‘significant number’ will be accessible and affordable for social or mid-market rent
The City of Edinburgh Council has successfully secured a major new site for accessible affordable housing in the South of the city.
A successful £14.8m bid for Liberton Hospital and its grounds, including the former Blood Transfusion Centre, has been accepted by NHS Lothian – paving the way for around 400 hundred homes in the area, a ‘significant number’ of which will be accessible and affordable for social or mid-market rent.
The NHS will continue to occupy the premises until March 2025 to allow the hospital’s remaining services to be gradually relocated. During this time, the council plans to appoint a development partner and consult with the local community to draw up plans for an accessible green neighbourhood – making sure to retain many original features of the historic hospital, gatehouse and gardens facing Lasswade Road.
The council’s vision for the site is to focus on supporting a range of housing needs while delivering homes at scale to help meet the city’s growing demand. It is anticipated that the regeneration will deliver at least 380 energy efficient mixed tenure homes for sale and rent, all of which could be fully accessible, with up to 50% affordable. This would exceed the council’s commitment of at least 35% affordable homes on residential developments.
The area already has a significant level of public amenity due to existing woodland and original hospital gardens, creating a fantastic opportunity for a range of high-quality public spaces as part of a wider green network.
The regeneration of the land will retain as many of the existing trees as possible and incorporate them into green routes throughout the site, allowing for active travel connections to Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park, St Katharine’s Park and Liberton Park.
A Prior Information Notice (PIN) seeking interest from potential development partners has been issued and work will be carried out to prepare for construction, including developing detailed designs and agreeing a net zero carbon energy solution for the site, contributing to the council’s ambitious target to reach net-zero emissions by 2030.
Councillor Jane Meagher, Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, said:For close to 150 years Edinburgh residents have been cared for under the roof of Liberton Hospital. I’m delighted that we’ll be able to pay that care forward as we convert the site into much needed new homes.
“By demolishing the 1960s built extensions, including the disused Blood Transfusion Service, we’ll be able to design an accessible green neighbourhood of low-carbon housing from scratch. This will help lots of people with specialist needs to live comfortably and with independence. Plus, it will allow us support people who are in desperate housing need as we’re looking for a developer who can commit to our vision of at least half of these new homes being affordable.
“We’re committed to putting care-based housing at the centre of this redevelopment and I’d like to thank our partners at the NHS for working with us to secure the land. It has been many years in the making.
The royal family’s love of dogs is no secret, with many of them having a loyal four-legged friend by their side while performing their duty – and King Charles is no exception.
Vet Nurse, Shauna Walsh, at PDSA, the vet charity for pets in need, has compiled everything you need to know about some of the royal family’s favourite breeds – from exercise and grooming, to potential breed-related health concerns.
Shauna said: “If you’re thinking of bringing a new dog into your family, then it’s important to understand their breeding background; as even crossbreeds can have lifelong health conditions that can impact on your pets’ lives and yours, as their guardian. Some breeds are more high maintenance than others, so doing your research can help you to recognise the level of commitment that your pet will bring.”
With a new monarch comes new furry faces around the palace, as King Charles and Camilla, Queen Consort, bring with them their two rescue Jack Russell Terriers, Bluebell and Beth.
Traditionally a working breed, these clever and lively little dogs love to run and chase, so require an active household where they can get plenty of exercise to prevent them from becoming bored. While they may be short in stature, these pooches can jump high, they’re also agile and adaptable and can also squeeze through tight spaces – a secure, high fence is therefore essential to prevent them from escaping.
As with all dogs, it is best to start positive, reward-based training as early as possible. Jack Russell Terriers are quick learners, and need to keep their sharp minds just as active as their paws. This will also help with excessive barking – Jack Russell Terriers can be known for having a persistent bark, despite their petite size!
The Jack Russell Terrier can be a short-coated breed that requires minimal grooming or wire-haired. A weekly brush is typically enough to keep their coats looking healthy, with more maintenance required in the summer when shedding. For those wire-haired terriers, they may need to visit the groomer a couple of times a year to hand strip the excess hair, to prevent matting.
It’s important to note that the breed can be prone to certain health conditions including primary lens luxation – a painful eye condition that can lead to blindness. They are also known to suffer from late onset ataxia – a brain condition that causes a loss of balance and co-ordination. Most commonly, the breed is prone to luxating patellas, meaning their kneecaps may slip temporarily out of place.
One of the most well-known royally-loved breeds, famously championed by Queen Elizabeth II, is the Welsh Corgi. During her reign, the Queen owned more than thirty of these friendly, happy, and fun-loving dogs.
With active roots, having historically been used as herding dogs on farms, Welsh Corgis do have naturally high energy levels despite their short legs so need plenty of exercise every day. Due to their herding background, they are also likely to try and herd their owners, which is why training and early socialisation is very important.
Common health conditions that are linked to Welsh Corgis include hip dysplasia, which can lead to arthritis. They are also prone to intervertebral disc disease due to their longer backs and short legs and their conformation puts added strain onto the vertebra in their spine, causing the disc to slip or rupture. They are also at risk of developing epilepsy and cataracts.
These outgoing pups require brushing two-three times per week to help remove any dead hair from their water-resistant coat.
These happy pooches with very waggy tails are a known favourite of Prince and Princess of Wales. Originally bred as gun dogs, Cocker Spaniels have become a popular family pet as they are typically people-orientated and love company. Their sociable nature means that like all dogs, they crave company. They can be at risk of developing separation anxiety when left alone and therefore ideally need someone around to keep them company most of the time.
With the right early experiences, Cocker Spaniels are often patient, kind and gentle, which is why many families choose the breed. Remember, children and dogs should never be left together unsupervised.
Because of their history as working dogs, Cocker Spaniels need plenty of consistent exercise to keep them healthy both mentally and physically, and stop them from becoming bored. This can be made up of a combination of walks, playtime, games, and training sessions where they can burn off any extra energy.
Aside from removing stray twigs and leaves from their coat after a walk, Cocker Spaniels need a daily brush to keep on top of dead hair and prevent matting. Many owners choose to have their cocker spaniels clipped, to keep them neat and tidy. Trimming ears and clipping the underside of the ears can help prevent matting and promotes air circulation around the ear.
Like any breed, Cocker Spaniels have a few health conditions they are prone to developing which include hip dysplasia, ear infections, and allergies that can cause itchy skin.
One of two breeds owned by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Beagles are loving and sociable dogs who enjoy nothing more than being involved in everything that is going on around them. The breed has historically been used as scent hounds for tracking, but due to their size and adaptability they have more recently become a popular family pet.
Due to their working history, Beagles are best suited to active households where they can get all the plentiful exercise they need each day.
As well as their regular walks, they will also need playtime, training, and free time in the garden to use their nose. They are however good escape artists and have been known to dig, climb, or wiggle free, especially if they catch the scent of something interesting, so it is important to make sure your garden is secure before bringing your furry friend home.
As a breed, the Beagle can be more prone to developing health conditions such as epilepsy, hypothyroidism and meningitis. There are also a number of genetic conditions that you should make sure the parents have been screened for before taking on a Beagle.
Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie are both fond of these curious dogs, having owned many Norfolk Terriers over the years.
As members of the terrier group, these dogs were originally bred for hunting and therefore can be known to pursue foxes, badgers, and rats both above and below ground.
They are hardy and brave dogs who have a strong prey drive and instinct to explore, meaning they may need more encouragement during their training to make sure they have a firm recall. This means they have high energy levels and will require at least an hour of exercise a day.
Norfolk Terriers tend to have a wiry coat which needs brushing once a week and hand stripping three to four times a year to remove dead fur and keep them looking healthy.
As a breed, the Norfolk Terrier is predisposed to hip dysplasia, skin problems, and glaucoma.
The Sky is the Limit for Double Height Apartments at Rowanbank Gardens
A row of double-height apartments at Artisan Real Estate’s acclaimed Rowanbank Gardens homes development in Corstorphine is proving a high-flying success with buyers.
Each of the six roomy two-bedroom apartments have an extra double-height pitched roof, allowing for lots of natural light to flood through both the full height and Velux roof windows creating a distinctive loft-style feel to the interior living space.
Home buyers looking for something different have already reserved four apartments, with the remaining two currently attracting significant interest. Work on the development began in summer 2021, with the first move-ins expected later on this year. And, so far, home sales have been buoyant with more than a third of apartments now sold.
“The double-height apartments are just one of the many reasons why Rowanbank Gardens is having such a broad appeal to a wide range of buyers,” explains Izzy Bastiani, Artisan’s New Homes Sales Advisor.
“A major attraction is that the development embraces a range of different styles and layouts, with all the apartments arranged around a large garden and woodland space, filled with fruit trees and communal planting beds.”
Another major draw is the development’s smart, energy-efficient design – which means delivering green, low-cost energy.
Izzy adds: “Rowanbank Gardens design is geared to achieving low to zero carbon ratings, with the added benefits of significantly lower home-running costs. We aim to make each apartment as energy efficient as possible by using the very latest in technology to encourage low carbon living.
“Research shows that average annual hot water and heating costs for a two-bedroom apartment at Rowanbank Gardens could be as low as £775 per year – or less than £65 per month – providing long-term cost savings for first-time budget-conscious buyers or purchasers looking for more energy efficient living.”
Prices for a one-bedroom apartment at Rowanbank Gardens start from £245,000, with a two-bedroom from £320,000 and a three-bedroom from £422,500 making the development a perfect destination for first-time buyers and downsizers wanting to live in well-connected, bustling community just minutes from the city centre.
To register interest in Rowanbank Gardens and book an appointment at the on-site sales and marketing suite, visit the development website at www.rowanbankgardens.com or call 0131 516 3302.
Fort Kinnaird has confirmed its opening times for the upcoming May bank holidays, including the Early May Bank Holiday (Monday 1st May) and the King’s Coronation (Monday 8th May).
On the 1st and 8th May, the centre’s opening times will be:
Monday 1st May: 9am – 9pm
Monday 8th May: 9am – 9pm
Opening hours at individual retailers will vary and visitors are advised to check with specific venues before setting off to avoid disappointment.
Fort Kinnaird is home to more than 70 shops and restaurants including M&S, H&M, Primark, Bread Meats Bread and newly opened Chaiiwala, as well as a seven-screen Odeon cinema. There are also more than 2,600 free parking spaces.
To plan your trip to Fort Kinnaird and to see what’s on at the centre over the bank holiday weekends, head here.
HOLYROOD’s COVID-19 Recovery Committee has published its report on Long COVID and post-COVID syndrome, urging the Scottish Government to take action to address the stigma surrounding the condition and improve awareness among the public and healthcare professionals.
The inquiry focussed on the awareness and recognition, therapy and rehabilitation, and study and research linked to Long COVID, with the Committee noting “concern” in their findings over reports of patients being unable to get the correct diagnosis and the lack of treatment for common conditions associated with the condition.
The Committee said it was “deeply saddened” to learn about the stigma faced by those with lived and living experience of Long COVID, and the report highlights the impact that the lack of awareness and recognition of Long COVID can have on those with the condition.
The Committee also recommended the Scottish Government:
Works with the National Strategic Network and health boards to establish a single point of contact for Long COVID patients in every health board and develops standardised guidance.
In partnership with the National Strategic Network, provide a leadership role in reviewing the best practice of Long COVID clinics and evaluate whether they may be an appropriate development in Scotland.
Implement a public health campaign to raise awareness of long COVID and the impact it can have on individuals’ health and wellbeing.
Reviews the current booster vaccination publicity strategy to reduce apathy and encourage uptake.
Supports improving the integration of health boards and the third sector to provide self-management services for Long COVID.
Throughout the four-month inquiry, the Committee took evidence from a broad range of academics, clinicians and those living with Long COVID about the complex nature of the symptoms and the apparent lack of any lessons being learned from other chronic illnesses such as ME/CFS.
The Committee also made calls for more data on the prevalence of Long COVID to be gathered and noted the impact that incorrect coding of the condition can have on the accuracy of data, alongside encouraging improved use of data deployment into clinical practice.
Commenting, Committee Convener, Jim Fairlie MSP said:“The report sets out the urgent need for the Scottish Government to take action to address the stigma and lack of awareness surrounding Long COVID and to improve the diagnosis and treatment for individuals living with this condition.
“Throughout the inquiry we’ve been deeply saddened and concerned to hear of the stigma being faced by those with lived and living experience of Long COVID and the impact this lack of awareness can have on people’s mental health and wellbeing, their educational and employment opportunities and their overall quality of life.
“We’ve now made several recommendations including establishing a single point of contact in health boards, increased leadership by the Scottish Government in assessing the effectiveness of Long-COVID clinics, raising awareness and understanding of the condition and making better use of health data.
“The recommendations made in our report must now be acted on to ensure that the stigma associated with long COVID is addressed, enabling those suffering from the condition to receive the recognition and support they both need and deserve.
“The Committee also wants to, once again, thank all of those who participated in the inquiry and recognise in particular the input from those with experience of the condition, whose evidence helped shape this inquiry from the outset and these recommendations to the Scottish Government.”
It is Deaf Awareness Week (1-7 May 2023) and RNID, the charity supporting people who are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus are calling on everyone to be deaf aware!
People who are deaf or have hearing loss have individual communication needs and you should ask how best you can communicate with them. RNID is encouraging people to use E.A.R. to help them remember simple tips they can use to make communication easier:
· Environment – reduce background noise or move to a quieter area. And make sure the room is well lit if the person relies on lipreading.
· Attention – use simple gestures such as pointing, waving or a light tap on the shoulder to get someone’s attention. Face the person you’re speaking to so they can lipread, and speak to them, not their interpreter or anyone else with them.
· Repeat and rephrase – if someone doesn’t understand you, try repeating what you said or rephrasing it in a different way. If this doesn’t work, you could write it down, or speak to a friend or relative if they ask you to.
Following E.A.R. can make the difference between your friend, family or colleague being part of the conversation or left struggling on the side-lines.
For support or information, please visit rnid.org.uk
Are you interested in learning more about dementia and how to support those who are affected by it? Do you have dementia and have questions about what it all means? A new self-help book, “FAQs on Dementia” written by Tom Russ and Michael Huddleston comes out today!
To celebrate this exciting release, there will be a book launch event at Stockbridge library on Friday 5th May, from 3.30pm-4.30pm. The event will feature the authors, and some friends and colleagues with dementia. Representatives from Alzheimer Scotland, Brain Health Scotland, the NRS Neuroprogressive and Dementia Research Network will be there to share information.
The Golden Hare bookshop will be in attendance to sell the book, so you will have the chance to buy your own copy at the event.
Here’s an extract from the blurb:
Will my partner stop loving me now they have dementia?
Does my mum have to go into a home now?
Is dementia a terminal illness?
All these questions, and hundreds more, are covered in this short but powerful, helpful, practical guide to understanding the nature, and impact, of dementia. Read at your leisure, or dip in and out when you most need the support or to shine a light on the issues and concerns that are making you uncomfortable or unhappy, and to bring them out of the shadows so you can understand and accept them.
Skipinnish has been announced as the Friday headline act at the Royal Highland Hoolie, taking place at the Royal Highland Show and hosted in partnership with the legendary Irish country music promoter Farmer’s Bash.
The Royal Highland Hoolie, taking place Friday 23 and Saturday 24 June 2023, will showcase some of Scotland and Ireland’s best homegrown music talent. The group will be joining fellow artists including Derek Ryan, Skerryvore and Lisa McHugh.
With a strong mix of powerful bagpipe, fiddle and accordion-led tune sets, Skipinnish encompasses the very best of contemporary Celtic Music. Celebrating their 20th anniversary in 2019, the band have been going from strength to strength, selling out some of the biggest venues in Scotland.
The band are looking forward to returning to the Scottish festival circuit in 2023 kicking it all off with the Royal Highland Hoolie, the band’s only summer Scottish gig.
Skipinnish co-founder, Andrew Stevenson, commented: “The band are thrilled to be playing at the Royal Highland Hoolie this June.
“We can’t wait to bring the Skipinnish sound to headline at the Royal Highland Hoolie and the Royal Highland Show, while joining a fantastic line up of fellow musicians flying the flag for modern Celtic music.”
More artists and event information are to be announced next month.
Tickets for Friday 23 and Saturday 24 June are now on sale. Tickets are only available to those already attending or who purchase a Friday or Saturday ticket to the Royal Highland Show. Tickets can be purchased at royalhighlandshow.org. Ticketing T&Cs apply.
Jim Warnock, Chairman of Royal Highland Show organisers, the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS), commented: “We are delighted to see more fantastic acts added and reveal Celtic rock band Skipinnish as a headliner. The Royal Highland Hoolie is a celebration of Celtic and country music, from traditional to modern and everything in between.
“We have seen a high demand for tickets this year so far, and with this latest addition to the line-up it looks to be a fantastic couple of nights!”
Farmers Bash organiser, Nigel Campbell, added: “Skipinnish is the perfect addition to the line-up for the Royal Highland Hoolie – with a unique mix of highland tradition and contemporary music, they will be sure to get the crowd going!
“We look forward to announcing even more stellar acts in the coming weeks for what will be a fantastic celebration of modern Celtic music.”
UK government awards nearly £40 million to more than 80 projects through the Darwin Initiative and Illegal Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund
Projects from Ghana to Ecuador will support global action to protect wildlife and reverse biodiversity loss
Next round of funding also opens to new projects, building on government’s target to halt biodiversity loss by 2030
Threatened plants and animals, including elephants and pangolins are set to be protected thanks to new UK government funding announced today.
Over 80 conservation projects across the globe will benefit from nearly £40 million funding aimed at boosting international biodiversity, supporting the communities that live alongside nature and tackling illegal wildlife trade.
Some of the successful projects include:
Support for the International Snow Leopard Trust to provide specialised training to combat the poaching of snow leopards in countries like Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, and Pakistan;
Supporting the work of the Wildlife Conservation Society to reduce demand for collagen rich Pangolin scales in Traditional Chinese Medicine;
Supporting the Zoological Society of London’s effort to create sustainable ways for humans and elephants to coexist in areas such as Thailand, where they are often in conflict.
Environment minister Trudy Harrison said: ““The fantastic projects announced today will enhance efforts to protect threatened wildlife, support economic growth of developing countries and drive nature recovery.
“The UK is a global champion when it comes to biodiversity and driving action to halt and reverse the decline of nature. I am proud that – through our Illegal Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund and the Darwin Initiative – we will continue to play a leading role in conservation efforts around the world.”
Dr Charudutt Mishra, from the International Snow Leopard Trust said: “The snow leopard, an iconic species of Asia’s high mountains, is threatened by retaliatory killing due to their predation on livestock, and illegal trade of its pelt and other body parts.
“With support from the Illegal Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund, we are empowering local and indigenous communities of High Asia with livelihood and conflict management initiatives to enable them to better coexist with snow leopards, and to support conservation efforts.
“We are also helping rangers improve their capacity and motivation in Illegal Wildlife Trade disruption with training, resources and enhanced social recognition in three countries.”
Chair of the Darwin Expert Committee Professor E.J. Milner-Gulland said: “I’m thrilled that the Darwin Initiative is funding such a wide range of outstanding projects, which will improve both biodiversity and human wellbeing in such a diversity of ways and in so many places.
“These projects bring fresh thinking and new ideas to conservation practice, produce evidence to support better conservation, as well as building the capacity of the next generation of conservationists around the world.
“It was a pleasure and honour to support Defra in their selection of these projects and I look forward to a new set of exciting proposals in the upcoming 30th round of the Darwin Initiative.”
The Darwin Initiative, a grants scheme to conserve and restore biodiversity and the communities that live alongside in developing countries, supported 63 of these successful projects with over £31.5 million funding. Projects will conserve nature-rich areas in developing countries and support communities who live and work in biodiverse areas to build resilience to climate change.
The Illegal Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund has supported 21 projects through £7.8 million funding to enhance the protection of threatened species. The projects will protect species including elephants, pangolins and threatened timber – and cement our leading role in cracking down on the £17 billion a year illegal wildlife trade which fuels corruption, deprives communities of sustainable livelihoods and degrades ecosystems.
The UK is a global leader in supporting efforts to halt the decline in nature, protect wildlife and restore the natural world. Our efforts will help to deliver on the ambitious new global deal for nature agreed at the UN Nature Summit COP15 in December, which will protect 30% of our land and ocean by 2030.
Today’s announcement also confirms that the launch of Round 10 of the Illegal Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund and Round 30 of the Darwin Initiative will be opening to applications in May 2023. Projects will soon be able to access up to a further £40 million funding building on the government’s commitment to combat biodiversity loss and improve animal welfare standards.
Further projects funded over the next five years include:
Darwin Initiative:
Beekeepers Restore the Forests of Afram Plains: this project will provide training for 1,000 beekeepers on topics including wildfire management and forest restoration, while mobilising communities to help curb illegal logging in Ghana.
Scaling rights-based approaches for conservation and poverty reduction in Indonesia: this locally led project is working to scale up an approach developed over the past seven years to advance the rights of indigenous communities, improve socio-economic conditions, and conserve biodiversity across Indonesia.
Building Capacity for Reciprocal Watershed Agreements in the Tropical Andes: this project will help roll out Reciprocal Watershed Agreements, where residents will be supported to develop projects that protect forests and wildlife while providing new livelihood opportunities for local communities. The funding will help to scale up the project, building capacity and capability across Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.
Illegal Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund:
Furs For Life – Preserving Culture, Protecting Nature: this project empowers women-led enterprises in Zambia and South Africa to produce synthetic fur garments, replacing authentic wild cat skin garments in local communities.
Conservation Litigation & Wildlife (CLAW): this project explores innovative ways to hold perpetrators of Illegal Wildlife Trade accountable by using liability laws to demand that they provide remedies for the damage they cause.
Unlocking DNA barcoding to identify illegal timber: this project will work to overcome the technical challenges proving a barrier to timber identification – a technique vital to improving the detection and prevention of the illegal timber trade.
Further Information
Round 10 of the IWTCF will open for new applications on Monday 1st May 2023. For more information on previous projects as well as how to apply please visit: https://iwt.challengefund.org.uk/
