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Heart of Newhaven: February News

In our last newsletter, we warned you that we may not be in the building until well into March, but we’re into February now and we’re full of optimism: after all, that’s only a few weeks away!

You may have wondered about the apparent abandonment of the now vacant school and we had hoped to put some publicity up on the railings to bring the local community up to date with what is really happening in case they are not connected digitally or have been confused by erroneous publicity elsewhere.

This, for various reasons has not happened yet, but rest assured we are moving in soon and we’re raring to go and keen to welcome you all inside as soon as we can.

Meanwhile, while we wait for the keys, we’ve had successful site visits to check on what’s been left behind from the school move, our architects are busy on our “meanwhile use” plans and checks have been carried out on the state of the building and a list of necessary repairs and works, has been drawn up.

Now for some updates.

Restoration Forth –

An exhibition is to be held at the John Hope Gateway at the Botanic Gardens February 12 – April 24th. All the community hubs, of which we are one of six, are or will be exhibiting boards promoting what we are each offering.

We are excited to be participating in the project, as it supports each of our three themes, culture and heritage, learning and enterprise and an improvement in wellbeing, linked together by generations working together.

Once we are open, we will be hosting citizen science sessions and exhibitions to raise environmental awareness along the Forth Coastline, including wall hangings, craft creations, pop up banners and printed material plus musical events to compliment the exhibition – something for all ages!

Work on our friendship benches has resumed, with youngsters from the Citadel project beginning work on the decoration next weekend with help from local artist Johnathan Elders.

Watch out for the benches: they might be among the first things we move onto the site!

Our collaboration with the Pilmeny Development Project goes from strength to strength with our Friendship Group increasing in numbers and eliciting some wonderful feedback.

“I have been virtually housebound for the last two years. It is wonderful to get out of the house and just chat to so many people,” says one participant.

If you’d like to get involved, you can email Norma Johnson, our HoNC trustee liaison for this at norma_johnston@hotmail.com.

We wouldn’t have got this far without help and support from the community so do check out our Partners page on the website.

That will give you an idea of all the wonderful partners, individuals and organisations who have generously given their money and their time to support the project as well as acknowledging the many and various grants we have been awarded by different funding bodies.

Scotland braced for Storm Dudley

Deputy First Minister John Swinney chaired a meeting of the Scottish Government’s Resilience Room (SGoRR) last night in preparation for severe weather expected this week.

The Met Office has issued an amber wind warning for today -Wednesday 16 February – ahead of Storm Dudley. This will be followed by a second named storm, Storm Eunice, which is expected to bring strong winds and snow on Friday.

The Deputy First Minister has advised the public to plan their journeys in advance and check the latest advice before travelling.

Deputy First Minister John Swinney said: “We expect another period of disruption this week, with Storms Dudley and Eunice set to bring strong winds to Scotland.

“High winds may cause issues on roads and bridges, disruption to power supplies and danger from falling trees. We would urge everyone to plan their journeys in advance, exercise caution on the roads, and follow the latest travel advice.

“Other transport services are likely to be affected, so if you are planning to travel by train, ferry or air, please check with your operator to make sure your service is still running.

“The Scottish Government’s resilience committee has met this evening and will continue to monitor the situation for the duration of the storms.

“The Scottish Government is in close contact with local authorities and emergency and essential services to ensure people in the affected areas receive the latest information, advice and support where needed.”

Storm Dudley will impact on the northern half of the UK from Wednesday afternoon through to early Thursday, while Storm Eunice will bring strong winds and potentially some snow for parts of the country on Friday.  

Met Office Chief Meteorologist Paul Gundersen said: “An active jet stream is driving low-pressure systems across the country, both of which are likely to cause some disruption and National Severe Weather Warnings have been issued.”

The Met Office warnings for Storm Dudley and Storm Eunice can be viewed on their website.

Follow @metoffice for any updates to the weather warnings in place.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency issues flood alerts and warnings for Scotland. View the latest updates on their website.

Updates on ScotRail services and road conditions are available online.

Advice on preparing for severe weather can be found on the Ready Scotland website.

Double trouble! Storms warning for motorists

A leading insurance firm is warning motorists to check their policies before venturing out this week after the latest weather forecasts say two storms will hit Scotland from Wednesday night.

Storm Dudley is expected to bring coastal flooding as it coincides with high tides as well as gusts of up to 90mph and rain. Storm Eunice will follow on Friday with snow and more heavy rain.

Quotezone.co.uk, a leading car insurance comparison website, says any damage to cars caused by driving through flooded roads might not be covered by insurance policies. It warns motorists to carefully check their policies exclusions, and even if routes are partially blocked, drivers should think twice before using waterlogged roads.

Greg Wilson, Founder of Quotezone.co.uk, comments: “Motorists who have taken out third party only or third-party, fire and theft insurance won’t be covered for any storm damage to their vehicles, such as flying debris – only fully-comprehensive policyholders are likely to be protected in those cases.

“With Scotland expected to bear the brunt of the conditions, getting where you need to go without encountering a flooded road could be easier said than done. 

“Unfortunately, though, if motorists do decide to drive through these roads, there’s a very real risk that they won’t be covered for any resulting water damage to the car – even fully-comprehensive drivers.”

Greg Wilson advises motorists that have to go out to make sure their cars are roadworthy before setting off. Some insurance providers offer winter emergency survival kits as standard but if they don’t, it is wise to put one in the boot with thermal blankets, torches, phone chargers, emergency food and water rations and a first aid kit just in case.

Quotezone.co.uk compares prices across all types of car insurance, including breakdown cover, helping around 3 million users every year find better deals on their insurance, with over 400 insurance brands across 60 different products. Recommended by 97% of reviewers on Reviews.co.uk. 

Take a walk on the wild side

East Cairngorms steadily climbing as the destination for walkers and hikers of all levels

The East Cairngorms has much to offer in the way of outdoor adventures – be it skiing, mountain biking, climbing, kayaking, or hiking. Often not included as a tourist hot spot for those ‘bagging Munros’; the East Cairngorms offers a real escape with its numerous and often quieter routes than some of the better-known hiking destinations. The locals say it is one of Scotland’s best kept secrets.

The ease of access to walks of all levels – including numerous Munros – makes it an attractive option for families, retirees, and weekend amblers; as well as experienced hikers looking for new challenges and less explored routes.  

Ballater, Braemar and the surrounding villages have witnessed a surge of UK based visitors coming in search of more wild outdoor time – whether it be for a short low incline walk from the villages, or whole weekends hiking in the hills.

Allan Murdoch, Braemar local and long-standing member of the Braemar Mountain Rescue Team says, “The feel of East Cairngorms is quite a bit wilder than the west, which has been very geared towards tourism for a long time.

“I think it appeals that you can get away from it all here; often walking for hours without meeting anyone.  We also tend to get a lot drier weather this side!”

With half-term around the corner, the East Cairngorms is the perfect place to get children outdoors and into nature.

Allan says: “It is a great place to spend quality family time, outdoors, exploring together and spotting wildlife. In the winter it is brilliant with kids because you can be safely hiking one day, then the next, drive 10 to 40 minutes (depending where you start) up the road to Glenshee – Scotland’s biggest ski resort and the kids can learn to ski. The snow machine means there is always enough to learn on.”

There’s also plenty of options for food and refreshments in the villages – one of which is The Bothy in Braemar that sits alongside Braemar Mountain Sports shop.  (There is a sister business The Bothy in Ballater).

Karen Bruce who runs The Bothy says, “We’ve noticed way more people out and about all year round – more than there used to be.

“We’re busier than we’ve ever been this January. We get a whole mixture of folk in for food – lots of people come here for family walks and stop off with us for lunch. We also get the more serious mountain hikers coming in for breakfast after they’ve been camping in the hills.”

 “I think what makes hiking and walking unique in this area is the ease of access – the roads are good; parking is easy, and you can walk directly from Braemar or Ballater and access hundreds of trails of all levels of difficulty.”

“It makes it easy to find adventure, as well as quality accommodation and delicious food! And with our outdoor shop next door – you can pick up any last-minute clothes or kit you might need.”

Many locals have settled in the area because of their own love for the hills, and through their businesses seek to share their knowledge and passion with visitors.

Sarah Hubbard is one such local who runs Cranford Guest House with her husband who is also on the Braemar Mountain Rescue Team.

Sarah says, “We’re so lucky in our positioning – being right in the heart of the national park you have beauty in every direction.

“We’ve noticed a big shift through the pandemic in how people visit – whereas before lots of people used to try to cover the whole of Scotland in a week so would only pass through for a night, most people stay for a few days now and want to really get to know the area and get out for longer full day walks”

“We’re passionate about the outdoors and are very familiar with the local routes so we love helping our guests tailor their routes over breakfast and send them off ordinate survey maps and guidebooks”

Mountain hiking has become an increasingly valuable part of tourism for Scotland. In 2020, according to Visit Scotland, 290,000 British residents took overnight visits to Scotland where adventure sports were part of the trip, contributing £112 million in spend. 

To capitalise on this adventure destination, a new campaign, Imagine More, to promote tourism in the East Cairngorms was launched recently by Ballater Business Association (BBA) and Braemar Tourism Group (BTG).

The campaign, which includes a website, promotional video, and trip planner is the first in a series of five which aim to inspire visitors to explore the East Cairngorms as a year-round destination for outdoor activity. 

For more information on hiking and walking in the East Cairngorms, head to:

https://www.visitballater.com/east-cairngorms-mountain-hiking-and-walking-trail/    

Scots’ views sought on mandatory digital waste tracking

  • Consultation sets out UK-wide approach to introduce mandatory Digital Waste Tracking (DWT) for the movement of waste.
  • Plans will help track compliance and tackle illegal waste exports and fly-tipping – an issue recently highlighted by the programme BBC Disclosure
  • Powers in Environment Act mean digital waste tracking can support the effective regulation of waste and track waste and resource flows in a circular economy

A consultation setting out plans for a mandatory digital waste tracking service in the UK was launched on 21 January 2022.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency and Scottish Government have been working with UK partners to develop a four-nation approach to digital tracking of waste movements.

The Environment Act 2021 provides powers for the Scottish Government to develop regulations to introduce a digital waste tracking service in Scotland, which will be implemented by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA).

The consultation is seeking views on the practical aspects of implementing digital waste tracking across the UK including:

  • What waste activities and information will need to be recorded
  • What current waste reporting will be replaced by the new service
  • How users will be able to enter information onto the service
  • Who will be required to enter information and when
  • Alternative provisions for digitally excluded waste holders
  • Data access controls
  • Cost recoveryCompliance and enforcement
  • How we should go live with the service

SEPA urges Scottish businesses and stakeholders to take part in the consultation and provide their views. The consultation can be found on SEPA’s consultation hub.

A mandatory UK digital waste tracking service will transform the way we track waste and resource flows, tackle waste crime and prioritise regulatory activities. It will help SEPA identify actions to support a shift to the circular economy, facilitate strategic decision making and support users to make informed choices about how their waste is managed.

This means those handling waste will record information from the point waste is produced to the stage it is disposed of, recycled and reused. This will enable regulators to better tackle waste crime, including fly-tipping, illegal waste sites, and illegal waste exports.

It will also help businesses and householders comply with their duty of care with regards to waste and help them make more informed choices about how their waste is managed.

As highlighted in BBC Disclosure’s recent broadcast, Dirty Business, criminal activities including fly-tipping, illegal dumping, and the illegal export of waste abroad can blight communities, harm the environment, and pose a risk to human health.

Research estimates £53 million is taken from the public purse every year in Scotland removing illegal waste and serious and organised crime is estimated to cost the UK economy at least £600 million a year.

Scotland generates 11.45 million tonnes of waste a year and DWT will help unlock opportunities to do better things with our waste and resources.

Scottish Government Circular Economy Minister, Lorna Slater, said: “A digital waste tracking system will help to tackle the waste crime that causes such harm to our environment, such as flytipping and illegal waste exports. Having access to comprehensive and up to date information on where waste is generated and moved within Scotland is vital if we are to crack down on waste crime.

“By making it easier to identify opportunities to reduce the waste produced and reuse more of the materials we consume, these measures will help create a circular economy, where materials are kept in use for as long as possible and nothing is wasted.

“Developing and implementing a digital waste tracking system will provide a step change in the quality and timeliness of waste data. This will support decision-making and help us to cut emissions and meet our waste reduction and recycling targets.”

DWT will help to deliver SEPA’s Regulatory Strategy by monitoring compliance with the Duty of Care, enabling timely tracking of hazardous waste, facilitate better data analysis to identify waste crime and provide data to support the development and monitoring of sector plans.

It will also enable the identification and tracking of materials and resources to facilitate their more efficient use in the circular economy, supporting the objectives of SEPA’s Waste to Resources Framework and Scottish Government’s circular economy strategy.

Ian Buchanan, Chief Officer of Compliance and Beyond, for SEPA said: “Digital Waste Tracking will improve the way we regulate waste and help waste producers and the waste management industry demonstrate compliance and make important decisions about waste and resources.

“DWT will also strengthen our ability to track compliance, prioritise regulatory activities and help prevent waste crime, including illegal export of waste.

“We are clear in what we expect of businesses of all sizes, from SMEs to specialist companies. Ignorance of the law is no excuse.

“SEPA will continue to invest significant regulatory effort in monitoring waste movement and waste exports to ensure compliance and will use a variety of approaches to successfully detect, disrupt and deter illegal activity in Scotland.

“Waste crime has a real impact on local communities and legitimate business. It can cause serious pollution, puts communities at risk and undermines the efforts of legitimate operators.”

A spokesperson for the Resource Management Association Scotland said: “We welcome the announcement of the Digital Waste Tracking consultation.

“This presents an excellent opportunity to shape the future of waste data and tracking, to help support the Resource and Waste Management Sector in Scotland and the journey to net zero and we will be encouraging our members to respond.”

You can find the consultation which closes on 15 April 2022 on SEPA’s consultation hub.

Applications from across Scotland for new Child Disability Payment

Clients from every local authority in Scotland have successfully applied for the new Child Disability Payment in the weeks following its national launch.

Following a pilot in three local authority areas, the benefit was rolled out across the country from 22 November 2021.

According to the latest official statistics, almost £400,000 has been paid out between the pilot’s start date of 26 July 2021 and 31 December 2021.

Most applications have been received from Glasgow City (12%), followed by pilot areas Dundee City (11%) and Perth & Kinross (8%).

Clients receiving Child Disability Payment can get payments to cover care and mobility. More than half (52%) of clients were authorised for both, with 47% awarded care only and 1% mobility only.

The care payment is split into three tiers, high, middle and low levels. The highest level has been authorised to 43% of clients, with middle 40% and lowest 17%.

Child Disability Payment replaces the UK Government’s Disability Living Allowance for children.

Those already receiving Disability Living Allowance for children do not need to make a new application as we will contact them ahead of their award being automatically transferred.

Heather from Peebles successfully applied for Child Disability Payment for her child.

She said: “Having previous experience of applying for Disability Living Allowance for children, I was so delighted to see how well the form is designed and it gave lots of guidance as to the information required.

“Being able to do it online in chunks and go back to it is very helpful and makes things much easier. This easier application process will open the door to help more vulnerable children and families to apply.

“I am so grateful as this will make such a difference to the enhancements I can provide for him. The things that bring my son joy are video games and learning skills at forest school.

“Having that bit more money from Child Disability Payment means he can do more courses like this where they work in small groups. That really builds his confidence and self-esteem. The positive experience of this then helps him to cope better with the challenges of the school environment.

“Hopefully this will have the knock-on effect in the long term, boosting his self-worth and encouraging him to make friends. The impact on his education has been incredible.”

Child Disability Payment provides money to help with the extra care and mobility costs children and young people with a disability may have, up to the age of 18.

People can find out more and apply through mygov.scot or by calling 0800 182 2222.

Nurse who had two ‘pandemic’ babies urges mums-to-be to get vaccinated 

A Glasgow nurse who has had two babies during the pandemic, is urging other mums-to-be to follow her lead and get their COVID vaccinations.
 
Ali Hair, who is a nurse on a surgical ward at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital is mum to Solomon (17 months) and three-month-old Iris.

When she was pregnant with her son there were no vaccines available but Ali jumped at the chance to get one in January 2021. She had her second in March when she was a few weeks pregnant with Iris, followed by her booster in September.
 
Ali said: “Pregnancy is a very worrying time, but even more so in a pandemic. But I had no hesitation in getting my vaccinations, to protect me, my baby, my family and of course my patients. It’s not new technology; we have had flu jags for years. It’s just a different vaccine and there is strong evidence behind it.
 
“Pregnant women are at risk of becoming sicker with the virus than other women of the same age and many have been hospitalised. Some have even had to be delivered early and that’s never something you want.
 
Baby Iris was born on 4 November and Ali started tandem breastfeeding her two babies.
 
Ali said: “I’m not sure if that was the reason but myself and the babies managed to escape catching COVID at Christmas when our whole family got together. My partner Christopher also escaped it. Twelve out of sixteen people got it, but we were fine.
 
“I do understand why some women may have reservations as pregnancy is a worrying time, but it was the right decision for me and my family and made me feel protected.”
 
NHSGGC Director of Public Health, Linda de Caestecker said: “We encourage all pregnant women to get their vaccinations – it’s the best protection you can get for you and your baby.  

“The vaccine is safe for women at any stage of pregnancy or breastfeeding so please come forward for jabs if not already protected.”

‘Green’ Freeport for Leith?

Scottish and UK Governments reach agreement

A partnership agreement to establish two ‘Green’ Freeports in Scotland has been reached between Scottish and UK Ministers.

Following ‘robust’ discussions in recent months, both governments have agreed:

  • to establish a joint applicant prospectus, with Ministers and officials from both the Scottish and UK Government having an equal say throughout the assessment and selection process
  • that applicants in Scotland are required to contribute towards a just transition to net-zero emissions by 2045, delivering net-zero benefits and creating new green jobs
  • that applicants in Scotland are required to set out how they will support high-quality employment opportunities that offer good salaries and conditions, and how fair work practices will be embedded in the green freeport area

Ministers have agreed that a joint offer set out in a prospectus offers the maximum benefits for the Scottish economy as both governments will be able to deliver tax reliefs and other incentives through a combination of devolved and reserved powers.

As a result of the recent negotiations, UK Ministers are expected to provide up to £52 million in seed funding to help establish Green Freeports in Scotland which is in line with funding offered to Freeports across England.

Economy Secretary Kate Forbes said: “I am pleased we have been able to reach an agreement on a joint approach that recognises the distinct needs of Scotland’s economy and enshrines the Scottish Government’s commitment to achieving net-zero and embedding fair work practices through public investment.  

“The Scottish Government will have an equal say on all bids, and will expect bidders to adhere to fair work practices including payment of the Real Living Wage.

“Scotland has a rich history of innovative manufacturers and so as we look to grasp the many opportunities of achieving net-zero, the establishment of internationally competitive clusters of excellence will help us create new green jobs, deliver a just transition and support our economic transformation.

“We can only seize Scotland’s economic potential if we create secure, sustainable and satisfying jobs that also help build a fairer, more prosperous economy for everyone. That is my absolute priority and establishing Green Freeports will be integral to achieving this.”

Secretary of State Michael Gove said:  “This is a truly exciting moment for Scotland, and I am delighted we will be working together with the Scottish Government to set up two new Green Freeports.

“Green Freeports help inject billions into the local economy, while levelling-up by creating jobs for local people, and opportunities for people all over the UK to flourish.  

“By collaborating using opportunities like Green Freeports we can work to level-up the whole of the UK and bring benefits and opportunities to communities that need it most.” 

The term ‘Green Freeports’ reflects the Scottish Government’s distinctive net zero aspirations. The UK Government will continue to use the term ‘Freeports’ for its programme in the rest of the UK.

Forth Ports – which owns and operates seven ports on Scotland’s East coast and the Port of Tilbury, which is part of the recently-announced Thames Freeport  – has issued a statement following the announcement.

Stuart Wallace, Chief Operating Officer at Forth Ports, said: “We welcome the announcement by the UK and Scottish governments of the forthcoming bid process for two Green Freeports in Scotland and confirm that we plan to participate in this process. 

“A Firth of Forth Green Freeport will catalyse the decarbonisation of Scotland’s major industrial cluster, creating 50,000 new, high-quality jobs in renewable energy, manufacturing, sustainable fuels and construction.

“Building on our first-hand experience of freeports, we plan to create an ambitious set of programmes to harness the regeneration benefits of this economic policy. 

“The legacy of our green freeport will be the creation of large-scale green manufacturing industries with significant export potential and a sustainable fuel cluster, alongside major upgrades to infrastructure and skills development among young adults to ensure a Team Scotland approach as the UK transitions to a decarbonised future.”

Lauriston farm site to be transformed by Unexpected Garden

The site will be one of 12 Unexpected Gardens around Scotland as part of creative arts programme Dandelion, showing that even the unlikeliest of places can bloom

Gardens are set to transform unexpected places in Edinburgh as it’s announced today, Edinburgh Agroecology Coop (EAC) will be partnering with creative arts programme, Dandelion,to grow an Unexpected Garden within Lauriston Farm.

Commissioned by EventScotland and funded via the Scottish Government,  Dandelion is Scotland’s contribution to UNBOXED: Creativity in the UK, a nationwide programme of creative events and engagement.

Driven by the concept of ‘Sow, Grow, Share’ – not just food but ideas, music, scientific knowledge, and community – Dandelion takes a unique approach to growing.

Bringing together artists, scientists, performers, and technologists to present events and programmes throughout Scotland, including the Unexpected Gardens, Dandelion will culminate in hundreds of harvest celebrations later this year.

Bringing new life to community libraries, car parks and even tidal sites from the Western Isles to the Borders, the Unexpected Gardens are set to be a highlight of Dandelion, taking place from April to September 2022.

The 100-acre Edinburgh site will give members of the EAC and volunteers to the site the opportunity to experiment with farming practices and nurture the indigenous and existing plants, while creating a magnificent portal to Lauriston Farm. The EAC will work closely with North Edinburgh Arts on the project as they invite residents and wider communities to come together to learn and grow.

A spokesperson for Lauriston Farm said: “Lauriston Farm is delighted to be part of this nationwide project that celebrates the diversity of growing, people and places.

“Having the opportunity and support to create a unique garden and cultural programme that connects community, art and food is fantastic and enhances pathways for creative engagement in the farm.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming lots of people to explore and participate in the garden and activities at the farm.”

Other sites include Findhorn Bay Arts’ gardens in the centre of Forres, the unique garden will respond to the town’s main square and multiple alleys, promoting the growing of mushrooms which will thrive in the dark shadowy entryways. Also in the Highlands, arriving to sites across Caithness, Lyth Arts Centre’s Garden will roll off a trailer and become home to a performance and workshop space.

In Fife, the Leven Programme will convert the car park of The Centre – a community space – into a garden site. While Cove Park in Argyll will look to the water as they use tidal sites in Loch Long and Gare Loch to focus on food and flora native to the area such as sea buckthorn and seaweed.

Elsewhere in Scotland, RIG Arts will take over a site behind South West Library in Greenock, Taigh Chearsabhagh in Uist, Fèis Rois in Alness, The Stove Network and Stranraer Development Trust, Alchemy Film & Arts in the Borders and a partnership of organisations in Dundee are also dusting off their green fingers to get involved!

Neil Butler, Festival and Events Director said: “We’re excited to announce today the locations of our Unexpected Gardens. We look forward to watching each of the gardens come to life as they grow and hope that their programme of events succeeds in bringing people together.

“Sustainability lies at the heart of our programme, and we can’t wait to see people from all over Scotland sowing, growing and sharing food, music, ideas.”

Each Unexpected Garden will host a programme of events unique to each location throughout the summer, programmed by a creative producer. A local Musician in Residence will also be appointed to each site, with applications now open, to create a new piece of work to be presented at the culminating Harvest event in September. Lauriston Farm is one of 10 sites currently taking applications for the role, for more information, and to apply please go to dandelion.scot/opportunities

Additionally, the gardens will be visited by Dandelion’s specially designed Cubes of Perpetual Light, part-artwork, part-miniature vertical farms, the cubes will grow hundreds of seedlings under LED light, showcasing the latest technological innovation in horticulture.

Fiona Dalgetty, Futures Director, said: “As part of Dandelion, we’re excited to work with a local musician or band who will help provide the soundtrack to our harvest. Our Musician in Residence role is a great opportunity for artists who are passionate about the environment and the climate crisis to share their voice. Music has the fantastic ability to forge emotional connection and unify people from all walks of life and hopefully create an understanding of the environmental challenges facing our times.”

Marie Christie, Head of Development at Event Scotland said: “We are thrilled to see that gardens across the whole of Scotland will be enjoyed by local people and visitors as part of the Dandelion programme throughout this year. It’s wonderful to be part of a project that celebrates such creativity and aims to connect with the widest range of audiences and participants.”

Dandelion is one of 10 major creative projects commissioned as part of UNBOXED: Creativity in the UK, which is taking place across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales in 2022. The UK’s most ambitious showcase of creative collaboration includes free large-scale events, installations and globally accessible digital experiences, and an extensive learning programme, which aims to reach millions of schoolchildren. Five other projects from the UNBOXED programme will present activities in Scotland, in addition to Dandelion.

UNBOXED’s Chief Creative Officer, Martin Green said: “UNBOXED celebrates creativity in its widest sense, placing it at the heart of people’s everyday lives, as Dandelion is doing across Scotland this summer. As a project, Dandelion is literally about sowing seeds for the future, which we hope will inspire local communities and the next generation. It’s part of a programme of five brilliant projects taking place in Scotland as part of UNBOXED this year, which combine art, science and tech, offering amazing events and experiences for everyone.”

To find out more about your local ‘edible garden’ visit: dandelion.scot

The full programme of events at each garden will be released in Spring.

Dandelion
April – September 2022
dandelion.scot


UNBOXED: Creativity in the UK

March 1 –  October 2, 2022
Unboxed2022.uk

Proposals to restrict fireworks to be examined by MSPs

Plans announced by the Scottish Government to restrict the public’s use of fireworks will be considered by the Scottish Parliament’s Criminal Justice Committee.

A call for views launches today to gather views on the proposals from the public and stakeholders. The results of this work will be used to inform MSPs on the Committee as they consider whether the proposals should be changed in any way, and ultimately passed into law.

Plans set out by the Scottish Government would affect the categories of fireworks commonly bought by the public for use at home. Usually to mark cultural events, celebrations and milestones, such as Bonfire Night, Diwali, birthdays, New Year and Chinese New Year.

The Government says that these changes should reduce misuse of fireworks, as well as help those adversely affected by them, such as pet owners, and those with additional needs.

Under the proposed measures:
• The dates fireworks can be sold in shops would be limited to those periods around major events (amounting to a total of 37 days a year);
• Dates the public could legally use fireworks would be similarly restricted;
• Anyone using these types of fireworks would need special training, and a fireworks licence
• Councils could create “control zones” where most types of fireworks would not be allowed (even on private land);
• The police would have new powers to search for and seize fireworks.

Speaking as the call for views launched, Committee Convener, Audrey Nicoll MSP, said: “We know that for many people and communities, fireworks are a dangerous nuisance – though we know some families enjoy them safely. 

“As a Committee, we will be examining whether the Scottish Government’s plans strike the right balance, and are likely to be effective in reducing misuse of fireworks.

“To help us with this, we want to listen to everyone with views on this issue. We have online surveys running until 11 March.”

The surveys, and more information about the Bill, can be found at: www.parliament.scot/fireworks-inquiry