Granton gasholder taking shape for future public park

New footage released by the Council shows the tank in the iconic gasholder frame has been infilled in preparation for the site to become a public park in the future.

Around 50,000 tonnes of infill material has been placed and compacted within the 11 x 78 metre tank ready for placement of the bentonite membrane. This follows the dramatic removal of the tank walls and bell last year.

Work is currently being carried out on the enormous amount of steel making up the structure with every steel member being looked at and repaired if required. This involves replacing corroded sections or filling holes. To repaint the structure the process involves blasting it with cooper ore which removes the old lead paint and corrosion, cleaning it down and prepping the surfaces then priming coats before the final paint colour.

The progress is the latest in the restoration of the site which began last year. McLaughlin & Harvey are completing the work on behalf of The City of Edinburgh Council using £16.4m from the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund and an additional £1.2 million from the Scottish Government.

The gasholder, which sits at the heart of the Council’s £1.3bn regeneration project for a new sustainable coastal town at Granton Waterfront, will become an exciting multifunctional public area.

The space within the restored gasholder is to have multi-sensory play zones, a dedicated area for permanent and temporary public art and one for relaxation, outdoor trails, and tracks for exercise as well as a large outdoor space for sports, markets, seasonal events, community use, festivals, performance arts, exhibitions, and play. Work will also be carried out to plant trees, shrubs and wildflowers improving biodiversity and local habitat in the area.

Councillor Cammy Day, Council Leader, said: “It’s exciting to see this footage and the culmination of all the hard work that has already gone into bringing this fantastic project to life for the area. The transformation of the structure will give the local community a much-needed place to come together to enjoy arts, sports, and culture.

“The project forms part of the wider £1.3bn regeneration of the Granton area where we are unlocking brownfield land to build a new sustainable 20-minute neighbourhood. We’re continuing to work hard to ensure Granton is somewhere residents will be proud to live and I look forward to seeing progress continue throughout this year.

Graham Brown, McLaughlin & Harvey Senior Contracts Manager, said: “We are delighted to have reached another milestone on this exciting project.

“The Gas Holder tank has been dewatered, demolished and infilled alongside the ongoing structural frame refurbishment works. This has involved in-depth logistical planning to ensure both aspects of the project can progress side by side whilst ensuring the safety of our workforce.

“The finished paint surface is also progressing well under the cover of our immense scaffold structure and in the coming months we will commence the public realm works as the final phase of the project.”

Planning Minister, Joe FitzPatrick, said: “Derelict sites can be a blight on communities and often hold back development.

“The Scottish Government’s low carbon Vacant and Derelict Land Investment Programme is helping to unlock these sites by providing investment to create great places for people to enjoy, regenerating communities and tackling climate change.

“I am delighted that £1.2 million from the programme is supporting this transformative project on this historic site with the creation of a biodiverse, multi-use, and accessible park within the frame of the gas holder, opening it up to public access for the first time.”

TODAY: Spring Community Event at LifeCare

Enjoy lots of fun spring activities, including a bake sale, face painting, art exhibition featuring artwork from our unpaid carers classes, and our pop up play for under 5s for your littles to enjoy!

This event is free thanks to funding from The National Lottery Community Fund.

All welcome, just drop by!

Free thanks to @TNLComFundScot

💫
🫶
🌸

Income tax changes today

People urged to check their tax code as new financial year begins

Progressive changes to Scottish income tax will raise valuable revenue for investing in public services, Deputy First Minister Shona Robison has said.  

From today (Saturday 6 April 2024) a new Advanced income tax band will apply a 45% rate on annual income between £75,000 and £125,140. An additional 1pence will be added to the Top rate of tax meaning income over £125,140 will be taxed at 48%.

There are no changes to the Starter, Basic, Intermediate and Higher tax rates for earnings under £75,000. The Starter and Basic rate bands will increase in line with inflation and the Higher rate threshold will be maintained at £43,662.

The independent Scottish Fiscal Commission estimates that overall income tax will raise £18.8 billion in 2024-25.

Scottish taxpayers are being encouraged to check to ensure the tax code on their first payslip in the new financial year is accurate. People paying Scottish income tax should have a tax code that begins with an S.

Deputy First Minister Shona Robison said: “Scotland has the most progressive income tax system in the UK. The new Advanced band builds on that progressive approach, protecting those who earn less and asking those who earn more to contribute more.

“Only 5% of Scottish taxpayers will pay a higher tax rate this year compared to last year and the majority of taxpayers are still paying less than they would elsewhere in the UK.

“The money raised through income tax allows people in Scotland to benefit from a wide range of services and social security payments not provided elsewhere in the UK, including free prescriptions and free higher education. Council tax is less in Scotland than in England, even before factoring in a council tax freeze for 2024-25.

“I encourage everyone to check their first payslip in April to make sure their address is correct and that their tax code starts with an ‘S’. This will ensure that people are paying the right amount of tax on their income.”

The Scottish Fiscal Commission estimates that the cumulative impact of Scottish Government income tax policy decisions since 2017 will raise an additional £1.5 billion in 2024-25, compared to the position if UK Government tax policy had been matched during that time.

The new Scottish income tax bands and rates for the financial year 2024-25 are:

 2024-25
BandRate
Starter£12,571 – £14,87619%
Basic£14,877 – £26,56120%
Intermediate£26,562 – £43,66221%
Higher£43,663 – £75,00042%
Advanced£75,001 – £125,140*45%
TopAbove £125,14048%

Policies related to National Insurance Contributions and the Personal Tax Allowance remain reserved to the UK Government. Scottish Ministers continue to call for further tax powers to be devolved so decisions affecting the people of Scotland are decided by the Scottish Parliament.

The UK Government confirmed in the 2023 Autumn Statement that the UK-wide Personal Allowance will remain frozen at £12,570.

*Under the UK Government’s Personal Allowance policy, those earning more than £100,000 will see their Personal Allowance reduced by £1 for every £2 earned over £100,000.

Unleash your creativity and tastebuds

Dobbies’ Edinburgh store unveils Afternoon Tea and Planting Experience

Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre, is inviting plant enthusiasts and foodies alike to a brand new Afternoon Tea and Planting Experience at its Edinburgh store, giving each attendee a planter worth £30, that’s created during the event, to take home.  

Taking place on Saturday 13 and Saturday 20 April, at 3pm, this 90 minute event will combine the joy of hands-on creativity with the indulgence of a delicious afternoon tea.

Guests in Edinburgh can enjoy three tiers of sweet and savoury delights, accompanied by unlimited tea and coffee refills, and the option to upgrade the drink to a latte, cappuccino, mocha, hot chocolate or speciality tea at a small additional cost.

The first tier will include a variety of freshly made finger sandwiches such as smoked salmon and cream cheese; egg mayonnaise and watercress; and ham, rocket and wholegrain mustard.

The second tier includes Dobbies’ famed scones, served with Cornish clotted cream and a pot of jam, and the third tier will feature a delightful array of sweet treats, including a rainbow meringue kiss and lemon mousse.

After enjoying the afternoon tea, guests in Edinburgh will take part in an interactive workshop led by a member of Dobbies’ gardening team.

They will offer top tips and answer questions on how to plant up a container from scratch, and each attendee will have the chance to plant up their own, with a terracotta pot, seasonal bedding plants, hederas and heathers.

Adam Veysey, Dobbies’ Head of Food Development, said: “We’ve only just launched our brand new afternoon tea options and it’s fantastic that we’re able to offer this with an exclusive and new planting event for our customers in Edinburgh.

“We love creating a vibrant community at Dobbies where people of all ages and experiences can come together to give gardening a go, and having afternoon tea with a planting experience is the ideal combination.

“Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, everyone is welcome.”

Tickets for this new Afternoon Tea and Planting Experience are priced at £40 per person (with the planter valued at £30).

To making a booking visit: www.dobbies.com/events

Stress Awareness month: Experts share tips on reducing stress levels through small, positive actions

April marks Stress Awareness Month in the UK, which since 1992 has sought to raise awareness of the causes and dangers of stress.

Stress is the body’s reaction to pressure or feeling threatened. It is very common and can help people to work hard and achieve their goals. However, too much stress can have a negative impact on your physical, emotional and mental health. 

The theme for this year’s month is Little By Little, focusing on the impacts of small, consistent and positive actions. To mark the month, the learning experts at online training provider High Speed Training have shared some tips to help identify and effectively manage stress at home.

Stress is a normal part of life, and everyone will experience it at some point. There are many causes of stress and they will be different for everyone. Some common sources of stress include:

  • Feeling under lots of pressure. 
  • Facing big changes in your life.
  • Being worried about something or someone. 
  • Not having control over the outcome of a situation. 
  • Having overwhelming responsibilities.
  • Not having enough work or having too much work.
  • Experiencing discrimination, hate or abuse.
  • Going through a period of uncertainty. 

Dr Richard Anderson, Head of Learning & Development at High Speed Training, said: “A key part of managing stress is being able to recognise when you are stressed and responding appropriately. This is crucial as preventing and managing long-term stress can lower your risk for other conditions such as heart disease, obesity, high blood pressure and depression.

“There are many sources of stress in our everyday lives. For many, stressful situations occur in the workplace or due to our jobs. All employers must ensure the health and safety of their employees, including minimising the risk of stress-related illness, so if you are experiencing stress at work, you should try and speak to your employer.”

Know the signs

There are many symptoms of stress, from feeling anxious and angry to physical manifestations, such as headaches, difficulty breathing and muscle aches. 

When you’re stressed, your muscles can contract and become tense, leading to neck pain, headaches, back ache and cramps. Physically relaxing your muscles can help to alleviate these feelings. 

Trying to control your breathing can also help. Try taking a deep breath through your nose, holding it for 5-6 seconds and breathing out through your mouth. Repeating this three times can help increase the amount of oxygen to your brain and reduce your heart rate.

Take Some Time and focus on rest

Taking some time out of your daily routine is essential if you are going to relax your mind and body fully. Activities such as reading, walking, doing a hobby or spending time with friends can all help alleviate stress and allow you to focus on a positive activity.

Sleep is also essential to our wellbeing so you should aim to get a full night’s sleep every night. Most people need around 7-8 hours’ sleep a night, though some people can manage on 6. 

To get a better night’s sleep, try going to bed and getting up at similar times each day to stabilise your body clock, and try to complete a relaxing activity before you go to sleep. It’s also important to ensure your bedroom is sufficiently dark and quiet, and if possible, avoid using electronic devices in bed.

Eat healthily

Dr Anderson said: “Without a balanced diet your body may be more susceptible to stress-related illnesses, so it is vital that you continue to eat healthily when you are feeling stressed. Always eat breakfast and keep hydrated throughout the day to stop yourself running out of energy and feeling tired.

“Eating foods from the 5 key food groups at every meal, consisting of a large amount of fruit, vegetables and starchy foods, a moderate amount of protein and dairy and a small amount of fats and sugars, will help to keep you happy and healthy.

“Try to cut out as many saturated, high-calorie foods as possible, such as pies, pastry, cakes, biscuits and crisps, as these can make you feel sluggish and will be detrimental to your mood.”

Get moving

Exercise is a great way to prevent stress and anxiety and a good way to release tension. Whichever fitness activity you choose to do, even if it’s just for 20 minutes a day, it will help to decrease blood pressure and lower your heart rate: two of the worst physical symptoms of stress.

When you exercise, endorphins are released in your body (as opposed to the adrenaline and cortisol released when you are stressed) which help to produce feelings of well-being and calmness.

Dr Anderson continues: “Everyone will experience stress at some point in their lives. It’s clear that long-term or prolonged periods of stress can have a negative impact on your physical and mental health.

“Identifying the causes of your stress and regularly engaging in stress management activities will help you to respond effectively.”

For more information on managing stress, and for lots more practical advice, please visit the High Speed Training Hub.

Community Grants Fund: Applications now open

Do you have an idea that will make a difference to your local community? Applications are now open for a grant of up to £5,000 to make your idea a reality.

The Council set up the Community Grants Fund in 2007 to kickstart projects that benefit local communities. It is part of the Council’s ongoing commitment to empowering communities and fostering grassroots initiatives.

There are 13 local funds, each covering a different area of the city. If you’re part of a community group with a project in mind, apply to your local Community Grant Fund today.

The total amount of funding available in your local fund depends on how many people live in your area. If there’s any money left over after this round, we’ll open another round of applications later this year.  Unlike previous years, grants will be awarded a maximum of 3 times a year.

We want to make sure that the projects we fund are the ones that matter most to you. That’s why our funding panels are made up of local community representatives, such as Ward Councillors, Community Councillors, and representatives of community organisations.

If you’re in Leith, keep an eye out for a chance to vote on your favourite projects in January 2025 – information will be available for Leith applicants in the autumn.

The Community Grants Fund has supported some fantastic projects in the past, such as ‘Place to Pause’ at The Eric Liddell Centre and the Broomhouse Street Party. Your project could be next!

For the best chance of securing a grant, apply by the deadline of May 20, 2024. We’ll review all applications in June and let you know if you’ve been successful.

Culture and Communities Convener, Councillor Val Walker said: “Our communities are the lifeblood of our city and we’re committed to ensuring that they have the resources to bring their ideas to life.   

“From the Pentlands to Portobello and beyond I’m really excited to see the projects that apply for funding during this round of applications.”

New exhibition at St Columbas

Next Tuesday, 9th April, our latest exhibition will be unveiled outside the Iona Cafe at 1pm.

The exhibition will be comprised of artworks created by members of the ‘Make Your Mark’ group, and it would be fantastic to see as many people as possible there to support the artists!

There will be a range of works encompassing a range of different mediums and subjects, and the Iona Cafe will be open as normal to provide food and refreshments!

Image Credit- D.M.V.Stead- ‘Creeps’

More than half of Scots show signs of eye condition presbyopia, says Specsavers

MORE than half (52%) of over 35s in Scotland admit to displaying at least one of the signs associated with the eye condition presbyopia – despite more than 40% believing their eyesight is good.

The figure was revealed by Specsavers as it seeks to raise awareness of the condition, which is most common in adults over 40.  Presbyopia is the gradual loss of your eyes’ ability to focus on nearby objects and is a natural part of ageing.

The research found holding squinting when trying to focus on objects or text, keeping something at arm’s length to read it, turning the big light on or a lamp to read and zooming in on your phone to read things were some of the most common behaviours people adopted to compensate for a change in their vision.

The survey also revealed that the changes to vision can lead to some blunders, with those surveyed in Scotland admitting to misplacing important items (20%) or struggling to read maps (15%). Other signs include increasing the font size on your phone in order to read better, struggling to adjust vision when switching between long and short distance and having blurred vision whilst attempting to look at an object.

Presbyopia usually becomes noticeable in your mid to late 40s and gradually worsens until 65. An optician will check your vision in the same way as they would to determine whether someone is short-sighted or ‘myopic’.

Dr Josie Forte, optometrist at Specsavers, says: ‘Most of us will experience some effects of presbyopia as we age because of subtle changes in the lens of our eye. However, it really isn’t something to worry about, but it is important to see an optician if you experience any changes in your vision.

‘There are a variety of solutions on offer, including reading glasses, varifocals, multifocal contact lenses or a combination of both, depending on what you prefer. Your local optician can recommend the best treatment for you, so we would recommend booking an eye test if you are experiencing any symptoms.’

Stand-up comedian Jen Brister will be headlining a new comedy club in London later this month to put the spotlight on the common eye condition.

By launching the ‘At-Arm’s-Length’ Comedy Club, Specsavers aims to highlight the symptoms of presbyopia and encourage people to take action if they recognise any of the signs and behaviours.

Find out more here: visit At-Arm’s-Length Comedy Club | Specsavers UK

For more information or to book an appointment visit specsavers.co.uk/eye-health/presbyopia.  

Start Up Loans programme delivers £10 million boost to entrepreneurs in Edinburgh

Film and photography start-up, OJE Studios, is expanding its headcount and relocating operations to Edinburgh after a funding boost from the British Business Bank’s Start Up Loans scheme.

Founded by 19-year-old Omar Etherington-Brown, the studio offers a range of services including film and music production and photography, with a focus on promoting community engagement and local collaborations.

After securing a loan from the British Business Bank through GC Business Finance, Omar is expanding the team to five employees, including a business and finance manager and a film production crew, as well as moving the current music production studio from Dundee to Edinburgh.

The funding is the second time Omar has received support from the Start Up Loans programme, with an initial £10,000 helping him to set up the studio last year. Omar is the recipient of the ten millionth pound in start-up funding for entrepreneurs in the capital city, with 897 businesses supported since the programme’s inception in 2012.

OJE Studios supports many community projects with videography and photography. These include Spit It Out Festival, which provides workshops, talks and live performances to bring together people from marginalised communities who have experienced discrimination because of mental ill health, and Movement, a new club night to support local up-and-coming talent.

Building on the growth of the studio business, Omar is also launching a sister brand called Krazy Niights to promote small and independent night life events and venues throughout Edinburgh. 

Omar Etherington-Brown, founder of OJE Studios, said: “The business has gone from strength to strength in the last year, and I have now left my full time job as a software engineer to focus on OJE Studios and grow the team. Our new business and finance manager will also support growth and development, focusing on partnerships like the one we have with Movement.

“With a talented crew of photographers, videographer and editors we have the skills to create amazing content that inspires people through promotional photography, short films and music videos. We want to showcase the smaller and lesser-known parts of Edinburgh – from nightlife and restaurants to independent artists and venues.

“The finance from the Start Up Loans programme was pivotal to getting our studio to this stage. When I first started, it was just me and my idea, and it’s been fantastic to see the business come to life with this funding.”

Barry McCulloch, senior manager, UK Network, Scotland, at the British Business Bank, said: “Reaching £10 million of funding to business founders in Edinburgh is a huge achievement for the Start Up Loans programme and demonstrates the entrepreneurial spirit in the city.

“Creative businesses like OJE Studios are not only important for our cultural identity, but they also create jobs and attract investment into the sector.

“Since the launch of the programme, we have supported smaller businesses across a diverse range of sectors and this milestone highlights the success of the scheme in improving access to finance across all parts of the UK.”