Inspire kids to get the active habit. With Edinburgh Leisure’s Young Explorer soft-play membership, children get to sample the world of sport and fitness from an early age.
For new customers signing up to become a member in February,April is completely free. And for existing members referring a friend, if their friends join, the existing member will also receive a free month in April.
From only £17.99* per month, the Young Explorer Soft Play Membership offers incredible value, fantastic flexibility and of course, will keep little ones entertained and burning off energy as they explore the amazing soft plays.
Little adventurers can visit as many times as they wish, enjoying unlimited fun at any of Edinburgh Leisure’s three soft play venues across the city at Clambers at the Royal Commonwealth Pool, Tumbles at Portobello, and Scrambles at EICA: Ratho.
Edinburgh Leisure’s play frames are suitable for children up to ten years old and there are frames for babies, toddlers, and juniors up to 10 years. Each venue has a café where healthy snacks and tasty treats can be enjoyed.
With great member benefits, the Edinburgh Leisure soft play is only available to buy online:
We hope you have survived the recent cold weather!
Friends and supporters cooried in with us recently, enjoying exploring the ever-improving facilities and meeting our partners and trustees.
Some of them even joined Norma and her knitters as they continue their work on next year’s Christmas tree.
The pile of green squares is growing as are the decorations and we are receiving more and more intimations of participation from all over the country, from London to Inverness, including Conwy North Wales and Southport Merseyside.
Why not join the expanding groups of knitters and natterers and support a good cause?
We are happy to announce the Heart is one of 12 recipients of recent funding awards from Age Scotland, to “build on the difference we are already making”. The funding will cover the post of our Dementia Centre Manager for a further 12 months.
We will be open one afternoon a week and continue to co-produce a programme of activities that meets members’ needs and interests as well as develop a programme for family carers.
Watch this space and our social media outlets for further news.
Building repairs
You may have noticed the scaffolding being erected around the Victoria Building towards the end of last month.
This is thanks to part of the grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund award, plus further funding from The Pilgrim Trust, Historic Environment Scotland and The Community Ownership Fund (Department of Levelling Up) involving essential repairs to the roof and windows.
Work is progressing well and we hope it will be complete by the end of March ensuring the old building is waterproof and cosy, not to mention more eco-friendly!
Ukranian cooking
The local Ukranian Community are also running a cooking workshop at the Heart on Saturday 3rd February from 12 till 2pm. Come along and learn how to make Ukrainian dishes!
This time they are making pierogies, also known as varenyky or dumplings, both sweet and savoury kinds, with three kinds of stuffing: mashed potato, sweet cottage cheese, and cherries.
We are very pleased to be able to invite you to our ‘Coorie-In for Winter’ event at The Heart on Monday 5th February, 2 – 3.30 p.m. This is a great opportunity to mingle with our partners and groups to find out what’s on offer here at The Heart and how YOU can get involved!
Come along and browse the information stalls, chat directly with partners and group facilitators, visit the Heritage Suite and the Victorian Schoolroom!
Book now for your summer Victorian experience
One of our very first partners, the History of Education Centre (HEC aka the Victorian Schoolroom) has asked us to let everyone know that they are available for bookings over the summer holidays.
So if you know of a group of adults or children, perhaps a community group or an after-school club, that would like to experience the Victorian Schoolroom and adjacent Victorian Homelife Exhibit, tell them to get in touch with HEC via: histedcentre@gmail.com
Visits normally last around two hours but can be adapted to your preferences. Check out their website for further details : histedcentre.org.uk
Eyemouth Disaster wall plaques search
If you’ve checked the Heart’s Culture & Heritage blog recently, you will know that our heritage lead, Christine, is looking for information on a series of wall plaques that were created for the families of the 17 fishermen who drowned in the Eyemouth Disaster in 1881.
Would you like to be involved in creating a mural for our Anchor Building?
Restoration Forth is working with mural artist Natasha Russell to celebrate oyster reintroduction in the Firth of Forth and cultural connections to oysters.
We would love to hear your ideas for how you would like the mural to look and what imagery it could include.
Share your thoughts by filling out this online form:
or pop into The Heart and submit a drawing or written ideas.
There are paper forms you can pick up with some questions and a space for creative design sharing.
Work with us on our next big heritage project
We are seeking an enthusiastic and experienced project worker (two days per week) to coordinate and deliver a Heritage Lottery Fund funded project: ‘Our Schooldays’- memories and legacies’ – Heritage tales from Newhaven, Trinity and Leith Harbour’.
The post is funded from April 2024 for 18 months and will be based in the Heart. The project will use the heritage of schooldays as a means of bringing people together, enabling participants of all ages, ethnicities and backgrounds to learn more about each other, by sharing experiences and memories.
We are looking for a highly motivated individual with experience of community development work.
Contact lynne.porteous@heartofnewhaven.co.uk if you have any questions about the position. Closing date for applications: February 12th, interviews scheduled for 26th February
Hear About …
Remember to come along to our series of winter talks, Hear About, all on Friday afternoons at 3pm. The next ones will be:
Friday 2nd February – City archaeologist John Lawson on what emerged from the tram extension,
Friday 9th February – Jane Evans on the Newhaven Witches,
16th February – Gillian Gray on Your Heart,
23rd February – archaeologist Rob Engl on the playground excavation.
Check the website and social media for further details.
The talks are free but it’s useful to have an idea of numbers so please advise us at admin@heartofnewhaven.co.uk if you’d like to come along and if you have mobility issues.
Come and enjoy a trip down memory lane
The next meeting of the Reminiscence Group will be at the Heart on Thursday 22nd February. The session runs from 10.30 – 11.30 am. What will be the topic this time? Come and find out.
The sessions will now run on the last Thursday of every month, at the same time, so check your calendars and mark off the days!
Next month
Watch out for the next Leith folk Club event, being held in the Heart on 5th March when the Tannahill Weavers will be stopping by.
Eight charming dogs residing at Edinburgh’s Dog and Cat Home are currently seeking adoption, ready to begin a new life in their forever homes.
From Staffies to Shepherds, there are no dogs more deserving of love than those at the Home who have faced things that no dog should have to go through: from the hardships of living on the streets as a stray, to the loss of their beloved owners.
The Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home works endlessly all year round to help keep pets in their loving homes, but sadly is experiencing a record number of surrender requests from owners no longer able to care for their pets.
This comes as a result of the rise in the number of households that welcomed new pets to their family during Covid-19 lockdown, and the subsequent adjustment when the world opened up again, coupled with the financial devastation of the cost-of-living crisis.
Consistently at capacity and struggling to take in any more pets until others are rehomed, the charity is calling out for families thinking about welcoming a new pet into their lives to consider re-homing as an option before they seek to buy a pet.
Lindsay Fyffe-Jardine, CEO of Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home, said: “The more pets we can find loving forever homes for, the more vulnerable animals who may have been victims of neglect or abuse we can bring in and care for, offering them a safe place of refuge to recover, rehabilitate and eventually find a loving home of their own.”
Patiently waiting more than 650 days for the right family to welcome him into their life, 12-year-old Lurcher, Peter, first came to the home in 2022 as a stray and has been holding out for the right person to take him home ever since.
Despite being one of the oldest residents of the home, both in age and time spent there, Nonnie Kent the Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home’s Rehoming Manager says Peter still has a lot of life left in him: “Peter is a sweetheart with a loveable nature who deserves to spend his golden years surrounded by comfort and love.
“Despite his age, he still enjoys walks, sniffing around our paddock, and playing with his favourite soft toys. He can be easily overwhelmed so he just needs an owner who’s willing to work with him at his pace.”
Alongside Peter, Storm, Bailey, Graham, Ted, Quincy, Simon, and Dotty are all also currently looking for loving owners so they can live a happy and fulfilled life, showered with the care and attention they deserve.
Storm
1.5years, Dutch Shepherd, Female
Storm is a stunning one-and-a-half-year-old Dutch Shepherd. She had a tough start to life as she was brought to the Home as a stray last year. She can be wary of new people and nervous in new situations. Storm needs a patient and understanding person who can help her work on this.
Storm is a clever and energetic girl looking for an active owner who will enjoy giving her all the exercise and stimulation she needs each day.
She’s affectionate, playful and will be a devoted friend to the right person.
Bailey
5 years, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Male
Beautiful Bailey has been with the Home for almost a year and he’s hoping to find his forever home. He’s a medium-build, five-year-old Staffy with a heart as big as his eyes!
Bailey needs an experienced and active owner who will enjoy getting out with him and working on his training.
Bailey can be boisterous when he gets excited and needs to go to a home where he will be the only pet. He has so much love to give and he will make a loyal companion for the right owner.
Graham
5 years, Lurcher, Male
Graham is a five-year-old Lurcher who has won over the hearts of the Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home team. He first came to the Home as a stray, and he’s easily overwhelmed and anxious. Graham is looking for an experienced owner and a quiet home.
He’s a playful boy who loves running free and playing with toys. He’s been working hard on his training and needs a person who’s willing to keep this up with him.
Graham is incredibly affectionate once he gets to know someone and despite his size, he aspires to be a lapdog.
Ted
5 years, American Bulldog, Male, 229 Days at the Home
Ted is a big boy with an even bigger heart. He’s a five-year-old American Bulldog who was brought to the Home when his previous owner’s difficult circumstances meant they could no longer cope with his care.
Ted is just brimming with personality and playfulness. He loves meeting people, getting fussed over, and his football. He can be cheeky and needs someone who can manage this and continue to work on his training with him.
His affectionate and playful personality will make him the perfect companion for someone with the time and energy to give him the love he deserves.
Quincy
4 years, Lurcher Cross, Female
Quincy is a loveable lady who came to the Home when her previous owner passed away. She’s a four-year-old Lurcher cross who is shy of new people but full of affection for those she trusts.
She’s very playful and loves running on the beach or chasing a ball in our paddock.
Quincy doesn’t like to be left alone and can be reactive with other dogs. She’s been working on this in training and needs a person who will be understanding and patient with her.
Simon
1 year, Bulldog Cross, Male
Simon is a special boy who everyone at the Home has a big soft spot for. He’s a one-year-old Bulldog cross who had an incredibly tough start to life which has made him anxious and unsure of new surroundings and new people.
Simon needs someone who’s patient with his fears and stresses and will give him a quiet home. Simon doesn’t give his trust freely but once you’ve earned it, his playful personality shines brightly.
Simon deserves a safe, happy home where his confidence can grow even further.
Dotty
3 years, Bulldog Cross, Female
Dotty is a three-year-old Bulldog Cross who’s brimming with love for life. She’s been working hard on her training and needs an owner who will keep this up with her. Dotty is very motivated by food and toys, so she loves learning new things!
Dotty is a bundle of cuddles and love around people, but she doesn’t like other dogs and can be reactive. She is looking for a home where she will be the only pet, with an owner who understands her needs.
Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home has given animals a safe place to recover and find love for 140 years and supplies 88 foodbanks across East and Central Scotland with vital meals for pets.
The home also supports families struggling to make ends meet to help keep their pets at home through various community support services such as emergency food packages, educational content and training, and other outreach services.
Whether through preventative community work or caring for and rehoming animals like Peter who come to them, the Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home gives its all to support dogs and cats in East and Central Scotland.
To find out more or to enquire about adopting, visit their website https://edch.org.uk
As you may know, this year is FetLor’s 100th birthday!
We are keen to connect with as many former members as we can this year.
On 24th May we are having our Centenary Dinner at Fettes College. As part of that evening, we would like to show some short interviews with former members. We are keen to hear about your favourite FetLor experiences and what you are doing now.
Our Chief Executive, Richie Adams, would love to chat with you. Richie would be delighted to welcome you to the club for a coffee and chat at a time to suit you or he’ll happily come and meet you at a place that suits you both.
Alternatively, if you’d like to make a short video telling us your favourite FetLor memory, when you were a member and what you’re doing now and, perhaps, wish us a happy birthday, we can show that on the night too. Just send it to Richie and he’ll do the rest.
We are really keen to make this a fantastic year and very much hope we can reconnect with you.
If you would like to come to the Club or meet with Richie somewhere else, please either message us here or drop Richie and email at richie@fetlor.org.uk
More than 38,000 pubs are set to benefit from six-month freeze to alcohol duty from today
The great British pub receives further boost from today as a six-month alcohol duty freeze to 1 August 2024 takes effect.
This tax saving will help support around 38,175 pubs to face rising costs.
Duty freeze comes in addition to £4.3 billion in business rates cuts and duty protection for pints sold in pubs.
Pubs and hospitality venues have received a tax saving today, 1 February 2024, as a six-month alcohol duty freeze takes effect.
British pubs are a significant part of the fabric of communities across the UK and a further freeze on alcohol duty will help to support the sector while the government continues to bring down inflation while driving growth and investment.
This will impact around 38,175 pubs across the country and was announced as part of a multi-billion support package by Chancellor Jeremy Hunt in his Autumn Statement which also included £4.3 billion business rates relief.
Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, Gareth Davies, said: “The great British pub remains a critical part of communities across the country, that’s why we’re helping to keep costs low by freezing alcohol duty, reducing business rates, and supporting on energy costs.
“Our decisive action has also helped to more than halve inflation last year, protecting pubs and other businesses from the higher costs they would have otherwise faced.
“And we need to stick to our plan, so we can deliver the long-term change our country needs to deliver a brighter future for Britain, and improve economic security and opportunity for everyone.”
The six-month duty freeze, from 1 February to 1 August 2024, follows the biggest reform of alcohol duties taking effect last August, where, for the first time in over 140 years the UK’s alcohol duty system simplified so the duty paid reflects the amount of alcohol in it.
These reforms cut duty on pints in pubs by up to 11p when sold in supermarkets. Not increasing alcohol duty in line with inflation has now saved a further 3p to the duty on a typical pint of beer, 2p to a pint of cider, 4p to a glass of whisky, or 18p to a bottle of wine.
Welcoming the decision by the Chancellor to freeze alcohol duty, Nuno Teles, Managing Director, Diageo Great Britain, said: “By freezing duty until August, HM Treasury has listened to the industry’s plea for support and decided to back our homegrown sector, that employs so many people across the UK, and we urge the Chancellor to continue to back pub-goers, hospitality owners and producers.
Andy Slee, Chief Executive of the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) said: “While trading has been tough for pubs and independent breweries, the government’s continued support is very welcome. The beer duty freeze for six months provides some certainty for brewers as the new alcohol duty system is embedded.
“As part of this, the government introduced Draught Relief allowing beer destined for the pub to have a lower rate – and already there are signs that this is working to support pubs.”
The duty freeze formed part of a multi-billion pound support package for the alcohol duty industry announced at the Autumn Statement.
Retail, Hospitality and Leisure business rates relief was extended for a fifth year to 2024-25. This means around 230,000 retail, hospitality and leisure properties will receive 75% relief, up to a cap of £110,000 per business, on their business rates bills from the 2024-25 tax year.
This is a tax cut worth nearly £2.4 billion and comes on top of one third of business properties being taken out of paying business rates completely thanks to other government reliefs.
The small business multiplier for business rates was also frozen for a fourth consecutive year, protecting over a million ratepayers from an inflation increase in their bills.
August 2023’s ‘historical’ alcohol duty reforms saved on taxes in three ways:
Firstly, on draught drinks in the pub for all draught products below 8.5% alcohol by volume (ABV) through increasing Draught Relief. This is part of this government’s Brexit Pubs Guarantee commitment for every pint in every pub to pay less duty than their supermarket equivalent.
Secondly, tax was cut on lots of popular drinks in shops like sparkling wines and ready-made drinks.
Finally, the new Small Producer Relief was announced to help small businesses and start-ups create new drinks, innovate and grow.
The first of a two-stage approach to new legal safeguards on XL Bully dogs will come into force on 23 February subject to parliamentary approval.
From this date, it will remain legal to own an XL Bully dog but owners must ensure their dogs are muzzled and on a lead when in a public place. Selling, gifting or exchanging XL Bully dogs will also be prohibited.
Stage two of the new rules, which come into force from 31 July, will make it an offence to own an XL Bully without an exemption certificate or having applied for an exemption certificate. This means existing XL Bully dog owners will need to consider whether they wish to keep their dogs and if so will have to apply and pay for an exemption permit by that date.
Full details as to what date applications for an exemption certificate will open, how to apply and the support available will be announced in the coming weeks.
The new regulations, which are subject to approval by Parliament, are being introduced as a consequence of similar controls on the breed that have been introduced by the UK Government in England and Wales, which have resulted in reports of dogs being moved to Scotland.
Minister for Victims & Community Safety Siobhian Brown said: “It is vital XL Bully dog owners get ready for the first stage of legal safeguards that will come into force on 23 February. These new rules are intended to prevent risks to public safety and animal welfare and keep our communities safe.
“The second stage of legal safeguards will provide owners seeking an exemption an appropriate length of time to decide how to prepare for the forthcoming change in the law ahead of the 31 July deadline.
“The vast majority of dog owners are responsible animal lovers and we know owning a dog brings with it important responsibilities. I would encourage owners to make themselves aware of the new laws and get ready for them.”
The penalties available to a court upon conviction for breach of the new safeguards are up to six months imprisonment and/or a fine up to £5,000.
The definition to be used for an XL Bully dog is the same as used by the UK Government. This can be found at: Check if a dog is an XL Bully – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Local authorities have existing powers under the Control of Dogs (Scotland) Act 2010 to serve Dog Control Notices that set out what dog owners must do to bring their dogs under control to combat ‘out of control’ dogs at an early stage.
Ban on unregistered XL Bully dogs now in force in England and Wales
It is now illegal to own an XL Bully dog unless it is registered and complies with strict rules including being neutered and muzzled in public
The ban on XL Bully dogs is now in force making it illegal to own an unregistered XL Bully dog from today (1 February).
This delivers on the Government’s pledge to take quick and decisive action to protect the public from devastating dog attacks by adding the breed type to the list of dangerous dogs.
The decision was made following a concerning rise in fatal dog attacks involving the XL Bully breed type. Up until 2021 there were around 3 fatalities per year. There have been 23 since the start of 2021 – with the XL Bully being involved in many of these tragic attacks.
From today, anyone found in possession of these dangerous dogs and is not meeting the strict rules will have their dog seized and faces prosecution and a criminal record.
Environment Secretary Steve Barclay said: ““The ban on XL Bullies is now in place meaning it is illegal to own one of these dogs unless it has been registered.
“We have delivered our pledge to bring in this important measure to protect public safety, and we expect all XL Bully owners to comply with the strict conditions.”
In order to safely manage the existing population of these dogs, owners of XL Bully dogs must register their dogs and make sure they comply with strict rules.
“This includes having them microchipped, kept on a lead and muzzled when in public and, to ensure these dogs cannot continue breeding, they must also be neutered. For most dogs, this will be by 30 June, and for dogs under one year old, this should be by the end of 2024.
The Government will continue supporting the police to make sure the ban is effectively enforced, and ministers met with police chiefs this week to discuss their preparations to implement the ban.
The ban applies to England and Wales. The Scottish Government has also announced they will be bringing forward an XL Bully Ban (see above).
Our first Afternoon Tea was a resounding success last Friday, and spaces are filling up for the next one! So much so that we’ve added a new date on Saturday 17th February!
These delicious teas are made by our chefs in house, and as well as being a delicious treat to brighten up any weekend, they also raise funds for the Hospice!
You can book yours today by emailing iona@stcolumbashospice.org.uk , booking in person in the Iona Cafe, or by going to our online shop!
The Chinese New Year is celebrated by cultures across the globe and this year retailers in Multrees Walk Edinburgh are inviting shoppers to celebrate The Year of the Dragon in style.
The Lunar New Year is a time for joy and celebration and is also an opportunity for many to buy gifts that represent good fortune and blessings.
A symbol of good luck, strength and prosperity, the dragon represents a hopeful year ahead. From beautifully designed dragon motifs to an abundance of red – a colour that represents luck, joy, and happiness in Chinese culture – Multrees Walk has curated a Lunar New Year gift guide to help celebrate the Chinese New Year.
The dragon motif has been adopted by several fashion brands to help bring in the Year of the Dragon in style:
Louis Vuitton
Louis Vuitton will host an in-store event on Thursday 8th February between 12-6pm. Throughout the day, a calligrapher will illustrate a collection of stylish gift cards and there will be a selection of tea and sweet treats to enjoy.
Harvey Nichols
Harvey Nichols Edinburgh welcomes Scotland’s leading Palmist Kalem Turner for a day of astrology and tarot card reading on Saturday 10th February. Kalem will be hosting 1:1 appointments within the private, luxury surrounds of the Private Shopping suite at Harvey Nichols, Edinburgh.
Intricate dragon designs are commemorated on Limited edition Laura Mercier festive products to welcome the Lunar New Year.
Red and gold envelopes will also be given away to customers who spend over £250 within the Beauty/Retail department or £100 within the Forth Floor Foodmarket between 9th – 12th February. These envelopes will present customers with good fortune and the potential for what the year lies ahead.
And, red and gold envelopes will also be within a funfair Claw Grabber Machine, where chances to win tokens are given to customers who spend over £250 within the Beauty/Retail department or £100 within the Forth Floor Foodmarket between 9th – 12th February. These envelopes will present customers with good fortune and the potential for what the year lies ahead.
Mulberry
This Chinese New Year, designer Mira Mikati refreshes a series of Mulberry styles with her bright and bold signature colour palettes in a collaboration that perfectly encapsulates the joyful spirit of the Year of the Dragon.
Strathberry
Taking inspiration from traditional Chinese paintings, that depict the dragon in its most mesmerising form, Strathberry is delighted to release an exclusive, limited-edition collection, celebrating the Year of Dragon with a vibrant floral motif.
– Cardholder – £95
– Silk Skinny Scarf – £75
Strathberry customers are also invited to celebrate Chinese New Year by experiencing the art of Chinese calligraphy which is taking place in store on Saturday 3rd February.
Customers will also receive a Strathberry bespoke Red Envelope Set for the year of Dragon, which symbolises good luck and prosperity for the forthcoming year.
Johnstons of Elgin
Johnstons of Elgin have introduced a Limited Edition Cashmere Scarf, celebrating The Year of the Dragon. Made with the softest Cashmere yarn, this generously sized scarf features an embroidered image of a dragon, symbolising health, luck and strength in Chinese culture. Available in muted camel and light grey shades.
Michael Kors Edinburgh
Book a private stylist between 4th – 10th February to explore the new collection and receive a complimentary glass of prosecco. Customers that spend £100 or more will also receive a special gift with their purchase to celebrate Chinese New Year.
The Whisky Shop
The Whisky Shop in Multrees Walk introduces the Lunar Year with Johnnie Walker Blue Label’s spectacularly sweet and fruity limited-edition release. This is their latest addition to their yearly Lunar New Year Series.
Multrees Walk will join Edinburgh Tourism Action Group (ETAG) as part of the Edinburgh Chinese New Year Festival, which is the largest celebration of its kind in Scotland and runs from 3rd – 13th February 2024.
2022 saw UK temperatures soar to above 40°C for the first time, while 2023 was the world’s hottest year on record. Westminster’s Environmental Audit Committee has raised concerns over the UK’s lack of preparedness in its report on ‘Heat resilience and sustainable cooling’.
The “silent killer” of heatwaves could claim up to 10,000 lives annually in the UK without concerted action, with the most vulnerable at greatest risk. Physical and mental health can be severely impacted: the Committee heard that suicide risk is twice as high in the UK when the temperature was 32°C rather than 22°C.
Work-related injuries also increase, and interrupted sleep patterns due to high temperatures can cost the UK economy £60bn a year, or 1.5% to 2% of GDP.
The social and economic case for accelerating heat adaptation measures in the UK is clear-cut, and EAC recommends measures around prioritising passive cooling – that do not involve expending energy – and clear Government messaging on the risks of heat events, underpinned by a national strategy on heat resilience.
Nature based solutions offer important passive cooling measures and additional co-benefits. Parks, trees, water bodies and green infrastructure – such as green roofs – can have significant cooling effects and also help biodiversity and air quality.
The Government must adopt a range of these measures, particularly in areas where the ‘urban heat island’ effect typically raises temperatures: for example, London can be up to 8°C warmer than surrounding rural areas.
Over 4.6 million English homes experience summertime overheating, and with 80% of homes that will exist in 2050 having already been built, retrofitting for net zero and thermal comfort will be needed on a vast scale.
Existing initiatives on insulation and energy efficiency should be developed into a national retrofit programme which should be delivered by local authorities, supported by long term funding, focusing on insulation and ventilation, as well as passive measures, above active cooling mechanisms.
Fans may also have a role, and the Government should consider amending Building Regulations to encourage the use of ceiling fans. The Government must urgently bring forward proposals to encourage access to low-cost finance for householders to retrofit passive cooling measures.
Some of the passive measures EAC heard about included installing external shutters, which could reduce incidences of heat mortality by around 40%, and coating the roofs of buildings with reflective white paint.
Passive cooling measures would reduce the need for energy intensive air conditioning units, which in 2022 and 2023 led to a surge in demand for electricity causing coal fired power stations to fire up once more. A repeat of this surge risks a vicious cycle of increased greenhouse gas emissions that in turn make the world even hotter. Action to increase the energy efficiency of air conditioners is therefore also required.
Any national retrofit programme must be well-funded but also address concerns of a “net zero tradespeople crisis” amid concerns that by 2030, there will be a shortfall of 250,000 people in suitable roles.
Information on coping with extreme heat does not always appear to be reaching those in need. Repeating calls the predecessor Committee made in its 2018 Heatwaves report, EAC urges the Government to launch a public information campaign on the developing threat of heatwaves and their significant impact on human health and activities.
The Met Office should trial naming heatwaves to boost public recognition of the threat to health and wellbeing in the same way as named storms. Humidity levels should also be incorporated into weather forecasts and heat-health alerts.
At COP28, the UK signed the Global Cooling Pledge, which saw nations commit to reduce cooling related emissions by 68% from 2023 by 2050. EAC hopes its report assists the Government’s production of a national cooling action plan as the pledge calls for, and in response to its report, the Government should set out its timetable for this plan.
Environmental Audit Committee Chair, Rt Hon Philip Dunne MP, said: “The world is heating up, and in the coming year we may exceed an increase of over 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels: breaking a key ambition of the Paris Agreement. The record temperatures we are seeing in UK summers, triggered by climate change, pose significant risks to health and wellbeing, and swift action must now be taken to adapt to the UK’s changing climate.
“Projections suggest that without action, there could be 10,000 UK heat-related deaths annually. High temperatures are costing the UK economy £60 billion a year: so measures to address the risks from overheating are simply a no-brainer.
“There are a number of relatively simple ways to mitigate overheating risk, such as installing shutters, increasing the size of green spaces and using reflective paint on roofs. Yet none of these measures are being rolled out at scale. There is now a real opportunity to focus on these measures in tandem with improving the energy efficiency of the country’s homes in a new national retrofit programme.
“Tackling overheating at scale will not be a quick or easy undertaking. Clear collaboration between Government departments and local authorities is necessary, supported by a clear messaging campaign and a pipeline of funding and skilled retrofitters to undertake the work needed.
“Existing Government policy fails to grasp the urgency of the task at hand. A Minister with oversight on heat resilience must be appointed to oversee this important work.”
Dr Radhika Khosla, Associate Professor at the Smith School of Enterprise and Environment, University of Oxford, who acted as Specialist Adviser for the EAC’s inquiry, said: “We were delighted to partner with the EAC for this timely and important inquiry.
“Sustainable cooling has rightly been pushed up the global agenda in recent years as temperatures rise around the world. But now that we recognise the problems from extreme heat, it is imperative we commit to the solutions.
“Our hope is that this report helps the UK take action to meet its Global Cooling Pledge commitments and, most importantly, helps to save lives and protect people’s wellbeing while reducing emissions from cooling.”
Fashion fans set to flock to the official open weekend to shop new collections from Vivienne Westwood, Temperley London and Suzanne Neville
Good news for fashion fans – the award-winning Rachel Scott Couture is marking its 20th anniversary with an exciting expansion.
The new boutique will feature a carefully curated selection of eveningwear, bespoke jewellery and accessories from top designers such as Vivienne Westwood, Temperley London and Suzanne Neville, and Scottish style enthusiasts can get an exclusive first look from tomorrow – Thursday 1st February.
Located in the heart of the Scottish capital on Edinburgh’s Queensferry Street, fashion aficionados can book a private appointment at the boutique from Thursday 1st February.
Alternatively, fashionistas can drop in and browse the full collection without an appointment during the open weekend on Saturday 3rd – Sunday 4th February. Here, they can take full advantage of the launch offers which include 20% off all Rachel Scott bespoke jewellery and a £250 discount on Rachel Scott bespoke jewellery pieces with any dress purchase.
The new premises will showcase a range of colourful cocktails dresses, beautiful black tie gowns and the finest couture formalwear, as well as handcrafted headwear and jewellery for any occasion.
Designer names include Vivienne Westwood whose exclusive made-to-order collection will be available for the very first time in Scotland at Rachel Scott Couture.
What’s more, the new made-to-order eveningwear collection from celebrity favourite Suzanne Neville will also be available for the first time in Scotland at Rachel Scott Couture.
Speaking ahead of the launch, boutique owner Rachel Snedden explains the benefits of buying made-to-order pieces; “Fit is such a huge issue for many people when buying ‘off-the-rack’ clothing, and even more so when shopping online.
“Now imagine you can have something made to your exact measurements and specifications, for example – you don’t like the neckline, the colour, or you don’t want to have to worry about a bra – we can change it and have it made the way you really want it!”
As well as offering this made-to-order service, the new Rachel Scott Couture boutique will also provide the same exceptional level of expertise and personal attention that has resulted in the couture experts winning an impressive collection of accolades and awards throughout their 20 years in business.
