Scots get back to the beach as summer season opens

  • Scots get back to the beach as summer season opens and two new locations added this year. 
  • Seaside and coastal locations play a major role in Scotland’s tourism industry – bringing international and domestic visitors into local communities. 
  • In 2019, 38% of international visitors visited a beach during their visit*. 
  • Of the 85 bathing waters sampled by SEPA last year, 99% are classified as sufficient or better for 2022.  
  • New-look bathing water signs will be installed over the summer at five locations on the west coast. 
  • Know the key steps to protect the water environment and ensure you stay safe near the water. 

Scotland’s bathing water season has officially begun, ready to welcome locals, international and domestic visitors to 87 locations around the country, playing a vital role in helping Scotland’s tourism industry recover after limited travel over the last few years.  

Of the 85 bathing waters sampled by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) last year, 99% are classified as sufficient or better for 2022. Thirty two (38%) are rated as ‘excellent’. 

Two new locations, Barassie in South Ayrshire and Lower Largo in Fife, were designated in May following successful applications, bringing the total number of official bathing waters for the 2022 season to 87. 

Bathing water boosts for tourism 

Continually ranked as one of the most beautiful countries in the world by British travel publisher Rough Guide, Scotland’s natural environment is world-renowned and provides ahigh motivation for people to visit. Its beaches range from remote, unspoilt Hebridean sands to golden stretches along northern and eastern coves and popular western shores – with three bathing waters on inland lochs. 

Trips to the beach provide valuable outdoor spaces for local residents and bring visitors to the shoreline for the day. They also result in overnight stays in communities, meals in local restaurants and cafes, and shopping in nearby locations – which can bring a real boost to the local economy. 

Figures from Visit Scotland show that in 2019 38% of international visitors visited a beach, during their visit. Domestic tourism resulted in 2.3 million overnight trips to seaside and coastal locations and generated £448m of expenditure for the Scottish economy. 

Designated bathing waters are sampled by SEPA regularly during the season, which runs until 15 September, and the results are published online. SEPA’s network of 29 bathing water signs show daily water quality information so visitors can decide whether they participate in water or land-based activities. Predictions are also published on SEPA’s website. 

This year SEPA will be installing six new totem-style bathing water information signs at five locations in the South West – replacing original units from 2003.  

  • Ayr (two signs) 
  • Irvine 
  • Prestwick 
  • Troon
  • Saltcoats/Ardrossan 

Ruth Stidson, Principal Scientist (Bathing Waters) at SEPA, said: “With Covid restrictions now eased, visitors will be flocking to our stunning coastlines and beaches. SEPA’s bathing water designations ensure beach users can make an informed decision on if they want to take part in water-based activities at 87 locations across the country.  

“Protecting and improving our bathing waters is crucial for our environment, our local economies which rely on beach tourism and our visitors, whether local, domestic or international. SEPA works every day to protect and enhance Scotland’s stunning environment and we are committed to ensuring all of Scotland’s designated bathing waters meet water quality standards. 

“We’ve seen a number of improvements over the last few years, as key projects have delivered positive changes. Partnership working between SEPA, Scottish Government, the farming sector, Scottish Water, Keep Scotland Beautiful, local authorities and communities has been vital to achieving better results. Further work is continuing this year to drive forward improvements this season and beyond.” 

Environment Minister Mairi McAllan said: “There are now more official bathing water sites in Scotland than ever, which is great news for local communities, residents and tourists alike. 

“By investing in protecting and improving bathing waters across Scotland we have made sure many more people can continue to enjoy them with 99% of bathing waters passing bathing water quality standards in 2021.” 

Malcolm Roughead, Chief Executive VisitScotland said: “Scotland’s coastline is home to many stunning beaches and is a vital part of our tourism offering. From family-friendly day trips to water-based adventures, they offer a diverse range of experiences for visitors.  

“SEPA annual bathing water classifications provide helpful guidance for visitors and are a reminder of the important role we all have to play in protecting our natural landscapes.  

“As the summer season starts, we ask everyone to enjoy our waters safely and respectfully. We would urge visitors to follow water safety advice, guidance and signage and, to ensure our beaches are protected for the enjoyment of all, leave no trace of their visit.” 

The season was officially launched at Barassie in South Ayrshire, one of Scotland’s newest bathing waters. 

Ongoing improvement in water quality 

Previous SEPA water quality improvement projects have demonstrated bold and timely action from partnership working with organisation including Scottish Government, Scottish Water, the National Farming Union of Scotland (NFUS)  local communities, local authorities and Keep Scotland Beautiful (KSB). Fifteen bathing waters that had a poor classification in 2015 have improved to a sufficient or better classification in 2022.  

SEPA will continue to work with partners to raise or maintain the state of bathing waters throughout Scotland for the benefits of the communities and visitors who use them. 

Dhoon Bay, on the Solway coast, is the only bathing water classified as poor for 2022. SEPA has been working closely with the local community, local authority and Scottish Water to put in place actions to reduce the impact of private sewage treatment systems in the catchment area.

Plans for permanent improvements for the private systems serving domestic homes is ongoing, with funds made available by the Scottish Government and assistance from Scottish Water.

South of Scotland Enterprise is also involved in plans to upgrade treatment provision at a caravan park in an area that is important for tourism. These actions are aimed at improving water quality in what will be a critical year for this location. 

Help improve our beaches and coastlines   

Communities and visitors to Scotland’s beaches can help protect our water environment, even when they’re not visiting. 

It’s important that people understand the impact what they flush away has on the environment, including their local bathing water. Every year Scottish Water teams deal with around 36,000 blockages, costing customers about £7 million annually, and around 80% of those are caused by people flushing the wrong items down the toilet, or pouring fats, oil and grease down the sink. These blockages in the sewer system can result in spills of pollution into the environment.  

Whether you are at home, at work or on holiday, Scottish Water provides advice on how to protect the network, and Scotland’s water environment, at scottishwater.co.uk/naturecalls   

Simon Parsons, Scottish Water’s Strategic Customer Services Planning Director, said: “Scottish Water is committed to continuing to support the protection and improvement of Scotland’s rivers, coastal waters and beaches.  

“We recently published our urban waters route map, announcing plans to invest up to half a billion pounds more in Scotland’s waste water network to deliver further improvements and ensure that Scotland’s rivers, beaches and urban waters are free from sewage-related debris. 

“All our customers can play a huge part in preventing debris in rivers and on beaches. Our new national campaign ‘Nature Calls’ urges customers not to flush wet wipes (and other items) down the toilet and we are calling for a complete ban on the sale of wet wipes containing plastic.” 

Protecting our bathing waters while at the beach is also vital. Waste from animals or litter is not just unsightly, it can have a negative impact on the environment – so it’s important to make sure your visit doesn’t contribute to pollution. 

Barry Fisher, CEO of Keep Scotland Beautiful said: ‘We are delighted with the results of My Beach Your Beach; working together, partners, communities and individuals have really raised awareness of bathing water quality, encouraging everyone to play their part in helping to protect the sand and sea.

“My Beach Your Beach encourages more people to engage in simple actions leading to better bathing water quality. Waste from animals or litter is not just unsightly, it can have a negative impact on the environment. So, visitors are encouraged to take litter home, clean up after their dogs and avoid feeding the gulls, ensuring a good beach experience for everyone who visits.”  

Find out more at keepscotlandbeautiful.org/mybeachyourbeach 

Stay safe at the beach 

For advice on how to keep safe in and around water visit the RLNI and Water Safety Scotland webpages. 

During the season, SEPA posts results online from its sampling of all 87 designated bathing waters. At 29 locations there are bathing water signs with updated water quality predictions by 10am, so you can check before you travel.  

At most locations, bathing is not advised during, or one to two days after, heavy rainfall due to the risk to bathers’ health from short term water pollution. Site-specific information on risks can be found on the individual bathing water profiles on our website. 

National Galleries of Scotland seeks views on plans for major development in North Edinburgh

CONSULTATION EVENTS NEXT WEEK

A public consultation has started on ambitious plans by the National Galleries of Scotland (NGS) to construct a vitally important new building in Granton, North Edinburgh. Titled The Art Works, the facility will house Scotland’s extraordinary national art collection and provide a significant, long-term contribution to benefit and enhance the local community for years to come.

Located at the heart of one of Scotland’s most diverse yet socioeconomically deprived areas, The Art Works has a unique dual purpose at its core: firstly, as a base for more than 100,000 works of art to be cared for, conserved and researched; and secondly as a key focal point for community investment, pride and growth.

The building will by fully accessible and open to all, offering world-class visitor facilities, rooms for education and community programmes, and new outdoor public spaces – all designed to meet the needs of and help realise the huge potential of the local community.

Previously known as the National Collection Facility, proposals for a building of this kind have been in the early stages of concept development since 2015. Now known as The Art Works, the project aims to bring Scotland’s vast and extraordinary national art collection into a single future-proofed location.

At present the collection is stored across several sites where access and space are extremely limited, logistics are difficult, and conditions are suboptimal for enabling the full potential for public access, conservation and research to be realised; and also for allowing works to be made available for display and loan.

The Art Works will be instrumental in addressing each of these issues, enabling much greater access to and engagement with Scotland’s artistic treasures. The scope for touring the collection around Scotland and internationally will be greatly increased, meaning more people than ever before will be able to connect and engage with Scotland’s incredible artistic legacy.

Sir John Leighton, Director-General of the National Galleries of Scotland said: “This is an incredibly exciting moment for both the National Galleries of Scotland and the communities of North Edinburgh.

“The Art Works has the potential to be truly transformative, not only in how Scotland’s national collection of art is cared for and shared more widely, but also by providing much needed new facilities to unleash the creative confidence and spirit of the local area.

“I would encourage everyone to get involved in the consultation and together help design a major new building in Granton that will work for and provide inspiration to all.”

As part of the Granton Waterfront project, which is adopting ambitious plans on low-carbon travel modes and energy-efficient new housing, The Art Works will play an important role in Scotland’s green recovery as the country’s largest building designed to the Passivhaus standard, which goes beyond the requirements for meeting Scotland’s 2030 carbon reduction targets.

The Art Works will be located on a site west of Madelvic House on Granton Park Avenue. The project is at the pre-planning application consultation stage which enables members of the public to share their views on the proposals.

These will be considered before NGS proceeds to submit a full planning application.

People can find out more about the proposals at an event on Monday 6 June 2022 from 3pm-7pm at Edinburgh College (Granton Campus).

In addition, an online question and answer session with the project team is planned for Tuesday 7 June 2022 between 5pm-7pm.

Further information on the proposals, including a survey and FAQs, can be found on the NGS website at www.nationalgalleries.org/theartworks.

Comments should be made by 1 July 2022, when the consultation will close.

Fort Kinnaird launches new local employment project

Fort Kinnaird has collaborated with Capital City Partnership to launch a recruitment project that will support local people with employment opportunities and achieve new qualifications.

The Focus on Recruitment and Training (FORT) scheme is running for three years and is situated next to the Fort Kinnaird Management Suite. The free service is available for people aged 16 and over and works to identify potential roles for jobseekers with local employers, including retailers at the centre.

The FORT project also includes the delivery of youth focused training courses on Retail and Customer Service, for those aged between 16 and 24. 

The scheme’s inaugural course will run from Monday 27th June until Friday 8th July and will feature an SQA accredited Customer Service qualification, support with CV building, job applications and interview tips along with an opportunity to be interviewed by a recruiting Fort Kinnaird retailer.

FORT is funded by Fort Kinnaird’s co-owner, British Land, and in kind support from the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal.

Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said: “As a hub for many local communities, it’s extremely important to us that we use Fort Kinnaird’s scale to support projects that will make a real difference to the lives of those living closest to us. 

“We’re so pleased that the new FORT project will be available for people to access free advice, training and job opportunities and provide them with the difficult first step into employment or the jump between careers.”

Kenny Hall, integrated employer engagement officer at Capital City Partnership, said: “Retail and Hospitality are two industries that have suffered significantly in terms of staffing off the back of the pandemic, and employers at Fort Kinnaird are no different.

“Through the new FORT project, we hope to upskill and retrain people from the local community to fill the recruitment gaps at Fort Kinnaird and the surrounding area.

“To register your interest in our first course, please email: TrainingAcademy@capitalcitypartnership.org or drop in to see us at the Recruitment and Skills Centre situated within Fleming House at Fort Kinnaird”

For more information on Fort Kinnaird, visit: 

https://www.fortkinnaird.com/community/recruitment-skills-centre-fort-kinnaird or www.rscfortkinnaird.co.uk.

Campaign sees more than 300 firearms surrendered to Police Scotland

More than 300 firearms and 80 lots of ammunition have been surrendered to police across Scotland as part of a UK-wide firearms surrender campaign to remove unlicensed weapons from our communities and prevent them being used for criminality.

319 weapons including shotguns, BB guns, air weapons and imitation firearms were handed into police stations between Thursday, 12 May and Sunday, 29 May, 2022.

Assistant Chief Constable Alan Speirs said: “It’s really important that we continue to build on public safety across Scotland by providing opportunities for the safe surrender of weapons like this and by reminding the public to check their licences.”

“Members of the public are reminded that it is against the law to be in possession of an unlicensed firearm, regardless of how you acquire it and are reminded that firearms can be surrendered to the Police at any time”

“If anyone has any doubt, we have specially trained officers across the country who can make unlicensed weapons safe and remove them.”

Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Veterans Keith Brown said: “We are grateful to Police Scotland for this important campaign to encourage those in possession of unneeded or unlicensed firearms or air weapons to safely hand them over.

“Firearm offences remain at historically low levels in Scotland, but by removing more than 300 weapons as well as ammunition this initiative will help keep our communities safe and prevent firearms from falling into the wrong hands.”

Anyone looking for more advice on firearms licensing can visit the Police Scotland website here

Warm welcome for Ukrainians settling in Scotland

A total of 3,747 displaced Ukrainians with a sponsor location in Scotland have arrived in the UK since the war in Ukraine began 100 days ago.

There have now been almost 10,901 visas issued with a Scottish sponsor via the Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme, made up of more than 7,642 visas supplied through the Scottish Government’s Super Sponsor Scheme, and a further 3,259 visas issued for matches with an individual sponsor in Scotland,

The Scottish Government, local authorities and third sector partners have worked hard and at pace to provide a ‘Warm Scots Welcome’ to those displaced by the war in their country, providing a range of support including meals, accommodation, clothing, healthcare, trauma support and translation. Displaced people also have access to free healthcare and social security benefits.

A national matching service has also been established to help identify longer-term accommodation across the country, including the generous offers made by Scottish hosts as well as from local authority and housing association properties.

Marking 100 days since the Russian invasion on 24 February, the Minister with Special Responsibility for Refugees from Ukraine, Neil Gray, restated Scotland’s continuing determination to support the people of Ukraine.

Mr Gray said: “The horrors that have befallen the people of Ukraine since their country was invaded by Russia 100 days ago has shocked everyone in Scotland and around the world, and we stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine.

“As a nation, Scotland has responded and opened its heart and extended the hand of friendship offering support and services for thousands of displaced Ukrainians. I would like to thank the thousands of people who have generously opened their doors to Ukrainian families, volunteered and donated to causes.

“I would also like to thank Scotland’s local authorities and third sector organisations which have risen to the challenge we faced to mobilise a major effort in coordinating help, providing support and services, and to the private sector which has also offered assistance, in such a short space of time.

“Whilst we want peace and for people to be able to return to Ukraine when it is safe and when they wish to do so, Ukrainians who have settled here can be assured Scotland will be their home for as long as they want it, and they will be made welcome and treated with care, dignity and respect.

“The Scottish Government and our partners are here to provide support for as long as it takes and we are sure the people of Scotland feel the same.”

One Scottish Government-funded project that has been helping displaced people is the Edinburgh Community Food project. The organisation normally works to ensure people have access to an affordable, healthy diet and that food is used as a vehicle to promote wellbeing and social cohesion.

However, it turned its attentions to the Ukraine crisis, and has been supporting the Edinburgh Welcome Hub by providing fresh and healthy foods to help families from Ukraine cook and eat meals together.

Brenda Black, Chief Executive Officer of Edinburgh Community Food, said: “Ukrainian people have fled from a country where, before the invasion, grains and fresh vegetables were plentiful and have always been everyday diet staples.

“Edinburgh Community Food is welcoming people by providing quality fresh, healthy familiar foods to help families cook and eat meals together, as well as connecting and nurturing people with our traditional Scottish produce and hospitality when they may feel overwhelmed by trauma.

“The process of preparing, engaging, and sharing food can provide comfort and happier memories of home.

“Since the first arrivals from Ukraine, we have been working together to support third sector partners and businesses to offer people access to services and opportunities in Edinburgh and across the rest of the country. “

Information about the Scottish Government’s Super Sponsor Scheme is available online

Truss: Ukraine has shown the world it will prevail in its battle for freedom

After 100 days of Putin’s war, Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said we must be ‘steadfast’ in our support for Ukraine.

The UK’s steadfast support for Ukraine will never waver, Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said yesterday.

For 100 days Putin’s barbaric and unprovoked war has brought death and destruction to Ukraine on a scale not seen in Europe since WW2, but he has failed to make the headway he expected in the face of heroic resistance.

Tens of thousands have died and more than 6.6 million refugees have fled the country. While 8 million Ukrainians are internally displaced, almost 13 million are stranded in conflict zones and almost 16 million require humanitarian support.

Russia’s theft of grain and its destruction and blockading of key ports has also significantly exacerbated one of the most severe food crises in recent history, which now threatens many countries and is putting the world’s most vulnerable at risk.

The Foreign Secretary said this grim anniversary was a day to honour the resolve of the Ukrainian people, who have shown Putin cannot win as long as they receive the international support they need and deserve.

The Foreign Secretary said the UK would remain steadfast in its support to ensure Ukraine wins its battle for self-determination and Russian forces withdraw.

Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said yesterday: “Today marks 100 dark days since Putin launched his unjustified and illegal war against Ukraine. He expected the invasion to be over in days, but significantly underestimated the resolve of brave Ukrainians, who have valiantly defended their country.

“Putin’s invasion has brought death and destruction on a scale not seen in Europe since WW2. This war has huge ramifications for global peace, prosperity and food security. It matters to us all.

“Today is a moment to pay our respects to the thousands of innocent civilians murdered since the invasion, and reaffirm our steadfast support for Ukraine’s heroic defence, to ensure they succeed and Putin fails.”

Since Putin started massing his forces on Ukraine’s borders the UK has played a vital role galvanising and leading the international response:

  • Sanctions: Together with our allies, we continue to impose crippling economic sanctions, cutting off funding for Putin’s war machine. The UK has sanctioned over 1,000 individuals and 100 entities, including oligarchs with a net worth of more £117 billion. We have targeted Russian trade, with import tariffs covering £1.4 billion worth of goods. Russia’s economy is set to take a £256 billion hit, with its GDP expected to shrink up to 15 per cent this year – the deepest recession since the collapse of the Soviet Union.
  • Military support: We were among the first to provide military support to Ukraine, including 10,000 missiles and training more 22,000 army members, helping to halt Putin’s barbaric onslaught.
  • Humanitarian aid: We are a leading humanitarian donor, providing £220 million of aid. We have sent more than 11 million medical items to Ukraine, and are donating 42 ambulances, saving thousands of lives.
  • International engagement: The UK has led international efforts to support Ukraine’s objectives, working with the EU, NATO and likeminded allies. The UK, Ukraine and 44 other countries launched an OSCE mission to investigate Russia’s violations of human rights & international humanitarian law. We are making sure Russia is held to account for war crimes and, providing an additional £1 million to the ICC to support their investigations into war crimes and, with the US and the EU, creating the Atrocity Crimes Advisory Group (ACA).
  • Exposing Putin’s lies: We are countering the Kremlin’s blizzard of lies and disinformation by telling the truth about Putin’s war of aggression. We will work with our allies on the urgent need to protect other European countries that are not members of NATO and that could become targets of the Kremlin playbook of subversion and aggression.

Care home royally treats residents with Jubilee celebrations

Residents at Edinburgh home welcome bumper weekend of celebrations

AN Edinburgh care home is celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in style with a jam-packed events calendar – including a visit from a local DJ and themed cocktails.

To mark the occasion, residents at Cramond Residence will be treated to a themed party with family, friends and members of the community invited to a grand garden celebration.

The event will see a DJ and singer take to the stage throughout the afternoon, with an abundance of food and drink stalls, themed cocktails, home-baked delicacies and weather permitting, a garden picnic.

In the lead up to the main event, residents have been making Union Jack hand held flags and will enjoy a Jubilee themed quiz coordinated by the home’s dedicated Lifestyle Coordinators. Residents will also be invited to help decorate the home with banners and bunting ahead of the event.

Client Liaison Manager and registered nurse at the 74-bedroom home, Christian Daraio, said: “The majority of our residents can remember exactly where they were when the Queen was coronated 70 years ago in 1953.

“It’ll be a special memory for not just out residents but staff and the wider community which is why we wanted to mark it properly – what better way to raise a toast to the Queen than with a party?

“We strive to make sure that our calendar of activities provides something for everyone, giving our residents endless possibilities to enjoy all the things they want to do on their own terms.”

The celebrations will coincide the launch of Cramond Residence’s Garden room – an area that will allow residents to spend time in the fresh air and surrounding nature whilst also socialising with others.

Christian added: “The garden room will be a great addition to the home’s existing high-end facilities and can be enjoyed by our residents for the first time as part of the celebrations this weekend. Fingers crossed the sun will be shining!”

A tombola and raffle will also take place on the day to raise funds for CHAS and Downs Syndrome Scotland.

Alison Newton, Operations Manager at Cramond Residence, said: “The Jubilee party will consist of a number of family-friendly activities, including face painting, a ‘pin the jewel on the crown’ and even a DJ. On arrival, kids will also receive a Jubilee goody bag.

“We have staff volunteering to come in and help on the day – even though they should be on their days-off – which we’re really grateful for!

“It’s shaping up to be a really great event and we’re delighted to be able to welcome family members and the local community back into the home after socialising was limited for the last two years”.

Established in 2018 at a cost of £8m and spread across three floors, Cramond Residence provides a range of activities specially designed to give residents a richer and more satisfying life, with specialist facilities and trained staff on hand to provide support & relief.

Asides from its tailored activity programme, the home also provides bespoke physiotherapy sessions with boutique experts, as well as specialist dementia care which is delivered in an environment that combines luxury hotel living with the reassuring feeling of being in your own home.

Cramond Residence offers high quality care for up to 74 residents offering a small-group living concept in nine houses, with all residents enjoying an exceptional range of amenities and activities, delicious food and bespoke care from a highly-trained team.

Prices at the home start from £1,950 per week.

To find out more about Cramond Residence, visit: cramondresidence.co.uk/ or contact enquiries@cramondresidence.co.uk.

Miles Briggs: Volunteering at the heart of the community

Miles Briggs MSP has praised the invaluable role of volunteers during a visit to BHF Scotland’s shop in Dalry Road, Edinburgh – seeing at first-hand how their efforts help raise vital funds for the charity’s lifesaving research into heart and circulatory diseases.

The visit took place ahead of Volunteers’ Week, marking the annual contribution of volunteers up and down the country. In Scotland, around 14,000 volunteers regularly give up their time to help the BHF in its 75 Scottish shops.

During the visit, Miles heard more about the role of volunteers taking in donations from the local community and the incredible benefits of shopping preloved, preventing good quality items from going to landfill, creating a sustainable, circular economy and saving money, while also funding the BHF’s lifesaving research.

In a year, the BHF saves around 71,000 tonnes of goods going to waste and through the reuse and recycling of donated items, helps prevent 135,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions being released into the atmosphere. The charity will also sell over half a million pieces of living room furniture and 14,000 tonnes of preloved clothes from its stores.

Heart disease is a major cause of ill health in Scotland and the BHF is currently funding around £60 million worth of projects in ten Scottish universities. This work is only made possible thanks to the huge generosity of the Scottish public.

Lothian MSP, Miles Briggs, said: “Volunteers are essential for the running of British Heart Foundation, raising money for such a worthwhile cause and reusing and recycling household goods, which is also beneficial for the environment.

“People donating their time his hugely valuable for the British Heart Foundation and I would encourage anyone who has been considering volunteering to offer their services.

“British Heart Foundation continue to pioneers lifesaving research, which would not be possible without the thousands of volunteers who give up their time.”

Kym Kestell, BHF Scotland’s Policy and Public Affairs Coordinator, said: “It was great to welcome Miles to our Dalry Road shop in Edinburgh and talk about the crucial support of our fantastic volunteers here and right across Scotland. 

“It goes without saying that volunteers are the lifeblood of our shops. Every hour donated makes a difference. It helps us raise money to power lifesaving science to save and improve more lives. Across Scotland around 700,000 people are living with heart and circulatory diseases. Your gift of time can help us, help them.  

“For more than 60 years, your support has helped the BHF turn research that once seemed like ‘science fiction’ into reality and we need your help now more than ever.”

Tomorrow: Starbank Park Platinum Jubilee Coffee Morning

Friends of Starbank Park are very much looking forward to our coffee morning/picnic tomorrow.

The Edinburgh Brass band will be playing and coffee and cakes served. Face painting, bubbles and children’s games and lots more!

Our plant stall will be out with indoor and out door plants available. Lots of courgette plants too!

Come and take a picnic and enjoy the community gardens. 💚🍰🧁☕️🫖🧺Eden Project Communities Scotland – Big lunch. 👍🏻

National Museums Scotland acquires rare embroidery and launches new conservation internships

A rare embroidery dating from the early seventeenth century has been acquired by National Museums Scotland. The exquisite textile has been acquired with the support of textile collector and philanthropist Leslie B. Durst and coincides with the announcement of three Leslie B. Durst Textile Conservation Internships.

The embroidered Crucifixion is a unique surviving example of textiles associated with Catholic devotion. Few such objects survive in Britain as most were destroyed due to fears of idolatrous worship.

At the time, the practice of Catholicism was punishable by imprisonment or worse. Created by skilled artisans, the Crucifixion is illustrated in coloured silks and surrounded by a Latin prayer embroidered with gold and silver thread. 

The textile was originally owned by Elizabeth Stuart, a member of the Scottish nobility, who married into one of the most prominent Catholic families in Britain.

It has remained in the collection of the Howards, Earls of Arundel and Dukes of Norfolk, since the 17th century. An inscription on the reverse of the piece suggests that the family once believed it belonged to Mary, Queen of Scots, but this connection has since been disproven.  

Helen Wyld, Senior Curator of Historic Textiles at National Museums Scotland said:     “It is very unusual for textiles of this kind and quality to survive in the UK, and even more so with such a compelling provenance. 

“The Crucifixion can help us better understand the role of textiles in Catholic devotion in England and Scotland. Its history in the collections of Elizabeth Stuart and the Howard family sheds light on a forgotten aspect of Scotland’s past and provides insight into the lives of those who treasured it for centuries.

“Thanks to the generosity and support of Leslie B. Durst, this remarkable object will be secured for the nation for years to come.” 

The exceptional condition of the piece suggests that it was treasured by successive generations. National Museums Scotland is now undertaking minor conservation work to ensure that it is ready for display, as well as technical analysis to learn more about its construction. 

Starting this autumn, the Leslie B. Durst Textile Conservation Internships in partnership with the Clothworkers Company, have been created for early career textile conservators.

Based within the National Museums Scotland’s state of the art Collection Centre, three paid interns will be supported by a dedicated team of highly skilled experts working on a varied programme of high-profile conservation projects.

These new roles represent a critical investment in the future of the sector, ensuring specialist skills and knowledge are passed on to future generations. 

Lynn McClean, Principal Conservator at National Museums Scotland, said:  “These internships will help safeguard Scotland’s irreplaceable textile heritage and the highly skilled profession of textile conservation.

“The support of Leslie B. Durst and the Clothworkers Company have allowed us to offer these career-defining opportunities and we are delighted to welcome three new conservators to our team.” 

Recruitment for the first paid, one-year internship will start this summer with an anticipated start date in October 2022. Further one-year positions will begin in 2023 and 2024.  

Family visits made easier for care home residents

Continuing to support people in adult care homes to connect with others

New guidance reinforcing the expectation that people in adult care homes should be able to see their friends and family without restrictions has been published.

The refreshed Open with Care guidelines say that  people in care homes should be able to see their friends and family without restrictions such as limits on how often visits can take place or on how many different visitors a person can have.

Booking systems for families should only be required when a home is managing a COVID-19 outbreak. Where there is an outbreak, residents should still be supported to see one of their three named visitors.

To reinforce the guidance, the Care Inspectorate will receive an additional £186,000 this year and £90,000 in 2023 to support visiting rights, including dedicated resources for care homes.

Minister for Social Care Kevin Stewart met staff, residents and relatives at the Erskine Park Home in Bishopton to see how easing restrictions has made it easier for residents to have contact with loved ones, both in and out of the home.

Mr Stewart said: “The restrictions on visiting introduced early on in the pandemic were necessary to protect staff and residents and curb the spread of the virus, but I am under no illusions as to just how difficult and painful it has been for staff, residents and their loved ones.

“We are pleased to be in the position to move to a ‘new normal’, with the latests Open With Care guidance setting out much less restrictive measures in care homes.

“As we move towards seeing visiting rights embedded in legislation through Anne’s Law,  our recent strengthening of rights within the Health and Social Care standards means the right to visit loved ones is already in place.

“I am also happy to confirm a total of £276,000 additional funding to the Care Inspectorate over the next two years to further its work supporting care homes to get back to a more normal footing and protect visiting rights.

“I am very pleased to be here to thank the staff and hear from them, the residents and their loved ones about how they have managed over the last two years and the difference that it is making now we have been able to open up care homes more.”

Erskine Director of Care Derek Barron said: “Care homes have been at the forefront of the country’s provision of excellent care to our most vulnerable citizens during the pandemic, a fact often missed by many. 

“The Minister is the first minister to have ‘social care’ in his job title, coming to visit us helps to visually underline the integral part we play in delivering health and social care in this country.

“We were very pleased that the Minister chose to visit Erskine for his announcement. He took the opportunity to meet our amazing staff, who have worked quietly and relentlessly through the pandemic.

“They have not only delivered compassionate and quality care, but fundraised to support that care –  whilst  adapting the charity and its services to the economic, demographic and policy changes, which we anticipate.”

Edith Macintosh, interim Chief Executive of the Care Inspectorate, said:  “For residents who live in a care home, having contact with loved ones in what is fundamentally their own home is essential for good mental health and wellbeing.  

“The release of today’s revised guidance highlights the importance of people experiencing care having face-to-face contact with their loved ones and provides the framework to support them to do so.  

“We welcome the additional funding for the Care Inspectorate to support the implementation of this guidance and to support visiting.

“I want to also thank care services and their dedicated staff for their commitment and professionalism in supporting people through the most challenging of circumstances.”