Hundreds of children set to learn how to stay safe around dogs during ‘Be Dog Smart’ week

Dogs Trust, the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, will be delivering dog safety workshops to children across Lothian this week (11th- 17th June) as part of its second annual Be Dog Smart week. Continue reading Hundreds of children set to learn how to stay safe around dogs during ‘Be Dog Smart’ week

Travelling with confidence: initiative to support older people

Whilst a bus journey is one of the safest ways to travel on our roads, a bump on the bus that might be brushed off by most of us could lead to a loss of confidence and independence or a serious injury for an older person. Now police, bus companies and other partners have teamed up to make bus travel even safer for some of the most vulnerable members of our communities. Continue reading Travelling with confidence: initiative to support older people

Lessons must be learned following school wall collapse, says new report

Councils must learn lessons to maintain the safety of public buildings following Edinburgh school wall collapse. In a report out today, the Accounts Commission highlights important lessons for all councils following the collapse of a wall at Oxgangs Primary School in 2016. Continue reading Lessons must be learned following school wall collapse, says new report

‘Tis the season to avoid tree-related ladder accidents …

Christmas is a time for celebration and festive fun, but it is also a peak time for tree related ladder accidents. Every year, hospital A and E departments across the country report a rise in the number of people brought in during December after falling from heights, many of whom have toppled off ladders whilst putting up outside lights and decorations. Continue reading ‘Tis the season to avoid tree-related ladder accidents …

Roads team preparing for all conditions

The Winter fleet for Scotland’s trunk roads has been expanded to help make it more responsive to weather conditions. As well as more than two hundred traditional gritters located at 42 depots across the country, Transport Scotland has procured a new recovery vehicle which will help mitigate the impacts of flooding. It has been custom fitted with a remote controlled crane and specialist pump to help clear up incidents. Continue reading Roads team preparing for all conditions

Holyrood call for greater support for new build homebuyers

Committee hears ‘homeowner distress’

After hearing from distressed homeowners, a Holyrood Committee is today calling for more homebuyer support – particularly for new build homeowners – in the event of building defects and poor build quality. In a wide ranging report, the Local Government and Communities Committee identified a number of improvements that could be made to building regulations and fire safety standards in Scotland. Continue reading Holyrood call for greater support for new build homebuyers