The homebuilder announces programme of community support in Edinburgh whilst putting local businesses in the spotlight
LOCAL businesses from in and around Edinburgh have been put in the spotlight by Cala Homes, (East) as it unveils its first showhome, as well as a Community Pledge programme, at a brand new development in Edinburgh.
The award-winning Scottish homebuilder recently launched the St Crispin’s Court development, which will feature 23 three-bedroom & study townhouses and 14 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, each of which has been carefully curated to offer the best in modern city living.
Situated in the Blackford area of the capital, the development’s contemporary townhouse showhome allows local retailers and creatives to promote their goods and showcase the very best that businesses in the area have to offer.
Elaine Doyle, Sales and Marketing Director at Cala Homes (East) said: “We are delighted to see our Showhome of Support initiative being brought to life at St Crispin’s Court and to support and showcase some of the talented businesses and creatives that make Edinburgh such a vibrant community.
“By collaborating with local retailers and creatives, we’re not only helping potential homebuyers envision life in this stunning setting but also shining a spotlight on the talent and craftsmanship that defines the area.”
The Showhome of Support initiative is part of Cala’s St Crispin’s Court Community Pledge programme. The pledge features a bespoke package of activities designed to address the needs of the local area in a meaningful and measurable way.
Elaine continued: “We are proud to launch our St Crispin’s Community Pledge, which we are believe will have a lasting, positive impact on the surrounding area.”
Prices at St Crispin’s Court start from £769,995 for a three-bedroom townhouse. Apartments launched this summer, with prices from £325,000. Cala’s on-site sales office is now open by appointment.
Detectives are renewing an appeal for information after two assaults on the Union Canal tow path in Edinburgh.
Both incidents happened on Sunday, 13 October.
The first happened near to Harrison Park around 7pm when a 31-year-old man was assaulted while cycling on the tow path. He was taken to hospital for treatment and later discharged.
The second happened near to Watson’s Rowing Club where a 50-year-old man walking on the path was assaulted. He was uninjured and did not require hospital treatment.
Officers are also investigating an incident around 5.40pm on the path near to Meggetland Bridge where a man acted in a threatening manner towards a woman walking in the area.
All three incident are being treated as linked.
Officers are working to identify a man described as being between 20 and 30-years-old, around 6ft tall, lean build, pale complexion, gaunt face, clean shaven, short dark hair with dark eyebrows.
He was wearing a dark blue hoodie and white trainers.
Detective Inspector Gordon Couper said: “We believe all three of these incidents are linked and would urge anyone with information to get in touch.
“We believe there were other people using the path around the time of these incidents and would urge anyone who witnessed anything to let us know. We’d also be keen to speak to anyone who have photographs or video footage from the area around these times.
“We would urge people to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to us. We have dedicated officers patrolling both the general area and the tow path specifically who you can speak to.
“Information can also be passed by calling 101, quoting incident number 2814 of Sunday, 13 October, 2024.
“Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.”
Experts reveal the mammoth water delivery task for “end to end” riders
AROUND 700 cyclists on a gruelling charity challenge made a much-needed stop in Edinburgh – where they got through an impressive 54,000 litres of water.
Drinking water specialist Water Direct supported the leg-sapping Ride Across Britan by meeting its own major challenge – ensuring cyclists had access to essential water services at every stop.
The nine-day Ride Across Britain is one of the toughest cycling challenges in the fundraising calendar, seeing participants pedal the 980 miles from Land’s End to John O’Groats – known as the “end to end” – every September.
Now alternative water supply expert Water Direct has revealed the logistical efforts involved in keeping the parched and exhausted cyclists with enough water for all their needs. The Colchester-based firm supplied essential water to 10 welfare stations along the route – transporting more than 540,000 litres of water the length of the UK.
The sixth stop on the epic trek was at Hopetoun House Estate, South Queensferry, where the water used by the cyclists would have filled the average 9m x 4m swimming pool or supplied the full daily water needs for 155 homes. In fact, it serviced eight shower trailers, five drinking water stations, five toilet trailers, and eight standpipes. It also served as one of three laundry sites along the route.
The cyclists had two pit stops each day to which the alternative water supply company provided two 2,000 litre towable water bowsers, keeping up with the riders along their route and keeping them hydrated.
David Sommerville from Threshold Sports, the organisers of Ride Across Britain, praised Water Direct’s involvement, led by Transport Manager, Kieran Gerred, and added: “They delivered a slick and professional service.
“Working to strict timeframes and in tough conditions, they always get the job done to a high standard and are always forward thinking and problem solving. Nothing is too much for the Water Direct team, it’s great working with them and I thank them for all their hard work over the two weeks.”
Adam Johnson, CEO of Water Direct, praised the huge effort of the dedicated cyclists who gave their all during the gruelling cycling marathon. He added: “We take our hats off to every single person who completed the ride. It is an incredibly difficult endeavour to take on and it benefits some brilliant causes.
“We understand exactly how big a challenge it is because we took on a huge logistical trial of our own in supplying all the water for the stops along the way.
“Not only did we transport 540,000 litres of water – enough to fill 30 swimming pools – but we also provided all the piping and infrastructure to ensure the riders had access to showers, toilets, catering and even laundry along the way.
“Everyone at Water Direct is proud to have been part of the Ride Across Britain and to have been an essential part of the backstage team that helped keep the riders going.”
Water Direct is the UK’s leading specialist in alternative water supply (AWS), and provides high quality drinking water – via tankers, bowsers and bottles – to where it is most needed. It has delivered drinking water to a huge range of organisations including hospitals, music festivals, supermarkets and steelworks.
The Ride Across Britian partnership saw the Colchester based firm, deliver supplies to all 10 stops along the route, including Okehampton in Devon, Bath in Somerset, Ludlow in Shropshire, Haydock in Merseyside, Carlisle in Cumbria, Edinburgh in Lothian, Strathdon in Aberdeenshire, Bonar Bridge in Sutherland and John O’Groats in Caithness.
At each site the Water Direct team delivered plentiful quantities of the highest quality drinking water – meeting the strictest regulatory and health protection standards – while also providing pumps and associated pipework for dedicated drinking water stations, showers and toilet trailers.
In Bath, Haydock and Edinburgh they also provided water for specially set up laundry facilities. While Water Direct only works with drinking water, the firm also coordinated with other specialists for removal of wastewater.
This year’s Ride Across Britain ran from September 7-15 and the 980-mile route, which climbs 55,000ft, is known for including some of the UK’s most stunning landscapes, including Cheddar Gorge, Shap Fell, the Cairnwell Pass and the Lecht.
Many participants choose to commit to raising at least £2400 for charity and the event has raised £1.2 million so far for hundreds of charities, with the total still rising.
Water Direct operates a fleet of 37 specialist tankers and delivered more than 150.5m litres of water last year. It also stores more than 4m litres of bottled water in a network of readily accessible depots across the UK.
As well as working with businesses and events, the company has made its name helping the UK’s main water utilities – including Yorkshire Water and Southern Water – to supply customers with alternative supplies during emergencies or planned shutdowns on their networks.
The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has produced safety tips for this fireworks season on how to use fireworks responsibly and considerately to help protect both people and animals:
You must only buy from licensed sellers
Make sure you buy fireworks from licensed or registered in-store and online retailers. Do not buy fireworks from unknown retailers on social media sites. Remember it is illegal for under 18s to buy fireworks.
Choose traditional dates and keep to the curfew
People are more likely to plan to protect pets and other animals if fireworks are let off on traditional dates. The firework curfew is midnight on Fireworks Night, 1am on Diwali, New Year’s Eve and Chinese New Year, and 11pm the rest of the year. Firework timings may differ in Scotland. Search ‘fireworks’ on gov.scot for more advice.
Follow the instructions carefully
Before letting off fireworks, read all the safety instructions on the box, so you know important things like how far away people need to stand. If you do not understand the instructions and warnings, do not use the firework. Once any debris has cooled down, tidy it up and soak it in water overnight. Then put it in a rubbish bag and in the bin.
Check what fireworks you can use at home
Category F1, F2 and F3 fireworks are on sale to the public depending on the safety distance required. Check the labelling to ensure you have enough space to safely use a firework before you buy it.
Always follow the Firework Code. Search ‘fireworks’ on GOV.UK for more advice.
Think of local animals before setting off fireworks
If you plan to let off any fireworks, let your neighbours know in advance so they can plan for pets that might be affected.
If you live close to horses, let their owners know well in advance that you are letting fireworks off. Site your fireworks well away from them and aim them in the opposite direction. It is important to be considerate to horse owners as they cannot easily move horses away from fireworks.
Notify nearby farms and stables if you are planning to use fireworks. Do not let off fireworks if they will disturb wildlife habitats, or roosting bats and birds.
Keep your pet safe
On nights where fireworks are being let off, keep dogs and cats inside with somewhere to hide and give small outdoor pets extra bedding and nesting material to burrow in.
The Rt Hon Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh Robert Aldridge has visited Barchester’s Strachan House Care Home in Edinburgh to launch ‘The Big Lunch’ for Children and Carers during the Mid-term break.
Robert joined staff and residents of the home for the week-long ‘Big Lunch’. Strachan House has invited all local schools and nurseries to join residents all this week for a FREE lunch.
Freshly made sandwiches, quiches and fruit with refreshments. Lord Provost said ‘what a wonderful initiative for the local community’.
General Manager at Strachan House, Fran Fisher, said: “It was lovely to have Robert here for the day. The residents were delighted that he was able to visit us and join in on the day.
“We all had a wonderful day, we hope that Robert will come to see us again soon!”
Strachan House care home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering personalised care across its care homes and hospitals.
Strachan House provides residential care, nursing care and dementia care for residents, from respite care to long-term stays.
UK government accelerates “skills passport” and with Scottish Government strikes deal for Great British Energy to work with Scottish public bodies
Energy Secretary visits Aberdeen as UK and Scottish Governments partner to make billions available in funding across the UK including for Scotland’s clean energy industry
UK and Scottish Governments strike new deal for Great British Energy to work with Scottish public bodies to support clean energy supply chains
UK Government also confirms the speeding up of delivery of a ‘skills passport’ to support oil and gas workers to move into offshore wind
The UK Government will take decisive action to help make available billions of pounds in funding across the UK including for Scotland’s clean energy industry, the Energy Secretary has pledged ahead of a visit to Aberdeen.
The Energy Secretary will visit Aberdeen with Great British Energy Chair Juergen Maier for the first time since the city was announced as the headquarters for the UK’s new publicly-owned energy company.
Following the visit, the UK Government is set to sign a new agreement with the Scottish Government today (Thursday 17 October) to boost Great British Energy’s ambitions to support clean energy supply chains and infrastructure.
By developing partnerships with Scottish public bodies in the clean energy sector – including Crown Estate Scotland, the Enterprise Agencies and the Scottish National Investment Bank – Great British Energy can deliver quickly and effectively, avoid duplication, and deliver maximum impact and value for money from Scottish projects.
Scotland has a strong pipeline of opportunities and is at the forefront of floating offshore wind development, and Great British Energy is in prime position to help accelerate this work by harnessing expertise in project development, investment and work with local communities.
Great British Energy has £8.3 billion of funding over this Parliament, and work is underway with the energy industry in Scotland to use this for public investment to create new private sector jobs and drive projects in Scotland.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said: “Scottish energy workers will power the United Kingdom’s clean energy future- including in carbon capture and storage, in hydrogen, in wind, and with oil and gas for decades to come as part of a fair transition in the North Sea.
“Unlike in the past we’re also working closely with the Scottish Government with a new agreement to ensure our publicly owned company Great British Energy is primed to accelerate clean energy investment in Scotland.”
This follows the announcement in the summer of a partnership between Great British Energy and The Crown Estate, covering England, Wales and Northern Ireland, which could support the leveraging of up to £30-60 billion of private investment.
Ahead of the visit, the UK Government has also confirmed that oil and gas workers will be supported to move more easily into careers in the renewable sector, including offshore wind, as the UK government accelerates delivery of a ‘skills passport’.
The passport is an industry led initiative overseen by RenewableUK and Offshore Energies UK and supported by the UK and Scottish Governments which will align standards, recognise transferable skills and qualifications and map out career pathways for suitable roles. A digital tool for workers is set to be piloted by January 2025.
The UK Government’s Office for Clean Energy Jobs is working closely with Skills England to support other British workers on the energy transition, which by 2030 could create hundreds of thousands of new jobs across the UK.
Many of the skills required for the transition already exist, with research from Offshore Energies UK showing that 90% of oil and gas workers have transferable skills for offshore renewable jobs.
Acting Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy Gillian Martin said: “I welcome this collaborative agreement committing Great British Energy to work with our public bodies to maximise investment into Scotland.
“Scotland already has a strong pipeline of clean energy and supply chain opportunities, is at the forefront of floating offshore wind development, and has a depth of knowledge and experience on community & local energy. We look forward to working with Great British Energy to ensure it delivers real benefits for the people of Scotland and a just energy transition.
“To make sure that no offshore energy workers are left behind, the Scottish Government provided initial funding of £3.7 million between 2022 – 2024 for the development of the industry-led Skills Passport.”
Secretary of State for Scotland Ian Murray said: “The UK government will support our world class, world leading offshore workforce with the recognition they deserve and support the transition to renewable jobs in the future.
“This is an area the UK Government and Scottish Government can and should work in partnership to deliver for Scotland and harness the potential we have to truly lead the world in renewables jobs. That’s why we have set out to reset the relationship between Scotland’s two governments to deliver better outcomes for Scots.
“It should be easier to switch between oil and gas and renewables work offshore. The present situation, where training in one industry isn’t recognised in the other, cuts off opportunities for oil and gas workers. The fact some workers are paying out of their own pockets is scandalous.
“We need to cut that red tape and deliver a skills passport that allows offshore workers to move flexibly back and forth between both industries in the years and decades to come.”
Great British Energy Chair Juergen Maier said: “The clean energy transition is a huge opportunity for Scotland, which is already at the cutting edge of technology like floating offshore wind, and Great British Energy is well positioned to help accelerate the development of key supply chains and infrastructure.
“By working closely with the Scottish Government, alongside The Crown Estate in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, we can help to drive forward investment and create jobs across the country.”
RenewableUK’s Executive Director of Offshore Wind Jane Cooper said: “The upsurge in offshore wind jobs over the course of this decade and beyond creates excellent opportunities for highly-skilled oil and gas workers to bring their valuable experience to the clean energy sector.
“We’re working closely with our colleagues at Offshore Energies UK, and the UK and Scottish Governments, to make that transition as smooth as possible across all parts of the energy industry. The Energy Skills Passport is a great example of what we can achieve together and we’ll continue to look for other potential areas of work that can further support the transition of workers between sectors.”
David Whitehouse, Chief Executive Officer, Offshore Energies UK comments: “This package of announcements contains significant measures for firms, their workers and their supply chains across the UK.
“The skills passport is an important part of the toolkit industry is assembling in recognition of the integrated nature of the energy landscape. Those working in our domestic oil and gas sector have powered the country for the last fifty years and will play a critical role in our energy future.
“The sector is committed to working in partnership with government to leverage our industrial strengths to deliver a managed transition that creates opportunities for people and communities around the country.”
In Wales, the UK Government is already discussing how Great British Energy could work in partnership with their publicly-owned renewable energy developer, Trydan Gwyrdd Cymru, and other public bodies to deliver on shared priorities with the Welsh Government.
The UK Government is also working closely with the Northern Ireland Executive on opportunities for Northern Ireland, to help accelerate the clean energy transition across the United Kingdom.
Yesterday (Wednesday 16 October) the Energy Secretary also confirmed that Liz Ditchburn has been appointed as Chair of the North Sea Transition Authority, which regulates and influences the oil, gas, carbon storage and offshore hydrogen industries. Liz is a highly experienced public sector leader and will help to deliver the UK Government’s plans for a phased, responsible and prosperous energy transition in the North Sea.
Scotland intends to support inclusive education in Malawi, Rwanda and Zambia with funding of up to £12.5 million over the next five years, First Minister John Swinney has announced.
The funding will support two programmes, the first of which aims to remove barriers to quality education for out-of-school children with disabilities and additional support needs. The second programme will support girls and women to complete secondary education and transition to tertiary or technical education.
The First Minister met the High Commissioners of Malawi and Zambia, and the Deputy High Commissioner of Rwanda during a series of engagements in London yesterday (15 October), where he re-affirmed the Scottish Government’s commitment to collaborative international development with its partner countries.
The First Minister said: “This funding aims to help overcome some of the persistent barriers faced by women, girls and children with disabilities, to ensure they have equal access to education, and are fully included in the social and economic life of their communities.
“The Scottish Government has prioritised this work as part of our commitment to international development and good global citizenship, working in partnership with our counterparts in Malawi, Rwanda and Zambia to meet the aims of the UN Sustainable Development goals.
“So I am very pleased to confirm this additional funding in support of those efforts. I am also grateful for the work of Oxfam, Link Education International and local partners in all three countries who are delivering these programmes to help some of the world’s most marginalised learners, who have the same right to a quality education as anyone else.”
H.E. Macenje Mazoka, Zambia High Commissioner to the United Kingdom said: “The Scottish Government’s ongoing commitment to inclusive education in Zambia is a testament to the strong bonds between our nations.
“Their support for programs that enhance access to quality education for all, especially for marginalised groups, aligns perfectly with Zambia’s vision for equitable development.
“We look forward to strengthening the positive impact this partnership will continue to have on our education system and the lives of Zambian students, particularly those who are the most vulnerable.”
Police Scotland have released images of a man who may be able to assist them with their enquiries into an incident which occurred on Friday, 11 October, 2024, at around 9pm in the Stockbridge area.
The man (pictured) is described as white, heavy build, clean shaven and around 35 to 40 years old. He was seen to be wearing denim jeans, a dark baseball cap with writing on it and a black hooded top with ‘Hard Rock Café’ written on the front with further writing on the back.
The man pictured, anyone who may recognise him or anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101 quoting incident number 3729 11 October 2024.
Alternatively, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where you can give information anonymously.
During menopause women can experience a range of psychological and physical symptoms.
Psychological symptoms can include anxiety, irritability and low mood. Knowing the signs can help you navigate this life transition with more confidence.
According to a new eye-opening survey from the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK)*, there is a worrying misconception among parents that a baby bath seat is a safety device.
The survey showed that almost three quarters of parents (72%) believe a baby bath seat is designed to keep a baby safe. This is not the case. Research published in RLSS UK’s Child Drowning Update (2019-2023) revealed that out of ten children under one that drowned in the bath, seven were using a baby bath seat.
Figures also revealed that 88% of parents have used a baby bath seat, and almost two-thirds (64%) of those with children under one currently do so. RLSS UK is therefore working to increase parents’ understanding of the purpose of baby bath seats to help promote safer bathtimes for all families.
Matt Croxall, Charity Director at RLSS UK, said: “We find it heartbreaking to learn that child drownings in the bath are continuing to take place – and it is concerning to learn that in many of these instances, there was a bath seat involved.
“Seeking to shed light on the major misconception that bath seats can be used as a safety device, we want to educate more families to be aware of the risks, so they are able to stay safe.
“Of ten infants that drowned in the bath in the last four years, seven were using a bath seat. Regardless of whether you are using a bath seat during bathtime, we always advise parents and carers to keep young children within arm’s reach in water. And if you do need to leave the bathroom at all, take the child with you. Whilst bath seats can provide support for your baby during bath time, bath seats are not a safety device.”
Splash Safety in Bath Seats forms part of RLSS UK’s brand-new campaign, Splash Safety at your Pad, which seeks to raise awareness among parents and carers of young children about the importance of water safety when at home, with a particular focus on bathtime.
Matt added: “In response to these tragic findings, we are pleased to introduce our educational Splash Safety at your Pad campaign, which aims to share important water safety messages with families across the UK and Ireland in a fun and engaging way.
“We hope this campaign has a positive impact on families with young ones and makes all the difference.”
Vital key safety advice when bathing your child:
Children should always be within arm’s reach – regardless of using a baby bath seat.
Get everything you need ready to go before filling the bath – from towels to pyjamas.
Avoid distractions and leave your phone outside the bathroom.
Check that the water has fully drained after emptying the water in the bath.
When not in use, keep the plug and toys out of reach and shut the bathroom door to limit children’s access without a grown-up.
*Consumer survey (September 2024), geographically representative sample of n=1,003 parents of children under five years from across the UK.
For more information around RLSS UK’s 2024 Child Drowning Update, please visit our website: www.rlss.org.uk/splash-safety
