SAC Consulting set to support Covid-hit charity in virtual Tour D’Office challenge

Throughout October, staff from SAC Consulting, part of Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC), will walk, cycle, and run nearly 2000 miles as part of a virtual Tour D’Office challenge to raise money for RSABI.

David Ross, Regional Development Manager with SAC Consulting who initiated the event, said the aim of the Tour D’Office is to boost morale amongst the 130-strong consulting staff, build camaraderie and, most importantly, raise money for RSABI.

“For the past couple of years, we’ve entered teams into RSABI’s Great Glen Challenge, and it’s always been a highlight for staff”, David explained.

“This year, due to the current circumstances and cancellation of the Great Glen event, we decided to try and do something different. The concept of virtually racing around all 24 SAC Consulting offices has come up before and we decided this year is the perfect opportunity to make it happen.

“Previous fundraising challenges have been a fantastic opportunity for staff across the organisation to get to know each other. This year, teams are based on regional locations with specialists and office staff coming together to raise money for a great cause that is crucial to our industry, particularly in times of crisis.”

Head of SAC Consulting, Andrew Lacey, said: “In the current situation, charities have had to cancel their premier fundraising events which will have a major impact on their future ability to support vulnerable communities.

“RSABI provides a vital service to rural people throughout Scotland and we felt it was important to be able to continue our fundraising efforts for them despite the restrictions.

“The Tour D’Office challenge is bringing together staff, no matter where they live, with a goal to support this important charity, and ultimately each other, during this challenging time.”

Chief Executive of RSABI, Nina Clancy, said: “So many charities have been adversely impacted by lockdown and the subsequent restrictions. It’s fantastic to see SAC Consulting think outside the box regarding fundraising and I am grateful the team have decided to donate the funds to RSABI – it will really make a difference to people in the agricultural sector who are struggling.”

The full route around each of the SAC Consulting offices is 1,953.6 miles and teams are challenged to walk, cycle, or run the equivalent during October. The virtual circuit will visit all the SAC Consulting offices across Scotland and the North of England kicking off in Edinburgh before moving up the east coast, through the north east and Highlands and Islands offices, before coming down the west coast to Kendal and then back up the east coast to finish in Edinburgh.

“No doubt there will be a healthy dose of competition between the teams and some great banter too. It’s a way to inject a bit of fun into life when things aren’t very easy for lots of people”, said David.

“We will be awarding prizes for the region with the most money raised, region that has completed the most miles, individual that has completed the most miles in each category, most impressive fancy dress and the most likes on a social media post.”

Predicting what region will be first across the finish line, David Ross who heads up the North East Regional Team, said: “Even though the south east and south west have some fairly strong runners and cyclists in their team, my money is on north east taking the title of inaugural winner of the Tour D’Office!”

Those wishing to support the fundraising efforts of a specific region, or follow their progress, can do so by clicking here.

Men’s Shed Covid-19 Poster Resource Pack now available

The Scottish Men’s Sheds Association (SMSA) has released a Covid-19 poster resource pack for Men’s Sheds in Scotland.

The Association is still advising Men’s Sheds to remain closed in Phase 3 however, a recent SMSA poll – on the reopening of Sheds in Scotland – identified that 15% of the Sheds that responded are already open within the Scottish Government’s Guidelines for Phase 3.

The resource pack – currently containing 25 individual posters – will allow Sheds that are open to print off and prominently display the posters that they require for their Shed premises but also help those Sheds considering opening in the future to prepare in advance.

The SMSA is in ongoing discussions with the Scottish Government regarding the closure of Sheds and the health and safety of Shedders during the pandemic.

SMSA is currently working on the guidance (including risk assessments) for Sheds which will be issued at the appropriate time in line with Scottish Government guidance.

Download the Poster Resource Pack

Over £2.8m for Creative Freelancers and Organisations

Latest National Lottery awards made through Creative Scotland’s Open Fund: Sustaining Creative Development 

Fund receives additional £3.5m Scottish Government boost 

Fund threshold to rise to £100,000

Thanks to National Lottery players, a total of over £2.8million has reached creative freelancers and organisations between May and August 2020 through Creative Scotland’s Open Fund: Sustaining Creative Development.

From online youth poetry events, to debut album recordings and digital presentations of visual art, the 173 funding awards – 113 of which to individuals (£1.4million) and 60 to organisations (£1.4million) – are supporting creative development across the breadth of Scotland, helping the creative and culture sector adapt and respond to current challenging circumstances. 

Iain Munro, Chief Executive, Creative Scotland said: “The Open Fund: Sustaining Creative Development is all about helping to ensure that Scotland’s creative workforce and organisations have opportunities to continue to develop creative practice in a challenging context.  

“Thanks to £7.5million from National Lottery and the recently announced additional £3.5million boost from the Scottish Government, we’re able to support creative people who are addressing the impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic on their creative practice. 

“People are thinking about new ways of working, how to reach audiences in different ways, taking creative risks or looking at ways to stabilise existing activity.  

“Even in these challenging circumstances, these awards announced today are a positive reflection of Scotland’s resilient and innovative creative sector.” 

A full list of recipients of Open Fund awards is available on the Creative Scotland website. 

An additional £3.5m funding from the Scottish Government was announced on Friday 28 August as part of £59million emergency funding for culture and heritage. 

In addition, the threshold of funding that can be applied for will increase from £50,000 to £100,000 for individuals and organisations, from next week. Full details will be made available @CreativeScots / www.creativescotland.com, during w/c 5 Oct.   

The fund has no deadlines, and full eligibility criteria and application guidance can be found on the Creative Scotland website. 

BT bursaries to support small businesses

  • 1,000 UK start-ups to be awarded six months’ free fibre broadband, digital phone line and mobile bundles
  • Launched as part of BT’s recently announced Small Business Support Scheme
  • Bursary includes Halo for business – the UK’s best converged connectivity plan which gives micro-businesses three powerful connections in one

Scottish start-ups and entrepreneurs can now apply for one of 1,000 bursaries being offered by BT as part of its Small Business Support Scheme.

With the UK home to the biggest and most vibrant start-up community in Europe, BT is pledging its support for start-ups by giving it a financial head start through free superfast fibre broadband, digital phone line and mobile bundles, including its Halo for business product. The bundles will be provided completely free of charge for the first six months on a 24-month contract.

BT recently launched its Small Business Support Scheme to help boost the sustainability and growth of small businesses and entrepreneurs around the UK as they continue to manage the economic impact of Covid-19 and as they prepare for a post-Brexit climate.

The new support package – which was welcomed by business groups and senior politicians around the country – consists of ten initiatives aimed at boosting the connectivity, cash flow and confidence of small businesses around the UK. Improving access to high-speed connections through bursaries and the launch of BT’s Halo for business product forms a central part of the scheme.

Pete Oliver, MD, SME, for BT’s Enterprise business, said: “BT has a proud history of backing the UK start-up sector, for example by helping to incubate companies at its tech cluster in Adastral Park, Ipswich.

“Start-ups will be critical in kickstarting the economy as the country gradually recovers from the impact of the pandemic. We want to do our bit by easing the financial burden on these fledgling companies by giving 1,000 of them free high-speed connectivity for the first six months.

“It’s just one example of how our Small Business Support scheme is helping start-ups, sole traders, micro businesses and more established firms to bounce back – from faster connections and digital payments to support around mentoring, digital skills and marketing tools.”

Businessman drawing diagram on glass wall in tech start-up office

Under the new bursary scheme, BT is offering UK start-ups a number of bundles to choose from, starting from £34.95 (excluding VAT) per month after the first 6 months. These include:

  • BT Halo for business broadband and digital phone line bundle

First 6 months free, then £34.95 per month excluding VAT for next 18 months

  • BT Halo for business broadband, digital phone line and 4G SIM-only bundle

First 6 months free, then £39.95 per month excluding VAT for next 18 months

Eligible companies can apply for a bursary from today by visiting: www.bt.com/tech-bursary.

To qualify, customers will need to have set up their company after 1 October, 2019 and they’ll need to be taking a BT business broadband service for the first time. BT’s customer service team will contact applicants the next working day to talk them through the best bundled broadband, digital phone line and mobile option to suit their needs.

While the bursary will be made available to 1,000 eligible companies initially, BT will be closely monitoring interest in the scheme and will consider extending it to more UK start-up companies, subject to demand.

BT recently announced the launch of its BT Halo for business offering – the UK’s best converged fibre broadband, mobile and digital phone line bundle for micro-businesses, which represent 91 percent of all businesses in the UK. 

Featuring three powerful connections in one, BT Halo for business includes superfast fibre broadband that automatically switches to 4G if there’s a problem to ensure that small businesses always stay connected; a digital phone line that lets businesses use their office number remotely, so they never miss a call; and an unlimited mobile plan with no data caps or speed restrictions. Business customers also have the option to upgrade to 5G for a truly converged experience.

One of the key benefits of BT Halo for business is the new digital phone line, which gives businesses access to a range of services which aren’t available through traditional fixed phone lines. It allows businesses to stay connected from any place, at any time, by simply downloading an app on their mobile device to make and receive calls from their business landline number when they’re on the move. The number will not change, so business customers can retain their identity and local presence even if the business premises moves.

BT Halo for business also features free Guest Wi-Fi, to allow firms to turn their workplace into a Wi-Fi hotspot for their customers without their broadband speeds or security being affected. It’s password-free so customers can easily browse online while they shop and clients can work whilst they visit the business premises.

All of these features are backed up by 24/7 UK-based customer service support to ensure that business customers can get assistance when they need it most.

Foundation Scotland delivers a further £1 milion to support Third Sector

Foundation Scotland announces targeted partnerships with Edinburgh charities to deliver significant COVID related support 

Foundation Scotland, Scotland’s community foundation, has awarded over one million pounds through thirteen new strategic response grants. Funded in partnership with the National Emergencies Trust, projects have been identified as those that will enable the funder to deliver on its key priorities designed to assist the third sector in providing specialist support needed through the pandemic.  

The community foundation has played a pivotal role distributing key funding through the crisis and the £1 Million support announced is further to the £3.6 Million already awarded to more than 900 grassroots organisations nationwide via the Response, Recovery & Resilience Fund. 

 Launched in March, the community foundation’s crisis fund was the first source of community funding to open as COVID-19 took hold of the country and has so far reached over 1 Million people in need across the country.   

Strategic support will be delivered to local organisations delivering support to those living across Edinburgh and the Lothians.  Edinburgh-based Children 1st will receive over £104,000 to help support their essential money advice, family wellbeing and outdoor activity programmes.

Shelter Scotland will receive £30,000 to support homeless people in the city.  Community Law Advice Network (CLAN) will also receive a £30,000 grant to help deliver their core services supporting vulnerable and disadvantaged children and young people.  

Working in partnership with other major Scottish funders such the Scottish Government and SCVO, Foundation Scotland chairs the newly-established Scottish Emergency Funding Advisory Board (SEFAB) which brings together essential expertise to recognise, assess and identify the key priorities for funding across the country.  

In total, the funders have identified nine priority funding themes and they work together to ensure all needs are adequately addressed.  Examples include support for those with poor or worsening mental health, those with poor access to critical services or care, those experiencing bereavement and support for those in poverty or at risk of poverty or destitution.  

Mental health challenges have been widely recognised as a key area of need throughout the crisis. In recognition of this SAMH (the Scottish Association for Mental Health) will receive a Foundation Scotland strategic grant of over £100,000 to deliver a partnership programme offering tiered mental health support to key workers.   

Graeme Henderson, Executive Director of Delivery and Strategic Development at SAMH (above), said:  “SAMH is committed to making sure people get the mental health support and information they need, when they need it.

“Frontline workers have been under considerable pressure in recent months and we would like to thank Foundation Scotland for providing this funding, so that we can help these staff who have worked tirelessly under very difficult circumstances.” 

The new strategic grants awarded by Foundation Scotland will deliver financial support to multiple funding priorities. In total over £1,168,127 will be distributed between the thirteen charities as follows:

Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH) (£105,000), BEMIS Scotland (£104,000), Shelter Scotland (£30,000), Community Law Advice Network (£30,000), Children 1st (£104,750), Dundee North Law Centre LLP (£30,000), Govan Law Centre (£30,000), JustRight Scotland (£30,000), Legal Services Agency Ltd (£28,265), Castlemilk Law and Money Advice Centre (£30,000), Glasgow Council for the Voluntary Sector (£307,000), Cruse Bereavement Care Scotland (£98,912) and the Scottish Refugee Council (£240,000).  

Helen Wray, Programmes Manager at Foundation Scotland (above) said: “We are incredibly proud of these new awards which will make a significant impact across the Third Sector.  

“This level of strategic support will enable these charities to deliver the essential support needed to help some of the most vulnerable who are suffering through the crisis. We understand that charities across the country are struggling more than ever to raise the funds they need, and at the same time many are experiencing increased demand for their services.  

“It an unnerving time for many.  We would encourage other groups to check our website for further funding programmes. We’re also keen to engage with new potential funders whose donations will enable Foundation Scotland to extend this vital support even further within Scotland’s hardest hit communities.” 

For more details about Foundation Scotland visit https://www.foundationscotland.org.uk/ 

One million Scots on precipice of poverty

One in six live ‘precarious and insecure’ lives

Scotland must show “bolder ambition” if it is to meet targets for tackling child poverty, a new report by the Joesph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) has warned.

Over one million Scots – one in six people – are living ‘precarious and insecure’ lives, according to JRF’s latest Poverty in Scotland annual report – and the situation is likely to become even more critical with the ongoing cornavirus and the imminent end of the furlough scheme this month.

Child poverty now stands at 24% – almost one in four of our children now lives in poverty. The Scottish Government’s target is to reduce this figure to 18% or less by 2023 – 24 -but unless there is radical action this target is unlikely to be met.

JRF’s associate director for Scotland Jim McCormick, who also chaired Edinburgh’s Poverty Commission, said we are at a “crucial moment”.

“The decisions we make will determine whether we reach our ambitious child poverty targets by the middle of the next parliament,” he said. “As the shape of our economy changes, it is vital to do all we can to protect people’s jobs, homes and living standards, so more families are not pulled into poverty.”

The JRF report calls on the Scottish Government to be more ambitious.

A Scottish Government spokesperson said the government is ‘absolutely committed’ to tackling child poverty and said initiatives including Scottish Child Payments, Best Start Grants and Best Start Foods are evidence of this. The spokesperson called for the UK Government to match Scotland’s ambition.

poverty_in_scotland_2020Download

SEPA continues to monitor ExxonMobil flaring

SEPA’s latest statement on unplanned flaring was issued at 8.30pm last night:

Having received reports of elevated flaring at the ExxonMobil Chemical Fife Ethylene Plant shortly after 3:30pm on Sunday, SEPA officers have remained in contact with the site across the day.

SEPA’s four remote monitoring points around the site, at Lochgelly, Auchtertool, Donibristle and Little Raith continue to capture data and  environment protection officers have deployed to record community impacts at five locations surrounding the site. 

Whilst monitors continue to demonstrate no breach of air quality standards*, officers continue to note noise, light and vibration impacting local communities.  

With no firm indication as yet from ExxonMobil Chemical Limited of the cause of the flaring other than ‘a trip on one of our machines’, or further information on expected duration, specialist officers remain deployed this evening gathering information, data and evidence.

We do so to determine whether there has been a breach of permit conditions and what our next steps should be in line with our published Enforcement Policy.  We will provide updates as soon as further information becomes available.

Updates will be available on social media and sepa.org.uk/mossmorran

We urge the public to report community impacts at SEPA.org.uk/report

New poll shows majority of Scottish parents support traffic calming measures as Walk to School Week begins

  • New research from YouGov shows majority of parents want safer crossings and 20mph speed limits; 
  • Living Streets Scotland, part of the UK charity for everyday walking, is encouraging families to ditch their cars for the school run for Walk to School Week

New research from Living Streets released for Walk to School Week (5 – 9 October 2020) reveals the majority of Scottish parents support measures to make walking safer and easier.  

The YouGov survey[1] found support from Scottish parents for car-free zones outside schools (61%), safer crossings (54%) and20mph speed limits (51%). 

In Scotland, 61 per cent of parents want to see a ban on pavement parking compared with 47 per cent of parents GB-wide, while 48 per cent support efforts to reduce rat-running.   

The parents polled believed the biggest benefits of walking to school for their children were being physically fitter (90%), getting fresh air (88%), reducing congestion (68%) and being cost-free (61%). Respondents also commented that physical distancing “is easier when walking” and that walking to school allowed their children to learn road safety and independence skills. 

Despite these benefits, less than half (41%) of primary school children in Scotland currently walk to school[2]. Living Streets is campaigning for action to encourage families to choose to walk, scoot or cycle to school. 

Mary Creagh, Chief Executive, Living Streets, said: “Every child should be able to walk to school safely, and enjoy the fresh air, freedom, friendship and fun that it brings.  It’s clear from our research that parents see the benefits, but concerns around rat runs and air pollution are putting them off. 

“Across the country, there is a silent majority of parents in favour of safer crossings and slower speeds, but too often, their voices are drowned out by a vocal minority who often live outside the area. 

“It’s vital that we scale up for walking, to protect children and families from the physical and social isolation the pandemic has brought, and to tackle the twin epidemics of loneliness and obesity.”

Stuart Hay, Director, Living Streets Scotland, said: “We need to put measures in place to make walking a viable option for families. We know from our work with schools across Scotland that families are put off walking to school by traffic, road danger and air pollution. By removing cars, we remove these barriers. 

“We need to put our children’s health first, especially during the current pandemic, and we must address the problems caused by inactivity, air pollution and road danger.”

Walk to School Week is a five-day walking challenge in which children are encouraged to walk, cycle or scoot every day of the week and share their experiences with classmates through interactive activity packs.

The challenge is a stepping stone to WOW – the year-round walk to school challenge from Living Streets which sees walk to school rates increase by 23 per cent on average, with a 30 per cent reduction in cars around the school gates. 

To find out more, visit livingstreets.org.uk/wtsw or search #WalktoSchoolWeek 

[1] All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc.  Total sample size was 4223 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 16th – 18th September 2020.  The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+).

[2] 41 per cent of children walk or cycle to primary school in Scotland, Hands Up Scotland Survey, Sustrans

Fore Play Crazy Golf Launches New Edinburgh Pop-Up

Scotland’s most Instagrammable golf course, Fore Play Crazy Golf,  opened the doors to its new home in Edinburgh on Friday. 

Taking up a yearly residence in the former Steak Restaurant on Picardy Place, the new, exciting over 18s venue has been completely transformed and puts the fun back into going out.  Guests can enjoy two stunning bars, street food traders and tee off on a spectacular Auld-Reekie inspired crazy golf course aptly named – Wee Bobby.   

Spread spaciously over two floors and packed with fun and bold Instagrammable features, the cool new space offers a safe, comfortable and socially distanced experience for friends or couples to get competitive on their course.   

Seating up to 126 guests throughout the venue, guests will love the vivid and industrial interior of Fore Play Crazy Golf, teamed with the bright and colourful umbrella-covered ceiling installation in a nod to golf and Edinburgh’s dreich weather. 

There’s also an impressive neon graffiti mural by the infamous Scottish artist Barry the Cat whose work is infamous across the country. 

Nothing brings people together like competition, and Fore Play Crazy golf does not disappoint. Their Auld Reekie-inspired course has devious obstacles capturing the sights and sounds of some of Edinburgh’s most loved tourist attractions. 

Try your luck on the steep hills, navigate the tricky terrain of the loop de loop and don’t forget to give Greyfriars Bobby’s nose a rub for good luck before tackling the Scott Monument installation. 

Once you’ve completed the course, you can visit their photo booth to upload snaps to the gram for a memento of your un-fore-gettable night out. And of course, it wouldn’t be Fore Play Crazy Golf without a photo-friendly golf cart to end your game. 

The competitive socialising venue also has a heated outdoor beer garden that seats up to 40 guests. Allowing you to enjoy a bevy inside or outside at one of the venue’s bars, you can wet your whistle both on and off the green.  

With table service throughout the venue, you can sample local craft beers from the Edinburgh Beer Factory, a mouth-watering new cocktail menu and a curated selection of gin tipples from Edinburgh favourite – Pickering’s. If you’re hungry, street food superstar The Pitt is on hand to get those taste buds tingling. 

With everything you need for fun under one roof, the year-long pop up promises to be one of the best nights out you’ll ever have. 

Craig Neilson, Chief Greenkeeper at Fore Play Crazy Golf said: “Our team has worked hard to ensure we create a safe and comfortable environment to give our guests the best experience possible, and we’re so excited to swing open our doors at our new venue! 

“Edinburgh is known for its tourist attractions, Instagrammable spots and great foodie finds. At Fore Play Crazy golf we’ve brought together the best bits of Edinburgh all under one roof to make it an un-fore-gettable night.”

Fore Play Crazy Golf Edinburgh is now open every Thursday (5-10pm), Friday (4-10pm), Saturday (12-12) and Sunday (12:30 -10pm). 

Tickets are on sale now. Visit their website to book your experience: 

https://foreplaycrazygolf.co.uk/edinburgh