Corstorphine Community Centre: Visit children’s play area in Charity Shop
Category: North Edinburgh News
East Lothian and Inverclyde Library teams claim top prizes at SLIC awards
Library Services teams in East Lothian and Inverclyde have been recognised for their outstanding contributions to their local communities by picking up the top prizes at Scotland’s leading sector awards ceremony.
The Scottish Library & Information Council’s (SLIC) awards for ‘Library Service Excellence’ and ‘Project of the Year’ were handed out on Friday (28 October) at a ceremony in Glasgow, with the East Lothian and Inverclyde teams pipping three other shortlisted library service teams in each category for the prestigious accolades.
The awards recognise the commitment, creativity and value libraries across Scotland offer the people and communities they serve, acknowledging exceptional innovation and service design between the period from June 2021 to June 2022.
SLIC Chair, Professor Ian Ruthven, who led the awards judging panel (which included Ruth Plowden, Writer/Fundraiser/Chair Edinburgh UNESCO City of Literature Trust and Catherine Salmond, Editor of The Herald) said the quality of entries for the 2022 competition had been exceptional.
“We were all really impressed by the range of innovations and commitment to local communities shown by the nominations. What was characteristic of each of the entries was this strong relationship between libraries and their communities; identifying local needs, working with communities to use the skills of libraries and library staff to improve people’s lives, and putting libraries at the heart of their communities.
“So often when reading the entries, we thought ‘only a library can do this’.
“Last year we found it hard to select a winner, so this year we created two awards, one for ‘Project of the Year’ and one for ‘Library Service of the Year’. This only made it harder…so for the first time, we have a winner in each category and a highly commended award. Huge congratulations to all involved.”
East Lothian’s Library Services team had been shortlisted for the SLIC ‘Library Service Excellence Award’ for their activities on the theme of ‘championing the local community’.
East Lothian is served by 12 local branches, six secondary schools, a local history centre and a Library HQ. Between July 2021 and June 2022, the service welcomed 4,584 new members and facilitated 243,538 loans (an increase of 60 per cent from the previous year) across local sites.
Their entry described East Lothian’s commitment to involving the whole community, notably through the creation of two new Community Librarian posts. The entry also highlighted clubs, events, author visits, imaginative use of digital and other activities which together delivered a thriving local library service.
Shetland Libraries (who were highly commended), High Life Highland Libraries and Inverclyde Libraries were also nominated in the category.
In the SLIC ‘Project of the Year’ category, the Inverclyde Libraries team had been shortlisted for their focus on sustainability ahead of and linked to the COP26 Summit in Glasgow.
The project aim was to stimulate long-term public engagement in the lead up to and following COP26, and it was described as ‘inspirational’ in the way in which it grew the sense of community.
It linked the ‘local’ to the ‘global’ through author events, involving members of the community, including those in the prison population who are not often included in climate conversations, and contributed to the circular economy through lend-and-mend hubs.
The judging panel felt the project was ‘a powerful and cohesive project that acts as a model for others.’
Aberdeen City Libraries (who were highly commended), East Lothian Library Services and Falkirk Libraries were also nominated in the category.
The 2022 Awards were open to all SLIC members, with the winners receiving a trophy and cash prizes for their success.
The Awards were sponsored by Innovative who provide comprehensive technology suites for public libraries.
For more information on the SLIC Awards, visit:
Bank of Scotland Business Barometer: Dip in Scottish business confidence
Bank of Scotland’s Business Barometer for October 2022 shows:
- Business confidence in Scotland fell 10 points during the last month to 5%
- Country’s businesses identify top growth opportunities as evolving their offering (33%), investing in their teams (29%) and entering new markets (27%)
- Overall UK business confidence fell one point during the last month to 15%, with five out of 11 nations and regions reporting a higher reading than September
Business confidence in Scotland fell 10 points during October to 5%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Bank of Scotland Commercial Banking – conducted between 3rd-17th October.
Companies in Scotland reported lower confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, down 11 points at 22%. When taken alongside their optimism in the economy, down 10 points to -14%, this gives a headline confidence reading of 5%.
Scottish businesses identified their top target areas for growth in the next six months as evolving their offering (33%), investing in their teams (29%) and entering new markets (27%).
The Business Barometer, which questions 1,200 businesses monthly, provides early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide.
A net balance of 16% of Scottish businesses expect to reduce staff levels over the next year, down two points on last month.
Overall UK business confidence fell one point during October to 15%, in line with the average over the last three months. Firms’ outlook on their future trading prospects was up two points to 27%, and a net balance of 21% are planning to create new jobs, up four points on last month. However, businesses optimism in the wider economy dropped three points to 2%.
Five UK regions and nations recorded a month-on-month increase in optimism in October. Of those, London (up 16 points to 49%), the North West (up 14 points to 28%) and Wales (up nine points to 5%) saw the largest monthly increases, with London remaining the most optimistic region overall.
Chris Lawrie, area director for Scotland at Bank of Scotland, said: “Ongoing economic challenges, not least the cost of doing business, is hitting firms and we’re seeing this reflected in a less optimistic outlook.
“As we approach the busiest trading period of the year for many, businesses across the country need to prioritise maintaining a steady cashflow to remain resilient and be well-equipped for any opportunities to grow.
“After all, Christmas can be a frenetic and expensive time for businesses and their customers, so firms need to have a plan in place to manage this, as well as having some money aside to cover unexpected costs.
“We’ll remain by the side of Scottish businesses to help them continue to navigate the challenging market conditions and push for growth.”
Business confidence in the manufacturing sector fell for the fifth month in a row, to 13%, down 1 percentage point, the lowest confidence level since February 2021.
Confidence in the retail sector declined by 6 percentage points to 9%, while confidence in the services sector also fell to 16%, both the lowest levels since early 2021.
However, the construction sector saw a 10 percentage point rise to 20%, although this level still remains weaker than in the first half of the year.
Paul Gordon, Managing Director for SME and Mid Corporates, Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “While confidence has marginally decreased this month, this also comes at a time of great economic uncertainty. The fact that it has only fallen by 1% suggests that businesses are showing resilience.
“As we head into the winter months and price pressures continue, energy price increases will start to bite and we are seeing continued pressure on pay expectations.
“Businesses need to keep a watchful eye on costs to ensure they are in the best possible position to face any future headwinds. For businesses that may be struggling, we encourage them to reach out to their networks for support. At Lloyds Bank we remain by the side of businesses to help navigate these challenging times.”
Hann-Ju Ho, senior economist for Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “While business confidence has marginally fallen this month, along with a drop in forward looking economic optimism, it is encouraging to see businesses still looking to increase their headcounts.
“However, cost pressures remain evident as businesses raise prices to protect their margins and wage pressure continue to be impactful. Given the recent turbulence in financial markets, it will be interesting to see how this will affect business confidence.”
Protecting Scotland’s drinking water
New rules to align with European Union standards
Powers passed by MSPs to help deal with the impact of Brexit are being used for the first time to ensure Scotland’s high quality drinking water aligns with standards set by the European Union.
The new regulations will be laid in the Scottish Parliament on Monday 31 October and should come into force from 1 January 2023 to tie in with the new monitoring year.
The EU Continuity Act 2020 ensures that Scotland can maintain and advance the high standards shared between devolved Scots and EU law, irrespective of the consequences of the UK’s exit from the European Union.
New regulations being laid under the Act this week will adhere to updated standards set by the World Health Organisation that limit emerging pollutants and endocrine disrupting compounds.
Such pollutants include PFAs which are better known as ‘forever chemicals’ and are commonly used in non-stick and water repellent products and do not degrade when they reach the environment.
Constitution Secretary Angus Robertson said: “Scotland’s drinking water is renowned for its excellent quality all over the world and we will be relentless in ensuring it stays this way and meets the highest of standards.
“These latest steps we are taking, to maintain those standards, are a prime example of our commitment to re-join the EU and align with its policies. Through such action, we will continue to protect the health and wellbeing of people in Scotland and also ease the future process of Scotland’s return to the EU.
“This is in stark contrast to the approach being taken by the UK Government, intent on undermining retained EU law which will be hugely damaging to people and businesses in Scotland.
“We’re determined to continue to be an active and constructive participant on EU matters, which will ease the process of Scotland’s future return to the EU.”
Britain’s EV-friendly horror movie road trip
It’s Halloween tomorrow and car buyer Goodbye Car has researched and created an EV-friendly horror movie road trip, for those looking to be spooked!
EV-friendly horror movie road trip
Location and film:
- Culzean Castle, Ayrshire, Scotland – The Wicker Man
- Tantallon Castle, Lothian, Scotland – Under The Skin
- South Bay Beach, Scarborough, England – St Maud
- Westminster Bridge, London, England – 28 Days Later
- All Saints Church, Fulham, England – The Omen
- Crickadarn Village, Wales – American Werewolf in London
Total length: 743 miles
Estimated time taken: 14 hours 52 minutes
EV Charge Stops: 6
Recommended EV charging stops
| Miles Between | Charge Remaining | Address | |
| Stop 1 | 142 miles | 29% | Grantshouse Village Mansefield, TD11 3RN |
| Stop 2 | 118 miles | 22% | Lidl, North Ormesby, TS3 8AL |
| Stop 3 | 112 miles | 24% | Hatfields Pub & Restaurant, DN7 6JH |
| Stop 4 | 115 miles | 23% | Harvester Grange Park, NN4 5EZ |
| Stop 5 | 112 miles | 25% | M4 Services Reading (West), RG30 3UQ |
| Stop 6 | 111 miles | 25% | Morrisons Abergavenny, NP7 5TR |
| Destination | 26 miles | 67% | Builth Wells LD2 3PJ |
GoodBye Car’s comprehensive guide covers film locations for the likes of Harry Potter, James Bond and many more. They also cover the scenes that were filmed there, how many miles your trip will be, and where you can charge your EV along the way.
You can view the full guide and research via GoodBye Car’s blog.
Original research: https://www.goodbyecar.uk/blog/uk-movie-road-trips
Cleaning up the Capital
Local volunteers, housing associations and teams from the Council’s Housing, Parks and Greenspace, Waste and Cleansing departments came together for community clean ups in North Edinburgh and Wester Hailes over the last fortnight.
Together they collected over 125 bags of rubbish bags of rubbish, 13 van loads of waste and dumped items and seven skips during their big clean. Greenery was cut back, 200 bulbs were planted, and the Union Canal towpath near Wester Hailes was cleaned with the help of young people from St Augustine’s RC High School.
They were also joined by local police officers and supported by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
Many of the items collected had been illegally dumped by flytippers.
During the clean-up teams also removed dumped items in stairwells which could have been a fire risk and gave local residents advice on the best ways to dispose of their unwanted items.
The weeks of action follow the success of a similar event in Craigmillar earlier this year.
Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convenor Councillor Jane Meagher said: “So many community groups, organisations and local volunteers were involved in the Wester Hailes and North Edinburgh clean ups, and they’ve done a tremendous job. The before and after results are clear to see and I’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who took part.
“Council officers work hard all year round to keep common areas and green spaces clean and tidy but clean ups are a great way for communities and partners to come together to tackle issues with litter and flytipping.
“Wester Hailes and Pennywell are both areas that we have prioritised for capital investment over many years. It’s great to see so many new, modern affordable homes built alongside schools, health centres, shops, and green spaces that people can enjoy as part of our 20-minute neighbourhood strategy.
“These events are being coordinated by Places for People, Prospect Community Housing, and the Council’s housing operations team, supported by officers from waste and cleansing and parks and greenspace.
“We also thank our commercial partners Mitie, GasCall, Robertson Homes, ISS, Belac, ID Verde and Premier One for their important role in supporting these initiatives.”
National Pension Tracing Day: join the hunt for lost and forgotten pensions
Five easy steps for people to track down pensions on National Pension Tracing Day
Finding a lost or forgotten pension could be an unexpected bonus during this cost of living crisis, and Punter Southall Aspire, the firm behind National Pension Tracing Day, is urging people to find their pensions in five easy steps.
National Pension Tracing Day is on Sunday 30 October – the day the clocks go back. The campaign invites people to use that extra hour to join in a ‘Great Pension Treasure Hunt’ and search for their pensions. Experts estimate there could be 1.6 million lost pensions in the UK. That could equate to around 1 in 30 people finding a pension.
Last year, one person found three pensions worth a total of £55,000, another managed to retire seven years earlier than planned and another found two pensions, worth over £80,000.
Step 1 – Retrace career steps – People can start by heading down memory lane and making a list of places they’ve worked in the past and roughly how long they worked there. Looking through old CVs, payslips, P45s or P60s can help.
Step 2 – Check old papers – Search through paperwork and emails for old pension statements. Have a good hunt for a pension statement for each place worked. People should also think back to whether they ever had a separate personal pension and if they ever ‘contracted out’ of part of the State Pension[i]. It could mean they had a personal pension.
Step 3 – Sense check – Look through the paperwork to check if contact details are up to date for each pension pot. If they are not, get in touch with the provider or administrator to update them. At the same time ask for an up- to-date statement. It could offer a welcome surprise.
Step 4 – Mind the gap – If people spot any gaps in their pension history it’s time for some detective work. For jobs where they don’t have a pension statement, try to find contact details for the pension provider or administrator. They could contact the employer’s HR department directly or use the government’s Pension Tracing Service.
If old employers can’t be found, they may have changed their name or merged with another organisation. Try searching Companies House – it lists companies’ previous names with their current registered office address. Or, people that worked for a charity could search the Charities Register.
Employers may have used a personal pension (possibly called a ‘group personal pension’) or a group stakeholder plan as their workplace pension. Find the name of the pension provider, perhaps by contacting an old employer, speaking to ex-work colleagues or finding old paperwork.
Step 5 – Get in touch – Get in touch with the provider or administrator and check if they’ve got any record of a pension. People will need to prove who they are so will need their National Insurance number and possibly other details. It’s also worth asking them to check if they did have a pension with them but transferred it elsewhere.
Not everyone will find a pension, but for those that do the final part of the treasure hunt is:
- find out how much is in the pot and ask for an up-to-date statement
- give them up-to-date contact details so the provider can keep in touch in future
- ask if they can be registered to access the pension information online
- Celebrate! They have found lost treasure they had forgotten all about
Alan Morahan, Chief Commercial Officer, says, “Finding an old pension is like paying yourself money you didn’t know you had, so we urge everyone who thinks they might have lost or forgotten a pension to spend some time going through these steps. It’s very straightforward and could really change someone’s life as it has done for the people who followed the campaign last year.”
Johanna Nelson, Communications Director, Punter Southall Aspire, added, “There is nothing to lose and everything to gain by spending the extra hour searching for money. We encourage everyone to join the Great Pension Treasure Hunt.”
National Pension Tracing Day won the Pensions Age Thought Leadership Award and the UK Pensions Awards Educational and Thought Leadership Initiative of the Year.
Find out more at www.nationalpensiontracingday.co.uk.
PYCP’s Bonfire Week programme
Have a look at our Bonfire Week programme – clubs are back next week with a bang!
We will be running some bonfire activities, having some fire work safety fun and taking some S1+s to Ratho for Muirhouse Youth Development Group‘s Big Bonfire Event 
#BonfireNight
Forth 1 celebrates highest listener share in nine years!
Over 300,000 people across Edinburgh, the Lothians, Fife & Falkirk tune into Forth 1 Boogie In The Morning remains the biggest breakfast show across the East
Forth 1, Edinburgh and the East of Scotland’s favourite radio station has seen its audience share grow to a nine year high with it now having a fantastic 18.6% share of all radio listening across Edinburgh, the Lothians, Fife & Falkirk.
315,000* people are tuning into Forth 1 every week.
Boogie In The Morning continues to dominate all breakfast radio listening across the East with a staggering 22.2% share.
Across Scotland, all of Bauer Media’s Hits & Greatest Hits stations have reason to celebrate as the total amount of listeners for the Hits Brands across Scotland has increased to an amazing 1,670,000** listeners every week, up 65,000 on the quarter.
Forth 2 and the Greatest Hits Network in Scotland has had a fantastic set of results too.
The Greatest Hits Network across Scotland has its highest ever reach – 372,000! (the highest reach in 9 years since it became the Greatest Hits Network across Scotland).
Sister station Clyde 1 also achieved it best result in 18 years and over three quarters of a million people tune into Clyde 1 & 2 every week.
Victoria Easton-Riley, Content Director for Scotland, said: “We’re absolutely delighted with this set of record breaking RAJAR results for our stations. It’s a testament to the incredible work by all our stations and all our presenters and staff across the summer months.
“Forth on the Fringe and the Forth Awards are just two of the massive events our teams have put on for our listeners this year as well as covering the biggest music festivals in the country including TRSNMT, Rewind Festival, Party At The Palace and Belladrum.
“We also have so much to look forward to as well with The Night Afore Disco Party being hosted live by Forth 1 with special performances from Sophie Ellis Bextor and Altered Images.
“I think a special mention and thank you must also go to our incredible news teams across Scotland who covered the Queen’s passing at Balmoral with such sensitivity and professionalism.”
Plaque unveiled for Scottish firefighter who died in the line of duty
A plaque has been unveiled for a Scottish firefighter who died in the line of duty, on the 44th anniversary of his death.
On 29th October 1978 Firefighter Alexander (Sandy) Drummond of Inveraray Fire Station lost his life fighting a fire which badly damaged the Crinan Hotel in Argyll.
As well as serving as a firefighter Mr Drummond was a former town and county councillor and magistrate, being described as a “noted member of the community” in The Oban Times at the time of his death.
The unveiling ceremony was held on Saturday the 29th of October 2022 at Inverary Fire Station, where the plaque is now situated.
The plaque is a Red Plaque. The Red Plaque Scheme is a Fire Brigades Union initiative to commemorate firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty.
The ceremony included speeches from FBU senior officials and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service senior officers, with an FBU piper and SFRS Heritage group vehicles also in attendance.
FBU Regional Treasurer, Seona Hart, said: “Since 2017, the Red Plaque Scheme has created memorials for firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty, with each Red Plaque commemorating a moment in local history and offering a place of reflection for the community.
“Each Red Plaque is funded by the Firefighters 100 Lottery, a charitable initiative run by the Fire Brigades Union. Since the commencement of this scheme, Red Plaques remembering over fifty firefighters have been presented across the UK, with each plaque unveiled at a ceremony attended by serving firefighters, FBU representatives, community members, fire chiefs and the family, friends and former colleagues of fallen firefighters”
FBU general secretary Matt Wrack said: “It is vital we remember firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty.
“Firefighters will always fight to make sure that happens. Every day firefighters go to work not knowing if they will come home or not. The tremendous bravery and sacrifice of those who lose their lives in the line of duty should always be commemorated and red plaques help make sure that that is the case.”
The Red Plaque scheme is one of a number of projects funded by the FBU’s Firefighter 100 lottery. The money raised by the lottery is supplemented by money from the FBU itself. The Firefighter 100 lottery can be entered by anyone who wishes to help by using www.firefighters100lottery.co.uk.
The Red Plaque scheme
The Red Plaque scheme was set up during the Fire Brigade Union’s centenary with the aim of establishing memorials to firefighters who have died in the line of duty.
The scheme involves engaging local FBU members, family members or members of the community to work with the union to place a unique plaque. Each plaque bears a similar inscription which honours the bravery and sacrifice of the firefighter whose name appears on the plaque.