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Tradfest 2024 headliners announced

Edinburgh Tradfest is delighted to announce the first of its headline acts for 2024

Opening this year’s Festival on Friday 3 May, thanks to support from the National Lottery through Creative Scotland, will be Daniel Docherty and Martyn MacDonald whose band VALTOS has taken the trad and electronic music world by storm.

Valtos’ music has been described by Folk Radio UK as “like nothing you’ve heard before,” blending influences from electronic and folk music.

Inspired by artists like Martyn Bennet, Peatbog Faeries, Odesza, Madeon, and Bicep, Valtos creates a unique and genre-defying sound. Their self-titled debut album, released in June 2022, drew inspiration from the breath-taking beauty of their home in Skye, infusing their recordings and live performances with a profound sense of place. The album achieved over 100,000 streams in its first few weeks alone.

Joining them onstage at the Queen’s Hall for an energetic and unforgettable live experience will be Lana Pheutan, Eilidh Cormack, and Euan McLaughlin, plus a host of special guests.

Valtos’ talent and innovation have garnered recognition, earning them the Up and Coming Artist of the Year award at The Scots Trad Awards 2022. Their dedication and boundary-pushing artistry continue to impress critics and fans alike.

Also playing over the Festival’s opening weekend is multi-award winning solo artist Martin Simpson (Saturday 4 May) who is renowned for his magnificent acoustic, finger-style guitar playing.

At the very top of his game, Martin is without question a true master of his art. He is universally acclaimed as one of the finest ever acoustic and slide guitar players in the world. Martin is a remarkable storyteller, and a fine banjo-picker who performs traditional English folk songs, American folk and blues and his own compositions with rare subtlety, intensity and honesty.

Martin Simpson “One of the virtuoso instrumentalists of the English music scene” ‘Sounds better than ever’ **** 4 Stars The Guardian – photo credit Geoff Trinder

Rounding off the opening weekend on Sunday 5 May will be fiddle trio The Nordic Fiddlers Bloc (Kevin Henderson (Fiddlers Bid), Olav Luksengård Mjelva and Anders Hall)– a solid gold Edinburgh Tradfest favourite, masterfully blending the traditions of Norway, Sweden and the Shetland Islandswith their unique rich sound – not to be missed!

In Traverse 2 also performing on the opening weekend will be LA-based singer-songwriter Alice Howe, and the multi-award-winning singer /harpist / composer Rachel Newton.

Finally, on Monday 13 May, one of Scotland’s best loved traditional music stars, Julie Fowlis will perform with her band at what will be the festival’s biggest ever closing concert at Edinburgh’s Assembly Rooms.

Julie Fowlis who will close this year’s festival on Monday 13 May at the Assembly Rooms. Photo credit Wild Soul Photography

Douglas Robertson and Jane-Ann Purdy, co-producers of Edinburgh Tradfest said: “Every year we look to up our game at Edinburgh Tradfest so we are very excited to share not one but two BIG venue concerts for 2024.

“With Valtos and Special Guests at the Queen’s Hall to open and Julie Fowlis at the Assembly Rooms to close this year’s festival we know we are looking forward to a bumper year. Our opening weekend is also chock-full of superstars and gives a fine taster of what lies ahead for the rest of the programme. We can’t wait for it to start.”

Creative Scotland’s Head of Music, Alan Morrison commented: ““Spring has arrived early for music fans with news that Valtos, Martin Simpson, Julie Fowlis and The Nordic Fiddlers Bloc will soon be coming to the capital’s stages.

“In recent years, Tradfest has transformed Edinburgh’s festival calendar with a world-class programme that celebrates the rich past and exciting future of folk and traditional music. If the opening weekend is anything to go by, the 2024 edition is going to be one of the best yet.”

The full programme for this year’s Edinburgh Tradfest will be launched in March and will include an unmissable line-up of live music, talks, new commissions, and traditional storytelling thanks to continued support from Creative Scotland and the William Grant Foundation.

Edinburgh Tradfest 2024 will run from Friday 3 May – Monday 13 May.

For tickets and more information visit edinburghtradfest.com

Green light for new clean vehicle charging hub at Ocean Terminal

A new clean vehicle charging hub at Leith Waterfront’s Ocean Terminal is to power up after being approved by City of Edinburgh councillors.

The hub, powered by SSE, will form part of the major redevelopment of Ocean Terminal which is currently underway, and which will create a sustainable new neighbourhood on Leith’s waterfront with the provision of new homes, health and leisure facilities and new active travel options for centre users and the surrounding community.

Located at the front of the Ocean Terminal building, adjacent to the current south car park, six state-of-the art EV chargers powered by traceable, clean renewable energy will be able to charge up to 12 vehicles at a time, with two of the bays in the hub designated for accessible parking.

The new site will allow electric vehicle drivers to charge their cars whilst visiting the facilities at the redeveloped Ocean Terminal centre – including a cinema, gym, bingo and family entertainment venue Level X. The ultra-rapid charging facilities of up to 150 kilowatts (kW) will allow drivers to get back on the road within an hour of plugging in.

On 10th August 2023, the ultra-rapid EV Charging Hub from SSE Energy Solutions was installed and launched at the Gapton Hall Retail Park in Great Yarmouth, managed by M7 Real Estate for Oxford Properties. Sir Brandon Lewis CBE was in attendance for the unveiling.

Chris Richardson, Managing Director of Ambassador Investment Management, the Scottish owners of Ocean Terminal, said: “Having recently received planning consent to deliver our Masterplan for Ocean Terminal, we are delighted that our vision for a new neighbourhood on Leith’s waterfront with sustainability at its core is taking shape so quickly as we bring this new EV charging hub to the area.

“As the future of Ocean Terminal changes, so too do the needs of our centre users and we are proud to be working with our partners at SSE, a company which is at the forefront of decarbonisation solutions, to meet modern requirements for clean fuel and green travel options.

“And with the new hub able to charge an electric vehicle in an hour, it will provide the perfect reason to visit the new and improved Ocean Terminal for a meal, film or browse of the shops!”

Kevin Welstead, EV Director from SSE Energy Solutions said: “We’re proud to announce this site with Ocean Terminal which will provide ultra-rapid EV charging facilities for their customers to have at their disposal.

“At SSE, we’re dedicated to helping get people on the road to net zero. By providing high-quality EV Charging hubs we are supporting both the public and businesses across the UK and Ireland to make the transition to electric vehicles.

“This site is a perfect example of how drivers can conveniently and quickly charge their electric vehicle as they go about their day.”

Ocean Terminal has recently welcomed the approval of its Masterplan to construct 530 new homes alongside commercial facilities to give a new lease of life to the Ocean Terminal centre, which originally opened in 2001.

Alongside the successful Tram to Newhaven, the plans will add significant provision of cycle parking and an expansion of the cycle route along Leith waterfront, creating new active travel options for centre users and the surrounding community.

Businesses urged to ‘be prepared’ as Britain set for snow and cold snap

Snow and sub-zero temperatures predicted in parts of UK this week
Commercial insurer NFU Mutual issues advice to businesses and retailers with cold snap set to hit
Businesses warned of risks of frozen pipes and dangerous ice on premises

Commercial insurer NFU Mutual is urging businesses to be prepared for heavy snow and freezing temperatures as icy weather is predicted this week.

After weeks of unsettled weather, a cold snap is expected throughout the week, with the Met Office warning of plunging temperatures and snow.

A yellow warning for snow and ice was issued on Monday, with snow showers and sub-zero temperatures predicted – bringing risks for businesses and the high street.

Zoe Knight, Head of Commercial at NFU Mutual, said: “While businesses will have rightly been focusing on the potential flood risks due to recent storms, we are now facing a period of colder weather and possible snow showers, which will bring a different set of risks.

“Retailers, hospitality, and independent businesses should all be prepared and take essential steps to keep themselves, their premises and their customers safe during adverse weather.

“NFU Mutual urges business owners to clear and grit pathways and car parks, include warning signage for customers, check your boilers have been serviced, ensure pipes are insulated and check your roof in preparation for the strain caused by potential snowfall.

“Don’t be complacent about the risks cold weather can pose to businesses and customers. As well as causing disruption across the UK, cold weather and snow storms can bring devastating damage to businesses, so it’s well worth taking simple steps to reduce the risk.”

Commercial insurer NFU Mutual’s cold-weather and snow advice to businesses

Safe premises:

Clear and grit pathways and car parks to ensure the surface isn’t dangerously slippery.
Use warning signs if safe to do so and where they do not obstruct pathways
Check your boiler has been serviced as winter months will put more strain on parts
Ensure pipes are insulated in unheated areas to avoid the risk of costly damage due to frozen pipes often resulting in water leaks
Make sure your heating is on a temperature setting high enough to prevent freezing of pipework when the premises are unattended
If a pipe does become frozen, turn off the water supply and then gently heat the relevant area. Flame producing equipment should not be used for this.
Make sure you know where the stopcock is in case you need to turn off your water supply. Have buckets or other containers available in case of emergency
Maintain roofs, gulleys, gutters and downpipes in good condition. The weight of accumulated snow can put added pressure on roofs, particularly if they are in poor condition.
Clear drains or ditches outside your business to allow melting snow to run away.

Safe people:

Make sure there is a place for your staff to keep warm or warm up, such as a rest room or kitchen where they can make a hot drink
If work rooms are cold, consider providing temporary extra heating – make sure they are in good working order and checked for electrical faults
Provide your staff with warm weather clothing if their work involves long spells of exposure to the cold
Avoid making non-essential business journeys in your vehicles unless it is safe to do so
If you decide to close your premises, notify customers and keep in touch with staff to avoid unnecessary journeys
Make sure you assess the risks from cold and adverse weather for all the work that is done as part of your business – don’t carry out a task if it’s not safe to do so.

Amey gritters ready for action

GRITTER NAMING APPEAL 2023/2024

Amey South-West Trunk Roads are once again running a popular gritter-naming appeal that has, to date, led to over 6,000 gritter names being submitted by the Scottish public for consideration.

The newly named gritters will join classics such as “Sir Grits Hoy”, “Yes Sir, Ice Can Boogie”, “Skid Vicious”, and “Sweet Child O’ Brine”.

Winners from last year’s competition and new additions to the fleet for the 2023/2024 winter season include:

“Kevin Fridges” (Comedian, Kevin Bridges)
“Stone Cold Steve Frostin” (WWE Star and Actor, Steve Austin)
“Keanu Freeze” (Actor, Keanu Reeves)
“Polar Abdul” (Singer and American Idol Judge, Paula Abdul)
“Taylor Drift” (Singer, Taylor Swift)
“Sleeter Andre” (Singer, Peter Andre)
“Skate Bush” (Singer, Kate Bush)

Scotland’s tradition of coming up with inventive and fun names for their gritter fleet has gone viral on social media and makes headlines around the world.

In December 2020, Amey’s South-West fleet, with their distinctive bright orange livery, attracted the attention of IRN-BRU® who named a gritter “Grits You Thru”.

In 2021, another iconic Scottish treat joined the fleet with staff at family-run bakery Tunnock’s coining a vehicle “Caramelt Wafer”.

Gritter names can be submitted to Amey online from today via a page on swtrunkroads.scot

Gritter name reveals will take place on the @SWTRUNKROADS Facebook and Twitter channels and will appear live on the Traffic Scotland Gritter Tracker.

To prepare for this Winter, Amey have amassed 21,000 tonnes of road salt, 231,000 litres of brine, and 50,000 litres of potassium acetate.

The winter service is overseen by 10 Winter Service Duty Officers (WSDO) who provide a 24/7 presence on the network. The 17,500-tonne capacity salt barn at Amey’s Polmadie Depot, established in 2021, will continue to provide increased resilience in tackling adverse weather conditions across the trunk road network.

The South-West Winter Service is comprised of 27 Frontline Routes, 15 Patrol Routes, and 12 Footway Routes (requiring 197km of winter treatment).

The service is delivered by 56 Econ gritters and snowploughs, 16 footpath gritters, 12 tractors, and 115 Highways Operatives. Winter Patrol vehicles are equipped with the latest Mobile Condition Monitoring Equipment and are fitted with Dash Cams.

In addition, an innovative liquid brine solution is being used on all roads and footpaths, to provide a more effective clearance of ice and snow.

Places for People helps to offer more warm spaces in Edinburgh this winter as temperatures drop

With freezing temperatures cutting across the country, social enterprise Places for People is supporting the three warm spaces across Edinburgh to provide a safe and warm space for the community this winter.

It comes as part of their national support of over 25 warm spaces across the UK this year providing safe and warm spaces for people in social isolation and those suffering from fuel poverty over the winter months.

Warm spaces aim to support local people who may be at risk of fuel poverty or may be feeling lonely or isolated. A warm space can be any community building and will provide a confidential, warm, and friendly environment for people to socialise over refreshments and take part in activities.

Magdalene Community Centre, Gilmerton Community Centre, and Newtongrange Development Trust are warm spaces open to all where they can meet others, enjoy a hot drink, get involved in activities and stay warm.

Marcus Hulme, Director of Places Impact at Places for People commented: “As the cost-of-living continues to rise we know that many people are struggling with their energy bills and other general household bills.

“We are committed to finding ways to help and support our communities through these difficult times, and are proud to be supporting spaces for people to go where they can not only feel safe and warm but also where they can socialise and be part of a community.”

For the second year in a row, Places for People has chosen to support warm spaces within their communities to offer a space for people in social isolation and those suffering from fuel poverty over the winter months.

The impact that cost-of-living crisis is having on local communities continues to show and demand for these types of spaces is growing, with support from their Social Impact fund, Places for People are investing £5 million in activities to support customers and communities including warm spaces to address the cost-of-living crisis.

Opening times of the warm spaces vary; Gilmerton Community Centre’s warm space is open Tuesday to Thursday from 2 pm until 5:30 pm. Magdalene Community Centre’s warm space is open Monday and Thursday from 9:30 am until 2:45 pm. Newtongrange Development Trust’s warm space is open on Thursdays between 1 pm and 4 pm.

More information on the warm hubs being supported by Places for People can be found here:

https://www.placesforpeople.co.uk/about-us/community/community-projects/

Accounts Commission: Financial pressures push councils to make hard decisions about service cuts

Scotland’s councils are managing their money effectively, increasing reserves, with longer-term financial plans in place. Whilst no council was at immediate financial risk in 2022/23, there is no certainty this will continue, according to spending watchdog Accounts Commission’s latest financial report.

This makes an agreement between the Scottish Government and councils to secure a sustainable, longer-term funding arrangement to deliver local services all the more urgent.

Effective financial management within councils is crucial as budget gaps increase. Councils continue to rely on savings and reserves to balance budgets. Over half of councils used financial flexibilities in 2022/23. This helps with immediate budget pressures but defers costs to later years and fails to tackle underlying challenges to financial sustainability.

The Accounts Commission’s latest report assesses the financial position of Scotland’s councils during 2022/23 and the outlook for services beyond this.

While councils received more funding and income in cash terms in 2022/23, high inflation means this fell by nearly three per cent in real terms compared to the previous year.

A significant and increasing amount of funding continued to be either formally ringfenced or directed towards specific services and national policy objectives – reducing councils’ flexibility in using money to meet local needs.

Despite more core funding from the Scottish Government for 2023/24, there was a significant increase in councils’ total funding gap, due to pressures including increased demand for services, inflation and the cost-of-living.

Capital budgets were also significantly strained, risking knock-on impacts on the maintenance of key public buildings and infrastructure, for example schools, libraries and roads.

Councils recognise the risks ahead, but they need to innovate at pace and make difficult decisions about cuts to services to remain financially sustainable. Some councils have experienced opposition from within their communities when seeking to reduce services to balance budgets. This reinforces the need for frank consultation and engagement with communities when planning change.

Ronnie Hinds, Interim Chair of the Accounts Commission said: “There is intensifying pressures on council finances and services. Given the funding position for councils, there is increasing reliance on reserves and savings to deliver balanced budgets.

“This means councils are already making difficult decisions about future service delivery and the level of service they can afford. Having leadership and a workforce with the right skills will be crucial to deliver on this.

“Local government is the second largest area of Scottish Government spending, but despite rising demand for services, the proportion of funding to councils has reduced over the last decade.

“Urgent progress is needed to agree a funding framework between Scottish and Local Government. This will bring much-needed clarity and certainty of budgets for future years.”

The Accounts Commission’s Local Government in Scotland Financial bulletin for 2022/23 published today (Tuesday) reinforces COSLA’s warnings over the perilous state of Council finances over the last few years.

Commenting, COSLA’s Resources Spokesperson Councillor Katie Hagmann said: “The Accounts Commission’s Local Government in Scotland Financial bulletin for 2022/23, published today, reinforces what we have been saying about council finances and the really difficult and challenging decisions Councils have had to take in recent years.

“It is vitally important that these concerns, which have been consistently raised by COSLA, are now being backed up by hard facts and evidence presented by the Accounts Commission.

“There is widespread agreement from COSLA on the Accounts Commission’s key messages on the scale and financial challenge facing Scotland’s Councils, as well as the most pressing issues facing councils now.

“Some of these key messages, whilst extremely stark, come as no great surprise to those of us in Local Government:

In 2022/23 total revenue funding from all sources fell by £619 million (2.8 per cent) in real terms to £21.3 billion compared to 2021/22.
An increasing proportion of funding is ring-fenced or provided with the expectation it will be spent on specific services.
There is pressure on capital budgets, and this presents risks to the viability of local government capital programmes, many of which impact on key services (e.g., the construction and maintenance of schools, libraries, roads).
Councils are increasingly having to rely on savings and reserves as well as making increasingly difficult decisions to reduce or stop services to help balance budgets.

“Today’s Accounts Commission Bulletin is a true reflection of where we are now. Our reality right now is extremely challenging – years of real-terms cuts to council budgets have been coupled with increasing additional policy commitments and increased ring-fencing. With so much funding still directed, the ability to take local decisions on most of our Budget is almost impossible.

Councillor Hagmann concluded: “The picture painted by the Accounts Commission illustrates why COSLA is lobbying hard on the detrimental impact to communities of the Draft Scottish Government Budget, currently going through the Parliamentary process.

“The trends highlighted by the Bulletin are why Scotland’s Council Leaders are so disappointed and furthermore highlights the need to progress the ambitions of our joint Scottish Government and Local Government Verity House agreement. We must seek a solution to these long-term issues in order to protect the essential front-line service of our communities.

“COSLA’s President, Vice President and Political Group Leaders, from all parties have written to the Deputy First Minister requesting that a meaningful negotiation takes place, to protect those who rely on essential services, support our local economies and continue to progress our net zero national ambitions.”

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UK Covid-19 Inquiry comes to Edinburgh

The UK Covid-19 Inquiry’s Module 2A hearings begin in Scotland today (Tuesday 16 January 2024). The hearings are an important stage in the Inquiry’s investigation into decision making and governance in each nation of the UK.

Members of the public are welcome to attend the hearings in Edinburgh or watch them online through the Inquiry website.

Module 2A, ‘Core UK decision-making and political governance – Scotland’, will look into core political and administrative governance and decision-making. It will include the initial response, devolved government decision making, political and civil service performance as well as the effectiveness of relationships with the UK government and local and voluntary sectors.

The Inquiry is also encouraging people in Scotland to share their pandemic experience so we can truly understand the human impact and learn lessons from it.

Find out more about the hearings, the benefits of sharing your story with the Inquiry and how to do so in our video recorded this week at the Royal College of Surgeons in Edinburgh:

Standing next to Scotland’s memorial dedicated to NHS staff who worked through the pandemic – the award-winning ‘Your Next Breath’ – Inquiry Secretary, Ben Connah, said he was excited that the Inquiry’s hearings are soon to begin in the Scottish capital:

“It’s the start of the UK Covid-19 Inquiry’s public hearings here in Scotland. We will be holding three weeks of hearings at the International Conference Centre in Edinburgh. People in Scotland will have the opportunity to hear from politicians, advisers and scientists who were crucial to the decision-making.

“This is a UK-wide public inquiry and it’s really important that we visit the places where decisions were taken and where the impact of the pandemic was felt in different ways in different parts of the country.”

Ben also highlighted how the Scottish public can already participate via Every Story Matters, which will support the UK Covid-19 Inquiry’s investigations and help the Chair of the Inquiry make recommendations for the future.

Every Story Matters will provide evidence about the human impact of the pandemic on the UK population. It provides an opportunity for those affected by the pandemic to share their experiences online without the formality of giving evidence or attending a public hearing, as Ben explained.

“The Scottish public can already play their part in the inquiry by logging on to everystorymatters.co.uk and sharing their experience of the pandemic.

“I am really keen that we hear stories from people right across Scotland, from Stranraer to Stornoway, to help us to build a picture of the impact the pandemic had on this beautiful country.”

Joining the Inquiry Secretary in Edinburgh this week is Hussein Patwa, an Aberdeen resident who is visually impaired and registered blind. He described lockdown as “quite tough”.

“Even to this day the pandemic has affected my independence, my ability to get out and about even in my local area. I have also found it has affected my confidence, especially in larger social situations.”

Hussein is also an enthusiastic advocate of Every Story Matters, as he explained: “Telling my story to Every Story Matters has been a cathartic experience for me.

“It has allowed me to reflect on aspects of my experience I hadn’t even thought about, and that in itself was a healing process. I would encourage everyone to share their story on the Every Story Matters website.”

Every Story Matters

Every Story Matters is your opportunity to help the UK Covid-19 Inquiry understand your experience of the pandemic.

Share your story

‘Walk like a penguin!’

Health Board appeal to keep safe during cold snap

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) is urging the public to walk like penguins to help avoid slips and trips in the icy conditions this week.

Adopting a penguin walk is a safer way to get about in the cold weather as it could help keep you more stable and minimise the risk of losing balance or slipping on the ice.

Top tips to walk like a penguin:

· Bend slightly and keep your knees loose.

· Point your feet out slightly.

· Extend your arms at your sides.

· Walk flat-footed, taking short steps.

· Keep your centre of gravity over your feet.

In the event of a slip, trip or fall which requires medical attention, but is not very urgent or life-threatening, the health board is advising people not to go straight to A&E but instead to call NHS24 on 111.

Dr Emilia Crighton, director for public health at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said: “At this time of year – and especially in icy spells like this one – slips, trips and falls are the most common accidents that result in injury.

“While it might seem silly to walk or waddle like a penguin, the alternative may be a nasty injury or even time in hospital. Remember, when it comes to getting around on ice, penguins know best, so when you’re out and about in the next few days, adopting the penguin stance is a really effective way to move without falling.

“During this time we should also make sure we’re supporting our elderly family members and neighbours by making journeys on their behalf to avoid them having to go out in icy conditions.”

Dr Crighton also reminded people that, in the majority of cases involving slips and trips, going to A&E may not be appropriate.

She said: “A&E is there to help the sickest people and treat the most urgent emergencies, and we would always advise anyone who thinks their condition or injury is very urgent or life-threatening to call 999 or go to A&E immediately.

“However, most falls and trips do not require treatment at A&E – and in fact you might be asked to seek help elsewhere if you arrive at A&E inappropriately.

“If assessment is required, our Minor Injuries Units are often best placed to carry that out, so we would urge anyone who has suffered a fall to call NHS24 on 111. They will be able to give you the advice you need, including directing you to a Minor Injuries Unit if required.”

This winter, NHSGGC has launched a campaign to help people know where to go to access the care they need.

Care for a wide range of injuries is available without going to A&E – often from the comfort of your own home or right on your doorstep – and the health board is encouraging everyone to familiarise themselves with these alternatives, just in case.

Accessing the right care is as easy as A,B,C:

Ask yourself: Do I need to go out? For information on keeping yourself well and treating minor illnesses and injuries from home, go to NHS Inform or download the NHS24 app.

Be aware: There is help on your doorstep. Your local GP, pharmacy, dentist or optician offer a range of services. Pharmacies provide these services without the need for an appointment.

Call 111: If it’s urgent, or you’re not sure, call NHS24 on 111. They’ll make sure you get the help you need.

Unless it’s an emergency, please think ABC before going to A&E.

For more information on the best ways to access care, go to the NHSGGC website

Edinburgh Leisure: Business as usual!

Edinburgh Leisure responses to misleading media articles re venue closures

There have been several misleading media articles regarding venue closures at Edinburgh Leisure (NOT NEN – Ed.!) The charity is facing significant financial challenges next year (2024/25) due to several factors, including further increases in energy costs.

Information was prepared on venue closures to illustrate the scale of these challenges and the potential impact on services. Unfortunately, several media articles omitted to cover these all-important points in favour of reporting ‘venue closures’.

Work is ongoing with our funding partner, the City of Edinburgh Council, as to how we might address the financial challenges and ensure our work to support the citizens of Edinburgh to be active and well continues!

There are no venue closures planned for at this time and customers should feel confident that we are doing everything we can to maintain all our venues.

It is very much business as usual so please keep using and supporting us!

Boyack highlights ‘deeply distressing’ drop in Edinburgh GP surgeries as patient lists boom

Labour Lothians MSP, Sarah Boyack highlighted deeply distressing figures about the fall in GP surgeries in Edinburgh.

The latest figures by Public Health Scotland show that from 2010-2022, the number of Edinburgh’s GP surgeries dropped from 75 to 72. However, over the same period Edinburgh’s population skyrocketed from an estimated 480,000 to 548,000.

Edinburgh recorded the third highest population growth in Scotland, according to the most recent statistics.

This all comes as it was revealed the city of Edinburgh’s average practice list size has jumped from 7,074 in 2012, to 8413 – the 5th highest in Scotland.

In May 2023, the BMA warned that there was a sustainability crisis in Scottish general practice, in part due to the closing of surgeries.

A fall in GP surgeries will leave more and more communities without the adequate facilities to cope with their population increase.

This follows on from the Scottish Government’s decision to freeze capital projects for health boards, as well as freezing the ability to hire new staff.

The Scottish Government also requires health boards to require savings of 6.8%.

These moves will only increase pressures on NHS Lothian to provide adequate healthcare services with diminishing resources.

Commenting on the findings, Sarah Boyack said: “These figures are deeply distressing but will come as no surprise to patients in Edinburgh.

“The Scottish Government’s underfunding has left Edinburgh’s GPs unable to keep up with the city’s population growth.

“If the Scottish Government goes ahead with its budget plans, this will only exacerbate the problem.

“GP surgery staff do amazing work, but they need the funding to fulfil their potential.

“Allowing GP surgeries to close merely aggravates the sustainability crisis we are facing in general practice.

“If we are to tackle this issue, we need investment and strategy from the Scottish Government, not freezes and delays.”