Tag: environment

Edinburgh pupils pilot new qualification – the International Sustainability Diploma

  1. Scottish Government funding has allowed the Diploma to be credit-rated at SCQF Level 6, equivalent to a Scottish Higher
  2. The innovative one-year diploma is offered by the Futures Institute at Dollar Academy (FIDA), which also provides young people from across Scotland with unique opportunities to tackle projects based on real world challenges

The Futures Institute at Dollar Academy has launched a new qualification – the International Sustainability Diploma. Open to learners across Scotland and beyond, the Diploma will be piloted in a number of schools in the 2024/25 session ahead of a wider launch in 2025/26.

The Diploma programme offers a different style of learning and teaching, aligned with the recommendations of the Hayward Review (2023). Rooted in the UN Sustainable Development Goals and co-designed with experts from industry and universities, students learn through developing solutions to real-world problems.

Students who complete the programme will receive a qualification worth 24 SCQF points at Level 6 (equivalent to one Higher). This carries UCAS points, enabling progression to further and higher education, as well as international recognition.

In addition to building students’ knowledge and understanding of the complex social, environmental, economic and political aspects of sustainability, the Diploma develops important skills such as independent research, problem-solving, critical thinking, collaboration and communication. Entrepreneurship is a golden thread that runs throughout the programme, and this element is co-delivered with the University of Stirling.

Instead of examinations, students build a portfolio of work and have opportunities to present this throughout the year. Students begin by exploring the concepts of sustainability through the UN SDGs and create a social media campaign to raise awareness of an SDG of their choosing.

They also undertake a ‘design sprint’ challenge to learn the principles of Design Thinking – a method for solving problems that puts the user at the centre of the process, and involves adapting solutions in response to research, testing and feedback.

They will then go on to choose three ‘Global Challenge’ projects from a range of options, each rooted in the SDGs – for instance, designing a new wave-powered method for water desalination, an app to support people experiencing climate anxiety, or a monument to make a statement about modern slavery.

In each case, students research the issue and the needs of their target users or audience, generate ideas, and, through a process of feedback and testing, develop and refine their solution.  Students have the opportunity to build and develop their skills as they move from one project to the next.

Finally, students learn about the crucial role of business and social enterprise in achieving the SDGs. They select one of their three project outcomes to develop further as a business or social enterprise, working with the Enterprise Team from the University of Stirling. Students present their proposal and have the opportunity to receive feedback from entrepreneurs.

The Diploma is offered by the Futures Institute at Dollar Academy, which began in 2021 as a pioneering initiative to tackle three fundamental challenges in education – providing equitable access and closing the poverty related attainment gap; finding compelling alternatives to traditional teaching and exam systems; and addressing sustainability. 

Offering real-world challenges in the form of workshops, skills-based courses, design challenges and competitions, over 600 pupils and 80 teachers from across Scotland, and further afield, have registered on FIDA’s online platform and have benefited from free access to FIDA resources. FIDA’s online content has been viewed over 75,000 times.

Ian Munro, Rector of Dollar Academy and FIDA founder, said, “Over the past year we have been working with universities, colleges and industry to deliver the FIDA Sustainability Diploma and we are thrilled to launch the accredited course to young people across the country.

“The Diploma allows learners to collaborate, to problem solve, to manage time and resources, and showcase the skills that will be useful for the challenges they will face beyond school. It is an ambitious qualification in terms of design, content and delivery, that will enable our youngsters to be a real force for good in an ever-changing world.”

FIDA secured Scottish Government funding to support the credit-rating of the Diploma onto the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF). The team worked closely with Glasgow Clyde College, the credit-rating body, to ensure that the learning programme meets the robust criteria for a qualification at Level 6.

Cabinet Secretary for Education, Jenny Gilruth said, “The Scottish Government is committed to developing a system of qualifications and assessment that ensures pupils are well-equipped to tackle future challenges as they progress through education.

“Young people are facing a range of global challenges, including the climate emergency, which is why we have supported Dollar Academy to gain accreditation of its sustainability diploma, as part of the implementation of our Learning for Sustainability Action Plan.

“I am pleased that vitally important education resources such as these can be accessed for free by pupils across the country.”

One of the schools piloting the qualification in 2024/25 is Inverness Royal Academy. Depute Rector Morven Neil said: “This is possibly one of the most important courses we could offer our pupils and we are delighted to be part of this pilot. 

“The world is grappling with the urgent need for sustainable solutions and our current generation of school pupils are extremely aware of this.  This surge in interest among school pupils is indicative of a generation that is deeply committed to safeguarding the planet’s future.

“They’re not just passive observers; they are seeking knowledge, solutions, and ways to reduce their ecological impact.  This Diploma will allow our students to be prepared for future career sectors, policy and personal challenges in a world that faces a climate crisis.”

Other schools participating in the pilot are Speyside High School, Alloa Academy, Braes High School (Falkirk); Clifton Hall School (Edinburgh); and Dollar Academy.

You can find out more about FIDA here: https://fida.world/

1 in 3 Scots don’t understand Low Emission Zones ahead of new charges coming into force

  • New research from Carwow reveals almost half (45%) of Scottish motorists don’t know where the current Low Emission Zones (LEZ) are operating, while almost 1 in 4 (24%) aren’t sure if their own vehicle is LEZ compliant 
  • More than half (55%) of Scots also think now is the wrong time to introduce new LEZs and 59% think there are ‘better ways’ to combat air pollution
  • However, most are in support of LEZs, think EVs are the future and would buy a cleaner vehicle if they could afford to switch
  • Carwow is supporting motorists with a series of new tools to help motorists check if their car is LEZ / CAZ compliant

Ahead of the launch of three new Low Emission Zones (LEZ) in Aberdeen, Dundee and Edinburgh,* new data from Carwow reveals almost a third (30%) of Scottish motorists are not sure they understand LEZ rules.

Carwow’s survey also reveals that only half (55%) of drivers in Scotland are confident they know where the current zones are operating while almost one in four (24%) are not sure if their own vehicle is LEZ compliant or not.

Even in the cities where the LEZs are due to be introduced, understanding is low; in Dundee, for example, 29% of drivers are not sure if they know how LEZs work, rising to 33% in Edinburgh and 34% in Aberdeen while four in ten drivers in Aberdeen (44%) and Dundee (42%) – and half in Edinburgh (50%) – are not sure where the current zones are.

Furthermore, a quarter of drivers in all three cities worryingly do not know if the car they are driving is LEZ compliant, despite the fact the charging rules are coming into force in the coming weeks.

Broad support for Low Emission Zones but ‘now is not the time’

Carwow’s figures show that while the majority (52%) of Scottish drivers are in support of LEZs and think electric vehicles (EVs) are the future, most (53%) think now is the ‘wrong time’ to introduce new LEZ or expand current ones, rising to 56% of drivers in Aberdeen.

However, the data suggests that this lack of support for the imminent introduction of new LEZs is driven by cost rather than willingness; most (54%) Scottish drivers say they’d like to own an EV in the future – and 61% would switch now if they could – but can’t afford to. 

In fact, of those Scots who currently own a non-LEZ compliant vehicle, a third (33%) say they cannot afford to upgrade, rising to almost one in four (37%) drivers in Dundee..

Sally Foote, Chief Commercial Officer – Sell my Car at Carwow said:“There are two clear issues that have come to light here; firstly, that more needs to be done to educate and inform drivers about LEZs, and secondly, it is cost and not lack of willing that is preventing drivers from making the switch to cleaner vehicles such as EVs and hybrids.

“We therefore need to tackle the lack of understanding amongst motorists about Low Emission Zones in Scotland – where the current ones are, where the new ones will be and which cars are compliant, because, without better knowledge, millions of drivers are at risk of being fined.

“There is also much more that needs to be done in terms of affordability. Most drivers want to do what they can to drive more cleanly – in fact, most want to own an EV –  but it is just not economically viable at the moment.

“At Carwow, we are working hard to help drivers navigate LEZ; our new range of new tools can help drivers understand LEZs and check if their cars are LEZ compliant, giving motorists confidence to drive in areas and on roads without fear of charges or fines.”

Carwow has a range of tools available to help motorists who drive in any CAZ or LEZ across the country check if their vehicle is compliant:

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Keep Scotland Beautiful: Upstream Battle report published

The first national volunteer survey of litter found by Scottish rivers and waterways has revealed that plastic bottles were the most littered item, followed by plastic pieces, plastic snack packets, drinks cans and polystyrene pieces.

With 80% of marine litter coming from land, our Upstream Battle® campaign focuses on raising awareness, gathering evidence and inspiring action to change littering behaviour to prevent marine litter at source along rivers in Scotland.

The recently published Upstream Battle® Citizen Science Report – a snapshot of data gathered by volunteers across a three-month period between December 2023 and February 2024 – consists of 185 surveys conducted along 26 rivers and waterways in 20 local authority areas across Scotland. It forms part of the national rollout of the campaign, aimed at understanding and addressing marine litter across the country.

In total 20,383 items were counted during the survey period, with the majority of litter found to be items which would be addressed under a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) or effective Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations.

The rest of the top 10 items littered include cigarettes, glass fragments, dog poo, plastic bottle caps and plastic bags.

Barry Fisher, our Chief Executive, said: “On the back of an extremely successful Spring Clean, this report celebrates the efforts of many individuals and groups who took time out of their busy lives to carry out surveys and send data to us, providing us with much needed evidence of the range of items that are damaging our rivers and waterways.

“The data shows similarities across the country, but also highlights regional nuances – this report highlights the importance of understanding and addressing these issues at a national and local level.

“I’d like to thank everyone who supported this data drive, from our tireless volunteers to our partners and funders who have shared and echoed our message and vision.

“Scotland’s litter emergency is damaging our rivers. We need our governments to commit to tackling single-use packaging litter through improved Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations and to ensure a Deposit Return Scheme is not further delayed. These policy measures are needed now – litter levels will only get worse without them.”

Our Upstream Battle® campaign raises awareness of how litter from land travels from source to sea – becoming marine litter – and inspires people to take positive action.

Read the full report here or visit Upstream Battle | Keep Scotland Beautiful to learn more.

The top 10 littered items were: Plastic bottles (2,866); plastic pieces (2,490); snack packets (2,421); drinks cans (1,565); polystyrene pieces (1,507); cigarettes (1,185); glass fragments (850); dog poo (740), plastic bags (569); and plastic bottle caps (486).

ub-citizen-science-report-2024Download

Council moves to address Picardy Place traffic shambles

Changes proposed to ease congestion around Picardy Place

Plans to re-introduce the left turn from Leith Walk onto London Road in Edinburgh will be considered by the Transport and Environment Committee on Thursday (23 May).

After the completion and opening of the new Trams to Newhaven line the project team has continued to monitor a number of issues raised along the route including the lack of left turns and accessibility from Leith Walk heading east which has resulted in increased congestion in and around the Picardy Place area causing delays to public transport.

Following the period of monitoring and public feedback the report to the Committee next week proposes re-introducing the left turn which will include these measures:

  • A minimum of 10 seconds for traffic to use it
  • When the left turn goes off the ahead signal will remain on allowing pedestrian and cyclists to come over from London Road and
  • The overall time for the two stages would be the same as currently operating for the ahead only and pedestrian stage

The proposed changes are not anticipated to have any impact on Elm Row bus stops and will benefit the overall traffic flow around Picardy Place, Leith Street and Broughton Street.

Cllr Scott Arthur, Transport Convener for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “It was important for us to give the successful new tram line to Newhaven time to bed in, and, as with any major transport infrastructure project we continued to review the traffic management arrangements in the area. 

“After this monitoring process, and in response to public feedback (i.e. complaints? – Ed.) and discussions with Lothian Buses, we’re proposing to re-introduce the left hand turn from Leith Walk onto London Road. Importantly thanks to the plans we’re also maintaining single phase crossing for both pedestrians and cyclists crossing over from London Road.

“The overall positive impact of these changes will support Lothian Buses and their operations while also easing congestion in and around Picardy Place and associated streets.

“The previous Transport and Environment Committee made the decision to close the turn in good faith some time ago, but it is now clear the prohibition has been detrimental to the flow of public transport through the area.”

If the plans are approved next week then the statutory process will begin under the Trams to Newhaven Temporary Traffic Regulation Order.

Paddle-Out at Porty!

Protesters to take to the water at Portobello beach as sewage backlash intensifies

Thousands of protesters will take to coasts and rivers across the UK today to protest against the state of the nation’s waterways. The protests have been coordinated by Surfers Against Sewage (SAS), who are calling for an end to the sewage discharges plaguing the UK’s rivers and seas, as sewage overflows continue to have a devastating impact on ecological and human health.

Over 30 protests are set to take place at local beaches and rivers, spanning locations from Edinburgh to Cornwall. Flagship protests are taking place at West Pier in Brighton and at Gyllyngvase Beach in Falmouth, with Olympian and keen paddle-boarder Dame Kelly Holmes set to join protesters on the south coast.

Edinburgh protestors will gather on Portobello beach at 10.30am.

Charlie Allanson-Oddy, founding member of the Porty Water Collective and SAS regional representative, who is helping to organise the Portobello protest, said: “Walking the beaches in Portobello, the reality of sewage scandal is clear with thousands of baby wipes washed up weekly.

Testing has repeatedly found dangerous levels of E.coli and chloroforms in the Figgate Burn, a freshwater source that runs through Scotland’s capital. Unlike England and Wales, Scottish Water is publicly owned: however they continue to ignore us.

“We are united in protest in Edinburgh to raise awareness of the shocking pollution of our waterways and demand change. Sewage dumping in our waters must stop.”

Giles Bristow, CEO of Surfers Against Sewage, said: “Once again, the public face a grim choice this summer – risk swallowing shit or forgo a dip in the water.

“This year offers an opportunity to turn our collective anger into action and end the sewage scandal, with panicked politicians in listening mode, desperate to ride the waves of popular sentiment.

“A general election is imminent, and the public are out on the beachfronts and riverbanks making it clear that the issue of sewage pollution is at the top of the agenda. Ahead of the election, all parties need to show people genuine and quantifiable commitments to eliminate sewage pollution, or suffer the consequences.”

This year is a huge opportunity for action on sewage pollution. Water quality is predicted to be a core issue influencing voters in the next general election, which must happen before January 2025.

Meanwhile, in June, regulator Ofwat – whose role is to challenge and scrutinise water companies to ensure they deliver safe and reliable water to people and protect the environment – will deliver recommendations on water companies’ investment plans for the next five years (2025 – 2030). 

Water companies have proposed plans for £11 billion in investment for reducing sewage discharges for this period, with customer bills increasing in tandem – a move that has sparked outrage among the public, particularly in the context of the profits paid out to water company bosses and shareholders year on year.

According to analysis by the Financial Times, water companies in England and Wales paid out £2.5bn in dividends in the two financial years since 2021 and a total of more than £78bn in dividends in the 33 years since privatisation.

Giles Bristow added: “Thousands are protesting on the water this weekend to let politicians, regulators and water companies know that the public aren’t going to let them wriggle out of demands for clean seas and rivers.

“We’re calling for plans that are ambitious enough to end sewage pollution in high-priority nature sites and the waters we surf, swim and paddle in by 2030, putting people and nature before profit. We won’t tolerate this broken system any longer.”

Sunrise at Barafundle Bay, Pembrokeshire national park, Wales

Double Gold medal-winning Olympian Dame Kelly Holmes, who will be paddling out with protesters in Brighton, said:“I love nothing more than getting out into the open water on my paddle-board – it does wonders for my mental health, and there’s such a sense of community amongst those who use our wild waterways for sport and recreation.

“But this incredibly special pastime has been tainted for all of us by the persistent risk of getting sick from pollution. The poor state of our rivers and seas is shocking and infuriating.

“Whole generations are being deprived of the right to safely enjoy the benefits that blue spaces offer. Our waterways are for us and should be here to enjoy as they are so important for our collective health and wellbeing. Events costing thousands are getting cancelled. To see our rivers and seas being treated so appallingly by those responsible for looking after them is nothing short of a national scandal.

“I’m paddling out with Surfers Against Sewage and thousands of water-lovers across the country because I’m passionate about our waterways, I’m angry about what’s being done to them, and I want the polluters and those in power to hear our demands to end sewage pollution now.”

In 2023, there were 584,001 recorded discharges across England, Scotland and Wales – a 51% increase on the previous year – with sewage released into waterways for a total of 12,966,322 hours.

Of the 11 water companies with monitoring in place, United Utilities was the worst offender, reporting 97,537 discharges in 2023. Yorkshire Water and Severn Trent Water were hot on its heels, reporting 77,761 and 60,253 discharges respectively. SAS analysis has found that Welsh Water had a total of 108,860 discharges, although this is not directly comparable to England due to differing methods of reporting.

Paddle-outs will be taking place in the majority of water company catchments this weekend – including Scottish Water, where there were 15,289 spills last year, and Northern Ireland Water, where discharge figures are unavailable due to a lack of monitoring.

The Environment Agency boasts that 100% of storm overflows in England are now fitted with monitoring devices. However, analysis of this year’s Event Duration Monitoring (EDM) data by SAS has revealed that EDM monitors at 1,930 storm overflows, 13.3% of the total monitored overflows, are operating at less than 90% capacity – which means the discharge figures for England in 2023 are an underestimate.

Sally McGee, Tynemouth protest organiser and SAS supporter, said: “Every surfer across the UK knows that they run the risk of getting sick if they surf. Many beaches on the beautiful coast around Tynemouth are subject to the discharge of raw sewage immediately after or during storms.

“You can smell and taste the difference in the water. It’s really upsetting and feels like we are going backwards in time.

“As a surfer, I believe we have a beautiful relationship with the ocean – we see it in all its glory, and we see it suffer. Up here, we share the ocean with bottlenose dolphins and common seals, whilst fulmar birds fly above us.

“When I surf and the water is brown from pollution as untreated sewage leaves the Tyne, I can only imagine how marine life endures it. We can choose if we surf, but it’s their everyday habitat.

“We are protesting in Tynemouth because we are outraged that water companies and our politicians have allowed this to happen. They have a vital role in society and are abusing their position. They must stop the greed, invest and do better. We demand an end to sewage discharges in our bathing waters by 2030.”

SAS is calling for an end to sewage discharges into all bathing waters and high-priority nature sites by 2030.

Community Energy Generation Growth Fund: £1.5 million to support community projects

A fund to help community groups across Scotland set up renewable energy generation projects has opened for applications.

The £1.5 million Community Energy Generation Growth Fund will support local communities installing wind turbines and solar panels or developing other types of renewable energy generation, such as hydro, to meet local needs. 

Community groups will also be able to earn money from their projects by, for example, allowing them to sell excess energy generated.

The fund forms part of the Scottish Government’s Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES), which, to date, has awarded more than £65 million in funding to over 900 renewable energy projects across the country.  

The pilot scheme runs until March 2025 and will inform longer-term support for community-owned energy generation projects through CARES.

Net Zero Secretary Màiri McAllan said: “Scotland is fast becoming a renewable energy powerhouse, with enormous benefits for our people, economy and environment.  

“Scotland’s communities must be at the heart of this journey. I am determined to ensure they can lead and benefit from this era defining transition.

“This fund will support the creation of locally owned energy projects which can reduce energy costs, generate revenue and help drive Scotland’s transition to net zero.”

Chris Morris manager at fund administrator, Local Energy Scotland said: “We are excited to support this fund and we know that there are communities across Scotland who are developing renewable energy projects who can accelerate their projects with this funding. 

“This fund can help communities to realise their ambitions and Local Energy Scotland can help identify the best opportunities and prioritise next steps.”

More information about Community Energy Generation Growth (CEGG) Fund and details on how to apply

CARES funding streams include:

  • Let’s Do Net Zero: Community Buildings Fund – which provides a rolling programme of support to communities, charities, and faith organisations to decarbonise their buildings and reduce energy bills.
  • Community Heat Development Programme – which works with community organisations and groups of householders to help develop ideas for locally generated, low and zero carbon heat projects.

Local Scottish Green MSP hails “life-changing” impact of Free Bus Travel for young people in Edinburgh

Lorna Slater, the local Scottish Green MSP for Lothian Region has hailed the transformative impact of free bus travel for everyone under 22 in Edinburgh.

New figures, published by the Scottish Government, show that over 85,314 young people in the capital city are already benefiting from the scheme, allowing them to travel anywhere in Scotland.

This groundbreaking initiative was secured through negotiations between the Scottish Greens and the Scottish Government. Scotland is the only country in the UK that offers free bus travel for all young people under 22.

Over 137 million free bus journeys have been taken across the country, allowing young people to travel for work or education, or simply to visit friends and family.

Ms Slater said: “The free bus travel scheme for under 22s has been transformative, and in some cases life-changing, for young people in Edinburgh.

“Allowing young people to access school, work or leisure for free is helping to support them and their families through a Tory cost-of-living crisis which has hit everyone in Scotland.

“The scheme has opened up huge opportunities for young people across our communities, creating exciting new chapters and helping them to explore the country and develop crucial skills for the future.

“Transport is Scotland’s largest source of carbon emissions. Encouraging people to use public transport rather than take the car is a huge boost for our environment and will reduce the number of cars on our roads.

“Over 85,000 young people in Edinburgh have already signed-up for their free pass, and I urge all those who have not yet registered to do so today at Freebus.scot.”

Discover the magic of trees with Dobbies Edinburgh store

Garden Centre to host themed children’s workshop in May

Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre, is inviting children aged four to 10 to a free workshop in its Edinburgh store in May to learn more about trees and how to protect them.

‘Love Your Trees’ is the theme of next month’s Little Seedlings Club, taking place on Sunday 5 May, ahead of Love Your Tree Day on 16 May.

Dobbies’ Little Seedlings Club provides interactive learning activities that allow children in Edinburgh to understand, explore, and connect with plants, wildlife and the environment around them.

During May’s workshop, children will learn about the most common trees in the UK, including the Alder, Beech and English Oak, and discover the value of trees and learn how to nurture and protect them.

They will delve into the anatomy of trees, exploring their different parts and understanding their fascinating lifecycle, from seedling to plant, as well as the difference between deciduous and evergreen varieties and how they change through the seasons. To add to the fun, there will be a special tree-themed 3D craft activity.

Dobbies’ colleague Liz Clare-Savage, who is involved in the delivery of the Little Seedlings Club, is looking forward to welcoming children along to May’s workshop. She said: “Our Little Seedlings Club is very popular with kids in Edinburgh, and we’re thrilled to introduce them to the wonders of trees.

“Learning about and encouraging the planting of new trees is a fantastic way to give back to nature and support our wildlife. Little Seedlings Club is not just about learning, it’s about fostering a lifelong connection with nature and having a great time.”

For more information about Dobbies’ Little Seedlings Club May session or to make a booking, visit dobbies.com/events.

Local heating installer kicks off his new business with £500 birthday present

A lucky Edinburgh heating and plumbing installer who launched his own business less than three months ago has won £500 from smart thermostat company tado°.

Ryan Beattie, 35, struck out on his own and started his company Thermatek in February after an 18-year career in the industry because he wanted to offer his customers tailor-made options that included smart heating and were more environmentally-friendly.

He also joined tado°’s Professional programme for installers and within two weeks had won the £500 giveaway prize on offer to celebrate the scheme’s first year in operation.

Installers were entered into the prize draw whenever they bought tado° products from participating partners and a delighted Ryan said: “I’m very happy because starting a new business is very stressful and so this is a nice little boost as I’m starting out.

“It’s not that common for a product to give back like this so it is nice to feel valued.”

It has been a busy time for Ryan after his wife Sally gave birth to the couple’s son Rowan nine months ago.

He started working for his father Stevie installing heating systems in Belfast straight from school before moving to Edinburgh and continuing in the industry. However he felt a desire for more autonomy to offer customers with products he trusted and used himself that saved them money and were also better for the environment.

“I want to be at the pointy end of the industry,” Ryan explained. “I want to provide people with the most modern and cutting edge technology that is also better for the environment.

“I am not a complete green warrior but there is only one planet and we all have to do our bit.

“The companies I have worked for have had a more traditional view on heating systems but I can now offer to customers the best possible products that are tried and tested and can take my time. If you get it right it makes people happier, they tell their friends and you grow more work that way.”

tado°’s £500 giveaway was to celebrate its Professional programme’s first full year of operation, which saw the number of installers grow by 600 per cent. As well as being a loyalty scheme that offers rewards, tado° Professional gives installers support through training, phone support and extended warranties to help grow their businesses.

tado° Professional is growing in 2024 across the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, France and Spain and European Channel Director (Installer) John Steven said the programme is working towards improved lead generation to pair more consumers with professional installers within their locale.

He said: “It was a fantastic first year for tado° Professional. It’s been reported recently tradespeople saw their turnover take a hit in 2023 and so we wanted to do something for tado° Professional’s first birthday that gave something back to our installers.

“We couldn’t be happier that someone like Ryan has won – he is an installer who is not only ambitious about starting his own business but at the same time wants to deliver the best possible heating products that are easy for customers to use whilst cutting their energy bills without compromising on comfort.

“That, and his desire to do what he can for the environment, perfectly aligns with tado°’s mission and values.”

Ryan hasn’t decided what he will use the £500-worth of reward points on but said he was likely to choose something that helps his business continue to grow.

He added: “There are rewards schemes out there but it’s nice with tado° Professional to get back something for using a product, especially if you like it, and that benefits the business in ways that are not just financial.

“There is that support from tado° and it is nice to feel valued.”

Ryan was a tado° customer before he launched Thermatek. He said: “I wanted the nursery to be a constant temperature and tado° was the easiest way to achieve that.

“When I first started installing tado° it was more the techy people who wanted it but it has become a little more mainstream.

“I know some heating brands and controllers can be incredibly complicated and that can switch people off but the best thing about tado° is that it all happens in the background for them.

“Not all customers want a smart thermostat but when you explain it to them and that there is a way to set it up so it is simple to use while also saving money and energy there is a lot more interest.”

Installers can sign up to the tado° Professional rewards programme at:

https://tadoprofessional.com

HARK! Earth in Common and Aurora Engine announce new Soundwalk

Launches Sunday 26 May 2 – 4pm at Earth in Common, Leith Links

  • Announcing a new collaboration between Earth in Common and Deborah Shaw (Aurora Engine), supported by the National Lottery Community Fund’s Together for Our Planet Fund 
  • Highlights include environmental songs from Karine Polwart, works from Tinderbox Sparks Orchestra, stories from Edinburgh’s Gaelic community and Scottish International Storytelling Centre, poems from Ash Dickinson and Alec Finlay, folksong from Kirsty Law, sonic works from Siôn Parkinson and Aurora Engine, incorporating political themes of land rights, references to highland clearances and the Edinburgh housing crisis as local rents continue to increase 

Coinciding with Earth Day, a new soundwalk at Earth in Common has been announced, with an upcoming launch event scheduled from 2 – 4pm on Sunday 26th May 2024, with live performances and a guided tour of the new installation with Deborah Shaw. 

Tickets are now on sale for the launch event with various price options available. Book now: https://bit.ly/harksoundwalk 

Environmental organisation Earth In Common presents HARK!, an immersive soundwalk nestled within the grounds of Leith Community Croft.

This unique experience will offer a tapestry of compositions, soundscapes, poetry and stories, curated by composer and sonic artist Deborah Shaw (Aurora Engine), supported by Together for Our Planet fund.

HARK! aims to foster a deeper connection to nature and reflect Earth In Common’s values regarding crofting, land and the intrinsic relationship between arts and the environment. 

Alongside the pastoral, is the political, with themes of land rights, references to highland clearances and the Edinburgh housing crisis as local rents continue to increase. Some works explore the effects on communities, raising the importance of nature access in urban landscapes which the Croft provides. 

Visitors will be able to access recordings through their electronic devices, and experience sonic folk tales, haunting choral compositions and immersive soundscapes featuring the collected sounds from nature and wildlife. 

HARK! contributors include renowned musician Karine Polwart with a brand new song composed for the croft, “Earth In Common” inspired by her passion for nature and environmental causes. Tinderbox Orchestra will present “ICE” from their Sparks collective a piece composed in response to an ice installation at Dynamic Earth. 

There will be pieces from Edinburgh’s Gaelic community, a story from Donald Smith, Director of Scottish International Storytelling Centre, and a haunting choral from Earth In Common’s own climate choir and a song from folk singer Kirsty Law. 

Poet Ash Dickinson will be featured with poem ‘Fox Fishing’ about declining nature, and Alec FInlay’s words from their Push the Boat Out Poetry festival commission ‘Manifesto for Urban Crofts’ will also play as part of the soundwalk.

Sonic works will include pieces from Siôn Parkinson, composer and sound artist currently an AHRC Research Fellow at RBGE with ‘Pastoral blah’, curator Deborah Shaw (Aurora Engine) with a sound work about land rights and pieces inspired by birdsong. 

As participants navigate the Croft with a provided map on their smartphones, they are invited to immerse themselves in the sounds and music at their own pace. A visit to the charming farm shop/café can enhance the experience, allowing for leisurely exploration of the works on display. 

Deborah Shaw, HARK! curator, said: “I wanted to create a magical world that invites audiences to leisurely experience music while immersing themselves in nature.

“HARK! facilitates this journey, inviting listeners to tune into music, sounds, poetry and stories while also sparking conversations about land rights, climate and current housing issues”. 

Alec Finlay, featured artist in HARK!, said: “I was inspired by Leith Urban Croft, which was conceived by Evie Murray, and is a contemporary twist on the traditional allotment, with an attempt to encourage a more communal approach, as well as broadening the social activities, helping with wellbeing, and giving young people an experience of nature and nurture.

“Some of the growing plots are run by schools. There’s a wee cafe, they sell produce, and are developing a visitor centre. It’s used by parents and toddlers … I think in terms of pandemic culture and climate breakdown, every park and green space should have an urban croft.

“It aligns with the idea of a ‘culture of recuperation’, which I’ve been thinking about for the past few years, and more specifically, with a project I did in Glasgow, with the Walking Library, exploring ideas of urban rewilding.” 

Evie Murray, Earth in Common’s Founder and CEO said, “The Soundwalk project embodies Earth in Common’s ethos and builds on all we have achieved over the last decade.

“Leith Community Croft is an established hub for social, cultural and environmental regeneration. The Soundwalk enhances our identity at a crucial time for Earth in Common, when we are recovering from disruption caused by a major capital building project and our reserves are running low.

“If people like our work, they can visit the ‘Soil-idarity’ page on our website to learn how they can help us survive and thrive.”