city council – Page 91 – The NEN

Granton Waterfront among Council projects nominated for design awards

The city’s plan to regenerate Granton Waterfront has been shortlisted for the Scottish Design Awards 2020.

Selected as a finalist for the best Architecture Masterplan award, the Council’s development plan with Collective Architects sets out to boost affordable housing, transform streets to promote active travel and respond to the climate emergency in Granton. The award nomination recognises the project’s ‘fresh approach to creating a vibrant, inclusive and sustainable coastal quarter’ in Edinburgh.

Three further regeneration projects by the Council and city partners have also been shortlisted for the Scottish Design Awards 2020.

A housing development in Greendykes featuring modern, energy efficient Council homes has been nominated for the best new affordable housing award, while the restoration of the Edinburgh Printmakers and landscaping for the Calton Hill City Observatory renewal – both part funded by the Council – are also up for awards.

The winners are expected to be announced by the Scottish Design Awards at a virtual ceremony on 10 September.

Council Leader Adam McVey said: “Our City is growing and adapting and the new homes and communities being built are meeting the demands of our rising population and meeting our environmental responsibilities.

“We have one of the largest house-building programmes of any local authority and we’re making good progress towards our target of building new affordable and social homes. These homes are not only low carbon but are prioritising the wellbeing of current and future residents by ensuring sustainable communities and delivering high quality design.

“The £1.3bn transformational plans we have for Granton and our sustainable new homes in Greendykes are perfect examples of how we’re working to achieve this.

“Granton is one of the country’s leading sustainable developments and offers us the opportunity to work with the local community to create a new and eco-friendly waterfront neighbourhood, and it’s fantastic to see these projects nominated for national architecture awards.”

Depute Leader Cammy Day said: Our regeneration of Granton will deliver thousands of fantastic and much-needed new homes, creating countless new jobs and apprenticeships in the process.

“I’m looking forward to seeing us transform the area into the destination waterfront it has always deserved to be. We’ve also made a commitment to become a net-zero carbon city by 2030 and projects like this will help us deliver on that goal.

“We face big decisions about how we continue to regenerate parts of our City going forward, and recognition like this from the Scottish Design Awards – for how the Council is leading the way in sustainable, desirable new home design and supporting the restoration of incredible historic spaces – is very welcome.

“Now that construction can get back underway, we’re also seeing a number of other high profile sites take shape which will further reinvigorate derelict and underused parts of Edinburgh. We’re committed to building on this and our Choices for City Plan 2030 sets out a number of bold options for how our Capital can continue to flourish if we make certain planning, design and redevelopment decisions.”

Nominated for best Masterplan Design: Granton

The Granton Waterfront Development Framework offers a new approach to creating a vibrant, healthy and sustainable coastal quarter in Edinburgh.

Led by Collective Architects, the framework sets out an ambitious place-based, inclusive approach to regeneration which positively responds to the climate emergency.

It offers Edinburgh and the wider region the opportunity to make a step-change in how it develops in a sustainable, resilient and responsible way. Approximately 3,000 new homes of mixed size, typology and tenure feature in the plans alongside pedestrian-centred streets which promote active travel.

Nominated for best Affordable Housing Design: Greendykes

Anderson Bell Christie was appointed to deliver 75 new energy efficient homes for social and mid-market rent in Greendykes.

The result is a ‘Lifetime Neighbourhood’, appropriate for all generations and accessibilities with a community growing space, a communal heating system and building design with natural light, mental wellbeing and dementia friendly elements in mind. The site sits next to a new play park, providing excellent outdoor space for the family homes which are adjacent.

Nominated for best Building Re-use: Edinburgh Printmakers

The Edinburgh Printmakers is located within the former headquarters of the North British Rubber Company.

The redevelopment project by Page/Park Architects has transformed a derelict building into an accessible multi-use arts complex centred around printmaking production. It features a visitor attraction with two galleries, shop, café, education space, an office, archives and large print studio, with many original materials retained or upcycled.

Nominated for best Public Realm Landscaping: Calton Hill City Observatory

HarrisonStevens developed a concept design around constellations and planetary orbits to complement the restoration of the City Observatory on Calton Hill.

Working with the Collective Gallery’s artist in residence, Tessa Lynch, the design creates a sense of place and time, with landscaping to link up geological features with architectural, planting to illustrate the passing of the seasons and the use of traditional alongside contemporary materials.

East Craigs to become capital’s first Low Traffic Neighbourhood

Edinburgh’s first Low Traffic Neighbourhood (LTN) is to be introduced as part of Spaces for People improvements.

The city council will be implementing a series of temporary measures in the East Craigs area of the city over the coming weeks to help people walk, cycle and wheel safely, including segregated cycle lanes, closing roads to ‘through’ traffic and a bus gate. These interventions will add to temporary measures put in place across the city since May to support safe physical distancing.

LTNs reduce the impact of motor traffic on neighbourhoods, creating people-friendly spaces and encouraging physical activity by limiting through traffic on designated streets, while maintaining local access.

Recent feedback to consultation on the West Edinburgh Link (WEL) project demonstrated strong support for proposals to improve conditions for walking and cycling, enhance public spaces and facilitate sustainable transport.

Suggestions to make it easier and safer to travel by foot, bike or wheelchair received via the Commonplace online tool also influenced council plans for an LTN, along with the local school’s travel plan and traffic surveys of vehicle volumes and speeds in the area.

Once implemented, the council monitor the effects of the LTN, making amendments if appropriate, and will be engaging with the community to help shape the scheme. Any plans for a permanent LTN, as part of WEL, would draw from this, though further, significant consultation with residents would be carried out before any decisions are made.

Transport and Environment Convener Councillor Lesley Macinnes said: “We’ve been working hard to introduce a package of measures across the city that will make it easier and safer to get around, to spend time in local high streets and to return to school as restrictions are lifted.

Many of these changes respond to feedback from the community, and in East Craigs we know that local people want to see conditions for walking, cycling and travel by public transport improved. The range of interventions we’ll be implementing will create safe, people-friendly streets by reducing speeding and opportunities for rat running. Vehicle access will of course be maintained for residents.

Transport and Environment Vice Convener Councillor Karen Doran said: “These temporary measures are supported by previous research and feedback and will benefit the community as they return to work and school.

“We’ll be closely monitoring their impact and drawing from this as we work to develop a long-term LTN for the area, as part of WEL. Of course, there will be further consultation with the community before any decisions on permanent schemes are made.”

The key changes being introduced as part of the LTN in East Craigs include:

Introduction of segregated cycleways along Drum Brae North
Introduction of advisory cycle lanes on part of Drum Brae South
Improvements to junctions in East Craigs to make them safer for cyclists and pedestrians
Introduction of a bus gate on Craigs Road
Introduction of six road closures, with filtered permeability for bicycles and pedestrians, in the East Craigs area including: North Gyle Terrace, North Gyle Road, Craigs Gardens, Craigs Loan and Craigmount Avenue North

Emergency measures to support walking, cycling and wheeling while observing physical distancing have already been implemented across Edinburgh. These include segregated cycle lanes, widened pavements and road closures both in the city centre, on routes to parks and green spaces and in local shopping streets. We’re also introducing improvements around schools as pupils return.

Examples of LTNs introduced elsewhere have seen traffic levels, and often speeds, fall. Walking, wheeling and cycling has also been found to increase, while it has been observed that stopping through traffic on side streets doesn’t significantly add to congestion on main roads.

Find out more about Spaces for People on the Council website.

ForeverEdinburgh: tourism industry fights back

ForeverEdinburgh encourages residents and visitors to share what they love about Edinburgh and invites them back into the city
Campaign is a joint initiative from Edinburgh Tourism Action Group, City of Edinburgh Council and industry partners
Tourism and hospitality industry is one of the worst hit by the COVID-19 pandemic

A new initiative to support Edinburgh’s hard-hit tourism and hospitality industry has gone live. The ForeverEdinburgh campaign has been developed by the Edinburgh Tourism Action Group (ETAG), working closely with the City of Edinburgh Council and industry partners from across the sector, including hoteliers, visitor attractions, bars and restaurants, events and festivals and transport.

The campaign aims to maintain Edinburgh’s position as the UK’s top visitor destination outside of London, attracting over 4 million visitors a year and employing 34,000 of the city’s 513,000 residents. Its launch follows the recent relaxation of lockdown restrictions for many parts of the tourism and hospitality sector which has allowed businesses to reopen over the last month.

Edinburgh’s tourism sector has gone from strength to strength in recent years but has seen a very dramatic reversal of fortunes recently. It was only a few short months ago that the key challenge was how to address the concerns around over tourism in the city.

However, the impact of the COVID19 pandemic has hit the city particularly hard and while the relaxation of lockdown rules has seen a boom in staycations in more rural parts of Scotland, visitors remain cautious about visiting city locations and key draws to the city, such as major events, festivals and business conferences have had to be cancelled.

The ForeverEdinburgh initiative aims to ‘inform and inspire’ residents and visitors alike, giving them the confidence to come into the city by communicating the new safety measures in place right across the city, ensuring people feel prepared and reassured.

A new website soon to be launched, will provide information to help people plan their visit responsibly as well as recommend things to see and do and, for those from further afield, where to stay.

Edinburgh residents and visitors will be invited to share what they love most about Edinburgh using #ForeverEdinburgh. From local walks and cycle routes to favourite restaurants or the best place to get a cappuccino, ForeverEdinburgh will inspire people to get into the city again, whether that’s to revisit an old gem or discover a new one.

Local businesses are encouraged to engage with the ForeverEdinburgh campaign and be part of a united, city-wide movement with increased visibility and social engagement through #ForeverEdinburgh.

A digital toolkit with flexible campaign assets designed for easy integration with existing brand and marketing collateral will be available to download at www.etag.org.uk.

Donald Emslie, Chair of ETAG, said: “The impact of COVID-19 and the implications for the tourism sector in Edinburgh are unlike anything we have experienced before. It was clear from the very early days of the crisis that Edinburgh’s tourism sector was going to be particularly hard hit, putting many jobs and businesses at risk.

“It was also clear that a new approach to promoting the city’s tourism offer would be required, making public health issues the top priority to ensure the safety of residents, visitors and those working in the industry.

“A key challenge is also the rapidly changing situation, so rather than create a traditional tourism marketing campaign, the #foreveredinburgh initiative is designed to ‘inform and inspire’ people and importantly create a platform which tourism businesses of all types and sizes can be part of.

“ETAG recently surveyed the city’s tourism sector and this demonstrated that their collective social media reach is over 3 million followers, so working together and harnessing this huge resource to promote the city creates a very strong voice for the city.

“ForeverEdinburgh will also encourage residents and visitors themselves to share what they love about the city, creating a genuine ‘Team Edinburgh’ effort to support the many jobs and businesses that rely on visitor income and contribute to the wider city economy, and so we are hoping as many people as possible will get behind the Forever Edinburgh campaign.”

Adam McVey, Leader of City of Edinburgh Council said: “There is no underestimating how important tourism and hospitality is to Edinburgh, whether that’s in terms of our city’s economy, local businesses and jobs or our residents’ wellbeing and enjoyment.

“We’re lucky to have such an incredibly vibrant and varied offering at our fingertips – in part driven by the high levels of visitors that our beautiful city attracts – and we need to act urgently to provide support to our local businesses and help build the industry back to be as sustainable and resilient as possible.

“At the same time, we have to carefully balance this support with ensuring that Edinburgers can enjoy these businesses safely and without compromising their own health or that of others.

“Like all of our recovery efforts, we’re taking a Team Edinburgh approach to backing and implementing the campaign and we’re confident that by working together we can encourage Edinburgers to rediscover parts of their city safely and fall in love with it all over again. We’ll not only see the buzz that we’ve missed so much return to our streets, we’ll also see a positive impact on our local high streets across the city to boost local business and help protect jobs.”

The ForeverEdinburgh campaign has been created in partnership with Edinburgh-based The Lane Agency, who have an award-winning track record with high-profile destination campaigns across Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Chris Bruce, Director of The Lane Agency, said: “We’ve worked on City of Edinburgh campaigns in the past, however this one was more poignant and important than ever.

“We’ve all experienced eerily silent offices and shops and share a desire to see Edinburgh safely returning to the vibrant, buzzing city we know. It has been a privilege working on a campaign that will reintroduce the city to its residents and visitors.”

Elaine Green, Edinburgh Capital Group, commented: “Edinburgh Capital Group members are delighted to cement their role as reasons to visit Edinburgh by being part of Team Edinburgh’s #ForeverEdinburgh campaign and hope it will encourage locals to get to know their beautiful city better and the array of attractions, tours and events it has to offer.

“Our members are all certified by the UK-wide ‘We’re Good to Go’ scheme and ready to welcome visitors.”

Neil Ellis, Chair Edinburgh Hotels Association, said: “The Edinburgh Hotels Association as a #ForeverEdinburgh partner, is grateful to ETAG for spearheading on this very much welcome and needed campaign for our amazing capital city. Our members stand ready, as they always have, to safely welcome guests from near and far for that no doubt, well-earned city break.

Lyndsay Wilkie, Director, Business Development at The University of Edinburgh who run three hotels and multiple venues across the City, said: “Edinburgh’s tourism and hospitality industry has always been so vibrant and something we are all proud of, which is why it makes it so hard to see the City’s hotels, venues and restaurants so quiet at what would normally be our busiest time of the year.

“That’s why we are delighted to be partnering with ETAG, City of Edinburgh Council and other key industry partners on the #ForeverEdinburgh campaign, as it’s now more important than ever that we come together to showcase what Edinburgh has to offer.

“I know how much energy we’ve put into making our hotels and venues safe for our guests and delegates, and we are lucky that our City has so much green and open space for our visitors to enjoy, this campaign will help us all to tell this story and give confidence to our guests of the future.”

The ForeverEdinburgh campaign is jointly funded by City of Edinburgh Council, ETAG and industry partners. The core objectives of the initiative are to maintain Edinburgh’s position as a top visitor destination, to drive footfall in a safe and responsible way, and ultimately safeguard jobs and businesses right across the city’s tourism and hospitality industry.

Partners include:

ETAG
City of Edinburgh Council
Edinburgh Hotels Association
University of Edinburgh
Edinburgh Airport
Essential Edinburgh
Edinburgh Capital Group
The List
City Cabs
Edinburgh Trams
Signature Pubs

Financial support for capital businesses using outdoor space

The charges in place for tables and chairs permits for Edinburgh businesses serving food and drink to customers outside is to be waived.

This follows approval by Thursday’s Policy and Sustanability Committee.

Council Leader Adam McVey said: “As lockdown restrictions have eased allowing the reopening of outdoor areas for bars and restaurants, we’ve been speaking to individual businesses and local representative groups who’ve asked us for additional help in relation to the charges in place for tables and chairs permits to allow them to make sure that safe physical distances can be maintained when customers are visiting their premises.

“We’ve recognised that city centre businesses need support due to the absence of both office workers and visitors and this will take time to recover. There is an urgent need to support businesses in the immediate term and I’m delighted that Committee has agreed to support them by waiving these charges entirely during this very difficult trading time.

“This will not only help businesses expand their footprint to help improve trading viability but also help maintain the pedestrian space and access, particularly for families and people with mobility issues or sight impairment.”

Cammy Day Depute Leader said: “This is yet another move we can make which will make the coming weeks and months a little less challenging for businesses.

“For the local economy to recover, we also need to see greater footfall to small businesses and a new campaign will launch next week to draw residents and visitors back to their favourite places for shopping and visiting.

“This is alongside all of the steps we’ve already taken to support our high streets, like directing £112.5m to businesses in support grants and widening pavements and cycleways to make it easier and more enjoyable to visit town centres. It will also be supported by the local Champions Network which we’re setting up to provide us with a direct link to businesses, so that we can monitor the challenges they face and the help they need.”

Businesses will still be required to apply for tables and chairs permits, and the standard conditions will need to be met, however, there will be no charge for the time period 1 July to 31 October.

Any business which has already paid for a permit will receive a refund for any payment made for this time period.

Tables and chairs permits allow anyone who sells food or drink to put tables and chairs on a public pavement between 9am and 9pm, seven days per week

First new affordable homes completed since lockdown

Dozens of tenants will have a brand new place to live thanks to the Council and its contractor CCG (Scotland) Ltd putting the finishing touches to new homes as part of a multimillion pound transformation of Craigmillar Town Centre.

The first new neighbours moving into Harewood Road have been visited by the Council’s Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener Kate Campbell and Depute Convener Mandy Watt, who officially handed over the keys to the completed properties.

Edinburgh has one of the most ambitious house-building plans of any local authority in the UK and these are the first Council-led homes to complete now that the City’s construction industry is back up and running and households can safely move.

Contributing towards Edinburgh’s goal of building 20,000 affordable new homes and becoming a net carbon zero city by 2030, the highly energy-efficient development at Craigmillar features 194 homes with an innovative Sustainable Urban Drainage System for surface water collection and extensive communal green space.

The homes also benefit from a network of footpaths and cycle connections to Craigmillar Park. These properties will also test a number of elements of the “gold” building standard to help inform the Council’s approach to net zero carbon developments.

Designed by Architects Anderson Bell Christie and constructed by CCG, the site combines 61 homes for social rent and 133 for mid-market rent.

Councillor Kate Campbell, Edinburgh’s Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, said: “It’s fantastic to meet with the new residents and see what a difference these bright and modern homes are going to make to their lives.

“Making sure everyone has access to a safe, warm and affordable place to live has long been our priority and it’s going to be as important as ever to progress our plans to build 20,000 new homes as we move on from the pandemic. So being able to get construction underway, see these homes complete in Craigmillar and move new tenants in is a big milestone.

“We’re also committed to pushing forward with a green recovery for the City and these homes, with their focus on low carbon and energy efficiency, are a perfect example of how we deliver a project which is great for residents and good for the local environment too.”

Councillor Mandy Watt, Depute Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, added: “Not only are these new homes a brilliant addition to our supply of affordable housing in Edinburgh, they’re part of a major project we’ve been leading on which invests in the whole Craigmillar community.

“The regeneration has helped to create new shared spaces for people to enjoy and has brought about opportunities for jobs and training. It’s a real transformation of the town centre which will benefit generations of Craigmillar residents and benefit our environment too, thanks to the use of really energy-efficient materials and design and the creation of new green spaces.”

“It’s a real joy to finally see families moving in and settling in to their new homes.”

As a direct result of their contract to redevelop Craigmillar Town Centre, CCG has provided a series of community benefit initiatives including three full-time jobs, four trade apprenticeships and two work placements. The local community has also benefited from donations to Grass Roots Clothing, the Craigmillar Literacy Trust, the Castlebrae Memorial Garden and the Richmond Hope Mile of Memories project.

Calum Murray, Director of CCG, said: “The importance of the home and our environment to health and wellbeing has never been more apparent than now and construction re-engagement has enabled the team at CCG to deliver a new place, providing essential housing completions just when they are most required.

“Huge credit is due to our construction team, the Council and not least to the local community for their support in a process that over the last five years has seen CCG deliver more than 580 homes in Craigmilllar.”

William and Adele Halliday plus their children have moved into a three-bedroom home. William said: “We have a 10 year old, a one year old and another on the way so the move is perfect timing for us as a family. We had been living nearby in a flat on the 10th floor of a high rise – now we have our own home and the kids have a garden to play in.

“It’s very spacious and modern. We’re delighted with it and enjoying settling in. Getting to my work is easy too with the public transport connections here in Craigmillar.”

Valerie McMillan couldn’t be happier with her adapted one bedroom home. Valerie said: “I love my new home, I’m here to stay. I feel so much more comfortable here and the house is really bright and sunny – I haven’t had to put the heating on once and it’s very warm.

“When I was 18 I lived on this street in my first home, now I’m 52 and I’ve come full circle. I’m home again. You notice a big difference in how the streets and the shops look. It’s all change and a really nice area with a tight community – everyone I’ve met says hello and is very friendly. Harewood Road is going to be beautiful once it’s finished.”

The £24.6 million investment at Craigmillar town centre is funded by the Council with £3.2 million in grant funding from the Scottish Government. The Council has nearly 800 affordable homes under construction across the city with nearly 3,500 new homes in design development.

‘Fantastic’ response to Council’s Choices consultation

A report which sets out 1,800 responses to the public consultation on ‘Choices for City Plan 2030’ has been published the Council.

This figure compares to 435 responses received for the main issues report to the current Local Development Plan. Social media statistics show that information about Choices for City Plan 2030 reached over a million people, with over 24,000 engagements on our posts.

A public consultation began on 31 January and responses were accepted until 30 April. Residents and other interested groups were given an additional four weeks due to disruption caused by the coronavirus pandemic to give their views.

Next week councillors on the virtual Planning Committee will discuss the 1,800 responses to the public consultation, as well as the next steps towards City Plan 2030.

A revised timetable for the Development Plan Scheme for City Plan 2030 including the proposed plan, the period of representation, examination and future adoption of the Plan will also be considered.

Cllr Neil Gardiner, Convener of the Planning Committee, said: “When we set out to consult on ‘Choices’ none of us could have known how the world was about to change and as some coronavirus lockdown restrictions and physical distancing measures remain in place, none of us can predict exactly how Edinburgh and the rest of the world will emerge from this global pandemic.

“We are all adapting to a ‘new normal’ and all of our planning must take account of the changes we are seeing in the way people are living their lives. This includes how we all use and appreciate green spaces with the health and well-being benefits they bring to communities. Community resilience also includes easy access to facilities. Connectivity is therefore very important, with neighbourhoods containing a mixture of services within in easy reach.

“It is fantastic that we’ve had such a great response to our consultation and I’d like to thank everyone who gave us their views. Now more than ever we must listen closely to what our residents, businesses and other stakeholders have told us to help us develop a plan to allow our city to grow and change to meet future needs.

“City Plan 2030 is about us making the right choices now so that our residents can make reasonable and informed choices about how and where they live and how they get around in the future.

“Edinburgh is a beautiful green, cultural and historic city which has benefitted from a thriving economy but, like many cities, we have increasing levels of poverty and health inequalities in our communities, rising housing costs and in some areas, traffic congestion and poor air quality.

“We also need to adapt our city to meet the needs of an aging population, address the increasing impact of climate change and make sure growth is sustainable. This must all now be addressed in the context of the changes we are seeing as a result of the impact of Covid-19 and making sure we have resilient communities.”

Vice Convener, Cllr Maureen Child, added: “We’re embarking on one of the most significant periods of transformation in a generation which has just become a lot more intense due to the coronavirus pandemic, and we need to rethink the way we use our buildings and expand to accommodate our growing population.

“We’re already committed to building 20,000 affordable and low-cost homes by 2027 but the city needs more housing, with particular emphasis on affordable homes.

“We must make sure we meet our ambitious climate change targets and all houses and other buildings will need to be much more energy efficient in the future. We’ll also work with our partners in the industry to make sure we make the best use of the limited space we have and, going forward, we’ll be asking developers to think more carefully about location, density and design.

“Choices for City Plan 2030 set out bold options for the public to consider and comment on about how we manage future development so Edinburgh can adapt and flourish during a time of major change. This is how Edinburgh could be in a decade’s time if it responds fully to the challenges of a rising population and the coronavirus and climate emergencies and in the manner set out in a radical plan for the future.”

The wide-ranging document set out options for how to the make best use of land for future development. It also addressed how we could tackle short term lets through new planning policies, in addition to the new regulatory powers announced earlier this year by the Scottish Government following Edinburgh’s campaign to seek national legislation.

Views were also sought on planning for and building more affordable housing, managing the growth of student housing, and whether all new buildings and conversions should meet the highest zero carbon standards to help Edinburgh meet its ambitious target of becoming a carbon neutral city by 2030.

In each section, the Council gave its preferred option for development as well as other alternatives.

‘Choices for City Plan 2030’ links closely with the Council’s ambitious draft City Mobility Plan, designed to improve sustainable transport over the next decade.

The proposed City Plan 2030 will be considered by the Planning Committee in December after which it will be published for representation and then formally examined by the Scottish Government before we can consider adopting it.

Community Payback Orders – Tell us your views

Edinburgh residents are being asked to share their views on a scheme that requires people who have committed offences to carry out unpaid work in the community as part of their sentence.

Community Payback Orders can be imposed on people who have committed offences by the courts as an alternative to a short term prison sentence, and can last between six months and three years. They give those involved the chance to address their behaviour and also to repay communities by carrying out unpaid work.

The Council administers the scheme in the city and is seeking the views of the public on people who have committed offences working in communities and the effectiveness of community payback as a way to reduce re-offending.

Examples of unpaid work carried out by the scheme include:

repairing and reinstating headstones in local cemeteries
developing and maintaining children’s play areas
recycling projects including bicycles and outdoor furniture

As well as using the questionnaire to comment on the community payback scheme, participants can also recommend groups, residents, organisations or projects that may benefit from unpaid work through the online suggestion form.

Councillor Amy McNeese-Mechan, Vice Convener of Culture and Communities said: “We’re really keen to hear what people think about Community Payback Orders, and the work carried out by the people subject to them.

“One of the aims of the consultation is also to identify more opportunities in Edinburgh for unpaid community work to be carried out. This work could include repainting community centres, community clear ups or recycling projects including bicycles and outdoor furniture. They are an excellent way for organisations such as charities to get practical help, and they give people who commit offences the chance to repay communities for their offences.

“The information we collect will help us to improve how we work with communities and help to increase understanding of CPOs and their importance in helping people reintegrate into society and reduce the likelihood of them reoffending.”

The consultation will run until Monday 31 August.

Phased return for city pupils

Pupils will have a phased return to City of Edinburgh Council schools during the first week of the new term.

Staff will be in schools on Monday and Tuesday next week preparing to welcome pupils back from Wednesday 12 August. Pupils will be in for the rest of the week on a phased basis with all of them back 100% on Monday 17 August.

Arrangements for all primary, secondary and special schools are outlined in a letter from the Executive Director of Communities and Families, Alistair Gaw, that was issued to parents yesterday (Wednesday 5 August).

The letter is the latest in a series of updates for parents over the summer holidays which has included a series of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers and minutes from two meetings of the Consultative Committee With Parents including one on Monday night.

The latest ‘Delivery Plan’ outlining the steps that have been taken to ensure schools can reopen safely next week will be discussed by Councillors on the Policy and Sustainability Committee today.

The ‘Delivery Plan’ contains details on areas such as: hygiene, health and safety, transition support for children with Additional Support Needs, cleaning, ventilation, physical distancing measures, health and wellbeing, equity, raising attainment, school meals and breakfast/after school clubs.

It also includes arrangements for the detailed contingency plans the Council is putting in place if the virus is not suppressed and schools have to resort to 50% attendance with the blended learning model in place.

In addition funding announcements by the Scottish Government mean the Council will be able to recruit around 100 newly qualified teachers and purchase over 2,000 digital devices for those pupils most in need.

Councillor Ian Perry, Education Convener, said: “One of the highest priorities for the Council is ensuring that pupils and staff return to the safest possible environment next week. We’re doing this by following the most up to date Government and Health Protection Scotland advice and putting in place strict hygiene measures to keep everyone safe.

“Having a phased reopening over the first three days ensures pupils will have time to familiarise themselves with the new arrangements in their schools. Our teaching staff and other Council teams have been working tirelessly in getting schools ready for reopening next week and I want to thank them for all their tireless efforts in achieving this.

“It is also reassuring to know that we have robust contingency plans should they be required. We really hope they aren’t needed but I’m confident these detailed plans demonstrate our commitment to ensuring the best teaching and learning for all pupils across the whole city.”

Cllr Alison Dickie, Education Vice Convener, said: “I know parents will be relieved to finally see our young people returning to school next week. Everyone has been working really hard to achieve the goal of getting every child and young person back to school where they belong and a phased return means they will be able to get used to the new arrangements after such a long absence.

“There’s no doubt that these past five months have been the most challenging periods ever for the world of education. It’s put a huge strain on both our teaching staff and families struggling at home so an enormous amount of praise must go to everyone who has pulled together in these difficult times – most of all to the children and young people across the city who have shown such amazing resilience and courage in these difficult times.

“I also want to reassure parents that when learning and teaching starts again next Wednesday we are doing everything we can to make sure the principles of consistency and equity are at the heart of our plans.”

The Scottish Government guidance on preparing for the start of the new school term is available on their website.

Back to School Tips

Back to school tip 1: Keep connected – Relationships matter

Your Child Support your child to contact a friend from school, chat online or spend some time together before the start of term. For children who may find this difficult, help plan an activity or discuss ideas of what they could talk about.

Think of ways your child can feel connected to you when they return to school, E.g. give them a picture, a written message or a familiar object that they can take with them in their pocket or bag. Schools will give advice on what your child can bring with them initially.

You Arrange to meet or call a friend or another parent, have a chat and share your plans for returning to school. Suggest walking to school together or arrange to meet up after school starts.

Together Share anything important that has happened during lockdown with school at the start of term- let them know about any family changes, positive achievements or challenges experienced. Your child may want to draw a picture or take a photo of something positive they have done to share with a staff member or their friends.

Back to school tip 2: Be kind to others – Everyone needs kindness

Your Child Encourage your child to think of ways they can be kind to others and pay attention and praise your child when you notice them doing this. “It was kind of you to… share with your friend/ include them in your group at break”

Children learn by watching others- show or tell your child ways you have been kind to others. For example, “I had a chat with our neighbour, she looked a bit sad.”

You Notice other parents on their own in and around the school, you never know who may welcome a friendly greeting or chat.

Above all, be kind to yourself. We’ve all been through exceptional circumstances.

Back to school tip 3: Talk things over – It’s good to talk…and listen

Your Child Notice when is a good time and make space for your child to talk about things. This may be walking the dog, in the car or at bedtime. Create opportunities for your child to build a relationship with another family member, trusted adult or professional.

Be available to actively listen to what your child is thinking or how they are feeling. Name what you think they are feeling, let them know you understand and try not to jump in too soon with a solution. For example. “It sounds like you’re worried about having no one to play with, I can see why that’s upsetting you.”

After the school day, your child may need time to wind down before telling you about their day. You could try sharing something about your day first.

You Think about who you can talk to about any concerns or worries you have, such as a friend, family member or maybe a professional.

Back to school tip 4: Look on the bright side – Find positive moments, however small, each day

Our brains are wired to notice threats, sometimes that stops us seeing the good stuff. That can mean we have to really try to be positive.

Your child Help your child identify the positive things about lockdown easing or returning to school. Who might they be looking forward to seeing or what might they be looking forward to doing?

You Consider the positives for you of lockdown easing and children returning to school.

Together It can be helpful to make time each day to think of one or two positive things. It may be nice to write these down in diary or post them in a jar, share them with your child and listen to their ideas. You could have a phrase like “Today I loved…. playing football with you”

Back to school tip 5: Challenge your mindset – Remember we can cope…we just did

Your child It can be unsettling not knowing what may happen. Help your child focus on all the things they do know, such as how to get to school, what they will wear, seeing a friend. Introduce new information gradually as it becomes available.

Everyone is a unique individual, discuss with your child the little things that they can do or have already achieved. Remind them of these skills and successes when embarking on a new challenge.

You It is normal that many children and parents will be feeling anxious, try to focus on how you will manage rather than what might go wrong. Show confidence, even if you are feeling a bit wobbly, it helps that your child sees that you have a plan to carry out together.

Back to school tip 6: Take a moment – We all need some time out

Your child Reflect on what you have noticed helps or may help your child to cope with new or difficult situations or emotions such as listening to music, jumping on the trampoline, etc. It might be helpful to practice new coping strategies together and plan for how these can be used when things are tricky.

You Being a parent can be really tough, doing things to look after our own wellbeing helps to manage stress, boost our confidence and makes us more able to cope with the ups and downs. Try to prioritise doing something that improves your wellbeing – it might help to set aside some time each day. You could- chat with a friend, go for a walk, read a book, go fishing, etc.

Together If appropriate share with your child a way you have managed a difficult situation.

Back to school tip 7: Make a difference – Small things can make a difference

Your child Discuss with your child what they did to make a difference to someone in your community or your environment over the past few months. Like displaying a rainbow, shopping for a grandparent or cutting the grass for a neighbour.

Acknowledge the small things – for example notice your child when they help a sibling, put litter in the bin, help around the home.

You Talk about who or what made a difference to you or your family during lockdown.

This could be something that seems small, like someone calling when you needed cheering up. Consider how you made a difference and what else you’d like to do.

Together By each of us washing our hands, wearing a mask and keeping a distance we help protect others.

Back to school tip 8: Get active – Keep going, or get started

It’s proven that physical activity boosts our sense of well-being.

Your child If your child started to be more active during lockdown, think about how this can be continued. If not, what small steps could you encourage. Be curious about what may interest them and plan how they could try something new.

You A lot of us were more active individually as well as together as a family – playing games, going for cycle rides and walks together. We will have noticed the benefit; plan how you can keep these activities going.

Together As lockdown eases we can benefit from more exercise outdoors and reduce some of family screen time and online activity.

Remember little rewards to yourself and family can help establish a good habit!

Back to school tip 9: Respect yourself – Be proud of your child and yourself

Your child Help your child make a list of the things they have learnt and enjoyed over the last few months. E.g. learned to hula hoop, baking, mountain biking. Share and celebrate these with family and friends.

You Think about and share all the ways you and the family have adjusted to the challenges over the last few months and acknowledge together, the strengths you’ve shown. There may have been ups and downs but remind yourself of the things you managed to do. Such as using video calls, cooking family meals, supporting your child with their learning or exploring your neighbourhood.

Together You may wish to put together a scrap book or time capsule to help remember this extraordinary time. It could include photographs of the things you did at home, news articles, letters, interviews from different family members, etc.

Back to school tip 10: Have a goal – A new journey starts with a step…

Your child Talk to your child about what they would like to learn or get better at by the end of this term, such as a sport’s skill, a new hobby, being able to cook something, dress themselves, etc.

You Think about something positive you can start to do, or you keep doing when your child returns to school. E.g. start a new class, exercise, meet a friend, complete a home improvement project.

City of Edinburgh Council

Council welcomes green recovery recommendations

A new report has been produced by the Just Transition Commission for the Scottish Government, providing recommendations for Scotland’s green economic recovery.

This report follows the Edinburgh Climate Commission’s inaugural report, Forward Faster Together, which was published and presented to Councillors earlier this month, with the Council agreeing a green recovery is the only way forward for our City.

Adam McVey, City of Edinburgh Council Leader, said: “Having committed to working for a green recovery we very much welcome the report and recommendations from the Just Transition Commission. These are very well aligned to those of the Edinburgh Climate Commission and to Edinburgh’s 2050 City Vision of a thriving and fair city.

“We need to ensure that we build our city and our country back in the right way, focusing on action that contributes to our net zero carbon by 2030 ambition and prioritising initiatives that make a positive impact on climate change.”

Cammy Day, City of Edinburgh Council Depute Leader, said: “With the dual crises of COVID-19 and climate change it’s clear that we must deliver a green recovery that is just, fair and sustainable in the long-term by enhancing job creation, empowering Edinburgh’s residents, improving public health and driving innovation while tackling climate change.

The Just Transition Commission’s report recommends a green recovery that looks out for both people and planet. This will require action at both national and local government levels, and we look forward to working with the Scottish Government to making this central to the economic recovery of Edinburgh.”

Read the Just Transition Commission report at the Scottish Government website and find the Edinburgh Climate Commission report, Forward Faster Together, here.