The Scottish Government recently appointed a Circular Economy Minister, following its cooperation with the Scottish Greens, and today there was an update on progress.

Circular Economy Minister, Lorna Slater, has only been in the job a matter of months, but she reported today that Dr Colin Church is to be appointed independent chair of the review into incineration in dealing with waste.

Dr Church is a waste and sustainability expert and will now take one of the SNP/Scottish Green Party agreed stances forward. The Minister explained that all planning authorities in Scotland must now notify Scottish Ministers of any applications or decisions which involve incineration facilities. This requirement will last until the end of the review period.

A first round of £7 million funding from the government’s £70 million Recycling Improvement Fund has also been awarded to seven local authorities to increase recycling, while preparing (or awaiting) other schemes such as the Deposit Return Scheme. No funds have been allocated to The City of Edinburgh Council.

Although the planned start date for the Deposit Return Scheme on bottles was April 2021, the Minister blamed Brexit, the pandemic, and a lack of clarity from the UK Government on the VAT treatment of deposits for the delay in implementing it.

Ms Slater said: “A circular economy is at the heart of Scotland’s response to the climate emergency and will help dramatically reduce the amount of waste generated in Scotland.

“We must also find better ways to deal with the waste our economy is currently creating. That’s why I’m pleased that Dr Colin Church will bring his wealth of experience from across the waste and environmental sectors to our review on the role of incineration.

“To make sure that any plans are closely monitored while the review is ongoing, we have issued a temporary notification direction today. This will ensure that Ministers are abreast of any new planning applications or planning decisions relating to incinerators. It is temporary and does not in any way pre-empt the outcome of the review.

“We’re also taking action to transform recycling in Scotland. Our Recycling Improvement Fund will deliver one of the biggest investments in recycling in Scotland in a generation. It will make it easier for households to recycle more, and help to deliver the rates of recycling needed to meet Scotland’s ambitious climate targets.

“We are committed to introducing the UK’s first deposit return scheme, helping to increase recycling, reduce littering, and meet our climate targets. While the scheme has been impacted by Brexit and a global pandemic, we are working intensively with Circularity Scotland and industry to make sure it is delivered effectively.”

Scottish Liberal Democrat spokesperson for the climate emergency Liam McArthur pressed the SNP/Green government to provide a clear timetable and adequate information regarding the introduction of the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS).

Mr McArthur said: “This is the second delay to the Deposit Return Scheme and now we don’t even have a date for introduction.

“Small businesses, particularly in rural and island areas, lack the information and clarity they need to prepare.

“Given the international precedents for rolling out deposit return schemes, it is really hard to understand why the Scottish Government is making such a mess of introducing DRS in Scotland.”

Scottish Labour environment and biodiversity spokesperson Mercedes Villalba said: “That this delay is indefinite demonstrates how low down the government’s agenda this vital legislation is.

“It’s all too clear that a combination of caving to lobbyists and a lack of political will has caused this delay.

“The SNP and the Scottish Greens are all too happy to backslide on their environmental commitments time and time again – the people of Scotland and our planet deserve better.”

Kim Pratt, Circular Economy campaigner at Friends of the Earth Scotland talked about the moratorium on incineration as a good first step. Kim Pratt said: “Like the moratorium on fracking, this is the first step towards a permanent ban on incineration in Scotland. Environmentally damaging and wasteful practices, such as incineration, belong in the past. They have no place in Scotland’s future if we are to meet our recycling and Net Zero targets.

“Incinerator operators across Scotland have failed to deliver on promises to make their plants energy efficient. Their false promises cannot be allowed to sway the direction of the review. It’s time for the voices of the communities, who are most impacted by the pollution created by incinerators, to be heard.

”Scotland can turn around the current rush to incineration and create a circular economy, where materials are used as efficiently as possible and climate emissions from waste are eliminated. This system change requires strong leadership. The Chair of this review now has an opportunity to provide Scotland with an exit strategy from incineration.”

Friends of the Earth explain that incinerators release greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere, contributing directly to climate change. The Scottish Government’s climate change advisory body, the Climate Change Committee estimates that incinerators now emit more carbon than coal in the UK. The environment body says there are six Scottish incineration plants which burn municipal waste, none of which meet SEPA standards for energy recovery or generate both electricity and heat.

Police Scotland has released images of a man they believe may be able to assist them in relation to an ongoing investigation.

This investigation centres around an incident which occurred on Annandale Street, near Broughton Street, Edinburgh around 4pm on Friday, 14 May, 2021.

The man whom officers wish to speak to is described as white, aged 17-20 years of age and of medium build with short brown hair.  He was wearing a yellow high vis jacket, black cargo trousers and work boots.

Detective Constable Mhairi Macpherson said: “Our enquiries have been ongoing since this incident occurred and as part of our investigation, we are releasing CCTV images of a man we believe could assist us. I’d ask the person himself or anyone who recognises him and who can help us identify him, to contact officers.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 2162 of Saturday, 15 May, 2021. An anonymous report can also be made to independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.

The National Records of Scotland (NRS) have issued a weekly update on the number of deaths involving Covid-19 as well as their monthly report and ethnicity analysis of those who have died.

Week 45: 8 November – 14 November 2021

As at 14 November, 11,933 deaths have been registered in Scotland where the novel coronavirus was mentioned on the death certificate, according to statistics published by National Records of Scotland (NRS) today.

Between 8 November and 14 November, 115 deaths were registered that mentioned Covid-19 on the death certificate, 25 fewer than the previous week.

Of deaths involving Covid-19 in the latest week:

·         57 were female, 58 were male.

·         60 were aged 75 or older, 32 were aged 65 to 74 and 23 were under 65.

·         There were 15 deaths in Fife, 14 in Glasgow City and 8 in South Lanarkshire. In total 25 council areas (out of 32) had at least one death involving Covid-19 last week.

·         102 were in hospitals, 4 were in care homes and 9 were at home or a non-institutional setting.

There were 1,327 deaths from all causes last week, 222 (20%) more than the five year average.

Analysis of deaths occurring between March 2020 and October 2021 shows that after adjusting for age, people living in the most deprived areas were 2.5 times as likely to die with Covid-19 as those in the least deprived areas. The size of this gap has widened from 2.1 to 2.5 over the period of the pandemic.

This week’s report includes an updated analysis of deaths of people of different ethnicities. The main findings from this are:

·         Deaths amongst people with Pakistani ethnicity  were 3.7 times as likely to involve Covid-19 as people with White Scottish ethnicity.

·         Deaths amongst people with Chinese ethnicity (1.7 times as likely), Indian ethnicity (1.7 times as likely) and Other Asian ethnicity (3.0 times as likely) were more likely to involve Covid-19 than people with White Scottish ethnicity.

·         Deaths amongst people with White Other British ethnicity were less likely to involve Covid-19 than people with White Scottish ethnicity  (0.8 times as likely).

·         The likelihood of deaths among people with Other White, White Polish and White Irish ethnicity involving COVID-19 was not significantly different from those with White Scottish ethnicity.

Pete Whitehouse, Director of Statistical Services, said: “The number of registered Covid-19 deaths has fallen to the lowest number since early September. The next couple of weeks will provide valuable evidence on whether the latest fall is the start of a sustained decline or a continuation of the recent fluctuations.  

“Our analysis shows that there continues to be an increased risk of dying with COVID-19 amongst people living in Scotland’s most deprived areas and that deaths of people with a Pakistani, Chinese, Indian or Other Asian ethnicity are more likely to involve Covid-19 than those of people with a White Scottish ethnicity.”

The Edinburgh Boiler Company (EBC) has continued a successful year by winning the Small Company Achievement of the Year award at the 2021 H&V News Awards.

The firm landed the prestigious UK honour at a ceremony in London, the accolade not only underlining the firm’s position as the leading boiler installer in Scotland but also establishing it as one of the top such firms in Britain.

A panel of judges from across the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) sector praised the Edinburgh Boiler Company for investing in staff, its initiatives for customers including NHS discounts and priority appointments and its environmental commitment that sees a tree planted for every boiler fitted.

EBC managing director Mark Glasgow said: “I’m immensely proud to have picked up this award. It’s a really important one for us as we were up against businesses from across the UK. It’s the biggest and most prestigious awards the sector has running at the moment.

“Congratulations to all the other companies who were shortlisted, some great businesses, each equally deserving.

“The win reflects the high professional standards we set and the huge amount of work that everyone puts in. It wouldn’t have been possible without our amazing staff or our customers.

“I am confident the HVAC industry will lead the way in the journey towards net zero by reducing carbon from heating.

“The Edinburgh Boiler Company will keep doing what it can in the fight against climate change and this kind of recognition that we have received has given everyone a real boost and a renewed focus to keep going the extra mile.”

Operations manager Ben Caird was in London to receive the firm’s latest award.

Commenting on the award, the judges said: “A stand-out feature was their incredible marketing, which they lead in-house, and their brilliant environmental initiative that sees them plant a tree per boiler they fit.”

EBC was also shortlisted for the Domestic Heating Contractor of the Year award.

Hosted by comedian Rob Beckett, the night of recognition and celebration of the sector’s achievements allowed the heating, ventilation and air conditioning industry elite to come together in person for the first time since April 2019.

The Edinburgh Boiler Company recently expanded into a larger headquarters in the city, the premises also housing its new state-of-the-art Energy Training Academy aimed at helping reduce the sector’s skills shortage.

In March, EBC became the first member of the STV Green Fund with a pledge to plant a tree for every boiler fitted, that number currently sitting at more than 550. Earlier this year the firm was named winner of the Outstanding Customer Service Initiative category at the 2021 Global Business Excellence Awards.

For more information see https://theedinburghboilercompany.com/.

New direct flights to Turkey will begin next year.

A new service between Edinburgh and Turkey will launch for summer 2022 as SunExpress will begin to fly to and from Edinburgh Airport.

The new service to Antalya will begin in April 2022 operating on Tuesdays and Saturdays, then stepping up to Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from May 24 2022. The service will be served by a Boeing 737 fleet.

It’s the first time the airline has operated routes to and from Scotland.

Kate Sherry, Aviation Director at Edinburgh Airport said: “We are excited to be bringing a new airline to Edinburgh and offering more choice to passengers looking to take a well-earned holiday. Turkey is one of the most requested destinations from our customers looking to get some sunshine and this will increase Scotland’s connectivity in a sustainable fashion thanks to SunExpress’ modern fleet of aircraft.”

Peter Glade, SunExpress’ Commercial Director said: “We are very pleased to be able to offer our passengers attractive and direct connections to the most beautiful destinations in Turkey again in the coming season.

“The country offers everything that makes for a successful holiday: crystal-clear water, beautiful beaches, excellent cuisine and unbeatable value for money.”

Children who love singing and who are aged between eight and nine-years-old are encouraged to apply to be a Chorister for the afternoon with the Choir of St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral.

The Be A Chorister Afternoon takes place on 26 November 2021 from 2.30pm and will offer those taking part an insight into what being a chorister is like. Children will sing with the choristers, learn new music and visit St Mary’s Music School which the choristers attend and which is at present nearby. There will be a special performance at the end of the day which families can attend.

Revd Marion Chatterley, Vice Provost of St Mary’s Cathedral, explains that the benefits of being a Chorister are extensive. She said: “For children who love to sing (and perhaps live to sing) it’s an opportunity to engage with and nurture that creative and musical part of themselves.  They will be spending their days with other children who also love to sing and who love classical/choral music and don’t have to hide that part of themselves.  Their music abilities will be nurtured and developed – they will leave the choir as better musicians/singers.”

There have been months when singing in choirs was prohibited because of the pandemic. Duncan Ferguson, the Master of the Music at St Mary’s Cathedral, said: “Scotland has a rich heritage of songs and the tradition of singing is essential to society as a whole. Like playing an instrument, singing gives young people the chance to understand and express different emotions, from joy and happiness through to loss and sadness, but in the case of singing there is something special about literally ‘finding your voice’.

“I think that people didn’t realise the extent to which live music has a distinctive impact until we were without it.  Hearing live music is a very particular experience – as is the experience of making live music.”

Both Rev Chatterley and Mr Ferguson describe the life of a chorister as “rewarding” and “challenging”.

Chorister Jake Thomson (!2) is a semi-finalist in the BBC’s Chorister of the Year competition and Diya Eddleston (12) enjoys being a chorister and a life filled with singing.

For Jake and Diya the word they use most is “fun”.

Diya said: “We’re singing all the time. It’s lots of fun, you socialise a lot and learn a lot from different people and it’s very nice to hear your friends sing.”

Jake said: “It’s joyful. It’s nice to be singing with other people with the same passion because you learn so much from them.”

To attend the Be A Chorister Afternoon, it is important to register online at St Mary’s Music School Online Community (ptly.uk)

InterContinental Edinburgh The George has commissioned historians from the University of Edinburgh to explore the hidden stories behind the building and the local area.

The tour is part of InterContinental Hotels & Resorts 75th anniversary celebrations, in which the world’s largest luxury hotel brand marks special moments that have taken place within the walls of its hotels across the world and looks forward to continuing its journey of innovation in the luxury travel space.

To share these stories, InterContinental Edinburgh The George has partnered with VoiceMap todevelop an exclusive audio walking tour guide for guests and visitors to the city. Developed andnarrated by Dr Esther Mijers and Professor Ewen Cameron, historians from the University ofEdinburgh, the tour unlocks Edinburgh’s hidden history, showcasing the lesser-known stories of city.

Starting at the hotel, the audio tour tells the lesser known stories behind it. During the 19th Century the hotel was a collection of five prestigious townhouses and home to the well-known Ferrier family, who have a historical connection to Scotland’s literature scene.

Sir Walter Scott and Robert Burns were frequent guests, while their daughter and novelist, Susan Ferrier – commonly referred to as ‘Scotland’s Jane Austen’ – was somewhat of an unsung hero in Scottish literature.

• Guests are then guided to seven other locations pinned across the city including:
• • 17 Heriot Row, the home of one of Scotland’s most famous writers, Robert Louis Stevenson – author of Treasure Island.
• • Edinburgh Academy Senior School, a school that exemplified the very best of a structured education for the youth of the ever-growing New Town of Edinburgh and has since produced notable alumni.
• • St Andrew Square, where James Craig’s plans to build a church, dedicated to patron Saint Andrew were foiled by Lawrence Dundas. The church was instead built on George Street itself, right next door to InterContinental Edinburgh The George.
• • St James Quarter, to uncover the origins of the original site – St James Square.
• • Old College, University of Edinburgh, the site where the mysterious murder of Lord Darnley, the unpopular second husband of Mary Queen of Scots, took place in February 1567.
• • The Old Medical School, to reveal the story of The Edinburgh Seven – pioneers of women’s education in the UK whose trailblazing campaign prompted a change in the law that allowed women to study medicine in the UK.
• • George Square, to tell the tale of its’ notable residents including Sir Walter Scott who, whilst living there, was working furiously to pay off the debts acquired from the collapse of his publisher, Ballantynes, of which he was a partner.

Kieran Quinn, Hotel General Manager said: “It is hugely exciting to be launching our own unique Hidden Histories walking tour in collaboration with the University of Edinburgh. Forming part of our celebration of 75 years of InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, it is a brilliant way to indulge in the nostalgia of the city and the perfect activity for our guests and likeminded explorers while staying here in Edinburgh.
“This walking tour is a celebration of the rich heritage within the city of Edinburgh, our iconic hotel and the exclusive experiences we can offer to our guests both from the UK and across the globe.”

Professor Ewen Cameron, The University of Edinburgh said: “It has been brilliant to have been involved in developing this audio walking tour for the guests of InterContinental Edinburgh The George. It is important that we continue to highlight and tell the stories that lie hidden within the walls of the city of Edinburgh, and this walking tour does just that.”

Guests at the hotel will be able to enjoy the walking tour, by booking the Hidden Histories package, inclusive of a luxurious picnic hamper, or by obtaining a voucher code from the hotel concierge team.

As part of the celebration of its history and heritage and the brand’s 75th Anniversary InterContinental Edinburgh The George will also be serving up the limited-edition InterContinental75 cocktail.

InterContinental Hotels & Resorts have reimagined the well-loved classic, French 75 to celebrate this milestone year, with partners Piper-Heidsieck Champagne and the artisanal handcrafted Botanist Islay Dry Gin, distilled on the Scottish Isle of Islay.

The wave energy machine being developed by Mocean Energy, Blue X, is back in dock in Orkney following a successful five month sea trial.

The Edinburgh-based company has towed its 20-metre long, 38-tonne machine away from the European Marine Energy Centre’s Scapa Flow test site back to Kirkwall, where it has been lifted onto Hatston Pier and will now be cleaned and examined.

This brings to a close the test phase which began in mid-June and the machine has been at sea for 154 days delivering 5kW with peaks of 30kW and operating in sea states up to 2.3metres.

The firm plans a further trial phase in Orkney next year when the machine will be connected to a subsea battery to power a remotely operated autonomous underwater vehicle. This will have application for oil and gas operators, and the project is a collaboration with EC-OG and Modus.

Mocean Energy Managing Director Cameron McNatt said: “This has been an immensely valuable period where we have been able to understand how our machine operates in real sea conditions and gain practical experience in operations including towing, installation, removal, and access at sea.

“We’ve been able to unmoor, tow and moor the machine multiple times, trial the use of solar panels on deck, send commands from shore, test power production and compare our results against our numerical predictions.

“This has given us tremendous confidence in our design – both in its ability to capture wave energy effectively, and also the way in which it dives below the biggest waves, enabling it to shed the heaviest loads.

“Of course, we have been able to rely on the expertise of a number of partners and subcontractors and would like to thank Wave Energy Scotland, EMEC, Blackfish, Leask Marine, the University of Edinburgh and Supply Design, plus many other individuals and companies who have helped us on our way.”

Tim Hurst, Managing Director of Wave Energy Scotland said: “It is only through testing technologies at sea that we can demonstrate the real potential for wave energy to make a significant contribution to the world’s ever-growing green energy demands.

“The success of Mocean Energy underscores the merits of Wave Energy Scotland’s stage gate selection process which has fostered a collaborative cross-industry approach from day one.

“In the years ahead, we will see Mocean Energy scale up its wave energy convertors to produce future technologies with potential to help decarbonise the oil and gas sector and deliver grid-scale electricity.  

“At this moment, the UK Government is actively considering implementing a ring-fenced market support mechanism for marine energy, which could enable Britain’s wave and tidal sector to take a global lead.

“Post-COP, it is vital Britain puts a ring-fence in place and uses every lever it can to support home-grown technologies which can create a net zero future.”

The company has been supported by £3.3 million from Wave Energy Scotland.

Watsonians player-coach Dan Coultas (pictured, white shirt) set a target of gaining a place in the top six of the men’s Premiership ahead of the winter shut-down and he has achieved that comfortably.

In fact, Watsonians have climbed to fourth position following their 5-0 victory over bottom club Grove Menzieshill at Peffermill on Tuesday night.

Goals by Fraser Sands, Danny Cain, Robbie Greenhaugh, Roderick Craig and Andrew Fraser-Harris secured the points against a Dundee side which offered little up-front but stuck to their task.

It did, however, take the home side until late in the first quarter on their tenth incursion into the opposition circle to open their account, and what a goal it was.

Dominant Coultas, who commanded midfield all night, the former Great Britain squad player spraying passes all over the surface, picked up the ball in the centre of the pitch near the half-way line and bulleted the ball towards the opposition penalty spot.

Sands was in the right place at the right time to deflect the ball high into the roof of the net. Grove’s goalkeeper had no chance and the lightening-fast strike was followed by two goals in the second quarter for an overall half-time score of 3-0.

Disjointed Grove continued to work hard but were no match for the Edinburgh combine who continued to dominate possession in the second-half.

The visitors’ sporadic attacks carried little threat even when they had a man advantage after an off-the-ball incident deep in the third quarter which left Watsonians with only ten men.

Craig counted in that quarter and the men in maroon continued to flood forward in the final session, Fraser-Harris rounding off the scoring after a raid down the right saw the ball squared across the goalmouth and the Watsonians man bundled the ball home from close range.

Coultas said: “This was a solid performance built on our successful defence. We could have had a few more goals but we targeted a top six finish before the break and we have achieved that.”

The Scottish Hockey table shows Watsonians on 17 points from nine games and they are in fourth spot on goal difference over Dunfermline Carnegie, the early pace-setters.

Coultas now takes his men across the Capital on Saturday (Fettes College, 15.00) to square-up to second-placed Grange who have 23 points, two adrift of leaders Western Wildcats who have a game in hand.

Grove prop up the table with one point from eight games and a goal difference of minus 40 having only scored five goals and conceded 45 and they must pick themselves up to face city rivals Dundee Wanderers at Dawson Park on Saturday (15.40).

Details of the vibrant, multi-cultural celebration which will be held in the city centre on Sunday were announced today.

Returning for the first time in two years with a live, in person event, Edinburgh Diwali 2021 will include the traditional parade, led by the Rt Hon Lord Provost, taking a new route from St Andrew Square to Castle Street, and a full programme of performance at the Ross Bandstand in West Princes Street Gardens. 

All events take place outside and are free and open to all.

The Edinburgh Diwali Parade, a lively and colourful procession of dancers and pipe bands starts from St Andrew Square on Sunday 21 November at 1.00pm and will be led by the Lord Provost Frank Ross.  Dancers from the Edinburgh Bhangra Crew, the Marathi Dance by Bollywood Dance Group, the Bengali Dance Group, the Garba Dance by Junoon from the University of Edinburgh and the Rajasthani Dance by Rangilo Rajasthani Group are joined by Edinburgh’s Salsa Dancers and The Scottish Regiment, Glencorse and Stockbridge pipe bands as well as the Edinburgh Noise Committee. 

The Parade will also include music and performances on Castle Street from 2:00pm – 2.30pm, before the celebrations move to the Ross Bandstand in Princes Street Gardens for more theatre, music and dance from Dance @Studio21, Dance Ihayami, Theiya Arts and Absolutely Legless who fuse traditional Irish dance with Indian dance forms. There will be Indian food on sale prepared by Indian by Nature and Prana Indian grill.

The event finale is a fireworks display at 5.30pm from the Castle Rock.

The South Asian Festival of Diwali is celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and Buddhists around the world, each religion marking different historical events and legends, however all represent the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, good over evil and hope over despair.  

Edinburgh Diwali, a Scottish charity, is run by a team of volunteers headed by President of Edinburgh Diwali, Rajnish Singh, who explained: “Diwali is the celebration of light over darkness, good over evil, and many cultures around the world mark this as we go into the dark nights of winter.  After the last 18 months it is even more important to celebrate Diwali and with such a wide programme of performances and entertainment from different cultures, Edinburgh Diwali is making a huge effort to bring communities together. This is truly an event for everyone – so come and celebrate with us.”

Edinburgh’s Lord Provost Frank Ross said: “I’m delighted to be welcoming Edinburgh Diwali back in person this year, and to be able to lead its vibrant procession through the city. I’m sure many more will be just as excited to see this colourful festival return to our streets and to participate and celebrate the victory of good over evil and hope over despair. 

“Edinburgh Diwali is a special occasion for the Capital, when we join more than 1.5 billion people around the world to ward off darkness and welcome the light into our lives. My thanks to the President, Committee and a dedicated team of volunteers who have worked extremely hard to bring this event back this year. Please have a great Diwali and check out the fantastic programme of activities planned to mark its live, in-person return.”

Shri Bijay Selvaraj, Consul General of India in Edinburgh said “Diwali is a time of celebration and hope. The festival symbolises the victory of good over evil. It is also a time for families and friends to get together and share their happiness.   I am delighted that the Edinburgh Diwali is back to its physical format with The City of Edinburgh under the Lord Provost graciously hosting this important festival. I hope this celebration in Edinburgh spreads the message of Diwali to the wider community in Scotland and the UK.’’

Edinburgh Diwali 2021 is supported by The City of Edinburgh Council Local Festival & Event Fund, National Lottery Awards for All Fund and Kumon Corstorphine & Leith GKP Limited.

There will be cultural performances on the South Side of St Andrew Square on Sunday 21 November followed by The Edinburgh Diwali parade which departs at 1.00pm.    The programme of events on the Ross Bandstand starts at 3.00pm and the Firework Finale is at 5.30pm.   All events are in the open air, are free of charge and everyone is welcome.

Full details of the Edinburgh Diwali celebrations can be found at https://www.edinburghdiwali.co.uk/  or Facebook Event 

For the very first time, an appeal hearing is to be live-streamed by the Court of Session. The case of Glasgow City Council v VFS Financial Services Ltd & others and West Dunbartonshire Council v VFS Financial Services Ltd & others will be shown live online on Wednesday and Thursday.

The Lord President, Lord Carloway, has granted permission for an appeal of international significance to be live streamed by the Court.

The appeal involves lead cases brought by Scottish local authorities against truck manufacturers for damages following findings by the European Commission of the existence of a cartel.

It means that members of the public from across the globe will be able to tune in to watch the two-day hearing scheduled for 17 and 18 November.

Details on how to access the Court of Session case are available on the courts website (Access to virtual hearings (scotcourts.gov.uk)).

Calling before Lord Carloway, Lord Woolman and Lord Pentland, it will involve legal argument without witnesses.

Live streaming is not appropriate for all hearings and the decision to grant permission was based on the circumstances of the particular case.

Scottish Labour asked several questions on Monday in an attempt to hold the First Minister to account over her use of the Official Residence in Charlotte Square.

The allegation in The Sunday Mail was that the First Minister’s Residence was used in June 2019 for a book launch by author Val McDermid whose books are published by Little, Brown and Company.

The Ministerial Code prohibits events being held at the official residence unless they are paid for at the Minister’s expense and that there must be no expense to the public purse.

Scottish Labour said they had asked whether the First Minister paid for the event, whether it is possible to book Bute House for corporate events and also what the full cost of the event was and to whom payment was made.

Scottish Labour business manager Neil Bibby said:  “This whole situation poses very serious questions for the First Minister and raises the spectre of cronyism at the heart of the Scottish political establishment. 

“The people of Scotland will be deeply surprised to hear that the First Minister’s very own residence has been used for commercial events such as this. 

“We urgently need the First Minister to come clean and provide answers over this serious matter. 

“We need to know if the First Minister adhered to the Ministerial Code, whether it is common practice to use Bute House in this manner and where the cost for this event fell.” 

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “As we have already made clear, the book event in question was funded by the publishers, not the taxpayer – and it was held at Bute House because it features in the book.

“The First Minister is a longstanding champion of Scotland’s thriving literary scene, and during her time in office she has been involved in countless events celebrating a broad spectrum of Scottish authors.”

In the days since COP26 closed in Glasgow the Prime Minister has made three speeches, and this is the text of the address he made to the House of Commons on Monday 15 November 2021.

While others criticise the wording of the Glasgow Climate Pact, saying that it was watered down to accommodate demands from China and India, the Prime Minister says he is very much a glass half full type of personality. At a press conference on Sunday evening he said there was little difference in the wording eventually agreed and that on the table at the eleventh hour. There is “not much difference” between phase down and phase out in relation to fossil fuels according to what the Prime Minister said in response to a question at the Downing Street press conference. However he also referred to the Edinburgh conference at one stage, a point picked up in the House of Commons on Monday, a point picked up by SNP Leader Ian Blackford as you can read below.

Prime Minister’s address

The Rt Hon Boris Johnson MP said: “Mr Speaker before I begin today’s statement I would like to say a few words about the abhorrent attack that took place yesterday morning outside the Liverpool Women’s Hospital.

“On behalf of the whole House I want to pay tribute to the swift and professional response by the extraordinary men and women of the emergency services, who once again showed themselves to be the very best among us.

“The Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre has today raised the nationwide threat level from substantial to severe, meaning an attack is highly likely. The police are keeping both myself and the Home Secretary informed on developments and we will of course in turn keep the House updated on the investigation as it continues.

“And now Mr Speaker with your permission I should like to make a statement on the United Nations Climate Change Conference better known as COP26 which took place in the magnificent city of Glasgow over the past two weeks.

“It was the biggest political gathering of any kind ever held in the United Kingdom. 194 countries were represented.

“We had around 120 heads of state or government. 38,000 accredited delegates. And there were countless tens of thousands more in the streets and parks and venues outside. It was a summit that many people predicted would fail. A summit that I fear some quietly wanted to fail. Yet it was a summit that proved the doubters and the cynics wrong. Because COP26 did not just succeed in keeping 1.5 alive. It succeeded in doing something no UN climate conference has ever done before by uniting the world in calling time on coal. In 25 previous COPs, all the way back to Berlin in 1995, not one delivered a mandate to remove so much as a single lump of coal from one power station boiler.

“For decades, tackling the single biggest cause of carbon emissions proved as challenging as eating the proverbial elephant. It was just so big that no one knew quite where to start. But in Glasgow, Mr Speaker, we took the first bite. Because we have secured a global commitment to phasing down coal – and as John Kerry has pointed out, you can’t phase out coal without first phasing it down as we transition to other, cleaner energy sources – and we have, for the first time, a worldwide recognition that we’ll not get climate change under control as long as our power stations are consuming vast quantities of the sedimentary super-polluter that is coal.

“That alone is a great achievement, but we haven’t just signalled the beginning of the end for coal. We’ve ticked our boxes on cars, cash and trees as well. The companies that build a quarter of the world’s automobiles have agreed to stop building carbon emission vehicles by 2035 – and cities from Sao Paulo to Seattle have pledged to ban them from their streets.

“We’ve pioneered a whole new model, an intellectual breakthrough, that sees billions in climate finance, development bank investment and so forth being used to trigger trillions from the private sector to drive the big decarbonisation programmes in countries like South Africa.

“And we’ve done something that absolutely none of the commentators saw coming by building a coalition of more than 130 countries to protect up to 90 per cent of our forests, those great natural soakers of carbon. Mr Speaker none of this was a happy accident or inevitability.

“The fact that we were there at all, in the face of a global pandemic, is in itself the result of a vast and complex effort involving countless moving parts. Right until the very end there was a very real prospect that no agreement would be reached.

“And what has been achieved has only come about thanks to month after month of concerted British diplomacy, the countless meetings, the innumerable phone calls. The banging of heads at UNGA, at the Petersberg Dialogue, at President Biden’s climate summit, the Security Council, the G7, the G20. And the setting of an example, several examples by the UK.

“Because again and again the task of our negotiators was made easier by the fact that the UK wasn’t asking anyone to do anything we’re not doing ourselves. We’ve slashed our use of coal so much that our last two coal-fired power stations will go offline for good in 2024. We’ve more than doubled our climate finance, providing vital support for poor and vulnerable nations around the world. We’ve made a legally binding commitment to reach net zero, the first of the major economies to do so. We’ve set a date at which hydrocarbon internal combustion engines will reach the end of the road. And we’ve shown the world that it’s possible to grow your economy while cutting carbon – creating markets for clean technology and delivering new green jobs that reduce emissions and increase prosperity.

“Every one of those achievements was not just great news for our country and our planet but another arrow in the quiver of our fantastic team in Glasgow. A team led by COP president the Rt Hon Member for Reading West. From the moment he picked up the COP reins he has been absolutely tireless in his efforts to secure the change that we need. And while I’m pretty sure that what he really needs right now is a well-deserved break

“I don’t think any of us here will be able to hold him back as he sets off pushing countries to go further still and making sure the promises made in Glasgow are delivered not diluted. But success has many parents and I want to say a huge thank you to the officials in our own COP unit, in Downing Street and across government in embassies around the world, and at the United Nations who pulled out all the stops to make the event work and shepherd through the agreements that have been reached.

“I also want to thank everyone on the ground at the SEC in Glasgow – security, catering, transport, the relentlessly cheery volunteers, the police from across the country who kept us safe from harm, the public health authorities who kept us safe from Covid – and everyone in The Scottish Government. And above all I want to say thank you to the people of Glasgow, who had to put up with so much disruption in their city and welcomed the world all the same. I say to the people of Glasgow – we couldn’t have done it without you.

“Is there still more to do? Of course there is. I am not for one moment suggesting we can safely close the book on climate change.

“In fact I can think of nothing more dangerous than patting ourselves on the back and telling ourselves that the job is done. Because this job will not be complete until the whole world has not only set off to reach net zero but arrived at the destination.

“A goal that, even with the best of intentions from all actors, cannot be achieved overnight. While COP26 has filled me with optimism about our ability to get there I cannot now claim to be certain that we will, because we have seen countries that really should know better dragging their heels on their Paris commitments. But if, and it is still an if, they make good on their pledges, then I believe Glasgow will be remembered as the place where we secured an historic agreement and the world began to turn the tide.

“Before Paris we were on course for four degrees of warming. After Paris that number fell to a still catastrophically dangerous three. This afternoon, after Glasgow it stands close to two. Still too high, the numbers are still too hot, but closer than we have ever been to the relative safety of 1.5, and with an all-new roadmap that will lead us there.

“Aristotle taught us that virtue comes not from reasoning and instruction but from habit and practice. And so the success of the Glasgow Climate Pact lies not just in the promises but in the move that the whole world has now made from setting abstract targets to adopting the nuts and bolts programme of work to meet those targets and to reduce CO2 emissions.

“We are now talking about the how rather than the what and getting into a habit of cutting CO2 that is catching on not just with governments but with businesses and with billions of people around the world. It is for that reason that I believe COP26 has been a success and 1.5 is still alive.

“That is something in which every person in our United Kingdom can and should take pride, and I commend this statement to the House.”

Labour response

Sir Keir Starmer addressed the house saying: “I join the Prime Minister in extending our thoughts across the House to the people of Liverpool who are in shock at yesterday’s events, and pay tribute to the response of the emergency services.

“Let me start by paying tribute to the COP President. Whatever the shortcomings of the deal, his diligence, his integrity and his commitment to the climate are clear for all to see. I also pay tribute to his team of civil servants. Their dedication, expertise and service was never in doubt but always remarkable. They knew that COP26 was the most important international summit ever hosted on these shores. Why? The simple maths of the climate crisis. At Paris we set out the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°. That is the tipping point beyond which the world is set to see billions of people facing extreme heatwaves, countless millions displaced from their homes, and the destruction of natural wonders like the world’s coral reefs. The science does not negotiate and no politician can move the goalposts. To have any hope of 1.5°, we must halve global emissions by 2030. The task at Glasgow was to set out credible plans for delivering that.

“Although the summit has been one of modest progress, we cannot kid ourselves: plans to cut emissions are still way short. The pledges made in Glasgow for 2030, even if all fully implemented, represent less than 25% of the ambition required. Rather than a manageable 1.5°, they put us on track for a devastating 2.4°. That is why, according to the Secretary-General of the United Nations,  Toggle showing location of Column 336the goal of 1.5° is now on “life support”. We need to deliver intensive care, and that starts by being honest about what has gone wrong.

“International negotiations are complex and difficult, and those who have dragged their feet the most bear the greatest responsibility, but the summit was held back by the Prime Minister’s guileless boosterism, which only served to embolden the big emitters. The Prime Minister praised inadequate net zero plans. He called the Australian plans heroic, even though their plan was so slow that it was in line with 4° of global warming. By providing this cover, the Prime Minister had little chance of exerting influence over the other big emitters, and we saw many more disappointing national plans.

“The Prime Minister also dressed up modest sectoral commitments as being transformational. Earlier in COP, the Government claimed that 190 countries and organisations had agreed to end coal. On closer inspection, only 46 of them were countries. Of those, only 23 were new signatories and 10 do not even use coal. The 13 that remain do not include the biggest coal users: China, the US, India and Australia.

“As things moved forward with no public pressure, the big emitters were emboldened. They clubbed together later in COP to gut the main deal’s wording on coal. Only someone who thinks that promises are meaningless could now argue that an agreement to “phase down” coal is the same as an agreement to phase it out.

“Then there was the long overdue £100 billion in climate finance. It is still not being delivered, even though that money was promised to developing countries more than a decade ago. Failure to deliver has damaged trust and created a huge obstacle to building the coalition, which can drive climate action, between the most vulnerable developing countries and ambitious developed countries. That coalition was the foundation of the landmark Paris agreement in 2015, creating the pincer movement to maximise pressure on the world’s biggest emitters, including China. It is deeply regrettable that at Glasgow, we did not see a repeat. Instead, developing countries were still having to make the case for the long-promised $100 billion in the final hours of the summit.

“Given all that, and the imperative to revive 1.5° from life support, what will be different in the next year in the run-up to COP27? Britain has a special and particular responsibility as COP president. First, we need to reassemble the Paris climate coalition and build trust with the developing world. Cutting overseas aid does not build trust; it destroys it. Will the Prime Minister therefore immediately commit to reversing those cuts?

“Secondly, there can be no free passes for major emitters, including our friends. We are doing a trade deal with Australia where we have allowed it to drop Paris temperature commitments. That was a mistake. Will the Prime Minister put it right?

“Thirdly, the Prime Minister is right to say that we need to power past coal and phase out fossil fuels, but his ability to lead on the issue internationally has been hampered by his actions at home. It has never made sense for the Government to be flirting with a new coal mine or to greenlight the Cambo oilfield. Will he rewrite the planning framework to rule out coal, and will he now say no to Cambo?

“Finally, will the Prime Minister sort out the Chancellor? The Budget was delivered in the week before COP26 as world leaders began to arrive on these shores, but it did Toggle showing location of Column 337not even mention climate change. It gave a tax break for domestic flights and fell woefully short of the investment needed to deliver green jobs and a fair transition.

“The Prime Minister has been the wrong man in the wrong place at the wrong time. Glasgow has been a missed opportunity—a stumble forward when we needed to make great strides, and more climate delay when we needed delivery—and 1.5° is now on life support. We still have the chance to keep 1.5° alive, but only with intensive care. We must speak honestly about the challenge that we face to rebuild the coalition that we need and to take on the big emitters. We can, and we must, change course.”

SNP response

The SNP Westminster Leader, Ian Blackford MP addressed the house saying: “Let me thank the Prime Minister for advance copy of his statement.

“And I’m delighted that today the Prime Minister remembered that COP happened in Glasgow rather than in Edinburgh – as he said last night.

“Maybe he would have led more from the front at COP if he had actually known which Scottish city the conference was taking place in.

“But in fairness, it is right to acknowledge that there was at least one member of the UK government who committed himself passionately to the Glasgow conference.

“The UK President of COP, the member for Reading West, deserves credit and thanks for the role he played in the last number of weeks.

“Mr Speaker, we all know that the Glasgow Climate Pact is far from everything it should be, but it does contain many positives that must be built on.

“Whether or not it succeeds now depends entirely on whether countries deliver on the commitments they made.

“That is the only way to truly keep the 1.5 degree target alive.  

“If that urgent leadership is to be shown – then the example of that leadership needs to begin at home.

“The Scottish Government led on climate justice throughout COP – we were the first country to pledge funds for loss & damage to help those vulnerable countries who have contributed least to climate change but are suffering its worst effects.

“This is about reparation, not charity – so, will the Prime Minister reverse his cuts to international aid and follow our First Minister’s lead – will he back and contribute to the creation of a loss and damage facility?

“The Glasgow Climate Pact also contains a commitment to increase nationally determined contributions by the end of 2022.

“So, can the Prime Minister confirm that the UK will urgently update its own NDC commitments?

“And meeting our targets also means rapidly increasing investment in green jobs.

“Prior to recess, the Prime Minister made a commitment to go and look again at the issue of investment in Tidal Stream Energy.

“So now that he has presumably looked at this, can he today commit to a ring-fenced fund of £71 million for Tidal Stream Energy as part of the contracts for difference process?

“And finally on carbon capture and storage.

“Now I know the Prime Minister is expecting this question, and I make no apology for the fact that I will keeping asking these questions until promises made to Scotland’s North-East are finally delivered.

“Last week INEOS added their voice to the growing shock and anger that Track 1 status for the Acorn project was rejected by this UK government – so will the Prime Minister reverse this devastating decision and back the Scottish Cluster?”

Pics n Mix is a three day celebration of live music, cinema, theatre and conversation and it will take place at Leith’s Biscuit Factory from 19 – 21 November 2021.

The highlights include a live set of new songs and Big Country covers from Stuart Adamson’s daughter Kirsten Adamson, the World Premiere of a new vision of music TV from Callum Easter, late night dance sessions from Ramrock Records’ Joseph Malik and Daniel Walls aka Digital Liquid and DJ Miss World and live poetry and rap by Intercultural Youth Scotland.

Recent Scottish cinema hits Limbo and Our Ladies will be shown on the big screen and cult Scottish classics and archive documentaries. 

LeithLate founder Morvern Cunningham said:“I’m delighted with the multi-arts programme Erin and I have put together for LeithLate’s upcoming 3-day event Pics n Mix. Leithers of all kinds will be represented on screen and on stage at the Biscuit Factory, and I’m really proud to have had a part in bringing this to life. Programming the films for Pics n Mix has been a total joy, with the resulting programme a personal love letter from me to Leith, and to LeithLate. I hope that lots of Leithers (and non-Leithers) come out to celebrate our wee part of the world, which, like everywhere else in the last 18 months, has had to ‘persevere’ – like Leith’s motto!”

Tickets are priced on a pay-what-you-can sliding scale and are on sale now

The programme has been unveiled for Pics n Mix, LeithLate’s new three day event taking place at the Biscuit Factory 19 – 21 November.

What’s On

Friday 19 November 

• An archive screening of Lucy Enfield’s 1993 short doc The X in Scotland, examining the influence of Malcolm X in Scotland. Followed by a Q&A hosted by Intercultural Youth Scotland with co-writer and musician Joseph Malik and poet and performer Kokumo Rocks and inspiring live poetry and rap performances from some IYS members.  (2pm – 4pm)

• A showing of the 2021 BAFTA-nominated Leith-shot short film Harmonic Spectrum, which follows local musician Sean Logan as he uses the piano to navigate life on the Autistic Spectrum. Following the screening, Sean will perform an exclusive live concert (5pm – 6.30pm)

• The euphoric Scottish rave culture movie Beats on the big screen, followed by a Callum Easter TV Special take-over with the world premiere of Callum’s “Saturday Night Variety Show” filmed in the depths of the gothic city of Edinburgh, a vision of how music TV could be if powered by absinthe,  love and self-disgust. Ramrock Records’ Joseph Malik and Daniel Walls aka Digital Liquid will then bring the party home with a funk-filled DJ set til late. (7.30pm-late)

Saturday 20 November

• The founders of Edinburgh’s first LGBTQ+ bookshop Lavender Menace, Sigrid Nielsen and Bob Orr, chat with playwright James Ley (who’s award-winning Love Song To Lavender Menace was inspired by their story) about Edinburgh’s queer histrory and future. Featuring an archive screening of STV’s 1983 documentary about gay life in Scotland Coming Out and a live spoken word performance by Gray Crosbie. (12pm-1.30pm)

• A screening of the groundbreaking BBC documentary Choose Life, examining Edinburgh during the decade the city had the unenviable title of ‘the AIDS capital of Europe’, followed by a Q&A with the production team (2pm-3.30pm)
• An intimate live gig from Edinburgh singer-songwriter Kirsten Adamson, who will be performing new original tracks alongside covers from her late father Stuart’s band Big Country, which she has been rediscovering throughout lockdown. Following Kirsten’s set there is the rare chance to watch the Scottish cult classic 1980s road movie crime caper  Restless Natives on the big screen, featuring a blistering soundtrack from Big Country. (4.30pm-7pm)

• Actor Tallulah Grieves introduces a special screening of the riotous coming-of-age movie Our Ladies, following a group of Catholic school girls as they visit Edinburgh from Fort William for the first time for a choir competition. Following the screening, DJ Miss World will keep the 90s classics coming with a smashing dance-alicious set. (7.30pm-late)

Sunday 21 November 

• A family-friendly screening of the animated fantasy film Oran Na Mara, in Gaelic with English subtitles. The feature will be preceded by some short films by Edinburgh-based animator Cat Bruce. (1pm-2.30pm)

• An archive screening of the ever-popular 1988 documentary Leithers, introduced by the director Alistair Scott and followed by an informal chat about Leith’s past, present and future. (4pm-5.30pm)

• A showing of the BAFTA-nominated critically-acclaimed Limbo, by Edinburgh-based director Ben Sharrock. Set on an unnamed Scottish island (actual location North Uist), this moving dark comedy follows the journey of Syrian Omar as he awaits the result of his asylum request. Preceded by Laura Wadha’s short documentary Isle of Us, following a Syrian barber making a new life for himself and his family on the Isle of Arran and followed by a talk from Leith’s Multi-Cultural Family Base which Ben and Limbo star Amir El-Masry visited for insight into the refugee experience whilst making the film. (6.30pm-8.30pm)

Tickets on sale now at www.leithlate.co.uk.

All tickets are priced on a pay-what-you-can sliding scale. LeithLate’s Pics n Mix event programme is supported by The City of Edinburgh Council, Baillie Gifford, Event Scotland’s Event Recovery Fund, and the Film Exhibition Fund distributed by Film Hub Scotland.

Despite claims which Underbelly made to the city council today, there are competing claims that the event company continues to ignore advice.

We understand that advice was given in October that there was not enough room for the Christmas Wheel in Princes Street Gardens if measures which should be taken to protect the trees were carried out properly.

The Council has recently launched its Million Trees initiative and has commitments to Net Zero by 2030, in addition to the established Edinburgh Design Guidance and Trees in the City Action Plan, but it appears to experts that little care is being shown to established trees in Edinburgh’s flagship garden.

Chartered forester, Andrew Heald, who has been keeping an eye on the Princes Street Gardens developments explained the requirements to us and claims that the council and its contractor Underbelly are simply not implementing the required safeguards, perhaps flying in the face of advice from their own officers. Mr Heald has published photographs on social media of the Princes Street Gardens measures to protect trees on the Edinburgh’s Christmas site – or perhaps the lack of them.

CULTURE COMMITTEE

Cllr Chas Booth, Green councillor for Leith, raised the matters with Underbelly Director, Charlie Wood at the meeting of the Culture and Communities Committee on Tuesday. Cllr Booth said: ” Can I take you up on the response that you gave to Cllr Osler and to Cllr Doran. You said that you would do everything that you could to ensure that the trees are protected.

“You were tagged in a photograph on Twitter on 5 November from Andy Heald with photographic evidence that your containers are right next to the trunks of trees in Princes Street Gardens. This is clear photographic evidence that what you have just said to committee is not correct.

“Will you first of all apologise to committee for potentially misleading us? Will you secondly ensure that will put in place urgently measures to protect the rootballs of these Rees and ensure that you also comply with your own statement of how you were going to carry out this work by ensuring that trees are protected by Heras fencing or similar. That was in your own plan.

“So firstly will you apologise, secondly will you ensure that the rootballs are not being damaged by structures on site and thirdly will you ensure that your own plan is out in place and protect the trees with Heras fencing please?

Underbelly Director Charlie Wood replied: “If there has been any failure to comply with the requirements that are set out in the design statement for both our 2020 and 2021 planning applications in terms of how we work in parks and green spaces then yes, councillor, I sincerely apologise.

“I can assure you that I have emphasised to our teams on site the importance of doing so and I believe that all the requirements are currently being followed.”

Cllr Booth pressed the point and said: “I appreciate the apology Charlie. Thank you for that. But can you also respond – you’ve been tagged in these photographs on Twitter. Will you also respond with fresh photographic evidence that you have moved your structures to ensure that you are no longer damaging the rootballs of these trees?”

Mr Wood said: “I certainly do not intend Councillor to respond on Twitter to the question. I am more than happy to send you and everyone else on the committee photos how we are currently complying with the requirements set out in the design statement and that are approved by the Parks and Greenspace team.”

Chas Booth said to The Edinburgh Reporter: “Underbelly claim to be protecting the trees in Princes Street Gardens, yet councillors have been sent clear photographic evidence that this isn’t happening. Shipping crates and other heavy structures appear to have been placed within inches of mature trees in the gardens. Because of the importance of protecting the root ball of mature trees, this close proximity is completely inappropriate, is highly likely to damage the trees, and is contrary to Underbelly’s own procedures.

“I am grateful to Underbelly for their apology, but unless they take urgent action to ensure the trees in the gardens are properly protected, that apology rings very hollow.”

A City of Edinburgh Council Spokesperson said: “We have received enquiries regarding the impact of the development on the trees in Princes Street Gardens and enforcement cases have been set up with investigations now underway. 

“Council officers from Parks and Planning Enforcement teams are to visit site to assess the situation and take any appropriate action. If planning conditions have not been met we will advise this to be corrected with immediate effect. 

Further questions

Cllr Hal Osler also questioned Mr Wood about the protection of the trees and green space.

She said: “What measures have been put in place and how will they actually be used to make sure that those spaces are protected and that the space can revert back to the general public as quickly as possible?”

Mr Wood replied:”The protection of green space is something we take very seriously. We have shared our plans with the council and the Parks and Green Space team and we are adhering with all of those requirements. In terms of reinstatement that is something we are not in control of. It is something hat Parks and Green Space undertake after we have left but it is done at our cost. We have also significantly reduced the amount of green space that we are using most particularly in East Princes Street Gardens.”

Cllr Karen Doran said to Charlie Wood who presented at the council’s Culture and Communities Committee meeting on Tuesday: “Thank you Charlie for your presentation. As a city centre councillor I can tell you that no concerns have been raised about the noise. I would remind you as I always do, and have done for many years, is remember the roots of the trees. It is very important that they don’t get damaged. My question is about staff training and how you are looking after your staff.”

Cllr Doran along with the rest of the committee then went on to hear that Underbelly staff are being trained over two days this week about hygiene on site, the need to take lateral flow tests and that they must feel safe in referring any concerns over procedures “up the line”. We did not hear Mr Wood confirm the action being taken about trees in response to Cllr Doran direct.

Remembrance events

Separately, Underbelly were taken to task over the timing of the build by Conservative councillor Phil Doggart.

Cllr Doggart said that he had raised the point about the Christmas events impinging on Remembrance events in the gardens before. He lodged a question at a meeting of full council on 21 November 2019 asking for a dignified no-work cordon around the Garden of Remembrance and a delay in erection of high structures until after Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday.

Director of Place, Paul Lawrence, apologised to the committee if the build this year has overshadowed the Remembrance Day events. It clearly has since the Big Wheel was already in place by 9 November, before the events scheduled for Remembrance Sunday.

Cllr Doggart said to The Edinburgh Reporter: ““What is the point of councillors passing motions if officers do not follow them through? Council agreed there would be no high building work undertaken until after Remembrance Sunday, but once again the wheel magically appeared in the gardens in advance of that date.”

Planning requirements

The Chief Planning Officer recommended that the plans for Edinburgh’s Christmas sites be approved on the basis that existing trees would be protected by Heras fencing, but one independent Arb consultant has expressed a view that he believes even this type of arrangement does not adequately meet the requirements of BS5837.

Section 159 of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 places a duty on the planning authority to ensure that planning permissions make provision for the protection of trees.

BS5837 is the standard document to clarify the type of protection required. BS5837:2012 (Trees in Relation to Design, Demolition and Construction) sets out requirements for Root Protection Areas.

None of the planning permissions for the events in Princes Street Gardens referred to a BS5387 tree survey or an arboriculture impact statement both of which are components of a planning decision. An arb method statement would be prepared by an Arb Professional.

If exclusion fencing was installed as per BS5837 then arboricultural experts say the big wheel cannot fit into this area of Princes Street Gardens. The action of driving the big wheel into place alone, over existing root zones and using plant weighing in excess of 50 tonnes would not appear to be best practice. Installing the big wheel on the upper level of East Princes Street Gardens would appear to cause an unacceptable level of damage to tree roots through soil compaction.

Actor sisters, Sophie and Emma Thompson are backing the new Mary’s Meals campaign, Double The Love, to help feed even more children in some of the world’s poorest countries.

Any donations made to the charity this winter will be matched by generous supporters. There is up to £1.6 million available to provide nutritious meals at school, which is a way of attracting children into schools and will give them the energy to learn.

Sophie said: “Emma and I were marvelling about how Mary’s Meals provides food at school for children living in the most desperate circumstances, encouraging them to gain an education that will, in the future, help them out of poverty.  

“We are delighted to announce that donations made to this awesome charity this winter will be doubled – meaning even more little ones will receive a daily serving of Mary’s Meals.” 

Emma said: “Our mother is Scottish, and Argyll is a very special place for our family. I am overjoyed that a charity founded there is changing the lives of children in some of the world’s poorest countries. It truly is an incredible achievement. 

“Double The Love presents a wonderful opportunity for us all to get behind Mary’s Meals and show children living in the world’s poorest countries that we care.” 

Daniel Adams, executive director of Mary’s Meals, says: “I am so grateful to Sophie and Emma for backing our Double The Love campaign. What a brilliant sister act they are! 

“I hope people will donate to Mary’s Meals this winter so that we can access all of the £1.6 million of match funding that is available to us. These funds really will change the lives of children facing the most difficult circumstances, including natural disasters, conflict, and the ongoing Covid pandemic.” 

The Double The Love campaign runs until 31 January 2022. Please visit marysmeals.org.uk/doublethelove to find out more.  

• Mary’s Meals is a simple idea that works. The charity normally provides one daily meal in a place of learning to attract hungry children into the classroom.   
• Mary’s Meals feeds children in 19 countries: Malawi, Liberia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Haiti, Kenya, India, South Sudan, Uganda, Ethiopia, Benin, Lebanon, Syria, Myanmar, Thailand, Ecuador, Madagascar, Romania and Niger.    
• The charity is safely reaching more than two million children with Mary’s Meals, whether at school or at home.   
• The average global cost to feed a child with Mary’s Meals for a whole school year is just £15.90.     
• Mary’s Meals is committed to spending at least 93% of donations directly on its charitable activities. This is only possible because much of the charity’s work is done by an army of dedicated volunteers – including more than 80,000 in Malawi alone.     

Double The Love

• For a three-month period (from 1 November 2021 to 31 January 2022), donations made to Mary’s Meals will be doubled thanks to a group of generous supporters, up to £1.6 million.  
• People can help Mary’s Meals access all the available funding by donating in a range of ways or by setting up a regular gift during the campaign period – meaning the charity can reach even more hungry children with a nutritious meal at school. 
• marysmeals.org.uk/doublethelove

AM Bid, Scotland’s leading bid and tender specialist, has recorded a £1 million turnover for the first time in its seven-year history.

Following a year of continued regrowth and building back from the initial impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic outbreak, the Edinburgh-based business saw revenues up 43% on the previous year (£739,429) to sit at £1,044,684.

Figures to the year end 30 September 2021 also showed the company’s net profit had increased, growing to £94,626, almost five times the previous year’s figure (£18,961).

There was an important expansion of the firm’s services in 2021, September seeing AM Bid launch its first digital platform, Ultimate Tender Coach, a unique online bid training programme created to provide SMEs with the tools and expertise to bid for public contracts.

Following significant investment in the creation of Ultimate Tender Coach, the company will continue its focus on the development, marketing and sales of this digital product across the coming year, alongside the delivery of its traditional outsourced bid support services.

Ultimate Tender Coach was brought to market following the commissioning of a research study showing that many SMEs experienced significant challenges in winning public sector tenders.

The business is continuing its investment in technology in 2021-22, with the commitment to enhanced customer relationship management and proposal automation systems bringing greater sophistication to processes and increasing efficiencies across the business, as it continues to grow.

The company’s Board cycle recommenced in 2020-21, coinciding with the appointment in April 2021 of new company director, Philip Thomson, who serves as the company’s Bid Development Director. Philip joined the Board which also comprises David Gray (Managing Director), Andrew Morrison (Co-Owner and Business Development Director), Emma Morrison (Co-Owner) and Carrie Campbell (Non-Executive Finance Director).

The business also grew in number from six permanent employees to 12 during 2020/21, in response to the continued demand for its services. This growth included recruitment to newly-created roles in Marketing, Business Development and within the company’s Bid Team. The business hired three employees recruited through the UK government Kickstart scheme, which was introduced to create new jobs for 16 to 24-year-olds at risk of long-term unemployment as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Managing Director David Gray said: “I would like to place on record my sincere thanks and appreciation to all colleagues at AM Bid, who continue to demonstrate their commitment to providing high-quality professional bid support to our clients.

“This commitment has allowed us to sustain market-leading bid win rates whilst reinvesting and diversifying through the creation of an innovative digital product, all whilst achieving record revenues and increased profits, during what has continued to be a challenging and uncertain year for many businesses.

“Whilst there is still significant economic uncertainty caused by Covid-19 and Brexit, we remain focused on the growth of our digital offering, whilst remaining agile, to ensure we can adapt quickly to change.”

AM Bid was founded by Andrew Morrison in 2014. Operating in more than 25 sectors, the company has achieved an independently audited industry-leading bid success rate of more than 80%, which has resulted in numerous awards.

The firm provides services to businesses across the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland, with clients from FTSE 100 companies and household names, through to national and regional businesses, SMEs, micro businesses and sole traders. AM Bid has also delivered work in Spain, Saudi Arabia, the Falkland Islands, USA and Australia, for overseas opportunities as well as for international clients seeking assistance when bidding into UK and Irish markets.

It has recently returned to a hybrid working model, using offices at WeWork in the centre of Edinburgh for collaboration, coaching and meetings, whilst retaining the flexibility to work remotely as required.

Fergus Linehan, Director of Edinburgh International Festival, will receive the prestigious 2021 Edinburgh Award.

Linehan, who brought a fresh look to the festival when he took up his post seven years ago, will be presented with the Loving Cup and have his handprints set in stone in the quad at the City Chambers later this year. He will join former recipients such as Alexander McCall Smith, Dame Elizabeth Blackadder and Sir Tom Farmer.

The first look at the new festival arrived in his first programming year with Harmonium – a free outdoor spectacle centred on the Usher Hall.

Some innovative thinking has accompanied the programming of artists and countries not previously represented in Edinburgh. In 2019 a programme featuring the likes of Kate Tempest, Jarvis Cocker and Neneh Cherry attracted more than 13,500 gig-goers to the Leith Theatre.

Linehan has already announced his retirement from the role, but is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, co-chair of IMPACT Scotland the body behind the new concert hall, and he received an Honorary Doctor of Letters from Queen Margaret University in 2020.

Lord Provost Frank Ross said: “I’m delighted to announce Fergus Linehan as the recipient of the 2021 Edinburgh Award. His innovative and ambitious approach has brought the Edinburgh International Festival to a whole new audience, welcoming a new and exciting range of performers to our vibrant city. He has also weathered an extremely challenging period for the arts industry, staging an ambitious programme this year, despite restrictions. I look forward to the festival returning, hopefully, on a larger scale next year as Mr Linehan makes his final contribution.

“The Edinburgh Award lets the people who live here recognise those who have had a real impact on the city. Mr Linehan has worked tirelessly over the last seven years to stage a programme of festival events in all corners of the Capital, both engaging with the local community and reaching out to international partners to deliver a truly multi-cultural, successful event. He will be missed in the role, though I’m confident his legacy will live on, both through the festival and in receiving this highly deserved, prestigious award.”

Fergus Linehan said: “I am deeply honoured to receive this award. Working for the Edinburgh International Festival has been the highlight of my professional life but even more important has been the opportunity it has given me and my family to live in this wonderful city.  Edinburgh lives according to Patrick Geddes’ mantra to ‘think locally, act globally’, it is a place that encourages you to be citizen of your city and a city of your world. I hope that the Festival has tried to mirror this.  

“This award is, of course, an acknowledgement of all those who make the Festival what it is. On behalf of myself and the whole festival family, thank you.”

As well as the festival itself Linehan has expanded the impact into less well off areas for example with a partnership in Craigmillar.

Edinburgh University law student, Felix Main, has been named as the third recipient of the Kirk Murdoch Scholarship, which was set up in memory of the highly respected lawyer.

The scholarship provides financial support, professional mentoring, a place in leading legal firm Pinsent Masons’ summer vacation programme, and could lead to a traineeship.

The scholarship was launched in 2018 in memory of Kirk, who was at the time of his death the Chair of Scotland and Northern Ireland for Pinsent Masons, and who in his professional and personal life placed a high value on helping others.

Previous recipients of the Kirk Murdoch Scholarship are University of Dundee law student Emilia Gordon and University of Edinburgh undergraduate Demi Scorfield. Felix is a third year student at Edinburgh and is a former pupil of Forres Academy and the Rudolf Steiner School in Moray.

The scholarship is supported by The Lawscot Foundation, a charity established by the Law Society of Scotland to help talented students from less advantaged backgrounds to access a career in law.

Katharine Hardie, Chair of Pinsent Masons in Scotland and Northern Ireland, said: “Emilia and Demi are making steady progress as they make their way towards a career in law with the assistance of the Kirk Murdoch Scholarship, and Felix will no doubt warmly embrace this chance to follow their lead.

“As a colleague and a friend, I knew Kirk to be a lawyer and a business leader who strongly believed in encouraging and supporting those around him. He would be very pleased that a scholarship in his memory was playing an important role in making a career in the law more accessible to young people from different backgrounds.”

Felix, 20, said: “I’m aware of how great an opportunity this is and I’m honoured to be accepted for the scholarship. The mentoring I have already received from Pinsent Masons, and the support I will benefit from in my final years at university is very welcome, and I am determined to make the most of what is an excellent opportunity to gain summer work experience, and to hopefully secure a traineeship.”

During the annual Living Wage Week Edinburgh has been accredited with Living Wage City status. This recognises that the council has set an ambition to double the number of Living Wage accredited businesses to 900 in the next few years.

At present half that number are voluntarily committed to playing the Living Wage – a minimum hourly rate of £9.90 per hour which was just announced on Monday.

The Edinburgh Living Wage Action Group is a collaboration of employers and public sector bodies along with trade unions and business organisations and it has developed the action plan to double the number of businesses who adopt the scheme.This responds to the call from the Edinburgh Poverty Commission to pay a fair wage as one way of getting rid of poverty.

This could mean that up to 40,000 employees in Edinburgh are paid the Living Wage and it is expected that a quarter will receive an immediate pay increase.

The City of Edinburgh Council’s Fair Work Convener and Co-Chair of the Edinburgh Living Wage City Action Group, Councillor Kate Campbell, said: “All partners in the Edinburgh Living Wage City Action Group have put so much work into getting to this point. We are all incredibly proud that we can call our Capital an official Living Wage City. We now need to continue that work so that we sign up 100 new accredited businesses every year for the next five years. That’s double the current number of businesses signing up.

“Being an accredited living wage employer is about so much more than paying a Living Wage. It’s about embedding a culture of Fair Work and giving staff financial security, showing them that they’re truly valued for the contribution they make. And the benefits for employers include being able to keep and attract skilled staff – something many businesses are struggling with right now.

“So, we’re asking all businesses and organisations across the city to join us. Together, we can make our city fairer and make sure everyone shares in our economic recovery.”

The City of Edinburgh Council’s Fair Work Vice Convener, Councillor Mandy Watt, said: “In-work poverty needs to end – and Edinburgh is taking a welcome step towards that today by becoming a real Living Wage City. Fair pay, fair hours and respect at work should be something that all workers can expect from their job. We’re hoping that a huge number of Edinburgh employers share our ambition and will raise wages to the level of the real Living Wage, which is being announced today. Once that’s done, they can move forward to full accreditation and show everybody that they’re helping to end poverty in our city.”

Minister for Just Transition, Employment and Fair Work Richard Lochhead said: “I am pleased to see Edinburgh achieve the significant milestone of becoming a Living Wage City. There is increasing evidence demonstrating the benefits of Fair Work to both workers and business and by promoting the real Living Wage, the Edinburgh Action Group recognises the importance that fair pay has on the local economy.

“I congratulate the Action Group and all the employers in Edinburgh that have played a part in this important achievement.”

The real Living Wage based on living costs is different to the government’s minimum wage – which is called the National Living Wage – and the latter is based on a percentage of average earnings. In July 2015 the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced that the UK Government would introduce a compulsory ‘national living wage’. It was introduced in April 2016, originally applying for all workers over the age of 25, and, as of April 2021, is currently £8.91 an hour and applies for workers over the age of 23. The rate is due to increase to £9.50 per hour in April 2022.

Sakura (Japan) XV were the visitors to play Scotland’s women in their, one-match, Autumn ‘series’ at the DAM Health Stadium in Edinburgh. The Scots were looking for their third consecutive International win this year, while Japan were coming off the back of a 23-5 loss to Wales.

The visitors started the better of the two sides as they retained possession and pushed the Scottish side back into their own half, but once the home side got their bigger pack on the move, play soon moved into Japan’s 22.

With the visitors now struggling to make ground, the home side set up the move which lead to the opening try.

Coming down the centre, Helen Nelson fed the ball out of a double tackle to the following Leah Bartlett, who, in turn, off-loaded from another tackle to second row, Sarah Bonar.

Bonar then fed Lisa Thomson, who then passed out to Hannah Smith. She had a virtually clear run in, however, as the defence moved across, she took no chances and slipped the ball to Rhona Lloyd who had an easy trot in for the opener (top image). Nelson failed to convert, so it was 5-0 after 12 minutes.

Just over five minutes later, as Scotland were on the attack, a high-looking tackle from Japanese lock, Yuna Sato was sent ‘upstairs’ for deliberation. When it came back to the screen the general consensus, after much debate, was that it was high and worthy of a red card. With typical Japanese courtesy, Sato bowed an apology to both the referee and her team and left the field, leaving her side a player down for the rest of the match.

With Scotland now having a 8-7 advantage in the scrum, they were able to win a penalty and Thomson sent the ball into the corner. The home side then won the line out, set up a rolling maul and dragged hooker, Lana Skeldon up to, and over, the line for the second try. Once again, Nelson failed to convert, but it was now 10-0 after 23 minutes of play.

The loss of their player, didn’t stop the visitors from roaring straight back and, after a period of to-ing and fro-ing, they forced play into Scotland’s 22. A daft penalty for interfering with a quick line out, gave the visitors a platform to attack the Scots’ line and attack they did.

Quickly moving the ball through the hands, Japan had the Scottish defence all over the place, making gaps in the line and attacking through. Their try came from the pack as, first, flanker Irocha Nagata was held up, but, playing under advantage, they set up again from the penalty and this time hooker Nijiho Nagata powered over for the try. Ai Hirayema missed the conversion but, after 35 minutes it was 10-5 to Scotland.

The period of play up to the break was then dominated by Japan and they almost scored through Seino Sato, but she was prevented from grounding the ball over the line. They weren’t finished though and, as the clock ticked past 40 minutes, a short series of rucks along the goal line gave Sachiko Kato the opportunity to dive over for the score.

Hirayama followed up with the conversion and Japan went into half time 10-12 ahead.

The second half, however, was to prove a step too far for the visitors as Scotland rallied, turned up the wick and ran in four more tries.

The first was from Megan Gaffney following on from powerful line-bending runs from Jade Konkel and Emma Wassell. The back division then made the space for Gaffney to break the line and score. Nelson then converted for 17-12 after 43 minutes.

The try was repeated three minutes later when the same players, more-or-less, combined, but this time Chloe Rollie was on the end of the ball to score. With Nelson’s conversion it was now, a healthy 24-12 lead.

Japan held out for another 10 minutes and made progress deep into the home half, but were beginning to see the threat of being a player down come into being.

Scotland’s fifth try was another back division move. As the ball was slung across the line, the final pass went to Thomson who cut back across the line and powered over for try number five. Nelson, once again, converted for 31-12 after 63 minutes.

The final score came with seven minutes left to play. The Scots broke out of defence and, initiated by debutant, Shona Campbell, flew up the pitch to put pressure right back on the Japanese defence. The final try came via a chip-and-chase from Rhona Lloyd who went over in the 73rd minute for 36-12 and the final points of the match.

Despite a late flurry from Japan, Scotland held their line and ran out 36-12 winners in the end.

Images from the match will appear here over the next few days.

Friends of Starbank Park have won second place in the NatureScot It’s Your Neighbourhood Pollinator Friends Awards, netting £150 for their funds.

The award was made by Jim Jeffrey, Pollinator Strategy Manager at NatureScot at a virtual seminar and celebration event.

Catherine Gee, our Deputy CEO said, “With the world’s biggest and most important climate change conference to date taking place in Glasgow this week, it is brilliant to be celebrating the work of communities across Scotland who are taking action now. 

“We know that across Scotland people are committed to improving and enhancing the places that they care about.  And, through the It’s Your Neighbourhood entrants we hear of people doing their bit to understand their own greenhouse emissions and to support nature in the places they care about.  These people are making a real difference and I would like to thank them for inspiring us every day.”

Janet McArthur Chair of Friends of Starbank Park said: “This is great news and well deserved as many of the pollinator friendly annuals were planted by our junior volunteers and grown from seed.”

The winners were:

• 1^st place winning £250 – Yorkhill Greenspaces, Glasgow City
• 2^nd place winning £150 – Friends of Starbank Park, City of Edinburgh
• 3^rd place winning £100 – FARE Lochend Community Allotment, Glasgow City

The annual seminar celebrated everything that the entrants, from 30 local authority areas, have achieved in their communities to combat climate change and support biodiversity. Entrants have also worked to enhance their neighbourhoods, involve the community, and improve areas through gardening and horticulture while tackling litter and other environmental quality challenges. Speakers included representatives from various entrants from across Scotland, sharing their inspiring stories and delegates also heard about the exciting opportunity to get involved with Scotland’s Climate Festival.

It’s Your Neighbourhood entrants were visited by one of 23 trained volunteer assessors who provide their support, expertise and guidance through the It’s Your Neighbourhood framework which is a part of the UK-wide RHS Britain in Bloom campaign.  

Jim Jeffrey, Pollinator Strategy Manager with NatureScot, who announced the NatureScot awards at the seminar said: “Once again the Keep Scotland Beautiful Pollinator Friendly Award has attracted a host of interesting entries.  The standard just gets better each year.

“Making space for nature, as we face up to the twin threat of climate change and biodiversity loss, has never been more important, and each of the community groups in this category have impressed with the range of actions they are taking.

“The winning project was one of a number of great examples showing how working together we can help pollinators, whilst making our communities and green spaces more appealing, and fantastic places to spend time in.”

Mr Jeffrey said about Starbank Park: “Another strong submission which demonstrated a clear understanding of pollinator needs. The variety of planting was a particularly pleasing element of this group’s work as was their connection to their local community.” 

A mother and daughter in the same street in Cramond have shared in a £90,000 People’s Postcode Lottery win with another neighbour at EH4 6JX.

Ann Turnbull (75) lives close to her daughter Zoe Black (48) and they each won £30,000. The third winner wishes to remain anonymous.

The pair found out how much they’d won on Ann’s front doorstep. Ann couldn’t believe their luck: “Oh my God, oh my God, I’m absolutely shaking all over. Things like this don’t happen to us.”

Zoe added: “I’m shocked, amazed and delighted; It’s going to change a lot of things in my life.”

The mother and daughter were elated to win together. Zoe said: “We both enjoy holidays together and we do quite a lot together, so its really nice to be able to share this.”

Ann has lived on the street for over 40 years and plans to treat her whole family with the winnings, she said: “My other two daughters are excited as well and I said I’ll treat them too. It makes it more special when you can share it as a family.”

Zoe, who works as an architectural manager for a software company said she can now go on a ‘once in a lifetime’ holiday to New York: “I’ve got a big birthday coming up in a years’ time and I was saving up to hopefully go to New York for Christmas and New Year. 

“I wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to save enough. It’s definitely going to become a reality now; I can take myself and my family.”

Her mum Ann grinned and added: “And now you can go to a fancy hotel.” 

Zoe has always wanted to experience New York during the festive period after seeing the US city on TV and in movies. Zoe said: “I was hoping to go at wintertime to go and see the skating rink and spend New Year in Times Square. It looks like a really exciting place to go.”

Ann also intends to take a sunny holiday abroad with the whole family next year. She said: “When we all get together at Christmas, we’ll probably plan something. A summer holiday maybe for next year, that would be special.”

Zoe also says the money will make a big difference when helping out her two sons. She said: “My son is a student at university and my other son is applying to university. It’s expensive! They don’t get much money and it means it’s going to make it easier for them.”

The duo plan to celebrate with a bottle of champagne.

People’s Postcode Lottery ambassador Judie McCourt said: “I’m absolutely delighted for our three lucky players in Edinburgh! It was really special to be able to surprise Ann and Zoe and hear about their amazing holiday plans. 

“A massive congratulations to each of the winners, I hope they celebrate tonight and enjoy spending the cash.”

Everyday throughout the November draws one postcode will be announced as a £30,000 prize winner. All the players in the postcode will win £30,000 for every ticket they hold.

People’s Postcode Lottery costs £10 a month to play and there are guaranteed winners every day. People play with their chosen postcode and are automatically entered into all draws.

Players of People’s Postcode Lottery have helped raise over £800 million to date for thousands of good causes across Britain and internationally. 

This draw was promoted on behalf of Postcode Planet Trust. Through regular grant funding, the trust supports charities and good causes whose purpose is to support the environment and the enjoyment of nature with a particular focus on wildlife. Supported charities include African Parks, The Wildlife Trusts and Marine Conservation Society. 

Upload Studios will launch next Monday in Edinburgh offering video podcasting, green screen, voiceover recording and photography all under one roof.

The company aims to provide a platform for all voices where people can record their own material and have the technical side looked after for them.

Ethan Forbes, Upload Studios founder, said: “I wanted to create a studio that would give people the ability to produce high-end video podcasts without the learning curve that is usually required.

“We simplify the whole process of creating video podcasts by filming, recording and editing it all for you.”

Tammar Scotland, Upload Studios Marketing Executive, added: “Upload Studios is completely unique to Edinburgh, and the studio opens up a whole new arena of marketing opportunities for businesses, events, festivals, etc.

“Podcasts and specifically video podcasts are the best way to advertise a company and should be an important part of a business’ marketing strategy.”

The Upload Studios’ team has been working hard to get the studio ready for its launch this month.

Josh Nixon, the studio manager, said: “It’s been a wonderful opportunity to dive into Upload Studios and get it up and running – and now we’re turning it to the public to make their creative endeavours not only a reality, but a breeze. 

“As someone from a filmic background, equipment and access has always been one of the biggest barriers for entry to create. We remove that barrier.”  

Thinking of a spring getaway? You may have to as one B&B on Skye, currently in the midst of a significant £250,000 upgrade, is already being booked for next year.

Following its purchase of the former MacKinnon Country House Hotel on the Isle of Skye, which will be rebranded as the Isle of Skye Guest House, The Fusion Group of Companies has announced a £250,000 refurbishment currently underway at the fifteen bedroom property. 

But even though it is not yet ready for guests there have already been several hundred pounds worth of forward bookings for 2022 through Fusion’s reservations specialist partner, Accommodation Services, with the official launch now planned for the Spring.

Subject to obtaining planning permission, which will be lodged in the early part of next year, Fusion intends to develop part of the House’s five acres of grounds into a modern, eco friendly, lodge park, with 34 two bedroom lodges for let, alongside a custom built Club House. 

Fusion owns properties all over Scotland. With Old Churches House, Dunblane in its ownership portfolio, alongside Logierait Lodges in Pitlochry, Fusion has extensive experience in both managing, consulting on, and owning hotels, serviced apartments, guest houses, B&Bs and holiday parks.

Built in 1912 by Major Archie MacKinnon, the former MacKinnon House is overlooked by the magnificent Sgurr na Coinnich mountain range, and is one of the very first stops after the Skye Bridge. Respected as an ideal example of a Scottish country house hotel, it has nine bedrooms in the main House, with six in a separate garden lodge.

Alex McKie, Group Managing Director of the Fusion Group said: “I’m happy to report that several local firms are now hard at work giving The Isle of Skye Guest House a fresh new look ahead of our opening in February of next year. This involves the installation of brand new en-suite bathrooms, re-wiring, the reconfiguration of room layouts, and the installation of modern IT, including wifi, and Televisions in all the bedrooms.

“We’ve developed a classic and understated signature look within Fusion properties,” added Alex. “We’re referencing the stunning setting here on Skye within our decoration and furnishings, but our look is not in any way twee. We’re all about exceeding customers’ expectations, and we’re confident they will very much enjoy staying here at the Isle of Skye Guest House.”  

Alex also said that the new Guest House had really hit the ground running with lots of enquiries from the public which were converting into reservations for next year.

He said: “Accommodation Services specialise in marketing our properties, along with others we look after on a contract basis.

“This enables the public to book quickly and easily with one point of contact, additionally enjoying the very best rates. 

“We said at the time of acquisition that Skye was enjoying a very buoyant period with staycationers discovering the island‘s delights. This shows no signs of slowing into 2022. Our refurbishment of the Guest House, together with our new breakfast offering, which sees in built fridges situated in the bedrooms offering a complimentary light breakfast of cereals, yoghurts, juices and muffins, are proven ways to add value to the business which enjoys a very accessible setting, in stunning scenery.” 

Alex also pointed out that he aimed to create the new lodge park with net zero impact.

He said: “This is important and something we will very much be mindful of.

“It will attract additional clientele to the island, with the capacity for up to 120 guests to stay overnight. We are creating five new jobs straight off, rising to ten, including live in management, and have already recruited locally,” he said. 

Chris Taylor, VisitScotland Regional Leadership Director, said: “It is fantastic to see this historic property will continue to run as a hospitality business under the ownership of Scottish company, Fusion Group. Tourism is a force for good – creating economic and social value in every corner of Scotland and enhancing the well-being of everyone who experiences it. We know how important tourism is to the economy on Skye and it is encouraging to see strong demand already for this new development.”

https://www.isleofskyeguesthouse.co.uk

Accommodation Services Trading Company runs Reservation Services for businesses such as Cairngorm Lodges in Aboyne and Royal Gardens Apartments in Stirling. This includes marketing the businesses efficiently, ensuring a higher occupancy rate across the board. They also advise on corporate restructuring, utilities & hospitality procurement, and take care of property maintenance, landscaping and security. 

Fusion also has a commercial property arm, Drysdale & Company, aimed at hospitality businesses looking to sell or restructure. Recent contracts include The Lake of Menteith Hotel and Poppies Hotel, Callander.

www.tfgoc.com

A husband and wife team who work for Loganair star in the airline’s first Christmas advert, telling the story of bringing two lost bears together for Christmas.

Captain Lionel McClean and wife Linda, a senior ground and in-flight trainer, met at work 14 years ago. In the festive advert they fly lost bear Logie home and back into Lottie’s arms, after Linda finds him in her suitcase one cold winter’s evening.

Logie and Lottie were introduced as a special keepsake for children flying with the airline back in 2018, after Loganair reunited an eight-year-old girl from Orkney with her lost cuddly toy ‘Teddy’, flying him over 200 miles back to Kirkwall for a tearful homecoming.

To celebrate the story of Logie and Lottie’s reunion, Loganair is giving a family the chance to reconnect with their loved ones this Christmas. To enter the competition, families across the UK should head to Loganair’s Twitter, Facebook or Instagram (@FlyLoganair), to tell the airline their own hopes for reuniting this Christmas.

Kay Ryan, commercial director at Loganair, said: “We are incredibly excited to be launching our very own Christmas advert and want to give a family the chance to have their own story as they reunite during the festive season.

“We are wholly committed to keeping people connected and we wanted to encapsulate that special journey of bringing loved ones back together following a Christmas where they were apart. It was important to us that our own people were involved in the campaign as we mark a festive period together once again and who better than Lionel and Linda who were themselves brought together via the airline.”

Linda McClean said: “Lionel and I were delighted to be asked to be part of the Christmas advert and it was a lot of fun filming together. Loganair is at the heart of so many stories of people coming together and through the airline, Lionel and I not only have our own tale to tell, we have been honoured to be part of that journey for so many others.” 

Watch the video here

The latest advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) is to offer booster doses of the Covid-19 vaccine s to those aged 40 – 49 and second doses for those aged 16 and 17 year olds.

The statement from JCVI is here.

Scotland’s Chief Medical Officer Dr Gregor Smith said: “The JCVI has advised that people aged 40-49 will now be eligible for a Covid-19 booster. These will be offered once the earlier agreed priority groups have had their booster injections to ensure the most vulnerable groups are offered protection first. The 40 – 49 year old group will soon be able to book their own appointments through the NHS online portal – which is now live for 50 – 59 year olds.

“Young people aged 16 and 17 years old are now eligible for a second dose of the Covid-19 vaccine following the most recent JCVI advice. The vaccine will be offered from twelve weeks after their first vaccination. In cases where an individual in this group has had a positive PCR test for Covid-19, the JCVI recommends the second dose should be given at least 12 weeks following infection.

“Our current focus is on protecting those who are most vulnerable through our winter programme, with both flu vaccination and Covid boosters. We are considering how best to implement this new advice regarding 16 and 17 year olds and will confirm the timetable for this shortly.

“First doses for this age group started in August and 76% have now been delivered. We are delighted with the uptake in this age group so far and continue to urge everyone who is offered a vaccination to take up the offer and help protect themselves, their families and friends and their local communities.”

Scottish Water have issued advice to householders on ways to avoid burst pipes damaging property this winter.

The reminder is timely and advises that house owners and businesses should prepare now for any cold weather or flooding.

The key advice is to heat, insulate and protect, no matter whether the property is old or new.

Peter Farrer, Scottish Water’s Chief Operating Officer, said: “Now is the ideal time to prepare for the possibility of severe weather and the potential impact that has on property. Taking action now can prevent the misery of damage to property and pipes in the months to come.

“By taking steps to heat, insulate and protect properties, customers can avoid the considerable headache and heartache caused by frozen or burst pipes. We want to work with our customers to ensure we are all prepared for whatever winter weather we get.”

Scottish Water is also urging holiday home-owners, whose properties will be occupied by visitors and tourists, to be prepared.

Rob Dickson, Director of Industry and Destination Development at VisitScotland, said: “This winter it is essential that home-owners prepare for the colder months, especially as we seek to extend the visitor season as part of Scotland’s tourism recovery. Unchecked pipes coupled with sudden changes in temperature can be costly. Being winter ready not only gives owners peace of mind but ensures our visitors will have an experience they’ll want to remember.”

The key advice is:

Heat: Warmth offers the best protection against frozen pipes. Modern central heating systems have frost-protection built in, which will fire up the boiler if needed. If you don’t have frost-protection built in to your boiler, then set the heating thermostat to 10C and the programmer to On or 24hr. The heating will only come on if the temperature inside your home drops below 10C, so it shouldn’t use a lot of energy and it could help prevent frozen pipes and expensive repairs. 

Insulate: Pipes don’t like the cold – whether they are outdoor or indoor, metal or plastic, new or old. Making sure pipes and water tanks are properly insulated is one of the simplest, and cheapest, things which can be done to help protect properties from the cold. Make sure that there are no gaps at bends, valves or fitting, and that you use a suitable insulation material. 

Protect: If you are going away, make sure you have someone who can check regularly for any problems. Dripping water increases the risk of freezing, so have any drips or leaks at taps or valves repaired as soon as you discover them, and reduce draughts by fitting draught excluders to doors and windows. If the property is going to be vacant over winter, turn off the water supply and drain the system.

Even when your home or property is winter ready, sometimes damages can happen, so make sure you have adequate buildings and content insurance.

If your home or property is going to be vacant over the winter months, turn off your water supply and drain the system. A licensed plumber will be able to give advice about this.

Other important winter advice includes tips on finding and using your stop valve, keeping a small emergency pack handy, and be a good neighbour and keep an eye out for your neighbours including the elderly and those who might need additional support.

Visit www.scottishwater.co.uk/winter for more winter information, advice and films.  

Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home (EDCH) as announced that it has received the biggest known cryptocurrency donation in Scotland.

EDCH has received 26 Ethereum which is around £87,000 by Pawthereum which is a community run charity cryptocurrency project. Pawthereum concentrates on supporting animal welfare organisations and being a digital advocate for animals in need.

The donation will fund EDCH’s pet food bank, Paws Pantry for an entire year.

Paws Pantry initiative aims to tackle pet poverty in Scotland, one of the leading causes of people having to give up their pets. Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home works with 52 foodbanks and community groups and provides essential pet food, collars, jackets, bedding and other care items to pet owners in need. Over 1,300 animals per month are now being cared for through this service.

Nicola Gunn, Director of Development and External Affairs at Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home, said: “Our team’s day-to-day work to ensure vulnerable animals get the care they need is absolutely relentless, and just to know that this has been recognised by Pawthereum is incredibly overwhelming. There really aren’t enough words to thank them for this donation, which will ensure another year of Scottish pets being warm, fed and most importantly, remaining in loving homes.”

Pawthereum will also donate a further $2,000 a month to EDCH to ensure the Paws Pantry service can expand.

Matt C-Roy, Charity Coordinator at Pawthereum, said: “Pawthereum was born out of the idea that cryptocurrencies can be a tremendous force for good in the world. We couldn’t be happier to do our first major donation with a partner as thoughtful and caring as Edinburgh Home. Their community outreach programs help pets stay with their owners during tough times. We’re proud to support that mission and to partner with Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home long term to save more animals.”

The Home first started taking cryptocurrency donations in response to the financial struggles of the pandemic, when other income streams such as events and community fundraising began to dry up. In September 2021 the charity launched a presence on The Giving Block (TGB) and found that they were suddenly able to reach global supporters. 

Alex Wilson, Co-Founder, The Giving Block said: “It’s been incredible to see the growth of crypto and NFT philanthropy globally. We’re excited to help our clients set records for the largest crypto donations in their regions. We’ve been lucky enough to help facilitate the largest crypto donations around the world from the US, UK, Australia and now in Scotland.”

The annual event to raise awareness of bullying of children and young people gets underway today. The theme is One Kind Word designed along with young people and adapted by the UK’s leading anti-bullying organisations including the anti-bullying service respectme.

Adeniyi Alade, Head of Childline in Scotland, said: “Each year, we hear from hundreds of children in Scotland who are being bullied. We know that the pandemic has been extremely tough for children as they have grappled with home schooling, being isolated from family and friends and worries about the virus. On top of this, some children were also being bullied.

“Children experiencing bullying online have told our counsellors that during lockdowns it felt even more overwhelming. The extra time they were spending online for their education, entertainment and to keep in contact with friends and family was making the bullying feel inescapable.

“Although for other children, the lockdowns provided some respite from the bullying they had previously experienced. But this meant that they felt anxious at the thought of returning to school.

“As we continue to move out of the pandemic and adjust to the new normal, it is essential that children know where to turn to for support. Our trained counsellors are always here for children and believe that no child should have to deal with bullying alone.”

• In 2020/21, Childline delivered 334 counselling sessions about bullying to children living in Scotland.
• More than a quarter (29%) of these were about online bullying.
• In 2019/20, Childline delivered 558 counselling sessions about bullying (in person and online) to children living in Scotland. 
• The data shows that there was a 40% reduction in total counselling sessions about this issue in the year of the pandemic, which included lockdowns and children not attending school for months. However, there was only a fall in counselling sessions about bullying in person (464 sessions in 2019/20 and 238 in 2020/21). There was no reduction in the number of sessions for online bullying (94 sessions in 2019/20 and 96 sessions in 2020/21).

Advice from NSPCC and Childline

For children

1. Share how you are feeling with other young people. Childline’s online message board is a non-judgemental space where you can speak to other children who are in a similar situation to you about your experiences and feelings. This can help you feel less alone and will give you an online support network that you can turn to.
2. Talk to an adult you trust about the bullying you are experiencing so you feel less alone and so that adult can support you. This could be a parent, teacher or you can speak to a Childline counsellor on 0800 1111 or online at childline.org.uk
3. Take a break from your device if you are being bullied online and do something you enjoy such as sport, listening to music or art.
4. Remember the bullying is not your fault.
5. Get into a healthy routine and make sure you look after yourself by eating healthily, getting enough sleep and taking time out for yourself.
6. Report and block someone if they are sending you messages online that upset you.

For Adults:

Signs to spot that your child may be being bullied online:

• Not wanting to go to school or take part in normal activities.
• Getting anxious or angry if you go near their device.
• Feeling withdrawn, upset or angry at home.
• Problems sleeping or eating.
• Having angry outbursts that seem out of character.
• Spending more or less time online than normal.

Signs to spot that your child may be being bullied in person

• Belongings are getting lost or damaged.
• Physical injuries such as unexplained bruises.
• Being afraid to go to school.
• Not doing as well at school.
• Being nervous, losing confidence, or becoming distressed and withdrawn.
• Problems with eating or sleeping.
• Bullying others.

What to do if you think your child is being bullied

1. Talk to your child and remind them to come to you with anything that might be making them feel anxious or sad.  If your child speaks to you about an experience of bullying that they’ve had online or in person, try to remain calm and don’t overwhelm them with questions and reassure them that it will be ok, and that you’re always there for them.
2. Show them how to report or block a message that they’ve received from someone online that upsets or worries them.
3. Don’t take their device away if they’ve had a negative experience online. Although you may want to do this if they are upset, this may make them feel like whatever has happened is their fault.  Instead, suggest they take some time away from the app they received the messages on and do another online activity they enjoy like playing a game. 
4. Know where you can get further support. Adults can call the NSPCC helpline for advice on 0808 800 5000. There is also further advice on the NSPCC website.