Port Bannatyne residents are delighted that their community share offer has raised £92,385 in just over a month.
The monies will be used to allow the village to complete the purchase of the Anchor Tavern and the former off-licence at 34 Marine Road which will become a flexible community hub space.
The share offer drew widespread backing from Port Bannatyne and other Bute residents as well as support from around the UK and worldwide.
The 267 people who have invested in the offer are now members of The Port Bannatyne Development Trust, the Community Benefit Society (CBS), that will own the Anchor Tavern.
The shareholders will now control the CBS, on a one member one vote basis. The CBS’s rules have been designed to comply with Scottish Land Fund requirements, which include a majority of shareholders being resident in the village and a £25 minimum shareholding.
The Scottish Land Fund announced last month that they would provide the funds to purchase the building, subject to a successful community share offer to raise funds to cover renovations and working capital.
Most of the funds raised will be spent on refurbishment. The parts of the building which customers don’t see are in urgent need of attention, with vegetation now growing inside the building. PBDT has gone out to tender to local contractors for the initial repair works.
The share offer had a target of £105,000, and so the CBS now hopes to raise the remainder via a Crowdfunder launched today (15 December).
Garry Charnock, Chair of Port Bannatyne Development Trust said: “We are totally bowled over by the support from the local community and others who live on the island or further afield.
“We can now move forward to buy, refurbish, and open The Anchor Tavern in Spring 2022. We will also create employment and harness the tremendous amount of volunteer help to make the pub and hub an attractive venue for locals and visitors.”
The society aims to pay community share investors 2% interest after year three and is applying to register for HMRC’s Social Investment Tax Relief scheme which offers attractive tax incentives for larger investors.
As one of the few husband and wife teams working in the specialist surveying sector of business sales and valuation with DM Hall, Margaret and Jonathan Mitchell see eye-to eye about their ambitions for their revitalised department.
But there is scope for difference of opinion on some matters. Asked if they take work home to the kitchen table, Jonathan emphatically replied: “Yes!” At the same moment, and equally emphatically, Margaret said: “No!”
The fact that they then both burst out laughing perhaps reflects the comfortable nature of a relationship which is introducing a new dynamism into the Scotland-wide firm’s business sales and valuation department.
Since the Edinburgh-based team took on responsibility at the beginning of the year for the division, which advises clients at national and local level on valuation, sales, and acquisitions, it has boosted both completed and pipeline sales.
The speed at which they have reinvigorated the department – Margaret moved over to the department in March this year and Jonathan returned to DM Hall after several years in the wider UK – has parallels in their own relationship.
They met while working at DM Hall in Fife and, in a classic whirlwind romance, became engaged to be married within 10 days.
“Although our working life might come up as a subject of conversation at home,” said Jonathan, “it is not all-consuming and, certainly in the office and in our dealings with clients, we maintain a strictly professional demeanour.
“But obviously, we know each other well, and that makes it so much easier to work together as a cohesive team, with shared ambitions and aims, for the benefit of our clients.”
Although Scotland is still very much in the recovery phase from Covid, the business sales market is vibrant and continues to display healthy signs of activity and volume, said Margaret.
“Most market sectors, particularly including licensed and leisure, were impacted by the on-off shutdowns over the past year and a half and, now that restrictions have been lifted, there is a surge in turnover since people are just desperate to get out and spend.
“With this sudden profitability, many businesses are refilling their financial coffers and paying back loans, but many business owners are also reflecting on where they want to go in life and concluding that it is a very good time to sell.”
Retirement is a significant driver in DM Hall sales, which tend to specialise in individual businesses, and the department has developed a niche in understanding the emotional bonds which owners build up over decades of business life.
“Part of where we fit is to listen and to understand their concerns. That is a key component of our brand. We provide professional, strategic advice, whether it is selling, buying or valuing, but we also have a comprehensive and detailed local knowledge and an unrivalled network of contacts throughout the country.
“We are not a call centre, with one-size-fits-all responses, and neither are we jacks of all trades. We understand the local market, the integral importance of profit and loss and the professional and personal imperatives of our clients.”
While at the moment in the marketplace willing sellers in search of willing buyers are in the ascendancy, the Mitchells argue that businesses which used the hiatus of the pandemic to refurbish, put training schemes in place, take the opportunity to trim costs and generally put the wheels in motion to reposition their offering will continue to thrive and will see greatest demand if presented to the market.
Meanwhile, despite kitchen table differences of opinion, the Mitchells agree about one thing: that the business sales and valuation department of DM Hall has a bright and sustainable future!
Jonathan Mitchell is an Associate RICS Valuer and Margaret Mitchell MRICS is a Chartered Surveyor in the Edinburgh Commercial office of DM Hall Chartered Surveyors.
For further information, contact DM Hall Chartered Surveyors, 17 Corstorphine Road, Edinburgh EH12 6DD. T: 0131 477 6000. E: edinburgh@dmhall.co.uk.
Generous visitors to Edinburgh’s Conifox Adventure Park are digging deep to bring the joy of Christmas to youngsters in need of a little extra festive cheer.
Customers enjoying the Park’s Christmas Experience and other attractions have been giving Santa a helping hand by donating new toys for local children. There is still time to gift presents to make Christmas morning special for youngsters who might otherwise miss out.
The initiative is part of Conifox’s mission to develop a reciprocal relationship with the community and is led by Deborah Gammell, working in partnership with the KidsLoveClothes Team.
Deborah said: “Children are at the heart of our business. We are a family-owned company, and with young children ourselves, we recognise that the well-being of local children is shared priority. Our collaboration with KidsLoveClothes for their Christmas Toy Appeal is a perfect way for us make a contribution.
“Christmas is a time where some families will need a little extra support, especially within the more recent pressures of the pandemic. KidsLoveClothes is a fantastic charity with an established network which ensures donations go to those most in need.
“We have received lots of wonderful new toys within the Conifox Activity Centre already and hope our campaign gathers momentum in the final days to Christmas. Every gift received is guaranteed to go to a local child in need.
“As a mum, I know how much this will mean to the parents too. If you are planning to visit, please consider donating a new toy to our appeal, it will be very gratefully received.”
This year the Lothians-based charity KidsLoveCLothes, which provides items of clothing for youngsters in need all year round, has already provided gifts from Conifox, for almost 400 children, aged 0-12, but more are needed.
Founder Fiona Shapcott says: “The demand for Christmas gift bags is high but sadly we know there are children we are unable to reach which is heart-breaking. Local businesses and individuals have been incredibly generous but we would love to do more and are hoping visitors to Conifox will make Christmas dreams come true for many more youngsters this year.”
Conifox Adventure Park, at Kirkliston on the outskirts of Edinburgh, is currently running its Christmas Experience with a host of festive attractions. It is open until December 23 and will be delighted to accept toy donations until then.
To find out more and to book tickets, visit the Conifox Adventure Park Facebook page@conifoxadventurepark or www.conifox.co.uk.
The UK Government must urgently reintroduce the furlough scheme so that Scotland can take protective measures against the omicron variant whilst protecting jobs, according to Scottish Greens MSP Lorna Slater.
The funding is needed to support workers and businesses already suffering due to a significant loss in trade and closures caused by local outbreaks, as well as allowing devolved governments to take public safety measures to stop the spread of the new strain of the virus.
Without economic support, the options available to the Scottish and Welsh governments and Northern Irish Executive are more limited.
Scottish Greens Lothian MSP Lorna Slater said:“The UK Government has taken an utterly chaotic approach to COVID, with confusing messages undermined by the Prime Minister himself failing to follow the rules. Omicron is spreading fast and the UK Government must recognise the clear risks to vulnerable people and act decisively.
“The festive period is already disrupted, with many people cancelling plans for gatherings, and hospitality businesses and communities across Lothian are struggling. People need to be supported.
“In Scotland we are taking the steps to reduce the impact of the virus. Now it’s time for the UK Government to act responsibly and do the right thing by reintroducing furlough where it is needed.”
“Self-employed people could be particularly impacted this Christmas, so it’s vital those who missed out last time are included in the scheme, and that sick pay is enhanced to make it easier for people to self-isolate.”
The terms of reference and a chair for the public inquiry into the handling of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Scotland have been announced.
In a statement to Parliament yesterday, Deputy First Minister John Swinney confirmed that the Hon. Lady Poole QC, Senator of the College of Justice of Scotland, will chair the inquiry.
Mr Swinney also published the terms of reference for the inquiry covering 12 areas of investigation, each covering a strategic element of the handling of the pandemic, to identify lessons to be learned and recommendations as soon as practicable.
The terms of reference were informed by public engagement and are subject to a period of reflection by the chair, who will be able to suggest adjustments, which may include taking the remit of the UK-wide COVID-19 inquiry into account.
The period covered by the inquiry will be from 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2022, but it will also consider pandemic planning undertaken prior to this.
The chair will now begin the process of appointing staff so the inquiry can begin considering evidence without delay.
Mr Swinney said: “Today, I am announcing the establishment of a statutory inquiry under the Inquiries Act to examine the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic in Scotland.
“I am grateful to everyone who has shared their views on what the inquiry should look into, in particular bereaved families and those who have lost friends and colleagues. Their input has been key in developing the inquiry’s terms of reference.
“From my own and the First Minister’s interactions with Lady Poole, I am in no doubt that she has the necessary leadership skills, integrity and deep technical knowledge to undertake this inquiry. Her expertise in administrative and human rights law is exactly in line with our expectations of a human rights-based approach to the inquiry.
“We are committed to working with the UK Government to develop the approach to the UK-wide inquiry and expect the chair of the Scottish public inquiry to coordinate with the chair of the UK-wide inquiry.”
Lady Poole said: “I am honoured to chair this independent public inquiry examining the strategic response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Scotland. We have all been affected by this pandemic.
“There has been a major impact on every aspect of all our lives. The death of so many as a result of COVID-19 is a tragedy, and others have suffered in many different ways.
“The inquiry will work independently to establish the facts in an open and transparent way in order to determine what lessons can be learned for the future. There is a great deal to be done in a short space of time. I will continue to give considerable thought as to how best to conduct the inquiry to ensure it fully achieves its aims, including a careful and thorough examination of the terms of reference.
“My immediate focus will be on getting the right people in place to support me and establishing the necessary systems, processes and information flows needed to allow the inquiry to function efficiently and deliver as quickly as possible. Work has already begun on this.
“It is too early to be any more specific about how the inquiry will carry out its functions, other than to say that the arrangements for providing both written and oral evidence will be set out in due course once the initial establishment phase is completed. A bespoke website will be created, to provide information and publish updates as the inquiry progresses.
“I look forward to collaborating with my counterpart on the UK COVID-19 inquiry once that inquiry is established.”
People living in Edinburgh and Lothian are being urged to seek the right medical help and to only go to A&E if it is a critical emergency.
The call comes as hospitals continue to be under immense pressure and demand for health and social care services is expected to reach unprecedented levels this winter.
Dr Tracey Gillies, Medical Director of NHS Lothian explains: “Demand for our services is already at an all-time high, putting our staff under huge pressure. Our emergency departments are extremely busy. Now, more than ever, it is vital people access the right care in the right place.”
NHS Lothian is asking anyone who feels unwell, or has a minor illness, to use NHS Inform online or visit their local pharmacy first.
Pharmacists can provide expert advice on a wide range of conditions, such as sore throats or stomach upsets. Many can also offer consultations and, if appropriate, prescribe medicines for impetigo, shingles, skin infections and for some women urinary infections.
People can also prepare by stocking up on remedies to treat common illnesses at home, check repeat prescriptions and order only what is needed in plenty time to cover the festive break.
Local GP practice teams have a wide range of health professionals who can help with routine or urgent care. There are now more ways to access this care with many able to help more quickly with phone consultations. Anyone who needs to be seen face-to-face will be given an appointment.
If people have a minor injury or think they need to attend A&E, but it is not a critical emergency, they should call 111 first, day or night. They can refer people to the right service, which could include a video call for minor injuries, or an out of hours appointment for urgent care that can’t wait.
For critical emergencies such as severe injury, a suspected heart attack or stroke, severe breathing difficulties or bleeding always call 999 or attend the nearest A&E.
With COVID-19 still among us, it is also vital that people test themselves regularly at home for COVID-19, if they don’t have any symptoms.
Kits can be picked up at lots of high street pharmacies and can also be ordered online from NHS Inform.
Picture – Chris Watt @chriswattphotography
Dona Milne, Director of Public Health and Health Policy, NHS Lothian said: “We want everyone to stay safe and well and to be able to enjoy the festive season with their loved ones. People don’t always have COVID symptoms but can still pass it on. That’s why it’s important to test at home twice weekly and each time before socialising with others.”
Amid concern about the rapid spread of the Omicron variant of the COVID virus which is much more easily passed from person to person, Ms Milne urged everyone to follow the latest Scottish Government guidance and be extra careful:
Ms Milne added: “There are a few steps you can take to stay safe. Please do a test before you meet up with people and try to meet in smaller groups of no more than three households.
“If you are indoors, make sure there is ventilation – just opening a window a little makes a big difference. And following the guidance on wearing masks, hand-washing and social distancing is hopefully second nature by now, so we thank the public for continuing to follow the rules.”
The main symptoms of COVID-19 include a high temperature, a new cough that lasts for more than an hour or three or more coughing episodes in 24 hours, or a loss or change to smell and taste.
Anyone who develops any one of these symptoms, no matter how mild, should book a PCR test online via NHS Inform and self-isolate until they get the test result. Self-testing is not appropriate for people who have these symptoms.
For more information about how to access the right care in the right place and stay safe this winter please visit: services.nhslothian.scot/rightcare
Edinburgh School Uniform Bank has today been named as a ‘Point of Light’.
Established by The Prime Minister’s office, the daily Points of Light award recognises outstanding individual volunteers – people who are making a change in their community.
Julia Grindley leads the ‘Edinburgh School Uniform Bank’, which distributes school uniforms and other essential items to families in the city who are facing financial hardship.
Edinburgh School Uniform Bank is entirely voluntary run and was set up in response to reports that school children were asking Santa for basic school uniform items and underwear for Christmas.
Julia and other volunteers collect donations of money and clothes and put together “Back to School” packs for children from families in need.
Julia has played a key role in keeping the service open for families while working with donors, volunteers and partners to make sure that every child and young person in Edinburgh has a school uniform.
Julia said:“We are honoured to receive this recognition of the work of Edinburgh School Uniform Bank.
“Our team works so hard to give children the best chances in life and to make sure that everyone can go to school feeling comfortable, confident, and fitting in with their peers. We bring together the whole community to support families who are facing tough challenges, and our thanks go to everyone who contributes to this effort.”
Over 3,000 people will be supported by Festive Friends this year
A record £100,000 has been committed to this year’s campaign
More community trusts and SPFL clubs than ever involved (41)
This year’s campaign will see the continuation of last year’s doorstep visits to people who are at risk of social isolation
Some clubs will host festive events again for the first time since last year
Edinburgh City, Hibernian and Heart of Midlothian football clubs are bringing Christmas cheer to those that need it most this year by taking part in the biggest ever Festive Friends programme during the holiday season.
Festive Friends is a brilliant opportunity for clubs to give back to their local communities.
The programme is now in its sixth year, with 41 SPFL clubs taking part in the campaign this year.
The campaign has the largest fund ever this year, a total of £100,000, which means the SPFL Trust will be able to more than DOUBLE the number of people clubs are able to support.
As such, the programme is expected to support over 3,000 people this year.
It’s been a tough few years for everyone due to Covid-19, but of course it has been especially difficult for the elderly who are at higher risk of social isolation.
Festive Friends brings Christmas cheer and companionship to elderly people who are socially isolated and at risk of being alone during the festive season.
Almost 4,000 people have enjoyed an event in the last five years and last year’s new-look initiative, when it was not possible to hold events due to physical distancing rules, was also a huge success with over 2,800 people receiving Christmas hampers in doorstep visits.
Hampers contained food, snacks, essential toiletries, gifts, games and more. Some clubs even brought video messages from managers and players; others had players make personal deliveries.
This year club staff and volunteers will continue to visit participants with hampers, or welcome them to their ground to enjoy a hot Christmas lunch, fun and games, a club gift, and transport there and home.
Tommy (84), who lives in a rural part of Perthshire, received a Christmas hamper from St Johnstone Community Trust ‘Saints in the Community’ last year.
Tommy self isolated during the first national lockdown in Spring 2020. The lack of social interaction and the loss of his beloved football had taken its toll on him physically and mentally.
He was thrilled to receive a hamper which was packed with festive goodies, a memory lane activity book, and a bonus video message from first-team player Stevie May.
Tommy said: “The gift box was full of lovely stuff. I like when Saints come to visit and we can have a chat about the games. I don’t always remember all the scores, but Danny [former St Johnstone FC player – Danny Griffin] keeps me right.
“The wee activity book took me back, it’s no substitute for talking to others about the game, but it brought back nice times.”
https://youtu.be/9sK5CbHVALU
SPFL Trust CEO, Nicky Reid, said: “Festive Friends is a real highlight of the year for me and my colleagues at SPFL clubs. It’s all about good old fashioned Christmas spirit – bringing club staff and volunteers together to reach elderly people who are at risk of social isolation.
“Scottish football is trusted to support, and our recent research shows that almost 83% of people live within ten miles of a SPFL ground – because of this clubs and their associated community trusts are well positioned to effect this type of change in their communities.
“This year 41 SPFL clubs are involved making it our biggest programme yet, supported by a record breaking fund of £100,000. We look forward to supporting more elderly people than ever before, after all kindness never mattered more.”
New advert shows Chief Medical Officer Professor Chris Whitty urging public to get COVID-19 booster jab
Part of new multimedia marketing blitz as booster rollout accelerates to offer all adults in England a jab by end of the year
This comes as new milestone hit with 24 million boosters given in UK and 75% of over 50s boosted
Data shows booster is needed to protect against the Omicron variant
Chief Medical Officer for England Professor Chris Whitty is calling on the public to get a booster vaccination, in a nationwide advertising campaign launched yesterday (Tuesday 14 December) to further galvanise the booster programme.
This comes as a total of 24 million boosters and third doses have now been administered in the UK.
75% of over 50 year-olds across the UK have had their booster or third dose and over 1 million people have booked a booster vaccination appointment since the National Booking Service opened yesterday to people aged over 30 in England. The booking service will expand to all adults in England tomorrow.
The NHS in England experienced its busiest Monday ever for vaccinations this week since the rollout began in December last year when 418,000 boosters were delivered, with 185,000 of these delivered by community pharmacies.
The latest preliminary data has shown vaccine efficacy against symptomatic infection is substantially reduced against Omicron with just two doses, but a booster pushes protection back up to over 70%, showing how vital the top up jab is to bolster immunity.
In the advert, Professor Whitty says: “There is a new variant of COVID-19 – Omicron – which is highly infectious and spreading fast.
“Every adult in the country needs to get a COVID-19 booster vaccine.
“Boosters give you the best possible protection against the virus and should significantly reduce your risk of serious illness and hospitalisation.
“Get your COVID-19 booster vaccine to strengthen your protection. Please, get boosted now.”
Health and Social Care Secretary, Sajid Javid, said: “We know a booster jab increases protection against the Omicron variant and in our race against the virus it’s crucial everyone gets their top-up jab.
“Our heroic NHS staff and volunteers are working around the clock to speed up our vaccination programme, helping millions of people to get boosted now – so play your part, roll up your sleeves and get protected.”
Data suggests Omicron is extremely transmissible and is rapidly becoming the dominant variant as cases double every 2 to 3 days. The Chief Medical Officer is encouraging “every adult in the country” to get a booster vaccine and strengthen their protection.
The UK has the fastest booster rollout in Europe, with over 23 million people having received their boost so far, but to stay ahead in this race against the virus the booster programme is opening up to give every adult the chance to get their booster before the New Year.
To boost the booster programme the UK government and the NHS are:
Opening new vaccination sites across the country, including pop up and mobile sites
Increasing opening times of vaccination sites to 7 days a week
Asking GPs and pharmacies to do more vaccinations
Bringing in 750 Armed Forces Personnel and 41 military planners in every region to help coordinate the national effort
Council Leaders’ plea to citizens to help limit Covid spread
Council Leaders have called on the public to continue following measures to limit the spread of Covid, as new guidance to reduce a rise in Omicron infections is announced.
The appeal by Council Leader Adam McVey and Depute Leader Cammy Day follows yesterday’s update from the First Minister, which included advice to limit social interactions and for businesses to reintroduce physical distancing.
People were also urged to book vaccinations, including boosters, where eligible. The public was encouraged to test regularly and follow existing guidance around hand washing, mask wearing and ventilation too.
In the coming days the Scottish Government will issue additional guidance for businesses, which the Council will be closely assessing to provide support and advice.
Council Leader Adam McVey said:“The advice issued by the First Minister today will have made for difficult listening for many, particularly as we approach the festive season, but we know that it’s the right thing to do – particularly as transmission numbers increase across our communities.
“It’s clear that the Omicron variant of Covid is spreading rapidly, and we simply can’t hang around to see what impact this will have on services, the NHS and, of course, our own health.
“Over the coming days we’ll be carefully reviewing the public health guidance shared by the Scottish Government to assess what measures we need to take, both in our own buildings, schools and events being held in the city.
“We’ll also be considering the support we provide to businesses – since the beginning of the pandemic we’ve administered over 19,000 payments totalling over £250m to businesses – and we’re gearing up to help the Scottish Government to distribute £100m of national funding to those most affected by these most recent changes.
“We’ve come a long way since March 2020, and, collectively, have made many sacrifices to help limit the spread of this virus to protect ourselves and families and the NHS. I know it’s hard, but it’s essential that we now redouble our efforts to follow the latest guidance, and the advice already in place.
“By doing things like wearing masks, washing hands, ventilating rooms and limiting social interactions – as well as regular testing and getting vaccinated when eligible – we can protect one another and avoid being overwhelmed by this virus.”
Depute Leader Cammy Day said: “The introduction of further protections in the lead-up to Christmas is not what we had hoped for but we know it’s for all the right reasons.
“This virus is spreading exponentially and we still don’t know how badly it can affect us. There’s a lot we can do though, first and foremost getting our booster jags – I would urge everyone who’s eligible to book theirs as soon as possible.
“I know many people will be hoping to enjoy Christmas with their friends and families but it’s crucial that we take extra precautions to do so. By limiting social interactions, practising good hygiene and self-isolating where required, amongst all the other measures in place, we can hopefully enjoy a safe holiday together.”
Lord Provost Cllr Frank Ross wrote in today’s Evening News: ‘In what continues to be an unsettling time for us all I would like to send my deepest condolences to those who have lost loved ones this year and wish a speedy recovery to all who are currently battling coronavirus.
‘As we continue to find ourselves faced with uncertainty on what the upcoming months will be like we must remain proud of what we’ve achieved while we remain resilient, continuing to support our family, friends, neighbours and communities as we face the challenges that still lie ahead.
‘As Lord Provost, I continue to be proud to represent our diverse and vibrant city. Over the past year, I’ve had the privilege to meet or visit with some of the fantastic people and organisations who have gone above and beyond to support fellow citizens.
‘We were able to host small civic receptions and in September I was able to honour some of the dedicated volunteers who give their time, energy and commitment to the people of Edinburgh at the Inspiring Volunteer awards.
‘I’ve also been able to visit a number of community organisations which have been really inspiring and great examples of the marvellous community spirit and how people have pulled together to support those in need over the past year.
‘The pandemic continues to have far-reaching consequences beyond the spread of the disease and efforts to limit its transmission. As we prepare to begin 2022 be assured that the Council remains focussed on how we continue to respond, support and inform our residents.
‘We’re also doing everything we can to support businesses in light of changing guidance. With so many businesses struggling to recover from the effects of the pandemic, it’s more important than ever that we all try to shop local and support businesses in our area. Campaign activity lead by our Forever Edinburgh channels like our #ShopHereThisYear and Resident Rewards really shines a light on what’s on our doorsteps.
‘On behalf of the city I would like to thank the outstanding commitment and care demonstrated by our NHS and emergency services, the doctors, nurses, hospital staff and care workers who have kept going under the most intense pressures. My thanks also to all front line workers and council employees who have been working so hard in these challenging times to make sure our services are maintained.
‘With the emergence of this latest variant, we must continue our efforts to limit its transmission, particularly through the cold winter months. Please get vaccinated – get both your jags and, if eligible, your third, booster dose.
‘It’s also crucial that we test ourselves regularly, especially if we’re mixing with others, and, of course, carry on following the public health guidance on handwashing, face-coverings, ventilation and meeting outdoors wherever possible.
‘As we look forward to Christmas and the New Year, we all have a duty to do so responsibly with the safety of others foremost in our minds.’
Community test centres and mobile test centres are open for people with no Covid symptoms. Full details of these, and how to order home lateral flow testing kits, are available online.
