National Lottery funds Venture Scotland’s Journey programme

Today Leith-based charity, Venture Scotland, is celebrating receiving nearly £100,000 in funding over 3 years from The National Lottery Community Fund, made possible by National Lottery players.

Since 1989, Venture Scotland has used the outdoors as a vehicle to transform the physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing of Young People across the Central Belt of Scotland. Every year, their small team delivers four, progressive outdoor-based personal development programmes, known as the “Journey”, to over 50 Young People who are facing challenges to their mental health.

Venture Scotland utilise Scotland’s natural environments to deliver group-based outdoor activities, such as gorge walking, kayaking and hill climbing, alongside groupwork, 1-to-1 support sessions and remote bothy residentials.

Venture Scotland’s ethos is to use the outdoor experience to help our Young People gain confidence, overcome challenges, and discover their potential – all of which they can channel into their daily lives.

The National Lottery Community Fund has made it possible for their graduate Young People to give back to Venture Scotland and has ensured that Young People are at the heart of our organisation.

Venture Scotland’s innovative Ambassador Programme has embedded four of our graduate Young People at all levels of Venture Scotland:

  • They attend and offer feedback at our Board meetings;
  • Support our fundraising team;
  • Help our Outreach Worker engage with new Young People;
  • Volunteer with our delivery team on activity days;
  • And have helped recruit new staff and trustees.

Most importantly, Venture Scotland’s Ambassadors bring their “lived experience” to motivate and inspire the project’s young people and ensure that their wellbeing is at the heart of everything VS we does.

Jo graduated from Venture Scotland’s Journey Programme in 2019. Before Venture Scotland, Jo was stuck in a cycle of self-destruction and experienced crippling anxiety, eating disorders and isolation.

After completing our Journey Programme, Jo became a Venture Scotland Ambassador; she has this to say about the Programme:

“The Ambassador Programme has given me a purpose and structure in these turbulent times, a chance to connect with people, learn new skills, keep up old ones and a chance to give back to a place and people that changed my life. It has given me hope; something to hold on to.”

The National Lottery Community Fund will allow us to officially launch our Ambassador Programme to a whole new generation of Young People and will ensure that Venture Scotland is the best it can be.

The National Lottery Community Fund, Scotland Chair, Kate Still, said: “National Lottery funding can make amazing things happen in local communities across the country.

“This project delivered by Venture Scotland is a great example of community activity in action, showing just what can be achieved when people come together for a common cause or to help others. National Lottery players can be proud to know that the money they raise is helping to support this vital work and to help communities thrive.” 

Venture Scotland’s CEO, David Brackenridge added: “Our Ambassador programme has put the voices of young people at the heart of our organisation and this has already had a transformational effect.

“So often, our Ambassadors have given us a whole new perspective on the work we do and the decisions we make and this has changed the way we operate, govern ourselves and has shaped our strategy going forward.

“I already can’t imagine them not being an integral part of Venture Scotland. A massive thanks to the National Lottery for funding this programme and for ensuring we can grow and develop it with young people.”

Seven years on, Police seek witness to Newmills Road incident

Police Scotland has released an image of a man they believe may be able to assist with their enquiries in connection with a serious incident which occurred in the early hours of 27 August 2015 at Newmills Road in Balerno. 

Officers are keen to speak to a man who was on the number 44 bus travelling west from Edinburgh City Centre towards the Balerno area late in the evening of 26 August, 2015. 

CCTV footage has shown that the man alighted from the bus at Newmills Road, Edinburgh, shortly before midnight and detectives believe he may have vital information relating to the incident.

Detective Inspector Jon Pleasance, of Edinburgh CID, said: “This man may have witnessed something that could assist with our investigation and therefore it is vital we speak to him.

“There is no reason to believe he was involved in the incident itself, and he may have not realised that what he potentially saw or heard could assist police.

“I would ask if you are this man, or you recognise this man, please get in contact with police.

“Although this incident took place in 2015, we are determined to bring the offender to justice and are appealing for any information that can help with our enquiries.”

Police can be contacted on 101 quoting incident 0080 of 27/08/2015. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Reform of NHS key to pandemic recovery, says Audit Scotland report

The Scottish Government must focus on transforming health and social care services to address the growing cost of the NHS and its recovery from Covid-19.

Improving the NHS will be very difficult against the competing demands of the pandemic and an increasing number of other policy initiatives, including plans for a National Care Service.

The health service in Scotland is on an emergency footing and remains under severe pressure. There is a growing backlog of patients waiting much longer for treatment because of the response needed to Covid-19. That has made workforce planning and delivering on ambitious recruitment plans all the more important. But the Scottish Government has historically struggled to recruit enough people with the right skills.

The NHS’s ability to plan remains hindered by a lack of robust and reliable data, including workforce, primary care, community, social care, and health inequalities data.

Meanwhile the pandemic has increased the fiscal pressures on the NHS, which remains financially unsustainable. This is despite the Scottish Government allocating £2.9 billion for pandemic-related costs in 2020/21 and committing more funding in 2021/22 and beyond.

Stephen Boyle, Auditor General for Scotland, said: “Reforming the NHS is key to the Scottish Government’s pandemic recovery plan and needs to remain a priority. Putting Covid costs to one side, health spending is rising every year, meaning less money for other public services.

“There’s now a clear opportunity to do things differently by building on the innovation and collaboration we’ve seen across the NHS in the last few years.

“For that to happen, our leaders must take the public with them and involve them in the shift from care being delivered in hospitals to much closer to people’s homes. But better-informed policy decisions and services won’t be possible without better collection and use of data.”

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UKRAINE: IT’S WAR

RUSSIA LAUNCHES FULL SCALE INVASION

Russia has unleashed a military invasion of Ukraine, with reports of explosions near major cities across the country.

In a TV address to the Russian people early this morning, President Putin warned Western governments not to interfere.

Russia launched its military operation after recognising the self-proclaimed people’s republics of Donetsk and Luhansk in eastern Ukraine earlier this week. The breakaway pro-Russian regions later asked Moscow for military support, giving Putin an excuse, ifhe needed one, to escalate military operations.

In his announcement early this morning, Mr Putin said the military operation’s objective was to defend those people who had been subjected for eight years to “genocide by the Kyiv regime”.

In the TV statement Russian President Vladimir Putin said Russia did not plan to occupy Ukraine, but said Moscow’s response would be “instant” if anyone tried to stop this.

While Western leaders have condemned Putin’s actions, NATO will not take up arms to support the Ukranian people.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson spoke to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the early hours of this morning.

The Prime Minister said he was appalled by the unfolding events in Ukraine.

The Ukrainian President updated the Prime Minister on the attacks taking place, and the Prime Minister said the West would not stand by as President Putin waged his campaign against the Ukrainian people.

The Prime Minister said he hoped Ukraine could resist and that Ukraine and its people were in the thoughts of everyone in the United Kingdom people during this dark time.

The Prime Minister is currently chairing a COBRA meeting to discuss developments in Ukraine.

Further sanctions are the likely outcome, but sanctions on their own will never deter an autocrat hell bent on having his own way. While NATO wrings it’s hands, Putin will be laughing all the way to Kyiv.

PM Boris Johnson gave an address to the nation on the Russian invasion of Ukraine

Shortly after 4 o’ clock this morning I spoke to president Zelenskyy of Ukraine to offer the continued support of the UK because our worst fears have now come true and all our warnings have proved tragically accurate.

President Putin of Russia has unleashed war in our European continent. He has attacked a friendly country without any provocation and without any credible excuse

Innumerable missiles and bombs have been raining down on an entirely innocent population

A vast invasion is underway by land by sea and by air.

And this is not in the infamous phrase some faraway country of which we know little

We have Ukrainian friends in this country; neighbours, co-workers

Ukraine is a country that for decades has enjoyed freedom and democracy and the right to choose its own destiny

We – and the world – cannot allow that freedom just to be snuffed out. We cannot and will not just look away.

It is because we have been so alarmed in recent months at the Russian intimidation that the UK became one of the first countries in Europe to send defensive weaponry to help the Ukrainians

Other allies have now done the same and we will do what more we can in the days ahead

Today in concert with our allies we will agree a massive package of economic sanctions designed in time to hobble the Russian economy

And to that end we must also collectively cease the dependence on Russian oil and gas that for too long has given Putin his grip on western politics

Our mission is clear – Diplomatically, politically, economically – and eventually, militarily – this hideous and barbaric venture of Vladimir Putin must end in failure.

And so I say to the people of Russia, whose president has just authorised a tidal wave of violence against a fellow Slavic people

The parents of Russian soldiers who will lose their lives.

I cannot believe this is being done in your name or that you really want the pariah status it will bring to the Putin regime

and I say to the Ukrainians in this moment of agony

we are with you we are praying for you and your families

and we are on your side

And if the months ahead are grim, and the flame of freedom burns low

I know that it will blaze bright again in Ukraine because for all his bombs and tanks and missiles I don’t believe that the Russian dictator will ever subdue the national feeling of the Ukrainians and their passionate belief that their country should be free

and I say to the British people and all who have heard the threats from Putin against those who stand with Ukraine

we will of course do everything to keep our country safe

We are joined in our outrage by friends and allies around the world

We will work with them – for however long it takes – to ensure that the sovereignty and independence of Ukraine is restored

because this act of wanton and reckless aggression is an attack not just on Ukraine

It is an attack on democracy and freedom in East Europe and around the world

This crisis is about the right of a free, sovereign independent European people to choose their own future – and that is a right that the UK will always defend.

Newington Residences launch to market this weekend

A selection of four-bedroom townhouses and a three bedroom mews home available in first release at Royal Blind School site

THE FIRST release of homes at the anticipated redevelopment of Edinburgh’s former Royal Blind School and Braille Press will launch to market this weekend (26th of February).

Launching from its existing Cammo Meadows development, Cala Homes (East) has confirmed that the first release of four bedroom townhouses along with a three bedroom mews home – will be available for interested buyers, with prices ranging from £810,000 to £849,995.

Located in the heart of Edinburgh’s popular Newington area, Newington Residences by Cala Homes (East) will comprise a modern reimagining of the striking original school building into 21 apartments and a further mix of new build townhouses.

Regarded as one of south Edinburgh’s best-known buildings, the original school building dates back to 1874 and has been left vacant since 2014 after pupils were relocated to a new facility.

Cala will take it back to its former glory – removing extensions and outbuildings to revitalise its surrounds.

Building on the success of its award-winning conversion of the nearby former Boroughmuir High School, the developer will refurbish the historic main building into a selection of 21 one, two and three-bedroom apartments, with selection of new build townhouses a mews home and the fully refurbished gate house also featuring within the school’s attractive landscaped grounds.

Philip Hogg, Sales Director for CALA Homes (East), said: “This is a really exciting development for us, in one of Edinburgh’s most desirable postcodes.

“There’ll be a great mix of homes likely to appeal to a broad range of discerning buyers looking for high specification finishes and a tranquil location within easy reach of the city centre and the amenities Edinburgh has to offer.

“We believe the attractive renovation at the heart will give the development real character and charm, while preserving a historic local landmark.”

The development, within the Craigmillar Park conservation area has been carefully designed to respect the surrounding area, with new build homes boasting beautiful sandstone detail in keeping with local architecture and facades of the main building.

Townhouses will range from 1600 to more than 2700 square feet, with a mix of semi-detached and terraced properties.

Sporting ceiling heights of up to 3.4 metres and many with views of Edinburgh castle and the city skyline, the apartments will see the creation of modern open-plan homes, maximising the features of the existing building, whilst delivering contemporary design, high specification and convenience with the addition of lift access to upper floors.

The first buyers are planned to move in from summer 2022, with show homes launching in April.

For more information on Newington Residences – and to register your interest – visit: 

https://www.cala.co.uk/homes-for-sale/scotland/edinburgh/newington-residences-edinburgh/

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service sign TUC’s Dying to Work Charter and commit to employees

Charter protects rights at work for those facing a terminal illness

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has signed up to the Dying to Work Campaign which aims to help employees who become terminally ill at work.

The campaign is managed by the Trades Union Congress (TUC) and employers are encouraged to sign up to a voluntary charter which makes a number of commitments to employees.

Signing the voluntary charter of the Dying to Work Campaign is an employer’s commitment to ensure that all employees who have a terminal illness have adequate employment protection and its aim is to provide financial security at a time when it is most needed.

The signatories on the charter include SFRS, Unison, Unite, the Fire Brigades Union (FBU), the Fire Officers Association (FOA), the Fire Leaders Association (FLA) and the Fire and Rescue Services Association (FRSA).

At SFRS head office in Cambuslang a joint signing ceremony was held on Monday, February 21 which was attended by the following:

  • Martin Blunden, Chief Officer, SFRS
  • Kirsty Darwent, Board Chair, SFRS
  • Liz Barnes, Director of People and Organisational Development. SFRS
  • Gillian Clark, Human Resources & Organisational Development Manager, SFRS
  • Pat Rafferty, STUC
  • Debbie Hutchings, Unite the Union
  • Ian Sim, Regional Secretary, FBU
  • David Crawford, Scottish Representative, FRSA
  • Andrew Hopkinson, National Secretary, FLA
  • Glyn Morgan, Strategic Advisor/Assistant Chief Executive, FOA

SFRS Chief Officer Martin Blunden, said: “We support the TUC’s Dying to Work Campaign and in signing the Dying to Work Charter, we show our continued commitment to the welfare of the staff of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

“The health and wellbeing of our staff is a priority and when employees are faced with a serious or terminal illness, it is important that they are able to choose the path that is right for them and their families, without having the additional worry of financial uncertainty.

“We hope that the signing of this charter will provide reassurance to our employees that they have the support of their employer at a time when they need it the most.”

STUC President / Unite Scottish Secretary, Pat Rafferty, said: “The STUC wholeheartedly supports the Dying to Work Charter and we warmly welcome the SFRS showing leadership by committing to it as well.

“It’s vital that organisations and employers support workers who become terminally ill. In these circumstances the worker and their families face huge emotional stress, anxiety, and possible financial worries.

“The Dying to Work Charter can help to alleviate some of these stresses and sets out a progressive way in which workers should be treated, and supported in the event of a terminal diagnosis.

“The Charter is about giving an individual options around how they want to proceed at work. In some cases, an individual will want to continue to work for as long as they can while in other cases a person may decide that they do not want to work anymore, and would rather spend their remaining time with family and friends. Therefore, we thank the SFRS for signing the Charter and allowing workers to exercise choice in the most difficult of circumstances.”

FBU Regional Secretary Ian Sim, said: “The Fire and Rescue Service within Scotland has a proud history of treating terminally ill employees in a sympathetic and dignified manner, I am delighted that SFRS are now also making this public commitment by signing the Dying to Work Charter. 

“The Charter provides staff members and their family with peace of mind, financial security and freedom of choice at a time when they are facing the most heart-breaking of circumstances.”

Scottish Representative for the FRSA, David Crawford said: “The FRSA proudly supports the Dying to Work Charter which demonstrates a public commitment to treat terminally ill employees with the necessary support, while showing empathy and sensitivity in what is a very difficult time emotionally and financially for employees and their families.

“We would also wish to thank the SFRS and other stakeholders for signing the Charter, which emphasises the strength of feeling of just how important this matter is to all employees and how it could affect anyone within the organisation.”

National Secretary, Fire Leaders Association, Andrew Hopkinson said: “It is great to see the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service continuing to demonstrate their wholehearted commitment to looking after their employees by publicly signing up to the Dying to Work Charter.

“In doing so, they are joining a growing number of organisations across the UK who have given their staff the comfort of knowing they and their families will be well supported by the Service and treated with the respect and dignity they deserve should they be diagnosed with a terminal illness.”

Glyn Morgan, Strategic Advisor, Fire Officers’ Association said: “Adoption of the Dying to Work Charter is a very positive step for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

“Although it would be hoped that all employers would treat terminally ill employees and their families with compassion that may not always be the case. Signing the Charter is a very welcome commitment to support and assist people whilst alleviating worries about employment matters during very difficult times.”

Gillian Bannatyne, Regional Organiser Unison, said:  “It’s a sad truth that people of working age will contract terminal illnesses. If that happens they deserve support from their employer – either to continue working, or spend their remaining time with their loved ones.

“We are absolutely behind SFRS in making this commitment to those workers who find themselves in tragic circumstances, and we would urge other organisations to do the same.”

Bill helps inspire a love of reading in children with Children 1st and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library

  • Former BBC Radio Scotland rugby commentator helps inspire a love of reading in children with Children 1st and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
  • Murrayfield favourite Bill Johnstone records bedtime story to inspire a love of reading among children and families

Former rugby commentator, Bill Johnstone, has recorded a reading of Goodnight Digger by Michelle Robinson to support a charity partnership that aims to give the gift of reading to children and families across Scotland.

Bill has made the recording to encourage people to donate to a fundraising campaign, by charities Children 1st and the Dollywood Foundation UK, to spark the love of reading.

Children and families can enjoy Bill Johnstone’s reading of the Penguin book – a delightful rhyme which help little ones easily drift off to sleep after saying goodnight to all their favourite toys – on the Children 1st website.

Bill Johnstone is the latest in a series of well-known book lovers to record children’s stories for the campaign, including First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, actor and musician Tom Urie, radio presenter Katy Johnston, actor Jordan Young and singers Michelle McManus and Eddi Reader. 

Bill commented: “I’m absolutely delighted to read this month’s bedtime story to support Children 1st and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. 

“Reading is an incredibly valuable skill, and I am thrilled to support this partnership which helps bring the love and magic of books to children across Scotland. I chose to read Goodnight Digger by Michelle Robinson as it is a lovely relaxing rhyme for young children to listen to as they drift off to sleep.”

As well as encouraging families to enjoy the celebrity videos together, the charities are also encouraging avid readers to donate to the campaign, to help share their love of reading with children in Scotland who may not have access to books at home.

With public support, the charities will deliver a free book to children who might otherwise go without, every month from birth to their fifth birthday. Alongside the books, children and their families are also offered practical and emotional support to keep their children safe and to support their wellbeing and development.

One parent, whose young child has been receiving books, said: “I think all children should get to have a story at bedtime. 

“My son is really excited to get books in the post addressed especially to him. Having a new book keeps it fresh and stops him getting bored listening to the same story all the time. It’s been great for my son and for his older siblings too, as they’re enjoying reading the new stories to their little brother.”

Gary Kernahan, Children 1st Director of Fundraising, said: “We’re delighted that Bill Johnstone is supporting this campaign and helping to pass on his love of reading and stories to other children across Scotland.

“Stories are an important part of childhood and Children 1st wants to ensure that all children get to experience the joy of books. If you would like to help support this important campaign and help more children who don’t have access to books at home to develop a love of reading, please donate today at 

www.children1st.org.uk/imaginationlibrary.”

You can watch Bill Johnstone at: https://www.children1st.org.uk/get-involved/give-books/listen-to-a-bedtime-story/

Chesser: Application for new homes and community space submitted

Proposals for new homes for rent alongside facilities for the wider community at New Mart Road, Chesser, have been submitted to City of Edinburgh Council.

Watkin Jones Group, a leading developer and manager of homes for rent, has lodged a planning application with the Council to redevelop the former livestock sheds, which includes the World of Football and World of Bowling buildings.  

The proposed high-quality mixed-use brownfield development will comprise primarily of build-to-rent (BTR) homes, including at least 25 per cent affordable homes, addressing a drastic and increasing shortage of rental housing in the capital.

In addition to this will be a limited level of managed student accommodation (occupying approximately 25 per cent of the floorspace of the development) and community facilities.

The site, which has been operated by Marco’s Leisure for 23 years, currently comprises listed and unlisted former auction mart buildings and livestock sheds which are over 120 years old.

While sensitive to local concerns about the loss of the facilities, independent assessments show that to bring the buildings up to standard would be an unsustainable burden and cost for any organisation. 

The current buildings require constant maintenance, repair and upgrade, and development of the site will ensure their long-term future, with a significant proportion of frames retained and incorporated into the overall development. 

Marco’s Leisure wants to deliver new sustainable, environmentally friendly sporting facilities rather than maintain what is becoming an impossible task. The company, who are a family business with a long-term commitment to Edinburgh, are in discussions with the Council to explore alternative options for sporting facilities in the west of the city.

The proposed BTR apartments will comprise a mix of studios, one bedroom, two bedroom and three-bedroom flats. Community is built into the design of the development, which reflects how people want to live now and into the future with working from home and study space, a communal lounge, exercise facilities, management suite and reception, bike storage and large shared kitchen.

Each of the key outdoor public and residents’ open outdoor spaces will be given an identity as part of the overall masterplan, reflecting the history of the site, including a large central public square.

It is envisaged that the public square will be used by performing arts groups; farmers markets; and as a gathering space for the wider community.

The development is proposed as a car free scheme with parking limited to accessible parking only, and residents will be encouraged to use the good quality public transport and active travel links to their homes.

The student housing portion of the building will also offer communal amenity spaces, bike storage, a management suite and reception areas. 

Eve Ladden Timbers from Watkin Jones commented: “Our planning application for this new development at Chesser will create a thriving and diverse community as part of an overall redevelopment of the area.

“There is a massive shortage of homes for people to rent in the capital and through our build-to-rent, affordable and student homes these proposals will create much-needed places for people to live on a brownfield site.

“We have heard and understand people’s feelings about the football pitches but know that these are unsustainable in their current form due to the condition of the buildings. We will continue to listen to the community throughout development.

“We are aware that discussions are being held to look at alternative options for new sporting facilities.”

Paul Demarco from Marco’s Leisure commented: “Investment in recent state of the art facilities, such as World of Football at Marine Drive, show what we can offer through delivering far more viable spaces without the ongoing cost that old out of date buildings unfortunately provide. 

“As we are finding, it is proving near impossible to provide quality and affordable facilities under a nineteenth century livestock shed. To address this, we are currently in the process of discussing possibilities for the delivery of facilities on future sites in the west of the city with agents and City of Edinburgh Council.

“As a family business we have a long-term commitment to Edinburgh, and as the baton is passed on from the third to fourth generations of the family, who will be active for many years to come, we are dedicated to delivering high quality affordable leisure and sports facilities.”

What is BTR?

BTR is a relatively new model for creating new homes in the UK but it is very popular in Europe and America. All the properties are built for rent, not for sale and are usually owned by a pension provider that wants to maintain a secure income to pay the pensions of its members.

Because the owner is a long-term professional investor there is an emphasis on future-proofed sustainability and maintaining a diverse thriving community that keeps the building and local area attractive as a place to live for decades. 

Residents are offered long-term security of tenure, with the flexibility of renting and have access to wider on-site amenities, such as gyms and workspaces, that offer a better lifestyle the traditional boundaries of rented homes. Pets are often allowed in BTR homes. Recent research by the UKAA found that BTR homes charge similar rents to traditional rented homes.

Vaccinations for all five to 11 year olds

Appointments will be sent out to those with parental responsibility

Children aged five to 11 will be offered COVID-19 vaccination appointments in community clinics from 19 March 2022.

This follows the advice last week from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) recommending the universal vaccination of five to 11 year olds.

Appointments will be scheduled according to age with 11 years olds invited first, followed by those aged eight to 10 and then those between five and seven years old. Where there are siblings efforts will be made to invite them to back-to-back appointments to avoid multiple trips for families.

Details of how to rearrange unsuitable appointments will be included in the letters.

Children in this age group who have specific medical conditions which place them at greater risk from COVID-19 are already being vaccinated and will continue to be prioritised.

Vaccinations for all five to 11 year olds will be delivered alongside second booster jabs for those aged 75 and over and those in specific at risk cohorts following yesterday’s recommendation from the JCVI.

These individuals will be invited as they become eligible from 24 weeks after their last booster with the first groups receiving blue envelopes with appointments from the second week in March.

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “Throughout the pandemic it has been our intention that we follow the clinical and scientific evidence available to us and I’d like to once again thank the JCVI for their hard work in scrutinising the science and providing clear guidance.

“We continue to prioritise at risk five to 11 year olds. The benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks for children in this cohort and we urge parents and carers to read all the information available to them on NHS Inform before they make a decision.

“Appointments for first doses for all five to 11 year olds will be scheduled from 19 March with older children invited first and families invited together wherever possible. This will allow for second doses to be delivered before the start of the new school year provided at least eight weeks have passed since the initial dose.

“Of course, as we have done throughout the pandemic we will continue to prioritise the people most vulnerable to COVID-19 and boosters for those aged 75 and over and those at higher risk of severe illness will be scheduled for as soon as possible after 24 weeks have elapsed since their first booster.

“Scotland has one of the highest uptake rates for vaccination anywhere in the world and vaccination continues to be the cornerstone of our battle against COVID-19. The very high vaccination rates achieved so far have helped us considerably on our path back to normality and we urge everyone to take up their invitation when it is offered.”

Vaccinating children aged 5 to 11 years | The coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine (nhsinform.scot)

Planning application submitted to ‘kick-start Seafield regeneration’

Developers, Manse (Seafield) LLP and J. Smart & Co. (Contractors) PLC have jointly submitted a planning application for the delivery of an exciting residential development on the site of the former Vauxhall Garage on Seafield Road East.

The proposed redevelopment will act as a catalyst for the overall regeneration of Seafield and see the delivery of up to 220 much-needed new homes, including affordable housing, on a brownfield site currently used as car showrooms.

The application for Planning Permission in Principle (PPiP), has been designed to meet the aspiration of the City Council for the delivery of sustainable new residential development on brownfield sites within the City.

The Seafield area is currently dominated by industrial and car retail operations and the existing Local Development Plan envisages alternative uses, such as residential, to be acceptable in the area.

The City Council’s recently published Proposed City Plan 2030 also sets out a long-term vision for this part of the city as a substantial new urban residential quarter. The Manse and Smart proposals present an ideal opportunity for the early realisation of this vision.

A public consultation event was held in February last year and feedback from this has been incorporated into the emerging proposals and a series of positive pre-application meetings has been held with City Council planning, highways, flood, environmental and landscape officials.

It is expected that, subject to successful determination of the application, redevelopment of the property could begin in 2023 following the relocation of the car showrooms to new purpose-built facilities.

Commenting on this, Colin MacPherson from Manse said: “We are delighted to be bringing forward this planning application for Seafield. It will serve to act as a much-needed catalyst, meeting Council aspirations for the overall regeneration of the area and its desire for residential development on brownfield sites to meet the city’s housing needs.”