Edinburgh businesses that have been affected by the current closures and restrictions can now apply for relief from the Coronavirus Restrictions Business Fund.
Businesses can apply for Scottish Government relief through Business Closure and Business Hardship Funds from 9am Tuesday 20 October
Scottish Government has made £40m available nationally to Scottish businesses impacted by the most recent set of restrictions that saw licensed premises close across Edinburgh
This follows the Scottish Government’s announcement on 9 October that £40m would be made available through one-off grants to support businesses directly impacted by the most recent set of restrictions.
Local businesses can apply online with the grants distributed by the City of Edinburgh Council.
The Business Closure Fund is a grant of up to £3,000 available to hospitality and other eligible businesses required to close (except for takeaways) by these new regulations. Up to £1,500 is available to businesses that are able to remain open but have been significantly impacted by the restrictions through the Business Hardship Fund.
The first round of applications for both funds is open to hospitality businesses that are required to close or operate in a restricted way due to the regulations and are able to evidence a minimum 25% reduction in turnover during the brake period.
Scottish producers or wholesale businesses supplying primarily short-life goods or products to hospitality businesses and some gyms that can show the same reduction in turnover will also be able to apply for the Business Hardship Fund.
Retail and businesses that provide takeaway food as the core and established basis of their operations are not eligible for these closure or hardship funds.
The Scottish Government will also work with business and sector representative organisations to provide additional support through a new £11 million contingency fund for businesses that need support but do not qualify for either of the new Funds.
Council Leader Adam McVey said: “Our local businesses have been fantastic during the last seven months but there’s no getting away from how difficult this situation is and now more than ever it is imperative that we continue to support Edinburgh’s local traders.
“This funding is to help our businesses survive and to enable them to thrive when they’re able to trade again as normal. Our team are ready to process applications quickly to make sure businesses get this support as fast as possible.
“As well as helping our local businesses access the Scottish Government Funds, we’re looking at other actions we can take to build on the continued support we have been providing since the start of the lockdown.
“Again, I encourage everyone to support where they can: visit your local cafes and unlicensed premises, look out for your neighbours and continue to follow the public health guidance provided.”
Depute Leader Cammy Day said: “Edinburgh’s local economy has been hard hit and we need to do everything we can to support them during this incredibly difficult time.
“We are working with the Scottish Government to help our affected local businesses access the funding that has been made available to them and will continue working with them and other partners throughout our ongoing response to and recovery from Covid-19.
“We have to double down on our efforts to support local industries, businesses and jobs in the best way we can: by coming together as one Team Edinburgh and supporting our local businesses and communities.”
The Council has taken previous steps to promote a sustainable economic recovery and support small businesses throughout the pandemic, including:
Supporting businesses to gradually reopen safely with a ‘Ready, Set, Go’ advice service, including guidance provided to 20,000 business owners
A more flexible approach to licensing to help more businesses apply to use outdoor space
Accelerating plans to use the Council’s supply chains to better support local business and stimulate economic growth
Creating more space for people to travel to businesses safely and enjoyably through the Council’s Spaces for People initiative, with priority being given to support walking, cycling, wheelchair use and prams
Working with the Edinburgh Tourism and Action Group and other partners to support the #ForeverEdinburgh campaign which will gradually market the City as an attractive place for shopping, dining out and visiting with a £55,000 contribution from the Council.
Statement given by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon at a media briefing in St Andrew’s House on Wednesday 21 October 2020:
Good afternoon, thank you for joining us. I will start with the usual daily report on the COVID statistics. The total number of positive cases reported yesterday was 1,739.
That represents 19.8% of people newly tested, and 9.7% of the total number of tests carried out.
The total number of cases in Scotland since the start of the pandemic therefore now stands at 50,903.
Of yesterday’s cases 605 were in Greater Glasgow and Clyde, 520 in Lanarkshire, 250 in Lothian and 105 in Ayrshire and Arran.
The remaining cases were spread across nine other health board areas.
Now I would remind you that an element of today’s cases will be catch up on the past few days given the backlog in testing that we’ve had over the weakened, and that I have spoken about earlier in the week.
I can also confirm that 873 people are currently in hospital which is an increase of 49 from yesterday.
And 73 people are in intensive care, that is three more than the figure yesterday, although again, for them who follow these figures very closely,
Let me point out that yesterday’s figure was revised in the course of the day from 69 to 70. So today’s 73 is an increase of three.
I very much regret though, to report that in the past 24 hours, 28 additional deaths have been registered of patients who first tested positive over the previous 28 days.
That is the highest number of deaths we’ve reported in the daily figures since the 21st May. And it takes the total number of deaths, under this measurement, to 2,653.
National Records of Scotland has also just published its weekly update, which you will recall includes cases where COVID is a suspected or contributory cause of death.
Today’s update shows that by Sunday just passed, the total number of registered deaths linked to COVID, under that wider definition, was 4,376.
75 of those deaths were registered last week, that is 50 more than in the week before – and that is the highest weekly total since early June. 58 of the 75 deaths took place in hospitals, 12 in care homes, and five at home or in other non-institutional settings.
Every single death, of course, represents the loss of somebody who was special and loved and I want, again today, to send my deepest condolences to all those families and networks of friends across the country who have been impacted in this most extreme and cruel way by the impact of this virus.
I want, though, to just give a point of context though, and it doesn’t in anyway take away from the very upsetting nature of the statistics I have just reported to you.
Today’s figures on hospital and ICU admissions and the figures I’ve just reported on deaths are obviously clearly concerning – and we take them very seriously as we consider our response and our next steps in the fight against the virus – however, as Jason will touch on briefly as well, these figures, it must be remembered, relate to people who could have been infected with the virus perhaps two to three weeks ago.
So they should not be taken as an indication that the current restrictions we are all living under are not having any impact.
I’ll say a little bit more about the early indications that the impact that is having later on.
My main update for today though concerns the temporary restrictions on hospitality which we introduced two weeks ago, and which legally took effect on Friday 9th October.
As I said yesterday, we will publish, and I can tell you now that we will do this on Friday, a new strategic framework for managing the virus, and indeed living with the virus through the winter and into the early parts of next year.
That strategic framework will include different levels of restrictions that can be applied, either nationally or regionally, depending on the level of infection across the country or in different parts of the country.
Subject to parliamentary approval of the broad framework, it is intended that the levels will be applied from the 2nd November and reviewed regularly thereafter.
The detail of what level will initially apply to each part of the country will be assessed in the coming days and set out in advance of 2nd November.
It is important for me to be clear at this stage that given the nature of what we are dealing with, and given some of the numbers I’ve just reported, all be it with the caveats attached to them that I did.
We can’t rule out that this new approach will entail further extension of existing restrictions, or perhaps even tougher restrictions for all or parts of the country, if we think that is necessary to safeguard health and life.
But that will depend on up to date assessments of the impact of our current restrictions, and it’s also important to be very clear that all of our decisions will be balanced by an assessment of the wider harms that COVID and the measures we are taking to tackle it are having, and that includes the wider harms to health and wellbeing and to jobs and livelihoods.
The timescale for introducing the new levels system leaves us with a short term decision about the current temporary restrictions on hospitality. These are currently due to expire on Monday coming, the 26th October.
However, following a meeting of the Cabinet this morning, I can confirm that we have decided to extend these measures for a further week.
This is first and foremost a public health decision. Although we have grounds for cautious optimism that the restrictions are having an effect, the clinical advice to Cabinet is that it would not be safe to lift them as early as Monday.
But, secondly, the extension allows us to transition more smoothly to the new levels system that we hope that will be introduced on 2nd November.
So I can confirm that the current temporary restrictions will now apply until 6am on Monday 2nd November. And that of course includes the tighter restrictions that are currently in place across the Central Belt.
Let me run through what those restrictions are.
But before I do so, let me take the opportunity to remind everyone that the rule against visiting other people’s houses also remains in place for now.
Because that is best way of limiting transmission from one household to another.
Let me run through the wider restrictions.
Firstly – and with the exception of the five Central Belt health board areas that I’ll come onto in a moment – the restrictions mean that pubs, bars, restaurants and cafes can only operate indoors from 6 am to 6 pm.
These premises cannot serve alcohol indoors at any time, although they can serve alcohol outdoors up until 10 pm.
In addition, hotel restaurants can serve residents indoors beyond 6pm, but not with alcohol.
We also introduced much tighter restrictions in the five health board regions where case numbers have been especially high those are Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Lanarkshire, Ayrshire and Arran, Lothian and Forth Valley.
In these areas, all licensed bars and restaurants must remain closed indoors and outdoors, although takeaways are permitted.
And again there is an exception for hotels serving food and non-alcoholic drinks to guests. And cafes – whether licensed or unlicensed – can stay open until 6 pm to prevent social isolation. But they must not serve alcohol.
In addition in these areas, snooker and pool halls, indoor bowling alleys, casinos and bingo halls will remain closed for an additional week.
Contact sports for people aged 18 and over will also remain suspended – with an exception for professional sports.
Indoor group exercise activities will not be allowed for people aged 18 and over for that further week – although gyms and pools can remain open for individual exercise.
And outdoor live events are not permitted in those five regions.
Finally, we continue to advise people very strongly who live in these Central Belt areas, not to travel outside the health board area that they live in, if they do not need to do so.
Similarly, people in other parts of Scotland should not travel to those areas unless it is absolutely necessary.
I know all of this is really unwelcome and these restrictions are harsh. They are harsh financially for many individuals and businesses, and they are harsh emotionally for all of us.
So I want to stress again, firstly that none of these decisions are being taken lightly. This is all about trying to save lives and minimise the health damage that this virus we know is capable of doing.
But I also want to stress that we do believe that these restrictions do make a difference, and indeed we believe they may already be making a difference.
Even allowing for today’s figures, though it is and I must insert this note of caution, it is too early to be certain about any of this this.
But even allowing for today’s figures we think that we may be starting to see a reduction in the rate at which new cases are increasing.
So the early data underlines the importance of all of us sticking with the restrictions that are in place.
Now given that today’s Cabinet decision today requires many business to stay closed or continue to restrict their trading, I also want to confirm today that we will extend the support, the financial support available to them, to cover the additional week.
Full details of that support and how it applies to different sizes of business will be published online. But there will be extensions to both the Business Support Grants that we offer, and the support we are providing at this stage for the job furlough scheme.
All businesses will receive, proportionally, the same level of support over the extension 7 days – for each day of closure – as they did in the first 16 days of restrictions.
And, for this limited period, as I say, we are also extending the Scottish Governments furlough support scheme for an extra week as well.
Now later in the week, when we publish the new Strategic Approach to managing COVID, we will also set out our planned levels of support for the future in the event of further restrictions.
It is important to be clear at this stage, and this is a point that I will speak more about in days to come, but I want to be clear about it now.
That while the level of support we set out in the strategic framework will be the maximum level of support that the Scottish Government is able to provide within the resources available to us at this time, it is the minimum that we think is necessary.
In common with other devolved administrations and indeed many councils now across England, we will continue to pursue urgent discussions with the Treasury about the provision of adequate support and funding to support businesses and individuals through the kinds of restrictions that are likely to be necessary in the period ahead.
Now I’ve spent, for good reason, a bit of time talking about the extension to the temporary restrictions, but I want to draw my remarks to a close by just giving my usual reminder of the general rules and guidelines that we are asking everybody to follow right now.
Again let me remind people living in Lothian, Lanarkshire, Forth Valley, Ayrshire and Arran and Greater Glasgow and Clyde not to travel outside their own health board area unless they really need to do so.
Let me remind everybody, all of us across the country that we should not visit other people’s homes right now except for very specific purposes. If you are providing childcare or looking after a vulnerable person.
And when we do meet people from other households – outdoors, or in indoor public places that are open, for example cafés, we shouldn’t be meeting in groups of more than 6, and those 6 people should not be from more than two households.
Please don’t share cars with other people outside your household if you can avoid it.
Work from home if you can and download the Protect Scotland app, if you haven’t already done so.
And finally;
remember to wear Face coverings when you are out and about
remember to Avoid crowded places.
remember Clean your hands and hard surfaces
remember keep Two metres away people in other households.
and remember Self isolate, and get tested, if you have any of the symptoms of COVID.
Thank you all for the sacrifices you continue to make.
It will make a difference, I know it is hard but we must stick with it in order to continue that process of getting COIVID under control.
Extra week of closures and new tiered restrictions could be end of Scotland’s pubs as we know them: CAMRA
Responding to the First Minister’s announcement for further restrictions for pubs, CAMRA’s Director for Scotland Joe Crawford said: “The First Minister’s announcement of an extra week of pub closures and the prospect of further lockdowns and restrictions from 2nd November has come as a hammer blow to pubs and breweries across the country.
“These businesses feel like they are being offered up as a sacrificial lamb without sufficient evidence that pubs – who have done everything they have been asked to track and trace customers and make their venues COVID-secure – are responsible for transmission of the virus.
“The Scottish Government must urgently review and improve their support package to make sure all our pubs and breweries get the financial compensation and support they need to get through this extended closure period – and, crucially, also during the tiered restrictions that will follow.
“In addition, ministers need to give breweries and pubs enough notice about their plans so people can plan and re-stock for opening their doors again.
“Without a longer-term support package to make up for lost trade and reduced consumer confidence I fear that this could be the end for the beer and pub sector as we know it.”
The Scottish Licensed Trade Association has expressed “extreme disappointment” at the decision by the Scottish Government to extend current restrictions on hospitality across Scotland ahead of the “tier” approach to local lockdowns that is expected to be introduced next month.
Paul Waterson, media spokesman for the Scottish Licensed Trade Association (SLTA), said: “We expected this so we are not surprised. However, yet again there has been no consultation with the industry and as we said earlier this month, we believe these measures to be cataclysmic for hospitality operators.
“Hundreds of businesses are facing permanent closure and with that thousands of jobs will be lost – the damage could be irreparable.”
A recent survey highlighted that nearly 40% of hospitality businesses were considering closure or business exit. In September, an SLTA survey of 600 on-trade premises highlighted that within the pub and bar sector, 12,500 jobs could go.
Mr Waterson added: “We estimate that two-thirds of hospitality businesses could be mothballed or go under in the coming months. Over 50% of jobs in the pub and bar sector could also be lost which will have a particularly deep impact on the employment of young people as over 40% of staff employed are under the age of 25.”
Reiterating that responsible operators continue to run safe, carefully monitored establishments, he said: “Our industry is in serious trouble and it is only going to get worse. The £40 million financial support package is nowhere near enough to save jobs and prevent operators from going under. And once again we do not have details of other financial help promised by the Scottish Government.
“Once again it is the licensed trade that is suffering and the current measures affect not just our industry but the wider economy.”
Conifox announces a festive and immersive experience for the whole family
Family run, for family fun, Conifox Adventure Park announces the return of its sell-out Christmas experience this December, but with a ‘2020’ twist. Due to ‘elf’-and-safety, visitors will now meet Santa and his gang in an utterly enchanting drive-thru experience, delighting in the highly anticipated winter-wonderland, but at a safe distance.
Tree-mendously festive, imaginations will run wild as you drive through the park stopping at various points to enjoy scenes and actors in the Toy Workshop, the Reindeer Flying School, Mrs Claus’ Kitchen, the Enchanted Forest and most importantly, Santa’s Livingroom, where you will meet the big man himself.
From 3rd – 23rd December, tickets for Scotland’s only drive thru Christmas experience will be available from 2pm – 4pm (£20 per car) and 4pm – 9pm (£25 per car), allowing for gorgeous Scottish country views by day and breath-taking twinkling lights by night.
James Gammell, director of Conifox Adventure Park marks this special occasion: “In a year of uncertainty, we are all eagerly awaiting Christmas and the arrival of Santa. Here at Conifox Adventure Park we are honoured that the main man himself has chosen us to make a pit-stop before the big day, inviting all our favourite families down to say hello.
“With everything from a trip to the magical elf village in the Enchanted Forest, to a quick stop to see Mrs Claus, this immersive experience will see their little faces light up and with the magic and wonder of Christmas all around, it will spark the imaginations of the big ‘kids’ too!
“Remember, before your sense of Christmas wonder takes over and you are too entranced and enraptured to think of anything else, why not pop to the catering drive-thru, which will be offering festive food, a BBQ, chips, ice cream and coffee…and maybe a carrot or two for the reindeer.”
Due to government guidelines, Santa will not be able to handout presents to the visiting children, but he suggests bringing wrapped presents with you, hiding them in the boot of the car and seeing them magically appear after the family has met with him. “Did I just hear an elf scurrying in the boot?”
The drive will take around 20 minutes, with actors, waving and engaging with visitors from the safety of open marquees.
To find out more visit the Conifox Adventure Park Facebook page @conifoxadventurepark or www.conifox.co.uk.
About Conifox
Situated on the outskirts of Kirkliston, 5 minutes from Edinburgh Airport and only 20 minutes from the City Centre, Conifox Adventure Park is the perfect place to have some family time with kids of every age.
Speed around their pedal go-kart racetrack or get rough with off-road pedal tractors. Or why not try their 9-hole footgolf course, giant jump pillow, trampolines, or giant sand pit. With so much to do you can stay all day!
Then after building up an appetite, enjoy the Stables Bistro’s delicious food and drink or visit at the weekends to eat a sizzling BBQ (weather dependent).
Coming soon there is an exciting new activity centre with an indoor soft play, baby room, 3 party rooms, cafe, 200-seater function suite and much more.
With just one week until the Government’s consultation on the Highway Code closes on Tuesday 27 October, Living Streets, the UK charity for everyday walking, is urging people to speak up for safer streets.
The Prime Minister unveiled the consultation in July, as part of the Government’s ‘most ambitious plans yet to boost cycling and walking’. A key feature of the proposed changes to the Highway Code is the idea of a ‘hierarchy of responsibility’, with road users who have the potential to cause the greatest harm, taking more responsibility for reducing the threat they pose to others.
There are also proposed changes at zebra crossings and junctions to give pedestrians priority and additional narrative on the dangers of speeding.
The proposed amends to the Highway Code were developed in partnership with the Walking and Cycling Alliance (WACA).[1]
Mary Creagh, Chief Executive, Living Streets said:“Everyone – walker, driver or cyclist – is a pedestrian at some point in their journey and has the right to feel safe on our streets. This Highway Code review offers the chance to do just that.
“With great power comes great responsibility, so we want to see an end to the current position where a child walking to school has the same level of responsibility as an HGV driver.
“We are calling for people to back the changes which give more priority to pedestrians, and to the proposal for vehicles to give way to pedestrians at junctions and crossings.
“Supporting these proposed revisions will take a couple of minutes but could save hundreds of lives.”
The Highway Code consultation applies to England, Scotland and Wales.
A groundbreaking clinical trial for motor neurone disease (MND) begins this week at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH) in Glasgow.
The pioneering trial MND-SMART is testing multiple drugs, rather than a single treatment at a time, and so aims to speed up the time it takes to find medicines that can slow, stop, or reverse the progression of MND.
The trial, based at the QEUH, will welcome participants from across the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde region which cares for the largest number of people living with MND.
Motor neurone disease (MND), also known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or ALS, is a progressive condition that causes muscle to waste away. It occurs when nerve cells called motor neurons, which send messages from the brain and spinal cord to the body’s muscles, stop working properly.
More than 1,500 people are diagnosed with MND in the UK each year. There is no cure and half of people die within two years of diagnosis.
MND-SMART is a pioneering clinical trial in its reach and design and is recruiting hundreds of people living with MND across the UK to take part in tests of potential treatments. Unlike typical clinical trials which test a single treatment at a time, MND-SMART is testing multiple drugs and so aims to speed up the time it takes to find medicines that can slow, stop, or reverse the progression of, MND.
Dr George Gorrie, Consultant Neurologist and Lead for Motor Neurone Disease Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said: “The MND-SMART trial launching in Glasgow is some good news at a time when there isn’t much around.
“Ensuring the safety of people taking part in MND-SMART is the research team’s highest priority and we will follow all government requirements relating to COVID-19 and research.
“The pandemic and ensuring practices are COVID-19 compliant will impact how quickly people can be recruited to the trial but we are delighted to be able to start seeing participants.”
Those who have already registered online interest in the trial and who live in the Greater Glasgow and Clyde area will be contacted by the Glasgow trial team over the coming months to discuss taking part.
The trial was first announced in January and centres are due to open across the UK. Glasgow is the third such centre after Edinburgh and Dundee.
The trial has been developed by people with MND and clinical trial experts from across the UK. The study is led by the Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research at the University of Edinburgh.
Funding for the trial has been provided by the Euan MacDonald Centre, substantial private donations, MND Scotland and the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation.
For further information about the trial please visit www.MND-SMART.org
The search is on for neighbours who go that extra mile as nominations open for the City of Edinburgh Council’s Good Neighbour Awards.
Established in 2016, the award is a way for residents to pay tribute to Council tenants who make an outstanding contribution to their local community.
Councillor Kate Campbell, Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, said: “This year, we want to hear about Edinburgh’s lockdown legends – those incredible neighbours who have gone above and beyond to support others in their community during what has been one of the most challenging years many of us have ever faced.
“I am always amazed at the inspiring stories I hear from our tenants and blown away by the selfless acts of our Good Neighbour Award winners. Please give back by taking the time to put forward your good neighbour for the recognition you know they deserve.
Councillor Mandy Watt, Vice Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, added: “At the height of lockdown, things we once took for granted became difficult or impossible for many of us. Yet we very quickly saw big-hearted residents from all over the city give their time and energy to help others get through this challenging time.
Maybe you know someone who helped deliver shopping for someone who was shielding, or collected their prescriptions, or maybe just made sure people didn’t feel alone. Whatever difference your local lockdown legend made to you or your community, get nominating now.
Last year’s Good Neighbour Award winner was Council tenant Gilbert ‘Gibby’ McIntyre, who sadly passed away before he learned of his win. A donation to the RSPB has been made in his name, on the request of his family.
Speaking about his kind-hearted Dad, Gibby’s son Scott said: “Dad was very much interested in enhancing his, and others’, surroundings through his hard work in the garden.
“A big part of this was to attract birds and other wildlife and he made a point of positioning feeders and nesting boxes so that his neighbours could also enjoy the many visitors to the garden. This was particularly appreciated by those who were less able to get out and about.”
Nominations for this year’s awards should be emailed to the Council by 1 January 2021 at housing.research@edinburgh.gov.uk or by phone on 0131 529 7805.
The winners will be announced on the Council’s social media channels and in an edition of the Tenants’ Courier, the Council’s newsletter to all tenants.
Nominees and those who cast nominations will also be entered into a prize draw for a chance to win a £100 shopping voucher.
Russia’s military intelligence service, the GRU, conducted cyber reconnaissance against officials and organisations at the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games due to take place in Tokyo this summer before they were postponed, the UK has revealed.
The targets included the Games’ organisers, logistics services and sponsors.
The attacks on the 2020 Summer Games are the latest in a campaign of Russian malicious cyber activity against the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The UK is confirming for the first time today the extent of GRU targeting of the 2018 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games in Pyeongchang, Republic of Korea.
The GRU’s cyber unit attempted to disguise itself as North Korean and Chinese hackers when it targeted the opening ceremony of the 2018 Winter Games.
It went on to target broadcasters, a ski resort, Olympic officials and sponsors of the games in 2018.
The GRU deployed data-deletion malware against the Winter Games IT systems and targeted devices across the Republic of Korea using VPNFilter.
The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) assesses that the incident was intended to sabotage the running of the Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, as the malware was designed to wipe data from and disable computers and networks.
Administrators worked to isolate the malware and replace the affected computers, preventing potential disruption.
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said: “The GRU’s actions against the Olympic and Paralympic Games are cynical and reckless. We condemn them in the strongest possible terms.
The UK will continue to work with our allies to call out and counter future malicious cyber attacks.
The UK has already acted against the GRU’s destructive cyber unit by working with international partners to impose asset freezes and travel bans against its members through the EU cyber sanctions regime.
Today (Monday 19 October), the US Department of Justice has announced criminal charges against Russian military intelligence officers working for the GRU’s destructive cyber unit – also known by the codenames Sandworm and VoodooBear – for conducting cyber attacks against the 2018 Winter Games and other cyber attacks, including the 2018 spear phishing attacks against the UK’s Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL).
The UK attributed the attacks against DSTL, which followed the Salisbury poisonings, to Russia in 2018.
Despite the COVID-19 restrictions, The Old Kirk and Muirhouse parish church will be hosting their annual ‘All Souls Service’ on Sunday 25th Oct at 2:30pm.
It is an opportunity for anyone in the community, church-goer or not, to spend time reflecting on the life of someone who has died.
There will be music and readings, though sadly this year no cuppa afterwards. You will need to wear a face covering, and because the number of seating spaces is restricted, all spaces must be reserved for ‘Test and Protect’ purposes: please call 07305 825 697.
A £30 million package of funding is being made available to local authorities to support people facing financial hardship as a result of coronavirus (COVID-19), including money to provide free school meals over the school holidays.
Local authorities will be given flexibility to use £20 million, previously held in reserve for the Scottish Welfare Fund, to support people in their communities.
A further £10 million has been made available so councils can continue providing free school meals through the winter breaks with future funding confirmed to extend support over Easter.
Cabinet Secretary for Social Security and Older People Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “No one should be struggling to put food on the table, keep the lights on, or stay warm at home in the midst of this pandemic.
“With continuing uncertainty around Brexit and the furlough scheme being scaled back we are doing all we can to ensure the right support gets to people at the right time in the right way.
“We know a healthy meal during the school day helps children to learn – but right now it’s an essential to support families at such a difficult time. This money will offer nutritious free meals for children or allow families to get food they desperately need.
“Those experiencing financial hardship can currently apply to the Scottish Welfare Fund and seek advice on which benefits they can receive. However, this will not be suitable for everyone: some people are not eligible for crisis grants or already receive the full benefits they are entitled to, while others may need immediate support with food and essentials.
“We are giving local authorities greater flexibility over funding held in reserve for the Scottish Welfare Fund, to support local action and address people’s needs. This may include supplementing local budgets for the Scottish Welfare Fund to meet demand, providing financial support to tackle food insecurity or to meet fuel costs, or boosting local funding for Discretionary Housing Payments.
“Additionally we are making further resource available to continue the provision of Free School Meals over forthcoming holidays, including Easter.”
Chair of the Poverty and Inequality Commission Bill Scott, said: “We welcome this much needed additional help for low income families and individuals. The funding for Free School Meals during the Christmas, February and Easter breaks will come as a great relief for many hard pressed parents.
“We would urge local authorities to use the flexibility given to them by Scottish Government to ensure that every penny of extra help available gets to those who need it most.”
COSLA’s spokesperson for Resources Councillor Gail Macgregor, and spokesperson for Community Wellbeing Councillor Kelly Parry said: “The impacts of the virus have not been felt equally across society and we welcome this funding which can be used flexibly by councils, enabling them to provide more support for those who need it most in our communities.
“Local authorities will deploy it in ways that best meets local circumstance, to provide the most effective support to those experiencing financial hardship, for example through grants, addressing food insecurity, or support for fuel costs.
“We know that as winter arrives and the furlough scheme draws to a close unfortunately more adults and children are likely to need assistance to ensure they are fed and warm. Local Government is the anchor in our communities and is able to provide advice, support and assistance to those that need it.”
Edinburgh College Graphic Design lecturer Helena Good has been named teacher of the year at the Tes FE Awards, which celebrate the best of the UK’s further education sector.
Helena has worked in education for 23 years and in her role as a Graphic Design lecturer at Edinburgh College, she shares her passion for creativity and design with students through the College’s NC, HNC and HND graphic design courses.
Through her lecturing work, Helena has had a huge impact on her students, who have won numerous national and international awards in recent years. She connects the classroom with careers through a programme that partners her students with a mentor from the graphic design industry to ensure they receive guidance and advice on their studies and future paths.
Helena’s impact has been felt far beyond her own college. She is the driving force behind the Daydream Believers programme – a pioneering project which aims to make the transition from school to college more appealing and seamless for secondary students who are looking to progress to post-16 education.
It is delivered in collaboration with student ambassadors and industry partners, and involves a number of high schools across Edinburgh.
The judges described the programme as “the most important educational initiative in Scotland at the moment”.
The judges also said: “Good is an inspirational lecturer. She is a solid professional doing her job outstandingly. Her work is transformative and makes a huge difference within and outside of Edinburgh College.”
Helena said: “I feel so honoured to have been considered alongside such an inspiring group of teachers who all deserved to be recognised for going above and beyond. Thanks to the judges, Edinburgh College and everyone who believes in daydreams!”
Edinburgh College Principal Audrey Cumberford said: “It is wonderful to see Helena named Teacher of the Year by the UK Tes FE Awards, she works tirelessly to not only inspire her students, but also young people across Scotland and beyond, through the Daydream Believers programme which brings students, school pupils and industry together to innovate. She is a true inspiration and her infectious energy for creativity is an absolute asset to our College.
“I am extremely proud of Helena and our other finalists in the Foundation Apprenticeship team and Automotive Engineering team. Our staff are competing with colleges throughout the whole of the UK and this success reflects their status as national leaders in their field of expertise.”
Edinburgh College was shortlisted in two other award categories. Its Foundation Apprenticeship team were shortlisted for Apprenticeship Programme of the Year.
The team worked relentlessly in 2018/19 to boost the number of FA enrolments and ensure the learning needs of pupils are met while satisfying the requirements of employers as they seek to nurture the future workforce.
And the College’s Automotive Engineering team was shortlisted in the Best Teaching and Learning Initiative category following the team’s partnership with the Scottish Motor Racing Club and Knockhill Racing Circuit.
Introduced in March 2019, the partnership saw students convert a Citroen road car into a race car fit for track action at the Scottish C1 Cup held at Knockhill.
Helena was one of eighteen winners across further education and skills who were recognised at the first virtual Tes FE Awards 2020.
