Let’s get Scotland’s workers walking

Charity calls on businesses to see the benefits of walking at work

SCOTLAND’s walking charity is calling on businesses to get walking at work as part of National Walking Month this May, with a scheme that recognises the importance of staff being active during the working day.

The Paths for All Walk at Work Award recognises and celebrates employers across Scotland who help to promote everyday walking in their workplace, creating a healthier work force, both physically and mentally.

Aimed at encouraging workplaces around the country to explore different ways to get staff active, in and around the working day, the award scheme also promotes wellbeing and a green environment in the workplace.

The charity recently awarded the 50th certification to East Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Partnership, who used the scheme to encourage their staff to remain active during the working day by providing a programme of lunchtime Health Walks for staff.

As part of the programme, it also provided links and information which were made readily available to staff through a dedicated a wellbeing website, as well as facilities for staff who travel actively to and from work.

Councillor Katie Pragnell, East Renfrewshire Integration Joint Board Vice-Chair and Convenor for Health and Social Care accepted the award on behalf of the Partnership.

She commented: “We are delighted to have received the Walk at Work Award, and being the 50th organisation to do so, makes it even more special.

“Staff wellbeing is incredibly important to the HSCP. Our weekly walks have brought people from across services together and have been a positive addition to our programme of activity. We will continue to encourage more people to take part and enjoy a stroll over the summer.”

With the 50th certification being awarded, Paths for All hope that more workplaces around the country will now want to get involved with the scheme.

Kevin Lafferty, CEO of Paths for All stated: “Walking a little more each day has proven benefits to mental and physical health, which is why it’s important that we recognise the workplaces who have received the Walk at Work Award.

“We hope that the work East Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Partnership has done will help to inspire other businesses to get certified, and help them become a happier and healthy workplace.

“The Walk at Work Award is an important scheme, which can benefit businesses across the country to not only get fitter but also help to improve the environment.

“By choosing to walk for short trips instead of driving, an individual is improving their health while also reducing air pollution and emissions that are damaging the planet.”

Paths for All’s mission is to support Scots to have the opportunity to walk, wheel, scoot or cycle every day, creating a happier, healthier and greener Scotland and is celebrating National Walking Month by encouraging everyone to put a “Spring in your Step” this May. 

For workplaces, Paths for All provides support which includes a free Workplace Walking online course and bespoke Step Count Challenges. The national spring Step Count Challenge, run by Paths for All, kicked off on Monday, 29th April, with over 800 teams taking part.

The charity works to create more opportunities and better environments for everyone in Scotland, no matter who they are or where they live, to stay active through walking, wheeling, scooting or cycling.

For more information about the Walk at Work Award, visit: https://www.pathsforall.org.uk/walk-at-work-award

For more information about Paths for All, visit: www.pathsforall.org.uk

Pennywell Gardens serious assault: Police issue witness appeal

POLICE are appealing for information following a serious assault in North Edinburgh. The incident happened around 9.15pm yesterday (Monday, 20 May, 2024) on Pennywell Gardens.

A 62-year-old man was taken to hospital for treatment.

The first suspect was wearing a blue hooded jacket, black trousers and black trainers, with a blue backpack. The second suspect was wearing a black cap, a black long sleeved top, black shorts and black trainers with a white sole.

Detective Sergeant Alan Sharp said: “Our enquiries are ongoing and we are appealing to anyone who may have seen anything to contact officers.

“We also ask anyone with private CCTV or dash-cam footage of the area at the time to come forward.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting incident 3965 of 20 May, 2024. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.

1 in 3 Scots don’t understand Low Emission Zones ahead of new charges coming into force

  • New research from Carwow reveals almost half (45%) of Scottish motorists don’t know where the current Low Emission Zones (LEZ) are operating, while almost 1 in 4 (24%) aren’t sure if their own vehicle is LEZ compliant 
  • More than half (55%) of Scots also think now is the wrong time to introduce new LEZs and 59% think there are ‘better ways’ to combat air pollution
  • However, most are in support of LEZs, think EVs are the future and would buy a cleaner vehicle if they could afford to switch
  • Carwow is supporting motorists with a series of new tools to help motorists check if their car is LEZ / CAZ compliant

Ahead of the launch of three new Low Emission Zones (LEZ) in Aberdeen, Dundee and Edinburgh,* new data from Carwow reveals almost a third (30%) of Scottish motorists are not sure they understand LEZ rules.

Carwow’s survey also reveals that only half (55%) of drivers in Scotland are confident they know where the current zones are operating while almost one in four (24%) are not sure if their own vehicle is LEZ compliant or not.

Even in the cities where the LEZs are due to be introduced, understanding is low; in Dundee, for example, 29% of drivers are not sure if they know how LEZs work, rising to 33% in Edinburgh and 34% in Aberdeen while four in ten drivers in Aberdeen (44%) and Dundee (42%) – and half in Edinburgh (50%) – are not sure where the current zones are.

Furthermore, a quarter of drivers in all three cities worryingly do not know if the car they are driving is LEZ compliant, despite the fact the charging rules are coming into force in the coming weeks.

Broad support for Low Emission Zones but ‘now is not the time’

Carwow’s figures show that while the majority (52%) of Scottish drivers are in support of LEZs and think electric vehicles (EVs) are the future, most (53%) think now is the ‘wrong time’ to introduce new LEZ or expand current ones, rising to 56% of drivers in Aberdeen.

However, the data suggests that this lack of support for the imminent introduction of new LEZs is driven by cost rather than willingness; most (54%) Scottish drivers say they’d like to own an EV in the future – and 61% would switch now if they could – but can’t afford to. 

In fact, of those Scots who currently own a non-LEZ compliant vehicle, a third (33%) say they cannot afford to upgrade, rising to almost one in four (37%) drivers in Dundee..

Sally Foote, Chief Commercial Officer – Sell my Car at Carwow said:“There are two clear issues that have come to light here; firstly, that more needs to be done to educate and inform drivers about LEZs, and secondly, it is cost and not lack of willing that is preventing drivers from making the switch to cleaner vehicles such as EVs and hybrids.

“We therefore need to tackle the lack of understanding amongst motorists about Low Emission Zones in Scotland – where the current ones are, where the new ones will be and which cars are compliant, because, without better knowledge, millions of drivers are at risk of being fined.

“There is also much more that needs to be done in terms of affordability. Most drivers want to do what they can to drive more cleanly – in fact, most want to own an EV –  but it is just not economically viable at the moment.

“At Carwow, we are working hard to help drivers navigate LEZ; our new range of new tools can help drivers understand LEZs and check if their cars are LEZ compliant, giving motorists confidence to drive in areas and on roads without fear of charges or fines.”

Carwow has a range of tools available to help motorists who drive in any CAZ or LEZ across the country check if their vehicle is compliant:

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Lib Dems select Mike Andersen for Edinburgh North and Leith

The Scottish Liberal Democrats formally announce the selection of Mike Andersen as their candidate for Edinburgh North and Leith in the upcoming general election. Originally hailing from South Africa, where he practiced as a litigation attorney, Mike now lives in Canonmills with his husband and their dog.

Mike’s passion for his chosen country and his commitment to community service led him to join the Liberal Democrats, where he has become an active and engaged member.

“I love having the opportunity to get out on the streets of Edinburgh North and Leith to connect with constituents, listen to their views, and understand their concerns.

“I am additionally immensely proud to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the committed Liberal Democrat Councillors of Edinburgh North and Leith. Their relentless dedication mirrors our party’s steadfast commitment to serving the community and driving real, positive change.”

Raised in a household where service and community were paramount values, Mike’s upbringing instilled in him a profound sense of duty and accountability.

“From a young age, with my father serving in the military, I can remember being taught to do the right thing and not only the easy thing. I resolutely believe that ethics and accountability in public service are non-negotiables. Ethics should not only be talked about but should be seen and shown in action.”

Mike’s decision to stand as a candidate reflects his desire to enact meaningful change, placing the needs of Edinburgh North and Leith front and centre. He envisages a future where promises are kept, voices are heard, and every individual has an opportunity to reach their potential, embodying the core principles of the Liberal Democrats.

“Scotland is filled with talented, good, hardworking people. People who are simply seeking a fair deal in life, the deal they were promised through their hard work. The Liberal Democrats are the only party working to fulfil this promise of a fair deal.”

As the candidate for Edinburgh North and Leith, Mike presents a vision of a United Kingdom that embraces a role as a global leader in human rights and culture, while fostering an environment where both individuals and businesses can flourish.

“We can have a UK that is again proud to hold its head high on the global stage, as both a voice for Human Rights and a cultural superpower. We can have a UK which helps the vulnerable in society while providing the space for people and businesses to flourish.

“We can have a UK where voices are heard and Scotland sits as an equal partner. It is this vision I am fighting for and it is a vision which can become a reality but only if we vote for actual change”

Mike Andersen embodies the spirit of change, offering a fresh perspective and a steadfast commitment to Edinburgh North and Leith, Scotland and the United Kingdom, say the Lib-Dems.

Scotland’s councils face severe challenges to balance the books

Scotland’s councils faced a collective gap of up to £585 million between the money needed to deliver services and the money available when setting their budgets this year. This is estimated to increase to £780 million by 2026/27. Ever tougher decisions must be made to ensure councils are financially sustainable.

Councils are addressing this most commonly by making ongoing savings, using reserves and raising money through charging citizens for some services.

An Accounts Commission report on the budgets set by councils for 2024/25 says that a near six per cent increase in Scottish Government revenue funding to councils – totalling £13.25 billion – masks significant underlying financial challenges and strain. Almost all the increases in funding have been ring-fenced for policies and to cover the costs of pay increases in 2023/24.

Whilst councils received £147 million of government funding to mitigate the impacts of this year’s council tax freeze, there are longer-term financial consequences as future rises will provide less income for councils. Also, a third of councils say the government funding does not fully-fund the freeze.

The full impact of proposed savings by councils on service delivery and communities is unclear. There has been significant public opposition in some council areas to cuts to services, with new and increased charges also affecting people.

We will continue to monitor this area closely, as councils must meet savings in full this year. Failing to do so will intensify and exacerbate the impacts on services in future years, as further savings will be needed.

Councils must look to the future as they make increasingly difficult decisions to deliver savings, at scale, to address projected budget gaps. Planning and delivering on transformational change are vital if councils are to be financially sustainable.

Derek Yule, Member of the Accounts Commission said: “It’s getting harder for councils to do more with less. They have to find and then deliver significant levels of savings to address budget gaps.

“Fully engaging with local people and being clear about the different and difficult budget choices is vital, whilst understanding the impacts on the most vulnerable.

“Councils need to improve the way in which they present financial information, and do this in a clear, consistent and accessible way.

“The Accounts Commission calls on councils to increase the accessibility and transparency of publicly available budget information. This will allow for improved comparison between councils, particularly around key information including actions to tackle existing and future budget gaps, as well as savings plans.”

Granton History Hub: Archive Open this afternoon at Madelvic House

Granton:hub history archives will be open today, Tuesday 21 May from 1 – 4pm

Bring the past alive at our local history hub drop-in sessions where you can find photos, films, newspapers and more.

Sign up here:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/…/granton-archive-project…

£5 million to unlock Scotland’s entrepreneurial talent

Support for start-up businesses

Extra investment to grow and nurture high-growth businesses and entrepreneurs has been announced.

The £5 million package will help deliver end-to-end support for Scotland’s start-up companies. It forms part of an ongoing to commitment to deliver on the recommendations of the Logan report into developing a world-class technology sector, and the Pathways report which is focussed on expanding the number of women starting and scaling-up businesses.

The package includes:

  • funding to expand the business funding competition Scottish EDGE, helping broaden and tailor the range of financial support available to fledgling businesses
  • the development of pre-start support, aimed at stimulating the earliest stages of business creation and product development for under-represented groups.
  • support to maximise the economic impact of university spin-out companies, and commercialise research
  • investing in initiatives that will attract the world’s top talent and showcase Scotland as a global destination for start-up founders and investors.

The additional support coincides with an announcement that Codebase, delivery partners of the Scottish Government’s £42 million Techscaler programme, are to partner with Scottish EDGE to develop the end-to-end support offered to businesses and entrepreneurs.

Deputy First Minister and Economy Secretary Kate Forbes announced the new funding as she visited the National Robotarium, the UK’s centre for Robotics and Artificial Intelligence and home to a number of spin-out tech companies.

She said: “Innovation is at the very heart of our economy. We have the talent, the skills and the facilities to make Scotland one of Europe’s fastest-growing start-up economies: an economy that is strong, successful and dynamic.

“This package of measures, which builds on the multi-million investment the Scottish Government is already making into our start-up business community, forms the next step in providing one of the most comprehensive government-backed support networks in Europe.

“The partnership between Codebase and Scottish EDGE also underlines our joined-up approach to fostering and nurturing Scotland’s young and vibrant business community. My message to Scotland’s innovators, entrepreneurs and disruptors is simple but clear: this Government believes in you and we will back you.”

Founder of the Hunter Foundation Sir Tom Hunter said: “Scottish EDGE is a proven, world class model of delivering finance to potential high growth early stage businesses and that has been independently verified.

“I am delighted the Deputy First Minister has recognised that and added significant additional resource to Scottish EDGE. When business and Government come together as they do in financing Scottish EDGE it can drive real economic growth by building the pipeline of entrepreneurial businesses, employment and the taxes that pay for public services.”

Entrepreneur and Investor Ana Stewart, author of the Pathways report on under-representation of women in entrepreneurship, said: “‘This  is a meaningful step forward in tackling the extreme gender imbalance which currently exists in entrepreneurship.

“I look forward to engaging and supporting the Government and other partners in enacting change whilst building on the existing momentum created since the publication of the Pathways report.

“Change will not happen overnight so I am also encouraged to see the adoption of a more strategic approach with a multi-year investment – a critical component if we are to tackle these persistent challenges.”

Gas company partners with Generation Science to inspire next generation on renewable energy

SGN has teamed up with Generation Science, an innovative educational programme led by Edinburgh Science, to empower primary school children with insights into future energy solutions and how we can tackle climate change.

The leading energy company is delivering LTS Futures – a first of its kind project – which aims to validate the compatibility of utilising the existing gas network to carry hydrogen. The success of the project, which is repurposing a 30km decommissioned natural gas pipeline between Grangemouth and Granton, would pave the way for hydrogen transportation on a national scale.

Thanks to funding provided by SGN, around 330 pupils aged 7 to 11 (primary 4 to 7), who attend schools based along the LTS live trial pipeline, have benefited from the 90-minute climate and engineering themed sessions.

The Green Machine is an interactive workshop dedicated to unravelling the complexities of energy transfer and renewable electricity generation. Guided by the Edinburgh Science team of experts, students delve into lessons to refine their understanding and perfect their innovative machine designs. 

Recently SGN’s LTS Futures Project Director Nancy Thomson joined the Generation Science team at Moray Primary School in Grangemouth, to participate in a session which explored future energy solutions for the Earth’s changing climate.

It looked at different sources of renewable and sustainable energy such as solar, wind and green hydrogen, and how we can utilise them to live in an environmentally responsible way.

Heather Chalmers, P6 class Teacher at Moray Primary School, said: “The Generation Science experience was absolutely delightful. As the students immersed themselves in the wonders of renewable energy, they discovered a world brimming with possibilities. 

“The team took them on a wonderful journey through the ages, tracing the origins of fossil fuels and illuminating the necessity for sustainable alternatives. From the intricacies of solar panels to the power of wind turbines, each discussion highlighted the importance of sustainable practices in shaping our future. The workshop not only sparked curiosity but also instilled a sense of responsibility towards the environment. 

“Witnessing the students’ enthusiasm and eagerness to learn was truly heart-warming. What made the experience even more remarkable was the generosity of the sponsor, whose support made this invaluable, educational opportunity accessible to all. Grateful for their contribution, we’re reminded of the immense impact such partnerships can have in nurturing young minds and fostering a brighter, greener tomorrow.”

Laura McLister, Head of Learning at Edinburgh Science, said: “We’re delighted to have SGN on board as a supporter for this year’s Generation Science tour.

“Our mission for Generation Science is to provide high quality science activities to primary school pupils across Scotland, providing the same experience no matter where they live.

“SGN share our drive to inspire the next generation of engineers and champion the importance of sustainable sources of energy for homes. Thanks to their generous support we’re able to bring ‘The Green Machine’ to Granton and Grangemouth.”

Fort Kinnaird launches free book club with Musselburgh Library

Fort Kinnaird has launched a brand-new monthly book club, bringing the community together over the joy of reading.

In partnership with Musselburgh Library, the free sessions are hosted in Fort Kinnaird’s Caffè Nero, with participants discussing their current reads and all-time favourite novels while taking inspiration from others and enjoying a free hot drink. 

The club meets on the last Thursday of every month, with the next session at Caffè Nero on Thursday 30th May, 10am – 11am.

The book club launch coincided with the return of the centre’s popular book swap, which saw over 300 books exchanged by the local community last year.

This year, in addition to the ‘Little Library’ of children’s books in the play area to exchange for free, there is also a dedicated area for novels for all ages to swap in Caffè Nero, with both book swaps available now. 

Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said: “We’re so pleased to launch our new book club – it’s a pleasure to be able to bring the local community together to socialise and chat over a good book. 

“A special thank you goes to Musselburgh Library and Caffè Nero for providing their expertise and a venue. We’re looking forward to the next session!”

Picture – Chris Watt Photography 07887554193 info@chriswatt.com www.chriswatt.com

Wilma Porteous, community librarian at Musselburgh Library, said: “We are passionate about the benefits of reading, both for wellbeing and education, and were delighted when Fort Kinnaird approached us to work on this book club together.

“Whether you’re into thrilling crime novels or prefer a literary classic, the book club is the perfect excuse to while away an hour with fellow readers.”  

For more information, please visit www.fortkinnaird.com/news/free-book-club

To plan your day out at Fort Kinnaird, please visit www.fortkinnaird.com

Duke of Edinburgh visits Dance Base

HRH Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh, witnesses first-hand how Dance Base helps dance flourish and changes lives

HRH Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, paid a visit to Dance Base, Scotland’s National Centre for Dance, on Saturday. The Edinburgh-based charity has a mission to encourage and support the potential for dance in everyone.

Jim Hollington, Dance Base CEO, said: “We were delighted to welcome His Royal Highness to Dance Base.

“In 2001 his brother, His Majesty King Charles, officially opened our brand-new centre on Edinburgh’s Grassmarket. We were delighted to show HRH some of what we have achieved over nearly a quarter of a century, helping dance to flourish and change lives.”

During his visit, the Duke of Edinburgh received a tour of the purpose-built building, a centre for creating, nurturing, and celebrating dance in the heart of Edinburgh.

Completed in 2001, the building hosts four unique studios, over 60 classes a week, broad reaching support for dance artists, performances, international exchanges, community projects and more – all delivered by a knowledgeable and passionate team. HRH visited children taking part in an Aerial Skills class, hosted by All or Nothing, and dancers in a West African dance class.

Duke of Edinburgh also enjoyed a series of curated performances featuring dancers aged from their teens to their eighties, offering a snippet of the important work the organisation has been doing across their public, professional and Health & Wellbeing programmes. These included:

Dance for Parkinson’s film – When We Dance

When We Dance is a collaboration between Dance Base’s Dance for Parkinson’s and filmmaker Lucas Chih-Peng Kao. The collaboration comprises of people living with Parkinson’s, their families, friends, carers, our volunteers, and a team of professional artists. Running since 2013, Dance for Parkinson’s is a core part of Dance Base’s Health and Wellbeing work and established a strong president of supporting people living with neurological conditions through dance. Dance Base has supported satellite groups to be established all over Scotland and continues to support the network.

24 Carat Gold – Freak Out

24 Carat Gold is a company offering opportunities to underrepresented elderly dancers with current members ranging in age from their 60s to 90s. They will perform Freak Out, choreographed by Alan Grieg.

Lothian Youth Dance Company – Kids Today

Lothian Youth Dance Company are Dance Base’s in-house dance company for young dancers aged 14 to 21 years old. Inviting new members each year, LYDC provides opportunity for young people to find their creative voice through dance. They will perform a piece titled Kids Today, choreographed by Dance Base’s Artistic Director Tony Mills.

Jo Richards – Barbieland

Jo Richards has been a professional dancer and dance teacher for over 23 years. She teaches Commercial Improvers, Commercial Jazz Beginners and Street Dance classes at Dance Base and represented the organisation at the 2010 Commonwealth Games Ceremony in India. She will perform her piece Barbieland alongside students from her dance classes.

The Dance Base team was proud to showcase their achievements and broad reach which includes:

  • 50,000+ attendances at public classes
  • 10,000 attendances at our August festival performances
  • 50+ artist residencies where dance artists based in Scotland come to create new work
  • 330+ live performances in August and throughout the year
  • 60+ weekly classes in 12+ dance styles

They also talked about the upcoming events at the organisation, including Skills ‘N’ Billz, a Breakin’ battle on Sunday 26 May featuring Breakers from across the UK and beyond, invited for the daylong battle; Dance with Pride event to celebrate Edinburgh Pride and this term’s specialist workshops in Reggaeton, Ballroom and Contemporary techniques.

On 6 June, Dance Base announces the 25+ shows from Scotland and all over the world which will be presented this August as part of Dance Base 2024 Festival in association with Assembly Festival.