Tag: Edinburgh

Sprint World Orienteering Championships shine in Edinburgh

THURSDAY saw the conclusion of the Sprint World Orienteering Championships (www.woc2024.org) which took place in Edinburgh.

The city welcomed over 3,000 fans across the week with start and finish venues at Princes Street, Heriot-Watt University and Saint John Street.  Locals and orienteering fans alike came to cheer on the competitors, marking another successful world sporting event for Scotland.

Over 250 world class athletes from 45 countries competed in the event and the inaugural ‘WOC Tour’ participation race also proved a huge success, as 1200 people from across the orienteering and Scotland community signed up to take part in multiple events over the course of five days.

The GB team also saw success across the week with Megan Carter Davies competing in the Sprint Knockout final, she finished fifth narrowly missing out on the medals, while Grace Molloy also secured a 6th place in the individual sprint on Friday afternoon.

Andy Mitchelmore, Event Director at WOC 2024, said: “We are absolutely delighted at the success of WOC 2024. I can’t thank everyone enough for making the last few days an unforgettable experience. 

“To see so many people come out to watch Orienteering in this fantastic city has been overwhelming. Whether that has been just to watch the athletes, compete in our amazing WOC Tour races or to enjoy the atmosphere, everyone has played their part.

“We owe a huge debt of gratitude to our amazingly hard-working staff and all our volunteers who have worked tremendously hard and without whom the event would not have been successful.

“Also, to all our stakeholders and commercial partners who have played an integral role in bringing this event to life. In particular,  Event Scotland, Edinburgh City Council, British Orienteering Federation, Scottish Orienteering Association and the Scottish Orienteering six-day event Company Ltd for their unwavering support.

“The hope is that we have now created a legacy for the sport’s future and helped put orienteering on the map in Scotland.”

Paul Bush OBE, Visit Scotland Director of Events, said: “Edinburgh has provided the perfect stage for the Sprint World Orienteering Championships 2024. Our capital city has certainly never seen anything like this before as athletes raced through our medieval tenements, narrow and intricate alleys and sweeping landscapes in search of World Championships glory. 

“Scotland is one of the best places in the world to experience events and the successful delivery of the Sprint World Orienteering Championships reinforces our reputation for delivering innovative and world-class events.   

“Thank you to the organisers, partners, volunteers and most importantly the athletes for making this a truly memorable event.”

Depute Lord Provost Lezley Marion Cameron said: “It has been a delight to welcome, and to watch, the world’s best orienteers compete in elite sprint races across our city.

“Hosting the Sprint World Orienteering Championships has not only showcased Edinburgh to the world but also the wonderful, exciting, outdoor sport of orienteering – the mental and physical skills it involves, and the health and wellbeing benefits it offers participants of all ages and abilities.

“I hope Edinburgh residents, visitors and spectators alike will have been inspired to give orienteering a go. My warmest congratulations and gratitude go to all the competitors, medallists, and everyone involved in making WOC24 such a terrific success.”

The activity across the week has also seen Scotland embrace the family feel the event has brought to the city, with free activities on offer throughout the week, including orienteering mazes, fun ‘come and try’ races and all the action on live screens in major locations across the city.

The event has been hugely successful in attracting commercial partners across the city and beyond. Many of which provided the base for the event to be a success.

1500 sandwiches were provided by Scotmid Co-op, 2200 snack bars by Nairn’s, 4000 water bottles from Actiph Water and 1500 Sausage rolls were given to the event from PieSports.com. Eight kilt sets for ceremonies were also provided by Gordon Nicholson Kiltmakers, while SOS provided all the essential printing requirements for the event and Cullen Property also supported the event throughout.

To see all the results visit WOC 2024. WOC 2024 highlights can be found on www.eurovisionsport.com, the European Broadcasting Union (IBU)’s new free streaming platform and on the IOF YouTube channel.

Action begins at Sprint World Orienteering Championships in Edinburgh 

YESTERDAY saw the start of the Sprint World Orienteering Championships in Edinburgh. Under blue skies the GB team took on the individual sprint in a race involving over 45 competitors and finishing in Princes St Gardens

Linlithgow’s Grace Molloy competed in the women’s race – results here.

Often thought of as a countryside sport, the Sprint World Orienteering Championships (www.woc2024.org), is being staged in the intricate urban terrain Edinburgh has to offer, with the capital’s iconic landmarks providing the perfect backdrop for the elite courses.

They run from 12th to 16th July 2024. 

The event is yet another opportunity for the public to watch elite sport in the capital – but this time for free.

Fans will be able to watch the world’s best orienteering athletes tackle challenging routes which weave through the city’s historical and cultural attractions while enjoying a fun day out with the family.

There are free family activities are on offer throughout the week, including orienteering mazes, fun races and all the action on live screens.

The orienteering maze and big screen featured in Princes Street Gardens yesterday (Friday 12 July), followed by fun races for kids and adults alike at The Meadows, as well as another orienteering maze, from today (Saturday 13 July) until Monday 15 July.

The five-day orienteering festival also features amateur races for all ages and levels, with competitors as young as 10 and some in their 80s. The ‘WOC Tour’ will allow competitors, from those relatively new to the sport up to experienced recreational athletes, to experience the best of urban orienteering.

The first elite races were the Individual Sprint taking place in Leith on the morning of Friday 12th July, with finals in the afternoon finishing in Princes Street Gardens.

The action continues on Sunday 14th July at Heriot Watt University with the Team Sprint Relay. On Tuesday 16th July the Knockout Sprint qualifications take place at Wester Hailes with the finals finishing on St John Street in Central Edinburgh.

Find out more about WOC 2024 and the WOC Tour.

WOC 2024 will be broadcast on Eurovision Sport (www.eurovisionsport.com), the European Broadcasting Union (IBU)’s new free streaming platform and on the IOF YouTube channel.

Travel searches to Edinburgh soar with launch of new series “One Day”  

New series “One Day” has taken the nation by storm, even influencing our travel choices. Travel search engine, KAYAK, has found there was a 69%* increase in UK flight searches to Edinburgh since the show aired, compared to a month prior. 

The series premiered on February 8th, giving viewers a glimpse into what makes Edinburgh the ultimate destination. Since then, there has been an uptake in travel searches to Edinburgh from various airports across the UK.

From the Old College at the University of Edinburgh, to Vennel Steps and Arthur’s Seat, there are several Scottish landmarks featured in the show and many other big and small screen classics, including T2 Trainspotting,  Burke & Hare and the Prime of Miss Jean Brodie. 

According to KAYAK’s helpful “Best Time to Travel” tool, which provides insight into desired destinations, April is the perfect time to explore Scotland in spring. 

The website suggests that due to an average temperature circling around 8 degrees and the city being less crowded, those looking to explore Edinburgh should consider April as their month to take the plunge. 

For those seeking a touch of adventure, KAYAK recommends a trip to Edinburgh in August – with the city coming alive with festivals, theatre and an average temperature of 15 degrees.

The tool recommends the ideal time to visit in summer is specifically from the 26th – 29th August.

To find out more about travel tips, flights or accommodation, head to https://www.kayak.co.uk/

Edinburgh to host the World Orienteering Championships this July

Opportunities for all to watch and try orienteering in the Scottish capital this summer

Ahead of what is set to be an exciting summer of sport in Scotland, Edinburgh plays host to the Sprint World Orienteering Championships (WOC 2024) from 12-16 July 2024.

For Edinburgh locals and tourists alike, the elite races will showcase the fast-paced sport of orienteering in the centre of the capital. Meanwhile, for amateur competitors of all levels, there is the chance to take part in an orienteering race as part of the WOC Tour. 

Often thought of as a countryside sport, WOC 2024 races will all be staged in the intricate urban terrain Edinburgh has to offer, with the capital’s iconic landmarks, including Edinburgh Castle and Arthur’s Seat, providing the perfect backdrop for the elite courses.

Fans will be thrilled to watch the world’s best orienteering athletes tackle challenging routes which weave through the city’s historical and cultural attractions. Narrow vennels, steep slopes and narrow stairways will challenge even the world’s best orienteers, as they try and seek out the fastest routes in pursuit of victory. 

With Great Britain second in the medal table at the last Sprint World Orienteering Championships in Denmark in 2022, the host nation will be looking to go one better and top the table. One of the nation’s best hopes will be Megan Carter-Davies who is the reigning Sprint World Champion and is expected to defend her title in Edinburgh this July.

As well as opportunities to spectate across the city and watch the finishes of the elite races, there will also be the chance for people to take part in orienteering races themselves as part of the WOC Tour.

Orienteering is for everyone, with races in the WOC Tour open to all ages, from under 10 upwards. Six varied races will allow competitors, from those relatively new to the sport up to experienced recreational athletes, to experience the best of urban orienteering. The Tour will be fully integrated into the WOC 2024 programme and will use some of the areas mapped for WOC 2024.

“The prospect of a World Championships on the streets of one of the world’s most recognisable cities is truly exciting,” said Andy Mitchelmore, WOC 2024 Event Director.

“We are confident that we will provide high quality and challenging orienteering in a variety of terrains with finish locations that have been chosen to maximise the exposure of the sport and provide an incredible atmosphere.

“The accompanying WOC Tour races are sure to deliver a similarly immersive and inspiring experience, with courses taking in iconic sights and landmarks in Scotland’s capital. We cannot wait to share the WOC experience and welcome orienteering to Edinburgh in July 2024.”

Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland Director of Events, said: “Scotland is one of the best places in the world to experience events and we are looking forward to welcoming athletes and fans to Edinburgh this July for the Sprint World Orienteering Championships.

“Edinburgh, with its rich architecture and diverse terrain, is the perfect stage for the Championships and will provide a memorable experience for all competitors from beginners to elites.

“EventScotland is delighted to be supporting the Sprint World Orienteering Championships as part of an exciting portfolio of events taking place across the country this year.”

The City of Edinburgh Council’s Culture and Communities Convener, Councillor Val Walker said: “It’s really exciting to see the Sprint World Orienteering Championships come to Edinburgh this summer.

“We pride ourselves on bringing the world’s best events to the Capital and I’m sure this will be a thrilling spectacle for our residents and visitors to enjoy. 

“I’d like to thank the organisers and of course our Council colleagues who have been working hard on this event and I’m sure it’ll be a great success.” 

WOC 2024 is organised by Scottish 6 Days Orienteering in conjunction with Scottish Orienteering, British Orienteering and the International Orienteering Federation, with primary event partners EventScotland, part of VisitScotland’s Events Directorate, and The City of Edinburgh Council.

 Find out more about WOC 2024 and the WOC Tour.

UK Covid-19 Inquiry comes to Edinburgh

The UK Covid-19 Inquiry’s Module 2A hearings begin in Scotland today (Tuesday 16 January 2024). The hearings are an important stage in the Inquiry’s investigation into decision making and governance in each nation of the UK.

Members of the public are welcome to attend the hearings in Edinburgh or watch them online through the Inquiry website.

Module 2A, ‘Core UK decision-making and political governance – Scotland’, will look into core political and administrative governance and decision-making. It will include the initial response, devolved government decision making, political and civil service performance as well as the effectiveness of relationships with the UK government and local and voluntary sectors.

The Inquiry is also encouraging people in Scotland to share their pandemic experience so we can truly understand the human impact and learn lessons from it.

Find out more about the hearings, the benefits of sharing your story with the Inquiry and how to do so in our video recorded this week at the Royal College of Surgeons in Edinburgh:

Standing next to Scotland’s memorial dedicated to NHS staff who worked through the pandemic – the award-winning ‘Your Next Breath’ – Inquiry Secretary, Ben Connah, said he was excited that the Inquiry’s hearings are soon to begin in the Scottish capital:

“It’s the start of the UK Covid-19 Inquiry’s public hearings here in Scotland. We will be holding three weeks of hearings at the International Conference Centre in Edinburgh. People in Scotland will have the opportunity to hear from politicians, advisers and scientists who were crucial to the decision-making.

“This is a UK-wide public inquiry and it’s really important that we visit the places where decisions were taken and where the impact of the pandemic was felt in different ways in different parts of the country.”

Ben also highlighted how the Scottish public can already participate via Every Story Matters, which will support the UK Covid-19 Inquiry’s investigations and help the Chair of the Inquiry make recommendations for the future.

Every Story Matters will provide evidence about the human impact of the pandemic on the UK population. It provides an opportunity for those affected by the pandemic to share their experiences online without the formality of giving evidence or attending a public hearing, as Ben explained.

“The Scottish public can already play their part in the inquiry by logging on to everystorymatters.co.uk and sharing their experience of the pandemic.

“I am really keen that we hear stories from people right across Scotland, from Stranraer to Stornoway, to help us to build a picture of the impact the pandemic had on this beautiful country.”

Joining the Inquiry Secretary in Edinburgh this week is Hussein Patwa, an Aberdeen resident who is visually impaired and registered blind. He described lockdown as “quite tough”.

“Even to this day the pandemic has affected my independence, my ability to get out and about even in my local area. I have also found it has affected my confidence, especially in larger social situations.”

Hussein is also an enthusiastic advocate of Every Story Matters, as he explained: “Telling my story to Every Story Matters has been a cathartic experience for me.

“It has allowed me to reflect on aspects of my experience I hadn’t even thought about, and that in itself was a healing process. I would encourage everyone to share their story on the Every Story Matters website.”

Every Story Matters

Every Story Matters is your opportunity to help the UK Covid-19 Inquiry understand your experience of the pandemic.

Share your story

Capital’s pavement parking controls to be introduced in New Year

Preparations are underway to begin enforcement against pavement parking in Edinburgh, following the introduction of new powers by the Scottish Government.

A report to Transport and Environment Committee sets out a proposed approach and timescales for enforcing against pavement parking as part of new parking prohibitions being introduced. National regulations are expected to come into force on 11 December and it is proposed that Edinburgh’s enforcement begins in January 2024.

Parking on pavements, at dropped kerbs and double parking can inconvenience all road users, significantly impacting people with mobility issues, parents with pushchairs and older people.

The Council has always supported a ban on pavement parking and has collaborated closely with Living Streets and Guide Dogs Scotland to lobby for the introduction of controls in Scotland. This will help ensure Edinburgh’s roads and footways are accessible for all, which is central to our vision of an equal, accessible and sustainable city as part of the City Mobility Plan.

Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “Implementing these new parking restrictions is part of our commitment to ensure Edinburgh’s roads and pavements are accessible for all.

“Making sure our footways are kept clear will deliver real benefits for pedestrians and road users, particularly those who are disproportionately affected such as parents with pushchairs, older people and wheelchair users.

“We would expect everyone to adhere to the new prohibitions when the final regulations come into force to guarantee our streets are safer and more user-friendly.”

Stuart Hay, Director, Living Streets Scotland, said: “Edinburgh is taking the right approach to the enforcement of pavement parking, recognising that footways are for people, not parking spaces for cars.

“Exemptions should only be applied in exceptional cases based on evidence, which can only be collected via careful monitoring and consultation. This is the best way to ensure those most affected by blocked pavements, including disabled people, have safe access to our streets.”

Niall Foley, Lead External Affairs Manager at Guide Dogs Scotland, said: “Parking on pavements is a nuisance for everyone, but potentially dangerous if you are a wheelchair user forced onto the road, pushing a buggy, or have sight loss and can’t see traffic coming towards you.

“When cars block the way, it undermines the confidence of people with a vision impairment to get out and about independently.

“We welcome the parking measures being introduced and look forward to working with Edinburgh Council to ensure the pavement parking prohibitions are a success.”

Preparations include the assessment of 5,217 roads by officers as part of the footway parking assessment project. This has helped to identify a small number of streets where significant pavement parking may require mitigation measures to minimise potential negative impacts on the wider road network.

Despite the prohibitions featuring in the Transport (Scotland) Act 2019, the necessary regulations required to support the enforcement and appeals procedures have only recently been finalised by Transport Scotland and are expected to come into effect on 11 December.

Work to complete the necessary changes in Edinburgh will commence as soon as it is confirmed that the new regulations have come into force.  

An awareness campaign, currently being designed by Transport Scotland, is hoped to drive a change in behaviour over the festive period in advance of enforcement beginning. A further Council-run campaign aligned with the national approach is intended once the new prohibitions take effect.

Read the full report, Implementing of new parking prohibitions. 

Watch Transport and Environment Committee from 10am on Thursday, 16 November via webcast.

Significant lack of enforcement action is being taken against rogue vape traders in Edinburgh 

  • Just one fixed penalty notice of £200 was issued by Edinburgh Trading Standards to a retailer for underage/illicit vape sales between 2021 and early 2023.
  • The city council reported it doesn’t have the authority to prosecute rogue vape traders.
  • Report follows the announcement of potential new vaping legislation which could restrict the sale of disposable vapes.
  • Government has pledged £30 million for tobacco and vape enforcement but the industry warns more needs to be done.
  • Research comes after an expert at Imperial College London revealed Trading Standards budgets have been cut by half, an estimated £200 million, since 2010.

As the government considers new vape legislation, which could see the sale of disposables restricted over youth fears, a new report from leading vape compliance firm Arcus Compliance reveals a staggering lack of targeted enforcement action is being taken against rogue vape traders in Edinburgh.

It found that, between 2021 and April 2023, Edinburgh Trading Standards issued JUST ONE FPN of £200 to a retailer for underage and illicit vape sales (this amount dropped to £150 if it was paid within 14 days).

The data was acquired through an FOI request made by Arcus Compliance to the City of Edinburgh Council and was gathered as part of a wider study on the activities of Trading Standards teams across the country in addressing youth access to vapes and illegal products.

In its response, the council said it ‘does not hold the authority to prosecute criminal cases in Scotland’, saying this is a provision reserved for the Crown Office or Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) – it can issue an FPN where ‘sufficient evidence’ has been established.

The full report findings show that across 11 major provincial UK cities – with a shared population of more than 5.5 million – just 21 prosecutions were made against retailers for underage/illicit sales between 2021 and early 2023.

Further, the highest total amount of fines and FPNs given out across these cities over the same time period was £2,188 – less than the current maximum penalty that can be issued to just one offender at £2,500 and considerably less than the £10,000 on-the-spot fines that the UK Vaping Industry Association has been calling upon Government to introduce.

Twenty-one local authorities, including 10 in central London, provided data on prosecutions, fines, raids and product seizures for underage and illicit vape sales. A handful also claimed that there was punitive action that was inconclusive or that there were ‘expected’ or ‘almost certain’ prosecutions impending.

The research comes after the Prime Minister put forward plans for a generational smoking ban and the government unveiled new investment for illicit tobacco and vape products enforcement functions.

Robert Sidebottom, Managing Director of Arcus Compliance, said: “The concerning lack of proactive enforcement in the form of prosecutions and penalties shown by this report demonstrates that the system is in serious distress.

“It’s staggering to see just how few prosecutions there have been and how low the levels of fines are, given the huge amount of concern over youth and illicit vaping. Trading Standards have been crying out for additional resources and support for some time and there’s no doubt as to why.

“The government has now pledged £30 million to help intercept illegal tobacco and vaping goods at the border and to tackle youth access.

“While this is a welcome development, we can’t just slap a multi-million-pound Band-Aid on the issue of underage and illicit vape sales and call it a day – especially if parliamentarians move on considerations to restrict the sale of disposable vapes.

He added: “This is a complex challenge which also requires regulators to ensure rogue traders are facing impactful punitive action, as well as greater national coordination from Trading Standards and greater powers for local enforcement officers.

“It should be noted that, according to Action on Smoking and Health Chair and Imperial College London Professor Nick Hopkinson, Trading Standards budgets have reportedly been halved, cut by an estimated £200 million, since 2010 – almost seven times the newly announced £30 million enforcement investment.”

Sidebottom questioned whether actions like fines, prosecutions and product seizures were being tracked effectively as cases continue to crop up in the media but didn’t appear to feature in the FOI feedback.

He also queried how much of the new investment would actually be used for vape enforcement and asked whether there were regional enforcement teams specifically tackling illicit vape trade or whether officers were spread across other age restricted areas such as alcohol, suggesting that it might be time for a more focused approach.

UKVIA Director General John Dunne, said: “It’s no wonder we are facing a youth vaping challenge when you see figures like the ones in this new report.

“Steps must be taken to ensure these products don’t end up in the hands of minors, but a ban on disposables is not the answer. Instead, regulators must ensure existing laws on illegal products and underage access are being fully enforced and those who break the rules face meaningful punitive action.

“Just recently I was shocked to read of a case where a retailer was fined a paltry £26 by a court for selling a vape to a 15-year-old – that amount is closer to pocket change than it is to being an actual deterrent.”

Dunne added that the new research reinforces calls for on-the-spot penalties of up to £10,000 for illicit sellers as several Trading Standards teams reported they currently don’t have the power to issue fines.

He said: “Although penalties and prosecutions are key weapons in our arsenal against cowboy sellers, they mean very little if Trading Standards don’t have the resources AND authority to pursue them – the government must take this new data very seriously.”

Scottish Fire and Rescue: Edinburgh Operations Control recruitment

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) is recruiting for the next generation of 999 call handlers at its Operations Control site in Edinburgh.  

The role of Firefighter Control is the first point of contact for members of the public who dial 999 to report an emergency. It’s a vital role in keeping Scotland’s communities safe and ensuring that emergency incidents are dealt with effectively and efficiently.  

Group Commander Marie Clare Coyle said: “Our Firefighter Control staff provide a vital service to Scotland’s communities. Our teams are trained to an extremely high standard to enable them to provide emergency help where required.  

“It is a varied and hugely rewarding career, we deal with a range of calls from house fires and road traffic collisions, to major incidents and severe weather-related flooding, keeping people calm in times of distress and concentrating resources where they’re most required. “

 
SFRS is recruiting for Firefighter Control staff to be based at its city-centre site in the Scottish capital, which is located adjacent to Tollcross Community Fire Station. 

Applicants for must be aged 18 or over, with the ability to work rotating shifts.  

Successful applicants will join fellow Operations Control staff upon completion of a 14-week training period – learning how to co-ordinate emergency fire and rescue response and give potentially life-saving advice. 

Group Commander Coyle, who has worked for the service for 24 years, added: “Our Edinburgh control room primarily provides a response to incidents in the East Service Delivery Area and, where required, can support our other control rooms in Johnstone and Dundee. 

“We are looking for people who are motivated, have a willingness to learn, a strong team ethic and the ability to form relationships to take up these roles on Scotland’s unseen frontline.  

“We are a team and we work collectively to respond to each, and every emergency call across Scotland.” 

Find out more about the role and apply at:

 www.firescotland.gov.uk/careers/firefighter-control/ or via My Job Scotland.

Edinburgh is one of the five areas in Scotland with the highest estimated rates of gambling problems

Across Scotland, fewer people experiencing gambling problems are accessing treatment, support or advice compared to the average across Britain

  • Scotland has lower levels of people experiencing problems with their gambling who access treatment, support or advice (17%) than the average across Great Britain (21%), with Scotland ranked lowest out of the three countries in Great Britain.
  • Research from GambleAware also revealed how the need for support varies across Scotland, with Glasgow City, Dundee City, North Lanarkshire, Aberdeen City and the City of Edinburgh having the highest rate of people gambling with negative consequences.
  • GambleAware’s new interactive maps show the demand for support across Britain, and its regional first approach to tackling gambling harms ensures people can access support across the country.

Research from GambleAware, the leading charity that commissions gambling harm prevention and treatment services, suggests that fewer people are accessing support or treatment for gambling harms in Scotland than in the rest of Great Britain.

GambleAware has released interactive maps showing gambling harms at a local authority and parliamentary constituency level across Great Britain. The maps show where there are higher levels of gambling harm. This could include harms such as losing money, or having mental or physical health negatively affected.

The data that was used to create the maps reveals that Scotland has lower levels of people accessing treatment, support or advice for gambling harms at 16.7% of those who gamble with any level of problems (rated PGSI 1+ on the Problem Gambling Severity Index scale2), which is lower than the average across Great Britain of 20.9%.

The proportion seeking help amongst this group was also lower in Scotland than in Great Britain as a whole (15.5% compared to 19.4%).

People in Scotland who experience any level of gambling problems (PGSI 1+) and have accessed treatment are most likely to do so because of the impact on their finances, reported by 29.2% of this group.

By contrast, they are less likely to cite severe negative impacts such as the risk of losing their job or home as a reason for seeking support, with only 12.6% reporting this.

The five local areas in Scotland with the highest estimated rates of gambling problems (in terms of the proportion of people with a PGSI score of 1+) are Glasgow, Dundee, North Lanarkshire, Aberdeen and the City of Edinburgh.

GambleAware also found that 60.5% of people in Scotland had participated in any form of gambling in 2022, slightly higher than the GB average of 60.3%. This is equivalent to over 2.7 million adults.

GambleAware is the only commissioner of gambling harms treatment and prevention in Scotland. Publishing the maps is part of the charity’s regional-first approach to tackling gambling harms, which aims to ensure that people can find support for gambling harms in their local communities.

GambleAware’s work include developing a comprehensive partnership of treatment and support providers to help people across Great Britain – the National Gambling Support Network (NGSN).

Zoë Osmond, Chief Executive of GambleAware, said:“Gambling harms can affect anyone, and we are concerned to see that fewer people are accessing treatment and support in Scotland. 

“As the leading gambling harms charity in Great Britain, we’ve published these maps and data to provide information to help address treatment and support needs in local communities.

“Some people may not have reached out for help because they are unsure of where to find it, but anyone concerned about their gambling, or that of a loved one, can search GambleAware for free, confidential advice, tools and support. The National Gambling Helpline is also available on 0808 8020 133 and operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”

“We also commission the National Gambling Support Network, which means those experiencing gambling harm can access specialist, tailored treatment and support, quickly and efficiently, wherever they are across Great Britain.”

This data is being released following the launch of a Government consultation on a statutory gambling levy.

GambleAware will be responding to the consultation in full and looks forward to continuing to work with the NHS closely.