Tag: NEN

Why it took a pandemic to open our eyes to the importance of sustainability

As demand for sustainable shopping alternatives increases, The Leith Collective prepares to come back even bigger than before:

Lockdown restrictions may be easing, but one person hoping the temporary pause in human activity over the past few months may prove to have a long-lasting, positive effect on consumer behaviour is Sara Thomson, founder of The Leith Collective.

The Leith Collective comprises more than 90 artists and makers from all over Scotland, brought together by a common aim to reuse, recycle, reclaim, and resell items that may otherwise have been destined for landfill.

Sustainability is at the heart of all they do, and their approach is proving popular with consumers whose eyes have been opened to the issue during the coronavirus pandemic. As a result, The Leith Collective has moved to bigger premises in Edinburgh’s Ocean Terminal to accommodate this increase in demand.

Commenting on the link between the coronavirus pandemic and the increase in awareness of sustainability, Sara Thomson explained: ‘I think there are a number of factors at play. Firstly, with shops and attractions closed, more people have explored their local countryside, and thanks to the reduction in traffic, wildlife has flourished and birdsong heard more clearly. All this has helped many people connect with nature as never before.

‘Secondly, with many people on furlough enjoying more time on their hands, we’ve seen a marked increase in hobbies such as gardening which naturally opens one’s eyes to sustainability.

‘Thirdly, the closing of the rubbish dumps may have presented some people with a stark realisation of just how much we throw away without thought. I believe it has no doubt spurred some people on to consider how many household items could potentially be repurposed.’

The Leith Collective is anticipating an increase in the number of customers wanting to embrace a more sustainable way of shopping and living as they prepare to open the doors to their larger premises today (Monday 13th July).

The all-new Leith Collective store features an outdoor area, with increased space to shop whilst safely socially distancing. The new shop location is just the latest way The Leith Collective has successfully pivoted in light of the coronavirus pandemic.

When Lockdown restrictions were first announced, The Leith Collective launched an online shop and offered local delivery throughout the Scottish capital. They then turned their attention to making a range of reusable masks, created using recycled material – designed to offer a sustainable alternative to disposable masks, with the added bonus that it would help keep their resident makers in business.

The success of this initiative has been tremendous – not only has it provided a genuine lifeline to many makers not eligible for government assistance, The Leith Collective was also able to donate hundreds of pounds worth of masks to children in care and care leavers, and give proceeds to the mental health charity, North East Edinburgh Counselling Service.

The all-new Leith Collective opens today (Monday 13th July) at RU65, Ocean Terminal, Ocean Drive, Edinburgh, EH6 6JJ. Opening hours are Monday – Saturday 11am – 6pm, and Sunday 11am – 5pm.

Guidance to support safe re-opening of small businesses

New guidance has been produced to support the safe re-opening of small and micro businesses following the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

The publication provides practical advice for employers on the steps they need to take before and after re-opening.

Key measures include:

  • risk assessments to protect the safety of employers, staff and customers
  • provision for employees to work from home where appropriate
  • consultation with employees, trades unions or employee representatives before re-opening
  • infection and control measures such as physical distancing and good hygiene
  • staggered break and start times to reduce contact between employees

Economy Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: “The importance of small and micro businesses to our economy cannot be overstated. Over 98 per cent of all businesses in Scotland have less than 50 employees so it is critically important that they can re-open as soon as it is safe to do so.

“This guidance, developed in partnership with employers and trades unions, provides the information small and micro businesses need to ensure the safety of staff and customers as they re-open.

“And we are providing grant support worth over £1 billion to businesses as part of a wider support package worth over £2.3 billion and we will continue to do all we can to support this vital sector.”

Andrew McRae, the Federation of Small Businesses’ (FSB) Scotland Policy Chair, said: “It’s in everyone’s interests to get as many small businesses as possible back up and running as quickly as is safe.

“But to do so, small businesses need to make a lot of changes to how they work – often involving lots of complex, changing information.

“That’s why we asked the Scottish Government to help them cut through the mountain of information by providing some clear steps to follow. This is particularly important for all the smallest businesses who don’t fit neatly into a specific sector – the dog groomer, say, or the portrait photographer.

“For businesses that aren’t sure where to start, this guide will help, as it sets out the key steps they should take across four key areas, as well as providing links to other support and advice

The guidance covers both small businesses, with fewer than 50 employees, and micro businesses, with fewer than 10 employees.

This guidance sits alongside any other relevant sector specific guidance.

Electric Cycle Company is being supercharged

The Electric Cycle Company, Scotland’s largest specialist e-bike shop, is on the move to a 4000 square foot, carbon neutral premises in Edinburgh. 

Boogie, host of Forth 1’s Breakfast Show, joined Neill Hope, MD of the Electric Cycle Company, to launch a crowdfunding campaign to renovate the building into a new state of the art store and workshop, the biggest e-bike shop in the UK.  

Following year on year growth in the last ten years, Edinburgh’s Electric Cycle Company (ECC), Scotland’s largest specialist e-bike retailer, is on the move to a new 4,000 square foot premises on Crewe Road North, four times the size of their current retail space and workshop on Granton Road.

Building work on the state-of-the-art electric bike store, a far cry from the traditional ‘stack’em high’ model of bike retail, is set to get underway next week and will take an estimated six weeks to complete.

When completed the new shop, scheduled to open in early September, will be the UK’s largest specialist e-bike shop, displaying a large selection of both new and established electric bike brands and quality accessories. 

The shop will have enough showroom space to display bikes to enable the hugely knowledgeable and experienced sales team to safely deliver both interactive and informative e-bike demonstrations and ‘talk throughs’, perfectly matching the best e-bike to a customer’s lifestyle.  With bookable sales appointments, there will be a welcome reception and a dedicated customer waiting and chill out area.

The new store will be one of the first carbon-neutral bike shops in the UK.  The renovation plans include solar panels on the roof and battery banks will take care of lighting and bike charging. Heating will be provided by a biomass boiler powered by the waste packaging the business creates.

The ECC has launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise the £70,000 for the renovation of the shop and workshop. 

They are targeting current e-bike customers, new and returning cyclists looking to buy their first e-bikes, and other e-bike owners looking for long term specialist bike maintenance and high end accessories, all of whom will be keen to ‘pay forward’ in order to receive excellent discounts on a wide range of e-bike products, accessories and services that will help them to save money.  Puncture repairs, clothing vouchers, free software updates and bike servicing and discount cards for life are amongst the fantastic rewards for investment.

Neill Hope, Managing Director of ECC, said: “We’ve always been the largest e-bike specialist in Scotland, continuously at the forefront of the industry. My Dad started the Electric Cycle Company in 2006. 

“I took over ten years ago and moved it into proper retail premises on Granton Road.  Since then we have seen our turnover increase year on year, by as much as 500% over this period.  Our staff numbers have increased from two to ten [today] and we now have the widest range of electric bikes in Scotland. 

“This is something I could never have imagined when my family started the business from the back of my Dad’s office, as an offshoot from his plastering company.  We also have the added benefit of being backed by the North Edinburgh community.

“We really hope that our customers, old and new, are keen to support us create the most progressive bike shop in Scotland and a more comfortable, spacious and safer environment for them and our staff.  The range of crowdfunding rewards will be beneficial to their e-bike lifestyles, both now and in the future.

“With their investment we will also be able to reward all of our customers with added value with things like extended guarantees, free security marking, and updates.  It’s a win win for all.”

ECC’s expansion comes at the perfect time as the City of Edinburgh Council plans to make big changes in the way people move around the city.  One of the goals is to create ‘a city where you don’t need to own a car to move around’, a clear shift towards cycling and walking. 

The proposals to shape the Scottish capital for the next decade, City Plan 2030, include expanding the network of cycle paths and linking the park and ride terminals to bike-friendly routes. They also set out potential new areas for park and ride terminals and ‘active travel routes’.

Neill Hope added: “Since the start of the Covid-19 Lockdown there has been a revolution in cycling and our sales have increased by more than 100%, as compared with the same period in 2019. 

“With such a high demand for e-bike sales and maintenance, the Granton Road bike shop and workshop are just too small to operate as safely and efficiently as we want.  Our move can’t come quick enough.

“Our new customers are not only getting to grips with the many health and financial benefits of cycling for both commuting and exercise but also quickly realising that e-bikes make the whole physical process even easier and more joyful than traditional cycling, despite the larger initial investment. 

“Edinburgh, with its many hills, substantial cycle path network, and ongoing council backing is the perfect city for an electric bike.  With the UK Government’s Cycle To Work Scheme and the Scottish Government backed Energy Saving Trust e-Bike Loan scheme to help with e-bike purchases, it is also the perfect time to invest in an e-bike.”

Capital looks to green future

Ensuring Edinburgh’s future infrastructure and capital investments contribute to a green future is just one of the recommendations for a green recovery in a report by the Edinburgh Climate Commission.

  • Edinburgh Climate Commission calls on Scottish Government and City Leaders to commit to a green recovery for the future of the city and its people
  • Inaugural report makes 10 recommendations for ensuring a thriving, fair and sustainable Edinburgh that is resilient to future economic and public health shocks
  • The Edinburgh Climate Commission is the only independent climate commission in Scotland

The Commission’s inaugural report sets out 10 recommendations for Edinburgh’s green recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and will be considered by the City of Edinburgh Council’s Policy and Sustainability Committee on Thursday 9 July.

Led by Chair Dr. Sam Gardner, the Commission is the only independent climate commission in Scotland and was created in February 2020 to accelerate the action on climate change in Edinburgh. It has 15 expert commissioners from a variety of sectors and backgrounds and has committed to a series of reports that will lead, inform and shape the ambition to be a Carbon Neutral City by 2030.

A working group, led by finance expert Commissioner Kaisie Rayner, has produced its first report ‘Forward Faster Together – Recommendations for A Green Economic Recovery in Edinburgh’ addressing the city’s compound emergencies: the global climate crisis and recovery from the global pandemic.

Dr Gardner is expected to call on the Council to commit to a green economic recovery, investing in net zero transport infrastructure; prioritising capital projects that deliver a greener, healthier city environment and investing in local economies with shorter supply chains that support local jobs and community wellbeing.

The Commission’s 10 recommendations call for:

  1. A joint commitment to Green Economic Recovery from Local and National Government  
  2. Public stimulus and organisational investment decisions should be conditional upon contributing to a greener future
  3. Redesign and invest in carbon neutral transport infrastructure
  4. A city-wide approach to energy efficiency and renewable heat
  5. Localise services, support and infrastructure to build community resilience
  6. Focus on wellbeing in natural and built environment investments
  7. Embrace new business practices to reimagine building assets and opportunities for the city
  8. Grow skills and knowledge to deliver a city green recovery and lead a global transition
  9. Develop low carbon sectors and business models to make the city globally competitive
  10. Become a global leader in sustainable investment

Edinburgh Climate Commission Chair, Dr. Sam Gardner, said: “COVID-19 has shown the power of common purpose; we must now seize the moment created by the devastating pandemic to tackle the climate emergency and secure a fairer more sustainable future for this City and its people.

Edinburgh must plot a path to recovery that delivers new jobs, builds resilience and attracts investment. A green recovery does this and gives meaning to the phrase ‘build back better’; it kick-starts the much-needed acceleration to a net zero city by 2030 while improving our health and resilience to future shocks.”

A green economic recovery is in the best interests of the whole city.”

Commissioner, Kaisie Rayner, said: “Throughout this pandemic we have acted together to protect our families, our communities and have placed the highest value on our collective wellbeing.

“As we emerge from lockdown, millions of pounds are expected to be spent on our city’s recovery and it is imperative that every penny is spent wisely, delivering an economic recovery that benefits us all.

“The climate emergency hasn’t gone away and while our response to COVID 19 has seen a temporary drop in emissions it is clearly not how we need to tackle climate change. We need a planned response that has a sustained impact and puts people’s wellbeing at its heart.

“This report recommends a way forward that will position Edinburgh as a fair and sustainable economic leader in the low carbon global economies of the future and we must make the right choices now so that we create a City worth living in for ourselves and for the generations that will follow us.”

Edinburgh Climate Commission Vice Chair and Council Leader, Cllr. Adam McVey, said: The Edinburgh Climate Commission was formed out of a necessity to tackle climate change in Edinburgh as an urgent priority. 

“I am very appreciative of the immense work and effort that has gone into the creation of this report by the other Commissioners and the support from the Edinburgh Centre of Carbon Innovation and the University of Edinburgh.

“It has become clear that if we are to rebuild Edinburgh as a city of the future, then a green recovery is our only option. I welcome the Commission’s recommendations and I’m committed to making sure that these are central drivers within our post-Covid plans, both short term and long term, to deliver our 2030 carbon target.”

The Edinburgh Climate Commission is part of the Place-based Climate Action Network (PCAN), which works to translate climate policy into action ‘on the ground’.

Supported by the ESRC (Economic and Social Research Council) and local partners, the Edinburgh Centre for Carbon Innovation and the University of Edinburgh, PCAN brings together the research community and decision makers across the private, public and third sectors through city-based climate commissions, in a network that is expanding across the UK.

Millions needed to get stroke research back on track

UK’s leading stroke charity warns research faces long-term threat due to coronavirus pandemic

Over three quarters (74%) of stroke research projects in Scotland funded by the Stroke Association have been suspended because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Moreover, the UK’s leading stroke charity anticipates a shortfall of £1.5 million in its funding programme this year, to resume current research and support vital new projects.

The charity warns of a catastrophic knock on effect for stroke research which could delay access to important new life-changing treatments that allow people to rebuild their lives after stroke. This comes amidst reports of a link between stroke and coronavirus which places greater urgency on research.

There are around 15,000 strokes every year in Scotland and it is a leading cause of adult disability.  Despite this, research remains underfunded in comparison to strokes devastating effects and other conditions, such as cancer.

This has been the case for many years. In 2016, the charity revealed that just £48 is spent on stroke research per patient, compared to £241 on cancer research.

This has now been compounded by the devastation that the coronavirus pandemic has had on the charity’s fundraising capabilities and researchers’ abilities to continue their work. 

Over the past 30 years the Stroke Association has played a crucial role in supporting stroke research in Scotland. Last year, the charity invested over £2 million into stroke prevention, treatment and rehabilitation which is now under threat.   Over 35% of the charity’s research funding is dedicated to research in Scotland.

Dr Rubina Ahmed, Research Director at the Stroke Association said: “Stroke happens in the brain, the control centre for who we are and what we can do. It changes lives in an instant.

“Our research has been at the centre of major breakthroughs that have saved lives and sparked innovation in stroke care and treatment. Our work lay the foundations for one of the most successful public health awareness campaigns in England, the Act FAST campaign, which helps people to recognise the signs and symptoms of stroke.

“We also funded early research into the new emergency stroke treatment, thrombectomy, the manual removal of stroke-causing blood clots. This has seen many patients spared the most devastating effects of stroke.

“But a lack of funding for research is now a ticking-time bomb. If we don’t act now the coronavirus pandemic could set back stroke research for years to come. The research community will struggle to get projects back up and running, but it’s vital for every stroke survivor and their loved ones that we do.”

Findings from the charity’s survey also reveal the broader impacts that the pandemic has had on stroke researchers:

  • One in five researchers (22%) will need more funding.
  • Two-thirds (66%) of researchers have said they need to make changes to their studies for their projects to continue. This could have added cost implications and change what the researchers had initially set out to achieve.
  • One in five (18%) research projects had team members redeployed to front line work NHS working, for example as neurologists, physiotherapists and occupational therapists.

Many of the charity’s researchers are working hard to resume their projects during these uncertain times.

Professor Joanna Wardlaw at the University of Edinburgh, is looking into the impacts of stroke on thinking and memory. This research project is funded in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Society and the British Heart Foundation.

 She said: “Stroke continues to strike with devastating effects. But all of a sudden, due to coronavirus, we were forced to stop inviting new stroke patients to take part in our study.

“However, we responded quickly to change our plans and we’re now also recording information about coronavirus exposure and illness in stroke patients recruited into our study. This is incredibly important at this time and will help us to understand more about many aspects of the effect of the virus on stroke patients.

“We’ve been talking to stroke survivors across Scotland and the UK who are feeling the emotional impact of the pandemic and lockdown restrictions. We’ve seen a big increase in anxiety and low mood and it’s harder than ever to access support at this time. It’s only with funding by charities that we can carry out research to improve treatment for people affected by stroke.”

Dr Ahmed adds: “Stroke continues to strike every five minutes and as risk of stroke increases with age, it remains one of the greatest health challenges in our society.

“People can rebuild their lives after stroke but there is still much we don’t know. Research is crucial to find out why people are struggling, and new ways to overcome the challenges that millions of people affected by stroke face every day.

“The effects of the coronavirus pandemic will be felt by stroke survivors and researchers for years to come. If you can, please help raise vital funds so that we can find new ways to help prevent and treat stroke and help more stroke survivors to rebuild their lives.”

The Stroke Association fund critical research, provide specialist support and campaign to make sure people affected by stroke get the care and support they need to rebuild their lives. To find out more visit stroke.org.uk/research or to donate please go to: stroke.org.uk/donate-research   

Coronavirus: last stats for Scotland

As at 5th July, 4,173  deaths have been registered in Scotland where the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) was mentioned on the death certificate, an increase of 17 deaths from the previous week, according to statistics published by National Records of Scotland.

From 29th June to 5th July, 40 fewer deaths from all causes were registered compared with the average number for this time of year. This is the second week in a row the total number of deaths registered has been lower than the average.

New analysis of deaths registered up to 14th June shows that deaths among people from the South Asian ethnic group were almost twice as likely to involve COVID-19 than deaths in the White ethnic group, after accounting for age group, sex, area deprivation and urban/rural classification.

Pete Whitehouse, Director of Statistical Services, said: “For the first time, we have produced additional analysis on deaths involving COVID-19 by ethnic group and the findings show that over the course of the pandemic to date, COVID-19 was a more common cause of death for people in the South Asian ethnic group, compared to people in the White ethnic group.

“Every death from this virus is a tragedy and these statistics represent the heartbreak of many families across the country who have lost loved ones.

“Understanding the impact of how the virus differs by ethnic group is vitally important; however, due to the low number of completed records for deaths involving COVID-19 in other minority ethnic groups, it is not possible to produce statistics for these groups.

NRS will continue to play our part and work alongside Public Health Scotland and the Scottish Government to provide robust information to help us understand the progression and impact of the virus.”

The publication Deaths involving coronavirus (COVID-19) in Scotland and an infographic summary is available on this website.

The report Analysis of deaths involving (COVID-19) in Scotland, by ethnic group is available on this website.

Designated person hospital visiting

People in hospital who do not have coronavirus (COVID-19) will be able to have a designated visitor from tomorrow, Monday 13 July.

Until now, hospital visits during the pandemic have only been permitted in limited essential circumstances. These include where a patient is reaching end-of-life, where a patient needs a birthing partner to be present or where people with mental health issues would be caused distress if they didn’t receive the benefit of a visit.

In the first phase of this three part plan, hospital visitors will need to adhere to strict public health guidance to ensure patient, staff and visitor safety, and to protect progress made in suppressing the spread of COVID-19.

All hospital visitors must:

  • arrange a time to visit in advance with ward staff
  • not visit any other patient in the hospital
  • adhere to strict hand hygiene and face covering guidance
  • maintain strict physical distancing in communal areas of hospital
  • not visit anyone in hospital if they have symptoms suggestive of COVID-19

Specific visiting arrangements may vary between health boards depending on the type of care patients are receiving, and the space available in different care settings to maintain physical distancing.

Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said: “Restricting access to people in hospital has been necessary to keep patients and staff as safe as possible and it has helped us protect the capacity and resilience of NHS Scotland.

“I want to thank everyone who has followed this guidance as I know how hard it has been for patients, families and carers not to have seen their loved ones in hospital. The continued progress we are making in suppressing the virus has allowed us to safely, and in a series of phases, resume hospital visiting in line with clinical expert advice.

“There is a need to balance the risk of physical and psychological harm that the absence of visitors can cause, with the gradual reduction of COVID-19. We have worked with Health Protection Scotland to plan how we safely restore a person-centered approach to visiting in Scotland’s hospitals.

“The safety of patients, staff and visitors will continue to be our priority. I want to reassure you that we are taking these precautions so that we can safely offer the right care, at the right time, in the right place.”

Updated guidance for hospital visitors can be read online.

Essential hospital visiting is permitted for patients with COVID-19. Essential visits includes circumstances such as, but not limited to, visits at end-of-life, birthing partners, to accompany children, and to visit people with mental health issues such as dementia, learning disabilities or autism where not having a visit would cause distress.

Updates on public health advice for COVID-19 can be found on NHS Inform, and a free helpline has been set up for those who do not have symptoms but are looking for general health advice: 0800 028 2816.  If patients have any concerns they should contact 999 for emergencies or 111 for any urgent requests.

Anyone who has symptoms of COVID-19 should now contact the NHS to arrange to be tested – either online at NHS Inform, or by calling 0800 028 2816.

Hairdressers and barbers to re-open on Wednesday

Guidance published to ensure safe return for salons

Hairdressers and barbers are preparing to re-open on Wednesday 15 July under the Scottish Government’s route map out of lockdown.

New guidance has been published to ensure salons can safely re-open.

The guidance also covers services such as beauty salons, spas, indoor photography studios and make-up counters which have been given an indicative opening date of 22 July.

Key measures include:

  • physical distancing with marked areas between seats and treatment stations
  • perspex screens installed at workstations, including reception areas if possible
  • bookings by appointment only with times staggered to minimise overlap of clients
  • the retention of customer details for four weeks to share details for Test and Protect if required
  • face coverings mandatory for staff and customers with visors recommended for staff
  • reading materials and refreshments removed other than water on request

Minister for Business, Fair Work and Skills Jamie Hepburn said: “The re-opening of hairdressers and barbers next week signals a further step out of lockdown for our economy and shows that we continue to make progress in successfully suppressing coronavirus (COVID-19).

“If everyone sticks to the rules we will be able to drive the virus down further and live less restricted lives in the weeks and months ahead.

“Our guidance, developed in partnership with employers, industry bodies and trades unions, provides the information these businesses need to ensure the safety of staff and customers as they re-open.

“People should look for those safety measures and be aware of the need to follow the FACTS at all times when out in the community. If you don’t see those safety measures, or you don’t feel you can follow appropriate hygiene rules, than don’t take the risk.

“We are providing grant support worth over £1 billion to businesses as part of a wider support package worth over £2.3 billion and we will continue to do all we can to support this vital sector.”

Hilary Hall, chief executive of the National Hair and Beauty Federation, said: “The Scottish hair and beauty industry generates a turnover of over £600 million, which is 8% of the UK total.

“As well as the economic contribution, this sector is also imperative to our well-being and so we are delighted that hairdressers and barbers will be able to return to work on 15 July.

“Protecting clients and employees is their top priority so our members have already been preparing their salons to make them safe to re-open. They are reporting that they are fully booked for the near future which is positive news and should mean that businesses can recover and grow from the pandemic.”

Read the guidance for hairdressers and barbers

Remember FACTS for a safer Scotland.