Do you live in Queensferry? The city council wants to improve walking, wheeling and cycling conditions there, creating more travel options for daily trips to school, work and in your local community.
Come to their drop-in at South Queensferry Community Centre, School Lane on Thursday, 30 June between 3pm and 7pm to meet the project team and find out more
How will the rising cost of living affect the Scottish Budget in 2023-24? Will the Scottish Government’s proposals for reforming the public service deliver the efficiencies expected?
These and other key questions are the focus of the Finance and Public Administration Committee’s inquiry that begins today.
The committee is seeking views from organisations and the public to inform its pre-budget scrutiny work, prior to the Scottish Government publishing its 2023/24 budget later this year.
Committee Convener Kenneth Gibson MSP said: “The next Scottish Budget will be challenging as the current cost-of-living crisis impacts on Scotland.
The Committee is therefore keen to hear from organisations and individuals how the Scottish Government’s Budget in 2023-24 should respond to this crisis.
“We also want to hear views on how the government’s proposed reform of the public service will support its future spending plans.”
Mr Gibson concluded: “Using the government’s resource spending review announced in May, we will focus our pre-budget scrutiny on the proposals for reforming the public service, the impact of the cost of living crisis on the Scottish Budget, and how spending priorities might affect the delivery of national outcomes.”
Transformative change is needed in order to protect and restore terrestrial, freshwater and marine biodiversity in Scotland.
In light of mounting evidence that Scotland continues to experience dramatic declines in biodiversity, the Scottish Government is seeking views on its ambitious new strategy to halt nature loss by 2030 and reverse it by 2045.
A consultation on Scotland’s Biodiversity Strategy sets out the government’s long-term vision of what our natural environment needs to look like in 2045 in order to reverse biodiversity decline and protect our environment for the future. It contains a series of proposed outcomes setting out what needs to be done, and the conditions that must be in place, in order to achieve success.
Biodiversity Minister Lorna Slater said: “We recognise that the interlinked crises of climate change and nature loss need urgent action across Government and society. That’s why we have recently established the £65 million Nature Restoration Fund, committed to expanding protected areas and our National Park network, and supported the expansion of the beaver population.
“But we know we can and must do more. Sadly the evidence tells us that Scotland, in common with the rest of the UK and the world, has not done enough over the two past decades to prevent the continuing decline in biodiversity.
“Our existing strategy, published in 2004, now needs a fundamental overhaul to address the new uncertainties we face as a result of the global climate emergency. In addition to high level strategic leadership, we will need responsible public and private investment to achieve our outcomes and an inclusive ‘whole-of-society’ approach that engages with communities, business and decision makers alike.
“This consultation is a key part of developing our new strategic approach. Biodiversity is important for everyone and I would encourage everyone to share their views and help us shape this crucial roadmap toward a better and more sustainable future for Scotland.”
Francesca Osowska, NatureScot’s Chief Executive, said: “The nature and climate crises cannot be overstated. We have reached a critical point where we must take ambitious action for nature now, and Scotland’s new biodiversity strategy gives us the best opportunity to do this.
“This national endeavour means that by 2045 we will have restored and enhanced biodiversity across our land and seas. Our plant and animal species will be richly diverse, resilient and adapting to climate change and everyone will understand the importance and value of nature.
“With global biodiversity targets being agreed at the upcoming COP15, there is no better time to start making this vision a reality.
“I strongly encourage people across Scotland; partners; communities and businesses, to get involved in the consultation and play a part in creating a nature rich, net-zero future for all.”
Residents are being invited to drop-in events this week as the Council gathers views on the ongoing ‘transformation’ of Powderhall.
Detailing early plans for new homes and greenspace on part of the site on Broughton Road, Council officers will be joined by Cruden Building and Smith Scott Mullan to take questions and gather views on Wednesday 15 June between 4:00pm and 7:30pm. This will take place at McDonald Road Library.
A virtual drop-in will also go live on Thursday 16 June between 4:00pm and 7:30pm, with a presentation and Q&A starting each hour (4pm, 5pm, 6pm and 7pm).
For residents unable to attend these events, a consultation website will open on Wednesday 15 June for three weeks, closing on Wednesday 6 July.
This consultation will specifically consider the Council’s vision for new housing on the former Waste Transfer Station site, which will include around 240 new energy efficient mixed-tenure homes.
In addition to the above, the blueprint for the wider area comprises redevelopment of an adjacent former bowling greens site for 27 affordable homes for older people, above a new 128 space early years centre and refurbished B-listed stables building on Broughton Road. This will be converted into a flexible event and exhibition space with a community art workshop, while new public realm and improved cycling and walking in St Mark’s Path are also planned. These phases have previously been the subject of community consultation and have received planning permission.
Councillor Jane Meagher, Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, said: “The closure of the old waste transfer site at Powderhall has created a unique opportunity for us to create a sustainable neighbourhood which benefits everyone in the area.
“Alongside affordable new homes – which will form an important part of our housebuilding target – our vision for Powderhall is to create enjoyable new public spaces and a truly intergenerational community. There will be dozens of employment opportunities too, as we also protect and preserve the nearby 1890s stable block for a whole variety of new uses.
“Local people have been very engaged to date and I hope that their views will genuinely shape this next phase of the project. The potential for Powderhall is incredible and we really want to make sure we get the designs right. The feedback from these drop-ins will help us.”
How to have your say:
In-person drop-in event
Wednesday 15 June, 4:00pm-7:30pm, at McDonald Road Library.
Virtual drop-in event
Thursday 16 June, 4:00pm-7:30pm with a presentation and Q&A starting each hour at 4pm, 5pm, 6pm and 7pm, open on the day at https://orbitconsultations.scot/powderhallresidential/
Consultation website
Open Wednesday 15 June until Wednesday 6 July, also at https://orbitconsultations.scot/powderhallresidential/
The British Pregnancy Advisory Service is appealing to the public to support a Members Bill to outlaw protests outside abortion clinics.
Details below:
Please respond to the Scottish Government Consultation on buffer zones.
Sending a response only takes 10 minutes.
The DEADLINE to respond is 10th August 2022 Gillian Mackay MSP has launched a Private Member’s Bill for Safe Access Zones, or buffer zones, outside abortion facilities across Scotland.
WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT.
This is a really important step in the move for buffer zones. You can access the consultation here www.bufferzones.scot Y
ou can access a ‘suggested response’ guide here https://images.bpas-campaigns.org/…/How-to-respond-BPAS…
Please share widely. We need as many people as possible to submit a response. Help make buffer zones a reality.
Post-Brexit plans to return the Crown symbol to pint glasses and to remove the EU ban on imperial measures have been set out yesterday (Friday 3 June).
In a tribute to Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, new government guidance published today will help businesses apply the Crown symbol to pint glasses.
As long ago as 1698, British pint glasses intended for measuring and serving beer were marked with a crown stamp as a declaration that the glass, when filled to the brim or to a line measure, accurately measured a pint of beer.
The Crown stamp gave customers confidence that they were not being sold a short measure of beer. But the symbol was replaced by the EU-wide ‘CE’ marking’ in 2006 in order to conform with EU rules in the UK.
Alongside the Crown symbol guidance, a consultation has been published today on how to implement a change to the law on weights and measures, so that shoppers and business have greater choice over the way they buy and sell products.
The consultation will help the government consider, for example, allowing vegetables to be sold in pounds only, or in pounds with a less prominent metric equivalent, should businesses wish to do so. This will help inform the Government’s plans to legislate to give businesses greater choice in the units they use. There is no intention to require businesses to change their existing practices and so this will not place greater costs on businesses.
Today’s announcement is not just about pounds and ounces, but about where the UK’s laws are made. The ‘metric martyrs’ was a totemic case in establishing the supremacy of EU law. Now we have left the EU, the UK can take decisions in the best interests of British businesses and consumers.
Business Minister Paul Scully said: “This Platinum Jubilee weekend we’re raising a toast to Her Majesty The Queen’s health and service to this country. It’s a fitting tribute that we’re now helping businesses to restore the Crown symbol to pint glasses.
“While we think of our fruit and veg by the pound, the legacy of EU rules means we legally have to sell them by the kilo. Our consultation today will help shops to serve customers in the way their customers want.
“UK law currently requires metric units to be used, as the primary indication, for all trade purposes with only limited exceptions, reflecting rules from our time in the EU. Currently, imperial units are only authorised for use on their own in a small number of cases such sales of draught beer and cider. Now we have left the EU, the UK can act in the best interests of its businesses and consumers.”
Have you been drinking, sir? – Ed.
A public consultation has started on ambitious plans by the National Galleries of Scotland (NGS) to construct a vitally important new building in Granton, North Edinburgh. Titled The Art Works, the facility will house Scotland’s extraordinary national art collection and provide a significant, long-term contribution to benefit and enhance the local community for years to come.
Located at the heart of one of Scotland’s most diverse yet socioeconomically deprived areas, The Art Works has a unique dual purpose at its core: firstly, as a base for more than 100,000 works of art to be cared for, conserved and researched; and secondly as a key focal point for community investment, pride and growth.
The building will by fully accessible and open to all, offering world-class visitor facilities, rooms for education and community programmes, and new outdoor public spaces – all designed to meet the needs of and help realise the huge potential of the local community.
Previously known as the National Collection Facility, proposals for a building of this kind have been in the early stages of concept development since 2015. Now known as The Art Works, the project aims to bring Scotland’s vast and extraordinary national art collection into a single future-proofed location.
At present the collection is stored across several sites where access and space are extremely limited, logistics are difficult, and conditions are suboptimal for enabling the full potential for public access, conservation and research to be realised; and also for allowing works to be made available for display and loan.
The Art Works will be instrumental in addressing each of these issues, enabling much greater access to and engagement with Scotland’s artistic treasures. The scope for touring the collection around Scotland and internationally will be greatly increased, meaning more people than ever before will be able to connect and engage with Scotland’s incredible artistic legacy.
Sir John Leighton, Director-General of the National Galleries of Scotland said: “This is an incredibly exciting moment for both the National Galleries of Scotland and the communities of North Edinburgh.
“The Art Works has the potential to be truly transformative, not only in how Scotland’s national collection of art is cared for and shared more widely, but also by providing much needed new facilities to unleash the creative confidence and spirit of the local area.
“I would encourage everyone to get involved in the consultation and together help design a major new building in Granton that will work for and provide inspiration to all.”
As part of the Granton Waterfront project, which is adopting ambitious plans on low-carbon travel modes and energy-efficient new housing, The Art Works will play an important role in Scotland’s green recovery as the country’s largest building designed to the Passivhaus standard, which goes beyond the requirements for meeting Scotland’s 2030 carbon reduction targets.
The Art Works will be located on a site west of Madelvic House on Granton Park Avenue. The project is at the pre-planning application consultation stage which enables members of the public to share their views on the proposals.
These will be considered before NGS proceeds to submit a full planning application.
People can find out more about the proposals at an event on Monday 6 June 2022 from 3pm-7pm at Edinburgh College (Granton Campus).
In addition, an online question and answer session with the project team is planned for Tuesday 7 June 2022 between 5pm-7pm.
Further information on the proposals, including a survey and FAQs, can be found on the NGS website at www.nationalgalleries.org/theartworks.
Comments should be made by 1 July 2022, when the consultation will close.
Help us develop plans for the next five years! Please join one of our online events to have your say:
Tues 7 June, 12-1:30pm:
https://eventbrite.co.uk/e/a-strategic-vision-for-nhs-lothian-tickets-337307956177…
Wed 8 June, 12-1:30pm:
https://eventbrite.co.uk/e/a-strategic-vision-for-nhs-lothian-tickets-337318467617…
AND
2-3:30pm: https://eventbrite.co.uk/e/a-strategic-vision-for-nhs-lothian-tickets-337976124687…
Learn more: https://org.nhslothian.scot/Strategies/LSDF
The Lothian Health & Care System is refreshing its strategic direction, in light of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Lothian Strategic Development Framework (LSDF) describes what we are trying to achieve, our current situation, the challenges we face and the direction of travel we propose to take.
The summary document is the core of the LSDF and gives an overview of our Framework. You can access it here.
An easy read version of this summary can be found by clicking the picture
We are keen to ensure the LSDF has captured all of the elements required to provide a credible strategy, and would like to hear your views. You can share your thoughts on the LSDF by emailing us at loth.lsdf@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk
In particular, we would like to hear your responses to the following questions:
· Do you feel the LSDF addresses the issues that are most important? If not, why not?
· Have we missed anything really significant in the LSDF? If so, what?
· What, if any, or the proposals set out in the LSDF worry or concern you?
· What would you suggest that the Lothian Health & Care System could do to alleviate your concerns?
· Is there anything else you would like to tell us before we finalise our strategy?
You can also join us at one of the public sessions we are holding over the next few weeks. Your inputs from these sessions will help shape the new Framework.
To see dates and to register for one of these sessions, go straight to Meeting Dates.
A suite of supporting documents provides more detail on the concepts and initiatives explored in the summary document. All of these documents can be accessed below in the full version of the Framework:
Proposals to help tackle the climate and biodiversity crisis by supporting Scotland’s transition to a zero waste and circular economy have been launched.
The measures, designed to significantly increase reuse and recycling rates, and modernise and improve waste and recycling services, are set out in two consultations – on a Circular Economy Bill and a Waste Route Map.
Key proposals include:
Scotland’s circular economy targets, outlined in the Scottish Government’s Climate Change Plan, include ending the landfilling of biodegradable municipal waste by 2025, reducing the percentage of all waste sent to landfill to 5% by 2025, and recycling 70% of all waste by 2025.
Circular Economy Minister Lorna Slater launched the consultations on a visit to the Edinburgh Furniture, which is run by the homelessness charity Foursquare.
The charity uses donated furniture to furnish its homeless accommodation and to raise money for its other services.
Lorna Slater said: “To tackle the climate and biodiversity crisis, we need to rapidly reduce our demand for raw material, increase reuse and repair, and recycle more.
“We must make a circular option the easy option for Scottish households, businesses and the public sector. I want everyone in the country to experience a modern, easy to use waste service that makes it easy for people to do the right thing for the planet.
“We are already taking action, including delivering Scotland’s Deposit Return Scheme and our £70 million Recycling Improvement Fund, but we know we need to move faster if we are to meet our climate obligations.
“It requires us to be bold, brave, and focused on delivering the actions needed – and this must be a collective effort.
“These consultations set out the key proposed actions and the tools we will put in place to help everyone play their part in cutting waste in our economy, capitalising on the economic opportunities that a circular economy presents to businesses.
“The Circular Economy Bill will give us the powers to cut waste in our economy, while preserving precious resources and protecting our natural environment.”
Chief Executive of Zero Waste Scotland Iain Gulland said: “Today marks a tremendous step in Scotland’s transition towards a circular economy. “For years, Zero Waste Scotland has championed and helped usher in a more circular economy to reduce over-consumption.
“By supporting Scottish citizens, communities and businesses, through funding and tailored advice we are working hard to implement more sustainable ways of living.
“The Circular Economy Bill includes measures and approaches that will further cement and support the strides we’re making and crucially, it is a step in the right direction to end our contribution to the climate crisis.
“I encourage everyone in Scotland to take part in these vital consultations.”
Environmental campaigners have welcomed the move and are calling for strong targets to reduce the global extraction of resources supplying the Scottish economy, and measures to change the way materials are used in Scotland.
A circular economy is when materials are reused and recycled as much as possible before new resources are taken from nature, as opposed to our current linear ‘take, make, dispose’ model.
Kim Pratt, circular economy campaigner at Friends of the Earth Scotland, said: “Over-consumption by the wealthy few is pushing our whole planet to breaking point.
“Our current economic system, built on the idea of unlimited growth, is driving climate breakdown and leading to global material supply disruptions – it can’t go on. We need to reduce our reliance on new materials by changing our economic consumption patterns.
“The Scottish Government has made some really encouraging suggestions in the Circular Economy Bill. We need circularity to be embedded throughout government and Scotland’s economic sectors for it to be as effective as possible. The commitment to regular reviews and the creation of a circular economy public body are welcome.
“This new organisation needs to be independent of government and adequately funded. Creating a circular economy will require a step change in the scale and rate of change, based on strong leadership and collaboration. Now is the time to be bold.
“Targets to reduce both Scotland’s carbon footprint and material footprints need to be at the heart of the Circular Economy Bill to create real change, so it’s great to see that these have been prioritised in the bill. We must reduce Scotland’s carbon footprint to zero by 2050 to ensure Scotland contributes its fair share to global climate mitigation. Scotland’s material footprint must more than halve by 2050.”
Scotland’s material footprint was 18 tonnes per person in 2017, which is higher than the EU average (14 tonnes per person). Experts suggest that we can live sustainable, high quality lives with eight tonnes per person, by moving to a circular economy where materials are reused and recycled as much as possible.
82% of Scotland’s carbon footprint comes from the products and services we buy. Over half these emissions are due to imported goods but these are not included in Scotland’s climate targets. This means the environmental and social damage caused overseas by demand for goods in Scotland is virtually invisible at the moment, which is stopping it from being tackled.
The Scottish Government launched a review on waste targets at the same time as the consultation on the circular economy bill. The waste targets consultation is a key part of rapid system change required in Scotland.
MONDAY 6 JUNE: Exhibition 3 – 7pm at Edinburgh College Granton Campus
TUESDAY 7 JUNE: 5 – 7pm Online Q & A session
