear government intent to back small businesses in this issue.

Supporting small businesses to scale up and grow is a clear government priority. The Chancellor’s Autumn Statement had a clear focus on growth, creating a favourable business environment that keeps more money in consumer’s pockets and reduces costs for businesses, creating the right environment for businesses to start and scale up. The increase to the National Living Wage to £11.44 an hour, as well as cutting taxes for 29 million workers, increases consumer’ spending power, whilst businesses are supported by a £4.3 billion business rates package.

The government backed British Business Bank is supporting £12.4 billion of finance to over 90,000 businesses across the UK, of which 86% are outside London. The Bank is delivering a £1.6 billion programme of Nations and Regions Investment Funds, to support growing businesses outside London and South East.

Funds covering the South West, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales have launched earlier this year, with more to follow. It has issued over 100,000 Start Up Loans since 2012 providing over £1 billion for entrepreneurs at the start of their growth journey, 40% of whom are women and 21% from an ethnic minority background.

UK Export Finance, the government’s export credit agency also provides government backed guarantees on financial products through banking partners. It was recently announced at their customer conference that it is introducing more flexible, fast-track financing for small businesses – making it easier than ever for UK firms to sell in international markets.

Scottish artisan chocolatiers spotlighted this Small Business Saturday

Business Gateway is celebrating the stories of the small business community in Scotland, including Edinburgh-based Quirky Chocolate.

The business creates and sells unique collections of artisan chocolate from a small workshop close to Arthur’s Seat. Founded in 2008 by designer, Sandra Colamartino, who was also the first captain of the Scottish women’s rugby team, the business combines her two favourite things: beautiful design and delicious chocolate.

Sandra began working with a chocolatier to create personalised chocolate bars with unique packaging, which has all been created using plastic-free packaging. Quirky Chocolate is also Fairtrade Cocoa certified, ensuring that the farmers who produce the cocoa that goes into their products are paid a fair price.

Sandra first connected with Business Gateway as she was launching the business, when her local adviser connected her with an accountant.

Having built up an established customer base, Sandra went on to create hand-rolled milk chocolate brussels sprouts in 2014, which became Not on The High Street’s best-selling product for three years in a row. The product resulted in a £1m turnover for the business alone.

Buoyed by these impressive sales, Sandra started to work on products that would sell all year long, and designed and produced the tartan collection, which includes a range of Scottish flavours such as cranachan and millionaire’s shortbread.

Sandra Colamartino, owner, Quirky Chocolate, said: “Our chocolate brussels sprouts were so well received, and generated more sales than we ever could have imagined. We needed to come up with new and exciting products to ensure this steady stream of sales continued.”

Having largely sold to a consumer audience, Sandra and the team began to move into business-to-business (B2B) sales, with a growing portfolio of top hotels in Scotland now stocking Quirky Chocolate products.

Sandra said: “It’s been healthy to have a balance of consumer, wholesale, and business-to-business. If you think of your business as a table, it makes sense that each leg symbolises a different avenue of potential income. If the table only has one leg, and something goes wrong, you’re completely out of the game.”

“The biggest challenge, no matter what field you’re in, is the multitasking element. You must become an expert at everything, whether that be working out insurance policies, how to pay an invoice, or developing a website.

“People tend to use the word ‘resilience’ when talking about setting up a new business, and I totally understand why.”

Since launching, Quirky Chocolate has grown to a team of 16, made up of chocolatiers, production staff, designers and tech gurus. The business has very recently become a living wage employer and plans to grow at a steady speed while taking their employees and freelance illustrators and artists on the journey with them.

Sandra continued: “As the business has matured, I’ve realised that there is so much support on offer from Business Gateway, which isn’t limited to start-up support.

“We’ve recently had a referral from Business Gateway and are looking forward to a member of the Scottish Manufacturing Advisory Service (SMAS) speaking to our team about where we can make improvements.”

Hugh Lightbody, Chief Officer at Business Gateway, commented: “Small businesses are the backbone of Scotland’s economy. However, recent years have posed various challenges to the sector, which has contributed to Business Gateway receiving over 25,000 enquiries this year. It remains critical that we provide the necessary support.

“We know that business confidence is low in light of recent global circumstances, so it is important we take opportunities such as Small Business Saturday to highlight businesses like Quirky Chocolate, which produces some really beautiful and uniquely Scottish products.

“Our resources, workshops, webinars and network of local advisers at Business Gateway all play a vital role in guiding small business owners through every step of their journey, making sure they have the knowledge and resources needed to thrive.”

To find out more about Business Gateway, visit: https://www.bgateway.com/.

That’s the Spirit! Walker’s Shortbread partners with The Scotsman Group to create the ultimate festive serve

Experience the magic of shortbread with Walker’s 125 Old Fashioned, a limited-edition whisky-based cocktail with a twist! Now available in 28 Scotsman Group bars across Scotland.

Walker’s Shortbread has joined forces with leading leisure operator The Scotsman Group, to create a special serve to kickstart Edinburgh’s festive season in style.

Introducing The Walker’s 125 Old Fashioned: a limited-edition whisky-based cocktail that honours Walker’s impressive 125-year heritage while spreading the joy of shortbread over the festive season and winter months.

Making and sharing shortbread is an age-old Christmas tradition in Scotland and Walker’s is bringing this to life with a modern twist. Inspired by the mighty ‘Old Fashioned’, The Walker’s 125 incorporates delicious Walker’s Shortbread fingers, The Glenlivet Founders Reserve and Liquid Oats Honey to create a luxurious cocktail that is the ultimate toast to the holiday season.

The Walkers 125 is now listed on menus at 28 Scotsman Group bars across Scotland, including in stunning venues in Edinburgh such as The Scotsman Bar, The Grand Café and The Ghillie Dhu. The Walker’s 125 is available to order in selected Scotsman Group venues until 31^st January 2024.

Walker’s all-butter shortbread dates to 1898, when 21-year-old Joseph Walker opened the doors of his own bakery with a loan of £50 and the ambition to bake ‘The World’s Finest Shortbread’. Over a century on, Joseph’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren have remained true to his original ideal – to bake ‘The World’s Finest Shortbread’.

Sarah Macaulay, Head of Marketing at Walker’s Shortbread, said: “At Walker’s, we love that our shortbread is enjoyed at Christmas and that it plays a part in generations of families’ festive traditions. As December marks the end of our 125th anniversary celebrations, it’s only right that we create a cocktail with another Scottish icon; single malt Scotch whisky.

“That’s why we’ve teamed up with The Scotsman to not only create The Walkers 125, but also to serve it in 28 of their unique and popular venues across Scotland. It’s the perfect tipple for anyone in Scotland enjoying the festivities and looking for a unique whisky-based cocktail to try.”

The Walker’s 125 Old Fashioned is a well-balanced cocktail with sweet creamy notes of honeysuckle and a long-lasting finish of toffee notes, finished with a satisfying Walker’s shortbread crunch.

Roddy Coyle, Head of Beverage Operations at The Scotsman Group, said: “It’s a pleasure to be partnering with Walker’s Shortbread to bring The Walkers 125 to life. Shortbread is a classic treat and one of the nation’s favourite – so we wanted to create a cocktail fit for its worthy title and Walker’s Scottish heritage.

“Scotland is known for its impressive and high-quality whisky, making The Glenlivet Founders Reserve an obvious choice to form the base of the cocktail. The vegan Liquid Oats Vanilla & Honey Liqueur is a nod to our nation’s love for oats – and of course, we’ve incorporated Walker’s delicious shortbread fingers to level up the recipe and give it the special Walker’s touch!”

Please drink responsibly and for advice or support about drinking alcohol please visit drinkaware.co.uk.

Edinburgh:

The Scotsman Bar
The Grand Café
The Granary
Inn on the Mile
The Murrayfield
Southpour
Ghillie Dhu

Granton History Hub: Volunteers needed

If you are interested & want to know more, please visit our website, or come along to Granton:hub any time between 1-4pm on Tuesdays 12th and 19th December.

Stay as long as you like – simply say ‘hello’ or we can set you to work!

Contact Tamsin at history@grantonhub.org

Charity shop set to reopen after fire calls for public donations

Earlier this year, a fire broke out in the building above the PDSA South Bridge charity shop, causing the shop to close for the foreseeable future. The shop located at 88-89 South Bridge, EH1 1HN, closed in June, but is very nearly ready to officially re-open again.

Before the shop reopens its doors again to eager shoppers, the team are hoping the supportive local community will head over there to donate any unwanted goodies.

PDSA Cluster Shop Manager, Fiona Lawrie, said: “Since the unavoidable closure of South Bridge five months ago, we’ve had a flurry of support from locals at our nearby Nicolson Street shop. We’re hoping before we re-open South Bridge, lovely locals will pop by to donate any unwanted items they may have, so we can open the doors again, stocked with fresh finds!

“We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported us, the fire was a big shock to our team, but we’re more than ready to head back into the shop and welcome previous supporters, and new faces through the door.”

The shop is not yet open for people to browse around, however the official re-opening date will be announced very soon.

For anyone who wishes to donate any items, please drop any goods off at PDSA South Bridge, 88-89 South Bridge, EH1 1HN.

Drylaw schoolboy missing

HAVE YOU SEEN AHMAD?

POLICE are asking for your help to trace a 13-year-old boy reported missing in Drylaw. Ahmad Bader was last seen at Broughton High School around 12 pm yesterday (Thursday, 30th November).

He has links throughout the Edinburgh area.

Any info, please call 101 and quote ref 3740 of 30/11.

Alcohol marketing consultation

Further discussions to be held on reducing alcohol harm

The Scottish Government will hold more talks with public health stakeholders and the alcohol industry early next year to discuss ways of limiting young people’s exposure to alcohol promotions.

The development comes following publication of the Scottish Government’s recent consultation analysis on restricting alcohol advertising and promotions.

The report shows the majority of individuals and most organisations with links to the alcohol industry thought the proposals as set out would not achieve the intended outcomes of reducing alcohol consumption and alcohol harm, and/or were disproportionate to the scale of the problem. However, there were high levels of agreement with the proposals among public health, third sector, local authorities and academic organisations.

Following targeted stakeholder engagement, the public will be asked for their views on a narrower range of proposals which take into account the views expressed and international public health evidence, including a recommendation from the World Health Organization (WHO) that restricting alcohol marketing is one of the most cost-effective ways of tackling alcohol harm.

Drugs and Alcohol Policy Minister Elena Whitham said: “My sympathy goes to all those affected by the loss of a loved one through alcohol.

“We’re determined to reduce the harm caused by alcohol, particularly to young people, while minimising any impacts on Scotland’s world class drinks industry or tourism sector.

“International evidence shows that alcohol marketing increases the likelihood that children and young people will start to drink alcohol or, if they already drink alcohol, drink more, while young people and their families have told us that they want us to take action.

“While almost all responses to the consultation acknowledged that children and young people should not be exposed to alcohol advertising and promotions, it is clear there are a range of views on how this might be achieved. Since the consultation was launched, the First Minister and other Ministers have engaged with a wide range of businesses and stakeholders.

“So we will continue to engage with all interested parties on specific, narrower, proposals that meet our aims. I’m confident this collaborative approach will ensure that we develop policies understanding the full range of opportunities and impacts.”

Consultation on Restricting Alcohol Advertising and Promotion: Analysis of responses

STUC Disabled Workers’ Conference: Usdaw seeks to tackle gender-based violence and poverty

Retail trade union Usdaw has a delegation of reps and officials attending the annual Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) Disabled Workers’ Conference in Glasgow, Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 December.

The union has submitted motions on tackling gender-based violence against disabled workers, along with building a movement of protest against poverty.

Tracy Gilbert – Usdaw Regional Secretary for Scotland says: “The number of disabled people living in poverty in Scotland has increased in recent years with more than half of all people in poverty living in a household with at least one disabled worker.

“We reject any suggestion that this is inevitable, poverty and the failure to tackle inequality are political decisions. The disability employment gap in Scotland remains high with disabled women facing even greater discrimination, larger pay gaps and higher unemployment.

“As well as taking action to offset the immediate impacts of the cost-of-living crisis on disabled people and their families; the Scottish and Westminster governments must also act to address the underlying historical inequalities experienced by disabled people including the disproportionate impact of austerity policies.”

Usdaw welcomes the important role the Disabled Workers Committee play setting the record straight and is asking the STUC to:

Support the efforts of unions and disabled people’s organisations to tackle disability discrimination and change the way disabled people are viewed, valued and included in Scottish and wider UK society.
Campaign for improvements to social security so that as well as protecting disabled workers from poverty, it also prevents poverty; takes into account the significant and additional costs of being disabled; and fully supports independent living.
Continue to build a movement of protest against the current cost of living crisis that highlights the specific impact of the current crisis on disabled people and puts their voices centre stage.

Tracy Gilbert continues: “Studies show that disabled women are disproportionately likely to experience gender-based violence but are far less likely to report it.

“Workplace trade union reps have a vital role in supporting women workers to recognise and recover from abuse and this is particularly the case for disabled women who are often less able to access appropriate support and to have their voices heard.

“Changes to domestic violence legislation to include coercive control are important in understanding how specific abuse against disabled women may manifest itself in a variety of ways, for example where the abuser controls someone through their impairment or support needs.

“We commend the work union reps are doing to support disabled survivors of domestic abuse.”

Usdaw is seeking greater recognition by employers of the challenges disabled women face in escaping abuse and is calling on the STUC to:

Support affiliated unions to negotiate domestic abuse policies with employers that recognise the specific needs of disabled women workers.
Involve disabled women in developing the trade union and labour movement’s work on gender-based violence.

New Chief sets out her vision for policing

Scotland’s new Chief Constable Jo Farrell has outlined her vision to deliver effective policing for communities.

Chief Constable Farrell prioritised threat, harm and risk; prevention, problem solving and proactivity; and the wellbeing of officers and staff so they can deliver for the public.

Speaking at a Scottish Police Authority Board meeting in Edinburgh, the Chief Constable said she would progress a second phase of policing reform to deliver the full integration of Police Scotland while building even closer ties with public services to drive efficiency.

The Service is also reviewing senior posts and corporate services to ensure resources support frontline policing.

Chief Constable Farrell urged government to invest £128m in policing next year to continue reform of policing. She said the establishment of Police Scotland was a successful example of government spending to save, with policing returning £200m to the public purse every year compared to legacy arrangements.

Chief Constable Farrell said: “Reform of policing represented an innovative, ambitious and optimistic response to austerity and Police Scotland is now a national asset known for compassion and high standards.

“A changing, ageing population; a cost of living crisis driving vulnerability and pressure on other services; civil unrest; new laws and increasingly complex investigations all contribute to growing community need and increasing contacts to policing from the public.

“Police Scotland must focus intensely on our core duties and what matters to the people we serve. If what we do doesn’t protect the vulnerable from harm, prevent crime or support our officers and staff, we will challenge that and redirect resources.”

The Chief Constable also said officers must spend less time on mental health calls; in accident and emergency and attending court for trials that don’t happen.

She said: “Policing is determined to play our part in criminal justice reform – to make efficiencies, but more importantly deliver better service for the people we serve.

“We will make appropriate use of direct measures at the lowest end of offending so the entire system can focus on delivering justice in the more serious cases.

“We will work with the Scottish Government and the Crown Office to capture digital evidence, including on body worn video, and share the evidence to support better and quicker court outcomes.

“At the same time, policing must redefine our responsibilities around mental health.

“We must respond to people in crises but policing is not the best agency to provide people living with poor mental health with all the care and support they need and deserve.

“Officers should not routinely be performing welfare checks or sitting in hospital waiting rooms for lengthy periods of time.”

The Chief Constable said £128m including an uplift to capital funding would restart officer recruitment for the year ahead; fund the cost of this year’s 7% pay award for officers and staff and make a credible offer next year; enable a programme of voluntary retirement and redundancy; and rapidly reshape Police Scotland to deliver more savings in years ahead while ensuring effective service.

Chief Constable Farrell added: “Without funding over and above flat cash, we will be unable to recruit police officers in 2024-25. My experience in England is that would significantly impact community policing and proactivity like drugs raids.”

Watch Chief Constable Farrell’s report here.

Support for new public libraries projects

Funding to connect libraries with local communities

A group of eight innovative new library projects designed to enrich communities across Scotland will be brought to life through a share of £106,868 support received through the Public Library Improvement Fund (PLIF).

These projects include the introduction of a comprehensive library outreach offer in East Lothian, a digital project focusing on celebrating Dundee’s Maritime Pasts and Future, and High Life Highland’s sensory project, which aims to engage with those with autism and dementia among many others.

Culture Minister Christina McKelvie said: “The Scottish Government places great importance on public libraries. We believe that everyone should have access to library services. So I’m pleased to announce this first round of projects for the 2023-24 year – eight new programmes that will make a positive difference to local communities across Scotland.

“Congratulations also to Midlothian Library Service, who were awarded the 2023 SLIC Service Excellence Award for its work with supporting communities during the cost-of-living crisis. It is fantastic to see the central role Loanhead Library plays in the everyday lives of local people – bringing the values of the #MidlothianCares initiative to life.

“I understand first-hand the valuable service libraries provide across Scotland – during my childhood, my local library was a real sanctuary for enjoyable learning and it played an important role in my development.”

Pamela Tulloch, Chief Executive of the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC), said: “Public libraries, through their diverse offerings and inclusive nature, contribute to all areas of social, cultural and daily life.

“They allow people equal access to services, resources and information, and many are continually building on their offering to further transform and thrive in line with the changing demands and requirements of their users.

“Investing in our public libraries is not just about enhancing physical spaces; it’s about empowering minds, fostering a love for learning and bridging gaps to ensure equal access for all. The Public Library Improvement Fund (PLIF), from the Scottish Government, allows services across Scotland to enhance their offering to provide further support which benefits the communities in which they operate.

“With people, place and partnership at the heart, we can’t wait to see how the eight projects awarded funding flourish over the next 12 months and would encourage public libraries across Scotland to consider how they can help lead the way in developing our services and apply for the second round of funding today.”

Project Title/Service	Project Aim	Amount Awarded (of £106, 868)
Carnoustie Creatorspace in Angus	To create a space on the upper floor of Carnoustie Library which is currently used as an Exhibition Space to exhibit work by local artists and creative clubs. This space will focus on the provision of tools, equipment and resources to foster artistic design and creativity.	£14,715
Dundee’s Maritime Pasts and Future in Dundee	This project will be a partnership between the Local History and Steam Hub departments in Dundee Central Library. Volunteers will work with Local History staff to create a digital resource which presents logbooks in their historical context, exploring the whaling industry in Dundee, its environmental impact, and the city’s relationship with nature and the sea over the years.	£6,400
East Lothian Libraries – Community Centred Service in East Lothian	To establish a dedicated resource for a comprehensive library outreach offer in East Lothian, work with Families Together East Lothian (FTEL), to offer families support with budgeting, parenting, neurodiversity and bereavement. Participation sessions will also be offered to families not using libraries to enhance take up of the ‘Every Child a Library Member’ programme.	£3,960
Return Journeys: developing pathways back to the library for identified under-reached groups in Falkirk	This project aims to work with partners, and identified groups (traveller community, refugees and asylum seekers and care-experienced individuals) to identify barriers to library use and develop strategies that will enable effective use of services. The project will then develop library services that meet their specific needs of identified groups.	£10,484
High Life Highland Libraries Making ‘Sense’ for Communities in Highland	High Life Highland’s sensory project aims to engage with and improve the health and wellbeing of hard-to-reach groups including those with autism, dementia, physical impairment, and those who are socially isolated.	£6,000
Making a Noise in the North: Fair Access to Reading for the Visually Impaired in Orkney/Shetland	This project concentrates on improving the reading experience for users with additional needs, such as visually impaired and dyslexic customers. Also key to the project is promotion of library services and staff development.	£5,500
Lending Voices: Portable Podcasting in Your Library in South Lanarkshire	This project offers accessible podcasting services in public libraries. This will enable users to create, learn, and engage with podcasts. The project aligns with the library’s mission to foster learning, share knowledge, and engage with communities through digital literacy and enriched cultural expression.	£6,770
Evidencing the social impact of public libraries in Stirling	This project seeks to evidence and better understand the social impact Stirling Council Libraries have within their local communities; and to produce a methodological toolkit from lessons learnt which other public libraries can use to conduct similar evaluations