Tag: Edinburgh

Swinney sets out reasons for Capital’s Level 3 status

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.

Read the letter from the Deputy First Minister in full.

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.

Edinburgh to remain at Level 3

Easing of protection in eleven council areas

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.

Edinburgh Remembrance event moves online

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:

For more information on the 2020 Scottish Poppy Appeal visit www.poppyscotland.org.uk.

Record number of Edinburgh parks win Green Flag awards

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.

Our Green Flag Parks are:

  • Braidburn Valley Park
  • Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park
  • Corstorphine Hill
  • Craigmillar Castle Park
  • Easter Craiglockhart Hill Local Nature Reserve
  • Fairmilehead Park
  • Ferniehill Community Park
  • Ferry Glen & Back Braes
  • Figgate Park
  • Hailes Quarry Park
  • Harrison Park
  • Hermitage and Blackford Hill Local Nature
  • Hopetoun Crescent Garden
  • Inverleith Park
  • King George V & Scotland Yard Park
  • Lauriston Castle
  • Lochend Park
  • London Road Gardens
  • Morningside Park
  • Muir Wood Park
  • Pentland Hills Regional Park
  • Portobello Community Garden
  • Prestonfield Park
  • Princes Street Gardens
  • Ravelston Woods Local Nature Reserve
  • Rosefield Park
  • Seven Acres Park
  • Spylaw Park
  • St Margaret’s Park
  • Starbank Park
  • Station Road Park
  • Victoria Park

Building a better Edinburgh, together

Council Leader ADAM McVEY writes in the Evening News as the newspaper launches its Recovery Edinburgh campaign:

The past few months have been incredibly tough. The pandemic brought with it immense and abrupt change and a great deal of uncertainty about what was coming next.

However, our city has been faced with huge challenges before and has emerged the other side – stronger.

Our world-renowned festivals were born out of the ashes of WW2 and it is this deep-rooted spirit of creativity, among other things, that will see us flourish again as Edinburgh starts to recover from COVID-19.

Without losing focus from continuing to battle this virus and supporting the incredible efforts of our colleagues in health and social care, we’re planning and working towards the city that we want Edinburgh to become. This will challenge us all but with much to be done, it’s not something that we can shy away from or shelve for another day.

 While we are very much thinking long-term, there is a need for short term action to provide immediate support to our local businesses and hospitality sector.

That’s why we have joined up with the Edinburgh Tourism and Action Group (ETAG) and other industry partners to launch the Forever Edinburgh campaign, encouraging all of Edinburgh’s residents and visitors to get back into the city, rediscover and fall in love with it all over again. 

Adapting our city for the months ahead and thinking about its longer-term renewal must start now. We should not aim to return Edinburgh to where it was before the pandemic but to collectively strive to make this wonderful city even greater than it was before.  Amongst all the challenges there is an opportunity to be grabbed to build an even better city for the future. 

Back in 2018 we asked Edinburgers what they wanted their city to be like in 2050.

Resoundingly you told us it should be greener, welcoming, a place where people are happy, healthy and safe. You said you want your Edinburgh to thrive as a clean, green, sustainable City. And that it should be fair – a Capital which is inclusive, affordable and connected. You also said that that the Edinburgh of the future needs to be pioneering and value culture, business and data.

While clearly much has happened since then – I believe these values hold true; that they should become the cornerstones that Edinburgh is rebuilt on, our foundations for the next 30 years and beyond. 

This vision could not have been formed without input from Edinburgh’s people and it cannot be delivered without all of us pulling for it. The same can be said for our recovery from COVID. We have to do this as one team: building a better Edinburgh, together. 

Since March, our residents have cared for loved ones across our communities by following the government guidance: observing lockdown measures, implementing physical distancing and looking after our more vulnerable people. 

Recently we asked you to invest in your communities by getting back into the town centres and supporting local businesses, but of course, only in a manner you feel safe and comfortable doing so. 

Thanks to the gradual yet continued relaxation of lockdown measures, people are enjoying some elements of normal life again although they might look quite different now – bars and restaurants are open, and cultural attractions following with many businesses planning for their teams to return to work.

This year, we took Festivals online with several events like the Book Festival and the Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival very well attended digitally. It might not have been the August that we’re used to but it reminds us of our city’s unique atmosphere which we can look forward to enjoying fully next year. 

I know there was a collective sigh of relief at the news of shielding being paused at the start of August and we were able to see our older or infirm friends and family again – an emotional reunion for sure.  

We’ve worked hard to bring back as many services as we can as quickly and safely as possible. Schools reopened earlier this month and we’re continually working to keep up with the changing circumstances and ensure our children’s education isn’t interrupted like it was earlier this year. 

While work is underway on some parts of our recovery plan, there are many elements to be discussed and choices to be made in the short and long term.  How we do this needs to be a collective conversation and there will be further opportunities for each and every person in Edinburgh to have their say in what happens next. 

Our priority has always been to look after our most vulnerable people – that’s not going to change. We need to build on the great work being done by the Edinburgh Poverty Commission to support those who need it and use the crisis to inform how we tackle poverty in our city in the future. 

Meanwhile, following a decade of growth, a new tourism strategy will see a fundamental change in how we approach attracting and managing visitors to our city. There is an all-important balance that has to be struck between attracting tourists and protecting the things that bring them here in the first place. 

We also have a duty of care for the 30,000 people who are employed in our tourism industry. How do we make their jobs more sustainable? How do we make sure they have rewarding careers?  

This stretches across much more than tourism of course and we need take steps now so that our young people leaving school have jobs to go to and careers to develop.

We’re exploring options with leaders from across Edinburgh’s employability and skills sector about what we can do as a City to best support the younger workforce and people who are disproportionately affected by the way Covid has hit our economy As part of this, we’re speaking to employers about expanding our Edinburgh Guarantee to create the training, education and job opportunities we need.

This crisis has shone a light on the health of our people and planet and, as we plan our recovery, we will also need to grapple with climate change, sustainability and accessibility.  We made a commitment as a Council to be net zero carbon by 2030 and we must hold to that commitment. 

During lockdown we implemented several measures to increase active travel, making it easier for people to walk and cycle around.

Things like pedestrianising streets, widening cycle paths and the new Waverley Masterplan to improve rail integration in our city – these are the types of actions with positive carbon impacts that can help Edinburgh to become a more people and environmentally friendly place to live. For now – and for the next 30 years.

There is a lot of work to be done, and we know that. But we also know that it can only be done together, working as one team Edinburgh to bring the city to a new glory, rather than returning it to its former one.

Edinburgh and its residents will bounce back, I have no doubt. We don’t have to sacrifice our long-term goals to do so and we can build a better Edinburgh for us all.  

Council Leader, Adam McVey

An invitation from Transition Edinburgh

You are invited to join an online roundtable for civil society and local government to exploring how to meet the ambitious target to reach Carbon Neutral Edinburgh by 2030: 

The event takes place from 6-8pm on Wednesday 12 August.

We’ve invited people in civil society organisations advocating action to cut climate emissions.

Dr Sam Gardner, Chair of Edinburgh Climate Commission and Councillor Adam McVey, Leader of the Council and Vice Chair of the Commission will share their vision.  

This interactive session will: 

  1. Generate a shared picture of the action taking place in the city 
  2. Explore actions open to civil society, the City of Edinburgh Council and the Edinburgh Climate Commission  
  3. Contribute to our collective ambition for the city and identify ways of working together to accelerate progress. 

Colleagues can book via: https://climate12aug.eventbrite.co.uk and Share www.facebook.com/events/914192189091728

Background Documents to read BEFORE participating: 

This event will contribute to the Place-based Climate Action Network (P-CAN) collaboration with Leeds and Belfast – led by Edinburgh Centre for Carbon Innovation and the EIT Climate-KIC Healthy, Clean Cities Deep Demonstration in Edinburgh.  

REGISTER HERE: https://climate12aug.eventbrite.co.uk 

NHS heroes compete in fundraising challenge

Glasgow vs Edinburgh: Cities go head To head in Charity Challenge

Two Scottish charities are going head to head with their latest fundraising challenge, in an attempt to raise vital funds for the children’s hospitals they support.

Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity has teamed up with Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity for Lap the Map – a brand new virtual fundraising event which pits supporters from each charity against each other to see who can ‘lap the map’ first.

Lap the Map launched with supporters initially racing in their hundreds to lap the 10,007km-long coastline of Scotland. Due to overwhelming popularity for the event, Team Edinburgh successfully reached the finish line within just a few short days, leading the charities to extend the challenge to take on the world and cover the full distance of the Earth’s equator – a further 40,075km.

An army of over 2,000 participants have already signed up to help each charity lap the world before 31st July.

Both charities are now calling on more people from across Glasgow and the West, and Edinburgh and the East, to sign-up for Lap the Map to raise vital funds, while helping to settle the age-old rivalry over which coast really is the best coast.

Money raised from Lap the Map will directly support NHS staff on the frontline, young patients and their families at Glasgow’s Royal Hospital for Children, and Edinburgh’s Royal Hospital for Sick Children.

NHS staff from Glasgow’s Paediatric Intensive Care, Physiotherapy and Theatre teams, and Edinburgh’s Emergency Department, Critical Care and Occupational Therapy teams have already signed up to help the children they work to support.

Alyson Walker, Consultant Paediatric Anaesthetist, Glasgow’s Royal Hospital for Children said: “Our department and patients benefit so much from the work of Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, so ‘Team Scrubs’ are determined to fundraise as much as possible. 

“We’ll be changing our scrubs for running gear at every available opportunity to make sure that Team Glasgow laps the map of the world first. Team Edinburgh better watch out – our fantastic Theatres team take great pride in our work, and this challenge will be no exception!”

Judith Montgomery, Physiotherapist at The Royal Hospital for Sick Children, (above) said: “During this crisis, things have been very different in the hospital. The team at Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity have been there every step of the way, so we want to make our steps count for them.

“We’re challenging ourselves to walk as many kilometres as possible to help us Lap the World first and beat Glasgow!”    

The charities teamed up to create Lap the Map as a result of the ongoing postponement and cancellation of mass participation fundraising events across the country due to the Covid-19 crisis. These events would normally raise tens of thousands for each charity, so an alternative virtual event was created to help plug the gaps in fundraising income.

William McGowan, Head of Fundraising, Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity said: “We rely entirely on fundraising and donations to ensure that we can be there for young patients and their families with our life-changing hospital projects and support services.

“It has been wonderful seeing over 1,000 of our incredible supporters showing such determination with their fundraising, and enthusiasm to beat Team Edinburgh to the finish line – it’s no secret that the friendly competition between Glasgow and Edinburgh has been spurring all our team on!

“And while Team Edinburgh may have one the first leg, Team Glasgow is still determined to come out on top so we’re looking forward to welcoming many more supporters to our heroic team, and continuing to raise vital funds for those children in hospital who need us most.”

Victoria Buchanan, Deputy Director of Fundraising, ECHC, said: “We were blown away by the response we received to the initial Lap the Map challenge, with over 1,000 people and NHS heroes signing up to Team Edinburgh. Our team pulled out all the stops, hitting the 10,007km in just three days and raising an incredible £68,000.

“The target was smashed so quickly though and we know our team still has so much more to give, so we are very excited to have extended the challenge to Lap the World. It’s now game on against Glasgow to make sure Team Edinburgh reaches the 50,082km first to prove we are the best team in the world!

“Though we’re all aware of the friendly competition between East and West, our charities share a common goal – to transform the experiences of children and families in hospital. We hope many more people will sign up to the challenge before 31 July to make their kilometres count for their local children’s hospital this summer.”

To enter Lap the Map with Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity visit www.glasgowchildrenshospitalcharity.org.

To enter with Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity visit www.echcharity.org

Capital looks to green future

Ensuring Edinburgh’s future infrastructure and capital investments contribute to a green future is just one of the recommendations for a green recovery in a report by the Edinburgh Climate Commission.

  • Edinburgh Climate Commission calls on Scottish Government and City Leaders to commit to a green recovery for the future of the city and its people
  • Inaugural report makes 10 recommendations for ensuring a thriving, fair and sustainable Edinburgh that is resilient to future economic and public health shocks
  • The Edinburgh Climate Commission is the only independent climate commission in Scotland

The Commission’s inaugural report sets out 10 recommendations for Edinburgh’s green recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and will be considered by the City of Edinburgh Council’s Policy and Sustainability Committee on Thursday 9 July.

Led by Chair Dr. Sam Gardner, the Commission is the only independent climate commission in Scotland and was created in February 2020 to accelerate the action on climate change in Edinburgh. It has 15 expert commissioners from a variety of sectors and backgrounds and has committed to a series of reports that will lead, inform and shape the ambition to be a Carbon Neutral City by 2030.

A working group, led by finance expert Commissioner Kaisie Rayner, has produced its first report ‘Forward Faster Together – Recommendations for A Green Economic Recovery in Edinburgh’ addressing the city’s compound emergencies: the global climate crisis and recovery from the global pandemic.

Dr Gardner is expected to call on the Council to commit to a green economic recovery, investing in net zero transport infrastructure; prioritising capital projects that deliver a greener, healthier city environment and investing in local economies with shorter supply chains that support local jobs and community wellbeing.

The Commission’s 10 recommendations call for:

  1. A joint commitment to Green Economic Recovery from Local and National Government  
  2. Public stimulus and organisational investment decisions should be conditional upon contributing to a greener future
  3. Redesign and invest in carbon neutral transport infrastructure
  4. A city-wide approach to energy efficiency and renewable heat
  5. Localise services, support and infrastructure to build community resilience
  6. Focus on wellbeing in natural and built environment investments
  7. Embrace new business practices to reimagine building assets and opportunities for the city
  8. Grow skills and knowledge to deliver a city green recovery and lead a global transition
  9. Develop low carbon sectors and business models to make the city globally competitive
  10. Become a global leader in sustainable investment

Edinburgh Climate Commission Chair, Dr. Sam Gardner, said: “COVID-19 has shown the power of common purpose; we must now seize the moment created by the devastating pandemic to tackle the climate emergency and secure a fairer more sustainable future for this City and its people.

Edinburgh must plot a path to recovery that delivers new jobs, builds resilience and attracts investment. A green recovery does this and gives meaning to the phrase ‘build back better’; it kick-starts the much-needed acceleration to a net zero city by 2030 while improving our health and resilience to future shocks.”

A green economic recovery is in the best interests of the whole city.”

Commissioner, Kaisie Rayner, said: “Throughout this pandemic we have acted together to protect our families, our communities and have placed the highest value on our collective wellbeing.

“As we emerge from lockdown, millions of pounds are expected to be spent on our city’s recovery and it is imperative that every penny is spent wisely, delivering an economic recovery that benefits us all.

“The climate emergency hasn’t gone away and while our response to COVID 19 has seen a temporary drop in emissions it is clearly not how we need to tackle climate change. We need a planned response that has a sustained impact and puts people’s wellbeing at its heart.

“This report recommends a way forward that will position Edinburgh as a fair and sustainable economic leader in the low carbon global economies of the future and we must make the right choices now so that we create a City worth living in for ourselves and for the generations that will follow us.”

Edinburgh Climate Commission Vice Chair and Council Leader, Cllr. Adam McVey, said: The Edinburgh Climate Commission was formed out of a necessity to tackle climate change in Edinburgh as an urgent priority. 

“I am very appreciative of the immense work and effort that has gone into the creation of this report by the other Commissioners and the support from the Edinburgh Centre of Carbon Innovation and the University of Edinburgh.

“It has become clear that if we are to rebuild Edinburgh as a city of the future, then a green recovery is our only option. I welcome the Commission’s recommendations and I’m committed to making sure that these are central drivers within our post-Covid plans, both short term and long term, to deliver our 2030 carbon target.”

The Edinburgh Climate Commission is part of the Place-based Climate Action Network (PCAN), which works to translate climate policy into action ‘on the ground’.

Supported by the ESRC (Economic and Social Research Council) and local partners, the Edinburgh Centre for Carbon Innovation and the University of Edinburgh, PCAN brings together the research community and decision makers across the private, public and third sectors through city-based climate commissions, in a network that is expanding across the UK.

Greens: Edinburgh must act now to protect cyclists and pedestrians

Scottish Greens Lothian MSP Alison Johnstone has lent her support to a grassroots campaign calling for urgent action to protect cyclists and pedestrians after a spate of accidents, including the deaths of a three-year-old boy and an NHS nurse in recent days.

Hundreds gathered to reclaim a road in Edinburgh today in a vigil for the deaths, which come after years of campaigning to protect cyclists and pedestrians in the capital.

Alison Johnstone said: “I fully support the many Edinburgh residents who have gathered today to demand that enough is enough. Yesterday a man was killed while he was cycling to work, and the day before a three-year-old boy was killed on a pavement. There have also been other cases of accidents involving cyclists and pedestrians this week. It’s absolutely heartbreaking.

“It’s not good enough to just offer condolences. In 2012 I called for capital road safety summit and raised these concerns at Scottish Government’s road safety group with many of the people campaigning today, and I can’t believe eight years later we’re still mourning cyclists killed on our streets.

“We need to see urgent action on the ground to make streets safer for people walking and cycling.

“If we cannot afford basic safety for people merely cycling to work or walking on a pavement we fail a basic test of leadership. Edinburgh needs to drastically cut traffic, like most normal historic European cities have done.”