Social Bite village is on the move

Social Bite has submitted Planning Application to move Edinburgh Village to new waterfront location in Granton

  • The application lays out plans to continue the essential support the charity provides to those experiencing homelessness

Social Bite, renowned for its groundbreaking efforts to combat homelessness, has submitted a planning application to relocate its Edinburgh Social Bite Village to a picturesque spot north of West Shore Road on the Granton Waterfront. If approved, the move is scheduled to take place from early 2025.

The plans for the relocation, made in consultation with charity partner Cyrenians, will ensure up to 16 residents, at any one time, who have experienced homelessness will continue to enjoy a stable and supported communal way of living with the bonus of extensive views of The Forth Bridges across the water – a sight many former and current villagers have grown fond of.

The new location would bring with it a refresh of the Hub, the communal area for villagers to cook, gather and relax. Additionally, the new location will see the phased introduction of seven new one-bedroom ‘Nest Houses’ which have been re-designed and improved, following resident feedback.

Social Bite and charity partner Cyrenians, a homelessness prevention organisation which has managed the village since its inception in 2018, have worked closely to ensure all relocation plans provide a smooth transition for current residents. Feedback from residents has also informed the choice of location.

The new site is less than a mile along the road and has been chosen as a great new location after the resident survey revealed the local amenities and greenspace in the area were important to those living there, allowing them to fulfil their daily tasks such as shopping and going to work, as well proximity to the charming Granton seaside.

The decision to relocate from the current area in Granton has been prompted by the planned end of the current contract for the land, donated by Edinburgh City Council, with the current location forming part of phase one of the Granton Waterfront development plans.

The lease-term was originally for four years and later extended by two additional years. The pre-fabricated houses were designed in a way that they can be easily relocated, enabling the charity to make use of a ‘meanwhile site,’ which would otherwise have been unoccupied.

This was a key part of Social Bite’s innovative approach.

Josh Littlejohn MBE, founder of Social Bite, said: “The security and happiness of our residents always comes first, so we’ve worked with those living at the village and the Cyrenians to make sure they feel assured and have a chance to voice what they want and need from any move we make.

“The new site we’re entering an application for is a combination of all the best bits from our current position in Granton, with added greenspace, sea views and the introduction of some newly designed Nest Houses to meet our resident’s needs.

“The village is an important part of the North Edinburgh community and will continue to be a vibrant asset to that part of the city. We’re hopeful that our planning application is approved, and we can move forward quickly for the sake of the people who we provide accommodation for.”

Ewan Aitken, Chief Executive of Cyrenians, said: “Edinburgh is facing an acute shortage of supported housing for people experiencing homelessness.

“We are absolutely committed to working with the local authority to secure a new site which will allow us to continue to offer relationship-based support that makes a lasting difference to people facing homelessness in Edinburgh.”

The success of the Edinburgh Village serves as a blueprint for other similar projects planned by the charity. Its design offers those living in unsupported temporary accommodations, shelters, or B&Bs, and in need of help to break the cycle of homelessness, a safe and supportive community to be a part of.

At the end of their time at the village, residents are supported in transitioning to permanent accommodation and employment. So far, the Edinburgh Village has helped over 100 residents, many of whom have gone on to secure employment and move into their own permanent homes.

For more information on the Edinburgh Village, visit: 

https://www.social-bite.co.uk/what-we-do/the-edinburgh-social-bite-village/

Lost in France: The Princess Royal remembers fallen Scottish soldiers

Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal pays her respects to fallen soldiers from the Scottish regiments in northern France

Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal paid her respects yesterday (26 September 2024) as dozens of soldiers killed during World War One, many from Scottish regiments, were commemorated at a specially built cemetery extension in northern France.

The event, held under autumn skies, was organised by the MOD’s Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC), also known as the ‘War Detectives’, and was held at the newly built Loos British Cemetery Extension. It is only the second time the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) has built a new cemetery since the end of World War 2.

HRH The Princess Royal, President of the CWGC, formally inaugurated the new cemetery as she honoured the soldiers who were laid to rest.

The new cemetery was commissioned and built after nearby hospital construction works discovered a large number of World War 1 remains. The CWGC wanted to ensure that, on reburial, all of the fallen would remain side by side.

Soldiers of The Black Watch, 3rd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland bear the coffin of an unknown Scottish soldier. Picture by Corporal Daryll Knott Crown Copyright.

The JCCC identification process established 48 separate sets of remains from the site. Although many Scottish Regimental artefacts were found, among them kilt pins, regimental buttons and shoulder titles, individual casualties could not be accurately identified by name.

With so many remains recovered, it was impossible for the CWGC to bury them all in one public ceremony, so 46 were buried privately at Loos British Cemetery Extension earlier this summer.

Today, one unknown soldier of The Black Watch (Royal Highlanders) and a second unknown Scottish soldier were laid to rest by serving soldiers of the Royal Regiment of Scotland.

The service, which included a firing party and a piper, commemorated all 48 fallen soldiers.

Although none could be identified by name, JCCC continues efforts to identify several other casualties recovered at the same location, with the aim of burying them at Loos British Cemetery Extension.

The War Detectives attempt to find any living relatives when the remains of British personnel from historic conflicts are recovered. If identified, relatives are invited to the re-interment and memorial service. The CWGC is a world leader in commemoration which cares for war graves at 23,000 locations in more than 150 countries.

After today’s cemetery service, HRH The Princess Royal met with community representatives at Loos-en-Gohelle’s City Hall.

Tracey Bowers, MOD War Detective, said: “This was an incredibly important ceremony. It is a privilege to be here with Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal as we bury these last two soldiers from, what was, a huge recovery of remains.

“They will now rest in the presence of their regimental family.”

Padre David Anderson, Senior Chaplain 51st Infantry Brigade and HQ Scotland, said: “It is a tremendous honour and privilege to be here having served with The Black Watch, 3rd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, and toured Afghanistan with them, it has tremendous poignancy for me to be here to reinter the remains of two unknown soldiers one, known to be of the Black Watch, and another known only to be Scottish.

“It’s good that the soldiers of the Royal Regiment of Scotland are here today to bury their comrades in arms.”

Director General of the CWGC, Claire Horton CBE, said: “We are truly grateful and deeply honoured to have welcomed our President, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, to inaugurate our new cemetery and pay her respects to the brave men who have now been laid to rest here.

“This occasion marks a significant milestone for the Commission, reflecting our unwavering commitment to honouring the sacrifices made by those who served. It also emphasises that our vital work to care for the fallen all around the world is very much ongoing.

“As we gather here today, we reaffirm our promise to maintain the graves of those interred in Loos British Cemetery Extension, and of their comrades, ensuring that their legacy will endure in perpetuity.”

Improving the lives of Scotland’s Gypsy/Travellers

Plan to tackle discrimination and social exclusion

Improved access to housing, education and health services and tackling discrimination are at the heart of a new Gypsy/Traveller Action Plan agreed between the Scottish Government and COSLA.

The voices of Gypsy/Travellers have helped shape the Plan, which acknowledges improvements in many of these areas, but recognises further progress needs to be made.  

The Scottish Government and COSLA will work with stakeholders to take forward measures in the Plan.

Key actions in the plan include:

  • Supporting Local Authorities to provide more and better accommodation, by taking steps for funding to be accessed under the Affordable Housing Supply Programme from 2026-27, and ensuring planners understand the needs of Gypsy/Traveller communities
  • Measures to remove barriers to education and improve educational outcomes for Gypsy/Traveller children and young people
  • Improving Gypsy/Travellers’ access to and experience of healthcare
  • Working to remove barriers to accessing benefits and build understanding among employers of the inequalities faced by Gypsy/Travellers, with practical tools to support recruitment and retention.
  • Challenging prejudice and discrimination and helping communities to influence decision-making

Equalities Minister Kaukab Stewart said: “Improving the lives of Scotland’s Gypsy/Traveller communities is a significant human rights commitment and is crucial in helping us deliver the fairer Scotland we want to see.

“The voices of Gypsy/Travellers across Scotland are at the centre of this second national joint action plan, and it is a testimony to the collaborative work of national and local government, third sector organisations, and most of all, the determination of Gypsy/Travellers to ensure better futures for their communities.

“We know current initiatives are having a positive impact on the lives of Gypsy/Traveller communities across Scotland, like the Gypsy/Traveller Accommodation Fund and the success of the Community Health Worker project in overcoming barriers to accessing health and other statutory services.

“However, there is still work to do. Through the actions in this plan we will build on the successes we have had to date and make further progress in many areas such as accommodation, health, education and combating discrimination.”

Improving the Lives of Scotland’s Gypsy/Travellers Action Plan 2024-2026

Be quick off the mark to experience Edinburgh’s newest hybrid gym and Hyrox training club

Edinburgh Leisure, the biggest sports and leisure provider across the city, is revolutionising the fitness arena with the opening of a new hybrid gym and official Hyrox Affiliate Training Club in Edinburgh.

The global phenomenon of Hyrox, the fitness competition that’s sweeping the globe, has played a part in the increasing popularity of hybrid training, and Edinburgh Leisure will be the first leisure trust affiliated with Hyrox and will have classes for those new to Hyrox as well as for experienced Hyroxers and fitness enthusiasts.

Set to open at Meadowbank Sports Centre on 14th October, Evolve Meadowbank will feature all the equipment, training and classes required to train towards hybrid competitions such as Hyrox and Deadly Dozen, and to reach your fitness goals.

This new gym area will be a fully timetabled space with two different training methods. It will include coach-led, class-based sessions including Hyrox and Strength & Conditioning style classes or open gym sessions for following one’s own workout plan which is not coach-led. The timetable will be available on the app and online and bookings are made via the Edinburgh Leisure website or app.

Ally Strachan, Fitness Development Manager at Edinburgh Leisure said: “This is an exciting development in Edinburgh Leisure’s fitness offering. We will be one of the first leisure trust in the UK to offer such an experience.

“Our new Evolve Meadowbank will be the ultimate destination for fitness enthusiasts seeking a dynamic and inclusive environment whether it’s to improve their overall fitness, prepare for a competition, or simply try something new.

“We’ll be offering a unique blend of traditional hybrid gym equipment, and specialised Hyrox training programmes designed to elevate the workout experience.

“To celebrate the opening of our hybrid gym, we are offering free trial classes from 7th-13th October to members and non-members, available to book from TODAY Friday, 27th September.

“The trial classes are the perfect opportunity to explore our facility, meet our coaches, and experience the unique benefits of hybrid training at no cost.

“Spaces are limited and booking is advisable. Head to the Edinburgh Leisure website or app to book. Look for the Evolve Gym Bookings tile on the Meadowbank venue page.”

The classes on offer will include Hyrox Training classes and Beginner Hyrox sessions for those looking to learn more about the fitness craze that has gripped the nation.

The Evolve Meadowbank membership is separate from Edinburgh Leisure’s current fitness offering. For new members, the Evolve Membership, will cost £59.99 per month, It gives unlimited access to Edinburgh Leisure’s new state of the art hybrid gym facilities at Meadowbank Sports Centre; full access to all the official Hyrox training equipment including Sled Track, Concept 2 Ski and Row Ergs, Wall Balls and a bespoke rig; new and exclusive Evolve Cardio and Hybrid fitness classes; specialised Hyrox training classes; and access to Meadowbank’s leading indoor and outdoor athletics tracks for further training, subject to availability.

For current members of Edinburgh Leisure, a bolt-on is available to buy for an additional £39.99 per month to their existing membership.

Limited memberships will be available to ensure a personalised and high-quality experience for all members.  Memberships are available to be bought from Friday, 27th September. 

Evolve Meadowbank officially opens on Monday, 14th October with session and class bookings going live from Saturday, 4th October at 9 pm.

All sessions and classes are bookable, with the Evolve gym open every day at varying times to accommodate different schedules.

www.edinburghleisure.co.uk

Education Summit session held at Royal High School

The Atlantic Rim Collaboratory Summit is being co-hosted by @ScotGov this year. The annual gathering brings together pupils, teachers and education experts.

Over four days, participants will share ideas about how to improve schools in the different countries taking part.

First Minister @JohnSwinney and Education Secretary @JennyGilruth (a former teacher at RHS) met international delegates, pupils and teachers attending a Summit session at the Royal High School.

They discussed ways to improve attendance at school and help children get the most from their education.

Royal High School said on Twitter: “Our School Captain, Hannah & Vice Captains Hollie & Skye delivered exceptional speeches and were a credit to RHS. It was a pleasure to welcome delegates to our school.”

Grieving mother urges families to discuss organ donation after son saves three lives

A bereaved mother is calling on families to talk about organ and tissue donation after her “kind” son saved the lives of three people.

Lynn Campbell, 55, from Bathgate, lost her son Robbie, 30, in 2023 after a sudden fall. He suffered a brain bleed and tragically never regained consciousness.

However big-hearted Robbie had already registered as an organ donor which meant he was able to give the gift of life to three other people.

Lynn said: “Three people are still alive because of my son and I feel so proud of Robbie for saving their lives.

“Robbie was the most kind and caring person I’ve ever known. He would always buy me really thoughtful gifts for birthdays and Christmas and people often said to me that ‘everyone needs a Robbie in their life’.

“He was such an active guy, always running and golfing and he had a real zest for life. He was football mad and was a loyal supporter of Scotland and Falkirk football teams – he had watched their matches all over the world with the whole family.”

Robbie was rushed to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh Hospital after his fall, but the medical teams confirmed that there was no brain activity.

Despite the devastating loss of their son, Robbie’s family was informed that he had registered as an organ donor and could potentially be a match for patients on the transplant waiting list.

Specialist nurses supported Robbie’s family as transplant teams identified three patients in urgent need of a transplant, whose lives were saved by Robbie’s heart and kidneys.

One year on, Lynn a Director of a Recruitment company and mum of two, is still struggling to come to terms with the death of her son and is considering setting up a charity to support grieving families.

“After Robbie passed, my husband and I went to Loch Lomond for a break. When we asked for the bill, the waiter said our son had already paid for it. Robbie knew we were going before he died and wanted to treat us. That’s the kind of person he was, and I want to honour his kindness by helping other families.

“We were so grateful to receive so much support from Robbie’s colleagues, friends, and family but there are families out there who don’t have the same level of support. I recently gave a talk to families at The Order of St John’s Awards in Glasgow, and I wanted them to know that I’ve been where you are and that things do get better.”

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the NHS Organ Donor Register, with over 571,000 people in Lothian – approximately 63% of the population – registered as organ donors.

Lynn is urging others to consider what organs they would be happy to donate and to ensure that this decision is recorded on the organ donor register and shared with their family.

She added: “Every day I feel like I wake up in a nightmare but then I remember that Robbie’s heart still beats in someone else and that brings me so much comfort.

“I would really encourage everyone to register their organ donor selections online and to speak to their loved ones about this decision.”

James Powell, Associate Medical Director Surgical Services, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh and Consultant Transplant Surgeon, NHS Lothian, said: “Although we have an opt-out policy, it is still vital for individuals to make their wishes clear and have those conversations with their families.

“Robbie’s decision to join the Organ Donor Register is a powerful reminder of the positive impact one person can have, and how important it is to discuss organ donation with loved ones.”

For details about organ donation and to register your decision, visit:  

organdonationscotland.org.

Edinburgh to provide boost in funding to combat poverty and inequality

Councillors have agreed to invest £100,000 towards the Regenerative Futures Fund (RFF), a new multi-million-pound initiative to make Edinburgh a fairer place to live.

Acting on the Capital’s pledge to take all the actions necessary to eradicate poverty in Edinburgh, the Council’s support will help kickstart an ambitious £5m to £10m fundraising plan.

With every £1 contributed by the Council, the Regenerative Futures Fund expects to leverage £5 to £10 from other sources of funding, significantly boosting the support available for community projects across the Capital.

The money will be used to support between 10 to 15 community organisations over the next decade, providing them with stable, long-term funding of up to £100,000 per year to create sustainable solutions that will address the root causes of poverty and inequality in Edinburgh.

It also builds on commitments made by the Council in February as part of its budget-setting exercise to prioritise poverty fighting projects, including £500,000 towards child poverty reduction, £100,000 for a Youth and Community Welfare Transition Fund, £25,000 to support the Big Hoose project which helps families experiencing hardship with household items, alongside close to £3m towards the city’s homelessness spend.

Council Leader Cammy Day said: “I’m delighted that we’ve had support from Councillors to make this investment into the future fairness of our city.

“Back in 2020 Edinburgh became the first UK city to set a target date to end poverty and we remain committed to doing everything we can. We know that this is not an easy task but we must be ambitious and drive the change that is so greatly needed.

“The creation of the RFF not only directly responds to our poverty fighting goals, it answers the calls we heard loud and clear from the Edinburgh Poverty Commission: we need a city-wide partnership fund to help us end poverty together.

“Today’s decision is a promise to work hand-in-hand with those who understand poverty firsthand, ensuring that their voices help us towards Edinburgh’s solutions.”

Leah Black, Head of Regenerative Futures Fund, Foundation Scotland said: This is a significant step towards creating a more equitable and sustainable Edinburgh.

The Regenerative Futures Fund is driven by the principle of shifting decision-making power to those most impacted by poverty, allowing communities to lead initiatives based on their own experiences and insights.

“We’ve spent close to two years designing a scheme co-created by a diverse range of people including those with lived experience of poverty and I’m excited to see how it will empower our communities to effect real change in the lives of those living in poverty.”

An annual progress report on the program will be provided to the Policy and Sustainability Committee in Autumn 2025.

Scottish Government investing £100 million in mid-market rent housing

Supporting the delivery of 2,800 homes

The construction of 2,800 mid-market rent homes will be supported by £100 million of investment from the Scottish Government.

As announced as part of the 2024-25 Programme for Government, funding will be used alongside institutional investment – such as pension funds – to grow to at least £500 million.

This commitment forms part of the Government’s approach to leverage in more private investment to deliver housing, making public funds go further.

It will build on the success of the Thriving Investments model which has grown an initial £47.5 million investment from the Scottish Government to £222.5 million to deliver up to 1,200 mid-market homes across Scotland.

Mid-market rent is a type of affordable housing aimed at assisting households on low to moderate incomes to access affordable rented accommodation and helps those who have difficulty accessing social rented housing, buying their own home or renting privately.

Housing Minister Paul McLennan said: “Tackling the housing emergency requires a collective effort and bold decisions. We already have a strong track record in housebuilding in Scotland and this commitment will ensure public funds are used more efficiently.

“Since 2007, we have supported the delivery of more than 133,000 affordable homes, including more than 94,000 social rented homes. However, we know we can do more to tackle the housing emergency and encouraging more private investment into the sector is one key aspect of that.

“This new model will encourage more private investment into the mid-market sector that we know is willing and able to invest and it will deliver affordable homes that people need.”

  • Thriving Investments, (formerly Places for People Capital) was the successful bidder to the MMR Invitation launched in February 2016 to support the continued expansion of MMR in Scotland. A £47.5m loan agreement between SG and PfP was agreed in June 2018. Since then they have grown their fund to £222.5m.
  • Thriving Investments has delivered 736 affordable homes with an additional 335 properties due for completion by early 2025. It is anticipated that the fund will deliver around 1,200 MMR homes across Scotland.
  • Scottish Government will commission a fund manager to deliver the new fund.

The Good Beer Guide 2025 shows the power of protecting pubs

The Campaign for Real Ale’s (CAMRA) Good Beer Guide – the UK’s best-selling beer and pub guide – is celebrating its 52nd edition with not one but two covers featuring two of the UK’s favourite locals: Coronation Street’s Rovers Return Inn, and Emmerdale’s Woolpack. 

The Guide, which lists 4,500 of the best pubs across the UK, is the definitive beer drinker’s guide for those seeking the best pints in the nations’ pubs – and is on sale now.  

Despite the tough trading environment facing a lot of licensees, they continue to battle against the odds, and the 2025 Guide boasts over 900 pubs that are new to this edition.

Information in the Guide is collated by thousands of CAMRA volunteers who give up their time every year to select the best of the best across the UK. As well as covering 314 of the very best pubs across Aberdeen & Grampian, Argyll & The Isles, Ayrshire & Arran, Borders, Dumfries & Galloway, Edinburgh & The Lothians, Greater Glasgow & Clyde Valley, Highlands & The Western Isles, Kingdom of Fife, Loch Lomond, Stirling & The Trossachs, Northern Isles and Tayside, it includes 52 new pub entries across the counties.  

The foreword of The Good Beer Guide 2025 has been written by multi award-winning Iain Macleod, ITV’s Executive Producer for Continuing Drama.

In his foreword, Iain MacLeod says: “… the story which threatened one of our pubs the most was also the one which most resonated with our times. In 2023, the Rovers Return closed its doors. A combination of the lingering legacy of the Covid lockdowns and the cost-of-living crisis meant that landlady Jenny Bradley couldn’t afford to keep it open. The characters – and the viewers – lamented the news like the loss of a loved one. If it were needed, it was a timely reminder of the central place the nation’s pubs have in our lives and in our affections.”  

CAMRA Chairman Ash Corbett-Collins said: “The Rovers Return Inn and the Woolpack represent the UK’s love of their local, and to have them featured on the covers for this year’s Guide is very exciting.

“CAMRA’s mission is to ensure support from both the UK and Scottish Governments as well as tangible legislation to protect pubs in this country. By next year’s edition of the Guide, we want to be talking about the beer and pub trade growing with the support of communities and parliaments alike.”   

Coronation Street and Emmerdale are available to watch on ITV and ITVX. This year’s Guide is sponsored by Midland Snacks Traditional Pork Scratchings and endorsed by Cask Marque.

The Good Beer Guide 2025 is set to be published on 26 September 2024, and is available to order now from https://shop1.camra.org.uk/product/the-good-beer-guide-2025/