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Church and community groups urged to attend Green Home Festival

Discover how former religious buildings can be resurrected for energy-efficient housing

Organiser of the upcoming Green Home Festival are urging religious and community groups to attend their upcoming show and discover how Scotland’s abandoned churches can be transformed into energy efficient social housing that benefits whole communities.

In Bringing Churches Back to Life, architects will explain what happens to former churches and community halls at the end of their working lives and how they can be converted into sustainable, eco-friendly homes for those who need them most.

And organisers say the show is the ideal opportunity for religious bodies to see how Scotland’s classic buildings can be saved for future generations – and the potential of transforming them into low-carbon homes that also benefit the environment.

Green Home Festival co-organiser David Logue, who is partner at Gardiner & Theobald, said: “Scotland has a large number of churches and other religious buildings that face a wide range of challenges due to their ageing infrastructure and exposure to the elements.

“Running costs, ongoing maintenance and dwindling usage can all mean that such buildings face an uncertain future, plus their very size often means that it’s difficult to know what to do with such a large space.

“Converting such buildings into energy-efficient social housing is already gaining traction and the upcoming Green Home Festival will give examples of how such ideas have already become reality.

“We hope that religious bodies, community groups and those with an interest in Scotland’s heritage will join us to explore the options for resurrecting buildings that might otherwise be left to decay or stand empty.”

The Green Home Festival show on Friday 18 August will see Eamon McGarrigle and Jess Davidson from Page\Park architects explain the challenges of marrying old with new to achieve ‘passivhaus’ standards.

They’ll reveal details of the first social housing built to such standards in Glasgow and share their experience in developing retrofit plans for the conversion of existing buildings for housing, with a focus on the delivery of low-energy and zero carbon strategies.

This will be followed by a presentation by James Anthony of Eco Congregation Scotland, who’ll outline the many issues found in church buildings while seeking to reduce carbon and give an overview of the body’s own ‘greening’ strategy for such structures.

Co-organiser Gordon Nelson, Scotland Director of the Federation of Master Builders, added: “Scotland has some truly beautiful religious buildings that are coming to the end of their working lives and yet absolutely deserve to be preserved, used and admired for generations to come.

“If we can combine such preservation with energy efficient-housing that benefits local communities, that has surely got to be a good thing for both the environment and the people who live in them?

“This Green Home Festival show will demonstrate some excellent initiatives and we would encourage anyone with an interest in church buildings to attend and find out the potential for bringing them back to life and giving them a useful and rewarding purpose.”

Starting on Monday 14 August, and organised by the Construction Industry Collective Voice (CICV), the second Green Home Festival will deliver 11 free shows on low-carbon living as part of the official Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Topics will include how to reduce energy bills, preparing for heat pumps, community heating networks, creating sustainable kitchens, green garden rooms and offices, making retrofit projects eco-friendly and how the home of the future will be powered.

Live sessions will take place at the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) at 10 Charlotte Square in central Edinburgh, with contributions from the likes of Home Energy Scotland, Scottish Water, SNIPEF and SELECT.

The festival is the latest in a string of practical and constructive initiatives launched by the CICV since its creation at the start of the pandemic in March 2020.

Made up of 28 trade associations, professional services bodies and companies, it has maintained a steady supply of information and practical advice to the sector as well as carrying out surveys, producing animations and posters, hosting webinars and maintaining close dialogue with Scottish Government ministers.

  • Full details, including how to book tickets for each event, are available on the Festival’s website at greenhomefestival.co.uk

Le Gateau Chocolate shares his Fringe journey at the 2023 Edinburgh Festival Fringe Artist Address

On Friday 4th August the 76th edition of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe officially began.  In celebration of the first day, the annual Artist Address took place for the first time since 2019, and the Fringe Society was delighted to welcome Le Gateau Chocolat as keynote speaker for this important event. 

Designed as a celebratory moment for Fringe artists to gather at the beginning of the festival, Gateau gave a thought-provoking, empowering, and at times emotional speech to those gathered for the event. 

It was in 2008 that Gateau made his debut at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, shortly after an appearance at the Adelaide Fringe.  Due to work commitments in London, he felt unable to fully ensconce himself in the ‘anarchy of its magic’ and returned three years later in 2011 with Le Gateau Chocolat. 

‘When you’re not performing the show, you’re selling it. When you’re not selling it, you’re doing PR. When you’re not doing PR, you’re rehearsing, adjusting to the conversation with the audience – in a permanent state of dampness. The exhaustion at a cellular level whilst also being deeply invigorating. You’re on a constant high which amplifies the lows – however brief they are.’

Highlighting the platform the Fringe can offer artists for career development, Gateau shared insights into the journey his show took following his 2011 debut as Le Gateau Chocolat: ‘The magic of Edinburgh Fringe was very present, and I was lucky enough to tap into the zeitgeist. Shows sold out. Reviews were great. It got a London transfer to The Menier Chocolate Factory. The Sydney Opera House. Poland. Christchurch, New Zealand. Melbourne. Auckland. It set me on a course that introduced me to Basement Jaxx and had me performing with them and Metropole Orkest at the Barbican. It’s how T-Mobile found me and reached out for me to be part of the flash mob ad at Terminal 5. It changed my life.’

Returning to the Fringe in 2018 with three shows, Duckie, Icons and Jonny Woo’s All Star Brexit Cabaret, Gateau’s journey continued, and he worked hard to engage with new audiences and build on his touring opportunities.  Duckie went on to tour extensively across the UK and continues to do so with a new non-binary and neurodivergent performer. 

Highlighting a need for greater inclusivity and access at the festival, Gateau stated ‘Inclusivity is not a word, it’s an action, it is practise.’  Citing the current cost of living crisis, accommodation costs and the risks artists take to bring work to the Fringe every year, Gateau referenced the ongoing impacts of the pandemic and the resilience of artists, but that ‘elasticity doesn’t mean we can’t break.’

With an audience listening intently to Gateau’s story, the 2023 Artist Address highlighted the continued need for artist support across a range of areas. 

Encouraging the room to support each other and to drive a sense of comradery and community, Gateau concluded his speech by stating: ‘There is magic here. I haven’t found it at every Fringe I’ve attended but I have found it several times.

You can and will be in conversation with your audiences – my hope for artists present and all artists at this festival is that you indeed find audiences. You are enough and the experiences that have brought you to this moment are valid.

“Lean into telling your stories as authentically as you can versus seeking validation from audience numbers, audience responses and reviews. If you succeed at doing that, tell me how because at 41 it’s a code I’m yet to crack! And to the facilitators of the storytellers, my plea to you is don’t take advantage of our reality; what we do is who we are.’

Shona McCarthy, Chief Executive, Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, said: “When Le Gateau Chocolat took to the stage you could hear a pin drop.  The room was there to hear from an artist who has attended the Fringe for over 15 years and who has first-hand knowledge and experience of everything that this glorious event can challenge you with. 

“We recognise the great financial risk that artists take in bringing work to the Fringe every year, and Gateau’s story highlights that every artist’s journey is different.  Our immense thanks to Gateau for sharing his story, and to all the artists taking part in this year’s festival for making the commitment to be at this year’s Fringe.’

Celebrations as Edinburgh pupils receive exam results

Levels of attainment for pupils across Edinburgh remain above those achieved before the Covid pandemic, while passes in vocational courses continue to climb, according to exam results released yesterday.

More than 9500 pupils in the Capital received their results from the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) on Tuesday (8 August). 2023 was the second year since 2019 that pupils sat formal exams and attainment remains high in comparison. Different assessment models were used in 2020 and 2021 due to the impact of the pandemic.

Passes in National Progression Awards (NPA), vocational courses equivalent to National passes, have also increased, with 48 NPA courses leading to 941 passes at levels 4, 5 and 6. This is compared to 26 NPA courses and 296 passes in 2019.

A total of 51,941 resulted awards were certificated for 9,583 candidates (includes special schools, adults and mainstream secondary pupils) in over 85 subjects ranging from Accounting to Urdu.

National 5s saw passes (A-C grades) of 78% (up one percentage point from 2019 but down one percentage point compared to last year) and Highers saw passes of 78% (up two percentage points from 2019 though three percentage points lower than 2022).

Notable results include:

  • By the end of S4, 48% achieved 5 passes at National 5 or better (5 percentage points up on 2019 but 1 percentage point down on 2022)
  • By the end of S5*, 63% achieved 1 or more Higher passes or better (6 percentage points up on 2019 and the same as 2022)
  • By the end of S6* 69% achieved one or more Higher passes (1 percentage point down on 2022 but 3 percentage points up on 2019)

Pupil Vincent Rodziewicz, who is about to start S6 at Craigmount High School, said: “This year I got an A and a few Bs and I was quite surprised by these results, they were very positive actually – I expected to do worse in Maths.

“I don’t feel that stressed about the way exams are done though, I don’t mind being in a big hall.”

Zaneta, who is an S5 pupil at Craigmount, added: “I was really nervous, but I think my results are good – I wasn’t really expecting straight As.

“It will give me a lot of confidence going into S5 as well, because I know it’s going to be a difficult year.”

Councillor Joan Griffiths, Education Convener for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “The Covid pandemic may seem like a distant memory for some, but recent years have posed a real challenge for pupils and teaching staff in all our schools who have had to deal with the impact on learning and teaching.

“All our teachers and staff have worked extremely hard in preparing pupils for these exams, as well as parents/carers whose support is invaluable and, most of all, our young people themselves should be praised for their hard work and achievements.

“We want to make sure all school pupils are able to fulfil their potential by attaining the highest level of achievements possible and by receiving the best possible experience – every learner’s journey is unique. We look forward to building on the success of this year’s learners as they move through the senior phase and onto positive destinations.”

Additional information – analysis

Results by the end of S4
5 passes at National 5 or better – 48% (1 percentage point down on 2022 but 5 percentage points up on 2019)

Results by the end of S5*
1+ pass at Higher or better – 63% (same as 2022 but 6 percentage points up on 2019)
3+ passes at Higher or better – 44% (same as 2022 but 6 percentage points up on 2019)
5+ passes at Higher or better – 24% (same as 2022 but 4 percentage points up on 2019).

Results by the end of S6*
1+ pass at Higher or better – 69% (1 percentage point down on 2022 but 3 percentage points up on 2019)
3+ passes Higher or better – 51% (2 percentage points down on 2022 but 2 percentage points up on 2019)
5+ passes at Higher or better – 38% (2 percentage points down on 2022 but 2 percentage points up on 2019)
1+ pass at Advanced Higher – 31% (1 percentage point down on 2022 but 4 percentage points up on 2019)

*based on the percentage of S4 pupil roll.

Sashay your way to Virgin Hotels Edinburgh for a Drag Brunch at Eve

EVE, Virgin Hotels Edinburgh’s all day dining destination, is hosting a showstopping Drag Brunch tomorrow, Saturday, 5th of August, with Queens from RuPaul’s Drag Race fame. 

Kicking off at 12pm, guests will be able to enjoy death-drop worthy brunch classics that will satisfy every craving, from tasty crispy chicken burgers to sweet treats including wholesome granola bowls and pancakes, fabulously paired with pick-me-up martinis and mimosa cocktails, all accompanied by a live DJ set. 

In partnership with Gilded Balloon and Klub Kids, legendary Queens Anita Wigl’it and Baga Chipz will have guests voguing like Madonna as they take to the stage to give a fierce preview of their respective Fringe shows, which are running from 4th – 9th August at Gilded Balloon Teviot. 

The spectacular brunch event is free to attend, with guests only required to book a table to enjoy the experience in the glamourous surroundings of Eve – that are fit for a Queen. 

David Moth, Virgin Hotels Vice President of Operations and Interim General Manager of Virgin Hotels Edinburgh said, “As part of an exciting new collaboration, we are thrilled to be working alongside Gilded Balloon and Klub Kids to start the Edinburgh Fringe Festival off right, with laugh-out-loud performances, live music and delicious brunch classics at Eve. 

“Virgin Hotels is no stranger to fabulous live performances but we’re ready to raise the bar with two icons of the international Drag scene. The Fringe is all about bringing communities together and what better way to do so than with two of RuPaul’s most loved divas, hailing all the way from Australia and the UK. 

“To mark our first year of being an official Fringe venue, we’re ready to get Cowgate up and dancing with this special Drag Brunch. For the rest of August, guests can expect top-notch entertainment up on our spectacular roof terrace as well as show-stopping performances in our classically restored Greyfriars Kirk.” 

Brunch reservations are available to book from 12pm with the entertainment starting at 1pm. For more information and to reserve a table please visit:
https://virginhotels.com/edinburgh/event/drag-brunch/ 

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

  • Instagram @eveedinburgh @virginhotelsedi 
  • Twitter @virginhotelsedi 

SEPA urges businesses using water to stay vigilant after swing in weather conditions

New statistics highlight the contrasting conditions impacting Scotland’s water environment this summer, prompting a plea from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) for businesses to stay vigilant.

Some areas that were experiencing significant water scarcity at the end of June, including the Rivers Annan and Nith, have now recovered in just a few weeks after nearly double the normal amount of rainfall for July according to new figures from the Met Office. Scotland as a whole received around 50% more rain than average for the month.

This is in contrast to a very dry April, May and June for Scotland, with May in particular only recording less than half (44%) of the average rainfall.

The latest water scarcity report, published today by SEPA, shows a positive picture with most of the country now experiencing normal river and groundwater levels.

However, parts of the north-east around Morayshire and northern Aberdeenshire are recovering more slowly, with just average or below average rainfall for the previous month. This means a possibility remains of conditions worsening in these areas if August isn’t wetter than usual.

water-scarcity-report-04-augustDownload

Kenny Boag, Head of Environmental Performance at SEPA, said: “I’m sure many would agree it feels like we often experience all seasons in a single day in Scotland, and the country is in fact famed for its unpredictable weather. The difference between the situation facing Scotland’s water environment in June compared to July is stark.

“While this keeps locals and tourists alike on their toes, there’s no doubt it proves challenging for industries that rely on the environment to operate. Farms, whisky distilleries and golf courses are all examples of businesses that need a consistent supply of water.

“That’s why it’s crucial they’re aware of the conditions impacting sources like rivers and burns and reduce their reliance on them. We’re asking businesses to monitor how much they’re using, review techniques and best practice, and invest in improvements where needed. They should adopt a longer-term view to prepare for these dynamic conditions, rather than waiting until levels reach a critical state.

“SEPA works all year round, not just in summer, to support users and foster a culture of sustainable water management. This will not only reduce environmental impacts during dry periods but can also lead to cost savings and improved efficiency for businesses.”

At the end of June this year, SEPA varied water abstraction licences, requiring a number of farmers to reduce the amount of water they were taking from the environment to allow levels to recover.

Water abstractors and irrigators in all parts of Scotland are advised to manage water wisely to minimise the need for future restrictions:

  • Check SEPA’s water scarcity reports regularly to keep up to date with the water situation in your area. 
  • Regularly check abstraction equipment to make sure it’s in good condition and fix any leaks straight away.
  • Where possible, reduce the volume and rate of your abstractions.
  • Have a contingency plan for if restrictions or suspensions are put in place

More information, guidance and advice can be found at 

www.sepa.org.uk/waterscarcity.

SHE’s M Club meets next Monday

SHE Scotland’s M Club is back on Monday 7th August from 6 – 8pm at Pilton Community Health Project .

Come along for a blether, laugh, cuppa, massage or a good greet!

M Club provides a safe space to do all and to get the support you need when experiencing pre, peri or menopausal symptoms.

Learn how to cope and to explore new solutions.

UK Sees Red!

Red Admirals take surprising early lead in 2023 Big Butterfly Count 

Wildlife charity, Butterfly Conservation, has today revealed a huge surge in sightings of the Red Admiral, a migrant species of butterfly, as the Big Butterfly Count enters its final week. 

The Red Admiral is currently flying high with 170,000 sightings reported so far*, an impressive increase of 400% on the same period last year. 

It is definitely a ‘Red Admiral year’, with people throughout the country reporting seeing the butterfly while taking part in Butterfly Conservation’s Big Butterfly Count.

The Red Admiral is a familiar and popular butterfly across the UK. It is a garden favourite and found in all types of habitat. However, what may come as a surprise to many is that this small but mighty butterfly is a migrant species, travelling to the UK from North Africa and continental Europe! 

There can be no doubt that climate change is the driver behind a long-term increase in Red Admiral numbers. 

Each spring, and continuing through the summer, Red Admirals migrate north where the females lay eggs. Consequently, there is an emergence of fresh butterflies from July onwards. 

However, in recent years, scientists are seeing an indication that numbers have increased, and that the species is now overwintering in the UK, particularly in the South of England. 

With temperatures increasing, the Red Admiral’s need to return to its southerly winter habitat is reducing, which means it is possible we will see a greater number of the species spending the winter in the UK. 

This year’s early results show why the Big Butterfly Count is so important in helping scientists to understand how the weather and changing climate are affecting butterflies. 

Dr Zoë Randle, Senior Surveys Officer at Butterfly Conservation explains: “We’ve been surprised to see the Red Admiral taking the lead, however with the increased frequency of warm weather, the UK may well become a permanent home for this species. 

“The results so far show just how vital the Big Butterfly Count is. We couldn’t get the depth and breadth of data we’re collecting without the help of the general public. We’re calling on people across the UK to please get out for the Count and record your butterfly sightings over the next few days.

“With climate change here to stay, we need people to take part more than ever before and help us understand how extreme weather is affecting our butterflies.” 

Butterfly Conservation’s Big Butterfly Count isn’t over yet!

So far, citizen scientists across the UK have completed more than 85,000 Counts and recorded over 1 million butterflies and day-flying moths. 

The Big Butterfly Count runs until Sunday 6 August and scientists at Butterfly Conservation are keen to see whether the influx of Red Admirals continues, and how they are dispersed around the UK. 

Whether done with friends and family, or in a moment of quiet calm and solitude, the Big Butterfly Count is free, fun and takes just 15 minutes. It is open to anyone, of any age, in any part of the UK – towns, cities or the countryside.

No green space is too small – a back garden, a small terrace or balcony with some pot plants, a public park, allotment or country lane are all important spaces to explore, track and report. 

For more information and to take part simply visit www.bigbutterflycount.org or download the free Big Butterfly Count app.

World’s biggest cycling event gets underway

Scotland encouraged to celebrate the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships

Thousands of elite cyclists, including para-athletes, have arrived in Scotland to compete in the world’s biggest cycling event, as the competition is set to get underway in Glasgow.

Speaking ahead of the opening ceremony in George Square yesterday, First Minister Humza Yousaf has encouraged people to join in the fun by visiting fan zones, attending some of the free events or soaking up the atmosphere around the venues which will likely be gathering points for the thousands of local and international visitors that are expected.

Over the next 11 days, venues across the country will host 13 UCI cycling world championships, coming together for the first time to create the biggest cycling event in history. Plans have been put in place by key partners – including Transport Scotland, ScotRail and local authorities – to minimise disruption, however given the scale of the event, people, businesses and organisations are encouraged to plan ahead and consider travel plans to reduce the risk of delays.

The First Minister said: Scotland is proud to host the first ever UCI Cycling World Championships. Cyclists from around the world will be participating in one of the biggest and most exciting sporting events of the year. I’m delighted to welcome all the competitors and the many international visitors.

“The championships will highlight the beauty of Scotland’s landscapes and the vibrancy of our cities. Several of the events don’t require tickets and there will be free activities to enjoy.

“Checking travel arrangements in advance will help people make the most of what’s on offer.

“As events get underway, I would like to thank all the individuals and partner organisations who have helped prepare for them. I encourage as many people as possible to get involved and hope they will be inspired to cycle as a result.

“We are already delivering a range of community events and activities, and have improved infrastructure across the country through the Cycling Facilities Fund and the Community Cycling Fund.

“This is also a great opportunity to promote the broader benefits of active travel for us all which helps to reduce carbon emissions.” 

Paul Bush OBE, Chair, 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships said: “I’m thrilled that after years of careful planning and partnership working, we are now ready to raise the curtain on this unique, first-of-its-kind mega event bringing 13 cycling championships to Scotland over 11 days of elite and amateur competition.

“The eyes of the world will be on us from the official Opening Ceremony in Glasgow’s George Square – featuring our very own KT Tunstall, along with a glittering array of local and international artists – and Scotland is ready to put on a show.

“The 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships will again showcase Scotland’s status as a world-class events destination and will also deliver a real and lasting impact for cycling in communities across the country.”

CHEERS! Tax cut for 38,000 British pubs

  • Tax paid on pints and other drinks on tap in over 38,000 UK pubs is now up to 11p cheaper than their supermarket equivalents
  • The new Brexit Pubs Guarantee will keep it this way for good
  • Alcohol duty now simplified so drinks are taxed by strength, lowering duty on supermarket shelves for many UK favourites including bottles of pale ale, pre-mixed gin and tonic, and prosecco

Over 38,000 UK pubs and bars have seen a tax cut on the pints they pull from today as the government’s alcohol duty changes take effect.

The duty paid on drinks on tap in pubs will be up to 11p lower than at the supermarket. The changes are designed to help pubs compete on a level playing field with supermarkets, so they can continue to thrive at the heart of communities across the UK. The Brexit Pubs Guarantee announced in the Chancellor’s Spring Budget secures the pledge that pubs will always pay less alcohol duty than supermarkets going forwards.

It comes as other landmark changes to the alcohol duty system also come into effect today, which see drinks taxed by strength for the first time and a new relief – named Small Producer Relief – to help small businesses and start-ups create new drinks, innovate and grow.

Today’s changes have automatically lowered the duty in shops and supermarkets on many of the UK’s favourites including certain bottles of pale ale, pre-mixed gin and tonic, hard seltzer, Irish cream, coffee liquor and English sparkling wine, amongst others.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “I want to support the drinks and hospitality industries that are helping to grow the economy, and the consumers who enjoy the end result.

“Not only will today’s changes mean that that the price of your pint in the pub is protected, but it will also benefit thousands of businesses across the country.

“We have taken advantage of Brexit to simplify the duty system, to reduce the price of a pint, and to back British pubs.”

Jeremy Hunt, Chancellor of the Exchequer, said: “British pubs are the beating heart of our communities and as they face rising costs, we’re doing all we can to help them out. Through our Brexit Pubs Guarantee, we’re protecting the price of a pint.

“The changes we’re making to the way we tax alcohol catapults us into the 21st century, reflecting the popularity of low alcohol drinks and boosting growth in the sector by supporting small producers financially.”

The three alcohol duty changes that have taken effect today are only possible thanks to the UK’s departure from the EU and the guarantees set out in the Windsor Framework.

The previous duty system was complex and unfair but now that the UK is free to set excise policy to suit its needs, the government has brought about common-sense reforms in order to support wider UK tax and public health objectives.

Brexit Pubs Guarantee

Over 38,000 UK pubs will benefit from lower alcohol tax on the drinks they pour from tap from today. This is because the government has expanded Draught Relief, which effectively freezes or cuts the alcohol duty on the vast majority of these drinks. This is to protect pubs, who are often undercut by supermarket competitors.

It means that the duty they pay on each drink poured from draught, such as pints of beer and cider, will be up to 11p cheaper than in supermarkets. The government has pledged that the duty pubs and bars pay on these drinks will always be less than retailers, known as the Brexit Pubs Guarantee.

This tax reduction is part of a wider shake up of the alcohol duty system which also comes into effect from today – the biggest in 140 years.

A simpler, more modern alcohol duty system

The alcohol duty reforms were announced at the Autumn Budget in 2021. The reforms pledged to modernise and simplify a duty system that had not been changed in 140 years, only possible as the UK has left the EU.

The key changes are:

  • All products taxed in line with alcohol by volume (ABV) strength, rather than different duty structures for different drinks
  • Fewer main duty rates, from 15 to 6, to make it easier for businesses to grow and operate
  • There will be lower taxes on lower alcohol products – those below 3.5% alcohol by volume (ABV) in strength – a huge growth area in the drinks industry
  • All drinks above 8.5% ABV will pay the same rate regardless of product type
    This will mean that many UK favourites will see duty reductions. Irish cream will drop by 3p, cans of 5% ABV ready-to-drink spirit mixers by 6p, Prosecco by 61p and 500ml 3.4% pale ale by 20p a bottle.

New tax relief to encourage small producers to make new drinks

The UK alcoholic drinks market reached just under £50 billion in 2022, up 6% year on year and is expected to continue to grow – sales are forecast to reach £60.9 billion in 2026. The UK government is laser-focused on continuing this burgeoning success.

The government is introducing Small Producer Relief effective from today, which replaces and extends the previous Small Brewers Relief scheme.

This allows small businesses who produce alcoholic products with an ABV of less than 8.5% to be eligible for reduced rates of alcohol duty on qualifying products.

The new tax relief scheme promotes innovation in the drinks sector, giving small producers the financial freedom to experiment with new types of drink and grow their business. It also supports the modern drinking trend of lower alcohol beverages.

Edinburgh Napier University’s Business School earns AACSB International accreditation

Business School recognised by prestigious organisation

Edinburgh Napier University has earned business accreditation from AACSB International, the longest-serving global accrediting body for business schools.

The accolade, which recognises ENU’s Business School for excelling in teaching, research, curriculum development, and student learning, is held by less than six per cent of global institutions that offer business degrees.

Founded in 1916, AACSB is a global non-profit association that connects learners, educators, and businesses worldwide. To gain accreditation, The Business School successfully completed a rigorous review process conducted by business education peers.

ENU now joins a network of nearly 1,000 accredited institutions, including more than 40 in the UK.

Professor Christine Cross, Dean of The Business School, said: “AACSB international is a globally recognised benchmark for business education excellence and obtaining this accreditation is a testament to our unwavering dedication to providing high-quality education and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

“Through rigorous evaluation of our academic programmes, faculty qualifications, research initiatives and student outcomes AACSB accreditation reaffirms that Edinburgh Napier University is at the forefront of business education.

“As we celebrate this achievement we also reaffirm our commitment to fostering an inclusive and diverse learning environment that equips our students with the skills and the mindset necessary to address the challenges of the business world with empathy, integrity and resilience.

“Looking ahead Edinburgh Napier University will continue to push boundaries and maintain the highest standards of education, research and community engagement.”

Stephanie M. Bryant, executive vice president and chief accreditation officer of AACSB, said: “Edinburgh Napier University’s commitment to earning accreditation is a true reflection of their dedication—not only to their students, alumni network, and greater business community, but to the higher education industry as a whole.

“Today’s students are tomorrow’s business leaders, and the addition of the Edinburgh Napier University to the network of AACSB-accredited business schools will have a lasting positive impact for their institution, both locally and globally.

“We congratulate Edinburgh Napier University and Dean Christine Cross on earning accreditation and applaud the entire team—including the administration, faculty, staff, and students—for their roles in earning this respected honour.”