NSPCC Scotland is launching a new Community Fundraising Group in Musselburgh, Portobello and East Edinburgh. We are seeking enthusiastic and creative volunteers to play a crucial role in raising vital funds for our services such as Childline and Speak Out, Stay Safe.
We will only need volunteers for one to two hours a month, and we offer a flexible arrangement designed to fit around work, family and social life. Key activities include engaging with neighbours, local organisations and businesses to spread awareness, organise small-scale events or campaigns, and inspire donations that ensure our services remain free for those who need them most.
Participants will receive comprehensive support, including practical fundraising advice, promotional materials and ongoing guidance from our dedicated Community Fundraising Team. Beyond the personal reward of helping to keep children safe, volunteers gain valuable experience in communication, organisation and leadership, all while connecting with like-minded individuals who are passionate about making a difference.
If you would like to play your part in protecting young people and have a couple of spare hours each month, we’d love to hear from you. If interested, contact me via email at arlene.main@nspcc.org.uk or call 07891 598 086. Together, we can fight for every childhood and create safer communities for all.
Residents and business owners in Portobello and Joppa have united in a forceful joint objection to the City of Edinburgh Council’s proposed Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ), issuing a formal legal warning and threatening court action if the scheme moves forward in its current form.
Community momentum is building ahead of the Traffic Regulation Order Sub-Committee’s meeting this autumn, where a decision on whether to proceed with the controversial plan is expected.
In a detailed letter submitted to local councillors, council officers, and members of the Sub-Committee, the group accuses the Council of advancing a “procedurally flawed, substantively unsound, and potentially unlawful” plan.
The residents and traders argue that the proposal lacks public support, is built on unreliable data, and would inflict lasting damage on the local economy.
The objection highlights the Council’s 2021 informal consultation, where a clear majority of respondents expressed opposition to the Controlled Parking Zone. Despite these results, the Council proceeded to the statutory consultation phase, leading to accusations of a pre-determined outcome and disregard for public opinion.
One of the campaign’s organisers, Nikki Middleton, said: “Not only did the vast majority of people consulted reject the proposals, but the Council ran the consultation during the chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic, when travel and parking patterns were completely unrepresentative. How is that a fair reflection of public opinion?
“The Council also failed to consult Joppa residents at all, despite extending the CPZ boundary to include this area. Drawing lines on a map without considering those communities undermines people’s voices and is not a fair representation. These are not just technical errors – they represent a fundamental disregard for transparency and democracy.”
The group also raised alarm over the Council’s failure to document a public meeting held in May this year at Portobello Town Hall. The meeting was attended by more than 500 residents and business owners, many of whom voiced strong opposition to the plan directly to the Council’s Transport Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson.
Despite the turnout and significance of the discussion, no formal minutes were taken, a decision campaigners say further undermines transparency and public confidence in the veracity of the Council’s commitment to meaningful democratic engagement.
Adding to concerns, the Council instructed a new street survey in June this year to inform the Sub-Committee’s forthcoming decision. This was despite traffic levels being unusually high, due to major roadworks which are scheduled to continue into October. The objectors argue that the resulting traffic and parking disruption renders the data entirely unrepresentative.
Local resident Jane Grant, who is owner of the Velvet Easel Gallery and Chair of the Portobello Traders Association, said: “The surveys were conducted during major roadworks and the height of the tourist season, when Portobello’s popularity as a seaside destination creates unusual, short-term parking pressure. Basing permanent changes on data gathered in such distorted conditions is not only methodologically flawed, it’s legally questionable.”
The community group also criticises the Council for ignoring existing alternatives already in place. Since January 2024, citywide enforcement of pavement parking, double parking, and obstruction at dropped kerbs has been in effect.
In addition, double-yellow lines have been introduced at known pinch points such as Marlborough Street and Regent Street. These measures, they argue, directly address any concerns raised during consultation without resorting to the sweeping restrictions of a CPZ.
Local businesses have voiced particularly strong opposition. Karen Mackay, the owner of Cahoots, an independent store supporting local designers and artisan makers, said: “This scheme is a direct threat to local businesses, it will kill footfall, disrupt deliveries, and drive our customers elsewhere.
“We’ve worked hard to bring life back to the High Street with independent shops, cafés, and services, and now the Council wants to sabotage that progress.
“If these businesses start closing down, it’s not just livelihoods that are at stake – it’s access to essential amenities for local people. We’ve seen the damage these schemes have done in places like Leith. Why is the Council determined to repeat the same mistakes here?”
Legal arguments underpin much of the group’s letter, which sets out a clear intention to seek judicial review if the Council fails to reconsider. They argue the scheme fails the Wednesbury test of reasonableness and cite legal precedents from England, where courts have overturned traffic schemes due to poor consultation and misuse of evidence.
The letter concludes with a list of demands, including an immediate halt to the CPZ proposal, a rejection of the flawed consultation and survey data, and a fresh, legally compliant consultation process that includes all affected areas. The group also calls for full disclosure of the financial, legal, and traffic modelling used to justify the plan.
Jane Grant added: “We are not opposed to reasonable parking controls, but this plan has been pushed through with disregard for local voices, credible evidence, or economic impact. If the Council refuses to listen, we are fully prepared to take them to court.
“Portobello has a strong sense of community, with many examples of residents and businesses coming together to fundraise for causes that matter to them. If the Council believes we lack the means or resolve to pursue legal action against blanket measures that will harm our businesses, livelihoods, and make local people poorer, they should think again.”
If the Council fails to respond within 21 days, the group has indicated it will initiate legal proceedings in the Court of Session, seeking to have the Traffic Regulation Order quashed and to recover legal expenses.
A petition opposing the CPZ has already attracted over 1,300 signatures:
Boscombe Pier has been named the best place in the UK for paddleboarding with a score of 9.73.Located in Bournemouth, the beach has an excellent water classification making it an ideal spot for paddleboarders.
With almost 1,700 hours of sunshine each year and an average wind speed of 8.63 m/s per 10m, the conditions are well-suited for getting out on the water.
Lessons and equipment are available at local rentals such as Sorted Surf School and there are several cafes and restaurants along the pier which are perfect for refuelling after a paddleboarding session.
Best paddleboarding spots in the UK:
Rank
Location
Local Authority
Country
Water classification
Average annual sunshine hours
Average annual rainfall (mm)
Mean wind speed (m/s) per 10m
Paddleboarding lessons
Paddleboarding score /10
1
Boscombe Pier
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole
England
Excellent
1,694
919
8.36
Yes
9.73
2
River Dart
Devon
England
Good
1,729
901
8.35
Yes
8.82
3
Whitby
North Yorkshire
England
Excellent
1,567
906
9.41
Yes
8.73
4
Wardie Bay
City of Edinburgh
Scotland
Excellent
1,428
933
8.56
Yes
8.37
5
Cotswold Water Park
Cotswolds
England
Excellent
1,514
790
9.98
Yes
8.00
5
Marazion Beach
Cornwall
England
Good
1,753
1,003
8.50
Yes
8.00
7
Cullen Beach
Moray
Scotland
Excellent
1,455
1,005
9.73
Yes
7.55
8
Portobello Beach
City of Edinburgh
Scotland
Sufficient
River Dart follows in second place with a score of 8.82. With over 1,700 hours of sunshine each year, the area benefits from plenty of bright days which are perfect for heading out on the water.
The location also has relatively low average annual rainfall and a mean wind speed of 8.35 m/s per 10m, making for stable paddleboarding conditions. Paddleboarding gear can be hired nearby from providers such as Totnes Kayaks and Paddle Devon.
Whitby completes the top three with a score of 8.73. Known for its excellent water quality, it offers clean and safe water conditions for paddleboarders to enjoy. With mean wind speeds of 9.41 m/s per 10m, it is a great spot for those looking for more challenging paddleboarding conditions.
Visitors can hire equipment and lessons from local experts, including providers like the Whitby Surf School.
Edinburgh’s WARDIE BAY comes in a fine fourth and Portobello also features in the UK top ten, featuring eight on the list.
Sam Chadwick, author and outdoor enthusiast at GO Outdoors comments: “As the weather gets warmer, many are looking to go outside and enjoy the UK’s water.
“Paddleboarding is a fantastic way to experience the outdoors and there are several places across the UK to enjoy this activity, but safety is the most important thing.
“Since paddleboarding can involve being in deeper water, always wear a buoyancy aid no matter your swimming ability. Weather conditions can change quickly, and waters can rapidly become rough, so check the forecast before going out on the water. While on the paddleboard, keep the paddleboard leash securely attached to your ankle to ensure your board stays close by if you fall in.
“Even on warm days, deep water can be cold so always opt for a wetsuit to keep your body warm in case you fall into the water. It’s also important to stay within designated paddleboarding zones and be mindful of other people enjoying the water nearby.
“Always paddleboard with a buddy, let someone know your plans and expected return time and remember to only paddleboard within your capabilities.”
POLICE are appealing for information after an 18-year-old man was found seriously injured on Bath Street, Portobello at 6.40pm last night (Friday 10 January).
Emergency services attended and he was taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary where his injuries are described as serious but not thought to be life threatening.
Enquiries are ongoing to identify and trace three men believed to be involved in the incident.
Two are described as tall, of slim build, wearing dark clothing, black balaclavas and riding dark coloured e-bikes.
The third is described as being of stocky build with blonde hair.
Detective Inspector Dougal Begg said: “We are continuing our enquiries to establish the full circumstances and a police presence will remain in the area.
“We believe this was a targeted attack and I would appeal to anyone who was in the area at the time and who may have information which could assist to contact us.
“I would also appeal to anyone with dash-cam or private CCTV footage to get in touch.”
Anyone with information should contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 2687 of Friday, 10 January 2025. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, if you wish to remain anonymous.
In 2025 the highest number of Scotland’s bathing waters on record will meet the best environmental standards, with 87% achieving classifications of Excellent or Good. A further 10% will meet the Sufficient standard.
This reflects an ongoing positive trend for Scottish bathing water quality over the past decade since classifications were first reported against new Regulations in 2015. In 2015 there were 84 designated bathing waters, of which 17 were Excellent.
For the year ahead, Scotland will have 89 designated bathing waters, of which 50 are Excellent.
As Scotland’s principal environmental regulator, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) routinely analyse water quality at all of Scotland’s 89 designated bathing water sites during the summer months to protect human health.
In tandem with environmental monitoring, SEPA work with operators and stakeholders across the country to direct action, including millions of pounds of investment, to improve bathing water quality.
For the 2025 bathing season Scotland’s bathing water classifications will be:
Classifications are calculated at the end of the bathing water season using data from the previous four years. They apply to bathing waters for the duration of the following season.
Ruth Stidson, Principal Scientist for Bathing Waters at SEPA, said: “The highest number of Scotland’s bathing waters rated Excellent or Good for 2025 represents tangible improvements following more than a decade of targeted investment and ongoing work with Scottish Water, land managers and stakeholders to improve our water environment.
“Scotland’s bathing waters monitoring programme has significantly expanded since it began in 1988 and has helped identify pollution issues so crucial improvement measures can be implemented and pollution reduced at the source.
“Protecting and improving our bathing waters is crucial for water users, local economies, and communities. While we celebrate the improvements made so far, we are not complacent. We will continue our work to ensure these improvements are sustained and where necessary further improvements are made, so people can enjoy our bathing waters now and in the future.”
Acting Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy Gillian Martin said: “I am pleased to see an increase in the number of our bathing waters achieving the highest classification for bathing water quality, with 87% achieving Good or Excellent water quality status.
“We continue to see the benefits of our continued investment in protecting and improving bathing waters across the country, and targeted work in priority catchments.
“However, there is still work to do to ensure that all designated bathing waters meet the required standards. We want to make sure that as many people as possible can enjoy our bathing waters, which is why we continue to work closely with SEPA and Scottish Water to monitor and improve water quality.”
Reducing rural diffuse pollution – a success story for Scotland
SEPA’s ongoing work with Scotland’s farming community to reduce the risk of water pollution from rural diffuse pollution has contributed to improvements in bathing water classifications over the past decade.
This has been particularly apparent in regions such as Ayrshire, where improvements required by SEPA have included increased slurry storage, fencing, alternative sources of livestock watering, and the planting of riparian “buffer zones” to move farming activities back from watercourses. Many of these measures have been supported by Scottish Government funding.
Some of these improvements take time to translate into water quality improvement, however quantifiable improvements to the water environment are now being evidenced through water sampling data in recent years.
Stephen Field, National Rural Unit Manager at SEPA, said: “Since 2012, SEPA have worked with land managers across 14 priority catchments where rural diffuse pollution was impacting bathing water, providing regulatory advice and requiring improvements in livestock and slurry management.
“Many rural land managers have since implemented measures over and above minimum regulatory requirements to address pollution issues arising from their farming activities. As a result, we’re seeing increasing evidence of bathing water quality improvements in these catchments.
“We’ll continue to engage with land managers and other relevant parties within the priority catchments to promote the importance of maintaining regulatory compliance to ensure bathing waters are maintained at a high standard.”
Tackling further impacts on Scotland’s bathing waters
Over the past decade, SEPA have ensured Scottish Water investment has been targeted to drive major improvements in water quality at locations that were not meeting the Sufficient standard.
Ayr (South Beach), which has now achieved four successive Good classifications after many years of Poor classification, has benefitted from significant sewerage system upgrades delivered by Scottish Water alongside investment by Scottish Government and the farming community to reduce rural diffuse pollution.
Microbial DNA source tracking analysis tools developed by SEPA has confirmed that bacteria from dog fouling and from gulls can also pollute our bathing waters.
Visitors can reduce this by picking up after their dog and not feeding gulls – human food is unhealthy for them and encourages unnatural behaviours.
Finally, our Scottish climate impacts water quality. Heavy rain can wash contaminants off both rural and urban land, together with overflows from sewage systems in affected areas. As such, bathing is not advised during, or 1-2 days after, heavy rainfall due to the risk to bathers’ health from short term water pollution.
At 30 bathing waters, SEPA make daily water quality predictions and display these online and on electronic signs at beach locations.
Three bathing waters will have a Poor classification in 2025; Kinghorn (Harbour Beach), Lower Largo and Fisherrow Sands. SEPA are creating and implementing improvement plans at all these sites.
At Lower Largo, Scottish Water has had an on-going programme of work since the bathing water was designated for 2022 to understand the impact of their wastewater systems and identify improvements required.
At Kinghorn (Harbour Beach), SEPA are working with operators and businesses to reduce pollution in the Kinghorn Burn which discharges into the bathing water, while at Fisherrow, SEPA are considering appropriate next steps after a single high result this summer skewed the classification to Poor this season.
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.
Scottish Water discharged sewage 58,304 times in the last 5 years from just 4% of overflows
The latest water quality report from Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) highlights a severe lack of accountability from Scottish Water.
Untreated sewage has been discharged by Scottish Water at least 14,008 times in 2022 alone.
Only 4% of Scottish Water’s 3,641 overflows are reported on, meaning these statistics are likely a huge underestimation.
Many popular bathing sites across Scotland, such as Portobello in Edinburgh, have no reporting whatsoever.
New Surfers Against Sewage Community Group will monitor water quality in Portobello area.
mike@mikeguest.co.uk
A new report released today by Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) emphasises Scotland’s sewage blind spot due to a lack of reporting by Scottish Water.
Analysis of EDM data by SAS found that untreated sewage has been released into Scottish rivers and seas at least 58,304 times over the last 5 years. However, just 161 out of the 3,641 sewage overflows in Scotland were reported on during this time period meaning this figure is a gross underestimation of reality, with the true number of discharges likely to be in the 100,000s.
Under 4% of sewage overflows in Scotland are required to be reported on, a stark contrast to England and Wales where nearly 100% are monitored. This leaves the Scottish public in the dark about the performance of the other 96% of overflows and the impact these are having on Scottish rivers and coastline.
The little data that is reported by Scottish Water is patchy, according to SAS. Three sewage overflows that previously were reported on annually are now only required to report during the bathing season due to the license agreement approved by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA). Additionally, some overflows that were previously monitored now go entirely unreported and are labelled as having ‘no license requirement for reporting’.
mike@mikeguest.co.uk
Giles Bristow, CEO of Surfers Against Sewage, said:“Yet again, our annual water quality report reveals the complacency and disregard of governments, water companies and regulators towards the health of rivers and coastlines in Scotland and across the UK – and by extension people’s health.
“How much do our blue spaces need to suffocate in sewage before those we elect to keep us safe and protect our environment wake up and smell the shit?
“We are seeing failure at every level – from governments and regulators failing to enforce the law, to water companies refusing to clean up their act – with the general public ending up the biggest loser every time.
“How many times can we say ‘enough is enough’? Our leaders need to prioritise transparency, ensure laws and regulations are properly enforced, and prevent water companies from continuing to pollute our blue spaces.”
Sicknesses due to sewage pollution reported to SAS reached 1,924 UK cases in the last year – nearly triple the number of cases reported a year prior. These cases resulted in 1,987 days taken off sick, which translates to 5 years of work lost to ill health caused by polluted waters.
Many of these sicknesses have led to hospitalisation, events cancelled, earnings lost, and businesses closed. As this data only covers cases reported to SAS, these numbers are likely to be the tip of the iceberg.
The Porty Water Collective was set up in response to the ongoing poor state of water quality in Portobello, which is impacted by several sewage overflows bringing sewage downstream into the sea via the Figgate Burn (known locally as the ‘Figgy Burn’).
Portobello is a popular beach with thousands of visitors, but notably has no reporting whatsoever. Users of the beach rarely have any idea if the area is safe to enjoy, or if they will unknowingly be swimming in sewage.
The Collective is conducting regular testing in the area with support from SAS to monitor water quality and raise awareness in the absence of any reporting from Scottish Water.
Charlie Allanson-Oddy, founding member of the Porty Water Collective and an SAS regional representative, said: “It’s obvious from walking the beaches, from the number of baby wipes, that there is a massive sewage-related problem – something that is ignored by SEPA and Scottish Water.
“What we know – from testing conducted in 2021, and now from the Collective’s current water quality testing backed by SAS – is that there are dangerously high levels of E. coli and chloroforms in the Figgy Burn from CSOs further upstream. Not all the locals know this.”
Scottish Water has made a promise to install monitoring equipment on 1,000 of the highest priority sewage overflows by 2024 with the remaining 2,600 to be considered in terms of cost and benefit.
SAS are calling on the Scottish Government to direct Scottish Water to install event duration monitoring on all overflows and for that data to be freely and easily accessible to the public in real-time so the Scottish public can make informed decisions when entering the water.
Additionally, SAS want the Scottish Government to set progressive sewage reduction targets to end untreated discharges into bathing waters, popular water usage areas, and high priority nature sites by 2030.
This year SAS developed the End Sewage Pollution Manifesto, which sets out the policies needed to clean up our rivers and seas.
Created in collaboration with environmental charities, sports governing bodies and community groups around the UK, the manifesto suggests a five-point plan to make the UK’s waters healthy and safe to enjoy again:
• Enforce the law and regulations
• Stop pollution for profit
• Prioritise high-risk pollution events
• Empower a nature-led approach to tackling sewage pollution
• Reveal the truth by ensuring UK-wide transparency on sewage pollution.
A DEDICATED group of individuals who run a weekly walking group have been recognised by the nation’s walking charity at its annual awards presentation.
Portobello Prom – Ageing Well has won the prestigious Dementia Friendly Walking Volunteer Group of the Year at Paths for All’s Volunteer Awards.
The group, set up with Edinburgh Leisure, enables individuals to walk at a leisurely pace across the seaside promenade as a way of keeping people active and connected who may otherwise struggle to do so.
More than 20 participants join the walks on a weekly basis, some of whom live with dementia. The Ageing Well team has accommodating those individuals through specialist training which has been coordinated by Paths for All and Edinburgh Leisure.
Volunteer Walk Leader, David Simpson said: “The group was set up many years ago to provide people with an outlet to come and interact with others while also keeping active.
“There is a huge variety of individuals who attend our walks and some of those people do live with dementia, for them – and their loved ones and carers – it’s a great chance to get out and about and speak with other people who may be living with something similar.”
“As Walk Leaders we try and do our best to keep the participants happy and motivated.”
“While keeping active is great, it’s the social aspect of walking which I feel is really powerful, and so becoming a Walk Leader was an easy way to give back to my community.”
Kay Parsons, Active Communities Supervisor (Volunteers) at Edinburgh Leisure, said: “Winning the Paths for All’s Dementia Friendly Walking Volunteer Group of the Year 2023 award is testament to the hard work, friendliness, and ability of all the volunteers to make those attending feel included and welcome.
“The Ageing Well Portobello Walking group volunteers have been going for years, keeping our Dementia Friendly walk going in all weathers in Scotland. They go up and down Portobello Prom, and for many of our 20-30 odd weekly participants, this is the only time they get outside into the fresh air.
“They get to enjoy the seaside air, a stroll and a chat and tea in a cafe afterwards. The volunteers keep them motivated and laughing, and one participant told me she “forgets she has Dementia when on a walk with the volunteers.”
Hosted by the BBC Scotland’s Fiona Stalker, with awards presented by sponsoring MSP Nicola Sturgeon, the event recognised 10 groups and individuals throughout Scotland who have gone the extra mile to keep their communities active.
Maree Todd, Minister for Social Care, Mental Wellbeing and Sport “Supporting people in Scotland to walk and wheel is a key part of our vision of a country where more people are more active, more often.
“A huge number of highly motivated and skilled people are helping us deliver this vision, especially the passionate volunteers who do so much to help others overcome challenges to participation and facilitate activities across the country.
“They really are inspirational, the recognition from Paths for All in these Awards is very well deserved.”
Kevin Lafferty, Chief Executive Officer at Paths for All, said: “Every year I am blown away at the number of incredible groups and volunteers out there determined to make a difference.
“The work carried out by volunteers is directly improving the nation’s physical, mental and social health, reducing social isolation and loneliness and helping people make more environmentally friendly lifestyle choices.
“It’s been fantastic hosting the awards at the Scottish Parliament again this year, I always enjoy getting to socialise with our amazing volunteers and hear first-hand about the invaluable contributions they have been making.
“Thank you to everyone for their efforts and ongoing dedication.”
Paths for All works with the Scottish Government and 30 partners to support and deliver national policies, such as the National Walking Strategy and other ‘active travel’ initiative to improve the mental, social and physical health of the country.
The charity awards thousands of pounds worth of grants to worthwhile projects that improve health, promote walking and improve environments for people to be active in – making for a happier, healthier, greener Scotland.
To find out more about Ageing Well walks in your area visit:
We know everyone is busy, so this event is taking place online to fit in around family, work and life. It’ll only take 1 hour and will be informative.
Did you know Edinburgh North East Scouts has almost 100 young people on a waiting list to join?
And they need new helpers to support their 14 Scout Groups in Portobello, Craigentinny, Craigmillar, Duddingston, Calton, Joppa, Stockbridge, Pilrig, Broughton, Trinity, Leith, Newhaven, Wardie and Willowbrae.
Sign up for this event to find out about the exciting things the Scout Groups get up to and flexible volunteering opportunities.
Demand by young people to join Scouts in the Edinburgh North East area is good with youth waiting lists growing. However, they need new adult volunteers to reduce the waiting list and enable more local young people to benefit from Scouting.
Edinburgh North East Scouts is looking to the local community and organisations to help change the lives of local young people. They are appealing for help to reduce the youth waiting list and support 100 more young people to benefit from Scouts.
Scouts is only possible thanks to superstar volunteers – ordinary people, like you, making an extraordinary difference in young people’s lives. They are looking for new adult volunteers to assist their existing leader and executive team.
So please consider what you can do and if you know anyone who may be willing to get involved and ask them to come along to the event too. It is possible that they may consider a job share if that was of interest to you?
Scouting has a reputation for helping young people to develop resilience, a positive character, respect for others, good community skills, as well as physical and mental fitness. Can you help inspire the doers and give it a goers of the future?
FACT 1: There are 14 Scout Groups in the Edinburgh North East area and they all want to provide more Scouting to more local young children. FACT 2: You don’t need to have any specific skills or be Bear Grylls to lend a hand. FACT 3: They have a collective youth waiting list of almost 100. FACT 4: If you volunteer as a Leader to get involved now then they can look at how your child could get automatic entry into their preferred Scout Group. FACT 5: You don’t have to have previous Scouting experience to get involved.
As a District, they want to offer your child and other local children across the Edinburgh North East area the chance to participate in all the fun experiences and adventures they do in Scouting week to week such as, camping, fire-lighting, climbing and abseiling, and yes, learning how to tie and use knots (these will come in handy in later life!).
Are you passionate about seeing local young people succeed? Are you a team player with a positive, can-do attitude? Do you enjoy fun activities? Do you want to do more in your community?
Are you more of a ‘behind the scenes’ person? Do you have a skill or hobby you can share? Then this event is right up your street. Scouts has the opportunities – you just show up, get stuck in and make memories for life!
We all have the power to help young people to realise their potential. You don’t need to have been a Scout when you were younger.
You don’t even need to know how to put up a tent. Their door is open to people of all ages, genders, races and backgrounds, and they’re only able to change lives because people like you lend a hand.
There’s lots of ways you can get more involved with Scouts as a parent, carer or family member. From helping out occasionally on a family rota or as part of their Executive Committee to stepping up as a leader, their volunteering activities are as varied as you.
The good news is you shape what you do and the time you have to give. Scouts happens when a lot of us give a little … and no, you don’t have to be a Scout or outdoors expert to volunteer.
Most of their volunteers work directly with young people aged 6-18 through their Beaver, Cub and Explorer groups – helping young people gain skills for life through fun activities.
District Commissioner, Rob Whitelaw, said: “This isn’t a job application, and you certainly don’t have to be an adventurer like Bear Grylls to get involved with Scouting and in fact not many of our volunteers are!
“Do you have first aid knowledge? Are you good with numbers? Handy in the kitchen? Or are you a DIY whizz? We all have useful skills, and you can volunteer and help in many ways.
“Are you ready to inspire a generation of young people to experience fun, friendship and real adventure? The opportunities to volunteer with us are flexible. Think of something you’d like to do, and chances are it’s just what we require.
“Whatever your skills, experience and interests, we can find a role for you!”
Sign up for the online information evening on Tuesday 29th November at 7.30pm here:
UK’s largest independent retailer of nearly new cars and vans formally opens its new Edinburgh store on Baileyfield Road in Portobello.
Motorpoint Edinburgh is the automotive retailer’s second outlet in Scotland and 18th in the UK. There is a store in Glasgow and a preparation centre in Motherwell.
Opening ceremony ribbon cutting performed by talented five-year-old Scottish Highland dancer, Rosie, from the Dunedin Dance Academy.
Event kicked off store’s year-long commitment to fundraise for St Columba’s Hospice.
Attractions included the ‘live’ creation of a unique Edinburgh landscape on the side of a dirty van by renowned grime artist Ruddy Muddy.
A talented five-year-old dancer performed a ceremonial ribbon-cutting this week as Motorpoint – the UK’s largest independent retailer of nearly new cars and vans –strengthened its growing nationwide network with the official opening of its new store in Edinburgh.
Young Highland dancer Rosie did the honours after performing with fellow dancers from the Dunedin Dance Academy at an event celebrating the opening of the brand’s second retail outlet in Scotland and its 18th in the UK.
As well as dance performances, Motorpoint Edinburgh, which is located on Baileyfield Road in Portobello, also hosted a ‘live’ art installation with acclaimed grime artist Ruddy Muddy. Throughout the day, he created a stunning image of the world-famous Edinburgh Castle and Greyfriars Bobby in the mud on the side of a Mercedes Benz Vito van.
Visitors to the store were also treated to a stirring musical treat with a performance of piping from the Pipers of Edinburgh, while the store also announced that St Columba’s Hospice Care in Edinburgh is their nominated charity partner for the year.
Richard Start, Regional Retail Director at Motorpoint Edinburgh said: “We were delighted to be able to mark the opening of our latest store in such an inspirational and cultural way and having Rosie perform the ribbon-cutting made it extra special.
“The whole official opening event had a fabulous family feel and it was a joy to have the dancers from the Dunedin Dance Academy, grime van artist Ruddy Muddy, the Pipers of Edinburgh and Paw Patrol with us to provide some great entertainment for our customers.”
Richard added: “Despite a nationwide shortage of new and nearly new vehicles we have been able to ensure that Motorpoint Edinburgh has the widest possible range of the makes and models that local motorists want the most and all are available to drive away the same day.
“Motorpoint Edinburgh is also proud to bring the brand’s ‘never beaten on price’ promise to the city, helping to deliver market-leading value for car buyers at a time when every penny counts.”
