The City of Edinburgh has claimed the top spot of councils in Scotland on climate action, it has been announced this week (Wednesday 18 October) by Climate Emergency UK.
The Council Climate Action Scorecards cover 7 sections, ask 91 questions, and were created in consultation with over 90 different organisations and key individuals.
Collectively this provides some of the most in-depth analysis of climate action in UK local authorities to date.
With a total score of 58%, the City of Edinburgh Council ranks joint 4th overall in the UK, and 1st in Scotland. Edinburgh was also the only council outside of London which placed in the top six of the table.
Edinburgh scored highest in the sections for Collaboration & Engagement (78%), Planning & Land Use (70%) and Waste Reduction & Food (67%).
Disappointingly, only 41 of the UK’s 388 local and combined authorities scored above 50%, with the average score being just 32%.
The Council will use the Scorecards to understand where it can be bolder, and where it needs to make faster progress on climate action.
Council Leader Cammy Day said:“Whilst I welcome this excellent news about Edinburgh’s ranking from Climate Emergency UK, we still have a long road ahead to reach our goal of Edinburgh becoming a net zero city by 2030 and addressing the other key challenges in our 2030 Climate Strategy.
“It is important though that we highlight the good progress we’re making. From pioneering our sustainable active travel and public transport networks, to combatting food waste, and making our Council houses and buildings more energy efficient, alongside flagship projects like our Granton Waterfront net zero redevelopment (above), I’m inspired by what I see around the city.
“I’d add that in the next few months reports on our Council Emissions Reduction Plan (CERP) and progress on city-wide emissions, and delivery of our 2030 Climate Strategy will be heard at committee.
“I’m conscious that whilst local government has a key role to play in our just transition to net zero, but this must be done alongside wider society with coordination and cooperation alongside government, private sector, third sector and our citizens.
“This was underlined in January of this year, when the Scottish Parliament’s Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee stated clearly in their report that Scotland will not meet its climate targets without a more empowered local government sector, and the removal of key barriers facing not only our Council but many across the country.
“We’re bold and ambitious in our approach and aims, but this is absolutely essential if we are to properly confront the climate emergency, which is undoubtedly the key existential challenge of our times. “
Climate Emergency UK Co-Director Annie Pickering said:“The low scores across the board shows that there are national barriers for local authorities that make it harder for most councils to deliver the necessary climate action.
“A lack of funding and government policy U-turns are some of the barriers to effective local climate action.”
A community centre in Aberdeen, a village shop in Plockton and a resource hub in Speyside are all set to benefit from the Scottish Land Fund
£1,968,921 for 11 projects across Scotland
Great Western Community Trust in Aberdeen (above) has received£425,154to purchase Holburn West Church and manage it as a community venue that will host a wide range of groups and activities.
The award is one of 11 made during the most recent round of funding from the Scottish Land Fund and the announcement comes during an extended Community Land Week (13 – 29 October), which community landowners across the country are marking with events and celebrations.
The Scottish Land Fund reopened to applications in 2021. The programme is funded by the Scottish Government and delivered in partnership by the National Lottery Community Fund and Highlands and Islands Enterprise, both of which have extensive experience of helping communities to acquire and develop their assets for over a decade.
Other grants awarded during the current round of funding include £90,459 to Plockton& District Community Trust to acquire the Old Post Office in Plockton, Lochalsh, from which the group will continue to provide community services while developing the building as a multi-use community space; and £118,663 has been awarded to The Grantown Society in Grantown-On-Spey, to allow them to purchase the former SSE Hydro building in the town and turn it into a multi-use resource hub and visitors’ centre.
Martin Greig, trustee, Great Western Community Trust, said: “We are extremely grateful for the generous award from the SLF.The funds will make a huge difference to the benefit of the local community.
“The project has enormous support from residents. They have said again and again that the area needs this kind of public facility. Thanks to the SLF, this splendid building can now remain at the heart of the community.”
Alasdair Mackenzie, Vice Chairman, Plockton & District Community Trust, said: “We are delighted to secure SLF support to bring this much loved building in the heart of our village into community ownership.
“We’re a new organisation and this is our first asset, so it’s a real boost for us. There has been informal use of the building for over 20yrs, but this purchase safeguards it for the community.
“We can now press on with our plans to improve the fabric of the building. Without SLF support none of this would be possible.
And Bill Sadler, Chairman, The Grantown Society, said: “Grantown’s No 2 High Street, latterly SSE Hydro Shop, which has lain empty for over seven years, was once a thriving grocer’s shop, situated on what became known as “Rimmington’s Corner”; a favourite meeting place for locals.
“Now, with thanks to the Scottish Land Fund, The Grantown Society is bringing it back to life as a warm and welcoming Community Resource Hub with rentable “pop-up” retail space, community information, an ATM and gigabit Wifi with available desk space.”
Mairi Gougeon, Cabinet Secretary, Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands, said: “Many people and community organisations know exactly what their local areas need but may lack the funding to make their visions a reality.
“This is why the Scottish Land Fund is so important. It allows community groups to realise their goals and unlock the full power of community actions. It is a prime example of our plans to ensure that Scotland’s land is used in a way that benefits everyone.
“I want to congratulate the latest recipients. I know that their projects will prove hugely beneficial to their respective communities. I also want to encourage any other organisations who may be eligible to apply to the Scottish Land Fund.”
Cara Gillespie, Scottish Land Fund Committee Chair said: “The groups receiving funding today have all clearly identified opportunities to help their locality to thrive.
“By establishing new or securing existing shops, work spaces, social hubs and leisure facilities they are helping their communities become more cohesive and sustainable places to live.”
Douglas Cowan, Director of Communities and Place at HIE,said: “These successful projects are all great examples of people taking control of local resources for the long-term benefit of their communities.
“All these projects announced today will help to deliver local community priorities. Ownership will give them greater control over important assets that will reap rewards for people now and for generations to come. We wish all the successful community organisations the very best in their new ventures.”
Other groups receiving funding are:
Resonate Together
Award – £295,822
Resonate Together will acquire The Ochil & Harvey House plots on the Carsebridge site, in Alloa, Clackmannanshire. They have occupied the buildings since January 2022 and will renovate the site as a community hub, with a community garden and café, benefiting the community by providing space to socialise, learn new skills and volunteer.
Broadford and Strath Community Company
Award – £95, 700
Broadford and Strath Community Company will purchase a commercial unit located in Broadford, Isle of Skye. The group will use this space to provide a multi-use office, workshop and exhibition space which will be used by local businesses and community groups.
SunartCommunity Company
Award – £241,782
Sunart Community Company will purchase Longrigg Wood (87.6ha) in Strontian, West Lochaber to improve the social, economic, and environmental health and wellbeing of the area.
Gairloch& Loch Ewe Community Hub (GALE)
Award – £337,724
GALE will acquire The Shieling café and restaurant in Gairloch, Wester Ross. The building will allow them to expand on the services they currently offer, and will be developed into a community hub.
Hoy Youth Hub
Award – £93,802
Hoy Youth Hub will acquire St Columba’s Church in Longhope, Hoy, Orkney. The building will be developed into a Youth Hub, which will provide the island’s only dedicated space for young people. The asset will also be used as a community space for various groups to use.
Friends of Sanday Kirk Ltd
Award – £83,730
Friends of Sanday Kirk will purchase the Cross Kirk in Sanday, Orkney. The group will use the building as a multi-use community facility to provide a range of community support activities and services which focus on wellbeing, arts and a community meeting space.
Fort Augustus & Glenmoriston Community Company
Award – £104,820
Fort Augustus & Glenmoriston Community Company will acquire Glentarff House, Canalside South, Fort Augustus. They will then carry out a refurbishment and reconfiguration, creating affordable housing units.
WhalsayKirk Development Company (WKDC)
Award – £81,265
WKDC will acquire Whalsay Kirk, in Shetland with the intention of repurposing the vacant building as a multi-purpose space that will include a visitor centre, art and crafts exhibition space with options for workshops, events and pop-up shops.
National Galleries of Scotland has announced extended opening hours throughout the final weekend of its blockbuster exhibition, Grayson Perry: Smash Hits, at the National (Royal Scottish Academy) due to phenomenal demand.
To make sure everyone can see Grayson Perry: Smash Hits, the Royal Scottish Academy will be open from 9am until 9pm on the 10, 11 and 12 November, with tickets on sale now.
Only a few more weeks remain to explore the remarkable 40-year career of contemporary cultural icon, Sir Grayson Perry. On show exclusively in Edinburgh, the exhibition has exceeded all expectations, welcoming over 10,000 people in the first two weeks alone.
Visitors can see over eighty works, including richly detailed tapestries, subversive pots and elaborate plates – some of which are on display for the first time.
Grayson Perry: Smash Hits has been developed in close collaboration with the artist. Much like Perry, the exhibition doesn’t play by the rules, renouncing traditional chronological displays in favourof presenting Perry’s work as a journey.
Smash Hits leads audiences through the many themes embedded within his provocative art, including masculinity, sexuality, class, religion, politics and identity.
There’s also a chance to tour Smash Hits with the artist himself, through a free audio guide of 19 works, available via Smartify. Let the artwork come to life through Perry’s engaging and witty commentary, as he discusses the wide range of inspirations and stories locked within each object.
The exhibition brings together Perry’s meticulously detailed prints and imaginary maps along with many of his tapestries. This includes the rarely shown Walthamstow Tapestry (2009) which, at a striking 15-metres in length, presents a birth-to-death journey through shopping and brand names.
There’s also an opportunity to encounter the intricate cast-iron ship, Tomb of the Unknown Craftsman (2011). A collection of new works, some completed this year, have been presented to the public for the first time, including the tapestry Sacred Tribal Artefact (2023), and a series of pots and plates exploring themes of national identity.
Perry’s latest pots, such as A Plague of Diaphobia (2022) and Ye Olde English Pot (2023), are presented in the form of medieval beer flagons. Decorated with traditional slipware techniques, they reference subjects ranging from the polarising effect of internet to heraldic iconography.
Sir John Leighton, Director-General of the National Galleries of Scotland,said: “It has been a privilege to see the excitement and enthusiasm shown towards Grayson Perry: Smash Hits since it opened in the summer.
“With thousands of visitors pouring through the doors every week, the demand for Sir Grayson Perry’s inspiring body of work is evident. The National Galleries of Scotland are delighted to announce our extended opening hours during the exhibition’s final run.
“We hope they can allow as many people as possible to see the largest exhibition of Sir Grayson Perry’s work before we must close the doors in November.”
Visitors can take advantage of a bumper three days to say a fond farewell to what has been a truly smashing experience. Don’t miss the final chance to see Grayson Perry: Smash Hits at the National (Royal Scottish Academy).
Edinburgh’s Community Link Worker Network has been recognised for the work they do to tackle health inequalities in this year’s Scottish Health Awards.
The Network has been chosen as one of three finalists for the 2023 Tackling Health Inequalities award, highlighting the impact of the 24 community link workers (CLWs) who are helping improve the lives of people in some of the most deprived areas in the city.
Alison Leitch, Assistant Service Manager for the Network said: “We are delighted that the work of Edinburgh’s Community Link Worker Network has been recognised by this nomination for the Tackling Health Inequalities Award.
“Over the past five years the Community Link Workers havw shown their adaptability and commitment through the pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis.
“They have worked tirelessly to improve the lives of people in the most need, building relationships and trust to focus on what matters to an individual, not what is the matter with them. As they concentrate on the activities that make the most difference to people and communities, both now and looking to the future, they continue to change lives for the better.”
The Network’s recently published annual review for 2022/23 illustrates the increasing impact that they are having in communities across the city and the real difference they are making for people facing a range of health inequalities.
Since 2018, Edinburgh’s CLWs have:
Received 19,220 referrals
Carried out 44,920 engagements
Made 29,425 links to community groups
Last year alone, they also successfully applied for nearly £100,000 of crisis grants on behalf of patients, helping them pay for necessities such as bills, clothes, furniture, equipment and so much more.
Ian Brooke, Deputy Chief Executive of EVOC (Edinburgh Voluntary Organisations Council) said: ‘I am so excited that Edinburgh’s Community Link Worker Network, which is funded by the Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership, is one of the finalists for this award.
“It’s a real testament to the Edinburgh model of community link working, where all staff are employed by local voluntary organisations and therefore truly embedded in communities across the city. The 24 CLWs are delivering real, tangible action to reduce health inequalities for people in the city.”
The 24 CLWs cover 45 GP practices in Edinburgh and are employed by ten different voluntary sector organisations – Carr Gomm, Caring In Craigmillar, Community Renewal, Cyrenians, Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust, Health All Round, Pilton Community Health Project, Penumbra, Space & Broomhouse Hub, The Health Agency.
The 2023 Scottish Health Awards will take place at the O2 Academy in Edinburgh on Thursday 2nd November.
Storm response plan agreed ahead of full impact of Storm Babet
Woman dies after being swept into river in Angus
The Scottish Government’s Resilience Room (SGoRR) met last night, as the highest level Red Weather Warning was expanded to further areas of Scotland.
With impacts from Storm Babet already being felt but expected to increase in severity in the coming day (Friday), resilience partners updated the actions already underway to protect public safety and mitigate the severe disruption that is anticipated.
The meeting was chaired by the Deputy First Minister with Cabinet attendance including the First Minister.
The Met Office Red Warning, which is valid between Thursday evening (1800) and Friday afternoon (1200), has been expanded to cover Angus, South Aberdeenshire, Perth and Kinross and Dundee.
People in these areas are urged not to travel and to stay at home, with ‘exceptional’ levels of rain likely to result in significant disruption and danger to life.
Amber warnings for rain and wind remain in place for many other parts of the country and people in these areas are advised to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary.
Localised power outages have been experienced in coastal areas of eastern Scotland and across the north of Scotland with ongoing impact expected in Aberdeenshire and Angus in line with the Amber Warning for wind. Most affected households have already been reconnected and operational resource levels remain good.
People are asked to plan ahead and expect significant disruption to transport. Road operating companies have been clearing roads. Rail and bus services have been suspended in affected areas. Passengers are asked to check with transport operators to get the latest information on services.
SEPA has issued local flood warnings and encouraged people to follow alerts.
In limited parts of Angus, evacuation plans are being drawn up to protect the public from extreme flood risks. In the exceptional circumstances in which these apply, members of the public will be contacted directly by resilience partners. A major incident has also been declared for Perth and Kinross, Dundee City and Angus local authority areas.
Tourism partners have also been alerted to ensure that visitors to Scotland are provided with travel and safety guidance.
Deputy First Minister Shona Robison said last night: “Storm Babet is still in its early stages and the worst impacts are yet to come. Protecting the public is our immediate priority and we are coordinating a national effort to ensure that people are safe.
“The Red Warning has been expanded to cover further parts of Scotland and we expect weather conditions to deteriorate seriously overnight. Our message is clear – if you live in the areas covered by the Red Warning, please stay at home and do not travel, unless advised to relocate to a rest centre.
“With weather warnings in place for much of the country, I would urge everyone to be vigilant and to exercise extreme caution. No matter where you live, please make sure you stay up to date with conditions affecting your area. If you need to travel in a yellow warning area then make sure you can travel safely and that roads and services are not impacted.
“We are working with partners across the country, including emergency services, the voluntary sector and energy companies, to make sure that we mitigate disruption as much as possible. However, we are clear that there will be considerable disruption and we expect to launch a major clean-up operation as we move into the weekend.”
Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Houston said: “Emergency services, local authorities and a range of resilience partnerships are working extremely hard to prepare and respond during what is an extremely challenging event.
“Police officers are helping local authorities evacuate a large number of properties in the Tayside area which is seeing some of the most significant impacts of the storm.
“I would urge people to continue to follow advice and listen to media broadcast, including radio, for updates.
“Follow your local authority for the latest updates in your area as well as police, the Met Office website and Traffic Scotland. I’d encourage everyone to share this information with people who don’t have access to the internet.
“Police travel advice is to avoid any form of travel in areas covered by the red weather warning.
“Driving conditions are extremely dangerous and floodwater could cause a danger to life. Plan ahead and don’t travel into areas affected by the Red weather warning.”
Pascal Lardet, SEPA Flood Duty Manager, said: “There is exceptional rainfall forecast for parts of Scotland over the next 24 hours, and this will lead to significant flooding from both surface water and rivers.
“Regional Flood Alerts were issued over the last two days to provide early awareness, and localised Flood Warnings started to be issued this morning. More will be issued across the day, so I do encourage people to check our Flood Updates for all the latest information. You can also follow @SEPAFlood on X.
“However, it is important to stress that not all areas that could be affected have Flood Warning schemes, so please do take a Flood Alert in your area as advance notice that you could be affected.
“Follow the advice of the emergency services and take action now to protect yourself and your property. Hazards can be hidden, so please don’t walk or drive into flood water.
“Remember that not only is flood water likely to be dirty, 30 cm of fast flowing water can move an average family sized car, and just 15 cm of fast flowing water could be enough to knock you off your feet.”
First Minister announces support for disabled children’s charity
A charity that provides support to disabled children and young people, and their families, is set to receive up to £2 million of future funding.
First Minister Humza Yousaf made the commitment during a visit to The Yard’s head office in Edinburgh where he met children and their families who benefit from the charity and saw the adventure play facilities offered by the centre.
Subject to the outcome of the Scottish Budget process, the Scottish Government will look to provide extra funding to The Yard over the next three financial years.
The First Minister said: “I am absolutely committed to improving outcomes for disabled children and their families across Scotland. Visiting The Yard has given me a chance to see their outstanding work first-hand, and hear more about the support being provided by the charity.
“I was extremely impressed with the flexible and creative ways in which The Yard are offering services and support to disabled young people and their families, many of whom I know are facing additional and significant challenges.
“I sincerely hope that this vital funding will enable The Yard to grow their services and offer support to more families of young disabled children across Scotland – and I look forward to continuing to engage with The Yard in all of their family support centres in Edinburgh, Fife and Dundee.”
Chief Executive of The Yard Celine Sinclair said: “We are absolutely thrilled that First Minister has committed to working with us to grow our services in Scotland.
“This announcement is transformational for disabled children and their families, and we look forward to working with our partners to ensure that our children get the support they need to get the best start in life and thrive.”
Inverleith councillor Vicky Nicholson has welcomed the announcement. She said: “I am hugely proud @theyardscotland is in Inverleith Ward.
“In my professional career, I knew The Yard well and visited recently with @DeidreBrock(above).
“Just thrilled this exceptional organisation’s future is secure thanks to @scotgov and at a time when families need support more than ever.”
Lothian Conservative MSP Miles Briggs has welcomed the announcement: “I am delighted that the Yard is set to receive £2 million of funding over the next three years, which will make a huge difference to the lives of disabled children, young people and their families across the East of Scotland.
“This funding will allow the specialist team at the Yard to reach even more children and young people, changing their lives for the better.
“The Campaign for Fairer Funding has been a successful in raising awareness of the exceptional work the Yard does and securing funding to expand their services.
“I am pleased that the cross party campaign has succeeded in getting the Scottish Government to deliver this funding for disabled Children and Young People in the East of Scotland.”
Priority actions to deepen and strengthen co-operation between the Scottish Government and business have been unveiled.
A new implementation plan details how recommendations from the New Deal for Business Group will be taken forward over the next 18 months to improve policy preparation and delivery and build a wellbeing economy.
Actions include a forum to oversee the impact of regulations on industry and a full review of how government policy is developed to ensure businesses are consulted at all stages – particularly when new regulation is a potential outcome. Work will also start immediately on helping more parents and carers to get back into work.
Other measures include:
keeping Non-Domestic Rates reforms under review to ensure they support businesses and communities
developing new ways to assess the impact of regulations on business
ensuring the right business voices are involved in policy development
seeking views on health and work, flexible working and just transition plans from across the business sector
outlining and measuring how business contributes to a wellbeing economy
assessing the type of support businesses are seeking to help government better understand their needs
Wellbeing Economy Secretary Neil Gray said: “The New Deal for Business presents a new and exciting long-term commitment to partnership, to create the conditions where business feels empowered to invest, to innovate and to provide good jobs.
“By ensuring an open and honest dialogue between business and government we can provide certainty and consistency for business across Scotland, from small high street firms to the largest multinational companies.
“I am grateful for the commitment shown by business to the New Deal and to group members for developing the recommendations which are now agreed actions. Only by working together can we turn the dial on business-government relations and deliver a wellbeing economy, creating the best possible place for business, people and planet.”
Dr Poonam Malik, Head of Investments at the University of Strathclyde, who co-chairs the group with Mr Gray, said: “Listening actively to business and working in meaningful partnership on common goals will reap rewards and grow our economy ambitiously for the benefit of all of Scotland.
“Having government and business in sync with each other, to deliver growth for our nation with a culture of collaboration – being open and inclusive, with innovative and creative thinking – will overcome the main challenges and break down barriers to high productivity, bringing investment and creating high-quality jobs.
“I thank Group members for all their hard work and commitment to get to this point, and for their continued support to keep up the momentum and remain motivated to see this Plan deliver with action.”
PEP is overseen by a Board of Trustees who have overall responsibility and accountability for the Project. They set and maintain PEP’s vision, mission and values; support strategic development of services, establish and monitor policies, monitor employment procedures alongside the Manager, support the Manager and ensure good governance.
About Pilton Equalities Project:
Aims to enhance the quality of life for older people in North Edinburgh by continuing to develop services that measurably reduce isolation and which enable people and other vulnerable and isolated adults to actively participate in community life.
Experience Required:
Good independent judgement, ability to think creatively, willingness to speak your mind, an understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship, an ability to work effectively as a member of a team and to take decisions for the good of the charity.
Training Details:
PEP, 3 West Pilton Park, Edinburgh, EH4 4EL . Training will be given on commencement of volunteering as a Trustee.
Location/Travel Details:
Board meet once a month for 2 hours, normally meetings are held in the PEP Office.
Accessibility Details:
Named Contact for Volunteer. Wheelchair Access/Disabled Access Toilet
A FAMILY-owned care home can lay claim to being one of the best in Edinburgh, after becoming one of the only care homes in the city to score a rarely awarded six out of six, following an annual inspection by the sector watchdog.
Cluny Lodge Care Home, owned by Elder Homes Ltd, received top marks for supporting the wellbeing of its residents and staff in its most recent Care Inspectorate report.
Scored as ‘excellent’, the highest mark awarded, the report commended the home’s excellent health and wellbeing outcomes, co-production and the relationships between staff, residents, and relatives.
The care home has a holistic approach contributing to the high health and wellbeing outcomes of the residents. In addition to the usual roles it takes to make a care home work well, the team also includes in-house physiotherapists, social & leisure team and nutritional support workers.
Marcela Patriche, Care Homes Manager at Elder homes, said: “We really believe that elderly living should come with a purpose, as moving into a care home should be a new chapter in your life.
“This outstanding inspection result reflects our team’s commitment to providing truly person-centred care.
“I continue to be amazed by the outstanding feedback from our staff, residents and families. We’re all so proud of the work we do creating an at home environment whilst providing high quality care.
“We work with our residents and staff to innovate new ways of enhancing wellbeing and quality of life, and it’s so rewarding to have this reflected in such a glowing report.”
With over 180 members of staff, many of whom have worked for the care home for over 20 years, the care home is able to consistently provide one on one care meeting the residents’ varying needs. The home has a dedicated training team, ensuring each team memberfrom senior leadership to support staff, receive dementia awareness and role specific training.
The report also scored Cluny Lodge’s leadership as ‘very good’, highlighting that staff were provided with regular support and supervision, whilst praising the care homes inclusion of family representatives in quality and improvement-based discussions.
Residents at Cluny Lodge, and sister care home, Chamberlain, have access to a wide range of activities, outings, concerts, and events aimed at providing social, mental, and physical stimulation. The home also provides one-on-one interactions that help residents maintain connections to their local community.
In addition to social events, the care home utilises innovative technologies including electronic medication dispensaries and Artificial Intelligence to assess pain levels to assist in managing the use of pain medication.
The Morningside care home is currently home to 65 residents, who come from a wide range of backgrounds, all of whom receive 24-hour care who according to the Inspectorate are receiving the best care possible.
Driven by a personal need for exceptional later in life care, Loren and Julie Hufstetler established the family-run Elder Homes in 1984. For almost 40 years, Elder Homes has provided individualised support and compassionate service to seniors requiring assistance with daily living.
