Category: North Edinburgh News

LifeCare wins Community Engagement Award at ScottishPower Foundation 10th anniversary charity celebration

The milestone year saw inspiring charities awarded additional funding for their vital projects including Stockbridge-based charity, Lifecare Edinburgh

At the 10th Anniversary ScottishPower Foundation Awards, LifeCare Edinburgh took home the Community Engagement Award for its outstanding Community Care for Everyone project.

This recognition comes with a £10,000 funding boost, which will be used to help the charity continue to fight the pressures caused by the cost of living crisis as well as bring new activities to its service users.

This dedicated service delivers significant, life-changing benefits to the growing population of older people living on low incomes. This includes the CafeLife where people in the community can meet, eat, chat, and feel a sense of belonging.

By providing practical help within the home, companionship, and hot, freshly-cooked meals, LifeCare Edinburgh is making a profound impact on both the physical health and mental wellbeing of over 200 vulnerable older individuals. This support ensures that these individuals feel secure, connected, and enabled to thrive in their own homes and communities.

Lifecare Edinburgh’s Ian McRae also came runner-up in the Charity Champion category for his work over the past six years, providing support to clients with dementia. His commitment and empathy shine through his work, including helping introduce new clients, supporting existing ones, and easing the reintegration of clients post-pandemic.

Ian’s personal experience with dementia in his family helps drive his passion, leading him to create a handbook, “The Importance of Memory,” to help others.

His efforts have been instrumental in raising awareness for LifeCare, and his warmth and understanding make him a beloved figure among clients, staff, and volunteers.

This award has also come with an additional £5,000 which the charity looks to put towards training new volunteers up to the incredible standards Ian has set.

Sarah van Putten, Chief Executive, LifeCare Edinburgh, said: “We are so grateful to have been honoured with this award and are excited for what this means for our service users. LifeCare Edinburgh provides vital support and to be able to do what we do is so vital to the population of Edinburgh.

“A huge congratulations must also be given to Ian who consistently has gone over and above, impressing us with his commitment, understanding, empathy and support.

“We send our thanks to the ScottishPower Foundation for its continued support through this project, and we cannot wait to put this funding to use.”

Melanie Hill, Executive Officer, and Trustee at the ScottishPower Foundation, said: “A heartfelt congratulations to all our winners at this year’s ScottishPower Foundation Awards. This milestone year is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the incredible work these charities do in our communities.

“Choosing this year’s winners was an immense challenge, given the outstanding quality of nominations we received. The dedication and passion demonstrated by LifeCare Edinburgh truly embodies the spirit of the ScottishPower Foundation Awards. Their unwavering commitment to making a positive difference in people’s lives is inspirational.

“It brings us real joy to celebrate with such highly deserving charities. The additional funding they receive will undoubtedly help them advance their impactful projects even further.

“Once again, a massive congratulations to all our winners. Their phenomenal work continues to make a significant difference, and we are excited to see what they achieve next.”

Further details on the winners and runners-up are available on the ScottishPower Foundation website: scottishpowerfoundation.com.

UK ‘shows international leadership in tackling climate crisis’

UK government announces new climate goals at COP29, including reducing emissions by 81% by 2035, as Prime Minister calls on other countries to bring forward ambitious targets

  • New UK target to reduce emissions by 81% by 2035 at COP29 in Azerbaijan
  • targets support government’s clean energy superpower mission to give Britain more security, deliver jobs and economic growth
  • Prime Minister calls for others to come forward with ambitious targets

Tackling the climate crisis is essential to our national energy security, economic growth, and our efforts to protect current and future generations, the UK government said as it unveils the UK’s new climate goals at the COP29 Summit in Baku, Azerbaijan.  

Yesterday’s announcement will strengthen the UK’s position as a place for investment in the technologies and jobs that are driving growth across the world.   

There are 640,000 green jobs in the UK, growing at a rate 4 times faster than overall UK employment.

To support the industry the government has announced a significant investment programme in homegrown British energy – including renewables, carbon capture and storage, nuclear and hydrogen.  

The UK’s reliance on fossil fuels has also been felt by every family and business in the last few years with the worst cost of living crisis in memory, driven by energy price spikes from international gas markets. 

That’s why the government’s mission is to tackle the climate crisis in a way that makes the British people better off by investing in clean homegrown power and unlocking thousands of jobs, having already seen £34.8 billion of private investment into the UK’s clean energy industries since July.   

This ambitious and pragmatic new target supports the UK’s mission for growth, helping to attract further investment and jobs in low carbon technologies such as solar and wind, electric vehicles and batteries. 

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said: “The only way to protect current generations is by making Britain a clean energy superpower, and the only way to protect future generations is by tackling the climate crisis.   

“Britain is back in the business of climate leadership, with an ambitious new target that will protect our environment, deliver energy security and restore our global climate reputation.  

“We will cut emissions across the country, delivering for our environment and ending our exposure to spiking fossil fuel markets.”

This ambitious and pragmatic new target – in line with the recommendation from the Climate Change Committee and previously legislated and legally-binding Carbon Budgets for the same period.

The target forms what is called the UK’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC): commitments that countries make to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate climate change. It is aligned to 1.5C.

The UK has called for other countries to match the UK’s ambition to address the urgency of climate change, following stark warnings from the United Nations that the world is way off track to limit global temperature rises to 1.5C.

Since July the government has:   

  • lifted the ban on onshore wind in England
  • delivered a record number of clean energy projects through its renewables auction
  • consented unprecedented amounts of nationally significant solar – 2GW – more than the last 14 years combined
  • launched Great British Energy backed by £8.3 billion to speed up the deployment of clean technologies 
  • fired the starting gun on the UK’s carbon capture, usage and storage industry, with funding agreed for 2 clusters in Teesside and the North West

Globally, the costs of renewables continue to fall, with solar and wind now cheaper than existing coal and gas power plants in most of the world.  

Recent analysis from the International Energy Agency found that in 2023 for every $1 spent on fossil fuels, $1.7 was spent on clean energy. Global energy investment is set to be over $3 trillion in 2024, with $2 trillion of this on clean energy technologies and infrastructure.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s National Statement at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan yesterday:

The United Kingdom is determined to stand alongside those countries on the frontline of the climate crisis today…

And to seize the opportunities of tomorrow.

Because action on climate now is the route towards economic growth…

Energy security…

Better jobs….

And national security in the long term. 

To deliver on the Paris Agreement…

And keep 1.5 degrees within reach.

In the first 100 days of my government…

We launched Great British Energy – to create clean British power…

We created a National Wealth Fund – to invest in the green industries and jobs of the future…

We scrapped the ban on onshore wind…

Committed to no new North Sea oil and gas licences….

And closed the UK’s final coal power plant at the end of September – becoming the first G7 economy to phase out coal power.

In line with the international agreement at COP28 to transition from fossil fuels…

and the UK’s ambitious goal to be the first major economy to deliver clean power by 2030. 

Today I can confirm – three months ahead of deadline…

The UK’s 2035 international target –

Our nationally determined contribution –

to reduce all greenhouse gas emissions by at least 81% on 1990 levels….

Aligned with 1.5 degrees. 

And we urge all Parties –

To come forward with ambitious targets of their own…

As we all agreed at the last COP.

We will work in partnership…

to support other countries to develop their own commitments…

And transition through our forthcoming Global Clean Power Alliance – 

And finance will be its first focus. 

We will honour the commitment made by the previous government…

to provide £11.6 billion in of climate finance between April 2021 and March 2026….

But we must use public finance as a multiplier…

To unlock much more private investment…

And reform our international financial institutions. 

Today we launch the new CIF Capital Market Mechanism, listed on the London Stock Exchange…

With the potential to mobilise up to $75 billion…

in additional climate capital for developing countries over the next decade.

Putting the UK’s role as a global financial centre…

at the service of driving the green finance and green energy transitions.

Climate action is at the heart of this government’s mission for the protection and prosperity of Britain and the world. 

Writ large across our domestic and international priorities…

We are taking the urgent action needed – to protect our planet and its people.

Snooker’s biggest stars heading for Edinburgh

Snooker’s all-time greats head for the Meadowbank Sports Centre in Edinburgh next month for the BetVictor Scottish Open, with the star-studded line up and first round match schedule now confirmed.

Gary Wilson will be aiming to win the title for a third consecutive year, in a fantastic field which includes Scotland’s top player John Higgins, world number one Judd Trump, World Champion Kyren Wilson and many more green baize giants. The event runs from December 9th to 15th at the superb Meadowbank Sports Centre venue in the heart of Edinburgh.

Tickets are STILL AVAILABLE but must be booked fast now that the draw is out. They start at just £15 for one session, or £25 for an all-day ticket which gives fans the chance to watch a wide range of the world’s top stars. For all ticket details visit www.wst.tv/tickets

Gary Wilson, who beat Joe O’Connor in the 2022 final and Noppon Saengkham to retain the title in 2023, starts his defence against China’s Long Zehuang on the opening morning of the tournament on Monday December 9th.

Huge first round clashes over the first two days include:

Gary Wilson v Long Zehuang – – Monday December 9th at 10am

John Higgins v Ian Burns – Monday December 9th at 1pm

Mark Allen v He Guoqiang – Monday December 9th afternoon

Judd Trump v Ishpreet Singh Chadha – Monday December 9th at 7pm

Mark Williams v David Lilley – Monday December 9th evening

Kyren Wilson v David Grace – Tuesday December 10th at 1pm

Mark Selby v Stuart Carrington – Tuesday December 10th afternoon

Luca Brecel v Julien Leclercq – Tuesday December 10th afternoon

Shaun Murphy v Daniel Wells – Tuesday December 10th at 7pm

Ronnie O’Sullivan v Xing Zihao – Tuesday December 10th at 7pm

Neil Robertson v Fan Zhengyi – Tuesday December 10th evening

WST’s Chief Marketing and Communications Officer Tom Rowell said: “Edinburgh has proved a fantastic location for this event and the players have enjoyed packed crowds and a sensational atmosphere over the past two years.

“So we’re delighted to return to the Meadowbank Sports Centre especially with an incredibly strong line-up of our sport’s leading players. Tickets are already selling fast as this is the opportunity to watch world class sport from as little as £15. With such a high standard on the tour and so many epic matches already this season, there has never been a better time to watch snooker live.”

This is the third of four events in the BetVictor Home Nations Series, with the leading money winner across the series to bank an extra £150,000 bonus. Neil Robertson currently leads the way, just ahead of Kyren Wilson, with Judd Trump third. So there’s plenty at stake aside from the battle for the Stephen Hendry Trophy in Edinburgh.

The BetVictor Scottish Open is televised by Eurosport, discovery+, DMAX and many other broadcasters worldwide.

Welby Resigns At Last

ARCHBISHOP of CANTERBURY JUSTIN WELBY HAS RESIGNED

His statement reads:

Having sought the gracious permission of His Majesty The King, I have decided to resign as Archbishop of Canterbury.

The Makin Review has exposed the long-maintained conspiracy of silence about the heinous abuses of John Smyth.

When I was informed in 2013 and told that police had been notified, I believed wrongly that an appropriate resolution would follow. 

It is very clear that I must take personal and institutional responsibility for the long and retraumatising period between 2013 and 2024. 

It is my duty to honour my Constitutional and church responsibilities, so exact timings will be decided once a review of necessary obligations has been completed, including those in England and in the Anglican Communion. 

I hope this decision makes clear how seriously the Church of England understands the need for change and our profound commitment to creating a safer church. As I step down I do so in sorrow with all victims and survivors of abuse. 

The last few days have renewed my long felt and profound sense of shame at the historic safeguarding failures of the Church of England.

For nearly twelve years I have struggled to introduce improvements. It is for others to judge what has been done.

In the meantime, I will follow through on my commitment to meet victims. I will delegate all my other current responsibilities for safeguarding until the necessary risk assessment process is complete.

I ask everyone to keep my wife Caroline and my children in their prayers. They have been my most important support throughout my ministry, and I am eternally grateful for their sacrifice. Caroline led the spouses’ programme during the Lambeth Conference and has travelled tirelessly in areas of conflict supporting the most vulnerable, the women, and those who care for them locally.

I believe that stepping aside is in the best interests of the Church of England, which I dearly love and which I have been honoured to serve. I pray that this decision points us back towards the love that Jesus Christ has for every one of us. 

For above all else, my deepest commitment is to the person of Jesus Christ, my saviour and my God; the bearer of the sins and burdens of the world, and the hope of every person.

Finding support

If you or anyone you are in contact with are affected by the publication of this report and want to talk to someone independently please call the Safe Spaces helpline on 0300 303 1056 or visit safespacesenglandandwales.org.uk.

Alternatively, you may wish to contact the diocesan safeguarding team in your area or the National Safeguarding Team at safeguarding@churchofengland.org.

There are also other support services available.

Deathbed Will dispute serves as an important reminder to make your testament wishes known

A dispute over a Will partially destroyed by a 92-year-old woman on her deathbed serves as a “clear reminder” that people should make their testamentary wishes known, an expert has said. 

According to reports, the relatives of Carry Keats are embroiled in a £800,000 court dispute after she partially tore up her will on her deathbed.

The incident has led to a legal battle between her five cousins and her younger sister. While hospitalised, Ms Keats reportedly ripped through three-quarters of her will, a move that has raised questions about its legal validity. 

Lawyers have informed a High Court judge that Victorian legislation allows for a will to be revoked by tearing it up, provided legal requirements are followed.

Ms Keats died in 2022, just weeks after the incident, leaving an estate valued at £800,000, primarily comprising her home and land in Nomansland, Wiltshire. 

The case hinges on the interpretation of the Wills Act 1837, which dictates that for a will’s destruction to be valid, the testator must either destroy the will themselves or properly authorise someone else to do so. The cousins’ lawyer has argued that since Ms Keats’s solicitor rather than the testator finished tearing the will, this could invalidate the act due to  a“lack of authority”.

Commenting on this case, Victoria Townsend, who specialises in Contentious Trusts and Probate at leading law firm Smith Partnership, said: “A lot of people are surprised to learn that the Wills Act 1837 is still the governing legislation when it comes to the formalities behind Wills. 

“In this case, the dispute is over whether the deceased testator had intended to revoke the Will by way of destruction. Section 20 of The Wills Act 1837 allows for no Will to be revoked but by another Will or codicil, or by writing executed like a Will, or by destruction.

“Had the testator created a subsequent Will, this would have revoked her Will, regardless of whether she completed the action of tearing up the document, but it would appear that she chose not to do so. 

“As the cousins of the deceased appear to be claiming that she lacked capacity at the time the Will was torn up, if she had created a new Will rather than just tearing up the old one, it would no doubt be the case that they would also have disputed the new Will on the same basis of a lack of mental capacity.  

“As the deceased didn’t have a previous Will, in the event the Court finds the Will to have been validly revoked upon it being partially torn up, the intestacy rules will apply and her sister will inherit. 

“It will be interesting to see the judgment and outcome of this case. If nothing else, it is a good reminder to people to make sure you make your testamentary wishes known to people and to ensure you leave a valid will.”

Outlining her wider advice on how to avoid disputes in general, Ms Townsend said: “In order to avoid the issues faced with probate, there must be a focus on informing people about how to properly write a will.

“A lot is to do with being properly informed, going to professionals to write your will, being clear with family members what your intentions are, or just knowing really what may happen if you don’t do this properly,” explains Ms Townsend.

“COVID also engineered a lot of issues for writing wills, which is where a lot of problems have originated from that are now coming to light. 

“Keeping things proportionate is important. When people say it’s all about the principle, but they want to do x, y and z, you need to speak to them to identify what their objectives are,” explains Ms Townsend.

“We try to keep things realistic, and let people know at an early stage what they’re looking at so that objectives and expectations are appropriate and clear.

“Will disputes are centred around people who are  grieving. Naturally, many years of pent-up emotion, anger and family conflict come to the surface and can be heightened where money and estate assets are involved. Will disputes can be very costly, especially  if they reach court. 

“I think if people realised how much money can potentially be saved by avoiding will disputes then they would see the sense in  spending  a few hundred pounds on having a will professionally prepared .

The alternative could result in your family spending 50% of your estate on legal fees to resolve a legal wrangle,” she says.

Lost Shore Surf Resort makes waves with Grand Opening

Scotland’s first inland surf resort, Lost Shore Surf Resort, officially opened with an exciting ribbon-cutting ceremony at its £60m site in Ratho, near Edinburgh, marking a new era for the nation’s adventure tourism.

Founder Andy Hadden, joined by Ratho Primary P7 House Captains, Scottish Junior Series Champion Robyn Larg, and professional surfer Ben Larg, proudly cut the ribbon at Europe’s largest and most advanced wave pool.

Andy Hadden said: “This is a dream come true. We’re thrilled to welcome visitors to experience Scotland’s new hub for world-class surfing, hospitality, and wellness.”

The resort, powered by Wavegarden technology, generates up to 1,000 customisable waves per hour and features luxury lodges, the Spear Sauna, and top Scottish eateries like Civerinos and Five March. 

The Wavegarden Cove is the most energy-efficient technology in the sector, consuming just 250-450 kilowatts per hour (kWh), or less energy than a single chair lift at a ski resort. 

With over 130 jobs created and a projected £11m annual boost to the local economy, Lost Shore Surf Resort is set to become a Scottish icon.

Countdown to the Colinton /Fairmilehead council by-election

With just two days to go until the Colinton/Fairmilehead by-election, the city council’s elections team has been urging residents in the area to cast their votes on Thursday 14 November.

Residents in Colinton, Fairmilehead, Bonaly, Dreghorn, Oxgangs and Swanston who are aged 16 or over and have registered to vote can participate in Thursday’s by-election. Together they will select a new councillor for the ward, which has a current electorate of 19,226.

Returning Officer for Edinburgh, Paul Lawrence said: “As the by-election approaches, I encourage residents of the Colinton/Fairmilehead ward to visit their local polling place and have their say in electing a councillor to represent the community on issues affecting the ward and the wider city.

“Our elections pages provide helpful information on how the Single Transferable Vote system works – you can rank candidates in order of preference, choosing as many or few as you’d like.

“If you’ve requested and received a postal ballot, be sure to return it as soon as possible to make sure your vote is counted.”

Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm on 14 November:

  • Charwood
  • Fairmilehead Parish Church Hall
  • St. Cuthbert’s Episcopal Church Hall
  • Oxgangs Neighbourhood Centre
  • Pentland Community Centre

Anyone living in the area who is aged 16 or over and has registered can vote in the by-election, and votes can be cast by post or by proxy if more convenient.

The electronic election count will take place on Friday 15 November starting at 9:30am.

Find out more about the Colinton/Fairmilehead by-election.

Water Main upgrade: Boswall Gardens

SCOTTISH Water are upgrading the water main in Boswall Gardens, Edinburgh, to ensure you continue to enjoy fresh, clear drinking water and reduce the chance of pipes bursting.

Work will commence on Monday, 18 November and is expected to last approximately six weeks.

The work is being carried out by our contractor, Cleantech. 

At A Glance:

  • Water main upgrade to improve resilience
  • From Monday, 18 November
  • Six week duration
  • Delivered by Cleantech

What to Expect: 

Boswall Gardens at the junction with Boswall Terrace will be closed for the duration of our work. Diversion routes will be via Boswall Crescent, Boswall Drive, and Boswall Parkway.

The road closure is essential to allow our team to replace the water main. It will be in place from 8:00am to 5:00pm daily, with an amnesty period at lunchtime between 12:00 noon and 1:00pm to allow essential access for local residents only. 

The road will remain open out with hours of operation. Weekend working will also be utilised to expedite work. The hours of operation will be:

  • Monday to Friday: 8:00am to 5:00pm
  • Saturday: 8:00am to 4:00pm
  • Sunday: 9:00am to 4:00pm

Access will be maintained at all times for emergency vehicles and pedestrians. Please take care while following any diversion signage and allow extra time for journeys through this area.

We will do our best to minimise any disruption and construction noise where possible. Any areas of operation will be made safe and secure, with full reinstatements carried out on completion of the work.

Thank you for your patience and understanding while we complete this essential work.

Old Edinburgh Club: Bringing the history of Edinburgh to life

Do you have some research you wish to do concerning the history of Edinburgh? Do you need funds to help you accomplish this goal? Why not apply for a grant from the Old Edinburgh Club?

https://oldedinburghclub.org.uk/projects/jean-guild-grants/

We have an introductory meeting at The Quaker Meeting House, 7 Victoria Terrace, EH1 2JL commencing at 7:30 on the 19th of this month (November) which you can attend by applying to membership@oldedinburghclub.org.uk.

Please come early so we can start on time.