Uncategorized – Page 45 – The NEN

Eyre Place planning application: MSP hails ‘power of community’

A Scottish Government Reporter appointed to consider the Eyre Place planning application has dismissed the developer’s appeal and refused planning permission.

Nearly 400 objections to the planning application 22/0384/FUL (Student Accommodation) 72-74 Eyre Place were received from residents. The residents were largely concerned with the overall scale of the development, its overbearing presence blocking natural light for neighbours, and dense accommodation which would overburden local infrastructure and amenities.

Many local residents, therefore, felt the proposal was not compatible with the character of the area in terms of use or design and could also increase noise and disturbance due to plans that the top storey of the flats would be dedicated to ‘entertainment’ and karaoke booths.

On 11 January 2023, it was unanimously agreed by The City of Edinburgh Council’s Planning and Development Management Sub-Committee that a hearing would be held, so that local residents and developers could make their case in the Council chambers, before a final vote was held.

However, the developers, CA Europe Operating Company, appealed, and a Reporter, (a lawyer appointed by Scottish Government Ministers), instead was tasked to decide on the merits of the planning application.

Foysol Choudhury, list MSP for Lothian, raised deep concerns at the time about the fact that the public hearing would not take place and that the voices of local residents would not be heard, with local democracy being sidelined by the developer’s appeal.

Responding to the news that the Reporter has now dismissed the developer’s appeal and that planning permission has been denied, Foysol Choudhury MSP said: “My constituents are overjoyed at this result and they should be congratulated for all their hard work in organising as a community, to ensure their concerns about this planning application were heard by elected officials.

“Many of my constituents told me that the community was in despair, not just because of the proposed development but because they felt the decision to sideline the public hearing led to their voices being silenced.

“The developers attempted to bypass local democracy and failed in their appeal, which is of course a relief for my constituents, but we must learn lessons so that local democracy is not circumvented like this again in the future.

“Nevertheless, I am glad that this deeply unpopular planning application has been denied. It’s great to see what can be achieved through the power of community!”

Local resident, Hannah Edwards, said: “Our community is delighted with the Reporter’s decision. It reflects what was obvious to so many when we first saw this aggressive proposal 18 months ago.

“A development of this size on a constrained site would have had a really negative impact on the lives of so many. We’re eternally grateful to each and every person who fought so hard to get the result we were so dearly hoping for.”

Best Bar None Scotland 2023 launched

A successful multi-agency scheme aimed at improving standards and safety in licensed premises across Scotland has launched for 2023.

Best Bar None Scotland is a national accreditation and award scheme, which creates a safe day and night-time economy through awarding pubs, bars, nightclubs, and specialist entertainment venues, which provide high standards of safety for their staff and customers.

Participating venues are given the opportunity to demonstrate they can meet a number of objectives, set in consultation with Scottish Government and alcohol industry.

Best Bar None is led by Retailers Against Crime and supported by Police Scotland, Scottish Government and alcohol industry sponsors. It rewards safe and well-managed premises with a commemorative plaque which can be used to promote the venue.

The scheme follows five key objectives set out in the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005. These are; prevention of crime and disorder, protection of public safety, protection of the environment, promotion of public health and protection of children from harm.

The aim is for partner agencies to work with licensed premises in creating safer and welcoming night-time economy, which assists Police Scotland reducing criminal activity within these venues.

The launch event for Best Bar None 2023 scheme took place at the Bag O’Nails pub in Glasgow. The venue won the Best Late Night Bar category in 2022.

Police Scotland’s Chief Inspector Steven McKinnon said: “The public has a right to enjoy a safe night out within any of Scotland’s licensed premises, while, at the same time, staff working within these venues are also entitled to carry out their duties without fear of falling victim to a crime.

“The Best Bar None scheme has a number of different categories that venues can strive to achieve success in and in doing so, they will gain national recognition for their efforts.

“Police Scotland is committed to keeping the public safe and reducing incidents of public space and alcohol-related violence. Best Bar None is a really important initiative in helping us achieve this goal and we will continue to work with all relevant partners to further enhance the safety of Scotland’s night-time economy.”

Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown said: “I am pleased to continue our support for the Best Bar None Scheme in Scotland. The scheme helps highlight the positive role that that pubs, clubs and bars can play to support community well-being.

“It’s important to give safety in the night time economy its rightful focus and the scheme is an excellent opportunity for establishments to show what sort of venues they are running, how responsible they are and that they value their customers safety as much as their patronage.”

Jack Gemmell, Chairman of the Best Bar None Board added: “I am proud to recognise the hard work from all the participants of the Best Bar none Scheme in what continues to be a challenging business environment.

“The national winners we are announcing today are real examples of the benefits of taking part in the scheme. This has never just been about improving one bar or nightclub; it’s been about raising up the whole night-time economy to provide safe and fun venues for people to share convivial moments.

“The data behind the benefits of the scheme are well known but the winners here today demonstrate the real human value in providing the best of hospitality in the safest possible way.”

Maxine Fraser, Managing Director for Retailers Against Crime, added: “Retailers Against Crime are privileged to be the new administrators of Best Bar None Scotland.

“I would encourage all licensed premises to become involved in Best Bar None Scotland. Together we can all make a difference in helping to keep the day and night-time economy in our towns and cities vibrant and safe places to visit.”

Police seek witnesses to Jane Street fire incident

Detectives in Edinburgh are appealing for information and witnesses following a fire near to a property and a vehicle in Leith.

The incident took place on Jane Street, at around 10.35pm on Sunday, 11 June, 2023.

Officers assisted their partners at the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service at the scene. Whilst significant damage was caused, no injuries have been reported.

Enquiries to establish the cause of the fire are ongoing.

Detective Sergeant Christina Yeoman, from Gayfield CID, said: “We can be thankful that no one was hurt as a result of this fire.

“As our investigation continues, we are keen to hear from anyone who may have information, or potential CCTV or dashcam footage from the area.

“If you believe you can assist our enquiries, please call police on 101, quoting incident 4183 of 11 June, 2023.”

Progress in tackling child poverty

Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan report published

It is estimated that 90,000 fewer children will live in relative and absolute poverty this year as a result of Scottish Government policies.

The Scottish Government analysis is published alongside the first annual report on its Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan ‘Best Start, Bright Futures’.

The report sets out progress made on the four year plan, including that an estimated £3.03 billion was invested across a range of programmes targeted at low income households in 2022-23, with £1.25 billion directly benefiting children.

These figures represent an increase of £430 million and £150 million respectively, compared with 2021-22. As a result of that spending, poverty levels this year will be nine percentage points lower than they would have otherwise been.

The report also details key actions to help households and address the three main drivers of poverty – income from employment, cost of living and income from social security and benefits.

These include almost £83 million to help deliver employability support, introducing a rent cap to help protect tenants during the cost of living crisis and providing over £84 million to support housing costs, while increasing the Scottish Child Payment by 150% and expanding it to all eligible children under 16.

Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “The report demonstrates that we are preventing children falling into poverty and lifting people out of it. This year, 90,000 fewer children will live in poverty as a result of the concerted actions and focus we are providing, including lifting an estimated 50,000 children lifted out of hardship through the Scottish Child Payment.

“We are focused on driving forward action at the pace and scale required and the investment of around £3 billion in a range of programmes, with £1.25 billion directly benefiting children, demonstrates our commitment to taking action.

“By March this year, 303,000 children were receiving the Scottish Child Payment. Having increased the payment by 150% and by extending it to eligible children under 16, we are providing vital financial support to families worth £1300 a year.

“At the First Minister’s Anti-Poverty Summit in May our stakeholders, partners and people who have experienced poverty backed the approach we are taking. We will continue to do everything we can within the scope of our limited powers and fixed budget to help give more children the start in life they deserve.

“But it is only with the full economic and fiscal powers of an independent nation that Ministers can use all levers other governments have to tackle poverty and inequalities.”

Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan – Annual Report

Nessie search continues as reimagined Loch Ness Centre opens

Visitors to the Highlands and wannabe monster spotters can now walk through 500 million years of history, delve deeper into Scottish myths and legends, and discover the scientific research behind the global phenomena that is the Nessie legend at The Loch Ness Centre.

Located at the old Drumnadrochit Hotel, where, 90 years ago, Mrs Aldie Mackay hotel manageress reported seeing a ‘water beast’ in Loch Ness, Continuum Attractions has invested £1.5m in creating a modern immersive journey.

During the one-hour experience guests become part of the quest, discovering the real stories and meeting the many real and historic characters associated with the search for the truth about Loch Ness and Nessie.

Throughout eight immersive rooms guests delve deeper not just into history of the Loch Ness phenomenon but also the scientific research carried out by Adrian Shine and The Loch Ness Project (based on site), showcasing scientific methodology and real artefacts such as a real mini submarine, real underwater cameras, boats, sonar equipment all used in the quest to uncover the secrets of the 23 miles long Loch.

In ‘People and Stories’, guests will explore some of the most famous sightings and hoax’s linked to Nessie, set in the ‘bar of the old hotel’ guest meet old and young Mrs Aldie Mackay and learn how her one sighting changed history forever; and gave birth to a modern legend.

Guests’ hunt for the truth doesn’t end after the tour, tickets include an optional 12-month membership to The Loch Ness Quest, giving exclusive access to the latest Nessie sightings, events and news.

Guests can go on to explore the depths of the world’s most famous loch for themselves onboard the Centre’s vessel, Deepscan, named after the Operation Deepscan expedition carried out on the loch in 1987.

Juliana Delaney, Chief Executive of Continuum, said: “It’s an honour to open the doors to the newly imagined Loch Ness Centre. This must be one of the world’s greatest stories and it deserved a more modern and immersive presentation, which I hope we have delivered.

“We are very aware we are only temporary guardians of this amazing legend and we want to invest in keeping the search alive.

“There’s also a surprise for guests too when they hear who our narrator is!”

Pre-booked tickets are available in advance online. Adult tickets start from £13.95 online and Deepscan Cruises tickets start from £19.00.

To book your trip to The Loch Ness Centre or a cruise tour, please visit:

https://lochness.com

Poor children to suffer, as Scotland’s oral health gap set to widen

The British Dental Association has responded to new figures from the Scottish Liberal Democrats warning the oral health gap between rich and poor children will widen, given ongoing access problems, and the growing exodus from a broken NHS system.

Official data from Public Health Scotland has already shown the fall in participation is hitting those in most deprived communities the most. In September 2008, the gap in child participation between the most and least deprived areas was three percentage points; this had increased to seven percentage points by 2010, eighteen percentage points (55.3% compared to 73.1%) in September 2021. The figure now stands at twenty percentage points (55.9% compared with 75.8%).

The BDA has warned that lower levels of participation will inevitably translate into a higher dental disease burden, with deep oral health inequalities expected to widen even further given the cumulative impact of limited access to services, the temporary suspension of public health programmes, and the impact of lockdown diets. Lower participation will reduce the chance of picking up early signs of decay at routine check-ups, and delays in treatment will mean higher costs to the NHS and worse outcomes for young patients.

The professional body has stressed that reform to the broken low margin/high volume model the service works to are now essential, and that a new model has been pledged for rollout in the autumn. At present certain key treatments can be delivered at a financial loss, accelerating the exodus from the service. A recent BDA survey showed over half (59%) of high street NHS dentist reported having reduced the amount of NHS work they did since lockdown. Over four in five (83%) said they plan to reduce or further reduce their NHS commitment in the year ahead.

The BDA says that the future of the service hinges on reform providing it with firm foundations, with a decent, sustainable model that can deliver for patients and dentists across Scotland.

David McColl, Chair of the British Dental Association’s Scottish Dental Practice Committee said: “The oral health gap between rich and poor kids is set to widen.

“It’s a national scandal. Prevention is better than cure, but dentists are losing the chance to nip problems in the bud. The growing exodus from the NHS may make that permanent.

“Tooth decay is already the number one reason for hospital admissions among young children. It will take real reform to bring this service back from the brink.”

Call for responsible water use as resilience room meets

People and businesses are being urged to use water carefully as dry weather conditions are expected to persist and water demand is rising.

First Minister Humza Yousaf chaired a meeting of the Scottish Government’s Resilience Room (SGoRR) this afternoon, attended by Deputy First Minister Shona Robison, Justice and Home Affairs Secretary Angela Constance and partners including SEPA, Scottish Water and the Met Office, to consider preparations and mitigations in the event of further water scarcity.

Following a drier than normal winter and spring, water levels in reservoirs are lower than would be expected for this time of year. Scottish Water reports that consumer demand has increased sharply since last weekend putting pressure on reservoirs, treatment works and water mains.

SEPA reports that, in the north of Scotland, the Loch Maree area has been raised to the Significant Water Scarcity level – the highest level – and the Ness area has increased to Moderate Water Scarcity. The Esk area in Dumfriesshire has also increased to Moderate Water Scarcity.

The First Minister said: “While there is no immediate risk to public water supplies, water levels are much lower than usual for the time of year, particularly in parts of north and southern Scotland. With little significant rain forecast, shortages could become more likely and potentially more widespread.

“Everyone needs to use water responsibly. I urge businesses and the public to follow the guidance provided by SEPA and Scottish Water on the measures that need to be taken.

“The Scottish Government has reopened the emergency scheme to provide bottled water to any homes on private water supplies that need it. Householders should contact their local council if required.

“Businesses extracting water directly from the environment are also being urged to put their water scarcity plans into action now to reduce pressure on the environment.

“The Scottish Government and partners are monitoring the situation closely and considering appropriate measures to mitigate potential future impacts.”

TUC: UK’s parental leave and pay system needs an overhaul

New TUC survey finds low level of statutory paternity pay leaves families struggling financially – and stops 1 in 5 dads/partners from taking paternity leave at all

Low-income households and self-employed workers most likely to miss out on paternity leave
1 in 5 dads/partners who manage to take time off end up working during leave
Union body calls on ministers to increase statutory paternity pay and overhaul parental leave system

More than half (53%) of families struggle financially when dads/partners take paternity leave, according to a new TUC poll published today (Friday).

The survey also reveals that half (50%) of parents don’t feel they were able to take enough time off work as paternity leave to support their families.

And one in five (21%) parents told the TUC they didn’t take any paternity leave at all. The biggest reason for this – for more than one in four (27%) parents – is that they can’t afford to reduce their income.

Statutory paternity pay is currently £172.48 a week, or 90% of your average weekly earnings (whichever is lower), and paternity leave is one or two weeks.

Missing out

The TUC poll found:

Low earners: Household income has a big impact on take up of paternity leave. Nearly nine in 10 (86%) of parents where the household income is over £60,000 take statutory paternity leave provided by their employer, but this falls to two-thirds (65%) of dads/partners with a household income under £25k. And only one in seven (14%) dads/partners with household income under £25k take a more generous form of paternity leave than just the statutory – compared to more than one in three (35%) where the household income is over £80k.
Self-employed: Only one in three (31%) self-employed dads/partners took time off when their partner had a baby. Self-employed workers currently aren’t eligible for any statutory paternity pay. The TUC warns this reduces their ability to take time off work for the arrival of a new baby.

The poll also revealed that nearly one in five (18%) dads/partners are still doing some work whilst on paternity leave – rising to almost one in three (30%) part-time workers.

More than one in five (22%) do this because of the demands of their workload, and a similar percentage (19%) feel pressured to do this by their employers.

Government action needed

The TUC is calling on government to completely overhaul the current parental leave system.

The union body wants ministers to:

Increase statutory paternity pay: Statutory paternity pay needs to increase to at least the level of the real living wage, to make it feasible for dads/partners to take time out to care for their new-borns.

Extend parental leave: Both parents need a stand-alone right to their own individual period of well-paid parental leave – which is not dependent on the other partner sacrificing some of their leave (as it is in the current shared parental leave system).
Give parental leave and pay rights to all from day one: Parental leave and pay rights should be accessible to all, regardless of employment status – including those who are self-employed, agency workers or on zero-hours contracts. Qualifying periods for parental leave and pay rights should be scrapped and they should be available from day one in a job.

TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said: “It’s not right that so many dads can’t afford to take time off work when their babies are born.

“The arrival of a new-born is one of the most special moments in life. No parent should miss out on these precious first days.

“The UK’s parental leave and pay system needs an overhaul.

“Without better rights to well-paid leave, too many new parents will still miss out on spending time with their babies. And mums will continue to take on the bulk of caring.

“Ministers should give all dads better-paid paternity leave – and create a new right to well-paid parental leave just for dads, that doesn’t rely on mums giving up some of their maternity leave.”

AT LAST: Years late and millions overspent, the tram line to Newhaven finally opens

REPORT INTO EDINBURGH’S TRAM FIASCO EXPECTED SOON

The sun shone on Leith yesterday (Wednesday, 7 June) when passenger services on Edinburgh’s new tram line to Newhaven were launched, with the help of the community along the route.

The first paying customers were able to board the service, operated by Edinburgh Trams, between Newhaven and Picardy Place (and onward to Edinburgh Airport) from 12pm.

To celebrate the occasion, a piper accompanied the first tram into the Picardy Place tram stop while members of Edinburgh’s Dance Base performed a specially choreographed ‘tram ballet’ outside St Mary’s Cathedral. The Council Leader then joined local school pupils to officially open the tram for service.

The 2.9 mile, eight stop route, which has been under construction since November 2019, has been delivered on schedule and within the £207.3m budget.

Over recent months rigorous testing to ensure the newly constructed line, software and signals work effectively and safely has included running trams at half and full speed and eventually to timetable, work to integrate signalling and interface with Edinburgh Trams’ control centre and driver familiarisation.

Council Leader Cammy Day said: “I’m delighted to be playing a part in this momentous occasion – the launch of tram passenger services between Picardy Place and Newhaven. It’s a real landmark moment for Edinburgh, as we bring this high capacity, sustainable and reliable service to the north of the city.

“I know many will share in my excitement, and optimism for the benefits this development will provide. We’ve already seen vast improvements to spaces along the route and long-term I’m looking forward to the impact it will have on the local economy, which even now we’re starting to see.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all those who live and own businesses along the route. They have shown such patience and resilience throughout this major, complex project and now I hope that they will really gain from the new service.

“This is also a chance to reflect on the hard work of those who have delivered this scheme. Thanks to the project team’s dedication, despite the challenges of recent years, I’m proud to say Trams to Newhaven has been delivered on time and within the £207.3m budget” (!!! See below – Ed.)

Lea Harrison, Edinburgh Trams Managing Director, said: “The opening of the route will mark another momentous day for the city, and the entire Edinburgh Trams team stands ready to bring its acclaimed brand of service excellence to tens of thousands of new customers in the communities it serves.

“We’re also looking forward to delivering a real boost for local businesses, providing a convenient transport link between the city centre and some of Edinburgh’s most densely populated neighbourhoods, as well as key locations such as Ocean Terminal and Port of Leith.

“With trams from every seven minutes between 6am and midnight, seven days a week, our expanded tram timetable will help firms large and small to attract new business while helping their employees get to and from work.”

To mark the event, the earliest passengers were able to purchase ‘platinum’ tram tickets from machines at Picardy Place and Newhaven tram stops while Pulse of the Place, a vibrant youth samba band based in north Edinburgh, performed around the Newhaven tram stop.

The Guard of Honour from the High Constabulary of the Port of Leith also stood at Pilrig Street to welcome the tram into the historic Burgh of Leith wearing full parade dress, including top hats, whistles and ceremonial batons.

While the project will open for revenue services on 7 June 2023, outstanding public realm works will continue in some sections.

‘On time and on Budget? Well, no, not quite. The line to Newhaven was part of the original plan for Edinburgh’s tram network. That infamous project became a fiasco, delivering not a network but a SOLITARY LINE – and even that was years late and millions of pounds over budget!

Such was the scale of the shambles of Edinburgh’s tram project that a Public Enquiry was set up under Lord Hardie.

The Inquiry aims to establish why the Edinburgh Tram project incurred delays, cost more than originally budgeted and through reductions in scope delivered significantly less than projected.

The official terms of reference for the Inquiry are to:

Inquire into the delivery of the Edinburgh Tram project (‘the project’), from proposals for the project emerging to its completion, including the procurement and contract preparation, its governance, project management and delivery structures, and oversight of the relevant contracts, in order to establish why the project incurred delays, cost considerably more than originally budgeted for and delivered significantly less than was projected through reductions in scope.
Examine the consequences of the failure to deliver the project in the time, within the budget and to the extent projected.
Review the circumstances surrounding the project as necessary, in order to report to the Scottish Ministers making recommendations as to how major tram and light rail infrastructure projects of a similar nature might avoid such failures in future.

Lord Hardie’s Report into the Edinburgh Trams Project was finally handed over to the publishing company on 26 April and will be with them ‘for several weeks’.

We should find out soon just where all our missing millions went. Platinum tram tickets indeed – and we’ve certainly payed dearly for them!

Find out more about Trams to Newhaven.

Scotch Whisky Experience: New Tour to Launch in July

Anticipation is building as work nears completion on the enhanced tour at The Scotch Whisky Experience, located at the top of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile.

Following a major investment of £3 million the new tour is expected to launch in July.

The Scotch Whisky Experience has been sharing the delights of Scotch whisky to a global audience of 8.5 million visitors for more than 35 years and is one of Edinburgh’s five-star attractions.

Susan Morrison, Chief Executive of The Scotch Whisky Experience, said “it has been so exciting to see the development of our new immersive visitor experience and we cannot wait to share it. This unusual technology and our brilliant team of guides will lead visitors through the distilling process using a unique method of storytelling.”

More than just a liquid, Scotch whisky is an expression of Scotland and its rich traditions and natural heritage. The new tour promises to take visitors on a captivating journey across the country to discover what makes whisky the spirit of Scotland.

As well as learning about the distilling process, the immersive experience will also give visitors an appreciation of the importance wood has on the character and flavour of Scotch before the angels have their share.

Excitement is palpable amongst staff who will shortly begin their training with the new technology.

Ellie Nichols, Senior Visitor Assistant at The Scotch Whisky Experience, said; ”working at The Scotch whisky Experience sparks joy and I love teaching people about whisky.

“I can’t wait to spark the same joy in our visitors. This new, completely immersive, experience is going to capture their attention from the minute they step through the doors. This is such a unique place, and I can’t wait to be part of the future of The Scotch Whisky Experience.”

The July launch of this enhanced tour at The Scotch Whisky Experience will ensure even more visitors are welcomed into the extraordinary world of Scotland’s whisky heritage.