The City of Edinburgh Council is being ripped off to the tune of £42 million as they continue to pay for wretched PFI contracts – eating in to vital council education spending.
Research from the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe) has found that the amount being forked out by City of Edinburgh Council is 11% of its education resource funding, meaning millions are being wasted on the contracts.
PFI contracts were introduced by the Tories and adopted by Labour during their time at the helm of the Scottish Government.
Gordon Macdonald MSP said: “The rotten PFI contracts were introduced by the Tories but supercharged by the Labour-led Scottish Government and unnecessarily cost councils across Scotland, including Edinburgh.
“It is incredible that the lasting legacy of Labour governments continues to be felt as schools’ budgets are eaten up significantly by these shameful contracts.
“The SNP scrapped PFI contracts, meaning that money can be spent on Scotland’s young people and not on absurdly expensive contracts.
“This demonstrates how we still cannot trust Labour with the public purse in Scotland as we continue to pay for their disastrous decisions in government.”
Net revenue expenditure on education services and schools PFI unitary charges (£m) in 2019/20
Education Services (£m)
PFI unitary charges (£m)
PFI unitary charges as a % of education expenditure
Edinburgh’s Conifox Adventure Park is putting the sparkle into Christmas with a magnificent 20ft tree taking pride of place at the city’s Royal Hospital for Children and Young People.
The popular visitor attraction on the outskirts of Kirkliston supplies Christmas trees across Edinburgh and the Lothians and was delighted to donate the inaugural evergreen to Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity (ECHC) for the new hospital’s first festive season.
It is now providing a dazzling Yuletide welcome for visitors and patients, having been illuminated by little Joey Sharp, 11 months, who was diagnosed with a brain tumour at just 12 days old. He pressed the button, helped by big sister Carly, three, to light up the 20ft Nordmann fir and surrounding area at a special Christmas lights switch-on ceremony on Sunday, November 28.
Victoria Buchanan, from ECHC, said:“This is our first year in our new home at Little France, so we are determined to make it the biggest and best Christmas yet. We are enormously grateful to Conifox for this amazing tree donation.
“Although we have lit up the building, we still need help to Light Up Christmas and make sure no child or young person in hospital misses out on the joy of the festive season. We rely solely on donations to do this. Please help by making a donation to ECHC this Christmas.”
James Gammell, Managing Director of Conifox Adventure Park, says:“As a father to two young children it’s a real honour to donate the tree as it is such a lovely symbol of light and we hope it brings a little bit of festive cheer to those facing a tough time at the hospital over Christmas.”
Conifox Adventure Park has also supplied Edinburgh’s spectacular 60ft Christmas tree at The Mound – gifted annually by Hordaland County, Norway to thank Scotland for its help during World War II – and is a popular destination for locals and commercial businesses seeking a real Christmas spruce or fir.
In addition to its range of trees, Conifox Adventure Park is running its Christmas Experience where visitors can enjoy a walk-about winter wonderland, meet Christmas characters and the man of the moment himself – Santa Claus – and his elves.
There are also four magical shows, the chance to write and post a letter in the North Pole Post Room or visit the Toy Workshop and Reindeer Flying School. And outside there is an Elf Disco Village plus new this year is Conifox Christmas Market with plenty of stalls selling crafts, food and other goodies from local traders.
To find out more and to book tickets, visit the Conifox Adventure Park Facebook page @conifoxadventurepark or www.conifox.co.uk.
Annual investment of £20 million to help low income households
A consultation has been launched on a new heating benefit that will give around 400,000 low income households the reassurance of a guaranteed £50 payment every winter.
The Low Income Winter Heating Assistance will be introduced from winter 2022 to replace the current UK Government Cold Weather Payment scheme.
The current UK Government benefit triggers a £25 payment only when temperatures are recorded or forecast at below zero degrees Celsius for seven days in a row. The replacement Low Income Winter Heating Assistance benefit from the Scottish Government will provide financial stability, no matter the weather.
Social Security Minister Ben Macpherson said: “Low Income Winter Heating Assistance will be an investment of around £20 million every year to reliably support people towards the costs of heating their homes irrespective of the weather, temperature, or where they live in Scotland.
“Although Cold Weather Payments have been a valuable support for some during periods of very cold weather, there have been some years when hardly any payments have been made at all by the UK Government.
“If winters, as predicted, are due to become generally wetter and warmer then this may also reduce the numbers of Cold Weather Payments in the future. We want people to have certainty about receiving a payment.
“Our proposed new benefit will be the equivalent to two payments of Cold Weather Payment and should ensure that most people will be better off. Significantly, it will also enable us to provide assistance to more households that are at risk of fuel poverty.
“This is another important milestone in our ambitious programme, using the devolved social security powers we have to deliver more effective benefits for the people of Scotland, and is also part of our broader approach to support people who need extra help with heating costs during the coldest months of the year.”
CEO of OYNB scoops GBEA award for the second year running
Scotland- based entrepreneur, Ruari Fairbairns has been named as Entrepreneur for Good for the Scotland at the Great British Entrepreneur Awards this year.
The award marks the second year of recognition, for the Co-Founder and CEO of One Year No Beer, the behaviour change programme and online toolkit for surviving modern society alcohol-free.
In partnership with Starling Bank, the ceremony was held at Grosvenor House in London last week, and saw 159 entrepreneurs across the UK recognised for their entrepreneurial stories and achievements over the last year.
Ruari scooped the Entrepreneur for Good award for his business which has been supporting the nation, especially over the pandemic, which has been such a critical time for so many when it comes to alcohol consumption.
Ruari Fairbairns, Co-Founder and CEO of OYNB comments, “ I am beyond delighted that both myself and OYNB have once again been recognised for its amazing work at these prestigious awards. The work we do supporting people and helping them to control their alcohol consumption is so important as ultimately this leads to them living better, healthier and happier lives.”
OYNB is not an abstinence programme; it is not about eliminating alcohol entirely. It’s about empowering people to break down old habits and build new ones, creating a positive mindset that lets the individual take back control and make clear-sighted decisions.
The Great British Entrepreneur Awards launched in 2012 to celebrate the best of British enterprise, inviting founders from across the UK to apply with their entrepreneurial success stories.
This year, after having to hold the awards virtually in 2020, the organisers brought together all eight of their regional shortlists for the first time, with a guest list of 1,200 entrepreneurs, judges, mentors, investors and partners invited to the London celebration.
Over the last decade, the Awards has celebrated some household names including Julie Deane OBE of Cambridge Satchel Co, Alan and Juliet Barratt of Grenade and Shaun Pulfrey of Tangle Teezer. Its most recent headline-grabbing success story is its previous winner, and speaker at this year’s event, Steven Bartlett, who in May was announced as the youngest ever Dragon on BBC’s Dragons Den.
The awards were judged by a panel of industry experts and leaders of influential UK businesses, including some of the prize winners from previous years.
Francesca James, founder of the Great British Entrepreneur Awards, spoke highly of the entrepreneurial talent coming out of this year’s cohort: “It was fantastic to hear so many inspiring business stories after a difficult few years, and even better to have been able to invite all of our finalists to the in-person ceremony and celebrate together.
“With more than 1,200 attending, the evening was a real snapshot of the UK economy. The winners were thoroughly deserving, overcoming some stiff competition from their fellow finalists, and we look forward to welcoming them into our alumni community and seeing what they do next.
“It’s always exciting to watch our previous winners go on to achieve amazing things and I don’t expect any less from this year’s award recipients, who we will support all the way.”
Anne Boden MBE, founder of Starling Bank, headline partner of the Awards, said: “It is fantastic to see these worthy individuals being celebrated through these awards. We wish all the shortlisted businesses the best of luck with their future endeavours during these changing times.”
Guests also heard the story of Phones4U founder, John Caudwell, as he announced a new award category and partnership between the Great British Entrepreneur Awards and his charity, Caudwell Children.
John said: “I am delighted to have the opportunity to celebrate businesses and entrepreneurs that are flourishing and making a success of themselves.
“The Great British Entrepreneur Awards has developed a growing community of like-minded businesses and entrepreneurs, which was the perfect platform for me to launch my Blaze Your Own Trail award. I’m incredibly excited about the partnership we have established, both for the new award and my charity.”
Cyrenians, who have worked to tackle the causes and consequences of homelessness in Scotland for over 50 years, are launching this year’s Winter Appeal with their first ever TV advert.
The charity has been supported by STV’s growth fund and Multiply to make their first ever appeal advert.
Cyrenians Chief Executive Ewan Aitken said, “Winter is always a difficult time of year for those we support. From coping with the realities of street homelessness, to facing a high stress time of year in the midst of a relationship breakdown, or concerns about food and where the next meal is coming from.
“We are incredibly grateful to both STV and Mutiply for their support with creating this advert. Without both, we would not have been in a position to be able to advertise like this, and reach more people who may not know about our work but who want to help us support more people who need us.
“Whilst the world has started opening up for some of us, for many more people it has gotten smaller, harsher, and a lot more difficult over the past year. With increased pressure on families and individuals across Scotland, we are hereto offer a reprieve, much needed support, and for some, a lifeline.
“We want to change the story of homelessness, and we need the public’s support to do so. For people like Lauren, whose story is featured in our advert, the reality of homelessness happened bit by bit.
“Her support networks were eroded by a hostile home life, and when she needed a way out, there were very few options open to her.
“We’re delighted that she’s found some steady ground again, and that, most importantly, she believes there’s a positive future ahead of her. We know there are many routes into homelessness, but very few routes out without organisations like ours that can offer people-centered, wraparound support.
“We’re appealing to those who can, to support us this winter so we can continue to make a real, positive change across our community.”
David Roberts, Head of Business, Multiply added: “We were really honoured to be asked by the team at Cyrenians to work with them on this project.
“Over the past few years we’ve worked with them on a range of projects, giving us the opportunity to meet so many amazing people associated with the organisation who’ve shared their stories and time with us.
“This film comes from their insight and experience and we’re very proud to be bringing it to a wider audience at a time when their message is of such critical importance.”
Catch the advert from today (1st December) on STV, or visit www.cyrenians/scot
‘Curry Oscars’ honour crème of UK’s curry restaurants, as nominated by diners, following Covid challenges
“We’re not just building back better, we’re building back balti” – Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, in message of support
The UK’s favourite curry restaurants, as nominated for by the British Public, were announced at the trailblazing and foremost celebration of the industry, British Curry Awards in association with Just Eat, as it returned for its 17thyear after the pandemic challenges.
The finest curry restaurateurs from across the UK descended on the Capital in the hope of being recognised as the best restaurant in their region and honoured with a jewel in the crown of the UK curry restaurant industry award sector at the prestigious ceremony that took place on Monday 29th November at Battersea Evolution.
Recognised globally as the original and most respected award ceremony in the UK curry industry and the ‘Curry Oscars’, as named by former Prime Minister David Cameron, British Curry Awards once again welcomed in person prominent personalities from the worlds of politics, sport, showbiz and entertainment alongside celebrity chefs and curry restaurant owners and their staff from across the country.
In attendance were: Cricketer, Azeem Rafiq;Love Island contestant, Priya Gopaldas, model, Danielle Mason; former The Apprentice winner, Sian Gabbidon; TV presenters, Melinda Messenger, Lizzie Cundy, Faye Barker, Hayley Sparkes and Hayley Palmer; radio presenter, James Whale; television GP, Dr Amir Khan; filmmaker, actor and presenter, Mistah Islah; music artists, Patti Boulaye and Mr Fabulous; President of Restaurant Association, Robert Walton MBE; MP’s, Chris Grayling, Foysol Choudhury; RuPaul’s Drag Race UK’sBaga Chipz; and Reality TV personality, Robbie McMahon among others.The ceremony was hosted byactor and comedian, Omid Djalili. Bollywood star, Abhishek Bachchan, attended virtually to present the award for the Best Restaurant West Midlands category.
As the foremost and pioneering celebration of the UK curry industry’s achievements and the best restaurants across all regions, with awards deemed the most prized badge of honour across the entire industry for winning restaurants, British Curry Awards has established itself as a national institution.
British Curry Awards 2021 Winners:
Best Restaurant Scotland: Dishoom, 3A St Andrew Square, Edinburgh EH2 2BD
Best Restaurant North East: Mumtaz Restaurant, 386-410 Great Horton Road, Bradford BD7 3HS
Best Restaurant North West: Asha’s, 47 Peter Street, Manchester M2 3NG
Best Restaurant East Midlands: Montaz Newmarket, 30 Old Station Road, Newmarket CB8 8DN
Best Restaurant West Midlands: Pushkar Restaurant, 245 Broad Street, Birmingham B1 2HQ
Most Innovative Restaurant Concept: Khai Khai Indian Restaurant, 29 Queen Street, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE1 3UG
A nationwide nominations process to honour the nation’s top curry houses is led by the local patrons of curry houses on the streets of Britain, annually invited to nominate their favourite Asian restaurants and takeaways. The process of public nominations creates an authentic list of the nation’s favourite Asian eateries, based on the opinions of the public, leading to a rigorous vetting process by an independent panel of judges.
This year’s ceremony had particular significance, given the challenges faced by the industry over the past 18 months of the pandemic, and acknowledged the industry’s spirit and resilience through difficult business and personal circumstances. The industry has seen many leaders, pioneers, restaurateurs and staff tragically lose their lives to Covid. This year’s ceremony paid tribute to those that have passed away.
Additionally, operational issues such as supply chain and staff shortages and the knock-on effect of multiple lockdowns has had a lasting impact on business. Nevertheless, the entrepreneurial spirit and strong will of the UK curry community continues to work tirelessly to serve customers and diners across the UK with the nation’s favourite dish.
British Curry Awards Founder, Enam Ali MBE, is the UK’s leading spokesperson for the curry industry and has been promoting it globally for the past 45 years. Speaking at the event, he said, “What a year we have had – full of highs and lows as we have come out of the pandemic and had to try and rebuild our businesses after lockdowns. The support of our customers has been incredible but the challenges are still significant.
At the British Curry Awards we have always stood up for the causes that matter to the industry. We are all now benefitting from the so-called vindaloo visa which has helped address the chef shortage problem. We will always fight your corner. And the Government does listen to us.
This year we have received many reports that restaurants that had got high, four or five stars ‘scores on the doors’ in the past from local environmental health officers have been getting marked down to only one or two stars. It seems from the reports we are getting that, often, restaurants are being marked down for fairly minor, technical infringements. Even though these can often be quickly rectified they are having to wait up to six months to be reassessed. This is unfair and is putting many already struggling businesses as they come out of the pandemic on the verge of closure.
What we are asking for is the government to require local authorities to have a much faster appeal and recertification process, so that those marked down can be reassessed in 4-6 weeks, not 4-6 months. Otherwise we will not be able to play our part in the recovery of our high streets, as this inflexible process will prove the straw that breaks the camel’s back.”
In a message of support, Prime Minister, Boris Johnson said, “I’m delighted that one of the greatest events in our gastronomic calendar, the Curry Oscars, is back in action and it is fantastic to celebrate the genius of our curry restaurateurs who have, for decades, offered their fragrant medleys. Throughout the testing times of the past two years, you’ve always responded with resolve and creativity, feeding our NHS heroes and dispatching fleets of mopeds to bring spice to the lives of millions of people at home. And now I’m glad to say customers are returning en masse and curry houses the length and breadth of these islands are bustling once again, more than 10,000 of them across the whole of the United Kingdom. That’s 200 for every city, more in London than in Mumbai and since the British Curry Awards are now in their 17th year with a record number of nominations, we’re not just building back better we’re building back balti and I want to thank you all – restaurants, chefs and waiters – for blessing us with your flavoursome morsels.”
Andrew Kenny, UK Managing Director, Just Eat says, “It’s a great honour to once again be sponsoring the British Curry Awards. After an incredibly challenging 18 months, there’s never been a better time to recognise the resilient and hard-working individuals within the restaurant and takeaway sector.
Despite the many obstacles faced, from shortages in the supply chain to difficulty in recruiting skilled workers, restaurants have risen to the occasion and delivered customers a taste of normality when they needed it the most. We want to ensure that takeaway restaurants – especially in this sector which contributes so much to British culture – don’t just survive, but thrive, in today’s challenging economic climate.”
Councillors yesterday gave unanimous backing to a proposed route map for the future of Edinburgh’s Winter Festivals, following the findings of a major independent survey.
The results, published last week, revealed overwhelming support from residents and organisations for continuation of Christmas and Hogmanay celebrations in the Capital, but with a revised format. Councillors from across all political parties have endorsed the findings and agreed to run a one-year pilot .
For winter 2022/23, a procurement exercise will be undertaken to identify a producer to deliver Edinburgh’s Christmas and an individual or organisation will be appointed to a Winter Festivals Director role.
The All Party Oversight Group (APOG) will now agree the brief for these appointments using the clear feedback from the consultation to ensure that it meets the needs of residents and businesses and is of appropriate scale.
More than 8,600 people and 35 organisations responded to the survey on the future of Edinburgh’s Winter Festivals, with 87% expressing support for a Christmas celebration and 86% for Hogmanay.
The 12-week consultation, carried out in Spring this year by independent market research company Progressive Partnership on behalf of the Council, sought feedback from the Capital’s residents, communities and businesses on the events from 2022 onwards.
Overall, results showed a wish to continue to provide high quality Christmas and Hogmanay celebrations which will in turn be valued by residents and visitors.
Council Leader Adam McVey said: “When we agreed to run a citywide conversation with our residents, businesses and stakeholders on the future of Edinburgh’s Winter Festivals we had a very open mind on what the format of these events could be in future years.
“We had an excellent response to the consultation, and it was encouraging that so many want to see Christmas and Hogmanay celebrations continue in the years ahead, while providing us with a valuable insight into what exactly people and businesses would like to see changed.
“I know there are lots of differing views on major events, such as Edinburgh’s Christmas and Hogmanay, but it has been encouraging to see this level of input from people of all ages and from right across the City into the consultation.
“Whilst some differences of opinion can’t be reconciled, the input from people has set a road for these events to reflect residents’ aspirations for these celebrations for future years while dealing with concerns raised about previous years.
“Our focus here is firmly on our residents and local businesses. If we get it right for them first and foremost, then these events will be enjoyed for many years to come.”
Council Depute Leader Cammy Day said: “We’re very pleased to see such a large and positive response to the consultation and that the majority want Edinburgh to keep its place on the international map for Christmas celebrations and as home of Hogmanay.
“There’s no doubt that our Winter Festivals deliver real economic impact, benefitting tourism, retail, hospitality and leisure sectors in particular. However, taking heed of the findings and looking ahead to events next year we’ll be looking to share these benefits and look to spread events across our town centres and communities.
“Thanks to the feedback already gathered, we’ll now be able to take people’s comments and ideas into account as we plan for next year, and beyond. Making sure we have a great winter festival and Edinburgh remains the best city to visit!”
SNP MSP Gordon MacDonald, has welcomed the First Minister’s announcement that the Scottish Child Payment will be doubled from April 2022.
The announcement will see at least 7555 eligible children across Edinburgh receiving £20 per week per child from spring next year, with more than 106,000 children across Scotland immediately benefitting from the increased payment.
Since the launch of the Scottish Government payment on 15 February 2021, £2,036,820 has been issued in payments to families in Edinburgh.
It is now expected that over 400,000 children could be eligible for the doubled payment by the end 2022, which is when the benefit, which is unique in the UK, will be extended to children under the age of 16.
SNP MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, Gordon MacDonald said: “I am delighted that at least 7555 children across Edinburgh will have their Scottish Child Payment doubled in just four months time. This will give £20 per child per week to 7555 children in Edinburgh – four times the amount originally demanded by campaigners.
“The Scottish Government’s national mission to tackle child poverty is absolute – with £2,036,820 having been provided to families across Edinburgh since February, and almost £32 million across Scotland as a whole.
“The doubling of the Scottish Child Payment to £20 is the type of bold action that makes a real difference to people’s lives and shows how focussed the Scottish Government is on meeting Scotland’s Child Poverty targets.
“Once again, the tale of two governments is striking. While the SNP are doubling the Scottish Child Payment to lift thousands of children out of poverty, the Tories at Westminster have just cut £20 per week from many of the same families – knowingly pushing thousands of families into poverty.
“The people in Edinburgh deserve the chance to escape the damaging policies we get under Westminster control and get the chance to choose a better path, one with the full powers that an independent Scotland would bring and allow us to build a fairer society.”
Fore Play Crazy Golf is looking to open a new home of golf in a sought-after location in Edinburgh’s Grassmarket.
The successful crazy golf concept which currently operates out of Picardy Place on a temporary basis in the city has submitted planning applications to Edinburgh City Council for a 9,139 sq ft A listed building on a mixed-use license.
The new three-floor venue would accommodate up to 200 guests and bring at least 30 new jobs if successful.
Proposed plans include a multi-level experience-led playground for grown-ups featuring two courses, street food vendors, and inventive drinks that capture the brand’s playful energy with competitive socialising lying at the heart of the sympathetic renovations.
The independent venue would require a significant investment from the owners and their vision looks to encapsulate the vibrancy of the neighbourhood with local landmarks inspiring the plans for their imaginative crazy golf courses.
A provisional opening date has been set for summer 2022.
Craig Neilson, Chief Greenkeeper at Fore Play Crazy Golfsaid: “We love Edinburgh and ever since we opened our first temporary venue in 2020, we’ve been looking for the perfect venue to call home.
“1 Grassmarket has been lying empty for three years and when we clapped eyes on the 19th century Listed building we knew we wanted to create something special for the community to be proud of.
“The sense of place in the Grassmarket has been intrinsic to our development plans and we feel that our immersive venue will benefit those in the surrounding areas.
“We are looking forward to hearing from the council on our applications.”
Fore Play Crazy Golf is an independent Scottish business and is a Living Wage Accredited Employer and has a profit share model for its staff.
Virgin Red will match points earned on train travel and donate them to its 13 charity partners
Virgin Red will match all Virgin Points earned with Virgin Trains Ticketing in December and donate them to its 13 charity partners
Hundreds of thousands of Virgin Points are expected to be earned by Virgin Red’s members as the nation reconnects with loved ones this Christmas
Virgin Red members receive three points for every £1 spent on train travel with Virgin Trains Ticketing – meaning they can reward themselves with a Christmas treat too.
As the nation prepares to reunite with family and friends this December after last year’s festivities were cancelled, Virgin Red predicts a bumper month of train travel this December.
Members of Virgin Red, Virgin’s rewards programme, can earn up to three Virgin Points for every £1 spent on train tickets with Virgin Trains Ticketing – and this December, Virgin Red will match all points earned on train tickets and gift them to its 13 partner charities as a cash donation. With Virgin Trains Ticketing, travellers won’t see any booking fees on e-tickets either.
With UK train journeys costing between 5.5p to 34p a mile* Virgin Red is giving travellers an extra reward for heading home and reconnecting with friends and family by delivering much-needed support for charities across the country, many of whom have seen donations dip post pandemic.
Andrea Burchett, International and Strategic Development Director, says: “Travelling by train this Christmas really is rewarding with Virgin Red – not only will members receive points which they could use for a little Christmas treat for themselves, they’re also helping those less fortunate as Virgin Red matches and donates the Virgin Points earned from train tickets to its 13 charity partners.
“If it wasn’t enough reason to reconnect with our friends and family, earning points for every ticket bought and seeing those points matched and donated to charity, really means there has never been a better time to travel by train. And remember, with Virgin Trains Ticketing, there are no booking fees!”
Virgin Red rewards come in all shapes and sizes, from the small things that make the everyday better, to awesome extraordinary experiences, and it’s super easy to earn points, too with members earning Virgin Points just for doing their shopping online via Virgin Red.
It’s also really easy to boost your Virgin Points balance to enjoy rewards with Virgin Trains Ticketing. For example, as of 30 November 2021:
An off-peak return from London Euston to Manchester Piccadilly over a weekend (£94.50) will accrue 284 Virgin Points.
An off-peak return from London Victoria to Brighton over a weekend (£39.60) will secure 119 Virgin Points.
An off-peak return from Manchester Piccadilly to Edinburgh Waverley over a weekend (£86.90) will collect 261 Virgin Points.
