Charities set for funding boost from Scottish Building Society Foundation

EIGHT Scottish charities have been awarded up to £5,000 funding from the Scottish Building Society Foundation in a bid to aid their good causes across the country. 

The second phase of funding attracted 33 applications from across 11 local authority areas of Scotland, with the successful applicants chosen to receive individual grants to help their cause.   

The initiative saw grants provided to charities across Edinburgh; Glasgow; Highlands; East Renfrewshire; Scottish Borders; and South Ayrshire. 

Organisations to receive funding include Dr Bell’s Family Centre; Glasgow Children’s Holiday Scheme; Croy Public Hall; Highland Action for Little Ones; Mearns Kirk Helping Hands; Carrick Rugby Football Club; Friends of Dundonald Castle; and Gala Fairydean Rovers FC Community Trust.   

Scottish Building Society Foundation was established by Scottish Building Society in partnership with Foundation Scotland, with the initiative designed to give back to Scottish communities.  

Launched in May 2023 to align with the organisation’s 175th anniversary, an incredible £175,000 will be granted to local charities and good causes across Scotland.  

Applicable to a range of community groups and incentives, the Scottish Building Society Foundation particularly welcomed applications that support:  

  • Community facilities and services, transport, open spaces, affordable housing, community development, reduction of poverty, and care for the elderly  
  • Local community events  
  • Youth and education, providing training opportunities and support for vulnerable youngsters   

Previously, the last round of funding, nine successful charities from across Scotland were chosen to receive grants to the collective value of more than £30,000 to support their good cause. The third round of funding is set to open in spring 2024. 

Paul Denton, CEO at Scottish Building Society, said: “As part of our 175th anniversary celebrations, we wanted to mark the occasion with an incentive that upholds our core value of giving back to the communities.  

“All these charities have a fantastic cause and it’s great to see them being supported by the Scottish Building Society Foundation with funding.  

“With the second round of funding now finished, we’re encouraged by the variety of inspiring community groups and charities across Scotland and look forward to seeing how they use the funding to make positive impact.  We hope to see this go even further with the third round set for next year. 

“The Scottish Building Society Foundation, whilst in its infancy, we hope will make a big difference to many people across the country and we look forward to continuing our relationship with Foundation Scotland to grow the incentive in the years ahead.  

“By investing in good causes, we are building stronger communities.” 

For more information on the Scottish Building Society Foundation or to make an application, visit: https://www.scottishbs.co.uk/scottish-building-society-foundation 

Rosewell’s Eva crowned Christmas card champion at Barratt’s festive lights switch on

Pupils at a Midlothian primary school have been letting their creativity shine by creating their very own Christmas card designs as part of Barratt Developments’ festive competition. 

Barratt Developments Scotland – which includes Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes – invited pupils from Rosewell Primary School to try their hand at designing their very own festive cards, with the winning design being transformed into a physical pack to be given to residents at the housebuilder’s sites.

After judging more than 20 entries, Eva Hall from Primary 6 was crowned champion of the festive design competition, winning a £50 Smyths voucher in the process. The 10-year-old’s design depicts a snowy Christmas Eve sky with Santa’s sleigh flying over rooftops.

To mark her win, Eva and her fellow pupils who took part in the competition were invited to switch on the Christmas tree lights at David Wilson Homes’ Rosewell Meadow development on Thursday 7th December.

All budding artists were awarded a chocolate selection box for their efforts, with Eva doing the honours and switching on the lights.

Shona Richardson, Headteacher at Rosewell Primary School, said: “The pupils were very excited to be asked to take part in the Christmas Card competition.

“We have a number of creative and imaginative pupils at Rosewell so this was right up their street. Some even gave up their lunch breaks to join a ‘Christmas Card Art Club’. It was so popular that we had to bring in extra tables and chairs. It was a hive of festive activity!”

Neil Hanna www.neilhannaphotography.co.uk 07702 246823

Anne Ross, Sales Director at Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes East Scotland, said: “We were extremely impressed by the designs Eva and her schoolmates created.

“Not only did they capture the joy and fun of Christmas time, but you could also see how much time and effort each pupil put into their work.

“We hope our small events bring a bit of festive sparkle to the communities we are building within East Scotland.”

Neil Hanna www.neilhannaphotography.co.uk 07702 246823

For more information on David Wilson Homes in Scotland, visit:

www.dwh.co.uk/new-homes/scotland/edinburgh/

Concerns raised as record number of pupils in Scotland are identified with additional support needs

The Scottish Children’s Services Coalition (SCSC), an alliance of leading providers of specialist care and education to vulnerable children and young people, has raised concerns over an increase in the number of pupils identified with additional support needs (ASN), amounting to over a third of the pupil population.

Set against a backdrop of budgetary cuts and an ongoing lack of support, it has called for increased resourcing to address this growing need, which is also having an impact on surging levels of classroom disruption and violence.

The SCSC has also voiced concerns over a declining number of those with complex needs receiving a co-ordinated support plan (CSP), the only education plans that are legal documents. This is despite a Scottish Government promise that there would be no decline in the numbers of those receiving them.

The figures were released yesterday (12th December) in the Scottish Government’s annual census of pupils and teachers in publicly funded schools.1

These show that the number of pupils with ASN, such as autism, dyslexia and mental health problems in 2023 has reached a record high of 259,036. This represents 36.7% of the pupil population, rising from 131,593 in 2013. 2 This represents almost a doubling (96.8%) in numbers over the past decade.

An increase in demand is however set against a background of spending cuts and a lack of specialist ASN teachers, support staff and the resources needed to support these children and young people.

This is exacerbated by the damaging ongoing impacts of Covid-19 lockdowns and the cost-of-living crisis, which have had a disruptive impact on many of those with ASN, who disproportionately come from the poorest backgrounds. There has also been an increase in those experiencing mental health problems.

The SCSC has also raised concerns over a decline in the number of those receiving a CSP. These are statutory education plans prepared by local authorities to identify and ensure the provision of services for children and young people with complex or multiple ASN.

The only education plans that are legally enforceable documents, CSPs require services such as education, health and social work to work together to give a child or young person the support they need. This provides some guarantees of entitlement to additional resources and legal redress, placing statutory duties on local authorities to review and ensure the provisions contained within it are being met.

Despite a Scottish Government promise that there would be no reduction in the proportion of pupils receiving them since their introduction in 2004, there has been a significant fall in the number of pupils with a CSP. Declining from 3,279 in 2013 3 to 1,318 in 2023 4, this amounts to a drop of 59.8%. and is a reduction from 2.5% to 0.5% of those with ASN.

The coalition has called for an expansion in access to CSPs, with the Scottish Government, local authorities, health and other relevant agencies collaborating more effectively to ensure that those requiring such a legal plan receive one.

This needs to be supported by the necessary resourcing, and increased awareness and understanding of CSPs by families or carers and professionals.

A spokesperson for the SCSC commented: “While more children and young people are being identified as having ASN, this is against the increasingly challenging backdrop of a lack of specialist teachers, support staff and the resources needed to support them.

“This is having an impact in terms of surging levels of school violence we are witnessing. Increased support is critical, especially post the Covid-19 pandemic and the damaging impact this has had on many of our children and young people, exacerbated by the cost-of-living crisis, all of which is hitting the poorest hardest.

“We are also concerned that despite an increase in the numbers of those with ASN we are experiencing a decline in the use of CSPs, which are legally enforceable and designed to support those with the most complex needs.

“The Scottish Government, local authorities, health and other agencies need to work in collaboration with the private and third sectors to provide the necessary resourcing and support to address the needs of children and young people with ASN. They must also work together to ensure that those who are entitled to a CSP receive one.

“With those with ASN drawn disproportionately from poorer neighbourhoods, if we are to genuinely close the educational attainment gap, they must get the care and support they need when they need it.”

HOMELESSNESS IN EDINBURGH: Charity CEO calls for urgent support in the run up to Christmas

  • Simon Community Scotland (SCS) figures show 38 people currently sleeping rough in Edinburgh each night 
  • The charity handles over 500 requests for support at their Edinburgh hub each week 
  • 12 women are currently living in emergency accommodation 
  • SCS urgently needs to raise £200,000 to help them provide safe places and support to people experiencing homelessness

Almost forty people could be sleeping rough across Edinburgh in the run up to Christmas according to Scotland’s largest provider of homeless support services, Simon Community Scotland (SCS).

The charity, known as Streetwork at Simon Community Scotland in Edinburgh, is currently responding to over 500 support requests per week at their Edinburgh Hub, which is open every day.

In Edinburgh, the charity is also supporting a dozen women who are experiencing homelessness by providing emergency accommodation. Around 30 people are currently in Simon Community Homes, and many more are supported through outreach services.  

Simon Community’s emergency winter appeal ‘A Safe Place’ is aiming to raise £200,000 this year with funds directed straight to people being supported through their Holyrood Road Hub, SCS Homes, Streetreads Library, Outreach and Accommodation Services and Street Team. 

Following the announcement that Edinburgh is now facing a housing emergency, and amid ongoing cost of living challenges, Simon Community Scotland has written an open letter to businesses around Edinburgh calling for support.

Lorraine McGrath, Chief Executive at Simon Community Scotland, said: “This week alone we are providing safe places and support to well over 500 people who find themselves homeless in Edinburgh. People who are tired, cold, on the streets or in temporary accommodation. 

“The winter months are particularly hard and we’re doing all we can to help. But we need support from businesses across Edinburgh to allow us to keep people safe and supported this winter, through Christmas and beyond.

“We urgently need donations to our emergency winter appeal to cope with an increasing demand for our services. From employee fundraising, volunteering and charity partnerships, we’re keen to work with as many local businesses as possible. 

“Scotland’s housing crisis is a problem which won’t be solved overnight. Our Street Teams and hub staff are on the frontline, delivering support to as many people as possible. We have seen an increase in the number of people sleeping rough and visiting our hubs. We urgently need support to help provide safe places and support and we promise that all donations will be put to immediate use.”

According to Scottish Government figures, Edinburgh saw an additional 723 homeless households between 1 April 2022 and 31 March 2023.  

As of 31 March 2023, over 15,000 households were living in temporary accommodation in Scotland – 46% more than a decade before.  

Community Carols at Granton Campus

TONIGHT from 6 – 7.30pm

🎄 Need help getting into the festive spirit?

Head along to The Hub at Granton Campus tonight (Wednesday 13 December), from 6 – 7.30pm, for a festive evening of carol singing, choir singing and live music performances.

Find out more: https://ow.ly/hXCP50QfQBK

Justice at last?

Arrests and charges in connection with non-recent abuse at Edinburgh school

Five men, aged between 69 and 90, have been arrested and charged in connection with non-recent abuse incidents at Edinburgh Academy. Reports will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal. A sixth man, aged 74, will also be reported to the Procurator Fiscal.

The abuse incidents are alleged to have taken place at the school between 1968 and 1992.

Detective Inspector Colin Moffat said: “We would like to thank everyone who has come forward and assisted our enquiries to date.

“While the investigation of child abuse, particularly non-recent offences, can be complex and challenging, anyone who reports this type of crime can be assured that we will listen and we will investigate all reports, no matter when those offences occurred or who committed them.

“If you have suffered abuse, or you know anyone who may have been the victim of child abuse then please call Police Scotland on 101.”

This Morning: Christmas carols at Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre

Come along for a very festive morning with Christmas Carols and mince pies at the Centre!

We would love to see you for our last Tea & Toast and Golden Hour of the year! 🎅

A huge thank you to EVOC and The Postcode Lottery who have funded all of these sessions this year.

Councils on the brink of collapse

Nearly a quarter of Scottish councils warn of effective bankruptcy

  • EVERY SINGLE COUNCIL plans cuts to services, affecting millions of residents

New research out today from Local Government Information Unit (LGIU) Scotland reveals that nearly a quarter of Scottish councils fear they will not be able to balance their budgets in the 2024/25 financial year.

This is despite the fact that every single council in Scotland plans to cut spending on services in the next financial year, with around two-thirds of respondents cutting spending on education, parks and leisure, and business support.

Alongside planned cuts, nearly all (97%) said that they would be increasing fees and charges, and nine in ten (89%) that they would be spending reserves. 

The first annual LGIU State of Local Government Finance in Scotland survey, found more than three quarters of respondents (76%) believe these cuts will be evident to the public.

Had it not been for the Scottish Government decision to unilaterally declare a council tax freeze, every council would have raised council tax, most often by a significant amount. The proposed council tax freeze has contributed to an increasingly poor relationship between Scottish Government and local government.

The current state of the economy, manifested in high rates of inflation, affects wages, utilities and food, thus making service provision even more expensive for councils and was considered to be a problem by every respondent who answered. The associated cost of living crisis – which puts additional demand on services – was also considered to be a problem by over 90% of respondents. 

There was widespread agreement on the most pressing issues in council finances: in addition to inflation, ring-fencing, staff recruitment, cost of living crisis and pressures linked to demographic change were all considered to be problems by more than 90% of respondents. 

Adult social care and children’s services were considered the greatest shortest-term pressures on council finances, and adult social care by far the greatest long-term pressure. 

Jonathan Carr-West, Chief Executive, LGIU Scotland, said: “Councils in Scotland are raising a red flag that council finances are completely unsustainable. With nearly a quarter of councils warning they may be unable to fulfil their statutory duties, it is only a matter of time before we see the first council in Scotland declare effective bankruptcy. 

“Councils are pulling every lever available to them to balance their books. Every respondent said they were cutting spending on services, 97% that they would be increasing fees and charges, 89% that they would be spending reserves. But it is not enough. Councils have little to no confidence in local government finance and the issues behind the crisis are not going away.

“Scottish Government must work productively with councils to restore trust, remove ring fencing, identify revenue streams and reform core funding for councils to ensure residents, and particularly the most vulnerable in communities, are able to access the services they need and pay for.”

State-of-Local-Government-Finance-in-ScotlandDownload

Book Club author announced

The Centre, Livingston announces the next storyteller to take over the reading chair at its Book Club on Saturday, 16th December, is the award-winning author, Lindsay Littleson, a former teacher from Glasgow who has written nine books, including her latest, Euro Spies, which was published in April this year.

The aim of the Book Club, which is situated across from Waterstones, is to encourage a love for reading, the joy of discovering new books and the chance for visitors to the shopping centre to meet different authors each month.

It follows on from the installation of the shopping centre’s free book recycling vending machine to enable people to swap their favourite novels.

Previous authors who have been welcomed at the Book Club include Linda Erskine, Justin Davies and last month, the multi award-winning author and illustrator Catherine Rayner, who has just launched her 21st book, Molly, Olive and Dexter – The Guessing Game.

Lindsay, who began writing for children in 2014 and won the Kelpies Prize for her first children’s novel, The Mixed-Up Summer of Lily McLean, will be taking over the reading chair at the Book Club on Saturday, 16th December at 12noon and 2pm.

Her novel, Guardians of the Wild Unicorns, was published in 2019 and was nominated for the Carnegie Medal and shortlisted for both the Stockton Children’s Book Prize and East Sussex Children’s Book Prize.  

Her WW1 novel Shell Hole was shortlisted for the Dundee Great War Children’s Book Prize, which inspired her to write another two historical books, A Pattern of Secrets, set in Victorian Paisley and The Titanic Detective Agency. 

At the Book Club, located in The Wintergarden adjacent to Aerial Adventures, Lindsay will be reading extracts from her latest novels at 12noon, Euro Spies and The Rewilders, which was long listed for the 2022 SPARK! School Book Award.  Both are aimed at 8 – 12 year olds.

At 2pm the author will be reading her favourite festive book, Santa Trap by Jonathan Emmett, aimed at 4 – 7 years – Christmas attire is encouraged!

Lindsay said: “I’m really looking forward to my storytelling sessions at the Book Club in The Centre, Livingston. It feels particularly special as I get to read exciting extracts from two of my novels and my favourite Christmas story!”

 

Patrick Robbertze, Centre Director at The Centre, Livingston, said: “The Centre, Livingston Book Club has been a big hit with our visitors to the shopping centre since we launched it in October.

“It’s great to welcome a different author every month and hear them reading from their award-winning books and this month, it’s even extra special with Lindsay also reading her favourite festive book.”

Details of the Book Club can be found on The Centre, Livingston website, www.thecentrelivingston.com and @shopthecentre on Facebook and Instagram.

Le Petit Beefbar introduces their ‘Naughty or Nice’ cocktails

Le Petit Beefbar adds ‘Naughty or Nice’ Christmas cocktails to their drinks menu 

Throughout December, the restaurant will dish up some festive favourites alongside exclusive meats on their renowned menu 

Le Petit Beefbar is making a list that diners will want to check twice, with a new menu of festive cocktails, both naughty and nice. Edinburgh’s glamorous new steak destination is inviting guests for a sip of mischief and dash of Christmas cheer with these new cocktails, perfect for those both on Santa’s naughty and nice list. 

Crafted by the restaurant’s expert mixologists, get ready to jingle your taste buds with Le Petit Beefar’s “Naughty or Nice” festive concoctions. For those who proudly sit on the naughty list, Le Petit Beefbar presents ‘The Spicy Santa’, a margarita with a mischievous twist featuring Tequila, Amara Montenegro, lime, agave syrup, and a pinch of chilli for an extra cheeky kick.

Also meet ‘The Grinch’ – a green sensation with Midori taking the lead as the main ingredient, joined by white rum, lime, and lemonade for a truly sweet and sour experience.  

For those on Santa’s 2023 nice list, Le Petit Beefbar delivers a trove of cocktails that are set to send you rocking around the Christmas tree. Behold the ‘Polar Espresso Martini’, a spin on the beloved Espresso Martini, with notes of mandarin liqueur, crème de cacao, Kahlúa, orange juice, chocolate bitters, and a shot of espresso for that memorable kick.

And that’s not all, the enchanting creation, ‘White Christmas’, that features vodka, Kahlúa, raspberry cream, and a dash of homemade white chocolate liqueur – a real treat for Santa’s favourites. 

For diners looking for lunch or dinner while doing their Christmas shopping, the restaurant has added some special festive dishes to their menu for the month of December. Don’t limit yourself to just one Christmas dinner this month, indulge in the free-range turkey, complemented by Kobe karasumi mash, sprouts, butternut squash, and drizzled with Beefbar’s delicious sauce. For a delightful dessert, savor the creamy vanilla cheesecake with a hazelnut crust and fresh pear—a perfect way to finish any meal. 

For Hogmanay, it’s out with the old and in with the delicious as Le Petit Beefbar delivers a curated menu for those looking to ring in the new year with style. As the clock approaches midnight, guests can indulge in a sophisticated dinner, choosing between street food inspired options like Kobe Beef Jamon, Baby Quesadillas, or Signature Bao Buns.

Alternatively, guests can opt for the iconic Beefbar classics, deciding over the Paradise Pepper Fillet or the mouthwatering Miyazaki Wagyu Striploin. These dishes can also be accompanied by Le Petit Beefbar’s irresistible sides, comprising hand-cut fries with parmesan & black truffle to their signature mash. Each guest will also receive a glass of Moët & Chandon Impérial Brut Champagne on arrival, adding a touch of class to the celebrations. 

Le Petit Beefbar General Manager, Jean-Francois Greyer said: “We wanted to spread some festive cheer in true Le Petit Beefbar fashion, which is why we have introduced our ‘Naughty or Nice’ cocktails.

“For those looking for a bit of mischief this festive period, we present ‘The Spicy Santa’ and ‘The Grinch’ and for those that are in merit of a treat, we present ‘The Polar Espresso Martini’ and ‘White Christmas’. These cocktails add a cheeky twist this festive season, inviting our guests to add a bit of flavourful fun to their Christmas celebrations.  

“We have also curated a Hogmanay themed menu for those looking to bring in the new year at Edinburgh’s most sophisticated steak restaurant, enjoying a selection of delicious dishes paired with a glass of champagne to bring in the bells with style”.