Tag: environment

Litter, traffic and vandalism can stop older adults from leaving their homes, study in Edinburgh shows

Maintenance of communities in which elderly people live is vital for their health and wellbeing, new research suggests.

Pot holes, noise, litter, traffic and vandalism can create anxieties in elderly people and stop them from leaving their house, engaging with their communities and prevent them living a healthy and active lifestyle.

The research from Manchester Metropolitan University, published in the PsyEcology journal, interviewed 102 older adults age 60-92 in nine neighbourhoods across Manchester, Edinburgh and Glasgow to understand more about their experiences of living in urban environments.

Many participants reported feeling insecure in their communities, which often stemmed from concerns about maintenance of their neighbourhoods, and the physical and social features of the environment.

Problem pavements

Pavements and kerbs were particularly problematic for those with mobility and visual impairments, and some participants thought that street spaces failed to reflect the needs of older adults by supporting their accessibility and inclusivity.

Many felt they had an “inability to defend themselves” in potentially dangerous situations and had a “fear of falling”, which often created a barrier to leaving their home.

Dr Jenny Fisher, who was part of the research team, and co-lead at Manchester Metropolitan and Head of the Department, Social Care and Social Work, said: “The design of public spaces can confront older adults with barriers and hazards, making the environment uncomfortable and unsafe to use.

“This can affect older adults’ experiences of being active and involved in their communities, and have an impact on their wellbeing. The research is important as the findings have led to recommendations about how organisations and policy makers can respond to the barriers experienced by older adults.”

Although older adults experience lower victimisation rates when compared to other social groups, older people reported greater levels of perceived insecurities and feeling unsafe in their neighbourhoods.

Sense of community

Negative media portrayals and stigma attached to certain places had an impact on the way participants felt in a public space.

A strong sense of community and familiarity in a neighbourhood provided older adults with a more positive perception of safety and security. Older adults who had friends and were known in the community felt as though they were looked after and were less apprehensive about using the neighbourhood.

Disadvantaged communities were more likely to report a stronger sense of familiarity and feeling of safety compared to the least deprived communities and those experiencing social segregation.

Rebecca Lawthom, Professor of Community Psychology at Manchester Metropolitan, said: “This research shows that we need to shift towards a broader understanding of perceptions of safety and security, beyond current notions of ‘fear of crime’ to including factors such as accessibility and usability of public space, and involvement with other residents.

“Although prevention and policing services are important, we need to find ways to support people to feel more confident and secure in their communities through approaches to place management.”

The researchers now hope to use the results to influence practice and policy priorities relating to age-friendly cities and have produced recommendations.

This research is part of a three-year ESRC-funded project (Economic and Social Research Council) examining enablers and barriers to creating age-friendly communities that promote healthy and active ageing.

The full paper: Place (in)securities: Older adults’ perceptions across urban environments in the United Kingdom can be found here. 

 

Planting begins at Pennywell Nature Garden

Local schoolchildren have planted the first trees at the new Pennywell Nature Garden.

Pupils from Pirniehall Primary School were joined by members of the Pennywell community as planting got underway in time for spring yesterday.

Set within Urban Union’s and the City of Edinburgh Council’s Pennywell Living development, the shared nature garden will help foster a sense of community and provide local residents with an attractive outdoor space.

The garden will also allow the community to get involved in several projects which will benefit both the environment and their neighbourhood as a whole.

By creating the nature garden, developer Urban Union and North Edinburgh Arts are hoping to create a space for both adults and children at Pennywell Living to enjoy, as well as attract wildlife and boost biodiversity by planting trees, hedges, snowdrops and seed-bombing wildflowers.

Neil McKay, managing director at Urban Union, said: “Having the chance to enjoy the outdoors is incredibly important. Being in the fresh air and around nature is fantastic for people’s health and well-being.

“The garden will also help create a green area and tranquil setting for the development and neighbourhood.

“Located in the hub of the community, the nature garden will feature a range of colourful flowers, trees and plants. It has been great seeing local pupils, community and organisations all come together to help plant the garden’s first trees.”

Natalie Taylor, designer of the Pennywell Nature Garden, added: “The garden will be a fantastic nature haven full of biodiversity for the Pennywell community to enjoy, offering both adults and children a brilliant chance to see nature’s life cycle in action.”

Set to complete in 2023, Pennywell Living is part of a wider housing regeneration project being delivered through a partnership with the City of Edinburgh Council and Urban Union which will see the delivery of over 770 new homes, half of which will be affordable housing.

With great local primary and secondary schools, as well as a wealth of useful amenities in the area, the development is perfect for young professionals and families.

To find out more about the houses on offer at Pennywell Living, visit: www.urbanunionltd.co.uk/pennywell-living

Seedy Hotel?

Edinburgh hotel swaps single-use plastics for Scottish wildflowers

THE LARGEST independent hotel in Edinburgh has removed single-use plastic toiletries from their bedrooms, instead offering guests the gift of Scotland’s natural beauty.

Guests at Ten Hill Place Hotel are being encouraged to take home their free packet of Scottish wildflower seeds, available in every bedroom, to plant this spring.

The decision is the latest in the four-star hotel’s series of sustainable changes which have included removing plastic water bottles and introducing recycling waste management on every floor.

The hotel is run by Surgeons Quarter, the commercial arm of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RSCEd). All profits made by the hotel and Surgeons Quarter’s six other venues are put towards the College’s charitable aims of improving patient outcome and advancing surgical standards across the world.

Scott Mitchell, Managing Director of Surgeons Quarter, said: “It’s really important to us that we make decisions which positively impact the environment as well as our guests.

“As part of our feedback, we ask guests for suggestions on how we can become more environmentally-friendly – we’ve made some small but powerful changes over the past few months as a result.

“After taking the decision to remove single-use toiletries and plastic bottles of water from our 129 rooms, we wanted to give something back to our guests – what better to give guests than a reminder of Scotland to bring home with them?”

Surgeons Quarter partnered with UK company Seed Promotions to create a customised selection of Scottish wildflower seeds, which include trefoil birdsfoot, poppy and ox-eye daisy seeds.

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Claire Sellars at Seed Promotions said: “The team at Surgeons Quarter is really ahead of the curve when it comes to creative ways to be more sustainable.

“Scotland is home to around 1,600 native flowering plants which help to support wildlife across the country. It’s really brilliant to see Surgeons Quarter supporting Scotland’s natural wildlife in this way.”

The hotel, located in Edinburgh’s Old Town, has been recognised with a Gold Green Tourism Award which promotes sustainable tourism worldwide.

Ten Hill Place changes its menus with the seasons to make the most of Scotland’s natural larder, sourcing as much local produce as possible.

The hotel has also taken the decision to implement low flow showers and chemical free cleaning systems, and offers guests the option of not changing their towels and bedding daily to save water. A selection of toiletries will remain available at the reception of Ten Hill Place for guest use.

Surgeons Quarter promotes, sells and manages all commercial activities held within the RCSEd campus. All profits support the charitable aims of the College which are education, assessment and advancement in surgical standards worldwide.

Edinburgh ‘slowest city in the UK’ 

A new report (see below) showing that Edinburgh is ranked alongside London as the UK’s slowest city must act as a wakeup call for city chiefs, says Scottish Greens Parliamentary Co-Leader Alison Johnstone MSP.

The INRIX Global Traffic Scorecard shows that drivers lost an average of 98 hours in the capital city in 2019, with last mile speeds of just 10mph on an average journey, costing the city’s economy £177million.

Lothian MSP Alison Johnstone said: “Edinburgh’s ranking as the UK’s slowest city won’t come as a huge shock to many in the city, but it must come as a wakeup call to city chiefs who have for far too long prioritised getting cars into the city centre rather than investing in improving public transport, tackling congestion, and making it safer for people to walk and cycle.

“Lothian buses is a well liked service but buses are all too often delayed by the appalling congestion in the city. It’s time buses and trams were given priority over cars.

“The current consultation on the City’s Mobility Plan will help decide the future of the City.  We need a bold and visionary approach that doesn’t consider issues in isolation, and we need funding to bring about the change. We need too to stop wasting money on the dinosaur transport projects of a bygone era.

“In light of this report the city/region deal partners must now listen to my calls to scrap the proposed £120million flyover at Sheriffhall, a new road that will only make congestion worse, and instead invest those funds in congestion busting public transport across the region.

“Investment in safe walking and cycling routes in and around the city has been sorely lacking. We know that lots of people would cycle to work, or let their children cycle to school, if there was safe segregated infrastructure but all too often this isn’t the case.

“The budget deal secured by the Scottish Greens recently ensured that the Scottish Government’s cycling budget hit £100million for the first time. I know that Scottish Greens Councillors on City of Edinburgh Council will be lobbying hard to ensure the city gets its fair share of that funding too.”

 https://inrix.com/press-releases/2019-traffic-scorecard-uk/

Meet Leith’s youngest Environmental Influencer!

Ten year old Leith Primary School pupil Jakariya Ali posed proudly in front of a billboard showcasing his winning energy-saving poster to celebrate the new Utilita Energy Hub, which is now open in Newkirkgate.  

The six local schools and 250 pupils who entered the competition were each tasked with designing an energy-saving poster, to be in with a chance to have their poster displayed on a large billboard in Newhaven Road, and win a £50 voucher.

Each school that entered received £100 and the winning school – Leith Primary School – received £500. All participating schools also received a £500 sports kit, courtesy of Utilita Energy. All artwork is being showcased in the new Leith Energy Hub.

Budding designer and arguably one the UK’s youngest environmental influencers Jakariya Ali, aged 10, learnt he had won the competition at the official Energy Hub opening on Saturday 1st February, where he met Hibernian FC legend Pat Stanton, and was presented the prize by Utilita CEO Bill Bullen.

Jakariya said: “I remember drawing the poster and wishing that mine was chosen, and now here I am standing in front of it. It’s exciting, and my family is really proud.

“The competition has made me think twice about leaving the lights on, that’s for sure.”

Leith Primary’s proud Headteacher Fiona Craig was delighted to learn that Jakariya Ali had won the competition. She said: “As a school we concentrate a lot on the environment, and the importance of saving energy, so it was great to see the messages coming through so strongly in each of the designs.

“I drove past the billboard yesterday, and felt very proud and excited for Jakariya – he’s educating thousands of people who walk and drive past the billboard everyday – it’s such an achievement.”

Bill Bullen, CEO of Utilita, was one of the competition judges. He commented: “We were bowled over by the level of engagement from local schools, and judging the energy-saving posters has been really rewarding – it’s great to see young people so tuned-in to what’s happening to the planet, and why we all need to do our bit in reducing wastage.”

Utilita Energy has opened a new Edinburgh-based Energy Hub as part of the company’s drive to have more face-to-face conversations with people about how to make their energy go further, while paying less.

The Energy Hub is the first of its kind in Scotland, offering face-to-face customer service and removing the need for a call centre. Each energy hub is home to a team of local energy advisors who can offer help and support, as well as educate people on how to make their energy go further. There are fun, interactive apps and jaw-dropping money-saving demonstrations that make being energy efficient fun.

Anyone visiting the Energy Hub can join in the Utilita #EnergyHighFive movement, which gives customers a list of five simple and free-of-charge adjustments to the way energy is used at home, resulting in a potential £163 saving on their annual energy bill. The #EnergyHighFive campaign has been created to enable Utilita to help a minimum of five million homes make their energy go further, while paying less.

Open from Monday to Saturday 9-5.30pm, the Utilita Energy Hub will also sell a variety of Energenie energy-saving devices starting from as little as £9. Many devices are Alexa-enabled, catering for households who have fully-embraced the handsfree power of voice control. There is also a dedicated community space that is open for the public to book and use from Monday to Saturday.

The new Utilita Energy Hub employs seven locals as Utilita Energy Experts. They are all local people who are knowledgeable and passionate about helping people to use less energy at home.  There will be four Utilita Energy Experts offering support at all times.

Founded in 2003, Utilita is the UK’s leading Smart PAYG energy company today, specialising in innovative technology that puts its customers in better control of their energy usage than ever before.

After installing a free Smart Meter in the customer’s home or garage, each customer is given a small In-Home Display (IHD), which shows in real-time what energy their home is using in pounds and pence. The free ‘MyUtilita’ app also provides energy usage data as well as other features such as ‘instant top-ups’ and ‘power up’ which is a small interest free-loan, which comes in handy when payday is just around the corner.

Utilita has more than quadrupled in size since 2015 from 180,000 to around 800,000 households and businesses across the UK.

Any local community groups interested in using the dedicated community space free-of-charge can book a session by emailing edinburgh@utilita.co.uk.

New play equipment at West Pilton Park

A new play park and outdoor gym was opened in West Pilton last week.  Councillor Susan Rae cut the tape with Friends of West Pilton Park’s Sara Martin, ELGT’s Charlie Cummings and Scotland Manager of Fields in Trust, Colin Rennie.

Children from Pirniehall and Forthview Primary schools also braved the weather to check out the new facilities.

You can learn more about the development and watch an interview with Susan, Sara and Colin who talk about the importance of developing greenspaces and supporting local communities in urban areas here.

Founder Member of Friends of West Pilton Park, Parklife, Sara Martin said: “The local residents are delighted with the new junior play park and outdoor gym facilities.

“The old play parks were disjointed, very limited and definitely past their sell-by-date. The newly upgraded play park and outdoor gym are so much more interesting, with lots of exciting new equipment to try out and enjoy.

“Thank you Edinburgh & Lothian Greenspace Trust for delivering it.”

Play Another Day: CBeebies star calls on Scots to help the planet

Get on board with The Great Toy Rescue!

The star of children’s TV show Molly and Mack is urging Scots to hand their old toys on to be enjoyed once again as part of Zero Waste Scotland’s Pass it on Week. 

Joshua Haynes, who plays Mack in the hit CBeebies show, says it is more important than ever that we make better use of our resources to protect the planet. 

Taking place from 7 – 15 March, Pass it on Week, with support from the European Regional Development Fund, is the national celebration of reuse. This year, the theme ‘The Great Toy Rescue’ encourages Scots to pass on items on so they can play another day. 

Passing on toys that are in a good condition, or just need a little fixing up, benefits the environment by avoiding the need to buy new and also diverts existing valuable materials from potentially ending up in landfill or incineration. 

People can do their bit by simply passing on the toys their children no longer play with. 

There will be plenty of opportunities to get involved as events are set to take place across Scotland over the week. Local schools and community groups are encouraged to visit the Pass it on Week website to sign up their event. 

Joshua Haynes said: “It’s more important than ever to be making better use of our resources. The effects of global warming are now here for everyone to see and it’s not a debatable possibility, it’s a very real and tangible thing. 

“We’ve got to do whatever we can to help retain the natural beauty and wonder of our world and finding out how to better use what resources and materials we already have is one of the biggest steps to achieving that goal.” 

Joshua has shared his own story of his favourite childhood toy ‘Pal’ to highlight why it’s so important to value what we already have and how passing on can make someone else’s day. 

He said: “My favourite toy as a kid was this kind of bean-bag, kind of plush puppy who I called Pal. I used to keep Pal by my side at all times whenever I was in the house – and whenever I’d go on holiday, I’d be making sure to take Pal with me.

“When I first got Pal I noticed he had some kind of damage on his front left paw. Instead of asking my mum for a new toy I saw this as something that made him really special, unique. My special dog with his hurt paw. So, because of that I wanted to take extra special care of him – which he definitely got. 

“Unfortunately, one day when going to visit my family in Liverpool, I lost Pal while on the train and never saw him again. Obviously, I was incredibly upset and a lot of phone calls were made to try and find him but with no luck. 

“Although the thing I was so upset about wasn’t the fact that I had lost my favourite toy but that I was actually more concerned that someone wasn’t going to look after him properly. In the end my mum helped me get over it by telling me that some other kid will have found him and that he would be making them happy now.” 

He continued: “Pal taught me a lot of different things growing up, for example, don’t leave your favourite toy on a train!

“But the most important thing I learned from my favourite toy was that sharing something, even if it means the world to you, can help make the biggest of impacts on someone else.” 

A study by Zero Waste Scotland found that 85% of parents say they mainly pass on the toys that their children no longer play with. Meanwhile, 81% say they would give their children a toy previously used by a friend or family member. At least 58% would give them one from a second hand shop or a resale site like eBay or Gumtree.

 Four fifths of Scotland’s carbon footprint is caused by the goods and materials that we consume, whether it is food, clothes, toys or electrical equipment. Maximising use of the materials we have will reduce the level of greenhouse gases produced. It will also protect habitats and biodiversity by reducing the demand to find and extract new materials. 

Iain Gulland, chief executive of Zero Waste Scotland, said: “Every aspect of our lives touches on the climate emergency in some way. Conserving existing resources is one of the most powerful and easiest ways to make a difference.

“Passing on old toys is a great way to share happiness, plus buying and wasting less will protect the environment and reduce Scotland’s carbon footprint. Never think you are too small to make a difference.” 

The Revolve certification, run by Zero Waste Scotland, is the national reuse quality standard given to shops selling second hand goods. Shops must meet high standards in cleanliness, safety, service and value for money to gain the Revolve certification. When customers see the logo in-store, they can be assured they are buying high quality goods. 

There are currently more than 140 shops in Scotland that carry the Revolve certification. 

For more details and to register your Pass it on Week event, visit passitonweek.com.

 Pass it on Week is part of Zero Waste Scotland’s Resource Efficient Circular Economy Accelerator Programme, which will invest £73m in circular economy and resource efficiency projects, thanks to support from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

Aldi takes the lid off

Aldi is removing all plastic lids on its own-label fresh and cultured cream products and ready-to-drink coffee products, as part of its ongoing campaign to reduce single-use plastics.

From March, Scotland’s fourth largest volume retailer will stock these products without unnecessary plastic lids in its 91 Scottish stores.

This initiative will remove over three million pieces of single-use plastic from the market.

In addition to this, Aldi will trial the removal of plastic lids from its large Greek-style flavoured yogurt pots in England and Wales. If successful, this will be rolled out across all 500g yogurt pots, eliminating a further 34 million pieces of plastic across the UK.

These moves are the supermarket’s latest steps to scrap unnecessary plastic as it works towards reducing plastic packaging by 25% by the end of 2023.

Fritz Walleczek, Managing Director of Corporate Responsibility at Aldi, said: “We are committed to cutting the amount of plastic that Aldi and our customers use, particularly unnecessary, single-use plastic like secondary lids.

“Every step like this brings us closer to our target of reducing the amount of plastic we use in packaging by 25%.”

Aldi is on track to have all own-label packaging recyclable, reusable or compostable by 2022. Since 2018, it has removed more than 2,200 tonnes of plastic and replaced almost 3,000 tonnes of unrecyclable material with recyclable alternatives.

For several years Aldi has led the way with local sourcing and the retailer has built strong relationships with over 90 Scottish suppliers.

Last year, the supermarket was crowned Scottish Sourcing Business of the Year at the Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards. To aid Aldi’s expanding footprint in Scotland, the supermarket has invested in a new £25 million freezer and chill facility in Bathgate, which will be operational in spring this year.

Green light for Scottish budget

Finance Secretary Kate Forbes has reached an agreement with the Scottish Green Party to ensure the passage of the Scottish Government’s budget.

The final agreement will increased support for young people, police, climate action and local government.

Thanking all who took part in discussions, Ms Forbes said that while she had reached agreement with the Scottish Greens, the budget delivered on key issues raised by all parties in the parliament and called on all MSPs to unite behind the budget today (Thursday).

The agreement which builds on key Scottish Government commitments to invest £15 billion in health and care services, deliver a child poverty payment and to expand early learning and childcare, will:

  • deliver a National Concessionary Travel scheme offering free bus travel for 18s and under. The Scottish Government will undertake work on design and due diligence with a view to introducing such a scheme in January 2021
  • ensure a total uplift for the police service of £60 million in the next financial year with £13 million of additional investment in frontline services and a further £5 million of additional capital investment, on top of the £42 million already committed
  • support local services with £95 million of further funding for local government, taking total additional Scottish Government support for local authorities to £589 million

To further support Scotland’s efforts to end our contribution to climate change a £45 million package of investment in low carbon projects has been agreed including:

  • £25 million of additional investment in local energy efficiency projects
  • £15 million for local authority investment in active travel, taking the total investment in active transport in the next financial year to £100 million
  • £5 million to further develop options for enhanced rail services

As part of the agreement, the Scottish Government has confirmed that the Infrastructure Investment Plan, which will be published later this year, will be aligned with the Infrastructure Commission’s call for all future projects to be compatible with the Scottish Government’s net zero target and the Climate Change Act.

Confirming the agreement, Ms Forbes said: “I am pleased to have reached an agreement to pass the Scottish budget and deliver certainty for communities, businesses and our vital public services – especially in face of the uncertainty created by the UK Government’s decision to delay its budget.

“I want to thank all parties for the constructive way in which they have approached this year’s discussions. While it is not possible to meet every party’s demands in full, I believe in reaching formal agreement with the Green Party, I am also delivering on key asks from every party and I encourage all MSPs to consider giving their support to Scotland’s budget.

“This budget invests a record £15 billion in health and care services, delivers Scotland’s unique child payment to lift our youngest out of poverty, transfers £3 billion of social security spending, supports our efforts to tackle the climate crisis and the creation of a Scottish National Investment Bank.

“The Scottish Government had already backed Police Scotland with a budget increase of £42 million. We will now increase that support to £60 million overall with £50 million of investment for frontline services.

“And we will deliver in full the support Cosla and others have asked for with £95 million for local government.

“We have made significant investments to tackle the climate crisis, with funding for a green deal, low carbon travel and £1.8 billion of low carbon infrastructure.

“To further increase our action to tackle climate change and to support young people across Scotland, we will take steps to introduce a National Concessionary Travel scheme providing free bus travel for Scotland’s 18s and under.

“We will begin the work now to ensure such a scheme is legally compliant and that it meets young people’s needs with the aim of introducing it from January 2021. Alongside the £500 million bus infrastructure fund, this will help deliver a step change in the use of public transport.

“I will also increase funding for walking, cycling and safer streets to £100 million for the first time and boost support for energy efficiency measures as part of our focus on reaching net-zero.

“When I presented the budget I said that every penny had been spent and that remains the case. In the absence of proposals to change spending, this additional investment will be funded through limited amounts of underspend, taking a multi-year approach to issues around non-domestic rates without impacting on local authority revenues, and additional consequentials from the fossil fuel levy. While this increases the financial exposure of the government it ensures that social security payments can be made and public services properly funded.”

The Scottish Greens say free bus travel for young people is a ‘transformational step’ towards tackling the climate emergency.

Young people aged 18 and under are set to get free bus travel in Scotland, thanks to the Scottish Green Party.

The Scottish Government has agreed to work to implement free bus travel for young people in Scotland, in a major win for the Scottish Greens as part of the Scottish budget process.

This means from 2021 young people across Scotland should be able to travel for free on bus routes, in a similar way to the entitlement currently held by over-60s.

The budget deal also puts an additional £95m towards local services across Scotland such as schools and libraries.

Scottish Green co-leader Patrick Harvie said: “Free bus travel for young people is a transformational step towards tackling the climate emergency. This scheme will benefit young people starting college and families, some of whom stand to save thousands of pounds a year, and encourage whole generations of public transport users.

“Buses are the backbone of local public transport and the key to employment and training opportunities for so many of those starting out in life.

“Yet again it’s the Scottish Greens who have engaged constructively in the budget process to deliver for communities in Scotland. 

Clearly, a Green budget would do even more to tackle the climate emergency, but securing this important free bus travel deal for the next generation builds on the powers we won for local councils to take control of local bus services. It is the Scottish Greens who are leading the change.

“And as we have done in every year we have struck a deal, the Greens have prioritised funding for local government, securing an additional £95m for libraries, schools and other local services.”

As part of the deal, Scottish Greens have also secured additional funding for vital low carbon capital projects across Scotland, including commitments to explore reopening the Dunfermline to Alloa rail link and improve the Milngavie rail line, increasing the cycling and walking budget to £100m and £13m for community safety and crime prevention.

Widening free bus travel to those 18 and under is estimated to cost around £60m a year from 2020:  

–    A student travelling from Castle Douglas to study at Dumfries College is set to save around £1,231 per academic year

–    A student travelling from Bathgate to Edinburgh College’s Granton campus is set to save around £1,216 per academic year

–    A student going the Moray campus of the University of the Highlands and Islands from Inverness is set to save around £945 per academic year

–    A family in Edinburgh can save £304 a year on their child going to and from school if they need to take the bus

–    It will save a family of four £22.70 on a trip from Keith to Inverurie Trampoline Park.

Scottish Green MSPs, Alison Johnstone and Andy Wightman, have also hailed the deal struck by the party to deliver free bus travel for young people aged 18 and under as “transformational”.

Alison Johnstone MSP said: “Free bus travel for young people is a transformational step towards tackling the climate emergency. This scheme could save young people and families thousands of pounds a year, and encourage whole generations of public transport users.

“Buses are the backbone of local public transport and the key to employment, training, sports and social opportunities for so many young people.”

The Scottish Greens have also secured an additional £95 million for vital local services, and an additional £13 million for community policing and prevention work.

Andy Wightman MSP added: “Since the 2016 election the Scottish Greens have pushed the Scottish Government to provide councils with a fairer share of funding.

“I’m delighted that this year Greens have been able to deliver over £7.4 million more for Edinburgh, £1.5 million more for Midlothian, £1.8 million more for East Lothian, and £3.2 million more for West Lothian, to help protect vital local services like community centres, and speed up the delivery of much-needed new schools.

While the Greens hail their contribution to tackling climate change, the local government umbrella body COSLA says the budget will do NOTHING to tackle the environmental emergency. 

The Scottish Government’s 2045 Climate Change Targets will not be met as local authorities will be forced to use ageing, high-emission vehicles on a daily basis, councils have warned.

The Scottish Government draft budget falls far short of what COSLA considers a fair settlement for Local Government.  It results in a £95m (£300m real terms) cut to revenue and £117m (£130m real terms) cut to capital budgets. The impact of these cuts will continue to be felt.

COSLA Environment and Economy Spokesperson Councillor Steven Heddle said: “This budget in no way recognises that we are facing a climate emergency nor the role of Local Government in addressing the challenges.

“The risks are clear. This is a budget which heavily impedes our ability to help Scotland meet these targets. If the Government are serious about addressing climate change then protecting services such as school and community transport, waste collection, gritting, and roads maintenance should be top of their agenda.

“Cuts to council budgets means cuts to public transport – forcing more people to travel by car and an end to critical investment in active travel.

“To truly tackle the climate emergency, we need to provide services in a different way, Local Government is eager to be a leader in the fight to tackle climate change, but resources are needed.

“Instead of additional resource to allow investment in emission-reducing infrastructure, energy efficiency measures and digital services delivery, we have seen a cut to the Local Government budget. This must be addressed if we are serious about tackling climate change.

“We are calling on the Government and the Parliament to address these concerns, listen to our asks and allow investment in essential council services which can make a real difference in the fight against climate change.

Edinbirgh SNP MSP Gordon MacDonald has welcomed an agreement to pass the Scottish Government that will see the capital receive an additional £7.43 million in the next year.

Police will benefit from a total uplift of £60 million in the next financial year, with £13m of additional investment in frontline services and a further £5m of additional capital investment, on top of the £42m already committed.

SNP MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, Gordon MacDonald, said: “This budget invests a record £15bn in health and care services, delivers Scotland’s unique child payment to lift our youngest out of poverty and supports Scotland’s world-leading efforts to tackle the climate crisis.

“The Scottish Government had already backed Police Scotland with a budget increase of £42m.  That will now increase that support to £60m overall with £50m of investment for frontline services.

“Edinburgh will benefit from our share of an extra £95m for local government – with an extra £7.43 millon of investment.

“We have made significant investments to tackle the climate crisis, with funding for a green deal, low carbon travel and £1.8bn of low emission infrastructure.

“The introduction of free bus travel for those aged 18 and under will make an enormous difference to young people – and alongside the £500 million bus infrastructure fund will help deliver a step change in the use of public transport.

“This budget is a good deal for Edinburgh and a good deal for Scotland – and I’m delighted it is now set to receive the support of the Scottish Parliament.”