The Refillery awarded £10,000 grant from Hatch and Royal Bank of Scotland

AN EDINBURGH-based entrepreneur and their business has been awarded £10,000 to support their businesses’ future growth plans and ambitions.  

Kelly Wright and her business The Refillery have been given the grant funding by the entrepreneurship charity Hatch Enterprise in partnership with the Royal Bank of Scotland. The Refillery is one of 10 businesses across the UK to receive a share of the £100,000 grant funding round in celebration of Hatch’s 10th anniversary.   

The Refillery is a plastic-free and ethical goods store located in the capital on a mission to bring plastic free shopping to as many people as possible.  

Kelly Wright, Founder of The Refillery, said:  “We are delighted to be reaching out to more people in the Edinburgh area to bring liquid refills to their doorstep. This is a major step forward for us in eliminating even more needless plastic from the system.  

“It has been a challenging few years for ethical, independent businesses like ours. This grant will help us to launch this much quicker than anticipated, adding much needed additional revenue which will ensure a sustainable future for The Refillery.”  

The grants have been set up to enable business founders from diverse backgrounds to overcome barriers to growth typically faced by these groups in the start-up sector.  

Applications in this round were open to graduates of Hatch programmes, targeting support at underrepresented founders. ​​Of the awardees, nine were female founders, three were from an ethnic minority background and five were disabled. Nine out of the 10 grants were awarded to founders based outside of London.  

Rebekah Capon, Managing Director at Hatch Enterprise, said: “Our mission at Hatch is to build a better world through entrepreneurship, supporting those typically underrepresented in the sector to launch and grow sustainable, successful businesses. Access to funding is a huge barrier to growth for any business, and even more so for historically marginalised communities.   

“This partnership with NatWest is the perfect way for us to mark our tenth year as a charity, and we’re so pleased for the ten incredible founders awarded funding. Receiving these grants of £10,000 will make a real difference to the founders themselves, their businesses, and their wider communities.”  

Hatch is supported by Royal Bank of Scotland, which is part of NatWest Group. As the biggest bank for start-ups in Great Britain1, NatWest Group provided funding for the grants and has been a longstanding supporter of Hatch, donating £1 million pounds to the charity last year to accelerate its work.

The bank also sponsors Hatch’s Launchpad and Incubator programmes, helping entrepreneurs to develop the knowledge, skills, confidence and network needed to launch and grow their business.   

James Holian, Head of Business Banking at NatWest, said: “At NatWest we believe no matter who you are or where you come from, with the right support, entrepreneurs from any background can succeed in business.

“Our research shows that breaking down barriers to entrepreneurship will not only make the UK fairer, but also stimulate growth of the wider UK economy.”   ​​  

Police working with partners to provide virtual CPR training sessions

Police are working with the Scottish Ambulance Service and Save a Life Scotland to provide virtual training sessions on CPR.

As part of a Save a Life Scotland, Restart a Heart Live initiative, the sessions will be live streamed via the Save a Life Scotland Youtube channel on Thursday, 10 October, 2024. They will hourly from 9am.

The initiative aims to equip as many people as possible with the technique, allowing them to help if someone nearby goes into cardiac arrest.

The sessions will cover what to do in the event someone goes into cardiac arrest, how to administer CPR, and how to use a defibrillator. Participants will also be able to ask questions throughout the sessions.

Detective Constable Liam Myers said: “Working alongside partner agencies, we hope to demonstrate that anyone is capable of learning and performing CPR. It is a highly valuable skill that can ultimately save a life.

“I hope participants will come away with the confidence to assist if they see someone in cardiac arrest.”

Further information can be found on the Save a Life Scotland website.

Education overhaul: Reform of qualifications and assessment

Less reliance on “high stakes” final exams

The balance of assessment used for senior phase pupils in Scotland will change, with greater use of internal and continuous assessment to award final grades.

Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth announced the shift as part of the Scottish Government’s response to an independent Review of Qualifications and Assessment (IRQA), which was led by Professor Louise Hayward and published in June 2023.

In a statement to Parliament, Ms Gilruth confirmed that exams will remain part of the overall approach to assessment, including at National 5, while some more practical courses may not have written exams in future.

The Education Secretary committed to ensuring that qualifications reform is done in full partnership with teachers, pupils and other professional bodies, with a secondary Headteacher to be seconded to the Scottish Qualification Authority (SQA), and its replacement Qualifications Scotland (QS), to oversee that.

Ms Gilruth also confirmed that she will set out a renewed national approach to improvement later this year, setting out short, medium and longer term improvements for Scottish education.

Ms Gilruth said: “While exams will remain part of our approach, I have accepted the independent review’s recommendation that the balance of assessment methods in the senior phase should change so there is less reliance on high stakes final exams and internal and continuous assessment contributing to a greater percentage of a final grade.

“The actions on qualifications reform I am setting out seek to achieve a balance between ambition and pragmatic action. Any change needs to be focussed and deliverable given the resources available to national and local government and to schools themselves. This will build directly on the hard work, success and creativity already evident in Scotland’s schools.

“This pragmatic approach to evolving qualifications and assessment will deliver a fair and credible system to enhance learning and teaching and support better outcomes for young people.”

Scottish Secondary Teachers’ Association (SSTA) General Secretary, Seamus Searson, said: “The SSTA welcomes the Cabinet Secretary’s statement on the Government’s response to the Hayward Review. The statement maps a way forward in making the cultural changes required in secondary schools in regard national qualifications and a teacher led continuous assessment.

“Many SSTA members will be pleased to hear there will be an element of external assessment at Nat 5 in the short-term and that any future developments will be trialled and piloted before implementation.

“The SSTA equally welcomes the importance placed by the Cabinet Secretary on schoolteachers at the centre and leading the changes necessary for creating an education system for the future.”

The Education Secretary’s Parliamentary statement was delivered in response to the Independent Review of Qualifications and Assessment (IRQA) by Professor Louise Hayward.

Scottish Government Response To The Final Report Of The Independent Review of Qualifications and Assessment – ‘It’s Our Future’ – gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

The SQA is consulting on whether written external examinations should remain part of course assessment in more practical subjects, such as National 5 Practical Woodworking and Fashion and Textile Technology, with a view to any changes being brought in for 2025/26.

Limitless DMC completes 20-mile Edinburgh Kiltwalk in support of ForRefugees charity

Limitless DMC team members, Angela Inglis, Geoff Crow, and Pamela Badham, successfully completed the 20-mile Edinburgh Kiltwalk on Sunday 15th of September, raising £4,751 in support of ForRefugees.

The funds will go directly towards vital initiatives to support refugees across Europe, with the team aiming to reach a final fundraising target of £5,000.

The money raised will support several key initiatives led by ForRefugees over the next few months.

In Athens, the charity will provide language lessons and vocational training for refugees aged 18-25, equipping them with essential skills to rebuild their lives.

Additionally, a mobile ‘free clothes’ shop will be established, providing clothing to those in need. The funds will also be used to provide food vouchers in Lithuania. These three initiatives are estimated to assist approximately 5,000 people in total.

Angela Inglis, Director at Limitless DMC,has a personal connection to ForRefugees, having travelled to Greece last year with the charity’s founder, Amber Bauer.

During her visit, she witnessed the challenging conditions in refugee camps, an experience that further fuelled her commitment to raising awareness and support for the cause.

Angela said: “Completing the Kiltwalk was a challenging experience, but it’s nothing compared to the hardships that refugees face daily. Every pound we raise makes a direct impact on their lives.”

Directors Geoff Crow and Pamela Badham joined Angela on this journey, driven by the desire to contribute to the charity’s meaningful work.

Pamela Badham, Director at Limitless DMC, said: “We’ve been inspired by the resilience of the people ForRefugees helps. Being able to contribute to their efforts in a tangible way is incredibly rewarding.”

As the team seeks to reach their £5,000 fundraising goal, they invite further support from the community. Donations can be made via their GiveMatch page, where contributions will be matched to maximise the impact of each donation.

The funds raised will have a direct and meaningful impact on the lives of refugees and displaced individuals, providing educational opportunities, essential clothing, and food security to those who need it most.

For more information, or to make a donation, please visit the GiveMatch page: https://givematch.com/fr/Om2bPWHk. 

Merchiston Castle School invites prospective families to Open Morning

One of Edinburgh’s top independent schools, Merchiston Castle School, is opening its 196-year-old gates to welcome prospective families for an Open Morning on Saturday 28 September.

An opportunity to explore the stunning 100-acre campus and see first-hand Merchiston’s premium facilities, families are invited to discover the top-tier educational experience offered at Scotland’s leading independent school for boys.

Visitors will have the chance to speak to the dedicated teaching staff, hear from the Head Teacher, Jonathan Anderson, and chat with both existing parents and students about their personal experiences of the school.

Pupil-led tours will run throughout the day, offering interested families the chance to view boarding houses, communal spaces, and subject classrooms.

For those inspired by recent sporting performances, a visit to the school’s world-class sporting facilities is on the cards – including the pioneering Tennis Academy in which Wimbledon competitor Jacob Fearnley first cut his teeth.

Interactive sessions for both tennis and golf will take place, offering a chance to meet the respective academy Directors, and get a sense of how Merchiston encourages sporting ambitions alongside a top-tier academic education.

Jonathan Anderson, Headmaster of Merchiston, said: “I look forward to welcoming families and sharing how Merchiston delivers an exceptional school experience for boys.

“We understand how important it is for families to choose the right school for their child, which is why we aim to provide comprehensive Open Events so that parents and sons can truly get to know our school culture and community.”

Merchiston’s Open Morning will run from 10:00am – 12:30pm on Saturday 28 September. Interested families can register for a place here.

Merchiston’s new Forest Nursery and Junior School will also be holding an Open Morning on 28 September from 9:30am – 11:30am.

Here families can discover more about the innovative approach the Forest at Merchiston takes to educating children ages 3 to 7.

ACAS: More than one third of women do not think they get equal pay in their organisation

More than one-third of women (36%) believe they do not get the same pay as men at their organisation, according to a new survey.

Ahead of International Equal Pay Day (18th September), workplace expert Acas commissioned YouGov to survey perceptions of pay equality.

The survey showed that more than one-third of women believed they were not being paid as much as men.

The survey also showed that just 10% of men believed they were being paid more than women.

By law, men and women must get equal pay for doing ‘equal work’.

Acas’s individual dispute resolution service, Early Conciliation, which helps to resolve potential employment tribunal claims, saw a 34% increase between 2022/23 and 2023/24.

Acas Head of Inclusive Workplaces Julie Dennis said: “Having an equal pay policy can help bosses be open and clear with their staff about how they achieve equal pay and how they will resolve any pay issues.

“This can help tackle any perceptions that men are being paid more than women and help ensure employers are not breaking the law.

“Women doing equal work to their male colleagues should not be paid less and employers should be consistent when deciding people’s pay and contractual terms and conditions.”

“Acas has advice for employers on setting equal pay policies, and performing an “equal pay audit” if businesses have more than 50 employees. An “equal pay review” is for businesses that have fewer than 50 staff to check for potential issues.

“Employees who believe they are not receiving equal pay should talk to their employer to try to resolve the issue. Acas also provides advice on raising the issue formally as a grievance and making an equal pay claim.”

Edinburgh residents urged to share their views on housing

The city council is looking for views on the local housing strategy which will set out the vision for all types of homes and housing related services in the city for the next five years and beyond.

Following an initial online consultation survey, which closed on 14 June 2024, the top priorities for respondents were identified as housing supply, affordable homes and tackling homelessness.

The next phase of engagement has been shaped by the themes identified by the survey. A series of workshops have been planned to give residents another opportunity to share their views.

The first workshop will take place from 1- 2:30pm on Wednesday 25 September online and the second will be held in person from 6pm on Tuesday 1 October.

Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener Jane Meagher said: “After declaring a housing emergency last year, it has never been more important to have a strong housing strategy that reflects the views of those living in the Capital.

“There are enormous pressures on housing in Edinburgh right now and we know that it is hard for anyone looking for a social housing tenancy. Plus, Edinburgh’s private rented sector is the most expensive in Scotland, and one of the most expensive in Europe.

“We want to make sure as many people as possible have the opportunity to share their views, so I’d urge everyone to come along to a workshop and share their priorities for housing in our city.”

Residents who would like to attend can register for the events by emailing localhousingstrategy@edinburgh.gov.uk.

The City Centre venue of the workshops will be confirmed upon booking.

Keeping The Promise to care-experienced young people

New report highlights government work to date

Progress made towards ‘Keeping the Promise’ by 2030 has been set out in a new report.

The Promise is the outcome of the Independent Care Review and is a commitment to bring about the necessary changes to ensure all care-experienced children in Scotland grow up loved, safe and respected, with the ability to reach their full potential.

The update report, ‘Keeping the Promise to our children, young people and families’, highlights the scale of work undertaken by the Scottish Government since 2022 to deliver the commitment by 2030.

It follows the recent passing of the Children (Care and Justice) Act by the Scottish Parliament and associated measures, which include ensuring that no child will be placed in a Young Offenders Institution again.

The new report directly informs the work of The Promise Scotland’s Plan 2024-30.

The report includes updates on:

  • the launch of six Pathfinder and four Affiliate partnerships which aim to ensure that holistic, child-centred support is offered to children and young people in the justice system
  • the introduction of the Scottish Recommended Allowance for kinship and foster carers, to date benefitting more than 9,000 families across Scotland
  • changes introduced to transform the Children’s Hearing System
  • work to introduce a £2,000 Care Leaver Payment

Minister for The Promise Natalie Don-Innes unveiled the report during a visit to the Young Scot head offices in Edinburgh to meet recipients of a share of the Promise Partnership Fund.

Ms Don-Innes said: “Our commitment to The Promise is as strong today as it was in 2020 when we accepted in full all the recommendations of the Independent Care Review.

“Since then, we have taken strides in our work to keep The Promise and this report sets out clearly the scale of work and transformational change already undertaken to ensure all children in Scotland grow up loved, safe and respected.

“We know there is still much to do and such significant change takes time, but the Scottish Government will leave no stone unturned as we work with partners and stakeholders to ensure that the necessary transformation is in place by 2030.”

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Eric Liddell 100 launches the Eric Liddell Awards in honour of Scotland’s Olympic hero

AWARDS WILL BE HOSTED BY SALLY MAGNUSSON AND DAVID TANNER, AND PRESENTED BY HER ROYAL HIGHNESS, PRINCESS ANNE 

The Eric Liddell 100 has announced today the launch of its new ‘Eric Liddell Awards’ which will be held on Friday the 1 November 2024 as part of a Gala Dinner and will celebrate some of the outstanding individuals contributing to Scotland’s athletics and sports.  

Launched by The Eric Liddell Community charity, The Eric Liddell 100 campaign honours the centenary of The Flying Scotsman’s famous Olympic gold medal in Paris 1924, 100 years on, celebrating the life, sporting and community service achievements of one of Scotland’s iconic figures through a series of initiatives, events and activities, with the final event of 2024 being the ‘Eric Liddell 100 Awards’.  

To form the awards, the charity has partnered with five organisations to honour some of Scotland’s most outstanding individuals in athletics and sports, who have demonstrated the charity’s core values: passion, compassion, and integrity.  

Throughout this year Scottish Athletics, Youthlink Scotland, Scottish Rugby, Scottish Disability Sport and The Eric Liddell Community, have awarded 100 individuals with ‘Eric Liddell Recognition Awards’ with each winner presented with a unique Eric Liddell 100 pin badge and a certificate. Each partner will also nominate one individual to be celebrated further at the Eric Liddell 100 Awards in November.  

John MacMillan, Chief Executive Officer of The Eric Liddell Community, said: “We are so proud to announce the launch of this incredible awards ceremony as part of the Eric Liddell 100, and are honoured to be able to create a platform for outstanding individuals across Scotland to be recognised for their achievements in athletics, sports and community work.

“These nominees can beathletes, coaches, officials, volunteers or community members who have displayed one or more of our core values of passion, compassion and integrity.  

“We very much look forward to honouring the incredible nominees in November. This is the first year of the awards, and we hope to make this an annual tradition, continuing to commemorate Eric Liddell through this incredible initiative.”  

Colin Hutchison, CEO of Scottish Athletics, said: “We are thrilled to take part in the very first Eric Liddell Awards in honour of one of Scotland’s greatest athletes and his legacy.

“It is important to us to highlight the wonderful achievements of our members, and this is truly an amazing way to do so. Eric Liddell’s contribution to Scottish athletics is extremely admirable and his passion for the sport and compassion towards everyone he met is something we want to continue honouring through our involvement with Eric Liddell 100.”  

Hosted by Scottish icon Sally Magnusson – broadcaster and author of ‘The Flying Scotsman: The Eric Liddell Story’ – and sports broadcaster David Tanner, the awards will also feature elite sports people who have shown their dedication to Eric Liddell’s core values.

Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal, who serves as Patron of the Eric Liddell 100, will present each nominee with an award highlighting their achievements.  

During a service of centenary celebration and remembrance in June 2024, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, praised the Eric Liddell 100 and stated: “The Eric Liddell 100 is a programme of events and activities to recognise and celebrate the life, sporting, and community service achievements of one of Scotland’s, and the UK’s, iconic figures, The Flying Scotsman Eric Liddell.

“The 2024 Olympics in Paris are taking place 100 years after Eric Liddell won Olympic Gold and Bronze medals at the 1924 Games, which also took place in Paris. 

“As the 2024 Olympics return to Paris, we all have an opportunity to remember, celebrate, and be inspired by the story of Eric Liddell. Those involved in The Eric Liddell 100 carefully considered suitable values for this initiative, values that Eric Liddell lived by and demonstrated daily; passion, compassion, and integrity.” 

For more information on The Eric Liddell Awards and how to get involved, please visit https://ericliddell.org/events/eric-liddell-awards-gala-dinner/