Tag: Edinburgh

Scotland to mark Queen’s Platinum Jubilee

Celebrating 70 years of service

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has led parliamentary tributes to Her Majesty The Queen’s service to Scotland, ahead of Platinum Jubilee celebrations this weekend.  

Speaking in Parliament yesterday, the First Minister said that The Queen had played an integral role in the story of modern Scotland, and it was no surprise that the occasion would be celebrated so widely.

Jubilee beacons will be lit across the country tomorrow night and a national thanksgiving service will be held at Glasgow Cathedral on Sunday, in addition to the many community lunches, street parties and afternoon teas planned for the weekend.

The First Minister confirmed that on behalf of the people of Scotland, the Scottish Government will present The Queen with a limited edition Johnnie Walker whisky, with a special design to celebrate the beauty of Scotland’s plants and wildlife, and a throw made from the tartan commissioned in honour of the three bridges across the Forth.

A ‘Jubilee Wood’ of 70 native trees is planned for planting in Holyrood Park, within sight of the Palace of Holyroodhouse. The First Minister said this was a historically appropriate gesture, as The Queen’s first duty in Scotland following her accession to the throne had been to plant a cherry tree that still stands by the entrance to the Canongate Kirk.

The First Minister said: “The occasion of the Platinum Jubilee is not just about an institution. It is, above all, about the life and service of an extraordinary woman.

“We should all pay tribute to that. So it is absolutely right that we celebrate the Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth. Let us congratulate her warmly on a reign of unprecedented length, and let us acknowledge with deep gratitude and respect, her dedication to duty.”

The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee debate: First Minister’s statement – gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

The First Minister will be attending a number of events in London to mark The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee – including the National Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral on Friday 3 June, and the Platinum Jubilee concert at Buckingham Palace.

Floral clock will bloom in honour of HM the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee

Work has finished to complete this year’s design on the world’s oldest Floral Clock in Edinburgh’s West Princes Street Gardens. For 2022, the hugely popular landmark will celebrate Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

A team of five gardeners took just four weeks to plant over 35,000 flowers and plants used to create the clock, which will be in bloom until October. There are nine different plants included in this year’s design such as Agaves, Echeveria, Sedums, Pyrethrum, Crassula, Kleenia, Antenaria, Geraniums and Begonias.

To be ready for this celebratory weekend, the team at Inch Nursery brought the plants on earlier than previous years and the gardeners worked quickly to complete this in time. They will be in full bloom in the coming weeks and throughout the summer.

Edinburgh’s Lord Provost Robert Aldridge said: “I am delighted to once again see the city’s beautiful floral clock completed, and in perfect time for the Jubilee weekend.

“Each year the iconic clock marks special occasions and events in the heart of the Capital and this year it is a unique tribute coinciding with celebrations taking place around the country as the nation marks the Queen’s 70-year reign.

“My thanks and congratulations to the dedicated and creative parks team who have put together the design that I’m sure will be enjoyed by everyone who passes by it this summer.”

The Floral Clock was first created in 1903 by then Edinburgh Parks Superintendent, John McHattie, and is the oldest of its kind in the world. It initially operated with just an hour hand, with a minute hand added in 1904, followed by a cuckoo clock in 1952. Until 1972 the clock was operated mechanically and had to be wound daily.

Since 1946 it has been designed in honour of various organisations and individuals, including the Girl Guides Association, Robert Louis Stevenson and the Queen, for her Golden Jubilee. In the clock’s centenary year in 2003 it won a Gold Medal at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

Find out more about Edinburgh’s parks and green spaces.

Floral Clock fact file

  • The clock was created in 1903 and is the oldest floral clock in the world
  • It is housed in the plinth of the Allan Ramsay Monument at the north-east corner of West Princes Street Gardens
  • Planting begins in May each year
  • Up to 40,000 plants are used in the design each year (compared to 13,000 in the 1930s; 25,000 in the 1950s)
  • 1952 – a cuckoo clock was added and still chimes every 15 minutes
  • In 1946 the clock began celebrating a different event or anniversary each year
  • 1973 – when the clock began being operated electrically
  • 2003 – the clock won a Gold Medal at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show
  • Clock circumference: 36 ft
  • Clock width: 11 ft 10 ins
  • Weight of large hand (when filled with plants): 80lbs
  • Weight of small hand (when filled with plants): 50lbs
  • Floral clocks are now distributed worldwide and many were made in Edinburgh, where the idea originated.
  • They can be found in India, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, South America, United States of America, Canada and many other European countries.

Low Emission Zones introduced across Scotland’s biggest cities

Low Emission Zones (LEZs) to protect public health and improve air quality have now been formally introduced across Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee and Aberdeen.

Plans have been agreed at the local authority level and have now also been approved by Scottish Ministers, as required in legislation through the Transport (Scotland) Act 2019.

With the shape and scope of LEZs now agreed across the four cities through this introduction, local grace periods until enforcement commences have now begun.

  • In Glasgow, the LEZ already applies to buses. For other vehicle types, enforcement commences on 1 June 2023 (1 June 2024 for residents within the zone)
  • Edinburgh will commence enforcement TODAY 1 June 2024
  • Dundee will commence enforcement on 30 May 2024
  • Aberdeen will commence enforcement on 1 June 2024

LEZs set an emissions limit for certain road spaces, restricting access for the most polluting vehicles to improve air quality. This helps protect public health within our towns and cities, making them more attractive places in which to live, work and to visit. LEZs also encourage people to think about leaving the car at home and to consider public transport or active travel – supporting climate action by helping to meet Scotland’s world leading commitment to reduce car kilometres travelled by 20% by 2030.

Vehicles that do not meet the emission standards set for a Low Emission Zone will not be able to drive within the zone. A penalty charge will be payable by the registered keeper of a vehicle when a non-compliant vehicle enters the LEZ.

The minimum emission standards for vehicles permitted within the four LEZs are:

  • Euro 4 for petrol cars and vans (generally vehicles registered from January 2006)
  • Euro 6 for diesel cars and vans (generally vehicles registered from September 2015)

A number of vehicles are exempt from LEZ requirements, including any vehicle driven by a blue badge holder. Funding remains available to help people and businesses that need it most to comply with Low Emission Zones. Full information is available at www.lowemissionzones.scot

The introduction of Scotland’s LEZs marks the completion of the Scottish Government’s landmark Programme for Government commitment.

Welcoming the introduction, Minister for Transport Jenny Gilruth said: “The introduction of Low Emission Zones is a truly significant public health moment for Scotland. Our air quality is generally good – but for too long air pollution has exceeded legal limits for health in our city centres as a consequence of unrestricted vehicle emissions.

“We have a moral responsibility to act. Air pollution often disproportionally impacts those with the least in our society. It causes the most damage to the youngest, the oldest and those with pre-existing medical conditions.

“LEZs are the biggest change we’ve ever seen in how vehicles will access our cities – and they need to be, in order to best protect public health and improve air quality.

“With a year to go until the earliest point of enforcement in Glasgow and two years to go until enforcement in Edinburgh, Dundee and Aberdeen, I encourage everyone to visit www.lowemissionzones.scot to find out more about the schemes, including the Scottish Government funding on offer.”

Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, the City of Edinburgh Council said: “By introducing an LEZ, Edinburgh is joining cities right across the UK in working towards a healthier environment and a better quality of life for everyone. We all have the right to breathe clean air and it’s our responsibility to tackle air pollution to protect the health and wellbeing of the most vulnerable members of society. 

“The LEZ will restrict the most polluting vehicles from entering the boundary, reducing harmful traffic-related nitrogen oxide emissions by a predicted 55% in the zone.

“The LEZ is one of a number of tools to reduce harmful emissions and is being delivered alongside a range of projects to support sustainable travel, including Edinburgh City Centre Transformation, Trams to Newhaven and City Centre West to East Link. Together, these will help achieve our vision of a clean, green and net zero European Capital.”

Joseph Carter, Head of Devolved Nations at Asthma+Lung UK said: “Air pollution is the biggest environmental threat to public health. It is causing new lung conditions like lung cancer and worsening existing ones. With 1 in 5 Scots developing a lung conditions like asthma and COPD in their lifetime, for them, it can trigger life-threatening asthma attacks and exacerbations.

“Children’s lungs are also more susceptible to air pollution as they are still growing, and they also breathe faster than adults. As they grow, toxic air can stunt the growth of their lungs, making them less resilient into adulthood and placing them at greater risk of lung disease in the future.

“More than 70,000 children have asthma in Scotland and for them, peaks in toxic air can put them at risk of a potentially life-threatening attack. 

“The gradual roll out of Low Emission Zones is going to be a huge step forward to start tackling this major health problem. Starting in Glasgow in 2018 and then extended to our core cities with the Transport Act 2019, LEZs are one of the most effective way of reducing pollution.”

John Bynorth, who leads Scotland’s Clean Air Day for Environmental Protection Scotland said: “We welcome the milestone introduction of LEZs to Scotland’s four main cities as it will lead to vast improvements in air quality in the city centres where the zones operate.

“Outwith the LEZs, we would also expect to see potential benefits to the surrounding areas as people consider their travel options and consider cycling or walking instead of taking the car.

“This will lead to improvements in the health of people who live, work and go to school in these cities and make them cleaner and more sustainable as they strive to achieve net-zero climate change targets in the coming years.”

Neil Leckie, Senior Programme Manager at the Energy Saving Trust said: “The expansion of Low Emission Zones in Scotland’s major cities will play a key role in improving air quality and in the transition to a net zero carbon society.

“The zones will encourage the use of low carbon transport and active travel, and available funding to prepare for the changes will support the individuals and businesses who need it most – including additional support for taxi drivers.

“We look forward to continuing to work closely with Transport Scotland to shape the future of low carbon cities and sustainable travel in Scotland as part of our commitment to address climate change.”

Using the powers under the Transport (Scotland) Act 2019 (and accompanying regulations), local authorities will introduce, operate and enforce their LEZ schemes using Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras. All four cities propose schemes operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Penalty charges are also consistent across the four cities. For non-compliant vehicles found to have been driven within the zone the initial penalty is set at £60, with a subsequent doubling for each contravention, capped at £480 for cars and light good vehicles, and £960 for bus and HGV.  The penalty charge is reduced by 50% if paid within 14 days.  Where there are no further contraventions detected within the 90 days following a previous contravention, the penalty is reset to £60.

There are a limited number of specific vehicles that are exempt from LEZ regulations as follows: 

·  Police
·  Ambulance
·  Scottish Fire and Rescue
·  Her Majesty’s Coastguard
·  Military vehicles
·  Vehicles for disabled persons (including blue badge holders)
·  Historic vehicles
·  Showman’s vehicles

Motorbikes and mopeds are also not within the scope of Scotland’s LEZs.

The Scottish Government is committed to helping those who will have most difficulty preparing for the introduction of LEZs across the four cities.

Our LEZ support fund offers three main packages of funding for households, micro-businesses, and a separate retrofit fund including support for taxi drivers.

Having been fully subscribed in 2021/22, funding is again available in 2022. Information is available on the Energy Saving Trust website.

For bus operators, a fourth round of BEAR funding has awarded £6.2 million to 20 operators to retrofit a further 379 buses and coaches in 2022. Between 2018-2021 the BEAR Phases 1, 2 and 3 awarded funding grants of £12.4 million to Scottish bus and coach operators to upgrade 762 vehicles to the latest Euro VI emission standard to help reduce pollution levels. This is in addition to funding for new zero emission buses.

Full information on Scotland’s Low Emission Zones is available at www.lowemissionzones.scot.

Poppy Quest challenges walkers to discover Edinburgh’s hidden gems

Young detectives have dusted off their maps and magnifying glasses for a 10k treasure hunt around Edinburgh’s city centre.

Veteran Fraser Rowand, from Granton, joined Poppyscotland to launch its first ever Poppy Quest, with his wife Susan, and children Rebecca, 11, Lucy, 10, and George, 8,

They are challenging people of all ages to test their observation skills and ingenuity – as well as their legs – and rediscover their city, while supporting Scotland’s Armed Forces community.

The event takes place on Saturday, June 11th and is open to individuals, groups and families. Walkers will be provided with a map and a series of questions to navigate a route around the city.

There will also be a special competition for teams of cadets, with a trophy for the fastest time with all questions answered correctly.

All funds raised will go to support Poppyscotland’s work, providing advice and support to former and current servicemen and women and their families.

Mr Rowand, a former Lance Corporal in the Scots Guards, served two tours of Afghanistan, and now works in Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory, in Edinburgh. He said: “The services Poppyscotland provides are really vital. Many veterans find it hard to adjust to ‘Civvy Street’, so we need to make sure support is there when they need it.

“We’re really looking forward to Poppy Quest – it’s a great way to spend time together and see Edinburgh in a new light.”

Gordon Michie, Poppyscotland’s Head of Fundraising, said: “Poppy Quest Edinburgh is set to be a fantastic day out and a chance to rediscover this great city. We’re encouraging families, groups and individuals of all ages to challenge themselves, stretching their minds and legs and finding hidden gems along the way.

“Starting in beautiful Princes Street Gardens, you can take your time, enjoy the scenery and architecture, and perhaps even enjoy a picnic en-route. Participants are welcome to bring their four-legged friends as well.

“Intrepid teams of cadets can also join the race against the clock to complete the course with all questions answered correctly.

“All funds raised will go to support our life-changing work with Scotland’s Armed Forces community. As we emerge from the pandemic, veterans and their families need support more than ever, whether that’s with housing, employment, or mental or physical health.

“No one who has served their country should be disadvantaged, and we want to make sure Poppyscotland is always there when they need us.”

Registration costs are £16 for adults and £5 for 13-18 year olds, while children aged 12 and under are free. All participants will receive a Poppy Quest medal, t-shirt, map and quiz, as well as a unique pin badge for those who raise over £100. For more information visit www.poppyscotland.org.uk.

City council appoints North to deliver Smart Waste Solution for Edinburgh

The UK’s leading IoT service and solutions provider, North, has been appointed by IT and business consulting firm, CGI, to support the City of Edinburgh Council’s vision to become one of the world’s leading Smart Cities.  

A five-year contract has been agreed to support the Council’s plans to ‘transform the capital into one of the world’s leading Smart Cities’. 

The deal is supported by a European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) grant as part of the ‘Scotland’s 8th City – the Smart City’ programme. City of Edinburgh Council will deliver three projects budgeted at £6.4m, of which £2.5m is part of the ERDF grant. Funding secured by the Council from Zero Waste Scotland through its Recycling Improvement Fund will also be used towards the scheme.  

The development of a Smart City Operations Centre will transform and enhance city management and the citizen experience by utilising data captured through a range of emerging technologies to drive transformational change’. 

Driven by CGI’s industry-leading Smart City Platform, North was selected by CGI to provide the Smart Waste sensors and to provide connectivity for the solution through the IoT Scotland network, the most advanced Internet of Things (IoT) network in the UK. 

Intelligent sensor data will now be used to develop and drive improvements for better waste management, transmitted using North’s IoT Scotland network, allowing the City of Edinburgh Council to improve services across the city. 

The project will see North provision 11,000 smart waste sensors in waste containers throughout the city. The state-of-the-art technology will enable clever waste management by detecting waste levels and predicting usage trends, enabling the Council to optimise waste collection and manage routes more efficiently.

The smart technology will assist in creating a cleaner and greener city and will help reduce the Council’s environmental impact.  

The IoT Scotland network will also be used to transmit data for other critical services to enhance the council’s digital vision.  In parallel with the waste project the council will roll-out a digitally enabled proactive service for Social Housing across the city, using the IoT Scotland network.  

This solution will capture insightful data through real-time management and monitoring of the conditions in social housing properties.  The proactive approach for the maintenance of properties and asset management will deliver efficiencies for the council while enhancing the living conditions of their residents and improving wellbeing. 

Commenting on the partnership, City of Edinburgh Council Deputy Leader, Cammy Day, said: “Edinburgh has big ambitions for becoming a world-leading Smart City – a digitally inclusive, sustainable and connected Capital with services easily accessible by all of our residents no matter where they are.  

“The use of intelligent sensors will help us to deliver a more digitally-enabled proactive service and address many of the challenges a rapidly growing city like Edinburgh faces and will support our work towards providing clean and green communities, meeting our net zero targets and improving living conditions and wellbeing for all.” 

Scott McEwan, Chief Commercial Officer at North, said: “Edinburgh is one of seven Scottish cities working collaboratively on a Smart City programme. The introduction of the Smart City Platform will enable the Council to reach its ambitions efficiently and North is proud to accelerate this vision. 

“The use of technology to introduce intelligent waste management services will create a cost-efficient solution to everyday duties, whilst improving the streetscape and health of communities, and increasing sustainability.  Working with CGI, the roll-out of the smart waste scheme is an important step that will help Edinburgh reach its ambitions.” 

Tara McGeehan, UK & Australia President at CGI, said: “Edinburgh is a vibrant and diverse capital city that is home to more than 518,000 citizens and CGI has been the primary provider of transformational ICT services to the City of Edinburgh Council since 2015. 

“We very much look forward to taking Edinburgh’s vision of a Smart City and making it real through our innovative use of technology, analytics and data. Together, we will turn Edinburgh into one of the world’s leading Smart Cities.” 

Edinburgh holds out the hand of friendship to Ukraine

The latest on the city council’s response and how you can help

Russia’s horrific and unprovoked attack on Ukraine hits very close to home. Not just because of the proximity of this war, but because of the family and civic connections between our nations and, in particular, between Edinburgh and our twin city Kyiv.

There has been a characteristically caring and generous response from the people of Edinburgh since the invasion began, with countless individuals and organisations coming forward with offers of support and donations.

How can I help?

From speaking to the Ukrainian community and the volunteers supporting them here in Edinburgh, they have been overwhelmed by the sheer volume of donated goods.

If you want to help, please consider giving a monetary donation instead. There are many options available, but we are recommending the Disaster Emergency Committee (DEC) Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal. 

Can I volunteer? 

We are working extremely closely with EVOC and Volunteer Edinburgh to help coordinate our response to the crisis.  If you want to find out more about volunteering opportunities and how to register, please visit the Volunteer Edinburgh website.

Can I take refugees into my home?

The UK Government has just launched its Homes for Ukraine scheme, which will allow households to sponsor and take in refugees who are fleeing the war.

The first phase, which began taking registrations of interest yesterday, is aimed at individuals who are able to make offers to a specific person/people. 

Those arriving will have met standard security checks, and all sponsors and all adults in the sponsoring households will be required to do the same.

A monthly payment of £350 will be offered in exchange for accommodation (spare room/self-contained accommodation) for a minimum six months. This doesn’t include meals or living expenses.

Initial details of the scheme, FAQs and how to apply are available from the UK Government website.

What is the Council doing? 

As a Council, and as a City, we have shared our condemnation for Russia’s actions and are holding out the hand of friendship to the people of Ukraine, committing to doing whatever we can to help.

The Ukraine flag continues to fly above the City Chambers as a symbol of our solidarity with the Ukrainian people, while the Granton gasholder remains illuminated in Ukraine’s colours.

The Lord Provost has written to the Major of Kyiv and delivered a video message to the Eurocities anti-war demonstration in Florence (38 mins in) which also featured a live address from the President of Ukraine. 

At their meeting on Thursday, councillors are set to award the Freedom of Edinburgh to President Zelensky and Mayor Klitschko, in recognition of standing heroically by their country and their citizens.

We are in regular touch with the Mayor’s office, as we are with the Mayor of another of Edinburgh’s twin cities, Kraków, which has already welcomed well over 100,000 Ukrainian refugees.

They have provided us with a list of the goods they desperately need, and we are working closely with our partners to arrange shipments for those who have made it to Krakow and those who remain in Kyiv. 

Our plans for incoming refugees are developing quickly and we’re in daily meetings with the Home Office, Scottish Government, Edinburgh Airport, third sector and other agencies to ensure we provide the warmest possible welcome from the moment they land. They have had their lives torn apart and will be traumatised and afraid.  Some will be extremely young and/or vulnerable and will need urgent care. 

This involves coordinating support and ensuring we make the best use of the limited resources we have available – whether that be arranging short and longer-term accommodation, transport, interpreters, access to GPs and healthcare support, counselling, education or any of the other basic services that we all rely on. We have set up a dedicated helpline for Ukrainian arrivals, which will be manned 24 hours a day by our Customer Team. 

While this is ongoing, and assuming agreement by councillors on Thursday, we will write to the Home Office encouraging unrestricted refugee visas and local working to source host families to house refugees, with a focus on those most able to support unaccompanied children. 

We also plan to write to the MOD to request access to unused temporary accommodation for those travelling to Edinburgh from Ukraine, and to provide £100,000 in Council funding to help coordinate local humanitarian aid.

Other useful links:

Have you seen missing teenagers?

Police are appealing to the public for help to trace two teenagers reported missing from Musselburgh who are believed to have travelled within the East Lothian area together.

Ivana Scott, aged 15, and Noah Holmes, aged 14, were last seen around 4pm on Friday, 11 March, when they left Loretto School in Musselburgh.

They were seen walking along Goose Green Road in the town heading in the direction of Levenhall Links area.

Ivana is described as around 5ft 7in, of slim build with short brown hair and when last seen was wearing black jeans, a grey hoodie and a red beanie hat.

Noah is described as around 5ft 7ins, of slim build with brown hair. He was wearing black trousers and a maroon/purple hoodie when he was last seen.

Inspector Alan King said: “Concerns are growing for Ivana and Noah and we are urging anyone who may have seen them or know where they are to get in touch. In addition, if they see this appeal, please get in touch with us to let us know you are safe and well.

“It is believed they may have travelled to the Port Seton area or elsewhere in East Lothian. Noah is from Edinburgh so they may also have gone there.”

Anyone who can help is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 2558 or 2513 of Friday, 11 March, 2022.

CityFibre celebrates latest milestone in Edinburgh’s Full Fibre rollout

More than 65,000 homes and businesses across Edinburgh can now access the best digital connectivity available thanks to progress made by CityFibre, the UK’s largest independent full fibre platform, on the city’s new digital infrastructure rollout.  

Edinburgh is one of a growing number of locations in the UK to benefit from CityFibre’s £4bn Gigabit City investment programme which will bring new and better broadband infrastructure within reach of up to 8 million homes and 800,000 businesses nationwide.

In Edinburgh alone, CityFibre has invested £100m to make it one of the world’s best digitally connected communities.  

This latest milestone adds to a growing list of completed neighbourhoods in Edinburgh, which includes: Currie, Balerno, Granton, Leith, Duddingston, Mountcastle, Newhailles, Liberton, Moredun, Gracemount, Sighthill, South Gyle, Carricknowe, Silverknowes and Barnton areas.   

The next areas earmarked for the rollout include Redford, Craiglockhart, Portobello, Wester Hailles, Kingsknowe, Corstorphine, Leith Links, Craigentinny, Piershill, Holyrood, Drylaw and Pilton.  

Once the city-wide rollout reaches completion in 2024, almost every home and business locally will have access to full fibre services over CityFibre’s independent network, which will give users a choice of internet service providers (ISPs).  

Paul Wakefield, CityFibre’s City Manager for Edinburgh said: “CityFibre has been making great progress in Edinburgh since 2019 and it is fantastic that so many residents can now enjoy the benefits of having access to the fastest and most reliable broadband services available.

“We are using our state-of-the-art technology to build a brand-new network, ensuring that residents have access to the digital infrastructure needed to support their data needs for generations to come. Once the network goes live in an area the process for accessing it is very straightforward. 

“I am delighted that residents connecting to our Edinburgh network already have the choice of three quality ISPs – launch partner Vodafone, plus TalkTalk and Zen, with at least one more to be added before the summer. 

“We are continuing to work hard to connect more homes and businesses across the city and I want to thank residents for their patience as we work to bring our state-of-the-art full fibre network to the region.” 

Unlike copper-based ‘fibre broadband’ services available today, full fibre networks use 100% fibre optic cables to carry data at lightning speed all the way from the home to the point of connection.

This gives users consistently faster speeds for upload and download (up to 1,000 Mbps), near limitless bandwidth so everyone at home can work, study, stream or game simultaneously, while providing connectivity users can depend on.  

Construction is being delivered by CityFibre’s build partners Glenevin and IMS Scotland. The teams, who work closely with CityFibre’s own build managers and build assurance engineers, are using a range of construction methods while working in close partnership with Edinburgh City Council and local communities to deliver a fast rollout while minimising potential disruption.  

As work is completed in each neighbourhood, ISPs will ‘light up the network’ with some of the fastest and most competitive broadband packages available in terms of both data and price.   

Residents interested in giving their home broadband a boost can find out more about the build, pre-register their interest and find out which ISPs are available at  https://www.cityfibre.com/ 

Inner city Edinburgh sees rental growth of 7.2% year on year

  • Average annual UK rental growth* has reached a 13 year high, with rents increasing to £969 (+8.3%) in Q4 2021, up £62 per month since the start of the pandemic 
  • The average rent now accounts for 37% of gross income for a single earner – up from a pandemic dip of 34% during most of 2021 but broadly in line with the 10-year average of 36%
  • Overall, average rents are up nearly 12% over the last five years 
  • Demand for rental properties in January was 76% higher compared to the New Year market between 2018 and 2021 
  • The stock of rental properties currently available across the UK is 39% lower than the five year average around this time of year
  • Inner city London has seen a rental growth of 11% compared to the same time last year -but the decline in rents during the pandemic means this has translated into an increase of just £18 per month in rent compared to March 2020

Average UK rents are tracking at almost £1000pcm – £62 more than at the start of the pandemic – against a backdrop of increased living costs squeezing households, reports Zoopla, the UK’s leading property portal, in its quarterly Rental Market Report.

UK rents squeeze disposable household income as cost of living rises

The UK’s average rental growth has reached a 13 year high, up 8.3% in Q4 2021, meaning households who agree new lets are now having to pay an additional average annual cost of £744, compared to the start of the pandemic (March 2020). 

This increase means that a single earner can now expect to spend 37% of their gross income on rent, which is up from 34% during most of 2021. However, this now brings the figure broadly back in line with the longer term average of 36% as rental growth rises in line with wage growth.

Even with the current sharp rise, the overall increase in UK rents over the last five years totals 12% thanks to the decline in rents seen in some areas during the pandemic. 

Rental market shrinks as demand creates fast-paced rental landscape

The New Year has seen heightened demand for rental properties, up +76% compared to the New Year markets between 2018 and 2021. Yet the supply of rental properties recorded in January 2022 in the UK is 39% below levels typically observed at the start of the year. This is creating competition in the market,  with the imbalance of supply and demand ultimately spurring rental growth. 

As a result, properties are being snapped up. In London, this means renters are having to move quickly to secure the perfect property with the time to let now averaging a fortnight, down from three weeks in late 2020. 

This shrinking stock of homes for rent can be attributed to a continued decrease in buy-to-let investment over the last five years.. As rents rise, more renters will be choosing to stay in their properties, limiting stock turnover. With supply squeezed, it’s likely that continued demand will underpin more modest rental growth in the coming months, especially in city centres.

However, as the spike in demand falls back – hampered by the increases in household costs – it will reduce pressure on supply, ultimately driving more local competition to attract renters in local markets. 

City centre rents continue upward growth trajectory 

Pandemic trends saw strong growth in rental demand in wider commuter zones as renters embraced the ‘search for space’, but demand has now recovered across the central districts of all  major cities including Birmingham, Edinburgh, Leeds and Manchester in a reversal of recent behaviour. This is largely driven by pent up demand from office workers, students, and international residents and investors who are looking for city centre living. 

This is a normalisation of rental behaviour as demand once again rises in more central zones – seen most prominently in inner London with rental growth of 11% compared to the same time last year. But given the steep fall in London rents during the pandemic, this translates to an increase of just £18 per month in rent compared to March 2020.

Gráinne Gilmore, Head of Research, Zoopla, comments: “Rents have risen sharply in recent months, amid a backdrop of rising living costs. But it is important to point out that in terms of rental affordability, in most markets rents are still close to the 10-year average. As demand continues to outpace supply, there will be further upward pressure on rents, but affordability considerations will act as a brake on large rises. 

“In addition, the January peak in rental demand will start to ease in the coming months, putting less severe pressure on supply, which will lead to more local market competition, and more modest rental increases.  

“The flooding of rental demand back into city centres thanks to office workers, students and international demand returning to cities means the post-pandemic ‘recalibration’ of the rental market is well underway.” 

James Evans, CEO at Douglas & Gordon, comments: “Since the beginning of the year, we have seen a clear trend of people coming back to London and the office. This has contributed to around a 40% increase in new lettings applicants compared to the same month last year.

“As there is also still a very restricted supply of properties, we’re seeing landlords achieve record prices, a high quality of tenant and almost no void periods. With competition for properties at the level it is, there are 35-40 new applicants for every rental property in London and around four offers received per agreed let, so tenants are having to put themselves in the best position possible to get the properties they want. 

“Following a strong sales market in 2021, and more confidence in future price increases in London, we are seeing more buy to let investors entering the market. With some of the recent legislation changes, the need for a quality agent is even greater.”

* Based on new lets as recorded by Zoopla

New TransPennine Express connects communities between Edinburgh and Newcastle

Communities in East Lothian, the Scottish Borders and Northumberland have today been connected via rail for the first time in almost decades thanks to new services operated by TransPennine Express (TPE).

The train company has launched five services per day (Monday to Saturday) in both directions, calling at Edinburgh Waverley, Dunbar, Reston (once opened), Berwick-upon-Tweed, Alnmouth, Morpeth, and Newcastle, with one service per day calling at Cramlington.

The introduction of the new services means that for the first time in decades, communities in Morpeth, Alnmouth, Berwick and Dunbar now have a rail link, providing new journey opportunities for residents between towns in the regions and into Edinburgh and Newcastle.

Matthew Golton, Managing Director for TransPennine Express said: “We are thrilled that, as of today, communities across East Lothian, the Scottish Borders and Northumberland are connected once again, and we are looking forward to welcoming customers onboard.

“Working with Transport Scotland and Rail North Partnership we’re delighted that these additional services will now significantly improve connectivity on this route, providing communities with enhanced access to work, education and leisure opportunities.”

Rail Minister Chris Heaton-Harris said: “Our railways are vital in connecting communities and empowering our towns and cities to flourish, which is why we have announced our historic £96bn Integrated Rail Plan to help level up the North and Midlands.

“It’s fantastic that Transport Scotland and the Rail North Partnership have come together with TransPennine Express to launch these new services, which will bring people together, drive growth, and provide an important link between two of the UK’s greatest cities.”

Transport Minister Graeme Dey said: “This is very good news for the local communities along the route and a great example of collaborative working.

“Improving access to work, education and leisure opportunities by connecting communities is at the heart of our transport priorities. These additional rail services, particularly at intermediate stations, will also make a real difference in encouraging more people out of their cars and onto trains as we strive towards achieving our Net Zero goals.”

Cllr Martin Gannon, Chair of the North East Joint Transport Committee, said: “I’m pleased to welcome this new TransPennine Express service which will help to improve connectivity for local people – particularly for communities in Northumberland.

“Better access to employment, education and leisure is a key objective of our regional Transport Plan, so I’m delighted to see this additional service begin.”

The new services will be operated by TPE’s modern, five carriage Nova 1 trains featuring spacious interiors, plenty of leg room, free Wi-Fi in both Standard and First Class as well as access to onboard entertainment system, Exstream.

Customers can travel with confidence onboard TPE’s services with enhanced cleaning in place to keep everyone safe. Face coverings must be worn on trains and at stations (unless exempt).

For those looking to travel, tickets can be purchased online via our website or using the TPExpress App where people can pay using Apple Pay, Google Pay or PayPal.

E-tickets are also available allowing customers to use their phone instead of a paper ticket. 

FedEx moves to lower Edinburgh and Glasgow carbon emissions with e-cargo bike fleet

FedEx Express, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp. and the world’s largest express transportation company, has introduced a fleet of seven e-cargo bikes to work alongside its vehicle pick-up and delivery fleet in Edinburgh and Glasgow.

As the company sets out to reduce emissions from its road transportation operations, the introduction of cargo bikes in urban centres is one way FedEx is seeking to make an immediate impact on carbon emissions.

FedEx successfully introduced e-cargo bikes to its permanent operations in London, where they have replaced diesel vehicles for serving emissions restricted zones. Edinburgh and Glasgow – cities with a strong cycling culture – become the next UK cities to welcome this method of zero emissions delivery. 

Alun Cornish, FedEx operations managing director in Europe, said: “Electric cargo bikes will fulfill a sustainable last-mile delivery solution for customers in and round Edinburgh and Glasgow City Centres.

“Earlier FedEx pilots in the cities made the case for transitioning to two wheels, proving an effective alternative to vans thanks to their ability to take shorter, faster routes. We see real potential for e-cargo bikes to complement and work alongside our motorised vehicle fleet as we strive to make zero-emissions deliveries our standard.” 

FedEx aims to achieve carbon-neutral operations globally by 2040 with electrification of its pick-up and delivery vehicles being a major area of investment.

In March 2021, FedEx announced its global target for 50% of all newly procured vehicles to be electric by 2025 rising to 100% of all new purchases by 2030.

The roll out of e-cargo bikes is tipped to continue in UK cities beyond Edinburgh and Glasgow, alongside the transition to fully electric vehicles. The sustainability benefits of delivering goods by e-cargo bike include not only reduced carbon emissions but also reduced congestion and noise.

Bicycle couriers can also make use of existing road infrastructure, such as bicycle and bus lanes, and are able to find kerbside parking more easily than vans – particularly in hard to access areas.

The implementation of e-cargo bikes to operations in Edinburgh and Glasgow promotes the livability of dense urban areas as demand for deliveries continues to rise alongside the need to reduce the environmental impacts of transportation.