Edinburgh International Festival is hoping that Edinburgh citizens in particular will take this opportunity to join in and to contribute at the following events:
Monday 7th August 2.30pm – Exploring Community Over Chaos:
The topics are selected around the themes of this year’s Festival, and there are some interesting speakers lined up at each session, with time for audience engagement at each one.
Fifteen projects from eleven Councils across Scotland have been announced today as finalists for the 2023 Excellence Awards, which are COSLA’s annual celebration of Scottish Local Government success – celebrating the very best of Scottish Local Government.
No City of Edinburgh Council projects have made the final shortlist.
Scotland’s 32 Councils were invited over the summer to submit entries to a judging panel comprising a number of experts across local and national government as well as the private sector.
After much deliberation our judging teams determined their finalists from dozens of applications of an incredibly high quality. The judges’ shortlist features a series of projects and programmes which highlighted areas of best practice and innovative service delivery over five categories: Service Innovation and Improvement, Achieving Better Outcomes for the Most Vulnerable in Partnership, Tackling Inequalities and Improving Health and Wellbeing, Strengthening Communities and Local Democracy and Just Transition to a Net Zero Economy.
More than 200 applications were received, and the judges had the unenviable task of choosing just three category finalists in each category.
A further series of judging days will take place in late August, during which a team of judges led by COSLA President Shona Morrison, and Vice-President Steven Heddle, will decide on a winner in each category as well as the winners of four special awards – COSLA Chairperson’s Award, SOLACE Best Team Award, The Scottish Government – Delivering Excellence Award, and the Excellent People, Excellent Outcomes Award.
Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony at COSLA’s Annual Conference and Exhibition, which will take place on Thursday 28th September, 2023.
Councillor Shona Morrison, COSLA President and Chairperson of the Excellence Awards, said: “I’m delighted that we are able to announce this year’s COSLA Excellence Awards finalists.
“It hasn’t been an easy task for our judges to narrow the applications down to just fifteen finalists across our categories, especially given the exceptional high quality of projects and programmes that have been entered by councils across Scotland this year.
“It has been wonderful hearing so many positive and inspiring stories from council teams working hard to deliver valued services in communities right across the country.
“The challenges councils are facing cannot be underestimated. What really shone through from the entries this year was innovation and creativity at a local level to overcome challenges – and the sheer determination from Scotland’s councils to simply make people’s lives better at a very challenging time for all.
“So, huge congratulations to this year’s finalists – it has been a pleasure to hear first-hand about the amazing work going on across our councils. I look forward to our winners being announced at the in-person awards ceremony in September”.
This year’s finalists are:
Category 1: Service innovation and improvement (Sponsored by Food Standards Scotland)
Delivering School Meals by Drones – Argyll and Bute Council
Stirling Council Healthier Homes Project – Stirling Council
24/7 CCTV/Digital Alarms Hub – Falkirk Council
Category 2: Achieving better outcomes for the most vulnerable in partnership
Lighthouse – Perth and Kinross Council
Building Skills Together Refugee Integration Project – Dundee City Council
Up streaming Prevention of Youth Homelessness – West Lothian Council
Category 3: Tackling inequalities and improving health and wellbeing (Sponsored by Public Health Scotland)
Implementing regulate, relate, reason in education – Fife Council
Libraries for wellbeing – Falkirk Council
Alcohol and substance awareness education resource – Renfrewshire Council
Category 4: Strengthening communities and local democracy
Zetland Park Project – Falkirk Council
Historic Links to Slavery – Inverclyde Council
Joint Bonfire Protocol and Multi-Agency Control Centre – Glasgow City Council, Neighbourhoods, Regeneration and Sustainability
Category 5: Just transition to a net zero economy
Orkney’s Community Wind Farm Project – Orkney Islands Council
Blackburn as a Climate Action Town – West Lothian Council
Sustainable Grass Management Pilot Project – Falkirk Council
Residents and staff at Strachan House Care Home in Edinburgh, Archview Care Home and Drummond Grange Care Home in Lasswade put the ‘fun’ into ‘fundraising’ with an inter-home football tournament to raise money for Barchester’s Charitable Foundation.
Residents and staff from each home came together at the astro pitches in Gorebridge for a fantastic afternoon of footie fun. Each team and their supporters dressed for the occasion as the Strachan House Spartans went into battle coming out the victors on the day.
Mandy Head of Activities said “What amazing fun it was to raise funds and see everyone enjoying themselves.
“Our residents have been looking forward to this for a while. We had so much fun preparing for it and despite the scores it was a win win for everyone on the day”.
Alex Morris smiled: “What a great afternoon of football. The atmosphere was incredible and to walk away with the cup was amazing.
“I can’t wait for it to happen again next year! “
Gordon Philp General Manager at Strachan House said: “We love to fundraise for charities throughout the year, we pick different causes to support that have been selected by staff, residents and friends of the home.
“Barchester’s Charitable Foundation is a great cause that helps many people in need, and is a charity very close to ours hearts. Our staff and residents had a fantastic afternoon, so we feel really proud to have been able to raise this money as well as bring the cup home to Strachan House. Thank you to everyone who donated!”
Barchester’s Charitable Foundation supports older people and other adults living with a disability or mental health problems by giving grants to help them connect or re-connect with others in their local communities.
Strachan House is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering high-quality care across its care homes and hospitals Strachan House provides nursing care, residential care, and respite care for 83 residents.
The exhibition offers a captivating and intimate look at Glasgow, exploring the city’s vibrant and diverse character. Iain Clark’s photographs are a celebration of Glasgow’s people, its architecture, and its culture, presented through his lens with a keen eye for detail and composition.
Breathing life into Glasgow’s very essence, this homage exposes the spirited pulse that thrives within the city’s veins.
Commenting, Iain Clark said: “My intimate affection for Glasgow is demonstrated by unveiling a deep sense of community amongst its vivid characters – my tribute to a city that embraces and inspires all who are fortunate enough to call it home.
“Street photography is the lifeblood of the exhibition and it illuminates the ordinary and the extraordinary alike. The anonymous faces of passers-by intertwine with the familiar visages of local legends, each expressing the collective spirit that reverberates within the city.”
Jane Frame, Doubtfire Gallery Director, said: “We are thrilled to host Iain Clark’s ‘A Love Letter to Glasgow’ exhibition during the Edinburgh Festival.
“The images are a poignant tribute to Glasgow and its people, and we are excited to share this work with the many people who descend on Edinburgh throughout the festival and residents alike.”
‘A Love Letter to Glasgow’ will run from 2 August to 2 September at Doubtfire Gallery on Wednesdays to Sundays 12pm – 4pm, located at 28 North West Circus Place, Edinburgh, EH3 6TP.
Don’t miss this opportunity to experience Iain Clark’s stunning photographic tribute to one of Scotland’s most beloved cities.
A cat from Nottingham, who transformed his owner’s life after she was diagnosed with cancer, has been saved by vet charity PDSA who removed a 10cm blade of grass from his nose.
Ginge, (6), was taken to Nottingham PDSA Pet Hospital after his owner Laura Mellors, (52), said he was struggling to breathe and sneezing blood.
“It was very scary,” she explained. “Ginge was having sneezing fits and coughing, and then all of a sudden he started bringing up blood. I didn’t know what to do.”
Laura, who was eligible for the charity’s services after having to give up work when she was diagnosed with cancer a few years ago, took him to her local PDSA Pet Hospital straightaway.
“PDSA were amazing,” she added. “The team sedated Ginge and pulled out a huge 10cm blade of grass, I couldn’t believe it.
“You couldn’t see anything stuck in his nose or in his mouth so it must have been pretty far back. After the vets got it out Ginge was back to his normal self almost instantly. I can’t thank them enough!”
Laura was diagnosed with breast cancer at the start of the pandemic and had to give up her job in Tesco.
Because of her Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), it meant she was eligible for the charity’s veterinary services.
“From my diagnosis, to the pandemic and now the cost-of-living crisis, it’s been a hard few years and I’m so thankful to PDSA for being there for Ginge and for me,” she shared.
Laura lives in Bestwood with her partner Sam, (62). She said Ginge is a big part of the family after ‘choosing her’ when he appeared in her garden as a stray cat.
“Ginge came into our lives around the same time I was diagnosed with cancer,” she explained.
“I feel like he chose us to be honest. He was a stray cat who used to come and sit in our garden. One day he came in through the back door, and then he never left. We tried to see if he was owned by anyone – we asked our neighbours, and took him to be scanned for a microchip but nothing came of it.
“We wouldn’t be without him for the world though – he’s an amazing cat! He’s slow and chilled out, he plods around the garden and sits in the sun.
“He’s always eating bits of grass and even though I tell him to stop, I didn’t think it would cause much harm. But I’ll definitely be a lot more mindful of this from now on.”
PDSA Vet Catherine Burke explained that this is common amongst cats and can be tricky to diagnose and treat. “When a cat gets a blade of grass lodged in the back of their nose or throat, it can be very uncomfortable and irritating for them, and could cause an infection,
“It can cause severe bouts of sneezing or coughing, and in some cases such as Ginge’s, the cat can start sneezing or coughing up blood which can be very distressing for both cat and owner.
“It can be really difficult to prevent this from happening, as cats will often wander where we can’t keep an eye on them. If your cat eats grass in your own garden, keep it cut short to reduce the risk of the longer grass blades getting stuck.
“Sneezing from time to time is nothing to worry about, but you should contact your vet if your cat can’t stop sneezing, sneezes blood or seems to be in pain.”
In times of hardship, pets like Ginge will still fall ill or become injured and need emergency care. PDSA is appealing for donations so that the charity can continue to support owners who have nowhere else to turn by providing life-saving care to vulnerable pets.
A new study by Cala Homes looked at the median weekly salary in over 130 UK towns and cities and worked out how long it would take a single person to save for a 10% deposit for the median house price in the same area. The data was based on a person saving just 10% of their salary, to account for bills, rising costs and other outgoings.
The research revealed that the residents in Scotland are in a far better position than the rest of the UK when it comes to achieving the first step to getting on the property ladder. Overall, saving for a house deposit in the UK takes 13 years, while the average saving time in Scotland was found to be just 4 years and 245 days.
The study found that out of the Scottish locations analysed, Aberdeen offered the shortest time, 2 years and 182 days, to save for a 10% deposit of the median detached house price of £79,720.
The next one on the list is the wider county of Aberdeenshire, where a single resident saving 10% of the median weekly salary of £640 for the area, would need 3 years and 36 days to save up for a 10% deposit of the median detached property price of £102,060. This would mean just over 1 and a half years for a couple saving.
And in third, East Renfrewshire, with a very respectable weekly median salary of £800, it would take someone just under 4 years to save 10% of their salary to get the deposit needed for the £166,020 median house price in this area.
Deposit saving times in each Scottish location
Rank
Local authority name
Median detached house price (Sep 2022)
Median Weekly Pay
Year to save for 10% deposit
1
Aberdeen
£79,720
£621.30
2.47
2
Aberdeenshire
£102,060
£639.90
3.07
3
East Renfrewshire
£166,020
£799.70
3.99
4
East Dunbartonshire
£157,290
£739.90
4.09
5
Angus
£130,140
£603.80
4.14
6
South Ayrshire
£140,330
£641.10
4.21
7
North Ayrshire
£140,620
£618.50
4.37
8
Highland
£143,450
£630.20
4.38
9
Inverclyde
£141,380
£621.10
4.38
10
South Lanarkshire
£148,060
£635.20
4.48
11
Perth and Kinross
£151,880
£648.60
4.50
12
Scottish Borders
£141,180
£587.60
4.62
13
Renfrewshire
£156,860
£631.20
4.78
14
Dundee
£141,260
£566.00
4.80
15
Clackmannanshire
£161,230
£644.10
4.81
16
Edinburgh
£163,920
£646.50
4.88
17
North Lanarkshire
£160,550
£630.80
4.89
18
Fife
£153,480
£594.40
4.97
19
Stirling
£161,650
£618.10
5.03
20
West Dunbartonshire
£154,990
£592.60
5.03
21
East Ayrshire
£159,270
£607.70
5.04
22
East Lothian
£167,410
£632.10
5.09
23
Moray
£143,890
£541.60
5.11
24
Falkirk
£162,340
£605.60
5.16
25
West Lothian
£167,180
£616.80
5.21
26
Midlothian
£168,220
£615.60
5.26
27
Dumfries and Galloway
£150,990
£538.90
5.39
28
Argyll and Bute
£157,110
£546.30
5.53
29
Glasgow
£183,270
£616.80
5.71
Scotland’s highest median detached house price is in its biggest city – Glasgow, at £183,270. But, even there, where it would take 5 years and 259 days for a single person to save for a 10% deposit, it has nothing on locations in England such as London, where on average it would take a single person 37 years and 182 days to save 10% of the median detached house prices.
The figures from the study only represent how long it would take a single person to save for the full 10% deposit, based on saving 10% of the median salary, so those that are buying with someone else could cut this figure in half and there are schemes available that can also help reduce this time.
.Glenn Copper, Sales & Marketing Director for Cala Homes (North Home Counties) said:“Against the backdrop of a housing and cost of living crisis, some schemes such as Deposit Unlock could offer more people an opportunity to own a new home by giving them access to low-deposit mortgages.
“It could also help buyers to significantly reduce the time it takes to save for a new home, and it isn’t just for first-time buyers, the scheme is open to home movers and those looking to return to the market following separation or divorce.
“If you are currently paying money towards your rent and you would prefer to pay this towards buying a new home, then it could be worth exploring what Deposit Unlock could do to make buying a new home more affordable for you.”
Over 300k spectators lined the demanding 271km route, cheering on the best riders in the world as they took on hills, scenic vistas and changeable weather in a dramatic fight for the rainbow jersey.
The 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships wishes to thank the hundreds of thousands of fans who lined the streets to create a rousing atmosphere for riders and an unforgettable spectacle during the men’s road race from Edinburgh to Glasgow.
The organisers have estimated the number of fans across the entire route was in excess of 300,000, with 190,000 of those turning out around the Glasgow circuit specifically.
Avid cycling fans and curious locals of all ages showed their support for one of the showpiece races of the 11-day mega event – which encompasses 13 UCI World Championships – taking place in Glasgow and across Scotland.
The route from the capital to Glasgow, taking in Fife, Falkirk, Stirling, Clackmannanshire and East Dunbartonshire, was lined with spectators, culminating in a spectacular finish around a challenging 10 lap, 14.3km city centre circuit. Crowds cheered the epic finale in the heart of George Square, as Mathieu Van der Poel became the first men’s Dutch UCI World Champion in the road race for nearly forty years.
Paul Bush OBE, 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, Chair, said: : “Firstly, I would like to pay tribute to the fans who came out in such huge numbers, in towns and cities across the Edinburgh to Glasgow route, to inspire the riders and create such a memorable men’s road race experience for everyone.
“The excitement and atmosphere generated reinforces Scotland’s status as a world-class major event destination and it was particularly heartening to see so many young people savouring the experience.
“The race was temporarily interrupted in the Carron Valley and was successfully re-started. It was clear from the enthusiasm of the crowds lining the streets that it did not detract from a memorable race against a backdrop of Scotland’s most stunning and iconic landmarks.”
Trudy Lindblade, Chief Executive Officer, said: “Today was a pivotal moment in this history making Championships, with a magnificent spectacle on the road in front of thousands of fans and millions more watching on TV across the world.
“We now look forward to another week of world-class cycling across the country, culminating in next week’s showpiece event when the women’s road race brings the curtain down on this first-of-its-kind championships.”
The first four days have been hugely successfully, we now look forward to another seven days of world class cycling across Scotland, including BMX Racing at Knightswood, Road para-cycling in Dumfries and Galloway and the Individual Time Trial races in Stirling.
Are you constantly struggling to keep houseplants alive? Perhaps you’re new to owning houseplants and looking for something simple to start off with.
If any of these sound like you, we’ve got everything you need to know right here.
Houseplant and gardening expert Fiona Jenkins at MyJobQuote.co.uk has compiled this list of the easiest houseplants for beginners.
In this list, you’ll find a range of houseplants in all different shapes and sizes – perfect for bringing a bit of variety to any space. Take a look at Fiona’s list below and bring some nature and greenery into your home today!
Snake Plant
Snake plants are very easy to care for and the perfect option for people who are new to caring for houseplants. Snake plants can survive in most light conditions – just don’t keep them in complete darkness or extreme direct sunlight.
Watering a snake plant is very easy. Allow the soil to dry out completely before watering. If you’re someone who often forgets to water plants, don’t worry. Snake plants are quite forgiving and won’t suffer too much from a lack of water. Just make sure to check the soil whenever you remember and top it up with water if the soil is dry.
You can keep a snake plant looking beautifully fresh easily by simply wiping any dust off the leaves. You only need to do this every now and again when you notice a dust build-up.
Devil’s Envy
Devil’s Envy is often sometimes known as Golden Pothos, Hunter’s Robe, or Ceylon Creeper. This is one of the most popular houseplants among people wanting to bring a bit of greenery into their homes.
This plant can quite happily live in darkness and shaded areas, so it’s perfect for an indoor plant. It makes a great climbing or hanging plant.
This plant is quick to grow and tolerant of all lighting conditions. However, it will thrive in bright, indirect sunlight. You can easily tell when this plant needs a drink as the leaves will begin to curl.
Silver Vine
The silver vine is growing in popularity as a houseplant. Again, this is a brilliant climbing or hanging plant for beginners.
Although it is mostly accustomed to warmer climates, this plant can also cope well in cooler homes. The speckled leaves on this plant are unique and bring a lot of beauty.
Similar to the Devil’s Envy plant, Silver Vines will also tell you when they are thirsty as the leaves will begin to curl. This makes it an easy choice for people who may not remember when to water their plants.
Corn Plant
Corn plants, also known as Dracaena Fragrans, can grow very tall in the wild. However, you won’t need to worry too much about it growing out of control when it’s in a pot in your home.
This plant is very easy to grow and is also considered to be a symbol of reason and good fortune.
Similar to a Snake plant, simply allow the soil to dry out before watering this plant. If anything is wrong with the plant, it will let you know in plenty of time. However, these plants are pretty hardy, and it’s rare for any issues to occur. To keep the plant looking beautiful and fresh, give the leaves a wipe every now and again.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera plants and other succulents are perfect for people who are new to caring for houseplants. These plants are fine if you forget to water them and can usually withstand neglect.
The Aloe Vera plant is also very useful. The gel that oozes from the leaves is great for soothing and healing minor burns and cuts.
Aloe Vera plants are quite hardy but are best placed in an area of indirect sunlight to prevent them from becoming scorched.
MyJobQuote is one of the UK’s top trades matching sites that helps individuals find a reputable tradesperson in their local area.
MyJobQuote also has a wide range of experts with extensive knowledge in interior design, cleaning, gardening, property, construction and more. MyJobQuote’s experts have been featured in over 700 publications, including Woman and Home, The Times, House Beautiful, BBC News and more.
The Charity Commission has opened a statutory inquiry into the Have A Heart Foundation
The regulator of charities has launched an inquiry into the Have A Heart Foundation over serious concerns about its financial management.
The charity was set up in 2013 to raise awareness of and support patients with heart disease. It is based in Cheshire.
Despite engagement and guidance from the Commission, the trustees have failed to file any of the charity’s accounts since 2019.
The Commission is also concerned about the trustees’ financial record-keeping more widely, and the level of charitable expenditure.
It therefore escalated its engagement with the charity to an inquiry on 17 April 2023.
The inquiry will examine:
the trustees’ failure to comply with their statutory reporting duties including the timely submission of the charity’s accounts and annual returns to the Commission
the extent to which the trustees are complying with their legal duties in respect of their administration, governance and management of the charity, including compliance with the charity’s governing document and whether the charity is operating in line with its objects
whether potential conflicts of interest and connected party transactions have been properly managed
whether there has been any unauthorised trustee benefit
The Commission may extend the scope of the inquiry if additional regulatory issues emerge.
It is the Commission’s normal policy, after it has concluded an inquiry, to publish a report detailing the issues examined, any action taken, and the inquiry’s outcomes.
Business confidence in Scotland fell 18 points during July to 32%
Scottish businesses identified their top target areas for growth in the next six months as evolving their offer (44%), investing in their team (38%) and entering new markets (33%).
Overall, UK business confidence dipped six points to 31%, with nine out of 11 regions and nations reporting a lower confidence level month-on-month
Business confidence in Scotland fell 18 points during July to 32%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking.
Companies in Scotland reported lower confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, down 11 points at 41%. When taken alongside their optimism in the economy, down 27 points to 21%, this gives a headline confidence reading of 32%.
Scottish businesses identified their top target areas for growth in the next six months as evolving their offer (44%), investing in their team (38%) and entering new markets (33%).
The Business Barometer, which surveys 1,200 businesses monthly, provides early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide.
A net balance of 29% of businesses in the region expect to increase staff levels over the next year, down 20 points on last month.
National picture
Overall, UK business confidence dipped by six points to 31% in July, with nine out of 11 regions and nations reporting a lower confidence reading month-on-month.
Optimism in the economy has also fallen, dropping 11 points to 21%, the lowest levels since February this year.
However, firms remained resilient in their own trading prospects, with 43% of companies expecting business activity to increase over the next 12 months, up one point on last month and reaching a 14-month high.
Despite the fall in overall confidence, levels remain higher than the survey’s long-term average reading of 28% and every UK region and nation reported a positive confidence reading in July.
The North East reported the highest levels of business confidence at 43% (down four points on last month), followed by Yorkshire (down seven points month-on-month) and the West Midlands (up two points month-on-month) both at 38%.
Retail was the only broad sector registering higher confidence (up six points to 35%), mostly reflecting stronger transport services.
The fall in overall business confidence this month was led by the service sector sentiment falling by seven points to 30%. While the fall in confidence was seen broadly across this sector, hospitality firms appeared to be more resilient.
Confidence also was lower in manufacturing (down 16 points to 34%) and construction (down eight points to 31%).
Chris Lawrie, area director for Scotland at Bank of Scotland Commercial Banking, said:“While business confidence may be down this month, it’s brilliant to see that it’s still in positive territory, proof of the resilience of Scottish businesses who are managing headwinds including persistent high inflation.
“Despite the ongoing challenges, those in the country’s hospitality and leisure industry will be reaping the rewards from the uplift in tourism this summer, and those around Edinburgh will be preparing for the Fringe Festival in the hope of a welcome boost in trade.
“With another bank holiday on the horizon, firms will need to manage their working capital closely to ensure they are ready for peaks in demand, and ready to take advantage of any opportunities that arise.”
Paul Gordon, managing director for SME and Mid Corporates at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “It’s not surprising that the challenging economic environment is continuing to weigh heavily on businesses and reduce their overall confidence. However, the resilience in their trading prospects, pricing and wage expectations is more encouraging.
“Increased spending in the retail sector is clearly having a positive impact and as we look ahead into the second half of the year, I am sure that businesses will be starting to gear up for the months ahead and ultimately to the busy Christmas season.
“Managing costs, staffing and inventory during this time is crucial to savvy financial planning, and business should not hesitate to reach out for business support should they require it.”
Hann-Ju Ho, Senior Economist Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said:“The Barometer presents a complex picture for firms this month, with the data showing that trading prospects remain strong with businesses feeling under less pressure by inflation to raise prices.
“However, there is clearly uncertainty about the wider economy and rising interest rates. This may be causing net hiring intentions to moderate slightly. Nevertheless, wages and jobs growth continue to support staff with the current cost of living.
“However, the sectoral analysis this month shows some positive signs for the retail sector, while there are indications that pent-up demand may be boosting confidence in tourism and travel. As businesses continue to adapt to the economic environment, we expect to see ongoing resilience broadly across all sectors.”
