Lothian: Bus service changes from tomorrow

Lothian Buses will introduce an update to its critical services network from tomorrow (Sunday 12 April) to help keep key workers across Edinburgh and the Lothians moving during this time.

Since the introduction of the Critical Services Network on Sunday 29 March, teams across Lothian have continued to analyse customer travel patterns and customer feedback to ensure the business is meeting the needs of as many key workers and essential travellers as possible.

Nigel Serafini, Interim Managing Director at Lothian Buses, said: “Over the last few weeks, we have seen how important our services are for those who are required to travel during this unprecedented time.

“When we introduced our Critical Services Network under two weeks ago, we asked employers to feedback any concerns from their employees and I am proud that today we can announce the introduction of network changes which will address the majority of these issues and make essential travel easier for those who themselves are working in extremely difficult circumstances.

“Our teams across the business have continued to show their loyalty, dedication and support to their customers and colleagues, working around the clock to provide these vital services. My thanks go to each and every one of them both on the frontline and behind the scenes, and also to our customers who have been incredibly supportive and understanding during this time.”

Customers can view updated timetables and plan journeys on Lothian’s website or through the Transport for Edinburgh app which offers journey planning tools and real-time service updates.

The network changes include:

Service 1 – Seafield to Clermiston: Minor timetable changes, particularly in the early morning.

Service 2 – NEW The Jewel to Surgeons’ Hall: This service will run on an hourly frequency on Mondays to Saturdays to provide links from Prestonfield, Craigmillar and Niddrie to Asda at The Jewel.

Service 3 – Clovenstone to Mayfield: Minor timetable changes with a later evening journey from Mayfield to the City Centre.

Service 4 – NEW City Centre to The Jewel: This service will run on an hourly frequency on Mondays to Saturdays to provide links from the City Centre and Bingham to Asda at The Jewel.

Service 5 – Hunter’s Tryst to The Jewel: Revised timetable with later evening journeys introduced.

Service 7 – Newhaven to Royal Infirmary: Revised timetable on all days of the week.

Service 8 – Muirhouse to Royal Infirmary: Revised timetable on all days of the week.

Service 11 – Ocean Terminal to Hyvots Bank: Revised timetable on all days of the week.

Service 14 – Muirhouse to Greendykes: Revised timetable on all days of the week.

Service 16 – Silverknowes to Torphin: Revised timetable on all days of the week.

Service 19 – NEW Granton to City Centre: This service will run on an hourly frequency on Mondays to Saturdays to provide links from Granton and Pilton to the Western General and the West End.

Service 20 – Ratho to Hermiston Gait: The Sunday service will be withdrawn.  No Change to Monday to Saturday timetable.

Service 21 – Clovenstone or Gyle Centre to Royal Infirmary: On Mondays to Saturdays the daytime frequency is doubled to every 30-minutes, with one bus per hour operating to Gyle Centre and one bus to Westside Plaza.  Early morning journeys on all days of the week will now start from Broomhouse Road to improve links to the Western General, Leith and the Royal Infirmary. 

Service 22 – Ocean Terminal to Gyle Centre: Revised timetable on all days of the week.

Service 24 – West Granton to Royal Infirmary: No change

Service 25 – Restalrig to Riccarton: Minor timetable changes

Service 26 – Clerwood to either Tranent or Seton Sands: Minor timetable changes

Service 27 – Silverknowes to Hunter’s Tryst: Revised timetable on all days of the week.

Service 29 – Silverknowes to Gorebridge: No change

Service 30 – Clovenstone to Musselburgh: Revised timetable with daytime frequency to and from Musselburgh increased to every 30-minutes.  On Mondays to Saturdays a later evening journey is introduced from Clovenstone to Musselburgh. 

Service 31 – East Craigs to Bonnyrigg Hopefield or Polton Mill: Revised timetable.  On Sundays, the frequency will be reduced to every 60-minutes, with buses operating between East Craigs and Hopefield only; Polton Mill will not be served (Service 49 will continue to provide links to the City Centre).

Service 33 – Wester Hailes to Sheriffhall: Minor timetable changes on all days of the week.

Service 34 – Ocean Terminal to Riccarton: Revised route and timetable with buses now serving Heriot Watt Research Park.

Service 35 – NEW Ocean Terminal to Sighthill: This service will run on an hourly frequency on Mondays to Saturdays to provide links to Holyrood, Chalmers Hospital and the Eye Pavilion at Lauriston Place.

Service 37 – Silverknowes to Penicuik (Deanburn or Ladywood): Revised timetable with early morning journeys re-timed to better connect with Service 7 at Kaimes Crossroads for customers travelling to the Royal Infirmary.  On Mondays to Saturdays an additional journey will run from Ladywood to Silverknowes.  On all days of the week, there will be a later evening journey from the City to Penicuik.

Service 38 – West Granton to Royal Infirmary: Revised timetable with early morning journeys re-timed, and an additional journey introduced at the busiest time between West Granton and the Royal Infirmary.

Service 41 – Cramond to Surgeons’ Hall or St. Andrew Square: This service will now operate on an hourly frequency between Cramond and Surgeon’s Hall on Mondays to Saturdays or Cramond and St. Andrew Square on Sundays.  The section of route to Marchmont and the Grange will be withdrawn; Service 24 will continue to serve these areas.

Service 44 – Balerno to St Andrew Square: Revised route and timetable introduced.  The City Centre terminus will be changed from Leith Street to St. Andrew Square (North-side).  The Sunday frequency is reduced to hourly.

Service 48 – Gorebridge to Royal Infirmary:  No Change

Service 49 – The Jewel to Rosewell: Revised timetable with additional morning journeys introduced on Mondays to Saturdays.  The daytime journeys between The Jewel and the Royal Infirmary will be extended to and from Sheriffhall Park & Ride, providing Danderhall and Fernieside with more buses to and from the City Centre/Leith.

Service 63 – Gyle Centre to Queensferry: The last evening journey from Queensferry to Gyle Centre is withdrawn on Mondays to Saturdays.  The Sunday service will be withdrawn.

Service 100 – Waverley to Edinburgh Airport: The timetable will be curtailed with the first journey from the City Centre at 04:00 and the last bus from the City Centre at 18:00.  From the Airport, first and last journeys will be 04:30 & 18:30.  The frequency will be maintained at every 30-minutes.

Service 400 – Gyle Centre to Royal Infirmary: Revised timetable – early morning journeys will have revised arrival times at the Royal Infirmary.  On Sunday evenings, the 22:45 journey from the Royal Infirmary will no longer operate.

Government sets out plan for national effort on PPE

  • To date, over 761 million pieces of PPE delivered across the UK
  • Full, 24/7 military operation underway to manage supply and demand right across the UK
  • New domestic PPE manufacturing effort with Rolls Royce and McLaren to make more protective equipment
  • Website launching to enable primary, social, and community care providers to request critical PPE

A UK-wide plan to ensure that critical personal protective equipment (PPE) is delivered to those on the frontline responding to coronavirus (COVID-19) was announced yesterday by Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock.

The 3-strand plan launched on Friday will provide clear guidance on who needs PPE and when they need it, ensure those who need it can get it at the right time and set out action to secure enough PPE to last through the crisis.

A full, 24/7 military operation is already underway to deal with the unprecedented, global demand for PPE as a result of this pandemic.

A new national supply and logistics network has been created from scratch in a matter of weeks to manage supply and demand across the UK, and to make sure appropriate PPE reaches those who need it.

A new website, developed with the help of the military, is being rolled out in the coming weeks to improve distribution and will enable primary, social and community care providers in England to order critical PPE.

In addition, a new PPE hub provides easy access to all the government’s guidance on PPE in one place – a one-stop shop people can visit to understand what PPE they need.

This is in addition to a 24-hour helpline that already allows providers to request emergency drops of PPE to meet immediate need.

Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock said: “I will stop at nothing to protect those on the frontline who are fighting this virus.

“Our heroic health and care staff are working around the clock and my absolute priority is to support them. Our new online ordering tool for PPE is supported by a 24/7national supply and logistics network.

“There is a herculean effort behind the scenes, supported by the military, to get the right kit to our frontline heroes. These new supply chains, matched with a call to arms for more businesses and organisations to join this national effort, will help save lives.”

The 3-strand plan sets out:

  1. guidance: being clear who needs PPE and when, and who does not, based on UK clinical expertise and WHO standards. This will ensure workers on the front line are able to do their jobs safely, while making sure PPE is only used when clinically necessary and isn’t wasted or stockpiled
  2. distribution: making sure those who need PPE can get it and at the right time. The government will ensure those who need critical PPE receive it as quickly as possible by setting up a new national supply system
  3. future supply: taking action to secure enough PPE to see us through the crisis. The actions being taken to ensure we have enough critical PPE to last the UK through the pandemic, working alongside industry to boost future supply. The government has already co-ordinated deliveries of PPE directly to health and care providers and to 38 local resilience forums across England. These efforts are being co-ordinated across all 4 nations of the UK to ensure appropriate distribution of critical PPE

Since the beginning of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, over 761 million items of PPE have been delivered across the UK to 58,000 different settings, including hospitals, hospices, care homes, home care providers, GPs, pharmacists and dentists to ensure our frontline is protected. This includes 158 million masks, 135 million aprons and 360 million pairs of gloves.

The plan also emphasises the need to ramp up domestic production of PPE. The government is calling on industry to join forces to manufacture more protective equipment to support the national effort.

Already companies such as Burberry, Rolls-Royce, McLaren, Ineos and Diageo have started work to produce equipment including gowns, visors and hand hygiene products.

Last week, following extensive consultation with the Medical Royal Colleges, all 4 UK governments published updated guidance for PPE for health and care workers. This covers doctors, nurses, midwives, paramedics, social workers and social care staff.

Critical PPE guidance has also been published for cleaners, funeral directors and first responders. Beyond these roles in settings including supermarkets and public transport, the clinical evidence, which is kept under review, does not suggest widespread benefit from wearing PPE over and above social distancing, social isolation and good hand hygiene.

In addition to this a new dedicated team has been set up to focus on securing supplies and identifying PPE suppliers from across the globe to meet the increasing demand for a growing list of products, with a call to arms to businesses to turn their manufacturing efforts to this response to meet technical specifications published by government.

Businesses and organisations including Kingfisher Group, Apple, Huawei and BP have also stepped up to the plate to generously offer their own PPE for use by the NHS and public organisations.

But health professionals say they need more than warm words and three point plans at this critical time – they need ACTION, in the form of vital PPE equipment NOW.

The British Medical Association has learned that personal protective equipment (PPE) supplies in two large areas of England are running at dangerously low levels, and that some pieces of equipment are no longer available – forcing doctors into impossible situations and ultimately, putting their lives at risk.

The doctors’ union understands that current PPE supplies in London and Yorkshire are not sufficient to deal with the COVID-19 outbreak. This means staff and patients are increasingly being placed in harm’s way as they battle against the virus.

The Government is therefore, forcing doctors to place themselves and their patients in grave danger by expecting them to treat COVID-19 patients without adequate PPE.

The evidence comes just two weeks after the Government said that supplies of PPE were plentiful, and that equipment was flowing out to trusts.

According to a recent survey(1) by the BMA, however, more than half of doctors working in high-risk environments(2) said there were either shortages or no supply at all of adequate face masks, while 65% said they did not have access to eye protection.

Futhermore, 55% said they felt pressurised to work in a high-risk area despite not having adequate PPE.

Dr Chaand Nagpaul, BMA council chair, said: “No doctor should ever have to be in harm’s way when they go to work, and in these unprecedented times, this has never been more important.

“This is not the flu. We are dealing with an unknown, highly-infectious, and potentially deadly virus that has already claimed the lives of several healthcare workers, including 11 doctors in the UK. It is absurd that the people trained to treat this disease are the ones who are not being appropriately protected – and without them, we face real disaster.

“It’s unclear whether the lack of PPE is directly linked to the recorded deaths of doctors so far, but we know that no healthcare workers have been infected in a hospital in Italy precisely because their PPE supplies are sufficient and of high-quality.

“This must be replicated here, in every healthcare setting, as a matter of urgency. Without it, doctors are being forced into a corner, facing heart-breaking decisions over whether to carry on caring for patients without proper protection and put themselves and patients at risk.

“This is an immensely difficult position to be in, but is ultimately down to the Government’s chronic failure to supply us with the proper equipment. We cannot continue like this, and need to see enough, adequate PPE delivered to staff across the country as soon as possible, not just for our health, but also, and most importantly, our patients’.

“We note the Government’s announcement this afternoon and its three-strand PPE Plan. However, PPE should not be a ‘precious resource’ and for NHS staff facing shortages of protection they need today, they don’t want to hear of a plan, but that this vital equipment is made available to the front line now.”

Lockdown at Easter: Police say thanks

With the Easter holiday under way the Capital’s communities are being thanked for their efforts in staying home and helping tackle the spread of coronavirus.

Superintendent Mark Rennie said: “I’d like to acknowledge the excellent response our residents have provided to the restrictions put in place. We have a population of around 500,000 people and the significant majority of residents and workers have complied with these measures.

“Your collective efforts will help to save lives and protect our NHS, so thank you for your commitment and support.

“We know that being apart from family and friends over holidays, such as Easter, is difficult, but it is essential that we all play our part to keep the public safe.

“The Chief Constable stressed the importance of this when he spoke with the First Minister today and asked the public to continue with the changes, even during the holiday and as the weather gets better.

“Police Scotland officers are taking a common sense approach. We will engage with members of the public, explain the importance of social distancing and encourage them to return home but we will, as a last resort, use the enforcement powers if necessary.

“In Edinburgh during a holiday weekend, weather permitting, areas such as Portobello Beach and The Meadows are common gathering places for the public. However, at this time, we would ask you to follow the instructions.

“By all means connect with loved ones and friends on various online platforms, but please stay at home. It is the safest and most responsible way to enjoy the Easter weekend.”

A total of 32 Fixed Penalty Notices were handed out in Edinburgh in relation to the emergency powers between March 27 and April 9.

Chief Constable Iain Livingstone QPM yesterday briefed the country on Police Scotland’s role in the national response to coronavirus, during a session with the First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and the National Clinical Director Jason Leitch.

Below is a transcript of the Chief Constable’s update and information on how Police Scotland is using emergency powers to support the national response:

The Chief Constable said: “Good afternoon. I am pleased to report that the vast majority of people in Scotland are in fact continuing to do the right thing during this acute health emergency and thank them for that. The social distancing legal requirement to stay home is the best way to protect the NHS and the best way to save lives.

“And of course, community policing across Scotland has a vital role to play as we all make the daily changes and personal sacrifices needed to combat the spread of coronavirus. With the continued support and co-operation of our fellow citizens, Police Scotland will explain the legal instructions, encourage compliance, and when needed, enforce the law.

“Since the emergency powers came into effect two weeks ago, we have been required to take enforcement action in limited situations. Thus far, across the whole of the country, we have issued over 500 fixed penalty notices.

“This has typically been during incidents where people do not comply with legal instructions even after being spoken to by officers. For example, house parties or gatherings in public where those involved refuse to disperse.

“However, overall, compliance has been very high in Scotland and I thank the public for their overwhelming co-operation and commitment.

“Our officers and staff are in communities right across Scotland 24 hours a day, at times putting themselves in harm’s way and I pay tribute to them and thank them for that. Social distancing, staying at home, are the key interventions to curtail the spread of coronavirus.

“Policing in Scotland will always seek to be fair, reasonable and proportionate. That is why I have invited a leading human rights lawyer to review our use of the emergency powers. I ask all our fellow citizens to continue their support and co-operation as demonstrated in recent weeks.

“Please – stay home; stay safe; and follow the guidance. Do not make personal exemptions bespoke to your own circumstances.

“If you are out and about, officers may ask you why. I would encourage you to engage with officers, explain your circumstances, then listen to and act upon any advice given.

“I recognise this is an extremely difficult time, particularly during the Easter holiday period when in normal circumstances we would all be expecting to be out and about, enjoying the good weather and seeing family and friends. But I ask that everyone accepts the changes to our daily lives and the personal sacrifices required. Because, ultimately, it will be to the benefit of us all.

“If we all do the right thing to maintain social distancing, stay home and keep safe, we will protect the NHS.

“If you need help or support from the police service contact us.

“Please, please, stick with it; obey the law; continue to play your part; and lives will be saved.”

Use of emergency coronavirus powers by area from 27 March to 9 April.

Division Dispersal on request Dispersal on warning Fixed Penalty Notice issued Reasonable force used to return people home Arrest
A – North East 72 22 38 14 0
C – Forth Valley 80 16 44 2 1
D – Tayside 69 8 15 5 0
E – Edinburgh 106 22 32 3 5
G – Greater Glasgow 404 155 113 10 8
J – The Lothians & Scottish Borders 59 21 18 3 1
K – Renfrewshire & Inverclyde 48 101 67 1 1
L – Argyll & West Dunbartonshire

 

 233 13 42 5 7
N – Highland & Islands

 

 83 14 19 2 2
P – Fife 57 14 29 0 0
Q – Lanarkshire 68 20 57 3 5
U – Ayrshire 129 56 47 7 2
V – Dumfries & Galloway 19 2 16 3 3
All of Scotland 1427 464 537 58 35

Please note this is preliminary management information and may be subject to adjustment.

Substantial housing development planned for Davidson’s Mains

A planning application has been submitted to construct 36 new homes in Davidson’s Mains.

The plans would build on much of the car park to the rear of Tesco as well as land previously used by Clelands garage off Main Street before it closed.

The application proposes four (2-3 storey) buildings with a mix of two and three bedroom apartments.

Access to the new housing would be a single point from Main Street. There would be a small green space as part of the development which could be used as a play park.

There would be 30 parking spaces and covered spaces for 70 bicycles.

A rerouted cycling/pedestrian path would be preserved from Tesco to the old railway line that runs between Silverknowes Terrace and The Green.

Local Almond Lib Dem councillors Kevin Lang and Louise Young are alerting residents to the proposals:

“Important – because of COVID, the Council planning department has had to suspend official neighbour notifications for planning applications. Whilst the online site suggests a deadline of 13 April, this is not correct. No deadline currently exists for comments to be submitted – we’ll update our site when one is set.

“We are really keen to hear our constituents’ views on this application. You can submit views formally through the online portal (link below) but please send a copy of your comments to us by email – kevin.lang@edinburgh.gov.uk  and louise.young@edinburgh.gov.uk”

https://bit.ly/2JP804g

Group leaders unite in fight against coronavirus

The leaders of the Council’s SNP, Labour, Conservative, Liberal Democrat and Green groups have come together to issue a joint letter thanking the people of Edinburgh for their part in the city’s response to the coronavirus outbreak.

The letter recognises the crucial work of NHS staff and essential workers, as well as the efforts of individuals, businesses and other organisations.

It also looks forward to a ‘brighter future’ and shares information on support on offer for all those struggling to deal with the effects of the crisis.

Joint letter to the people of Edinburgh

We face the biggest challenge in living memory, and it’s only by working together as a council and as a city that we’ll be able to overcome it – today we stand together as we thank the city for playing its part in tackling these dark days and look toward to a brighter future together.

Over recent weeks, Edinburgh’s community spirit has proved itself, as people have come together to support one another, to applaud the hard work of the thousands of key workers going the extra mile to serve the Capital and to play their part in limiting the spread of the virus.

We are indebted to the doctors, nurses and NHS staff and frontline carers, as well as the cleaners, teaching staff, refuse collectors and supermarket staff who are working to keep all of us safe and our city functioning. They are all doing vital work to keep our city running during this time of national crisis.

Thousands of residents have signed up through readyscotland.org and volunteeredinburgh.org.uk to help make and deliver food or pick up prescriptions for those who can’t access them themselves. Thank you to all those who are putting their community first – you make Edinburgh the place it is.

We’re equally grateful to all those who have followed national guidance and stayed at home over recent weeks to help limit the spread of coronavirus. Our parks, green spaces and iconic streets were sparsely covered over the weekend, demonstrating that people are following expert advice – please keep going with this.

Thanks goes to the businesses who have closed to help this effort, those who have facilitated homeworking for employees and those carrying out essential work. This is not easy, and small businesses will no doubt bear the brunt of these changes.

We would encourage them to take advantage of support on offer from the Scottish Government while the UK Government’s guarantee to pay 80% of staff salaries while they are not needed to work will help more businesses stay afloat – find out more about support on the Council website and more about safety guidelines on the Scottish Government website.

We’ve been working collaboratively with the Scottish and UK Governments, third sector and the NHS to ensure the most vulnerable members of our community are cared for during this challenging time. There is a range of support on offer for families who are struggling, including that from the All of Us partnership, while the Council is working with partners to protect people facing homelessness.

We must look after ourselves too, and it is crucial that anyone who has symptoms of coronavirus visits the NHS Inform website and follows the guidance there.

From north to south, green to maroon, Edinburgh has always been greater than the sum of its parts. We have seen the best of Edinburgh through this crisis and if we continue to follow guidelines and look out for one another, then we have no doubt that not only will we get through this together, we will emerge stronger as a city and a nation.

Further information on the Council’s response to the coronavirus, and changes to services, are available online.

Max Richter’s 8-hour lullaby SLEEP to be broadcast worldwide this Easter weekend

Max Richter’s eight-hour epic SLEEP, his ‘lullaby for a frenetic world’, returns to BBC Radio 3’s airwaves this Easter weekend in a simulcast with the European Broadcasting Union – uniting quarantined nations across the continent in moments of meditative stillness.

The BBC will join with broadcasters across Europe and beyond, including USA, Canada and New Zealand, for the live simulcast of Richter’s eight-hour lullaby, a re-broadcast of the world premiere from 2015.

The premiere, recorded at The Wellcome Collection, became the longest single continuous piece of music ever broadcast live on the radio, and the work has since been performed around the world in a variety of iconic venues including the Sydney Opera House, Grand Park in Los Angeles, Kraftwerk Berlin, the Philharmonie de Paris and most recently at the Great Wall of China.

SLEEP has been hugely successful worldwide – praised by critics and garnering over 350 million streams. In a sign of the work’s timely appeal, Richter’s Deutsche Grammophon album of SLEEP has recently returned to number one in the USA Billboard classical album charts.

SLEEP seeks to examine the relationship between music and the subconscious mind, and to foreground the communal aspect of music performance and listening. This remarkable broadcasting moment aims to bring together listeners around the world in a collective moment of musical reflection.

The piece indeed provides an apt soundtrack for these times of lockdown – when hours seemingly stretch into the distance. Sleep offers a mindful way to forget everything going on around us.

Sleep was composed in consultation with American neuroscientist David Eagleman. In Max Richter’s words: “Five years ago I wrote SLEEP as an invitation to pause our busy lives for a moment.

“Now we are all facing an unexpected and unwelcome pause. It is far from easy to adjust to this new normal, which daily brings fresh anxiety and suffering to our communities, to those we love, and to ourselves.

“At this time the magical ability of creativity to elevate our days and to connect us with one another is more valuable than ever, and I’m really happy that BBC Radio 3 and the EBU will allow us to listen all together across the world. Please stay home, stay safe, and enjoy this 8-hour place to rest with those you love”.

Radio 3’s original eight-hour live broadcast broke two Guinness World Records – for the longest broadcast of a single piece of music, and the longest live broadcast of a single piece of music.

The original world premiere performance will be rebroadcast overnight on BBC Radio 3 from 11pm on Saturday (April 11) to 7am on Easter Sunday (April 12) as part of ‘Slow and Mindful’ series, BBC Radio 3’s offering of music for the mind in the time of lockdown. 

Meanwhile, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) will bring together radio members across the globe to air the full 8-hour piece – with in Europe and beyond, including USA, Canada and New Zealand. They will all broadcast SLEEP during the Easter weekend.

Ramblers Scotland launch #RoamSweetHome campaign

Ramblers Scotland has launched a new campaign called #RoamSweetHome to inspire everyone to keep active safely during the coronavirus pandemic.  

The multi-faceted campaign is also urging people to keep connected during lockdown – both with landscapes and each other ­– for their physical and mental wellbeing.

The charity is urging everyone who can safely do so to stay active in their homes, balconies and gardens and during daily short walks from their front doors.

People are being urged to share their mini-adventures using the #RoamSweetHome hashtag, to inspire others and to keep connected with the outdoor community. Details at ramblers.org.uk/roamsweethome.

Ramblers Scotland director Brendan Paddy said: “Sadly, last month we had to suspend all our group walks, social activities and volunteering programmes – as everyone’s safety must come first.

“But we hope the #RoamSweetHome campaign will keep walkers’ spirits up with lots of great advice, activities and entertainment, all in line with official guidance on social distancing and safe exercising.

“Our members have already been doing great work to look after each other and stay connected in innovative ways. For example, Linlithgow Ramblers will climb the height of Beinn na Lap on their stairs this weekend, as one of their members’ virtual ‘final Munro’. Loads of other Ramblers groups are running fun online events to help the outdoors community through this challenging time.” 

The #RoamSweetHome campaign includes:  

  • A series of ‘Lockdown Diaries’ blogs by Ramblers Scotland’s president Lucy Wallace – an outdoor instructor and wildlife guide based on Arran – on topics such as litter-picking, garden nature and equipment DIY
  • Free maps to more than 700 short, circular ‘Medal Routes’ walks in every Scottish local authority area: ramblers.org.uk/medalroutes
  • Local Ramblers groups’ online events; such Linlithgow Ramblers’ virtual Munro, Eildon Ramblers posting photos of their individual lockdown walks and Balerno Ramblers sharing YouTube videos of their past walks each week. 
  • Resources and information to help the Ramblers’ 54 Scottish groups stay connected with their members, via message boards, email groups, online conference calls, virtual coffee mornings and more. 
  • A #RoamSweetHome step challenge, with supporters across GB joining in, getting their ‘step counts’ up in the weeks and months ahead.
  • Online advice on maintaining health and wellbeing under lockdown, including live chats and online blogs from health and nutrition experts.
  • A Ramblers Great Walking Quiz, to be live streamed in the coming weeks using Facebook Live, with themed questions on the Ramblers’ 85-year history.

If you choose to walk for exercise you are advised to only walk locally to where you live. You should walk alone or with people from your household. You should not walk with friends or in groups. Keep 2m (6ft) distance from anyone you pass on your walk.  

The Scottish Government has published advice, which Ramblers Scotland strongly supports, on access rights during coronavirus at bit.ly/accessrightsCOVID19. Read more here.

 The Ramblers’ latest COVID-19 advice for supporters, members and volunteers is at: ramblers.org.uk/coronavirus 

 The Ramblers’ work to help everyone enjoy the benefits of walking is supported by players of the People’s Postcode Lottery.

£500,000 Morrisons Foundation Fund offers Lifeline to Homeless

Morrisons Foundation has set aside a £500,000 fund over the next three months to help charities offer additional protection, services and support to the homeless as a result of Covid-19.

There are currently 320,00 homeless people in Briton and experts are warning more must be done to support the homeless and to avoid a spike in homelessness resulting from the pandemic’s economic impact.

The emergency funds are being provided as homeless people and charities face a crunch because:

  • There has been a 48% decline in voluntary income to charities since the onset of Covid-19
  • Many hotels have been forced to close, leaving some without accomodation
  • Some charities have seen a 20% reduction in staff due to self isolation and sickness
  • Charities have had to urgently source PPE equipment, food and everyday essentials.

Charities will be able to apply for emergency funding to pay for these costs.

David Potts, Chief Executive of Morrisons, said: “Morrisons is committed to helping the most vulnerable in our society.

“We know that the coronavirus outbreak presents a particular risk to the homeless and we want to do our bit to help. This new fund will help charities doing vital work to care for the homeless at this critical time.”

Nick Connolly, Managing Director of End Youth Homelessness, said: “Our member charities need cash to pay for staff, personal protective equipment, food and other essentials to a level they could not have possibly have envisaged a few months ago. We are so pleased this is being recognised.” 

Charities will be able to apply for financial help with:

  • Outreach and support for rough sleepers – including the supply of food and healthcare essentials
  • Delivery of services in hostels and shelters – including the payment of additional staff, purchase of PPE equipment and provision of emergency accommodation
  • Information and advice – including the provision of health and wellbeing services and helplines.

Rough sleepers are particularly vulnerable to Covid-19 as they are more likely to have underlying health conditions and are less able to access basic sanitation.

Charities can apply online for grants of up to £10,000 at www.morrisonsfoundation.com and successful applications will be fast tracked for payment.

Don’t burn garden waste, pleads council leader

Edinburgh’s Council Leader has urged residents not to burn garden waste or any other rubbish to help protect others’ safety, particularly the vulnerable and those with respiratory problems.

Adam McVey has been joined by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to urge the public to dispose of waste responsibly, rather than burning it.

Garden waste collections have been paused in Edinburgh to allow crews to focus on other, essential collections during the coronavirus outbreak. People are being encouraged to compost cuttings and grass in the meantime, or to hang onto it until collections resume.

Council Leader Adam McVey said: “It’s been extremely heartening to see Edinburgh’s residents playing their part in our response to this crisis by staying indoors and looking out for one another.

“Be assured that as soon as we can we will resume garden collections and reopen the community recycling centres. But for now, and we don’t yet know how long for, we’re asking you to help in our effort to keep residents and our waste staff safe. We really appreciate your patience while we’re not able to collect garden waste and glass recycling due to the changes we’ve had to make.

“We appreciate that while our garden waste collections have stopped to let us deliver other, essential services people will need to find ways of managing their excess garden waste where they don’t have means to home compost. But we are appealing to anyone carrying out gardening this weekend not to get rid of it by burning bonfires, as the smoke can pose a risk to people’s health, particularly the vulnerable and those with respiratory problems.

“By following our tips for composting garden waste, or hanging on to it until collections begin again, instead of burning it, you will be helping us to safeguard the health of people who live here, as well as reducing any impact on our emergency services.”

Kenny Rogers, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Local Senior Officer for the City of Edinburgh, said: “As we all spend more time indoors, you can help us help you by working to reduce risk in and around your home.

“We will always be here for our communities, but when firefighters are mobilised to unnecessary incidents, it can divert them from genuine emergencies.

“That is why I would urge everyone to stay safe this Easter weekend and to do their bit to protect themselves and others by disposing of garden refuse carefully and responsibly.”

Find out more about the Council’s response to the coronavirus, and service changes, online.