Energy campaign helps households in Scotland reduce their fuel bills this winter

As a three-month campaign to help households in Scotland reduce their energy consumption and fuels bills draws to a close, industry experts have shared their top tips for keeping warm whilst cutting costs over winter.

Big Energy Saving Winter, organised by Citizens Advice, runs up until the end of January and provides information and practical guidance on saving energy, money, and the environment through greater efficiency.

Whilst the latest figures indicate a 1.8% decrease in emissions caused by residential energy use in 2019, compared to the previous year, it is expected to rise again with more people working from home due to the Covid-19 pandemic. 

OFTEC, which represents the liquid fuel heating industry, including those on oil heating, is supporting the ‘Big Energy Saving Winter’ campaign with guidance on how households in Scotland can reduce their energy consumption and save on unnecessary heating costs during the winter lockdown. The advice includes:

1.    Adjust your heating timers and thermostats

Remember to regularly adjust your timers to ensure the house only warms up when you need it to and that you only heat the rooms you regularly use. Nudging down the thermostat by a few degrees can save you money in the long term, but don’t lower it too much as living in a cold home can be bad for your health.

2.    Upgrade your heating controls

Many homes have a simple thermostat which sets one temperature for the whole house. Installing a more advanced system can enable you to set different temperatures for each room throughout the day and even learn your habits for automated heat settings. You can also control your heating remotely, saving money by turning off the heating when you are not at home.

3. Bleed your radiators

  • It’s recommended you regularly bleed your radiators, particularly if you notice they are not warming up as quickly as they usually do. This will ensure they are working at maximum efficiency and keeping your house warmer.

4. Don’t ignore your boiler

  • It’s easy to forget about your boiler but regular maintenance is important to ensure it is working efficiently. We recommend having it serviced at least once a year by a GasSafe (for mains gas) or OFTEC (for oil or solid fuel) registered technician, who are still working during the lockdown.  They are fully qualified and will complete the work safely and to the highest standard. We recommend you discuss the service visit with the heating technician first to ensure it is carried out in a Covid-safe way.

5. Consider an upgrade

  • Modern, condensing boilers are typically smaller, quieter and more efficient. So, installing a new boiler can help reduce your fuel consumption, emissions and energy bills. For the 135000 oil heated households in Scotland the good news is that oil remains by far the cheapest off-grid fuel. And, with a ‘drop-in’ renewable liquid fuel currently being developed, you can have peace of mind that your new boiler will help the planet in the future.

Malcolm Farrow, from OFTEC, commented: “With the recent national lockdown restrictions and cold weather spell, reducing our energy usage and helping to combat climate change might not be the first thing on everyone’s minds. However, it is incredibly important for our planet and can also help reduce fuel bills which could be a relief for many households.

“We must also remember that the cost of energy is a real concern for many struggling households, particularly in rural parts of Scotland with high levels of fuel poverty, which means they can often not afford the upfront cost of installing a new heating system.

“The good news for the 135000 homes in Scotland on heating oil is that a renewable liquid fuel alternative should become available over the coming years which will help to dramatically reduce emissions without the expense of having to replace the whole heating system.”

For more information and advice, visit www.oftec.org.

Better late than never? Council to consult over Spaces for People

we’re beginning to think about the potential for retaining some of the schemes implemented as part of Spaces for People beyond the end of the pandemic, though we know this is some way off.

Transport and Environment Convener Cllr Lesley Macinnes

The latest review of Edinburgh’s Spaces for People programme proposes a citywide consultation and assessment criteria for retaining some of the schemes implemented once COVID restrictions are eased.

We’re rolling out measures across the Capital to create safe routes for walking, cycling and wheeling while physically distancing. Next Thursday (28 January) the  Transport and Environment Committee will discuss recommendations to consider retaining some of the interventions, many of which align with the Council’s strategic aims, protecting vulnerable road users while encouraging active travel.

Assessment criteria have been developed to help ascertain whether current projects, or elements of them, should be continued, initially on an experimental basis. If agreed by committee, a citywide consultation would be carried out alongside this assessment, seeking the public’s views on which interventions they would like to see retained beyond the COVID pandemic. The results of this would be reported back to committee.

The Spaces for People Update report also puts forward several, more complex projects and the outcomes of a regular review of existing measures for approval. Two schemes have been recommended for amendments under the review, one of which is the Braid Road closure.

It is proposed to reopen the street one-way southbound to help reduce public transport times and limit the impact of intrusive traffic on local streets, in response to feedback from residents and Lothian Buses.

Transport and Environment Convener Councillor Lesley Macinnes said: “We’re continuing apace with our ambitious programme of Spaces for People measures designed to give people space to physically distance and to provide safe, protected routes for making journeys by foot, bike or wheelchair.

“We’ve had a great deal of positive feedback from people benefiting from these changes and we know from our own monitoring that many of them are having a positive impact on surrounding areas. That’s why we’re beginning to think about the potential for retaining some of the schemes implemented as part of Spaces for People beyond the end of the pandemic, though we know this is some way off.

“Of course, any longer-term project would involve a great deal of engagement and consultation with communities – we want to bring the people of Edinburgh along with us. But by focusing on an ‘experimental’ approach we would be able to continually monitor and evaluate projects, responding to residents’ needs to best serve the public.”

Transport and Environment Vice Convener Councillor Karen Doran said: “This latest update illustrates the breadth of work that’s gone into designing, reviewing and implementing these schemes. It’s with thanks to the Spaces for People team that we’ve been able to get so many interventions on the ground over recent months.

“Of course, we recognise that there have been concerns about some of the measures from community members, and it’s understandable with changes like these. We’ve made every effort to respond where possible, and continue to tweak and revise designs, as this review demonstrates.”

Amongst the schemes recommended for approval are the introduction of segregated cycle lanes and a quiet connection on Silverknowes Road while a protected cycleway on Slateford Road would link Spaces for People measures on Lanark Road and Dundee Street to provide an alternative route to the Union Canal.

Committee will also hear about the progress of improvements developed using public feedback from the Commonplace consultation as well as the latest designs for interventions on South Bridge.

An update on work to enhance access and safety around schools provides information on temporary road closures, footpath-widening and parking restrictions introduced at primary and secondary schools around Edinburgh.

In addition, efforts to create a better environment for pedestrians include a partnership with Living Streets to identify and remove non-essential street furniture, to which £300k has been allocated, and an extra £100k assigned to improving pedestrian crossings around the city.

Read the full report, Spaces for People Update – January 2021, on the Council website. You can watch Transport and Committee live from 10am on Thursday 28 January, on the Council webcast.

Port of Leith supplies food and digital devices to ease pressure of pandemic over winter

Port of Leith Housing Association is among 17 north Edinburgh charities and groups collaborating as Leith Gives to support local communities this winter. The initiative has helped to alleviate hardship over December and January with organisations delivering thousands of gifts and hampers to households in Leith and the north of the city. 

Over the festive period, the collaboration distributed around 1,000 food hampers which provided ingredients to make 16,000 meals at home. More than 25 Port of Leith Housing Association households each received three hampers in December and January. These were delivered by staff from T.B. Mackay Energy Services, a subsidiary of Port of Leith Housing Association. The most recent food hamper included additional items to celebrate Burns Night. 

Four households also received carefully selected gifts to wrap as a surprise for their children over Christmas. A further 27 adults at risk of isolation were given gifts which were safely distributed by Port of Leith Housing Association staff. 

Heather Kiteley, Group Chief Executive at Port of Leith Housing Association said: “The importance of collaboration in Leith has never been felt as strongly as during lockdown this winter.

“The work of specialist teams including Tenant Advice, Sheltered Housing, Community Works and T.B. Mackay, has allowed us to connect with and identify tenants and members of the community whose wellbeing was most at risk over December and January.

“It has been a joy to collaborate with other Leith Gives partners, and I am pleased that the hampers and gifts brought nourishment and comfort to so many people this winter.” 

Amid another strict lockdown, being connected online is also essential to the wellbeing of our communities. In addition to providing food for households, Leith Gives has distributed over 200 digital devices to help people stay connected during the pandemic.

Port of Leith Housing Association’s Jane Whiting has been co-ordinating the distribution of devices and Wi-Fi provision to households identified by the housing association’s Tenant Advice Team. This makes it possible for individuals living alone, and lacking digital confidence, to connect with family and friends during lockdown.

 Despite this effort by a wide range of partners we know that many of our tenants and customers continue to find it difficult to make ends meet. Port of Leith Housing Association is exploring what role it can play to collaboratively make Leith a better place to live and work for all its residents.

Anita Aggarwal, Community Support Co-ordinator at Port of Leith Housing Association said: “Leith Gives has been an amazing collaborative effort from local organisations and groups and made Christmas a wee bit better for a wide range of Leithers.” 

Prime Minister: UK COVID variant ‘may be more deadly’

Early evidence suggests the variant of coronavirus that emerged in the UK may be more deadly, Prime Minister Boris Johnson told the nation last night.

The Prime Minister made the announcement in a televised statement from Downing Street:

Since the beginning of this pandemic, we have tried to update you as soon as possible about changes in the scientific data or the analysis.

So, I must tell you this afternoon that we have been informed today that, in addition to spreading more quickly, it also now appears that there is some evidence that the new variant – the variant that was first identified in London and the South East – may be associated with a higher degree of mortality, and I’m going to ask Patrick (Vallance) in a minute to say a bit more about that.

Because it is largely the impact of this new variant that means the NHS is under such intense pressure, with another 40,261 positive cases since yesterday. We have 38,562 COVID patients now in hospital, that’s 78 per cent higher than the first peak in April and, tragically, there have been a further 1,401 deaths.

So, it is more important than ever that we all remain vigilant in following the rules and that we stay at home, protect the NHS and thereby save lives.

But I also want to answer a key question that I know will be uppermost in your minds: All current evidence continues to show that both the vaccines we are currently using remain effective both against the old variant and this new variant.

And so, you will also want to know that our immunisation programme continues at an unprecedented rate.

5.4 million people across the UK have now received their first dose of the vaccine and over the last 24 hours we can report a record 400,000 vaccinations.

In England one in ten of all adults have received their first dose, including 71 per cent of over-80s and two thirds of elderly care home residents.

Having secured orders for hundreds of millions of doses, the U.K. government has supplied vaccines to the Devolved Administrations, according to population size.

First doses have been administered now to 151,000 people in Northern Ireland, 358,000 in Scotland and 212,000 in Wales.

And I am glad that the whole of the U.K. is able to assist the Devolved Administrations in deploying the vaccine and I know everyone across the country is grateful for the logistical skill of the British Army.

There is much more to do, and the target remains very stretching indeed, but we remain on track to reach our goal of offering a first dose to everyone in the top four priority groups by the middle of February.

And I want to thank all the doctors and nurses, especially at the GP-led sites who are vaccinating at a phenomenal rate, as well as, as I say, all those in our armed forces, our local authorities, our pharmacies and volunteers, who are making this extraordinary national effort possible.

And I want to thank all of you who have come forward to get your jabs, because, by doing that, you are protecting yourselves, your communities and, of course, our NHS.

And I say to everyone, when that letter arrives, please don’t hesitate to book that appointment and get this life-saving protection, because this is the best and fastest way for us all to defeat this virus and get our lives back to normal.

Commenting on the new variant of COVID-19 in the UK the Government’s Chief Scientific Adviser, Sir Patrick Vallance, said: “The new UK variant comprises a significant number of the our cases.

“It is spreading 30 to 70% more easily than the old variant. It doesn’t differ in terms of age distribution to the original variant.

“When we look at severity and mortality, data for patients who are in hospital with the virus suggest the outcomes for those with the original variant look the same as the new variant. However, when looking at the data for people who have tested positive, there is an indication that the rate for the new variant is higher.

“Although these data are currently uncertain, it does appear that this variant has increased mortality compared to the old virus, as well as increased transmission. For context, with the original variant, if you took a group of 1,000 infected men in their 60s roughly 10 would die. But with the new variant, roughly 13 or 14 of that group might be expected to die.

“There is increasing evidence from studies that vaccines will still work against the UK variant.”

A paper from the New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group (NERVTAG) on the new coronavirus (COVID-19) variant B.1.1.7 explains this further.

From Chieftains O’ The Puddin Race to Haggis Pigs in Blankets: Aldi’s Burns Night range on sale now from 99p

Everything you need to feed a family up to six for a little over £3 

Aldi are now selling some of the nation’s favourite dishes to help customers celebrate Burns Night on a budget. 

With prices starting at just 99p, Aldi’s Burns Night range has something to suit everyone, whether they are cooking a big feast for their household or celebrating the big day solo on the sofa. 

Aldi has partnered with some of its top local suppliers, including Simon Howie, McIntosh of Strathmore and We hae meat, to bring the best of Scotland’s larder to your Burns table.   

Customers can pick up everything they need for a traditional Burns supper, including haggis, neeps and tatties to feed a family up to six for only £3.12. 

Comfortably feeding two to three adults, Aldi’s best-selling Macaulay’s Haggis (454g) is available in store every day and customers can choose from the traditional meat option or a delicious vegetarian alternative for only 99p (offer available 14th – 25th Feb). Also available in store is the popular Specially Selected Chieftain Haggis (£2.69, 908g), the perfect centrepiece for any Burns Night table, and feeds up to six hungry mouths. 

Aldi’s weekly Super 6 deal on fresh vegetables includes Maris Piper Potatoes (79p, 2.5kg) and Swede (35p each), to make the all-important tatties and neeps to accompany your haggis. 

For anyone looking for a modern twist to a traditional Burns supper, Aldi’s Specially Selected Haggis En Croute (£3.49, 470g) has returned to stores after flying off the shelves last year. There’s also Jumbo Haggis Pigs in Blankets (£2.29, 400g) from Ayrshire butcher We hae meat, Simon Howie Haggis Bon Bons (£1.99, 240g) and Haggis Olives (£2.99, 400g), Bells Steak & Haggis Pies (99p, 2 pack), and a Haggis Pakora Platter (£2.79, 350g). 

If you would prefer to put your feet up and have a delicious Burns Supper prepared for you, why not try Aldi’s McIntosh of Strathmore Burns Box (£3.49, 900g) meal kit for two, complete with everything you and your partner need to celebrate Scotland’s national poet without lifting a finger (apart from popping it in the microwave)! 

Finally, no Burns Night would be complete without a dram of Scotch and customers can choose from a range of high-quality Scottish Malt whiskies, including Aldi’s award winning Highland Black 8-Year-Old Scotch Whisky (£14.00, 70cl) and Glen Marnoch Islay, Speyside and Highland Single Malt Whiskies (£16.49, 70cl).  

Graham Nicolson, Group Buying Director, Aldi Scotland, said: “From hearty family meals to delicious haggis dishes with a modern twist, Aldi’s 2021 Burns Night range offers customers the whole package when it comes to creating the ultimate Burns Supper.

“With celebrations having to be a bit different this year, it’s all the more important that we have things to look forward to and enjoy, and there’s nothing better than delicious, comforting Scottish produce to get into the spirit of Burns.” 

Aldi’s Scottish Burns Night range is available from all 96 Scottish Aldi stores. You can find your nearest Aldi store here.  

The Full Burns Night range includes: 

  • MacAulay’s Haggis (99p, 454g) 
  • MacAulay’s Vegetarian Haggis (99p, 454g) 
  • Specially Selected Chieftain Haggis (£2.69, 908g) 
  • Specially Selected Haggis En Croute (£3.49, 470g) 
  • Simon Howie Gluten Free Haggis (£1.99, 454g) 
  • Simon Howie Haggis Olives (£2.99, 400g) 
  • Simon Howie Haggis Bon Bons (£1.99, 240g) 
  • Bells Steak & Haggis Pies (99p, 2 pack) 
  • Bells Steak & Haggis Pie (£2.99, 400g) 
  • McIntosh of Strathmore Burns Box (meal kit for two) (£3.49, 900g) 
  • Lauchlan Burn Skinny Haggis Olives (£2.79, 350g) 
  • MacSween Whisky Cream Sauce (£1.19, 150g) 
  • Mash Direct Mashed Neeps & Tatties (£1.89, 750g) 
  • McIntosh of Strathmore Vegetarian Haggis, Neeps and Tatties (99p, 340g) 
  • Specially Selected Mini Pies (£2.99, 4 pack) 
  • McIntosh of Strathmore Burns Supper (£2.49, 860g) 
  • Mash Direct Burns Bites (£1.99, 300g) 
  • Punjab Pakora Haggis Pakora Platter (£2.79, 350g) 
  • Specially Selected Haggis Truffles (£2.69, 500g) 
  • Specially Selected Scottish Smoked Salmon (£2.99, 100g) 
  • MacAulay’s Haggis Slices (89p, 200g) 
  • We hae meat Jumbo Haggis Pigs in Blankets (£2.29, 400g) 
  • Punjab Pakora Trio of Dip (£0.99, 3 x 75g) 
  • The Kindness Bakery Plain Oatcake Bites (99p, 175g) 
  • The Broons Pink & White Nougat (99p, 130g) 
  • Lees of Scotland Caramel Teacakes (99p, 220g) 
  • The Broons Peanut Brittle (99p, 100g) 
  • Oor Wullie’s Braw Chew Bars (99p, 150g) 
  • Mackie’s of Scotland Haggis, Neeps & Tatties Flavour Crisps (99p, 150g) 
  • Irn Bru (£2.59, 6 x 500ml) 
  • Irn Bru Xtra (£6.49, 24 x 330ml) 

Aldi Super 6 Veg Offering  

  • Carrots (29p, 1kg) 
  • Swede (35p each) 
  • Red/White Cabbage (35p each) 
  • Leeks (49p, 500g) 
  • Brussels Sprouts (49p, 500g) 
  • Maris Piper Potatoes (79p, 2.5kg) 

Feed a family of four to six for only £3.12 

  • 2 x Macaulay’s Haggis (99p, 454g)  
  • Maris Piper Potatoes (79p, 2.5kg) 
  • Swede (35p each) 

Tailormade coaching support for Scotland’s creatives

Creative Scotland has launched Creative Scotland Crowdmatch 2021 in collaboration with Crowdfunder – the UK’s largest crowdfunding platform – offering expert coaching and match funding, to support Scotland’s creatives to run successful crowdfunding campaigns. 

The second iteration of the programme will launch with a series of introductory, free to attend webinars: 

Friday 27 January 12:00 – 12:45 

Register on Eventbrite

Thursday 4 February 18:00 – 18:45 

Register on Eventbrite

From Monday 25 January, interested parties will be invited to express their interest in participating by noon Monday 8 February.

A shortlist of projects, selected by Crowdfunder and Creative Scotland, will receive tailored coaching support from the expert Crowdfunder team to set up their campaigns.  

Jason Nuttall, Programme Director, Crowdfunder said: “We were blown away by the successes of the projects involved in Creative Scotland’s 2020 initiative.

“The range of ideas and the creativity shown in things like the rewards offered was fantastic to see. We have high expectations for this competition, and are looking forward to supporting the chosen projects to being their campaigns to life in 2021.” 

Jackie Stewart, Creative Industries Officer, Creative Scotland said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for practitioners and organisations across Scotland to raise funds for creative projects as well as grow awareness of their work and foster meaningful relationships with audiences.” 

Expressions of interest are invited from all artforms, and shortlisted projects will be announced on Tuesday 16 February. 

Thanks to National Lottery players, Creative Scotland will contribute a total of £75,000 of match funding, and entrants can receive up to £10,000 towards their projects. 

Eligibility criteria, information about the initiative and about Crowdfunder is available on the Crowdfunder website. 

The first phase of the programme which launched last year, saw 18 projects achieve their target crowdfunding campaign figures with many stretching beyond their original targets. 

In total, those 18 projects raised £151K with funds coming from a mix of Creative Scotland match funding (£40,000), match funding from other Crowdfunder partners (Royal Bank of Scotland Back her Business £18,225) and pledges from 2,360 individual supporters. 

The recording and production of experimental focus musician James Lindsay’s second album, Torus was made possible through the first iteration of Creative Scotland Crowdmatch. 

James Lindsay said: “I couldn’t have done a pre-order self-release like this independently to the same effect.

“The crowdfunding process gave people the drive to help the project and the tutorials offered by Crowdfunder were very helpful in helping me bring some shape to the campaign” 

Eligibility criteria, information about the initiative and about Crowdfunder is available on the Crowdfunder website. 

Famous fashion retail academy is coming to Edinburgh

https://www.fashionretailacademy.ac.uk/

The highly sought-after London Fashion Retail Academy course is coming to Scotland for the first time through an exclusive partnership with St James Quarter and Edinburgh College.

Working closely with over 140 fashion brands, the partnership is set to bring a unique Retail Fashion, Marketing and Branding course to Edinburgh College starting on 25th January – the first time the London based retail education specialist has ventured outside of London in its 15 years of existence.

The Fashion Retail Academy, awarded Ofsted Outstanding, is the quickest route to a career in fashion retail. Founded by retail giants, the Academy offers a range of exclusive fashion courses with unparalleled industry involvement to ensure students gain the skills and contacts needed to successfully progress to employment.

https://www.fashionretailacademy.ac.uk/

Funding from St James Quarter has allowed Edinburgh College to work exclusively with Fashion Retail Academy to develop this brand-new programme – starting on 25th January – to jump start Scottish students with a passion for fashion into the world of retail.

For the first time ever, the London based retail education specialist will provide expert resources that have been developed over the past 15 years to Edinburgh College students as part of a long term plan to enhance Edinburgh’s talent pipeline for retail roles – both for within St James Quarter and beyond.  

The course will incorporate a range of topics including fashion retailing; branding and marketing; satisfying customer needs and digital retailing and will have a specific focus on the best ways to meet the needs of retailers, drawing on the most up-to-date research on the retail workforce and accounting for the acceleration of current trends brought about by the pandemic.

Once completed, all students will achieve a SCQF Level 5 qualification in Retail Fashion, Branding and Marketing and will be supported by St James Quarter in helping to find work within the retail industry.

Rochelle Burgess, Marketing Director at St James Quarter, said: “This partnership has been years in the making and we’re delighted to finally bring this course to life and to Edinburgh for the first time.

“With all the leading brands coming to St James Quarter, there’s lots of amazing employment opportunities coming too – this is an incredible way to support our local graduates, nurture local talent and bring a globally recognised curriculum to our city.

“After a very challenging year, one of our key focuses is to boost the Scottish retail industry and help the next generation receive the opportunities and support they need to work within it.

“Partnering with Edinburgh College and Fashion Retail Academy is a very exciting project for us and we’re looking forward to seeing how the students develop throughout the duration of the course.”

Amanda Colvin, Director of Marketing & Sales, Fashion Retail Academy, said: “This exciting opportunity to partner with Edinburgh College has given FRA the ability to extend its reach and support more young people who want to start a career in fashion retail, at the same time as providing the industry and St James Quarter with entry level talent who can hit the ground running on graduation. 

“We hope this is the start of a long & successful collaboration, bringing a range of specialist fashion courses to Edinburgh.”

https://www.fashionretailacademy.ac.uk/

Audrey Cumberford, Edinburgh College Principal, said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with the Fashion Retail Academy, and the St James Quarter, to offer people in the region an opportunity to develop their careers in fashion and retail through world-class training.

“Working with the Fashion Retail Academy to deliver the Certificate in Retail Fashion, Branding and Marketing course enables us to combine the knowledge and expertise of our lecturers with the FRA’s retail education specialists – providing students with the skills they need to succeed, and retailers with a highly-skilled, talented workforce. 

“We are excited to be the first Scottish College to collaborate with the FRA in this way and we are looking forward to developing the partnership further to create a talent pipeline which will provide world-class customer service to the people of Edinburgh.”

For any retail and fashion enthusiasts looking for more details or interested in signing up for the course visit: https://cutt.ly/ZjRok6v

St James Quarter is set to open the first phase of its retail, dining and leisure elements this Spring.

BAME concerns over Covid and vaccine information

As the Chair of ELREC, an equality organisation, I want to share some of our concerns in regards to Covid and the roll out of the vaccine, especially amongst BAME groups. 

Since the start of this pandemic, it’s been obvious that information has not always been disseminated properly specifically amongst our local ethnic minority communities. 

There hasn’t been official translated information made available to minority groups, specifically to those with language and literacy issues which is quite prevalent amongst the older BAME generations.

People not being able to understand something is daunting as it is but if it relates to their health and wellbeing then it’s an actual risk to them. Many older south Asians living in Edinburgh and Lothians rely on friends and family to relay information to them, and this doesn’t always happen so they are left to rely on foreign messages which may not always be correct.  

During the Covid-19 pandemic the information hasn’t always been executed the best or in a responsible manner which has led to many relying on other sources.

Misinformation in these circumstances can be just as deadly as the virus. People need to know factual information about every aspect of the pandemic. As the vaccine is being rolled out, we need to know the facts, in order to ensure all individuals are vaccinated.

We need facts, such as the ingredients and side effects. Many BAME people have underlying health issues and illnesses specific to their groups so how will the vaccine affect them, has it been tested vastly and diversely enough.  

Everyone has the right to correct information, in a manner they understand and can apply to their lives and this is the responsibility of every government. I call on the Scottish Government to ensure the facts regarding the vaccine are communicated to the BAME community in a way that reassures them.  

Foysol Choudhury MBE

Chair. Edinburgh and Lothian Regional Equality Council

Free music sessions from Scotland’s national music school

Scotland’s national music school is launching a series of free online music sessions which will be open to all young musicians practising at home while their schools tackle COVID-restrictions.

Starting with two workshops for the flute, St Mary’s Music School, is providing the additional resources to support music education across Scotland and encourage those learning to play a musical instrument to stay positive and motivated.

Led by St Mary’s Music School teacher Lis Dooner, who played with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra for 25 years, the flute workshops will cover breathing techniques and musical phrasing. Both will be a mix of live introductions and commentary and pre-recorded material.

Divided into sessions suitable for Grade 3 and below and Grade 3 and above, participants will be able to follow instructions on screen and ask questions during the sessions. Teachers are also welcome to attend. Taking place on the 28 and 30 January, the flute sessions have already attracted over 100 young musicians and teachers.

Other sessions with expert tips and friendly advice, technical nitty-gritty, help with practice and music theory are in the pipeline. Details can be found on the St Mary’s Music School website: Events (stmarysmusicschool.co.uk)

Dr Kenneth Taylor, headteacher of St Mary’s Music School, said: “It is important that we continue to encourage our young musicians. Music complements all learning and contributes to the wellbeing of pupils, so we are delighted to offer our resources to those who can’t get face to face with their teachers.

“We have worked hard to create engaging and effective music lessons online and we’re happy to share that experience with other teachers and pupils.”

Talking about the flute workshops, Lis Dooner commented: “The sessions focus on simple techniques and exercises to improve playing skills. We use a demonstration lesson between pupil and teacher as an example, and those at home can play along or simply watch. The aim is to have some fun and provide some useful practice and instruction.

“As human beings we derive a powerful and fundamental benefit from seeing and interacting with people ‘for real’. As musicians, that need is even more palpable and is core to how we develop and grow our craft. As a teacher it is a hugely important part of what we do and how we teach. I am really delighted to be hosting these sessions and hope that they support our young players.”

A third of Scots don’t feel financially secure in current Covid-19 climate

A new survey from Royal Bank of Scotland has found that a third (33%) of people in Scotland don’t feel financially secure or believe they have enough money to live comfortably and afford essential payments (e.g. groceries, utility bills, mortgage and rent payments) in the current Covid-19 climate. 

Despite this, three in ten (29%) Scots surveyed admitted that they would be uncomfortable speaking to friends and family about their current financial status and three in ten (30%) said they have previously lied to make themselves seem more financially secure than they are.

Almost two-thirds (63%) of Scots surveyed also acknowledged that they would feel embarrassed to ask family or friends to borrow money, however, more worryingly, three in ten (29%) said they often and always feel depressed when they think about their current financial situation.

The research comes as Royal Bank of Scotland launches its new Financial Flex campaign that will encourage Scots – especially younger generations – to start talking more openly and honestly about their finances to combat growing worries around money. Through a Royal Bank Financial Health Check, anyone, whether a customer or not, can get free advice on how to manage their money better.

Psychotherapist Kelly Hearn, an accredited UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) member, reviewed the findings. She said: “Financial anxiety is high and increasing in this pandemic, particularly among young adults.

“Money worries can lead to enormous shame and so are difficult to discuss. They cut straight to issues of self-worth and feelings of ‘not enough.’  Often people suffer in silence which only compounds the issue. A vicious cycle emerges where financial stress causes mental stress which affects physical health as well, particularly when coping mechanisms like binge drinking or eating are enacted. 

“Financial anxieties affect most of us and yet are rarely discussed.  It is time to address the taboo subject of money more openly as financial wellbeing is an important pillar of mental and physical health.”

The free financial health check service is available from Royal Bank.  It is a review with a highly trained senior personal banker and is currently offered by video. 

During the appointment, the senior banker will consider all areas of finances to help customers make the best decisions about what they feel is right for them. The review can also be completed by telephone if required. 

To book or for more information, visit:  

https://personal.rbs.co.uk/personal/financial-health-check.html