Preview Draft Net Zero 2030 Strategy. Can it deliver Carbon Neutral Edinburgh by 2030? Community views
Revised Date for the event: 4.00pm – 5.30pm MONDAY 7 JUNE 202 2nd Roundtable Discussion on Climate Action
A new draft Edinburgh Net Zero 2030 Strategy was launched on Friday 4 June – for discussion by City Councillors 10am Thursday 10 June.
Preview the proposed strategy and consider what might work / what needs earlier action.
Can Edinburgh achieve ambitious “Net Zero” target by 2030?
– How can citizens and community groups best be involved? – How can Community Councils and other groups contribute? – What role does the Edinburgh Partnership have in this?
1. Unpack the proposed actions in the draft Sustainability Strategy 2. Provide opportunity for community led response to draft plans 3. Discuss the main chapters of Draft Strategy in Breakout Groups 4. Draft a deputation for 1 June Policy & Sustainability Committee.
As the vaccination programme advances through age groups some restrictions are to be eased sooner in areas where case rates and prevalence of coronavirus (COVID-19) allow, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced yesterday.
The First Minister outlined the next steps to Parliament and confirmed that Glasgow will move to Level 2 from 00:01 on Saturday 5 June 2021. Edinburgh will remain at Level 2.
The following mainland local authority areas will also remain at Level 2, while the situation with the virus is monitored closely:
East Dunbartonshire, East Renfrewshire and Renfrewshire
East Ayrshire, North Ayrshire, and South Ayrshire
North Lanarkshire and South Lanarkshire
Edinburgh and Midlothian
Stirling and Clackmannanshire
Dundee
At the same time, from 00:01 on Saturday 5 June 2021, these 15 mainland local authorities will move to Level 1:
Highland and Argyll & Bute
Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire and Moray
Angus and Perth & Kinross
Inverclyde and West Dunbartonshire
Falkirk
Fife
West Lothian and East Lothian
The Scottish Borders
Dumfries & Galloway
All islands currently in Level 1 will move to Level 0 at the same time due to sustained low numbers of cases. Everyone is encouraged to get tested to help stop the spread of COVID-19 by finding cases that might be missed, as around 1 in 3 people with COVID-19 don’t have symptoms.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “I appreciate that today’s decisions will feel like a mixed bag. That reflects the fact that we are in a transition phase. No part of the country is going backwards today.
“Before the vaccines, that would have been impossible on case numbers like this. But the vaccines are changing the game. And that means we can still be optimistic about our chances of much more normality over the summer and beyond.
“As always, all of us have a part to play in beating this virus back. So please, stick with it, and each other.”
For local authority areas in Level 2, we will be providing support to soft play and other closed sectors that had expected to open, or operate in a different way from 7 June.
Full details will be provided by the Cabinet Secretary for Finance today.
Council Leaders have urged Edinburgh residents to stick to the guidance and come forward for vaccinations and community testing after yesterday’s announcement.
Council Leader Adam McVey said:“I know people across the city continue to do a brilliant job to follow the guidance to help steer Edinburgh forward out of lockdown and I know people understand the need to stay in Level Two due to recent increases in transmissions.
“With cases rising in some parts of the city we’ve got to make sure we go at the right pace rather than risk stalling progress further. Even with this slight slowing down of our reopening, I’m very pleased that we’re still on the right track to get back to something like normality again and can still enjoy so much of our city that has reopened already. This is thanks to the hard work of people and businesses across our communities and, of course, the ongoing vaccination rollout.
“If you’re called forward for your jag, please make sure you take up the invitation, especially when it’s your second dose as that’s when immunity against the newly-named Delta variant increases significantly. Those aged 18 to 29 can now register for a vaccine appointment via NHS inform.
“By each of us doing the right thing and helping to protect ourselves and our communities, we’ll see Edinburgh join other local authorities in the lower levels of restrictions much faster.”
Council Depute Leader Cammy Day said:“Nobody wants to go backwards after the really difficult journey we’ve all been on to get to this point so while things are still in a delicate situation in terms of case rates versus vaccination figures, a careful and steady approach is crucial.
“If we can monitor where cases are emerging – including the roughly 33% that never develop symptoms – then we’ll have a much clearer idea of how well we’re limiting the spread of the virus. So as well as getting vaccinated when you’re called forward, it’s really important to continue to take regular tests, as there’s evidence you can still transmit the virus even if you’ve had the jag.
“Please continue to follow the guidance when you’re out and about in the shops or meeting friends for something to eat or drink – businesses have worked incredibly hard to put measures in place to keep their staff and customers safe and we need to do our bit too when visiting them.”
Shop Here This Year campaign encourages shoppers to support local Edinburgh businesses by shining a spotlight on 11 neighbourhoods and town centres across the city
The campaign continues with a new series of free workshops hosted by Edinburgh-based influencers to help businesses maximise their digital marketing offering and encourage residents to shop local
The Shop Here This Year campaign continues to spread support to local businesses in Edinburgh with a new series of free digital marketing workshops, hosted by Edinburgh based influencers.
Delivered by the City of Edinburgh Council under Forever Edinburgh, Shop Here This Year has adapted the campaign in the wake of the global pandemic to ensure continued support for businesses across the city who have been impacted by the pandemic.
The campaign continues to shine citizens a spotlight on 11 neighbourhoods and town centres across the Capital and the businesses that bring them to life, showcasing the independent retailers, eateries, and personal shopping experiences that make them great places to visit.
Oddly enough, Drylaw, Pilton, Muirhouse and Granton are not among those ‘local’ neigbourhoods and town centres … Ed.
The next phase of the campaign sees three virtual workshops hosted by local influencers. The new series has been created to support businesses in making the most of their digital marketing platforms in continuing to promote their businesses to existing and new customers.
Taking place on Zoom throughout the coming months, these workshops will each target a different sector of Edinburgh’s diverse and vibrant retail scene: Lifestyle, Fashion & Interiors, Food & Drink and Attractions, Heritage & Tours.
The workshops will focus on developing key skills that will empower business to grow and maximise their digital presence, following, and engagement.
Each workshop will be tailored to specific sectors and will cover essential digital marketing skills; how to increase brand awareness, take impactful imagery, build a following and share engaging copy.
Although aimed at certain types of business, be they food, lifestyle or attraction focused, businesses from across Edinburgh’s varied retail sectors are encouraged to sign up to one, or all three workshops, in accordance with relevance and their own availability.
To kick things off Gemma Armit of Everything Edinburgh and Two Scots Abroad will host the first influencer workshop aimed at businesses with links to Attractions, Heritage & Tours, on Tuesday 15 June from 5.30pm.
Then on Tuesday 29 June, again from 5.30pm, Emma Bathgate of Vegan Edinburgh will host her own workshop focused on Food & Drink retailers.
Finally, at 5.30pm on Tuesday 6 July, Lauren Dall of The Luxe List will host the third and final workshop focused Lifestyle, Fashion & Interiors.
Workshops are FREE to attend and open to all Edinburgh businesses. To sign up businesses should register via Eventbrite, links below:
A new local business champion network, created by the Councils Business Growth and Inclusion Team, has been instrumental in shaping the campaign.
The network includes a range of businesses from all 11 neighbourhoods and include: Cove, Action Porty, Fabhatrix, Reddoor Gallery, Walker Slater, Leith Police Box, Cranachan and Crowdie, Scottish Textiles, Ragamuffin, 181 Deli, Bakery Andante, Specsavers, Herbie of Edinburgh, Seakist and Leith, Stockbridge and Grassmarket Outdoor Markets.
The Business Champion Network, said:“We are delighted to be involved in the Shop Here This Year campaign, which allows local businesses like ours to engage with Edinburgh’s citizens in a way that has never been more important.
“The past 12 months have been hard on everyone and while we are excited at the prospect of things slowly opening up, we need to explore avenues that are open to us in the meantime.”
“Not only will these workshops give Edinburgh businesses an opportunity to develop vital skills needed to help promote our businesses via social media and connect to shoppers, they will also enable us to engage with other businesses in our area, building a the sense of community and hopefully providing us with a network of support that will continue long into the future.”
Councillor Kate Campbell, Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener at City of Edinburgh Council, said:“Edinburgh’s local business community is incredibly important to everyone living in and around the city. Our town centres are diverse and vibrant, all offering something different from the very best in local food and drink, delicious coffees to elegant cocktails.
“We have so many shops offering locally made products, crafts, art, fashion, books and pretty much anything else you can imagine.
“By bringing these businesses together with digital marketing professionals who have had a front row seat to the struggles that retail and hospitality businesses are going through, we can create a community of support on the road to recovery.
“This campaign is run by Forever Edinburgh, the city’s visitor marketing brand, and works alongside its newest promotional activity of the Capital – The Story Never Ends.
“We hope these new skills will also help businesses build and tell their audiences more about their stories – be it their origins, about their products and suppliers or their customers experiences – and get involved by using the hashtag #ForeverEdinburgh.
“It’s another great opportunity to help both residents and visitors rediscover all the amazing unique experiences our Capital has to offer.”
The campaign continues s to engage with the local communities across the city and encourages people to share their Edinburgh shopping moments using #ShopHereThisYear and #ForeverEdinburgh on social media. Of course, while restrictions remain in place, those taking part are encouraged to do so in a Covid compliant way.
In addition to regular meetings with neighbourhood champions, the team have also prepared a digital toolkit for businesses looking to get involved.
• #neighbourhood (for spotlight weeks) #Grassmarket #Stockbridge etc.
Shop Here This YearCampaign Summary
Supported by funding from Scotland’s Towns Partnership, “Shop Here This Year” is a digital campaign led by the City of Edinburgh Council which aims to inspire people to shop local. It will promote local businesses across 11 ‘town centres’ in Edinburgh: Stockbridge, Gorgie & Dalry, Portobello, Southside, Leith, Morningside & Bruntsfield, Tollcross, Corstorphine, Queensferry, Royal Mile, and Grassmarket
Recognising the vital role of independent, local businesses for the city economy, the campaign seeks to showcase your business among EH postcode consumers, raising awareness and encouraging them to spend their money in the local community where it can have a huge impact on business resilience and local employment.
Shopping locally is a good thing, not just as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, but in general. It has strong environmental credentials; it supports the places where we live in our city and it maintains the diverse and exciting mix of independent businesses which give each town centre its unique character.
The campaign will be featured across the City of Edinburgh Council’s various digital channels including:
During your trip to Edinburgh you will no doubt be exploring the top attractions that this city has to offer. Edinburgh Castle for the one o’clock gun, the view from the top of Arthur’s Seat, the dark history of the Vaults and the Royal collection at the Queen’s Gallery.
However, these hidden gems are loved by locals and those lucky enough to stumble across them.
If you are planning a visit to Edinburgh, be sure to add our top 10 to your must-see list:
Edinburgh Farmers Market
Situated on Castle Terrace every Saturday with stunning views of the Castle and only a hop, skip and a jump from the Royal Mile you will find an award-winning market showcasing the very best of Scottish produce. If you’ve booked a self-catering apartment it is the perfect place to catch the highest quality, local ingredients to cook up for dinner. You can find fresh scallops, smoked salmon, venison, cheese, seasonal fruit and vegetables from this renowned foodie haven.
Residents of Edinburgh’s New Town hold the keys to exclusive private gardens hidden amongst the town houses. There is none more desired than the splendid Queen Street Gardens, where Robert Louis Stevenson spent much of his childhood. Most visitors to Edinburgh must wait until the annual Open Door’s Day to venture inside but guests of 34a Abercromby Place, a new luxurious dog friendly self-catering apartment by the Royal Scots Club, receive a key to access this secret garden for the duration of their stay.
This marvellously modern milk bar in Edinburgh’s historic Grassmarket has been producing handmade gelato and chocolates since 2013 and its founder Mary is a graduate from an actual Gelato University in Italy. With weird and wonderful seasonal flavour combinations like Toast & Marmalade and Goats Cheese & Figs mixed with favourite staples like Salted Caramel and Milk, all ages will be pressing their noses against the window checking out the latest flavours.
Reopening in May, check out Mary’s Instagram for updates
If you are feeling bold, grab your swimming costume and head out for some wild swimming in the Forth. Don’t let the temperature put you off, wild swimming has been proven to boost your energy and happiness. The perfect way to start a day of sightseeing! Wardie Bay is within walking distance of the City Centre so enjoy a swim in this sheltered spot which is well cared for by the community and loved by locals.
Open every day of the year come rain or shine
Dunbar’s Close Gardens
Any Edinburgh visitor will be familiar with the Royal Mile which connects Edinburgh Castle with the Palace of Holyrood House. The network of Closes lead off the Royal Mile through the Old Town and are steeped in history. With over 70 Closes to explore don’t miss Dunbar’s Close, this beautiful garden sanctuary in the very centre of the City. You will find those in the know soaking up the sun or chatting with friends over lunch in this secluded spot.
Open from 07:00am, closing times vary throughout the year
Dovecot is a world-renowned tapestry studio and centre for contemporary art, craft and design in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town. The Tapestry Studio is in the former swimming pool that was once the old Infirmary Street Bathhouse and the original viewing gallery is open daily for visitors to observe the weavers create their masterpieces. Dovecot offers a programme of popular exhibitions and events with the likes of Grayson Perry and Mary Quant plus a shop full of beautiful hand-made gifts and a fantastic cafe ‘Pinks at Dovecot’.
Café Culture is thriving in Edinburgh with independent coffee shops showcasing the best roasters in Scotland and across the UK. If you are looking for exceptional coffee one of the local heroes is Little Fitzroy on Easter Road. Passionate about everything coffee, Little Fitzroy rotate their selection regularly, always making the perfect flat white. Not to mention their wonderful selection of cakes including one of the best vegan Cinnamon Buns in Edinburgh.
Open weekdays from 07:00am – 17:00pm and weekends from 08:00am – 17:00pm
The wonderful beach at Portobello (Porty to locals) is the perfect place to fill your lungs with sea air and go for a bracing walk along the sands or the fine promenade. Once you’ve finished building your sandcastles or taking a paddle, grab lunch at Edinburgh’s Little Chart Room on the Prom or take a stroll to the high street and visit the Montreal inspired Bross Bagel shop.
Open every day of the year come rain or shine
Alby’s
Not your average sandwich shop this is the home of the Big Hot Sandwich in Leith. Alby’s feature a rotating menu of inspired and delicious fillings sandwiched between a large wedge of soft focaccia. This is the perfect pick me up after a packed morning of sightseeing. Run by couple Natasha and Matt these sandwiches have cult status thanks to their strong Instagram following and adorable namesake Alby the Dachshund.
Open Wednesday to Saturday from 12:00pm – 20:00pm and Sunday 12:00pm – 16:00pm
You may have heard of the Festival Theatre, the Playhouse or the Lyceum Theatre but there is another institution tucked away in Leith which was given as a gift to the Burgh from the people of Edinburgh in the 1920’s when Leith was incorporated into the capital city. This lively creative hub caters for all ages so be sure to check out their programme of what’s on during your visit.
Reopening in June, check out their website for more details
Famed for its many outstanding gems of architecture, as well as some dismaying carbuncles, the city of Edinburgh is admired internationally.
An informed and focused guidebook by leading architectural critic Robin Ward for locals and visitors now offers us the opportunity to deepen and enliven our experience of its remarkable built environment.
Seeing each building as if for the first time is what Ward invites people to do. A Glaswegian, Ward brims with enthusiasm for the capital, which is now his home.
His commentaries are as well-focused as his own crisp photographs of each building under consideration. Ward is not afraid to make his views clear if he thinks architects and planners have made a mistake but his selection concentrates on buildings, dating from medieval to modern times, that bring him joy.
Addressing the fact that Edinburgh has only recently started to acknowledge its involvement in the slave trade, Ward comments: ‘Edinburgh’s narrative of enlightenment and cultural heritage ignores many ghosts. Those at Sugarhouse Close are from the slave trade – sugar produced by African slaves on colonial plantations in the West Indies was processed at a refinery in the close.’
Six tours, for walking, cycling, travelling by car or public transport, are accompanied by maps which show the location of every building Ward considers and while each tour can be done in a day, the clearly numbered maps make it easy to customise routes. The tours encompass architecturally interesting but lesser known areas far from the city centre. All come with the first-class insights of Robin Ward.
‘Scotland’s capital city is unique for its layers of historic buildings on a volcanic landscape eroded by an Ice Age glacier. No other city shows its social and topographical development as dramatically.’ ROBIN WARD
Publication date: Thursday 22 January 2021. Exploring Edinburgh: Six Tours of the City and its Architecture by Robin 978-1-913025-57-1 paperback £10.99 Trade Order Hotline: Please call BookSource Distribution Centre on 0141 642 9192
Deputy First Minister John Swinney has written to Council Leader Adam McVey to explain Tuesday’s controversial decision to keep Edinburgh in Level 3 of coronavirus restrictions.
The letter comes after Council Leaders reacted with ‘anger and dismay‘ to the news that the Capital would not be moving to Level 2, contrary to what had been anticipated and it follows a meeting between Mr Swinney and Cllr McVey on Tueday evening.
Fiirst Minister Nicola Sturgeon and National Clinical Director Jason Leitch also explained the rationale behind the decision during questions following yesterday’s daily media briefing.
In his letter, Mr Swinney says: ‘A move to Level 2 in Edinburgh would mean opening up significantly more services in our second biggest city in the two weeks before Christmas. So we wanted to have as much confidence as possible that the situation is as stable as possible before we make that move.
‘In that context, the recent rise in cases, while relatively slight, was a cause for concern when seen against the backdrop of a much slower reduction in cases and test positivity for Edinburgh over the last two weeks than for Scotland as a whole.
‘By the same token, while Scotland as a whole has seen declining test positivity, the test positivity for Edinburgh is rising. So, weighing the data in the wider context, we decided it was prudent to keep Edinburgh in Level 3 this week, monitor the position closely, and to review the level again next week.
Council Leader Adam McVey and Depute Leader Cammy Day had been pressing the case for Edinburgh’s restrictions to be eased, in recognition of the city’s relatively low COVID case numbers and the care taken by residents and businesses keeping to the rules.
Responding to the First Minister’s announcement on Tuesday, Council Leader Adam McVey said: I’m extremely disappointed. Our numbers are stable and have now been consistently within the rates of level two for some time.
“We know what a dire situation local businesses continue to face and the latest news will be yet another blow in the lead-up to the Christmas period – which should be their busiest time of the year. I’ve been strongly pressing for Edinburgh’s case to move to a lower level of restrictions when safe to do so. The data suggest that time should have been now.
“It’s thanks to everyone following the guidance that our numbers have fallen and it’s why the Capital’s expectation was rightly that we would be moving to level two. I’ve asked to meet the Government as a matter of urgency to ensure they give a full explanation to the people of Edinburgh of the public health advice that they have based their decision on. I’ll also be pressing the case for additional financial support for our businesses who will need additional help following this decision.
“Despite this situation we need to continue to do everything we can over the coming week to continue to make progress – that means following the guidance, maintaining social distancing and washing hands and using sanitiser regularly.”
Depute Leader Cammy Day said: “This is an outrage and slap in the face for the many businesses, individuals and families who have so carefully stuck to restrictions over the winter so far, suffering significant losses and missing out on seeing one another over the festive period.
“It’s down to them that our cases per 100,000 are lower than many areas around the country, including some already in level two, so we completely understand those who are questioning today’s decision to retain the current restrictions in Edinburgh.
“We will continue to do everything in our power to ensure this is recognised by the Scottish Government, and will be calling for them to reconsider and reverse their decision.”
Councillors will debate an Emergency Motion by the ‘Capital Coalition’ at today’s Full Council meeting, calling on Council to agree to continue to lobby the Scottish Government and “insist the government follow scientific evidence and advice” that indicate that Edinburgh has been consistently in Level 2.
It’s expected that Edinburgh will move to Level 2 when restrictions are reviewed next week.
More than two million people who have been living under the strictest COVID-19 protection level for three weeks will have restrictions eased this Friday (11 December).
This follows improvement in the number of new cases in recent weeks in the 11 Level 4 local authority areas which will now drop down to Level 3.
Overall, half of all Scotland’s local authorities will move down a level this coming Friday.
The First Minister told Parliament: “The fall in infection rates in these areas – the most highly populated in the country – have contributed to an improvement in the situation across Scotland as a whole. All of this puts us in a much better position to cope with the inevitable difficulties of winter.
“However, it does not remove the need for a cautious approach. The risks and challenges of the next few months are clear.
“That is why, in reaching decisions today, we have had to consider the potential overall impact of moving to a lower level of restrictions at the same time as the Christmas period begins in earnest.”
The First Minister also announced that Angus, Inverclyde and Falkirk will drop a level going from 3 to 2.
Finally, Dumfries and Galloway and Borders Councils will drop to Level 1, following significant improvements in suppressing the virus in these two areas.
All other areas remain unchanged in their levels.
The easing of restrictions will happen from 6pm on Friday, 11 December.
However, retail outlets in areas dropping down to Level 3 can re-open from 6am on Friday in a move intended to help stores and shopping centres better manage the flow of customers after the period of closure.
However, the First Minister stressed that travel restrictions remain in place and no-one in a Level 3 area, or – until Friday – a Level 4 area, should travel outside their local authority area, except for essential purposes.
There will also be an easing of restrictions on gathering in homes for islands communities which are not linked by road to the mainland. Up to six people from a maximum of two households will be allowed to meet in private homes in Level 1 island communities. Islands with road links to the mainland, however, will not be included in this relaxation.
Levels allocations at 6pm on Friday 11 December except retail which can open from 6am:
Level 1:
Highland
Moray
Western Isles
Orkney
Shetland
Scottish Borders
Dumfries & Galloway
Level 2:
Aberdeenshire
Aberdeen
Argyll & Bute
Angus
East Lothian
Falkirk
Inverclyde
Level 3:
Fife
Perth & Kinross
East Dunbartonshire
West Dunbartonshire
Renfrewshire
East Renfrewshire
City of Glasgow
South Ayrshire
East Ayrshire
North Ayrshire
Stirling
Clackmannanshire
City of Edinburgh
Midlothian
West Lothian
Dundee
North Lanarkshire
South Lanarkshire
The assessment of what level of protection should be applied to each local authority is broadly based on an analysis of five key indicators:
number of positive COVID-19 cases per hundred thousand people over the last week
percentage of positive tests
forecast for new cases in the weeks ahead
capacity of local hospitals
capacity of local intensive care facilities
These factors are assessed alongside the advice and recommendations of local public health officials, National Incident Management Team, the Scottish Government’s chief clinical and policy advisors, and consideration of local circumstances, such as: specific COVID-19 outbreaks; travel and work patterns; and the extent to which health services are provided by neighbouring health boards. Final decisions are based on all of these factors.
Alongside a table setting out the levels, a detailed analysis paper has also been published setting out the Scottish Government’s assessment and overall decision for each local authority.
Find out more about the COVID protection levels and what you can and cannot do at each level.
The five-level strategic framework aims to tackle COVID-19 with measures strong enough to reduce virus prevalence while proportionate to the scale of the problem in different parts of the country – and in a way that minimises, as far as possible, the other harms caused by the pandemic.
A national service of remembrance in Edinburgh has been cancelled due to the ongoing coronavirus restrictions. The dedication and wreath laying service at the Garden of Remembrance in the capital’s Princes Street Gardens will instead be broadcast online for the first time.
The annual service normally attracts hundreds of spectators who stand shoulder to shoulder beneath the Scott Monument to pay their respects to the fallen of the First and Second World Wars, and all conflicts since.
Due to the ban on outdoor events across central belt health board areas, and the risk it would pose to the public, Legion Scotland have been forced to adapt. They will be broadcasting a special service of remembrance live on their Facebook page from 1050 on Monday, ensuring the public can still join together in paying their respects.
Dr Claire Armstrong, Chief Executive of Legion Scotland, said: “We are very disappointed that the opening of the Garden of Remembrance cannot proceed as planned, but we are determined to ensure that the public can still come together in remembrance of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Coronavirus must not be allowed to cancel remembrance, but public safety is paramount.
“Unfortunately, this is not the first time that we have had to adapt our plans this year. We undertook three major commemorations in the 75th anniversary of VE and VJ Days in May and August respectively, and the 80th anniversary of St Valery in June, with considerable success. The virtual programme of events reached millions and were arguably even more successful as a result of being taken online.
“We hope that everyone who would have joined us in Princes Street Gardens for the Service, and thousands of others, will be able to view the virtual service, which will begin around 1050 on our Facebook page. Poppyscotland will be broadcasting the virtual service live through their YouTube channel and Facebook page as well.”
The service will be hosted by Legion Scotland National Padre Rev Dr Karen Campbell and will include a two minute silence at 1100. The Rt Hon Lord Provost and Lord Lieutenant of the City of Edinburgh Frank Ross would normally be amongst the wreath laying party. Instead, a wreath was laid at the Garden of Remembrance on behalf of the City of Edinburgh by Deputy Lord Provost Joan Griffiths in private on Friday.
The Lord Provost said: “While it is disappointing that we can’t come together as planned to open the Garden of Remembrance this year, our priority has to be public safety. By adhering to the guidelines we are all playing our part in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic.
“Although physically not together, as with many areas of our lives, we can join in virtually and watch the poignant service online and my thanks to Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland for their work to make this possible.
“I urge residents to embrace new ways to donate to this year’s Scottish Poppy Appeal and embrace the opportunity to observe the season of remembrance. Taking a moment to pause, reflect, remember and show our gratitude and appreciation for the enormous sacrifices that have been made – and continue to be made every day on our behalf – by courageous men and women.”
The current Scottish Government guidelines on outdoor last until 2nd November and further details on what will be permitted on Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day are expected later this week.
Dr Armstrong continued: “While we await clarity on how new guidelines will impact on Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day, it is safe to say that these events, both at a national and local level, cannot proceed as they normally would.
“We are therefore urging all Legion Scotland branches, and other organisations who have responsibility for remembrance events in their local area, to take note of the guidelines and only to stage events that are safe and fully compliant.”
She added: “It is important to note that the Edinburgh Garden and Field of Remembrance is open to the public. While mass gatherings are not permitted, we would very much encourage the public to visit on an individual basis.
“I also urge everyone to support this year’s Scottish Poppy Appeal. Thousands of Poppyscotland volunteers and Legion Scotland members are unable to collect as they normally would. Nevertheless, our Armed Forces community rely on the vital, life-changing support provided by Poppyscotland and they can only continue to deliver that through the funds raised during the Poppy Appeal.”
The virtual service of remembrance can be viewed at any of the following links:
Thirty-four of Edinburgh’s parks have achieved Green Flags in the 2020 national competition, which recognises high quality green spaces.
The city received almost half of the 77 flags issued in Scotland. Two city parks, Saughton Park and St Katharine’s Park, received the status for the first time in 2020, joining the other 32 parks already waving their Green Flag.
The Green Flag Award is the UK’s national standard for parks and green spaces and is administered in Scotland by Keep Scotland Beautiful. To make sure the Capital’s parks are kept to a high standard, each year the Council checks all its parks and gardens using Green Flag Award criteria. This inspection is carried out by formal Green Flag judges along with other Council officers, Council partners and members of the public. From this assessment, each park is given a parks quality score.
Culture and Communities Convener, Councillor Donald Wilson, said: “The awards are given to those parks that give everyone access to a safe, clean and pleasant green space where they can relax, play and exercise and I’m delighted that so many of our parks have achieved this important and much sought after recognition.
“The quality of Edinburgh’s parks continues to improve in spite of these challenging times. I am very proud of all our award winning parks and of those who work all year round, and in all weather to keep our parks beautiful.”
Culture and Communities Vice Convener, Councillor Amy McNeese-Mechan, said: “This is fantastic news, parks have proved to be real havens this year and my thanks to our hardworking parks staff for their continued care for our much-loved parks through challenging times. My thanks also to dedicated Friends of Parks groups for everything they do. I would encourage everyone to explore our parks this Autumn.”
The Council has been taking part in the Green Flag Award scheme since 2007, when two Green Flags were achieved.
