The NEN – North Edinburgh News – Page 2 – The community media resource for north Edinburgh

Construction begins on first TARKA Capsule Hotel to launch in Edinburgh

New accommodation concept set to transform city-centre travel with stylish, affordable capsule stays

Work has begun on an exciting new seven-story capsule hotel in the heart of Edinburgh, developed by TARKA Hotels in collaboration with award-winning architect Studio LBA.

Situated just off the lively St. Andrew Square – directly adjacent to Edinburgh’s iconic Princes Street – TARKA draws inspiration from Japan’s popular capsule hotel concept. This project reimagines the model for a UK audience, prioritising comfortable yet compact capsules with a contemporary feel. It provides an innovative alternative to traditional hotel accommodations, focusing on customer experience and immersing the residents in a unique hotel environment.

The project involves retrofitting a vacant mixed-use building that previously held various uses, including a job centre, office space, and retail.

This initiative represents a bold step forward in transforming the numerous underused underused buildings in Scotland’s major cities into purposeful spaces for visitors. Incorporating a range of vibrant and active uses for vacant spaces and supporting the ongoing regeneration of Scotland’s city centres.

The new hotel will feature 242 beds over seven stories, including a stunning rooftop Japanese restaurant and bar with breathtaking views of Calton Hill, Edinburgh Castle, and the Firth of Forth. With construction already underway, completion is expected in Summer 2026.

Lynsay Bell, Managing Director of Studio LBA, commented: “TARKA’s vision is to redefine hospitality with an innovative Japanese capsule offering, positioned in the heart of Edinburgh.

“This design-led project seeks to repurpose a redundant building, transforming it into an authentic and cutting-edge destination that not only invigorates the urban landscape but also creates employment opportunities. Creating a draw for both locals and tourists alike.

“In our design approach, we have made a point of celebrating the building’s new rooftop addition. The façade is adorned with folded, origami-inspired metalwork – a bold reference to contemporary architectural aesthetics and Japanese culture.

“This intricate, yet elegant, feature serves as a bridge between the new and the old. Paying subtle homage to the building’s original character while introducing a fresh, modern identity.

“Nestled within the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage Site, the New Town Conservation Area, and the New Town Gardens Designed Landscape, the project’s location offers breathtaking views from the historic Calton Hill to the iconic Edinburgh Castle.

“Providing guests with a unique blend of tradition and modernity, where they can relax and indulge in an authentic Japanese dining experience amidst the charm of Edinburgh’s rich heritage.”

James Scott, founder of TARKA Hotels, said: “TARKA was born from our experiences staying in capsule hotels during visits to Japan – trips that sparked a real passion to bring this modern, affordable accommodation concept to the UK.

“We aim to redefine the traditional hostel by offering quiet, private pods that strike the perfect balance between the cost-efficiency of hostels and the comfort and design of modern hotels. TARKA is built with urban travellers, tourists, and business guests in mind—prioritising affordability, central locations, and sleek, smart design.”

The project is led by Architect and Principal Designer, Studio LBA, in collaboration with Project Management and Quantity Surveying from Axiom Project Services Ltd, Interior Designer Studio S+CO, Civil and Structural Engineer Narro, Planning Consultants Derek Scott Planning, M&E Engineer Parrish Consultancy, Fire Engineer OFR Consultants, and Acoustic Engineer RMP.

First Minister’s cost of living guarantee

The Scottish Government’s cost of living guarantee will help to deliver vital support for the people of Scotland, First Minister John Swinney has said.

The Programme for Government 2025-26 commits to a range of measures which will help households in a challenging economic climate.

The cost of living guarantee includes:

Lower income tax than in England for the majority of workers
Continuation of free prescriptions and free eye appointments
Free bus travel for 2.3 million people
Scottish undergraduate students will continue to pay no tuition fees
Funded childcare hours, which would otherwise cost families more than £6,000 a year per eligible child.
Free school meals, which save the average family who take up the offer £400 per child per year, will be expanded, and more breakfast clubs introduced.
Winter fuel payments restored for Scottish pensioners in 2025-26

The Programme for Government also committed to scrapping peak rail fares for good from September.

The First Minister said: “This Scottish Government will always do what it can to deliver the best deal for the people of Scotland.

“Our cost of living guarantee is delivering real savings for hard-pressed households across the country and it goes further than any package offered in the rest of the UK.

“These policies are already saving people money year on year, in the form of free prescriptions, free bus travel and more. This year we will go even further, funding the restoration of winter fuel payments for every pensioner in Scotland after they were abandoned by the UK Government.

“And from September, we will be scrapping peak rail fares for good – delivering a better deal for commuters.

“I know that too many people are still struggling during the cost of living crisis and that is why my government is taking action to keep more money in people’s pockets during tough times.”

Starmer galvanises ‘Coalition of the Willing’

PRIME MINISTER KEIR STARMER’s WORDS AT KYIV PRESS CONFERENCE

Volodymyr, friends, it is a real pleasure to be here in Kyiv with you all. With Emmanuel, with Friedrich, and with Donald.

This is Europe, stepping up, showing our solidarity with Ukraine, and also showing during this week when we mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day that we understand the lessons of history.

The lesson that any veteran of Normandy, of North Africa or any other campaign will tell you but that Putin has not yet grasped:

There is no glory in aggression and conquest – glory comes from fighting for your country, defending your people, and winning the peace.

And that is the message of this moment.

Volodymyr, we stand with you to secure the just and lasting peace that Ukraine deserves.

It’s almost two months now since you agreed to an immediate 30-day ceasefire. In that time Russia has launched some of the most deadly attacks on civilians of the entire war. Including here in Kyiv.

Normal lives, homes, families destroyed.

This is what Russia offers in place of peace along with delays and smokescreens – like the current 72 hour ceasefire.

And so all of us here – together with the US – are calling Putin out.

If he’s serious about peace then he has a chance to show it now – by extending the VE Day pause into a full, unconditional 30-day ceasefire with negotiations to follow immediately, once a ceasefire is agreed.

No more ifs and buts. No more conditions and delays. Putin didn’t need conditions when he wanted a ceasefire to have a parade. And he doesn’t need them now.

Ukraine has shown their willingness to engage again and again. But again and again Putin has refused.

So we are clear – all five leaders here, all the leaders of the meeting we just had with the Coalition of the Willing – an unconditional ceasefire rejecting Putin’s conditions. And clear that if he turns his back on peace, we will respond.

Working with President Trump, with all our partners, we will ramp up sanctions and increase our military aid for Ukraine’s defence to pressure Russia back to the table.

And that’s what we have been discussing today – as well as securing Ukraine’s future for the longer term.

Convening the latest meeting of the Coalition of the Willing with partners joining virtually from around Europe and across the world – lining up to support Ukraine’s future strength and security, discussing operational plans and making concrete commitments of support across land, air and sea.

We want to help Ukraine look to the future with confidence – so we’re working to boost Ukraine’s economy.

And as a vital step, I’m pleased that UK experts have been on the ground leading work to support the resumption of flights into Ukraine, once a ceasefire is achieved.

It will take time – but this will be a huge moment in reconnecting Ukraine’s economy, boosting investor confidence, and helping to reunite families separated by this war.

Ukraine secure and thriving – that is what we all want to see.

With our 100-year partnership, the Critical Minerals deal with the US, and our Coalition of the Willing, we are building the framework for peace in Ukraine to support a better future for the Ukrainian people.

And to pledge once again, in our all interests, and on this anniversary, that aggression will never prevail on our continent.

Thank you.

Soldier of World War 1 buried with Full Military Honours

The remains of Private (Pte) John Tame of 2nd Battalion The Royal Berkshire Regiment were laid to rest on 8 May in Belgium, nearly 108 years after his death

The burial service for Pte Tame was organised by the MOD’s Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC), also known as the War Detectives, and took place at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s (CWGC) New Irish Farm Cemetery.

The service was supported by serving soldiers from 2nd Battalion The Rifles and was attended by Keith Brooks, the great nephew of Pte Tame, who aided JCCC by providing the DNA sample used to identify him.

Keith Brooks said: “John and his brothers Alfred and William have been remembered by the family from just photographs and vague memories from those who have now long passed.

“Now, after finding John’s remains, he is more than just a distant photograph. This has made him more real along with his story for future generations.

“This has all been achieved because of the excellent work the MOD do with all the research and investigations, giving missing people who have served their country the funeral they all greatly deserve.”

Pte Tame was identified after his remains were found during road works at Zonnebeke near Ypres in May 2018. Nearby artefacts included a cap badge and shoulder title of The Royal Berkshire Regiment.

The body also appeared to have been previously wounded around his left shoulder, which led to DNA matching confirming his identification.

Pte Tame was from Windsor, Berkshire, and the third-eldest of 7 children. His elder brothers Alfred and William George also enlisted and served with 2nd Battalion The Royal Berkshire Regiment which, though stationed in India at the outbreak of the World War 1, arrived on the Western Front on 5 November 1914.

John’s brothers Lance Corporal Alfred Tame and Corporal William George Tame were both killed on 9 May 1915 during the Battle of Aubers Ridge. They are still missing and are commemorated on the Ploegsteert Memorial.

On Friday 9 May, the 110th anniversary of their deaths, the family of Pte Tame and a party from 2nd Battalion The Rifles visited the Ploegsteert Memorial to remember his missing brothers.

Soldiers of 2nd Battalion The Rifles visited the Ploegsteert Memorial with Keith Brooks to remember Private Tame’s brothers, killed 110 years ago today (Crown Copyright)

JCCC Caseworker, Rosie Barron said: “It has been an honour to work with The Rifles to give Pte Tame the full military funeral that he deserves and to have conducted the research which led to his identification.

“It has also been a privilege to meet Keith, and to have shared this experience with him and his family.”

The grave will now be cared for in perpetuity by CWGC.

Commemorations Casework Manager at the CWGC, David Royle, said: “It is an honour to have been involved in the research that led to the formal identification of Private Tame and to have assisted his family with their choices for his Commission headstone.

“He is now at rest alongside his comrades in New Irish Farm Cemetery, where we will care for his grave in perpetuity.”

The service was conducted by the Reverend Stephen Cassells CF, Chaplain to 2nd Battalion The Rifles. Reverend Cassells said: “I count it a privilege to be involved in the proper burial of Pte Tame.

“It is right that his remains should be laid to rest with dignity and in a place where his service will be properly honoured.

“I pray that his family will find peace in knowing that their relative has been found and buried properly and that those connected with his army regiment would draw renewed commitment through his service for King and country.”

Edinburgh appoints visitor levy forum leader

Julie Ashworth will lead the new forum to advise the Council on all matters related to establishing Edinburgh’s Visitor Levy and its ongoing performance.

A recruitment panel, comprising senior representatives of the City of Edinburgh Council, Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, Visit Scotland and Edinburgh Association of Community Councils, identified the experienced executive as the ideal candidate to establish and lead the Visitor Levy Forum.

Councillors formally agreed to the appointment at the full Council meeting on Thursday 8 May.

Julie brings to the role considerable experience in complex stakeholder management and financial planning, and is a skilled networker with a strong track record of building relationships across multiple industry sectors, local and national governments.

She is founder and CEO of BroadReach Leadership Consultancy, whose clients span retail, technology, travel, education and the arts.

An Edinburgh resident, she currently serves as a Public Interest Board Trustee for the Institute of Chartered Accountants Scotland, is Chair of the Board for the University of Aberdeen and has been a longstanding member of the Institute of Directors, where she is Chair of the Scotland Board.

She also contributes on a cross-party working group at the Scottish Parliament and is a member of the Scottish Government’s New Deal for Business Group.

She has previously held executive and advisory positions with leading organisations operating in the retail sector including Marks and Spencer, Liberty of London, IBM, the Spirit Group and Clear Returns.

Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “I’m delighted that Julie has been appointed as Chair of the Visitor Levy Forum. This independent role will be important in helping to deliver the scheme in a way that benefits everyone living, working in and visiting Edinburgh, making sure big decisions are taken in a way that supports the whole city.

“Julie’s proven ability to analyse important information and make sound decisions in high profile organisations will be a great asset to this new position. We believe her clear, determined and approachable style mean she is the right person to establish and lead a well-balanced forum where all views are given fair representation.

“The levy is a once in a lifetime opportunity to invest in the future of our city, and with Julie onboard as forum chair, we are well placed to deliver a scheme that will enhance and sustain the things that make Edinburgh such a great place to live in and visit.”

Commenting on her appointment, Julie Ashworth said: “I am excited to get to work with establishing the forum and encouraging a broad range of views from businesses and communities across the city.

“We are entering a busy period as we build up to the implementation of the levy, and getting underway with the forum is a big opportunity for all of us.

“As a long-time resident of the city, I am passionate about Edinburgh’s heritage and future success. I strongly believe the forum can play a very important role in helping the levy to be delivered in a way that is fair, just and brings benefits to everyone in the years to come.”

Julie’s first task will be to establish the Edinburgh Visitor Levy Forum in line with the duties set out in the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Act, with the first meeting taking place before 24 July 2025.

The forum’s purpose is to discuss and advise the Council on matters to do with the levy, including advising the Council on any recommended modifications to the scheme at the formal three-year review point.

The forum will also be consulted on how the income from the levy will be invested and invited to review and comment on the performance of the scheme and investments once in place. Decisions on amendments to the scheme and how the proceeds from the levy are invested will ultimately be taken by councillors.

It will comprise an equal number of representatives from the community and businesses operating in the city’s visitor economy, and aim for at least 40 per cent of the representatives to be women.

Council officers responsible for the investment streams and officers from the Council’s Programme Management Office will attend forum meetings and may make recommendations to the forum, but will not be members of the forum itself.

Community Safety Consulation

WEST PILTON NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRE

WEDNESDAY 21 MAY 12 – 3.30pm

Sharing this for anyone to join:

For more information on the Place Standard Tool visit www.placestandard.scot

WEDNESDAY 21ST MAY 2025

12:00 PM – 3:30PM @ WEST PILTON NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRE

LUNCH PROVIDED

Join residents and service providers for an interactive consultation.

Have your say and help shape a safer and better West Pilton for everyone.

Major boost for mobile cinema

£500,000 funding to Screen Machine

Funding has been announced enabling an order to be placed for a new Screen Machine mobile cinema serving rural communities across Scotland.

The £500,000 Scottish Government grant allows Regional Screen Scotland (RSS) to order a new vehicle to take films to 44 locations in areas including the Highlands and Islands, Moray and North Ayrshire.

After the previous 80-seat vehicle was retired in 2023 following 18 years and 250,000 miles on the road, RSS started fundraising for a permanent replacement costing £1.7 million. A leased vehicle is currently continuing the service until April 2026.

The new machine will be energy efficient with the ability to charge via solar panels and battery packs, instead of a diesel generator.

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said: “The Screen Machine service is a hugely important asset, bringing cinema to the doorsteps of people in many rural and island communities.

“It has proved its worth over 26 years, providing entertainment that town and city residents take for granted. In doing so it enriches people’s lives and plays a part in tackling rural depopulation.

“This grant allows Regional Screen Scotland to order a new, bespoke vehicle able to use Scotland’s ferry network and negotiate our rural roads. I wish the organisation well as it continues efforts to reach its fundraising target.”

Regional Screen Scotland interim Chief Executive Simon Drysdale said: “This generous grant from the Scottish Government completely transforms our fundraising campaign to raise the money required to build a new Screen Machine. We can now plan with greater confidence for a service that will be secured into the 2040s.

“Heartfelt thanks to everyone who has supported our campaign so far, from Screen Scotland to the Arran Trust, customers of the Newtonmore Grill, letter-writing children in Barra and many, many more.”

Barbecue Weekend Warning: Remember These Safety Checks

SMSTS Course’s Derek Hales reveals the BBQ mistakes that could ruin your weekend – and your health:

With sunshine making an appearance across the UK this weekend, thousands will be dusting off their barbecues – but construction safety expert Derek Hales from SMSTS Course is urging Brits to apply some of the same safety thinking used on building sites to their back gardens.

“We talk a lot about hazards in the workplace – but BBQs carry just as many risks when the right checks aren’t made,” says Hales. “And people often don’t realise it until they’re either ill or injured.”

The Most Overlooked BBQ Dangers – According to Safety Experts

Charcoal Poisoning Indoors or Undercover

It might be tempting to take the party indoors if the weather turns – but using a charcoal BBQ in a garage, tent, or under a gazebo can quickly lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. It’s odourless, silent, and deadly.

Reusing Old BBQ Coals

Half-burnt coals from last year might save money, but they can release harmful chemicals and don’t reach the temperatures needed to cook meat safely.

Cross-Contamination From BBQ Utensils

Many people flip raw meat with tongs – then use the same ones for cooked food. That’s a fast track to food poisoning. Always separate utensils for raw and cooked meat.

Using Flammable Liquids Like Petrol or Paint Thinners

It happens more often than you think. Only use BBQ-safe firelighters. Industrial liquids can explode and release toxic fumes.

Not Letting the Grill Heat Properly

Undercooked chicken and sausages are a classic summer BBQ fail. It takes 10–15 minutes for most grills to reach safe cooking temperatures – rushing it increases the risk of campylobacter or salmonella.

Cleaning Grills With Wire Brushes

Tiny metal bristles from old grill brushes can break off and embed in burgers or hot dogs, causing serious internal injuries if swallowed. Use natural alternatives like onion halves or heat-proof scrapers.

Poor Gas Maintenance

For gas BBQ users, cracked hoses, loose regulators, or leaky connections can cause flare-ups or even explosions. A simple soapy water test can reveal leaks before you turn the gas on.

Hales adds: “Whether you’re in a garden, on a balcony, or in a park – take a few minutes to run through basic checks.

“The goal is to enjoy the sunshine, not end up in A&E.”

Letter to the Editor: Cats need sun protection too

Dear Letters Editor,

This Sun Awareness Week (12-18 May) we would like to remind cat owners that it’s not only humans that need sun protection as the weather heats up, but cats too, especially those with pale or thin fur.

At Cats Protection we often take cats into our care who have been out in the sun for extended periods and have developed cancerous cells as a result. Cats with unpigmented ears or noses are susceptible to skin cancer through sun damage and we know that a third of all skin cancers that are presented in cats are due to sun exposure.

We recently treated all-white cat Gracie’s sun damaged ears which had become burned and painful, leading to the development of skin cancer.

The treatment she needed was the complete removal of her ear flaps.

Thankfully she has made an excellent recovery and has been successfully rehomed, however this could easily have been a different outcome if the cancer had developed further.

There are some simple tips that can help protect cats in the sun including:

Keeping your cat indoors when the sun is at its hottest, typically between 10am and 3pm
Speaking to a vet about a suitable sunscreen for your cat
Ensuring there is outdoor shade, such as boxes or plant pots placed close together
Providing outdoor water to avoid the risk of your cat becoming dehydrated.

The Cats Protection website has plenty more tips and guidance for keeping cats safe during warm weather – www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/home-and-environment/cats-and-warm-weather

Yours faithfully

Sarah Elliott BVetMed MANZCVS (Medicine of Cats) MRCVS

Central Veterinary Officer, Cats Protection