Sales & Marketing suite launched at Rowanbank Gardens

New on-site Showcase for Industry-Leading Sustainable Development set to become “a Spectacular Blueprint for Low-Carbon Living” 

Savvy home buyers can now see for themselves the progress being made on one of Scotland’s most anticipated new residential developments following the launch of the on-site sales and marketing suite at Artisan Real Estate’s Rowanbank Gardens, in Corstorphine. 

Potential buyers can now book an appointment or simply drop into the new marketing suite to view the many significant benefits of owning an industry-leading, sustainable home in one of the Capital’s most vibrant centre neighbourhoods. 

Described as a ‘spectacular blueprint for low carbon living’, Rowanbank Gardens will deliver 93 high quality apartments. 

Work began in summer 2021 and, with construction continuing apace, the first ‘move-ins’ are anticipated for spring next year.   Since it launched late last year, sales have been buoyant, with 13 of the first ‘Appleberry’ phase already sold.

A further four of the remaining 14 apartments in Appleberry are now available, with the remaining apartments being released shortly.

Prices for a two-bedroom apartment start at £315,000 with a one-bedroom apartment available soon – making the development a perfect destination for first-time buyers and downsizers wanting to live in well-connected, bustling community just minutes from the city centre.  

Artisan’s New Homes Sales Advisor, Izzy Bastiani, will now be based permanently at the new sales and marketing suite, and she is already welcoming new buyers to the Rowanbank Gardens experience. 

Izzy said: “This is a fantastic development in a fantastic area – and the sales and marketing suite really brings to life what it would be like to live here. Visitors will be able to see, at first hand, just how well-connected and vibrant Corstorphine has become, with everything you need on your doorstep. 

“Rowanbank Gardens has been designed to meet the needs of the modern buyer, making it ideal for the first-time buyer and downsizer market. At its heart is a sustainable design which reflects the demands of modern life, with buildings designed to minimise carbon footprint and maximise daylight. 

“Significant emphasis is placed on the quality of internal space and light to create enjoyable home-working environments, whilst accessible gardens and landscaping promote health and well-being by making nature and well-designed outdoor space integral to the day-to-day living experience.” 

She adds: “And with no fossil fuels being used and both heating and hot water delivered through individual air source heat pumps, the development offers smart energy-efficient design geared to achieving low to zero carbon ratings, with the added benefit of significantly lower home-running costs which is now, more than ever, especially important to home buyers.” 

Rowanbank Garden’s apartments have been designed around an internal courtyard garden, filled with fruit trees and communal planting and growing beds as well as a natural woodland area and formal lawns.  

The spacious apartments will provide open plan living with easy access to a private courtyard or large balcony overlooking the gardens, while innovations such as green roofs ensure benefits of surface water retention, improved insulation and biodiversity. 

David Westwater, Artisan’s Scottish Regional Development Manager adds: “The Rowanbank Gardens site fits in well with Artisan’s approach of regenerating city centre sites with good local amenities and public transport links .

“It is well set to meet the Council’s stated requirement for well designed, high density living whilst providing spacious communal areas and well-established public transport links ensuring low car ownership.  

“Artisan now has an opportunity in Scotland to set a new benchmark for high quality urban regeneration in sensitive city-centre environments – whether it be residential, commercial, or mixed-use.

“Our track record across Scotland has given us a strong understanding of the importance of sustainable low carbon living combined with high quality placemaking, which is at the heart of all Artisan’s developments.” 

To register interest In Rowanbank Gardens and book an appointment at the new on-site sales and marketing suite, visit the development website at www.rowanbankgardens.com or call 0131 516 3302. 

Hidden Door Festival: 4 weeks to go!

We can’t believe that in just FOUR WEEKS we will be welcoming you to Hidden Door 2022!

For our team of volunteers, the festival build begins in the next few days so stay tuned for some exclusive behind-the-scenes previews.

For now, let’s take a closer look at our first Friday night … a night of wild pop and songs for the soul; late night electro in the Basement; ghostly dancers in the debating chamber; powerful theatre and beautiful spoken words echoing down the corridors; eclectic art around every corner; hot street food and sunny terrace bars with stunning city centre views …

See the full 12-hour Friday programme and book ticket

SEPA seeks feedback on new three-day flood forecast

Members of the public are being asked for their feedback on a new Scottish Flood Forecast, which will give communities an indication of where flooding is likely to occur in Scotland up to three days in advance.

A digital, colour coded map has been developed to show potential flood risks for the three days following the publication date of the map, and whether the source of flooding is from the sea, rivers or from surface water.

It will describe the potential impacts of flooding and link to advice and information on what protective action people can take if required. The map will also provide reassurance to communities when significant flooding is not expected.

The forecast will be produced every morning, 365 days a year, and published on SEPA’s website. It is an additional tool for the public to use alongside the current Floodline service, which issues shorter notice regional flood alerts and local flood warnings to those signed up, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The Scottish Flood Forecasting Service, a partnership between the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and the Met Office, has created the new Scottish Flood Forecast following extensive user research.

It involved the public, community flood groups, emergency responders, partner organisations and SEPA and Met Office employees. The findings identified a need for flood information to be provided earlier, in a simple and clear way, and the ability to check when no flooding is expected.

The new national service can be viewed online from Thursday 12 May 2022 and is the first step on the journey to providing communities with improved flood information. Feedback from the public will be gathered to inform the next steps and refine the design. The forecast is expected to be finalised and launched later this year.

Pascal Lardet, Flood Warning Unit Manager at SEPA, said: “More extreme weather and rising sea levels due to climate change mean we have to learn to live with flooding.

“It’s vital communities are supported to safely prepare for the potential impacts as early as possible. Thanks to this new product and the extra notice it offers, they’ll have the best chance to reduce the risk of damage and disruption.

“The three-day Scottish Flood Forecast is the biggest change to our flood warning service since it began in 2011. We have listened to customers to ensure we are creating a product that will help them prepare for flooding at the earliest opportunity.

“We will continue to engage and capture customer feedback during the initial pilot period before launching the final version of the Scottish Flood Forecast expected later this year. I would like to take the opportunity to thank the Scottish Flood Forum and the communities at risk of flooding who have already helped to develop this service so far.”

Mark Gibbs, Head of Environment and Energy at the Met Office said: “We have worked in partnership with SEPA to develop the Scottish Flood Forecast which embodies our ethos at the Met Office to help people stay safe and thrive.

“This is becoming increasingly challenging as climate change impacts threaten to affect communities across Scotland and the risks from flooding increase. The Met Office are continually working on improvements to forecasting which feed into the Scottish Flood Forecast.

“During this pilot period we look forward to hearing the views and opinions from communities throughout Scotland to create an improved final version.”

The Scottish Flood Forecast will be available and tested on:

www.sepa.org.uk/scottishfloodforecast. 

A link will be available on this page for members of the public to submit any feedback.

News from Heart of Newhaven

MAY NEWSLETTER

First of all, a big thank you to everyone who contributed to our recent Crowdfunder campaign.

This is to be put towards the costs of sprucing up the building once we get the keys. Lots of volunteers are of course already hard at work getting ready for the big day, making inventories and moving furniture, all essential logistical work.

Soon, it really will be “all hands on deck” as we start with the paintbrushes and the trowels and we’ll be calling on even more help on the ground then.

Meanwhile, if you haven’t already given, the Crowdfunder is still open for donations.

Did you know however that you can gift to our charity at any time you like, or even on a regular basis?

All you have to do is go to our website and follow the links.

You can donate online directly to our bank or you can send a cheque if you prefer.

All the details are on the website here 

Now that the weather is improving, remember our big Picnic in the Park, to be held in Victoria Park on Sunday 19th June, between 12.30 and 3.30pm. 

Inspired by the Eden Project’s Big Lunch, this is being held in collaboration with the Friends of Victoria Park and the Victoria Park Allotment Holders. Bring a picnic and enjoy meeting your neighbours. Take part in the fun races and games or take advantage of the plants and books swap tables. There will even be an (optional) fancy dress competition for children and pets – with prizes!

New initiatives

Thanks to successful applications to the Social Isolation and Loneliness Fund 2022, The Arnold Clark Community Fund and the People’s Postcode Trust, we have successfully achieved funding to help connect and bring people together. This is the aim of the following two new projects.

Reminiscence training

We know that sharing stories and memories is valuable in preserving not just family history but social history and brings people of different generations together through understanding and sharing. It’s also enjoyable and rewarding.

If you’re interested in reminiscence and recording people’s stories and memories, then we have funding for training in reminiscence work which will be led by the Living Memory Association. 

Do get in touch with: judy.crabb@heartofnewhaven.co.uk or christine.mcderment@heartofnewhaven.co.uk  if you would like to take part.

Pots of kindness

The second project is an expansion of our earlier Pots of Kindness. That project was so well received that we are going to run another.

This time, as well as primary school children, we are inviting young people of 16+ to get involved.

We will supply the seeds, pots and compost. All you do is plant the seeds and write a short letter to an elderly recipient. We’ll deliver the planted pots with their accompanying letters to the elderly or isolated within the community.

It’s a wonderful way to bring the generations together.

Get in touch with judy.crabb@heartofnewhaven.co.uk if you know a young person who would like to get involved.

Annual General Meeting

Finally, we are due to hold our next AGM shortly, probably towards the end of June. If you’ve not become a member, consider doing so now, before the meeting, so that you have the right to vote.

There are two types of membership depending on where you live and you can find out all about it on the website page.

JOIN US.

Remember to check the website and our social media regularly for updates and blogs.

RCEM: ‘Now is the time for an Urgent and Emergency Care plan’

Responding to the latest Emergency Department performance figures published by NHS England for April 2022, Dr Katherine Henderson, President of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, said: “The crisis in Urgent and Emergency Care continues to deteriorate.

“The data show 24,000 patients were delayed in an Emergency Department for 12-hours or more (from decision to admit to admission). This is a staggering and grim number and should seriously alarm all political and health leaders. Patients are coming to harm; now is the time for an Urgent and Emergency Care plan to tackle this crisis.

“The situation is more serious than it has ever been. Patients face long waits for an ambulance, long waits in an ambulance outside an Emergency Department, and long waits in the Emergency Department. These long waits delay care and treatment to patients who may be in a critical condition, and they prevent our highly skilled paramedics from returning to the community and responding to urgent and emergency calls.

“At the heart of the issue are reduced bed capacity in hospitals mixed with an increase in the number long-stay patients – social care patients who do not have sufficient support to return home or to the community – and widespread workforce shortages throughout the system.

“To tackle the crisis the government must publish a fully funded workforce plan that includes measures to retain existing staff, and open 10,000 more beds across the UK.”

Responding to the government’s announcement of more funding for nursing in care homes, Dr Henderson continued: “This announcement is welcome. Social Care nurses have long been undervalued and under-acknowledged. This increase in pay is a welcome step towards showing them the appreciation and gratitude they highly deserve.

“However, it is a shame to see that this increase in funding is limited to NHS-funded nursing care. The entire social care workforce deserves the same acknowledgement and reward. It is critical that during this crisis we attract and retain social care workers and value their time and effort by paying a wage that reflects the significance of their role.

“Good social care supports an efficient health service. Good social care can help prevent A&E attendances. Good social care will support patients moving in and out of hospital in a timely way. Crucially, good social care frees up space for other patients and increases flow throughout the hospital.”

Man convicted and sentenced for attempted murder in Craigentinny

A man responsible for the attempted murder of another man in Edinburgh in 2020 has been jailed.

At Edinburgh High Court on Friday (13 May 2022) Robbie Brown, aged 22, was sentenced to 10 years in prison following the attack which occurred on Thursday, 26 November, 2020.

The victim, who was 22-years-old at the time, was in a property on Craigentinny Road when he was attacked with bladed weapons.

Detective Sergeant Keith Taylor said: “Robbie Brown orchestrated this violent and premeditated attack, an attack which could have cost the victim his life, therefore we welcome him being brought to account for his actions.

“Following the incident we issued an appeal for the help of the public and I would like to thank everyone who came forward to assist.

“I would also like to thank the victim and hope that this sentencing will offer him some comfort.

“We are committed to bringing perpetrators of violence to justice and providing all the necessary support and assistance to victims of such offences.”

£1.5 Million National Lottery funding boost for refugee communities

The Scottish Refugee council has joined forces with The National Lottery Community Fund to distribute £1.5 million in National Lottery funding for projects that help New Scots feel at home in their communities.

The Participating in the Funding Process Project will award grants to grassroots groups and organisations that are refugee led, or provide support for people seeking safety in Scotland. 

The funding is for organisations that missed out on grants awarded through the New Scots Refugee Integration Delivery Project due to the incredibly high demand.

We’ll approach groups directly about this funding opportunity. All projects will be assessed by a panel made up of funding staff from The National Lottery Community Fund and representatives from refugee communities.

This collaborative approach is an opportunity for funders and refugee communities to share expertise, build capacity and learn from each other. It aims to help raise awareness and increase understanding of the challenges that small, volunteer-led groups face when approaching funders.

Kate Still, Chair of The National Lottery Community Fund in Scotland, said: “We value lived experience in our grant making, and believe that people know best what is needed to help their communities thrive.

“We are delighted to be partnering with the Scottish Refugee Council to ensure that £1.5 million of funding raised by National Lottery players goes to grassroots groups and organisations that are refugee led or provide support for people seeking safety in Scotland.”

Scottish Refugee Council Communities Manager, Jewels Lang said: “We’re delighted to partner with The National Lottery Community Fund on this exciting new project.

“The funding will make a wide variety of integration projects possible. Projects that will make a real difference to the both the organisations delivering them and the many people set to benefit from them.”

Police launch firearms surrender campaign

Firearms and ammunition can be surrendered at police stations across Scotland as part of a UK-wide firearms surrender campaign.

From Thursday 12 May until Sunday 29 May, people in possession of firearms and ammunition, for which they do not hold a valid certificate, will be able to surrender these to police.

In addition to being able to hand in firearms and ammunition, the public will be able to hand over replica firearms, air weapons, BB guns, imitation firearms, component parts and other ballistic items.

The public can hand firearms and weapons to any police station, however are asked where possible to attend at designated locations across Scotland.

Assistant Chief Constable Alan Speirs said: “The purpose of the firearms surrender campaign is to remove firearms from criminal availability and therefore reduce the risk of harm to the public and our communities.

“People will be able to surrender unlicensed weapons and ammunition to a number of dedicated police stations throughout Scotland and I would encourage people to do so.”

Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Veterans Keith Brown said: “I would encourage anyone in possession of an unneeded or unlicensed firearm or air weapon to safely hand it over to police at one of their designated police stations.

“Firearm offences remain at historically low levels in Scotland, but by removing unwanted weapons this important campaign by Police Scotland will help keep our communities safe and prevent firearms from falling into the wrong hands.”

Dedicated stations for the surrender are:

Edinburgh Division: St Leonards

Fife Division: Levenmouth, Kirkcaldy, Dunfermline

Forth Valley Division: Stirling, Randolphfield, Falkirk

Lothians and Scottish Borders: Dalkeith, Galashiels, Haddington, Livingston

Love Your Liver roadshow coming to Edinburgh next week

‘Love Your Liver’ campaign – Network Rail Doncaster

One in five adults in Scotland may be walking around with liver disease and be completely unaware because there are usually no symptoms in the early stages, warns the British Liver Trust.

The Love Your Liver mobile screening and scanning unit will be visiting six locations disease across Scotland between 15th to 20th May 2022.

Members of the public are invited to the Love Your Liver roadshow at the following locations where they can assess their risk of getting liver disease, find out what preventative measures they can take to keep their liver healthy and be offered a free liver scan.

Inverness Falcon Square, Eastgate Shopping Centre, IV2 3PP Sunday 15/5/22

Perth High Street (outside Debenhams), PH1 5UL Monday 16/5/22

‘Love Your Liver’ campaign – Network Rail Doncaster

EDINBURGH

Mound Precinct, EH2 2EL Tuesday 17/5/22

Scottish Parliament, Holyrood, EH99 1SP Wednesday 18/5/22

Glasgow Argyle Street (outside Superdrug), G2 8AG Thursday 19/5/22

Ayr Heathfield Retail Park, KA8 9BF Friday 20/5/22

Pamela Healy, Chief Executive, British Liver Trust, said, “One in three of us are at risk of liver disease and the numbers of people being diagnosed increased at an alarming rate during the pandemic.

“Liver damage develops silently with no signs or symptoms and people often don’t realise they have a problem until it is too late. Although the liver is remarkably resilient, if left until symptoms appear, the damage is often irreversible.

“The Love Your Liver roadshow is a great opportunity for people to find out their risk of liver disease and the first one hundred people to attend will receive a free non-invasive scan. Approximately 20% of the people we scan need to have further checks.”

The British Liver Trust’s Love Your Liver campaign focuses on three simple steps to Love Your Liver back to health:

  • Drink within recommended limits and have three consecutive days off alcohol every week 
  • Cut down on sugar, carbohydrates and fat, and take more exercise 
  • Know the risk factors for viral hepatitis and get tested or vaccinated if at risk.

The roadshow comprises a mobile unit where people can take a free online screening test and find out if they are at risk. Free liver health scanning will also be available using a non-invasive device.

There will be expert guidance on how to keep your liver healthy from healthcare professionals who will be on hand to provide advice on diet, exercise and healthy living.

Anyone wishing to take advantage of these free events should attend between 10am and 4pm.

If you wish to be scanned please arrive early as places are limited.

If you can’t attend the event you can still find out if you are at risk and check your liver health online by doing the online screening test at:

 https://www.britishlivertrust.org.uk/screener 

 

Edinburgh College ACE students complete project to help the homeless

A group of Edinburgh College’s Access and Continuing Education (ACE) students have completed a project to help the homeless in partnership with pan-disability charity Leonard Cheshire.

The students took part in Leonard Cheshire’s ‘Can Do’ programme, during which they decided to embark on a ‘building communities’ project to raise funds for, and awareness of, the needs of homeless people.

Delivered by the pan-disability charity Leonard Cheshire, Can Do is a skills development and community involvement programme designed for 16-35 year olds with additional support needs. With both in-person and virtual formats, the participants took part in sessions on fundraising, mental health and wellbeing, designing posters and much more.

The project provided the students with an opportunity to make a positive difference in the community, improving their confidence and motivation, while also benefiting from the learning experience. In addition, the participants gained an SVQ Building Communities award through completion of their project.

In one session, the students learned about homelessness and discussed some essential items you might need for winter as a homeless person. Following this, they were tasked with some online shopping to create ‘care and share’ bags to donate. Each participant was given tasks, such as budgeting, comparing prices and spotting deals, before ordering and receiving the items, and packing the bags.

All of the care and share bags, as well as all proceeds from the campaign, were donated to Bethany Christian Trust, a charitable organisation in Scotland whose mission is to relieve suffering and meet the long-term needs of homeless and vulnerable people in Scotland.

Jasmine Lapointe, Access and Continuing Education lecturer at Edinburgh College, applauded the students for choosing such a significant project which made a positive and tangible difference in people’s lives, and said they should all be proud for taking part. 

Leonard Cheshire Can Do Coordinator for Edinburgh Obert Dhundu said: “The students expressed a keen interest in embarking on a project that will be impactful not only for themselves but for vulnerable people in the community, and this led them to choose a project centred on homelessness.

“They showed great commitment in learning about homelessness, as well as the related topics we covered. It was a real privilege to have facilitated this project for them.”