One lavish Coronation ceremony just isn’t quite enough …
Scotland will mark the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty Queen Camilla during Royal Week in Edinburgh on Wednesday 5 July.
The King will be presented with the Honours of Scotland at a National Service of Thanksgiving at St Giles’ Cathedral following processions on the Royal Mile. Their Royal Highnesses, The Duke and Duchess of Rothesay will also attend events.
The Honours will be collected from Edinburgh Castle by a ‘People’s Procession’, involving around 100 people representing aspects of Scottish life.
It will be escorted by The Royal Regiment of Scotland , Shetland pony mascot Corporal Cruachan IV and supported by cadet musicians from the Combined Cadet Force Pipes and Drums, 51 Brigade Cadet Military Band.
The Royal Procession will travel from the Palace of Holyroodhouse to the Cathedral. There will be opportunities for the public to view the People’s Procession and the Royal Procession along the Royal Mile.
A 21-Gun Salute will fire from Edinburgh Castle at the end of the St Giles’ Service, before the Royal Procession travels back to the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
King Charles III receives the First Minister of Scotland Humza Yousaf during an audience at Buckingham Palace, London. Picture date: Wednesday May 17, 2023.
First Minister Humza Yousaf said: “Scotland will welcome the new King and Queen in July with a series of events to mark the Coronation. A People’s Procession, a Royal Procession, a National Service of Thanksgiving and a Gun Salute will take place in Edinburgh.
“Representatives from many different communities and organisations in Scotland will take part in these historic events.
“People who wish to mark this historic occasion can get involved by watching broadcast coverage or viewing events in person. We will issue more information confirming how members of the public can access events in the coming weeks.”
BackgroundInformation
The Stone of Destiny will be in St Giles’ Cathedral for the service. There will also be a fly past by the Red Arrows following the event.
The People’s Procession will include representatives from a wide range of organisations in Scotland including:
Corporal Cruachan IV (a Shetland pony) the mascot of The Royal Regiment of Scotland
The Robert Gordon’s College Combined Cadet Force (CCF) Pipes and Drums and the Army Cadet Force Military Band
The High Constables (Edinburgh & Leith)
Scottish Youth Parliament
Guide Dogs
Enable Scotland
Scottish Wildlife Trust
The College of Master Kilt Makers
Duke of Edinburgh Awards
Botanic Gardens of Edinburgh
Royal Zoological Society of Edinburgh
Robert Burns Federation
Royal and Ancient Golf Course in St Andrews
The Scottish Tartans Authority
The Royal Scottish Highland Games Association
The Royal Scottish Official Board of Highland Dance
The Princes Foundation
The Princes Trust
CHAS
RNLI
Samaritans
Girl Guides
Scouts
Boys and Girls Brigade
The Royal Procession will include musical accompaniment from the Royal Marine Band (Scotland) and the Pipes, Drums and Bugles of the 2nd Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland (2 SCOTS).
The Honours of Scotland will be escorted from Edinburgh Castle by The King’s Body Guard for Scotland, the Royal Company of Archers (known as the Royal Company) and a Guard of Honour formed by contingents of the Navy, Army and Royal Air Force. The 21 Gun Saluting troop will be 12 Regiment Royal Artillery.
There will be public viewing opportunities along the pavements of the Royal Mile and outside the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
Details of the Order of Service and further information of exact locations and timings will be issued in the coming weeks.
Ukrainians in the UK will be helped into their own homes as part of a £150 million funding allocation.
The funding will be divided across the UK according to the number of Ukrainians in each nation: c.£109 million for England, c.£30 million for Scotland, c.£8 million for Wales and around c.£2 million to Northern Ireland.
Funding can be used by councils to help Ukrainian families into the private rental sector, help them get jobs, and continue sponsorship for guests’ second year in the UK.
Local authorities are best placed to understand the support needed for local communities and, within England, this funding will be used to help people remain in their current accommodation or find alternative housing, including in the private rented sector.
The Homes for Ukraine scheme has welcomed over 124,000 Ukrainians to the UK, with almost half of working-age nationals now in employment and settled into their local areas, having had the right to work, receive benefits and access public services from day one.
The Department for Transport has also announced it will extend the length of time Ukrainian refugees can drive in the UK on their home country driving licence, from one year to three, in a move that will help many continue the lives and jobs they have forged since arriving here.
Minister for Housing and Homelessness, Felicity Buchan said: “The UK has an honourable tradition of offering shelter to those fleeing the horrors of war. Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of hosts in this country, over 124,000 Ukrainians have now found safety in the UK.
“Sadly, the fighting in Ukraine shows no sign of ending soon, so we are appealing for more people to become hosts while providing councils with this additional funding to support guests into long-term housing.”
Petro Rewko from The Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain said: “Ukrainians everywhere are grateful to the government and the British people for opening their homes and hearts to Ukrainians fleeing their homes as a result of Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.
“We welcome today’s announcement, which recognises the commitment of sponsors and local authorities during difficult economic times and will provide additional support and reassurance to Ukrainian families as they rebuild their lives and seek to overcome the trauma of war.”
The UK government will continue to work with the Ukrainian government, the devolved administrations, local authorities and charities and voluntary groups to support guests and sponsors under the Homes for Ukraine Scheme.
The government is keen to ensure that Ukrainian guests receive the support they are entitled to while they are in the UK, and are helped into employment and long-term suitable accommodation, as soon as possible.
Hosts in the UK will continue to receive a monthly £350 thank-you payment during guests’ first 12 months, rising to £500 a month during the following 12 months.
‘they are determined to use the proceedings against me to drive me out of Parliament’
Former Prime Minster Boris Johnson has announced that he is standing down as an MP, with immediate effect.
The announcement came this evening after Johnson received a report from the House of Commons Privileges Committee into whether he misled Parliament over lockdown parties at Downing Street.
THIS IS JOHNSON’s STATEMENT:
I have received a letter from the Privileges Committee making it clear – much to my amazement – that they are determined to use the proceedings against me to drive me out of Parliament.
They have still not produced a shred of evidence that I knowingly or recklessly misled the Commons.
They know perfectly well that when I spoke in the Commons, I was saying what I believed sincerely to be true and what I had been briefed to say, like any other minister. They know that I corrected the record as soon as possible; and they know that I and every other senior official and minister – including the current Prime Minister and then occupant of the same building, Rishi Sunak – believed that we were working lawfully together.
I have been an MP since 2001. I take my responsibilities seriously. I did not lie, and I believe that in their hearts, the Committee know it. But they have wilfully chosen to ignore the truth, because from the outset, their purpose has not been to discover the truth, or genuinely to understand what was in my mind when I spoke in the Commons.
Their purpose from the beginning has been to find me guilty, regardless of the facts. This is the very definition of a kangaroo court.
Most members of the Committee – especially the chair – had already expressed deeply prejudicial remarks about my guilt before they had even seen the evidence. They should have recused themselves.
In retrospect, it was naïve and trusting of me to think that these proceedings could be remotely useful or fair. But I was determined to believe in the system, and in justice, and to vindicate what I knew to be the truth.
It was the same faith in the impartiality of our systems that led me to commission Sue Gray. It is clear that my faith has been misplaced. Of course, it suits the Labour Party, the Liberal Democrats and the SNP to do whatever they can to remove me from Parliament.
Sadly, as we saw in July last year, there are currently some Tory MPs who share that view.
I am not alone in thinking that there is a witch hunt under way, to take revenge for Brexit and ultimately to reverse the 2016 referendum result.
My removal is the necessary first step, and I believe there has been a concerted attempt to bring it about. I am afraid I no longer believe that it is any coincidence that Sue Gray – who investigated gatherings in Number 10 – is now the chief of staff designate of the Labour leader.
Nor do I believe that it is any coincidence that her supposedly impartial chief counsel, Daniel Stilitz KC, turned out to be a strong Labour supporter who repeatedly tweeted personal attacks on me and the government.
When I left office last year, the government was only a handful of points behind in the polls. That gap has now massively widened.
Just a few years after winning the biggest majority in almost half a century, that majority is now clearly at risk.
Our party needs urgently to recapture its sense of momentum and its belief in what this country can do.
We need to show how we are making the most of Brexit and we need in the next months to be setting out a pro-growth and pro-investment agenda. We need to cut business and personal taxes – and not just as pre-election gimmicks – rather than endlessly putting them up.
We must not be afraid to be a properly Conservative government.
Why have we so passively abandoned the prospect of a Free Trade Deal with the US? Why have we junked measures to help people into housing or to scrap EU directives or to promote animal welfare?
We need to deliver on the 2019 manifesto, which was endorsed by 14 million people. We should remember that more than 17 million voted for Brexit.
I am now being forced out of Parliament by a tiny handful of people, with no evidence to back up their assertions, and without the approval even of Conservative party members, let alone the wider electorate.
I believe that a dangerous and unsettling precedent is being set.
The Conservative Party has the time to recover its mojo and its ambition and to win the next election. I had looked forward to providing enthusiastic support as a backbench MP. Harriet Harman’s committee has set out to make that objective completely untenable.
The Committee’s report is riddled with inaccuracies and reeks of prejudice, but under their absurd and unjust process, I have no formal ability to challenge anything they say.
The Privileges Committee is there to protect the privileges of Parliament. That is a very important job. They should not be using their powers – which have only been very recently designed – to mount what is plainly a political hit job on someone they oppose.
It is in no one’s interest, however, that the process the Committee has launched should continue for a single day further.
So I have today written to my Association in Uxbridge and South Ruislip to say that I am stepping down forthwith and triggering an immediate by-election.
I am very sorry to leave my wonderful constituency. It has been a huge honour to serve them, both as Mayor and MP.
But I am proud that after what is cumulatively a 15-year stint, I have helped to deliver, among other things, a vast new railway in the Elizabeth Line and full funding for a wonderful new state of the art hospital for Hillingdon, where enabling works have already begun.
I also remain hugely proud of all that we achieved in my time in office as prime minister: getting Brexit done, winning the biggest majority for 40 years and delivering the fastest vaccine roll out of any major European country, as well as leading global support for Ukraine.
It is very sad to be leaving Parliament – at least for now – but above all, I am bewildered and appalled that I can be forced out, anti-democratically, by a committee chaired and managed, by Harriet Harman, with such egregious bias.
ONE of Johnson’s last acts – a final two-fingered salute to the British people – was to reward his cronies with peerages and other ‘honours’.
Some of Boris Johnson’s closest allies – including Priti Patel and Jacob Rees-Mogg – were awarded peerages in the former PM’s honours list, published just hours before Johnson stepped down as an MP.
Former secretaries of state Simon Clarke and Mr Rees-Mogg were knighted, while Ms Patel was made a dame.
Controversial Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen and London Assembly member Shaun Bailey are among seven new peers.
No serving MPs were given peerages, thus avoiding tricky by-elections for the Tories. But there will now be one in Mr Johnson’s own constituency of Uxbridge and South Ruislip and another one in Nadine Dorries’ constituency.
Johnson devotee Nadine Dorries was not put forward for the House of Lords, despite widespread speculation she would be on the published list.
Ms Dorries stood down as an MP “with immediate effect” just an hour before the honours list was released, oddly enough.
The risk of water scarcity in the Loch Maree area of the Highlands has increased to significant risk of water scarcity.
Two areas have increased to moderate scarcity – Ness in the Highlands and Esk in Dumfriesshire. 37 areas are now at Alert level.
Seven areas are at early warning for Water Scarcity – Orkney, Ythan, Don, Kintyre, Firth of Clyde, Loch Fyne and the River Add.
Businesses extracting water are being urged to put their water scarcity plans into action now to reduce pressure on the environment and preserve water resources.
Little rain is forecast for the next few weeks, and the water scarcity situation is expected to escalate quickly.
Loch Maree in the Highlands reaches significant risk – Ness and Esk areas increase to moderate risk
The risk of water scarcity around the Loch Maree area in the Highlands has been raised to Significant, the highest level available, in the latest report published by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA).
There are 23 abstraction licences issued by SEPA in the Loch Maree area, 22 of which are for hydropower generation and already have ‘low flow protection’ conditions set in their permits. This requires operators to stop abstracting as the environment gets drier, without the need for licence suspensions, and ensure flows are prioritised to the river.
SEPA is in contact with all affected businesses to provide further advice and guidance in line with Scotland’s National Water Scarcity Plan.
Nathan Critchlow-Watton, Head of Water and Planning at SEPA, said: “For the risk of water scarcity to have reached significant this early in the summer is extremely concerning and leaves no doubt that the next few months are going to be very challenging for all those who rely on the water environment to run their business.
“While water levels are critical in this part of the Highlands, we can see other areas of Scotland are on the same trajectory and it’s vital that businesses take steps now to maximise the resource available and prevent further environmental harm.”
This week’s water scarcity report, published 9th June 2023, reveals two areas are now at moderate scarcity – the Ness area in the Highlands and the Esk area of Dumfriesshire.
Most of the rest of the country is now at Alert – except for seven areas in early warning – Orkney, Ythan, Don, Kintyre, Firth of Clyde, Loch Fyne and the River Add.
Abstractors and irrigators are advised to manage water wisely to minimise the need for licence restrictions, and regularly check equipment to make sure it’s in good condition and not leaking. Where possible, the volume and rate of abstractions should be reduced.
Sarah Cowie, Environmental Resources Policy Manager at NFUS, said: “Water is a vital resource for the agricultural sector as we cannot produce food without a consistent and plentiful water supply.
“Last year, SEPA suspended abstraction licences for some growers for the first time and the current prolonged period of dry weather across the country means all farmers and growers must think about water use on farm now and plan ahead for the coming summer season.
“Our Horticulture Working Group met with SEPA this week to discuss a partnership approach between growers and SEPA on water resource management.”
Anyone concerned about meeting licence conditions or wishing to discuss contingency measures are encouraged to contact SEPA by emailing: waterscarcity@sepa.org.uk.
The Warm June project aims to help children in hospitals and to create a caring community among financial services users.
For each customer who signs up for a Bilderlings account from June 1 to 30, the company will donate €5 to the award-winning Hearts & Minds (UK) and Dr. Klauns (Latvia) charities.
Both organizations work with Healthcare Clowning which is a special kind of emotional support for children in hospitals. Through play, humour, and improvisation, the Clowndoctors help young patients to cope with stress and get better faster.
“As a financial institution, we know the value of making the right investments. We want to remind people that emotional health, the smiles of our children, and a humane environment are investments too, no less valuable than financial ones. That is why we encourage people to join our campaign to support Healthcare Clowning,” Bilderlings Executive Director Dmitry Kuvshinov says.
To make signing up easier and more enjoyable, account opening and maintenance will be completely free throughout June 2023 for certain rates.
According to Bilderlings, one of the main campaign goals is not only to support Healthcare Clowning directly but also to foster a community of people with big hearts.
Sean Donnelly, Hearts & Minds Chief Executive said: “We believe that meaningful human connection is vital for health and wellbeing, and so our Clowndoctors connect with those with challenging health conditions or additional support needs to bring colour, light and laughter creating moments of pure joy.
“We are very grateful for the support offered by Bilderlings and we hope that those signing up for this wonderful campaign will know that their contributions will spread even more joy and laughter to those who really need it most”.
Marianna Milovska, Dr.Klauns Chief Executive, said: “When Clowndoctors are coming to the hospitals, they bring joy to children, they help to relieve stress in parents, and support medical staff during procedures — and thus making hospital atmosphere warmer and more humane.
“But for Healthcare Clowning program to really work, visits should be regular, so children, parents, and medical staff could trust and rely on the Clowndoctors’ presence.
“As a charity we depend on private and corporate donations. Of course, we are thankful for any support given, but especially grateful we are to a more systemic and regular approach, which helps us to build long-term plans.
“This is why we highly appreciate this Bilderlings initiative to build one more caring and helping community with their clients”,
An Edinburgh-based volunteer has been awarded with the Inspiring Volunteer Award by Volunteer Edinburgh for her work on Big Hearts’ That’s Me! programme.
Milly Whitehead (18) has spent the last year volunteering on the programme, which aims to make a positive impact on teenagers and young adults who could benefit from wellbeing support.
Since joining Big Hearts, the official charity of Heart of Midlothian Football Club, Milly has been supporting young people on the programme, and is delighted she is being recognised for her efforts.
Milly said:“It was very unexpected! I just got it in my emails and I was very surprised, but it was a great thing to tell my family.
“Obviously I don’t do it to be rewarded for it, but it’s nice to know that the effort I’ve put in has been seen.”
Seeing the wellbeing of a young person she has supported improve gives Milly an enormous sense of gratification.
She added:“It’s nice when I see them in new friendship groups, seeing them do well and progressing.
“A few of them have got on to new courses at college. It’s really nice to see them in a new environment and growing.”
Milly has also seen a huge growth in her own confidence through dedicating her time to the programme. Speaking about the difference it has made to her.
She said:“I’m here to make an impact, but I didn’t expect it to have such an impact on myself too.
“My dad has been telling everyone just how much I’ve grown over the past year. It wasn’t something he expected I would do.
“It’s just an environment where I’ve felt myself since joining. I’ve felt a lot more confident.
“I love the club, so it’s nice that there’s something I can be a part of. It’s opened my eyes to more things that they’re doing and it’s really nice to see.”
Pauline Fraseris the Volunteer Development Officer at Big Hearts. She is delighted for Milly winning the award and said: “It’s very well deserved, 100%. When she first came along she was very quiet, but she has improved a lot since then.
Pauline Fraser started as a Big Hearts volunteer, and is now working as the charity’s Volunteer Development Officer.She said: “Milly’s around the same age as some of the participants, so that was good for her I think. She was a bit of a role model for them.
“She has volunteered at our fundraising Gala, she’s volunteered at Big Hearts Day, and what a difference in that short space of time.”
Big Hearts Community Trust is a registered charity operating from Tynecastle Park, home of Heart of Midlothian FC. Since 2015, they have been using the power of football as a vehicle to improve lives across the communities they serve.
In the past year, Big Hearts engaged with over 8,000 adults and children in need, with support from over 250 dedicated volunteers.
Live streaming tickets available thanks to The Open University in Scotland
The Edinburgh International Book Festival today announced that in-person tickets to its event featuring Greta Thunberg on Sunday 13th August have sold out in less than 24 hours.
Due to popular demand and thanks to support from The Open University in Scotland, the event will now be live streamed, so audiences can watch from anywhere in the world.
Access to streaming for this event, which is presented in association with Edinburgh International Festival, will be made available from 12 noon on Wednesday 14 June at https://www.edbookfest.co.uk/greta-thunberg along with information about the 2023 Book Festival programme.
Susan Stewart, Director at The Open University in Scotland, said: “The Book Festival’s approach to opening up access to books, literature and current debate complements our mission at The Open University to be open to people, places, methods and ideas.
“We are also particularly dedicated to contributing to social and environmental justice by placing sustainability at the heart of our teaching, research and knowledge exchange. I am proud that The Open University in Scotland is sponsoring this important event with Greta Thunberg and delighted that it will now reach an even wider audience via the livestream.”
Nick Barley, Director at Edinburgh International Book Festival, said: “When Greta Thunberg’s event with Gemma Cairney sells out in less than a day, it’s clear that audiences are keen to play an active part in the climate conversation.
“That’s why I’m so pleased we can also live stream the event. I am incredibly grateful to The Open University for allowing us to open this event up to even more people from all over the world.”
The event, titled It’s Not Too Late to Change the World, will take place at the Edinburgh Playhouse on Sunday 13th August and will be chaired by writer and broadcaster Gemma Cairney.
The event will begin with a speech from Greta Thunberg, followed by an in-depth conversation about her activism and The Climate Book, the 2022 publication that saw her call on the wisdom of more than one hundred experts, from Indigenous leaders and renowned scientists to activists and people from around the world who are most affected by climate change.
This will be Greta’s Thunberg’s first public appearance in Scotland since her visit to Glasgow for COP26, the UN’s Climate Conference in November 2021.
As part of the event, 300 tickets have been made available to local community groups and young people, and a special concessionary ticket price of 50% was made available to those under 26 to encourage them to become a part of the climate conversation.
For more information on Edinburgh International Book Festival visit:
A Scottish personal trainer who created her own online fitness community during lockdown is preparing to take her business to the next level with the official launch of a new app.
27-year-old Robyn Drummond, who started the business ‘accidentally’ after pivoting her in-person sessions to an online alternative at the start of the pandemic, has built up a loyal following thanks to her unique approach to fitness and exercise.
The award-winning entrepreneur launched Robyn Drummond Fitness after growing frustrated with existing approaches to personal training, focussing instead on encouraging her customers to ditch fad diets in favour of healthy eating habits and empowering people of all shapes and sizes to give exercise a go.
Fife-based Robyn worked as a personal trainer for over five years prior to lockdown and decided to offer on demand, virtual workouts when local gyms had to shut their doors. Within eight months, her online community had grown to over 1,000 members – leading her to take the plunge and quit her administrative job to pursue the business fulltime.
Her gamble quickly paid off, with Robyn being crowned Young Businesswoman of the Year by the Women’s Business Club, along with taking home the title of Newcomer of the Year at the Scottish Health and Fitness Awards.
Robyn has been a member of Royal Bank’s Accelerator Hub for the past year, working fulltime from its Edinburgh co-working space, allowing her to avoid the additional cost of renting office space while benefiting from the one-to-one mentoring on offer.
The new app launched earlier this month and will enable Robyn’s close-knit virtual community to access a range of bespoke healthy meal plans, tailored fitness programmes and a means of connecting with likeminded users.
Commenting on the milestone, Robyn said: “When I look back at what I’ve achieved in the past three years, I honestly need to pinch myself. I started Robyn Drummond Fitness at just 24 so to now be at the stage where I’m launching my own app and have users from all around the world is unbelievable.
“I always say to people that I just sort of fell into being an entrepreneur. It all happened so quickly, and I didn’t have a business background or people in my family that I could go to for advice on things like accounting or securing funding.
“The support I’ve received as part of the Accelerator has really been invaluable. From mentoring, to sharing connections and facilitating introductions with the right people, being a part of the Hub has helped me grow and develop as an entrepreneur as my business continues to expand.
“Before I joined, I was considering renting an office space so having full access to the coworking space in the Edinburgh hub has been a game changer and means I can avoid another costly outgoing as I look to take Robyn Drummond Fitness to the next level.”
Tara Cusack, Local Enterprise Manager at Royal Bank of Scotland, said: “This app launch marks a huge milestone in Robyn Drummond Fitness and we’re all excited to be a part of this new chapter.
“Robyn’s balanced approach to fitness brings something new to the space, and her constantly growing user community is testament to the dedication and expertise she brings to every area of her business.
“Royal Bank of Scotland is committed to helping scaling entrepreneurs to thrive and take their business to the next level. Members of our Edinburgh Accelerator Hub have access to one-to-one coaching with experienced Acceleration Managers as well as full use of our co-working spaces and the chance to book onto our programme of events throughout the year.”
People and businesses are being urged to use water carefully as dry weather conditions are expected to persist and water demand is rising.
First Minister Humza Yousaf chaired a meeting of the Scottish Government’s Resilience Room (SGoRR) this afternoon, attended by Deputy First Minister Shona Robison, Justice and Home Affairs Secretary Angela Constance and partners including SEPA, Scottish Water and the Met Office, to consider preparations and mitigations in the event of further water scarcity.
Following a drier than normal winter and spring, water levels in reservoirs are lower than would be expected for this time of year. Scottish Water reports that consumer demand has increased sharply since last weekend putting pressure on reservoirs, treatment works and water mains.
SEPA reports that, in the north of Scotland, the Loch Maree area has been raised to the Significant Water Scarcity level – the highest level – and the Ness area has increased to Moderate Water Scarcity. The Esk area in Dumfriesshire has also increased to Moderate Water Scarcity.
The First Minister said: “While there is no immediate risk to public water supplies, water levels are much lower than usual for the time of year, particularly in parts of north and southern Scotland. With little significant rain forecast, shortages could become more likely and potentially more widespread.
“Everyone needs to use water responsibly. I urge businesses and the public to follow the guidance provided by SEPA and Scottish Water on the measures that need to be taken.
“The Scottish Government has reopened the emergency scheme to provide bottled water to any homes on private water supplies that need it. Householders should contact their local council if required.
“Businesses extracting water directly from the environment are also being urged to put their water scarcity plans into action now to reduce pressure on the environment.
“The Scottish Government and partners are monitoring the situation closely and considering appropriate measures to mitigate potential future impacts.”
To mark National Walk to School Week, Barratt Developments Scotland encouraged schools in Scotland to ditch vehicles and get involved in a number of mini-challenges and games during their walk to school.
Last year, over 750 schools across the UK took part in Walk to School Week, aimed at making pupils experience first-hand the importance of walking to school.
To coincide with the week, Barratt Homes donated 500 high-vis wristbands and bag charms to pupils at Wallyford school. The items were proudly worn during the pupil’s end of term trip.
It comes as part of Barratt Developments Scotland’s, which includes Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes, commitment to supporting children to enjoy their surroundings on their walk to school as they walk over newly completed road at nearby St Clements Wells development in Wallyford.
“Working in partnership with Barratt to provide opportunities for safe travel as well as allowing our children to feel connected in their community.”
Anne Ross, Sales Director at Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes East Scotland, said: “We always try to encourage more people to get outside and connect with nature, whether that be sitting in their garden or walking to school instead of using transport.
“We hope the safety accessories we donated to pupils at Wallyford Primary school have helped encourage the school to enjoy their walk to school as they get some fresh air and connect with the surrounding nature on their walk.”
For more information on St Clement Wells or Barratt Developments in the East of Scotland, visit Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes, visit:
