Edinburgh Napier child mortality project shortlisted for prestigious award

Partnership between Edinburgh Napier University and charity Newborns Vietnam is a finalist in the PraxisAuril Knowledge Exchange (KE) Awards 2022

Edinburgh Napier University has been shortlisted for a respected knowledge exchange (KE) award in recognition of its efforts in sharing expert knowledge and research, through a partnership with the charity Newborns Vietnam – which is helping reduce new-born mortality through improved neonatal nursing care and education.

The project, which began in 2018, has led to the development of a 16-week neonatal training programme, which aims to empower and upskill nurses at a hospital in Hanoi.

This teaching provides staff with crucial in-depth knowledge about theory and evidence-based practice, enhancing their confidence and improving their communication and leadership.

Maggie Reid, Business Development and Relationship Manager at Edinburgh Napier University, who supported the coordination of the knowledge exchange activities, said: “Since launching the partnership and education programme, we have witnessed a reduction in infection rates, an improvement in infection control practices, and most importantly, a 42.2% reduction in infant mortality at the VNC hospital and it continues to reduce as we teach.

“To date, over 70 nurses have taken part in the programme, and are finding their voice and have become excellent advocates for the babies in their care. They say this course has given them not only knowledge and deeper understanding, but also the confidence to speak up in the best interest of the babies and their families.

“In a very short time, these nurses have flourished through education and are making a real difference and have ensured there are systematic changes in clinical practice to the benefit of the baby and mother. These shared efforts for positive change have also received recognition from the Ministry of Health in Vietnam.

“This collaboration and the projects that stem from it, really highlight the power of partnerships and the importance of the role of the knowledge exchange professional in allowing this partnership to realise its objectives. The positive societal impact of knowledge exchange cannot be underplayed.”

The PraxisAuril KE Awards celebrate the people who initiate and deliver impact from research through a diverse range activities.

Edinburgh Napier has been shortlisted in the Place-based Knowledge Exchange Initiative of the Year category, an award that recognises the success of a place-based KE initiative which demonstrates the value it can have locally. This award also highlights and acknowledges the importance of the KE teams that support the academics and industry partners to realise these projects.

Linda Wallace, Head of Knowledge Exchange at Edinburgh Napier University said: “This knowledge exchange partnership has been a real success story for Edinburgh Napier and has demonstrated the wide reach and positive impact our knowledge exchange activities and partnerships can have on a global scale.

“This project supports Edinburgh Napier’s mission to advance knowledge and deliver impact that influences professional practice and policy and drives key societal change. We are delighted that since this KE partnership was initially established, we have secured further KE projects, with a further three neonatal courses in the pipeline and two more within midwifery.

“The success of this knowledge exchange model has allowed other academics and leadership teams at Edinburgh Napier to see the impact and benefits knowledge exchange projects can make to the individual, the school and the institution, as well as those within their community and further afield. We are delighted this project is receiving national recognition by being shortlisted for a PraxisAuril KE Award.”

The KE Awards are supported by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and work with Government Office for Technology Transfer (GOTT), the TenU, the National Centre for Universities and Business (NCUB) and SETsquared to increase support and publicity for the important and impactful achievements of the KE profession.

The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony that will celebrate and showcase the KE sector in Manchester on 29 November 2022.

Next week: Book Week Scotland highlights in Edinburgh

This year’s Book Week Scotland celebrations are fast approaching, with a line-up themed around ‘Scotland’s Stories’, as part of Scotland’s Year of Stories 2022.

Scottish Book Trust, the national charity changing lives through reading and writing, has worked closely with writers and partners to put together an exciting week packed full of online and in-person events and activities, taking place 14–20 November.

A new book, Scotland’s Stories, has been published by Scottish Book Trust, featuring true stories from people across Scotland as well as exclusive contributions from published writers Angus Peter Campbell, Raman Mundair, Graeme Armstrong and Helen Fields.

70,000 copies of the book will be given out for free during Book Week Scotland through libraries and community spaces, and it will also be available to read online and as an audiobook.

Three of the pieces in the book come from writers based in Edinburgh: ‘Spellbound’ by Sue Palmer, ‘The Seeds of Our Home’ by Diana Monteiro Toombs and ‘Pakistani Life in 1960s Glasgow’ by Lubna Kerr.

Book Week Scotland is the country’s biggest celebration of books and reading. This year, the public are invited to vote on their favourite animal from fiction – voting is now open, and a national winner will be revealed during the week. Scottish Book Trust will also be asking people to share what they’re reading during the week on a Reading Map of Scotland.

From icons of literature to local tales, Scotland’s Year of Stories encourages locals and visitors to experience a diversity of voices, take part in events and explore the places, people and cultures connected to all forms of our stories, past and present.

Book Week Scotland events taking place in Edinburgh include:

  • Three Chairs for Crime: Three Authors with Daggers Drawn – Tuesday 15 November, 7.30–9pm at Juniper Green Bowling Club. Join three McIlvanney-listed authors – Andrew James Greig, Allan Martin and Deborah Masson – to discuss aspects of the crime-writing genre and explore what it takes to write crime.
  • LGBT Health and Wellbeing’s Age Action Group’s Read with Pride – Wednesday 16 November,  2.30–4pm at Duncan Place Community Centre. Hosted by award-winning playwright Jo Clifford, this hybrid event will feature older community members talking about the queer writing that played an important part in their lives.
  • Treasure Your History; History: Your Treasure – Wednesday 16 November,  2–3pm at Edinburgh Central Library. Librarian Iain Duffus twill show some of the rare gems the library holds (like the first Bible printed in Edinburgh, and early editions of Burns) in this specially arranged visit during which there will be the chance to explore the awesome book stacks, see some of Scotland’s first newspapers from the eighteenth century, and browse selected local items laid out to enjoy.
  • Comics Jam – Friday 18 November, 7–8.30pm at Argonaut Books. A fun evening of comic-making at Edinburgh’s newest indie bookshop. Starting with a blank piece of paper, you take it in turns with others to create a comic, one panel at a time. It’s improvised, so you don’t know how the story will turn out!
  • Scottish By Inclination: An Afternoon with Barbara Henderson – Sunday 20 November, 2.30–3.30pm at Lighthouse Bookshop. Barbara has been Scottish by inclination for 30 years. Now a children’s author, storyteller and teacher in the Highlands, she gives us a lively glimpse of Scotland through the eyes of an EU immigrant from her first ceilidh to Brexit and the choppy seas of citizenship.

Information and tickets for events taking place in Edinburgh can be found at scottishbooktrust.com/edinburgh-events

Marc Lambert, CEO of Scottish Book Trust, said: ‘Book Week Scotland is a special time of year, where people across Scotland can come together to celebrate and experience the magic of books and reading.

“The 2022 programme features a mix of fun, spooky, inspiring and unusual events and activities. This year’s Book Week Scotland forms part of Scotland’s Year of Stories 2022, celebrating Scotland’s rich culture of telling stories.

“We hope you’ll be able to join in with a Book Week Scotland event in your community, or one of the many ways to take part online.’

Alan Bett, Head of Literature and Publishing at Creative Scotland, said: ‘Book Week Scotland is upon us with an imaginative and inspiring programme to excite, intrigue and surprise.

‘This high-profile national focus on literature brings readers together to engage with stories and meet their favourite authors.

‘In particular this year’s connection with the Year of Stories allows our folklore and rich heritage to be viewed and enjoyed through contemporary voices.’

Pamela Tulloch, Chief Executive of the Scottish Library & Information Council (SLIC), said: ‘Book Week Scotland is a terrific opportunity to celebrate everything that is great about books, reading and bringing together people, families, and communities to explore and revel in the power of words and shared stories.

“Libraries across Scotland have great programmes lined up during Book Week Scotland.

‘Research shows that reading for just six minutes a day can reduce stress levels by up to 68 per cent in people of all ages, and with our libraries across Scotland filled with an abundance of free reading materials – whatever your interests and ability – we hope people will take the opportunity to use Book Week Scotland to start or get back to enjoying books and at the same time rediscover the enchanting world of the many brilliant libraries right on their doorstep.’

Neil Gray MSP, Minister for Culture, said: ‘Book Week Scotland’s theme around Scotland’s Year of Stories continues our celebration of innovative and ground-breaking forms of storytelling. This has been a bumper year for new and untold stories from people in communities across Scotland.

‘There has never been a better time to enjoy a good story and this week’s events will also highlight the wealth of emerging and forward-looking writing and storytelling talent we have on our doorsteps.’

Green light for Beaverhall BTR and creative workspace scheme

Developer HUB and Bridges Fund Management (“Bridges”), a specialist sustainable and impact investor, have received planning permission for a residential-led development on Beaverhall Road.

The scheme will provide 205 Build to Rent homes, including 52 affordable homes, as well as creative workspace and a new publicly accessible courtyard.

The proposal for Beaverhall Road will replace an existing warehouse with a contemporary scheme that maintains the site’s status as a focal point for the resident creative community, delivering 45% more creative workspace than provided by the current building, whilst also bringing new homes to the area. 

Designed by architects shedkm, the proposal has been developed in close collaboration with the local community and current businesses, with the ground floor creative workspace co-designed by the existing tenants, many of whom plan to move into the new development.

The focal point of the scheme will be a new public courtyard, Makers Yard, providing a space for relaxing and gathering for residents and commercial tenants, as well as neighbours. The new development will also feature a large mural by a local Edinburgh artist on one of the external walls.

In line with HUB and Bridges’ shared values, the scheme will prioritise both people and planet. The plans exceed current Scottish sustainability regulations and include a biodiverse green roof, as well as a communal air source heat pump to provide environmentally responsible heating for the entire building.

The designs maximise the potential of a brownfield city centre site and will deliver ‘tenure-blind’ homes, meaning all residents’ homes will be of the same high quality.

Situated in Canonmills, just north of Edinburgh’s New Town, the proposed development is within easy reach of the iconic city centre, while benefiting from a sense of community created by the area’s existing amenities.

Tom Valente, Development Manager at HUB, said: “We are hugely excited to be moving forward with one of our first developments in Edinburgh. It’s a fantastic city which has a long-established creative scene, and prides itself on its wealth of small, independent businesses.

“Our plans for Beaverhall will maintain the site’s status as a hive of creativity by placing studios and maker spaces at the heart of the development, alongside high quality, sustainable homes for local people.

“What we are doing here demonstrates the potential to create lively mixed-use communities on urban brownfield sites, and this is a model that we want to champion both in Edinburgh and elsewhere across the UK.”

Simon Ringer, Partner and Head of Property at Bridges, said: “For Bridges and HUB, people and planet are central to the design and planning of all our new developments.

“By building high-quality, sustainable lower-cost housing, coupled with enticing public spaces that reflect the needs of local people, we can create highly attractive developments that really deliver for the local community.

“Beaverhall will be a perfect example of this; and we’re particularly delighted that we’ve also been able to reflect the site’s heritage as a creative hub in the design. We can’t wait to see it come to life in the months ahead.”

James Spencer, Associate at shedkm, said: “We’re really excited to be working with HUB to preserve this creative heart in Edinburgh, while improving the built environment for the local community.

“We look forward to bringing our longstanding experience in regenerating areas across the UK, to create a modern, sustainable place that builds upon Edinburgh’s industrious heritage and remains a key piece of the city.”

Discover Robert Louis Stevenson this weekend in Edinburgh’s Writers’ Museum

Museums & Galleries Edinburgh are preparing to mark Robert Louis Stevenson Day 2022 with special talks, workshops and live music.

Sunday 13 November is an annual date in our literary calendar when the life and works of one of the most famous writers born in our City of Literature is celebrated. This weekend will see drop-in sessions taking place in both our Writers’ Museum and City Art Centre. 

As well as these events, visitors will be able to explore the Writers’ Museum which features rare works and artefacts celebrating the lives of three seminal Scottish writers – Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott and of course, Robert Louis Stevenson.

A chance to explore the rare collection of writers’ portraits, first edition books and personal belongings including Stevenson’s riding boots and the ring given to him by a Samoan chief, engraved with the name ‘Tusitala’, meaning ‘teller of tales’.

They can also see Stevenson’s wardrobe made by the infamous Deacon Brodie whose double life may have inspired the novel The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.

Culture and Communities Convener Val Walker, said: “We’re delighted to be hosting these special events to celebrate Robert Louis Stevenson Day.

“One of Edinburgh’s favourite sons, this represents a fantastic opportunity to learn more about this important figure in our literary history and the fun family drop-in sessions will hopefully inspire younger generations to read his work.

“Writers such as Stevenson underpin the cultural fabric of our city and their words continue to influence, excite and teach hundreds of years later.

“Our Stevenson collections speak to the life and experiences of this great writer, both as a young boy and his later days spent in the South Seas and I hope they can be enjoyed by many this weekend.”

Jeremy Hodges, RLS Day co-ordinator for the Robert Louis Stevenson Club, said: “Once again we are delighted by the City of Edinburgh Council’s strong support for this annual celebration of the life and work of one of Scotland’s best-loved authors in the city of his birth.

“The events on offer at the Writers’ Museum and the City Art Centre are central to the wider programme and reflect Stevenson’s enduring popularity today.

Margaret Findlay, Learning and Public Programmes Manager at the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “It is always a great pleasure for me to develop activities annually for RLS Day and work with the Robert Louis Stevenson Club and other partners in the city.

“Stevenson remains such a pivotal Scottish writer, and his influence lives on today through contemporary Scottish writers.

“This year we are thrilled that Katelyn Lothian who is currently on a Promising Young People Placement funded by the Young Person’s Guarantee is developing and delivering the family activities at the City Art Centre as part of her experience.

“We are also pleased to be showcasing new research by Edinburgh and Chester Universities focused on adaptations of Stevenson’s Pacific fiction in consultation with Hawaiian, Samoan and Scottish communities.”

The events include:

David Balfour In Love
Saturday 12 November, 11am 
Free at Writer’s Museum

Join members and friends of the Robert Louis Stevenson Club for an hour of romance set in the turbulent times of Scotland in the wake of Culloden. The group will read from his works and bring to life one of Stevenson’s most romantic figures. 

When a fresh story by Robert Louis Stevenson first appeared 130 years ago, it marked a new development in the work of the great Scottish novelist.

The tale that began serialisation in Atalanta magazine for young women was his first true love story.

Following on the Boy’s Own adventure success of ‘Kidnapped’, he now allowed his hero David Balfour to fall in love – with the beautiful and brave Catriona Drummond. The result was the work he regarded as his finest, yet ‘Catriona’ is still less well-known than the ever-popular ‘Treasure Island’.

Robert Louis Stevenson Poetry and Art Workshop 
Sunday 13 November, 11am – 1pm
A free family drop-in session at the City Art Centre

Come and join us at the City Art Centre with Katelyn our Learning and Programmes Assistant for a new and exciting workshop looking at the poems of Robert Louis Stevenson.

We will be sharing the story of Robert Louis Stevenson and how he become one of Scotland’s best-known writers. Create fun, colourful illustrations inspired by his poems for you take home and treasure.

This workshop is open to anyone who is looking to learn more about one of Scotland’s much-loved writers. This workshop is designed for families working together to reflect on his life and writings.

There might be some poems or novels you know!

Music begins where words end…
Sunday 13 November, 2pm- 4pm
A free drop-in session at the Writer’s Museum

Join us for a fun free afternoon of music & words also inviting audience members to participate with reading a short poem/literary extract by their favourite writer, marking the birthday of Robert Louis Stevenson, the 400th anniversary of Lady Stair’s House, and Remembrance Sunday. 

Performances will feature ‘The Poets’ Fiddle’ made by local nature conservationist /luthier Steve Burnett to mark Robert Louis Stevenson’s 170th anniversary in 2020, along with the ‘Wilfred Owen and Siegfried Sassoon violins’, endorsed as Envoys for Peace, Reconciliation and Respect made from a living Edinburgh sycamore that still grows in Craiglockhart, the former shell shock hospital where famously in 1917, the two WW1 anti-war poets met.

Music by award-winning musicians, Scottish fiddler Alastair Savage and cellist Alice Allen, along with brother & sister violinists 14 year old Viktor and 12 year old Klara Seifert.

Remediating Robert Louis Stevenson’s Pacific Fiction Michelle Keown, Shari Sabeti, Simon Grennan
Sunday 13 November, 7pm
Online lecture

A new research team from Edinburgh and Chester universities will introduce a major project with partners in Hawai’i, Samoa and Scotland. The project will produce the first ever multilingual graphic adaptation of the three stories from Robert Louis Stevenson’s Island Nights’ Entertainments (1893), commission new poetry by indigenous Pacific authors, and develop a set of accompanying teaching resources for use in Samoa, Hawai’i and Scotland. In addition, it will produce the first ever documentary film exploring contemporary Samoan perspectives on Stevenson. Be among the first to hear how the team fared in their recent field work in Hawai’i, Tahiti and the Tuamotu Archipelago, this July.

Royal Bank of Scotland: October report on jobs

Renewed downturn in permanent placements during October

  • Permanent placements fall amid growing economic uncertainty
  • Temp billings decline for first time in 26 months
  • Pay pressures soften, but remain strong overall

Hiring activity across Scotland fell into decline during October, with both permanent staff appointments and temporary billings contracting, according to the latest Royal Bank of Scotland Report on Jobs survey.

Permanent placements have now fallen in two of the past three months, while the downturn in temp billings was the first seen since August 2020. Moreover, the rates of contraction were strong overall amid reports of growing economic uncertainty, softening demand conditions and the deepening cost of living crisis.

October data also revealed further increases in starting salaries and temp wages. However, rates of inflation continued to ease, signalling a mild waning of pressure on pay.

Permanent staff placements fall solidly

October data highlighted a fall in permanent staff placements across Scotland. After a month of growth in September, the respective seasonally adjusted index reverted below the neutral 50.0 threshold to signal the second reduction in three months.

The rate of contraction was the fastest seen in nearly two years and solid, with recruiters often linking the fall to growing economic uncertainty and the cost of living crisis.

At the UK level, a fall in permanent staff hires was also noted, with the rate of decline similar to that seen in Scotland.

Scottish recruitment consultancies signalled a reduction in temp billings during October, thereby ending a 25-month run of expansion. The rate of contraction was the quickest seen since July 2020 during the initial wave of the pandemic and strong overall. According to panellists, the latest fall was driven by reduced activity at clients. 

Across the UK as a whole, temp billings were broadly stagnant after rising in each of the prior 26 months.

Downturn in permanent staff supply fastest in three months

Recruiters across Scotland noted a twenty-first successive monthly fall in permanent candidate availability during October. The pace of decline quickened on the month and was marked overall. Panellists generally linked the latest downturn to skill shortages and increased hesitancy to seek out new roles due to rising economic uncertainty.

The pace of reduction across Scotland was more rapid than that recorded for the UK as a whole.

The supply of temp labour across Scotland fell again during October. Despite being severe overall, the rate of decline was the second-slowest in seven months (after September). Recruiters highlighted a lack of European workers and ongoing skill shortages as factors constraining supply.

As has been the case for the last seven months, the rate of contraction in temp staff availability in Scotland was sharper than that seen at the UK level.

Starting salary inflation softens further in October

Latest survey data indicated that average starting salaries for permanent staff in Scotland increased at the slowest pace since June 2021 during October. That said, the pace of wage inflation remained elevated in comparison to the historical average. According to anecdotal evidence, skill and candidate shortages continued to drive up rates of pay.

Data for the UK as a whole also signalled a softer rise in starting salaries during October. Moreover, the pace of inflation was softer than that seen for Scotland for the first time in four months.

As has been the case for the past 23 months, temp wages rose across Scotland during October. While the respective seasonally adjusted index hit an 18-month low, it signalled a sharp rise overall. Greater competition for scarce candidates was cited as a key driver of the latest increase in temp pay.

At the national level, wages also increased at a much slower rate during October. However, the rate of inflation was quicker than that registered in Scotland.

Demand for permanent staff expands at slowest pace in 20 months

Demand for permanent staff grew sharply during October, thereby extending the current period of expansion to 21 months. However, the respective seasonally adjusted index fell for the sixth month running, with the latest reading edging down to a 20-month low.

Across the monitored job categories, IT & Computing registered the steepest rate of expansion, followed by Nursing/Medical/Care.

Recruiters across Scotland noted a twenty-fifth successive monthly rise in temp staff demand during October. While the rate of growth was the weakest since February 2021, it was quicker than that seen across the UK as a whole.

At the sector level, IT & Computing saw the quickest growth in short-term vacancies, followed by Accounts & Financial.

Sebastian Burnside, Chief Economist at Royal Bank of Scotland, commented: “Labour market conditions across Scotland deteriorated in October, as for the first time since August 2020, both permanent placements and temporary billings contracted.

“At the same time, rates of vacancy growth for both permanent and short-term staff continued to ease. Candidate and skill shortages meanwhile stretched the supply of labour thin, with recruiters also noting that increased economic uncertainty had impacted candidate numbers. Though it does seem that market imbalances are becoming less pronounced, the effect on pay remains strong.

“The data therefore suggest that growing uncertainty about the economy and the cost of living crisis are already affecting the labour market, and could weigh further on hiring decisions for the remainder of the final quarter of 2022.”

Four jailed for human trafficking

Four people were jailed for trafficking offences at the High Court in Glasgow yesterday.

Jagpal Singh (52) was sentenced to 10 years, Donglin Zhang (48) was sentenced to 8 years, Vlassis Ntaoulias (33) was sentenced to 7 years and Boonsong Wannas (62) was sentenced to six years and four months.

All four were previously convicted of human trafficking and brothel keeping offences.

Detective Superintendent Donna Duffy, in charge of Glasgow’s Human Trafficking Unit said: “I welcome the sentencing today. Human trafficking is a despicable crime that has an unmeasurable long term impact on its victims.

“We are committed to working alongside partners to tackle human trafficking and we will work to identify those responsible and protect their victims.

“I would like to thank all our partners including Home Office Immigration Enforcement Criminal and Financial Investigations.

“I would continue to encourage members of the community to contact us if they have any concerns as they are vital to helping us identify those involved.”

Scotland’s teachers set to strike on Thursday 24th November

TEACHING union the EIS is to call its members in Scotland’s schools out on strike action on Thursday 24 November.

This will be the first day of strike action following the result of an EIS statutory ballot, announced yesterday, in which 96% voted in favour of strike action on a turnout of 71%.

The national day of strike action over pay will be the first such action in Scotland’s schools for four decades – a clear indication of the current level of anger and frustration amongst teachers.

Following the announcement of the ballot result at lunchtime yesterday, the EIS Executive Committee held a special meeting and agreed an initial day of national strike action two weeks from today. Further industrial action dates will be agreed at a normal meeting of EIS Executive tomorrow.

EIS General Secretary Andrea Bradley said, “The EIS will be calling its members in all of Scotland’s schools out on strike action on Thursday 24 November, in the first day of national strike action on pay for almost forty years.

“We hoped not to get to this point and have given local authorities and the Scottish Government ample time to come up with a fair pay offer. But, with a pay-rise for teachers now more than seven months late, and with the last pay offer having been rejected by teachers almost three months ago, the blame for this move to strike action sits squarely with COSLA and the Scottish Government.

“They have sat on their hands for far too long, dithering and delaying while the soaring cost of living continues to erode the value of their pitiful offers to Scotland’s teachers.”

Ms Bradley added, “Teachers do not take strike action lightly, but have voted to do so in light of the continuing steep real-terms decline in their pay. Politicians who have lauded the invaluable work of teachers throughout the pandemic and during the ongoing period of recovery are now offering teachers a deep real-terms pay cut.

“This will never be acceptable to Scotland’s teachers or to the EIS, and that is why Scotland’s teachers will be taking strike action two weeks from today.”

Information on further strike action dates will be issued in due course.

Green light for gasometer restoration

Restoration work will now begin on the iconic gasholder, which sits at the heart of a planned new sustainable coastal town at Granton Waterfront.

A report approved by the City of Edinburgh Council’s Finance and Resources Committee yesterday (10 November) recommended McLaughlin & Harvey Limited carry out the work, which it’s anticipated will start in January and is due for completion in 2024.

The future vision for the space within the restored gasholder is to have multi-sensory play zones, a dedicated space for permanent and temporary public art, relaxation area, outdoor trails and tracks for exercise as well as using a large outdoor space for sports, markets, seasonal events, community use, festivals, performance arts, exhibitions and play.

Work will also be carried out to plant trees, shrubs and wildflowers improving biodiversity and local habitat in the area.

Council leader Cammy Day said: “I’m delighted with the committee decision. Our plan is to transform the structure, the centrepiece of our £1.3bn regeneration of Granton Waterfront, into a visitor destination with high quality open space for everyone to enjoy.

“Using money received from the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund the contractor can crack on now and get spades in the ground to do the restoration work required and we’re in the process of trying to secure the additional funding we need to deliver the high quality open space element. We’ve also submitted a planning application for this exciting next stage to make sure we’re ready to go ahead when we get the funding that we need.

“The wider regeneration is about using brownfield land to develop a sustainable 20-minute neighbourhood it’s residents will be proud of. It will be an area where people live in affordable environmentally friendly homes, have excellent transport and active travel links and access to lots of open and green space, arts, sports and culture. Restoring the gasholder is the first step in unlocking the wider regeneration.”

The project will benefit from £16.4m from the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund.

Miniature schnauzer Dylan reaches final of Macdonald Hotels national Top Pup competition

One-year-old Dylan, a miniature schnauzer from Edinburgh, has reached the finals of a UK-wide competition to find the new face of Macdonald Hotels & Resorts dog friendly marketing campaign. 

The beautiful, pampered pooch beat over one thousand entrants to take one of the coveted finalist spots. 

He will now go head-to-head against six other four-legged competitors from across the country who are all vying to be named Macdonald Hotels’ Top Pup. 

As the official face of Macdonald Hotels, the final winner will feature in all its pet friendly adverts across its website, social media and press activity. 

As part of the gig, the chosen pup will be given the chance to travel to some of the most picturesque places in the UK. Macdonald Hotels & Resorts has locations in some of the most beautiful parts of the country, from the sunny Solent Coast to the breath-taking Scottish Highlands, giving man’s best friend the chance to roam and explore all the beautiful sights, and smells, of the stunning British countryside.  

The public vote to decide the overall winner is now open and will close on 5th of December.  

To cast your vote, please visit:

https://www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk/news/top-of-the-pups-competition

Sterling Home launches FREE programme of festive workshops

STERLING HOME LAUNCHES FESTIVE SEASON WITH FREE FESTIVE EVENTS TO CREATE THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS

Sterling Home has today launched a free festive programme of events, inviting shoppers into their Edinburgh store to curate the perfect Christmas at home with fun-filled workshops featuring some of Scotland’s most loved brands. 

Free tickets for all Edinburgh events available HERE. 

Sterling Home’s festive workshops will invite guests into their Edinburgh store for a series of interactive events to curate a truly creative Christmas this year.

The workshops will allow guests to fully embrace the festive season and turn their attention to all things merry, bright and of course … stylish. 

Partnering with Scotland’s favourite florists, MUD, the store will host a free Festive Wreath Workshop on Saturday 19th November.

Guests will have the chance to create their very own personalised fresh Christmas wreath, assisted by expert florists from MUD. The ultimate in festive fun, MUD’s Festive Wreath workshop will see guests customise their own wreath, creating the perfect front door accessory this Christmas time. 

Next up, Scottish foodie sensation HomeMade will host a Festive Grazing Board workshop – the ultimate addition to any cosy Christmas night in this winter.

Taking place Saturday 19th November from 3 – 4.30pm, the eatery will bring a taste of HomeMade to Sterling Home’s beautiful surroundings.

Showing guests how to curate the tastiest in festive sharing platters, the Festive Grazing Board Workshop is a must for anyone preparing to host family and friends this festive season.

Sterling Home and HomeMade will ensure foodies have all the tools they need to create impressive and indulgent platters at home this Christmas. 

The finale of the Sterling Home festive events series will see Scottish calligrapher Laila Lettering host a Festive Calligraphy workshop, teaching guests how to perfect their gift tags and place settings this festive season.

Taking place Sunday 27th November from 12pm – 1pm, Christina Lessani, owner of Laila Lettering, will guide guests through the basics of modern calligraphy to create their own personalised gift tags – the perfect final touch for elegant gift-giving this Christmas. 

The ‘Sterling’ line-up of local events will make for the perfect festive day out in the capital this December. Shoppers can get truly into the Christmas spirit with a stroll around Sterling Home Edinburgh’s Christmas Store, browsing everything from top quality ornaments, baubles and wreaths, before stopping off at the store’s Cobb Cafe to heat up with a decadent hot chocolate or coffee. 

Shoppers can take inspiration from Sterling Home’s key style collections, perusing the store for everything from wall art and accessories to soft furnishings, home styling and of course, a Christmas wonderland of decorations. Welcome to the home of inspiration!

Andy Lachlan, Store Manager at Sterling Home Edinburgh said: “‘Tis the season here at Sterling Home in Edinburgh, and we’re thrilled to launch our free festive events with the support of such beloved  Scottish businesses like MUD, HomeMade and Laila Lettering. 

“We’re looking forward to welcoming guests in store, whether they’d like to learn how to present the perfect grazing board on Christmas Day or create a Christmas wreath they’d be proud to display – Sterling Home has something for everyone.”

Caitlin Hutton, Owner of HomeMade said: “We’re so excited to collaborate with Sterling Home for fun festive events in the capital this Christmas season and show guests how to make delicious grazing boards their friends and family will love!

“Whether you’re in charge of the Christmas Day spread or simply want to take your Christmas night in with friends to the next level – we’ll show you how to create the perfect sharing boards in simple, easy to follow steps. And best of all – you’ll have the most delicious grazing board to enjoy at the end of the workshop! We’ll see you there!” 

Sterling Home Edinburgh’s festive workshops are part of a nationwide programme of events, designed to curate the perfect Christmas with events running in Aberdeen and Glasgow. 

Free tickets for all Edinburgh events available HERE. 

Keep up to date with Sterling Home and more upcoming events on social media:

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