Tag: Linlithgow

National Trust for Scotland flies the flag for House of Binns anniversary

  • Conservation charity works with boatbuilder to replace historic flagpole on Binns Tower
  • Tower built as a result of wager on most frivolous use of £100
  • Flag raised to celebrate 80th anniversary of House of Binns acquisition

Celebrating the 80th anniversary of its acquisition of the House of the Binns in 1944, Scotland’s largest conservation charity is hoisting a flag on the prominent Binns Tower – for the first time in almost a decade.

The raising of the flag has been made possible by a newly-completed project by the National Trust for Scotland to replace the broken flagpole on top of the famous Binns folly, which was purportedly built as the result of a wager on the most frivolous way to spend £100.

To maintain a historical connection with the old mast, said to have been a ship’s mast from a nearby breakers’ yard, the Trust commissioned the new flagpole from Fairlie Boat Builders on Scotland’s west coast, fabricated using traditional techniques.

The Trust also carried out vital conservation on the Tower itself, ensuring it can be seen and enjoyed for generations to come. The Trust worked with Conservation Surveyors Adams Napier Partnership to develop a package of work, including high level harling repairs, maintenance to the roof structure, lime washing, and other repairs.

They were carried out by G Brown Stonemasons over a period of 10 weeks. The conservation works were made possible by the Historic Environment Scotland Partnership Fund Grant, an ongoing partnership that enables the charity to not only carry out vital work but to support the continuation of traditional crafts and skills.

Leading the building conservation project was Maintenance Surveyor at the National Trust for Scotland, Megan Gardner, who said: “It sounds a simple thing to replace a flagpole, but in this case it really wasn’t.

“The whole process has been an interesting one, throwing up some unusual challenges along the way, particularly the location of the Tower at the highest point of Binns Hill.

“Being in such an exposed location, it gets a lot of wear from the weather, so it was important to find the right solution for the construction of the new flagpole that was appropriate to the structure and its location and heritage.

“Due to the Binns Tower’s prominent position and background, we felt that the traditional techniques used in the flagpole and its construction from a ship’s mast were a significant part of the building and its story.

“We looked at how masts were traditionally constructed and are delighted that we have been able to include these traditional shipbuilding elements in the new flagpole. It’s a great example of how we’re delivering our strategic objective to be a learning organisation by championing skills to support traditional conservation and innovation.”

There were also practical challenges in carrying out the work. The height of the Tower required significant access equipment, and scaffolding had to be carried up the hill manually because the amount of rainfall during the spring and early summer made it impossible for vehicles to get over the fields.

For internal work, space inside the Tower is extremely limited and the top is only accessible via two ladders and a narrow hatch onto the roof.

Stuart Maxwell, Edinburgh & East Regional Director at the National Trust for Scotland, added: “The Tower is such a prominent point in the countryside around the Binns, and we’re very pleased to once again raise the flag there.

“It’s a splendid way to mark the 80th anniversary of the Dalyell family signing over the deeds of the Binns estate to our conservation charity. We’re grateful for the generosity of our members and supporters in our work to protect, care for, and share Scotland’s special places, and for the assistance of the Historic Environment Scotland Partnership Fund Grant, which has made this project possible.”

The Binns Tower – also known as Dalyell’s Folly – was rumoured to have come about as the result of an after-dinner wager in 1825 as to who could spend £100 in the most pointless but amusing way. The story goes that Sir James won the bet with his suggestion of a folly overlooking his neighbour’s estate, and the Tower was completed in 1829.

From 1919 to 1935, the Tower was topped by a windmill rather than a flag, which was used to generate electricity.

The Historic Environment Scotland Partnership Fund Grant of £1,062,000 over 2023-26, enables the National Trust for Scotland to conduct vital conservation work across its built heritage properties, to use technology to better understand its built structures, and to invest in further training and skills development.

Bield launches new digital hub

A NEW digital hub in West Lothian showcasing housing technology of the future won Bield stakeholder approval after its official launch last week.    

Following a tenant sneak-peek in March, Bield Housing and Care has officially opened the Bield Tech Hub in Linlithgow, having secured £75k of funding through the TAPPI project.   

The launch allowed stakeholders, including local health and social care partnerships, staff and other housing associations, to trial and give feedback on digital care advancements of the future. 

The Bield Tech Hub consists of four spaces including two bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, one kitchen space and one living space. There is also a consultation room and a dining space. Each room has been fitted out with different technologies for people to test. 

Stakeholders were welcomed to the space by Dr Lynne Douglas, Bield CEO, who said: “We are delighted to have officially opened the Bield Tech Hub and we’re sure it will bring life-changing technology to West Lothian and further afield. It was fantastic to give our stakeholders and project partners the opportunity to see first-hand what their support has facilitated.   

“It’s very important that people get the chance to familiarise themselves with this incredible tech made available through the TAPPI project and get a true insight into housing of the future.” 

The Technology for our Ageing Population: Panel for Innovation (TAPPI) project aims to improve the way technology is used in housing and care for older people.  Led by the Housing Learning and Improvement Network (Housing LIN), the TEC Services Association (TSA) and funded by The Dunhill Medical Trust, TAPPI seeks to address the opportunity that technology has to enhance the lives of our ageing population and the barriers that prevent its adoption. 

The funding will give Bield the unique opportunity to work with tenants, staff and partners to gain insight into a range of devices, apps and systems across a variety of housing settings.  With co-production at its heart, Bield staff and tenants will have shared responsibility to produce digital services to support independent living – a first for the Scottish housing charity. 

The Bield Tech Hub features three main technologies.  The first, Anthropos, uses predictive and analytical technologies to map individuals’ daily routines and sends insights to family or staff.  If abnormal action is detected, Anthropos intervenes to prevent a crisis moment from occurring.  This supports independent living for as long as possible by proactively averting potential injury or danger. 

Aquarate drinking cups, which track individuals’ fluid intake by measuring liquid volume automatically, are also available.  This monitoring means that optimal fluid levels are maintained, and can be personalised to reflect individuals’ needs and care.  

The third technology is Vayyar, a non-wearable, non-invasive, 4-dimensional tracking technology which supports fall detection.  It also determines room presence and tracks mobility levels and bathroom visits, all of which facilitate autonomous living.  

Lynne added: “Our team have worked hard to ensure that Bield tenants, customers and their families are beneficiaries of extremely relevant tech that could make a real difference to their day-to-day lives – we are certain that the three technologies achieve that.  

“Preventative care technologies across the board underpin our major tech revolution at Bield and we’re confident that there will be fewer falls and emergencies, generally helping people to live independently for longer and be more confident in their homes.” 

Bield’s use of innovative technology has already received major recognition – it’s ‘Inspire Phase 2’ project which utilised proactive telecare was the winner of the Transformation Award at the 2023 ITEC Awards in Birmingham. 

The ITEC Awards celebrate innovation within the sector and the positive impact Technology Enabled Care has on the lives of millions of people in the UK.  The Transformation Award honours services that have planned and implemented major transformation with a proactive and preventative approach.   

Bield is a housing and care charity committed to providing innovative, flexible and high-quality housing solutions and support for older people.  Bield Housing and Care has around 180 developments which facilitate independent living across Scotland. 

To find out more about Bield and its developments, visit https://www.bield.co.uk/ or follow on Facebook @bieldhousingandcare and Twitter @BieldScotland  

For more details on TAPPI, visit https://www.housinglin.org.uk/TAPPI2  

Charity appeals for volunteer dog trainers to change more local disabled people’s lives

Dog A.I.D. are running volunteer recruitment events in Scotland with the aim of recruiting experienced trainers

On 24th and 25th October, potential volunteers will be able to hear from experienced Dog A.I.D. trainer, Fran Murtaugh, about Assistance Dog training and from our clients about how their lives have changed since training their Assistance Dogs.  

Shirley Smith from Aberdeen joined Dog A.I.D. in 2019 after being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. During puppy classes, Shirley met Fran, an experienced local dog trainer, and Fran mentioned she was applying to join Dog A.I.D.

They were soon matched and have been working together ever since. Shirley is very grateful to Fran as her trainer for supporting her to train Skye, a Cavapoo to become an Assistance Dog. Skye fills her up with confidence every day.  

Fran said: “Shirley and Skye have been an absolute joy to train, Skye is so eager to please and loves supporting Shirley. Skye has given Shirley so much confidence and it has been a pleasure to be a part of their journey”

Shirley can often struggle with her mobility so Skye can press her alarm button, pick up objects and open and close doors. She can also fetch a tissue if Shirley sneezes – one of her favourite tricks! 

The impact on Shirley’s life has been extraordinary, and over thirty other physically disabled people in Scotland who have registered an interest in joining their programme.

The charity now needs many more experienced dog trainers who are committed to reward based training to volunteer their skills and experience, so they can help people like Shirley. Dog A.I.D.’s volunteer trainers also benefit from opportunities to develop their skills and networks through regular webinars and training opportunities. 

A small amount of your time can mean the world

If you are an experienced dog trainer who is committed to reward based training, Dog A.I.D.  want to hear from you! 

The two events in Scotland are: 

Further information on www.dogaid.org.uk/information-for-trainers and places can be booked via our Eventbrite page or by contacting admin@dogaid.org.uk or 01743 588469.

Holyrood Committee to visit Linlithgow climate change projects

The role of local government in helping to reach Scotland’s net zero targets will be the focus for the Scottish Parliament’s Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee as it visits Linlithgow. 

During the visit on Monday (12 September), Deputy Convener, Fiona Hyslop MSP, Monica Lennon MSP and Mark Ruskell MSP will visit projects which are at the heart of tackling climate change.  – POSTPONED – SEE BELOW –

These will include for example a tour of the Linlithgow Community Development Trust; an introduction to the Linlith-Go-Solar’ solar energy project; and a visit to the proposed site for the newly approved community driven project – West Lothian Cycle Circuit. 

The visit is part of the Committee’s work exploring the role of local government and its partners in achieving the challenging commitment of making Scotland net zero in greenhouse gas emissions by 2045. Now the Committee are seeing this work in action by visiting projects and communities across Scotland. 

Speaking ahead of the visit, the Committee’s Deputy Convener, Fiona Hyslop MSP, said: “So many of the key responsibilities in helping Scotland reach its net zero targets sit with local government. Issues such as travel, housing, recycling and the circular economy have a huge impact on Scotland’s environment. 

“But we know that local government can’t make this huge change alone. That is why we want to see how councils across Scotland are working with their communities and building relationships with business, public agencies and the voluntary sector to embed these changes and make a difference to addressing climate change. 

“The Parliamentary Committee’s visit to Linlithgow will help us see first-hand the positive work happening in our communities.” 

VISIT POSTPONED

Following the death of Her Majesty The Queen, all parliamentary business has been suspended. This committee visit has therefore been postponed.

Ambulance staff to share base with Scottish Fire and Rescue Service

AMBULANCE service staff based in Linlithgow have relocated to Bo’ness Fire Station in a move which will benefit patients in the area.

A total of 11 Accident and Emergency staff, along with two A and E vehicles, will be housed at the fire station on Linlithgow Road from 30th November onwards.

Linlithgow Ambulance Station staff have been based at St Michael’s Hospital since 1991, and the move has been earmarked for two years, receiving funding in 2019.

The new base at Bo’ness provides modern and improved facilities for the staff, who responded to more than 6,400 emergencies in the past year.

Clair Wright, Area Service Manager West Lothian, said: “We are delighted to have moved to this new base alongside our emergency services colleagues at the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and look forward to working with them and building on existing relationships.

“There is now an aspect of multi-agency working and training that can take place between both services, improving patient care. This move ensures that we continue to provide the very best care to patients in these communities, as well as being a great new base for our staff.”

David Sharp, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Local Senior Officer for Falkirk and West Lothian, is pleased to welcome Scottish Ambulance Service to the site. He said: “Sharing Bo’ness Fire Station facilities will enhance our ongoing partnership and enable us to plan, prepare and respond to emergencies in local communities.

“This is a positive step, which has been replicated in other parts of Scotland, and improves awareness of each other’s capabilities as we work jointly to protect the public by providing the highest quality of response to those that require our assistance.”

SFRS and SAS closely collaborated to ensure that the appropriate steps were taken prior to the move regarding COVID government guidelines, social distancing and infection control procedures.

Edinburgh student provides ‘invaluable’ support for care residents during Lockdown

AN EDINBURGH student has been commended for her support after working at one of Scotland’s leading housing providers during the pandemic.

University of Edinburgh student, Ellen Kilgour, took on a care assistant role over the Summer providing personal care, social support and domestic assistance to help older people get through the pandemic.

The 19-year-old Medical Sciences student worked as part of the Bield at Home service team for over 60’s in Linlithgow and the surrounding area.

After universities were closed, Ellen took it upon herself to help those most vulnerable in her town, whilst gaining valuable work experience. She was passionate about taking on this role after her Gran had received care and support from the Bield at Home team.

Ellen, along with two other students from the University of Aberdeen and the University of Glasgow, were an invaluable asset to the Bield at Home team after members of the workforce had to self-isolate and shield over the course of lockdown.

Medical Sciences student, Ellen, said: “My Gran had received care from Bield at Home so I was fully aware of the services they provide and I wanted to be a part of that, to give something back. She received tremendous support from the carers and I could see how massive an impact it had on her life, and so I wanted to offer this quality of care to all the Bield customers.

“Although we are all lone workers when in the customers’ homes, our support network was fantastic. Whenever we were unsure of something, or had a question we got instant support from more experienced members of the Bield at Home team.

“Everyone looks out for each other which made it really easy to enjoy the work. All the carers have been so supportive.

“I love this job. Getting to know each and every one of the Bield customers was very enlightening. They all have different stories to tell, and can draw upon so many of their experiences through their lives, it was fascinating. It was a privilege to have built up a relationship with them all.”

Each of the students had to undergo rigorous training to meet the care standards of the Bield service as well as encapsulating the up-to-date Government guidelines on Covid-19.

Ellen was part of a care service team which operates between 7.30am – 9.30pm every day, and provided an additional emergency response service when necessary.

Bield Area Manager, Lorna Smith, thanked Ellen for her hard work and welcomed her back at any time. Lorna said: “Ellen provided an invaluable service to our hard working team. She approached this difficult, and in many ways vital role with enthusiasm and dedication.

“Everyone at the team were delighted how she fitted in and got on with the tasks. This has a very difficult and demanding period, and with Ellen’s support we have been able to continue providing a high quality service to all of our customers.

“We look forward to welcoming back Ellen in the near future.”

Bield at Home aim to improve the quality of life of older people by offering a diverse range of services. The service caters for those living within Bield’s West Port and Brae Court establishments, as well as offering support to those who live within a half mile radius of the housing developments.

Staff are not only SSSC certified, but they have also been equipped with sufficient PPE and relevant training.

In advance of using the service, a member of the Bield at Home management team will set up a meeting to discuss an individual’s needs, in order to outline a personal support plan.

Bield is committed to investing, changing and innovating its services and operations to address the needs of the next generation of older people.

For more information on Bield at Home call 01506 840846 or email homeedinburgh@bield.co.uk.

To find out more about Bield and its developments, visit www.bield.co.uk  or follow on Facebook @bieldhousingandcare and Twitter @BieldScotland