Half a million households at risk of fuel poverty as prices soar

  • GB energy consumers face the biggest ever increase to the energy price cap
  • Fuel poverty charity National Energy Action (NEA) warns that the average increase of £153 for prepayment customers and £139 from those paying by direct debit using a default tariff is likely to result in more utility debt, 500,000 extra households in fuel poverty and an increase in preventable deaths this winter
  • Suppliers are putting their prices up in October when millions of people will see a reduction in their incomes, as uplifts to Universal Credit are withdrawn
  • Charity says new Household Support Fund welcome but not enough to prevent needless deaths this winter
  • Calls on UK Government to take more action to directly reduce higher prices for the poorest this winter and for Ofgem to do more to protect the most vulnerable consumers when suppliers fail.

Adam Scorer, Chief Executive at fuel poverty charity National Energy Action (NEA), said: “The massive devastating increases in energy prices will drive over 500,000 more households into fuel poverty, leaving them unable to heat or power their homes.

“Just when they were needed most, the uplifts to Universal Credit are also being withdrawn and inflation is soaring. The new Household Support Fund will provide some welcome support for those who can access it, but on its own it is not enough to halt the erosion in incomes and deal with rising prices.

“Without a wider package of support – keeping UC uplifts and more rebates to protect those on the lowest incomes from spiralling energy prices – vulnerable people are still at dire risk of premature death this winter”.

“Falling through the gaps when suppliers fail”

NEA warns that the current crisis is likely to badly affect vulnerable customers when their suppliers fail. The charity is warning that households on older prepay meters are at risk of not being able to top up with their new supplier if their current supplier fails.

In addition, people in debt who transfer over to their new suppliers may also immediately risk aggressive debt recovery tactics from their previous suppliers’ administrators. People eligible for Warm Home Discount are also falling through the gaps when they move to their new supplier. They often can’t access all elements of this vital support.

Adam Scorer continued: “We know this situation is preventable, but Ofgem must act fast to protect the most vulnerable consumers when suppliers fail. The UK Government must also use the upcoming Budget to provide more additional emergency support so we can guard against the consequences of soaring bills and hits to millions of low incomes.

“This means enhancing current schemes and taking new steps to accelerate the repayment of utility debts across the UK”.

 “Many of those on the lowest incomes live in the least efficient homes”

NEA has also stressed that one of the key reasons the situation is bleak for the poorest households is the vicious overlap between the households who live on the lowest incomes and who also live in the least energy efficient homes.

They say in England alone, more than 680,000 households on the lowest incomes also live in the least efficient homes making the impact of the price rises much more severe. Over 3 million fuel poor households will need to be prioritised for retrofits if the goal to meet Net Zero is to be met at the same time as statutory fuel poverty targets.

Adam Scorer again: “These quick emergency fixes are vital to get struggling households through this winter, but we can’t lose sight of the long-term solution to reduce the energy waste in our homes.

“We have some of the least efficient housing in Europe. This has left the UK more exposed to the current soaring gas price than many other countries and we are wasting billions of pounds each year as heat escapes through leaky roofs, floors and ceilings”.

 What needs to be done

As a summary, NEA is proposing emergency provision to help fuel poor households to stay warm at home this winter, including:

  1. Providing additional funding towards the Warm Home Discount scheme this winter as an emergency provision to guard against significantly increased gas prices
  2. Supporting more households with the Winter Fuel Payment, especially for those eligible for the Cold Weather Payment in Northern Ireland
  3. Helping accelerate the repayment of utility debts across the UK by enhancing Fuel and Water Direct
  4. Continuing the Winter Grant Scheme through this winter

Additionally, through the Spending Review, NEA propose the following longer-term actions to ensure that fuel poor households can be warm at home for years to come:

  1. Fully implement the Conservative Manifesto for the Home Upgrade Grant Scheme (HUG) and Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF)
  2. Ensure the Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF) helps end cold homes across the UK
  3. Extend and strengthen the £20 a week uplift in Universal Credit and Working Tax Credit for low-income households.  

Kevin Stewart MSP marks World Mental Health day at Cyrenians community gardens

Cyrenians welcomed Kevin Stewart, Minister for Mental Wellbeing and Social Care to the Royal Edinburgh Hospital Community Gardens this week to help mark World Mental Health Day on 10th October.

The Edinburgh-based charity tackle the causes and consequences of homelessness by offering support for people currently experiencing, or at risk of experiencing homelessness.

Their community gardens projects offer mental health support to patients and the local community by providing therapeutic green spaces and wellbeing activities year-round.

Mr Stewart was invited to meet with the organisation to learn about their approach to supporting the mental wellbeing of patients of the Royal Edinburgh Hospital through ward based and in-garden activities.

Representatives from Cyrenians, NHS Lothian, Edinburgh + Lothian Health Foundation and Green Exercise partnership joined on the day, showcasing the power of partnership working to provide long-term support for those who need it most.

Cyrenians Service Manager Lucy Holroyd said: “The gardens are a wonderful safe haven in the heart of the city that provide direct support to patients in the hospital, many of whom are currently participating in long-term health care.

“The gardens complement the ward setting, offering opportunities to reconnect with others and with nature, build new relationships, and in some cases spark a passion for gardening and wildlife beyond their hospital stay, all of which aids long-term recovery, and promotes wellbeing. The work in the gardens is part of Cyrenians wide ranging work preventing homelessness.

“We were delighted to welcome Mr Stewart to our gardens. We hope, like with all our visitors, his time in the garden offered a welcome change of pace from the hustle and bustle of life.”

Minister for Mental Wellbeing & Social Care Kevin Stewart said, “I had the great pleasure of visiting the Community Gardens and was incredibly impressed with the commitment from Cyrenians to working in close partnership with both the Royal Edinburgh hospital and the wider community that has turned this garden into such an important resource to support people’s wellbeing.

“Thank you to everyone involved.”

To find out more about Cyrenians please visit: www.cyrenians.scot

ELREC launches new BAME RECAP project

ELREC have launched a new project to support people from BAME communities affected by Covid-19. A brief launch event took place at the ELREC meeting room on Monday (4 October). 

The BAME RECAP will work towards restoring the livelihoods of BAME communities affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in Edinburgh and the Lothian.  

The Global Majority Fund, financed by Comic Relief in partnership with the National Emergencies Trust (NET), supports this project. In Scotland, CRER is an Intermediary Partner for Comic Relief’s Global Majority Fund. 

CRER’s Yasmin Luqman said: “We are delighted to act as an Intermediary Partner of The Global Majority Fund and to make grants available to support BME community organisations like ELREC to continue delivering services to communities facing racial inequality who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns.

“This fund is also focussed on creating a positive impact with and for communities facing racial inequality across Scotland. The Global Majority Fund, financed by Comic Relief in partnership with the National Emergencies Trust (NET), supports this project”.

Lothian MSP Foysol Choudhury MBE attended the launch event as a chief guest. He said ‘’ I would like thanks to CRER and funders for providing the grants for the BME communities aftermath of the Covid-19. It will help create a positive impact and improve the livelihood of the affected communities.’’  

The BAME RECAP project coordinator Mizan Rahman hosted the launch event and explained that a wide range of support is available for the Black Asian Minority Ethnic (BAME) community.

Tailor-made support and advice services freely available at ELREC. Specialised advocacy support is also available for people with ‘no recourse to public funds’.

He said that the project will address mental health and wellbeing issues by facilitating various activities over the year.  

To access support and services, anyone living across Edinburgh and Lothian can contact the project team by WhatsApp +447392663851 or email: bamerecap@elrec.org.uk.

More information about the project can be found on social media @bamerecap.  

Remembering Roberta

Tree planted at Royston Wardieburn Community Centre to celebrate activism

It’s been a long time but community activities are, slowy but surely, starting up again at last.

Royston Wardieburn Community Centre opened it’s doors to forty guests yesterday who came together to celebrate the life of local activist Roberta Blaikie and to carry out one of Roberta’s last wishes: to have a tree planted in the grounds of the centre to celebrate community local activism.

Royston Wardieburn chair Mizan Rahman welcomed families, friends, colleagues and local activists to the community event and introduced the superb Nevis Ensemble, Scotland’s unique pop-up orchestra. The quartet played a thoughful selection of music which ended with a resounding rendition of that favourite anthem ‘Bella Ciao’

Guests then moved outside and heard a succession of tributes to Roberta. I was honoured to make the opening address (see below) and I was followed by fine contributions from Lydia Markham, Lynn McCabe, Jane Jones, Linda Garcia and Mary Mbae.

Following the speeches, poems and personal reflections, Roberta’s daughter Donna and her family went on to plant a young cherry blossom tree in front the Centre and guests were also invited to participate in the planting ceremony.

Yes, this was a celebration but it was a also a very poignant afternoon; the sense of loss remembering those who are no longer with us, and missing those others who could not be there on the day.

Roberta herself has been gone for five years now, and so much has changed. This crazy last eighteen months of pandemic, lockdown and restrictions has been particularly cruel – taking away loved ones, keeping friends and families apart and stealing precious time.

So it was day of mixed emotions: joy and melancholy all jumbled up together – but I was honoured to be part of it.

ROBERTA BLAIKIE – A TRIBUTE

Hi everyone. For those of you who don’t know me, my name’s Dave – for those of you who DO know me, my name’s still Dave!

Thanks for coming along today. I know there are many more people who can’t be with us on this special afternoon and my thoughts are with them too

I’ve been asked to say a few words about Roberta and her community activism and I’m very proud and honoured to do so.

I can’t say for certain the first time I met Roberta, but it was maybe during the campaign to Save A & E and maternity services at the Western General.

But if I can’t quite remember our first meeting, I can recall many, many more meetings over the years that followed. She was one of those people – usually women -who were always there when their community needed them: one of North Edinburgh’s magnificent, mighty band of Strong Women, some of whom I’m delighted to say are here with us today.

Roberta first got involved in community activism in the mid-1970s when she got up at a public meeting to complain about a lack of activities for young mothers in this local community centre. You’ll know that it takes quite a lot of courage to speak at a public meeting, but Roberta stood up, spoke up and spoke out … and that’s something she did and continued to do for the rest of her life.

Like everyone who gets involved in activism, Roberta was driven by a sense of social justice. She cared about people, she cared about her community and she was willing to work hard to change things for the better.

Yes, she could talk – Roberta loved to talk! – but that talk was backed up by action. She didn’t just talk about things, she DID things. And she got things done.

Roberta poured her energies into so many community campaigns: there health campaigns, housing tenants campaigns and she was at the heart of so many of the key agencies in North Edinburgh over the years – Pilton Elderly Project, Pilton Health Hut (now Pilton Community Health Project), Granton Information Centre and The Pilton Partnership to name just a few.

Throughout, Roberta was always a strong supporter of Royston Wardieburn Community Centre – community is the key word here – both as a member and an active Chairperson and she worked hard with others to ensure that the centre was at the heart of the community, offering activities for the whole community.

The centre was also the venue for the Womens International Group (WIG). Roberta was a founder member and an enthusiastic participant – and I feel privileged to have attended a number of WIG events here as the token bloke!

Whenever, wherever  Roberta was involved, her enthusiasm was infectious. She didn’t seek praise or reward or pats on the back – and I do wonder how she would have responded to having a street named after her! –  but her hard work, her dedication and her humour inspired others and encouraged them to get involved.

And that, I think, is the true reward for genuine, committed community activists – that others will be inspired to follow in your footsteps to campaign, to challenge, to fight to make their communities better places to live.

The planting of the cherry blossom tree symbolises this today.

Roberta was a key member of the Social History Group that produced the wonderful Never Give Up book and film and exhibition that detailed the history of community activism in North Edinburgh.

It was a  real labour of love – the group met every week for two years to produce Never Give Up and it’s hard to believe that launch was over ten years ago – and it’s particularly sobering to note that so many of those involved are no longer with us. On a lighter note I know the project put years on Lynn McCabe – but it really was worth it in the end!

Roberta explained back then: “Local people have always had to fight for the services they have. It hasn’t always been the way it is now.  People don’t realise that.  We wanted to show people all the things that people like ourselves had achieved, all the battles we had won to give us the projects and the services we have today“

And that fight goes on to this day. Just this week the UK Government cut Universal Credit payments by £20 a week, plunging tens of thousands of families into poverty. There will always be fights – and we will always need people like Roberta to be leading the campaign.

Only exceptional people inspire others, but Roberta was one of that rare breed. Inspirational. She would never have said it herself, but Roberta was inspirational.

And if I can’t remember our first meeting, I can certainly remember one of our last – and of course it was here in this very community centre! I don’t think she always really enjoyed being centre stage, but Roberta was in her element that day, beaming with laughter, surrounded by friends and having a great time. I will never forget the love there was in that room that day – it was so powerful, you could almost touch it.

And that will be my lasting memory: The laughter, the warmth and the love for Roberta Blaikie, an inspirational woman.

And I know I speak for many when I say: Thanks for everything you did, Roberta; I am so glad to have known you.

STRUGGLE

A poem by Jim Aitken

Not to certainly means

worsening conditions

inevitable defeat.

To engage in action

even if you lose

means dignity at least.

It also means

just could mean

that you actually win.

But its more than that

for in the process

people change.

They awaken and grow

like desert seeds

receiving rain.

And give to others

a sense of vision and possible dreams.

The poem was read by Lynn McCabe

It’s from ‘A Rose Loupt Oot’: Poetry & Song Celebrating the UCS Work-in

Stirling on the shortlist to become UK’s next City of Culture

Eight areas longlisted for UK City of Culture 2025 have been unveiled today by Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries.

Following a record 20 bids, the eight longlisted locations are Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Bradford, Cornwall, County Durham, Derby, Southampton, Stirling and Wrexham County Borough.

Winning the prestigious title has enormous benefits with previous hosts attracting millions of pounds in additional investment, creating jobs and attracting thousands of visitors to their local area.

The places will now work with a panel of experts and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) to finalise their bids before the shortlist is announced early next year.

Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries said: “Winning the UK City of Culture competition has a hugely positive impact on an area, driving investment, creating jobs, and highlighting that culture is for everyone, regardless of their background.

“This year’s focus is on levelling up access to culture across the country and making sure there is a legacy that continues for generations to come. I look forward to seeing what this brilliant longlist has in store as they continue in the competition.”

Sir Phil Redmond, Chair of the City of Culture Expert Advisory Panel, said: The Expressions of Interest stage was introduced as an opportunity to encourage many more places to experience the benefit of coming together to define and share a cultural vision for their areas, and what the longlist demonstrates is the range and depth of cultural ambition across the whole of the UK.“

Also for the first time, each longlisted city will receive financial support to help them develop their vision. Each is different. Each has its own story to tell. All share a common aim: to demonstrate how culture can act as the creative catalyst for change. I am really looking forward to seeing how each story develops.

The competition, delivered by DCMS in collaboration with the Offices for Scotland and Wales and the Northern Ireland Executive, uses culture as a tool for levelling up towns and cities across the country. The longlist was recommended by an independent advisory panel which brings together a wide range of expertise from across the UK.

All bids were asked to explain how they would use culture to grow and strengthen their local area, as well as how they would use culture to recover from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. For the first time, this year each longlisted place will receive £40,000 to support the development of their promising proposals.

The winner will be announced in spring 2022 and will follow Coventry’s tenure as UK City of Culture 2021 to take the lead on culture in the UK in 2025.

Previous winners Hull and Derry-Londonderry have shown how the competition can deliver greater and long-lasting cultural participation, economic regeneration and local pride, whilst Coventry City of Culture 2021 is already providing a blueprint for how culture can be at the heart of social and economic recovery.

Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries will also be hosting a roundtable with all unsuccessful bidders to discuss how best they can be supported.

UK Government Minister for Scotland Iain Stewart said: “I’m particularly pleased that Stirling is in the running for this prestigious award. With its fascinating history and vibrant creative scene, it’s a strong contender for the title.

“The list of cities announced today is testament to the outstanding creativity and culture across the UK. I look forward to seeing proposals develop as Stirling strives to bring the UK City of Culture to Scotland for the first time.”

Unpaid carers to receive double additional payment

Tens of thousands of unpaid carers will receive a double payment of the Carer’s Allowance Supplement this winter under legislation passed unanimously by the Scottish Parliament last night.

Recognising the additional pressures unpaid carers face as a result of the pandemic, the December payment of the Carer’s Allowance Supplement will be doubled to £462.80, benefitting more than 91,000 people.

This extra investment, forecast to be £21 million, will be the second time the Scottish Government has doubled a Carer’s Allowance Supplement payment.

The Carer’s Allowance Supplement (Scotland) Bill will also give Ministers powers to provide eligible carers with additional financial support in future if the need arises.

Social Security Minister Ben Macpherson said: “We introduced the Carer’s Allowance Supplement in September 2018 to address the fact that Carer’s Allowance was the lowest of all working age benefits. The £230 payment is in addition to the Carers Allowance in recognition of the role carers play in society.

“In recognition of the additional pressures caused by the pandemic, tens of thousands of unpaid carers will now receive another additional payment of more than £230 through our Carer’s Allowance Supplement this winter. This additional payment means that this year carers in Scotland will get £694.20 more in support than carers in the rest of the UK.

“We also made a double payment last year, so over the past two years we have invested over £120 million from our own budget to support around 91,000 unpaid carers. The Carer’s Allowance Supplement is unique in the UK and is one of seven new benefits we have introduced.

“The Scottish Government will always consider if additional payments are needed in the future, bearing in mind the broad range of support we provide across society and taking account of our limited tax and borrowing powers.

Sebastian Fischer, Chief Executive of VOCAL, which supports and empowers unpaid carers in Edinburgh said:  “As we emerge from the pandemic, the Coronavirus Carers’ Allowance Supplement is a welcome measure and we are delighted that the Bill has passed. This will support carers who have faced, and continue to face, enormous challenges due to Covid-19.

“Unpaid carers have propped up the health and social care sector, and it is vital that they are recognised in ways that deliver real positive impact. We look forward to seeing further measures from our new government which value the role of carers as equal partners.”

Hamilton & Inches to host ‘Elements’ pop-up exhibition

World leading craft makers continue to be celebrated at Hamilton & Inches

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Hamilton & Inches is hosting a pop-up event for Scotland’s Elements’ festival. Organised by the Scottish Goldsmiths Trust in partnership with Lyon & Turnbull Auctioneers, the festival is an annual celebration of leading UK Jewellers and Silversmiths.

The pop-up exhibition is taking place at Hamilton & Inches’ recently renovated showroom and is running from the 14th until the 17th of October.

It will showcase three, world-class, craft makers and will shine a spotlight on their expert, handcrafted designs. Attendees will also have the chance to meet the makers, who will exhibit a variety of eye-catching, elegant and contemporary designs.

Specifically, Hamilton & Inches will showcase the intricate fineries of Michelle Currie, Alice Fry and Sheila McDonald (above).

Their designs will be available to purchase in store and any commission made on behalf of Hamilton & Inches will be donated to the Scottish Goldsmith Trust, continuing Hamilton & Inches’ focus to support both established and emerging artisans.

The Element’s pop-up exhibition is exemplary of Hamilton & Inches commitment to sustaining craft in Scotland as well as its dedication to supporting the careers of craft makers.

Victoria Houghton, Hamilton & Inches CEO, said: “The Element’s pop-up exhibition is a fantastic opportunity for us to highlight the importance of craft and craftmanship in the UK.

“Our commitment to sustainability is demonstrated in the recent refurbishment of our showroom and workshops and, with craftmanship being the pinnacle of our operations, we are proud to support these craft makers and their beautifully diverse creations.”

Get Ready Glasgow and beyond for COP26

Transport Minister launches campaign to help people plan ahead   

Further measures aimed at helping people get ready for COP26 in Glasgow and keep transport networks moving were announced today with the launch of a public awareness campaign. 

The campaign is being ‘championed’ by Glasgow’s Duke of Wellington statue and will feature across multi-channels from radio, TV and social media to billboards, newsletters and other relevant platforms.  

Scotland’s Transport Minister, Graeme Dey, kick started the campaign which provides details of where to get the most up to date travel information and advice so that people can prepare and plan ahead for any journeys in the run up to and during the two-week climate change conference. 

He said: “As a huge coup for Glasgow and, indeed, Scotland, COP26 is widely anticipated to be a once-in-a-lifetime global event and one like no other the city has hosted.

“The scale of the event is unprecedented on so many levels which is why it is vital that people are equipped with the latest information to help organise travel plans in advance and, where necessary, make alternative arrangements. 

“The most up-to-date information including a detailed travel plan, maps, road closures and dates for community and business engagement sessions is readily available. I would again urge commuters, businesses and the public to take some time to familiarise themselves with the plans so that we can all work together to help deliver a successful event while keeping Glasgow and the Central Belt moving. I am especially grateful to businesses and the public for engaging with this campaign and playing their part in such a momentous event.” 

Up to 140 World Leaders and 25,000 conference delegates are expected to attend the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) COP26 conference at Glasgow’s SEC. The event takes place from October 31to November 12. However, road closures will start to take effect from Saturday, October 23. Planned and unplanned protests are also inevitable. 

Get Ready Glasgow is the go-to website for more detailed information and will be updated on an ongoing basis – www.getreadyglasgow.com 

The website provides details on alternative routes, local road closure dates and where local access will be maintained. It also includes maps highlighting where and when impacts are most likely to help give the public, businesses, delegates and visitors a clearer idea of what to expect on certain days.   

Today’s campaign launch follows many months of travel planning and preparations which are now entering an advanced and crucial phase. As well as providing information on how to plan ahead for COP26, details of a range of engagement sessions being held over the coming weeks will be advertised for businesses and communities to attend. 

The Transport Minister was joined by representatives of the Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) and First Bus which is providing a fleet of electric buses for conference delegates.  

SPT Chair of Operations Committee Councillor, David Wilson, said: “SPT is, once again, proud to play its part assisting with the transport organisation across Glasgow while the city hosts yet another major international event. While some disruption to travel is inevitable with an event of this scale, planning ahead is essential.  

“We are working to ensure both local people and our international visitors can move around the city. Working with First Bus Scotland to deliver the official COP26 Zero Emission shuttle service on behalf of the UK and Scottish Governments ensures delegates will get to the event by sustainable public transport and we hope deliver a Glasgow climate agreement we can all be proud of.” 

Duncan Cameron, Interim Managing Director for First Bus Scotland: said: “First Bus Scotland is delighted to have been chosen to operate the official COP26 shuttle service and will be working closely with SPT, Transport Scotland and the Cabinet Office to ensure a smooth and efficient service can be delivered for all delegates attending the event. 

“It has been a long time in the planning, and it is exciting to now be in the build up to the event officially. It is vitally important that everyone takes the time to familiarise themselves with all diversions and transport plans in order to keep Glasgow moving and deliver an event that the whole world will be proud to be a part of.” 

Get Ready Glasgow is being managed by Glasgow City Council on behalf of COP26 event delivery partners. Used successfully during the 2014 Commonwealth Games and 2018 European Championships, the campaign aims to inform and update businesses, residents, commuters and visitors about the impact of the event on the city and the work being done to keep the Glasgow moving and open for business in the lead up to and during the conference. 

Leader of Glasgow City Council, Councillor Susan Aitken, said: “Glasgow has an unrivalled record when it comes to hosting major international events. The expertise that we have developed with our partners, taken with the city’s extensive conference and hotel infrastructure, made Glasgow the logical choice for COP26. 

“This global summit is one of the biggest diplomatic events that the UK has seen. It is no exaggeration to say that it is also one of the most important in human history if we are to get runaway climate change under control. 

“With more than 140 world leaders expected to attend, security will be tight and the arrangements will affect local businesses and residents as well as those who do business in the city, travel for work or are visiting.

“The key to lessening that disruption is to inform people well in advance about where there are planned road closures and likely congestion and what the alternative routes are. We’re also encouraging people to leave the car at home and use public transport for their journeys or walk or cycle instead.”  

City police investigate abduction and attempted murder incident

Police in Edinburgh are appealing for information following an abduction and attempted murder incident which happened in the city centre overnight.

At around 10.45pm on Wednesday, 6 October, 2021, officers were alerted to a disturbance in Claremont Court where men were reported to have been fighting with weapons. One man was seen to have been forced from his vehicle, a grey Audi S5, into a second vehicle, which is described as a dark coloured hatchback.

This vehicle was reported to have blue flashing lights activated on the dashboard. The vehicle left Claremont Court along with two other vehicles; the grey Audi S5 and a white van.

A short time later officers were called to McDonald Road where the man forced into the back of the hatchback was found injured. It is believed that he had been assaulted while within the car, which had then driven at him when he exited the vehicle. This car then fled the scene.

The injured man, aged 26, was taken to hospital for treatment. His injuries are not life-threatening.

At around 1am this morning (Thursday 7 October), officers were called to Magdalene Avenue following a car fire. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service extinguished the fire.

The vehicle found here has been confirmed as the grey Audi S5, which was stolen from the 26-year-old man in Claremont Court earlier in the night.

Detective Inspector Kevin Tait said: “The level of violence and intimidation shown during this incident is shocking and thankfully the victim was not left seriously injured. We believe this was a targeted attack.

“The suspects involved in his abduction from Claremont Court are believed to have arrived at the scene in two vehicles, the first a dark coloured hatchback, and the second a white van. Witnesses have reported there being four men, all wearing balaclavas.

“I’d urge anyone who witnessed the incidents in Claremont Court or McDonald Road to come forward and speak to officers. We’re especially keen for anyone who may have captured the incidents on dash cam or private CCTV to check their systems and provide relevant footage to us.

“The dark coloured hatchback vehicle the suspects used had blue lights activated on top of the dashboard at the front windscreen. This was not a police vehicle. I’d urge anyone who knows more about this vehicle, or could help us trace it and those connected to it, to get in contact with officers as soon as possible.”

Those with information should contact Police Scotland on 101 and quote incident number 3764 of 6 October. An anonymous report can be given to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Test centre role inspires Heather to switch to nursing

Mother-of-two, 42, wins place on Edinburgh Napier course

MUM-of-two Heather Griffin has embarked on a completely new career path after forging a close relationship with the student nurses she worked with at a Covid-19 testing centre.

Former financial services worker Heather was so fascinated by what she heard from the Edinburgh Napier undergraduates that she has now enrolled in the University’s Bachelor of Nursing (Adult) degree course.

Heather, 42, lost her job in finance during the pandemic but found work at the testing centre at The Pleasance in Edinburgh through a temping agency. The facility was opened by the University of Edinburgh and Edinburgh Napier to provide mass testing for students before they travelled home last Christmas and remained open in the New Year to provide ongoing testing for asymptomatic students.

Heather worked first of all on the registration desks, then as a test processor and results recorder, and she developed a close working relationship with the student nurses on duty at the centre.

She said: “I had never really considered a role in nursing before but I learned about the Edinburgh Napier course through the student nurses. I was surprised at how many of them were mature students who had families, and who also wanted a change in their life direction.

“They spoke highly of the course, were excited by their career choice, and had inspiring stories to share from their placements. Once they had instilled in me the idea that I would also apply for the course, they were also able to address my concerns and answer my many questions about it.”

Heather, who is married with two sons, aged 14 and nine, said there had been a strong sense of camaraderie within the test centre workforce. “The team was welcoming and supportive, and we used a lot of humour to help us through those tough times. In addition, we felt proud to be part of a project that was dedicated to the health and safety of the wider community.”

Heather, who has a degree in Russian Studies, applied for the Edinburgh Napier nursing course and after an online group interview was offered a conditional place subject to passing online modules taken over the summer.

With all hurdles successfully negotiated, she has now been accepted on to the course and has joined classmates at the University’s Sighthill campus as she pursues the next step on her new career ladder.

Heather, from Canonmills, said: “It’s early days and I am still settling into my new routine and just beginning to appreciate the amount of work that needs to be done but I have been enjoying myself so far.

“I am raring to go, and am excited by the opportunity to go on placement in January and put the skills into practice.”

Edinburgh Napier’s Joanne Nethercott, who ran the Covid-19 testing centre and supported Heather as she applied for a place at the university, said: “Test centre staff were trained in a variety of roles to develop skills which they could add to their CV, and Heather approached every new role with enthusiasm and passion, and was keen to learn.

“I was surprised when she told me she was thinking of applying for the nursing course because it was so far from her work in finance and a big commitment, but of course, I supported her as much as I could and I was over the moon when she told me she had been offered a conditional place.

“I am delighted that the test centre work brought us a new student, and I am sure Heather will make a fantastic nurse.”