Category: Uncategorized

Recovering from Storm Éowyn

First Minister thanks people for patience as recovery operation continues

A further meeting of the Scottish Government’s Resilience Room (SGoRR) was chaired by First Minister John Swinney last night to coordinate the recovery response to Storm Éowyn.  

Due to the severity and impact of the storm, there is significant disruption to parts of the country. This includes around 35,000 properties without power and continued transport disruption with road closures and rail, bus, flight and ferry cancellations. It is expected to take some time to get all services fully restored.   

Utility companies, national agencies and local authorities are working at pace to restore power and assess the impact, including responding to significant damage, removing fallen trees and debris, to ensure services can fully resume in the coming days.   

The First Minister joined a Ministerial COBR meeting chaired by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Pat McFadden earlier on Saturday evening. The First Minister also spoke with the Prime Minister to discuss the ongoing response to Storm Éowyn and the impact on Scotland.

First Minister John Swinney said:  “I want to thank everyone who followed Police Scotland advice not to travel and express my sincere gratitude to the emergency services and to those working in the public, private and third sector who are continuing to support people and communities across the country.   

 “With yellow warnings in place for wind, snow and ice over the weekend, it is clear the severity of Storm Éowyn will continue into next week and this will have an impact on the speed at which utilities and local services can fully resume.  

 “Given the damage and disruption facing the network across the United Kingdom, utility companies are under significant pressure and are working in challenging conditions.

“I have stressed the importance of getting power restored as quickly as is practically possible and have been assured that assessments are being made at pace to ensure power is restored to affected properties in Scotland as soon as possible.

“Alongside our partners, Ministers are being updated regularly and ensuring all steps are being taken. 

“I am pleased at the progress made to restore power to many communities over the course of today however a significant number of properties remain without power. Utility companies are continuing to provide support to customers, including ensuring provisions are in place for the most vulnerable.   

“I want to thank people for their continued patience and encourage them to take extra care and look out for each other, particularly those who are supporting vulnerable neighbours and family members.  

“As we look ahead to Monday, partners are working at pace to ensure services can resume next week. Local authorities – who are responsible for school closures – will be working to ensure all buildings meet the required safety standards to reopen safely to pupils. We would expect decisions on schools to be clearly communicated by local authorities to parents, pupils and staff, with as much advance warning as possible, and would encourage all parents to follow that advice. 

 “People should prepare for continued disruption, especially in areas that have been impacted by a loss of power, and I encourage everyone to follow advice being issued by local authorities, as well as continuing to follow updates from national agencies.”  

  • SGoRR was attended by the Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes, Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop, Justice and Home Affairs Secretary Angela Contance, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care Neil Gray, Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth, Rural Affairs and Islands Secretary Mairi Gougeon, Acting Net Zero and Energy Secretary Gillian Martin and Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture Angus Robertson. They were joined by representatives from the Met Office, Police Scotland, Transport Scotland, SEPA, transport and utilities companies and resilience partners.
  • The latest Met Office weather warnings are available on the Met Office website.
     
  • Flood alerts are issued by the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency and can be viewed on their website. 
  • Advice on preparing for severe weather can be found on the Ready Scotland website.

  • Follow Traffic Scotland for the most up-to-date information on the trunk roads throughout the warning periods, via their website, social media channels and radio broadcasts. Updates on ScotRail services and road conditions are available online. 
  • To report a power cut or damage to electricity power lines or substations call the SP Networks national Freephone number 105. More information on what to do during a storm can also be found on SP Energy Website.
  • During a power cut firefighters can be called to fires started by candles or portable heaters. For advice on how to stay safe during a power cut visit Scottish Fire and Rescue Website.   

Drylaw Good Apples: Session this Saturday

SATURDAY 25th JANUARY from 11am – 1pm

🍏🍐Hello Hello orchard lovers!🍎🍐

Exciting announcements for our new project Drylaw Good Apples; our first session will start on Saturday 25th January 11 – 1pm. This will be a general introduction and some maintenance.

All sessions are for adults and accompanied children and are free.

After that our sessions are:

Weds 29th 1-3pm. Pruning with RBGE- strictly bookable. FREE

Weds 5th Feb 11-1pm. Mulching and den building

Sat 15th Feb 1-3pm. Mulching and games

Weds 19th Feb 11-1pm. Bench making and woodcraft.

Meet us at the front door of Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre at the time stated above and we will walk over to the orchards with tools wheelbarrows etc. All welcome!

💨PLEASE WEAR WARM CLOTHING AND GOOD STRONG FOOTWEAR.🔥

Graham is finalist in competition to win a year of free flights

An Edinburgh man has been named as a finalist in Loganair’s A Season of Connections competition, which could see him win a year’s worth of free flights.

The image shows proud uncle Graham Stevenson, 56, surrounded by his nieces and nephews on the beach at Cornwall, preparing to enjoy a festive Santa duck race organised by his family.

Christmas holds special significance for Graham, whose birthday falls on Boxing Day. Each year, he travels to Cornwall to reunite with his siblings and their families, celebrating both occasions with festive cheer.

The youngest of four siblings, Graham has always been at the heart of his family’s Christmas celebrations, bringing his love of the festive season with him wherever he goes.

As a finalist for Loganair’s A Season of Connections competition, Graham and two other entrants have the chance to win a year’s worth of free flights for themselves and a companion on Loganair’s extensive network, while two runners-up will be treated to return flights for two on the airline’s iconic Glasgow to Barra route, which famously lands on the beach.

Inspired by the airline’s uplifting and heartwarming Christmas advert, Loganair, Actually, the competition asked entrants from across the UK to submit an image or video that captures a heartwarming moment of connection with their loved ones.

Jan Wigley, Graham’s sister, said: “Christmas is Graham’s favourite time of the year. He loves getting together with family, meeting the new babies, and playing games with his nieces and nephews, who are his pride and joy, especially with the help of Loganair’s special assistance service, which makes sure he’s able to travel down to Cornwall with the support he needs.

“Winning this competition would make the festive season even more special for Graham and give him the chance to share more time with his family.”

Graham, who lives with learning disabilities, has lived for almost 40 years at Garvald Home Farm Community near West Linton.

The social enterprise supports adults living with learning disabilities to live and work on a farm according to biodynamic principles.

Graham said: “I love going to Cornwall to see my family, especially at Christmas. It’s my favourite time of year, and being with my nieces and nephews makes it even better.

“I am so excited to see the new babies in the family and spend time with them.”

Lyn MacDonald, head of marketing and brand at Loganair, said: “Graham’s story truly embodies the spirit of our A Season of Connections competition, which is all about celebrating the connections that make life so special.

“His festive family traditions and the joy he brings to those around him are incredibly heartwarming.”

Public voting for the finalists is now open and will run until midnight on Wednesday, 23rd January 2025. The winner will be announced on Saturday, 25 January 2025.

Passengers flying from Edinburgh and Newquay can explore a diverse range of destinations. From Edinburgh, travellers can enjoy direct flights to cities like Cardiff, Exeter, and Southampton, or head further afield to Bergen, Newquay, and the Isle of Man.

Meanwhile, passengers departing from Newquay can seamlessly connect to Scottish destinations such as Edinburgh and Aberdeen, as well as routes to Manchester, Newcastle, and beyond. With its expanding network, Loganair provides convenient travel options for both leisure and business travellers across the UK and Europe.

To vote for Graham visit the Loganair Facebook page.

To book flights, visit www.loganair.co.uk.

Police appeal following serious crash in Penicuik

POLICE are appealing for information following a serious injury collision on Bog Road, Penicuik yesterday (Sunday, January 19, 2025).

Around 3.20pm, police received a report of a collision involving three children, aged 11, 12 and 13, and a Volkswagen T-Cross on Bog Road, Penicuik.

Emergency services attended and an 11-year-old boy and a 13-year-old girl were taken to the Royal Hospital for Children in Edinburgh where medical staff confirmed their injuries as serious. The 12-year-old girl was uninjured.

The road was closed to allow for collision investigators to examine the location.

Sergeant Fraser Mitchell said: “Our enquiries remain ongoing as we work to establish the full circumstances of this collision.

“Anyone with any information or dash cam footage should get in contact, no matter how insignificant it may seem.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 1844 of 19 January, 2025.

Children First urges families in Edinburgh: don’t suffer in silence over finances this Blue Monday

As festive bills start to arrive, Children First is urging families in Edinburgh not to suffer in silence and get in touch with their support line.   

January is one of the busiest times of year for Scotland’s national children’s charity. The new year can be extremely tough for families who face worries about Christmas spending and increased living costs during the colder weather.

Getting advice early can make a huge difference to families and can help address any issues before they escalate and help them back to financial health.

To get on the front foot for 2025, Children First’s expert support line team have put together some handy hints for healthier finances.

Children First support line is here to help families with budgeting, benefits, debt and energy bills. They work with parents and carers by listening to any worries they may have about their finances and then put a plan in place to navigate their difficulties.

Sinead Haddow, service manager at Children First said, “Talking about your finances can be really daunting and we understand it can cause lots of anxiety for families.

“Our friendly support line team will listen to your worries, free of judgement, and start to help you put together a plan to get back to financial health.

“When families speak to us, it may be the first time they have had a good night’s sleep in months.

“Pick up the phone to our support line today, by calling 08000 28 22 33 from 9am – 9pm, Monday to Friday or 9am – 12 noon Saturday and Sunday.

“If speaking on the phone is daunting, you can also speak to our support line via webchat on our website at https://www.childrenfirst.org.uk/supportline..

“Whatever way families want to  contact to us, we’re here to listen.”

Michelle Supple, Director of Fundraising, Children First said: “January can be a tough time for many children and families.

“Thanks to players of People’s Postcode Lottery the Children First support line can offer free, confidential, support to any family anywhere in Scotland, which many families tell us can feel like a lifeline.”

Last year, Children First helped almost 1,000 families to put £1.9 million back into their pockets through unclaimed benefits, grants and budgeting.

The charity can also provide expert support on debit and helped double the number of families in 2023-2024 to manage over £813,000 in debt.

Children First support line is here to help families across Scotland with whatever challenges they face. From mental health, money worries and online harm to struggles at school the charity’s support line can offer free help and advice thanks to funds raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery and awarded by Postcode Children Trust.

Letters: National Cat Awards

Dear Editor

Cats Protection invites cat owners to nominate their pets for the UK’s biggest celebration of cats – the National Cat Awards. 

The event recognises our special relationship with cats, honouring heart-warming tales of devotion, courage and friendship.

As one of the nation’s favourite pets, cats bring fun, comfort and companionship to millions of people. They live alongside us in all sorts of ways, from the sociable cat who greets all the neighbours to the homely lap-cat on our sofa.

Entries opened on 15 January and owners have until noon on 28 February to nominate their cat in one of four categories:

Family cats: For cats who make a family complete, whether it’s being there for companionship, providing solace in tough times, or simply keeping everyone amused.

Incredible cats – Recognising cats with a remarkable tale – maybe they’ve survived against the odds, returned home after an epic adventure, raised the alarm to an emergency or even saved a life.

Senior cats – Celebrating cats aged 11 or over, who showcase why older cats are special.

Connected Cats – For cats who share the love and bring joy to people far and wide whether in the community, workplace or social media.

Owners or colleagues can also nominate a vet who has provided exceptional care for a cat in the Vet of the Year category.

The public will get a chance to vote for their favourite cats, with their owners invited to a  star-studded ceremony in London on 24 September where the winners will be revealed.

To nominate your cat, or for further information about the National Cat Awards, visit www.cats.org.uk/national-cat-awards

Yours faithfully,

Catherine Cottrell,

Cats Protection Director of Marketing & Income Generation

Prime Minister’s statement ahead of President Trump’s Inauguration

On behalf of His Majesty’s Government and the United Kingdom, I would like to send my warmest congratulations to President Donald Trump on his inauguration as the forty-seventh President of the United States. 

For centuries, the relationship between our two nations has been one of collaboration, cooperation and enduring partnership. It is a uniquely close bond. Together, we have defended the world from tyranny and worked towards our mutual security and prosperity.

With President Trump’s longstanding affection and historical ties to the United Kingdom, I know that depth of friendship will continue. The United Kingdom and United States will work together to ensure the success of both our countries and deliver for people on both sides of the Atlantic. 

Since our first meeting in September, the President and I have spoken about the need to deepen and invest in the transatlantic relationship. We will continue to build upon the unshakeable foundations of our historic alliance as we tackle together the global challenges we face and take our partnership to the next level focused on shared opportunities ahead for growth. 

I look forward to our next meeting as we continue our shared mission to ensure the peace, prosperity and security of our two great nations.

The special relationship between the United Kingdom and United States will continue to flourish for years to come.

National Insurance funding ‘vital for councils’

Finance Secretary calls for clarity as local authorities set their budgets

The employer National Insurance increase must be fully funded to ensure local authorities have the resources they need to serve their communities, Finance Secretary Shona Robison has said.

Ahead of an appearance before the local government committee next week, Ms Robison again called on the UK Government to provide urgent clarity over the funding to help the Scottish Government and local authorities finalise their budgets.

The Finance Secretary said: “Scotland’s public services face a bill of more than £700 million as a result of the UK Government’s increase in employer National Insurance Contributions.

“There have been indications of likely funding reported in the media, but these fail to take account of the fact that we have a larger public sector per person than other parts of the UK, leaving us some £300 million short.

“It feels like Scotland is now being punished for having decided to employ more people in the public sector and to invest in key public services.

“We know local authorities are already under significant financial pressure. This will only continue to build unless the UK Government reimburses us in full for their tax increase. Councils are in the process of setting their Budgets now, so the sooner we have clarity over this issue the better – this is needed urgently.

“The Scottish Government will continue to work closely with COSLA to press the UK Government to provide the funding needed to support public services in Scotland.”

The First Minister and President of COSLA wrote to the Chancellor on 3 January, supported by 48 public and voluntary sector organisations to raise concerns at the impact of the increase to employer National Insurance contributions and to seek clarity on funding.

National Insurance Contributions: public sector costs – gov.scot