Public Meeting to Discuss the Future of the Cramond Inn – TONIGHT 7.30 pm
The Cramond Association has arranged a public meeting to bring the local community together to discuss the future of Edinburgh’s historic Cramond Inn which has remained closed since the pandemic.
Working in partnership with Cramond & Barnton Community Council, the meeting is geared to creating a local action group to get the Inn, owned by brewery company Samuel Smiths, open and functioning again. Speaking at the event will be a representative of Community Shares Scotland to present a ‘model’ for community ownership.
Chair of the Cramond Association Adam Cumming said: “The ongoing closure of the Cramond Inn is one of the most important current issues of concern both for local people and for the thousands of visitors who regularly visit the Cramond Foreshore.
“The Inn has always played a historic role in providing an important local focal point for our community, as well as providing a stunning location from which to explore and enjoy the local area.
“To have its doors shut, with no immediate prospect of reopening is a very sad state of affairs for all of us. We would like to open a positive dialogue with the Inn’s owners to explore all possibilities of it opening up for business and, once again, being at the heart of our local community.”
The open meeting will take place tonight Monday 24th October at the Millennium Hall at Cramond Kirk Halls, starting at 7.30 pm.
FORMER Prime Minister Boris Johnson issued the following statement last night:
Johnson’s final acceptance that the anticipated support just isn’t there for him clears the way for a run-off between hot favourite Rishi Sunak and Penny Mordaunt – but only if the latter can attract enough votes among her fellow Tory MPs. That’s looking increasingly unlikely.
If she can’t reach the 100 vote target, we can look forward to the anointing of Rishi Sunak as our new Prime Minister, with the Tory party membership having no say.
The main purpose of the event is to provide an opportunity for local people to access information about services which will be able to offer advice and support during the difficult months ahead.
We’re also having a community lunch on the day.
We are hoping to be able to open up the cafe area and increase the days that we are doing the community lunch and the pantry.
‘It’s OK to Ask’ – supporting patients in Scotland to ask the right questions about their healthcare
Through the ‘It’s OK to Ask’ campaign, people in Scotland are being encouraged to ask their healthcare providers more questions about their treatment and be more involved in decisions around their care.
The campaign aims to break down communication barriers and create open, positive conversations to ensure patients have full information on the options available for their care and treatment.
Patients are being asked to consider four key questions when they next attend an appointment, or discuss their care with a healthcare professional:
What are the benefits of my treatment?
What are the risks of my treatment?
Any alternative treatments I can try?
What if I do nothing?
John McAnaw, Associate Clinical Director at NHS 24 said: ‘The ‘It’s OK to Ask’ campaign was designed to help people feel empowered to ask for more information about their care during discussions with health professionals.
‘We understand it can sometimes feel intimidating or even scary to ask for more information when you are in a healthcare setting, but our healthcare colleagues throughout the NHS will be delighted to help with any questions you may have.
‘By feeling supported and encouraged to freely ask questions and get more advice on the available options, we hope that more patients feel involved in decisions about their care and treatment, and they make more educated, informed choices about what is right for them.’
The campaign is being promoted through digital advertising and is supported by NHS Scotland. More information, including a free-to-download patient leaflet and translations into other languages, can be found on
Monday morning seems like an age ago, and the political circus is likely to continue into next week (writes Fraser of Allander Institute’s MAIRI SPOWAGE).
On Monday, the new chancellor undid pretty much every tax measure in the ex-Chancellor and soon-to-be ex-PM’s “mini”-budget. Only those already legislated for will proceed (the scrapping of the health and social care levy and the stamp duty cuts in England will still happen).
Although the PM has resigned, it still looks like the Fiscal Plan will be presented on 31st October, which is an interesting political situation given that presumably means that Jeremy Hunt will remain as Chancellor whoever wins the leadership election over the next week. But perhaps the last wee while has taught us that presuming anything is foolish!
For Scotland, the extra funding that was going to be generated by these tax measures for the Scottish Budget has now largely disappeared, with only the stamp duty reductions generating additional funding for Scotland.
This presents significant challenges for the Deputy First Minister in managing an already very stretched budget.
Economic Case for Independence published
Somewhat overshadowed by events at Westminster, the Scottish Government published the third in their series of papers to set out a new case for independence on Monday. This paper, “A stronger economy with independence” was expected to set out the economic case, covering issues such as currency, trade, and public sector finances.
We published analysis of the paper on Monday – and look out for our Guide to the Economics of Independence which we’ll be publishing soon and updating as more information is released by the Scottish Government.
Inflation goes back above 10%
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) published September inflation data, which showed that CPI inflation had gone back into double digits, running at 10.1%.
Underneath the headline rate, food and non-alcoholic beverages inflation is now estimated to be 13.1%. There was a slight downward pressure from motor fuels, as the prices at the pumps fall back from the peaks they reached in July.
These data still do not capture the energy price rises households are now experiencing as of 1st October, so expect there to be further increases in the rate when that data is published next month.
Interestingly (well, if you are interested in economic statistics, come on!) it may be that the change in the way the government is supporting households on energy may change the outlook for inflation. If, as is expected, the help after April is more targeted as cash transfers to those households most in need, then this will not put downward pressure on the actual price of energy.
We’ll be looking out for the OBR and Bank of England’s (3rd November) view on the pathway for inflation given these changes.
New Public Sector Finance Data published this morning (Friday)
ONS have also put out the latest public sector finances release, which contains public finance statistics (including deficit and debt) up to September 2022.
These have the first statistics on revenue generated by the Energy Profits Levy, which shows that £2.7 billion was generated from this tax in the year to date. It will be interesting to get the OBR’s independent view of the likely take from this tax over the next few years – and obviously to see if the Chancellor chooses to extend this in some way in the Fiscal Statement.
More broadly, it contains up-to-date statistics on the size of the UK National Debt. Debt has reached £2.5 trillion, which is equivalent to 98% of GDP – levels not seen since the 1960s.
This reminds us of the challenging fiscal environment, which sets the backdrop for the statement by the Chancellor in 10 days time.
No confirmation on the Scottish Government’s Emergency Budget Review
As we write this, we have no confirmation whether the Scottish Government’s Emergency Budget Review (EBR) will go ahead next week, as previously indicated.
Remember, this review is to look at in-year (2022-23) spending to balance the budget in the face of higher than expected (at the time of the last budget) inflationary pressures, particularly in relation to the public sector pay bill.
We wrote yesterday about employability support, one of the areas that John Swinney has already indicated will be cut. A number of questions remain to be answered. and we hope the EBR will be clear in laying out the evidence considered when deciding where the axe will fall.
The response to whatever is set out by the UK Chancellor on the 31st October will come in the Scottish Government’s draft budget for 2023-24 on the 15th December. For fiscal fans, the fun is due to continue for some months yet!
1. EACC Meeting Thursday 27 October at 19.00 via Zoom
There are three agenda items:
a)
Tony Harris, Planning Lead at Grange Prestonfield CC, on
‘Caravan structures in residential gardens’;
b)
Kenny Wright, Chair at Drumbrae CC, on
‘Local initiatives in the face of the cost-of-living crisis’;
c)
EACC Chair, Steve Kerr, on building out EACC with the new Members’ Board structure;
plus
AOB.
The Zoom link details are set out at the end of this email.
2. The 24 November AGM
This will almost certainly be a screen meeting, with a CEC Governance official acting as the Returning Officer. Material covering AGM November 2021 Minutes, EGM February 2022 Report, a revision to Standing Orders, a Financial Report and of course an Agenda will be published in the coming weeks.
I have already mailed out Nomination Forms for those who wish to stand for one of the four Office Bearer positions, or would otherwise wish to be elected to the Members’ Board alongside the Office Bearers (twelve seats available). I repeat the Nomination Form in the attachment to this email.
If you have any queries on this, please contact me.
Could I ask that Community Council Secretaries, in particular, make their members aware of what is set to take place and that the opportunity is taken to consider nominations and nominee support for the elected positions.
3. Update
The most important recent development is perhaps the opening of a CEC website to focus on the cost-of-living crisis and to offer information, guidance and support.
We are hosting a Black and Minority Ethnic online recruitment event via Microsoft Teams from 6.30pm to 8.30pm on Thursday, 27 October, as part of Black History Month.
There are well documented barriers to some people applying to join the police service. We, therefore, run a number of different recruitment events to answer specific questions from people from diverse communities. This is to make sure everyone has fair access to the Police Scotland recruitment process.
The consent, support and cooperation of our fellow citizens lies at the heart of the identity and legitimacy of policing in Scotland.
To ensure the bond is as strong as possible, we must fully represent and reflect the communities we serve. Inclusion is an operational necessity and morally the right thing to do. We are committed to increasing the number of officers and staff from under-represented groups.
To register for the online event, contact our Positive Action Team
Online portal offers convenience to patients whilst minimising wasted appointments
NHS Lothian have launched a new text message service and online portal, making it quicker and easier for patients to update their details.
The two services are being rolled out across a range of specialties starting with Ophthalmology, Dermatology, Gynaecology, Colorectal General Surgery, Ear, Nose & Throat, Gastroenterology, General Surgery, Urology, Neurosurgery, Plastic Surgery and Rheumatology.
Patients who have been waiting for outpatient appointments will receive a text message from NHS Lothian asking them to log in to an online portal using a unique PIN and their date of birth.
Once logged in, the patient can quickly and easily provide an update on whether they still need an appointment. Gathering this information is critically important for outpatient services, as it ensures that appointments are only issued to those who still require them.
Anne Lavery, Head of Access for Scheduled Care, NHS Lothian explained, “When patients are waiting for appointments, their circumstances can change. Some people may see an improvement in their condition, others will have received treatment elsewhere and indeed some may have moved away.
“The new text message service and online portal allow patients to quickly, easily and securely confirm whether they still require an appointment, reducing the number of wasted appointments issued to those who no longer require them.”
The new text message system is being introduced following a successful trial period. From the trial, useful learning was received which has supported the further expanded roll out.
Anne added, “From banking to online shopping, people are used to receiving and responding to text messages. The new text message system offers our patients convenience, while also helping to minimise the number of wasted appointments.”
The new text message service will be complimented by more traditional communications methods, helping to ensure that no patient is excluded. Clear processes are also in place to ensure that appropriate follow-up action can be taken should a patient not respond to a text they receive.
Jacquie Campbell, Chief Officer, Acute Services said: “NHS Lothian is committed to reducing waiting times for patients and significant work is underway as part of national efforts to remobilise, recover and redesign services following the pandemic.
“As part of this work, we are also actively exploring how we can improve the experience for patients who are waiting for an appointment, recognising that for many this can be a frustrating and worrying time.
“The introduction of the text message service is something our patients said would be helpful for them and I am delighted that we are beginning to roll this out. By reducing the number of appointments issued to those who no longer need them, we can in turn help to reduce waiting times for others.”
Literacy challenges are affecting everyday lives with almost a quarter of adults from Edinburgh (23%) saying that they find it difficult understanding terms and conditions of applications and contracts
Over two thirds of adults from Edinburgh thought ‘Harrass’ is correct (correct spelling ‘Harass’)
Global assistive technology company, Texthelp, has unveiled new research highlighting the scale and impact that literacy challenges are having on the UK population including Edinburgh.
Almost a third (32%)[1] of adults from Edinburgh have admitted to having reading, writing, grammar, comprehension and spelling difficulties.
Having literacy difficulties can feed into people’s everyday life. Almost a quarter (23%) of adults from Edinburgh said that they find it difficult understanding terms and conditions of applications and contracts. Over a fifth (21%) also admit to finding it difficult trying to understand paperwork and contracts, such as rental agreements and phone contracts.
When it comes to spelling, the data showed that UK adults struggle to identify the correct spelling of certain common words. Ironically 31 % of adults from Edinburgh thought ‘Mispelt’ is correct (correct spelling ‘Misspelt), with over two thirds (67 %) thinking ‘Harrass’ was the correct spelling (correct spelling ‘’Harass’).
Launched during International Dyslexia Awareness Month (October 2022), the new study by Censuswide, commissioned by Texthelp, surveyed over 2,000 UK adults across the countrywhich included 95 participants from Edinburgh.
Martin McKay, Founder and CEO at Texthelp said: “By carrying out this research, we have found out more about how adults in the UK including Edinburgh feel about literacy challenges.
“We have learned how these barriers impact people every day. We are continuing to provide new products in education and will ensure words won’t hold people back. We are helping in both education and in the workplace. We are committed to helping everyone understand and be understood by providing a suite of literacy and numeracy tools to more people across the globe.”
British TV actor and ‘Derry Girls’ star, Dylan Llewellynhas dyslexia and says that some everyday tasks can be difficult for him.
Dylan said, “Being severely dyslexic meant I found school challenging and was often behind with my classwork. I struggled at mainstream school but as soon as I went to a specialist school it did help me grow in confidence and develop learning techniques.
“Acting with dyslexia has thrown up some challenges, for example, if I have to learn a script quickly then this can be difficult to do. Reading and writing is a part of everyone’s lives, so it’s important that there is support for everybody, not just pupils with dyslexia who attend a specialist school.”
The report forms part of a broader campaign titled “Words Can’t Hold Us Back”, which has been launched to raise awareness of the scale of literacy challenges in the UK, while highlighting the solutions available for Brits to overcome these barriers.
