Training for Home Energy Scotland staff to help combat climate change

Keep Scotland Beautiful supports Home Energy Scotland to become certified as Carbon Literate

Working with Home Energy Scotland, environmental charity Keep Scotland Beautiful has developed and delivered bespoke Climate Emergency Training to staff, embedding carbon literacy into the expert practical advice they provide to help people reduce their carbon emissions and keep warm at home.

Since 2019, over 100 people from the Home Energy Scotland network have participated in Climate Emergency Training, including frontline advisors from all areas of the service. 

Home Energy Scotland’s expert advisors offer free, impartial advice on installing energy efficiency measures such as low and zero emissions heating systems, active travel and sustainable transport options, energy saving behaviour change, cutting water waste and more, with the aim of tackling climate change and addressing fuel poverty.

The training sessions explored the science and impacts of climate change and highlighted practical steps to cut greenhouse gas emissions. Home Energy Scotland staff began by reviewing their own carbon footprint. 

They also learnt new constructive approaches for discussing the climate emergency with householders and helping them make the connections between saving energy, money on their energy bills and reducing the carbon emissions that cause climate change.

Participants were asked to select both an individual and a group action to reduce carbon emissions, demonstrating their learning and understanding of carbon emission sources and solutions. Those who pass will receive a Carbon Literate accreditation.

Harry Mayers, Head of Home Energy Scotland said: “Our advisors, specialists and support teams already do an incredible job helping people across Scotland to reduce their energy use and keep warm at home.

“This training consolidates their knowledge in the context of carbon saving and gives them assurance to relate this advice to tackling climate change.

“We recognise the vital importance of this training and are excited to continue our partnership with Keep Scotland Beautiful to develop our future capacity to deliver accredited Climate Emergency Training in-house.”

Catherine Gee, Deputy Chief Executive for Keep Scotland Beautiful, said: “We are delighted to have developed bespoke Climate Emergency Training for Home Energy Scotland.

“The climate crisis and Scotland’s journey to net zero is going to require all of us to develop new skills and knowledge, so we are extremely pleased that so many Home Energy Scotland staff have participated in this training and can apply it to their roles.

“We look forward to working with Home Energy Scotland further and helping them embed Climate Emergency Training in their operations.”

Keep Scotland Beautiful is the only Scottish-based organisation to have attained Gold Carbon Literate Organisation status and is the official partner in Scotland for the award-winning Carbon Literacy Project, who provide independent accreditation for the Climate Emergency Training.

In May 2019, the Scottish Government declared a climate emergency and has pledged to drastically reduce emissions from Scotland in the next 10 years. This will mean new legislation and technology that will bring significant changes to the way that we do life and business in Scotland.

With the United Nations COP26 climate conference having just taken place in Glasgow the eyes of the world are on climate action in Scotland like never before. Now is the time to take action.

Climate Emergency Training is available for all businesses, with additional options for bespoke training.

Please contact Keep Scotland Beautiful to find out more, or visit: 

www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/climate-emergency-training

Man who caused Maybury Road death sentenced to six years

Ednilson Ceita (pictured above), now 29, was convicted by a jury on Friday 29 October of two offences under the Road Traffic Act following the crash which happened shortly after midnight on Friday, 25 May, 2018 on Maybury Road.

He has also been disqualified from driving for nine years.

Ceita was driving a BMW X5, without a valid license or insurance, which collided with a Peugeot 206 being driven by 29-year-old Jonathan Smith.

As a result of the crash, Jonathan, known as Jonny, sadly died at the scene.

A criminal investigation was launched which saw detectives from Edinburgh’s Criminal Investigations Department working alongside Road Policing Officers to understand what happened.

As a result, Ceita was arrested and charged in connection with the crash in August 2019.

Detective Chief Inspector Graham Grant said: “There were a number of complexities to this investigation but officers remained determined and committed to establish what caused this crash and cost Jonny his life.

“Ednilson Ceita failed to admit that his actions resulted in this catastrophic event. We found that he was driving at excessive speed, ultimately swerving into oncoming traffic, which led to his BMW colliding with the Peugeot being driven by Mr Smith and another vehicle.

“Jonny’s family have had to wait over three years for justice. They have been dignified and resolute throughout and I hope that today’s verdict offers them some form of comfort.

“I’d like to thank my investigation team, our colleagues in the Road Policing Unit and other elements of the organisation who contributed to the outcome, but most importantly to Jonny’s family, friends, and the wider community which he was an integral part of, for their support during our investigation.”

Jonny’s family reacted to the sentence through the The Justice for Jonny campaign page on Facebook: “So we had our day in court today for the sentencing, was an apprehensive morning we all weren’t sure how to feel but we went, sat and watched the sentencing, he was given 6 years and a 9 year driving ban.

“In all honesty we were thinking less so I suppose it’s something, realistically it makes no difference nothing changes although if anything takes a dangerous driver off the road and might just save a life.

“He also decided to tell the court what an ordeal this had been for him and his family … remorse at its finest.

“It’s been a long 3 and a half years, so many twists and turns, so many ups and down’s but throughout it all the support we have received is just unbelievable looking back it has really helped us knowing we have had people behind us.

“As a family as a whole we would just like to thank every single person for all their nice words and support whether it was comments, messages or calls … we even had cards through the door at the start it really has been outstanding.

“So from the bottom of all our hearts, we appreciate it and thank you and we will always remember how nice and supportive everyone has been it means so much!”

Cabinet Secretary Mairi Gougeon welcomed to Dogs Trust’s West Calder Rehoming Centre

Dogs Trust staff welcomed Mairi Gougeon MSP to West Calder Rehoming Centre last week where she met handsome hounds patiently awaiting new homes.  

As well as a behind the scenes tour of the West Lothian centre, The Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands and MSP for Angus North and Mearns, met with Dogs Trust staff including Veterinary Director Paula Boyden to discuss the charity’s work in Scotland. 

Paula said: “It was lovely to meet Mairi at one of our rehoming centres in Scotland where she was greeted by lots of waggy tails! 

“It was a great opportunity to discuss current progress around dog welfare in Scotland, including proposals to tackle puppy smuggling, and how, as the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, we will continue to work with the Scottish Government on a range of issues to improve the lives of our four-legged friends.”

Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon said: “The work undertaken by the Dogs Trust contributes significantly to safeguarding the welfare of dogs in Scotland. I want to thank the staff at the West Calder facility for taking time out of their day to introduce me to some of their resident dogs and for updating me on the vital hard work they do every day.

“Canine welfare is an issue that the Scottish Government and Dogs Trust take extremely seriously and we are fully committed to tackling the scourge of low-welfare breeding and dealing of dogs. We will continue to work together to ensure the wellbeing of dogs across Scotland.”

Susan Tonner, West Calder Rehoming Centre Manager said: “We were delighted to welcome Mairi to our rehoming centre to showcase the work we do with the dogs in our care. 

“It was a pleasure to show Mairi the hard work and dedication that goes on behind the scenes to prepare our canine friends for their forever homes.”

Dogs Trust has two rehoming centres in Scotland, West Calder and Glasgow in Uddingston. On average we rehome 700 dogs a year in Scotland and have over 430,000 supporters across the country.

For more information about Dogs Trust West Calder, please call 0300 303 0292 or visit https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/our-centres/west-calder/

CityFibre joins the herd as partner for Edinburgh Zoo’s Giraffe About Town trail

CityFibre, the UK’s largest independent full fibre platform, has partnered with the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s (RZSS) Edinburgh Zoo as community outreach partner for the charity’s Giraffe About Town trail.

The public art event will see more than 40 eight-foot-tall giraffe sculptures go on display across Edinburgh in summer 2022, with each model being designed and decorated by local artists and community groups. After the trail, the sculptures will be auctioned off to raise funds to support RZSS wildlife conservation projects in Scotland and across the world.

CityFibre’s support of the trail comes as it is investing £100m to roll out a full fibre network within reach of almost every home and business across the city. As community outreach partner, CityFibre will have its very own giraffe sculpture as part of the herd, and its vital support will allow RZSS to work with seven community groups across the city to decorate their own small giraffe sculptures as part of the schools and communities trail.

Activities with the community groups will include an inclusive creativity workshop with the zoo’s outreach team. The groups will also receive free access to the Giraffe About Town activity portal, an inclusive digital resource supporting the trail. Meanwhile, CityFibre and Edinburgh Zoo will work together in spring 2022 to identify the potential community groups.

Paul Wakefield, CityFibre’s City Manager for Edinburgh, said: “We are working across the city to deliver our Full Fibre network to homes and businesses, ensuring that communities across Edinburgh can access the fastest, most reliable broadband available.

“As part of this, we are getting the chance to meet so many of Edinburgh’s fantastic community groups – a number of which we will be able to support through this fantastic partnership.

“Improving social inclusion is something we are passionate about, and this theme is at the heart of the Giraffe About Town trail. Technology is a key enabler here, so we are really excited to be working with an artist on our own giraffe and being a key part of this trail, which I’m sure will capture the hearts and minds of both locals and visitors to our capital.

“You could even say that, through this project, our Full Fibre rollout programme will reach new heights!”

David Field, chief executive at RZSS, added: “We are thrilled to have CityFibre on board as community outreach partner for Giraffe About Town, giving us an opportunity to support vital community work across the capital.

“It is particularly exciting to partner with an organisation working to connect communities. Fast, reliable full fibre broadband will open up a whole new world for many of Edinburgh’s residents.

“The past 18 months have been incredibly challenging but they have shown us what can be achieved when we pull together. Our tall trail is set to transform our city and encourage our communities to get out and about and fall in love with Edinburgh all over again.”

Edinburgh residents can find out more about CityFibre’s build, check whether services are live in their area and register their interest by visiting www.cityfibre.com/PR-Register

City climbers to scale new heights

A new climbing slab wall, suitable for novices and intermediate climbers has been unveiled at Europe’s largest indoor climbing wall, the Edinburgh International Climbing Arena at Ratho.

Fifteen new lines, suitable for novices and intermediate climbers, will increase the offering to these groups by 50%. These new lines will allow up to 45 more colour coded, graded climbs to be set within the arena. A third of the lines, five in total, have the addition of auto belays, meaning a climber doesn’t require a partner to ‘belay’.

Nic Crawshaw, Climbing Operations Manager at EICA: Ratho explained: “Designed as a venue for national and international competitions and as a national centre for climbing, our fantastic facility at the EICA: Ratho caters particularly well for advanced and elite climbers. 

“The installation of these new lines will enhance and make the climbing experience more accessible for new and the less experienced climber, and especially children and young people, disability climbing groups, and people involved in our Active Communities programme. 

“With increased wall space suitable for these groups, we hope that it’ll increase the number of people getting involved in climbing for the first time. However, given the design of the new wall, it will also provide a few technical challenges for the more advanced climber too. It’s all about bringing climbing to more people.”

The project was funded by Edinburgh Leisure, who manage the facility at EICA: Ratho, and match funded by sportscotland, with an endorsement from Mountaineering Scotland. King Kong Climbing Walls from Cumbria built the walls after being successful in a tendering process.

Stewart Harris, Chief Executive of sportscotland, said: “We work closely with partners across the country including Edinburgh Leisure to create the right facilities that will provide more opportunities for people to get active in their local communities.

“So, it’s great to see this new climbing wall at the Edinburgh International Climbing Arena, which will further enhance the already fantastic facilities that are available at Ratho and specifically create opportunities to help less experienced climbers develop their skills.

“Our investment in facilities such as this is made possible thanks to the National Lottery players who raise £30million each week for good causes. Without that level of support, developing community facilities like the new climbing wall would not be possible.”

Stuart Younie, CEO, Mountaineering Scotland said: “Following the debut of climbing in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, Ratho provides a unique and important facility for the sport both at a national and international level.  

“It provides both a gateway for new participants and also an important training venue for those who are working towards competing at the highest levels in the sport. The new slab wall will open opportunities for more people to enjoy the benefits of participating in climbing as part of a clear participation pathway giving them the opportunity to progress and develop their skills.

“By supporting this project Mountaineering Scotland and the ClimbScotland programme also hope it will underpin further investment and support for the development of climbing at all levels to ensure the EICA: Ratho is a truly world class facility.”

Edinburgh Leisure is a charity on a mission to help keep people active and well always. They run over 50 sport, leisure and school venues and are committed to creating opportunities for everyone to get active and stay active.

Their Active Communities Programme harnesses the power of physical activity and sport to tackle inequalities and combat the effects of inactivity. Each year they support around 10,000 people affected by health conditions, disabilities, inequalities, and poverty to get active – empowering them to improve and protect their health, wellbeing, and quality of life.

For more information:
https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/venues/edinburgh-international-climbing-arena

Social Bite launches Festival of Kindness

  • Social Bite lights up major cities encouraging kindness this Christmas
  • Charity aims to provide 300,000 gifts, meals and essential items to people experiencing homelessness this Christmas
  • Christmas trees with donation points installed in five cities, Edinburgh London, Glasgow, Aberdeen, and Dundee, to emphasise that ‘in a world where you can be anything, be kind.’

Social Bite’s Festival of Kindness has launched in five cities across the UK today, expanding on last year’s campaign, in a bid to spread some much-needed festive goodwill and kindness.

The charity is asking people in Edinburgh, London, Glasgow, Aberdeen and Dundee to donate meals, gifts, essential items and accommodation to those who need it most this Christmas.

Through the campaign, Social Bite has set a target of providing 300,000 meals and essential items of the winter months to those experiencing homelessness this festive period.

Working alongside local partners, Social Bite has installed five 28ft tall Christmas trees across the country and is asking people to buy one extra gift, drop it under the tree and contribute to a movement of kindness.

Festival of Kindness locations include:

·       St Andrew’s Square, Edinburgh

·       Charing Cross Station, London

·       Vinicombe Street, Glasgow

·       Outside M&S at the Bon Accord centre, Aberdeen

·       City Square, Dundee

The charity has created a gift wish list of the things homeless and vulnerable people need the most – from a warm pair of gloves, a hot water bottle and a torch, to good quality socks and toys for children  living in temporary accommodation to open on Christmas morning.

Passers-by can drop their gifts at the trees and take in the Christmas lights, meet Santa in Edinburgh and hear more about Social Bite’s ambitions from volunteers. All gifts will then be distributed by Social Bite’s dedicated team to those who need it most, just in time for Christmas.

Social Bite co-founder and Executive Director, Josh Littlejohn MBE, said: “This Christmas, many of us will be able to reunite with family and friends to celebrate after so many restrictions.

“But for homeless people and families, the pandemic has made their situation particularly desperate. Thousands of people all over the UK will spend Christmas on the streets – cold, hungry and lonely, without a family to go to. Thousands of children will find themselves in temporary emergency accommodation or without food on the table over the festive period. 

 “That’s why we are building on the success of last year’s campaign to expand our reach even further, going from two to five locations and taking Festival of Kindness to London for the very first time.

 “Our Festival of Kindness campaign aims to spread some festive cheer. In a world, where you can be anything, we’re urging people to be kind and buy or donate a little extra to help those who need it most – even the smallest of gifts will make a huge difference.”

Monetary donations can also be made online via the Social Bite website which will then go towards the provision of food, gifts and essential items.

Donations will also help fund accommodation and support for those sleeping rough in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee, Aberdeen and London.

Social Bite has a track record of successful fundraising campaigns, having previously hosted ‘Sleep Out’ events in all major Scottish cities, then helped to launch The World’s Big Sleep Out for a global campaign attended by Hollywood A-listers including Dame Helen Mirren and Will Smith in 2019.

Last year’s Festival of Kindness held in Edinburgh and Glasgow raised over £1.5m.

All gifts should be new and unwrapped, with a helpful ‘how-to’ guide on their website.

To find out more or donate, please visit https://festive.social-bite.co.uk/

Health organisations warn of mounting patient safety crisis in Urgent and Emergency Care

Nearly two thirds of A&Es across the UK had ambulances waiting to transfer patients every day in the past week, according to a new survey from the Royal College of Emergency Medicine.

The latest RCEM survey covers the period 8 November to 14 November 2021 and was sent to Clinical Leads in Emergency Departments across the UK and received 70 responses.

The NHS mandates that ambulance handovers ought to be reliably completed within 15 minutes of arrival, but 61% of Emergency Departments in the survey were struggling to meet this standard every day.

The survey also found that over half of Emergency Departments had provided care to patients in non-designated areas such as corridors every day in the past week.

These findings come following a report by the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives (AACE) which found that 160,000 patients may be coming to harm annually as a result of ambulance handover delays.

While a separate report by the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, ‘Crowding and its Consequences’, found that at least 4,519 patients have died as a result of dangerous crowding in Emergency Departments in England in 2020-2021.

The Royal College’s survey also found:

  • 14% of respondents stated that the longest stay they had had in their Emergency Department was between 48 and 72 hours
    • 36% of respondents stated the longest stay in their Emergency Department was 24 to 48 hours
    • 39% of respondents stated the longest stay in their Emergency Department was 12 to 24 hours
  • 14% of respondents stated that there was no effective Same Day Emergency Care available in their Emergency Department
    • 50% of respondents stated that Same Day Emergency Care had limited availability, less than 12 hours a day or weekdays only in their Emergency Department
  • 71% of respondents stated that they were unable to maintain social distancing for patients in their Emergency Department in the past week

Dr Katherine Henderson, President of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, said: “These results show the serious state that our urgent and emergency care system is in.

“None of us want to have patients held in ambulances, treated in corridors, or waiting very long times to go up to a ward bed. Sadly, these findings support our stark report on crowding and the AACE’s shocking report on ambulance handovers.

“We all need to work together to solve this acute patient safety problem. We believe enacting many of the suggestions we have made in RCEM CARES: The Next Phase will help. We want patients to feel confident that their Emergency Care system is there for them, but this winter is going to be a huge challenge unless we can get flow back into the system.

“RCEM CARES: The Next Phase details our system-wide plan to tackle the current crisis and improve patient care as well as staff wellbeing. In the short-term, to promote flow and to reduce handover delays, capacity must be expanded in a safe way. Same Day Emergency Care must be made available at all Trusts and they must expand its provision, so it is available 12 hours a day, seven days a week. While maximising the service Discharge to Assess will allow patients to be discharged in a timely and supported way.

“In the long-term, we urge the government to publish a long-term workforce plan, this must include actions to retain existing staff as well as recruit new staff. Across the UK there is a shortfall of 2,000-2,500 WTE Emergency Medicine consultants, and crucially, there are also widespread shortages of Emergency Medicine nurses and both junior and supporting staff. At the same time capacity is severely depleted across the UK. The government must restore bed capacity to pre-pandemic levels, this requires an additional 7,170 beds across the UK.

“This is only the beginning of winter and of what may come. We are facing a crisis in urgent and emergency care and a crisis of patient safety. The Secretary of State in the House of Commons spoke of ‘a duty to avoid preventable harm of everyone working in health and social care’, we urge him to act on his own words and prevent avoidable harm and ensure the safety of patients.”

Managing Director of AACE Martin Flaherty OBE QAM said: “These alarming new figures from RCEM underline once again the unprecedented pressures facing the entire urgent and emergency care system.

“We now know that excessive handover delays and crowding in A&E departments are routinely harming patients, some very severely. To resolve this, we need system leaders to further toughen their resolve to deal with this problem once and for all and as a matter of priority and we await details of progress being made in this area, while underlining our commitment to work as part of the solution to this complex issue.”

Tracy Nicholls, Chief Executive of the College of Paramedics, said: “We must not forget that behind all these mounting figures are real people, both staff and patients, who are bearing the brunt of this continuing strain on services. 

“Reform must happen to alleviate the intolerable pressure and reduce the guilt many paramedics and Emergency Department staff feel about dealing with patients who are waiting outside Emergency Departments or, more worryingly, in the community.

“We support any efforts to deal with the here and now, but we commit to working with stakeholders and partners to make real change happen.”

Loony Dook tickets now on sale

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay has announced that tickets for the world-famous Loony Dook at South Queensferry go on sale at 10am today – Friday 26 November.

Scotland’s biggest Loony Dook sees an army of brave souls in fancy dress plunge into the icy waters of the Firth of Forth to dust off the cobwebs on New Year’s morning.

If you fancy braving the chilly dip by the iconic Forth Bridges, tickets will be on sale, from 10am today, Friday 26 November, via the Edinburgh Hogmanay website.

Running since 1987, the Loony Dook has grown in popularity year on year with thousands of people raiding their fancy-dress cupboards in a bid to ring in the new year in style and win best dressed on the beach.

Tickets are on sale from £11.50 and each ticket bought includes a donation to the RNLI, access to the beach, main parade, and band performances.

Underbelly Co-Directors, Charlie Wood and Ed Bartlam said: “Scotland’s biggest Loony Dook is back. The community of South Queensferry have asked us to help them organise this much-loved tradition on the Firth of Forth.

“There really is no better or refreshing way to start the New Year, so grab your costume and come for a dip!”

Councillor Donald Wilson, Culture and Communities Convener said: “The City of Edinburgh Council is delighted to see the return of this year’s Loony Dook.

“It’s a highlight in many people’s festive calendars and the Underbelly team will ensure that this year’s event is as safe and enjoyable as possible for everyone. As a regular Looney Dooker in the past I am looking forward to taking part again this year!”

Councillor Norman Work said: “South Queensferry is delighted to be home to the best Dook in the calendar.

“We’ve been working closely with Underbelly to ensure all participants can enjoy the event in a safe, fun environment – we look forward to welcoming everyone to our world famous waterfront on New Year’s Day.”

David Smart from RNLI said: “What better way to blow off the Hogmanay cobwebs than dipping into the icy Firth of Forth? Edinburgh’s Hogmanay kindly donates £1 from every ticket bought for the Loony Dook to the RNLI.

“The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Every day of the year, people of all backgrounds get into danger in the water. The support of all donations means that the RNLI crews can save lives quickly, safely and effectively – as always, we’re incredibly grateful to everyone for their support.”

Kirstin Heggie, owner at  Allium Gift Shop in South Queensferry said: “The Loony Dook is a fantastic event for South Queensferry as it brings so many visitors to our little town.

“It is lovely to see lots of new faces every year and also great welcoming back the old familiar ones too!” 

Moira Cunningham, owner at Ravenous Beastie said: “Everyone in South Queensferry is so happy about the Loony Dook being back and the buzz it brings to the community every year!

“It is such a joyful and fun occasion and a special way to mark the start of a new year ahead of us!”

For more information and tickets, please visit:

 https://www.edinburghshogmanay.com/