Tag: environment

Holyrood committee welcomes Deposit and Return Scheme proposals

Scotland’s proposed deposit return scheme will have a real and lasting impact on tackling climate change, according to a report issued today by the Scottish Parliament’s Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform Committee.

In its report, the Committee notes that whilst the scheme itself had widespread support, there was disagreement about some aspects of the operation of the system, including what materials should be included, how it will operate and when it will come into effect. Continue reading Holyrood committee welcomes Deposit and Return Scheme proposals

New fund offers innovative finance to environmental social enterprises

Boost It, a new programme from the Social Entrepreneurs Fund has opened for applications.  Delivered by social enterprise agency Firstport and funded by the Scottish Government, Boost It will support social enterprises in Scotland to strengthen their businesses so they can successfully sustain trading. Continue reading New fund offers innovative finance to environmental social enterprises

Community energy matchmaking platform launches in bid to tackle climate crisis

A new online ‘matchmaking platform’ for community energy called PowerPaired launched last week with over 100 assets on offer to community energy groups. Continue reading Community energy matchmaking platform launches in bid to tackle climate crisis

Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham visits recycling depot to promote circular economy

Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham paid a visit to secure shredding and paper recycling firm Shredall SDS Group’s new Scotland depot. The Environment Secretary was given a tour of the site’s state-of-the-art recycling facilities to explore the potential to help develop Scotland’s circular economy.  Continue reading Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham visits recycling depot to promote circular economy

Kirk Loan residents celebrate walkable pathways

Corstorphine residents will be celebrating success later today with lunch in the residents lounge following the completion of a succesful partnership project.

Kirk Loan Residents Association have been working with Living Streets Scotland and the city council to get improvements made to local streets, enabling residents to walk more for everyday, local journeys.

Kate Joester, Project Coordinator (Walking Connects) explained:  “Living Streets Scotland worked alongside Kirk Loan residents to conduct a street audit, detailing the problems with the road.

“We then helped the residents’ group contact the correct councillors and other elected officials in order to work with the roads teams at Edinburgh Council, to help them understand the impact that the damaged pavements and lack of drop kerbs had on Kirk Loan residents.

“Edinburgh Council agreed that these concerns were valid, as the street had so many residents with mobility problems. Summer 2019 saw the council undertake and complete all the street repairs identified by the residents in their audit – the result being that many residents are now able to reach the local shops and bus stop, instead of feeling isolated in their accommodation.

“There is still some work that Kirk Loan residents would like to see done, such as shop fronts being more accessible for those who use wheelchairs and walkers.

“They are hopeful that, with the contacts they have made and the success they have had so far, they will be able to work with both the council and shop owners to make residents even more regular customers on St John’s Road, enriching the local community and encouraging a sense of belonging once more.”