Eighty green spaces across Scotland have been presented with a Green Flag Award – and 36 of them are in Edinburgh.
Recognising the very best of our country’s outdoor areas, the International Green Flag Award acts as a benchmark for clean, safe and well-maintained parks and green spaces.
The Green Flag Award supports the opportunities that our green spaces provide to enable exercise, improve mental wellbeing and provide safe spaces for play.
Winners of the 2024 awards include parks managed by local authorities, community groups, universities and other organisations.
Edinburgh leads the way this year with 36 winners while there are nine in Aberdeen, eight winners in Dundee and plenty more across the country.
This year’s winners list also includes an impressive number of historically consecutive winners including Barnhill Rock Garden, Harrison Park and Braidburn Valley Park (18 years) and Duthie Park (12 years).
Jamie Ormiston, Keep Scotland Beautiful’s Training and Accreditation Coordinator, said: “Congratulations to all of our winners across Scotland. Receiving this prestigious award recognises all the hard work that has gone into maintaining and managing these precious green open spaces.
“What is most pleasing is the number of consecutive winners we have once again, showcasing the parks’ longevity and desire to continually be a welcoming and environmentally friendly place for all.
“Scotland is facing a biodiversity crisis, but these green spaces provide a space for everyone to reconnect with nature and I encourage everyone to do just that this summer.
“Green spaces are so important for our physical and mental wellbeing and it’s fantastic to see such a wide range of parks and green spaces across the entire length of the country.”
A total of 80 green spaces in Scotland have won a Green Flag Award for 2024. Across the UK there were 2,228 winners, a record number and up 11 from 2023’s total of 2,216.
Rats are not just a nuisance; they can cause significant damage to your property and pose health risks to you and your family.
Home expert Neil Mckenzie from Halton Stairlifts understands the importance of maintaining a safe and comfortable home environment. One effective way to keep rats at bay is by using natural repellents, including certain plants.
Here’s how you can protect your home from rats using natural methods:
Why Rats are a Problem
Rats are notorious for gnawing on electrical wires, insulation, and structural elements of your home. They can also contaminate food and spread diseases. Preventing an infestation is much easier and safer than dealing with one after it has occurred.
Plants that Repel Rats
Certain plants have natural properties that repel rats. Incorporating these plants into your garden and around your home can be an effective and eco-friendly way to deter these pests.
Mint: Rats dislike the strong scent of mint. Planting peppermint or spearmint around your home can help keep them away. You can also use dried mint leaves or essential oil in areas where rats are a problem.
Lavender: Known for its pleasant aroma to humans, lavender is disliked by rats. Plant it in your garden or use dried lavender sachets inside your home.
Daffodils: These beautiful flowers are toxic to rats and other rodents. Planting daffodils around the perimeter of your property can act as a natural deterrent.
Garlic: The strong smell of garlic is another scent that rats find unpleasant. Planting garlic in your garden or placing cloves in areas where rats are a problem can be effective.
Catnip: While catnip attracts cats, it deters rats. Planting catnip in your garden can create a natural rat repellent.
Additional Tips to Keep Rats Away
In addition to planting natural repellents, here are some additional tips to keep rats out of your property:
Seal Entry Points: Inspect your home for any gaps, cracks, or holes that rats could use to enter. Seal these entry points with steel wool, caulk, or metal mesh.
Keep Your Home Clean: Ensure your home, especially the kitchen, is clean and free of food crumbs. Store food in airtight containers to avoid attracting rats.
Remove Clutter: Rats love to hide in cluttered areas. Keep your home and garden tidy to reduce potential hiding spots.
Regular Maintenance: Regularly check for signs of rat activity, such as droppings or gnaw marks, and take immediate action if you notice any.
Proper Waste Management: Keep rubbish bins tightly sealed and dispose regularly to avoid attracting rats to your property.
Neil Mckenzie, home & garden expert from Halton Stairlifts says: “Keeping rats out of your property is crucial for maintaining a safe and healthy home environment.
“By using natural repellents like mint, lavender, daffodils, garlic, and catnip, along with following good maintenance practices, you can effectively deter rats. At Halton Stairlifts, we believe in the importance of proactive home care.”
As a result of analysis of routine samples, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) have indicated a high bacterial result in the water at Portobello Beach.
SEPA are temporarily advising against bathing and paddling, at Portobello Beach from Pipe Lane to Joppa Rocks, due to the potential risk to human health. SEPA have activated electronic signs and the Council is arranging additional signs to be posted to support this.
SEPA are working closely with the City of Edinburgh Council and Scottish Water to investigate and will continue to monitor the situation.
Council Leader Cammy Day said: “We’re aware of SEPA’s current advice against bathing and paddling at Portobello beach and I’d request that people follow the advice.
“The matter is currently under investigation, and we’ll continue to liaise with SEPA and our partners to monitor the situation.”
New Edinburgh East and Musselburgh MP Chris Murray said: “Horrible to see Porty beach is closed due to a threat to human health.
“Please take care in the coming days and stay out of the water. As the local MP, I will be pushing to get this issue dealt with.”
Further information on Scotland’s Bathing Waters is available on SEPA’s website.
An environmental scientists and former broadcaster has been recognised as part of University of the West of Scotland’s (UWS) graduations.
Dr Hermione Cockburn, who was awarded an OBE in 2020 for services to public engagement in science, was celebrated as part of a ceremony taking place at Paisley Abbey last week (Wednesday 3 July).
Dr Cockburn began her career at the University of Edinburgh researching landscape change in Africa and Antarctica. She then completed a post doctorate at the University of Melbourne.
For the past 20 years, she has worked exclusively in science communication and presented television series like Coast, Rough Science, Fossil Detectives: Discovering Prehistoric Britain and The Nature of Britain for the BBC.
She has also presented Radio 4 documentaries on subjects ranging from lead pollution to lasers, as well as an award-winning series on bacteria.
Dr Cockburn taught environmental science for the Open University for many years and is passionate about life-long learning. Her most recent role as the Scientific Director at Dynamic Earth in Edinburgh saw her lead the charity’s mission that focuses on empowering people with understanding and empathy for the planet.
Recently, she led a major ocean literacy project about Scotland’s deep sea, collaborating closely with marine scientists from across the UK. She is a Trustee of the Association of Science and Discovery Centres, a fellow of The Royal Society of Edinburgh, and an honorary fellow of the Royal Scottish Geographical Society.
Professor Andrew Hursthouse delivered Dr Cockburn’s laureation speech, which touched on her inspirational career to date.
Discussing her Honorary Doctorate from UWS, Dr Cockburn said, “It’s an honour to receive this Honorary Doctorate.
“As someone who is passionate about science education and life-long learning, it’s been inspiring to be a part of the ceremony today and see so many graduates take the next step in that journey.”
Professor James Miller, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of UWS, said: “Graduation is the pinnacle of the University calendar. It gives us the opportunity to both reflect on the amazing achievements of our students and to celebrate this most important of milestones with their friends and families, as well as the whole UWS community who have supported them throughout their time at university.
“We are delighted to present Dr Hermione Cockburn with this Honorary Doctorate. We know she will be a role model not only to students studying scientific disciplines but also those who are keen to work in science engagement. Her commitment to encouraging life-long learning and environmental awareness is aligned to our own values here at the University.”
Growing Climate Confidence has been supported by the Scottish Funders’ Forum
A leading third sector climate project offering vital support to charities and voluntary organisations looking to tackle the climate crisis will be funded for another two years, it has been announced.
This initiative is delivered by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) on behalf of the Third Sector Net Zero steering group, with advisory input from Scottish Funders and Net Zero experts.
The £200,000 awarded will cover strategic support, raising awareness of the campaign, and training provided by others in the sector. Funding has been provided by the Corra Foundation, the National Lottery Community Fund, the Robertson Trust, SSE and the William Grant Foundation.
This new funding – over two years from June 1, 2024 – will provide fully funded carbon reduction and climate resilience training, self-serve digital tools to help organisations develop a net zero action plan, and strategic support to influence the funding landscape for climate work.
Beth Mukushi, SCVO head of support services, said: “The Growing Climate Confidence project helps third sector organisations understand and own their responsibilities to take action on climate change.
“We know that the majority of organisations care deeply about the climate emergency, but only 42% of organisations have policies in place to reduce their own carbon emissions.
“Our net zero scorecard has given over 400 organisations a tailored action plan, and this funding will help us reach more organisations, offer wrap-around training and support, and link organisations into existing networks of climate action across the country.”
Kate Still, chair of The National Lottery Community Fund Scotland, said: “We are delighted to be able to support SCVO in expanding its Growing Climate Confidence Initiative, thanks to funding raised by National Lottery players.
“Through our funding we aim to help communities become more environmentally sustainable and to make the changes that help support a healthy planet.
“SCVO has great experience and expertise in supporting Third Sector organisations to take action on the climate emergency, and the expansion of this initiative will build the momentum and equip many more Third Sector organisations with tools to assist them on their net zero journey.”
An SSE spokesperson said: “The climate emergency is one of society’s most pressing challenges. We know from our community grant making that many third sector organisations want to do their part in tackling it but don’t know where to start.
“The Growing Climate Confidence website and support programme helps them get clarity on what to focus on, and how. SSE is therefore proud to support the roll out and further development of this important work with partners.”
Nick Addington, chief executive of the William Grant Foundation, said: “We believe that all charities and social enterprises have a role to play in helping achieve a fair transition to a sustainable and climate-adapted future – whatever their mission – so we’re really pleased to be able to partner with other Scottish funders to enable SCVO to enhance its support to Scotland’s third sector around climate action.”
First Minister John Swinney will welcome new Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to Scotland today.
Speaking ahead of the meeting, the First Minister said: “I was really pleased to have the opportunity to speak to the Prime Minister on his first day in office and to congratulate him and wish him, and his family well.
“I look forward to welcoming the Prime Minister to Scotland where I hope to have constructive discussions with him on our shared priorities for the people of Scotland. This includes eradicating child poverty, growing the economy, prioritising net zero, and ensuring effective public services.
“I welcome the Prime Minister’s commitment to forge a positive relationship between our governments and for our part, the Scottish Government is committed to working constructively with the UK Government to build a better Scotland.”
WHATEVER your political allegiances. the relationship between the two governments is crucial to the people of Scotland. I’d like to think it will be more constructive than it has been in the recent past – Ed.
Eco-Gamers challenge abrdn’s fossil fuel investments with Retro Arcade Game
A group of eco-gamers, Serious People, have created a video game, “Asset Manager Quest,” to help investment firm abrdn move away from its fossil fuel investments.
The group engaged staff outside their offices in Edinburgh with a portable arcade machine, challenging them to take on the role of CEO and save the company from disaster.
Serious People’s video game exposes abrdn’s $3.6 billion investment in fossil fuels. In “Asset Manager Quest”, players take on the role of abrdn’s CEO and decide whether to take the company further down its current disastrous path or towards a more prosperous future with a fossil fuel exclusion policy.
Asset Manager Quest has been created in response to the urgency of the climate crisis and the critical role investors play in either worsening or alleviating this global issue.
Asset Manager Quest’s gameplay consists of making decisions to try and fix plummeting staff morale. Besides exiting fossil fuel investments, most of these make things worse.
You can give yourself a massive bonus, accuse the media of bullying, or make staff pay for their own tea bags. Many of these choices take inspiration from recent disasters at abrdn, but there are also more satirical scenarios.
Players can leave investment banking to become a pastry chef at Edinburgh’s famous Lannan Bakery (which you can rebrand as Lnnn Bakery) or join a secret world order, “The League of Asset Managers”.
For its launch, Serious People went to abrdn’s headquarters in Edinburgh to engage abrdn’s staff with a portable arcade machine. The rest of the company’s staff had the game delivered to their inbox, while the general public encountered it through billboards in Edinburgh and ads on LinkedIn (featuring a retro remix of the viral TikTok song “Man in Finance”).
Jamie Inman, Founder, Serious People, commented: “We all want to breathe clean air and live in a thriving natural world. But abrdn is stuck in the past, pumping billions into fossil fuel companies while the planet heats up.
“Abrdn are toying with our future, so we thought we would play with theirs. Having tried every turnaround plan except this one, it’s time for abrdn’s Chairman and board to take a bold leap into the future and walk away from fossil fuel bonds.”
Oli Frost, Lead Game Designer, Serious People commented: “Asset Manager Quest is an immersive text-based game with hundreds of possible paths.
“You can join secret covens, fight undead horses, and enter celestial realms, but the most important thing you can do is stop investing in companies that continue to expand fossil fuels. The game’s graphical capabilities may be somewhat dated, but no more so than abrdn’s disastrous investment strategy.”
Alice Delemare Tangpuori, Coordinator of the Toxic Bonds Network, commented: “Every investment abrdn makes in toxic bonds helps fund a new oil pipeline or coal-fired power station. abrdn’s refusal to stop investments in coal, oil and gas amidst mounting public pressure and financial woes is a testament to its shortsightedness.
“If abrdn persists in financing fossil expansion, they’re steering the company straight into disaster.
The time for excuses and half-hearted gestures is over.
“Abrdn must stop all investments in fossil fuel expansionists to safeguard both its business and the planet.”
Abrdn is currently the fourth most exposed asset manager to toxic bonds and has over $3.6 billion invested in fossil fuel bonds issued by major companies such as Exxon, BP, Shell, and Total.
The asset management company also holds investments in bonds and shares issued by Ithaca Energy, co-developer of the controversial Rosebank oilfield in the North Sea. Despite telling campaigners in 2023 that it was reviewing its interests, abrdn remains one of the few European investors without a coal exclusion policy.
Since its rebrand in 2021, abrdn has faced significant challenges, including a drop from the FTSE 100 index, a major fall in share price, over 10% staff layoffs, and the loss of major shareholders like Harris Associates. The company’s previous CEO, Stephen Bird, abruptly left the firm in May, adding to the uncertainty surrounding abrdn’s future.
The public can join in and play the game by following this link:
Culture and Communities Convener, Councillor Val Walker writes about enjoying Edinburgh’s green spaces this summer:
With the warm weather upon us (for now at least!), offering a glimpse of the summer ahead, I feel incredibly fortunate to live in a city like Edinburgh – not least given how much green space we have to enjoy.
With 144 parks and green spaces across the city – making up an incredible 49 per cent of Edinburgh’s total area – it’s easy to see why we’re considered the UK’s greenest city.
Of course, we already knew the positive impact our parks on people’s physical and mental health and wellbeing by providing space for exercise, relaxation, social contact with friends and family, and opportunities for children and young people to play – but the Covid pandemic truly highlighted this.
With 38 of our parks recognised by the Green Flag Award scheme, which highlights the quality of our parks and the efforts of those who maintain them (more than the rest of Scotland put together), it’s a case of quantity and quality. And with more trees per resident than any other UK city (712,000 trees vs. 526,000 people), we’re well on our way to becoming a Million Tree City by 2030.
But there’s always more we can do and, through our Edinburgh’s Thriving Green spaces 2050 strategy, we’re committed to safeguarding, preserving, and improving these areas so that people can continue to enjoy them, and communities feel involved in their upkeep. And through our ongoing partnership with Fields in Trust, we’re working hard to ensure our residents are within a ten-minute walk from a protected green space.
However, while people rightly recognise the value of local parks that are convenient to them, they can become places to be avoided or underused if they feel unsafe or if the facilities are of poor quality.
That’s why, when setting the annual council budget in February, we approved an additional £3.5m investment in our infrastructure and facilities.
This includes close to £1.5m on projects to repair and improve paths, walls and bridges across the city, £800,000 committed to permanent toilets in Leith Links, Meadows, and Inverleith park (with further investment in installing temporary facilities across the city until the end of October), ongoing in play parks, with over £200,000 set aside for the new play area and equipment at West Princes Street Gardens, and a further £200,000 allocated to the introduction of a number of park lighting projects.
Hopefully, this highlights our ongoing commitment to preserving and improving our city’s for now and future generations.
If you’re out and about and enjoying these spaces, can I please ask that you to:
Bin your litter: If a bin is full, please take your litter home.
Don’t get caught short: Check where public toilets are located.
Pick up after your dog: We love seeing furry friends enjoying our parks, but remember, the city is a shared space.
Extinguish and bin your BBQ: When enjoying a BBQ, please do not put it directly on the grass, and always fully extinguish BBQs before disposing of them (some parks have BBQ-only bins).
Respect our parks and other users: Our parks are for everyone, young and old.
Please help us to ensure our parks and green spaces thrive and remain clean and welcoming for all this summer.
