Smart Works Edinburgh has launched its annual cycle challenge hoping to raise thousands for unemployed women across Scotland in the lead up to International Women’s Day

Women’s charity, Smart Works Edinburgh calls on its supporters to get on their bikes, pedal for a purpose and raise vital funds by signing up to its annual fundraising challenge, Cycle for Smart Works.  

Riders can take part in teams of five and cycle a collective 500 miles between 1 and 8 March which is International Women’s Day. All proceeds will go towards the Smart Works Edinburgh service, which provides unemployed women across Scotland with the clothing, coaching and confidence they need to succeed at interview, get the job, and transform their lives.

Last year, Smart Works Edinburgh cyclists raised more than £32,000 and with the pandemic creating greater need for the service than ever before, the charity is hoping this year will be even bigger with more riders, more miles and more money raised.

Maggie Darling, Chair of Smart Works Edinburgh said: “The generosity of our riders last year was incredible, and we want to make this year just as successful. If you’re looking for a new challenge, I can’t recommend this enough. It’s great fun and you’ll be playing an important part in another woman’s success story.”

One of these success stories was Aimee, who started work as a care assistant after being supported by Smart Works Edinburgh in 2021. She said:

“The whole experience gave me the confidence to excel in my interview and I will be eternally grateful. Life changing.”

Gina Bees from Lancia Consulting in Edinburgh, who has taken part in Cycle for Smart Works for the past three years said: “I can’t wait to get back on my bike again this year. I really enjoy the challenge and I love that, through the money we raise, I’m helping unemployed women to succeed at a crucial moment in their lives.”

Registration is free of charge and 100% of the money raised will go towards the Smart Works Edinburgh service.

Sign up to Cycle for Smart Works: https://www.cycleforsmartworks.org.uk

A new development by Cala Homes (East) will be built in the historic village of Roslin.

The homebuilder has confirmed that Glenacre – a new collection of 4 and 5 bedroom detached homes in Roslin – will be launched in March 2022. Cala are looking to build on the success of its Chapel Lawns development, which sold out in late 2020 after meeting significant demand.

Located at the northern edge of the picturesque village, Glenacre is a smaller collection of homes, accessed through Cala’s established previous development.

An attractive linear park will give the development a distinct, semi-rural feel and a considered layout affords many homes with open views.

Philip Hogg, Sales and Marketing Director with Cala Homes (East), said: “We know that Roslin is a location that many people understandably wish to live in. It’s a characterful village with a great deal in its favour – as well as access to countryside and city.

“We’re looking forward to launching homes here to meet that high demand, providing dream homes and more practical space for those looking to move.”

Work on the development is now underway – and Cala is aiming to launch the showhome and an on-site sales office in early autumn 2022, with the first movers completing later in the year.

The new community will benefit from large amounts of landscaped green space, which will include a large children’s play area and spaces dedicated to establishing biodiversity.

As part of the wider consortium development’s landscape strategy, there will be a mix of around 11,000 shrubs, trees, climbers and bulbs planted to assist in enhancing the environment.

Glenacre will be well-connected with foot and cycle links and there will be upgrades made to the farm track to the north of the site to form part of the fully surfaced and lit core path network.

https://www.cala.co.uk/homes-for-sale/scotland/midlothian/glenacre-roslin/location/

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has confirmed that The Scottish Government has received JCVI advice recommending the universal vaccination of 5 to 11-year-olds.

Ms Sturgeon said:“Although it has yet to be published officially by the JCVI, like colleagues in Wales we have received advice from the Joint Committee for Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) which recommends Covid-19 vaccination for all children aged 5 to 11-years-old.

“I can confirm that Ministers have considered this draft advice and are content to accept its recommendations. Throughout the pandemic it has been our intention that we follow the clinical and scientific evidence available to us and I’d like to once again thank the JCVI for their hard work in scrutinising the science and providing clear guidance.

“Discussions with Health Boards on the best way of delivering vaccinations to 5 to 11-year-olds have already begun.  These will continue and we will provide further information when this approach is finalised. In the meantime, parents and carers of children aged between 5 and 11 need not do anything.

“This draft advice does not affect children in the 5 to 11-year-old age group who have specific medical conditions which place them at greater risk from Covid-19.  This group is already being vaccinated.”

Ryanair has announced its biggest ever Edinburgh Summer schedule with two additional based aircraft for Summer 2022 and eight new routes from the capital.

Ryanair’s Edinburgh based fleet will increase to 10 based aircraft, five of which will be Boeing 737 8-200 “Gamechanger” aircraft which have 4% more seats, burn 16% less fuel and create 40% less noise emissions.

Ryanair say their investment of over $1 billion in Edinburgh will support 300 highly paid aviation jobs and 3,000 indirect jobs at Edinburgh Airport.

There will be a total of 65 routes including eight new destinations to Bari, Cork, Madrid, Marrakesh, Nimes, Palermo, Paris, and Santiago among the airline’s 250 weekly flights from Edinburgh.

Ryanair will give Edinburgh’s holiday makers a choice of European destinations in Greece, Spain, Italy, and Croatia while also giving Scottish tourism a much needed boost after two lost Summers.

But meantime the airline continues to call on the UK Government to fully abolish Airport Passenger Duty (APD) immediately for all travel. Ryanair say that while the proposed cut is a step in the right direction, it is simply not enough. The airline claims that the UK Government missed an opportunity to kickstart tourism recovery, particularly for Summer 2022, by delaying the reduction in APD until 2023. Since the cut applies only to domestic travel, it is felt that it ignores the need to restore international connectivity which is fundamental for the growth of the UK economy and tourism.

Ryanair’s Director of Commercial, Jason McGuinness said: “As Europe’s and Edinburgh’s largest airline, Ryanair is pleased to deliver our biggest ever Edinburgh schedule with two additional based aircraft for Summer 2022 ($200m incremental investment). Ryanair’s Edinburgh based fleet will increase to 10 aircraft ($1bn total investment), 5 of which will be Boeing 737 8-200 Gamechanger aircraft. This larger fleet will deliver 65 routes in total, including 8 new routes to exciting destinations such as Nimes, Marrakesh, and Zadar along with increased frequencies to holiday favourites such as Malaga and Alicante.

“Efficient operations and competitive airport charges provide the foundation from which Ryanair can deliver long-term traffic growth and increased connectivity. We worked closely with our partners in Edinburgh airport to secure this growth and improve the services for those that live, work, or wish to visit the region.

“Ryanair now calls on the UK Government to further support this traffic recovery by scrapping APD completely. The 50% reduction proposed for 2023 is too little, too late for post-covid recovery since APD puts UK airports at a severe cost disadvantage versus their European competitors.  

“To celebrate our largest Summer schedule, we are launching a 3-day seat sale with fares available from £19,99 for travel until October 2022, which must be booked by Friday 18^thFebruary. Since these amazing low fares will be snapped up quickly, customers should log onto www.ryanair.com to avoid missing out.”

CEO of Edinburgh Airport, Gordon Dewar, said: “Ryanair’s continued expansion at Edinburgh is extremely encouraging and is a huge show of confidence in the Edinburgh market. Aviation will play an important role in the recovery of the Scottish and UK economies and to be in a position where Ryanair are offering more than they did pre-pandemic is a very good place for us to be in, especially when five of the based aircraft will be the quietest and most environmentally friendly in the industry.

“We know there’s a pent-up demand for travel and we want to offer choice to people, which is why we are looking to both retain and grow Edinburgh’s connectivity. We must work with partners including airlines and governments to ensure Scotland is flexible in its approach and is seizing new opportunities that arise.”

In response to Scotland’s Year of Stories 2022, Edinburgh International Book Festival today (Tue Feb 15th) announced a new project gathering and creating stories from and for people across Scotland . The year will spotlight, celebrate and promote the wealth of stories inspired by, written, or created in Scotland. ‘Scotland’s Stories Now’ is a mass participatory project that will see people of all ages and from all backgrounds creating and telling stories about Scotland today.

The Book Festival will not only work with community groups across the country but is also calling for the public to submit stories of their own experiences of life in Scotland. ‘Scotland’s Stories Now’ is supported by EventScotland as part of the Year of Stories 2022.

From 16 February, the Book Festival is calling for people across Scotland to submit their own 500-word stories responding to the prompt ‘On this day’. These can be fiction or non-fiction, in the form of prose, poetry, songs or play-scripts and can be submitted in a range of formats including text, sound files, video files or images.

Storytellers can draw inspiration from any number of uniquely Scottish sources, from the landscape to myths and legends, or tackle the current issues which matter most to them from Climate Change to the country’s post-Covid recovery. Submissions open on 16 February and close on 3 April, and all stories should be uploaded onto the On The Road blog page of the Book Festival website – ontheroad.edbookfest.co.uk/scotlands-stories-now/.

Noëlle Cobden – Communities Programme Director at the Edinburgh International Book Festival, said “At Edinburgh International Book Festival we believe everyone has a story to tell and that through stories we can make sense of our world. As we emerge from the pandemic we want to gather ‘Scotland’s Stories Now’. Using the prompt ‘On this Day’ we are calling on people across the country to help us build an online story archive and create series of events at this year’s festival to celebrate Scotland’s Year of Stories.

Seeking stories from all genres including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, comic and drama, we will accept submissions in both written and recorded (audio or video) formats. We would also encourage speakers/users of both indigenous and non-indigenous languages to submit their story”

Nick Barley – Director of the Edinburgh international Book Festival, said: “Stories are entwined in Scotland’s DNA. This project teases out some of the reasons why stories remain relevant to our lives today, not only explaining where we’ve come from but helping us make sense of the challenges ahead.’

Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland’s Director of Events, said: “We are delighted to be supporting ‘Scotland’s Stories Now’ as part of Scotland’s Year of Stories 2022. From icons of literature to local tales, Scotland’s Year of Stories encourages locals and visitors to experience a diversity of voices, take part in events and explore the places, people and cultures connected to all forms of our stories, past and present.

“‘Scotland’s Stories Now’ will be at the heart of an engaging, celebratory nationwide events programme by encouraging people and communities to create and tell their stories, which will then be showcased as part of the Edinburgh International Book Festival in August 2022”.

Additionally, the Book Festival will embed Writers in Residence with community groups in five of Scotland’s Local Authorities – Eleanor Thom and Ryan Van Winkle will work with groups in Edinburgh, Andrew O’Hagan will be in East Ayrshire, Mae Diansangu in Aberdeenshire, Bea Webster in Clackmannanshire, and Roseanne Watt in Shetland.

Working with partners, including Stepping Stones and Royal Hospital for Children and Young People in Edinburgh and HMP Kilmarnock in East Ayrshire, the Book Festival will gather stories from those who often do not have a voice.

The project will culminate at the Edinburgh International Book Festival in August 2022, at Edinburgh College of Art, where visitors will be able to create and share stories, as well as hear the stories that have already been told through the open submissions process. The community groups working with the Book Festival’s Writers in Residence will contribute their own reflections to produce a rich and multi-layered tale of Scotland in 2022.

Edinburgh Trams is in the running for an impressive four awards at an awards ceremony in Edinburgh next week.

The tramway operator has been shortlisted in four categories at the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce Awards and is among the front runners for the coveted title of Large Business of the Year.

The company’s Managing Director, Lea Harrison, has also been named as a potential winner in the Director of the Year category for leading a team that helped to keep the city moving during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The tramway’s response to the health crisis also caught the eye of judges in both the Large Business of the Year and Excellence in Digital Marketing categories with a series of innovative information campaigns helping to keep customers and employees safe from the virus.

Meanwhile a pioneering project to speed up the process of providing permits for work near the tramway, PERMIT+, has secured a place for Edinburgh Trams on the Innovation in Business shortlist.

On his nomination, Mr Harrison said: “While I’m delighted to be included on the awards shortlist, this reflects the dedication and professionalism of the entire Edinburgh Trams team.

“Across the organisation, colleagues have stepped up to face the many challenges presented by Covid and are now equally committed to look toward post-pandemic recovery.

“To be in the running for a total of four awards is testament to the practical steps we have taken to keep essential services running, and initiatives involving new technology and social media that are now being held up as best practice across the light rail sector.”

The 2022 Business Awards will be held at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre on 24 February, and the theme of the evening will be ‘Celebrating Edinburgh’ – in reference to the city’s vibrant culture, tourism, and research.

Our reader found a plaque at the Omni Centre car boot sale in 1994.

The inscription reads Planted by HM Queen Elizabeth II on the first morning of her first official visit to Edinburgh 25th June 1952.

He tells us that he would have paid somewhere under £20 for it as he has a limit for the “amazing stuff” he has collected over the years.

Do you have any idea where it came from or what was planted and where? If so, our reader would love to know.

Email us on editor@theedinburghreporter.co.uk with any information you may have.

We have taken a really quick look at the Pathé footage from 1952… which you can look at here which may give us all a clue.

Was this in Canongate Kirkyard? Who can confirm any other details? Do let us know.

Dean’s album with the mighty Calexico is released on Friday.

The album was conceived in Leith, recorded in Tucson, buried in (metaphorical) desert sand for two years during the pandemic, and is finally going to be released worldwide on Friday.

The album will be launched in Edinburgh at Voodoo Rooms on Thursday 10 March 2022 with his new band. Dean Owens & The Sinners with special guest Kirsten Adamson (daughter of Big Country’s Stuart), The Sinners include Dean’s old Felsons buddy Kevin McGuire (bass), guitarist Craig Ross, and Neil Weir (OMD) on trumpet.

The very new video below shows the making of Sinner’s Shrine including chats with Calexico’s Joey Burns, who claims Dean as “a long lost brother” with great dress sense as well as great tunes. It includes footage of John Convertino and Dean, studio shots of the recording process and some of Tucson’s amazing street art. All with a soundtrack that offers a flavour of the album.

The album is released jointly by UK’s Eel Pie records and Netherlands’ CRS.

The new Meadowbank Sports Centre is set to host the vote count for this year’s council election.

At a meeting last week, council leader Adam McVey said the redeveloped facility will be “a real jewel in the crown of sporting facilities right across our city” when it opens later this year. 

The new £49 million sports complex – the completion of which has been delayed by a year due to the pandemic and construction issues – will include games halls, two artificial football pitches and a state-of-the-art gym and a brand new outdoor running track.

Cllr McVey said it is intended it will be the venue of choice for Edinburgh’s 2022 local election vote count on 5 and 6 May 2022.

“Councillor Day and I visited Meadowbank and I have to say to members with any luck we will manage to get Meadowbank used as the venue for our count with any luck and hope,” he told councillors at last week’s council meeting.

“But it is an exceptional facility for the people of Edinburgh, the Meadowbank Sports Centre will be a real jewel in the crown of sporting facilities right across our city and I’m sure members will be as blown away as I was when we visited it and it’s incredibly near completion.”

The City of Edinburgh Council is yet to announce a revised official opening date for the centre, however Councillor McVey’s announcement that it could be used for the elections in May suggests it will be ready by summer.

The original Meadowbank, which was built to host the 1970 Commonwealth Games, closed for demolition and rebuilding in 2017.

A council spokesperson said that once opened, Edinburgh’s new Meadowbank will be “one of the country’s top community sports centres”, featuring “some of the most state-of-the-art fitness facilities in Britain”.

by Donald Turvill, Local Democracy Reporter
The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) is a public service news agency: funded by the BBC, provided by the local news sector, and used by qualifying partners. Local Democracy Reporters cover top-tier local authorities and other public service organisations.

A £500 million investment in services and support for local people has been agreed by West Lothian Council – as they approved a 3% rise in council tax.

The revenue budget for the next year will include an additional  £1 million in essential road repairs carried out this year. 

The budget drawn up by the Labour minority led council also includes an additional £1.5 million to support prevention work in homelessness and provide an enhanced service.  

And more that £3 million will go to support those most in need in areas such as school clothing grants, homelessness and food networks and financial support for families.  

There will also be financial support for Domestic Abuse services, Looked After Children and support for Personal Care at Home for Children with a Disability. 

Extra funding has also been allocated for mental health services for young people.

Tabling the budget, Council leader Lawrence Fitzpatrick defended the council tax rise.

He said: “Once again our council along with all others in Scotland is in the regrettable position of having to make cuts to council services as a result of the woeful financial settlement from the Scottish Government. This year our budget gap is £11.7 million.

“Our modest council tax increase of 3% will see 87% of residents in the county pay less than £1 per week more on their council tax yet will bring in several million pounds more in funding to protect vital council services.”

The SNP opposition  group raised an amendment calling for a freeze on the council tax and proposed spending of reserve funding to hire 97 teachers and 19 support staff.

The party also proposed increased spending on care and support services including uplift in pay terms for care staff.  It urged council officers to look at ways of increasing income, developing green energy  and called for a review of existing public private partnership agreements.

Opposition councillors lined up to slate Labour for its continued collaboration with Tory councillors. Group leader Councillor Janet Campbell said West Lothian and Scotland were trapped in a cost of living crisis created by the Tories in Westminster and said the SNP’s budget proposals were “a budget for  making West Lothian a fairer, greener and more prosperous county”.

 Councillor Andrew Miller said Labour insisted on holding onto reserves “for a rainy day while a monsoon beats against the window”.

He branded the Labour Tory administration as one of the most “uninspired” councils to represent West Lothian and wondered how many Labour councillors would explain the decision to strike deals with the Conservatives. “I think there maybe a few less of them in two months’ time, he added. 

Tory group leader Damian Doran-Timson criticised the SNP’s proposal to spend reserves during  challenging times, and when it was incumbent on the council to maintain reserve funds and produce balanced budgets.

He said: “Yet again we have a reckless promise from the SNP, that we had every year for the last five years, that they know they would not deliver if they were an administration. They can say it and make a headline out of it, saying this what they would have done.

“No they wouldn’t. They wouldn’t be so reckless.”

The Revenue Budget covers the council’s day-to-day expenditure and includes the cost of running services. That includes the cost of running schools, social care, operational services – such waste, roads and parks, winter and grounds maintenance – and a raft of other essential functions. 

Of the council’s total revenue budget 80% is funded directly from Scottish Government grant with the remaining 20% being generated via Council Tax, paid by local people. A Council Tax increase of 3% for all bands has been approved for 2022/23, which is below the current rate of inflation .

Approximately 80% of the council’s total revenue budget is spent on three priority areas, Education, Social Care and Operational Services. Education will continue to see the largest single investment with £206.7 million. 

Over £126 million will be invested in Social Policy which includes care homes, social work, care at home and care for vulnerable people. 

Nearly £64.8 million will be spent in Operational Services – which covers  roads, waste disposal, parks, maintenance of open spaces, flood prevention, fleet/community transport, subsidies for public transport, recycling centres, street cleansing and facilities management, which includes janitorial, cleaning and catering staff.

Councillor Fitzpatrick said: ” It is our priority to support people who are in greatest need and help to preserve and create jobs, and lift the economy within West Lothian, which is why we have targeted support across a wide range of measures that will help people through difficult times.”  

The council has also agreed a number of one-off spending packages worth over £2.2 million for Economic Development and Regeneration to support the local economy and create jobs, including support for initiatives to reduce the council’s carbon footprint. 

The West Lothian Jobs and Employability  programme will gain £550,000 with targeted support including pop up employability clinics. It would also enhance the Jobs Fund and resources available to support existing employability initiatives. 

A further £425,000 will be invested in community safety initiatives. 

The council has also agreed to continue to freeze school meals and reduce school meal prices by 10%. Further investment will also go into the Winter Resilience Fund.

by Stuart Somerville Local Democracy Reporter

The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) is a public service news agency: funded by the BBC, provided by the local news sector, and used by qualifying partners. Local Democracy Reporters cover top-tier local authorities and other public service organisations.

Gary Maclean the National Chef is launching his chef’s table at Bonnie & Wild in St James Quarter. This is where he will host exclusive private dining events designed to show off the best of the country’s food and drink.

Gary said: “After taking part in last year’s COP26, I felt even more fired up about promoting our national larder and telling the stories of some of Scotland’s amazing food and drink producers who put sustainability and the environment at the heart of their business. 

“By hosting these dinners in Bonnie & Wild’s Scottish Marketplace, and partnering with the B Corp Bruichladdich Distillery, I can bring these food and drink stories to a wider audience. I want to show people exactly why we should be so massively proud of the amazing produce and producers of Scotland.”

Gary’s five-course meal opens with a serving of artisanal rye bread and broth, before moving on to a course of traditional Scottish root vegetables and barbequed celeriac. A seafood course puts Shetland mussels on the menu, accompanied by sustainably sourced Gigha halibut. 

Gary explained: “Halibut has become a victim of its own popularity, and is now an endangered species. However, the incredible Gigha Halibut company have pioneered a land-based aquaculture system that means they can produce these beautiful fish sustainably and cleanly. Rather than a detrimental impact on the environment, one of the by-products is cleaner sea water.”

Following the seafood course is a serving of game, with a smoked roe deer loin taking centre stage. 

Gary said: “By eating local, culled roe deer, whose population is more than 350,000, we help to reduce the damage these herds cause to wildlife, forests and crops, while also avoiding the environmental impact that industrial animal farming can have.” 

For the fifth and final course, the humble apple takes centre stage, with Gary sourcing the fruit from the myriad small orchards around the Scotland, including many within urban environments. 

He said: “Local community gardens are found all over Scotland. They provide an abundance of seasonal organic produce, while also serving as a hub for local communities. They provide a platform for people to learn more about diet and the environment as well as learning the skills to grow healthy food. And it helps us all to be more aware of the food we have around us, in our gardens, our communities, and in our wild lands.”

Dinner guests will be treated to a range of drinks from Bruichladdich Distillery, including an Old Fashioned made from Port Charlotte 10, pear juice and native spices; a martini made from The Botanist Gin, silver birch vermouth and fermented gooseberry; and a highball comprising Bruichladdich’s Classic Laddie single malt whisky, rhubarb and rosemary.

Gary, who won BBC Masterchef: The Professionals in 2016, says partnering with Bruichladdich Distillery was the perfect fit.

He said: “We’ve partnered with Bruichladdich for B Corp month, which works to promote businesses that have a strong social purpose. They have a superb portfolio of drinks, and possess an ethos that chimes strongly with my own beliefs and approach to cooking and sourcing food.”

A bid to increase council tax by nearly 5% in Midlothian was narrowly defeated as councillors clashed over the charges.

The local authority’s Labour administration put forward plans for a 4.7% increase after Scottish Government guidance that they could raise the annual cost as long as it was less than inflation.

Council leader Derek Milligan told a virtual meeting of elected members that it was equivalent to £1.27 extra a week for households.

And he warned the next administration which will be elected after May’s council elections already faced a £12 million funding gap for the following year.

However opposition SNP councillors proposed a lower 2.38% increase arguing that residents in the county would be appalled at the rise being suggested by the Labour administration at a time of financial hardship.

And the Conservative group went further proposing a freeze on council tax for the coming year urging the council to dig deeper into its reserves to meet the funding gap.

Mr Milligan told the council meeting: “The cabinet secretary for finance and economy has stated that she does not expect inflation busting Council Tax increases, and our amendment recognises that expectation by keeping our recommendation for the increase in Council Tax below the current rate of inflation.

“Keep in mind the new administration is already starting with a £12million black hole for next year and inflation is running at 4.8-5%. This amount keeps us below this figure.

“It is about £1.27 a week in council tax rises.”

Mr Milligan was referring to the estimated amount of funding in the coming year’s budget which is ‘non-recurring’ and would have to be taken out of the following year’s budget as the £12 million gap.

Councillor Kelly Parry who put forward the lower rise for the SNP group said the increase was too high for residents already facing high inflation, energy cost increases and household pressures.

She said: “People will be appalled and wonder which colour the Labour party is.”

Urging councillors to back a zero per cent increase for the Conservative group, Councillor Andrew Hardie said: “We have to acknowledge to situation many people in Midlothian find themselves in. We have some wages not keeping up pace with inflation and the average shopping bill.”

Councillors were asked to vote for either the SNP or Conservative motion with the winning amendment then put forward against the Labour administration proposal.

The SNP amendment won by seven votes to five with Labour councillors abstaining.

When the SNP motion for a smaller increase went head to head with the Labour administration’s plans the vote was split by nine votes to nine with three Conservative councillors, including Councillor Hardie who proposed the council tax freeze, backing the 4.7% administration increase.

Provost Peter Smaill (Cons) who chaired the meeting had the deciding vote and gave it to the SNP group’s 2.38% increase which will now be introduced.

It will mean Band D council tax will rise from £1,409 to £1,442.60.

by Marie Sharp, Local Democracy Reporter
The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) is a public service news agency: funded by the BBC, provided by the local news sector, and used by qualifying partners. Local Democracy Reporters cover top-tier local authorities and other public service organisations.

Plans to demolish a former Edinburgh school and build nearly 50 flats in its place have been thrown out by councillors following a wave of objections.

The decision came after more than 160 local residents opposed the application submitted by CALA Homes to redevelop St Crispin’s School site on Watertoun Road. The school is moving into its new building just after half-term.

Neighbours said the proposed development – 49 units made up of 23 three-storey town-houses and three and four-storey blocks – would be “too dense” and complained the apartments would obstruct sunlight to their properties.

And with just 32 parking spaces available to new residents, it was also argued approval of plans would lead to increased traffic and parking issues on Watertoun Road.

Concerns were raised by users of the adjacent West Mains Allotments that existing problems with drainage from the site would leave some plant beds – as well as some nearby properties – at a higher risk of flooding.

Letters urging the council to reject plans were sent by local MP Ian Murray, ward councillors for the area Alison Dickie and Steve Burgess as well as Grange/Prestonfield Community Council.

Staff and pupils at the additional needs school vacated the building in Blackford lat the end of ast week as they prepare to move to new premises built on the former site of Burdiehouse Primary.

In its application, CALA said the old site’s redevelopment is “appropriate to the immediate site conditions and the surrounding residential neighbourhood”.

Planning officers recommended that members of The City of Edinburgh Council’s Development Management Sub-Committee granted planning permission, stating that there would be “no unacceptable impacts on residential amenity, road safety or flooding prevention”, adding: “Mitigation will be provided to offset the impact on trees and biodiversity”.

Conservative councillor Cameron Rose noted there was “quite a lot of local feeling about this”.

He said: “160-odd objections to this, and the objections relate to the overlooking, the daylighting and the change in the character, the density – and changes in the density – of the development that’s proposed.

“There’s quite a bit of impact on one side in particular and there are also concerns about the drainage arrangements and the impact on the allotments nearby.”

Cllr Alex Staniforth said: “I’d bring up not just the number of objections but the fact that we have objections from one of the local councillors, from the local MP and from the community council. It seems to me that when you have objections from people like that, it does behove us to hear their objections.”

Addressing concerns about potential flooding issues, council planning Officer Alex Gudgeon said: “It’s not [the developer’s] responsibility to alleviate existing issues on other sites.

“They’re absolutely required to make sure they alleviate issues on their own site and also making sure they’re not exacerbating issues in any neighbouring sites.”

He added that flooding engineers implied that the impact of the works would provide a “25 per cent improvement over the existing situation” and would “have a significant improvement on all of the neighbouring sites on each side of it”.

Cllr Rose pushed for a hearing on the application, saying the complexities of the site are “considerable on a number of different fronts”.

He added: “I think there are issues with car parking and if you read the 160-odd representations which there are, many of them relate to an insufficiency of car parking in this location causing problems nearby.

The committee was tied four votes to four over whether to make an immediate decision on the plans or request a hearing, giving convenor Neil Gardiner the casting vote.

Cllr Gardiner voted in favour of determining the application and said:  “I think we should make a decision today.

“There’s always a balance in planning applications and I think the balance in this one is that it meets the criteria and the flooding issue which I was concerned about in terms of the allotments, I understand that the applicant is willing to engage with allotmenteers.

“I think there’s enough reasons to approve the scheme, it may not be everyone’s cup of tea and it might not be perfect but we do need more houses, this is an urban site and there is a net betterment on the flooding issue.”

He accepted there would be “some impact on lighting” to neighbouring properties however added this would be “limited”.

Urging the committee to refuse the application, Cllr Rose said the three-storey block would obstruct houses to west of the site, adding: “They have been there for a long time and it will be a deterioration on their outlook. The land slopes down to their houses and so these three storey houses will be towering over them.

“The allotments have been there for a long time. There are measures we are told are satisfactory but they don’t include all the measures I thought had been agreed.”

Going to a final vote, the committee decided five votes to three in favour of refusing planning permission.

by Donald Turvill, Local Democracy Reporter
The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) is a public service news agency: funded by the BBC, provided by the local news sector, and used by qualifying partners. Local Democracy Reporters cover top-tier local authorities and other public service organisations.

Spokes are to hold a public meeting, on Monday 21 February from 7.30-9.30pm entitled Traffic Reduction Commitments, Scotland and Edinburgh.

The cycle campaign group say that The Scottish Government has made a “commitment” to reducing car-kilometres by 20% over the 2019 pre-Covid figures, by year 2030 – primarily as a response to the climate crisis, although with many additional side-benefits for public health and community.

Spokes say: “A “route map” of actions to achieve the 20% was published in January 2022, and is now out for public consultation. Already a whole year, a 1/10th of the time to 2030, has passed since the commitment was made, with little attempt so far to engage the public. Moreover, 2021 was a year in which car use fell significantly, due to Covid, presenting an opportunity to lock in the benefits. Instead it has been allowed to re-assert itself, and indeed there is some evidence of car travel moving into new areas as former car commuters who now work from home use their car in the day for local trips such as shopping or school.”

The City of Edinburgh Council has followed this up with a 30% ambition – which is a “target” rather than a commitment.

The Council aims to meet this through actions in the City Mobility Plan (CMP), with updates being reported every two years. The CMP is part of a wider policy package including the draft City Plan, 2030 Climate Strategy and the 20-minute neighbourhood strategy. Spokes think that a more specific route map to reach the target would be welcome and might elicit suggestions and constructive criticism.

Spokes will hold an online public meeting bringing together Scottish Government Minister Patrick Harvie MSP, who is responsible for active travel policies and Cllr Lesley Macinnes, the City’s Transport Convener, to explain, debate and be challenged on the route to achieving these very tough ambitions.

Dr Caroline Brown, a member of Spokes and of the Transform Scotland policy forum, will critique the government and council approaches.

This will be followed by an hour of debate between the panel members, prompted by questions from members of the public.

The QA/debate will be chaired by Dr Sam Gardner, head of the Edinburgh Climate Commission.

https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/8367858952972625168

Hospitality technology specialist, ePOS Hybrid, has reported a significant uplift across all parts of its business as it played a key role in helping hospitality sector clients to overturn the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Over the last 18 months ePOS Hybrid increased its client portfolio by more than 290% and product use has rocketed by 300% in the last 12 months – as both businesses and customers have adjusted to using more hospitality-based tech during and post-lockdown.

The Edinburgh-based firm – which offers a suite of fully connected point-of-sale solutions to a wide range of takeaways, bars, restaurants and other hospitality businesses across the world – is now gearing up for another round of investor funding to support its future expansion plans.

The market leading disruptive technology developed by the business can automate a bar or restaurant’s operations, streamline processes and enhance efficiency for both staff and customers.

Managers can receive in-depth reports and analysis of everything from tracking stock and food waste to reservations and capacity, while fully-branded online ordering platforms and mobile apps can be built and launched by users themselves within minutes, empowering hospitality businesses to take advantage of the growing online ordering and home delivery markets to drive online revenues while avoiding large third party commissions.

Founder and CEO of ePOS Hybrid, Bhas Kalangi, said: “The growth of ePOS Hybrid over the last 18 months can only be described as exponential – and we’re already on target to dwarf this growth in 2022.

“Despite the Covid-related challenges many businesses have faced over the last 18 months, demand for our products from customers in the hospitality sector have risen by more than 290%.

“Since 2020, total platform transactions have increased by more than 7,000%, up from around £970,000 to £78 million. This has been fuelled by increased demand from hospitality operators for transformative technologies which help to streamline their business and to meet head-on the changes in consumer trends and behaviour such as the massive switch to online ordering and home delivery.

“Operators have had to up their game and become much savvier in using technology to maintain  their profit margins, in an environment where wholesale and staffing costs are rising and to meet the challenge of improving the customer experience. That is driving demand for our suite of integrated point-of-sale solutions.”

Since its launch in January 2020, ePOS Hybrid’s tech has processed in excess of £78 million in transactions and more than six million people have used the firm’s products to buy a food or drink item.

ePOS Hybrid has continued to lead innovation within the industry throughout the pandemic as it continues to position itself for explosive international growth.

Its latest just-launched service features a level of product automation never seen before within the sector. Now, instead of customers having to go through a lengthy sales and onboarding process – typically taking weeks – business owners can buy, onboard and launch any of ePOS Hybrid’s dedicated hospitality products within minutes, directly from their website.

Using fully automated and intelligent customer onboarding, now even non-tech savvy customers can launch everything from a fully branded website with online ordering capabilities to a dedicated Apple & Android listed mobile app instantly, with no previous experience or knowledge. Even setting up a once complicated ePOS terminal is now done in minutes from a single dashboard and without the need of a dedicated customer onboarding team.

Bhas said: “This level of product automation has never been seen before, and we’re excited to be leading innovation within our sector. Our automation will allow us to scale and scale quickly, being able to onboard international customers in volume while not being limited by sales team capacity or complex, multi-touch sales cycles.

“While we automate the SME market and simplify the setup process for our small, independent customers around the world, our growth teams have greater available resource to better serve multi-location, enterprise clients with more complex requirements.”

ePOS Hybrid – which has operations at two sites in Edinburgh and one in London – already boasts an extensive portfolio of clients throughout the UK and Ireland. 2022 will see aggressive growth into European and global markets.

Our listing of what is on extends from half term week into March and beyond.

Wellbeing Weekend at the National Museum of Scotland 
Yoga, sketching and mindfulness 

4 – 6 March 2022 

National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, EH1 1JF 
A weekend of resetting, relaxing and reflection within the inspiring architecture and galleries of the National Museum of Scotland. As we emerge from the darkest months of the year, join in a series of events to reset your body and uplift your mind. From relaxing yoga to mindful sketching, make the most of the unique spaces and inspiring galleries at the museum to improve and enhance your wellbeing. 

Book now nms.ac.uk/WellbeingWeekend 

Yin Yang Flow Yoga 

Friday 4 March 
18:00-19:15 
£15, £13 Members and Concessions 
Suitable for all levels, age 16+.
 
Experience the museum after hours and gently ease into the weekend with some juicy Yin Yang flow yoga with Nadine from Meadowlark Yoga. A stretchy, restorative practice combining long hold poses with gentle flow work and that all-important relaxation. Please bring your own mat. 

Mindful viewing of Audubon’s Birds of America 

6 March 2022 
17:30-19:00 
£15, £13 Members and Concessions 

A rare chance to explore our special exhibition after hours, hosted by museum mindfulness teacher Laura Baxter. Taking time to savour pleasant experiences, such as looking at art, can increase our mental wellbeing. Through guided mindfulness practices, participants will discover how to slow down, connect with the artwork and each other. 

Mindful Sunday Sketch 

Sunday 6 March, 
13:00-14:30 and 15:00-16:30 
£10, £8 Members and Concessions 
Recommended age 14+. 
 

These small group sessions in the galleries will start with a short introduction to mindfulness followed by guided sketching (suitable for complete beginners but all levels welcome) before rounding off with a final mindfulness exercise.  
 
Sessions are led by Mindful Art, all materials will be provided.  

 
Wellbeing Trail 

4-6 March 
Free 
 
See the museum in a new light using the Wellbeing Audio Trail, or pick up a paper copy in the Grand Gallery. The trail takes you through our galleries, helping you find moments of mindfulness and wellbeing in the middle of our hectic, fast-moving lives. 

Book now nms.ac.uk/WellbeingWeekend 

 
Exhibitions & Displays  

 
OPEN NOW Audubon’s Birds of America 
Until 8 May 2022 
Exhibition Gallery 1, Level 3 
Ticketed, £0-£10 
 
This new exhibition at the National Museum of Scotland will examine the artistry and legacy of one of the world’s rarest, most coveted and biggest books.   

Published as a series between 1827 and 1838, Birds of America by John James Audubon (1785-1851) was a landmark work which achieved international renown due to the epic scale of the project and the book’s spectacular, life-sized ornithological illustrations.    

Audubon’s Birds of America (12 February – 8 May 2022) will showcase 46 unbound prints from National Museums Scotland’s collection, most of which have never been on display before, as well as a rare bound volume of the book, on loan from the Mitchell Library. This exhibition is a unique opportunity to see so much of Audubon’s work in one place.   

Supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery. 
 
Book now nms.ac.uk/BirdsofAmerica 

Scotland’s Climate Challenge 

Until 27 March 2022 
Exhibition Gallery 3, Level 1 
Free entry 

This small exhibition highlights the exciting work being carried out in Scotland to fight against climate change. It brings together just some of the technological responses that have been developed in Scotland or that are being used here in the effort to cut carbon dioxide emissions. On show are a range of leading-edge equipment, much of it newly collected, alongside samples of natural material. 

Supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery. 

Visit nms.ac.uk/ClimateChallenge 
 

The Typewriter Revolution 
Until 11 September 2022 
Exhibition Gallery 2, Level 3 
Free entry 

The typewriter’s social and technological influence is revealed in this new exhibition and looks at its role in society, arts, and popular culture. It traces the effect and evolution of typewriters across more than 100 years, from weighty early machines to modern style icons. 

The impact of the typewriter has been much wider than simply speeding up the way we write. It helped revolutionise the world of work and change the lives of working women in particular. Typewriters helped them launch their own businesses at a time when female employers were rare and became a vital weapon in the fight for the vote.  

Visit nms.ac.uk/Typewriters 
 

Inspiring Walter Scott 

Until 8 January 2023 
Exhibition Gallery 4, Level 1 
Free entry 
 
On the 250th anniversary of Sir Walter Scott’s birth, experience his novels through objects that inspired him. In this small exhibition we show how Scott drew upon real historical objects for inspiration, placing objects alongside Scott’s words, and the stories in which they feature. While you view these fascinating objects, you can listen to an actor reading extracts from these tales.  
 
In association with Walter Scott 250: Celebrating 250 Years of Scotland’s Greatest Storyteller and supporting Year of Stories 2022. 

Visit nms.ac.uk/walterscottexhibition 
 

Anatomy: A Matter of Death and Life 
1 July – 13 November 2022 
Exhibition Gallery 1, Level 3 
Ticketed 

Explore the history of anatomical study, from artistic explorations by Leonardo da Vinci to the Burke and Hare murders. 

 
This exhibition will look at the social and medical history surrounding the practice of dissection. It will trace the relationship between anatomy, its teaching and cultural context and the bodies that were dissected. Looking at Edinburgh’s role as an international centre for medical study, the exhibition will offer insight into the links between science and crime in the early 19th century. 

Supported by Baillie Gifford Investment Managers.

Visit nms.ac.uk/Anatomy 

 
Events 

February Half Term 

14 February – 17 February 2022 
10:00 – 12:00 & 14:00 – 16:00 
Grand Gallery, National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, EH1 1JF 
Free, drop-in 

Swoop into The National Museum of Scotland for some feathery February half term fun or download a hands-on activity to try at home. 
 

Join the Learning Enabler team at their drop-in Learning Trolleys to find out the basics of birdwatching – what to take, where to look and what to look for. Or have a go at a bird chatter challenge and see if you can match the bird to its call. 

Next, imagine the Grand Gallery is a garden and look up to spy six beautiful birds perched around the balcony. Can you identify all six and complete the answers on our bird watching challenge sheet?  

You can also fold your own paper origami dove with the team from Burns & Beyond. These doves will later be flown alongside 2,500 others in artist Michael Pendry’s creation, to debut at St Giles’ Cathedral in March 2022. 

Supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery 

Visit nms.ac.uk/exhibitions-events 

NEW Relaxed Opening Hour 

27 February 2022 
10:00-11:00 
Free entry 

Join us for our first monthly Relaxed Opening Hour, for anyone who would appreciate a calmer visit to the museum. 
 

This session is primarily for, but not limited to, families with autistic children; autistic young people and adults; adults living with dementia, adults and children with mental health problems, and any other visitors with sensory needs or who may prefer a more relaxed experience, plus their families, friends and carers.  

Friendly staff will be there to give you a warm welcome and support your visit, as you explore some areas of the museum without noisy interactives and videos to give a more relaxed environment. The Relaxed Opening Hour includes access to the entirety of the museum currently open to the public. At 11am sound will be switched back on, but visitors to this session are welcome to remain in the museum for as long as they like.  

Find out more at nms.ac.uk/exhibitions-events 

Spotlight On: Audubon’s Birds of America 
8 March 2022 
14:00-15:00 
Auditorium, Level 1, National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street,EH1 1JF 
Free, advance booking required.  
Suitable for those aged 12 and over. 

Join exhibition Curator Mark Glancy and Paper Conservator Lisa Cumming as they discuss how the exhibition Audubon’s Birds of America took flight.  

 
Discover how Birds of America, one of the world’s rarest and most coveted books, was made, and learn about the ongoing conservation work to preserve these life-size, hand-coloured prints for future generations.  

Book now nms.ac.uk/exhibitions-events 

 
The Joy of Birds 

31 March 2022 
7.30-8.30pm
Online 
Free, with optional donation 

Join David Lindo and Paul Walton for an online discussion celebrating the joy that birds bring us, the urgent threats they face, and the science and conservation work protecting them. 
 

David Lindo, also known as The Urban Birder, is a wildlife broadcaster, nature writer and urban wildlife educationalist. He is Vice-President of the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, Honorary President of the Colombia Bird Fair, and was voted 7th most influential person in Wildlife by BBC Wildlife Magazine. 

Paul Walton is Head of Habitats and Species for RSPB Scotland

Supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery. 

Book Now nms.ac.uk/JoyofBirds 

For booking, opening times and location details, contact National Museums Scotland on 0300 123 6789

Campervan converters in East Lothian have racked up more than a million YouTube views on their informative and tutorial videos with views from enthusiasts around the world.

Since uploading its first video to the platform in 2017, VW accredited Jerba Campervans has accumulated a cult-like following, with more than 5,000 subscribers to the channel, from as far afield as Mexico and Thailand.

With more than 56,000 hours of watch time – amounting to 6.5 years – the content ranges from product reviews, workshop videos, campervan tours and tips and tricks, sparking an interest from Jerba owners and keen campervanners alike.

All content is curated by the 14 strong team, who all share part ownership of the employee-owned firm and all take their turns on camera.

In addition to the firm’s popularity on YouTube, a Jerba Owners’ group has garnered more than 740 dedicated members who share images of their Jerba campervans alongside tips and product recommendations.

Domhnall Dods is an active member of the Jerba Owners’ group and a regular viewer of the YouTube channel.

He said: “The YouTube channel and community group are a fantastic point of reference for all who want more information about Jerba vans or to get hints and tips from other owners about living with a camper van.

“The Jerba Owners’ group was started by the Jerba community and it’s a friendly and helpful space for people to ask questions and share information. It’s particularly good as all the advice is tailored to Jerba vans rather than generic campervans.”

Domhnall, 55, bought his first Jerba Campervan in 2012, before selling it on in order to purchase a second van which he uses for regular trips with his wife and 15-year-old son.

He added: “I’m already on my third VW camper and third Jerba campervan, and it is my pride and joy. As a family, we take regular trips to meet up with friends across the UK and Ireland and we travel to France every year.

“When deciding what features we wanted for our second van, the YouTube channel came in really handy. We were thinking about getting a diesel hob, which we hadn’t had before so it was great to be able to refer to the videos to see how it worked ahead of buying.”

“The personal rapport Jerba has with its customers has, in my experience, always been second to none, and the YouTube channel, with its informative and helpful videos is an extension of that service.”

Jerba Campervans founded in 2005, specialise in converting Volkswagen Transporter T6.1 Models and is officially recognised by Volkswagen as a converter of the model. In 2015, Jerba Campervans gained a patent for their unique pop-up roof, which they add to all of their Volkswagen conversions.

The conversion company continues to keep their customers and staff at the heart of their business.

To find out more about Jerba Campervans, visit www.jerbacampervans.co.uk and its YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/c/JerbaCampervansvideo/videos

Performing arts students from Stagecoach Edinburgh and Stagecoach Edinburgh North will perform The Lion King and School’s Out for the first time in two years at Assembly Rooms on 20 February 2022.

Singing, dancing and acting has been proven to have a positive impact on children’s mental health, with Stagecoach Performing Arts recently reporting a surge in new student enrolments (50%) as it reopened its schools across the UK and welcomed students back in 2021. During the same month that Children’s Mental Health Week took place the schools are delighted to have their students treading the boards again following the relaxation of government advice.

Stagecoach Edinburgh Principal Tina Strong said: “We are really excited – the students are buzzing to be back performing in front of an audience again and to be in a theatre space. We wanted to challenge the children and do pieces that allowed the teachers to be creative with the content and the performers have responded really well to these pieces. There are complex harmony pieces, upbeat dances and some nice moments of humour.”

Stagecoach Performing Arts Edinburgh and Edinburgh North are  part of a network of more than 2000 extra-curricular Performing Arts Schools worldwide. Stagecoach aims to make a difference in its students’ lives by teaching Creative Courage for Life and many children have gone on to study and work in Performing Arts from blockbuster films to countless roles in local theatre productions. Early Stages classes are available for children aged four to six and Main Stages classes take place for six to 18-year-olds every weekend during term time.

For more information about Stagecoach Edinburgh visit their website at https://www.stagecoach.co.uk/edinburgh or https://www.stagecoach.co.uk/edinburghnorth

A Scottish charity which provides safe surgery for children in Africa and Latin America has won the backing of a leading UK fund manager which has its roots in Edinburgh.

Kids Operating Room (KidsOR), begun in 2018 by husband and wife philanthropists Garreth and Nicola Wood, has installed 50 Operating Rooms – giving 30,000 children in low and middle income countries a year access to safe surgery.

Its work will be boosted by support from the Artemis Charitable Foundation, the charitable trust set up by UK fund manager Artemis Investment Management, which has designated KidsOR as a beneficiary health charity and will contribute £25,000 in 2022.

In addition to providing state of the art paediatric Operating Rooms, KidsOR funds the training of paediatric surgeons and anaesthesia providers and works with National Ministries of Health to develop sustainable healthcare services.

Last year, Artemis Charitable Foundation funded the training of Burundian scholar, Dr Niyukuri’s – who, along with another trainee, will go on to become the country’s first paediatric surgeons.  

Artemis also contributed funding towards a paediatric Operating Room at AIC Kijabe hospital in Kenya which will be installed this Spring

By the end of this decade the charity aims to have installed 120 dedicated children’s Operating Rooms across Africa, providing essential surgery to more than 635,000 children.

Kate Smith, Director of Fundraising and Communication at KidsOR, said: “There are 1.7 billion children globally who do not have access to surgical care when they need it. KidsOR is addressing this by installing state of the art Operating Rooms and training surgical teams.

“It is fundamental to us have partners like Artemis supporting our work so that together we can provide more children with access to safe surgery.

“The Artemis Charitable Foundation has a long history of generously supporting international and local charities. We are delighted Artemis has selected KidsOR as its junior health charity for this year and we look forward to working closely together over the next year.”

The Artemis Charitable Foundation seeks to support core charities in health, poverty, education and the environment.

Derek Stuart, Trustee of the Artemis Charitable Foundation and Co-Founder of Artemis Investment Management, said: “We are proud to be supporting KidsOR’s aim of providing safe surgery throughout Africa. 

“The progress the charity has made in only four years is remarkable and we hope our support over the next year will push forward their objective of delivering safer surgery in Africa and Latin America.”

For more information on KidsOR, please visit: www.KidsOR.org

Although the home match at Tynecastle on Saturday against Livingston ended in a draw, Hearts knocked their opponents out on penalties.

After 120 minutes of actions the Jambos could not find a way past a stubborn Livingston backline, which meant the team would once again have to call upon their skipper Craig Gordon to dig them out of a hole. 

Scotland’s number one duly obliged and after Christian Montano hit the post, Gordon stopped a pop at goal from Ayo Obileye which sparked only muted celebration amongst the Hearts’ players. 

Livingston rarely make it easy for teams, and Gordon appeared relieved that Hearts are in the hat for the next round, heaping praise on the Hearts penalty takers.

He said: “It was a bit of a scrap at times.

“We had to really fight for that one. All credit to Livingston, I thought they performed really well, they made it very difficult for us, so we’re delighted to get through and we’ll see what comes next in the draw.

“I think that’s only my second win on penalties, out of about four or five. Every penalty shootout I’ve been in I’ve managed to save one, so then it’s up to the other guys to hit the target and today they were excellent. They stepped up and slotted their penalties away. 

“We wanted to do it in style today, but we’ve had to go all the way, fighting and scrapping and showing another side of our game, but no wild celebrations, we’ve not won or achieved anything yet, so keep our feet on the ground, keep progressing and improving and see where it takes us.”

Hearts currently sit ten points clear in third spot and after booking their place in the Scottish Cup quarter finals, it is shaping up to be quite a season for the newly promoted Jambos. 

Gordon was keen to explain that Hearts will only succeed if they continue to work hard:

He said: “It could be [a great season], but only if we keep working hard and pushing. If we can do that then we have a good chance to have a good and memorable season, but a couple of results and it could swing the other way. We need to be mindful of that and make sure we’re still right on our game and that there’s no complacency creeping in. 

“It’d be great to get through to Hampden and get to a semi-final and have a go there. Regardless of who it’s against, so hopefully we can get a home tie next, get the crowd behind us and have a real go.”

International law firm Pinsent Masons have completed a move into new offices in the centre of Edinburgh’s financial district.

More than 200 lawyers and business operations colleagues will have access to the 25,000 sq ft premises in Capital Square in Morrison Street where Pinsent Masons continues to adopt an “agile” approach to promote hybrid working.

Key specifications were factored into the office design to take into account changing working practices due to the coronavirus pandemic and to meet the company’s environmental objectives and to promote wellbeing.

Partner and Head of Office Edinburgh, Ewan Alexander, said: “We have long-established agile working practices across the firm’s international locations, but we felt it was necessary to review how the pandemic had changed staff attitudes to hybrid working and how we could best maximise the space available.

“As a result, we dialled down the number of physical workstations by more than 20% and freed up space to introduce more collaboration zones and meeting spaces within the new office. The design team put a lot of thought into the aesthetics, moving away from the older and colder office styles, to create a warmer more welcoming environment.

“We also revised our technological needs in view of the lessons learned from working through the pandemic, and now have a single video technology which is accessible for every user, be that on a meeting room screen or on an individual laptop or mobile device.”

Dedicated spaces for collaboration, wellbeing and focused work, as well as a stylish café and social hub with multifunctional use, along with the vibrant colour scheme, reinforces Pinsent Masons’ commitment to becoming a purpose-led business with their people and wellbeing at its heart. Also, the range of fabrics, materials and furniture were all chosen based on their sustainability credentials.

Ewan Alexander added: “We value being part of the Edinburgh business community and by investing in this flagship development we have underlined our commitment to Scottish businesses working across the UK and in international markets.

“The initial response from our people who have so far seen the new offices has been overwhelmingly positive and it is widely recognised that we have attempted to strike a balance to suit those who prefer working most of their time in an office environment, and colleagues who have embraced hybrid working, including working from home.”

‘Van Gogh Alive’, the multi-sensory phenomenon created by Grande Experiences, finally arrives in the heart of Edinburgh next month and will transform Festival Square into an immersive, one-of-a-kind kind exhibit of the life and work of the seminal Dutch artist. Scotland’s Capital takes on hosting the exhibition following successful runs in Media City Manchester and Kensington Gardens that saw it quickly become one of London’s must-see cultural attractions of 2021. 

‘Van Gogh Alive’ is also delighted to announce a partnership agreement with the city’s Business Improvement District – Essential Edinburgh.  The partnership will see ‘Van Gogh Alive’ work with Essential Edinburgh to provide visitors to the hit experience with a retail, food and drink experience that takes them beyond the exhibition and into the heart of the city centre.   

It’s not just Van Gogh’s art that has stood the test of time, but many of his famous quotes have continued to connect with and touch people today. To celebrate that and just in time for Valentine’s Day, Edinburgh residents can look forward to ‘Van Gogh Alive’ billboards popping up around the city that showcase quotes from Van Gogh himself, speaking to timeless truths about love and human connection.  

In a little over a month in the Covid-safe venue purpose-built in Festival Square, audiences can immerse themselves in the life and work of Vincent van Gogh with more than just their eyes. State-of-the-art SENSORY4™ immersive gallery technology displays Van Gogh’s work in a kaleidoscope of colour. Set to an evocative classical score that is delivered via a high-fidelity 3D sound system, this combination of sound, visuals and aromas of Provence will give visitors the sensation of walking right into his paintings as if they are living and breathing.  

Visitors will also be offered the chance not just to experience art, but create their own; with interactive art stations and expert video tutorials to help channel the wealth of artistic inspiration found in the exhibit.  Visitors can also create their own souvenirs within a life-sized walk-in representation of Van Gogh’s ‘Bedroom in Arles’ painting and the iconic ‘Sunflower selfie room’ – a 360° mirrored room complete with thousands of sunflowers that has delighted Instagram feeds the world over.  

John Carrigan, Project Director for ‘Van Gogh Alive’ said “It is important for us as a visiting exhibition that we link in with the local business eco-system and work across stakeholder groups so that we can maximise the opportunity ‘Van Gogh Alive’ brings. We are thrilled that Essential Edinburgh is one of our first partners and we are looking forward to working with them.”  

Roddy Smith, Chief Executive of Essential Edinburgh said: “We are delighted to be partnering with ‘Van Gogh Alive’.  It is fantastic news for Edinburgh city centre that this ground breaking experience is coming to the city in March. We fully expect it to attract visitors from all around Scotland and further afield, as well as encouraging our residents to pop into town.

“It is a great opportunity for those visiting ‘Van Gogh Alive’ to also visit all the restaurants, bars, hotels and retailers in the city – making use of everything our great city has to offer. This blockbuster multi-sensory experience adds further to the year round offering in the city centre, and we are delighted it has chosen Edinburgh city centre as its next destination.” 

Bruce Peterson, owner of Grande Experiences, said: “After mesmerising a global audience of over 8 million people and selling-out cities all over the world, including Rome, Sydney and Beijing, we’re incredibly excited that ‘Van Gogh Alive’ makes it’s Scottish debut in the nation’s capital. This is an unforgettable cultural experience for all the family.” 

Tickets are available at www.vangoghaliveuk.com/edinburgh: £22/20 (concessions) for adults and £15 for children, with school group discounts available and Under 5’s are free of charge.

If you are worried about COVID symptoms affecting your visit, then you can book with confidence because anyone with symptoms or who has been asked to self-isolate should attend the exhibition. And with that in mind, we have updated our terms and conditions so that you have up to 48 hrs before your visit to return or exchange your tickets for these reasons. Tickets are available via our official trusted ticketing partner and member of The Society of Ticket Agents and Retailers, Red61. 

New energy campaign offers residents advice and support with bills

Edinburgh residents who may be struggling with rising energy costs are being offered advice and support with their bills as part of a city-wide campaign aimed at helping those who are most in need.

Run by The City of Edinburgh Council in partnership with Changeworks and Home Energy Scotland, the campaign seeks to support people experiencing, or most at risk from, fuel poverty with energy savings advice so they can save money on their bills.

As well as helping residents find out if they are eligible for grants or funding for energy efficiency home improvements, help is also being offered to people dealing with fuel debt and high energy prices.

In key areas of the city, home owners and private tenants are being urged to call Home Energy Scotland for support, free on 0808 808 2282 and Council tenants are being urged to call the Energy Advice Service for free on 0800 870 8800.

They can also visit www.edinburgh.gov.uk/EnergyAdvice for more information.

Last year, 790 Council tenants were supported through the Energy Advice Service with gas and electricity billing issues and with support around supplier debt. The service also gained around £170,000 of savings for the tenants.

Home Energy Scotland has also helped 24,000 homeowners and private tenants across Scotland to benefit from the Scottish Government funded Warmer Homes Scotland programme since it launched in 2015. Eight out of ten have received completely free energy efficiency improvements, with each of them also saving on average around £300 on their energy bills per year.

Home Energy Scotland is a free advice service funded by the Scottish Government. They work hand in hand with the Council’s Energy Advice Service to make sure people in Edinburgh get all the support they need from their friendly advisors.

Council Leader Adam McVey said: “This valuable campaign comes at a time when many households across the city will be faced with a choice of heating their homes or eating – due to rising food and energy bills as well as a £1,000 cut in universal credit payments for those who need support most- all contributing to this cost of living crisis.

“We want to do all we can to help make sure people most at need are able to access the advice and support available to them so that they can live in warmer, more comfortable homes.

“I urge anyone in the city struggling with their bills to call Home Energy Scotland or the Energy Advice Service so they can get the support they need today.”

Depute Leader Cammy Day added: “Rising home energy costs are leaving many people across Edinburgh worried about how they will pay their gas and electricity bills.

“We want to make sure that people know there is help and support there for them. If you’re a Council tenant, this is through our Energy Advice Service, run in partnership with Changeworks, and for people who own their own home, support is there from Home Energy Scotland.

“Their advisors have lots of excellent advice and tips to help people save money on bills so get in touch as they will be happy to share them. Making a few small changes can add up to a big difference.”

Unite the union has warned The Scottish Government not to destroy the NHS or care services provided by local authorities when developing a National Care Service.

The union believes that an independent evaluation of the government’s consultation on developing a service in the next four years concludes that the consultation was rushed with vague and included unclear questions. But the union is clear that everyone from service users to the workers themselves believe that the level of care currently provided is insufficient. Unite demands proper funding to address this.

Pat Rafferty, Secretary for Unite Scotland, said: ‘This consultation has identified that there is need for improvement, but that can only come if there is proper investment in the service.  NHS and Local Authorities have suffered severe underfunding for the past 10 years and, as a result, services have obviously been negatively impacted.” 

“The new National Care Service has got to be democratically accountable and delivered locally, for the benefits of communities and service users.”

“Our NHS and Local Authorities are currently the backbone of care in Scotland and this should be built upon, not diluted. This cannot be a vehicle for the further expansion of privatisation, with private companies who are profit driven at the expense of care, gaining more profitable contracts which ultimately leave a greater burden on Public Services.”

Unite’s call is that the National Care Service should be:

•      A properly funded and publicly owned National Care Service which involves participation from the trade unions and local government.

•      A minimum of £15 an hour for all social care workers.

•      A minimum floor of terms and conditions for all social care workers, which includes two 30 mins paid rest breaks, access to enhanced sick pay, and consistent provision of pensions. 

•      The establishment of collective bargaining in all areas of social care services, including the Third sector and private sector. 

•      The Scottish Social Services Council registration fee to be fully funded by the Scottish Government.

The Edinburgh office of JTC – a global professional services company – have raised almost £5,000 for the local charity With Kids.

The local team took part in a variety of fundraisers. Director Kirsty Cowie was challenged to escape from her office by raising enough money armed only with a mobile phone. Manager Iain Weston completed a running challenge and the whole office took part in a raffle.

The charity works to improve the mental health and emotional well being of children from traumatic or chaotic backgrounds through play therapy. There are also therapy sessions for parents, carers and professionals who work with children.

The money raising project was part of JTC’s group-wide “Maximising Potential” initiative with more than 1,000 employees in 20 offices taking part in the fundraisers for educational charities at the end of last year. In total more than £86,000 was raised with a combination of donations from JTC and the employee fundraisers.

Kirsty Cowie, Director, JTC in Edinburgh, said: “I’m so pleased with how our team in Edinburgh came together in true JTC spirit to raise a significant sum for such an important local children’s charity. In a relatively short space of time, and with a bit of creative thinking, we were able to raise an impressive amount that will make a real difference to the fantastic team at With Kids and support the amazing work they do in supporting children and their families.”

The next student development will be built in Abbeyhill where construction is beginning on a 149- bed scheme comprising student studios and cluster flats.

Glencairn Properties has secured GRAHAM to manage the design and build of the multimillion pound development. Edinburgh-based Glencairn say they want to regenerate the area and provide desirable student flats to cope with increased demand.

The site is at the corner of Montrose Terrace and West Norton Place where the developer promises a “characterful building sympathetically designed” to reflect the original 19th century street.

The building project will help to create 12 jobs and a further 10 jobs for security and maintenance once it is complete.

Gary Holmes, Regional Managing Director for GRAHAM’s Building division, said: “Glencairn Properties has a track record of delivering high-quality homes and we are very pleased to work with their team to deliver the Montrose Terrace scheme as they expand their purpose-built student accommodation portfolio.

“GRAHAM’s expertise across the student accommodation sector will bring a wealth of knowledge to the build. Edinburgh’s world-renowned universities and colleges drive a significant volume of investment within the city, and it is important that there is the correct level of accommodation to match student intake which Montrose Terrace will help to achieve.”

Daryl Teague, Managing Director at Glencairn Properties, said: “Edinburgh is a diverse city with a large student population. Our investment into this state-of-the-art accommodation, matches the quality of education available.

“We are thrilled to get underway to deliver prime student accommodation in the heart of the city, transforming a currently derelict site into a space that is cleverly designed for modern-day lifestyle habits. The community support from the outset, has been very encouraging and we are confident that it will help to boost the economy through tenancies and job creation.”

56three Architects and Will Rudd Davidson were appointed as the architect and consultant engineer on the scheme respectively.

Something special is coming to Edinburgh for the first time later this month – combining dance fitness, fun and body positivity for all-round mental and physical wellbeing.

Founded by dancer-turned-entrepreneur Bonnie Lister Parsons, School of SOS’s inspiring live dance classes are taking over the nation.  Valued at £2.5million, the global dance community supports and empowers womxn by bringing accessible, sass-fuelled dance routines both in person and digitally on-demand.

Kicking off this month, the School of SOS ‘On the Strut’ UK tour is filled with female empowerment and has body positivity at its core, arriving in Edinburgh on Saturday 26th February.

The tour is created by A-list choreographers who work with stars like Beyonce, Lizzo, Rihanna and JLo – but don’t fear, if dancing isn’t usually your jam, all experience levels are very welcome and catered for. The friendly instructors place heavy emphasis on just having fun, feeling good within your own skin and leaving the class feeling empowered!

Classes include dance routines set to either Doja Cat’s, ‘Woman’ or AMARNI’s ‘Beyoncé’ and attendees also have the chance to attend a 30 minute Body Positivity panel of local influencers who aim to raise awareness around confidence, being kind to our amazing bodies and looking after our mental, physical and spiritual wellbeing.

Wonderland on Lothian Road is celebrating a half century of being in the model-making business.

Founded in 1972 by clothing retailer, Peter Barton, the specialist model shop has filled the gap in Edinburgh for many youngsters and not so young model enthusiasts over the years. Now it is one of the biggest online model retailers in the UK with a bigger than ever range of models available. With Hornby and Airfix among the brands to choose from, there are also newer names on the shelves to tempt buyers.

The shop began in Rose Street and then moved to larger premises on Lothian Road where the business still operates under the control of Iain Reid, who is Peter Barton’s stepson. Although Reid had no previous experience of retail he has taken the business from its early success to a massive online presence at wonderlandmodels.com shipping models all over the UK and beyond.

The business has toughed it out during High Street ups and downs and Iain said that he is particularly grateful to the customers. He said: “We are very grateful for the continuous customer support that has lasted over many generations – with parents, sons, daughters, grandparents and grandchildren all shopping with us through the years. For us, this momentous year is all about giving back to our customers.”

One customer in particular used to spend hours in the store getting some inspiration for his own work. Renowned Edinburgh artist and sculptor, Sir Eduardo Paolozzi, was a regular visitor.

During the pandemic many had more time for hobbies such as model-making, and as a result the store did not have to furlough any employees as they grew their online marketplace. Iain said: “It really forced our customers into embracing internet shopping, which we were thankfully able to cater for. We also found that with more time to spend at home, there’s been a big resurgence amongst adults in nostalgic hobbies like model making, model railways and construction toys. At the same time, we’ve seen growth in collectible toys from brands like Papo and Schleich, offering collectability and great play value – ideal for keeping cooped-up kids away from the computer and TV screens.”

The team behind the shop is also important to the success of the business and Iain praised them for their passion and enthusiasm. He said: “With over 110 years of experience between them, my eleven-man team is an incredible source of knowledge and advice which our customers appreciate and rely on. With their commitment to providing the best possible customer care, they provide a level of service in store and online that other retailers just can’t match in my opinion.”

To mark half a century in business, Wonderland is working with local ecommerce agency Digital Six, to develop a new and improved online store. Speaking of the year ahead, Iain said: “Our new site, launching in the Spring, will be faster and more user-friendly with a host of new features that will deliver an even better experience for our customers. And throughout the year we’ll be running plenty of competitions and giveaways with exciting prizes to be won – so keep an eye on our Facebook and Instagram channels for more information.”

Safety improvements to a dangerous Edinburgh junction have still not been started – nearly five years after the tragic death of a pedestrian.

Calls for changes at the Davidson’s Main’s roundabout predated the tragedy, but despite a council promise to overhaul the junction by the end of 2021, work has not yet begun.

Ward councillor for Almond, Kevin Lang, claims the final designs for the changes “have not even been agreed”.

Council leader Cllr Adam McVey pledged that action will be taken “as quickly as possible”.

In spring 2017, Alena Faltyskova visited the capital with her husband as part of her 70th birthday celebrations.

On 14 May as she walked over the pedestrian crossing on Main Street in Davidson’s Mains on her way to church there, she was struck by a number 41 Lothian bus.

Mrs Faltyskova who was with her husband was killed instantly. Th couple had been married for 30 years at the time.

The driver, James Muir, later pled guilty to driving without due care and was disqualified for two years.

A sheriff ruled he “failed to keep a proper lookout for other road users”.

But Cllr Lang said the accident “came after years of concerns from residents about the dangers of roundabout”.

He added: “Residents had been concerned for many years about the dangers of the junction, particularly given the area is a key route to school for local primary and secondary children.

Following the incident council offers proposed safety improvements to the design and layout. In 2019, a public consultation on the planned changes was launched, and it was later promised the junction would be overhauled by the end of last year.

At a full council meeting on Thursday Cllr Lang noted the five year anniversary of Mrs Faltyskova’s death is approaching and that “no changes have been delivered”.

He said: “It is disgraceful that, five years after Alena’s tragic death and despite all the promises made at the time, not a single change has been made to improve the safety of pedestrians at the Davidson’s Mains roundabout.

“Despite a pledge that changes would be in place by the end of 2021, I understand the final designs for the changes have not even been agreed. It still remains unclear as to when any improvements will be seen on the ground.

“As we approach this landmark anniversary of Alena’s death, the Council Leader needs to personally intervene so the promised changes are delivered and pedestrians are better protected”.

Council Leader, Cllr Adam McVey, replied saying he is “absolutely happy” to follow the matter up with officers and “find out exactly where this is in the process”.

He said he’ll aim to find out the reason for delays, adding he will push to get action “as quickly as possible”.

by Donald Turvill, Local Democracy Reporter
The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) is a public service news agency: funded by the BBC, provided by the local news sector, and used by qualifying partners. Local Democracy Reporters cover top-tier local authorities and other public service organisations.

A massive shortfall of candidates and pressure to significantly increase salaries and perks makes grim reading for financial services sector businesses in Scotland, according to a new report.

An exodus of international staff due to Brexit, Covid-related career changing and the climate crisis are the main factors which have caused huge employment gaps in certain sectors, leaving the industry at an “uncertain crossroads”.

Now in its seventh year, Core-Asset Consulting’s “Industry Trends and Salary Guide” is a forensic review of salary levels and also a gauge of market sentiment, activity and the themes that are impacting financial services across Scotland.

The guide reports that despite some of the most extreme market conditions in living memory, the Financial Services Asset Management Services industries have remained broadly resilient, with roles such as Business Analysts, Solutions Architects and Regulatory Risk in the highest demand.

However, with vacancies up 52% and applicants down 5% on the previous 12 months, this year’s report highlights a growing staffing crisis across multiple sectors caused by the perfect storm of Brexit, increased remote working, the cutting of intern and trainee programmes, and the reluctance of many to relocate for work.

The report found that candidates actively applying for roles was down 35%, while conversely recruiters are having to up the ante to source 57% more candidates than in 2020.

Betsy Williamson, the founder and MD of Core-Asset, said that the latest edition of the annual report, which is eagerly anticipated across the sector, makes alarming reading for its audience.

She said: “With a predecessor as turbulent as 2020, it was clear that 2021 was going to be another year of unpredictable change within financial services, and the sector is now at an uncertain crossroads with huge hurdles to overcome.

“In contrast to the start of the coronavirus pandemic where many staff were fighting for their jobs, we are now seeing a massively candidate-buoyant market, driving increased pressure on employers to offer better salaries, more flexibility and competitive perks to attract and retain the best talent.

“The reduction in available labour is connected with the UK’s exit from the European Union and the exodus of overseas nationals returning to native soil – with more than 200,000 EU citizens leaving the UK during 2020.

“Additionally, thousands of workers placed on furlough at the height of the pandemic have since switched careers, leaving massive employment gaps in certain industries, while rising demand across sectors like Fintech and Environmental and Social Governance (ESG) has been driving salaries to unprecedented levels.”

The guide sets the stall for salary reviews in Scotland’s financial services sector which usually happen in March and April. Uniquely, all of the data is entirely Scottish and the report sets expectation for those who are awarding salaries, allowing them to benchmark against competitor organisations.

The report also gauges market sentiment and activity, as well as highlighting the themes that are impacting financial services across Scotland. Major issues this year include staff shortages, ESG, Brexit and ethical investing.

The guide highlights ethical investment as an area of financial services that has grown exponentially in recent years, with the number of job listings for ESG analysts in Scotland increasing by 70% over the last two years – reflective of soaring global demand for socially responsible investment.

Betsy Williamson added: “Nearly every big business has an ESG strategy and the major investment firms are promoting Socially Responsible Investment portfolios across mainstream media.

“ESG is no longer a box-ticking exercise where investment houses can take the path of least resistance, it is expected that it is now an integral part of the investment process, and this is reflected in the massive surge in employment opportunities in this field.

“Yet there is a shortage of candidates coming through to meet the demand for ESG-related roles. We need academic institutions in Scotland to catch up with trends and to encourage undergraduates to consider the benefits of a career in this field. Those working in and around the sector must also be encouraged to up-skill.”

Core-Asset Consulting is Scotland’s pre-eminent recruitment and headhunting agency dedicated to financial and professional services. Formed in 2005, it was born out of Betsy Williamson’s desire to take the best of her experience of large corporate recruiters, applying the focus on infrastructure and training to a more sector-specialised business.

Based in Edinburgh, the £14m firm employs 22 people and works across the entire financial services sector, from the smallest boutiques to the biggest global players.

Initially the firm carved its reputation in Scotland’s globally-renowned asset management sector. However, the success of its model allowed it to expand across the wider financial services market. It now boasts dedicated accounting, investment operations and finance teams and also works in Scotland’s thriving legal sector.

The Industry Trends and Salary Guide is 63 pages of market analysis, salary data and insights from consultants, clients and candidates. To register to receive a copy Click here