Coronavirus: Omicron update

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon’s briefing from St Andrew’s House this morning:

Good morning,

I am joined here today as you can see by the Chief Medical Officer.

Now today’s full Covid statistics will be published later on today, so I’m not going to provide all of the detail of those right now.

I can though confirm that the overall situation in Scotland does remain stable at this stage.

We have in recent days been seeing cases declining slightly.

We knew, however, that the weeks ahead would present real risks to this stability.

Colder weather forcing us indoors. Festive socialising. And a deteriorating situation in many countries across Europe.

However, over the past few days a new risk has emerged in the form of the Omicron variant and it is that that we want to update you on today.

I am going to set out what we know so far about the new variant – though I stress there is still much that we and the rest of the world do not know about it.

I will also give the most up to date information we have on numbers of cases identified so far here in Scotland – though I expect that this will be a developing situation in the days ahead.

I will set out the actions we have considered it appropriate to take so far on a precautionary basis.

And of course I will remind everyone what we can all do – must do, in fact – to help contain the spread of the virus in general but this new variant in particular.

Firstly, what do we know at this stage?

And as I said a moment ago, the most important point to make – which was underlined in a briefing issued by the World Health Organisation last night – is that there is still a huge amount that we do not know about the variant.

The number of mutations that it has – and the nature of these – and some of the very early indications from Southern Africa have raised the concern that this variant might be more transmissible than Delta which of course is currently the dominant variant in Scotland and many other countries.

However, much more data and analysis is required to be certain of this and, if it is more transmissible, to understand by how much.

Further work is also needed to confirm what impact this variant might have on the effectiveness of vaccines and the risk of re-infection.

The WHO said yesterday that preliminary evidence suggests there might be an increased risk of re-infection but stressed that information at this stage is still limited.

It also said that there is currently no information to suggest that the symptoms from Omicron are any different to the symptoms from other variants.

In other words, although again more data is still required, there is no evidence at this stage to suggest that the disease caused by Omicron is more severe.

Now the days and weeks ahead will tell all of us much more about the nature of this variant and therefore its implications, if there are implications, for our response to the pandemic.

What we do know at this stage, though, confirms in my view that we should treat it seriously, and we should continue to act on a precautionary basis at this stage.

While we all hope that the emerging understanding of it will reduce rather than increase our level of concern, there is no doubt that this presents – potentially – the most challenging development in the course of the pandemic for quite some time.

Let me turn now to the situation in Scotland. We have stepped up our surveillance in recent days and I want to thank public health teams for the work they are doing to ensure that we are able to detect cases of this variant quickly.

As we confirmed earlier today, that enhanced surveillance has identified 6 cases of the Omicron variant in Scotland so far – 4 of these are in Lanarkshire and 2 in Greater Glasgow & Clyde.

Now it is important for me to stress that the contact tracing of these cases is still ongoing. However, at this stage, we know that not all of them have any recent travel history to, or known links with others who have travelled to, the countries in Southern Africa where the variant was originally detected.

This suggests that there might already be some community transmission of this variant in Scotland but again let me stress there is no evidence yet that this is sustained – nor any evidence from the enhanced surveillance that it is widespread at this stage.

However, evidence of even limited community transmission underlines the importance of all of us increasing our compliance with the protections that are in place.

And I will turn now to the actions we have taken.

We have already reintroduced some travel restrictions – even with evidence of community transmission locally, these travel measures are important and I will say more about them shortly – but given that Omicron is already present in Scotland, we also need to consider carefully what steps are necessary and proportionate to reduce transmission here.

Some protections that the UK Government has announced in recent days in relation to England – for example the requirement to wear face coverings in some settings – are of course already in place, and in fact more extensive already, here in Scotland.

So at this stage, we are asking people, everyone across the country, to significantly step up and increase compliance with all existing precautions – face coverings, hygiene like washing hands and surfaces, getting vaccinated and of course testing yourselves regularly with lateral flow devices and, from now on, testing yourself before mixing socially with people from other households.

We are also reminding people to work from home if possible. As of today, I’m asking employers to make sure they are maximising the potential of home working.

However, this may be, and is likely to be, a fast-moving situation – so our response will be kept under close review as we learn more about the risk Omicron poses, and the nature of transmission here in Scotland.

A key part of our initial response will be to continue to identify cases as quickly as we can and, where possible after that, break the chains of transmission.

To that end, additional testing will be undertaken in areas where cases have been identified.

Now, our local response will complement the UK-wide travel restrictions that aim to avoid importing new cases while we are trying to curb community transmission.

Even with cases already here, it is really important to do what we can to prevent new seeding of the variant from elsewhere.

So in line with the rest of the UK, we have reinstated the red list of countries, and to date 10 countries from southern Africa have been added to that red list.

Anybody travelling back to Scotland from those 10 countries must enter managed quarantine for 10 days on their arrival.

In addition, anyone arriving in Scotland from anywhere outside the common travel area, will be asked to take a PCR test on the second day after arrival, and self-isolate until they get the result of that test.

We know, however, that the incubation period for this virus is very often more than 2 days.

So our view is that it would be sensible on a precautionary basis for these travel rules to be tightened further.

That’s a view shared by the Welsh Government.

I had a called yesterday with First Minister Mark Drakeford and he and I have this written this morning a joint letter to the Prime Minister.

We are proposing a tougher four-nations approach to travel restrictions at this stage that would see people arriving in the UK from overseas asked to self-isolate for eight days. Under our proposal, they would take a PCR test on day eight of their arrival, as well as on day 2.

We believe this measure would be more effective in identifying cases of this variant which result from overseas travel, and therefore help us prevent further community transmission from imported cases.

Now as we know from earlier stages of the pandemic, with so many people travelling to Scotland and indeed to Wales via airports in England, anything less than a four-nations approach to requirements like this will be ineffective. So we hope that a four-nations agreement can be reached.

A four-nations approach obviously requires the four nations to discuss these issues together, and hear the best advice available.

So Mark Drakeford and I have also called on the Prime Minister today to immediately convene a COBRA meeting – with representation from each nation – to discuss what additional steps we might have to consider and how we work together to tackle this new risk.

Mark Drakeford and I are also conscious of the very real concern businesses and staff will feel at the possibility of further protections becoming necessary.

Now let me stress we all hope this will not be necessary but it is prudent to plan ahead and so we have also sought confirmation that – should any further protections be necessary – Treasury funding will be available to any of the four nations that require to activate business support schemes.

Now, given the serious tone and content of my statement today, I want to stress this.

It is always important – and we’ve learned this over these past two years – in the face of new developments in this virus to prepare for the worst, to act on a precautionary basis.

But that does not mean that we are not hoping – because we are hoping – for something considerably short of the worst. We are still hoping for the best, and hoping that our developing understanding of this variant will reduce rather than increase our concern.

I very much hope that additional protections can be avoided. And while we will act on a precautionary basis we will also seek to act at all times in a proportionate manner.

I want to end by stressing what we can all do. Vaccination remains our most important line of defence.

We had already outlined last week that the Scottish Government was working to accelerate even further the booster vaccine programme. We will now step up those efforts more.

We are expecting a statement later today from the JCVI conforming its updated advice on vaccination.

The Scottish Government is getting ready to operationalise any new recommendations from the JCVI – for example in relation to the interval between second doses and boosters, or the range of people who can now receive booster jags and we will do that as quickly as is possible.

Vaccines do remain our best line of defence and I want to stress this point

If – and it is still an if – vaccines do prove to be less effective against this new variant, vaccination will still be hugely important.

Less effective does not mean ineffective.

If anything, the new variant makes it more important – not less important – to get all doses of the vaccine.

Over the weekend, 40-49 year olds became able to book boosters through NHS Inform.

Older age groups can already do so.

So if you are 40 or over, go to the website, book a booster for when you are due it.

And if you haven’t yet had your first or second doses, please book an appointment to get them now.

The Scottish Government will consider carefully in the coming days any further actions that are necessary, as we get more information about this variant and the extent of its presence here.

But the point I want to end on, and indeed stress at this stage, is that the same measures that have worked against previous strains of this virus, will also help us curb any transmission of this new variant.

So if in recent weeks you’ve been sticking a bit less rigorously to all of the public health advice, which I think is entirely understandable and I am sure we are all in that position to a greater or lesser extent, now is the time to start following all of that advice rigorously again.

Every one of us can make a difference in protecting ourselves and each other.

So let me just end with a reminder of what all of us can do and what it is really important that all of us do at this stage.

These steps are now vital so I am asking everybody not to see this as optional.

Firstly, get vaccinated.

It is the single most important thing we can do to protect ourselves and each other.

Secondly, test for Covid regularly. As I said, we will be increasing testing in areas where the new variant has been identified.

But for all of us, wherever we are, even if we are feeling fine, regular lateral flow testing is a really important way of finding out if we might have the virus.

So on any occasion that you are intending to socialize, or mix with people from other households – whether that is in a pub, a restaurant, a house or even a shopping centre – please do an LFD test. You can get kits online, or pick them up from local pharmacies or test centres. They are free so get as many as you need and keep your supply topped up.

And finally, comply with all of the existing protections.

Wear face coverings on public transport, in shops, and whenever you are moving about in hospitality settings.

Keep windows open if you have people in your house to improve ventilation because we know that helps.

Follow all advice on hygiene. It is time to go back rigorously to washing our hands, to cleaning surfaces.

And as I said earlier, please work from home right now if you can.

The Economy Secretary will be meeting business organisations later this afternoon and stressing that home working when possible will help us get through the winter and also this latest risk more safely.

The discovery of the new variant makes these measures more important than ever before. They will make a difference. And by sticking to them, we give ourselves the best possible chance of enjoying the more normal Christmas we are all looking forward to, but enjoying not just a more normal Christmas but a safer Christmas too, and hopefully avoiding the need for any tighter protections in the weeks to come.

So please, let’s all of us make sure that we up our compliance right now. This of course is a concerning development but if we take it as a reminder not to let our guard slip, then I hope we can protect the stronger position that we had already got ourselves into.

So please, get vaccinated, test yourself regularly, and follow all of the protections that are in place.

Thank you to everybody for doing all of these things and for what I know everybody will be seeking to do in the weeks ahead.

Council Leaders urge citizens to help limit Covid spread

City council leaders have urged residents to continue and renew efforts to help limit the spread of the Covid virus following the emergence of the new Omicron variant in Scotland.

The call from Council Leader Adam McVey and Depute Leader Cammy Day comes after First Minister Nicola Sturgeon gave a national update earlier today (Monday).

The First Minister stressed the importance of getting vaccinated, carrying out lateral flow tests regularly and rigorously following existing advice, including wearing masks, sanitising hands and surfaces and working from home where possible.

Council Leader Adam McVey said: “With the emergence of the new Omicron variant it’s essential that we follow a precautionary approach. While we’re still learning about this variant it’s right that we take action to protect ourselves and those around us.

“We must continue our efforts to limit its transmission, particularly as we head into the coldest winter months. First and foremost that means getting vaccinated – get both your jags and, if eligible, your third, booster dose.

“It’s also crucial that we test ourselves regularly, especially if we’re mixing with others, and, of course, carry on following the public health guidance on handwashing, face-coverings, ventilation and meeting outdoors wherever possible.

“There’s so much we can do to slow the virus’s spread and, hopefully, enjoy the more ‘normal’ Christmas we’ve all been waiting for.”

Depute Leader Cammy Day said: “The latest developments demonstrate that, while we’ve been making strides to limit the spread of the Covid virus, we need to remain alert.

“We can’t let all the sacrifices we’ve made so far go to waste – now is the time to redouble our efforts, look after one another and follow the rules.

“Together we can help limit the spread of the virus, reducing pressure on our health and care services over the winter and the need for further restrictions.”

Community test centres and mobile test centres are open for people with no Covid symptoms. Full details of these, and how to order home lateral flow testing kits, are available online.

Find out more about Council services during the pandemic on the Council website.

City council: less hot air!

Council reports record greenhouse gas emissions fall for 6th year running

The City of Edinburgh Council greenhouse gas emissions have continued to fall for the sixth year running.

This has been helped in part by the upgrading of LED street lighting across the city, and a drop in fleet emissions.

The findings, which have been released as part of the latest Public Bodies Climate Change Duties (PBCCD) report, reveal that Council emissions have been cut by 11% in the past financial year – supporting the Council’s ambition of becoming a net zero organisation by 2030.

The reduction, which also includes emissions from Edinburgh Leisure, is mainly thanks to a fall in electricity consumption, achieved through lighting or other energy efficiency upgrades, property closures during the pandemic and greening of the electricity grid.

The upgrade in LED street lighting across the city also contributed to a third of the drop in overall electricity use. A decrease in the use of the heavy vehicle fleet and a drop in business travel during the lockdown also helped emissions fall.

In 2020-21, emissions from buildings made up 66% of the Councils carbon footprint. Meanwhile, emissions from waste totalled 9%, fleet 10%, business travel 1% and other energy consumption, such as street and stair lighting, alarms and traffic signals made up 14%.

The report will be considered by the Policy and Sustainability Committee on Tuesday 30 November, alongside the final Council Emissions Reduction Plan – which outlines the initial steps the Council needs to take to become a net zero organisation by 2030.

Council Leader Adam McVey said: “It’s fantastic to see our hard work paying off, cut our carbon emissions for the sixth year running. It shows that major programmes of work to support a greener, net zero council by 2030, such as making Edinburgh’s street lighting more energy efficient, is having a real positive impact on the organisation and the city.

“While achieving an 11% drop in emissions this year is a significant achievement that we’re looking to build on, we must not become complacent. We know that 2020-21 was a unique year, and some of the changed to how we worked during the pandemic have contributed to this drop.

“As we transition back into the workplace over the coming months, we need to build on our progress to date and bank some of the progress of changes made during the last year. By continuing to make our buildings more energy efficient and encouraging colleagues to use more active and sustainable means of travel for work where possible we can recover from the pandemic in the greenest way possible and keep us on the track to net-zero by 2030.”

As well as reporting on the Council organisational emissions, the PBCCD report also covers the action taken by the Council to get ready for the unavoidable impacts of climate change – such as flooding and heatwaves.

It highlights that there has been a large increase in adaptation and climate risk activity being embedded across Council services, policies and plans – including the creation of the Edinburgh & Lothians Strategic Drainage Partnership to spot and reduce flood risk in the city and work to identify risks and protect Edinburgh’s World Heritage site, historic buildings and coastal communities.

It also highlights the Council’s new sustainable procurement strategy, which was launched in March 2020. The new policy means that Council procurement activity now contributes to its compliance with climate change duties.

Depute Leader, Cammy Day added: “The challenge we now face as a Council is how we maintain and improve on these reductions in emissions – which is why I’m delighted to see the publication of our Council Emissions Reduction Plan.

“By calculating the emissions impact of all of our activity and providing a clear plan for how we can cut our footprint, we can continue to make progress and build on our successes to date, helping to deliver environmental benefits along with wider health, economic and wellbeing benefits for everyone who lives and works in Edinburgh”.

The report will be discussed at Tuesday’s Policy and Sustainability Committee.

Key stats from the report:

69% – fall in Council’s business travel emissions footprint – caused by lockdown.
2.3% – the total increase in household waste tonnage collected by the Council. This is due to citizens spending more time at home during and after national lockdowns.
25,300: The number of average UK household’s annual energy needs which can be covered by the electricity generated from Millerhill Energy from Waste plant.
52,810 – The number of energy efficient streetlights installed in Edinburgh to date (up to Friday 5th November). A further 2,190 lanterns are still set to be installed by the end of the year. NB 9,000 were already energy efficient.

Spokes new Edinburgh Cycle Map available now

Spokes’ revised and updated map of Edinburgh showing the best routes for cyclists and walkers published

The new Edinburgh Cycle Map (11^th edition), produced by Spokes (the Lothian Cycle Campaign), has just been published. Fully revised and updated, the map shows new cycle infrastructure and other developments across the city.

It is invaluable for cyclists and walkers seeking safe routes to shops, work or school and for planning leisure and running routes. The map is available through bike shops, some bookshops and from Spokes.

The whole city was surveyed by local Spokes volunteers and the mapping revised and updated by a skilled volunteer cartographer. Major updates and improvements to the map include all the new housing developments across Edinburgh and contours and hill-shading so users can see the hill spots at a glance.

In addition, the back of the map now shows the area from South Queensferry to Newbridge, as well as the usual large scale map of the city centre. The maps are printed on tear and water-resistant synthetic paper which is fully recyclable.

Members of Spokes and their children recently travelled to the City Chambers to hand over copies of the new map to Council Leader Adam McVey, Depute Leader Cammy Day and Kristen Layne, Network Development Manager with Sustrans. Alex Fitzhowle, co-founder of Farr Out Deliveries, provided logistical support!

The printing of the map was supported by Sustrans Scotland and Cycling Scotland, with much information provided by City of Edinburgh Council.

A spokesperson for Spokes said: “This has been a great voluntary effort by local Spokes members.

“The new map will help residents and visitors find their way around the city in active and healthy ways, as well as showing new quiet routes and short cuts they didn’t know existed!”

Council Leader Adam McVey said: “We’ve got a growing network of safe and protected cycling and walking routes – some of which people might not know about.

“This is a great resource which will benefit so many people to make journeys around the city by bike – thanks to all the volunteers who made it happen.”

Depute Leader Cammy Day added: “Cycling is a healthy, environmentally-friendly and cost-effective way to get around the city and we want to support more people to do that.

“This map is a great way to explore safe and direct routes, whatever level of ability they have.”

Kristen Layne, Network Development Manager at Sustrans Scotland, said: “As Scotland faces the climate emergency, we need to work together to make walking, wheeling and cycling the obvious choices for more journeys across the country.

“We’re delighted to support our friends and partners at Spokes in launching the latest update of the much-used Edinburgh Cycle Map, and hope they continue to inspire many more people to make their journeys in a sustainable and active way.”

The new Edinburgh Cycle Map is available from local bike shops for £6.95.

There is also a special introductory offer for orders direct to Spokes on office@spokes.org.uk before the end of December 2021, to buy one map for £6 (postage-free) or £27 for 6 copies.

Spokes has also produced a buff/snood featuring a central section of the new Edinburgh map. This is on sale only from Spokes. Price £7 post-free or just £3 if added to a map order.

More information on all Spokes maps and sales outlets is available at:

www.spokes.org.uk/spokes-maps

New concert hall for Edinburgh city centre

Council Leader and Planning Convener for the City of Edinburgh Council welcome the approval of the plans for the Dunard Centre

The planning application, submitted by IMPACT Scotland, was approved yesterday by the city council’s Development Management Sub-Committee.

Council leader Adam McVey, said: “It’s great news that planning approval has been granted for this exciting and important new cultural venue for our Capital.

“This is the first purpose-built concert venue in Edinburgh in more than 100 years and I know so many people in the city are looking forward to enjoying a first class cultural experience with an expanding number of amazing venues.

“The new concert hall is the cultural flagship of our City Region Deal and being in a central location with fantastic public transport connections, it will complement the wider transformation of the east end of the city centre alongside the newly opened Edinburgh St James Quarter helping to keep our city centre a vibrant and thriving destination.”

Planning Convener Councillor Neil Gardiner said: I’m delighted committee today approved the new concert hall planning application and I welcome this major investment in Scotland’s Capital City.

“This state of the art purpose-designed facility now matches our international standing as the world’s premier festival city.

“The architecture of this new concert hall works well with historic Dundas House: the original plan of the New Town was to have cultural buildings at either end of George Street, which will now be fulfilled at St Andrews Square.

“Impact, who will operate the venue, has also committed to reach out to communities and schools across the city to make music accessible which is also welcome.”

Underbelly: Council report gives Winter Festivals ‘seal of approval’

City of Edinburgh Council Winter Festivals Public Consultation report finds almost 90% of respondents are in favour of Underbelly’s Winter Festival events

A new report conducted by the City of Edinburgh Council has revealed that 87% of surveyed respondents are in favour of Edinburgh’s Christmas with a further 86% in favour of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, highlighting the resounding approval of Edinburgh’s Winter Festival.

The Winter Festivals Public Consultation Report surveyed 8,612 people between February – May of this year. Other highlights included:

Over 90% of those surveyed had attended Edinburgh’s Christmas in the past and over half of tickets for this year’s Hogmanay celebrations – Party at the Bells – have been purchased by those living in EH postcodes, proving the Winter Festivals are a firm favourite with locals.
73% of businesses surveyed in the city said that the Winter Festivals contributed to an increase in their turnover and footfall.
92% of locals agreed that the Winter Festivals are welcoming to tourists and other visitors.
The report also showcased the popularity of the dedicated 20% discount for those with an EH postcode, with 78% of respondents welcoming an Edinburgh resident’s discount.

Underbelly, the producers of Edinburgh’s Christmas and Hogmanay on behalf of the City of Edinburgh Council, have incorporated feedback from previous events in this year’s programme, all of which echoes the findings in the survey.

Answering 39% of respondents wish for the celebrations to be spread throughout the City Centre, the organisers of Edinburgh’s Christmas have extended the celebrations to the West End of the city this year with events in West Princes Street Gardens and the ice rink on George Street, driving footfall to the wider city centre areas.

27% of those that were surveyed were concerned about the environmental impact of the Winter Festivals, which is being addressed by Festivals Edinburgh Carbon Reduction Road Map, including a 50% reduction in use of diesel generators, to be replaced by cleaner fuel generators or mains power by 2025.

Concessions for disabled and elderly people, as well as discount for young people were also requested and are already offered as part of the Winter Festival programme.

Underbelly Co-Directors, Charlie Wood and Ed Bartlam said: “The views of local Edinburgh residents and businesses are always at the forefront of our planning for Edinburgh’s Winter Festivals so to have nearly 90% approval for our programming is hugely encouraging.

“In advance of seeing this report and in the planning of this year’s events, we think we’ve taken many of the recommendations on board and based on the response to date, the events are being hugely enjoyed by Edinburgh residents.

“That said, reports like this are extremely valuable and we shall wait to see how the Council decides to move ahead next year before deciding whether to throw our hat back in the ring.”

Edinburghs-Winter-Festivals-Consultation-Results Download

Council: Survey reveals overwhelming support for continuation of winter celebrations in the Capital, but with a revised format

Residents and organisations across Edinburgh have backed the continuation of the city’s Christmas and Hogmanay events, according to the results of an independent survey conducted for the city council.

More than 8,600 people and 35 organisations responded to the survey on the future of Edinburgh’s Winter Festivals, with 87% expressing support for a Christmas celebration and 86% for Hogmanay.

The 12-week consultation, carried out in Spring this year by independent market research company Progressive on behalf of the Council, sought feedback from the Capital’s residents, communities and businesses on the events from 2022 onwards, after the current contact ends. Several targeted focus groups were also conducted with parents, young people and special interest groups.

Respondents were asked about their experiences of winter celebrations in the Capital, as well as what activities they would like to see included in future.

Overall, results showed a wish to continue to provide high quality Christmas and Hogmanay celebrations which will be valued by residents and visitors and to also provide events that will continue to enhance Edinburgh’s reputation, and to make changes to past formats and avoid overcrowding and improve access.

Responses and the findings in the report have provided a framework and general principles for the delivery of future editions of the Winter Festivals.

There is a clear desire for the city to celebrate this time of year, albeit with a revised format, and as a result, it is being proposed that new models for their delivery are piloted in 2022/23.

These proposals, along with the results of the consultation, will be discussed by the Council’s Policy and Sustainability Committee next week.

It is proposed that a procurement exercise will be undertaken to identify a producer to deliver Edinburgh’s Christmas for a one year pilot, using the clear feedback from the consultation to ensure that it meets the needs of residents and businesses and is of appropriate scale.

For Hogmanay and wider winter activity, it is proposed to appoint an individual or organisation to a Winter Festivals Director role.

They would have responsibility for developing and delivering a Winter Festival programme based on the theme of Light and incorporating the desired elements of fireworks, lighting installations and live music from the consultation. Partnership with local artists, communities, performers and creatives would be essential in the development of this programme.

Council Leader Cllr Adam McVey said: “Firstly, I want to thank all those who took the time to take part in the consultation – we had an excellent response and the views of people in Edinburgh will shape the future of these events.

“Our Winter Festivals have grown in size and popularity over the years and have created some amazing experiences and images that has shown Edinburgh at its best.

However, if we’re to make the fun and enjoyment of winter sustainable, we must listen and respond to the views of our residents and other stakeholders. Through this major consultation, we’ve got a better idea of how they regard the celebrations, both positive and negative.

“The results are very encouraging but, as expected, respondents highlighted a range of issues that we will factor into our planning for future years.

“Some of these issues were already known to us, particularly in relation to pressure on the city centre, and this year’s lay-out reflects this as we look to respond to concerns and aspirations of residents and business. But we know from the positive experiences of the summer festivals that we can and must do more to spread the benefits across our communities.”

Council Depute Leader Cllr Cammy Day said: “The festive period is an extremely special time for our Capital City and, as well as contributing to the wellbeing of our residents, our Winter Festivals deliver real economic impact, benefitting tourism, hospitality and leisure sectors in particular.

“It is fantastic to see that there is a clear desire to keep the winter celebrations with many respondents commenting on how they are now part of Edinburgh’s tradition, and how much they were missed in 2020. However, it was also hugely important to hear what concerns there are and what people would like to see more of.

“Thanks to the feedback gathered earlier this year we’ll now be able to take people’s comments and ideas into account as we plan for next year, and beyond.”

Key findings included:

Food and beverages (82%), musical performances (77%) and activities for children (76%) were the top preferred activities for Christmas.
Fireworks (79%), lighting installations (77%) and live music performances (75%) were the top three preferred activities for Hogmanay.
Alcoholic drinks (56%) and funfair rides (47%) were the least wanted activities for Christmas celebrations.
Street party and mass gathering (49%) was the least wanted activity.
Respondents also called for future winter celebrations to have local involvement of artists and performers and Scottish/local culture.
In response to making Christmas and Hogmanay more accessible to people with disabilities, physical access issues such as wheelchair accessibility and restrictions on the number of people attending dominated.

Find out more about the consultation responses online.

Edinburgh residents asked to buy responsibly this Christmas

A new campaign encouraging residents to have a less wasteful Christmas and help reduce their impact on the environment has been launched today.

Following on from the city-wide Net Zero Challenge, which encourages people learn about the cost to the climate of everyday actions by measuring their carbon footprint, the new multi-media campaign aims to build upon the momentum gathered by the COP26 conference.

Edinburgh residents are being urged to buy more responsibly and to avoid waste where possible, by choosing local suppliers and products, asking for pre-loved or home-made gifts and cutting down on food waste.

Residents will also be encouraged to use the Edinburgh Reuse Map, developed in partnership with Changeworks, to discover where items can be sourced second-hand or for free, fixed, donated or even upcycled.

As well as content promoted through billboards, bus shelters, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and radio, additional practical information and support on wasting less over the festive season, including details on recycling and Christmas tree uplifts, and plastic-free shops across the city is also available to residents at http://www.Edinburgh.gov.uk/GreenChristmas

Council Leader, Councillor Adam Mcvey said: “The Green Christmas campaign aims to build on the momentum and interest in the climate crisis from COP26 coming to Scotland, to encourage even more people across the city to take climate action and help deliver a cleaner, greener capital.

“The vast majority of people in Edinburgh agree that we need to cut down on waste over Christmas.

“And from choosing gifts with recyclable or minimal packaging, avoiding items that can’t be recycled – such as glittery cards or shiny wrapping paper, to supporting local shops and choosing local food to cut down on air miles – there’s lots of ways we can all be greener in the run up to holidays to be more sustainable and look after our beautiful city and precious planet.”

Depute leader, Cammy Day said: “Although going totally waste free this Christmas may be a tall order, there’s still lots we can all do to cut down.

“Small changes do add up and, as well as being good for the environment, can often save you time and money too. For example, planning your meals ahead of time so you only buy the food you need can help you save up to £437 a year, and helps us tread more lightly.”

Have a Greener Christmas

Second hand shops and online auction sites are great ways to discover meaningful, pre-loved gifts. They also help you avoid waste. Use the Edinburgh Reuse Map to discover local shops.
Making your own gifts – be it a tasty treat or crafty surprise, is a great way of giving a thoughtful gift without the waste. Get inspired with the Zero waste Scotland Sustainable Christmas guide
Use the Zero Waste Edinburgh map to find your nearest plastic free and wholesale grocery shops
Support local shops and choose local food to cut down on your carbon footprint.
New Christmas electronics? Join others and donate unwanted laptops and phones to Edinburgh Remakery for refurbishment and help cut down on waste.
Broken items? Borrow any tools you may need from the Edinburgh Tool Library, to try and fix it yourself or find a local businesses that can do it for you.
Buy more responsibly this Christmas by asking yourself these 5 questions:
- #1 How sustainable is this? What’s it made of? What’s the energy efficiency rating?
- #2 Can I find this second hand? You may find the same for much less
- #3 How long will it be loved for? Choose things which will last
- #4 Who made it? Can the brand you’re buying from guarantee that everyone in the supply chain was paid fairly and had safe working conditions?
- #5 Do I really need it? Check what you already have
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Edinburgh awarded highest global rating for climate action

Edinburgh has become the first city in Scotland to be awarded with the highest rating for climate action.

Edinburgh is one of just 95 cities world-wide to be placed on the 2021 A List by CDP – an international charity which runs the world’s largest environmental disclosure system for companies and cities.

The A-List position recognises that Edinburgh has:

Publicly disclosed a city-wide emissions inventory
Set an emissions reduction target – for Edinburgh, this is a target of net zero emissions by 2030
Published a climate action plan, Edinburgh’s 2030 Climate Strategy, which sets the strategic direction for reducing the city’s emissions and becoming resilient to future climate change
Completed, and is in the process of updating a climate risk and vulnerability assessment
A climate adaptation plan, showing how it plans to tackle the unavoidable impacts of climate change, which will be updated and extended to respond to the risk assessment

By publicly disclosing Edinburgh’s environmental data through CDP, the city’s performance is benchmarked against other cities and regions across the world, helping to highlight areas of action and improvement.

Leader of the City of Edinburgh Council Adam McVey said: “This international recognition is a fantastic accomplishment for Edinburgh. It recognises how transparent we’re being about the action we’re taking as a city to tackle climate change as well as the hard work which is already underway to support our 2030 target.

“Net-zero redevelopments like Granton Waterfront, improving our parks, food growing sites and urban forests have all delivered action as a city to help deliver net-zero. “

“Whilst COP26 may have just ended, with some disappointment on progress agreed by National Governments, Edinburgh’s work continues to build on the progress we’ve already made. And the strength of Edinburgh’s approach has been endorsed with being listed one of just 95 cities in the world to be awarded an A-list status by the CPD, the only city in Scotland.

“Our works as a council and as a city will continue over the coming months and years to help deliver a net zero, climate ready capital by 2030 and we know that’s what our residents are demanding of us.”

Depute leader Cammy Day said: “This recognition from CDP is welcome encouragement and reinforces that we’re on the right track.As Scotland’s capital, we’re delivering innovative and ground-breaking projects which will encourage change at the speed and scale needed to ensure our young people inherit a thriving, climate ready, sustainable city which is a cleaner and healthier place to live and work.

“However we can’t afford to become complacent and we need to keep on driving city-wide climate action and change, whilst ensuring that no one is left behind to help Edinburgh meet its climate targets.”

Fewer than 1/10 cities reporting to CDP made the A List in 2021. Findings from the charity show that A List cities take twice as many mitigation and adaptation measures as non-A List cities, and also identify more than twice as many opportunities – such as the development of sustainable transport sectors and clean technology businesses.

About CDP

CDP is a global non-profit that runs the world’s environmental disclosure system for companies, cities, states and regions. Founded in 2000 and working with more than 590 investors with over $110 trillion in assets, CDP pioneered using capital markets and corporate procurement to motivate companies to disclose their environmental impacts, and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, safeguard water resources and protect forests.

Over 14,000 organizations around the world disclosed data through CDP in 2021, including more than 13,000 companies worth over 64% of global market capitalization, and over 1,100 cities, states and regions. CDP is a founding member of the Science Based Targets initiative, We Mean Business Coalition, The Investor Agenda and the Net Zero Asset Managers initiative.

Visit cdp.net or follow @CDP to find out more.

Robert Louis Stevenson family bible comes home to Edinburgh

Museums & Galleries Edinburgh (MGE) is delighted to reveal important new donations to the Writers’ Museum collections, relating to the family and life of author Robert Louis Stevenson.

Among the donations are the Stevenson family Bible, bible box and a family genealogical record written by Stevenson’s grandfather, Robert, the first of the famed lighthouse engineers.

The family record lists personal details of births, deaths and marriages in the family over many generations, while the bible has fascinating marks and notations from years of heavy use.

Councillor Donald Wilson, Culture and Communities Convener said: These are fantastic additions to our collections, offering our residents and visitors such lovely and important further insights into such an iconic family.

“I have no doubt this generous contribution will generate much interest and the city’s lasting gratitude.

Curator Anna MacQuarrie said: “Our Stevenson collections speak to the life and experiences of this great writer, both as a young boy and his later days spent in the South Seas.

“These new donations are a wonderful addition to the collection, allowing us to imagine what kind of influence these objects might have had on his young life and later inspirations.

“We are sincerely grateful to the donor for their generosity, enabling the wider public to better understand Stevenson and his family background.

The donor, who chose to remain anonymous, said: “I was touched by the gracious, enthusiastic attitude of the curators to whom I recently passed on family items, pertaining to Louis/RLS and the lighthouse engineer side of our family.

“Gifting was made easier by the knowledge and assurance that a wider public would benefit from being able to see other pieces in the familial, Stevenson jigsaw puzzle. It was a relief to realise that the items would be honoured and cared for – and subsequently appreciated by many other interested parties.

Jeremy Hodges, Robert Louis Stevenson biographer and co-ordinator of the annual RLS Day celebrations, said: “Despite the international fame of RLS as an author, he always felt slightly guilty about not following in his father’s footsteps as a builder of lighthouses – a proper job of more importance than making stories.

“He remedied this in part by writing Records of a Family of Engineers, drawing on the kind of genealogical material that forms part of this bequest.

“The family Bible would have been treasured by the devout Robert Stevenson and his descendants, including Robert Louis – despite his announcement in his early twenties that he no longer believed in the Christian religion, a confession that led to traumatic rows with his God-fearing parents.”

To further celebrate Robert Louis Stevenson day online MGE has an online talk on ‘Island Characters’ by Jeremy Hodges from the Robert Louis Stevenson Club, and a podcast (link to go live on 13 Nov) discussing the renowned Stevenson photo albums and new donations.

Corstorphine Connections: pupils reimagine their school streets

Children in Corstorphine have become urban designers to help create safer, more welcoming streets in their local neighbourhood.

As COP26 takes hold of Scotland, pupils from Carrick Knowe and Corstorphine Primary Schools have been sharing ideas to help people make healthy, low carbon journeys by walking, wheeling or cycling, as well as improving the environment, in their own corner of the country.

The city council is engaging with the community as part of Corstorphine Connections, a project to introduce a Low Traffic Neighbourhood (LTN), and are asking residents to share their views on proposals to improve the look and feel of the area.

The design proposals have been developed after receiving initial feedback from residents, including these designs for school streets by local children. Amongst their ideas are more trees, grass and flowers, spotty patterned roads and paw prints along the street to signpost safe routes.

Councillor Lesley Macinnes, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “We owe it to future generations to create a city that is healthy, sustainable and safe to move around by foot, wheel or bike. So it’s fantastic that we’ve been able to involve our youngest citizens in the development of Edinburgh’s first LTN – they’ve got some great ideas.

“We’ve seen from neighbourhoods around the world how LTNs can have a really positive impact on travel habits and quieter, more pleasant streets for residents and businesses, so I really look forward to delivering these benefits in Edinburgh.”

Councillor Karen Doran, Transport and Environment Vice Convener, added: “We really want to bring the Corstorphine community with us as we develop this LTN, and we’ve already been listening to ideas and concerns as we move through the process.

“These designs demonstrate the impact the layout of our streets can have an all members of society, young and old, so it’s been really helpful to hear what local school pupils think.”

Dan Jeffs, Senior Urban Designer at Sustrans Scotland, said: “Sustrans has been working closely with Corstorphine Primary School and Carrick Knowe Primary School to identify placemaking measures for spaces immediately outside their schools and within the wider area.

“These measures will help create safer, more enjoyable and attractive streets and spaces for children and local residents, as well as encourage and promote walking, wheeling and cycling in the area.

“People are being invited to have their say on placemaking ideas for Corstorphine, such as hanging baskets and ‘pencil bollards’ to protect children outside the school on Corstorphine High Street and new seating and colourful road surfaces to prioritise pedestrians on Saughton Road North.

“Two options for a ‘pocket park’ on Featherhall Avenue have also been put forward for feedback.”

Plans to start the Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO) process to introduce an LTN on a trial basis in Corstorphine were approved by Transport and Environment Committee in August, following engagement with the community on key issues and, subsequently, concept designs.

The LTN aims to create a safer environment, providing more opportunities for residents to walk, wheel, cycle and spend time in by reducing vehicle volume and speed.

In Corstorphine, residents have previously told the council about concerns around the level and speed of traffic there, which is backed up by CEC’s own monitoring.

By implementing an LTN the council hopes to create a calmer, more relaxed environment for travel by foot, wheel or bike. It is planning to introduce the LTN on a trial basis, using an ETRO, in early spring 2022.

LTNs form part of the City Mobility Plan, Edinburgh’s ten-year transport strategy envisioning a better-connected, safer and more inclusive net zero carbon transport system. The council is also working towards the introduction of an LTN in Leith next summer.

Find out more about Corstorphine Connections online and share your views on placemaking designs on the Council’s consultation hub before 14 November.

City cycle hire scheme: council to set up team to look at options

Work towards reintroducing a cycle hire scheme in Edinburgh has begun, along with plans for shorter term measures to support cycling initiatives in the Capital.

A report to Transport and Environment Committee on Thursday (11 November) proposes establishing a project team to explore options for replacing the popular Edinburgh Cycle Hire Scheme (ECHS), which provided almost half a million trips in its three-year term.

As well as learning lessons from the first contract with Serco, a series of objectives for any new initiative have been recommended. These include the need for bikes to be adaptive and accessible, for communities to be involved in proposals and to seek to increase use by low participation groups, particularly those who are economically or socially disadvantaged.

Several short-term actions are proposed to mitigate the impact of the previous cycle hire scheme ending. Amongst these are the expansion of the Cargo Bike Movement, letting members of the public, local businesses and organisations loan cargo bikes, and investment in Brake the Cycle, which supports offenders to repair and restore donated bikes for reuse.

Medium-term it is also recommended that officers explore a city bike club in partnership with retailers and other relevant organisations.

Councillor Lesley Macinnes, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “The Edinburgh Cycle Hire Scheme was an extremely welcome addition in Edinburgh, judging by the many people who made use of it, and opened up cycling as a convenient, accessible mode of transport to a whole new audience.

“It was really disappointing that we weren’t able to find a way forward with the previous contract, despite our best efforts, but as we look to a future scheme, I’m confident we can deliver an even better replacement suited to the needs of the city.”

Councillor Karen Doran, Transport and Environment Vice Convener, said: “I know many people will be delighted that we’re making moves toward an inclusive, community-led replacement for the cycle hire scheme.

“As we work to develop this our short-term measures will help those who need support to access a bike.”

Edinburgh’s first cycle hire scheme, operated by Serco, ran from 2018 to 2021 at no cost to the Council. Despite negotiations considering various options, an extension to the contract could not be agreed and, unfortunately, the scheme closed at midnight on 17 September.

During 2020, ECHS was the fastest growing scheme in Britain, with 234,500 trips made, expanding across the city and attracting users from different backgrounds. It is recognised that its availability helped to normalise and promote cycling amongst the public, aligning with the need to shift towards more sustainable modes of transport and supporting net zero carbon goals.

Based on the first contract it is suggested that a financial subsidy from the Council will be required for a future scheme. Analysis by Transport for Edinburgh highlights other matters for consideration, including clearly defined aims and objectives, the need to minimise opportunities for vandalism of bikes and infrastructure and integration with buses and trams.

If approved, a project team would be formed to carry out research and engagement with stakeholders, elected members and local communities to gather views on objectives and the options for delivering them. This work would then form the basis of recommendations to a future committee.

Read the full report, Edinburgh Cycle Hire Scheme – future delivery and interim community initiatives, on the Council website.

You can watch the discussion at Transport and Environment Committee live via webcast from 10am on Thursday, 11 November.