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Tasty Return for Eat Out Edinburgh

Eat Out Edinburgh returns for 2023, bringing exclusive restaurant offers to the city centre

Eat Out Edinburgh 2023 is set to make a tasty return to the capital for a second year for locals and visitors alike to enjoy amazing offers from Edinburgh city centre’s best eateries for two weeks – from 13^th to 26^th of March.

Restaurants, cafés, and bars from St James Quarter to Charlotte Square, George Street to Princes Street will be participating, with many returning after a fantastic turn out in 2022.

The capital’s dedicated Business Improvement District (BID) will be the setting for this foodie fortnight run by Essential Edinburgh. Celebrating the best of food, drink, and hospitality, over 30 participating venues are already confirmed for the campaign, including Edinburgh favourites Badger & Co, Lady Libertine, Hawksmoor, and Le Monde, and new favourites like Ka Pao, 63^rd + 1^st, and Duck & Waffle.

Confirmed venues to date include offers like:

Grazing by Mark Greenaway: Enjoy a delicious 5-course Tasting Menu for Two & a Bottle of Wine for £99
Baba: £25 per person for a 4-course set menu lunch
Bread Street Kitchen & Bar: For £29 per person, enjoy a welcome cocktail and a three-course set menu
Tigerlilly: 20% off food for city centre workers by quoting ‘EAT OUT’ when booking
Ka Pao: Set lunch menu for £17.50 per person featuring a small plate, curry, jasmine rice and a side

A full list of participating Edinburgh venues and offers is now live on Eat Out Edinburgh’s website, with special tasting menus, set menus, events and exclusive offers for city centre workers to attract bookings and increased footfall throughout the campaign period.

Eat Out Edinburgh 2023

From business breakfasts to leisurely lunches and evening gatherings over dinner and cocktails, the Eat Out Edinburgh campaign has been designed to bring friends, family, and colleagues together and whilst supporting the city’s vibrant hospitality sector.

This year, the campaign is partnering with KidsOR – the Edinburgh-based charity provide lifesaving operations to children in need across the globe, allowing diners to support the charity through donation options at select participating venues.

Lothian Busses also returns as a partner for 2023 with city centre offers open to Lothian bus employees, and promotion for the event being shown on bus screens across the city throughout the campaign.

Roddy Smith, Chief Executive & Director, Essential Edinburgh, said: “This years’ celebration of Edinburgh’s iconic food & drink scene stands to bring together an even greater array of venues with set menus, events, and special offers exclusively for city centre workers.

“Our hope is to bring people out to socialise, find new favourites and experience exciting meals created by some of the city’s best-known spots. Whether you’re a local, from the wider Lothians region or visiting from further afield, we know there will be something on offer to suit all tastes.”

For more information, a full list of offers, and to keep up to date with the campaign, visit: http://www.eatoutedinburgh.co.uk/

‘Legacy of Failure’ of carbon capture highlighted by climate campaigners

++ Timeline shows two decades of failures on carbon capture technology
++ Instead of subsidising the Acorn project, campaigners argue public money would be better spent on public transport, home insulation and climate solutions that work today.
++ Technology labelled a ‘dangerous distraction’ that risks prolonging life of fossil fuel companies

Climate campaigners have highlighted a ‘legacy of failure’ on controversial carbon capture technology as the UK Government prepares to make a decision on investing more public money in the Acorn project in the North East of Scotland.

It has been almost 20 years since the Scottish Carbon Capture Society was formed but the industry has captured and stored zero tonnes of carbon in that time. In the intervening two decades, there have been failed proposals for carbon capture projects at Peterhead and Longannet fossil fuel power stations and at the Grangemouth industrial site.

The UK Government said they will make an announcement on support for further carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects in Spring 2023. Acorn failed to get ‘Track 1’ status and a share in £1 billion funding from the UK Government in October 2021.

Politicians and companies have been pleading for more public money for the Acorn project, despite Acorn partners Shell making $40 billion in profit in 2022, and Harbour Energy making $2 billion in profit before tax in the first half of 2022. The Acorn project appears to be totally reliant on further public subsidy to progress.

Carbon capture technology has been identified as a ‘dangerous distraction’ from the real, working climate solutions of rapidly reducing our use of fossil fuels through increased home insulation and the expansion of affordable and accessible public transport.

Campaigners say that both Governments should be investing in these measures that can improve people’s lives and cut emissions now rather than subsidising carbon capture which will only benefit hugely profitable fossil fuel companies.

The Scottish Government’s plan to meet their climate targets is dangerously over-reliant on carbon capture and storage. Ministers were warned by Holyrood committees, the UK Climate Change Committee and climate campaigners that they need a ‘plan B’ for when carbon capture fails to deliver. The Government has already admitted that carbon capture will not deliver in time to help meet 2030 targets but has neglected to act to address the shortfall in climate action.

Friends of the Earth Scotland climate campaigner Alex Lee said: “The story of carbon capture is a long and inglorious legacy of failure. The UK Government must not continue to throw public money at fossil fuel companies to try and prolong their climate-wrecking industry through the pipe dreams at Acorn or anywhere else.

“The only successful capture by this industry is public money, because it is certainly not capturing carbon. It’s long past time to stop subsidising some of the most profitable polluters on the planet.

“After nearly 20 years of industry promises and a complete failure to deliver, it is time to redirect that investment and energy to climate solutions that we know can deliver emissions cuts and improve peoples’ lives today, rather than falling for eternal promises of it just being around the corner.

“Scottish Ministers need to wake up and realise that carbon capture and these other so-called negative emissions technologies are a dangerous distraction from the urgent and necessary working of cutting emissions at source and delivering a just transition away from fossil fuels.”

Timeline of CCS failure

2005 – Scottish Carbon Capture Society founded
2007 – UK Government launch CCS industry demonstration project competition aiming to be operational by 2014.
2007 – BP pull out of Peterhead CCS project
2010 – Scottish Government CCS Road Map published. Existing coal stations would have to fit CCS no later than 2025 with a 100% capture rate required on new stations.
2010 – UK Government makes £1 billion available in capital investment for a CCS project.
2011 – UK Government pulls out of negotiations with Scottish Power & Shell because CCS project would cost over £1 billion.
2012 – UK Government launches second CCS development competition.
2015 – Peterhead CCS failure round 2. UK Government announced the £1 billion capital funding for the second competition was no longer available.
2017 – National Audit Office reveals £168million spent on failed CCS competitions including Peterhead.
2020 – Scottish Government Climate Change Plan update pledges approx 19% of efforts to meet 2030 climate targets will be achieved by Negative Emissions Technologies (e.g.CCS) and approx 25% of reductions by 2032.
2021 – Scottish Government’s Monitoring Report admits that NETs “ will not deliver at the pace assumed in the Climate Change Plan update”
2022 – Acorn cluster fails to meet its previously predicted timeline saying it would have drilled its first well in the North Sea by 2022.
Feb 2023 – One year since SSE & Equinor application to Scottish Government for new gas power station at Peterhead, with the claim CCS will be added to plant. Application has not progressed.
2023 – Acorn cluster fails to meet its previously predicted injection of 200 kilotonnes of carbon into sea beds. Currently this project has limited funding and no planning permission.

City councillor’s King’s campaign wins Scottish Government support

THE SHOW WILL GO ON AS MUCH-LOVED THEATRE WINS REPRIEVE

Councillor Finlay McFarlane, the SNP representative for the city centre, has led the charge to find money to secure the future of the 117 year old Kings Theatre in Tollcross.

The councillor, who credits the theatre as giving him his first professional work after graduating Drama School, rallied council colleagues to offer financial support for the Edinburgh institution securing a pledge from all five political Parties in the recent budget to part-fund the and called on UK and Scottish Governments to meet the remainder.

The Kings restoration project was thrown into jeopardy when the UK Government rejected a City of Edinburgh Council bid for Levelling Up funds but Cllr McFarlane was delighted that, having called on Culture Minister Neil Gray to rescue the plans, the Scottish Government has announced £3.85 million to fully plug the hole and save the theatre from shutting its doors for good.

Cllr McFarlane said: “I am over the moon to see the cultural, economic and historic importance of the true people’s theatre recognised and supported by the Scottish Government.

“Since the outcome of the levelling up bid was known, I have been working with colleagues to explore options to find the remaining money needed. Closing the doors on The Kings Theatre for good was simply not an option. This shows the SNP’s commitment to culture in the capital city of Scotland”.

The Sixth ‘Walk for Autism’ campaign returns this spring

Walk for Autism is returning in 2023 with a spring in its step

Walk for Autism 2023 will be one of the most successful campaigns in its history. The annual fundraising campaign invites participants from up and down the country to walk 10,000 steps per day for eight days wherever they choose.

The walking week begins on March 26 and ends on World Autism Awareness Day, April 2.

In 2022, the campaign saw over 3,800 walkers step up to the Walk for Autism challenge. Together, they raised £407,448.48 and totalled 211.6 million steps. The money raised from Walk for Autism helps to fund autism projects across the UK and Ireland, along with funding for specialist staff.

Last year’s campaign provided funding for a Health and Wellbeing Lead, who runs wellbeing groups ranging from football sessions, to cycling and hiking. Thanks to these projects, autistic people attending the groups have developed stronger social connections, built self-confidence, and felt the benefits to their mental and physical health.

Walk for Autism Fundraising Manager, Liz Oakley said: “This campaign is so close to our hearts, as we see how much of an impact it makes every year. It really helps to improve the quality of life of the people we work with, and allows us to create communities for people who need them.

“Taking part is also a brilliant opportunity to spend time outdoors and improve your health and wellbeing. It’s important to us that the challenge is inclusive to all abilities, so whether you opt for short walks each day, walking the dog, or take on longer hikes, the challenge can work around you.

“Walk for Autism also includes steps from everyday activities, such as pottering in the garden or walking upstairs. Every step counts and makes a difference.”

The 2023 campaign has been further boosted by the support of Bridgerton and Emmerdale star Simon Lennon, who will once again be stepping out in support of the Walk for Autism campaign.

Simon said: “I’m delighted to take part in Walk for Autism again this year because it’s really important to get everyone in the UK walking and talking about autism and it’s fun too.

“Many people taking part have a special connection to autism and they are doing their bit to help raise funds for autism projects around the UK and Ireland.”

The team are encouraging walkers to complete their steps by walking and talking with family and friends, at their own pace. Those who sign up and raise their first £20 will be sent a free ‘Walk for Autism’ t-shirt to assist in their fundraising.

Liz added: “Autism affects more than 700,000 people in the UK and Ireland. It’s amazing to see the difference that our walkers make each year, and essential that we continue to help as many people as possible through our fundraising efforts.”

Walk for Autism is a campaign led by Autism Initiatives Group, a national charity committed to improving the lives of autistic adults and children and their families across the UK and Ireland. Founded in the 1970s, the charity recently celebrated its 50^th anniversary.

You can now sign up for Walk for Autism at www.walkforautism.co.uk

TUC: Fighting the anti-strike law

The UK government is attempting to rush through Parliament new laws that could undermine workers’ ability to take strike action to defend their pay and conditions.

The Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Bill is a draconian piece of legislation.

It allows Ministers to write regulations in any services within six sectors (health, education, fire and rescue, border force, nuclear decommissioning and transport) that will force workers to work during strike action.

Employers will then issue work notices naming who has to work and what they must do.

Workers could be sacked and unions face huge damages if they fail to comply.

First in the firing line will be ambulance, fire and rail workers, with the government seeking to ram through new rules by the summer.

The TUC believes this new law is undemocratic by forcing workers to cross picket lines even if they have voted to strike in a legal ballot.

It is counter-productive: the government’s own analysis has warned that it could lead to more strikes.

And it ignores the steps that workers already take to ensure that life-and-limb cover is in place during industrial action.

Workers could be sacked

Workers could now be sacked for taking strike action that has been agreed in a democratic ballot.

If a person specified in their employer’s work notice continues to take strike action despite being required to work during the strike, they will lose their protection from automatic unfair dismissal.

This currently applies for first 12 weeks of a strike.

This is a gross infringement of individuals’ freedom.

It is also a U-turn on ministers’ initial pledge was to protect individuals from penalties.

The significant risk of dismissal for workers who speak up about their pay and conditions will do nothing to resolve staffing shortages in public services.

Unions might have to pay large damages

The Bill says a union must take “reasonable steps” to ensure that all its members identified in the work notice do not take part in the strike action.

If it doesn’t it could union could face an injunction to stop the strike or have to pay huge damages. These costs come out of members’ subs.

The cap for damages was last year raised to £1 million.

The legislation doesn’t say what a “reasonable step” constitutes leaving trade unions uncertain of their responsibilities.

The TUC also believes that forcing unions to send their members across picket lines is a significant infringement of their freedoms

Probably against international law

Ministers claim they are following similar systems in France, Spain and Italy.

But European unions disagree.

The European Trades Union Congress says: “The UK already has among the most draconian restrictions on the right to strike in Europe, and the UK government’s plans would push it even further away from normal, democratic practice across Europe.”

You can’t legislate away dissatisfaction

Workers taking industrial action today have endured the longest wage squeeze since Napoleonic times.

Workers in the public sector have seen their wages fall much further behind those of other workers: public sector pay rises are currently running at less than half the rate of those in the private sector.

For example, in the NHS nurses are earning £5,000 a year less in real terms than they were in 2010. For midwives and paramedics this rises to over £6,000.

This Bill will do nothing to help those workers, or to resolve current industrial disputes.

And it will do nothing to support those using public services, who are seeing the consequences of a decade of austerity.

Every working person is under attack from these new laws. Add your name and join the campaign. We must defend the right to strike.

Sign the petition

Shelter Scotland thanks shoppers for backing its fight against homelessness

Housing and homelessness charity Shelter Scotland has thanked shoppers for helping it raise a record breaking £24,000 at the 20^th Anniversary of its Stockbridge January launch event.

The charity shop’s ever popular January extravaganza attracts excited bargain hunters from across Edinburgh and beyond.

This year saw queues out the door well in advance of the 10am opening time. Shopper patience was rewarded as they snapped up designer clothes from brands such as Prada and Ralph Lauren, early jazz records on shellac as well as beautiful antiques.

Shelter Scotland is gearing up for the rest of the year and keeping one eye on 2024’s launch event, by asking people to donate any high-quality goods and clothes to help support the fight for home.

Director of Shelter Scotland, Alison Watson, said: “I’d like to thank everyone who donated items that were sold at our January launch and everyone who came along to grab a bargain on the day.

“Over its 20 years our Stockbridge January launch has become renowned across the Capital, so it was no surprise to see people queuing out the door before we’d even opened.

“Raising more than £24,000 from our launch is an incredible start to our year, but we want to keep that momentum going. If you have any good quality items or clothes that you no longer need then please consider them donating to your local Shelter Scotland shop.

“There is a housing emergency in Scotland that is causing misery in communities across the country. The incredible generosity of our donors and customers will help us in our fight to end that injustice.”

Cost of Living Crisis: The worst is yet to come, says Which?

Rocio Concha, Which? Director of Policy and Advocacy, said: “Which? research has found that millions of households are missing or defaulting on essential payments – such as mortgage, rent, loan, credit card or bill payments – every month and it’s hugely concerning that families are predicted to suffer even more hardship over the next financial year.

“As families across the country struggle to make ends meet, Which? is calling on businesses in essential sectors like food, energy and broadband providers to do more to help customers get a good deal and avoid unnecessary or unfair costs and charges during this crisis.”

The consumer champion has launched a campaign calling on businesses in essential sectors – supermarkets, telecoms and energy – to do more to help their customers through the cost of living crisis.

More information on the campaign is available here.

New campaign to maximise Scotland’s economic potential

Law firm CMS and the Fraser of Allander Institute has launched a new campaign aimed at bringing together Scotland’s business community, government and policy groups to maximise the nation’s economic growth potential.

The International Scotland initiative begins with the release of a new report highlighting some of the core opportunities for Scottish business, trade, and tourism to excel on the international stage.

The International Scotland report sets out how the nation punches above its weight in key sectors such as renewables, tourism and food & drink. It also recognises the strength of the Scottish university sector in supporting new, innovative companies and highlights how Scotland is an ideal location to attract international talent.

The report also focuses on some of the pros and cons of Brexit, suggesting that the UK’s exit from the EU could bring opportunities for the whisky market in nations like India and has also resulted in an upturn in international students at Scottish universities. It does, however, highlight the damaging impact Brexit has had on supply chains and many companies’ ability to do business, as well as its detrimental effect on foreign investment into Scotland.

A full copy of the International Scotland report can be found here

CMS and the Fraser of Allander Institute will now stage a series of events across Scotland involving direct engagement with the business community, Scottish Government ministers and other policy influencers.

Richard Lochhead MSP, Scottish Government Minister for Just Transition, Employment and Fair Work, will address the first event, focusing on Scotland’s transition to net-zero, in Aberdeen on 22 November.

Ivan McKee MSP, Scottish Government Minister for Business, Trade, Tourism and Enterprise, will then speak at an event focused on his ministerial remit in Edinburgh on 23 November. Mr McKee will also address the final ‘Invest in Scotland’ event, taking place in Glasgow on 7 December.

During the events, participants will discuss the key themes covered by the International Scotland report with a focus on developing policy proposals and recommendations aimed at reducing economic barriers and maximising global economic opportunities.

Companies and individuals wishing to apply to attend the events can register their interest here

Allan Wernham, Managing Director of CMS Scotland, said: “CMS is proud to join forces with Fraser of Allander Institute to launch the International Scotland campaign.

“Leveraging the knowledge and expertise within both organisations, we are focused on the core themes of business, trade and tourism; inward investment; and the transition to net zero and the key opportunities and challenges for Scotland in fulfilling its full economic potential.

“We now look forward to engaging in further discussions with the business community, government and policy groups to build consensus on the best way forward and develop innovative policy ideas that will help the Scottish economy to thrive.”

Professor Mairi Spowage, Director of the Fraser of Allander Institute, said: “We are excited to work with CMS on this new, internationally focused campaign.

“Using the evidence base highlighted in the International Scotland report, we will engage with a wider cross-section of stakeholders to explore the key barriers and enablers for the Scottish economy on the international stage.

“The forthcoming events taking place across Scotland will serve as the basis for feedback, input, further reflection and, ultimately, policy recommendation to drive economic growth.”

International-Scotland-Report-November-2022 Download

A Basic Income for Scotland event

BASIC Income Network Scotland are launching a campaign centring Basic Income within discussions for Scotland’s future, starting with an event on Tuesday 29th November.

Join us at the Wee Red Bar in Edinburgh for an evening of speakers, dynamic discussion, and live music.

https://bit.ly/3FVT8iS

Letters: Cat-Kind neutering campaign

A group of animal charities led by Cats Protection is advocating cats be neutered from the age of four months old to prevent unwanted pregnancies.

The Cat-Kind umbrella group recommends neutering at four months of age as that is when puberty hits. Neutering cats at four months (rather than the traditional six months of age), is an effective way to reduce the number of accidental litters, as well as having many recognised benefits to cat health and behaviour including marking of territory by spraying, fighting, wailing and roaming/getting lost.

Research has shown that neutering at four months has no increased risk and so there is no reason why neutering should be delayed until six months, by which time cats can already get pregnant.

Cats Protection estimates there are 1.3m unneutered pet cats in the UK and over 150,000 cats already enter shelters each year. This year has seen a 46 per cent increase in cats on the waiting list to enter the charity’s adoption centres, as owners seek to relinquish their pets due to the cost-of-living crisis.

A reduction in surprise pregnancies will stop the stress and risks to young cats who get pregnant, while reducing the number of unwanted kittens that may require rehoming in the future.

Further information on the benefits of neutering, as well as our Kitten Neutering Database listing vets undertaking the procedure at four months, can be found at www.cats.org.uk/what-we-do/neutering/kitten-neutering

Cats Protection provides discounted neutering for owners on low incomes.

To find out more call our dedicated neutering helpline on 03000 1212112 Mon – Fri 9.30 – 1pm or go to www.cats.org.uk/what-we-do/neutering/financial-assistance

Yours faithfully,

JANE CLEMENTS

Head of Neutering