Sunday 21 November at 2:30pm
ALL WELCOME
Bereavement Service at Davidsons Mains Parish Church
Parliament committees to scrutinise National Planning Framework
Policies governing the development of Scotland’s cities, towns and rural areas until 2045 are to be scrutinised across several Scottish Parliament committees.
The fourth National Planning Framework sets out the Scottish Government’s strategy for Scotland’s long-term development and a series of national planning policies, which will guide decisions on every application for planning permission submitted in Scotland. It also identifies 18 “national developments”, intended to support the delivery of the strategy.
Now, for the first time this session of Parliament, a number of Parliament committees will work together to scrutinise the proposals. They want to hear from you about how communities should be planned, with a view to tackling major issues such as the climate emergency and nature crisis, while supporting community wealth building and wider sustainable economic growth.
This includes hearing about what your ideal community would look like, how public and open space can be used to stay healthy, and how we can future proof our places while supporting recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.
Speaking as the Committees launched their scrutiny, the Convener of the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee, Ariane Burgess MSP said: “The National Planning Framework aims to have a huge impact on the way we live in Scotland.
“This ambition is clearly to be welcomed. But it is important we take the time to ensure these bold claims can be realised and that the people of Scotland have the opportunity to get involved in the proposed transformational change in how we live and work.”
The Convener continued: “The Framework is wide ranging and detailed and it is important that the Parliament has the chance to scrutinise this fully.
“To do this, this work will take place across a number of Parliament committees. Each of these committees will use their expertise and knowledge to assess the practical impacts of the Framework as well as how this could be improved to ensure real, lasting and meaningful change.”
Members of the public are invited to give their views on the Framework via: https://yourviews.parliament.scot/lgc/npf4/
The deadline for responses is Monday 10 January 2022.
The National Planning Framework was introduced to Parliament on 10 November 2021. The Scottish Parliament has 120 days to report on the Framework.
More details of the Committee’s consideration of the Framework can be found at: https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/committees/current-and-previous-committees/session-6-local-government-housing-and-planning/business-items/national-planning-framework
Capital police launch Operation Winter City
Police in Edinburgh have launched Operation Winter City, their annual campaign focused on keeping those who live, work and visit the Capital safe throughout the festive period.
The campaign, which runs between Saturday, 20 November, 2021 and Tuesday, 4 January 2022, will see local officers and specialist colleagues undertaking high visibility foot and mobile patrols within the city centre throughout this period.
With the majority of COVID restrictions now eased, it is anticipated that significant numbers of people will take the opportunity to travel into the city to shop, socialise and enjoy the attractions on offer.
This dedicated policing presence will provide public reassurance, and while officers are there to respond to any incidents, they also look forward to engaging with and offering members of the public a range of crime prevention advice.
With the return of Edinburgh’s night-time economy, specialist officers will also be visiting licensed premises to remind staff of their licensing responsibilities, with the intention of preventing and deterring criminal activity taking place within these venues.
As ever, social media will play a vital role in delivering festive safety information and should you wish to receive key messaging, please follow us on Twitter @EdinburghPolice or ‘like’ the Edinburgh Police Division Facebook page.
Superintendent Sam Ainslie, Operation Winter City’s Lead Officer, said: “Last year’s festive period proved challenging for many of us, however, with the majority of the COVID restrictions now removed, we look forward to welcoming people back into Edinburgh to enjoy all that the city has to offer.
“No different to any other time of the year, we remain focused on ensuring that everyone remains safe, and whether you have travelled in to shop, enjoy the various attractions or sample the night time economy, you will undoubtedly see our dedicated resources throughout the city centre over the coming weeks.
“In addition to offering reassurance to the public and respond to any incidents, my officers will also be offering a range of crime prevention advice, including how best to protect yourself, your home and your belongings, and I would encourage you to speak with them.
“If you plan on visiting the city centre over this period, I would advise you to plan your journey in advance, including your journey home and remember to keep hold of your belongings and purchases.
“If you are here to enjoy the night time economy, then please drink responsibly and behave considerately towards others, as highlighted officers will be providing a highly visible presence throughout the city centre area.
“But above all, Edinburgh Division wishes you and your loved ones a safe festive period.
“We will be utilising our social media channels to share crime prevention advice and broader messaging over the course of Operation Winter City, so please follow our Facebook and Twitter pages to receive this information, or, if you would prefer to view ahead of time, please visit www.scotland.police.uk/advice-and-information.”
Ainslie Park community to remember the Cairngorm tragedy
50 years ago on 21 – 22nd November a group of students from Ainslie Park High School along with a trainee instructor from Lagganlia sadly lost their lives whilst on an expedition to the Cairngorm mountains.
Recognising the impact this tragedy had on all involved as well as the wider community of North Edinburgh, Granton Parish Church will be holding a memorial service tomorrow – Sunday 21st November – at 2pm in the church.
Full details at https://www.grantonchurch.org.uk/cairngorm-tragedy…/
The tragedy remains the worst peacetime loss of life in a mountaineering accident in the United Kingdom.
Recognising the impact this tragedy had on all involved as well as the wider community of North Edinburgh, Granton Parish Church will be holding a memorial service on Sunday 21st November at 2pm in the church.
The service will be live-streamed for those who cannot physically make it.
Please continue to hold the families of those who lost their lives as well as all those affected in your prayers.
We would appreciate everyone spreading the word, especially if you are in contact or know of families, friends and pupils who were directly affected by the tragedy.
As Covid restictions for churches have been relaxed there is now no need to limit numbers attending. However, bear in mind that if you would be more comfortable following online then that option is available.
Note that it is still a requirement to wear a face-covering in churches unless an exemption card is held.
If you would like to get in touch with the church in relation to the memorial service please telephone Norman of 0131 551 2159 or email info@granton.org.uk.
Edinburgh homeowners avoid DIY tasks due to a fear of failure
- Almost a third (30%) of homeowners in Edinburgh put off trying DIY tasks – such as wallpapering or building furniture – due to a fear of failure, new survey shows.
- The DIY Fulfilment Survey, conducted by Blinds Direct, uncovers the nation’s attitudes towards DIY tasks and how this impacts our home décor habits.
- Edinburgh homeowners’ least favourite DIY tasks were revealed to be decorating a room (e.g. repainting), small DIY fixes (damaged pipes), and cleaning the car.
- Other factors that put off Edinburgh homeowners from DIY tasks include concerns around the difficulty of the task (50%), and quality of the end result (40%).
Almost a third (30%) of homeowners in Edinburgh avoid a DIY task due to a fear of failure, suggesting a regional lack of confidence in home décor skills, a new survey reveals.
The DIY Fulfilment Survey, conducted by Blinds Direct looks at the nation’s attitude towards common DIY tasks and our home décor habits. These include the tasks we find the most satisfying to do ourselves, how much we spend on décor, and which rooms we focus on.
The survey also found that homeowners in Edinburgh are deterred from taking on a DIY task due to concerns around the difficulty of doing so (50%), the quality of the end result (40%), and the time taken to complete (34%).
For homeowners in Edinburgh, the survey showed that the room that sees the most regular décor updates was the living room, followed by the kitchen and master bedroom.
And the most important factors for local homeowners when it comes to purchasing a home décor product came out as the cost (51%), the quality (42%), the durability (31%), and the aesthetic (30%) – while the least important factor came out as the availability (10%).
The survey also found that the majority of Edinburgh homeowners spend between £250-500 on home décor products each year.
Darren Green, Managing Director at Blinds Direct, commented, “It’s encouraging to see so many homeowners, and especially younger people, happier with their homes now than they were a year ago.
“It’s also heartening that we’re becoming increasingly confident in taking on the challenge of keeping our homes beautiful ourselves. Whether it’s fitting a wooden blind, painting a wall or building a new desk, we are becoming increasingly confident in our own abilities and the positive effect it has on our happiness reinforces the importance of doing things independently.”
Other key focus areas encompassed in the survey included which factors people deem the most important when considering a home décor product, and which DIY tasks result in the greatest sense of achievement when completed.
To see the full breakdown of results, please visit the DIY Fulfilment Survey here:
Full fibre focus!
Zen switches on gigabit-speed broadband to Scotland’s capital
- Zen, the only Which? Recommended Provider for Broadband 2021 brings full fibre to Edinburgh over the CityFibre network
- A quarter (24%) of adults in Edinburgh planning to move on to a different broadband provider in next 18 months
- The new full fibre service can be accessed at a number of speed options starting at £29.99 per month
Residents in Edinburgh today have access to one of the fastest and most reliable broadband services available to any home in the UK, thanks to Zen Internet.
With a quarter (24%) of adults in Edinburgh ready to switch broadband provider in the next 18 months*, residents can choose and benefit from the UK’s only Which? Recommended Provider for Broadband 2021.
People living in Scotland’s capital can now access a reliable service, with award-winning support, from a business committed, through its B Corporation certification, to having a positive impact on the planet.
The latest move from Zen, in collaboration with CityFibre, aims to transform the city’s digital capabilities. CityFibre has invested £105 million into Edinburgh’s infrastructure deployment as part of its nationwide Gigabit City Investment Programme while Zen, as a certified B Corporation, is part of a community of organisations around the world, that believe in business as a powerful force for good.
The new service can be accessed at a number of speed options starting at £29.99 per month as a special launch offer. The service is available now to many homes, with Zen following the CityFibre rollout across the city over the coming months.
To check if the service is already available in your area or to sign up for availability updates visit www.zen.co.uk.
World class infrastructure rollout
Full fibre broadband is transforming customers’ digital capabilities with speeds of up to 900Mbps. This service has the capability to unlock the full potential of every smart device in the home and provides a solid platform for fully enabling smart home applications and Internet of Things (IoT) devices of the future. Today, it provides a solid connection for hybrid working, entertainment and keeping connected post-pandemic.
Paul Stobart, CEO at Zen Internet, said: “The next few years will be absolutely pivotal for connectivity in the home. Deemed the gold rush decade, the 2020s will see implementation of full fibre across the nation.
“By 2030, everyone will have made the switch to full fibre. Today, though, people in Edinburgh can get ahead of the curve by accessing Zen’s award-winning service delivered over CityFibre’s high quality infrastructure.
“As a B Corporation and with an ambition to be Net Zero by 2028, residents can choose Zen with confidence, knowing we are a provider that will always strive to do the right thing.
“We ensure that our responsibilities to society and the environment are embedded in our DNA.
“We want to inspire the residents of Edinburgh to choose the right path when it comes to their internet connectivity, which will in turn unlock the power of sharing, learning, and communication.”
What can you do with gigabit speeds?
| Standard broadband (10Mbps) | Full Fibre 900 | |
| Download a HD TV show (600MB) | 8 minutes 23 seconds | 5 seconds |
| Download a HD movie (4GB) | 57 minutes 15 seconds | 38 seconds |
| Download a game (60GB) | 14 hours, 19 minutes | 9 minutes 32 seconds |
| Upload a large file (1GB) | 2 hours 23 minutes | 9 seconds |
For more information, please visit: www.zen.co.uk or call 01706 902 001.
Police Scotland issues warning on Gift Card scams
We would like to raise awareness of Gift Card scams.
Typically, the victim receives a call, text or email demanding an urgent payment by purchasing gift cards/vouchers from reputable organisations or high street retailers.
Fraudsters may claim to represent organisations or employers.
Following the purchase, the victim is asked to provide the gift card code to the fraudster who then either sells the codes on, or purchases high-value products, at the expense of the victim.
The fraudster does not require to have physical control over the card/voucher.
Employees may also receive urgent emails purporting to be from management asking them to purchase gift cards on their behalf.
A legitimate employer will not ask you to handle company business through gift card purchases.
• No reputable organisation would ask for payment of a bill or debt using vouchers or gift cards.
• Never reveal the codes on vouchers or gift cards you have purchased apart from entering them on official websites as full or part payment for goods or services.
• Take a moment to think if the offer sounds too good to be true.
• Be wary of any texts or emails you receive, even if it appears to come from an organisation you know and trust.
• Don’t follow links in text messages or phone any numbers provided within the message.
Trading Standards Scam Share Bulletin 
http://ow.ly/1F6650GRgsm
Cyber Scotland Bulletin http://ow.ly/tlAW50GRgsl
Local businesses collaborate to host Christmas wreath making & Pop Up Market in Edinburgh
Get into the spirit of Christmas thanks to a local collaboration by three Edinburgh businesses who are hosting a weekend of Christmas crafts and pop up shopping later this month to celebrate Small Business Saturday on Saturday, November 27th and Sunday 28th November.
Hosted by stylish aparthotel group Native, hand-made candle maker Summer Morning Studios and botanical specialist and floral design studio Aperçu Flora, the festive workshops will bring a touch of Christmas cheer this festive season and celebrate shopping local.
Guests to the masterclasses will expertly make a show-stopping sustainable dried-flower Christmas wreath that you can proudly hang or display in your home. Limited tickets include all materials to make the wreath in this two-hour class.
Afterwards, you can browse a selection of local contemporary traders and stock up on coveted Christmas presents made by Edinburgh businesses.
Peruse Summer Morning Studios’ full hand-poured candle collection plus their range of 100% organic cotton t-shirts manufactured sustainably using renewable green energy from wind and solar power. There will also be limited edition Christmas shapes, jumpers, tote-bags and gold matchboxes available for sale.
The pop up shop is free to attend and will be open to the public on both Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th November from 11:30am – 4:30pm, with the ticketed masterclasses also taking place from 11:30am.
Tavienne Bridgwater from Aperçu Flora said: “A Christmas Wreath brings that magical festive touch to any home. After a tough year, we are delighted to host a pop-up shop with Native and local Edinburgh businesses to get the city into the festive spirit.
“Spaces are very limited, if you’d like to join us, make sure you book. ”
Native Edinburgh – newly opened last year in Kintore House on Queens Street, was originally constructed in the 1790s. The building is a significant part of the original fabric of Edinburgh’s New Town, an area of outstanding neo-classical and Georgian architecture and a UNESCO world heritage site.
With 82 apartments comprising studios, one bedrooms, and ground floor leisure and co-working spaces, Native Edinburgh provides the flexibility and amenities of a design-led boutique hotel, coupled with the space, comfort and privacy of a home from home.
Gary White, Regional Manager of Scotland Native Aparthotels, said: “Edinburgh has so many amazing businesses and it’s our pleasure to host them at Native.
“Supporting local businesses lies at the heart of our ethos here at Native and with their sustainable roots, we can’t wait to collaborate on the Christmas Pop-Up on Small Business Saturday.”
Festive Wreath Making with Aperçu Flora event is expected to sell out quickly, and will take place on both Small Business Saturday 27th November and Sunday 28th November from 11:30am – 1:30pm with an additional class on Saturday from 2:30pm – 4:30pm.
To book your space at the event, head to:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/apercu-37572316973
The festive pop up shop will run from 11:30 until 4:30pm at Native Edinburgh.
For more information on Native aparthotels, head to: https://www.nativeplaces.com/property/native-edinburgh/
Edinburgh awarded highest global rating for climate action
Edinburgh has become the first city in Scotland to be awarded with the highest rating for climate action.
Edinburgh is one of just 95 cities world-wide to be placed on the 2021 A List by CDP – an international charity which runs the world’s largest environmental disclosure system for companies and cities.
The A-List position recognises that Edinburgh has:
- Publicly disclosed a city-wide emissions inventory
- Set an emissions reduction target – for Edinburgh, this is a target of net zero emissions by 2030
- Published a climate action plan, Edinburgh’s 2030 Climate Strategy, which sets the strategic direction for reducing the city’s emissions and becoming resilient to future climate change
- Completed, and is in the process of updating a climate risk and vulnerability assessment
- A climate adaptation plan, showing how it plans to tackle the unavoidable impacts of climate change, which will be updated and extended to respond to the risk assessment
By publicly disclosing Edinburgh’s environmental data through CDP, the city’s performance is benchmarked against other cities and regions across the world, helping to highlight areas of action and improvement.
Leader of the City of Edinburgh Council Adam McVey said: “This international recognition is a fantastic accomplishment for Edinburgh. It recognises how transparent we’re being about the action we’re taking as a city to tackle climate change as well as the hard work which is already underway to support our 2030 target.
“Net-zero redevelopments like Granton Waterfront, improving our parks, food growing sites and urban forests have all delivered action as a city to help deliver net-zero. “
“Whilst COP26 may have just ended, with some disappointment on progress agreed by National Governments, Edinburgh’s work continues to build on the progress we’ve already made. And the strength of Edinburgh’s approach has been endorsed with being listed one of just 95 cities in the world to be awarded an A-list status by the CPD, the only city in Scotland.
“Our works as a council and as a city will continue over the coming months and years to help deliver a net zero, climate ready capital by 2030 and we know that’s what our residents are demanding of us.”
Depute leader Cammy Day said: “This recognition from CDP is welcome encouragement and reinforces that we’re on the right track.As Scotland’s capital, we’re delivering innovative and ground-breaking projects which will encourage change at the speed and scale needed to ensure our young people inherit a thriving, climate ready, sustainable city which is a cleaner and healthier place to live and work.
“However we can’t afford to become complacent and we need to keep on driving city-wide climate action and change, whilst ensuring that no one is left behind to help Edinburgh meet its climate targets.”
Fewer than 1/10 cities reporting to CDP made the A List in 2021. Findings from the charity show that A List cities take twice as many mitigation and adaptation measures as non-A List cities, and also identify more than twice as many opportunities – such as the development of sustainable transport sectors and clean technology businesses.
About CDP
CDP is a global non-profit that runs the world’s environmental disclosure system for companies, cities, states and regions. Founded in 2000 and working with more than 590 investors with over $110 trillion in assets, CDP pioneered using capital markets and corporate procurement to motivate companies to disclose their environmental impacts, and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, safeguard water resources and protect forests.
Over 14,000 organizations around the world disclosed data through CDP in 2021, including more than 13,000 companies worth over 64% of global market capitalization, and over 1,100 cities, states and regions. CDP is a founding member of the Science Based Targets initiative, We Mean Business Coalition, The Investor Agenda and the Net Zero Asset Managers initiative.
Visit cdp.net or follow @CDP to find out more.
Any use of hand-held mobile phone while driving to become illegal
Prosecution regulations tightened on the use of hand-held mobile phones at the wheel
- government strengthening existing laws making it illegal to use a hand-held mobile phone while driving under virtually any circumstance
- follows public consultation which found that 81% of people supported such a move
- highway code will change making it clear that hand-held phone use at traffic lights or in traffic jams is illegal
Police will soon be able to more easily prosecute drivers using a hand-held mobile phone at the wheel after the government strengthens existing laws to further improve road safety.
It is already illegal to text or make a phone call (other than in an emergency) using a hand-held device while driving. Next year, laws will go further to ban drivers from using their phones to take photos or videos, scroll through playlists or play games.
This will mean anyone caught using their hand-held device while driving will face a £200 fixed penalty notice and 6 points on their licence.
Drivers will still be able to continue using a device ‘hands-free’ while driving, such as a sat-nav, if it’s secured in a cradle. They must, however, always take responsibility for their driving and can be charged with an offence if the police find them not to be in proper control of their vehicle.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “Too many deaths and injuries occur while mobile phones are being held.
“By making it easier to prosecute people illegally using their phone at the wheel, we are ensuring the law is brought into the 21st century while further protecting all road users.
“While our roads remain among the safest in the world, we will continue working tirelessly to make them safer, including through our award-winning THINK! campaign, which challenges social norms among high-risk drivers.”
This follows a public consultation that found 81% of respondents supported proposals to strengthen the law and make it easier for culprits to be prosecuted.
Following the public consultation, the government will revise The Highway Code to explain the new measures. It will also be more precise about the fact that being stationary in traffic counts as driving, making it clear that hand-held mobile phone use at traffic lights or in motorway jams is illegal except in very limited circumstances.
There will be an exemption to the new law for drivers making a contactless payment using their mobile phone while stationary to ensure the law keeps pace with technology.
This exemption will cover, for example, places like a drive-through restaurant or a road toll, and will only apply when payment is being made with a card reader. It will not allow motorists to make general online payments while driving.
Mary Williams OBE, Chief Executive of Brake – the road safety charity, said: “Driver distraction can be deadly and using a hand-held phone at the wheel is never worth the risk. This important road safety decision by government, coinciding with Road Safety Week, is very welcomed.
“This news is particularly welcomed by families suffering bereavement and catastrophic injury due to drivers being distracted by phones. The theme for Road Safety Week is road safety heroes – we can all be road safety heroes by giving driving our full attention.”
The Department for Transport has also today published a study by Ipsos Mori about drivers who use mobile phones while driving.
Among other findings, the research reveals younger motorists are more likely to have used a handheld device at the wheel, supporting the focus of the government’s award-winning THINK! campaign, which works to boost road safety by targeting higher-risk, younger motorists and road-users.