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Skyrora boosted by European Space Agency funding

Scottish-based company aims to be the first to launch from Europe, delivering UK’s sovereign launch capability

Edinburgh-based rocket company, Skyrora, has received €3 million of co-funding from the European Space Agency (ESA), ensuring that the company can complete at pace the development of its rocket technology.

The funding not only represents a significant support of Skyrora’s ambitions as a pioneer in the sector but puts it on track to be the first UK company to launch satellites from Europe, delivering the UK’s sovereign space launch capability – a key Government ambition.

The funding, which is part of the ESA’s Boost! program, will be used by Skyrora to complete the crucial technology required to deliver consistent orbital launches from the UK with Skyrora’s XL launch vehicle.

Skyrora XL is a 23-meter 56-tonne three-stage rocket capable of carrying up to 315 kg into orbit. The vehicle is on course to be test-launched in 2022 from a UK spaceport.

This project plans to create over 170 high-skilled jobs in the UK.

Skyrora is ahead of any other UK launch company with its technology readiness, evidenced by four launches of its sounding rockets, static fire tests of its suborbital vehicle, and orbital third stage. Skyrora, which has its HQ in Edinburgh, has established its comprehensive rocket engine testing and manufacturing facilities in Scotland.

Volodymyr Levykin, founder and CEO of Skyrora, said: “This ESA contract will accelerate Skyrora’s progress on its journey to be the first to achieve the UK’s sovereign orbital launch.

“I am delighted that the UK Space Agency and the European Space Agency support our programme, which has, to date, delivered outstanding achievements – four successful launches, with two more ready for launch; the establishment of manufacturing and engine test facilities throughout Scotland; and the static fire test of our orbital third stage. ESA’s support, approved by the UK Space Agency through the Boost! programme will lead us to flight readiness of Skyrora XL in 2022.

“ESA’s funding will allow us to complete the set up of our larger Engine Test Complex, complete our 70kN engine programme and static fire test fire the first and second stages of Skyrora XL.

“Our pioneering work on championing environmental spaceflight, our proprietary eco-fuel and green innovations – together with the support of the European Space Agency and UK Space Agency – will help establish the UK not only as a world leader in space technology but the greenest space industry in the world too.”

Tim Peake, the first British astronaut to visit the International Space Station and an Advisor to Skyrora, said: “Independent access to space is vital for the UK to realise the full potential of its space industry and this exciting announcement for Skyrora brings us a big step closer to achieving that goal. 

“Skyrora is bringing innovation and growth to the space sector, whilst setting new benchmarks for reducing carbon emissions. I’m delighted that ESA has awarded Skyrora this contract to support providing a new space transportation system for Europe.”

Ivan McKee, Trade and Innovation Minister said: “This is great news for Skyrora as it takes another major step in bringing green small satellite launch capability to Scotland.

“Our aim for Scotland is to secure a slice of the $400 billion global space market by 2030, remaining committed to our climate change targets and becoming a net zero society by 2045.

“The Scottish space sector is unique in that the environment is at the forefront of our considerations. Skyrora’s use of innovative technologies like this will position Scotland as the go-to destination for sustainable space services.

“Skyrora’s engine test complex in Fife will contribute to our national mission to create new jobs, good jobs and green jobs. Developing an end-to-end space economy in Scotland will support these goals and benefit the entire country through the creation of highly skilled, green employment.”

Environmental leadership

Inspired by the UK’s historic Black Arrow programme, Skyrora is combining the UK’s engineering heritage with new technologies to enable the UK to regain its leading role in space – as a champion of environmental sustainability.

The production of Ecosene, Skyrora’s proprietary eco-fuel, will remove over 3,000 tons of unrecyclable plastic waste by 2030. Skyrora has also conducted several successful trials of Space Tug which is its solution for clearing debris and removing defunct satellites from orbit, enabling the UK to become a world leader in addressing space junk.

Skyrora’s innovations are helping to establish the UK space sector as a green industry while also opening up the utility of space to tackle climate change. Space technology contributes to the attainment of 13 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

Dr. Jack-James Marlow, Head of Engineering for Skyrora, said: “ESA’s funding award will enable Skyrora to significantly accelerate the pace at which we can complete the next stages on our technological roadmap and become the first UK company to launch satellites from Europe.

“We draw huge inspiration from the British engineers who led the way on the Black Arrow programme, and we are thrilled to be advancing their pioneering work at Skyrora for the benefit of the UK.”

Amanda Solloway MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Science, Research and Innovation, said: “The UK’s space industry is thriving and we have bold ambitions to be Europe’s leading destination for small satellite launches, developing world class commercial spaceflight capability up and down the country. 

“Today’s funding for two of our most innovative space businesses is not only a step forward for UK spaceflight, but it will also help to create highly skilled jobs and local opportunities as we build back better from the pandemic.”

Ian Annett, Deputy CEO, UK Space Agency said: “This funding is great news for the UK space sector and will ensure companies such as Skyrora really are at the forefront of the European space industry. 

“This support to our thriving space sector, alongside our flexible regulations and strong international agreements, means the UK is well placed to benefit from the new commercial opportunities UK launch will bring.”

£500,000 to support outdoor activities for children

Children in some of the country’s most deprived areas are to benefit from free organised outdoor play activities aimed at improving their health and wellbeing.

A total of £500,000 is being provided to expand the Outdoor Community Play Fund in 2021-22, which is administered by Inspiring Scotland.

In 2020-21 the fund distributed £380,000 to 23 play charities reaching more than 5,000 children in Scotland’s most deprived communities.

Children’s Minister Maree Todd said: “Protecting children’s right to play has been one of the key priorities in our decision making to suppress transmission of the virus. We understand the value of outdoor play for children’s wellbeing and resilience, as well as their physical and mental health.

“Children and families from more deprived areas can often find it more difficult to access organised outdoor activities, so I’m pleased that this additional funding will help even more children play outside in a safe and fun way.”

Karen Shepherd, Play Development Officer of Aberdeen Play Forum, who were recipients of funding in 2020/21, said: “A lot of parents told us that they and their children had been very isolated and had almost forgotten how to play and socialise with others. Many families do not have access to a garden or safe play space so had been deprived.

“The sessions we were able to put on were welcomed as they gave safe and structured opportunities for those involved, as well as giving parents ideas to engage positively with play at home.”

The financial support has been announced as Play Scotland has published an updated progress report on Scotland’s National Play Strategy.

The report highlights the growing body of evidence on the adverse impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) and the associated restrictions on children and young people’s wellbeing, resulting from changes to their daily lives including reduced opportunities for play and social interaction with their peers.

The report makes recommendations across eight broad areas:

• refresh the Play Strategy and ensure national and local leadership support a child’s right to play
• renew and develop the national and local commitment to outdoor play
• listen to children and young people and act on what they say
• ensure inclusion of all children and young people
• ensure cross sectoral and inter professional approaches to play are in place
• sustain and support play provision through adequate funding
• maintain a focus on playful learning and play in schools
• strengthen the play sector nationally and locally

Resources are also available on the Parent Club website to support outdoor play for all families.

Free virtual exhibition: Roots, Culture and Identity

The TUC Race Relations Committee is proud to present this year’s Roots Culture and Identity Exhibition. 

A launch event will be taking place at the TUC Black Workers Conference on Friday (19 March) at 6 pm.  Due to the pandemic, the exhibition is hosted online. 

View the virtual exhibition

The exhibition aims to provide an opportunity for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BME) artists with a focus on young people, who are marginalised, face discrimination in the arts and culture sector, disproportionately impacted by austerity and now the coronavirus pandemic.

This year, the exhibition focuses on the events impacting black communities over the past year.

The artists reflect on living through the pandemic, the murder of George Floyd and the impact of systemic racism on BME communities.

The move to an online exhibition has allowed us to broaden our exhibits, and for the first time, we welcome international artists. View the exhibition. 

Artists in this exhibition include:

  • Antonietta Torsiello
  • Ruby Khan
  • Joshua Donkor
  • Liz Awoyemi
  • Raymond Daley
  • Samia Malik
  • Jamie McKinley
  • Zita Holbourne
  • Amanda Walker
  • Sonia E Barrett

On Friday 19th of March as part of the TUC Black Workers conference programme there will be an exhibition launch event and fringe meeting hosted by TUC Race Relations Committe and Artists’ Union England from 6pm to 7.30pm.

This will be chaired by Zita Holbourne and speakers include Theresa Easton, Organiser AUE, Antonietta Torsiello , artist and activist, AUE, Wilf Sullivan, TUC Race Relations Officer and some of the participating artists.

Sign up today

A Scotland for the Future

Measures to address the falling birth rate, change working practices and encourage more families to settle in Scotland are proposed in a new report.

A Scotland for the Future examines the significant population challenges the country faces – including an ageing population, falling birth rate and the emerging impacts of Brexit – and makes clear that a national response is required.

The report, launched yesterday at the Convention of the Highlands and Islands, outlines ways that organisations can work together, locally, nationally and internationally, to deliver the long term changes required. 

It proposes a range of actions including:

  • support packages to help families settle in Scotland, including assistance with housing and work for both partners
  • developing a more sustainable population pattern, with fewer people concentrated around cities
  • community work hubs in town centres for people struggling with remote home working but who do not need to commute
  • widening access to fertility treatment to groups such as single people and couples who already have a child
  • removing barriers which force older people to stop working before they wish to
  • establishing a Demographic Commission to promote analysis and debate

Economy Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: “For many years people left Scotland to build a future elsewhere. Like many advanced economies we now face different challenges, such as a falling birth rate, while Brexit threatens to significantly reduce inward migration from the EU.

“There is no single magic bullet available to address our demographic challenges. Instead this report proposes a series of innovative steps to build a sustainable population by attracting people into Scotland, distributing our population more evenly around the country and helping everyone live long, productive lives.

“But we can only do so much with the powers we have, and the UK Government must also play its part by using its reserved powers, particularly on migration, to address Scotland’s unique issues.

“A Scotland for the Future is a national response to a national challenge and represents the start of a process to create a thriving country for generations to come.”

The report has been welcomed by Councillor Kelly Parry, COSLA Community Wellbeing spokesperson. She said:  “Population is a key challenge for councils, whether we are dealing with the social and economic impacts of depopulation or tackling the issues of rapid population growth. 

“Achieving strong and sustainable communities is a key priority for COSLA and Scottish local government. 

“A Scotland for the Future is an ambitious document that recognises the complex and multi-faceted demographic challenges we are facing.  It distinguishes between the issues faced by different local areas across Scotland and that is why local government is crucial in determining local priorities for their own areas based on local need and circumstance.  It acknowledges the important role economic development, infrastructure, housing, planning, education and migration, to name but a few, will play in counteracting our population challenges.  

“We know there is no quick fix here, tackling our population challenges is a long-term goal.  COSLA and Scottish councils have worked closely with the Scottish Government to develop the population strategy and ensure local views are embedded in this document.  We will continue to work collaboratively to help our communities thrive.” 

A Scotland for the Future is available online.

Notice of Scottish Parliament Election published

  • The Scottish Parliament Notice of Election has been published.
  • Nominations open tomorrow (Tuesday 16 March) for candidates wanting to stand in the election.
  • Additional hygiene and distancing measures will be in place on polling day for voter and staff safety
  • If voters do not want to go to a polling place to vote they have the option of voting by post. Anyone can apply for a postal vote but this should be done as soon as possible.

Nominations open tomorrow (Tuesday 16 March) for candidates to stand in the forthcoming Scottish Parliament Election.

The Notice of Election was published today for Edinburgh Central, Edinburgh Eastern, Edinburgh Northern and Leith, Edinburgh Pentlands, Edinburgh Southern and Edinburgh Western Constituencies and the Lothian Region.

In order to stand as a candidate, individuals must submit nomination papers, which are available on the Council website, by 4pm on Wednesday 31 March.

The Scottish Parliament Election will take place on Thursday, 6 May 2021, when people living across Scotland will elect MSPs to represent them at Holyrood.

Andrew Kerr, Chief Executive of the City of Edinburgh Council and Returning Officer for the Edinburgh constituencies and the Lothian Region, said: “The Notice of Election signifies the official start of the election period.

“The forthcoming election will allow the city’s residents to have their say about the government of Scotland, and I urge all citizens to make sure they’re registered in plenty of time, think now about the way they’ll vote and then to use that vote on 6 May.

“We are keen to continue the enthusiasm demonstrated by voters during the UK Parliamentary Election in 2019 and even our recent by-election in Craigentinny/Duddingston when we had the same range of safety measures in place. Anyone unsure about how to register, where to vote or how to vote by post can find more information on the Council website.”

At the UK Parliamentary Election in December 2019 turnout in the capital was high, at an average of 73% across Edinburgh’s five constituencies.

People aged 16 and over and all those legally resident – including foreign citizens – can register to vote in this election.

Voters have a range of options for casting their ballot – in person, by post or by appointing someone they trust to vote in their place, known as a proxy vote. For those who choose to vote in person, polling stations will be following all public health guidance on 6 May.

The deadline to register to vote is midnight Monday 19 April, to apply for a postal vote the deadline is 5pm on Tuesday 6 April, and for a proxy vote the deadline is 5pm on Tuesday 27 April.

Find out more about voter registration and the election, including the safety measures we’re taking to ensure polling stations are safe and covid secure, on the Council’s website.

Being everything you can be

Support for children with disabilities

Education, Children and Families Vice Convener Cllr Alison Dickie writes about support for children with disabilities:

Being everything you can be.

It’s a grand line, and actually one of the aims of our new children’s services plan.  In true Council style though, there are more words: ‘It is important to promote and support every child’s aspirations to ensure they can become everything they can be, now and in the future.’

Yip, that all sounds hunky dory but I’m wondering … does that truly include children with disabilities, particularly those with the most complex needs?

Let’s put it this way.  Have you ever watched a parent’s eyes well up as they plead for their young person to be given a purpose to get out of bed every morning?  Or for recognition of their worth, and their ability to contribute to society in some way? 

Or, as fears replace tears, hear them voice their deepest dread …what will happen to them when I am gone?

I have and it’s heart-breaking.

Despite the wide range of dedicated work going on across Edinburgh to deliver for children with disabilities and their families, parents have shared that it can sometimes feel that they’ve had to fight for the right of their child to be everything they can be.

I first questioned the message we send out to young people with disabilities whilst on a tour of St Crispin’s school in my ward.  I was appalled at its condition, its failure to reflect the fantastic work of the staff and pupils within, and the story of our value of them.  Thankfully, a new chapter has been written and they will, this year, move into their wonderful and much deserved new school at Burdiehouse.

How do you solve a ‘problem’ like … the holiday support programme? 

I’m asked this every year, and the education committee discussed it just last week.  In the past, it’s been cited as a non-statutory service, even a luxury not afforded by other Councils.  But, listen to the stories of families at breaking point, who cry out for this need, and you’re convinced this is vital respite for the whole family and to help young people thrive.

So, whilst there are big issues to be addressed, such as safety and staffing, we aim to return to the pre-covid provision in the summer, and through engagement with parents, look to how we can further improve this service.

And what of those positive destinations…more so, the lack of them, for young adults with the most complex needs? 

Here, communication about what is available, earlier and stronger transitional support, an understanding that one size doesn’t fit all, and a more flexible and collaborative approach are all being considered as we explore with parents how to grow these opportunities and give every young person a future. 

Some of this will have budgetary implications, and some the need for more innovative thinking, but one thing’s for sure…every young person has strengths, interests and potential to use in their unique way.

Lockdown has been difficult for everyone, but it’s been particularly challenging for these children and their families. As part of the recovery process, let’s push for progress and help all young people to be what they can be.

This article first appeared in the Edinburgh Evening News

Police seek community’s support to tackle Clermiston incidents

Two men have been arrested and charged following a disturbance in the Clermiston area of Edinburgh on Sunday, 7 March.

Around 5pm police received a number calls regarding an ongoing incident in the Clermiston Park and Clermiston Gardens areas.

A 17-year-old man and a 27-year-old man have been arrested and charged in connection with alleged possession of offensive weapons.

They were due to appear before Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Monday and a report was submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

Further enquiries are ongoing into the wider disturbance involving a group of youths which occurred on Sunday evening, and police are appealing for any witnesses to come forward.

The two men will also be the subject of a report to the Procurator Fiscal in connection with the serious assault of a 48-year-old man in Drum Brae South around 3.25pm on Thursday, 4 March.

Chief Inspector Sarah Taylor, Local Area Commander for North West Edinburgh, said: “This type of mindless, irresponsible and reckless criminal behaviour will not be tolerated in our community and there will be additional patrols in the area.

“We are aware of ongoing issues with antisocial behaviour which is completely unacceptable, particularly in the midst of a pandemic when people are being told to stay at home. Local officers are working with partners to address these issues and proactively put a stop to this.

“I would urge anyone with information or concerns regarding antisocial behaviour to contact Police Scotland through 101, or speak to officers out on patrol.

“Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Always dial 999 when a crime is in progress.”

Health in Mind receives £2000 donation from Amazon Edinburgh

Staff and volunteers at a mental health and wellbeing charity have received a £2,000 donation from Amazon Development Centre Scotland in Edinburgh.

Health in Mind has been promoting mental health and wellbeing in Scotland since 1982. The charity provides a wide range of services such as Peer Connections Edinburgh, which helps adults who want to improve or manage their mental health by spending time with a peer volunteer  that has their own experiences of mental health recovery. 

The charity also runs iThrive Edinburgh, an online resource hub for the people of Edinburgh that provides information on mental health and wellbeing. 

The donation from Amazon will go towards supporting their vital work in Edinburgh, including our Peer Connecting Service and Equal Access, which supports people from ethnic minority communities

Commenting on the donation, Graeme Smith, Managing Director at Amazon Development Centre Scotland, said: “We are pleased to support the great work of Health in Mind with this donation.

“The staff and volunteers go the extra mile to ensure the people of our community struggling with their mental health are supported.”

Lynne Stanford, Fundraising Manager from Health in Mind, said: “We want to say a huge thank you to Graeme and the Amazon team for this donation.

“It means a great deal to us to have this support at this time – COVID-19 has had a huge impact on people’s mental health.  This donation helps raise awareness and importance for the support we provide and ensures we are here for people when they need us the most.”

Amazon Development Centre Scotland has been based in Edinburgh since 2004 and is responsible for devising and growing innovations that bring new levels of choice and convenience to hundreds of millions of customers around the world. 

It houses teams of leading engineers, scientists, designers and product managers who work on everything from interactive user interface design to large-scale distributed systems and machine learning. The team is currently recruiting for a number of positions including software developers, engineers and applied scientists.

The donation was made as part of the ‘Amazon in the Community’ programme, whereby the company supports the communities around its operating locations across the UK.

Community donations are one of a number of ways in which Amazon is supporting communities across the UK during COVID-19. 

Throughout the pandemic Amazon has provided students with free online STEM resources and supported virtual classrooms with no-cost resources from AWS. The company has also teamed up with charity partner Magic Breakfast to deliver over 3 million healthy breakfasts to disadvantaged children around the UK.

For more information on how Amazon is supporting the UK during COVID-19, click here.

New campaign highlights the devastating consequences of speeding

Figures show 154 speed related collisions in Edinburgh and the Lothians in 2019

A powerful new campaign by The Scottish Government and Road Safety Scotland* to tackle the serious issue of speeding, has launched with a clear message for all drivers – There’s no excuse for speeding.

There were 154 speed related collisions in Edinburgh and the Lothians in 2019, with contributory factors including exceeding the speed limit, travelling too fast for the conditions and careless/reckless driving.1

Latest figures show that speed is a contributory factor in 15% of all fatal and serious collisions in Scotland – a total of 848 collisions, 42 fatalities and 244 serious injuries.2

The majority of people (at least occasionally) exceed the legal speed limit:

  • 39% of people admit to exceeding the speed limit by 5mph in 30mph zones at least once in the past year
  • 27% admit to exceeding the speed limit by 5mph in 20mph areas in the last year
  • 40% of drivers think it is safe to exceed the speed limit slightly on motorways
  • 11% admit to having driven at least once in the past year at 90mph on the motorway.3

Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity, Michael Matheson said: “Speed is a key priority for the Scottish Government and an integral part of the Road Safety Framework to 2030. Speeding is a severe problem that causes too many fatal and serious collisions every year.

“A collision involving speed affects more than just you and your car – it also has an impact on your family, the victim’s family, the emergency services, and people who witness it. The message of this campaign is clear – speeding is always a risk. However you chose to try and justify it, it’s still speeding and there’s no excuse for it.”

Police Scotland officers hear many excuses from speeders:

  • I was about to run out of fuel and had to get to the petrol station quicker
  • I was clearing the diesel particulate filter out
  • The catalytic converter warning light had come on, so I was trying to clean it out
  • I`ve just bought the new “Call of Duty” and I`m desperate to get home and play it
  • Why didn`t you stop the car in front, he was going much faster than me
  • There were no workmen near the road
  • You should be here at nine o`clock, they are much faster
  • I was going to miss my Tee off time, it`s the club championship today.

The most common excuses include running out of petrol, the road being quiet, and other traffic also being perceived as exceeding the speed limit.

Assistant Chief Constable Mark Williams, Police Scotland,said: “The dangers of speeding are well known and have been shown time and again as being a significant factor in fatal and serious injury collisions.

“Every other day on our road Police Officers see first-hand the devastation that speed-related collisions can cause, the faster you drive the less time you have to react to hazards. 

“There is no excuse for speeding and despite the clear risks involved, a minority of drivers are still willing to risk their lives and the lives of others.  If you are caught speeding or you are involved in a collision, you could lose your licence, face a substantial fine and receive a criminal record which could result in you losing your job, or even a prison sentence, so the risks are not worth it.”

The Scotland-wide campaign highlights some of the excuses commonly used by drivers to justify their speeding behaviours, while reminding those behind the wheel that, if they’re caught, they could face severe penalties.

Running across multiple platforms including TV, radio and digital, the poignant new advert depicts the harrowing aftermath of a car crash while emphasising that it doesn’t matter if you think you’re only speeding ‘a little bit’ – there’s no excuse for speeding. You can watch the advert here.

For more information visit roadsafety.scot/topics/speed or check out the Road Safety Scotland Facebook and Twitter pages.