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Entries open to find Scotland’s top tech innovators in Edinburgh

Applications are now open for the thirteenth annual ScotlandIS Digital Technology Awards

Scotland’s tech cluster organisation is calling on people in Edinburgh to nominate the sector’s most innovative individuals in tech for the 2023 Digital Technology Awards.

Led by ScotlandIS, the awards celebrate the strength of the industry and talent Scotland has to offer from businesses of all sizes.

This year’s awards will focus on celebrating the vast achievements of the tech sector over the last year by rewarding individual and team commitments to causes that are prolific in today’s climate.

At the forefront of the application criteria are categories to recognise those creating technology solutions for good, organisations tackling climate change and those putting the wellbeing of their workforce at the core of the business.

The Unsung Hero Award also returns – an award which commemorates local community champions for their contributions to improving all things digital in their respective fields.

Karen Meechan, CEO of ScotlandIS, said: “The Digital Technology Awards deliver a fantastic opportunity for us to celebrate the very best in Scottish technology.  It is an evening our members look forward to all year round to recognise the extensive achievements and talent in our industry.

“I’m looking forward to spending the evening honouring the sector’s best minds, and I encourage everyone to nominate both individuals and businesses that deserve recognition for achievements and dedication to helping our industry continue to flourish.”

To nominate a business or individual for the Digital Technology Awards, please visit the website here. 

Applications close 5pm on Wednesday 22nd February 2023.


The categories this year are as follows:

  • Tech For Good
  • Service / Product Innovation
  • Data Trailblazer
  • Best Wellbeing at Work
  • Most Sustainable Workplace
  • Open Technology Contribution
  • Public Sector Innovation
  • Unsung Hero
  • Digital Tech Business of the year – Start-Up
  • Digital Tech Business of the year – Scale-Up
  • Digital Tech Business of the year – Enterprise


Some of last year’s winners include Fyne Labs, xDesign and Good-Loop.

The 2023 Digital Tech Awards will take place on Thursday 27th April at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Glasgow.

PDSA: How can I keep my pet entertained indoors?

Here are five vet-approved ways to beat the boredom this winter

Dark nights, wet weather, and chilly temperatures are sure signs that winter is well and truly upon us. When the weather turns, you might find your pet is less inclined to brave the outdoors – so how can we keep them entertained and ensure they get enough exercise during the colder months?

Nina Downing, vet nurse at the UK’s largest veterinary charity PDSA, has shared her five top tips for keeping your four-legged friend moving.

Nina said: “When pets don’t stay active, they are at risk of piling on extra pounds that could endanger their overall health – not to mention boredom, which can put them in mischief’s way!

“Luckily, there are lots of fun ways to keep furry friends entertained this winter, even on a rainy day”:

Snuffle roll

“This is a tried and tested favourite for any playful puss or pooch and is very easy to set up. All you need is a small towel or blanket, your pet’s normal dry food and a treat or two. Lay the material on the floor and scatter the food over the top. Then, roll the mat up, making sure the treats don’t fall out of either end. Now your pet can snuffle and sniff out their food, keeping their brain and nose active!

Practice training and agility

What better time to brush up on your pup’s obedience training than when you’re stuck inside? Whilst indoors you can teach your pup some new tricks or practice ones you both enjoy, using food or treats as a reward is a great way to keep them engaged and let them know they’ve mastered a trick. Another fun way to get them excited and build their fitness is to set up an indoor obstacle course. Whether it’s using chairs and a blanket to create a tunnel, a small foot stool for the perfect hurdle, or pairs of shoes for them to weave in and out of, the possibilities are endless and can provide furry and human family members alike hours of fun. 

Hide and seek

A childhood classic, this game also helps to train your dog, as they become attuned to listening out, as well as sniffing around for you in order to find the location where you’re hiding. Ask your dog to sit and stay before moving around or leaving the room. At first, stand or crouch in more obvious places and call your pooch to come find you. Not only will they use their eyes, ears and nose to seek you out, they will also engage their brain and employ mental energy. As your dog becomes better at finding you, you can start to hide in more difficult places, like behind a door or curtain.

Toys, toys, and more toys

All pets have a preference for their favourite toy, whether that be a squeaky ball or teaser on a stick. Utilising items that encourage their natural instincts is a great way of keeping your pet entertained – just make sure you swap the toy every few days so they don’t get bored of it!

DIY

Homemade toys work just as well as those available in shops. You can create a teaser with strips of fabric from old clothes, blankets, or towels – simply tie them together at one end, leaving the rest to trail behind for your pet to chase. The same technique can be used to make a tug toy – just make sure to knot all the pieces together every few centimetres from end to end, as this will add strength and provide something that you and your pet can both grip.

Boxes are another favourite as they can be used in many ways, from making hidey holes through to creating tunnels. You could even cut out holes and connect several boxes together to create a maze for your pet to find their way through.

For more ideas on how to keep your pet entertained this winter, visit:

https://www.pdsa.org.uk/catexercise

Leith Academy: Kit for All

SPORTS CLOTHES WANTED

KitForAll – Leith PE are requesting donations of pre-loved sports kit for our KitForAll campaign.

KitforAll is about offering sports kit to individuals and families who need it the most, for FREE.

With your donations, we hope to make sport and physical activity more accessible.

#PassItOn

Three more UK cities introduce clean air zones


More UK cities are set to introduce clean air zones this year, making motorists pay a charge if they wish to enter city centres.

Road safety experts at Road Angel are urging drivers to check for changes in their local areas and to get any necessary permits to prevent facing fines for driving through these zones.

Drivers in London already face charges if they wish to enter the capital’s low and ultra low emission zones (ULEZ). Five other UK cities have already introduced clean air zones with three more due to start in the coming weeks and months.

Currently, drivers in Bath, Birmingham, Bradford, Bristol and Portsmouth all face potential charges based on the level of their emissions.

Tyneside is set to introduce its own Clean Air Zone on 30 January and Sheffield will follow suit on 27 February.

Greater Manchester is the third local authority set to introduce a clean air zone in 2023 although they have yet to agree on a date.

Cities are able to choose one of four possible clean air zones from Class A through to Class D which each class targeting different types of road vehicles. Failure to comply can result in a fine of up to £120.

Currently, only Birmingham and Bristol have introduced Class D Clean Air Zones – these are the most far reaching and require private car drivers to register and potentially pay charges depending on the level of their emissions.

Both Bath and Bradford have introduced Class C Clean Air Zones, these target vans, minibuses, coaches, taxis, HGVs, buses and private hire vehicles but not privately owned cars.

Portsmouth is currently the only city to have brought in Class B restrictions where charges apply to coaches, taxis, HGVs, buses and private hire vehicles but not cars, vans or minibuses.

It’s believed that Sheffield is planning on a Class C zone while Tyneside is planning to introduce Class B restrictions. Details for Manchester’s upcoming zone have not yet been finalised.

A spokesperson for Road Angel said: “We welcome changes to improve air quality in our cities but we don’t want these changes to take any drivers by surprise.

“Therefore we are urging drivers who may be visiting any of these cities to check the government’s website to find out if they are required to obtain a permit for a clean air zone.

“It’s also worth checking the vehicle’s logbook where information on the vehicle’s emission rate can be found to determine if charges can be applicable in clean air zones.

“If drivers don’t pay the fee applied to their area within six days of entering the clean air zone, they can face a standard penalty charge of £120.

“Going forward, we predict this will encourage drivers to turn to electric vehicles so they don’t have to face further charges for their vehicle’s emission rates.

“While Sheffield and Tyneside are currently the only areas planned to introduce charges in 2023, along with the possibility of Greater Manchester, it doesn’t stop the case for more cities across the UK to add their names to the list.”

Drivers venturing into these cities will soon have access to this information in-car via the Road Angel Pure

Edinburgh’s city centre Low Emission Zone (LEZ) was approved by Scottish Ministers on 19 May 2022 and was introduced on 31 May 2022. Enforcement will start on 1 June 2024, following a two-year grace period for all.

Board Games at ELREC

TUESDAY AFTERNOONS from 10th JANUARY

Did you make your New Year resolutions? How about dedicating more time to resting, relaxing and slowing down in our busy lives this year?

We are organising a free space to play board games in ELREC every Tuesday at 3:30-5:30pm from 10th January! Come alone or with friends to have fun and meet new people!

The board games afternoons will be a part of the Conscious Living Project that aims to promote wellbeing, mental health and raise environmental awareness ❤

We are gathering and buying board games to play but you are very welcome to come with your group and own board games to play as well! Feel free to share the post or let your friends or family know 🙂

If you know anyone who feels lonely and want to spend some time with other people, it would be a great opportunity!

There are limited spaces so you would need to register to take part:

https://www.eventbrite.com/…/board-games-afternoons…

Hope to see you!

Burns Community Ceilidh at Royston Wardieburn Community Centre

Music, dancing, poetry, food …sounds good doesn’t it! Join PCHP and partners as we celebrate #burnsnight community style !!!

You’ll be treated to a delicious meal and the music will be provided by the amazing Tinderbox Collective – what’s not to like!

Tickets will be on sale from Monday the 16th of January at Royston Wardieburn Community Centre reception desk and also from the Granton Garden Bakery window on Saturday the 21st of January so don’t miss your chance to have braw wee night out.

If you’d like to perform or volunteer at the event then please get in touch with; tom@grantoncommunitygardeners.org to arrange 🙂

Look forward to seeing you all there.

#community#burnsnight#alltogether#edinburghnorth

Aldi Scotland launches ‘Keep Kevin Cosy’ charity boxes to help homeless people stay warm this winter

 The discount retailer’s beloved mascot will be collecting hats and gloves to donate to those who need it most this festive season 

Aldi Scotland has launched a new charity campaign encouraging customers to donate their unwanted winter warmers this Christmas.  

Following widespread success over the last two years for its ‘Not Socks Again?!’ campaign, which saw more than 4,000 pairs of socks donated to good causes, Aldi has partnered with Crisis Scotland to help deliver hats and gloves to help keep the most vulnerable people warm this winter.  

The initiative encourages customers to drop off any unwanted or extra unused hats or gloves that they may have received as Christmas gifts to the ‘Keep Kevin Cosy’ boxes, which will be in all of Aldi’s 104 stores in Scotland. The boxes will be in Aldi stores from the 2nd of January until the end of the month. 

Donations will be received by Crisis Scotland, which works tirelessly to help those struggling with homelessness. The charity’s policy advocacy and campaign teams come together to provide practical support and advice, inform professionals, and campaign for legislative change in order to create the best possible outcomes for people in housing need.  

Neil Cowan, Scotland’s Head of Policy & Communications at Crisis Scotland, said: “As the cost-of-living crisis has intensified, demand for our services has shot up. Unaffordable housing costs, rising energy bills, and increasing food prices are all factors pushing people closer to homelessness.  

“Crisis Scotland operates year-round to help people take their first steps out of homelessness, or to prevent it entirely. To continue providing our services and campaigning for change, we greatly rely on the generosity of supporters, which is why we are delighted to be Aldi Scotland’s chosen charity for the Keep Kevin Cost campaign.  

“On behalf of the team at Crisis Scotland, we would like to thank everyone who is able to donate.”  

We rely on the generosity of supporters to provide our services and campaign for change, which is why we are delighted to be Aldi Scotland’s chosen charity for the Keep Kevin Cosy campaign.” 

Richard Holloway, Regional Managing Director for Scotland, said: “This year has been incredibly challenging for people across the country, so we wanted to do our bit to help Crisis Scotland, who are working day in and day out to support the most vulnerable people in society. 

“We know that homeless charities often look for warm clothing and accessories over the winter period, so I would encourage our customers to donate any unwanted hats or gloves, and put them to better use this festive season.”  

As part of the campaign, Aldi will also make a £1,000 donation to Crisis Scotland.”  

The boxes will be in all 104 of Aldi’s stores in Scotland from Monday, 2nd January. Customers are invited to drop off any unwanted, new and unused, hats and gloves, which will all be donated to Crisis Scotland. You can find your nearest Aldi store here.  

Scottish businesses set to benefit from new specialist finance support

Lloyds Bank has appointed Jamie Kemp to the role of Invoice Finance Area Director for Scotland and the North East, as it strengthens its support for businesses across the region.

Jamie has over 11 years of experience in the finance sector, with experiencing spanning across retail, private and commercial banking. Over the last 4 years, Jamie has specialised in Invoice Finance and has been recognised by UK Finance as their Top Foundation and Certificate student.

In his latest role, Jamie held the title of Business Planning Manager for the Invoice & Asset Finance Sales division where he was responsible for overseeing and supporting national delivery and performance.

Jamie Kemp commented: “I am delighted to lead a team of highly experienced Invoice Finance professionals to deliver bespoke solutions for small to medium sized enterprises. The current climate is making the cost of operating more and more challenging for businesses.

“I’m looking forward to supporting those businesses based in the North East and Scotland through these challenging times as much as possible in my new role alongside my team.”

Ben Stephenson, the Head of Specialist Client Solutions at Lloyds Bank, added: “We are pleased to welcome Jamie into the role of Invoice Finance Area Director. He brings with him a wealth of banking and finance experience, which will stand him in good stead to excel in this role and provide exceptional service for our clients.”

While starting his new role, Jamie is also hiring for an Invoice Finance Field Sales position (Associate Director level) based in and around Glasgow. The role has been designed to attract enthusiastic and talented individuals which may be new to the Invoice Finance industry.

It offers a substantial period of training, supported by a comprehensive learning plan, which includes undertaking the Invoice Finance Foundation Course, UK Finance’s entry-level qualification. This should ensure that the successful candidate has the best possible start to a career in Invoice Finance.

New for 2023, visit Scotland’s best kept secret with Rabbies

Explore unspoilt beaches, abundant wildlife, and beautifully quaint streets on a visit to … Scotland.

It doesn’t get bonnier than the country’s best-kept secret, the magnificent South West coast, which is why Rabbie’s (www.rabbies.com) is offering a new, unforgettable two-day tour to the hidden gem.

Journeying from the grandest forest in the UK to a castle scarred by the brutal battles of the past, Rabbie’s Scenic South West of Scotland tour encompasses both the stunning beauty and fascinating history of Scotland, and is available to book now with tours starting in May 2023.

On the two-day tour, visitors will navigate the historically rich and environmentally stunning region. Head deep into the largest forest in the UK, Galloway Forest, to look up at the dark skies and be left in awe at the stunning night sky above.

Travel to Scotland’s most southern point, the Mull of Galloway, to enjoy amazing views of the peninsula’s wildlife and cliffs. Trek through the ancient woodland and mountain vistas located in the Galloway & Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere. With memorable views of the lochs and mountains, enjoy this peaceful walk through a truly untouched wilderness.

Join Rabbie’s Two-Day Scenic South West of Scotland tour departing from Glasgow from £145 per person.

For more information about Rabbie’s and its tour offerings, visit www.rabbies.com.

Community groups urged to apply for Scotmid Community Orchard funding

An environmental and wellbeing initiative that will benefit almost 200 communities across Scotland has been launched by Scotmid.

‘Scotmid Community Orchard’ funding will allow fruit trees and bushes to be planted across the communities Scotmid serves. The sites, of five or more plants, will then form part of a Scotland-wide orchard of thousands of trees and bushes. 

The retailer is seeking a group near each of its stores to plant five or more fruit trees or bushes within a community space. They will award £200 to each successful applicant, to fund the purchase of plants.

The initiative has been created to encourage people to work together, increasing physical activity and improving local environments.

Orchards offer volunteering opportunities throughout the year as well as the chance to learn new skills, create habitats for wildlife and produce an array of edible produce. 

John Brodie, Chief Executive of Scotmid, said: “We love the idea that people planting fruit trees or bushes in Edinburgh not only benefits those close to them but allows them to be part of something so much bigger – an orchard spanning hundreds of miles weaving through our Scottish communities.

“We all recognise the value that green spaces bring. Scotmid is thrilled to provide the funding for our communities to plant, grow, learn, and let nature thrive.”

Karen Davidson from Social Farms and Gardens, who are providing advice to budding growers, said: “We are so excited to see Scotmid leading the way, creating a network of micro-orchards across Scotland through this funding.

“Community orchards are part of a local food system. Promoting the health benefits of fresh produce and outdoor exercise to people of all age groups, orchards are excellent places for people to come together and enjoy the outdoors, whilst providing a focal point for community activities.”

Scotmid is seeking one group near each of its stores across Scotland to plant five or more fruit trees or bushes.

Edinburgh groups are encouraged to apply by visiting: 

https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/communityorchard/

Applications close on 20th January 2023.