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Glenigan forecasts Construction Sector return to growth by 2023

Glenigan, one of the construction industry’s leading insight and intelligence experts, has released its UK Construction Industry Forecast 2022-2024.

The key takeaway from this Forecast, which focuses on the next three years (2022-2024) indicates the construction industry will face challenging economic conditions.

However, whilst growth will be stifled in 2022 (-2%), 2023 is predicted to see a modest 8% increase and a smaller 2% lift in 2024, representing an average rise of 2.6% over the Forecast period.

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This report is predominantly focused on underlying starts (< £100m in value), unless otherwise stated, and contains a comprehensive overview of the current state of the construction industry. Crucially, it provides overall sector and vertical-specific insight into performance over the next few years.

Significant disruption stifles short-term growth

The next few years will be challenging for the construction industry as a whole. The war in the Ukraine is creating considerable economic uncertainty which is having a direct, current effect on output, derailing post-COVID recovery. As a result, overall project starts are forecast to slip back 2%.

Aside from this ongoing conflict, current inflation spikes, higher taxes and rising mortgage costs are expected to constrain activity in consumer-related areas, such as private housing, retail and hotel & leisure.

In contrast, a firm development pipeline is predicted to lift industrial and office starts in 2022, as well as Government-funded areas such as education, health and community & amenity.

More positively, the value of project starts is expected to rise in 2023, as the UK economy stabilises and short-term supply chain pressure ease. However the lingering impact of higher construction, material and energy costs means this growth will be significantly lower than predicted in previous forecasts.

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Housing Starts Depressed

Although a buoyant housing marked helped to lift new housebuilding activity in 2021, with starts rising 26%, this recent surge is fading.

Predicted to drop 5% in 2022, following the removal of temporary Stamp Duty relief and dwindling homebuyer confidence, higher taxes and mortgage costs, housebuilders are expected to moderate project starts and focus on building out developments already on-site.

However, this slowdown appears temporary, with a renewed build-for-sale starts recovery anticipated in the second half of the Forecast period, rising 14% in 2023 and 1% in 2024, as household financial positions and UK economic prospects improve. Furthermore, a strong development pipeline has also be registered for Build-to-Rent starts, following a productive 12 months in 2021.

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Bright spots for non-residential work

Industrial starts, particularly warehouse and logistics, are set to remain a growth area, building on the ever-increasing appetite for online retail, which accelerated during the pandemic. With e-commerce expected to be a significant growth market in the coming years, 2022 will see start value increase by 11%.

However, the online shopping boost has hit physical retail hard, with high street and outlet footfall remaining far lower than pre-pandemic levels. Unsurprisingly, lower consumer spending power, an overhang of empty retail premises and a greater share of the market moving online, means growth will be tempered over the Forecast period. Here, increased investment by the deep discount supermarkets, Aldi and Lidl, will be the primary drivers of the predicted 6% average uplift between 2022 and 2024.

The leisure and hospitality sector, hit hard by the pandemic, is also only set to expect modest recovery over the Forecast period due to reduced consumer discretionary spending during a tighter economic climate.

Moving from play to work, office starts bounced back sharply last year (+27%) and are predicted to benefit over the forecast period (av. +11%). This potential growth can be attributed to a rise in refurbishment projects as tenants and landlords adapt premises to accommodate changing working practices. However, new build office projects will likely be slower to recover as tenants and developers assess the effects of the shift towards remote and hybrid working on the long-term demand for office accommodation.

Public Sector Pick-Up

Public sector investment is set to be an important driver for construction activity over the Forecast period. However, the latest Spending Review revealed only modest growth in capital funding for a handful of central Government departments over the next three years.

Whilst the value of social housing starts is set to dip almost 10% this year, following a 15% surge in 2021, the vertical is predicted to rally for the remainder of the Forecast period, helped by a strong pipeline of already approved projects commencing on site.

Education construction is a vertical predicted to grow significantly over the next few years (av. +8%), partly driven by the Government’s commitment to building 500 new schools over the next decade. This is supported by a modest rise in universities capital spending during the second half of the Forecast period

The outlook for the health sector is also brightening. Starts remained high in 2021 post-Pandemic and the increase in capital funding and a growing development pipeline means the value of starts are expected to remain steady over the Forecast period, will slight declines this year (-5%) and next (-6%) .

Focusing on civils and infrastructure, a significant funding increase in areas such as roads, especially to address the maintenance backlog on the nation’s local roads, is helping to lift the value of project starts.

Investment in rail projects and utilities development, as well as ongoing work on major infrastructural projects such as Thames Tideway, HS2 and Hinkley Point are also set to support vertical activity over the Forecast period.

Commenting on the Forecast, Glenigan’s economic director Allan Wilen says, “Circumstances have changed significantly since the November 2021 Forecast and, whilst the short-term picture appears challenging, we should adopt a sanguine approach for the next few years.

“Markets sent into turmoil by the Russia-Ukraine War are starting to stabilise as new supply chain solutions are developed and established.

“Of course, in the near future construction and building product costs will remain high. However this situation will no doubt encourage a burst of imagination and innovation which will see the sector weather the current storm and progress to, if not sunny uplands, then at least towards a trajectory of upward growth.”

To download Glenigan’s UK Construction Industry Forecast 2022-2024 click here.

To find out more about Glenigan, its expert insight and leading market analysis, click here.

New plan calls for urban wetlands to help ‘level up’ wellbeing inequalities

Creating wildlife-rich wetlands like ponds, streams, wetland parks and rain gardens in deprived urban communities could help level up inequalities in wellbeing across the UK, according to a new report.

Currently, people in the poorest urban and ethnic communities are twice as likely as those in more affluent groups to live in neighbourhoods without good quality blue or green spaces. Some research suggests this differing access to nature-rich areas could be associated with health inequalities.

The Wildfowl & Wetland Trust’s (WWT) Creating Urban Wetlands for Wellbeing. A Route Map’ outlines how high-quality wetlands could help tackle these inequalities, often more effectively than other forms of nature.

The report highlights how wetlands can help low-income urban communities, which are frequently most at risk from the harmful impacts of poor mental health and the climate crisis, through relieving stress, cooling cities, reducing air and water pollution, alleviating flooding and boosting biodiversity.

In addition, the report outlines how blue spaces (environments that feature open water, such as wetlands) directly reduce stress more than green spaces alone. This could be due to the particularly wide range of stimuli .wetland nature provides which engage all the senses The light, soundscapes, changing patterns on water, and meaningful personal associations associated with aquatic settings may all reduce stress.

The powerful calming effect of blue space is further demonstrated by a study of 16,000 people across 18 countries, which found that frequently visiting ‘watery’ nature decreased mental distress. Just 10 minutes spent in urban wetlands can be enough to improve a person’s mood.

People also socialise more in blue spaces, helping to build community cohesion and reduce social isolation. And restored linear wetlands, such as rivers, provide opportunities for physically active travel and leisure in space-limited towns and cities.

WWT is working with the Mental Health Foundation (MHF) and the NHS, prescribing wetlands in London for people experiencing poor mental health with limited resources.

Dr Ben Plimpton, Project Manager from the Foundation, commented: “Initiatives such as WWT and MHF’s Blue Prescribing at London Wetland Centre can be particularly effective at improving people’s mental health – and may sometimes prevent the need for crisis support.

“Initial assessment of social prescribing has shown that the average wellbeing value of wetland social prescribing was £4,848 per person, compared to £1,084 and £1,127 per person for arts engagement and sports participation respectively.

“Increasing structured access to city wetlands for those with limited resources, as our scheme does, could be one of the simplest ways to lift people’s wellbeing in urban areas.”

The route map details how nature-rich wetlands can be created in a range of urban settings at a variety of scales, allowing them to fit in any urban space, including:

installing simple drainpipe wetlands in backyards and gardens
building new rain gardens during street repair work and neighbourhood improvements
restoring streams and rivers flowing through neighbourhoods
creating parks centred on wetlands that provide a wellbeing resource for whole communities

It recommends creating and restoring wetlands where they can best reduce health inequalities, such as in areas without access to nature, where deprived communities and neighbourhoods are at risk of flooding and overheating as the climate crisis escalates.

The report urges governments, businesses and civil society to play their part in creating and restoring urban wetlands that can help to level up wellbeing.

In particular, restoring wetland nature to urban areas should be a major part of the Government’s plans to level up opportunity across the country, with a new legal duty on councils and developers to provide access to nature.

Dr James Robinson, Director of Conservation at WWT, said: “Most human settlements grew around a water source and wetlands long used to be an integral part of our great towns and cities.

“However, increasingly new developments have swallowed many of them up. Worryingly, there are no UK-wide plans to increase the amount of blue or green nature in urban areas, despite the huge value they provide. London’s natural spaces alone save the NHS £950M annually.

“WWT are experts at protecting, restoring and building new wetlands but to do this at scale, including in urban areas, more support and funding from the public and private sectors is needed.

“The opportunities that wetlands offer to enhance and extend our lives are established – but they are not being grasped. WWT’s route map released today provides a clear plan of how this can be achieved.”

David Lindo, ‘the Urban Birder’, who supports WWT’s call for more urban wetlands, said: “I grew up in London and the River Brent was a lifeline for me as a child. I became absorbed in its wildlife and it sparked my lifelong love of birds and boosted my mental wellbeing.

“Everyone should have access to that and it’s imperative that decision-makers consider how to incorporate wetlands into our urban spaces – sooner rather than later. Wetlands could offer national and local government a win-win situation helping them reach their levelling up, climate change, nature and health targets all at the same time. It’s time to start thinking smart.”

WWT’s call for more urban wetlands is part of their wider Wetlands Can! Campaign, which is urging the public to pledge their support for a “blue recovery” by creating and restoring 100,000 hectares of wetlands throughout the UK to help combat the climate, nature and wellbeing crises.

wwt-creating-urban-wetlands-for-wellbeing Download

Ukraine: Three month pause for Scotland’s Super Sponsor scheme

Closing from Wednesday ‘ensuring support can continue after large increase of new applications’

A three-month pause on new visa applications for displaced Ukrainians to come to Scotland will be in place from 9:00 am on Wednesday 13 July.

The pause on new applications will not affect anyone who has already made an application or had their visa granted.

With visa applications listing the Scottish Government as sponsor up 21% on the previous week as of 5 July, visas issued up 27%, and arrivals under the super sponsor scheme up 20%, a temporary suspension is needed to ensure safe accommodation can continue to be provided to those who have already applied and may now travel to Scotland.

A total of 21,256 visas have been issued naming a Scottish sponsor – more than 20% of the UK total, and the highest number per head of population in the UK. Scotland is currently providing sanctuary for over 7,000 people, two-thirds of whom applied under the Scottish super sponsor scheme.

This exceeds the 3,000 the Scottish Government committed to welcome when the scheme launched in March, to provide a rapid route to safety for those fleeing the crisis caused by Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.

In addition to the pause, the following actions are being taken:

the chartering of a passenger vessel the M/S Victoria, which will be docked in Leith in Edinburgh to provide an additional 739 rooms where people can be temporarily accommodated
the refurbishment of 200 unused council properties in North Lanarkshire to provide more longer-term accommodation, supported by £5 million of Scottish Government funding
additional staff will be deployed in ‘surge teams’ to assist local authorities matching those in temporary premises to suitable longer-term accommodation
the Wheatley Housing Group, Scotland’s largest social landlord, has pledged to make 300 homes available to local authorities across Scotland to house displaced people from Ukraine
Minister with Special Responsibility for Refugees from Ukraine, Neil Gray will also meet today with Lord Harrington, UK Minister for Refugees, to seek clarity on existing funding arrangements for the Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme and, given the very high demand experienced by the Welsh and Scottish Government schemes, ask whether the UK Government will consider introducing its own super sponsor arrangements

Mr Gray said: “As a nation Scotland has risen in solidarity with Ukrainians in their hour of need. I am proud that thanks in large part to our super sponsor scheme, we are now providing safe accommodation to the most Ukrainians per head of population in the UK.

“We have been able to ensure thousands of people displaced by Russia’s horrific and illegal war were able to travel immediately and receive support and a place to stay without the need to be matched with a private host first.

“Our absolute priority has been to respond quickly to support those forced to flee their homeland and I thank all local authorities, third sector organisations, the private sector and the public, who have all mobilised in a major effort to help – together we have coordinated accommodation and delivered essential services at a large scale and in a very short space of time.

“With a recent decrease in people applying for private sponsorship in England, and Wales having paused their own scheme, the number of applications naming the Scottish Government as sponsor has increased considerably in recent weeks. For this reason we have taken the incredibly difficult decision to follow Wales in pausing our scheme so we can continue to provide a high level of support and care to everyone who has already been granted a visa.

“We will review our position in three months, but of course if circumstances change during that time we will bring that date forward. In the meantime we are taking significant action to increase the capacity of our temporary accommodation and are also boosting our matching system to maximise the number of displaced people placed with volunteer hosts who have completed the necessary safeguarding checks.”

Responding to the news, Labour MSP Foysul Choudhury said: “I have been warning the Scottish Government for months that while they congratulated themselves for welcoming thousands of new refugees, hundreds of Afghan and Syrian refugees had been stuck in hotels and other temporary accommodation for years on end with seemingly no plan to tackle this accommodation shortage.

“Now we finally have the admission that the Scottish Government cannot house many of the refugees who have arrived, to the point where they are suspending the Super Sponsor Scheme and chartering a ship to hold refugees instead.

“I cannot overemphasise the disruption that this will cause to the lives of refugees who have arrived in Scotland seeking sanctuary. Being stuck in temporary accommodation means that people are unable to put down roots and begin to rebuild their lives, because they never know when they might be moved on and forced to start again. It is safety without security.

“I have spoken to many refugees from Syria and Afghanistan who have now been stuck in hotels for several years, often accommodation that is unfit for the family they have with them. Since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, I have urged the Scottish Government to learn the lessons from the experiences of these previous waves of refugees. That they have failed to do at best demonstrates their unrealistic expectations and at worst represents negligence.

“The Scottish Government must ensure that its plans to charter a ship to hold refugees are truly only temporary, and that conditions aboard are sanitary and fit for purpose in the meantime. We cannot afford to end up in a situation where people are still stuck on the ship as many years later as the previous waves of refugees have now been stuck in hotels.”

SEPA announces Nicole Paterson as next Chief Executive

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has announced the appointment of Nicole Paterson as its next Chief Executive.

Nicole, who joins the agency in October, is an award-winning local government Chief Officer, with nearly thirty-years’ experience across five local authorities, consultancy, and environmental non-executive roles; leading operational, regulatory and strategic environmental services.

With more than twenty-five-years’ experience in local government specifically, Ms. Paterson joins from North Lanarkshire Council, Scotland’s fourth largest local authority, where her role as Head of Environmental Assets saw her drive a strategic vision of community focused, inclusive growth and prosperity. She led systemic change on climate change adaption, biodiversity, flood risk management, transport policy, planning and green spaces.

Nicole previously spent over a decade at Stirling Council leading strategic environmental and infrastructure programmes and has worked across West Lothian, East Dunbartonshire and Argyll & Bute Councils.

She is a Board Member of Climate Ready Clyde, working with industry and government, and Chair of the Glasgow City Region Transport Portfolio leading strategic transport visioning. A Chartered civil engineer and University of Strathclyde graduate, Nicole is a member of 7 Lochs Wetland Park and previously the Inner Forth Landscape Initiative.

The appointment followed an open recruitment process which attracted a broad and diverse range of applications from across Scotland, the UK and Europe.

Announcing the appointment, Bob Downes, SEPA Chair, said: “As Scotland’s environmental watchdog, SEPA plays a key role in Scottish public life, protecting, adapting, and supporting our transition to a net zero economy.

“We’ve got a great team of multi-skilled professionals dedicated to our rich and diverse environment. They deserve the very best leadership and I’m delighted that in Nicole, we’ve found an optimistic, energetic leader who’s as passionate about Scotland’s environment, our statutory purpose and delivering modern, effective and essential public services as we are.

“But more than that, we’ve found in Nicole an open, supportive and motivational leader committed to collaboration, outcomes, excellence and building an agency reflective of the country we serve.

Commenting on her appointment, Nicole said: ““Scotland’s stunning environment, its lochs and its land, are world-renowned, and being trusted to protect them for future generations, while supporting our nation to adapt to a changing climate, is a privilege.

“Protecting our environment, inclusion, wellbeing and supporting sustainable growth are not only key to my personal and professional beliefs, they’re at the heart of SEPA’s statutory purpose. They’re fundamental to SEPA’s One Planet Prosperity strategy and the work that its people deliver each and every day in communities the length and breadth of our country.

“Across my career, from working with the Board of Climate Ready Clyde to Argyll and Bute Council, I’ve been constantly inspired by SEPA’s role in improving Scotland’s environment, its commitment to collaboration and the professionalism and commitment of its people.

“Over the coming months I look forward to visiting, meeting with and listening to people, partners and stakeholders across the country as together we deliver for Scotland’s environment.”

Mr. Downes recognised and thanked Acting Chief Executive, Jo Green and Agency Management Team colleagues for their

leadership following the departure of the previous Chief Executive, delivering an annual operating plan and supporting and empowering delivery and performance. Jo Green will continue as Acting Chief Executive until Ms. Paterson assumes responsibilities in October.

Musselburgh Racecourse announces Vogue Williams as celebrity DJ for Stobo Castle Ladies Day

Scotland’s biggest and most prestigious 5-star Ladies Day – Musselburgh Racecourse Stobo Castle Ladies Day is back on Friday 5^th August.

The organisers are delighted to announce that Vogue Williams will headline the exciting after-racing party. The TV presenter, model and DJ will entertain the crowds by taking to the decks to keep the party going, following the last race at the East Lothian track on Friday 5 August 2022, an annual sell-out event, famed for its atmosphere.

Musselburgh Racecourse Commercial Manager, Aisling Johnston, said: “We’re delighted Vogue Williams will join us this summer for Stobo Castle Ladies Day, as it’s always our most glamorous event of the year.

“This year we are expecting the raceday to be one of the biggest fashion extravaganzas that Scotland has seen in a long while, and everyone is welcome not just the ladies! Ladies Day is always a jam-packed day of first-class racing, great food, and entertainment and of course our infamous after-party where Vogue will now be DJ’ing!”

Vogue Williams said: “I’m thrilled to play at the after-racing party at Stobo Castle Ladies Day at Musselburgh Racecourse, one of the biggest parties of the year! I absolutely love Scotland having spent my university days there. I can’t wait to visit, calling in on family, and to see all the thousands of racegoers getting dressed up once again!”

The annual sell out event will see a new Style competition launch, thrilling horse racing and first-class entertainment. This year’s glamorous summer racing event will celebrate the changing styles of Ladies Day past and present, a theme that will be part of the entertainment throughout the day.

The Style Awards will be the new fashion competition for this year and the judges, including leading Scottish stylist Eva Arrighi, will be looking for style, elegance, and individuality. This year’s event will also welcome back the Best Hat Awards too.

Ladies Day at Musselburgh Racecourse is always alight with an electric party atmosphere like no other. Accompanying Vogue Williams, former Miss Scotland, Jennifer Reoch, will host this year’s Stobo Castle Ladies Day on the main stage.

Hospitality packages for Ladies Day are already sold out but there are still lots of ticket options available including the beautifully decorated Picnic Pavilion marquee, located alongside the running rail. With a prime position for viewing, the picnic pavilion has its own dedicated bar, betting facilities and private washrooms.

Ladies Day is an annual sell-out event, and tickets are selling fast, so book now to avoid disappointment https://www.musselburgh-racecourse.co.uk/view-fixture/stobo-castle-ladies-day-2022

Hybrid parliament here to stay, says Holyrood Committee

A modern parliament that is committed to embracing technology and change to become more accessible and inclusive for the people it serves. That is the vision for the Scottish Parliament in a new report published yesterday by Holyrood’s Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee.

The report makes it clear that the hybrid parliament, where Members and committee witnesses can take part virtually, should be here to stay. But this must be supported by on-going investment in technology and infrastructure.

The report follows an inquiry by the Committee which looked at ways in which scrutiny and debate can be conducted in hybrid format as well as exploring wider changes to procedures to improve scrutiny.

Measures in the report include a recommendation to introduce proxy voting for those on parental leave or ill.

Speaking as the report published, Committee Convener Martin Whitfield MSP said: “Parliament cannot stand still. During the pandemic we saw a huge amount of change across the country.

“Working from home, zoom video calls and remote learning became the norm for many of us, including Parliament. It is important we continue to evolve and take advantage of the technology around us.

“But these changes need to be about more than just technology. Our practices and procedures should be fit for the Scotland of today and ready for the Scotland of tomorrow. We must challenge ourselves to innovate and introduce new measures and be willing to look closely at how we work

“Our report recommends the introduction of a proxy voting pilot scheme for MSPs. This will ensure your MSP can still represent you even when circumstances rightly mean they cannot cast their vote.”

Deputy Convener Bob Doris MSP said: “This Parliament was founded on principles of accountability, equality and accessibility and we heard throughout our inquiry about the benefits of having a hybrid system which allows a broader range of people to engage with their Parliament, including those who may have been previously excluded.

“We cannot shy away from embracing change which makes us a more accessible and reflective Parliament of the people of Scotland. However, we must also ensure that the Parliament itself remains a place to come together, share ideas and debate the issues of the day.

“This is why our report makes clear that we must continue to invest to in technology that supports the Members in their work.”

New package of support to help over 50s jobseekers back into work

The UK Government has announced millions of pounds of new measures to tackle unemployment amongst the over 50s on benefits.

New measures set to help quarter of all jobseekers get back into work
Multi-million package will increase jobcentre support for over 50s including those thinking about retirement
Long term unemployed will be referred to the multi-billion-pound Restart Scheme which is already supporting a quarter of a million back into work

The new support follows ministers meeting their target to get half a million people into work in under six months, as part of the Way to Work jobs push launched in January.

Keeping up the momentum, £22 million will be invested in new measures to tackle unemployment amongst the over 50s on benefits, as a stable income is the best route for people to support themselves through challenging times.

Jobseekers over the age of 50 will have more one-to-one support at jobcentres to help them get into, and progress in work, boosting their earnings ahead of retirement.

This increased support will be boosted by 37 50PLUS Champions covering every district across England, Wales and Scotland who will work with local employers to help them realise how their recruitment could benefit from the talent of older workers.

Mid-life MOTs will also be available in jobcentres, targeting those thinking about retirement and engaging them to take stock of their skills and finances, and consider taking jobs that could boost their incomes based on their skills experience.

Minister for Employment, Mims Davies MP said: “Older workers are a huge asset to this country, and there are currently more than 400,000 over 50s in roles than before the pandemic.

“We’re increasing funding and support at every step of their journey up the career ladder, to ensure everyone gets the support they need to get into work, progress and use their experience to boost their earnings and plan for a better future.

“Helping people find the security of a stable income, through a job they can take pride in, is also one of the best ways for people to support their families during these challenging times.”

Carole Easton, Chief Executive at the Centre for Ageing Better, said: “Seeing DWP continue to recognise the importance of a bespoke approach to older workers is really welcome.

“We know that older workers face unique challenges, such as ageism in the workplace and a possible gap in skills compared to some of their younger counterparts, so we will gladly support any tailored action that begins chip away at these significant roadblocks standing in the way of older people accessing fulfilling work.”

Research shows that people over 50 are more likely to have caring responsibilities, with 12% of men and 16% of women aged 55-64 providing informal care and increased support from Work Coaches will help them navigate these barriers.

With the economy back on its feet, and the demand for experienced staff, the advice will help older workers make the right choice for them. And for those who have been out of work for nine months, the government’s Restart Scheme will provide a year of intensive support to get them back on the career ladder.

One year since its launch, the Restart Scheme is already seeing the first jobseekers take up work and leave the scheme and is currently supporting a quarter of a million people get the skills they need to re-enter the workforce.

This is part of the government’s renewed focus on growing the economy and helping people find work and boost their earnings.

Temporary travelling safely measures in Edinburgh: Have Your Say!

CONSULTATION CLOSES TOMORROW

Have your say on retaining and trialling most of the ‘temporary’ measures and active travel schemes in the city for a further 18 months.

The council says they improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists, support health & wellbeing and physical distancing so people can safely walk, wheel or cycle in the city.

The four week engagement closes TOMORROW – Sunday 3 July.

https://pclengagement-hub.co.uk/…/fol…/travelling-safely

Pedestrian dies following Easter Road incident

Road Policing officers in Edinburgh can confirm that a 21-year-old man has died following a hit-and-run incident in Leith.

The incident involved a car and a pedestrian, and took place in Easter Road around 2.40am on Sunday, 19 June, 2022.

The pedestrian was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh at the time, but has since passed away. His family have asked for privacy at this time.

A 23-year-old man was arrested in connection with the incident and further enquiries remain ongoing.

Sergeant Paul Ewing, from the Edinburgh Road Policing team, said: “At this time, our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of the deceased.

“We are continuing our enquiries into the incident and would ask anyone who was in the area at the time and may have information to come forward. We’re also particularly keen to speak with two females who were seen near to an ATM at the bottom of Easter Road, around 2.30am.

“If you believe you can assist our enquiries, please call police on 101, quoting incident 0590 of Sunday, 19 June, 2022.”

Iconic Davis Cup trophy visits Edinburgh

The next generation of tennis fans in Edinburgh were served a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see a unique piece of the sport’s history as the famous Davis Cup by Rakuten trophy dropped into Craiglockhart Tennis Centre and The Meadows as part of a national tour to celebrate Scotland’s hosting of the illustrious competition.

Selected as one of four venues to host the Group Stage of the Davis Cup by Rakuten Finals, Glasgow’s Emirates Arena will stage Great Britain’s blockbuster Group D ties against USA, Kazakhstan and Netherlands between 13-18 September. Tickets for the event, priced from £10, will go on sale this Thursday (30^th June) at 10am and can be purchased here.

Across an 11-stage tour, the trophy will drop-in at several inspirational locations that are continuing to play a pivotal role in broadening the accessibility of tennis in Scotland, helping to open up the sport to more people and building on record participation figures that have been recorded in recent years, with a 12% increase in players playing once or more a year over the past 12 months.

The trophy tour started in the Scottish Borders on Monday (27^th June) at Earlston High School, one of Britain’s many educational establishments which are championing the school element of the LTA Youth programme, designed to attract and retain more children aged 4-18 in tennis.

Moving across Scotland, the trophy visited Craiglockhart Tennis Centre on Tuesday as the venue played host to the Scottish Junior Open, one of the largest Grade 2 tournaments in the country which is catering for 515 participating players who are aiming to follow in the footsteps of the tournament’s former 9 & Under champion, Emma Raducanu.

On Wednesday, the trophy then made the short trip to The Meadows which is the setting for the busiest park tennis site in Scotland, featuring 16 courts and a programme which boats excellent links with the community, local schools and The University of Edinburgh.

The tour aims to shine a spotlight on some of the programmes that are encouraging children to pick up a racket for the very first time, including the LTA Youth programme as well as LTA SERVES which is focussed on making tennis more accessible to children from underserved communities, and the Open Court Programme which enables disabled players to enjoy the physical and mental health benefits of tennis.

Tennis Scotland and the LTA have coordinated the trophy tour to build momentum for September’s group stage matches whilst interest in the sport is heightened by the Wimbledon fortnight.

The trophy will now visit several inclusive schools, clubs, and venues as it travels the length of the country to Moray Sports Centre in Elgin; the first venue to benefit from the Transforming Scottish Indoor Tennis Fund (TSIT).

Upcoming trophy tour events and locations:

1st July – Clarkston Bowling and Tennis Club, Glasgow (10am-12 noon)
3rd July – Bridge of Allan Tournament, Stirling (10am-1pm)
4th July – Achieve More Scotland, Haghill Park Primary School, Glasgow (10am-12noon)
5th July – Scotstoun Community Tennis Centre, Glasgow (10am-1pm)
7th July – Elgin Tennis Club, Highlands (10am-12noon)
7th July – Moray Sports Centre, Moray (2pm-5pm)
8th July – West End Club, Dundee (12-4pm)

Standing at 110cm tall, the Davis Cup is one of the most recognisable trophies within the sporting world. Following in the lead of past winners including Scotland’s Andy Murray, Jamie Murray and current team captain Leon Smith, individuals across the nation are being handed the opportunity to witness the trophy up close before the ‘men’s world cup of tennis’ heads for Glasgow’s East End.

Following the Davis Cup Group Stage matches, the Emirates Arena will also host the Billie Jean King Cup Finals in November after the International Tennis Federation announced that the ‘women’s world cup of tennis’ will return to Great Britain for the fourth time in its six-decade history.

Blane Dodds, Tennis Scotland Chief Executive, said: “Glasgow’s hosting of Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup matches is a massive boost for tennis in Scotland and comes at a time when interest in the sport has never been greater.

“We’re thrilled to bring two of the most coveted competitions to Scotland with the LTA, which will provide future players and fans of the game with the chance to experience top level tennis on their doorstep.

“The Davis Cup trophy tour provides the perfect opportunity to build momentum for the tournament and showcase the passion for tennis here in Scotland, whilst inspiring the next generation to follow their dreams of representing the nation on the international stage.”

Olly Scadgell, LTA Participation Director, said: “This is the perfect time for young people to pick up a racquet and get on court. We want to use the fact we are hosting the Davis Cup and Billie Jean King cups to bring more children into the sport and boost participation across the country.

“Our LTA Youth programme is designed to be easily accessible for all children, whatever their background or level of experience. Anyone interested in playing for the first time should go online and search for LTA Youth to find a course near them.”