Edinburgh Tool Library: Repairmongery programme feedback

Over the last 9 months we have been piloting our Repairmongery programme in Leith supported by Leith Chooses. This programme offered repair services for broken household items, plus was a great research opportunity to see if this service would be something we could sustain long term as we asked everyone who visited what they would be willing to pay.

At ETL we believe that products should last longer and so when broken, they should be repaired. And thus the Repairmongery was born!

In total we had 7 open days in the last 9 months where people living and working in Leith could drop off their broken items. We received 88 items (of which 8 items were not broken in the first place !!) but from the 80 broken items our repair technician was able to repair a whopping 73% ⭐️

As for how much people were willing to pay for a repair, an interesting thing we learned was that this was more heavily influenced by the financial or sentimental value of the item rather than by the amount of work needed to repair it. Overall, it seems people were eager to have items repaired rather than having to dispose of them and buy replacements.

Whilst our Leith Repairmongery has come to an end, the Repairmongery in Portobello and Craigmillar supported by Action Porty is still running for one last intake day on Friday 25th April this week.

We’ll be sending out a feedback form to collect your feedback in the coming month and help us reflect on these two pilots.

Strachan House Care Home celebrates Easter in style

Staff and residents at Barchester’s Strachan House care home in Blackhall celebrated Easter with a whole host of different activities including an Easter egg hunt, Easter bonnet competition, egg and spoon race and a bunny colouring competition!

Residents at Strachan House enjoyed an eggs-tensive range of Easter activities, from designing and showcasing Easter bonnets to cheering on the unit staff for the egg and spoon race! Residents also tucked in to a delicious Easter meal of a roast dinner prepared by the home’s head chef Paul.

General Manager, Fran Fisher said: “As always, we’ve all been looking forward to Easter. It’s such a lovely time of year – the residents loved designing all of the colourful Easter eggs, and had a great time during the Easter egg hunt with family and friends. It’s really been an eggs-cellent few days!”

Marion, resident at Strachan House said: “It has been so lovely to spend time with our families this Easter, though like every Easter, I think I’ve eaten too much chocolate! It was so wonderful to see everyone go to so much effort.

“I really enjoyed the whole day; the bonnet competition was hilarious!”

Strachan House Care Home’s varied life enrichment programme keeps residents active, and provides a daily choice of engaging physical, mental and spiritual activities tailored to residents’ interests and abilities.

Strachan House Care Home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering high-quality care across its care homes and hospitals. Strachan House provides Residential, Nursing, Dementia, and Respite care for short and long-term stays.

UK fighter jets intercept Russian aircraft near NATO’s eastern flank

UK fighter jets have intercepted two Russian aircraft flying close to NATO airspace

UK fighter jets intercepted two Russian aircraft flying close to NATO airspace as part of the UK’s contribution to NATO’s enhanced Air Policing in the region, the Ministry of Defence has announced.

Two RAF Typhoons were scrambled from Malbork Air Base in Poland on Tuesday (April 15) to intercept a Russian Ilyushin Il-20M “Coot-A” intelligence aircraft over the Baltic Sea.

Whilst on Thursday (17 April) another two Typhoons scrambled from the base, to intercept an unknown aircraft leaving Kaliningrad air space and close to NATO airspace.

The intercepts mark the RAF’s first scramble as part of Operation CHESSMAN and come just weeks after the aircraft arrived in eastern Poland to begin their deployment alongside Sweden in defence of NATO’s Eastern Flank.

It follows the Prime Minister’s historic commitment to increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP, recognising the critical importance of military readiness in an era of heightened global uncertainty.   

Keeping the country safe is the Government’s first priority and foundation of its Plan for Change. The work of the Royal Air Force is critical to the security and stability of the UK, supporting the delivery of the Government’s five missions.

Minister for the Armed Forces Luke Pollard said: “The UK is unshakeable in its commitment to NATO. With Russian aggression growing and security threats on the rise, we are stepping up to reassure our Allies, deter adversaries and protect our national security through our Plan for Change.

“This mission shows our ability to operate side by side with NATO’s newest member Sweden and to defend the Alliance’s airspace wherever and whenever needed, keeping us safe at home and strong abroad.”

The UK’s deployment of six Typhoon jets and nearly 200 personnel from 140 Expeditionary Air Wing is the UK’s latest contribution to NATO’s air policing efforts, following successful operations in Romania and Iceland last year.

It also represents a landmark in NATO integration with RAF jets from RAF Lossiemouth operating alongside Swedish Gripens – the first time Sweden has contributed fighter aircraft to another Ally’s air policing since joining NATO in 2024.

The intercepts come after the Defence Secretary’s visit to NATO last week where he reaffirmed the UK’s unshakeable commitment to the alliance and co-led a meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group in which more than 50 nations pledged a total of £21 billion of support to Ukraine.

The Typhoon programme supports more than 20,000 jobs across all regions of the UK every year, which is defending our security whilst creating jobs back home.  

The RAF’s Quick Reaction Alert forces, based at RAF Coningsby, Lossiemouth, and Brize Norton, remain ready to protect UK airspace around the clock, while deployed operations like Op CHESSMAN ensure that British airpower is defending the Alliance wherever it is most needed.

First Minister to convene gathering on strengthening democratic resilience

PROTECTING SCOTLAND’s VALUES

First Minister John Swinney will convene a meeting to examine the resilience of Scotland’s democracy.   

Political, faith and community leaders will be brought together to assess the robustness of Scotland’s democratic system by examining root causes that might undermine shared values – now and in the future.  

The gathering will be held on Wednesday (23 April) when the First Minister hopes to find agreement on a set of principles that can strengthen and protect the country’s democratic foundations. 

The discussion will be centred on four key themes, each moderated by a civic leader: 

  • Combating inequality and discrimination. 
  • Tackling disinformation and ensuring a trusted media environment. 
  • Enhancing trust in politics and boosting the accountability of political leaders and democratic institutions. 
  • Strengthening vigilance to electoral interference and encouraging more active democratic participation.  

The First Minister said: “Government has a clear role to play in protecting the health of our democracy. 

“Across the world, we can see democratic systems under pressure, with fundamental principles being challenged and, in some cases, actively undermined. Scotland is not immune, so we must ensure we are prepared.  

“As First Minister, I want to bring people together to help shape our response to these threats, and make sure we work together to protect and strengthen the democratic values that underpin who we are as Scots.  

“Bringing together political, faith and community leaders will enable a discussion about key issues such as tackling misinformation, strengthening trust in politics, combating electoral interference, and ensuring Scotland’s democracy delivers equality.  

“It will provide the initial foundation that will ensure Scotland has united leadership on values and principles that can help guide us in this age of uncertainty.” 

The Conservatives say they will not be attending the session, saying the meeting is nothing more than a talking shop. Reform UK, who do not currently have any Holyrood MSPs, have not been invited to participate in the discussion.

Help with Hay Fever

🌼 Hay fever season is starting for many people across Scotland.

If you’re noticing itchy eyes, sneezing or a runny nose, you’re not alone – symptoms often begin as pollen levels rise in spring. Hay fever symptoms can start at any age.

For advice on how to manage hay fever and when to seek further help, visit 👉nhs24.info/hay-fever

Drivers can now experience the most convenient parking experience at Q-Park car parks in Edinburgh 

PayByPhone, a global leader in mobile parking payments, is now available in the majority of Q-Park parking garages including in OMNI, Quartermile and Capital Square in Edinburgh.

Drivers across Edinburgh are being urged to opt into the PayByPhone Auto Payment function now to take advantage of the most convenient parking experience.   

By opting in to Auto Payment, drivers can enter not only the local Q-Park car parks but also most Q-Park car park across the UK without taking a ticket, and when they are ready to leave, go straight to their vehicle, by-passing the payment kiosk and any queues. ANPR camera technology scans the number plate as the car enters allowing the entry barrier to rise.

As the car approaches the car park exit, the number plate is scanned again, and the barrier rises. PayByPhone automatically takes payment from the driver’s preferred payment method that has been previously set up in the app. Digital receipts are emailed to the driver. 

Adam Dolphin, Managing Director UK for PayByPhone, says, “We are delighted to be able to bring our decades of experience in simplifying a driver’s journey to Q-Park car parks in Edinburgh.

Our Auto Payment feature, which we have been successfully providing to car parks since 2019, creates a seamless experience for drivers, helping to simplify the parking experience. They don’t have to touch their phone or even open our app. They just drive in and drive out; it’s a time-saver. We encourage drivers in Edinburgh to opt into Auto Payment for Q-Park in settings in the app today.” 

EV drivers can also enjoy added convenience at most Q-Park facilities by paying for their EV charging directly through the PayByPhone app. Charging sessions can be managed remotely in real time and all charging history is saved in the app for easy reference.    

Dolphin says, “Because our app lets motorists handle both parking and charging in one place, they benefit from a seamless experience and a more complete view of their motoring costs so everyday journeys are simpler, smarter and more connected.” 

The app is available in 11 languages, making it inclusive for all users.  

For a full list of areas where PayByPhone is available, and to start using it today, download the app from the App Store or Google Play Store or visit the PayByPhone website visit www.paybyphone.co.uk.

Follow PayByPhone on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. 

HRH The Princess Royal visits the Eric Liddell Community Hub for the first time as Royal Patron

The Eric Liddell Community was honoured to welcome Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal on her first official visit as Royal Patron of the charity.

During her time at the community hub, Her Royal Highness met with service users, staff, volunteers, partners and funders, gaining first-hand insight into the essential work the charity provides in supporting those living with dementia, carers, and individuals facing isolation and loneliness across Edinburgh. 

As part of her visit, The Princess Royal personally thanked Bernadette Morrison, a dedicated volunteer retiring after 14 years of service, for her invaluable contribution to the charity and for her volunteering work at The Eric Liddell Community Hub’s cafe.

The visit also marked the arrival of the highly anticipated Eric Liddell Exhibition at The Eric Liddell Community. This inspiring exhibition commemorates the life and achievements of Eric Liddell, the legendary Olympic gold medallist and Scottish sporting icon, whose story continues to resonate a century after his historic victory in Paris in 1924.

Following its successful launch at the Scottish Parliament, the exhibition now comes to the heart of the community, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore Liddell’s enduring legacy and the values of passion, compassion, and integrity that defined his life. 

John MacMillan, Chief Executive Officer of The Eric Liddell Community, said: “We are delighted to welcome Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal on her first visit as our Royal Patron.

“Her continued support is invaluable in helping us share Eric Liddell’s legacy while we continue to support some of Edinburgh’s most vulnerable people and families.

“During her visit, our Royal Patron made clear her support of The Eric Liddell Community’s ongoing work with people who are living with dementia and unpaid carers. 

“We are also thrilled to recognise Bernadette Morrison for her dedication to the charity, and to host the Eric Liddell Exhibition, which will undoubtedly inspire and engage those who visit.” 

Reflecting on her time with the charity, Bernadette Morrison said: “I volunteered for 14 years in Café Connect at The Eric Liddell Community, taking customer orders, preparing coffees, and helping to serve food.

“It was always a joy to be part of such a welcoming and supportive environment. When Her Royal Highness became Royal Patron of The Eric Liddell Community, we were all delighted with the news.

“To now have the opportunity to meet her in person is a privilege beyond words, an experience that will stay with me forever.” 

The Eric Liddell Community provides essential services to its community, ensuring that those facing loneliness and isolation across Edinburgh receive the vital support they need. This includes supporting people who are living with dementia and unpaid carers. To learn more about The Eric Liddell Community, visit ericliddell.org. 

Teen Issues: Loneliness

If you notice that your teen seems down or withdrawn it may be because they’re feeling lonely.

Even if they have lots of friends or if they’re surrounded by family, they can still feel lonely, misunderstood or like they don’t fit in. And teens often feel emotions like loneliness even more strongly than adults.

For tips on how to support your teen or young person if they are withdrawn or feeling isolated:

https://www.parentclub.scot/articles/teen-issues

Edinburgh opticians invest £30,000 in Craigleith Retail Park store refit

THE partners at Specsavers opticians and audiologists within Blackhall Sainsbury’s have made a five-figure cash commitment to the local area as they continue to invest in the store and colleagues.

Led by directors Stuart Miller and Adam Gordon, the store has recently undergone a £30,000 refit, which included the shop floor and consulting rooms being freshly painted and installing a variety of new lit frame displays for children’s glasses, sunglasses, and designer brands such as Vivienne Westwood and Hugo Boss.

Located within Craigleith Retail Park, Specsavers is the only dedicated opticians in the park, with the store currently having two optometrists qualified as independent prescribers with an additional two optometrists currently training to achieve this level of qualification, with an aim of easing pressure on the NHS.

Specsavers Blackhall’s recent overhaul is another positive piece of news for the retail park, which has already seen an exciting start to 2025, with the addition of beloved retail giant ‘The Range’ joining the lineup of businesses.

Stuart, retail director at Specsavers Blackhall, said: ‘Our store refit has been warmly welcomed, not only by our customers, but also the team as its equally important that they have a nice environment to work in – they were thrilled when they saw the design plans.

‘As a team, we aim to offer the best possible customer experience to all who visit the store, however, as directors, Adam and I are also committed to helping our staff members progress in their careers. So, we are delighted that we not only have two members of the team on their way to becoming independent prescribing optometrists, but we will also have a fully qualified dispensing optician by the summer.

‘We’re looking forward to customers, current and new coming to visit the store and seeing what’s new.’

Craigleith has a vast array of businesses that call it home, including Lidl, Starbucks, Superdrug, and PureGym. It’s the closest retail park to the city centre and is easily accessible by bus as well as having plenty of parking available.

To book an appointment or speak to a member of the team at the Specsavers Blackhall store within Sainsbury’s, visit:

 https://www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/blackhallsainsburys

or call 0131 334 8241 to speak to a member of the team.

QMU shines with record Herald Award nominations in 150th year 

Six groundbreaking projects from Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh have been shortlisted for the prestigious Herald Higher Education Awards 2025. 

This marks the University’s most successful year to date in terms of award recognition, with a record number of submissions making it to the finals – a particularly fitting achievement in the year that QMU celebrates its 150th anniversary. 

The awards, now in their 10th year, honour excellence across Scotland’s further and higher education sector, highlighting innovation in teaching, student support, business engagement, equality and inclusion, community impact, and all the other extraordinary initiatives in universities and colleges across Scotland.  

QMU has been shortlisted in the following six categories: 

  • Enhancing Student Learning for its Peer Assisted Learning (PALS) scheme – a scheme which sees trained student leaders run collaborative sessions where students can deepen their understanding of course materials in a friendly and supportive environment, helping them build confidence, enhance study skills, and engage more effectively with their studies; 
  • Equality, Diversity and Inclusion for its work in promoting anti-racism, including its new EDI Culture Review, Strategy and Action Plan – QMU aims to adopt an organisation-wide approach to making the University a fairer and more inclusive place to work and to be part of, with inclusion and belonging at its heart; 
  • Outstanding Business Engagementin Universities for its innovative Employer Mentoring Scheme for students – an award-winning scheme which allow students to develop their employability skills while gaining a close insight into a particular job or sector through 121 mentorships with industry professionals; 
  • Outstanding Contribution from a Staff Member for BSc (Hons) Podiatry Programme Leader, Evelyn Weir, for her volunteering work in supporting Scotland’s homeless community – Evelyn has been running specialist footcare clinics and services for people living of the streets of Edinburgh for three decades, and she often facilitates students and graduate involvement in the delivery of podiatric services to the homeless including the Crisis at Christmas initiatives; 
  • Outstanding Contribution to the Local Community for its Wooden Spoon Frame Running Hub initiative – in collaboration with a range of organisations and charities, QMU helped set up Scotland’s pioneering Frame Running Hub in Glasgow, helping young people with limited mobility to access frame equipment, become mobile, and foster independence through sport; 
  • and Widening Access for its ‘Connecting QMU with Craigmillar’ initiative – a scheme which includes community art shows, partnerships, community-based learning and research, and economic development opportunities for the Edinburgh district.  

Sir Paul Grice, Principal of QMU, said: “To have such a broad range of projects – and so many of them – make it to the Herald Education Award finals in this milestone anniversary year for QMU, is a tremendous endorsement of the commitment, innovation and community spirit that underpins everything we do.  

“This recognition reflects the dedication of our staff, students and partners who consistently strive to create meaningful impact – both within the University and in the wider community.

“As we celebrate our 150th anniversary, these nominations reflect and recognise our ongoing efforts to create an outstanding learning experience for our students and to deliver teaching, research and community initiatives that make a difference to the world around us.” 

The winners of the Herald Higher Education Awards 2025 will be announced at a celebratory awards evening on Thursday 29 May at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Glasgow. 

For some more information about each of QMU’s award nomination projects:  

More information about the Herald Higher Education Awards.