Briggs: Health Secretary ‘misled Scottish Parliament’

On Tuesday this week, Miles Briggs MSP asked Jeane Freeman MSP what her response was to concerns raised by the former chair of NHS Lothian regarding the new Royal Hospital for Children and Young People.

http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/report.aspx?r=12568&i=113612

The Cabinet Secretary for Health stated: “I stress that, on 4 July, I took the decision to halt the move. Mr Houston next met me on 18 July. At no point in the intervening period did he – the chair of a major NHS board – feel that it was incumbent upon him to contact me, as the cabinet secretary, to discuss what might have gone wrong or what should be done next and where the board should be involved.”

It has since transpired that the Cabinet Secretary for Health was contacted by Mr Houston by email on 12 July, despite Parliament being repeatedly told otherwise.

The Scottish Government have refuted that Parliament had been misled on the grounds that the email by Mr Houston did not refer to specific issues.

The correspondence from Mr Houston referred to the “RHCYP/DCN situation” as well as assurances that himself and the board were handling the situation and an offer to meet for a 1 to 1 chat prior to the meeting on the 18th July.

Scottish Conservative Health Spokesperson, Miles Briggs, said: “It truly beggars belief that while Jeane Freeman was answering allegations of lying, she misleads the Scottish Parliament.

“The Health Secretary’s transparent attempts to smear Mr Houston have been exposed for what they are.

“The truth is that Jeane Freeman simply refuses to take responsibility for the mess at the Sick Kids hospital and continues to blame everyone but herself.

“It is clear that Mr Houston did attempt to contact the Cabinet Secretary for Health prior to the 18th July, but was ignored by her, as he has been since Ms Freeman took up the post.”

Planting begins at Pennywell Nature Garden

Local schoolchildren have planted the first trees at the new Pennywell Nature Garden.

Pupils from Pirniehall Primary School were joined by members of the Pennywell community as planting got underway in time for spring yesterday.

Set within Urban Union’s and the City of Edinburgh Council’s Pennywell Living development, the shared nature garden will help foster a sense of community and provide local residents with an attractive outdoor space.

The garden will also allow the community to get involved in several projects which will benefit both the environment and their neighbourhood as a whole.

By creating the nature garden, developer Urban Union and North Edinburgh Arts are hoping to create a space for both adults and children at Pennywell Living to enjoy, as well as attract wildlife and boost biodiversity by planting trees, hedges, snowdrops and seed-bombing wildflowers.

Neil McKay, managing director at Urban Union, said: “Having the chance to enjoy the outdoors is incredibly important. Being in the fresh air and around nature is fantastic for people’s health and well-being.

“The garden will also help create a green area and tranquil setting for the development and neighbourhood.

“Located in the hub of the community, the nature garden will feature a range of colourful flowers, trees and plants. It has been great seeing local pupils, community and organisations all come together to help plant the garden’s first trees.”

Natalie Taylor, designer of the Pennywell Nature Garden, added: “The garden will be a fantastic nature haven full of biodiversity for the Pennywell community to enjoy, offering both adults and children a brilliant chance to see nature’s life cycle in action.”

Set to complete in 2023, Pennywell Living is part of a wider housing regeneration project being delivered through a partnership with the City of Edinburgh Council and Urban Union which will see the delivery of over 770 new homes, half of which will be affordable housing.

With great local primary and secondary schools, as well as a wealth of useful amenities in the area, the development is perfect for young professionals and families.

To find out more about the houses on offer at Pennywell Living, visit: www.urbanunionltd.co.uk/pennywell-living

Coronavirus: Business Helpline goes live

A helpline providing businesses across Scotland with advice and guidance on COVID-19 (Coronavirus) has been announced by Economy Secretary Fiona Hyslop.

The helpline, which is now live, will be open Monday to Friday, between 8.30am to 5.30pm.

Based at Scottish Enterprise’s call centre in Clydebank, advisers across Scotland will answer questions from businesses related to COVID-19. The helpline will also help the Scottish Government identify the current challenges facing businesses.

On Thursday the First Minister confirmed that the Scottish and UK Governments are moving from the containment phase to delay, and that large gatherings of over 500 people will be cancelled to support the resilience of emergency services.

The first death of a Coronavirus patient in Scotland was confirmed yesterday.

Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Catherine Calderwood said: “I am saddened to report that a patient in Scotland who has tested positive for Coronavirus has died in hospital. I offer my deepest sympathy to their friends and family at this difficult time.

“The patient, who was being treated by Lothian Health Board was an older person who had underlying health conditions. No further information will be available to protect patient confidentiality.”

There are currently twenty confirmed cases in the NHS Lothian area.

The Chief Medical Officer has advised people with mild symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 including continuing coughing, or a fever or a temperature of above 37.8 should self-isolate for seven days.

Those who have been in contact with someone who is experiencing symptoms should only self-isolate if they begin to experience symptoms.

During a meeting with representatives from Scotland’s business support organisations including the STUC this week, Ms Hyslop stressed the importance of everyone following the latest COVID-19 advice.

Ms Hyslop said: “Scotland is well-prepared for a significant outbreak of coronavirus but people have a vital role to play in helping us contain any outbreak by following the latest health and travel advice.

“This situation presents a significant risk to global and domestic economic activity. That is why today we are launching a business helpline which will provide companies in Scotland with the support and guidance they need to respond appropriately.

“We continue to work closely with our partners to identify what further support businesses need. For example, the Minister for Local Government and Planning and the Chief Planner wrote to all planning authorities this week encouraging them to relax their approach to the enforcement of planning restrictions on shop delivery times and opening hours.

“I also chaired a meeting with representatives from Scotland’s business support organisations including the STUC to hear their concerns and provide reassurance that the Scottish Government will do everything in our power to protect the workforce, businesses and our economy.

“I’d also encourage everyone to refer to the new guidance on COVID-19 that includes workplace advice on reducing the spread of infection.

“Following the UK Government’s budget we also require urgent clarification on what funding Scotland will receive from the announcements made by the UK Government, at a time when prospects for the economy and public finances remain very uncertain as the short term impacts of COVID-19 unfold.”

The business helpline number is 0300 303 0660. The helpline will be open Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5.30pm. Callers should select option one to speak to the COVID-19 team.

People with symptoms told to stay at home.

First Minister announces large events to be cancelled.

Last week new guidance on Covid-19 that includes workplace advice was published.

Further additional guidance and information, including links to guidance for travellers and the general public, can also be found on HPS’ COVID-19 page.

The latest numbers of test results are published at 2pm each day on the Scottish Government website.

 

Up to 1,000 Swissport jobs at risk following Flybe collapse

GMB, the aviation union, says up to 1,000 Swissport jobs are now at risk – many of which could be saved if other airlines take on regional routes operated by collapsed airline Flybe.

The baggage handling and ground crew jobs are under threat at Birmingham, East Midlands, Cardiff, Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Liverpool and Manchester airports following the collapse of Flybe.

Shadow transport minister Karl Turner this week called on the Government to offer assistance not just to Flybe staff, but all plans to the end must be extended to those not employed by Flybe but are nonetheless affected.

Nadine Houghton, GMB National Officer, said: “Up to 1,000 Swissport jobs are now at risk from Flybe’s collapse – that’s on top of thousands more directly employed and in the wider supply chain.

“But many of these can be saved it airlines who’ve shown interest in taking on regional routes put their money where their mouth is, get on and do it.

“The Government needs to do everything in its power to make the transfer of routes and the saving of jobs as easy and painless as possible.”

Cycling Friendly Campus Award for Edinburgh Napier

University praised for commitment to encouraging cycling to and from campus 

Edinburgh Napier University’s commitment to getting more staff and students cycling to campus has been recognised with a top award from Scotland’s national cycling organisation.

The University’s Merchiston campus has received a Cycling Friendly Campus Award from Cycling Scotland in recognition of the support Edinburgh Napier offers to its cycling community.

Presented during the University’s Sustainable Travel Fair at Merchiston this week, the award – which is delivered with funding from Transport Scotland – sees Merchiston join Edinburgh Napier’s Sighthill campus in being accredited. The University also holds a gold Health Working Lives Accreditation.

The University’s Merchiston campus provides 100 bicycle storage spaces, with 14% of staff based at the campus using their bikes to get to and from work – 4% more than the 2020 vision of 10% set by Cycling Action Plan for Scotland.

Merchiston campus shows the highest number of staff and students travelling on foot and by bicycle out of the University’s three main campuses.

Overall, 66.8% of Edinburgh Napier staff and students either cycle, walk or take public transport when travelling to the University – something that Edinburgh Napier is committed to improving even further in the months ahead.

Kerry Dewar, Director of People and Services at Edinburgh Napier, said: “We are delighted to receive this award and would like to thank all of our staff and students who have shown a commitment towards sustainable travel.

“We hope to build on this by continuing to support our cycle to work agenda and aim to have even more people cycle to work in the future.”

Jamie Pearson, Environmental Sustainability Manager, said: “The support we receive from organisations such as Cycling Scotland is absolutely fantastic. Their resources and funding help the University to identify and develop better facilities on campus for current prospective cyclists.

“We will use the recommendations highlighted within the assessment to work with our community and plan our next steps. Thank you to everyone at the University that has contributed towards gaining this award.”

Cycling Scotland’s Valentin Jeanjean, who delivered the award, said: “With two-thirds of Edinburgh Napier students and staff travelling by bike, on foot or by using public transport, the University has worked hard to support its community to make sustainable transport choices.

“Having installed cycle storage, ran promotional events over the last four years and developed successful partnerships with external organisations such as Sustrans and Bike for Refugees, to name just a few, we’re very pleased to recognise the University with this well-deserved Cycling Friendly Campus Award.”

The award for Merchiston campus was received as Edinburgh Napier launched its 2020 Travel Survey at its Sustainable Travel Fair.

Guests from Sustrans, Lothian Buses, Edinburgh Trams, Police Scotland and Just Eat Cycles (Edinburgh’s Cycle Hire Scheme), joined staff and students with travel information and advice across all three campuses, with free bike advice and sustainable smoothies also available to attendees.

The Edinburgh Napier Travel Survey looks at travel behaviour by asking how people get to University and to meetings. It gives the participants a chance to comment on their journeys and what factors influence their travel choices.

The University will use its results to determine how best it can support and encourage more sustainable travel. The insight gained also helps it feed into public infrastructure consultations alongside calculating its carbon impact as a University.

The last survey was conducted in 2017 and had over 2000 responses. More information on Edinburgh Napier’s 2020 Travel Survey can be found here.

The Cycling Friendly Campus Award is run by Cycling Scotland with funding from Transport Scotland and recognises exemplar projects from Scotland’s college and university campuses where cycling is a real and accessible part of campus life.

Campuses can register to become a Cycling Friendly Campus at www.cycling.scot

GRAHAM supports Women Into Construction initiative

Young women from across Central Scotland participating in the ‘Women into Construction’ programme have completed a three-day course to build a wind turbine, facilitated by leading contractor GRAHAM.

‘Women into Construction’ has been devised by Action for Children to encourage more females into the construction industry, where women currently only account for 14% of the workforce.

GRAHAM is a lead partner of the initiative and arranged for the group of young women to take part in the wind turbine project with ConStructEd Scotland at Sibbald’s training facility at Blackridge, to further develop their learning and gain practical, real life construction experience.

The hands-on course has seen the group manage all aspects of the wind turbine construction project from the ground up. Working outdoors in the elements, the team have built formwork, tested and poured concrete before erecting the turbine mast and assembling the electrics to generate power.

Each stage of construction has involved learning and using a variety of materials, tools and skills which can be put to good use in the working world when the programme ends.

Across the duration of the seven-week training programme, the young women from Edinburgh, East Lothian and Midlothian will learn about various sectors of the construction industry; each aspiring to secure an apprenticeship in their chosen field after they graduate from the course in May.

Suzanne Stevenson, Social Impact Advisor for GRAHAM said: “There is a significant gender imbalance in the construction sector, so initiatives like ‘Women into Construction’ provide a strong platform to show just how rewarding and varied a career in construction can be.

“As a company, GRAHAM looks to provide as many opportunities as possible to the younger generation, including apprenticeship schemes and funding further education. It’s been a pleasure to watch the young women progress throughout the course and we look forward to supporting them in their futures where possible.”

Charlie Douglas, 16, from Bonnyrigg, a participant on the ‘Women into Construction’ programme said: “The ‘Women into Construction’ programme has been a brilliant experience and opportunity for me.

“I grew up watching my dad and brother work in construction and I’ve loved being able to train in the same field, as part of an all-female group. The course has made me feel far more comfortable and confident as everyone is in the same position, learning the basics together.

“The wind turbine project was a great way to get some hands-on experience and now I’d really like to take this further and explore a career in the construction industry.”

GRAHAM is a member of the “5% Club”, an organisation consisting of companies committed to ensuring 5% of their workforce over the next five years is comprised of young people on structured learning schemes.

Those interested in applying for an apprenticeship with GRAHAM in Scotland are encouraged to send a CV and covering letter to: Glasgow.GrahamAcademy@graham.co.u

RIAS/RIBA Awards shortlist announced

The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) has announced an 18 strong shortlist for its 2020 awards. Four Edinburgh buildings made the final cut.

The shortlist for Scotland comprises the following buildings (listed alphabetically):

Aberdeen Art Gallery (contract value not for publication)
Hoskins Architects for Aberdeen City Council

Altarf, Isle of Skye (contract value not for publication)
Ann Nisbet Studio for a private client

An Cala, Sutherland (contract value not for publication)
Mary Arnold-Forster Architects for a private client

Bayes Centre, Edinburgh (contract value not for publication)
Bennetts Associates for University of Edinburgh

Bertha Park High School, Perth (£29m)
NORR Consultants Limited for Perth & Kinross Council

Dunira Street Housing, Glasgow (£8.38m)
Elder & Cannon Architects for Tollcross Housing Association

Edinburgh Printmakers (contract value not for publication)
Page\Park Architects for Edinburgh Printmakers

The Egg Shed, Argyll and Bute (contract value not for publication)
Oliver Chapman Architects for Scottish Canals

Faithlie Centre, Aberdeenshire (£2.5m)
Moxon Architects Ltd with Alan S Marshall Conservation Architect for Aberdeenshire Council

Global Research Innovation and Discovery (GRID) (£12m)
Sheppard Robson Architects for Heriot-Watt University

The Hill House Box, Helensburgh (£3.2m)
Carmody Groarke for National Trust for Scotland

King’s Stables Road, Mixed-Use Development, Edinburgh (c.£40m)
Fletcher Joseph Associates for Peveril Securities and Campus DM

Kyle House, Sutherland (contract value not for publication)
Groves-Raines Architects Studios Ltd for a private client

Maidenhill Primary School & Nursery, East Renfrewshire (contract value not for publication)
BDP for East Renfrewshire Council

Maryhill Locks, Glasgow (£4.76m)
jmarchitects for Bigg Regeneration Limited

The Prince & Princess of Wales Hospice, Glasgow (£21m)
Ryder Architecture for The Prince & Princess of Wales Hospice

sportscotland National Sports Training Centre, Inverclyde (£11m)
Reiach and Hall Architects for sportscotland

Watt Institution, Greenock (£1.8m)
Collective Architecture for Inverclyde Council

Judging will take place at the end of March with the RIAS Awards winners announced at a dinner at the Assembly Rooms, Edinburgh on 28th May. The RIBA National Awards will be announced later in the year.

Reflecting on this year’s submissions and the climate challenges for Scottish architecture, Chair of the RIAS Awards judging panel Jenny Jones commented: “Given that these projects would have been commissioned at the very least, several years ago, there are some very strong carbon-conscious submissions which demonstrate an attention to the challenges we all face.

The greater shift will become evident in the next years if we continue to challenge and create innovative responses as to how we can “build” with environmental consciousness.”

The judging panel for this year is Jenny Jones, Founding Director and Architect at Studio Jenny Jones (Chair), Tony Chapman, former head of Awards at RIBA and freelance architecture critic (representing the Royal Institute of British Architects), Brian McGinlay, Founding Director and Architect at McGinlay Bell and Ann Allen, Chair of Architecture & Design Scotland.

Nick Ribbons, Sector Manager – Construction at Zero Waste Scotland, Joann Russell, Head of Estates Conservation Directorate at Historic Environment Scotland and Steven Robb, Deputy Head of Casework, Heritage Directorate at Historic Environment Scotland were also involved in the shortlisting discussions.

No use crying … funding support for Spilt Milk

Fourteen social entrepreneurs have secured a share of £67,000 from social enterprise start-up agency Firstport. One of them is Leith-based Spilt Milk.

Start It awards are part of the Scottish Government’s Social Entrepreneurs Fund, supporting individuals who are focussed on piloting new ideas that are yet to get off the ground.  This latest round of funding sees individuals from across Scotland receiving funding, with the Borders, Dumfries, and Moray all represented.

Lauren McLaughlin is one of the fourteen social entrepreneurs to secure funding for her enterprise, Spilt Milk which is based in Edinburgh. A health and well-being social enterprise, Spilt Milk offers childcare-supported creative workshops, events and exhibitions to empower mothers.

With isolation and loneliness becoming a growing issue amongst young mothers under 30, Lauren set up Spilt Milk as a way of providing mothers a place to be social and creative. Having personal experience of social isolation, Lauren is passionate about the social benefit Spilt Milk has to offer and draws on her professional skills to provide the empowerment services.

Having already started work in several communities running workshops and hosting community exhibitions, Lauren is now ready to take the social enterprise to the next level and secure a workshop space to deliver her services.

Spilt Milk plans to rent a space in Leith through which they’ll deliver their empowerment programme. Their future goals include securing a permanent property with studio, workshop and gallery spaces as well as a crèche. 

Lauren McLaughlin, founder of Spilt Milk, said: “We are delighted to have received a Start It Award from Firstport. At Spilt Milk we are passionate about the power of the arts to shape communities and inspire change and we believe art should be accessible to all.

“The funding will allow us to build upon our childcare-supported creative workshop programme and reach more mothers throughout Edinburgh and beyond.” 

Josiah Lockhart, Chief Exec of Firstport said: “Spilt Milk is an exciting enterprise that people should keep an eye on, by combining creative arts with mothers’ wellbeing, it offers a novel way of challenging isolation in communities.

“It’s great to see such a large number of social entrepreneurs being awarded our Start It funding. This round shows how the social enterprise model continues to grow in popularity across the country, and how social and environmental missions are at the core of start-ups in Scotland.”