The NEN – North Edinburgh News – Page 718 – The community media resource for north Edinburgh

Life and Death: MSP calls for a defibrillators to be installed at train stations across Lothian

Scottish Conservative and Unionist MSP for Lothian Miles Briggs is calling for a defibrillator to be installed at every train station in Lothian.

Mr. Briggs’ call comes following a response received by Scottish Conservative MSP Jamie Greene from former SNP transport minister Kevin Stewart.

The Transport Minister’s response highlighted the 56 Scottish train stations that are currently equipped with a defibrillator, including some of the country’s busiest such as Central and Queen Street in Glasgow and Edinburgh Waverley.

Kevin Stewart also confirmed to Jamie Greene that plans to install further defibrillator devices across the ScotRail network are being developed.

However, with Scotland having 359 railway stations in total, Miles Briggs says it is crucial that more passengers and staff are able to access defibrillators as soon as possible.

He says having quick and easy access to the device on site at busy stations such as Livingston North could help to save lives in an emergency.

At present, the train stations in Lothian without access to a defibrillator are: Drem, Dunbar, Haddington, Longniddry, Musselburgh, North Berwiick, Prestonpans, Wallyford, Eskbank, Gorebridge, Shawfair, Wallyford, Addiewell, Armadale, Blackridge, Breich, Fauldhouse, Kirknewton, Livingston North, Uphall and West Calder.

Mr. Briggs added that he hopes that people across Scotland will get behind the campaign and ensure that stations across the country are fitted with defibrillators.

Scottish Conservative and Unionist MSP Miles Briggs said: “Having easy access to a defibrillator device can often be the difference between life and death.

“While it is welcome that over 50 stations in Scotland now have them on site, this is only the beginning. It is imperative that we do what we can to ensure that stations across the country have access to a defibrillator.

“You never know when a defibrillator might be required, and the eventual goal should be to ensure that every station in Scotland can get one.

“An emergency situation might arise at any moment, so having a defibrillator on hand to use before emergency services arrive, would be of great help.

“In my region of Lothian, we have busy stations such as Livingston North and North Berwick that are without defibrillators. I believe it is common sense for devices to be installed in these areas.

“As it stands, it is not good enough that only 6 railways stations across Lothian have access to a defibrillator.

“I will continue to encourage SNP ministers to guarantee ScotRail will have the resources they need to rollout further defibrillator devices, including hopefully at each Lothian station in the near future.”

Oxfam: Almost two-thirds of women’s working hours excluded from GDP

A staggering sixty-five per cent of women’s working hours are unpaid every week and excluded from official measures of economic activity, according to a new Oxfam report.

Radical Pathways Beyond GDP highlights how unpaid care – which accounts for forty-five per cent of all adults’ working hours each week globally – is excluded from gross domestic product (GDP) calculations.

The discussion paper looks at how the over-reliance on GDP warps governments’ priorities. Women carry out the majority of unpaid care – nearly 90 billion hours a week.

There is a growing consensus among policymakers and institutions that GDP is no longer fit for purpose as the primary indicator of economic and social progress.

By excluding many factors that contribute to the overall health of the economy and wider society, the metric steers policymakers towards priorities that are fuelling inequality, gender and racial injustice and climate breakdown.

The report argues that transformative alternatives to GDP are urgently required and that narrowly defined growth should never be a primary objective or end goal.

The report cites a handful of countries which have made efforts to incorporate alternative approaches into the highest levels of national law and policy, including Scotland.

But while the Scottish Government describes the transition towards a wellbeing economy as a “top priority”, Scotland’s journey beyond-GDP remains far from complete.

Anam Parvez, Oxfam head of research and author of the report, said: “Women are being short-changed the world over, pushed deeper into time and income poverty.

“To add insult to injury, the majority of their work is ignored by official statistics.

“Unpaid care is a hidden subsidy to the global economy; without it the system would collapse.

“In an age of climate crisis, growing inequality and economic turmoil, there is a strong case that this outdated metric should no longer be the dominant compass guiding policy making.

“It fails to distinguish whether economic activity is harming or benefitting people and the planet.

“Government policies and budgets should be guided by a set of metrics that look at the whole picture, including closing the divide between the richest and the rest, instead of relentlessly pursuing growth for its own sake.”

Scotland’s drive towards becoming a wellbeing economy is underpinned by its National Performance Framework and the eleven National Outcomes which sit within it, as well as by the linked Wellbeing Economy Monitor.

However, care work is currently invisible within these, despite the Scottish Government saying the National Outcomes describe “the kind of Scotland it aims to create”.

Encouragingly, Scottish Ministers are in the process of reviewing and refreshing the National Outcomes for the first time in five years.

Campaigners, including Oxfam Scotland, are calling for the glaring omission on care to be addressed through the creation of a dedicated new National Outcome on Care.

The A Scotland That Cares campaign is backed by over 60 organisations, including frontline care and health organisations, those representing unpaid carers and parents, and prominent anti-poverty charities and think tanks.

Jamie Livingstone, head of Oxfam Scotland, said: “The Scottish Government accepts that traditional economic metrics like GDP are inadequate and that women’s contribution to the economy is persistently undervalued.

“But while it talks a good game when it comes to measuring the things that really matter, now is the time for that rhetoric to be realised.

“Without carers, Scotland’s communities and economy would grind to a halt yet they are virtually invisible in the Scottish Government’s vision for the country. Now is the time to right that wrong by ending the invisibility of care in Scotland’s wellbeing framework.

“Ministers must capitalise on the opportunities presented by the refresh of its National Performance Framework and through the upcoming Wellbeing and Sustainable Development Bill to commit to, and then build, a truly caring wellbeing economy that puts people and planet above a blinkered pursuit of profit.”

Warmer homes in Wester Hailes

A pilot project to radically improve residents’ homes in an area with high levels of poverty has been hailed by the Housing Minister.

The City of Edinburgh Council’s three-year Mixed Tenure Improve Plan is directing £30m towards boosting the sustainability of homes and comfort of residents across the Murrayburn, Hailesland and Dumbryden estates in Wester Hailes.

Measures being installed in Wester Hailes are revolutionising the energy efficiency of these properties, resulting in warmer homes, reduced fuel bills, and significantly lower carbon emissions.

Two years in, over 900 hundred homes have been upgraded, benefitting over 670 council tenants and 230 private residents in the first eight phases of work. Phases 9 to 11 will be completed by the end of 2024.

Following a visit to a recently renovated estate at Murrayburn Park, where 84 homes have benefited from the pilot, Housing Minister Paul McLennan said: “I was delighted to see first-hand the work of the City of Edinburgh Council’s Mixed Tenure Improvement Service programme, which is making homes more energy efficient so that people are able to live in good quality, warm homes.

“The Scottish Government has provided £36.9 million of funding to the City of Edinburgh Council to fund initiatives like this one in Wester Hailes. This is part of a £1.8 billion investment during this parliamentary term to transform the heat and energy efficiency of homes throughout Scotland and help people with their energy bills.

“High quality housing is a key pillar of Housing to 2040. I am delighted to see the benefits these home improvements will have for residents in Edinburgh.”

Councillor Jane Meagher, Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, said: What a transformation and a shining example of the work our officers are doing to make hundreds of homes warmer, greener and better inside and out. It just goes to show what we can jointly achieve when we have the funding we so desperately need.

“It has been fantastic to see the effect this ground-breaking initiative is having. The work we’ve put in to this pilot is clearly welcomed by local residents, including many of our own tenants, and will have a lasting impact on the community.

“Edinburgh is quite unique in the amount of shared housing we have, with many blocks and estates benefitting from a mix of privately owned homes, rented properties and social housing. This project has already increased the lifespan of many of these buildings so that everyone living here now and in the future benefits.”

Residents of the housing estates which have already benefitted from the pilot have reported experiencing warmer, more comfortable homes and a noticeable decrease in their energy bills.

One local tenant said: “The neighbourhood feels refreshed and brighter, and homes feel warmer.

Another resident laughed, telling us that his daughter gave him a row for having his heating on, when he didn’t. He felt that the works have improved the heat in his home noticeably.

One tenant told us that she did not switch on her heating at all last winter, saying she thought she had saved about 80% off her heating bills.

One key initiative has involved installing cutting-edge insulation technologies. The Council has successfully minimised heat loss from homes, helping them to remain warm and comfortable during colder months.

Other upgrades include new roofs, new common windows, new main doors and door entry systems and decoration of common stairs.

Supporting people in hardship through Cash-First Fund

Organisations at the frontline of helping people facing poverty and hardship can now apply for a share of government funding to help tackle food insecurity.

The £1.6 million Cash-First Fund is aimed at public sector and third sector partnerships to deliver cash grants for food and other essentials, helping to reduce the need for food parcels.

Up to £200,000 will be made available to partnerships including community food initiatives, local authority teams, and money advice services.

Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “Taking a cash-first approach to tackling food insecurity means people can access the essentials they need while maintaining dignity. When this is delivered collaboratively, with advice and support to strengthen people’s income, it can also help prevent future hardship.

“Local public and third sector services know their communities best and are well-placed to support households in crisis, so I encourage them to work together and apply for the Cash-First Fund.

“Tackling poverty and protecting people from harm is a critical mission for this government and our actions are already making a difference to households, including some of our most vulnerable children, across Scotland. The Cash-First Fund is another important milestone on this journey and our learning from this will take us another step closer towards a Scotland without the need for food banks.”

Head of Scotland at the Trussell Trust, Polly Jones said: “Cash-first partnerships will play a key role in taking us closer to a Scotland where no one needs to use a food bank.

“We are delighted the Scottish Government is launching this innovative pilot, supporting public sector bodies and community organisations to work together to ensure people get the support they need in a crisis and to reduce the need for food banks in their communities.”

Coordinator of the Independent Food Aid Network, Sabine Goodwin said: “This funding provides a critical opportunity to cement local cash first actions aimed at reducing food insecurity.

“Ending the need for food banks undoubtedly requires strategic vision and close collaboration at a local level. We very much welcome the Scottish Government’s support of local partnerships and the prioritisation of a cash first approach to food insecurity.

Cash-First Fund: form and guidance

Public and third sector partnerships are invited to apply to the Cash-First Fund by 5pm on Friday 1 September.

Up to eight successful partnerships will each be provided with up to £200,000 over two years to deliver activities that improve urgent local access to cash in a crisis.

Scotland is the first nation in the UK to publish a plan towards ending the need for food banks, and this ambition is shared by food bank networks.

Anyone who is struggling financially can get advice through their local authority, a local advice service, Social Security Scotland or by visiting the Scottish Government’s cost of living website: https://costofliving.campaign.gov.scot/

Road closures today

Edinburgh is hosting the UCI World Cycling Championships 2023 Men’s Elite Road Race tomorrow morning – Sunday 6 August 2023.

We will have temporary restrictions on

parking
waiting
loading
unloading

along the route, which spans from Holyrood Park to the Queensferry Bridge.

We may need to adjust these timings depending on the event timings.

Road closures

These roads will be closed from 11:59pm on August 5 to 3pm on 6 August:

Queens Drive
Horse Wynd
Dukes Walk

These roads will be closed from 11:59pm on August 5 to 1:45pm on 6 August:

Canongate
New Street (between East Market Street and Canongate)

These roads will be closed from 11:59pm on August 5 to 11:15am on 6 August:

High Street (between South Bridge and St Giles Street)
Lawnmarket (between St Giles Street and Bank Street)

These roads will be closed from 11:59pm on August 5 to 12 noon on 6 August:

High Street (between St Mary’s Street and South Bridge)

The following roads will be closed from 8:00am to 9:45am on 6 August:

Abbeyhill (between Canongate and Abbeyhill Crescent)
Calton Road (between Abbeyhill and Abbeyhill Crescent)

The following roads will be closed from 9:00am to 9:45am on 6 August:

George IV Bridge (between Lawnmarket and Victoria Street)
Lawnmarket (between Bank Street and Castlehill)
Bank Street
North Bank Street
The Mound
Hanover Street
Queen Street Gardens East
Heriot Row (between Dundas Street and Howe Street)
Howe Street (between Heriot Row and South-East Circus Place)
South-East Circus Place
Circus Place
North-West Circus Place

These roads will be closed from 9:10am to 9:45am on 6 August:

Kerr Street
Deanhaugh Street
Raeburn Place
Comely Bank Road
Craigleith Road

These roads will be closed from 9:15am to 9:50am on 6 August:

Queensferry Road (between Craigleith Road and Hillhouse Road)
Hillhouse Road

These roads will be closed from 9:20 to 9:55am on 6 August:

Queensferry Road (between Hillhouse Road and Maybury Road)

These roads will be closed from 9:40am to 10am on 6 August:

Queensferry Road / A90 South-eastbound (between the dual carriageway section and Whitehouse Road)

These roads will be closed from 9:40am to 10:40am on 6 August:

Queensferry Road / A90 North-westbound (between Maybury Road and the boundary of City of Edinburgh Council’s responsibility).

Vehicle crossing points on closed roads

On Sunday 6 August, traffic will be held at the junctions with the race route for up to 10 minutes while the race passes. Once the final support vehicle passes, traffic will be able to flow as normal.

The timings may change slightly to fit with the event as it passes through Edinburgh.

St Mary Street – Jeffery Street at Canongate/ High Street 9:25am to 9:35am
North Bridge – South Bridge at High Street 09:25am to 9:35am
Princess Street at The Mound/ Hanover Street 9:25am to 9:35am
Queen Street at Hanover Street/ Queen Street Gardens East 9:25am to 9:35am
East Fettes Avenue – Comley Bank Avenue at Comely Bank Road 9:30am to 9:40am
Orchard Brae – Crewe Road South at Comely Bank Road 9:30am to 9:40am
Telford Road – Strachan Road at A90 Hillhouse Road 9:30am to 9:40am
Quality Street – Craigcrook Road at A90 Queensferry Road 9:30am to 9:40am
Whitehouse Road – Maybury Road A90 Queensferry Road 9:45am to 9:55am

Please note that these planned restrictions and closures may be subject to change.

Catch Your Breath at Ripple Project

Join Catch your Breath for a fab nutrition workshop on Monday 28 August.

One million pilgrims celebrate World Youth Day in Lisbon

More than one million young Catholics are expected to attend the World Youth Day event in Lisbon this week (2-6 August).

Stages and big screens have been set up for events across the city, with the Pope meeting officials at the National Palace in the historic neighbourhood of Belem, celebrating Mass in Jerónimos Monastery and then taking part in events throughout the week at locations including Cascais on the coast, the central Vasco da Gama Garden and on the Hill of Encounter at Edward VII Park, before the celebrations culminate with a Mass for World Youth Day beside the River Tagus on Sunday (6 August).

For more information, ideas and inspiration on visiting Lisbon, please go to www.visitlisboa.com.

G7+ oil price cap continues to pile pressure on Putin six months on

The oil price cap is significantly impacting Russia’s ability to use oil to finance its illegal war.
45% plunge in Russian Finance Ministry energy revenues.
UK continues to monitor effectiveness of the cap alongside its Coalition partners amid expected market price fluctuations.

UK-backed price cap on Russian oil and oil products is successfully undermining Putin’s ability to fund his illegal war in Ukraine, according to official data collated six months on from implementation.

Russian government income declined by over 20% between January and March 2023 compared to a year ago. The Russian Ministry of Finance posted a 45% plunge in government energy revenues in the same period.

According to the International Energy Agency’s Oil Market Report for July 2023, Russian oil export revenues were down by $1.5 billion month-on-month in June to $11.8 billion (down $9.9 billion year-on-year).

Independent research by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air has estimated that the price cap on crude oil is costing Russia around €160 million per day.

Treasury Lords Minister Baroness Penn said: “The oil price cap is succeeding in its dual objectives – bearing down on Putin’s most lucrative source of revenues that could otherwise be used to fund his illegal war, while ensuring that vulnerable countries can continue to secure affordable oil.

“The oil price cap forms a critical part of the largest and most severe package of sanctions ever imposed on a major economy. We will continue to keep the pressure on Russia alongside our international partners.”

The G7 and Australia (G7+), who collectively constitute the Price Cap Coalition, agreed to cap the price of Russian seaborne oil and refined oil products in September 2022 as a way to undermine Putin’s ability to fund his illegal war in Ukraine through inflated global oil prices, while ensuring that third countries can continue to secure affordable oil. T

he crude oil price cap and high- and low-value refined oil price caps (collectively referred to as the G7+ oil price cap) were introduced on 5th December 2022 and 5th February 2023 respectively.

UK guidance has been periodically updated to assist market participants with implementation of, and compliance with, the cap, and OFSI will continue to engage collaboratively with industry partners to ensure as much clarity is provided as possible.

Recent routine fluctuations in oil prices have seen the average price of Urals rise above the G7+ cap level. For any above-cap trades, Russia will face significant headwinds in securing alternative service providers, with data from market intelligence provider Argus indicating that the cost to Russia of moving its product is considerable. This added burden on Russia will continue to contribute to depressed revenues.

The Price Cap Coalition continues to monitor the effectiveness of the price cap and is prepared to review and adjust the measure as appropriate to ensure that it continues to meet its twin goals.

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo kicks off August run with 2023 showcase: – STORIES

More than 800 performers graced Edinburgh Castle’s Esplanade to share their stories through song, dance, and military precision –

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo makes its anticipated return with this year’s Show, Stories as performers from across the globe wow audiences with sensational music, dance, costume, and spectacle.

Running until 26 August, the Show is a celebration of sagas, myths, and legends, transporting audiences on a journey of ideas – from the earliest campfire stories through to the world stage and showcasing an international cast telling tales that connect us through our unique and shared military and cultural heritages.

From the musical prowess of the Massed Pipes & Drums, the physical storytelling of dance and precision drill, and stunning imagery captured through light and projection, audiences will be transported and enthralled.

Edinburgh Castle Esplanade will play host to performers from Australia, Norway, Switzerland, The United States, and Trinidad and Tobago, alongside homegrown acts from across the UK and Ireland.

As ever, the military play a prominent role in the Show, with the Royal Air Force as the lead Service. Audiences will also be treated to the rousing sound of the Massed Pipes and Drums supported by the Tattoo Dancers and Fiddlers.

Making their Tattoo debut on the Castle Esplanade, The United States Air Force Band will entertain the crowds with a freestyle musical performance with music from the Great American Songbook. The Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force Steel Orchestra will bring a vibrant burst of colour and excitement true to their traditional art forms, including the limbo and fire dance, performing their take on contemporary Caribbean music.

Exploring the legends and traditions of Switzerland, The Swiss Armed Forces Central Band will present an exhilarating drum corps talent. Whilst His Majesty the King’s Guard Band and Drill Team of Norway will return to the Tattoo this year to tell their story as a Regiment, reprising their history and heritage to the present day.

The lead Service’s Royal Air Force King’s Colour Squadron will lead the way with popular gaming tunes from Battlefield and Final Fantasy. And of course, the sounds of Scotland will be heard loudly on the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade with traditional tunes from the Massed Pipes and Drums as well as the Tattoo’s take on Scottish bands Tide Lines and Runrig.

Michael Braithwaite, the Creative Director of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, said: “Stories builds on our Voices show of 2022 and promises a captivating celebration of connection through stories in all their forms. Most of all, Stories is a shared opportunity for audiences and performers to come together and experience an evening of unique and immersive entertainment.

“Stories is the next chapter in the modern era of the Tattoo, packed with the latest in cutting-edge technology, whilst combining the tradition and precision the Show is known for and loved. It will be a truly memorable event and we are thrilled to be returning to Edinburgh Castle once more.

“We cannot wait to share with audiences a Show that is, at its heart, a celebration of individuals from many diverse backgrounds, united by common experiences.”

2023 marks the second year of the Tattoo’s bold new brand proposition, Performance in a New Light, which embraces military tradition and combines it with exciting new innovations and contemporary touches.

The full line-up for 2023 includes: The Band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines Scotland, The Central Band of the Royal Air Force, The Band of the Royal Air Force Regiment, The Royal Air Force Salon Orchestra, Royal Air Force Bands, 1st Battalion The Irish Guards Drums and Pipes, The Pipes and Drums of The Royal Highland Fusiliers 2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, The Pipes and Drums of 4th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, Combined Scottish Universities Officers’ Training Corps Pipes and Drums, Royal Air Force Pipes and Drums, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Pipes and Drums, The Scots College Sydney Pipes and Drums, The Scots College Sydney Old Boys Pipes and Drums, The Scots School Albury Pipe Band, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Dancers, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Fiddlers, King’s Colour Squadron Royal Air Force, The Swiss Armed Forces Central Band, His Majesty the King’s Guard Band and Drill Team of Norway, The United States Air Force Band and Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force Steel Orchestra.

The Tattoo will run from 4 – 26 August 2023. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at edintattoo.co.uk, on the phone on 0131 225 1188 or in person at the Tattoo Box Office at 1 Cockburn Street, Edinburgh.

Presenting partner, Innis & Gunn will be offering a bar service at the event. Drinks pre-order is available now from edintattoodrinks.co.uk.