Scotland’s first-ever free, book recycling vending machine is unveiled at The Centre, Livingston – ‘Read. Swap. Repeat.’ – to give shoppers the chance to swap their old books for a reused one, for free, to help keep them in circulation and prevent them from going to landfill.
The ‘swapping’ vending machine stocks 200 books for adults and children.
Shoppers simply hand in old books, which are in a good condition, to the Customer Service Desk, near New Look, and collect a token to use in the machine, which is full of pre-loved books from all genres, and simply choose another one for free! Books are regularly restocked to ensure shoppers find something different every time they visit.
Shoppers have the chance to swap up to three books at a time and also donate books to help keep the stock up without swapping. Any books which can’t be used will be donated to charity.
Katie Gallacher, Marketing Manager at The Centre, Livingston said: “Our Read. Swap. Repeat. free book vending machine is a great way for book lovers to share their favourite reads and help the environment at the same time.
“We’re delighted to be the first in Scotland to launch it and are confident it will be a big hit with visitors to the shopping centre.”
George Gellatly from Balerno, who regularly visits The Centre, Livingston with his wife Sandra, said: “I think the book vending machine is a great idea!
“I’ve seen lots of vending machines like this but never one with recycled books in it!
“Being big readers, my wife and I will definitely be using it – it is such a great way to reuse books and may be even pick one up that we wouldn’t normally go for.”
The book vending machine is situated next to Gregg’s Café and the Post Office.
Action plan to ensure Scottish Welfare Fund reaches those in most need
Improvements to the way crisis support is delivered in Scotland are set out in a plan published yesterday.
The Scottish Welfare Fund provides a vital safety net which has paid out more than £380 million in emergency funds to more than half a million households over the last ten years.
The plan sets out 22 commitments to help the Fund better address unmet need and make decisions more consistent across the country. Actions include a simplified application form, clearer guidance and better promotion to those who may not currently be being reached, including older people.
Improved guidance on referrals to wider services such as debt and welfare advice will also aim to help people with their finances so they can avoid future crisis.
Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “Ten years on from the introduction of the Scottish Welfare Fund, it is time to make improvements to ensure it continues to provide lifeline support. These actions will help to ensure that no matter where people live, they can access support they are eligible for in their time of need.
“The current financial pressures facing many households and the hardship that brings has shone a spotlight on the need for such emergency funds, and as the independent review of the fund made clear in March, the inadequacy of UK Government welfare has contributed to increased demand.
“The publication of this plan demonstrates the Scottish Government’s dedication to strengthening our social security system and working to best meet the requirements of people in Scotland.”
Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre, is announcing summer workshops in its Edinburgh store to celebrate the start of summer.
The Little Seedlings Club workshop will teach children how to look after the garden with the warmer temperatures, and Dobbies’ Holiday Club workshop is about the different herbs and microgreens that can help your pizza taste great.
Suitable for children aged 4-10, these free and interactive sessions in Edinburgh are guaranteed to keep them busy during the school holidays and encourage them to discover more about nature.
Taking place on Sunday 2 July, the Little Seedlings Club workshop is set to be fun-filled and educational with a focus on how to effectively conserve water when looking after the garden this summer.
Children will learn about the fascinating water cycle in plants and why plants need our help to stay green and lush, particularly during the hotter months.
Dobbies’ horticultural experts will teach the children in Edinburgh when to water the plants and how to preserve water usage through sustainable mulching and planting drought-resistant species like Cordyline, Lavender and Hebe. Mulching not only saves water but also suppresses weeds, provides nutrients to the plants and enhances the overall appearance of the garden.
Dobbies’ Holiday Club takes place from the start of July where children will learn about the different herbs and microgreens that can be used as pizza toppings.
The Holiday Club session will show the difference herbs can make to a pizza, adding bold or subtle flavours as well as having nutritional value. The children in attendance will also learn how to grow herbs and microgreens at home with ease.
Dobbies’ Community and CSR Communications Executive, Chloë Bell said: “We are excited to be hosting two fantastic sessions for kids in our Edinburgh store this summer.
“Not only are these sessions a great way to keep children entertained and busy during the holidays, but it’s a great chance for them to meet friends and try something new. If you haven’t already checked out our free sessions, please do come along this July and get involved.”
Advance booking is required to secure a free spot at July’s Little Seedlings Club workshop and Pizza Planting Holiday Club. The Holiday Club will run throughout the school holidays and customers are encouraged to visit the Dobbies’ website for booking as each store’s availability differs.
For more information on how children can participate, visit: Events | Dobbies Garden
Celebrating the importance of families, Edinburgh born foster carer Sarah Byrom launched her new book ‘Marmalade Raspberries & Albrecht – a Poetry Prose Memoir’ at Carberry Tower in Edinburgh on Sunday 18th June.
‘I couldn’t put it down. It is truly a beautiful work of art and so imaginative. It is one of the most beautiful books I have and I will treasure it.’ – Gillian Ferguson, Chair of Edinburgh’s Friends of the City Art Centre & Museums (FCAC)
‘Marmalade Raspberries & Albrecht – a Poetry Prose Memoir’ is a labour of love for the published author. It took over a year to write but 13 years to publish. The book is an illustrated memoir and collection of short stories, poems and recipes celebrating Sarah’s childhood and a tribute to ‘the wonderment and often bonkerness of daily, family life.’
The local author values family life and just over a year ago became a foster carer with Aberlour. Recognising the importance of Aberlour’s work to support struggling families through its Urgent Assistance Fund, Sarah is covering all costs herself so that every penny donated for the book and cards will go to the emergency relief fund.
Sarah Byrom, author and Aberlour foster carer said:“Over the past 14 years I have been working on ‘Marmalade Raspberries & Albrecht – a Poetry Prose Memoir’ and it’s great to finally see it in print.
The book is a tribute to my late mother, grandmo”ther and close family friend, Edith Wright. It was wonderful to think about my childhood and how important it was in making me the person I am today.
“I have always loved kids and during lockdown I decided to investigate becoming a foster carer to give a child the opportunities and love I had growing up. That was when I was introduced to Aberlour Children’s Charity.
“My little one has now been with me for over a year now. I wanted to use my book to help families struggling across the country. Life is tough for everyone now, but it is especially difficult for many low-income families.”
Aberlour works across Scotland providing a range of services including family support and fostering. Aberlour’s Urgent Assistance Fund has been a lifeline for many desperate families during the pandemic and the current cost-of-living crisis, giving emergency cash grants to pay for food, utilities, clothing, nappies and other basics.
Since April 2021 over 16,000 people have received grants from the Aberlour Urgent Assistance Fund worth £1.8 million.
Nicola Fearon, Head of Fostering at Aberlour said: “We are so proud of Sarah.
“Not only has she published this wonderful book about her childhood and the important people in it, but she is using the book to raise much needed funds to help families struggling to make ends meet.”
Abby Parkhouse, Community Fundraiser at Aberlour said: “1 in 4 children in Scotland are currently living in poverty. Through our Urgent Assistance Fund we are able to help families in desperate need by providing cash grants to help them buy food, clothe their children and keep the lights on.
We are so grateful to Sarah for using something so very personal to raise money to help others struggling to keep their heads above water during the cost-of-living crisis. Without supporters like Sarah, we wouldn’t be there for the families who need us.”
The book was launched initially in Sarah’s childhood home’s garden, an important place in both her and her family’s life, with close friends and family.
The second launch took place on 18th June at Carberry Tower with friends and special guests including team members from Aberlour.
Sarah will also be releasing a 12-episode podcast series about the book.
73% of vacationers in Edinburgh are planning a holiday with at least three generations of their family this year
Multigenerational holidays are a key trend for 2023, with people desperate to make up for lost time after Covid.
According to a new survey, 73% of vacationers in Edinburgh are now contemplating the idea of planning a getaway involving at least three generations of their family. Grandparents are excited to celebrate milestone events with 33% with a fifth saying it is key they can indulge in luxury experiences.
It can be difficult to keep three generations happy, 52% want to explore and discover shared interests together. For parents with children under one, the excitement of booking multigenerational holidays is just beginning with 95% saying they would consider booking one.
Having other members of the family about helps take the burden off new parents with 55% saying a multigenerational holiday is so important for them as they are more relaxed than when they are at home.
The research, commissioned by Visit Dubai and based on a survey of a thousand British adults, suggests families are increasingly looking for opportunities to spend quality time together with 70% expressing a desire to creating lasting memories while on holiday.
One thing that the whole family can agree on is that good weather is at the top of the agenda with parents saying this is the most important thing for them (60%). Grandparents agree at 52%, and kids at 46%.
TOP HOLIDAY PRIORITIES BY GENERATION
Parents: Good value (61%) Good weather (60%) Plenty of activities for everyone (54%) A stress-free and relaxing experience (52%) Entertainment (50%)
Children: Lots of kid’s activities (68%) Entertainment (65%) Good weather (46%) Plenty of activities for everyone (37%) Safety (25%)
Grandparents: Good weather (52%) A stress-free and relaxing experience (49%) Good value (47%) Safety (37%) Entertainment (32%)
Now that the long school holiday is on the horizon, many parents in Scotland will be sorting out extra childcare over the break.
At the NSPCC Helpline, we often receive calls asking about the appropriate age to allow children to stay home alone. Between work appointments and other family commitments it’s inevitable that some parents will have to deal with this situation.
It can be difficult to know what’s best to do and it’s natural for parents to worry. With this in mind I thought it would be a good opportunity to give some insight into when it is safe for your child to be home alone.
There is no legal age that a child can be left home alone but it’s against the law to leave a child alone if it puts them at risk. Every child matures differently so it would be almost impossible to have a ‘one size fits all’ law. A child who doesn’t feel comfortable should never be left home alone and, obviously, infants aged 0 to 3 should never be left, even for a few minutes. Also, we wouldn’t recommend leaving a child under 12 years old home alone, particularly for longer periods of time.
However, as children get older they may want more freedom and independence. This can present another tough decision for parents and carers, and one that will differ from child to child. That’s why it’s a good idea to have a plan in place, to help to build up their independence at a pace that is right for them.
It’s absolutely vital to talk to your child about how they feel about this situation and to ask if they are worried about anything when home alone. Regularly checking how they feel can pinpoint any concerns and will give you an idea of how to help or why they might not be ready. If they are happy to be home alone for a while, it’s always good to check in with them during that time to make sure they feel safe.
Parents can contact our helpline at help@nspcc.org.uk for more advice.
Our Childline service is available too, and children can contact us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, on 0800 1111 or via a one-to-one chat on www.childline.org.uk
Commenting on news reports of fights breaking out between parents at Ferryhill Primary School, UNISON has denounced the actions as intolerable and are demanding that more must be done to protect all staff, parents and pupils from the threat of violence at work.
UNISON Edinburgh City branch secretary, Tom Connolly said: “This is a serious situation, which we have been working with stakeholders to ensure all pupils, parents and staff are safe.
“It is not acceptable that staff regularly feel threatened at work. We can’t allow any aggressive behaviour towards anyone in our school.”
“UNISON, with other unions, has been trying to find a solution for some months. We are working together with the head teacher, who is extremely supportive, the police and local authority. We are doing everything we can to support staff and parents.
“The unions have met with senior leaders at Edinburgh Council and requested community police to support staff at the beginning and end of the school day when the behaviours are at their worst. We are also looking to see if a voluntary sector family support organisation can provide help.”
“UNISON will continue to work collaboratively over the summer, with the school management team, city councillors and others, to ensure pupils, parents and staff can return to a safe environment for learning.”
The Chair of Ferryhill Parent Council made this statement back on 1st June:
It is with a heavy heart that I must make this statement.
As parents, our top priority is always our children. We willingly sacrifice our free time and forego attending events in order to organize activities and provide treats for the kids at Ferryhill. We strive to ensure that every child is included and receives equal treatment. Over the past few months, we have taken days off from work and given up our personal time to address significant issues that were left behind by the previous parent council.
As the Chair, it is unacceptable for our members to be subjected to backlash, derogatory comments, and verbal abuse.
Regrettably, we have experienced two separate serious incidents today, which will be thoroughly investigated, and the police will be involved if deemed necessary.
Additionally, we have received negative feedback from parents about the selection of activities we have on offer. Taking all of this into account, I have made the difficult decision to suspend any upcoming events that we had planned, as well as future projects aimed at supporting the children at Ferryhill.
After the investigation concludes, we will assess the situation and make a decision regarding whether to proceed or not. Furthermore, we will seek support from the parent forum for any future decisions.
It is important to note that we are here to represent parents and caregivers. However, it is crucial to remember that we are also parents ourselves.
If there is any parent that witnesses the two incidents and would like to come forward please contact me on ferryhillparentcouncil@yahoo.com
YOUNG SWIMMERS in Portobello have received a day of vital water safety lessons alongside an Olympic medallist to mark Drowning Prevention Week.
Former Olympian Stephen Milne made a star appearance during a Learn to Swim event held at Portobello Swim Centre, which delivered water safety lessons to 77 children as part of the awareness week.
Nine swim classes were delivered across the day by local swim teachers and the Olympic swimmer, teaching crucial water safety skills, from floating techniques to the Water Safety Code. The event helped build on Learn to Swim’s foundations of creating ‘Generation Swim’ – a generation of safe, competent and confident swimmers.
Portobello Swim Centre, part of Edinburgh Leisure, is one of more than 160 pools in Scotland to offer Learn to Swim lessons as part of a National Framework made possible through a partnership between Scottish Swimming and Scottish Water.
Stephen Milne said: “No one should ever have to feel unsafe or uncomfortable in water, that’s why days like these are so important to reinforce the importance of water safety.
“One reason why Learn to Swim events like this are so important is to energise young swimmers to continue to learn and improve what is a vital life skill.
“It’s always a thrill getting back in the pool but particularly when it can leave a real impact on future generations.”
Stephen won a silver medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Brazil and has 5 Commonwealth Games medals having competed in three separate Commonwealth Games since 2014. He is also a world and European champion.
Following the lessons, Stephen hosted a captivating Q&A session to engage with all attendees. To commemorate the day, he presented aspiring swimmers with autographed swim caps and t-shirts, leaving a lasting impression with budding swim stars.
Kate Cramb, Operations Manager at Edinburgh Leisure said: “To host such a meaningful event is a real honour. Water safety is such a huge issue especially during the summer months when families start to spend more time near water – so these vital lessons genuinely do save lives.
“It was also great to welcome an Olympic star in Stephen, who was brilliant in reinforcing the importance of learning to swim to kids, all the while keeping it really fun and uplifting.”
The event marked the end of Drowning Prevention Week, in which more than 75,000 children were offered vital water safety lessons through the Learn to Swim National Framework across the span of the week.
Euan Lowe, CEO of Scottish Swimming, said: “Swimming lessons are the absolute foundations to ensuring water safety.
“To have Stephen’s presence and active involvement in them made for an unforgettable experience for the children which will hopefully inspire them to continue their safe swimming journey.
“Drowning is far too common in Scotland, and it is something that we are committed to addressing as a partnership. The event in Portobello allowed us to do that in an engaging way with children.”
Brian Lironi, Director of Corporate Affairs with Scottish Water, added: “We are thrilled with the tremendous success of the water safety event, which undoubtedly left a lasting impact on all participants.
“It is so important to see the next generation of confident swimmers engaging in water safety. Drowning prevention is a topic that needs serious attention all year round but the awareness week gave us another opportunity to reinforce lifesaving skills.”
Drowning Prevention Week, organised by the Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS), stands as one of the largest water safety campaigns in the UK and Ireland, specifically targeting the summer season. Its primary goal is to equip individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to make informed decisions regarding water safety, particularly during the summer months.
Learn to Swim is a National Framework committed to creating supportive and quality environments in which children can learn to swim regardless of their age, ability, or skill level. It aims to develop competent swimmers, as well as encouraging youngsters to adopt a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle with sport and fun at its heart.
For more information on the Learn to Swim programme, visit:
For tickets for Thursday activities, please contact the library via blackhall.library@edinburgh.gov.uk, call 0131 529 5595 or reserve a space at the library.
