Dobbies’ Edinburgh store gears up for Bring Your Christmas Tree Home Day

Dobbies Garden Centre in Edinburgh is gearing up for one of the key dates in the festive calendar, officially known as ‘Bring Your Christmas Tree Home Day.’

The first Saturday of December (Saturday 3 December) is the most popular day for buying real Christmas trees and this year is set to be no exception as demand for real trees continues to grow, with trees available both in store and online. 

Dobbies is committed to protecting the environment and is shining a light on its sustainably grown Christmas trees. Not only that, but starting on Saturday 3 and running to Friday 9 December, the garden centre is offering all electric and hybrid vehicle owners 10% off their real tree when purchased in store, with Club Plus Members able to secure a further 5% discount, on top of their normal 10% discount.

To take advantage of the offer all customers in Edinburgh need to do is head to https://www.dobbies.com/bring-your-christmas-tree-home.

The Nordmann Fir is the most popular Christmas tree in the UK because it loses very few needles, meaning your tree will remain green and full, with the right care. However, Dobbies’ Edinburgh store offers a full range of freshly cut and pot grown trees, starting from £19.99, to suit every home size and budget, as the garden centre promotes great value this festive season.

Marcus Eyles, Dobbies’ Horticultural Director and resident Christmas tree expert, provides his top tips for the best real Christmas tree experience. For selecting your tree, Marcus says: “To ensure your Christmas tree is the right size, come equipped with the height, depth and width measurements of the area where you picture your tree at home.

“Make sure the area has a plug nearby, for your Christmas lights – corners are ideal – as it will keep your tree safe from knocks and bumps.

“Bringing a tape measure to the store and double checking the dimensions is a good idea to avoid any disappointment and save you a return trip to the store if you find that your tree is too big or small once you get it home. Dobbies’ team members will also be on hand to help you decide what tree is best suited to your space. Fear not, if your tree is a little too big, you can always trim it to fit the space.”

Marcus continues: “All of our trees are netted once selected, so they are as compact as possible. For most cars, the tree will be too long to fit in the boot. I’d recommend attaching it to your roof rack if you have one and, if not, recline the front passanger seat. Insert the tip of the tree into the car first and rest the stump in the footwell. Use the safety belt to secure it in position so you can drive home safely.

“Once you have your cut tree home, keep it outside in a sheltered area, cut 1” off the base of the trunk and stand in a bucket of water until you are ready to bring it indoors, this will help reduce needle drop.

“Place your tree in its water holding stand and ensure the water reservoir is replenished on a regular basis. Your potted tree will be ready to slot straight away into your designated spot!”

All Dobbies’ trees are sustainably grown from specially selected seeds, taken from hand-picked cones which have been left to dry and nurtured into seedlings. Specialist pruning techniques are used to create a bushy, uniform shape with emphasis on each individual tree’s features.

This work is done by hand which keeps any impact on surrounding wildlife to a minimum. Dobbies’ customers in Edinburgh can be assured they were not cut down from wild forests but instead come from environmentally managed plantations across Scotland. 

For more information on caring for your Christmas tree and choosing the right one for your home visit https://www.dobbies.com/bring-your-christmas-tree-home.

£60m for disabled children in first year of new Scottish benefit

Minister urges those eligible to apply

Almost £60 million has been distributed to thousands of families with disabled children in the first year of a new Scottish benefit.

The latest official figures from Social Security Scotland show the families of nearly 44,000 children and young people were receiving Child Disability Payment in September this year.

The benefit replaces the DWP’s Disability Living Allowance for Children and helps cover the extra costs of caring for a child who is disabled, has a health condition or is terminally ill.

Minister for Social Security Ben Macpherson said: “Caring for a child who is disabled or has a long-term ill-health condition can result in extra costs for families, from buying specialist equipment to paying for taxis to get to appointments. It can also be more expensive for children with disabilities to take part in the activities and opportunities with their peers.

“Child Disability Payment helps parents to support their children and assists young people to live their lives to the fullest. It is welcome news that around 44,000 families are now receiving Child Disability Payment, a year after we rolled it out across Scotland.

“With the increasing financial pressures on families, it is important people are receiving all the benefits they are entitled to. I urge anyone who thinks they or their child may be eligible to get in touch with Social Security Scotland, as well as checking if they may be entitled to extra financial support by visiting costofliving.campaign.gov.scot/”

One parent who knows the difference Child Disability Payment can make, is mum Heather, whose son has autism and ADHD.

Heather said: “Before applying for Child Disability Payment, my son was struggling. He found school very hard and didn’t think he was good at anything. He couldn’t focus, didn’t have friends and was worried he’d never be able to get a job. His self-esteem was so low.

“Child Disability Payment allowed me to buy him a computer and pay for outdoor school sessions. That might not sound like much but it’s changed his life.

“The outdoor school lets him learn in much smaller groups and in an active way that suits his brain. The computer and the games have let him learn new skills including maths, something he found impossible before.

“He’s also discovered he’s exceptionally good at games. That’s given him something to feel proud of for the first time and something to talk to other children about.

“He’s now talking about becoming a game developer or working for a big tech company.

“It if wasn’t for Child Disability Payment there’s no way I could have afforded any of that and he’d still be the same boy who cried every night not wanting to go to school.

“I’d urge any parent or carer who thinks they might be eligible to look into applying for Child Disability Payment.

“The process is much simpler than you might think and the money could change your child’s life.”

The latest figures show 34,000 people who had been receiving Disability Living Allowance for Children before Child Disability Payment was rolled out, have had their award transferred to Social Security Scotland.

The majority of those still receiving Disability Living Allowance for children in Scotland are expected to have their awards transferred by Spring next year, with no need for the recipient to take any action and no break in payments.

Almost a third of people in Scotland have dunked in someone else’s cuppa

Great British Bake Off stars Giuseppe Dell’Anno and Lizzie Acker are supporting a new cookie campaign from charity Mary’s Meals 

A survey by school feeding charity Mary’s Meals has revealed that around one in three people in Scotland have dunked a biscuit in someone else’s cuppa. 

Giuseppe Dell’Anno and Lizzie Acker, stars of Great British Bake Off, have spoken out on the controversial poll – with 2021 winner Giuseppe saying: “I would never dunk my biscuit in someone else’s cuppa – and I won’t be held responsible for my actions if anyone dares dunk their biscuit in mine!”  

The survey of 2,000 people across the UK, held to launch the charity’s Raise Some Dough campaign, also revealed that in Scotland: 

  • Almost a third of people in Scotland have dunked their biscuit in someone else’s cuppa (31%) 
  • 30% of respondents said they don’t eat biscuits, with 13% saying they don’t dunk biscuits 
  • The digestive is the nation’s favourite biscuit to dunk (14%), while a party ring, fig roll and Oreo came out as the least popular biscuits for dunking (1%) 
  • Almost a tenth of people (9%) eat biscuits in bed  
  • And 6% of people eat biscuits in the bath 

Giuseppe says: “The traditional Italian breakfast is caffè latte and biscuits, rigorously dunked.

“So, I love to dunk! But, while I love to share the experience of eating together, I don’t like sharing food – so I would NEVER dunk my biscuit in someone else’s cuppa!”  

Lizzie – who reached the quarter finals of Great British Bake Off in 2021 – takes a different view: “I’m not a dunker, I love the crunch of a freshly baked biscuit. A soggy biscuit is as bad as a soggy bottom, in my opinion!” 

This winter, Mary’s Meals is asking people across Scotland to take part in its new baking fundraiser, Raise Some Dough. 

The charity serves nutritious school meals in 20 of the world’s poorest countries, many of which are impacted by conflict and natural disasters. The promise of food attracts hungry children into the classroom where they can gain an education and hope for the future. 

It costs just £15.90 to feed a child with Mary’s Meals every school day for a year. 

Dan McNally, head of grassroots engagement at Mary’s Meals, says: “Whether you dunk in your own cuppa, dunk in someone else’s, or don’t dunk at all, everyone can enjoy a biscuit while ‘raising some dough’ to raise vital funds for Mary’s Meals. 

“We’re so grateful to Giuseppe and Lizzie for their support – and we hope they inspire people across the UK to get baking!” 

Giuseppe adds: “Mary’s Meals is a wonderful charity that serves nutritious school meals in some of the world’s poorest, and often most difficult, locations. 

“Whether you’re a brilliant baker or a budding baker, please do what you can to support its important work. Your kindness will transform lives!” 

Giuseppe and Lizzie are just two of the famous faces supporting Mary’s Meals. Strictly Come Dancing star Ellie Taylor, and actors Joanna Lumley and Tamzin Outhwaite have all shared their favourite biscuit recipes in the charity’s free fundraising pack – which includes a mug-shaped cookie cutter.

It is available online from marysmeals.org.uk/raise 

Donations made to Mary’s Meals until 31 January 2023 will be doubled by a generous group of supporters, up to £1.5 million, with the charity’s Double The Love campaign. 

Edinburgh Leisure’s annual gymnastics display returns to Meadowbank

After a five-year hiatus, Edinburgh Leisure will once again be holding their annual gymnastics display at the new £47m state-of-the-art Meadowbank Sports Centre, which reopened in July 2022 after a major refurbishment.

Now in its 16th year, over 300 gymnasts, and cheerleaders from six Edinburgh Leisure venues, will be coming together to delight audiences with their annual display at the sports venue on Sunday, 11 December 2022.

Gymnastics Development Officer Dorothy McQueen said: “Gymnastics is a great way to provide a healthy and active lifestyle. They have many benefits and help children to gain strength, stamina, balance, coordination, flexibility as well as self-confidence.

“This non-competitive gymnastics’ event gives the children with Edinburgh Leisure’s coaching programme the opportunity to showcase what they have been working so hard on throughout the year. In addition, it allows them to see performances of all levels and inspires them to reach for the stars, or maybe even that gold, silver or bronze medal in the future.”

As well as featuring over 23 performances from Edinburgh Leisure gymnastics, there will also be special guest appearances from clubs across the region, including City of Edinburgh, Ibex and Cheer Evolution.

Tickets cost £5 each and all spectators, 5 years and over, require a ticket for entry. Participating gymnasts do not require a ticket.

Under 5s tickets are free but they will not be allocated a seat.

Tickets are available for either the morning or afternoon session and can be bought from Ticket Source – https://bit.ly/3V5KEdS

Gymnastics coaching teaches the basics of floor, vault, beam, and bar skills from Primary 1 upwards before progressing to a higher class.  

It is just one of the 12 sports coached across 17 venues in Edinburgh. Edinburgh Leisure’s coaching programme helps children to develop new skills, improve their agility and grow confidence. And for pre-schoolers, Edinburgh Leisure offers Gym Nippers, from those toddlers who are walking.

For more information on gymnastics’ classes and other coaching opportunities at Edinburgh Leisure, get inspired by visiting:

https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/activities/coaching

Early bird tickets launched for Royal Highland Show 2023 

New farming flexi ticket and increased ticket numbers on offer 

Royal Highland Show, Santa Ticket

Tickets for the 2023 Royal Highland Show are now on sale at discounted early-bird prices – just in time for the festive giving season!  

The Ingliston showground will come to life from 22 – 25 June 2023 with a celebration of Scotland’s best in food, farming and rural life. 

Show organisers, the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland promise an unforgettable event. Over four jam-packed show days, visitors will be captivated by world-class livestock displays, shearing spectacles, equestrian competitions, impressive agri machinery, technical innovations and energetic rural demonstrations, while enjoying live music and taking advantage of plentiful shopping opportunities, not to mention sampling the country’s finest food and drink! 

The Show will also be hosting the Golden Shears World Sheep Shearing & Woolhandling Championship, which will welcome competitors from over 30 countries around the globe. 

Showgoers must buy advance tickets for specific days (Thursday – Sunday) with event organisers encouraging visitors to act fast as tickets are likely to sell out quickly. 

Following sell-out days last year, Show organisers have reviewed health & safety protocols and increased the capacity of each day from 50,000 to 53,000, allowing up to an extra 12,000 people to attend and enjoy the Show. 

The Show also has a new ticketing partner for 2023, See Tickets, which will offer an enhanced customer experience and no additional booking fees. 

Limited discounted early bird tickets are available from 12pm Friday 2nd December from the Royal Highland Show website. 

New for 2023 is the ‘Farming Flexi’ ticket, which allows entry on either Thursday or Friday, and is designed to suit the unpredictable calendar of those working in the rural and agricultural sectors. The Farming Flexi tickets will be of limited quantity, and are likely to sell out fast as rural communities take advantage of this flexible option. 

As always, children aged 15 and under will go free with a paying adult.*   

Information on booking RHASS member tickets will be communicated in early 2023. 

Royal Highland Show, Santa Ticket

Jim Warnock, RHASS Chairman, said: “Fresh from a glorious 2022, the Royal Highland Show 2023 is shaping up to be a stellar showcase of Scotland’s best in food, farming and rural life. With the added excitement of hosting the World Sheep Shearing & Wool Handling Championships, there is so much more to entertain showgoers! 

“Even if you’ve never stepped foot in a farm, it’s an incredible day out – where else can you get up close to farmyard animals, taste the best of Scottish food and drink, see world-class equestrians, experience the thrill of the Main Ring parade, or climb aboard a giant tractor?  

“With last year’s show selling out faster than any year in our 200 year history, we’re advising visitors to snap up tickets now so as not to miss out!” 

Early Bird Ticket information:  

Adult day single admit: £30  

Adult day single Flexi Farming ticket: £33 

Accessible ticket: £30 plus one accompanying carer goes free 

Children aged 15 and under will go free with a paying adult (*max 3 children per paying adult)  

Standard/Accessible Parking: £15 per day, two-day parking £20, four-day parking £25.  

Tickets must be bought in advance from the Royal Highland Show website. Once Early Bird tickets have sold out, ticket price increases will apply. 

Royal Highland Show opens applications for returning exhibitors

The Royal Highland Show is inviting returning trade exhibitors to confirm their stands for 2023 in what is anticipated to be one of the biggest Shows ever, with visitors flocking from across the globe. 

Around 200,000 showgoers will be welcomed through the gates of the Ingliston showground from 22nd to 25th June 2023 to celebrate Scotland’s best showcase of food, farming and rural life.  

And in an exciting development, the Golden Shears World Sheep Shearing and Woolhandling Championship will also take place during 2023 Royal Highland Show, attracting exhibitors from over 30 countries and providing even greater retail opportunities for exhibitors. 

A recent economic impact report highlighted that the Royal Highland Show contributes £39.5 million to Edinburgh’s economy, more than Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations – with visitors spending on average £147 across all areas of the Show, including agricultural equipment and food and drink. 

2022 RHS exhibitors will receive a proposal from Show organisers with the choice to accept, query or decline their place at the 2023 Show. However, they will need to respond quickly as the deadline for applications is 23rd January when exhibitors on the waitlist and new exhibitor applications will be reviewed.  

Jim Warnock, RHASS Chairman, commented: “The Royal Highland Show is one of the best shop windows Scotland and the rural sector at large has to offer. It’s an excellent opportunity for traders to reach thousands of people and tap into this unique sales platform. 

“The retail opportunities of the Show are further bolstered by this recent economic report, which outlined the significant impact of the Show on Edinburgh’s economy. In addition to this, next year’s exhibitors have the added benefit of the Golden Shears attracting an even larger international audience to the Show.” 

Virgin Money teams up with Good Things Foundation to tackle digital poverty in Edinburgh

Virgin Money has teamed up with leading digital inclusion charity Good Things Foundation to help tackle digital poverty in Edinburgh and surrounding areas, by giving people access to free sim cards provided by the innovative National Databank Programme in their Edinburgh store, as part of the bank’s nationwide support of the initiative.

The National Databank, founded by Virgin Media O2 and Good Things Foundation, is like a foodbank but provides free mobile data, texts and calls for people in need. Virgin Money is the first bank in the UK to sign up to the programme and will distribute O2 sim cards that will be loaded with 20GB of free data every month for six months, from 16 stores across the country.

Users can request a voucher from a local community support organisation registered with the National Databank and take it to their nearest Virgin Money store delivering the programme. Specially-trained hosts will work with users to register their sim cards, which provides enough data for around 220 hours of internet browsing per month, show them how to get online and offer tips on how to stay safe when browsing.

Other Virgin Money stores taking part in the programme include Aberdeen, Birmingham, Blackpool, Cardiff, Glasgow Hillhead, Grimsby, Inverness, Kilmarnock, Leeds, Manchester, Montrose, Newcastle and Peterborough, Rotherham and Sheffield.

Hugh Chater, Chief Commercial Officer at Virgin Money, said: “For many low or no-income households, paying for data is simply another bill that they can’t afford.

“Without it however, they are missing out on accessing essential money management and support services such as benefits calculators, online job boards and price comparison sites that can help to reduce their monthly outgoings.

“Through our new partnership with Good Things Foundation and Virgin Media O2, we are working to tackle this digital divide and taking one step closer to ending the poverty premium.”

Helen Milner OBE, Group Chief Executive at Good Things Foundation: “Having enough data in our increasingly digital society is not a nice to have, it’s an absolute essential.

“If you’re not online you can’t save money on products and services, help your children participate in home-learning, or apply for jobs. There are 2 million households struggling to afford internet access in the UK today, and 10 million adults lack the most basic digital skills.

“We’re very proud to be working together in partnership with Virgin Money and Virgin Media O2 to help tackle this and help even more people access the National Databank. Together, we can come together to help address the issue of data poverty in the UK once and for all.”

Partnering with Good Things Foundation is the latest in a number of actions Virgin Money is taking to help eliminate the poverty premium among its customers and wider communities by 2030. Earlier this year the bank joined forces with Turn2Us to offer access to a free online benefits calculator.

Virgin Money has also developed an online cost of living hub with advice on dealing with price rises and cutting bills. The bank also provides regular, free financial advice to its 6.5 million customers and signposting to support services for people that need extra help – whether they’re a customer or not.

To access Virgin Money’s cost of living support services, visit: 

https://uk.virginmoney.com/service/support-hub/cost-of-living/

To find out more about National Databank or locate your nearest community organisation taking part in the programme, visit: 

https://www.goodthingsfoundation.org/databank/

For more information on Good Things Foundation visit 

www.goodthingsfoundation.org.

Concern over rise in number of young people with mental illness being treated in adult wards

The Scottish Children’s Services Coalition (SCSC), an alliance of leading providers of specialist children’s services, is urging the Scottish Government to up its game in response to figures from the Mental Welfare Commission noting an increase in the number of young people under 18 being admitted to non-specialist hospital wards for the treatment of mental illness.

In 2021/22 there were 90 admissions involving 80 young people to mainly adult wards, an increase on 2021-21 when there were 86 admissions involving 62 young people.

Admission of a young person to an adult ward should only be acceptable in rare situations.

However, despite a greatly increased demand on mental health services, there are currently only 48 specialist hospital beds provided by the NHS in Scotland for children and young people (aged 12 to 18) with mental health problems. 

Given the lack of provision, many children and young people with severe mental health problems are therefore being admitted to non-specialist adult and paediatric hospital wards, settings which are in many cases inappropriate to their needs.

The coalition has urged the Scottish Government to ensure that there are adequate specialist bed numbers that can address need, including provision north of Dundee. It has also called on it to refocus its efforts on prevention and early intervention, ensuring that issues do not escalate so that they require the provision of these specialist services.

Under the Mental Health (Care and Treatment (Scotland) Act 2003 Health Boards are required to provide appropriate services and accommodation for young people admitted to hospital for treatment of their mental disorder.

Given admissions to non-specialist mental health wards, it is clearly arguable whether appropriate services are being provided.

There are a number of differences between specialist units and wards designed to treat the needs of adults with serious mental illness, both in terms of staff training and the overall ward environment.

Given this, there is a clear concern that the needs of a young person may not be met in a comparable way when admitted to an adult mental health ward as opposed to a specialist CAMHS inpatient unit.

A spokesperson for the Scottish Children’s Services Coalition commented: “We are clearly concerned about the increasing number of those being admitted to adult mental health wards, often inappropriate to their needs, both in terms of staff training and the ward environment.

“The Scottish Government needs to up its game on this and provide adequate facilities, ensuring that there are sufficient specialist bed numbers for those requiring them. There is also currently no provision north of Dundee and this requires to be urgently addressed.

“For children and young people who require inpatient mental health care, a lack of such services means that they frequently remain at home, often until the family reaches crisis point, leaving them feeling isolated and delaying recovery.

“These are among the most vulnerable members of our society and we owe it to them to give them the adequate care and support that they need.”

HMRC: 656,000 people in Scotland filed their tax returns on time

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is reminding customers in Scotland to get ready to meet the Self Assessment deadline, after more than 656,000 filed their tax returns on time. 

In Scotland, 656,547 customers filed their returns for the tax year 2020 to 2021 by 31 January 2022.

The deadline to submit a tax return for the 2021 to 2022 tax year and pay any tax due is 31 January 2023. Customers do not need to wait until the new year to begin their tax return. Starting early means more time to access guidance and webinars to help complete the return and find out what tax they owe, so they can budget.  

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said: “There is still time to complete your tax return ahead of the deadline and there are videos and guidance available online to support you with your Self Assessment. Search ‘help with Self Assessment’ on GOV.UK to find out more.”

HMRC has produced guidance notes and YouTube videos to help customers understand how to complete their return quickly and easily. 

The free and secure HMRC app can be used to make Self Assessment payments. Alternative payment options include:

  • paying through PAYE tax code (subject to eligibility)  
  • paying via online banking

Those who are unable to pay their tax bill in full can access support and advice on GOV.UK. HMRC may be able to help by arranging an affordable payment plan, known as Time to Pay. Customers should try to do this online; go to GOV.UK for more information. Alternatively, they can contact the helpline.

Customers who are unsure if they need to file a tax return can visit GOV.UK to check if they need to send a Self Assessment tax return.

People completing a tax return are at increased risk of falling victim to scams. Check HMRC scams advice on GOV.UK.

Leader reaffirms city’s commitment to reduction and eradication of HIV transmission and stigma

Yesterday (December 1) marked World AIDS Day, which has been recognised and celebrated by all United Nations (UN) Member states since its inauguration in 1988.

The day also constitutes an official global public health campaign as designated by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

On World Aids Day Council Leader Cammy Day, along with Grant Sugden, CEO of Waverley Care, signed the Paris Declaration on Fast-Track Cities Ending the HIV Epidemic on behalf of the city of Edinburgh.

This puts Edinburgh alongside almost 500 other cities around the world who have signed up to the Declaration and are committed to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3.3 of ending the HIV epidemic by 2030.

Council Leader Cammy Day also took a rapid HIV test in his office, administered by Waverley Care, in order to raise awareness, encourage regular testing and keep the conversation going about HIV and sexual health more broadly.

Here in Edinburgh, NHS Lothian offer detailed advice on getting tested and the range of support that is available.

Our other partners Waverley Care and CREW 2000 also offer a wide array of support services in the city; including drop ins, advice, C:card (free condom/sexual health supplies), counselling and more.

SX (part of Waverley Care) offered confidential HIV testing in the city centre yesterday.  From 9am-5pm they were be in Waverley Market and from 5-7pm at CREW 2000 on Cockburn Street.

Waverly Care also have further information on World AIDS Day in Edinburgh including fundraising, events and partnerships.

Council Leader Cammy Day said: “I was delighted to sign Edinburgh up to the Fast-Track Cities initiative alongside Grant Sugden of Waverley Care. This represents our city’s commitment to reducing and eventually eradicating HIV and the stigma associated with it.

“I’d encourage everyone to get tested regularly and have open and honest conversations with their friends, families, and peers about HIV.

“I would like to pay tribute to Waverley Care, Crew 2000, NHS Lothian and all our other partners for the fantastic and essential work that they are carrying out in the Capital.”

Grant Sugden, CEO of Waverly Care, said: “I am delighted that Edinburgh has committed to becoming a Fast-Track City. This is a vital step towards reaching a Scotland with zero new HIV transmissions by 2030.  

“Waverley Care is incredibly pleased to be leading on Fast-Track Cities in Scotland. We are joining up Scotland’s cities to work together to reach shared goals for HIV transmission elimination, and Edinburgh has an important part to play in this. 

“Edinburgh was once known as the ‘AIDS capital of Europe’, and while we have come incredibly far, more work must be done on areas such as such as HIV stigma and increasing access to testing.  

“We hope Edinburgh’s commitment will accelerate progress to reach HIV targets and eliminate HIV transmission by 2030.”

Emma Crawshaw, CEO of Crew 2000, said: “World AIDS day helps us highlight that we can all play a part in working together to end the shame and stigma attached to AIDS/HIV: we know this can be one of the biggest barriers to people accessing prevention, protection, testing support and treatment.

“Having no detectable virus in your blood due to effective HIV treatment means that the virus can’t be passed on. Scotland is on its way to becoming one of the first countries in the world to achieve zero HIV transmissions by 2030.

“We support Councillor Day’s motion to commit to the Fast Track Cities Initiative, ending HIV-related stigma and new HIV transmissions, and to sign the Paris Declaration committing to coordinated sharing experience and taking action across and between health boards to achieve this goal.”

Dona Milne, Director of Public Health and Health Policy, NHS Lothian, said:  “NHS Lothian is committed to stamping out the stigma associated with HIV and Hepatitis C, and we are fully supportive of the Paris Declaration.

“As Edinburgh officially makes a commitment to become a Fast Track City on World Aids Day, we hope that this initiative will make Lothian, and indeed Scotland a kinder place for people living with HIV and hepatitis C, while also encouraging Scotland to be more open about sexual health.”

José M. Zuniga, President and CEO, of International Association of Providers of AIDS Care (IAPAC), said: “As Edinburgh signs up to the Fast-Track Cities network this World AIDS Day 2022, we commit to work shoulder-to-shoulder with you to achieve the UNAIDS 95-95-95 and other related targets.

“We also applaud the city’s commitment to place people at the centre of the HIV response, including by prioritizing the goal of getting to zero HIV-related stigma and discrimination.”