Tag: South Queensferry

Cunard’s newest ship Queen Anne makes historic maiden call to Scotland

Scotland’s capital hosted the first visit to the nation by Cunard’s newest ship Queen Anne.

Queen Anne made a spectacular transit of the Firth of Forth before dropping anchor at South Queensferry for Edinburgh on the first port of call of its British Isles Festival Voyage – a celebratory ‘lap of honour’ circumnavigation of the British Isles.

Her arrival beneath the famous Forth Railway Bridge attracted significant interest as the 249th ship to fly under the Cunard flag made her maiden call.

A traditional piper played on the pier as Queen Anne sailed into port, with spectators also treated to a tug water cannon display during her arrival.

Queen Anne arrived early yesterday morning and later departed bound for Kirkwall, Orkney Islands.

Her passage then takes in scenic coastal cruising as well further calls at Invergordon and Greenock where Cunard’s long and historic association with the Clyde will be recorded.

This historic visit was marked by a short Plaque Ceremony during which the ship and the port exchanged specially commissioned commemorative plaques. The port plaque will be displayed on board Queen Anne and the ship’s memento will be displayed by the Port.

Cunard guests sailing on board had a range of shore excursion opportunities to enjoy, including the chance to savour a unique visit to Summerhall Distillery – partners of the luxury cruise line – with a Cunard 4 Queens gin tasting, an exclusive Queen Anne shore experience.

The British Isles Festival Voyage

The 14-night British Isles Festival Voyage departed Southampton on 24 May and includes a spectacular Naming Ceremony for the ship in Cunard’s spiritual home at Liverpool on 3 June.

Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, said: “Queen Anne’s British Isles Festival Voyage is celebrating the very best of Great Britain and Ireland and we are delighted that our guests on board can visit Scotland, starting in the nation’s capital Edinburgh.

“Queen Anne’s maiden voyage around these shores is a truly historic sailing for Cunard.”

Queen Anne 

Whatever your dream destination, discover it with Queen Anne. As the newest addition to the Cunard fleet, her design concepts have been founded on heritage, craftmanship, style, storytelling, and innovation, and the 113,000-ton, 3,000-guest ship, which spans 14 decks, will offer travellers several breath-taking experiences, and more choices of entertainment, dining, and bars than ever before. 

She will also boast the widest selection of fitness, beauty, thermal and spa facilities so far seen on a Cunard ship, with her reimagined Mareel Wellness & Beauty proposition heralding a new era of wellbeing at sea. 

Throughout her maiden season, Queen Anne will sail from Southampton on itineraries to the Mediterranean, Scandinavia, the Canary Islands, and the Norwegian Fjords, visiting over 60 unique destinations in 16 countries – taking in several of Europe’s most enchanting ancient cities. 

Development underway on 400 new homes for South Queensferry

A sod cutting ceremony has been held to mark the beginning of the delivery of 100 new social homes for Sanctuary Scotland in South Queensferry.  

The properties are part of Lovell Partnerships’ The Crossings at Bridgewater Village development, which will bring around 400 homes to the area.  

The Crossings will be a mixed-tenure development of 398 homes and 14 commercial units, delivered in partnership by Lovell Partnerships, Sanctuary Scotland,  Sigma Capital, the Scottish Government and City of Edinburgh Council 

Development of the new site is expected to deliver around 200 jobs, directly by Lovell and through the supply chain. Many of the new roles will be for apprentices, including joiners and bricklayers.  

Lovell is proud to support the local community everywhere they build and, in addition to creating jobs, has invested nearly £7million in local business. 

The sod cutting ceremony took place on Scottish Housing Day, which this year focuses on housing as a career. It was attended by City of Edinburgh Council Housing Convenor, Councillor Jane Meagher.  

The development is set to boost housing stock in the area, with several impressive views of the historic bridges crossing the Forth.   

Those properties not earmarked for Sanctuary Scotland will be rented by Sigma Capital or sold on the open market by Lovell Homes.  

The Crossings will include active travel infrastructure and measures such as rain gardens and green/blue infrastructure that work with the water cycle to promote the health of the site and proper water management.   

The homes will also be environmentally sustainable, using solar panels and energy efficient boilers.   

The Crossings will be a 20-minute neighbourhood, meaning that residents will be able to have most of their daily needs met within a short walk or cycle. 

Sarah Freel, Head of Partnerships at Lovell, said: “We are particularly proud to be working with Sanctuary Scotland to provide social housing at this development, which will go towards achieving the Scottish Government’s target of building 110,000 affordable homes by 2032.

“With views of the historic Forth bridges and great access to amenities, this development is certain to be one of Edinburgh’s most desirable neighbourhoods.  

 “Today’s sod-cutting ceremony marks the start of this exciting new community, which will become home to many families over the coming years.”   

Gillian Lavety, Sanctuary’s Development Director for Scotland, commented: “As a leading national housing association, we’re committed to ensuring local people have access to affordable, good-quality homes. 

“The Crossings at Bridgewater Village is an exciting development that will make a real difference, and we’re delighted to be working with our partners to help meet the established need for more affordable homes in the area.” 

Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, Councillor Jane Meagher said: “Today marks Scottish Housing Day and it is important to use this opportunity to reflect on this hugely important sector, not just here in Edinburgh but across the country.  

“It was fantastic to be able to mark the day by attending the ceremony to see the start of construction of one hundred social rented homes here in South Queensferry. 

“This exciting start represents an important step forward in the area’s development and will help to alleviate some of the critical pressures that face the Edinburgh’s housing sector.” 

Lovell Homes launches new homes beside the seaside 

Leading property developer Lovell Homes is launching sales of new homes at The Crossings at Bridgewater Village development on Saturday 17th June.

Located in the charming and historic harbour town of South Queensferry, just ten miles north-west of Edinburgh, the development is named after the three bridges that span the Firth of Forth and provides magnificent views of these.

The Crossings at Bridgewater Village, ultimately comprising 113 homes, will offer a fabulous selection of two, three, four and five-bedroom homes, and a choice of two-bedroom apartments.

With an initial release of two and three-bedroom Aberdour, Crail and Bothwell house types, homes will be priced from £265,000, with a sales cabin open onsite as of 17th June. Interested parties are encouraged to visit and find out from themselves what a Lovell home can offer them and their family.

Cleverly designed with modern day living in mind and built to the highest standards, these homes are aimed to appeal to a wide range of buyers, including young professionals, growing families or those looking to downsize.

Each home has been thoughtfully created with modern lifestyles in mind, such as open-plan kitchen/dining with French doors to the rear garden. In addition, new homeowners will be able to pick furnishings and fittings to reflect their lifestyle and personality, choosing from Lovell’s Inspirations’ range.

Lovell is also offering incentives to buyers to help them get started, receiving a personal inspirations package, which helps new buyers customise their homes to their taste; or delivered through the helping hands scheme, through which Lovell covers the cost of selling their existing home. A financial advisor will be available to help buyers make their decision.

Compared to older homes, the average Lovell homes boasts energy efficient insulation, use 30 percent less water, come fitted with efficient appliances, and uses up to 80 percent less electricity for lighting due to only using energy-saving bulbs.*

John McGill, Development Director for Lovell Partnerships Ltd, said: “We are very much looking forward to the sales launch for our new homes at The Crossings and welcoming potential buyers to the sales cabin.

“Located in the charming and historic town of South Queensferry, in the shadow of the three historic Forth bridges, our fabulous properties are beautifully stylish, with a modern look and design.

“With convenient access to Edinburgh and the amenities of the local area, this new development will be perfect for young professionals, families, and those seeking a welcoming community.”

Further information on The Crossings development is available at: 

https://www.lovell.co.uk/developments/the-crossings-at-bridgewater-village-south-queensferry/

*https://www.lovell.co.uk/your-lovell-home/energy-efficient-lovell-homes/

Sea Cadets set up Sea Hives to boost marine life at Port Edgar Marina


Sea cadets have installed a sea hive to benefit local marine life and biodiversity at the Sea Cadets Port Edgar Boat Station in South Queensferry.

Over the weekend, on a cold and overcast Saturday, eight junior cadets – all aged between 10 and 12 from nearby Methil and Queensferry Sea Cadets units – gathered at the Firth of the Forth against the backdrop of the iconic three bridges, first to assemble and then to install the sea hive, under the guidance of Mr David Francis of SeaHives Ltd.

“I measured the bolts used to fit the sea hive together,” one of the cadets, Jae (10) proudly announced. “I put the shackles on, which were used to attach the sea hive to the pontoon,” said Addie (11).

The sea cadets themselves have taken ownership of the exciting initiative, and not only with their hands-on approach in building and setting up the hive. The young people will be monitoring the variety and quantity of marine life that settles into their newly-installed hive over the coming months.

“We will be taking photos with an underwater camera once a week to see which marine life has moved in,” explains sea cadet Edward (10).

“I am excited because it will bring in new marine life,” said Ella (11), with Jude (10) adding that he is hoping that plenty of fish and barnacles (sticky little crustaceans related to crabs, lobsters and shrimp) will decide to make the sea hive their home.

Sea hives are artificial reefs designed to resemble the marine environment, providing surfaces for marine to settle on. Among the marine life that could decide to ‘move in’ are octopus, prawns, rock-dwelling fish and tube worms.

“We are really excited to be working with SeaHives Ltd on this venture, which started six months ago for us,” said Adam Ranklin, Boat Station Manager at the Sea Cadets Port Edgar Boat Station.

“It was great to see how fully engaged the cadets were in the set up and installation of the sea hives. They were very hands-on throughout, using drills and tools as well as taking charge in making decisions about the sea hives. It was a new and very positive experience for our junior sea cadets.”

David Francis of SeaHives Ltd said: ‘What a great bunch of Sea Cadets there were at Port Edgar! They really know how to work as a team to get the job done.

“Their boat station is an ideal location for a sea hive as it provides access to the plankton and nutrient rich waters of the North Sea, in an environment protected from extreme tidal and wave action.

“The sea hive will also provide shelter from predators for small fish and invertebrates like crabs and octopus to grow and breed.

“Sea hives are manufactured partly from processed and recycled fishing nets, an excellent example of how plastic can be re-used with a positive purpose.”

The sea hives project follows local and national forums among the cadets, called Cadet Voice, where the young people decide on the issues closest to their hearts to action. Being more environmentally responsible emerged as one of the young people’s top priorities.

Installation of sea hives will also take place next week at the Sea Cadets Thrapston Boat Station in Northamptonshire, with an eye to installing more sea hives at other Sea Cadets boat stations across the country.

As sea cadet Remy (11) says, “Sea cadets spend many hours on the water – so it’s only right that we should look after our marine environment.”

For more information on Sea Cadets, visit www.sea-cadets.org

To find out more about sea hives, see www.seahives.com

South Queensferry: Have your say on active travel at drop-in session

Do you live in Queensferry? The city council wants to improve walking, wheeling and cycling conditions there, creating more travel options for daily trips to school, work and in your local community.

Come to their drop-in at South Queensferry Community Centre, School Lane on Thursday, 30 June between 3pm and 7pm to meet the project team and find out more

https://consultationhub.edinburgh.gov.uk/…/southqueens…/

Transport Scotland risks legal action at taxpayers’ expense, says MSP

South Queensferry residents are embroiled in a bitter battle with Transport Scotland to secure road access to their new homes. 

Transport Scotland have refused access to the Ferrymuir Gait road forcing all residents from the new development to travel through the existing Varney Estate.

All 124 houses on the development must now use Henry Ross Place despite Ferrymuir Gait being the most direct route into the housing development.

Heavy construction traffic used Ferrymuir Gait throughout the build. 

The developer has offered to upgrade the road to adoptable standards and Edinburgh Council has indicated a will to adopt the road once this takes place.

Transport Scotland could risk court action if the refusal to permit access continues. 

Lothian MSP Foysol Choudhury said: “There is considerable anger among residents from both developments.  They are strongly in favour of Ferrymuir Gait being used to access the new development.

“Despite my attempts at mediation, this issue has remained irreconcilable for many months, and looks like it will inevitably end in legal action.

“For the sake of the use of one road, Transport Scotland appear to be willing to drag this through the courts at what will inevitably be great expense to the taxpayer.

“I do not believe that the Scottish public will see legal action to prevent residents’ access to new homes as a good or explicable use of public funds.

“It seems to me that it is clearly in the public interest – from the point of view of the residents and the Scottish taxpayer – that this matter be settled reasonably between the two parties.

Police seek information following South Queensferry electric bike thefts

Police are appealing for the public’s help to trace two electric bikes which were stolen from the South Queensferry area.

A green Cube Cross 500 and a purple Scott Sub Active 10 were stolen from a secured garage between Tuesday 1 and Friday 4 February 2022.

Anyone who may have seen these bikes since they were stolen, or has information on their current whereabouts, is urged to contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident number 2661 of 4 February 2022 or anonymously via the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Police statement: Antisocial use of vehicles at South Queensferry

Following complaints from residents and businesses in the Hawes Promenade area, local community officers and officers from Road Policing have been targeting the area to combat the antisocial use of vehicles and associated behaviour.

Sergeant Sandra Watt from the Community Policing Team at Corstorphine Police Station said: “Dealing with disorder and antisocial behaviour is a priority for us in Edinburgh. We’ve been made aware by the local community of antisocial behaviour issues in the Hawes Promenade area involving vehicles, and we’ve responded with a dedicated initiative.

“We are focussing on engagement, deterrence, disruption and where necessary enforcement by conducting both high visibility and plain clothe patrols in marked and unmarked vehicles. During the weekend of 29th and 30th January we engaged with over 50 drivers and issued an antisocial behaviour warning.

“On Friday 4th February 2022, our Road Policing colleagues implemented a road check at the Hawkes Pier car park. Twenty two cars were stopped, checked for defects and advice was given to drivers with regards to driving and parking in a considerate manner. One driver was charged with careless driving.

“Our Community Policing Teams will continue to work with our Road Policing colleagues and our partners at the City of Edinburgh Council to deal with the antisocial use of vehicles in the area”

Anyone with information regarding criminal or antisocial behaviour in their area can contact Police Scotland through 101, our website scotland.police.uk/contact-us or the charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Waste crew presents wee George with special gift

Well, how could he ‘refuse’?

A city council waste crew has presented four year old South Queensferry boy George Wallace with his very own dumper truck.

During the pandemic George’s mum Rosalind asked the team to give him a wave at the window and they they have continued to do this every week.

Wee George always waves back and the refuse collectors enjoyed this heart-warming little interaction so much they clubbed together and bought him his very own dumper truck toy for Christmas.

Rosalind Wallace, George’s mum, said: “It’s been so lovely to see George’s smile every week as he waves to the guys collecting our waste.

“I know it’s been a difficult time for them and think they brightened each other’s day. George helps with our local litter picking group, Cleanferry, and so is very inspired by them.”

Driver Craig Grand said: “It was so lovely to meet George today. His wee smile has been keeping us going in the last wee while and so we just had to buy him a present and the dumper truck seemed perfect.

“We’re all delighted he’s so pleased with it and it was great to see George in his litter picking uniform. He’ll be working for us soon!

Cllr Lesley Macinnes, Environment Convener, said: “Our waste crews have been working round the clock in some very challenging circumstances since the start of pandemic and I’d like to thank everyone who has showed them their appreciation leaving out cards and gifts and clapping for them every Thursday during lockdown.

“It’s really lovely to see in this case the little boy brightened their day so much the crew showed their gratitude by buying him the dumper truck.”

D-Day for CALA Homes South Queensferry development plans

PLANS for a prime development on land made available from the completion of the Queensferry Crossing will be determined today (Wednesday 19 May).

Recommended for approval by planners, the 176-home South Queensferry development by CALA Homes (East) includes 44 affordable homes, 39 of which will be delivered by locally-based Manor Estates Housing Association.

The remaining five will be ‘golden share, a form of discounted price available to purchase by those on the housing waiting list’. Most of the affordable homes will be constructed early into the build process.

Approval of the Springfield site at the upcoming City of Edinburgh development management sub-committee will confirm more than £2.2million in Section 75 funding. This includes £2.15m towards education, £29,500 to improving transport infrastructure and around £37,000 towards the expansion of the local healthcare centre.

Following extensive engagement with the local community, the plans also include a range of traffic calming measures at the adjoining Bo’ness Road, as well as improved crossings, footpath connections to Society Road and Bo’ness road and a dedicated cycleway.

Keith Giblett, Chair of Queensferry and District Community Council, said: “We’ve welcomed the extent to which CALA has been willing to listen to the community. Pleasingly, it has resulted in material changes to the proposed development and the area around it, including vital works to Bo’ness road in the vicinity of the primary school.

“Go-ahead will provide a major and timely contribution towards facilities in and around South Queensferry – and we’d look forward to getting an understanding from the council on how that money will be spent.”

The development will benefit from exceptional views out to the Forth and its bridges and a broad mix of homes put forward by CALA includes 57 apartments, alongside three, four and five bedroom properties, boosting supply for a wide segment of the market.

The 44 affordable homes will feature a mix of one to three bedroom homes. CALA hopes to be able to begin work at the development as early as autumn 2021.

Derek Lawson, Strategic Land Director at CALA Homes, said: “This development has been years in the making and we must thank the local community for engaging throughout. In particular, the area around the development will be much more pedestrian and cyclist friendly – with extensive footpath connectivity.

“This process has resulted in final proposals that will boost the local area considerably, as well as providing a wide range of family homes to meet the needs of a strong local market.”

Originally identified for housing almost 30 years ago, the site, which extends to 7.5 hectares, forms part of a wider area of land originally owned by CALA, following the grant of residential planning permission dating back to 1991.

The land was then acquired by the Scottish Office in 1994 for the new forth crossing – Queensferry Crossing. With the bridge now complete, the Scottish Ministers have been in the process of disposing of surplus land. The regulations relating to disposal require that surplus land is initially offered to previous landowners, which in this case is CALA Homes.

CALA has a strong history working in the South Queensferry area, recently completing its development at nearby Dalmeny Park, where it delivered 156 private homes on a brownfield site formerly owned by Agilent. This also included the delivery of 112 affordable homes.