A hardy team of Asda area managers braved the chilly waters of the Firth of Forth when they took a dip for charity at Portobello yesterday.
With donations still coming in their efforts have now raised over £3000 for Children in Need.
PICTURES: Sharon Gray – Asda Leith Community Champion
Almost nine in 101 households who experienced domestic abuse have said that animals were also abused by the perpetrators, according to shocking new research carried out by Refuge4Pets who work in partnership with Dogs Trust.
These figures have been released as Dogs Trust reaches a milestone 2,000 dogs fostered on its Freedom Project, supporting people fleeing domestic abuse by providing temporary accommodation for their dogs.
The research surveyed 107 victim-survivors of domestic abuse and interviewed victim-survivors across the country, to better understand the link between domestic abuse and animal abuse.
Worryingly, the research – carried out by Dr Mary Wakeham – showed that in one in ten (12%)2 of households where domestic abuse was present, the animal – and often multiple animals – had been killed.
Furthermore, in 94%3 of households where an animal was given as a ‘gift’, the animals were then abused and, in some cases, killed by the perpetrator – demonstrating that pets are used as tools by perpetrators of domestic abuse to control and coerce.
In addition to the physical abuse that pets may suffer, Dogs Trust found that 97%4 of professionals working in the domestic abuse sector also said that animals are often used as a means of controlling someone experiencing domestic abuse.
In 2004 Dogs Trust launched its Freedom Project, offering vital support for dog owners escaping from domestic abuse, launching in Scotland in 2019.
The project works alongside Cats Protection Paws Protect, Endeavour and Refuge4Pets providing foster homes for pets and enabling survivors to access safe accommodation without the fear of what may happen to their pet if left behind.
As many refuges are unable to accept pets, these important services give survivors the opportunity to escape abuse, safe in the knowledge that their pets will also be safe and well cared for.
The pet fostering organisations are also members of the Links Group, which raises awareness of the links between abuse of animals and humans.
The Freedom Project currently operates across the whole of Scotland and in 30 counties across England. This year the Freedom Project will have fostered 2,000 dogs and helped 1825 people since launching.
In Scotland we have fostered 115 dogs and supported 86 people to flee domestic abuse. We have also reunited 96 dogs with their families since launching. During the pandemic, incidents of domestic abuse soared and the charity fostered 64%5 more dogs across the country in 2020 and 2021, compared to the previous two years.
Amy Hyde, Freedom Project Manager at Dogs Trust said: “Unfortunately, this new research revealing further links between animal abuse and domestic abuse is not shocking to us.
“We see first-hand the myriad ways that perpetrators use dogs to coerce, control, physically harm and threaten within abusive relationships. This is incredibly frightening for survivors and is often aimed to leave people isolated.
“We have heard of perpetrators not letting survivors walk their dogs alone, stopping them from accessing vet care for their dogs or being able to spend money on dog food and even repeatedly threatening to harm, kill or ‘get rid’ of their dogs.
“To instil fear and entrap, perpetrators prey on the strong bonds people have with their beloved pets – making these animals vulnerable to abuse because of the psychological and emotional damage that this causes.
“As many refuges are unable to accept pets, survivors are understandably concerned about their dog’s safety when they need to escape; the Freedom Project offers them a vital lifeline.
“This year we mark the 2,000th dog fostered through the Freedom Project since we began. This sobering milestone demonstrates there is still very much a need for our service, and we urgently need more foster carers across the UK so that we can continue this life-saving work.”
Audrey6 and her dog, Millie6, were supported by the Freedom Project in Scotland, she said of her experience:
“I had been in the relationship for many years and at one point I was completely reliant on my ex-partner. You don’t realise what’s happening at the time, they had full control over everything.
“I ended up falling out with my family because of the relationship and that made me even more isolated, particularly when the pandemic hit.
“During lockdown, we were in the house together 24/7, the physical abuse was bad but the emotional abuse was much, much worse.
“My ex-partner never hurt Millie, but it was always in the back of my mind, what would happen if I left her? The minute tensions rose Millie would run away and hide. She has witnessed a lot of abuse which has really affected her. You can’t raise your voice around her otherwise she cowers.
“I think if I had known about the Freedom Project earlier, I would have left years ago. I remember sitting outside praying to the stars for someone to give me some ideas – I just didn’t know what to do. I couldn’t lose my dog; I would have rather lived in my car. If it wasn’t for Dogs Trust having a safe place for Millie to go, I would have stayed and I honestly don’t think I would have survived.
“At one point I let the team know it was Millie’s birthday, they sent me photos of Millie with her birthday presents. I cried my eyes out when I received those photos, just to know she was being so spoiled was incredible.
“It was amazing to be reunited with Millie, as I walked around the corner she recognised me instantly. It has been such a difficult road to get here but I am so proud of what I’ve achieved. I’m free and I’m me and that’s all that matters.”
Marsha Scott, CEO of Scottish Women’s Aid said: “We know that one of the problems for survivors accessing housing or refuge is the fear of what will happen to their pets.
“This research highlights just how commonly perpetrators use animals as one of their tools to coerce and abuse. There is already so much loss for a family experiencing domestic abuse, including for many having to leave their home.
“Having a service like the Freedom Project is invaluable in helping increase choices and space for action while providing stability and safety for survivors and their dogs in the process of recovery.”
Dogs Trust Freedom Project urgently needs more specialist foster carers in Scotland to support this vital service.
If you think you can help, would like to donate or would like more information on the service, please visit: www.dogstrustfreedomproject.org.uk
or email freedomproject@dogstrust.org.uk or call 0800 298 9199.
Police are appealing for a man to come forward after he came to the aid of 50-year-old woman in the city centre.
The woman was found in a distressed state in Cockburn Street in the early hours of Saturday, 20 November, 2021 when the man came to her assistance.
Detective Sergeant Louise Forsyth of CID said : “We are carrying out enquiries into circumstances of why this woman was in a distressed state.
“We are keen to trace the man who kindly came to her aid in the hope he can provide further information.
“He is described as 20-30 years old, wearing a dark jacket, a light blue t-shirt and dark trousers. He provided the woman with his jacket for warmth and waited with her until her husband arrived.
“If you were this man, please get in touch with Police Scotland on 101, quoting 0664 of 20 November, 2021.”
People attending venues covered by Scotland’s COVID certification scheme are to be given the option of providing a recent negative lateral flow test for the virus, as an alternative to proof of vaccination.
It means that individuals who received a vaccine not recognised by the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency), or have experienced difficulty accessing their vaccination record, will be able to attend venues covered by the scheme.
The change, which takes effect on December 6th, comes as First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced that there will not be an extension of the scheme to additional settings, such as cinemas and pubs. Instead, she told MSPs that whenever people intend to socialise or mix with people from other households – whether that is in a pub, restaurant, house or shopping centre – they should do an LFD test first.
The certification scheme will continue to apply to major events and late-night venues. Regulations and guidance for businesses affected by the change will be published in the coming days.
The First Minister said: “This change makes it possible for people who cannot be vaccinated, or who are not yet fully protected, to make use of the scheme. That will I know be welcomed.
“The new rule will also, we hope, encourage the greater use of regular lateral flow testing and it will still meet our aim of reducing the risk of transmission, within higher risk venues.
“We encourage everyone to continue to test themselves regularly and particularly before you meet up with people from outside your household, whether you are meeting in your home or public place. If you test positive stay home, isolate and take a PCR test.
“Certification continues to have a role in helping us to increase vaccine uptake to reduce the risk of transmission of Coronavirus, to alleviate pressure on our health and care services and to allow higher risk settings to continue to operate.
“Our NHS is still under pressure. We need to consider any proportionate measures we can take so that Covid case numbers start to fall, rather than levelling off.”
The Scottish Government continues to encourage people to take lateral flow tests twice a week, and whenever they plan to meet people, including through the current “Living Safely for Us All” public health campaign.
Thanks, Presiding Officer,
I will give an update on the latest COVID situation, and our best assessment of the current course of the pandemic.
I will also – following on from last week’s statement – set out a proposed change to the current COVID certification scheme and our rationale for all of the decisions reached this morning in relation to the scheme.
First, though, today’s statistics.
2,527 positive cases were reported yesterday – 11.6% of tests carried out.
743 people are currently in hospital with COVID – seven fewer than yesterday.
And 60 people are receiving intensive care – one more than yesterday.
Sadly, a further 17 deaths have been reported in the past 24 hours, which takes the total number of deaths registered under this daily definition, to 9,495.
And, once again, I send my condolences to everyone who has lost a loved one.
More positively, the progress of the vaccination programme continues to be very good.
4,340,162 people have now had a first dose and 3,940,314 have had both doses.
In total, now, 88% of all those aged over 18 are double vaccinated.
In addition, 77% of 16 and 17 year olds, and 58% of 12 to 15 year olds, have had a first dose.
And in line with updated JCVI advice, we are now preparing to offer second doses to 16 and 17 year olds.
As of now, on first, second, third and booster doses, I’m pleased to say that Scotland is still the most vaccinated part of the UK.
And I want to again record my thanks to everyone involved in organising and delivering the vaccine programme.
Presiding Officer,
Looking across Europe, we can see very clearly that the COVID situation is deteriorating again.
As a result, COVID measures are being tightened or re-introduced in many countries – for example, Ireland, the Netherlands, Germany and Slovakia.
At the most severe end of the spectrum, Austria is back in full lockdown and also mandating compulsory vaccination.
All of this is a stark reminder that the threat of the pandemic unfortunately is not yet behind us.
COVID is continuing to force governments everywhere to take really difficult and invidious decisions.
And of course that is also true here in Scotland.
While, thankfully, we are not at this stage seeing the rapid rise in cases that others are experiencing, the situation does remain precarious.
Cases are on the rise, to a greater or lesser extent, in countries all around us – including here in the UK.
And we are also entering a period when – understandably – people will be socialising and mixing more than normal.
So even though our position now is relatively stable compared to some other countries, we must continue to take care and we must not allow ourselves to be lulled into any false sense of security.
So let me give some more detail on the recent trends we are seeing here.
Last week, I noted that cases had increased gradually over the previous fortnight from just over 2,500 new cases a day, to just over 3,000.
Since then, the situation appears to have stabilised again.
In the past seven days, the average number of new cases being recorded each day has fallen from just over 3,000 to just under 3,000 – it’s been a fall of around 3%.
However, there continues to be quite a marked variation between different age groups.
In the over 60s, cases fell by 19%. And this, at least in part, is very likely to reflect the good progress of the booster programme.
In the under 60s, though, there was only a very slight decline. A small fall in cases in those aged under 25, was almost balanced out by a very small increase in the other age bands under 60.
So in younger age groups, cases have been broadly static over the past week.
That said, a number of different factors will be at play over the next few weeks and the combination of these makes it quite difficult to be certain about the course the pandemic will take over the festive period and into January.
On the one hand, the booster programme will continue to gather pace; and more people in younger age groups will receive their primary vaccinations.
So we can expect the combined effects of vaccination to bear down on transmission and also, we hope, reduce the numbers who will become seriously unwell as a result of getting the virus.
On the other hand, we can also expect more indoor mixing to take place – as the weather gets colder, and of course as we head towards the festive season. In addition, there is likely to be some waning of vaccine immunity – which, of course, is why booster jags matter so much.
And these latter factors will increase risks of transmission.
And, of course, while the cases are broadly stable just now, it is also the case that infection rates remain too high and higher than we’d want them to be .
All of this is putting significant and sustained pressure on the NHS.
In the past week, the number of people in hospital with COVID has fallen only slightly – from 779 to 743.
And the number of people in intensive care has risen very slightly – from 57 to 60.
So the number of patients in hospital with COVID is still high.
The NHS is also dealing with the backlog of care created by earlier phases of the pandemic.
And of course, the peak of the winter flu season, coupled with other winter pressures, possibly still lies ahead of us.
Taking all of this into account and adding the fact that the R number is hovering at or slightly above 1 leads us to this conclusion; our situation is definitely more positive than we might have expected it to be at this point, but it is still precarious.
We need to get the R number back below 1.
And that means having in place a range of proportionate protections to keep the country as safe as possible while we continue to live as freely as possible.
That is why the Cabinet decided this morning to retain for a further period all of the remaining legal protections, such as the requirement to wear face coverings and – subject to a change I will set out shortly – to keep in place the COVID certification scheme, and also to intensify our public information campaign in the weeks ahead.
I want to now set out and really emphasise today the range of protections that we judge to be essential – and I want to stress that word, essential – if we are to navigate this winter as safely as possible and, crucially without the need to re-introduce more onerous restrictions.
And, Presiding Officer,
As we approach the festive season, I am appealing fresh to everyone across the country to comply with all of these protections with renewed care and commitment – to keep ourselves safe but also to show our solidarity to those around us.
Firstly, vaccination.
The duty of government is to deliver the vaccine programme – especially, at this stage, boosters – as rapidly as possible.
Right now, that is my government’s top priority.
More than 1.4 million people – just over 30% of the total over-12 population – have so far had a booster or third dose.
Within the most vulnerable groups, 87% of over 70s and 76% of those at highest clinical risk already have the protection of a booster or third dose.
As I mentioned earlier, we are already seeing the positive impact of boosters in the case numbers.
So the programme is going exceptionally well but we are doing everything possible – and will continue to do everything possible – to speed it up further.
Delivering the programme as quickly as possible is of course the government’s responsibility – although of course we are reliant on and eternally grateful for the commitment of NHS workers in delivering it.
The duty and responsibility though of all of us as citizens is to get vaccinated as soon as we are able.
So if you haven’t yet had a dose of vaccine that you are eligible for, please make arrangements to get it now.
This is even more vital if you are planning to socialise at all over the festive period.
If you are meeting up with loved ones and you are not as fully vaccinated as you could be, you are putting them at unnecessary risk.
To be blunt, you could be putting their lives in danger.
The most precious gift we can give anyone this Christmas is to be vaccinated – and also tested which I’ll say more about shortly – before we meet, hug or spend any time with them.
So, if you haven’t had a first or second dose yet, it’s not too late – so please do so now.
And please also get your booster as soon as you are able.
A booster jag reduces the risk of symptomatic infection by more than 80%. So – let me stress this – it’s not just a small top up – getting your booster is every bit as important as the initial vaccinations.
If you are aged over 50, or are in one of the higher risk groups – and are over 24 weeks from your second jag – you need to book an appointment online via NHS inform or via the helpline. The helpline number is 0800 030 8013.
If you live in many parts of the Highland area, or on one of the island areas which doesn’t use online booking, you will be contacted separately by your health board.
But for everyone else, please use NHS inform, or call the helpline. And please book the booster for as soon as you are eligible – which is 24 weeks after your second dose. Don’t, for example, wait until after the Christmas holiday period is over.
For those aged 40 to 49 who are next in line for boosters – and for 16 and 17 year olds who will now be offered a second dose – information on booking appointments will be available very soon.
Above all today, I want to reinforce this vital message to every person eligible for vaccination, including pregnant women – whether for a first, second, third or booster jag, please book an appointment without delay. And get your flu jag too if you are eligible for that.
Getting vaccinated does remain the single most important thing any of us can do to protect ourselves, our loved ones, and our communities.
You could well be saving your own life, and the lives of your loved ones.
You will be helping the NHS.
And you will be maximising our chances of getting through this winter, without the need for further restrictions.
Presiding Officer,
The vaccine programme is the bedrock of our fight against COVID.
But other protections are vitally important too.
The Scottish Government will be intensifying our public awareness and information campaigns over the winter period to make sure everyone knows what is being asked of us.
So when you see those ads, please take a moment to listen and remind yourself of the protections that will help keep you and others safe.
What are these other protections?
Firstly, as well as vaccination, we are asking everyone to take regular lateral flow tests.
We have been asking people to do this routinely twice a week.
However, over the festive period, we are asking for extra effort – and so this next request is vitally important.
On any occasion that you are socialising with others – whether that is going out for drinks or dinner, visiting someone at home, or even going shopping somewhere that might be crowded – please take an LFD test before you go.
And if it is positive, do not go. Instead get a PCR test and self-isolate while you wait for the result.
This way, you are minimising the risk of inadvertently passing the virus on even if you don’t have symptoms. Also, please continue to wear face coverings on public transport, in shops and when moving around in hospitality settings. This remains a legal requirement. But it is also a vital protection – a study published just last week suggested that face coverings may reduce the risk of transmission by over 50%.
And remember, good ventilation also reduces risks in indoor spaces. So please open windows if you have people round.
And lastly, please do continue to work from home whenever possible.
I know this isn’t always easy for workers – nor is it convenient always for employers. But it does make a difference and it will help us navigate our way through this difficult winter period.
The average number of contacts people are having in the workplace has doubled in recent weeks, and as we head deeper into winter, this will create an increased risk of transmission. The virus transmits, as we know, when people interact. And when people go to work they interact in a number of ways – including through travel, during lunch breaks, and after work. So support for homeworking, whenever possible, remains one of the most effective protections we have at our disposal just now.
Presiding Officer,
Let me turn now to the COVID certification scheme which Cabinet also discussed this morning, and set out the decisions we reached and the rationale for them.
For context, it is worth bearing in mind that COVID certification is far from unique to Scotland. Similar schemes are in in place in many other parts of the world.
In fact, in recent weeks, certification schemes have been announced, reintroduced or extended in Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Northern Ireland and elsewhere. Many cover a wider range of premises than Scotland’s does.
However, we must reach decisions based on our own circumstances and so I can confirm that the judgments we arrived at this morning are as follows.
Firstly, for at least a further three week period, we will retain vaccine certification for the venues and events currently covered by the scheme – that is late night licensed premises with a designated area for dancing; unseated indoor events of 500 people or more; unseated outdoor events of 4,000 people or more; and any event with 10,000 people or more.
Given the current state of the pandemic, it is our judgement that it would not be appropriate at this stage to remove this protection against transmission.
Secondly, however, we have decided that from 6 December it will be possible to access venues or events covered by the scheme by showing either proof of vaccination, as now, or a recent negative lateral flow test result.
When we first launched the scheme, one of its primary objectives was to help drive up vaccination rates. This is still important, obviously, but actual and projected uptake rates mean we judge it possible now to include testing.
Doing so will also ensure that the scheme remains proportionate going forward, and also help our wider efforts to stem transmission through greater use of LFD tests more generally.
And, finally, as I indicated last week, Cabinet also considered the possible extension of the scheme to a much wider range of premises, including indoor theatres, cinemas and other hospitality venues.
Let me stress, this was a very, very finely balanced decision.
However, I can confirm that at this stage we have decided not to extend the scope of the scheme.
We have taken account of the fact that – although our situation is precarious – cases are currently stable and indeed slightly declining; and we have considered the inevitable impact vaccine certification has on the operation of businesses; and concluded that, at this stage, extension would not be proportionate.
We were also mindful of the need over the coming weeks, as I’ve already alluded to, of getting across the message that it is important to be vaccinated and tested ahead of socialising in any setting – including in homes and shopping centres, for example – not just in those that might be covered by a certification scheme.
Presiding Officer,
I said last week that we would take this decision with the utmost care and that is what we have done.
It is important to stress, however, that we must keep it – as we do all possible protections – under review.
If our situation does deteriorate, it may yet be that extending COVID certification is a more proportionate alternative to the re-introduction of more onerous restrictions on, for example, hospitality.
We will continue to liaise closely with businesses about this and about what they must do in the coming weeks to minimise that risk.
Presiding Officer,
To begin to conclude, it is an understatement I am sure to say that all of us are sick and tired of this virus and the impact it, although less than in previous months, it is nevertheless still having on our lives.
I understand that and indeed I share that sentiment.
I am also deeply grateful for all the sacrifices everyone has made and continues to make.
Thanks to those sacrifices, we are in a much stronger position now than I would have dared hope for just a few weeks ago.
But I can’t emphasise strongly enough that our position is still precarious.
The next few weeks do pose risks.
Cases are rising in countries around us. And the festive period will bring more travel and more socialising.
Of course, that is to be welcomed. We all desperately want a more normal Christmas than was possible last year.
But we must – all of us – take sensible, proportionate measures to reduce the risk of a new year hangover of surging cases, more pressure on the NHS, and an inevitability of renewed restrictions.
We can all play our part in avoiding this.
So to everyone watching, my request in a nutshell, is as follows – and please pass this on to your friends and family as well.
This is what all of us, government, businesses and individual citizens, must do together – as part of a social compact – to keep each other as safe as possible and allow us all to live as freely as possible.
So over these next crucial weeks, please wear your face coverings and follow all advice on hygiene and ventilation – wash your hands and surfaces and keep windows open when you have people round.
If you have eased up on this recently – as I know many of us will have – now is the time for all of us to tighten up again. Work from home if you can. If you think you could be working from home and you aren’t, raise this with your employer.
And to employers, please facilitate home working for a bit longer, as far as possible.
To all of you, make sure you get any and all vaccine doses you are eligible for, including flu.
For my part, I will continue to make sure that the government keeps rolling out the vaccination programme just as quickly as possible.
And, finally, on any occasion that you intend to socialise or mix with people from other households – whether that is in a pub, a restaurant, a house or a shopping centre – do an LFD test first.
If it is positive, do not go. Self-isolate and get a PCR test instead.
Government has made sure you can order these tests free through NHS Inform or get them at a local test site or pharmacy.
If you don’t have them already, now is the time to order some and keep your supply topped up over the next few weeks.
All of these precautions really matter. They are part of our social compact. They will help protect us and all of those around us. And they will help us protect our NHS and all of those working so hard on its frontline right now.
So please, I ask everybody across the country to stick with these protections – so that we can, I hope, have a more normal Christmas, but do so without jeopardising our prospect of a much brighter new year as well.
Thank you, Presiding Officer.
www.thebruntsfield.co.uk/theneighbourhood
An enticing new all-day dining, working, and socialising space has joined Edinburgh’s vibrant restaurant scene.
Overlooking Bruntsfield Links and Meadows, The Neighbourhood l Kitchen – Bar – Garden offers locals, students and visitors the chance to enjoy a relaxed atmosphere reminiscent of an elegant home while catching up, celebrating or even getting on with the daily grind.
Its new co-working concept, within a flexible hot-desk hub, is tempting for those looking to escape a home office, study or student library, bottomless tea and coffee on tap and fast Wi-Fi for just £10 per day.
Meanwhile the ‘secret’ garden, hidden beyond a foliage archway, leads guests to The Neighbourhood’s intimate, heated booths. It also provides the perfect pet-friendly pitstop after a walk on the meadows.
General Manager, Alistair Bruce says: “We want The Neighbourhood to be an extension of our guests’ homes to unwind and reconnect with friends and family. Somewhere to work and play with homely food, creative cocktails, and true Scottish charm – from our service and design to the suppliers sourced throughout our menu and our quirky design.”
The Neighbourhood’s inviting menu includes a range of seasonal food and dishes inspired by Scotland and local ingredients.
Signature dishes include: seared scallops served with smoked cauliflower puree and Stornoway black pudding; haggis ravioli with crushed neeps, crispy potato and whisky cream sauce and North Sea battered haddock with pea puree, tartare sauce and triple cooked chips.
A variety of sharing platters, pizzas, pasta and burgers have also been carefully curated for the new menu, with plenty of vegan and gluten free alternatives. Those with a sweet tooth can expect desserts such as apple, ginger and pecan crumble and sticky toffee pudding.
The venture is also family friendly space, with a new children’s menu designed to be both healthy, e.g. vegetable fritters with tzatziki and mini aubergine parmigiana, and educational – there is a selection of quizzes for all ages, themed from animals and geography to health and wellness.
And weekends at The Neighbourhood are for brunch, including an option to upgrade to bottomless prosecco for birthdays, celebrations, or long-overdue catch ups.
Brunch dishes include The Neighbourhood’s renowned Scottish breakfast including sausages and haggis sourced from John Gilmour’s & Campbells, the local butcher.
Smashed avocado with feta and chilli or French toast with mixed berries and maple syrup will also be served.
Each evening, The Neighbourhood will become a late-night cocktail venue serving Scottish beers such as Coast to Coast, botanical cocktails with local ingredients such as the “Scottish Garden” made with Edinburgh Gin and “The Watermelon & Strawberry Gin Cooler”, using Caorunn Gin with a flavoured bubble on top.
The Neighbourhood replaces the former Bisque Brasserie, part of a £1million investment in collaboration with The Bruntsfield Hotel, formerly three stately houses built in 1861, all previously occupied by doctors, including botanist and surgeon William Craig.
The Neighbourhood’s design is inspired by the vibrant neighbourhood of Bruntsfield and the heritage of the Victorian building with brick slip clad columns, a stone clad bar front and a variety of seating styles within the sophisticated bar and restaurant space.
The Neighbourhood is open now, five days per week, Wednesdays to Sundays inclusive from 7am-1am, bar only from 5pm until late Mondays and Tuesdays.
Bookings can be made via The Neighbourhood’s website:
www.thebruntsfield.co.uk/theneighbourhood
or via OpenTable:
https://www.opentable.co.uk/r/the-neighbourhood-kitchen-bar-garden-edinburgh.
Follow on Instagram @theneighbourhood.bruntsfield
Construction
Working on our adaptable strategy for modern construction solutions to meet the world’s carbon agenda, we manufactured a world first: a house fully constructed from Scottish-grown and pressed cross laminated timber. A huge collaborative student success of proving the existence and ability for the new industry in the UK, contributing to the development of the local economy.
The students played a key part in all of the processes in designing and working with industry at all stages, introducing over one hundred young professionals to the sustainable benefits of mass timber production and the solutions required to overcome the technical complexity and associations with using timber as a building material.
The immense effect of celebrating the positive environmental impact and carbon reduction across social media has spread the message to many thousands more people worldwide.
Designing to the constraints of transportation via containers, the design required flexibility and de-mountability which challenges the wasteful approach of single-use residential properties that ultimately lead to demolition.
Our commitment to reduce embodied carbon is matched with the need to operate a thermally and energy efficient house. Priorities were placed on minimising energy use from manufacture to as-built and continually improving the resilience to the changing climate requirements across both Scotland and Dubai.
The innovation and solution to creating a low carbon design is further aided with the use of recyclable, natural materials such as hemp insulation and wood fibre rigid insulation. These work with the timber structure to create an organic, safe environment for the occupants, free of emissions and VOC’s often associated with alternative materials. We believe this is a key driver for the success of the design solution and the achievement felt by the students constructing this.
Windcatcher
The courtyard is integral to the experience of the house as it provides a private outdoor recreational area. Therefore, we had to think creatively to make it a comfortable space.
We looked to regions with warmer climates for inspiration as it was evident that conventional air conditioning systems and fans would not be suitable. The Windcatcher is a hallmark of traditional Persian architecture, but it had to be adapted to fit our design philosophy.
When designing our ideal windcatcher, our team reimagined what is usually quite an active, angular structure to one with complex curves and soft edges. Our design incorporates an entirely passive functionality of natural airflow through our concrete model, in alignment with our ethos.
Along with the tower, we designed a conformal bench to close off the courtyard. This is an example of creative integration; the bench follows the curves of the tower while fulfilling the criteria for courtyard privacy.
This design was made possible by using 3D printed concrete, provided by Concreative in Dubai. This manufacturing process is truly at the leading edge of construction.
We therefore achieved a creative outdoor cooling solution that requires no power, has almost negligible running costs and is extremely reliable. Fundamentally, the windcatcher is a creative redesign of an age-old concept in order to create an outdoor cooling system in harmony with a modern house.
Architecture
Our house exploits architectural strategies to embrace a balance of open, celebratory community areas and small, focused private spaces. The living room and dining/kitchen area flank the external courtyard, facing each other across retractable triple-glazed doors.
The living room and the dining area benefit from luxurious high ceilings, giving an expansive feeling to these rooms, encouraging gathering and communal engagement. Conversely, the bedroom and study are enclosed spaces, wrapped in the thick CLT walls (both internal partitions and external) providing thermal, acoustic and visual separation for quiet enjoyment and focus.
Reconciling traditional Emirati architecture and its emphasis on privacy with the open-planned character of Western design posed an even greater challenge for the team. Hence we created a hybrid by using the courtyard as a space that divides the two halves, whilst keeping them connected.
The interior design celebrates its engineering: we leave the timber walls visible and tactile where possible, and enjoy the aesthetic of revealed services runs and some of our high-tech energy-saving solutions; the HVAC runs above the kitchen, the recycled waste brick wall; the water conservation in the bathroom.
Windows can open, enabling users to decide to welcome in an evening breeze when suitable and to pull hot air from high levels through the house.
Website
To ensure smooth and efficient management of our construction process, we built our own bespoke web-based tracking systems; our talented developers coded internal tools from scratch that allowed us to work smarter.
QR code stickers were placed on each panel and scanning them would take you directly to that panel’s page. Members could track and monitor the condition of panels to ensure all knowledge was up to date and centralised. Moreover, the intelligent system aids communication with working with the often-unfamiliar material and/or building methodology.
We also re-made our website from the ground up to be faster and more aligned to the ESTEEM brand. Using React, we’ve built a modular and component-based foundation that allows us to more easily expand upon as things change.
Minecraft
What started as a crazy idea, quickly evolved into reality as we took on new members to help create an experience of our house unlike any other. We recreated our house in our own Minecraft world, making it accessible to everyone.
It took around 3 months of working out the dimensions – we wanted to make it realistic, but not compromise on the feel – and retexturing the Minecraft assets, pixel by pixel, to show the actual materials that we will be using.
AR/VR
With the COVID-19 pandemic and continuing travel restrictions, we used augmented and virtual reality (AR and VR) to bring the ESTEEM House and its experience to everyone around the world. It is a means to showcase and describe the story behind our innovative ideas and solutions to visitors of the house in an engaging and educational way.
To make the experience of using the AR experience seamless, we hosted it on Zappar which eliminated the need for users to download an app before use.
Our creative solution to make VR accessible is to use Mozilla Hubs. It’s web-based and allows several visitors to communicate and discuss amongst themselves during a virtual tour given by a tour guide.
It supports VR headsets but doesn’t require one.
For visitors who meet us in person, we use the Oculus Quest to showcase the VR experience.These technologies are instrumental in preserving the hard work that we’ve put into the ESTEEM House, especially to showcase areas that aren’t immediately visible.
These experiences will still be accessible even after the competition is over.
JAIRIS ALVARES
TEAM ESTEEM is the Heriot-Watt Edinburgh Team participating at the Solar-Decathlon Middle East
#SDME2021
We will design a home that adapts to your needs.
“Pride in where, and how, we live”
As an extraordinary year full of so many inspiring sporting moments draws to a close, UK Coaching is encouraging the nation to vote for its Great Coaching Moment, to be announced at next month’s UK Coaching Awards.
The Great Coaching Moment Award focuses not only on the material successes of coaches but on how they ground their work in putting people first. And with each of the incredible nominees, their unique connection with their team or athlete sets them apart and typifies what great coaching is all about.
Nominated and judged by an independent panel, this year’s finalists include:
Discussing the shortlist for this year’s Great Coaching Moment Award, UK Coaching’s Director of Coaching Emma Atkins said: “This shortlist showcases the year’s best coaching moments. The moments that have inspired us all, made us feel proud and at times made us all very emotional, reminding us that with great coaching, so much is possible even through adversity.
“These coaches have stepped up when their athletes most needed them, they have looked at what can be done, and on the biggest stages taking the pressure off athletes so they can perform at their very best. Without fail these great coaches have considered the needs of others first and have shown us all that great coaching changes lives.
“Each of those shortlisted can be so proud of their own coaching moment and I cannot wait to see who the public chooses at our UK Coaching Awards 2021.”
The UK Coaching Awards are set to take place on Tuesday 7 December 2021 and will recognise and celebrate the work of people and organisations who are making a significant impact in communities across the country.
To vote for your greatest coaching moment, visit www.ukcoaching.org/gcm-2021.
The public vote will close on Monday 6 December.
NO MENTION OF JACK ROSS? – Ed.
Nine in 10 (92%) Black Friday ‘deals’ are the same price or cheaper in the six months ahead of the big event, a Which? investigation has found.
The consumer champion analysed 201 of last year’s Black Friday deals at six major retailers – Amazon, AO, Argos, Currys, John Lewis and Richer Sounds – looking at their prices every day during the six months before and after Black Friday as well as on the day itself.
A huge 184 of the products, which included popular items such as washing machines, soundbars and TVs, were the same price or cheaper in the six months prior to Black Friday. Only 17 of the deals did not fall into this category.
With Black Friday just days away, Which? is advising shoppers to do some research to help them hunt down the minority of deals that really are a bargain and emerge from the mammoth sales event with high-quality products at a reasonable price.
Consumers could have had a challenge finding a decent deal at Currys last year, given every one of the 32 products Which?’s experts looked at from the retailer’s Black Friday sales had been an equal price or cheaper in the previous six months.
One of the worst individual deals Which? came across was a Zanussi ZWF81441W washing machine at John Lewis that was cheaper than its Black Friday price on 88 different days before the day itself.
‘Discounted’ to £309 on Black Friday, customers could have bought it £60 cheaper at £249 five months before and for £289 within just a month after.
Another dubious ‘deal’ was a Bush BRC100DHEB 100cm Dual Fuel Range Cooker sold at Argos for £449.99 (was £499.99) but it was actually the same price 66 times before and 19 times after Black Friday.
Out of the retailers analysed, Richer Sounds had the highest proportion of deals, four out of 14, that were not cheaper or the same price before Black Friday – still not hugely impressive.
When looking at prices six months before and after Black Friday 2020, just one of the 201 products was at its cheapest price on Black Friday alone.
Many shoppers do not do any research before they splash their cash on Black Friday, which leaves them at greater risk of falling for dud deals. Which? survey research shows four in 10 (39%) of those buying baby and child products last year did little or no research on price, while for home appliances this was the case for three in 10 (28%) and for tech products it was one in five (18%).
Which?’s survey also found that a lot of shoppers had not read reviews of products before buying them. A third (33%) of those buying baby and child products last Black Friday did little or no research on reviews of the products before buying. For those buying home appliances a quarter (26%) were in this position and for tech products it was one in five (22%).
Which?’s pricing investigation also found that, when looking at the six months after Black Friday, almost all (98.5%) of the products across the six retailers were cheaper or the same price at some point during this period – suggesting that in some cases shoppers may be better off biding their time and waiting for the price of a product to fall further.
Which? believes retailers should always make sure the discounts they quote are truly genuine.
Consumers are advised not to feel pressured to rush into making a purchase. They should look to get Black Friday bargains that are the real deal this winter and choose products that are high-quality and built to last.
Ele Clark, Which? Retail Editor, said: “Our latest investigation has shown that the vast majority of Black Friday deals are not as good as they appear to be, which is why it’s so important to do your research before diving into the sales.
“Take time to identify the products you really want and check that the ‘deal’ you’re seeing represents a genuine saving. That way, you can beat the hype and be confident that you’ll emerge from the Black Friday sales with quality products that will last for years to come – and all for a bargain price.”
Black Friday advice
Councils will be given powers to ensure short-term lets are safe and meet the needs of their local communities under legislation laid before the Scottish Parliament.
Under the legislation, all local authorities will be required to establish a short-term lets licensing scheme by October 2022. Existing hosts and operators will have until 1 April 2023 to apply for a licence for each property that they operate as a short-term let. All short-term lets in Scotland will have to be licensed by 1 July 2024.
The legislation was developed after residents across Scotland raised significant concerns about the impact of short-term lets on their communities, including noise, antisocial behaviour and the impact on the supply on housing in some areas.
It will ensure the needs and concerns of communities are balanced with wider economic and tourism interests.
Housing Secretary Shona Robison said: “We have already introduced legislation allowing councils to establish short-term let control areas and manage numbers of short-term lets. This is the next significant step to delivering a licensing scheme that will ensure short-term lets are safe and the people providing them are suitable.
“We want short term lets to continue making a positive impact on Scotland’s tourism industry and local economies while meeting the needs of local communities.
“Short-term lets can offer people a flexible travel option. However, we know that in certain areas, particularly tourist hotspots, high numbers of lets can cause problems for neighbours and make it harder for people to find homes to live in.
“The licensing scheme and control area legislation give councils the powers to take action where they need to.
“We appreciate the input from tourism bodies, local government, community organisations and others in reaching this point, and look forward to delivering a short-term lets licensing scheme that works for Scotland.”
Further information on the Scottish Government’s short-term lets legislation is available online.
Scottish hip hop label, Habibi Records, has revealed three new track releases from the country’s most promising artists. Formed in April this year by CTRL, Do Rego and Mezzo, Habibi Records aims to provide a platform for the best emerging talent here in Scotland.
‘We’re all about supporting aspiring, hungry, lyrically-driven rappers’, says CTRL, and the list of tracks set to be released in December 2021 reflects the diversity of skills, styles and flair of their artists.
DECEMBER 2021 RELEASES
Artists: Armzy x CTRL
Track Title: HeadGone
About the track: A collab track featuring CTRL and Armzy, the track includes a thoughtful in-depth verse from Armzy and light playful rhymes from CTRL, layered over a dreamy slow-paced hip-hop track produced by Do Rego, mixed and mastered by Leftmind.
Release Date: 9.12.21
Artists: Driss x CTRL x Jaad
Track Title: Al Pacino
About the track: An aggressive drill multi-language track, with the hook themed around the actor, Al Pacino. Featuring three up and coming Scottish rappers; Driss, CTRL and Jaad. Produced by Do Rego, mixed by Jaad, and mastered by Leftmind.
Release Date: 23.12.21
Artists: Bakersville ft Joey Locke
Track Title: Beside You
About the track: A catchy pop love song with an early Calvin Harris vibe. Featuring gorgeous vocals from Joey Locke and a creative video, Bakersville has produced a new wave set hit to captivate listeners.
Release Date: 30.12.21
ABOUT THE ARTISTS
CTRL
Multi-genre rapper, honest in his lyricism and keen to impress with his rap ability. His unique flow, speed, tone, minimum use of profanity, and clever way with words make him one to watch.
Driss
Adding a fresh new edge to UK drill music, Driss is a 22-year-old Greek with a passion for the ever-growing sub-genre. With a full unreleased catalogue of music, Driss is poised to make waves in the industry.
Jaad
An impressive rapper with a distinctive sound, spreading his vibe across the Scottish rap scene with multiple track releases and features.
Armzy
Sudanese heritage, Oxford born but Scottish living rapper Armzy is a versatile and skilled rapper with a highly seductive voice.
Bakersville
A quiet and mystical producer, this emerging talent started out making hits in his bedroom right here in Scotland.
Joey Locke
A singer songwriter, model and actor from Scotland, Joey Locke is a young, talented, and passionate artist set for big things.
To find out more, follow @habibirecords_ on Instagram and Habibi Records on YouTube
