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Edinburgh ‘leads the way on Climate Action’

The City of Edinburgh has claimed the top spot of councils in Scotland on climate action, it has been announced this week (Wednesday 18 October) by Climate Emergency UK.

The Council Climate Action Scorecards cover 7 sections, ask 91 questions, and were created in consultation with over 90 different organisations and key individuals. 

Collectively this provides some of the most in-depth analysis of climate action in UK local authorities to date.

With a total score of 58%, the City of Edinburgh Council ranks joint 4th overall in the UK, and 1st in Scotland. Edinburgh was also the only council outside of London which placed in the top six of the table.

Edinburgh scored highest in the sections for Collaboration & Engagement (78%), Planning & Land Use (70%) and Waste Reduction & Food (67%).

Disappointingly, only 41 of the UK’s 388 local and combined authorities scored above 50%, with the average score being just 32%.

The Council will use the Scorecards to understand where it can be bolder, and where it needs to make faster progress on climate action.

Council Leader Cammy Day said: “Whilst I welcome this excellent news about Edinburgh’s ranking from Climate Emergency UK, we still have a long road ahead to reach our goal of Edinburgh becoming a net zero city by 2030 and addressing the other key challenges in our 2030 Climate Strategy.  

“It is important though that we highlight the good progress we’re making. From pioneering our sustainable active travel and public transport networks, to combatting food waste, and making our Council houses and buildings more energy efficient, alongside flagship projects like our Granton Waterfront net zero redevelopment (above), I’m inspired by what I see around the city.

“I’d add that in the next few months reports on our Council Emissions Reduction Plan (CERP) and progress on city-wide emissions, and delivery of our 2030 Climate Strategy will be heard at committee.

“I’m conscious that whilst local government has a key role to play in our just transition to net zero, but this must be done alongside wider society with coordination and cooperation alongside government, private sector, third sector and our citizens.

“This was underlined in January of this year, when the Scottish Parliament’s Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee stated clearly in their report that Scotland will not meet its climate targets without a more empowered local government sector, and the removal of key barriers facing not only our Council but many across the country.  

“We’re bold and ambitious in our approach and aims, but this is absolutely essential if we are to properly confront the climate emergency, which is undoubtedly the key existential challenge of our times. “

Climate Emergency UK Co-Director Annie Pickering said: “The low scores across the board shows that there are national barriers for local authorities that make it harder for most councils to deliver the necessary climate action.

“A lack of funding and government policy U-turns are some of the barriers to effective local climate action.”

High five for Musselburgh Racecourse shortlisted in major industry awards

Musselburgh Racecourse leads the field with five nominations in the racing industry’s RCA Showcase Awards.

The East Lothian track has been shortlisted in the marketing, food & beverage, raceday, Racing Post Readers’ Award and the RCA/ROA Owner’s Racecourse of the Year categories.

York Racecourse is in the running with four nominations while all five Scottish racecourses have been nominated, with Hamilton Park listed in three categories.

Musselburgh’s hugely popular Corgi Derby on the opening day of the Flat season – which attracted national headlines – is in the running for winning the marketing award, while the annual Luca’s Ice Cream Family Day is listed in the Raceday award.

In the Racecourse of the Year category, Musselburgh is up against strong opposition from Newbury, York, Bangor-on-Dee and Hamilton Park.

The eight core categories in the Showcase Awards are chosen to reflect the diverse operation of a racecourse, while two public-voted awards offering customers the opportunity to have their say and crown their racecourse of the year in raceday and owners’ experience.

Paul Swain, Head of Raceday Experience & Communications at the RCA, said: “This list represents the best of British racecourses over the past 12 months and demonstrates their commitment to providing a fantastic experience for participants and racegoers alike.

“Our independent judging panel commented on the high standard of entries this year which was evident when considering the scores awarded. There is an abundance of best practice that should be replicated across the sport and the RCA will ensure this is front and centre of our raceday experience programme in 2024.”

The Showcase Awards ceremony will be hosted by Aintree Racecourse on 23 November.

GC Live to back local charity Cash for Kids’ Mission Christmas Campaign

25p per every full-price ticket sold for Wondrous Woods and Starry Nights will be donated to Cash for Kids to support local children across Scotland’s central belt this Christmas. 

GC Live, a new major events organiser has announced that they will be donating 25p from every full-price ticket sold for their two largest seasonal events to Cash for Kids Mission Christmas. 

Now the largest gift appeal in the UK, Mission Christmas helps ensure every child wakes up to a visit from Santa as presents are delivered to hundreds of thousands of children who would otherwise go without. 

Geoff Crow, Director of GC Live said, “We are delighted to support Cash for Kids with their Mission Christmas campaign.

“With an expected audience of over 60,000 visitors across both events, we are looking forward to being able to donate a sizable sum to the charity which will help support those kids who need presents the most at Christmas time.” 

Wondrous Woods, at Gosford House near Edinburgh and Starry Nights at Dean Castle near Kilmarnock, will be delivered by technical and event management partners, 21CC Group and will offer magical illuminated experiences for families across Scotland.  

Cash for Kids East Lothian’s Charity Manager, Vic Hendry said: ‘We are so grateful for the support we are receiving through the Wondrous Woods and Starry Nights illuminated trail experiences.

“The money that’s donated through the ticket sales will buy presents that will bring joy to many local children, allowing them to experience the magic of Christmas, as every child should.” 

Cash for Kids Senior Corporate Fundraiser for the West of Scotland, Rebecca Campbell, added: “We are delighted to have been selected as the chosen charity for the Starry Nights event at Dean Castle.

“The funds donated to Cash for Kids will help us make Christmas special for local children who would otherwise miss out on this magical time of year.”  

The spectacular illuminated adventure that is Wondrous Woods runs over Friday, Saturday and Sunday sessions from October 27 to November 19, including a special run during the last week, where sessions are extended to run from Thursday to Sunday. 

Kirsty McGill, Sales and Marketing Director for Taylor Wimpey East Scotland, who are supporting Wondrous Woods this year as an official sponsor, said: “We are delighted to be supporting this event and in turn the Cash for Kids charity. It’s incredibly important to us to support the local community and the work we do is a lot more than just building high-quality homes.   

“Being able to work with local businesses, charities and organisations that surround our developments means a great deal to us and it’s great to be part of the first Wondrous Woods in East Lothian.  We are excited to be involved and we hope the event brings lots of fun and joy to those who visit as well as presents to children who need them most this Christmas.” 

Tickets are available to buy online at https://www.wondrouswoods.com/ticket-information from £12 per child and £19 for an adult. Tickets for Starry Nights at Dean Castle will be available for purchase soon.  

Tickets start from £9 for children 4 to 15 years old plus booking fee and from £14 for adults plus booking fee. Children under 3 go free. Grotto tickets can be added to your basket from just £9 per child. For further information and to purchase tickets, visit https://www.christmasatdeancastle.com 

Homeowners in Edinburgh: Get in touch with Home Energy Scotland

Help to make your home warmer for less

The Scottish Government is calling on homeowners to get in touch with Home Energy Scotland to find out if they are eligible for funding to help make their homes warmer for less.

Up to £10,000 worth of home improvements may be available to homeowners who are currently in receipt of income-related financial support.

The Warmer Homes Scotland programme, which is funded by the Scottish Government and delivered by Warmworks, has relaunched and is offering funding and support to households struggling to stay warm and keep on top of energy bills.

The funding provided is delivered as energy efficiency home improvements such as wall and loft insulation, draught-proofing and climate friendly heating. For those who are eligible the energy efficient home improvements could help lower energy bills and also make your home warmer and cosier for free.  

During the 2022 / 23 Warmer Homes Scotland programme, which came to an end in March of this year, almost 5,500 homes benefited from the funding across Scotland and specifically in Edinburgh, 394 households benefited.

Homeowners can access the programme by contacting Home Energy Scotland, with the selected improvements dependent on a survey of the home being carried out to ensure the proposed changes are tailored to the home’s needs.

Harry Mayers, the head of Home Energy Scotland, said: “We all know winter can be tough in Scotland, but homeowners have the opportunity to act to help reduce their energy bills and make their homes warmer.

“We’re encouraging homeowners to get in touch with the Home Energy Scotland team for free, impartial advice to check their eligibility for grants and see what energy efficiency changes can be made in their home.

“The improvements really can make a difference, completely changing the energy efficiency of a home. The results and benefits so many households have experienced shows that getting in touch with Home Energy Scotland is a positive move.”

Getting in touch with Home Energy Scotland can leave lasting benefits that not only positively impact the household but help to tackle climate change too. In Scotland, heating is one of the two biggest contributors to individual emissions. Making changes to the way we heat our homes could make a huge difference to climate change and in helping Scotland to reach Net Zero by 2045.

For more information, contact Home Energy Scotland on 0808 808 2282 or use the self-assessment tool on the website and one of the advisors will be in touch: 

www.homeenergyscotland.org/warmer-home

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh to host Drag Spooktacular this Halloween

  • Virgin Hotels Edinburgh is hosting not one, but two unmissable Halloween events on 28th October   
  • From 12pm, guests can enjoy a drag villain brunch with appearances from iconic fairytale villains before being entranced by a spooky but fabulous Rocky Horror drag show, 9pm til late 

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh is set to get Edinburgh trembling through two Halloween events on Saturday, 28th October. 

Starting from 12pm, Virgin Hotel’s all-day dining destination, Eve, will set the stage for a Halloween brunch like no other.

Hosted by DJ Zac from Bolton and Mystica Glamoor, guests can sink their fangs into brunch favourites including mouthwatering crispy chicken burgers and fluffy pancakes all whilst enjoying a spellbinding drag performance from Mystica, who will be channelling looks of some of the most iconic fairytale villains. 

The spooktacular drag villain brunch is free to attend, with guests only required to book a table to enjoy the experience in the fabulous surroundings of Eve. 

And that’s just the beginning! Those who dare to stay out after the sun goes down can enjoy a spine-chilling drag rendition of the iconic Rocky Horror show from 9pm til late. Hosted by Klarity Productions, theatre diva, Krystal Klear and DJ Jasper Noir will be welcoming star-studded guests onto the stage, including resident performer at Kabaret KweerDaddy Delight, who are ready to infuse this Halloween classic with an extra dose of glitz and glamour.  

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh’s expert team of mixologists will also be serving specially curated Halloween-themed cocktails all day for guests to enjoy. Those looking for some nibbles before The Rocky Horror drag show can tuck into some delicious small plates off the new Autumn menu in Eve, including Scottish farm buffalo mozzarella with pumpkin seeds as well as mouthwatering chicken thighs. 

Mafalda Albuquerque, General Manager of Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, said: “We are bringing a Halloween extravaganza to Eve this year with two fabulous drag events.  Starting with the drag villain brunch through to an iconic Rocky Horror drag show, guests will be in for an experience like no other on offer in the city this Hallo-weekend.  

“With our expertly curated Halloween-themed cocktails through to our delicious bites, there won’t be a need to step foot outside Virgin Hotels Edinburgh all day. So, join us on Saturday 28th October for a Halloween party you won’t forget!” 

For more information and to reserve a table for the drag villain brunch please visit: https://virginhotels.com/edinburgh/eat-drink/eve/ 

To join Edinburgh’s very own Rocky Horror drag show from 9pm til late, tickets can be booked here. 

This Halloween spooktacular is just one of many events hosted at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh. To stay up to date with the latest news and events, follow along on social media here:  

  • Instagram @eveedinburgh @virginhotelsedi 
  • Twitter @virginhotelsedi 

Cairngorm Brewery’s Black Gold is crowned Champion Beer of Scotland

Cairngorm Brewery’s Black Gold (4.4% ABV) has been crowned the best beer in Scotland after winning the Campaign for Real Ale’s (CAMRA) prestigious Champion Beer of Scotland competition. 

The session stout was described by judges as having a roast malt which dominates throughout, with a slight smoky aroma which led into liquorice and blackcurrant flavours for a subtle sweetness. The sweet background flavour is complemented by a very long, dry bitter finish. No less than four colours of malt are used to make the grist.

Cairngorm Brewery are no stranger to awards, as Black Gold also won a gold award in the Cask Session Dark Beers category of SIBA’s (Society of Independent Brewers) recent Scottish competition, and a silver in SIBA’s Overall Champion Scottish Cask Beer final. The beer was awarded gold in CAMRA’s Winter Beer of Britain 2012 competition in the Stouts category. 

The Champion Beer of Scotland competition was held at the Ayrshire Real Ale Festival on 6th October. 

CAMRA’s Scotland Director Stuart McMahon said “Cairngorm Brewery, which is based in Aviemore, is making some great beers at present. Black Gold was a very worthy winner, despite the strong competition from the other category winners. It is a very good example of a rich stout, with the strong roast and burnt malts to the fore, but with a lovely smooth, bitter but sweet aftertaste.” 

Runners up in the Scottish competition were silver prize winner Loch Lomond Brewery’s Bravehop IPA and bronze winner Swannay Brewery’s Dark Munro.

A formal presentation to Cairngorm Brewery will be arranged in due course.

Pictured is Ayrshire & Wigtownshire CAMRA member and festival volunteer Fiona McIsaac with a pint of the winning beer. 

Scottish Building Society officially opens new Edinburgh Relationship Centre

Scottish Building Society, the world’s oldest remaining building society, celebrated its new Edinburgh Relationship Centre with a special event for members and a few surprise guests. 

Although the Society’s Head Office remains at 193 Dalry Road, its Edinburgh Relationship Centre moved to its new location on 20 Frederick Street earlier this summer.  

The site, which was previously occupied by opticians, Black & Lizars, is in a prime location for workers, residents and visitors in Edinburgh to use the facilities and chat to Scottish Building Society’s friendly and experienced team about their financial plans. 

Members and colleagues were joined by Edinburgh Rugby and Scotland international rugby players Glen Young and Scott Steele who talked about their times in the Scotland camp and the chances of the team at the World Cup, along with their aspirations for the upcoming 2023/24 BKT United Rugby Championship season. 

New Senior Coach of Edinburgh Rugby Sean Everitt also joined members to discuss his coaching career and aims for the team.  

The day was topped off with whisky aficionado David Iain Grant from The Jar, who led members through a whisky tasting experience and catering from social enterprise Social Bite.  

Scottish Building Society relocated from its original Edinburgh Relationship Centre with a view to creating a venue which would better serve new and existing members, providing financial assistance, in a friendly and supportive way. 

Helping local communities is a key focus for Scottish Building Society moving forward as it launched the Scottish Building Society Foundation in partnership with Foundation Scotland, to invest in good causes and help build stronger communities. 

Launched in May 2023 to align with the organisation’s 175th anniversary, an incredible £175,000 will be granted to local charities, causes and organisations across Scotland.  

From the first round of award funding, Edinburgh Tool Library recently received £4,985 to further develop its Cycle Kitchen, an initiative designed to promote bicycle tool proficiency, and fostering self-reliance across the city. 

Relationship Centre Manager, Lisa McKay said: “At Scottish Building Society, a core value is putting people and communities at the heart of what we do, and our Frederick Street Relationship Centre is another example of our commitment to Scotland’s High Streets.  

“Having only recently started with the Society,  it has been so inspiring to meet colleagues, and we’re looking forward to helping our members throughout 2023 and beyond.” 

Sean Everitt, the new Edinburgh Rugby Senior Coach said: “Scottish Building Society is our Main Club Partner, and their support has been fantastic since I joined the club.

“Meeting members and Edinburgh Rugby fans in the new Relationship Centre was a great way to introduce myself and listen to fans old and new.”