Category: North Edinburgh News

Dogs Trust issues Howl-oween Advice 

Halloween can be a scary time of year not just for those participating in trick or treating, but for dogs, who may find unexpected knocks at the door and people dressed in costumes unsettling.

Dogs Trust, the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, is sharing its top tips for dog owners to help their pets have a safe and happy Halloween. 

Susan Tonner, Manager at Dogs Trust West Calder said: “Halloween can be fun for all the human members of the family, but for dogs it can be a frightening time of the year.

“Your dog may be exposed to many unfamiliar sights and sounds, and they could easily become overwhelmed by the number of knocks at the door from people they don’t recognise, combined with being unnerved by the sound of any fireworks.” 

There are lots of simple steps you can take to help keep your dog safe and happy this Halloween with Dogs Trust’s top tips: 

·       Adapt your routine in order to miss the costumes and fireworks  

It’s a good idea to head out before any festivities may begin and take extra tasty treats with you. If you spot any trick or treaters whilst you’re out, head away from them and reward your dog with a treat whilst you turn around to avoid any ghoulish encounters that might scare your dog.  

In the weeks leading up to Halloween, gradually change your dog’s routine by walking them earlier in the day to allow them time to exercise and toilet before dark. With more people out at night than normal, it’s best to keep your dog at home and in sight for safe keeping, whilst ensuring microchip details are kept up to date with the database in case they vanish out of the door during a trick or treat visit. Your dog also needs to wear an ID tag on their collar. 

·       Ensure your dog is comfortable 

Some dogs will benefit from having a safe place to retreat to should they feel worried. This should be a quiet and cosy familiar place in the house that will give them the chance to relax undisturbed.  

Some dogs may cope better by seeking reassurance, so give them attention and comfort if they seek this out and try to stay with them in the room they are most comfortable, so they know they aren’t alone. 

For other dogs who may not appear worried, it’s good to keep them occupied with their favourite items or activities. Experiment before the firework and spooky evenings begin, and slowly introduce them, to find out what your dog will enjoy the most.    

·       Keep human treats and sweets safely out of your dog’s reach 

Many human treats, especially chocolate, are toxic to dogs. It’s safest to keep these treats well out of your dog’s reach, and in case they accidently sneak a human treat, you can teach your dog to leave it before the trick or treaters start knocking.  

·       Be careful when opening doors so your dog doesn’t accidentally escape 

Before Halloween arrives, think about your dog’s access to the door. Popping your dog on a lead before you open the door or ensuring they don’t have access to the door when trick or treaters pop by will help to keep them safe. If you can’t close off access to your door, you can teach your dog to wait at doorways, decreasing the chance of your dog running out the door or jumping up at trick or treaters. 

·       Keep the costumes and dressing up for humans only 

Adding a new and unfamiliar item for your dog to wear can cause them to be uncomfortable. You should also be aware of anything that could cause abrasions or irritations, resulting in your dog overheating, or stopping them from expressing normal behaviour. 

·       Feed your dog their main meals before the trick or treating begins so they can eat at a relaxed time 

You could save a small portion of their food to prepare some food-based enrichment activities for later in the evening, to help keep them calm and relaxed. 

·       Think twice about taking your dog out trick or treating 

Even dogs who aren’t fazed by people dressed up and all the excitement involved with Halloween may not enjoy it for as long as you do. They might prefer to be at home in their safe and comfy space with their favourite enrichment activity and toys. 

Halloween is the start of a disruptive and noisy week for dogs with fireworks also happening in the lead up to Bonfire Night.  

Susan adds: “Dogs have approximately four times more sensitive hearing than humans, so the loud cracks and bangs of fireworks can often be a terrifying experience for them.

“Following the recent news that firework displays that are run by local councils have been cancelled in some parts of the UK, there may be a rise in people hosting private firework displays at home.  

“We urge dog owners to be extra prepared for a rise in neighbourhood displays, and to look at our full guidance on how to help their dogs stay safe and settled during fireworks. Private firework displays may not be limited to one night, so it is very important for all dog owners to seek out advice early, in order to have a comfortable fireworks season with their dog.” 

For guidance on how to help your dog cope during fireworks, visit the Dogs Trust website  

If you are planning to host a firework display at home: 

·       Let your neighbours know well in advance, so they can prepare their dogs.  

·       Limit your display to 30 minutes or less.  

·       Opt for quieter, lower decibel fireworks.   

For some fun, dog friendly ideas for a ‘cosy night in’, try our pumpkin treats. 

For further information on keeping your dog safe and happy at Halloween, please head to our website: Halloween advice | Dogs Trust 

Scotland’s Stories: Book Week Scotland launches 2022 programme


This year’s Book Week Scotland programme has been announced today (26 October), with a line-up themed around ‘Scotland’s Stories’, as part of Scotland’s Year of Stories 2022.

Scottish Book Trust, the national charity changing lives through reading and writing, has worked closely with writers and partners to put together an exciting week packed full of online and in-person events and activities, taking place 14–20 November.

Book Week Scotland is the country’s biggest celebration of books and reading and this 1year the public are invited to vote on their favourite animal from fiction – voting is now open, and a national winner will be revealed during the week!

Events throughout the week include an evening with Sally Magnusson sharing stories from four vibrant Scottish communities, and Book Shriek Scotland – a celebration of Scotland’s folklore presented by Kirsty Logan and Heather Parry, featuring storytellers and writers including Garth Marenghi.

Scottish Book Trust will also be asking people to share what they’re reading during the week on a Reading Map of Scotland.

A new book, Scotland’s Stories, has been published by Scottish Book Trust, featuring true stories from people across Scotland as well as exclusive contributions from published writers Angus Peter Campbell, Raman Mundair, Graeme Armstrong and Helen Fields.

70,000 copies of the book will be given out for free during Book Week Scotland through libraries and community spaces, and it will also be available to read online and as an audiobook.

From icons of literature to local tales, Scotland’s Year of Stories encourages locals and visitors to experience a diversity of voices, take part in events and explore the places, people and cultures connected to all forms of our stories, past and present.

Book Week Scotland programme highlights:

  • Scotland’s Stories: Tales from the People of Scotland with Sally Magnusson – Monday 14 November, 7pm at Glasgow Film Theatre. Join Sally Magnusson to celebrate the real-life stories told by people from four vibrant communities across Scotland. The wonderful pieces in this event have been generously shared by people from the Garnock Valley, Port Glasgow and Greenock, Lochgelly and the South Islands of the Western Isles. Each story was shared by a member of the public as part of Community Campfires, supported by Scotland’s Year of Stories 2022. Reserve your ticket on Eventbrite.
  • Book Shriek Scotland is a celebration of Scotland’s spooky folklore –and some from further afield. This is an online event premiering on Monday 14 November, in which award-winning authors Heather Parry and Kirsty Logan present an anthology of folk tales told by storytellers and writers, including Garth Marenghi, Amanda Thomson, Ailsa Dixon, John Lees and Anna Cheung. We’ll be inviting people to send us folk tales from their hometowns on social media after the event.
  • Tales Fae Fife: a writing workshop with James Oswald – Tuesday 15 November, 6.30–8.30pm at 58 Bonnygate in Cupar. Join Fife author James Oswald, author of the Inspector McLean, The Ballad of Sir Benfro and the Constance Fairchild series, for an exciting event that will include a mini writing workshop. Find out more and reserve your ticket on Eventbrite.

The full Book Week Scotland 2022 programme is now live.

Marc Lambert, CEO of Scottish Book Trust, said: “Book Week Scotland is a special time of year, where people across Scotland can come together to celebrate and experience the magic of books and reading.

“The 2022 programme features a mix of fun, spooky, inspiring and unusual events and activities. This year’s Book Week Scotland forms part of Scotland’s Year of Stories 2022, celebrating Scotland’s rich culture of telling stories. We hope you’ll be able to join in with a Book Week Scotland event in your community, or one of the many ways to take part online.”

Sally Magnusson, broadcaster and writer, said: “I am delighted to be hosting ‘Scotland’s Stories: Tales from the People of Scotland’ during Book Week Scotland because this special event celebrates the stories that remind us who we are, that connect us to our families and our communities and that enable us to share the challenges and the joys of life with one another.

“Showcasing the extraordinary stories from ordinary people at the Glasgow Film Theatre is a great way to round off Scotland’s Year of Stories 2022.”

Alan Bett, Head of Literature and Publishing at Creative Scotland, said: ‘Book Week Scotland is upon us with an imaginative and inspiring programme to excite, intrigue and surprise.

‘This high-profile national focus on literature brings readers together to engage with stories and meet their favourite authors.

‘In particular this year’s connection with the Year of Stories allows our folklore and rich heritage to be viewed and enjoyed through contemporary voices.’

Pamela Tulloch, Chief Executive of the Scottish Library & Information Council (SLIC), said: “Book Week Scotland is a terrific opportunity to celebrate everything that is great about books, reading and bringing together people, families, and communities to explore and revel in the power of words and shared stories. Libraries across Scotland have great programmes lined up during Book Week Scotland.

‘Research shows that reading for just six minutes a day can reduce stress levels by up to 68 per cent in people of all ages, and with our libraries across Scotland filled with an abundance of free reading materials – whatever your interests and ability – we hope people will take the opportunity to use Book Week Scotland to start or get back to enjoying books and at the same time rediscover the enchanting world of the many brilliant libraries right on their doorstep.’

Neil Gray MSP, Minister for Culture, said: “Book Week Scotland’s theme around Scotland’s Year of Stories continues our celebration of innovative and ground-breaking forms of storytelling. This has been a bumper year for new and untold stories from people in communities across Scotland.

“There has never been a better time to enjoy a good story and this week’s events will also highlight the wealth of emerging and forward-looking writing and storytelling talent we have on our doorsteps.”

Edinburgh Style’s back at St James Quarter

Because you kow Style when you see it 

Edinburgh’s most stylish event is back as St James Quarter announces season two of its highly sought after ‘Edinburgh Style’ event, in partnership with Grazia magazine, that is set to inspire people across the city.  

From Thursday 3rd to Sunday 6th November, Edinburgh’s fashionistas and beauty buffs can expect an explosion of unmissable events, insightful masterclasses and in-store offers and experiences.  

Across the long weekend, guests can attend style sessions and workshops with the Grazia team and brands including John Lewis, Kiehl’s, Neom, designers Ro & Zo and Dyson, and immerse themselves in H beauty’s exclusive Carnival – the ultimate beauty party of masterclasses, influencer meet and greets and live performers. 

And it doesn’t stop there, St James Quarter will host a series of dramatic fashion shows live from the level 5 rooftop on Saturday 5th November showcasing seasonal trends styled by Grazia and featuring some of the most exciting and stylish brands in The Quarter.

Tickets are available on a first come, first served basis and can be purchased online here. 

To celebrate the upcoming event, St James Quarter is placing four giant mirrored frames at some of Edinburgh’s most Instagrammable locations for you to show us your STYLE to be in with a chance of winning £250 to spend at Edinburgh Style.  

The giant mirrored frames will be located at St Andrews Square, Portobello Promenade and Potterrow Plaza from Monday 24th to Sunday 30th October, while the final one will be at Calton Hill from Friday 28th to Sunday 30th October.  

Style icons are encouraged to share a selfie on Instagram or Facebook and tag and follow @StJamesQuarter to be in with a chance of winning the prize. The competition will run from Monday 24th to Sunday 30th October with the winner being announced on Monday 31st October. 

Susan Hewlett, Brand and Marketing Director at St James Quarter, said: “Edinburgh Style will bring an amazing line-up of fashion talks, in-store experiences and of course a spectacular fashion first catwalk show on Level 5 of St James Quarter.   The event further cements the Quarter’s reputation for creating unexpected, exciting and vibrant events and experiences.   

“Edinburgh is a city filled with style and we want everyone to show us their fashion creds and have some fun with our giant mirrored frames and flaunt their own individual looks ahead of the event.   

“We are also thrilled to be collaborating with Grazia, inviting their team to Edinburgh and the Quarter to experience the amazing fashion and style on offer in the city. If you’re in Edinburgh from the 3rd – 6th November, make sure to come down and check out everything we have going on – it’s not to be missed!”  

For more information on the events taking place from Thursday 3rd November to Sunday 6th November and to buy tickets, visit St James Quarter’s event page at: https://stjamesquarter.com/event/Edinburgh-style 

T&Cs for the competition can be found on the St James Quarter social channels.  

St James Quarter Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/stjamesquarter/ 

St James Quarter Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/StJamesQuarter/  

Edinburgh Tool Library offers a ladder of opportunity

CELEBRATION EVENT AT PORTOBELLO WORKSHOP TOMORROW EVENING

The Edinburgh Tool Library is exactly what it sounds like: a library, but for tools. Instead of books, members can borrow a huge range of hand and power tools – from circular saws to sewing machines – all free of charge. 

Inspiration for Edinburgh’s Tool Library came after Chris Hellawell, Founder and Director of Edinburgh Tool Library, visited the Toronto Tool Library during a family holiday. Chris not only saw the need for freely available tools in his own community, Leith, he had the vision of the wider environmental, financial and social value a tool library could bring. 

Unlike his Canadian counterparts, Chris did not have a stock of tools, or premises to store and loan tools from, but his drive to help others inspired his next move:

“Giving people access to equipment means handing them the potential  to better their living environment and potentially their lives” says Chris. “That could be as simple as putting up a shelf or  hanging some pictures, or as life-changing as giving someone the tools and the chance of holding down a job. I just knew  that’s what I wanted to do.” 

Chris used his resourcefulness to collect donated tools and stored them in his living room. And instead of renting  premises he created an online tool inventory and hired a police box on Leith Walk once a week from where tools could  be collected! 

Since then, Chris hasn’t looked back and has built Edinburgh Tool Library from the ground up into the thriving charity it  is today. With a loan depot in Meadowbank, and workshops in Portobello and Leith, the library has grown to include more than 2,000 tools which are borrowed regularly by 1,400 members from all walks of life, saving members a  collective £1.5m compared to the cost of buying those tools!

An overall reduction of around 180T CO2, the equivalent of  driving a car around the world 180 times. And with the cost-of-living crisis becoming an escalating challenge, Edinburgh  Tool Library is fast becoming a lifeline for many. 

Not only has Chris’s environmental and economic vision become a reality, its social impact is undeniable.

Much like a  book library, Edinburgh Tool Library is a hub around which the community gathers. The year-round community and outreach programme offers workshops designed to reduce social isolation, improve wellbeing, champion diversity and  most importantly provide opportunities for communities to come together to learn new life and employability skills.

Projects such as “Nailing It!” work with women’s support groups around the city teaching DIY skills, building confidence and encouraging women to participate in woodwork, often for the first time. Or ‘Tools for Life’ – a programme matching a young unemployed person with barriers to work, with an older, retired person, who has skills to pass on to the  trainee, helping them to build confidence and learn new skills. 

Run in large by its 50+ volunteers, the love and commitment of these volunteers was never more evident than during  the pandemic. The Edinburgh Tool Library put it’s resources towards hot meal, and art pack delivery, as well as  providing logistical support to the Edinburgh Mask Makers volunteer group, helping over 17,000 masks reach key  workers across the central belt. 

This kindness is also evident in the membership framework. The charity charges members £30 per year to borrow tools  and to gain free access to their workshop programme, along with invites to community social events.

Members can also buy a ‘£40 pay it forward’ membership which includes a reduced £10 membership fee for those facing financial  hardship. All membership income is ploughed back into supporting the charity’s environmental and social objectives. 

For those interested in becoming a member or supporting their charitable work through their fun ‘Adopt a Tool’ scheme, visit edinburghtoollibrary.org.uk or email them on hello@edinburghtoollibrary.org.uk.

Or pop along to their celebration event at their Portobello Workshop (19 Windsor Place, EH15 2AJ) tomorrow – Thursday 27th October (5 – 8pm) – where  they will welcome you in, show you their fantastic workshop facilities and introduce you to their friendly team!

Deirdre Brock: ‘Royal Mail need to get back to the negotiating table’

SNP MP Deidre Brock has called on the Royal Mail to stop the threats of job cuts to postal workers and engage meaningfully with the Communications Worker Union to find an acceptable solution to prevent further postal strikes. 

In a joint letter from SNP MPs to the Chief Executive Officer of Royal Mail, the Royal Mail Chief was told that it is “unacceptable to see the language employed by Royal Mail in threatening its workforce with job losses because they dare to ask for a fair work package.”

Postal workers across the UK are on strike again today, with several more strike days planned for early next month, from the 2nd of November to the 4th of November.

Last week, the Royal Mail’s announced its intention to slash 10,000 jobs, citing the strike action and low parcel delivery sales as the reason. Deidre Brock MP has described this move as a “tactic” and has accused Royal Mail of “acting in bad faith”.

Ms Brock added: “Postal workers across Edinburgh North and Leith are struggling to make ends meet in the face of soaring energy and food costs while Royal Mail shareholders benefit from bumper profits in the millions.

“Royal Mail staff and their families need financial security. The decision to strike will not have been easy for any of them, but this is about more than pay; it is also about protecting the postal service we all rely on and value.

“Rather than making threats to workers, Royal Mail need to get back to the negotiating table – in a meaningful way – and put our communities at the heart of discussions.”

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Local government pay dispute is over

Following a meeting of Council Leaders yesterday, Councillor Katie Hagmann, COSLA’s Resources Spokesperson, said: “I am pleased to get this year’s pay deal for the Local Government Workforce concluded and over the line.  This now enables us to get money into the pockets of the workforce as quickly as we possibly can.

“This is a deal that clearly shows Scotland’s Council Leaders have listened to the very real concerns of our workforce and have responded positively.

“Council Leaders have said consistently throughout these negotiations that we value the work of our Local Government Workforce and are grateful for the difference they make within communities across Scotland.

“We also believe that it is a good deal which is about more than just pay. It is a package that includes an extra day’s holiday for SJC [Scottish Joint Council] staff on a recurring basis and payment of SSSC [Scottish Social Services Council] fees from this year onwards.”

New appointments at Castle Community Bank

Castle Community Bank (Castle) the credit union based in Leith, Edinburgh, has boosted its growth plans and financial inclusion ambitions by making key appointments to its Board and Executive team.  

Experienced non-executive director Stephen Pearson has been appointed as Chair of the Board. Following a career in law and financial services, Stephen has also recently been appointed Chair of the newly formed Financial Inclusion For Scotland.

As Chair of Castle, Stephen will be responsible for leadership of the board, ensuring that it effectively oversees Castle as it continues to grow and support its members through the cost-of-living crisis.

Last year Castle appointed a new chief executive, Adrian Sargent, who, alongside the previous chair, Ian Irvin, has overseen a period of substantial growth to ensure its sustainability in a difficult financial climate.

In addition, on 1 October 2022 Suzanne Gush was appointed as Chief Financial Officer. Suzanne has significant financial services experience and will support the board and management team in this next phase of Castle’s growth.

Stephen Pearson said: “The current cost-of-living-crisis and challenging UK financial climate, illustrate how important it is that all communities have access to fair savings and loan products as well as financial education.

“I’m looking forward to helping Castle and its partners make a positive difference in north Edinburgh and beyond, at such a key time for the organisation.”

Adrian Sargent said: “Stephen will be a great asset for Castle as we continue growing. Being fintech enabled, Castle is now well placed to help its members from a position of increasing strength. With Stephen’s fresh perspective and ethical fintech-savvy, Castle can find new ways of supporting our members.

“At Castle we are about sustainability for both the organisation and the community, and we are passionate about working hard for our communities. I’m excited about the next chapter for Castle, working with Stephen, Suzanne and the rest of the team.”

Castle offers savings and loans like any high street bank, but instead of making a profit for shareholders, Castle can invest surplus revenue into projects supporting its community.

As a credit union, Castle is regulated by both the Prudential Regulatory Authority (PRA) and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) who are part of the Bank of England. 

The Castle team sees the community bank as a force for good for its members who can access fair products that would otherwise be unavailable to them from mainstream banks. Castle also seeks to encourage thrift and financial well-being – essential tools for surviving the cost-of-living crisis.

Consumers ‘at risk’ if Digital Markets Unit not given teeth, say MPs

A new report by Westminster’s influential Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee has urged the Government to publish a draft Digital Markets Bill that would help deter predatory practices by big tech firms ‘without delay’.

Proposals for a Digital Markets Competition and Consumer Bill were trailed by the Government in the Queen’s Speech. It announced measures that would empower the Competition and Markets Authority’s (CMA) Digital Markets Unit (DMU) to rein in abusive tech giants by dropping the turnover threshold for immunity from financial penalties from £50 million to £20 million, and hiking potential maximum fines to 10% of global annual income.

The Committee concluded that fines have been viewed as ‘a small business cost’ by large companies, adding that there is ‘strong evidence of abuses of market dominance’ within digital markets. It warned that ‘consumers and others are at risk’ until a Bill is published and passed.

BEIS Committee Chair Darren Jones said: “The Competition, Consumer and Digital Markets Bill has wide support and should be prioritised, especially given the difficulty the Government currently has at passing other laws which are more controversial.

“There are many areas in the economy where stronger competition is required in the interests of consumers, small business and economic growth and this bill is an essential stepping stone to driving this issue forward.”

The report also called on the Government to ‘end [the] uncertainty’ caused by its failure to publish final guidance on the post-Brexit subsidy control regime, which the Committee found had left subsidy awarding bodies ‘in limbo’. The guidance needs to be published as soon as possible, MPs said.

Passed in April, and due to come into full force in early January, the Subsidy Control Act omits key details of the regime for public authorities to follow when awarding money. These gaps are due to be filled in by final guidance, which authorities will need if they are to have confidence when preparing bids for funding from the Shared Prosperity Fund. The Fund is a replacement for money formerly awarded through EU structural funding.

Mr Jones added: “The Government promised to replace previous EU funding into projects across the country as part of its Brexit and levelling up offers to the public. This has not yet been delivered and without full guidance and proper financing of the new subsidy schemes, funds that help deliver projects will be further delayed. 

“The public will no doubt be disappointed to have not yet seen the so called ‘Brexit opportunities’ that were promised to level up their local community.”

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Tomorrow: Meet and Eat at Fresh Start

Fresh Start’s Meet & Eat sessions have been so successful that we are now adding an additional session on Wednesday evenings, starting tomorrow, Wednesday 26th October!

The Wednesday Meet & Eat will be a dinner time meal, between 5-6.30pm and will ensure local people and families have a hot meal in a cosy, friendly setting.

Remember, Meet & Eat is a FREE service and open to all.

Please share around your networks and tell your friends!