First Minister to announce climate justice funding

Rwanda, Malawi and Zambia to receive £24 million

Countries hardest hit by the climate crisis will be supported by up to £24 million in Scottish Government funding, First Minister Humza Yousaf will announce today as he welcomes US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry to Scotland.

Three aid agencies – Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund (SCIAF), DAI, and NIRAS – will each receive up to £8 million over the next three years from the Scottish Government’s Climate Justice Fund to support work in Rwanda, Malawi and Zambia respectively.

It will enable them to work closely with communities to manage the material and social effects of climate change, funding projects such as building more climate-resilient housing or repairing village flood defences.

The First Minister will launch the programme today (Thursday 24 August) as he introduces a lecture by US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry focusing on the Climate Crisis.

It is the first in a series of annual Scottish Global Dialogues taking place during the Edinburgh International Festival to discuss global challenges, organised by Beyond Borders Scotland and the WS Society with support from the Scottish Government. 

During his introductory address, the First Minister is expected to say: “The countries which are the worst affected by the climate crisis are often those which have done little or nothing to cause it.

“The injustice at the heart of the global climate crisis is why Scotland became the first country in the world to establish a Climate Justice Fund more than a decade ago and why we have led the way in being the first global north country to commit funding to address loss and damage.  

“Today, we are able to announce the start of the Climate Just Communities programme in Malawi, Zambia and Rwanda. The programme will work with local communities – including with marginalised groups – so that they can identify their own priorities, and build their resilience to the climate crisis.

“The £24 million programme that we are confirming today is a significant commitment from a devolved government. It will make a real difference to the communities we are working with and it’s a further sign of Scotland’s determination to be a good global citizen – and to do our bit in tackling the climate crisis here in Scotland and across the world.”

US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry said: “I’m honoured to be given the opportunity to speak at a historic site like the Signet Library to address the climate crisis at this critical moment.

“With just a few months to go before COP28 in Dubai, we all need to ensure our unwavering commitment to addressing one of the world’s greatest threats.”

Founder of Beyond Borders Mark Muller Stuart KC said: “We are delighted that Secretary Kerry has accepted our invitation to come to Scotland to launch Scottish Global Dialogues by giving the inaugural address on such a critical issue as the climate crisis as we move towards COP28.

“We believe the convening power of the Edinburgh festivals and the Signet Library’s Scottish enlightenment connections provides the perfect backdrop for such an address, to say nothing of the Scottish people’s enduring commitment to protecting our environment.”

Climate Justice Fund – International development – gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

Gleneagles Townhouse welcomes artist Paul Yates for a month-long residency in September

Paul Yates: The Scottish Works: 5th-30th September

British artist Paul Yates is set to captivate audiences with a month-long residency at Gleneagles Townhouse in September. Yates is well known for his unique style which blends traditional and modern techniques to create works of art that are both captivating and thought-provoking.

Yates, has gained international recognition for his poetry, film and paintings. His artwork is known for its intricate details and clever combinations of contrasting elements, and through his ‘Scottish Works’ collection he invites viewers to uncover layers of meaning and embark on a visual adventure that challenges expectations.

Through his innovative approach, Yates has become a in contemporary art, showcasing his work in prestigious galleries globally and making a lasting impact on the art scene.

Paul said, “I am thrilled to be able to showcase my work in such an iconic Scottish location. Scotland’s deep-rooted significance in my family’s identity has led me to undertake frequent trips that have influenced a substantial body of my painting and poetry, so I cherish this opportunity to be able to showcase my creations within a country that has played such a big part in my artistic journey.”

Further information on his work is available on his website.

Lobby 37 is a gallery space within Gleneagles Townhouse on St Andrews Square, hosting exhibitions from artists each month an open to members, guests of the hotel and visitors.

Aldi donates over 14,500 meals to Edinburgh and Lothian charities over summer

Aldi stores in Edinburgh and the Lothians donated 14,653 meals to families in need during the recent summer school holidays. 

All of its stores in Edinburgh and the Lothians supported local charities and foodbanks during a period of increased demand by redistributing surplus food via community giving platform Neighbourly. 

Since Aldi’s partnership with Neighbourly began in 2019, Aldi stores across the country have already donated more than 35 million meals – including over seven million meals so far this year.  

This summer, Aldi also gave every child in the UK a chance to try an Olympic or Paralympic sport for free as part of its ‘Get a Taste for Sport’ initiative, helping parents meet the cost of providing healthy activities during the summer holidays. 

Liz Fox, Corporate Responsibility Director at Aldi UK, said: “The school holidays are always an incredibly hard time for households across the country, made even worse by the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

“That’s why we committed to supporting even more families in Edinburgh and the Lothians this summer via our food donations scheme with Neighbourly, helping vital charities provide meals to those who need them most.” 

Steve Butterworth, from Neighbourly, added: “Demand on charities and foodbanks in Edinburgh and the Lothians is incredibly high.

“This push in donations from Aldi was essential in helping so many families during the school holidays and we know how grateful the organisations were for the supermarket’s support.” 

Shoppers can also donate food to local charities, food banks and community groups via the community donation points in Aldi stores nationwide. 

Britain’s fourth largest supermarket also works with Company Shop, the UK’s leading redistributor of surplus food and household products, to redistribute surplus food from its Regional Distribution Centres to Community Shops around the country.  

Pupils get creative to encourage responsible parking in Leith

Primary school pupils in Leith have helped create colourful solutions to parking issues in the area, which they unveiled yesterday (Tuesday 22 August).

St Mary’s (Leith) RC Primary School P5 class shared a series of posters they’ve created to discourage people from parking in an area blocking communal bins on Links Gardens. Links Gardens is a ‘School Street’ where traffic is restricted at the beginning and end of the day to help people walk, wheel and cycle to school safely.

They also helped celebrate the completion of a vibrant public artwork on the street, installed as part of Leith Connections, a project making changes across the area to support safe and easy walking, wheeling and cycling.

The colourful on-street painting is one of three installations designed in collaboration with the community, local school children and Scottish art firms Bigg Design and Fun Makes Good.

Similar artworks have popped up at Leith Primary School on St Andrew Place (another School Street) and John’s Place, where a new public space has been created for people to relax and play.

Designs across the three sites have been inspired by Leith’s heritage and natural attributes and feature local wildlife, references to the area’s shipbuilding history and Leith’s ‘Persevere’ motto, amongst other elements.

The project is being funded through Places for Everyone, an active travel infrastructure programme funded by the Scottish Government and administered by Sustrans.

Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “We really want to bring the local community along with us to enjoy and interact with the changes introduced through Leith Connections, so it’s great to be able to involve the youngest generation to help brighten up the area.

“As well as contributing to these fantastic artworks, St Mary’s (Leith) RC pupils have also been thinking about the impact of irresponsible parking in their School Street. I’m sure their striking posters will have a real impact on all road users.

“By creating safer, more welcoming spaces to walk, wheel and cycle in Leith, as well as for spending time with friends or visiting local businesses, we want to benefit everyone who lives in and visits Leith.”

Simon Strain, Head of Programme, Sustrans said: “Making it easier and safer for children to travel independently to and from school is of the utmost importance. The simple crossing improvements and road layout changes delivered as part of Leith Connections not only deliver more accessible everyday journeys but also provide new creative spaces for children and adults to enjoy.

“It’s great to see the creativity and talent of these local pupils now on show. We’d like to thank the school and the wider Leith community for their support in making this project a success.”

Primary 5 pupil Leon added: “We as a class made lots of different designs for the pavements and posters. We had this piece of paper and we were drawing our designs and seeing which ones were the best.

“The road paintings are really cool, I think it’s really nice that we made them.”

Changes implemented as part of Leith Connections include improved pedestrian crossings, pavement decluttering and planting and seating in newly created pedestrian spaces.

This is alongside new traffic layouts in several streets to prioritise people travelling by foot, wheel or bike. Under the scheme Sandport Place Bridge has been closed to motor traffic, bus gates introduced at the Shore and Links Place and measures added to prevent through traffic in some areas. All residential and business properties are still accessible by motor vehicle, while blue badge parking will be unaffected.

Leith Connections designs draw from two years of engagement with the community and local stakeholders, encompassing online co-design workshops, public drop-in sessions and focused meetings. Some of the measures, around Leith Links, will be implemented on a trial basis under an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO).

Find out more about Leith Connections online.

HMRC: Claiming Child Benefit for teenagers studying or training after completing their Nationals

Parents have until 31 August to tell HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) that their 16-year-old is continuing their education or training, if they wish to continue receiving Child Benefit.

Many teenagers who recently received their Nationals exam results will be considering their future and whether to stay on in education. Child Benefit payments stop on 31 August after a child turns 16, but parents can extend their claim if their child is continuing in approved education or training.

It is easy for parents to update their Child Benefit record. They can use the online service on GOV.UK or the HMRC app to tell HMRC about their child’s plans.

HMRC recently wrote to parents about extending their Child Benefit claim. The letter included a QR code which, when scanned, directs them to GOV.UK to update their claim online. Any changes will be applied to their Child Benefit claim immediately.

Child Benefit will continue to be paid for children who are studying full time which can include:

  • Highers
  • International Baccalaureate
  • home education – if it started before their child turned 16 or after 16 if they have special needs

Child Benefit will also continue for children who are studying on an unpaid approved training course through the ‘No One Left Behind programme’.

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said: “Child Benefit can provide financial support to families, so make sure you don’t miss out if your teenager is still eligible.

“You can quickly and easily extend your claim online or via the HMRC app, just search ‘Child Benefit when your child turns 16’ on GOV.UK.”

Parents will need a Government Gateway user ID and password to use HMRC’s online services. They will need their National Insurance number or postcode and 2 forms of ID to register on GOV.UK.

The UK Government is offering help for households. Check GOV.UK to find out about cost of living support, including help with childcare costs. 

Edinburgh opticians to treat hundreds of patients in week-long Kenyan charity trip

Optometrists from a high street practice in Edinburgh are travelling to Kenya to help deliver eye care clinics that will see 500 people access the service in just one week.

Brenda Rainford and Maria Sawe, of Birrell & Rainford Opticians in William Street in Edinburgh’s West End, will head to Africa this October as part of the SeeKenya initiative.

The charity was established 10 years ago and provides trustworthy, high quality and life-enhancing eye care to prevent blindness, restore sight and improve eye health in Kenya.

Maria, who is joining Birrell & Rainford Opticians on a permanent basis having spent seven years as a locum, said: “I have been working with SeeKenya for a while now and it’s a hugely rewarding experience.

“Anyone can attend our clinics and we carry out full eye tests, check for infections and allergies, administer eye drops and fit glasses.

“We even have a fully functioning onsite lab where we can dispense glasses while the patient waits – they choose a frame and we fit a single vision lens with their prescription.

“It ensures people have access to good quality eye care and it’s very well received. People ask for months in advance when we are coming next.”

Plans are underway to build a permanent clinic at the site in Meru, with a £500,000 online fundraising campaign launched. For more details see www.seekenya.org.

The trip will be the first time Brenda has been part of a SeeKenya clinic and she added: “I’m really looking forward to going out there and experiencing it.

“The work the charity does is incredible and it will be a privilege to be able to give back some of my years’ of experience and make a difference to those who need it the most.”

Maria will be a familiar face to patients at Birrell & Rainford and is looking forward to making the practice her permanent professional home from November.

She said: “It’s exciting and although I already feel very much part of the team having the consistency of a permanent position will make a difference. If patients have recurring problems then they know they always have someone there to help them.

“I’m looking forward to introducing new methods and techniques to the practice and we will have a new focus on the growing prevalence of short-sightedness, particularly among children.”

Levels of short-sightedness, also known as myopia, have risen sharply in recent decades with one in three people classed as having the condition. It is predicted to affect half of the world’s population by 2050.

With a qualification in pioneering treatments such as myopia management – using speciality lenses to slow the progression of shortsightedness – Maria brings a new skillset to the team and is urging patients to book their children in for an eye exam and ensure they receive the best possible care and service.

She said: “With myopia rates rising steeply, it’s become something of a ticking timebomb for global eye health. This is a chance to put into practice techniques that are proven to slow its progression and keep children seeing better for longer.

“Use of digital screens, lots of up-close work and a lack of outdoor play are all contributory factors to myopia so I would urge all parents to book their children in for an eye exam. The earlier we can see them, the sooner we can spot a potential issue and we can get them on the most appropriate treatment pathway.”

Established in 2011, Birrell & Rainford is an independent optometrist offering a range of clinical services and beautiful eyewear for everyone in a family-friendly environment, tailored to each individual’s needs.

Brenda added: “Our experienced team is dedicated to providing the highest quality of care, giving our patients the best vision possible. I have known Maria for many years and I know she is going to be a real asset to the team.”

For more details on booking in for an eye examination call 0131 226 7833 or visit https://www.birrellrainford.co.uk/

Aberdeen cannabis cultivations: Two arrested in Edinburgh police swoop

Two men aged 27 and 35 have been arrested following a pre-planned police operation in the Muirhouse and Niddrie areas of Edinburgh yesterday (Tuesday, 22 August, 2023).

Aberdeen officers were supported by colleagues in Edinburgh in this operation.

It resulted in both men being charged in connection with a number of cannabis cultivations discovered in the Aberdeen area between Tuesday, 4 July and Tuesday, 15 August, 2023. They have an estimated street value of over £800,000.

Both men are due to appear at Aberdeen Sheriff Court today.

Detective Inspector Andrew Machray from the CID Proactive Unit in Aberdeen said: “A significant amount of cannabis has been taken off the streets and I hope this operation highlights our determination to tackle drugs activity.

“We will continue to use every tool at our disposal to disrupt those involved in serious and organised crime who are intent on bringing harm and misery to our local communities.

“The majority of cultivations that we uncover come from information given to us from our communities. We rely on the support of the public, so if you have any information or concerns about drug misuse, do not hesitate to contact Police Scotland on 101 or report this anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

HAVE YOU SEEN DEAN?

TEN YEAR OLD BOY MISSING FROM WEST PILTON TRACED

*** UPDATE ***

!! Dean Campbell, 10, who was last seen in the Pilton area has been traced safe !!

Original message:

POLICE are appealing for your help to trace Dean Campbell aged 10 who was last seen at Forthview Primary School, West Pilton Place, Edinburgh, around 10am yesterday (Wednesday 23 August 2023).

Dean is described as white, 4ft tall, slim build with short blond hair.

When last seen he was wearing black tracksuit bottoms with yellow markings, a white polo shirt and black trainers.

Sergeant Michael Thomson said: “There are growing concerns for Dean’s welfare. Anyone who may have seen Dean since this time, or who has any information on his whereabouts, is urged to contact Police Scotland via 101 quoting incident number 1065 of 23 August 2023.”

Protecting Scotland’s wildlife

Views sought on snare trap ban

The use of snare traps could be banned as part of new plans to protect vulnerable wildlife and promote sustainable wildlife management.

The Scottish Government is seeking the public’s views on whether an outright ban should be put in place or if any exemptions should be considered. A snare is a thin wire noose used for catching a wild animal for the purposes of wildlife management.

The consultation is also asking for opinions on extending the investigative powers of the Scottish SPCA – a new measure which will help tackle wildlife crime. This will involve giving SSPCA inspectors more authority to search, examine and seize evidence related to incidents of illegal hunting and other offences related to wildlife persecution.

Environment Minister Gillian Martin said: “Snare traps lead to unnecessary suffering for animals and these proposals are part of our ongoing efforts to ensure that wildlife management is both sustainable and humane.

“Currently, only a small number of farmers and land managers use snare traps. More effective and humane forms of managing wildlife are available and we will continue to support the industry to make use of these methods.

“Wildlife crime and the illegal killing of wild mammals continues to blight our rural communities. By extending the investigative powers of SSPCA inspectors, we can ensure that the destructive impact that these criminals have on our environment is diminished and that they are brought to justice.”

Scottish SPCA Chief Superintendent Mike Flynn said: “The Scottish SPCA strongly supports this announcement by the Scottish Government. As Scotland’s animal welfare charity, we have long called for an outright ban on the use of snares due to the level of suffering an animal is caused.

“Animals that are caught in snares can be caused unimaginable physical and mental anguish. Following reports from members of the public, we have found domestic animals, protected species and target animals that have all suffered dreadfully in both illegal and legal snares.

“A ban on all snaring is the only way to stop this unacceptable suffering. We are very pleased with the announcement of a ban, which will be a historic moment for animal welfare in Scotland.”

Subject to consultation, the new provisions would be included in the Scottish Government’s upcoming Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Bill which will aim to protect the environment and help end the persecution of birds of prey.

The consultation will run for 6 weeks from 22 August to 3 October 2023. 

The League Against Cruel Sports Scotland has welcomed yesterday’s (Tuesday) announcement by the Scottish Government that it will consult with a view to banning snares. 

The consultation, which will form part of the Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Bill, will seek views on whether an outright ban should be put in place for the use of snares, or if any exemptions should be considered. 

A snare is a thin wire noose used for catching a wild animal, most commonly used for predator control on shooting estates. 

Robbie Marsland, Director of the League Against Cruel Sports, Scotland, said: “The League has been proud to join the loud and anguished call over many years for the use of cruel, primitive and indiscriminate snares to be banned.

“While we welcome and applaud the Scottish Government’s intent to consider a ban, we are under no illusions the strength of feeling among those who wish to use snares in the countryside. 

“The Government will face fierce opposition to these proposals but the arguments to outlaw their use once and for all, far outweigh any arguments to continue using this as a method of trapping and killing hundreds of thousands of wild animals, and non-target species, every year.”

The consultation is also asking for opinions on extending the investigative powers of the Scottish SPCA – a new measure which will help tackle wildlife crime. 

Robbie Marsland added: “Our field workers have had to document and photograph an appalling array of mutilated foxes, exhausted badgers and even snared cats and dogs in order to demonstrate why these devices should be consigned to history.

“But with snares gone, the killing will continue. While we welcome the removal of one cruel and inhuman method of killing, we still deeply question why hundreds of thousands of animals will continue to be killed each year to make sure there are more grouse to shoot for sport.”

The consultation will run for six weeks from late August until the beginning of October 2023. Following this, the new provisions would be included in the Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Bill which is currently at Stage 1 in the Scottish Parliament.