SolarLite Active Road Studs
that time of year and we put the spotlight once again on ALARM Scotland and its critical risk management work, including a Conference itinerary link.
Leadership in an ever changing municipal world. Alastair Dorman of Gallaghers leads the way with some invaluable advice.
Professional Focus: The latest in our irregular series looks at the Society of Local Authority Lawyers and Administrators in Scotland (SOLAR).
Getting the most from your external legal provider, by Ann Frances Cooney of legal experts DWF.
Putting customers at the heart of net zero. Some essential guidance from regular SLAN contributor Colin Thomson of SGN.
Working together: the new shared property app which saves money and increases the value of the housing stock. You’ll want to know how.
Court Hotel, but the focus this year is on future risks as we emerge from the strange times of the pandemic to face the complex challenges of a new normal.
Conference sessions include practitioner learning from the Storm Arwen response and a Storm Arwen debrief from SSEN, as well as the National Audit Office on the future of the workforce, and Aon on a current workforce phenomenon, the Great Convergence.
The venue is the Stirling Court Hotel, in 330 acres of beautiful grounds within the University of Stirling and easy access to both Glasgow and Edinburgh and its airports.
Those staying at the Hotel (on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis) on Sunday 23 October, are welcome to join us for dinner and networking from 19:00.
exists as a professional membership organisation to support our members. Since ALARM is run by members for members we understand the challenges you and your organisations face. ALARM offers quality information, insight, training, learning and networking opportunities to help you grow in your profession and support your organisation in meeting those challenges.
Highlights for 2022 included the introduction of the new Health & Social Care and Higher Education Sector Groups; a new Back to Basics Business Continuity Guide; the national Conference and Risk Awards in Manchester, more webinars and lunchtime sessions than ever, a sustainability guide with two supporting events in November, and an updated and enhanced website.
In 2023 members can look forward to the launch of a new Local & Central Government Sector Group, a Back to Basics Emergency Planning and Response Guide, a new ALARM South Conference, additional virtual lunchtime sessions, a member app, and a continuing professional development scheme for members.
We know from our member survey that training is important to you and our Back to Basics Risk Management and Advancing the Agenda courses are very popular. ALARM has plans for more training opportunities in 2023, so watch out for news on virtual and in-person courses.
For more information on ALARM membership, please visit alarmrisk.com or email admin@alarmrisk.com.
One of our key benefits is attendance at the annual ALARM Scotland Conference.
ALARM’s Scotland Committee is delighted to open bookings for the Scotland Conference from 23-25 October 2022.
Free to all full members, don’t miss your chance to join us for two days of learning and networking in Central Scotland.
We are reprising past events and return to the Stirling
Conference starts officially at 9:00 on Monday 24 October with registration and a chance to catch up with suppliers at the table top exhibition. Sessions are scheduled throughout the day until 16:30. Following dinner, Kennedys are hosting evening entertainment at the Hotel.
Day two runs from 9:00 to 15:30 and includes networking and exhibition opportunities, as well as the popular insurance panel on Tuesday morning with experts from Platinum Sponsors Kennedys, Maven Public Sector, Risk Management Partners and Zurich Municipal.
Spaces are limited, so book your Conference place now.
Email admin@alarmrisk.com with any enquiries. For more information or to book, simply scan the QR code:
Alistair Dornan Director, People Experience Consulting
After two years of unprecedented change, leaders need to re-examine their approach to being more effective. Success lies in the ability to adapt. While the workplace has changed significantly over the past few years, great leadership remains paramount to success. Despite everything, the core tenets of leadership remain consistent with those of the pre-pandemic world. However, leaders cannot – and have not – stood still. Alistair Dornan, Director of People Experience Consulting at Gallagher explains: “Understanding new ways of working, such as hybrid working and employees’ needs, will help leaders become more adept at building their teams and assist with engagement and productivity and ultimately help make people feel different about work.” He adds: “Leaders need to support flexibility, manage change, drive innovation and mitigate risks. Even if these traits are not new, the scale
Make no mistake, talent is hard to find and hard to keep; and pay alone is no longer the solution. The CIPD suggests that 45% of employers have ‘hard-to-fill’ vacancies, making candidate attraction a huge organisational issue. Leaders can help this issue, by creating a nurturing workplace that successfully attracts candidates and makes people feel like they belong and want to stay. They can also take a proactive stance, increase internal mobility and facilitate flexible working. Engaging effectively and supporting their learning and development is also effective in the retention of employees. This is confirmed by LinkedIn’s 2019 Workforce Learning Report, which found 94 percent of employees agreed they would stay at a company longer if it invested in their learning.
Leaders must take a holistic approach to health and wellbeing – that means addressing financial and mental as well as physical health. Leaders should be acutely aware of their workforce’s needs and be able to recognise and respond to signs of burnout. According to People Management research, 78% of workers have experienced at least one form of burnout since the start of 2022. The health and well-being of employees can also be measured through trends in sickness absence rates, which rose to 2.2% in 2021 having been at a record low of 1.8% the previous year. “Rather than merely attracting employees, we’d encourage organisations to focus on employees’ health and well-being as a top priority. This is extremely important in light of more people working remotely and employees having to deal with the effects of severe issues, such as the cost of living crisis and the
increase of mental health problems.” says Dornan. “Leaders need to ensure everyone has access to the support, wherever they work, and whenever they need it,” he adds.
Flexible working is now expected, rather than optional or preferred. According to ONS figures, in February 2022, 84% of people working from home because of the pandemic, were planning to continue with hybrid working. An organisation’s leaders are the ones who must drive the evolution of the workplace, exploring innovative ways to arrange, manage and connect with its people. Coaching and development, engagement and instilling a sense of belonging are all crucial. While cross-training employees over a range of positions or functions can build company awareness and create a more agile organisation. Reward and recognition should be made appropriate for a diversified and dispersed workforce. Leaders must empower their teams to be resilient and therefore productive but this can only be achieved by addressing the mental and physical needs of all its employees, via open lines of communication, bespoke measurement solutions and carefully thought-out strategies.
A strong company brand and culture is highly attractive to employees. In one Indeed survey, 43% of candidates said they were attracted to a new job because it offered meaningful work. Dornan explains: “Storytelling as a means of communicating about the company is very effective, leaders who can do this and role-model good behaviour and attitudes will improve company culture.” He adds: “Employees should always understand where the organisation is headed, the ability to unify employees in this way is particularly important in these challenging times. Improving brand and culture improves inclusion, diversity and belonging among employees, and that will always attract the best talent.”
When a business achieves a culture of continuous learning it can inspire employees to grow with it, ensuring the company
always has the skills it needs to thrive. A LinkedIn survey of 2,000 business leaders, found that more than half (57%) preferred soft skills compared to hard skills when considering their employees” development. This includes soft skills such as leadership, communication, collaboration and time management.
Building resilience among employees can happen alongside everyday activities and leaders can provide key learning opportunities through shadowing, job rotations and secondments. As resilience and skills grow, so too will the business.
Leadership is a complex set of competencies that have become more demanding. While leaders may not have immediate answers to all challenges, investing in the talent and capabilities of their teams is essential in finding the right solutions. While Dornan says: “We are far from business as usual, but we are not entirely rewriting the book either. Today’s leaders need to be imaginative, resilient, focussed and strong in order to drive progress across the diverse and dispersed workforce and to instil those same values within the employees for whom they are responsible.”
The Society of Local Authority Lawyers & Administrators in Scotland, known by its acronym ‘SOLAR’ is a professional public sector organisation which promotes, represents and supports Scottish Local Authority Lawyers & Administrators.
SOLAR organises a range of activities for SOLAR members, including regular meetings of its Executive Committee and a range of Working Groups. These allow members to discuss and share views on topical issues affecting the public sector as well as highlight any new initiatives or challenges.
SOLAR confers on all matters affecting local government, promoting sound administrative and legal practice within Scottish local authorities and promotes and develops the professional knowledge and talents of SOLAR members. It is also a key contact in public sector legal matters for both COSLA and Scottish Government and provides views on
matters affecting the Society and its membership or local government generally. It enjoys positive relationships with public sector Lawyer & Administrator bodies throughout the UK and internationally.
SOLAR has an Executive Committee which deals with key policy and nationally important issues affecting all Council and other public bodies. SOLAR’s office bearers are appointed annually and the current president of SOLAR is Elaine Galletly, Director of Legal at Glasgow City Council. The other office bearers are Jackie Buchanan (Senior Vice President), Jenni Lawson (Vice President), Julia McAfee (Secretary), Charlie Haggerty (Treasurer) and Siobhan Wilson (Communications Officer).
SOLAR’s communication strategy developed in 2015-2016 has seen a shift towards the online platform Knowledge Hub as a means for our members to interact, share and store knowledge in a confidential and sem i-confidential setting. A key part of SOLAR’s success comes from members’ willingness to share their knowledge and expertise in supporting each other. SOLAR’s website is also used as a point of call for our members and stakeholders (www.solarscotland.org.uk).
The persons eligible for members of the Society are those employed as solicitors or in central democratic services within local authorities and other recognised public-sector organisations in Scotland. Any Scottish local authority or any recognised public-sector organisation may apply for corporate membership. A recognised public-sector organisation is a service or organisation which the Executive Committee considers to be linked with it complementary with the objects of SOLAR.
All 32 Councils are represented within SOLAR along with other bodies such as the Scottish Fire and Rescue Services and the Scottish Social Services Council. SOLAR also has an established close and profitable working relationship with the Scottish Government’s Legal Directorate.
There are 16 specialist working groups which exist to provide a forum for detailed exchange of ideas and information, knowledge and good practice collaborations. The Society and the Working Groups are regularly called upon to assist the work of national bodies. The working groups are:
Anti-Social Behaviour & Housing
Child Care
Community Care
Conveyancing, Property and Infrastructure
Education Law
Elections
Employment Law
FOI and Data Protection
Governance Working
National Care Service and Health & Social Care Integration
Human Rights and Equalities
Licensing
Monitoring Officers
Planning and Environmental Law
Procurement
Trainee and Newly Qualified Solicitors
For further information on the working groups and who to contact to join check out SOLAR’s website.
• Autumn Conference – 11 November 2022.
This half-day conference will take place online and will be free of charge. An agenda and booking details will be posted on the SOLAR website in due course.
• Annual Conference - 23 and 24 March 2023
After having no annual conference in 2021 and 2022 due to Covid, SOLAR is looking forward to hosting the Annual Conference again in 2023 which will take place in Glasgow. Further details will be posted on the SOLAR website in due course.
Follow SOLAR’s latest activities on Twitter @solarlocgov & Facebook (Solar Locgov) and connect with SOLAR on LinkedIn (SOLAR LOCGOV).
President of SOLAR Elaine Galletly Senior Vice President Jackie Buchanan
Asa leading legal services provider to the public sector, DWF understands that you need legal solutions that offer cost savings, greater efficiencies and subject matter expertise.
We are proud to have been appointed as legal advisors to several Scottish local authorities, as well as a variety of central government departments and clients for which the public sector is an important market. DWF is appointed to the Scottish Government Legal Panel, the CCS Wider Public Sector Framework and the CCS Legal Services Panel.
As a progressive legal business, we play an important role in helping our clients to innovate, grow and prosper. Our one team, full service approach means that we can help our clients in Scotland and, in collaboration with our teams in the rest of the UK and internationally, we can provide a depth of experience and expertise that is unrivalled on topics that matter to your organisation.
In Scotland, DWF has a highly experienced public sector team that regularly advises on transformation and commissioning; regeneration and economic development; risk management; and commercial advisory. We have particular strengths in advising on state aid, transport, procurement and regeneration and provide a full range of legal services including real estate support and development planning, commercial, data protection and freedom of information, construction, litigation & dispute resolution and employment & pensions.
Starting conversations early on these important topics ensures you get the right advice at the outset, ensuring successful outcomes and potentially saving time and money.
DWF listens to its clients, and you tell us you want legal services delivered in an easier and more efficient way. DWF is no ordinary law firm, we are a plc and the only main market listed business in our sector so we like to do things differently. As a result, we have designed our range of services to reflect this, and bring maximum value to you.
1. Delivering value – through our premium legal advice service, Legal Advisory; it brings together the very best in commercial intelligence and industry sector experience to deliver bespoke, highly effective advice for our clients.
2. Delivering cost savings and efficiencies – through our Mindcrest offering that provides outsourced and process-led legal, innovative products and solutions. Our teams include lawyers, paralegals and project management specialists, providing round the clock support to help clients answer questions such as “how can I do more with less?” and “how do I manage or remove operational risk?”
3. Delivering solutions to save time and manage
risk - through our Connected Services offering that brings together multi-disciplinary teams to help you manage your business challenges such as risk, reputation, cost, time. You can directly access innovative products and technology, consultants, project managers and technology specialists who collaborate with our legal advisers to provide a seamless service enabling business growth and strategy
We support our clients to deal with all of the challenges they face in a fast pace business and legal environment. An example is our popular Brave New Law Programme, an interactive solution-focused programme for in-house lawyers, exploring practical ideas to help with delivering the future of law from a leadership and culture perspective.
As the only Main Market listed business in our sector, we have a strong position from which to be a force for good. A proponent for responsible business, DWF is a proud and active member of Business in the Community and an early signatory of the Scottish Business Pledge. We are strong advocates for sustainability, social mobility and all aspects of diversity and inclusion. At DWF we aim to be the change we want to see. Our purpose is to deliver positive outcomes with our colleagues, clients and in our communities.
DWF has been independently recognised for our legal expertise, approach to technology and innovation and for diversity and CSR initiatives. DWF’s standout achievements include:
• Times Top 50 Employer for Women (2022)
• FT Innovative Lawyer Awards (2020) - DWF was highly commended for Innovation in the Practice of Law (for the multidisciplinary team of lawyers, claims managers and forensic accountants that have tackled business interruption issues)
• Ranked as a Top 30 Employer for Working Families, and among the top 75 employers in the Social Mobility Employer Index.
• DWF featured in the 2019 Stonewall Workplace Equality Index (in 30th position) which showcases the best places to work for LGBTQ employees.
Among our Scottish partners, we have two recent winners of the Scottish Legal Awards Lawyer of the Year accolade. Naomi Pryde, partner and Head of Commercial Litigation in Scotland is the 2020 holder and Jill Sinclair, partner and Head of Counter Fraud in Scotland won in 2019.
If you would like to maximise outcomes for your projects by starting that conversation early, and discuss how we can support you to get the best results in the most efficient and cost effective manner, please contact Ann Frances Cooney, Partner and Head of Government & Public Sector, Scotland annfrances.cooney@dwf.law.
The legal market has changed profoundly in the last decade and the speed of change continues to increase.
Our vision is to deliver integrated legal and business services on a global scale through our three offerings; Legal Advisory, Mindcrest and Connected Services, across our eight key sectors.
Find out more at dwfgroup.com
©DWF 2021, all rights reserved. DWF is a collective trading name for the international legal practice and multi-disciplinary commercial business comprising DWF Group plc and all of its subsidiaries and subsidiary undertakings of which, the entities that practice law, are separate and distinct law firms. Please refer to the Legal Notices page on our website located at dwfgroup.com for further details. DWF’s lawyers are subject to regulation by the relevant regulatory body in the jurisdiction in which they are qualified and/or in which they practise.
SGN keeps communities across the whole of Scotland and much of the South of England safe and warm. Our vision is to give our 6 million customers the best clean energy experience.
Achieving net zero emissions will require transformation across the whole economy. We are investing in world leading R&D projects in the UK, advocating for the solutions that meet our customers’ needs and supporting industry make the transition to net zero to maintain jobs and skills here in the UK.
The UK’s biggest net zero challenge is decarbonising our homes and buildings. It’s the second biggest emitting sector with around 30% of our national emissions coming from around 25 million homes which are connected to gas networks across the UK.
Millions of homes and people will be heavily impacted by this change. The decarbonisation of homes is first and foremost a customer challenge.
Customers react differently to the shared challenges we face: their own experience informs the choices they make. So when it comes to delivery of net zero we know we must put our customers’ different needs at the centre of any solution that is offered to them.
We need to listen to and understand what our customers actually want from their future home heating solutions.
By doing this, and really understanding our customers’ needs, we can inform policy development and technological solutions that will help deliver a transition to net zero homes more quickly and at lowest cost.
Our customer attitudes research tells us that the willingness of customers to move to a zero-carbon heating system is high. Importantly, customers do not want to lose the attributes of heat that they have today. They want the control, flexibility and immediacy of a heat source they can turn on and off, up and down.
But when you ask customers what action they will personally take and how much they are prepared to pay, that support for change drops to around a third. We call this the “action gap”.
For most customers, the technology itself isn’t a relevant consideration for them. It’s what it delivers and how it delivers which they are concerned with.
Some customers tell us they are worried about being left behind when it comes to adopting new technologies.
But on the flip side, many customers are also worried
about being the first mover. They see a world of uncertainty and risk and for many a do-nothing approach represents the least risk option.
Customers expect government and business to take the lead by providing clarity on what the choices are and a roadmap of how they can be made a reality.
If we are going to make progress on the decarbonisation of our homes in the 2020s, hydrogen needs to be part of the choices on offer to customers.
We know about the home heating technologies available in market today, and we’re very clear – we will need all of them to reach net zero.
To maintain progress on decarbonisation, we in industry need to work alongside regulators and policymakers and ensure a customer centric approach is the backbone of the pathway we use to decarbonise our homes.
Please get in touch or visit our website* if you would like to learn more about our world leading R&D or customer analysis, or how we are helping industry to meet net zero. *sgn.co.uk/about-us/future-of-gas
Colin Thomson, SGNWe are a professional services company with global expertise and local knowledge. We offer independent advice to safeguard the commercial interests of clients embarking on investment programmes across real estate, infrastructure and natural resources.
work across multiple sectors specialising in programme management, project management, cost and commercial management, net zero and advisory.
our local offices in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen, we work collaboratively with clients to transform performance on Scotland’s most impactful projects and programmes.
Anapp designed to help owners of shared properties repair their buildings has been rolled out in two further areas of Scotland following its success in Edinburgh.
Developed by Novoville, a tech company in partnership with the City of Edinburgh Council, the Shared Repairs app launched in April last year and has been helping more than 500 tenements carry out £700,000 worth of repairs.
Repairs carried out range from £50,000 for extensive roof repairs down to £200 for new door locks, through to £20,000 improving stonework, £5,000 repainting stairwells, to £2,000 on new gutters.
The app lists around 150 contractors which are members of Edinburgh’s trusted trader scheme, with users being able to request quotes from the firms before taking a vote via the app on which of the companies to opt for. It’s also possible to use the app with any trader customers wish to work with.
Following its success in the capital, Perth and Kinross and East Ayrshire councils have announced today that they are to launch the app in their constituencies.
Councillor Mandy Watt, finance and resources convener at
the City of Edinburgh Council, said, “The feedback I’m getting is that without the app, some people say they wouldn’t have had the confidence to approach neighbours and get the repairs done, or the process would have taken a lot longer due to communication breakdowns and uncertainties about the correct course of action.”
Louis Daillencourt of Novoville added, “It’s been a pleasure to work with Edinburgh proprietors in the last year to help them fix often longstanding issues, keep their buildings safe, and make them more comfortable. Thanks to their feedback, we’ve learnt a lot and invested towards making the app ever simpler to use.
“This year, we’re progressing on multiple fronts. First, we’re deploying in more local authorities, collaborating with their private sector housing teams to make the app available to more and more owners around the country. We’re also continuing to work with consultants, architects and surveyors to ensure proprietors get the programme of work and maintenance plan their building needs. But in the wake of COP26, we’re also working on an absolutely critical development: making energy-efficiency upgrades accessible through the app.”
We think there can sometimes be a problem of trust between people and local government. We are trying to address that by making their relationship more positive and productive with the help of better technology. In other words, our aim is to improve people’s lives by making it easier for local authorities to serve them as they expect to be served! Local authorities today are often serviced by companies whose
through a mobile app. Inside, people create digital twins of their buildings, access vetted contractors, open digital payment accounts, and start looking after the fabric of their homes. From the council’s perspective, you could say we create local ecosystems for housing repairs, maintenance and retrofit. It doesn’t even require the council to work, but they can greatly help set it up with us and raise awareness about it!
products fall below par: clunky, inflexible, hard to improve. These companies are in oligopolistic positions on the market, deeply embedded with their clients, and have little or no incentive to improve their products. Novoville have come to shake up this situation. A UK company with Europe-wide operations, Novoville have offices in Edinburgh, Athens and London, and a reputation for delivering.
Two things worth noting. First, we allow people who live in co-owned blocks or communities to collaborate with each other to purchase the works they need. This is accessed
Amazingly well. In Edinburgh alone, 600 virtual tenements have been created, and the owners that live in them are progressing close to a million pounds in works at the moment. New tenements are signing up every day. Two more councils (East Ayrshire and Perth & Kinross) have recently asked us to deploy in their local area, so we were delighted to launch there this summer. We encourage all councils to get in touch and assist us in offering this solution to their residents.
Yes, we help councils themselves deliver capital spending programs by providing them with a dedicated case management tool for large scale refurbishment and renovations projects. This again comes from councils’ own admission that they’re lacking specific systems to do this work and have to do it on excel. The City of Edinburgh Council, for instance, is delivering tens of millions of pounds of work in deprived areas with the help of our system.
Absolutely. When we started working on repairs and maintenance of tenements, we quickly realised that the endgame was even bigger: to become a driving force for energy efficiency renovations in all of Scotland. And we think our existing platform represents a huge opportunity to enable retrofit and decarbonisation work at scale. It motivates both supply and demand. We’re delighted that Innovate UK and Scottish Government through the CivTech program have decided to fund the continuing development of our platform in this critical field. It’s high time a solution for energy efficiency renovations at scale emerged in Scotland. Again, if councils are interested in understanding how we can help them set up local retrofit schemes at a lower cost, they should get in touch with us.
Another big undertaking, of course, is mobility, our idea here is simple: “mode shift” by retraining those who need retraining, i.e., motorists. In various localities around Europe including Birmingham or Athens, we run the mobile parking service. This gives us access to amazing data about car usage, and therefore gives us a chance to tell those people: here is an alternative way of getting to your destination in a way which doesn’t use your car. And when you get to town, we (the council) will subsidise your moving around with micromobility options, like scooters or bikes.
“So, whether it’s with mobility or housing, Novoville is all about nudging people to do the right thing by providing them with the right tool… and it works.”
and wastewater specialist Lanes Group plc overcame difficult ground conditions to build a pumping station for a major new business park near Stirling that promises to create hundreds of jobs.
The excavation team from the company’s Glasgow depot installed a 7.5m deep wastewater wet well chamber and valve chamber at the Kildean Business Park.
Lanes, the UK’s largest drainage and wastewater specialist, carried out the excavation and installation project for pumping solutions engineers Ritmac.
Lanes Glasgow Depot Manager Brian Kerrigan said: “We were very pleased to be working on a scheme that was so important for the Central Scotland economy.
“It was completed safely, on time, and on budget despite difficult winter weather and ground conditions that required us to put in place significant additional control measures.”
Kildean Business Park is a 39-acre site being developed by Stirling Council at Junction 10 of the M9 with office buildings of varying size, from small to large HQ premises.
Installation of the pumping station had been planned as a spring-to-summer project. However, the first phase of the
works was brought forward to support the construction of a large office building.
This added to construction challenges, including the need
to overcome frost and high groundwater levels.
The first task was to reduce the ground level by approximately 2m to accommodate an over-pumping system needed to support the excavation of the wet well.
A new haul road was also built with a geo-textile membrane and crushed stone to facilitate access to and from the main working area.
Well points and water pumps were installed to control groundwater during the dig-out process. Trench support double-acting hydraulic rams were installed, along with ladder access and edge safe.
The new well was constructed with new 2100mm x 1000mm concrete rings, each one sandwiched with primer and a highquality rubber-based self-adhesive seal.
The cover slab installed was designed and cast specifically for the chamber, while the excavation was backfilled with
6F2 hardcore, approved by Stirling Council.
pumping station was completed with the construction of the new inlet manhole, valve chamber, kiosk, and permeable and non-permeable hard standing.
to be the best place to start a business in Scotland, Stirling is ranked in the top ten UK locations, and has been voted Scotland’s happiest place to live. All very good reasons to invest in Stirling - and this development will add significantly to the attraction.
Kildean Business Park is one of Stirling’s key strategic development sites, with its delivery backed by infrastructure funding from Stirling Council and the Stirling and
Clackmannanshire City Region Deal.
Comprising 39 acres, it is a significant new Business Park capable of delivering more than 400,000 square feet of Grade A high quality business space with various ancillary uses.
The park’s highly distinctive entrance will be the main focal point for its versatility, comprising valuable retail, leisure and hotel offerings, contributing to support nearly 4000 employees across its estate.
Thefirst free Angus cost of living roadshow was held recently, to give advice to people concerned about the rising cost of living.
Over 200 Angus residents attended to get professional advice on dealing with rising fuel and food costs, money savings and benefits as well as information on financial support available. They also got the chance to see cooking on a budget demonstrations, grab a bags with cooking ingredients and free period products for collection. The roadshow (at Arbroath FC grounds) was organised by The Angus Community Planning Partnership included staff within council services such as welfare rights, housing, revenues and benefits, vibrant communities as well as external organisations Citizens Advice Bureau, PENUMBRA, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, ANGUSalive, NHS and many others.
Angus Council’s spokesperson for Poverty, Welfare Rights and Equalities, Cllr George Meechan said: “We know people are worried about the rising cost of living. This roadshow gave residents the chance to speak to the right people from the right organisations in one place, making sure they get the help and advice they need help
with the squeeze households are feeling.
“I’d like to thank staff from the community partnership, the council and all of the external organisations for coming along – their commitment to helping people is wonderful. I know they found the event helpful, getting the chance to reach and talk to the people they need to but also in meeting other services they can link up with to work together in the future.
“We are planning how we can deliver similar roadshows in other towns. If anyone was unable to make the event, I’d encourage them to visit the council’s cost of living webpage where they can find out online about the support available from the council, our partners, local and national organisations.”
To visit Angus Council’s cost of living website, just scan the QR code below.
Shuttle Buses has become employee-owned, giving all 70 employees a stake in the business as the current MD plans for his eventual retirement
Established in 1990, the bus and coach company has 60 vehicles and operates both commercial and subsidised local bus services – including school and private contracts, the MyBus on-demand service and private coach hire. A key motivation for transitioning to employee ownership was to retain the ethos and culture of the company whilst anchoring it in the local community – something that could not be guaranteed with a trade sale.
Co-operative Development Scotland (CDS) – part of Scottish Enterprise and the arm of Scotland’s enterprise agencies* that supports company growth through collaborative and employee ownership
tax-efficient exit, yet retaining both a role and a shareholding in the business, whilst passing on the role of Managing Director to my son.”
In May this year an Employee Ownership census commissioned by CDS showed that there were 195 employee-owned businesses operating in Scotland. That number has now grown to more than 200.
Employee ownership gives employees a meaningful stake in their organisation together with a genuine say in how it is run. Employee-owned businesses (EOBs) are also more resilient than non-employeeowned businesses during times of economic crisis, as well as being more profitable, more productive and having greater staff engagement.
Clare Alexander, Head of CDS, added: “It’s wonderful to see a company like Shuttle Buses embracing employee ownership.
informed decision on whether to move to employee ownership. Once the company had decided to proceed, its transition was project-managed by 4-consulting, with legal services from Blackadders and financial inputs from Williams & Company.
Scotland is the third largest growth region in the UK for EOBs, with the sector here increasing by 13% since June 2020. CDS is the only dedicated service in Scotland aimed at supporting business growth through more employee ownership and cooperative business models. To help business owners decide if employee ownership is the right exit strategy for them, CDS currently offers advice and support via a 100% funded ownership succession review and employee ownership feasibility study. Specialists are also able to advise around implementation.
business models – assisted the company in its transition.
David Granger, Managing Director of Shuttle Buses, said: “Having considered various exit strategies, it was clear that employee ownership was the best way forward for both me and the business. We have a great workforce, some of whom have been with the company for almost as long as I have, and safeguarding their future was equally important to me as my own.
“Despite having grown to 70 employees we have managed to retain much of the ethos of a family company; my son and youngest daughter both work here and I think a trade sale could have been disastrous for both them and our other employees. Employee ownership gave me a
Adopting this business model is a great way to preserve the company’s culture even after the original founder retires – something that’s especially important when that company is providing vital lifeline services to the local community.
“More and more Scottish businesses are transitioning to employee ownership and we’re proud to support them on that journey. The fact that we’ve already reached more than 200 employee-owned businesses in Scotland is a fantastic achievement, but with a Scottish government target of growing that to 500 by 2030, we’re working hard to raise awareness and facilitate even more transitions.”
The company commissioned a feasibility study, which allowed it to make an
The EOT trustees and other employees of Shuttle Buses are pictured on 31 August 2022, the day the business became Employee Ownedhave a great workforce, some of whom have been with the company for almost as long as I have, and safeguarding their future was equally important to me as my own.Left to right: MD Ross Granger, Chairman David Granger, Ralph Leishman of 4Consulting, Kevin Hamilton, Danny Armstrong and Mark Stranaghan
Residents across Aberdeen can now apply for a free one-tonne community salt bag to treat icy roads and pavements in their neighbourhood during the winter months.
Although it has been quite a mild autumn so far, winter is fast coming and the deadline for applying for the one-tonne community salt bags is 31 October.
The scheme is designed to help communities help themselves when winter starts and in addition, there will again be big community salt bins in strategic locations around the city.
Aberdeen City Council Co-Leader Councillor Ian Yuill said: “Cold, icy weather will soon be here. As always, the Council’s gritting teams will be working hard to treat roads and pavements, often under challenging conditions. On icy days, almost half of Aberdeen’s roads and the city’s busiest pavements on Union Street are treated before 7.30am.
“Unfortunately, though, Council staff can’t be everywhere all the time - there are 620 miles of roads in Aberdeen, slightly more than the distance from the city to Paris, and there are 1,242 miles of pavements which is the distance from here to Rome. That’s why local yellow grit bins and the one tonne community salt bag scheme are so important – they enable local communities to help themselves.”
The one-tonne community salt bags, like the salt provided in grit bins, will be for use only on public areas. A secure and accessible area, like a driveway, would have to be available for storing the onetonne community salt bags.
Any residents or groups which would like a one-tonne bag should apply online at www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/services/peopleand-communities/get-ready-winter/onetonne-salt-bags before 31 October. The community salt bags are delivered free of charge, are replaced as necessary, and are removed at the end of winter.
The locations for the big community salt bins are Bridge of Don (Laurel Drive), Garthdee (Asda car park – next to recycling facilities), Torry (Girdleness Road), Union Row, Crown Terrace (next to bins), Justice Street (next to recycling bins), Seaton Drive (car park on entry to Seaton Walk), Regent Court (car park), Northfield (Byron Square), Hilton (at the top of Anderson Road, next to Stewart Park), Rosemount (Leadside Road), Kingswells Park & Ride (next to recycling point and bins), Craibstone Park & Ride (west car park), Bridge of Don Park & Ride (next to recycling point and bins), Countesswells Road, Dyce (Asda car parknext to recycling facilities), Fernhill Drive (near Fernhill Road), Johnston Gardens North (at turning area), Tillydrone (Pennan Road beside the library).
More information about gritting routes and winter maintenance from Aberdeen City Council is available from www. aberdeencity.gov.uk/winter.
TheCity of Edinburgh Council will write to the Scottish and UK Governments to request emergency and long-term funding to address the scale of Edinburgh’s housing pressures. It follows a decision taken by the Council this week (Thursday 22 September) to consider freezing tenants’ rents for a third year in a row, in response to the cost of living crisis. The Council Leader will also write to the Scottish Government requesting that the rent freeze across private and social rented homes is maintained until rent controls are in place in Edinburgh.
Moving the motion, the Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener Councillor Jane Meagher described the option of another rent freeze as “a humane response to a massive debt crisis where people are facing the toughest financial squeeze of their lifetimes.”
Instead of a rent consultation, the Council will invite tenants to share views on the financial challenges they are facing in relation to the cost of living crisisincluding rent, food, energy and insulation - which will involve tenants’ representatives
and inform the work of the Edinburgh Partnership and Poverty Commission.
Officers have also been asked to bring a report to a meeting of the Housing Homelessness and Fair Work Committee on the implications of a rent freeze for council tenants in 2023/24, the subsequent impact
most vulnerable residents who are on the frontline.
“Elderly people, those with young families, residents who are ill – many tenants are already facing extreme financial hardship and are struggling at supermarket tills and with their energy bills. We shouldn’t need to add the unbearable burden of a rent rise to that, and we must provide a level of continuity in these uncertain times.
“It is a difficult decision to take, however, because the money paid by tenants in their rents pays for our Housing Service and enables us to borrow money to improve Council homes and build new affordable housing. With construction costs also rising - and without additional support from government - keeping rents the same will without a doubt make our newbuild programme very challenging.
of this freeze on the Housing Revenue Account over the next three years, with a detailed financial strategy.
Cllr Meagher said: “We are all in the grip of a cost of living crisis but it is our
“I’d like to thank Living Rents for joining our Council meeting to highlight the challenges which lie before us. Council Leader Cammy Day will now detail the scale of Edinburgh’s housing crisis to government, requesting both emergency and long-term funding to allow us to purchase and build more homes for social rent.”
“We are all in the grip of a cost of living crisis but it is our most vulnerable residents who are on the frontline.
Edinburgh is bidding for more than £12m in Shared Prosperity Funding from the UK Government as the Council targets support for a series of poverty-tackling community projects. From money for employment initiatives and skills development to new measures to help Edinburgh’s most disadvantaged through the cost-of-living crisis, up to 32 projects to reduce inequalities between communities could benefit from funding.
The shortlist also includes an initiative to create a number of new community growing areas, projects designed to support people into work and an innovative ‘GreenTech’ Accelerator programme to promote entrepreneurial skills and new start-ups. A ‘Residents First’ programme of exclusive access to cultural events is also planned, alongside a new youth work space and events for older people at risk of social isolation.
Following the submission of the Council’s investment plan, there will be
negotiations with the UK Government before initial funding can be released. If successful, the money will be provided by the UK Government under the Shared Prosperity Fund, which aims to build pride in place and increase life chances across the UK by funding projects which support local business, people and skills and boost communities and local places. Acting as a successor to European Union Structural Funds, it could start supporting projects in Edinburgh as early as this October, all the way through to 2025.
A report* outlining the bid was agreed by the Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Committee this week (Thursday 4 August).
Councillor Jane Meagher, Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, said:
“Our communities make our city and we’re so lucky to have a great number of incredible people working so hard to support local projects and bring forward new ideas.
“It hasn’t been easy for the panel to narrow this shortlist down and I’m really grateful to everyone involved. They have chosen an exciting and diverse mix of important projects - each and every one of them designed to tackle poverty and improve lives at a local level - and I’m pleased the selection has received Committee’s approval.
“We agreed that we would provide updates on the bid regularly, including the role of under-represented groups. We all want to make sure these efforts are inclusive and support a diverse range of residents.
“This funding allocation really will mean the world to those involved and will allow us to help thousands of people. I’m looking forward to early confirmation from the UK Government on our success with this bid, as I’m keen that we start delivering right away.”
can be found
Council staff at Greenock Crematorium have secured £12,000 for Ardgowan Hospice. They successfully applied for funding from the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management (ICCM) through its recycling of metals scheme.
The council has been part of the initiative for a few years but this is the first time a charity has been put forward for a cash award.
Councillor Michael McCormick, Inverclyde Council’s convener of environment and regeneration, said: “This is a fantastic sum of money for Ardgowan Hospice thanks to our environmental and commercial services team who run the crematorium and ICCM.
“It’s also down to bereaved families and their consent that has allowed this to happen.
“We all know about the incredible work that Ardgowan Hospice does caring for family and friends and also supporting their loved ones and it’s important that we do all we can to help them to continue providing vital services to people right across Inverclyde and this donation I’m sure will be a timely boost for the charity, particularly in the current cost of living
crisis which is having an impact on us all.”
The hospice supports around 1,000 people and their families every year and over 60 per cent of its running costs are raised through donations and fundraising.
Joanna Hunter, Ardgowan Hospice fundraising manager, said: “We are delighted to be the first charity locally to benefit from the ICCM’s recycling of metals
scheme and we can’t thank them enough and Inverclyde Council for thinking about Ardgowan Hospice and putting us forward for this donation.
“We rely heavily on our local area for donations so this £12,000 will help us continue to provide care and support to people living with a life limiting illness and their families when they need us most.”
ICCM donated almost £1.8 million to good causes in its latest round of funding from December 2021 to July 2022 taking the overall total to over £15m since the scheme started.
Trevor Robson, from ICCM, said: “The ICCM Board are delighted to announce the end of another successful round of nominations and donations from the ICCM/ OrthoMetals recycling of Metals scheme.
“All scheme members should be proud of their work in assisting charities and ensuring some of them survive the current economic climate and the issues of funding still facing charities after the issues of COVID-19 and the ongoing pandemic.
“In addition the biggest praise still needs to go to the families of the bereaved for their consent to allow the success of the scheme.”
EastRenfrewshire Council has opened a state-of-the-art Changing Places Toilet facility in Rouken Glen Park, allowing people with profound and multiple learning disabilities or with physical disabilities, a safe and comfortable space to use. The new facility, which includes a freestanding adult sized bench, ceiling track hoist, peninsular toilet, accessible shower and colostomy shelf, can be found to the right of the park’s pavilion building and accessed with a Radar key.
This project, which also includes a new baby-changing facility and upgraded public toilets, represents a significant investment and highlights the Council’s commitment to providing high-quality, inclusive and accessible facilities throughout East Renfrewshire.
East Renfrewshire Council Leader, Councillor Owen O’Donnell said: “Having to think about toilet facilities when we’re out socialising, shopping or attending appointments is something lots of us take
for granted, but for those with profound and multiple disabilities, it is something taken into consideration every time they leave their home. So I’m really delighted that we now have a Changing Places Facility in Rouken Glen which will allow more people to enjoy our fantastic park, knowing that suitable facilities are available for them and their carers to use.”
PAMIS (Promoting A More Inclusive Society - https://pamis.org.uk) lead the Changing Places toilet campaign in Scotland and co-chair the UK Changing Places toilet consortium. CEO, Jenny Miller said “Families are continually telling us that they would like more Changing Places toilets in large, outdoor spaces and parks. We are pleased to have registered Rouken Glen’s new facility, which means that families from all over Scotland will now be able to travel to the country park and enjoy a day out without having to worry about the basic human right of going to toilet.”
To find out more about Changing Places and this new facility, scan the QR code.
Cllr McCormick, David Millar, crematorium technician, and Joanna Hunter from the hospice at Greenock Crematorium
construction anticipated to be complete by the end of 2022 ahead of a testing and commissioning period.
The main construction works between Montgomery Street/Annandale Street and Pilrig Street were completed last month (July). Main construction works are also complete on several other sections, including Ocean Terminal to Rennie’s Isle and between Tower Street and Constitution Place and Tower Street and Baltic Street.
Amongst the progress made to date, 93% of track slab has been laid (over 4km), all the necessary utility diversions have been carried out and main construction work is complete on four new tram stops at Constitution Street, McDonald Road, Ocean Terminal and Foot of the Walk, with works progressing well on the Balfour Street and Port of Leith stops.
The historic London Road clock has returned home after 15 years in storage and following its full restoration, as part of the Trams to Newhaven project.
The clock, which began life on Waverley Bridge in 1857 before being moved to the West End in 1896, was eventually placed at the roundabout on London Road in 1955. It was removed in 2007 during the original tram project and is now being replaced as Trams to Newhaven nears completion.
Specialist clockmakers Smith of Derby have carefully restored the clock, which has involved dismantling it, priming and repainting all parts, hand painting ornate features in gold and repairing the Coat of Arms of Edinburgh, including casting a new deer from aluminium.
The timepiece was returned to Elm Row on Tuesday (16 August) as part of improvements to the public space at Elm Row.
Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, said:
Trams to Newhaven is of significance for communities on the route, not only through delivering a sustainable, highcapacity travel option, but by making real
improvements to public spaces along the way.
I’m sure the return of the London Road clock will be welcome news to many, and thanks to its full restoration it will add a striking finishing touch to the area’s transformation. It has a rich history, and I’m sure the clock has witnessed many amazing scenes in Edinburgh.
John Lawson, City Archaeologist, said:
It has been fascinating to work with Smith of Derby in restoring this iconic clock back to its original condition and with a new striking paint scheme reflecting what we believe to be close to its original Victorian look.
The process has proved more complex than first thought. What was thought to be a simple iron casting in four parts has been revealed by Smith’s conservation work to be a more intricate design, with individual detailed castings added separately to the main column. Along with the Elm Row pigeons, we hope the historic London Road Clock will be enjoyed by all and add to the area’s history.
Trams to Newhaven remains on schedule for completion by spring 2023 and within the £207.3m budget, with all major
Several other monuments and public artwork pieces have been refurbished and replaced as part of the project, including the Robert Burns statute at Bernard Street, which was restored and unveiled earlier this year. In addition, the eight bronze pigeons will be returned to Elm Row this autumn, while work is ongoing to identify an appropriate location for Pilrig Cable Wheels discovered on Leith Walk.
“Craigmillar is also an important trial in our work to support projects that bring local food growing back into everyday spaces and improve green spaces in local areas. This is vital for creating more opportunities for people across the city to have better access to nature and open space, such as play parks and places to exercise or meet friends, which can support physical and mental well-being for everyone.”
An innovative new outdoor space for people to meet and spend time has opened to the public. The newly named Walk-Up Avenue project has transformed a previously unused site in the heart of Craigmillar into a multi-purpose place that can be enjoyed by local people and visitors alike.
Visitors have had a first taste of the new space, which was used as a venue for this year’s Craigmillar and Niddrie Community Festival. It is linked to the existing play park via a sculptural entranceway. It provides a new commercial unit set within a wider green space - designed as a raingarden to support biodiversity - alongside outdoor seating, informal play and an events space with a stage pavilion.
The site was developed with the intention of providing a new outdoor space for people to meet and spend time, supporting small businesses and increasing footfall to this local centre.
The project has been delivered by the City of Edinburgh Council with support from the Town Centres Fund, Place Based Investment Programme, Scotland Loves Local, Nature Restoration Fund and Cycling Friendly & Social Housing Fund. The Council owns the site and will oversee the management of future occupation and maintenance.
Walk-Up Avenue aims to support the wider regeneration investment in the Craigmillar area, and will contribute to Edinburgh’s 20-minute neighbourhood strategy for people across the city to live well locally with amenities available within a short walk, wheel or cycle from their homes.
The 20-minute neighbourhood approach is being developed with a focus on quality natural spaces for recreation and social activities that support physical and mental wellbeing for everyone, and places with their own identity and purpose, where everyone feels part of their local community.
Councillor Jane Meagher, Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener said:
“Walk-Up Avenue presents a clear vision for the future of outdoor recreation and social spaces in Edinburgh. Linked to our 194-home Craigmillar Town Centre development, the site is a prime example of our 20-minute neighbourhood approach in action. It’s not just about building homes, it’s about creating communities that help to end poverty and isolation in Edinburgh.
Four-legged friends join in the fun. Image credit: Will Scott Photography for New Practice
Walk Up Avenue also connects to an existing play area. Image credit: Will Scott Photography for New Practice
Young residents sample the new stage area at Walk Up Avenue. Image credit: Will Scott Photography for New PracticeThe plans for the beach-front include a pier, a play-park and other leisure facilities, attractive streetscaping, increased usability for the Beach Ballroom, and a state-ofthe-art sports area.
The elements which are part of the Levelling Up Fund 2 bid include an urban park (a playpark, sports area and a pump track), an events field, a gateway building, a hub building, and canopy features, and a pedestrian ‘spine’.
The Levelling Up Fund 2 operates on a competitive basis, with a maximum of one project being funded per Westminster constituency and one strategic transport project per local authority.
Aberdeen City Council City Growth and Resources Convener Councillor Alexander McLellan said: “The plans for the beachfront are being designed to provide an exciting new environment for both residents and visitors to the city while conserving the heritage of the area and encouraging more people to make the shift to walking, cycling, or public transport.
“The proposals are also centred around the need to recover from the Covid-19 pandemic in a positive way and ensure we are investing in our city and making it a place people want to live, work, visit and do business.
“We welcome the opportunity to bid to the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund 2 and the opportunity that presents to help fund our ambitious plans for the beach
front, as we believe we are presenting a strong case to rejuvenate our beach-front and the benefits that will bring to our city and the people living here.”
The proposed urban park would create an outdoor destination for the city and would also facilitate connections back to the city centre.
The play-park and sports area, which are being developed in on-going consultation with youngsters, could accommodate a variety of different play uses including a pump track which could be used by many different types of equipment including scooters, roller blades, roller skates, skateboards, bicycles of all types, and wheelchairs.
The proposed events field would be flexible space capable of holding events, festivals, larger concerts and would also have a large, grassed area for day-to-day use such as informal sports and games such as football, touch rugby, ultimate frisbee as well as providing space for picnicking.
The gateway building would act as a sculptural landmark at the entrance to the events park, drawing people down towards the new waterfront destination from the city centre.
The hub building would be in the central plaza area, creating a focal point at the heart of the new urban park and positioned at a key junction on the main pedestrian spine.
The pedestrian spine would consist of the main route through the area.
Renfrewshire road bridge inspired by Scotland’s aviation pioneers has officially opened, providing a critical connection for businesses across the White Cart river.
The 70-metre Barnwell Street bridge takes its name from the Barnwell Brothers and has been built by Renfrewshire Council to link business centres either side of the river.
It forms part of a series of infrastructure improvements jointly funded by the Scottish and UK Governments through the £1.13billion Glasgow City Region City Deal which has enabled development of the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland (AMIDS).
Located between Arran Avenue in Paisley and Wright Street in Renfrew, the crossing enables vehicles coming from Paisley to access commercial premises on the Renfrew side and gives Renfrew companies a new connection into AMIDS, Glasgow Airport and the motorway network.
There’s no through road for vehicles onto Wright Street to prevent it being used as a shortcut and over time helping to reduce HGVs and commercial traffic in nearby residential areas.
It also includes a public walking and cycling crossing which joins up with the growing network of cycling and walking
routes across Renfrewshire.
Renfrewshire Council Leader Iain Nicolson joined businesses benefiting from the bridge and Glasgow Airport employee Alan Carson, whose daily commute is now by bike thanks to the new route, to mark its official opening.
Councillor Nicolson said: “I’m delighted to see the Barnwell Street bridge now open. We’re already seeing the benefits of this investment, with new developments choosing to locate next to the bridge, bringing new jobs and opportunities to Renfrewshire.
“Right across Renfrewshire we are making a major investment in infrastructure like roads, bridges, walking and cycling routes, better connecting communities to their work, studies and leisure. This investment is anticipated to bolster the economy by more than half a billion pounds by attracting new developments to locate in Renfrewshire.
“Local residents will also enjoy the benefits of the Barnwell Street bridge, making it much easier and quicker to choose to leave their car behind and walk, cycle or wheel across to AMIDS, Glasgow Airport and further afield.
“It’s fitting it’s named after the brothers who built the first successful powered aircraft made in Scotland as AMIDS is
fast emerging as Scotland’s home of manufacturing innovation, where cutting edge research and technology is being applied to manufacture in a better way, in a cleaner, greener way.”
Glasgow City Region City Deal funding for the project has also seen a pedestrian and cycle bridge over the Black Cart river onto Greenock Road open last year.
And a new road, called Netherton Avenue, has replaced Abbotsinch Road to provide a bespoke route through the innovation district.
The district has already attracted the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) and the Medicines Manufacturing Innovation Centre to locate here, as well as aerospace giants Boeing who are partnering with NMIS on their first research and development project in Scotland.
Scottish Government Business Minister Ivan McKee said: “The opening of Barnwell Street Bridge marks a significant milestone for the Glasgow City Region Deal and for
Renfrewshire Council Leader Iain Nicolson (centre) and Renfrewshire Council City Deal and Infrastructure Programme Director Barbara Walker with business representatives from: AirSea Scotland; AMG Group; Bidfood; Bullet Express; Canmoor, Asset Managers of Westway; Trident Engineering Consultants and Westway, and far right, Alan Carson, ASU Operative at Glasgow Airport.the local community. This is a vital project which will link commercial centres including the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland (AMIDS) and offers greater pedestrian and cyclist access. The Scottish Government is an equal partner in the Glasgow City Region Deal, committing £500million over 20 years.”
UK Government Minister for Scotland Iain Stewart said: “Renfrewshire is channelling the pioneering achievements of the Barnwell brothers with its ambitious infrastructure programme. In the spirit of its namesakes, the new bridge will help the local economy to take off by connecting companies across the White Cart and supporting residents to cycle and walk to work. The UK Government is investing in exciting projects like the Barnwell Street bridge as part of £2 billion for levelling up communities right across Scotland.”
Glasgow City Region City Deal funding is also supporting construction of the first opening road bridge across the River Clyde at Renfrew, helping to create an attractive waterfront area and projected to inject as much as £230million into the economy and create more than 2000 permanent and temporary jobs.
Iain McKissock, Director at freight forwarders and custom brokers AirSea Scotland said:
“With around 70 percent of our export and import business being handled through Glasgow Airport, the new bridge on Barnwell Street gives us easier access to the airport and will help us to cut down on our emissions.
“The opening of the bridge and the area being part of the manufacturing innovation district goes a long way to help future growth and will hopefully attract more businesses to the area and in turn this means more exports and imports requiring
processing, which we, as probably the largest independent forwarding agent in Scotland, are in a prime position to assist.”
Rob Large, Director of Canmoor, Asset Manager of Westway Park said:
“The Glasgow City Region City Deal has been instrumental in creating connections and improving the infrastructure around Westway and the new Barnwell Street bridge is another positive milestone in this process.
“As well as improving access to Glasgow Airport for our occupiers, it will help reduce the impact of heavy vehicle traffic from residential areas around Porterfield Road and central Renfrew, as well as connecting with the Paisley to Renfrew cycle route.
“We are continually investing in the future of Westway and our plans include creating a new park entrance close to the new bridge. We have completed a £12million redevelopment and improvement programme, which has included the refurbishment and upgrading of around 200,000 square foot of industrial space and we have also developed and secured a prelet for the new 120,000 square foot Filshill Distribution Centre.”
John McKail, Managing Director of Bullet Express, said:
“In addition to increasing our storage capacity, one of the main drivers for us choosing Westway was its access to Glasgow Airport. This bridge significantly enhances that accessibility, bringing us even closer to our customers and to the air and road links that enable us to get their products where they need to be. With storage capacity for 12,000 pallets in our 67,000 square feet storage facility at Westway, Bullet Express is now even better placed to meet the needs of our customers.”
John McCluskey, Bidfood Head of Operations (Hubs) Scotland, said:
“We looked at a number of sites in the west to be closer to our customer base,
reducing road miles, avoiding congestion on the M8 and Kingston bridge when returning back to our Edinburgh depot, to grow our business locally and provide further employment opportunities.
“This site is ideal with the close links to the motorway and airport nearby. The bridge will help us avoid congestion coming into Renfrew and will keep traffic away from the residential area which will help maintain road safety for the residents and will provide fast and easy access onto the motorway network. Having a good road network, transport links and public transport will be key to ensuring that we are able to ensure our colleagues are able to access the area, getting to and from work.”
Alan Carson, an ASU Operative at Glasgow Airport, is enjoying cycling to work now the bridge has opened. He said:
“This new bridge is an absolute game changer for the people in my area, not just for work, but for walks also. I live very close to Wright Street and the bridge. Before the bridge was built, I would use my car, cycle or walk to work. Now the bridge is open, I will walk or bike which changes my journey time from 45 minutes down to 15 minutes or as little as five by bike, cutting my travel time massively.
“The bridge is going to be great for leisure purposes for everyone who lives on the Renfrew side as now we can join cycling or walking routes to both Inchinnan, Paisley and beyond, keeping us away from busy roads.”
“This new bridge is an absolute game changer for the people in my area”, Alan Carson, an ASU Operative at Glasgow Airport.
Thirteen young modern apprentices are ready to start their early years careers with Angus Council, after joining the council to work in their early learning and childcare centres.
The 13 new early years recruits who started on Monday 15 August will work with the council’s experienced early years staff in various early learning and childcare settings throughout Angus. They’ll gain practical skills and experience while providing high quality learning experiences for children. The apprentices will spend the first six months of the 18 months programme in practice at their ELCC before starting their SVQ level 3 Social Services (Children and Young People) delivered by Dundee and Angus College.
Angus Council’s Council Leader, Cllr Beth Whiteside said: “Angus Council is committed to investing in young people, creating opportunities for them to develop the skills and experience needed now and in the future. I’m delighted to welcome our new apprentices who I’m sure will make a real difference to the lives of little ones in Angus while training to become qualified early years practitioners.
“As well as the 13 young people starting as early years apprentices, we’ve also a further 11 modern apprenticeship posts currently being recruited in various other services within the council over the next few months, providing a strong foundation for our future workforce.”
Cllr Lloyd Melville, Angus Council’s spokesperson for youth engagement and opportunities who met some of the
apprentices recently said: “It was great to meet some of our new early year modern apprentices today and hear how excited they are about working with the council and supporting children in our early learning and childcare centres.
“I’m pleased the council continues to offer apprenticeships giving young people in Angus the chance to take their first step on the career ladder while gaining valuable experience, skills and a qualification.”
Julie Grace, Vice Principal for Curriculum and Attainment said: “We have worked with Angus Council over a number of years to develop their workforce and provide the knowledge, skills and qualifications to enable young people to progress their career journeys.
“Delivering high-quality early learning and childcare experiences requires committed, well-qualified and professional staff and I am pleased to welcome the latest group of modern apprentices to Dundee and Angus College. The young people will be suppo rted by our expert staff throughout their apprenticeship to become successful practitioners and provide positive experiences for the children of Angus.”
The council works in partnership with Dundee and Angus College to provide the early years modern apprenticeship opportunities, which combine paid employment with work-based training to lead to an industry-recognised vocational qualification.
From left, Cllr Lloyd Melville with at Lochside Early Learning and Childcare Centre in Montrose with early years modern apprentices, Michaela Scott, Lydia Keane, Sophie Beedie, Bella Dean and Hayley Longmuir.
any local businesses interested to get in touch with the council to find out more.”
Lucy Telfer, who completed a work placement said: “The work experience placement I attended with EW Edwardson gave me the confidence to work with other people of all different ages and backgrounds, communicating with them and learning the skills I needed to progress my career as an electrician.
Council is calling on local businesses and employers to support young people getting ready to leave school to develop new skills and gain experience by offering work placements.
Work placements can take place on a fixed or flexible basis to best suit the young person and the employer and can vary from a fixed week to one day a week for several weeks.
Angus Council’s Convenor for Children and Learning, Cllr Lynne Devine urged local businesses to offer support, explaining: “Now more than ever it’s so important that
young people get the chance to learn new skills and gain experience to help them get ready to make the move from school to employment or training.
“Building partnerships between schools and local businesses to offer a range of high-quality work placements, ensures our young people get the chance to hear from and work directly with people in the world of work.
“We already have some excellent partnerships but more are needed so I urge
“The placement gave me hands on experience in different environments and helped me understand what being an electrician entails. This work experience placement led to me being offered an apprenticeship with EW Edwardson taking the weight off my shoulders of having to find an apprenticeship with another company.
Lewis Farrow, Area Manager/ Director, EW Edwardson Ltd who recently offered a work placement said: “At EW Edwardson we are always happy to support in developing and encouraging the next generation coming through the electrical industry. It was a great fit for us to get involved, allowing us to give the students a real insight to assess if it’s the correct career choice for them. For us as a company it is very satisfying to see the student develop.”
To help and support our foster carers we provide comprehensive training, access to therapists, and 24 hour support from our skilled social workers.
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Mike Jamieson from EW Edwardson Ltd with Lucy Telfer who completed her work placement with EW Edwardson Ltd.Every day, Barnardo’s foster carers transform lives by showing their belief in the young people they care for.
Primary School in Forfar have become the first school in Scotland to achieve the prestigious ADHD Friendly School award by the ADHD Foundation for their work with children with ADHD in the last academic year.
To achieve the award, schools and colleges work in partnership with the ADHD Foundation, the largest provider of ADHD training for parents and professionals in the UK. Key areas developed by Strathmore PS include:
addressing the main barriers to learning for children with ADHD in their everyday practice. This includes the use of tactile resources and adapted workstations (such as fidget toys, resistance bands and balance boards) as a tool to assist children with regulating their attention. considering how emotional dysregulation can be a key barrier to learning for children with ADHD and putting in place plenty of adjustments to address this. This includes introducing ‘Cosy Corners’ and ‘Break-out Spaces’ where children can self-regulate using strategies such as talking, breathing and listening to music.
giving children with ADHD ample opportunity for movement and physical activity. Movement breaks have been utilised effectively to help children to regulate and refocus their attention. celebrating neurodiversity and destigmatising neurodiverse conditions. Achieving this through sessions with the students as well as a whole-school display which celebrates the positives of ADHD and promotes the stories of successful people with neurodiverse conditions. They’ve set up a parent information group to provide a stronger link between home and school to further support their neurodiverse students.
Angus Council’s Children and Learning Convenor, Cllr Lynne Devine said: “Congratulations to Strathmore Primary School on receiving the ADHD Friendly School award from the ADHD Foundation and being the first school in Scotland to receive this award. There are so many wonderful initiatives being taken by individual schools across Angus that people should know about and this is certainly one
of them. Well done to the whole team!”
Jennifer Garnes, Head Teacher from Strathmore School said “I believe passionately in adapting environments to ensure we are providing equal opportunities for all our learners. We do not force square pegs into round holes, instead we work together with parents, children and staff to create a safe environment for all children to flourish and most importantly – be happy!”.
Sarah Webster, Principal Teacher from Strathmore Primary School said, “I am incredibly proud of how hard all the staff at Strathmore have worked previously, and this session to ensure all learners feel supported to reach their full potential. Our journey as a school this year has pulled our staff closer together to provide consistency for all. Relationships with all stakeholders are at an all-time high. I am excited to continue celebrating neurodiversity in our community and beyond”.
Colin Foley, the training director of the ADHD Foundation said, “It has been a
privilege to work with Strathmore Primary School. The staff have gone above and beyond to make their lessons and their school environment enjoyable, supportive and safe spaces for their students with ADHD and I’m delighted that they are the first school in Scotland to achieve this award.”
The ADHD Foundation, based in Liverpool, works in partnership with individuals, families, doctors, teachers and other agencies to improving emotional well-being, educational attainment, behaviour and life chances through better understanding and self-management of ADHD, ASD and related learning difficulties.
Strathmore ADHD award (left to right, top) HT Strathmore PS Jennifer Garnes, Convenor of Children and Learning Cllr Lynne Devine and Strathmore PS teacher Sarah Webster. (left to right bottom), Strathmore PS children Rory, Izzy, Brayden, Connor, Amelia, Sidney.
North Educational Campus opened its doors to excited pupils recently.
The brand-new campus, which is spread over two storeys, brings together Glenburn and St. Ninian’s Primary Schools and boasts 22 classrooms, alongside a new Early Years Centre and nursery. The campus also features a state-of-the-art sports hall, an all-weather pitch, and new gardens where pupils can get outdoors to learn about local nature.
Sustainability was a key factor in the build, and the facility runs purely on electric power, with roof solar panels and air source heat pumps.
The remaining demolition work of the old school building and landscaping is due to be complete in the Spring of next year.
Councillor Stephen Ferry, South Ayrshire Council’s Portfolio Holder for Education said: “We’re committed to providing children and young people with the best possible start in life, and I’m delighted pupils have now set foot into their brandnew schools after what I’m sure felt like a long wait for them.
“Prestwick North Educational Campus will provide a modern and engaging environment for learning, and will ensure
pupils can thrive throughout their years at school. We’re continuing the transformation of learning in South Ayrshire with our school build programme, and I know that both schools will benefit from the shared provision.
“I’d like to extend my thanks to everyone involved in making this project a huge
success, and wish all of the children, teachers and school staff good luck for the year ahead.”
An official opening event for the campus, which was delivered in partnership with hub South West Scotland and main contractor Morgan Sindall, will take place at a later date.
Innovative computer collaborative launches in Aberdeen Education Operational Delivery Convener, Councillor Martin Greig and Vice convener, Councillor Jessica Mennie with some of the pupils at the event
Septembersaw the launch of the Aberdeen Computing Collaborative, an innovative multi-agency partnership with the local digital sector to promote interest and opportunities in digital learning and careers. The collaborative comprises Aberdeen City Council, NEScol, Robert Gordon University and Aberdeen University and will focus on local implementation of the recommendations from the Scottish Government commissioned Scottish Technology Ecosystem Review.
The recommendations being taken forward through the collaborative include attracting more graduates to Computing Science teaching positions while also increasing opportunities to undertake Professional Graduate Diploma in Education locally through a variety of routes/entry points. This work will involve reviewing the curriculum to ensure that it is attractive for learners, demonstrates the opportunities within the digital sector and is joined-up across school, college and university.
The collaborative is tasked with developing effective professional learning for Computing Science and other teachers to help maintain skills and knowledge to deliver learning which recognises the pace of change in the sector while also developing a model for delivery, support and promotion of extra-curricular related activities.
Today’s launch which was attended by Aberdeen City Council’s Education Operational Delivery Convener, Councillor Martin Greig and Vice convener, Councillor Jessica Mennie, saw primary and secondary pupils and teachers take part in learning workshops on themes such as Minecraft coding and robotics and programming.
Councillor Greig said: “This new computing hub will make a significant difference in improving educational opportunity in the city. This project is an excellent example of partnership working that brings together the school, college and university sectors in our area.
“By joining up, we can offer enhanced learning experiences, especially for the benefit of young people. This is an important step forward to ensure that the city develops as a centre for digital innovation.”
Councillor Mennie said: “The collaborative is a really positive step in helping us attract even more young people to career pathways in growing job sectors such as digital technology. We have the talent and it is crucial that we have the learning resources in place to help our young people become the digital innovators of the future.”
Dr John Isaacs, Dean of Computing at Robert Gordon University, said: “Computing is the creative language of the future. The Aberdeen Computing Collaborative is a unique collective approach to inspire
young people into digital roles and support the pathways to help them get there.
“The launch is only the beginning, the first line in our code, and I am excited to see what we can achieve together for the city as the project develops.”
NESCol Principal Neil Cowie said: “The College is proud of the role it plays in developing the region’s digital economy. Partnerships are essential as we work together to meet shared goals and the Aberdeen Computing Collaborative is an example of that approach in action.
“We’re excited about the opportunities the technology sector offers to our staff, our students and to school pupils who are inspired by that bright future as they consider their next steps. We look forward to driving positive change as part of the collaborative.”
Mark Logan, co-founder of Ipso-Facto Consulting, and an advisor to the Scottish Government on technology policy. said “I’m extremely impressed by Aberdeen’s leadership in establishing the Aberdeen Computing Collaborative (ACC).
“It’s vitally important to Scotland’s economic future that we interest many more people in careers in the tech industry and that we equip them with the skills required to participate.
“The ACC is a thoughtful, strategic and highly collaborative initiative, which is moving forward at pace. It is a true exemplar to our country of the art of the possible.”
Communications with parents and carers which promote the sector will also be developed.
Dr. John Issacs, Dean of RGU, School of computing with Education Vice convener, Councillor Jessica Mennie ,Education Operational Delivery Convener, Councillor Martin Greig and Robot PEPPERIain Campbell recently welcomed pupils from Girvan Academy to County Buildings to celebrate winning this year’s Provost’s School Footprint Challenge.
The Provost’s School Footprint Challenge is an annual event that encourages secondary school pupils in South Ayrshire to develop and present local solutions for reducing their own schools carbon footprint.
Each school undertakes their own projects to tackle climate change; ranging from reducing energy use, increasing recycling and litter picking, and improving biodiversity; whilst raising awareness about these important issues.
The event was held online earlier this year, where each school had the chance to show a panel of judges the great work they’d been carrying out over the course of the school term. The judging panel included Provost Iain Campbell; George Tarvit, Director of Sustainable Scotland Network; Liz Marquis, Director of the Energy Agency; and Lyndsay McRoberts, Director of Education for South Ayrshire Council.
Girvan Academy were crowned winners this year for their fantastic efforts, including becoming the first secondary school in South Ayrshire to receive
‘Biosphere accreditation’ from the Galloway and South Ayrshire Biosphere; displaying different walks and cycle routes within the local Biosphere to encourage people to explore the area; and completing carbon literacy training and encouraging the whole school to be involved in a carbon footprint calculation.
Pupils also worked to improve biodiversity in their school grounds with projects such as bee and bug hotels, with help from the council’s Ranger Service. They set challenges for all classes and staff to bring reusable items to school, such as drinking bottles, and to remember to switch off computers and other electrical appliances when not in use.
They didn’t stop there, as they arranged a number of litter picks to help tackle litter problems in the area; were heavily involved in ‘The Big Tidy’ in Girvan; and raised awareness about litter within their school to encourage behaviour change.
Carrick Academy were close runners up, and Marr College took third place in the challenge this year.
Provost Iain Campbell said: “The Provost’s School Footprint Challenge is a fantastic opportunity for our secondary schools in South Ayrshire to develop and
share their take on climate action, with young people leading the way, inspiring each other and developing local solutions for their own school communities.
“The standard of work being carried out is incredible. I’d like to congratulate our winners, Girvan Academy, and all of the schools that participated. You should all be very proud of what you’ve achieved this year.”
You can view Girvan Academy’s winning entry along with those from all our South Ayrshire secondary schools on our YouTube channel by scanning the QR code below. Climate Change matters to everyone so why not find out what’s happening in your local school or community and get involved!
Four secondary schools from South Ayrshire took part in the competition earlier this year, with Ayr Academy and Belmont Academy making it through to the finals.
Belmont Academy scooped the top prize for their jewellery range, which is designed to be fashionable but also provide health and safety benefits to the wearer, including detecting if a drink has been spiked and monitoring health conditions.
The award was presented at Centrestage in Kilmarnock by judges Sir Tom Hunter, Fiona McKenzie from Centrestage, and Gordon Rennie from Gro Coffee. Grange Academy in Kilmarnock took second place and Ayr Academy secured the third up spot.
South Ayrshire Council Provost Iain Campbell said: “Well done to all of the young people that took part in this superb challenge, and a special congratulations to Belmont Academy for their win.
Belmont Academy pupils recently celebrated their firstplace win in the Sir Tom Hunter Challenge at County Buildings.
Young people were congratulated by South Ayrshire Council’s Provost Iain Campbell in a short ceremony for their innovative business idea, ‘Heart Hues – Jewellery with
a purpose’.
The Sir Tom Hunter Challenge is an annual event designed to encourage young people to develop their entrepreneurial skills and help to make them ‘business ready’. They are challenged to come up with ideas for products, innovations or businesses of the future.
“I’d like to thank Sir Tom Hunter, the judges, and of course the teachers for encouraging young people to take part in the challenge. The winning business pitch was really thought provoking, and I’m sure all of our young people will take their newfound knowledge and put it to good use in the future.”
Thenew Sacred Heart Primary School in Girvan officially opened its doors to pupils last week, following almost two years of construction work to transform the facility. The new two-storey school, which can accommodate up to 125 pupils, features interactive learning areas; a nurture room; a general-purpose room; and a multi-use dining and PE hall.
Pupils who enjoy the outdoors will also benefit from the new sensory garden; a traversing wall; active play areas; teaching, dining and social spaces; and an enclosed games area for ball sports.
An official opening event for the school, which was delivered in partnership with
hub South West Scotland and main contractor Morrison Construction, will take place later this year.
Councillor Stephen Ferry, South Ayrshire Council’s Portfolio Holder for Education said: “I’m delighted that Sacred Heart Primary School pupils have been able to set foot into their new school. I know they’ve been keeping a close eye on the progress of the build over the last two years, and they can finally see and experience the first-class facilities that the new building provides.
“The new facility builds on our already outstanding school estate in South Ayrshire, and reinforces our commitment to ensuring children and young people have the best start in life.”
ScottishWater said two million thank you’s to customers across the country after it was confirmed that Scotland’s growing network of public water Top Up Taps has now saved the equivalent of more than two million single-use plastic bottles as a result of people quenching their thirst by refilling.
In a major boost to the country’s efforts to reduce single use plastic, members of the public have tapped into Scotland’s water supply when out and about to help the planet, stay hydrated and save money, and the number of equivalent bottles saved has doubled from one million in October 2021.
The publicly-owned company thanked everyone and encouraged people to keep up the good work, by giving away branded Scottish Water bottles in the centre of a sunny Edinburgh during Festival time at one of the busiest Top Up Taps, in the Royal Mile.
The taps provide free public mains supply water – and digitally log how much water is used as people fill up at the touch of a button.
A number of pop up taps that Scottish
Water provided at various summer events saw consumption of the equivalent of more than 48,000 plastic bottles of water.
The tap roll-out is part of the Your Water Your Life campaign which celebrates the qualities of Scotland’s water and encourages people to think about protecting the environment and their own health at the same time.
Single use plastic continues to blight our seas and beauty spots and refillable water bottles are good for you, the planet and your pocket.
Douglas Millican, Scottish Water Chief Executive, said: “As Scotland returns to school and work, we are calling on people to remember to take a refillable bottle with them. Hydration aids concentration and general health and performance.
“With 75 distinctive blue Top Up Taps around the country, you can top up when out and about and we should all drink plenty of water, especially if being active.
“It’s great that so many people have used the taps, saving the equivalent of more than two million single-use plastic bottles. We thank everyone who fills up from a public water tap with a refillable
bottle and hope more do likewise in the future.”
Scott McColm, who leads the Scottish Water team behind the taps, said: “The connection between communities and their taps – and the recognition of doing something positive for themselves and the environment - has been amazing. Scotland should be very proud to have achieved this new sustainability milestone of two million bottles.”
Pictures courtesy of Scottish Water and Paul Watt.
Arange of Scottish Borders organisations and businesses have highlighted local nature tourism developments and opportunities to a group of visiting Swedish politicians.
Politicians and local managers from six Swedish towns - Eslöv, Hörby, Höör, Klippan, Ängelholm and Åstorp – visited for three days last week. Their hometowns are based around a river corridor similar to the River Tweed.
During their trip the Swedes met representatives of Tweed Forum, the Southern Upland Partnership, Go Wild
Scotland, South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project, visited the Salmon Centre and Eagles Eyrie at Philiphaugh and Bird Gardens Scotland at Oxton. They also enjoyed an afternoon’s fishing experience with local guide Bill Drew.
Councillor Scott Hamilton, Scottish Borders Council’s Executive Member for Community and Business Development, said: “This was a fantastic opportunity to showcase just a small number of the many nature tourism projects and businesses in the Scottish Borders, and also showcase ongoing conservation work.
“Our region’s natural assets are a significant part of the reason why visitors come here, and in turn this has a very positive impact on our local economy through their spending and the jobs tourism supports.
“We want to develop this further, and that is why we continue to look at how we can support new and existing projects, such as Destination Tweed, which will establish a walking and cycle trail from Moffat to Berwick-Upon-Tweed and will deliver wide ranging benefits to residents, communities and businesses.”
During the visit to Tweed Forum, the Swedish delegates heard more about
Destination Tweed from Project Manager Luke Fisher.
Mr Fisher said: “Although led by Tweed Forum, Destination Tweed is about bringing together a wide range of partners, funders and stakeholders, ranging from landowners to riverside communities, to deliver an important new tourism asset that will have far reaching benefits, from economic and cultural to health and education.
“Crucially though, at the heart of the project is the protection and enhancement of the River Tweed corridor, and I was delighted to be able to share our vision with our Swedish guests and find out about what their goals are in their own region.”
centres in Renfrewshire are set for an upgrade after being awarded almost £350,000 from the Scottish Government’s £70million Recycling Improvement Fund.
The £346,107 investment will see new compactors installed on sites to increase the volume of materials accepted in skips, as well as adding new skips for cardboard, soil and plastics which aren’t currently collected separately.
Three jumbo roll packers will be procured to compact open skips on sites and the layout and signage of recycling centres will be refreshed to make it safer and easier to access sites for recycling.
The application formed part of Renfrewshire’s drive to lower emissions, improve recycling and protect the environment, as the area continues to strive towards its ambitious aim of being net zero by 2030.
Councillor Michelle Campbell said: “We’re delighted to have been awarded
this significant funding which will allow us to make improvements at our recycling centres that will benefit both our staff and residents.
“We’ll be able to expand our capacity to accept more recycling, separate it out further on site, and also make our sites more inviting and easier to use for residents.
“As we continue to tackle climate change in Renfrewshire, the ability to recycle more, and more effectively, will reduce the amount of waste we send to our energy-from-waste site and benefit the environment.
“We are always looking for new and innovative ways to improve our recycling as we try to lower emissions and meet our ambitious aim of Renfrewshire being net zero by 2030.”
The award is part of a further £3.4 million investment from the Scottish Government’s Recycling Improvement Fund, with projects in Renfrewshire, Aberdeen City, and Perth and Kinross benefitting, and fifteen local authorities have now benefited from a fund which will be worth £70 million over five years.
Circular Economy Minister Lorna Slater said: “Recycling has a huge role to play in Scotland’s response to the climate crisis. Our £70 million Recycling Improvement Fund is delivering one of the biggest investments in recycling and reuse in Scotland in a generation.
“Hundreds of thousands of people in Scotland will benefit from projects
supported by the fund, which will make it easier for households to recycle and increase local recycling rates.
“In August 2023, we are introducing the UK’s first deposit return scheme for drinks containers, which will recycle nearly two billion bottles and cans every single year.
“And we have set out further proposals to increase reuse and recycling rates, and modernise waste and recycling services, in our live consultations on a Circular Economy Bill and a Waste Route Map.
“These actions will boost recycling and make a major contribution to the fight against the climate crisis.”
The Recycling Improvement Fund is managed and administered by Zero Waste Scotland who support local authorities to apply and work proactively with them to develop applications to the Fund.
Iain Gulland, Chief Executive of Zero Waste Scotland said: “This latest round of Recycling Improvement Fund investment from the Scottish Government signifies the continuous commitment to improving Scotland’s recycling infrastructure. Through our Charter for Household Recycling, councils have pledged to bring in consistent and comprehensive recycling services across Scotland.
“It’s fantastic to see support for such innovative projects that will help achieve this goal. Recycling as much as possible will help to address climate change, so we want to make this process as simple, and effective, as possible for the citizens of Scotland.”
all services will move to a three weekly collection frequency, making it easier for households to recycle.
Thanks to funding support of £855k from the Scottish Government’s Recycling Improvement Fund, the Comhairle will be rolling out new kerbside recycling and waste collection services in Lewis and Harris, starting in September 2022. Householders currently without a green and blue recycling bin, should look out for new recycling bins being delivered over the coming months, ahead of the new kerbside recycling collection service launching.
In addition, to bring the collection services in line with the Scottish Government Household Recycling Charter,
Although we all try to minimise the amount of food that is wasted, there are often leftovers and unavoidable food waste from preparing and enjoying meals. The separate collection of food waste for processing can make a huge difference to the impact of waste on Climate Change by reducing carbon emissions. Fortunately, all food and garden waste collected from Lewis & Harris households is treated locally, at the Creed Park Anaerobic Digester, and used to generate electricity and hydrogen.
Iain Gulland, Chief Executive at Zero Waste Scotland said: “Recycling is a simple and great way for the people of Scotland to reduce their carbon impact on the planet. To do this well, there needs to be an easy way for people to recycle at home, no matter where they are in Scotland. The rollout of new kerbside recycling and waste collection services in the Outer Hebrides will help increase consistency in recycling with that in the rest of Scotland.
“The Recycling Improvement Fund has already seen Scottish Government
funding allocated to transformational and innovative projects up and down Scotland and Zero Waste Scotland is thrilled to welcome the isles of Lewis and Harris to the list.”
The Recycling Improvement Fund is also funding a new electric bin lorry. This will be the first twin compartment electric bin lorry in Scotland. It will join a Hydrogen/ Diesel hybrid bin lorry and, will be powered from green electricity produced by processing food and garden wastes using the Creed Park Anaerobic Digester.
According to 2020 data from the UK waste and recycling charity Wrap, on average 68 kilograms of food is wasted at home each year per person. If sent to landfill, this will generate 528 kilograms of carbon emissions per person. The Comhairle has set an ambitious target to capture and recycle an additional 1,000 tonnes of your food and garden waste per year.
This will reduce carbon emissions and help ensure that enough green electricity is generated to charge the electric bin lorry and produce enough hydrogen on site to minimise the use of diesel in the Hydrogen/Diesel hybrid bin lorry.
South Ayrshire Council’s biggest housing project in recent years is set to get underway.
160 new affordable homes are to be built on the site of the former Mainholm Academy in Ayr.
Starting this September, a mix of 1-,2,3-,4-,5-and 6-bedroom properties will be built.
The new homes which will be available to rent, will be energy efficient, and some will be modified to ensure they have full wheelchair access.
The announcement follows the transfer of the land to the Council’s Housing Revenue Account, paving the way for the new development.
The Council will work alongside hub South West Scotland Ltd to deliver the new housing, which will be constructed by Ashleigh (Scotland) Limited.
A sod cutting ceremony took place recently to mark the start of works.
Councillor Martin Kilbride, Buildings, Housing and Environment Portfolio Holder for South Ayrshire Council said: “This new development will significantly boost the number of quality affordable homes we have in South Ayrshire. This is not just about bricks and mortar; it’s about building communities and housing which meets the needs of our tenants.”
The development will be carried out in a number of phases with the project due for completion in 2025.
Michael Ross, Chief Executive at hub South West Scotland, said: “This event marks a significant milestone in the development and delivery of this exciting new housing development for Ayr. We enjoy a close and productive working relationship with South Ayrshire Council for whom we
have delivered 14 crucial infrastructure projects across the authority to date across education, leisure and housing developments.
“This relationship is something we are committed to continuing, not only with the council but with the wider community who will benefit from this development. We look forward to starting work on this affordable housing project with the support of our delivery partner, Ashleigh (Scotland) Ltd and the local supply chain partners.”
David Smith, Managing Director of Ashleigh (Scotland) Ltd said: ‘We are delighted to commence construction works on this fantastic new development. It will provide many wider role opportunities that
will directly benefit the community, and we look forward to working with hub South West Scotland and South Ayrshire Council on the successful delivery of these units.’
Asecondphase of a heat network in the community of Torry was approved recently, which will provide an additional almost 570 homes and a new school with lowercost energy.
The £10million Torry Heat Network will supply heat for the three high rises at Morven Court, Brimmond Court, and Grampian Court, Deeside Family Centre, along with Provost Hogg Court and Balnagask House, Tullos Primary School, Torry social work office, and about 150 homes in Balnagask Circle, Balnagask Court, and the Farquhar Road stub blocks.
Aberdeen City Council’s City, Growth, and Resources Committee today approved a report which included the proposed scope for the next phase, phase two, of the Torry Heat Network project.
Phase two includes extending the main spine heat distribution pipe network by connecting with the heating network being delivered under phase one.
This would mean the Torry Heat Network would connect to an additional 500 homes, the new Torry Primary School and Community Hub, Grampian Housing
Association’s Victoria Road School site of about 50 homes, and Ark Housing Association’s Balnagask Court premises of 17 homes.
It would include new internal installations, heat metering, and heat supply pipes to the new Torry Primary School and Community Hub and the additional 500 homes.
City Growth and Resources Convener Councillor Alex McLellan said: “It is good to hear progress on the Torry Heat Network today and that the network will be installed in even more homes in Aberdeen.
“The additional funding of £5.6million from the Scottish Government is very much welcome and will allow this next phase to move forward.
“We look forward to seeing the progress made on the existing work, as well as the next phase, in the coming months.”
The recommendations in the report to committee also included starting commercial discussions with Grampian Housing Association for the potential supply of heat to its proposed mixed-use re-development of the former Victoria Road school and with Ark Housing Association
for its Balnagask Court premises. The outcomes of these discussions will be reported to a future meeting of the committee.
The heat will be supplied by the energy from waste plant which is being constructed in East Tullos industrial estate to dispose of non-recyclable waste from Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire and Moray Councils, and the work includes a heat distribution facility which will be located within the former waste transfer station building beside the EfW site.
As well as work to streets to install underground pipes, the Torry Heat Network project also includes new internal installations, heat metering, and heat supply pipes to the interior of the buildings.
The main spine heat distribution pipes from the heat distribution facility are to be routed underneath the Aberdeen to Dundee railway line to connect with the existing heating network in Torry.
It is expected the work will finish for phase one in late 2023, depending on weather and availability of materials worldwide. The phase two work would be 2025.
for another ‘net zero’ housing development, as part of the City of Edinburgh Council’s £1.3bn Granton Waterfront regeneration project, have been granted approval by city planners (10 August, 2022).
This major milestone follows the start of construction work at the £72m, 444-home ‘Western Villages’ project, which is also part of the local authority’s wider regeneration of the area.
Over the next ten years 3,500 mixedtenure homes and associated infrastructure will create a new, sustainable coastal community.
Hart Builders will start work on site in 2023 at Silverlea to deliver 142 high quality sustainable homes, including wheelchairaccessible ground-floor dwellings in a mix of social rent (91) and mid-market rent (51) each benefitting from coastal views and access to parkland.
Cllr Jane Meagher, Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, said:
I’m delighted with today’s decision. We’ve reached another major milestone
on our Granton Waterfront project to deliver much needed sustainable affordable housing in the area. I recently visited our Western Villages development nearby and was very pleased to see we’re already starting work there to deliver 444 net zero homes on the site.
The homes that we build here will make such a difference for wheelchair users and
others who find it so difficult to get a home that meets their needs. Our proposals for the site have been carefully designed to improve the quality of the surrounding green space and to make it easier for people to walk or cycle around the area.
The Council’s Housing Committee approved additional sites to be added to our new house building programme that will deliver more homes across North Lanarkshire, regenerate local communities and boost the area’s local economy. We’re continuing to roll out our new build programme and set an ambitious target of delivering 5,000 new affordable rented homes by 2035. To date, 954 new build houses have been completed with a further 413 homes under construction.
To ensure an adequate supply of sites for our new homes, potential locations continue to be evaluated for their suitability to be added to the programme.
Development proposals recommended for inclusion, subject to the conclusion of detailed ground investigations, full title checks and relevant statutory consents, include:
• Kirkwood Sports Pitches, Coatbridge – approximately 100 homes
• St Mary’s former primary school site, Caldercruix –approximately 25 homes
• Thorn Road, Bellshill –approximately 26 homes
• Airdriehill Road, Airdrie –approximately 75 homes
• Masonic Hall, Hope Street, Motherwell – approximately 10 homes (potential conversion of existing premises)
• Main Street, Coatbridge –approximately 40 homes.
Committee also approved the proposal to progress the potential ‘off the shelf’ purchase of 12 new homes at Johnston Road, Gartcosh, from Bellway, as part of the Affordable Housing Policy obligation that applies to this site.
Councillor Heather Brannan-McVey, Housing Convener, said: “Approving these new development sites allows us to continue to deliver, at pace, our new build housing programme, which is transforming lives and local communities.
“There’s a real mix of developments planned across the area that will meet the varying housing needs of our residents, with both the proposed projects at the Masonic Hall, Motherwell and Main Street, Coatbridge, being priority town centre sites supporting the delivery of our Town Visions.
“We have ambitious housing plans and we’re delivering these. Our new homes form part of our vision to transform and reinvigorate our towns and communities, bringing substantial benefits across North Lanarkshire for our residents.”
Artist’s impression of some of the homesSouthAyrshire Council’s revised Chief Officer structure was agreed at a Special Council meeting today (Friday 9 September).
Councillors approved posts that will see changes across the Corporate Leadership team to address the recommendations contained in the Best Value Audit report.
The revised structure includes an additional Director with responsibility for Strategic Change and Communities and incorporates revisions to the remits of Assistant Directors to include a focus on Strategic Change and to bring together Housing Operations and Policy.
Two Chief Officer posts will undergo a change of remit. The Head of Finance and ICT will also become responsible for Procurement, under the revised job title of Head of Finance, ICT and Procurement. Human Resources responsibility will be removed from the Head of Legal, HR and Regulatory Services, resulting in a change of job title to Head of Legal and Regulatory Services. The Chief Executive will assume line management of the Chief HR Adviser and the Chief Internal Auditor.
An additional Assistant Director with
responsibility for Education has been created. There will be a reduction of one Quality Improvement Manager post, with the applications for the Assistant Director – Education being ringfenced to current Quality Improvement Managers.
South Ayrshire Council’s Chief Executive, Eileen Howat, said: “It’s important that we get things right for both the people we’re here to serve and our hard-working employees.
“This revised management structure will allow us to fulfil our commitment to residents, by placing a focus on providing the services they rely on.”
Leader of South Ayrshire Council, Councillor Martin Dowey, said: “In these
uncertain times the people of South Ayrshire need and deserve stability and confidence in their Council. A dedicated, driven corporate leadership team is essential to this.
“Last year’s Best Value Assurance report recommended that the Council should ‘assure itself that it has the capacity and skills required to increase its pace of improvement in key aspects of Best Value, such as community planning and empowerment, financial and workforce planning, and transformation’. Today we agreed a Chief Officer structure that will undoubtably achieve this recommendation and take the administration’s plans forward, whilst ensuring the best service delivery for our communities.
“We believe in making changes for the right reasons and I’m sure this amended structure will provide robust leadership across the organisation, helping us to realise our ambitions.”
A Chief Officers’ Appointments and Appraisal Panel meeting to agree the timescales for the recruitment and selection process for the new posts will be held in due course.
of Council-owned sites across West Dunbartonshire are set to be sold off for a total of more than £6million. The sales include a disused piece of land at Levenbank, Jamestown, and a site at Burroughs Way in the Vale of Leven Industrial Estate.
At a meeting of the Infrastructure, Regeneration and Economic Development Committee this week, members were told of interested buyers for both plots, as well as smaller sites in Old Kilpatrick and Alexandria.
The Jamestown land, which was extensively marketed in February and March this year, has been bought by Turnberry Homes for circa £5 million.
The housing developer intends to transform the overgrown and unused site into 88 residential units comprising a mix of 2 bedroom apartments; 3 bedroom semidetached and 4 bedroom detached houses.
The land at Vale of Leven Industrial
Estate will be sold to Muirfield Ltd for the sum of £950,000. The company intends to develop the site for warehousing and associated office and laboratories for food and drink production with occupation by their associated Company Tolsta Foods Ltd. Both purchases are conditional on the buyer obtaining planning permission.
During the meeting Councillors also approved the sale of 12 Overton Street, Alexandria to McPherson Memorials, who currently leases the property; while land at the rear of Ferrydykes Cottage, Old Kilpatrick was approved for sale to the owner of Ferrydykes Cottage, who intends to renovate the property and create a family home with garden space.
Members also gave the go ahead to dispose of 77 Bank Street, Alexandria after tenant Citizen’s Advice Bureau requested to end its tenancy early and vacate as soon as possible. The site was sold to Aldi UK and the supermarket chain intends to expand their car parking provision.
Councillor David McBride, Convener of Infrastructure, Regeneration and Economic Development, said: “It is great to see that sites in West Dunbartonshire are in such high demand and the area is attracting investment from all over the country.
“Any investment here benefits the whole region, whether it’s the addition of new jobs, or new homes to attract people to move into the area, it all feeds into making West Dunbartonshire a better place to live, work and visit.”
Councillor Lawrence O’Neill, Vice Convener of Infrastructure, Regeneration and Economic Development, added: “Thanks to officers for working hard to market these sites to ensure we achieve an impressive capital receipt.
“The sale of these sites will bring benefits to our communities, allowing us to continue offering residents a strong local economy with great job prospects.”
Officers will now take steps to finalise the sales.
South Ayrshire Council’s Chief Executive, Eileen Howat Leader of South Ayrshire Council, Councillor Martin Doweygroup has been set up to focus support for residents tackling the cost-of-living crisis in Renfrewshire.
Depute Leader, Councillor Jacqueline Cameron, will chair the new Fairer Renfrewshire sub-committee which will focus on tackling inequalities and the rising cost of living as well as the issues communities face in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The new group meets for the first time next week (Tuesday 16 August) and will also bring together Renfrewshire Council’s Tackling Poverty, Social Renewal and Alcohol and Drug Change programmes.
Councillor Jacqueline Cameron said: “Tackling the cost-of-living crisis is one of our administration’s top priorities. The COVID-19 pandemic affected everyone, but the current cost-of-living crisis is adding to the struggle for many with increased costs putting real pressure on all household budgets. Inflation is at its highest level for 30 years impacting on food and fuel costs and the increases to energy bills are a real concern.
“We know the impacts of this are particularly worse for low-income families. Boosting household incomes is vital, both through supporting people to access quality work as well as accessing benefits and support they are entitled to.
“We’re working hard with our partners to respond to the immediate challenges of the pandemic and cost of living crisis, while developing longer term plans to support those on low incomes.”
Councillor Cameron visited Renfrewshire Citizen’s Advice Bureau yesterday in Paisley to meet advisors who have been supporting people through the current crisis.
She added: “We have invested more than £10 million in recent years helping those most in need in our communities through initiatives, including our Tackling Poverty, Social Renewal and Alcohol and Drug Change programmes. Our immediate focus now is on ways we can reduce the financial pressure on low-income households in Renfrewshire.”
Martin Fotheringham, Chief Executive Officer at Renfrewshire Citizens Advice Bureau, said: “Our advisors have been working hard to support and advise people as best as we can to make sure they get the right support. If anyone is concerned or has any worries either about their situation
now or over the coming months, I would urge people to get in touch as soon as they can either by calling us or visiting our website for free, impartial advice. The earlier you seek advice, the more we can help.”
Renfrewshire Council has been working with its partners on a number of initiatives to help support communities during the cost-of-living crisis.
In partnership with Renfrewshire Citizens Advice Bureau, Linstone Housing and Renfrewshire Foodbank, it launched a Fuel Insecurity Pilot which provides additional emergency fuel support to low-income families who are struggling with fuel costs.
Using funding from the Scottish Government’s Winter Support Fund, it launched the Financial Insecurity Winter Payment, a referral-only payment given to households who are experiencing financial insecurity, particularly due to rising energy costs.
Its £50,000 Community Food Fund was launched to support local organisations who are developing projects to offer food in their communities. It is now accepting applications for a second round of funding which closes on Friday 12 August.
Its breakfast clubs provide free breakfasts to children and free food is also available during its Summer of Fun Street Stuff holiday activities
In partnership with Renfrewshire Citizens Advice Bureau, it launched Fair Work Renfrewshire to provide advice on employment and related issues, including benefits entitlement and redundancy
It funded the appointment of an Affordable Credit Officer for Engage Renfrewshire to give help and support
to people borrowing from high cost and illegal money lenders
It supported food pantries run by RAMH, Star Project and Active Communities in Paisley, Shortroods and Johnstone, providing £25,000 funding to each
The new committee will now look at further ways the Council and its partners can support those most in need.
This includes the launch of the Transition Fund for Parents, Skills and Training Grant Programme and Parental Employment Support Employer Recruitment Initiative which will support people and parents back into work.
The funds were created to improve access to good employment opportunities after data showed one of the main barriers to employment in Renfrewshire was living in a single parent or jobless household with dependent children.
As well as local support, a number of new national support measures have been announced by the Scottish and UK Governments to help, including the Energy Bills Support Scheme which will provide a £400 discount on energy bills to everyone with a domestic energy connection in October, the £20 a week per child Scottish Child Payment and the £150 Council tax reduction.
Renfrewshire Citizens Advice Bureau offers face-to-face appointments as well as advice online or on the phone.
If you are unsure what benefits are available to you or need advice and support during the cost-of-living crisis, contact Renfrewshire Citizens Advice Bureau on 0141 889 2121 or www.renfrewshirecab. org.uk or Advice Works on 0300 300 1238.
Councillor Cameron visits CABBest Bar None venues are helping people involved in begging by promoting the city’s alternative giving scheme. Nineteen venues have agreed to display new QR codes which will enable people to donate to Street Change Glasgow by scanning them with their mobile phones.
The new QR codes have begun popping up in Best Bar None venues around the city this week. Money donated via them will go to Street Change Glasgow which is managed by Simon Community Scotland to help people involved in begging improve their lives.
The city’s alternative giving scheme has already raised more than £12,500 via cashless donation points since it was launched by partners including Glasgow City Council and Glasgow’s Health & Social Care Partnership in March 2020.
Previous donations were made via cashless tap points at locations including Glasgow Central Station. The QR codes will replace those as a new, easy and convenient way to donate to the alternative giving scheme for vulnerable people.
Oliver McLean, General Manager of Howlin Wolf in Bath Street explained why he was keen to display Street Change Glasgow QR codes in the venue.
He said: “When I heard about the alternative giving scheme it really resonated with me. I think it will help humanise people involved in begging for the general public. We’re keen to help raise awareness of it to help raise money for
vulnerable people. We’ll be displaying QR codes in the lobby, in wall frames in the toilets and on the back of our menus so that people can donate.”
Lorraine McGrath, Chief Executive, Simon Community Scotland, said: “We are extremely proud to be relaunching Street Change Glasgow, now that the world is opening up again. We are particularly excited to launch the QR code element of the campaign. We thank the venues participating in the Best Bar None scheme for partnering with us and displaying QR code posters, making it even easier for everyone to be part of making a difference.
“Donating to Street Change Glasgow directly provides life’s necessities without delay for those in crisis, to help them be safe and feel valued and connect with support to move away from such a harmful and damaging existence. The cost of living crisis is driving more people to desperation and it is now more critical than ever that we reach and engage with everyone who finds themselves street begging, to simply meet their basic needs.”
Street Change Glasgow forms part of Glasgow’s Begging Strategy which won the Best Social and Community Contribution category at the Association of Town & City Management Industry Awards 2022.
Councillor Allan Casey, Glasgow’s Convener for Homelessness and Addictions Services, was involved in creating the begging strategy and setting up SCG along with a wide range of partners.
He said: “I’m delighted that so many
Best Bar None venues have responded so positively to the new QR codes and volunteered to display them in their venues. It is great to get the codes into bars and entertainment venues and I hope that more businesses, including shops, come forward to support the alternative giving scheme in this way.
“The new QR codes are a quick and easy way to donate in the knowledge that your money will be used to improve a vulnerable person’s life.”
BBN Glasgow venues which have signed up to support Street Change Glasgow by displaying scan to donate QR codes include the Howlin’ Wolf, Denholms Bar, The Ferry, The Amethyst Glasgow, Piper Whisky Bar, The Hengler’s Circus, The Counting House, MacSorleys, The Old Schoolhouse, The Old Plane Tree, Dukes Bar, Bag o Nails, No.16Hope Street, 26 Hope Street, The National Piping Centre & the Pipers’ Tryst Hotel, McNabbs, The Cathouse and The Garage.
As well as the QR codes, donations to Street Change Glasgow can also be made via the Street Change Glasgow website www.streetchangeglasgow.com
Oliver McLean, General Manager of Howlin Wolf in Bath Street, will be displaying the Street Change Glasgow QR codes in his venueSouth Ayrshire Council have taken one step closer to being able to deliver an exciting new event in 2023 by the appointment of a strategic partner.
Following a procurement process, we’ve joined forces with theSKYLAB who will work in partnership with us to develop a delivery plan which will be brought to a future Cabinet for consideration as part of a proposed calendar of exciting local events for 2023.
If the event is approved it could attract thousands of visitors to the area, bringing a much-welcomed boost to the local economy and a fantastic opportunity to showcase what South Ayrshire has to offer.
Dr Geoff Coxon, CEO of theSKYLAB said: “We are delighted to have been chosen by South Ayrshire Council as their strategic partner to plan for the delivery of a new event to the area.
“theSKYLAB will use its experience gained over the last decade to help guide the council with the design and delivery of the event.
“Working with the council will bring about a fantastic opportunity for our charity to continue to raise awareness of the importance of STEM.”
South Ayrshire Council’s Portfolio Holder for Tourism, Culture and Rural Affairs, Councillor Alec Clark said: “We want to bring large-scale events to Ayr that will
encourage thousands of visitors to the town and surrounding area.
“Attracting tourists is essential to our local economy and we need to ensure we give people even more cause to visit South Ayrshire.
“I’m therefore delighted that we’ve been able to secure the right strategic partner and I’m confident that theSKYLAB will help us to plan for the delivery of a fantastic new event that will be a huge hit with locals and visitors alike.”
South Ayrshire Council’s Portfolio Holder for Sport and Leisure, Councillor Brian Connolly said: “South Ayrshire has a great leisure offering and events that attract people from all walks of life will enhance this no-end.
“Our proposed calendar of events for 2023 will include things the whole family can enjoy, so there will definitely be few dates to hold in everyone’s diary next year.”
Leader of South Ayrshire Council, Councillor Martin Dowey said: “Local businesses need a means to attract footfall to the area and local people need something to look forward to. The events programme we have in mind for 2023 ticks both boxes.
“I know that people will be keen to get a flavour of what they can expect to see at these events, so we’ll provide regular updates as more information becomes available.”
Council Leader Martin Dowey (3rd from right) and a delegation from South Ayrshire Council welcome the new partnership arrangement with Skylab
Jann Gardner, chief executive of NHS Golden Jubilee, has been appointed as the new chief executive of NHS Lanarkshire.
Jann will take over from current chief executive Heather Knox who is retiring in November this year.
Cabinet Secretary for Health Humza Yousaf said: “I welcome the appointment of Professor Jann Gardner as chief executive of NHS Lanarkshire.
“She brings a wealth of experience and excellent leadership to the role, and I know she will work collaboratively with communities and partners to deliver the highest quality of care for the people of Lanarkshire.”
Martin Hill, chair of NHS Lanarkshire, said: “We are delighted to announce that Professor Jann Gardner will be our new chief executive.
“Jann is a fantastic appointment for NHS Lanarkshire bringing with her vast experience and expertise in healthcare management.
“The panel were universally impressed by Jann, whose vision and leadership skills shone through. We look forward to
welcoming her to NHS Lanarkshire.”
Jann Gardner said: “It is a privilege to be appointed chief executive at a time of huge challenge, but also great opportunities to improve health and wellbeing across Lanarkshire.
“People are what makes NHS Lanarkshire a great organisation and I look forward to working collaboratively with colleagues, communities and partners to continue to develop new and innovative ways to support the current challenges within our health service
“NHS Lanarkshire’s highly-skilled specialists and dedicated staff have helped thousands of patients, providing them with high quality care and a better quality of life after treatment. With this strong track record, I am very proud to be joining an organisation that ensures that person centred care is at the heart of every discussion and decision.”
With more than 25 years of healthcare management experience, Professor Gardner has held a number of senior leadership roles within clinical, operational, strategy and transformation with the common denominator of excellent patient care and experience as the critical objective.
Having started her career as a clinical pharmacist in Hairmyres Hospital, she worked through progressively senior roles in her professional field and then within wider hospital and healthcare management.
Jann has been chief executive of NHS Golden Jubilee since January 2019. Before that, Jann was Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Operating Officer in NHS Fife.
Jann will take up post with NHS Lanarkshire in January 2023.
Twosocial workers from South Lanarkshire Health and Social Care Partnership have been recognised for their stellar contributions in social care.
Megan Cassidy is now a finalist in the ‘Bright Spark in Social Work’ category while Laura Arthur is in the finals in the ‘Leadership Award’ category in this year’s Scottish Social Services Awards.
Megan Cassidy was put forward by Amanda Goodwin, social work team leader.
Amanda said: “Megan is a young and innovative social worker who qualified in 2020. She started off working from home during the early stages of the Covid pandemic, a difficult and challenging experience for any social worker, especially a newly qualified one.
“She is a bright spark in social work, going the ‘extra mile’ for colleagues, partner
agencies as well as people who we support. She continuously develops her knowledge, practice and skills. Megan is an asset to South Lanarkshire and an ambassador for the social work profession.”
And Laura Arthur was nominated by Kathy Blessing, older people’s service locality manager.
Kathy said: “Laura has been a social worker for 15 years, in a management role for the past seven and the last four as a senior manager in adult services.
“Laura is a true inspiration and seeks to bring out the best in others. She has all the qualities of a good leader and deserves recognition for this leadership award.”
Margaret Walker, chair of South Lanarkshire Council’s social work resources committee, said: “I am delighted that Megan and Laura have reached the finals of this year’s Scottish Social Services Awards. We are fortunate that local social workers – alongside all of our health and social care staff – continue to work tirelessly in the face of significant pressures for the benefit of our local communities.
“Megan and Laura are great examples of this. I wish them both every success in the finals.”
The awards ceremony will be held on Wednesday, 9th November at the Old Fruitmarket, Glasgow.
Professor Jann Gardner, has been appointed as the new chief executive of NHS Lanarkshire. Laura Arthur Megan Cassidyhome service for young people in Forfar received top marks in supporting children and young people’s rights and wellbeing after an unannounced inspection by the Care Inspectorate in May 2022. Carseburn Road care home received a rating of “6 – excellent” after the Care Inspectorate’s recent inspection evaluating “how well do we support children and young people’s rights and well-being.”
The report highlights the strong sense of leadership, how the young people feel safe and loved with staff prioritising young people’s emotional, physical and mental health, and “how the support and experiences for young people led to some outstanding outcomes, through the delivery of effective and innovative practice.”
Sam Whannel, Manager at Carseburn Road care home said: “We’ve worked tirelessly throughout the COVID 19 pandemic and
subsequent recovery period to ensure our care experienced young people, feel safe, secure, loved and are able to thrive and have equal opportunities to that of their peers.
“This result from the Care Inspectorate evidences the extra lengths the entire team at Carseburn Road go to, to ensure our young people get the most out of life.”
Angus Council’s Convenor of Children and Learning, Cllr Lynne Devine congratulated Sam Whannel and the team: “I would like to congratulate everyone at Carseburn Road whose hard work over the last two years saw the service make changes to significantly improve the lives of the young people they support, an achievement recognised by this inspection report.
“From implementing The Promise to trauma informed practice, staff have gone above and beyond to make sure each young person is safe, feels loved, has fun and is encouraged and supported to reach their full potential. Well done everyone.”
Photo (L-R) Staff from Carseburn Road - Jemma Johnson, Claire Bowie, Sam Whannel (Manager Carseburn Road), Angus Council’s Convenor of Children and Learning Cllr Lynne Devine, Mhairi McKeogh, Nicola Lindsey and Claire Elder.
The new playpark is being built near to the visitor centre, toilets and changing facilities for convenience and have nature and maritime themes.
The £200k development is part of a £½ million improvements package by the local authority across its two Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park sites at Lunderston Bay and Greenock Cut Visitor Centre at Cornalees.
playpark will add another dimension to what is already here at Lunderston Bay, which is one of the finest beaches in the west of Scotland and was recognised for its water quality just last year, and encourage more people to discover Inverclyde.”
WORK on a new £200,000 playpark at an Inverclyde beauty spot is set to swing into action this week.
Inverclyde Council is investing a six-figure sum on the new children’s play facility at Lunderston Bay in Gourock.
Contractors arrived on site on Tuesday 2 August 2022 with work expected to last until the end of September.
Councillor Michael McCormick, Inverclyde Council’s convener of environment and regeneration, said: “Since the council took over responsibility for the Inverclyde parts of Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park we immediately set the wheels in motion for much-needed investment in Lunderston Bay and Greenock Cut Visitor Centre.
“These are two of our most popular and valued outdoor attractions so it’s only right that they get the care and attention they deserve to keep them in good shape for visitors from near and far to enjoy them.
“The addition of a high-end children’s
Lunderston Bay is one of six sites across Inverclyde being given attention as part of a £400k council investment in new and improved playparks and is the largest single project in the programme.
Additional enhancements are being carried out at the Gourock site and Greenock Cut Visitor Centre as part of the council’s investment in the Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park locations.
The local authority has set aside £540,000, including grants from national body NatureScot, for a package of improvements at the popular outdoor areas.
Find out more about what Inverclyde has to offer at www.discoverinverclyde.com.
charity, Keep Scotland Beautiful, today presented seven Green Flag Awards to Aberdeen in recognition of its quality open spaces.
The international scheme recognises outdoor recreational areas that enable exercise, encourage biodiversity, improve mental wellbeing and provide a safe space for play.
Flags this year went to Hazlehead Park, Seaton Park, Victoria Park, Johnston Gardens, Slopefield Allotments, and Garthdee Field Allotments.
Duthie Park was also a recipient, marking its 10th Green Flag anniversary.
Councillor Miranda Radley, Convener of Aberdeen City Council’s Operational Delivery Committee, said: “As a city we are delighted to be receiving seven Green Flag Awards from Keep Scotland Beautiful – recognising, as they do, the effort of council staff in maintaining our parks, and the creative partnership we enjoy with the community in developing our open spaces.
“From floral displays to secluded woodlands to allotments that support our food-growing programme, Aberdeen is blessed with some truly wonderful places.
“In recent years residents have come
to cherish these more than ever, and The Green Flag Awards owe much to the care and respect shown by users. We can all be proud today.”
Jamie Ormiston, Beaches and Parks Officer at Keep Scotland Beautiful, said: “Receiving this prestigious international benchmark recognises all the hard work that has gone into maintaining and managing these precious green open spaces.
“As the only accreditation for park management of its kind in Scotland, we
have supported local authority teams, land managers and communities across Scotland to drive up environmental standards at many of our parks and open spaces for residents and visitors alike.”
Councillor Miranda Radley (centre), Convenor of Operational Delivery Committee, Aberdeen City Council, with Stuart McKill (left), Charity Trustee, Keep Scotland Beautiful, and Adam Walker (right), Acting Parks Officer, Aberdeen City Council (manages Green Flag Award applications across Aberdeen).
to encourage people to ride bikes more was officially launched today with a Scottish Government ministerial visit.
The I Bike Communities project aims to engage, enable, and motivate adults to increase their levels of active travel and physical activity which will improve health and wellbeing. It follows on from the successful I Bike Schools scheme which is a school-based behaviour change programme promoting cycling, walking, and scooting.
Scottish Minister for Zero Carbon Buildings, Active Travel and Tenants’ Rights Patrick Harvey met council leaders and some of the participants in the I Bike Schools scheme yesterday during a visit to Aberdeen.
Aberdeen City Council Co-Leader Councillor Ian Yuill quote said: “We are delighted to launch the Aberdeen I Bike Communities project today when Mr Harvie is here to see the successful I Bike Schools scheme.
“We want to encourage more people to walk, scoot, and cycle so projects such as these help towards that goal.”
Mr Harvie said: “Community projects like this are vital to building a more active nation, where more people can choose to walk, wheel and cycle for their shorter everyday journeys.
“These behaviour change initiatives go hand-in-hand with our ambitions to expand and expedite the delivery of active travel infrastructure, underpinned by record investment of £150million in 2022-23, as we progress towards our commitment to invest at least £320million or 10% of the transport budget by 2024-25.”
The I Bike Communities project will work with a wide variety of adult groups which will include, but are not limited to, the parents and guardians of pupils at Harlaw Academy, students, retirees, and womenonly groups.
The successful I Bike Schools scheme which is a school area-based behaviour change programme promoting cycling, walking, and scooting is currently working with youngsters in the Harlaw Academy Associated Schools Group (ASG). It started in early 2017 and previously worked in Bridge of Don Academy, Oldmachar Academy, Northfield Academy and Aberdeen Grammar School clusters.
The I Bike Schools project offers a wide variety of activities including active travel
breakfasts, bike maintenance sessions, led walks, smoothie bike, scooter skills, led cycles, active travel competitions, balance bikes and many more.
In the 2020/21 academic year, highlights of the Aberdeen I Bike Schools project included buying equipment such as bikes, scooters, helmets, and tools for eight schools, the percentage of pupils travelling by car fell by 12%, all teachers said I Bike had an impact on encouraging positive attitudes towards active travel amongst pupils, and seven out of eight teachers said the programme had an impact on encouraging positive attitudes towards active travel amongst teachers.
In schools, the I Bike officer has implemented the #AndSheCycles campaign
which was co-developed by young women aged 13 to 18 across Scotland and empowers young female cycling ambassadors to work together to help get more girls in their school, college, or youth group back on their bikes. Both of the I Bike projects are being part-funded by Sustrans.
Jamie Spalding (Sustrans ibike coordinator for North Scotland), Cllr Ian Yuill, Patrick Harvie, and Cllr Kairin Van Sweeden, with children from Mile End School holiday clubThe much-anticipated reopening of Meadowbank Sports Centre in Edinburgh took place recently, as the new £47m project opens its doors to the public after a closure of four and a half years.
Owned by The City of Edinburgh Council and managed by the charity, Edinburgh Leisure, this new state-of-the-art community sports facility, will support physical activity, sport, health, and wellbeing in Edinburgh for generations to come, whilst also recognising the legacy and heritage of the old Meadowbank.
of activity and range of classes for all interests and ability. Meadowbank has been an iconic part of the Capital’s sporting history and I’m in no doubt that the new Centre will build on this legacy.”
machines (capacity – 90)
• Combined bumped plates weighs in the gym – 2927.5kg
• Combined dumbbell weight in the gym – 1,918kg
The new venue supports accessible participation and has improved indoor facilities including two multi-sport games halls with seating, three fitness studios and a gym with triple the number of exercise stations.
Commenting on the reopening, Edinburgh Leisure’s Chief Executive, June Peebles, said: “Donald Goldsmith, the manager at Meadowbank, and his team are incredibly excited (as I am) about this much anticipated opening and are looking forward to welcoming customers old and new to this multi-million-pound investment which will provide countless opportunities for Edinburgh citizens to be active and will undoubtedly contribute to the well-being of our City.
City of Edinburgh Council Leader Cammy Day said: “The City of Edinburgh Council Leader Cammy Day said: “We are delighted with the new Meadowbank Sports Centre - I believe it will be one of the best facilities for community and club sport in the country. I hope the fantastic and top of the range facilities will encourage people to get more active and more often. I was very impressed when I was given my first look and I’m confident members old and new will be too.
“Participation and accessibility are at the heart of the centre, and it will bring huge physical, mental, and social benefits to generations of local people for years to come. There is a packed programme
Chair of sportscotland, Mel Young, Chair said: “Meadowbank Sports Centre has been a sporting and social hub for so many people in the Edinburgh area over the years. Thanks to this incredible £47million refurbishment, people of all ages and abilities will be able to reap the benefits of newly refurbished facilities. The re-opening of Meadowbank will provide the local community with access to a state-of-the-art sport and physical activity centre on their doorstep, creating significant participation opportunities. This collaboration between The City of Edinburgh Council, Edinburgh Leisure and sportscotland is a great example of partnership working developing genuine opportunities that will help make sport, and physical activity a way of life for local people.’’ sportscotland contributed £5million to the project.
• 40+ pieces of resistance and free weights equipment
• Two squash courts
• A combat studio for martial arts
• A boxing gym
• Two 3G (synthetic) pitches, including one with a 499-seat stand
• A hospitality Suite and event-hosting facilities
• Cafe and meeting rooms
The new Meadowbank has much to offer the local community and communities throughout Edinburgh and includes the following facilities:
• An outdoor eight-lane athletics track with a 499-seat stand and outdoor throwing and jumps area
• A 60m six-lane indoor athletics track and jumps space
• Two multi-sport halls with fixed and moveable spectator seating
• A hall for trampolining and dance
• Two fitness studios (capacity – 30 each), which include world-renowned Les Mills programme of classes, smart tech bars and weights
• The fitness class timetable will open with 92 classes
• A Cycle Studio (capacity – 30) with Life Fitness IC7 bikes and ICG myride and Les Mills RPM classes
• A gym with Life Fitness equipment, dumbbells up to 50kg, Watt bikes, SkiErg, row and Cybex SPARC
Opening times and how to buy memberships are available on Edinburgh Leisure’s website and social media.
Meadowbank has been the home of elite sport in the Scottish capital since the 1930s. The previous Meadowbank Sports Centre was built for the 1970 Commonwealth Games and was used by various clubs and sporting celebrities. It hosted two Commonwealth Games in 1970 and 1986.
It has also hosted some large-scale music events over the years, including T on the Fringe, an annual music festival. Muse, My Chemical Romance, Snow Patrol, Radiohead, Pixies, Foo Fighters, Nine Inch Nails, Kaiser Chiefs, and Razorlight, all played the venue between 2005 and 2007.
The closure of the venue on 3 December 2017 marked the end of an era and the start a new one as the building was decommissioned to make way for a new sports centre for people in Edinburgh and beyond to enjoy for decades to come.
Two projects which will encourage people to walk or cycle more on streets and are designed to connect to and complement the Berryden Corridor Improvement Project were approved at committee recently. A business case for the Ashgrove Connects project – for streets west of the Berryden Corridor - and a preferred route for the Skene Square to City Centre project – south of the Corridor - were agreed by members on the City Growth and Resources Committee.
The Ashgrove Connects project has been investigating with the local community what improvements could and should be made to nearby streets and is aimed at enabling people to choose a more active and sustainable lifestyle to make the most of opportunities to complement the proposed infrastructure changes along the Berryden Corridor.
Subject to a successful funding bid, detailed design for the plans will be worked on and the changes to Ashgrove Road and Ashgrove Road West would mean greater priority to people, enhance public space, improve access to shops and facilities, and improve active travel.
For the Skene Square to City Centre project, the committee agreed a preferred option for the route and to progress the development of detailed design at the same time as the work currently being undertaken for the Berryden Corridor.
Aberdeen City Council City Growth and Resources Committee Convener Councillor Alex McLellan said: “It is good to see progress on two schemes which will connect and complement the Berryden Corridor Improvement Project.
“The Berryden Corridor and these two schemes will improve the efficiency of the road, cycleway, and pavement network through improving journey time reliability, relieving congestion, and improving infrastructure for walking and cycling.”
Aberdeen City Council Co-Leader Councillor Ian Yuill said: “These three projects will be a major upgrade to the city’s roads network as Berryden Road and nearby roads operate beyond capacity leading to significant congestion and journey time
delays, particularly at peak times.
“We look forward to hearing progress for the Berryden Corridor and these complementary projects in the coming months.”
A report to committee said for the Ashgrove Connects project, the plans include a reduction in speed limit from 30mph to 20mph, reduced carriageway widths, add segregated cycleways, new controlled crossings, an increase in the number of street trees and green infrastructure areas, public realm gateway
that the Spa Street/ Skene Square option is the preferred choice for the northbound route, and Skene Square/Woolmanhill roundabout route is the preferred choice for the southbound route.
The Berryden Corridor Improvement Project involves widening the existing road and junction improvements between Skene Square and Ashgrove Road, and the construction of a new section of road between Ashgrove Road and Kittybrewster roundabout adding more than 1.7miles of additional lane capacity in total. The improved section of road would have traffic light junctions instead of roundabouts, except for the Kittybrewster/St Machar roundabout which will remain.
Once complete, the project will provide more than 10 new pedestrian crossings, about one mile of additional pavements, and more than two miles of new cycle tracks, all aimed at encouraging people to walk and cycle more.
features, and enhanced bus stop facilities.
For the Skene Square to City Centre project, the report to committee said a high-level route option assessment was undertaken considering possible routes and infrastructure provision. Due to its limited length and proximity, it is recommended
The improved road will build on the benefits gained from the opening of Diamond Bridge, which has about 12,000 vehicles going over it daily, relieving congestion at the Bridge of the Don and the Haudagain roundabout, while further improving connections within the city.
A map showing the area included in the project“These three projects will be a major upgrade to the city’s roads network” Cllr Ian Yuill
Liveable Neighbour hoods are set to reduce the city’s car dependency by transforming streets into safer, more attrac tive spaces where everyday needs can be met locally and where people travelling actively and by public transport are pri oritised.
The climate crisis and recent pandemic have brought to the fore the importance of local public space. As a key element of Glasgow’s Transport Strategy our Liveable Neighbourhoods Programme is advancing a network of accessible and revitalised neighbourhoods with enhanced public spaces and attractive green infrastructure.
At the heart of programme development are residents who have been participating in activities to identify an array of neighbourhood improvements that reflect the needs of their communities, some of which will progress to construction, subject to future funding availability.
This participative process started last year with the publication of our Liveable Neighbourhoods Toolkit and subsequent in-person and online engagement with communities. By looking at everyday journeys, the toolkit helps local people identify areas that require interventions, mapping out a pathway which meets their needs.
Funded by Sustrans Scotland Connecting Communities fund, the first tranche of work co-designed with residents across five Liveable Neighbourhoods has progressed at pace. Reports presented to our Environment, Sustainability and Carbon Reduction Committee today highlighted shortlisted projects where design proposals will be developed for Liveable Neighbourhoods at Dennistoun to Cranhill and Govan to Kingston. These include improvements to local space at Riddrie Town Centre, Carntyne Square and on Lorne Street and Govan Road.
Councillors also noted the Yorkhill to Anderston Liveable Neighbourhood report which includes a long list of suggested interventions as well as a review of current initiatives such as the Yorkhill and Kelvingrove Cycling Village, and proposals for Old Dumbarton Road. Future analysis will narrow down a list of projects for design work, funded by Sustrans Scotland Places for Everyone fund.
Similar reports that highlighted shortlisted projects were published earlier
this year for Liveable Neighbourhoods at Ruchill to Cowlairs and Langside to Toryglen with proposed interventions for next stage development work including Saracen Street public realm and work in Mount Florida to support the town centre along Cathcart Road.
Cllr Angus Millar, City Convener for Climate and Transport said: “It’s exciting to see plans for the first set of Liveable Neighbourhoods starting to take shape. This approach is about looking at Glasgow
flow or making it easier to walk or cycle to the shops have the potential to collectively deliver rebalanced, safer streets that make a real difference to people’s quality of life. Our early-stage work is really driven by community groups and residents, drawing out the needs and aspirations of local people and setting out how we can enable residents to have their day-to-day needs met within a short distance of their home and create streets that are more suitable for walking, wheeling and cycling. That will help make active travel a more natural choice for local journeys, reducing car dependency and cutting carbon emissions, as well as encouraging greater footfall to local shops and businesses.”
The Liveable Neighbourhoods Programme is Glasgow’s approach to blending the 20-minute neighbourhood concept with the place principle to respond to the current environmental, social, health and economic challenges the city faces.
street by street, community by community, and finding ways to connect and improve our local neighbourhoods.
“The first tranche of projects taken forward for further development includes locations across the north and southside of the city, from safer and more attractive public realm in Ruchill, to streetscape improvements around the Battle of Langside monument and the development of underused greenspace in Toryglen. Communities all across the city will be involved over the next few years to identify improvements that can be made, with the latest round of engagement producing ideas to transform streets and promote active travel in areas from Dennistoun/ Cranhill to Govan/Kingston and Yorkhill/ Anderston.
“Interventions for each Liveable Neighbourhood such as reducing traffic
Other areas in line for the next stages of Liveable Neighbourhoods development are:
• Pollokshaws, Mansewood, Pollokshields West, Shawlands and Strathbungo,
• Greater Gorbals, Govanhill and Pollokshields East
• Sighthill, Roystonhill, Germiston, Blackhill and Hogganfield
• Yoker, Scotstoun, Jordanhill and Whiteinch
Details of future phases, covering other parts of the city will follow as soon as possible.
In the months ahead, the public conversation will continue through engagement and with the use of online and in-person public events to collaboratively identify interventions that can be undertaken for each neighbourhood, with local communities being actively involved.
Community engagement activity with a floor maponly 5-star concert venue, Edinburgh’s iconic Usher Hall, is proud to announce the 2022-23 programme for its celebrated Sunday Classics season. Beginning this weekend, the new series of Sunday Classics will showcase the very best of global orchestras and soloists. From Belgium to Sweden, Iceland to Armenia, and beyond, this series spanning seven months and concluding in May 2022, will take audiences on a musical journey unlike any other.
Tickets for all performances are available through Usher Hall’s website.
The series begins on Sunday 9 October with the Brno Philharmonic Orchestra from the Czech Republic taking to the stage. Renowned cellist, Laura van der Heijden, will perform Martinů’s Cello Concerto No. 1 and the concert concludes with Dvo ak’s ‘New World’ Symphony.
This will be followed in November by globally lauded soloist Paul Lewis with conductor Roberto González-Monjas overseeing the Belgian National Orchestra. The performance will begin with Ottorino Respighi’s noble Preludio, corale e fuga, followed by Piano Concerto No. 25, the grandest of Mozart’s piano concertos, before finishing with a spellbinding symphony - the insurmountable SaintSaëns Organ Symphony.
Later that month Maxim Vengerov, one of the world’s greatest contemporary violinists, joins the Romanian National Philharmonic Orchestra, Filarmonica Brasov in not one, but two concertos – composed a century apart. The excellent conductor for the performance is Sergey Smbatyan from Armenia. The afternoon will open with Sibelius’s masterful Karelia Suite and Shor’s newly commissioned Symphonic Prelude, followed by Seascapes for Violin and Symphony Orchestra. Prokofiev’s First Violin Concerto will be played after the interval before ending with Tchaikovsky’s hauntingly evocative Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture.
Looking ahead to February, the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra will grace the Usher Hall, again with conductor Sergey Smbatyan overseeing proceedings. This concert will feature arguably the nation’s greatest composer, Aram Khachaturian, with music from his most popular work, the rhythmic suite from the ballet Spartacus. Jennifer Pike, one of the most talented
violinists of the day, will perform the Mendelssohn Violin Concerto, and the concert will finish with Tchaikovsky’s epic and popular Fourth Symphony.
In March, as Edinburgh moves into Spring, the Swedish Philharmonia returns to Usher Hall with the inimitable Serbian-French violinist Nemanja Radulovi . Conducted by Jaime Martin, the performance will begin with Bo Linde A Merry Overture before moving into Khachaturian Violin Concerto and finishing with the enduringly popular Sibelius Symphony No. 2.
The penultimate show of the run in April showcases the Iceland Symphony Orchestra, with the distinguished company of British pianist Sir Stephen Hough. The session will begin with music from Iceland’s own Thorvaldsdottir, followed by Rachmaninov’s deeply poignant Piano Concerto No. 2 and concluding with Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Symphony, one of the most powerful symphonies ever created.
To conclude this season’s programme in May, the Estonian National Symphony, led by conductor Olari Elts will regale Usher Hall. The performance will begin with the eulogistic Benjamin Britten Cantus in Memoriam, followed by Rachmaninov Piano Concerto No. 1 performed by the peerless
pianist Freddy Kempf, and finishing with the evergreen Dvorak Symphony No. 9 New World.
Councillor Val Walker, Culture and Communities Convener said: “I am delighted that the Sunday Classics programme is returning for the 2022-23 season. There can be no better location to experience a live classical performance than the world-famous Usher Hall. Designed and built with a view to bring classical music to Scotland’s Capital, this venue has been a bastion of our musical culture for over a century. I am proud that the tradition of concert-going at Edinburgh’s most stunning indoor venue continues as strongly as ever.
It’s a genuine pleasure to sit back in the impressive auditorium and lose yourself in the music, and this new Sunday Classics series will feature firstclass orchestras from around the world outside the usual Festival period. This series reinforces Edinburgh’s status as a global musical centre and status as a year-long cultural destination. Plus, with special rates for students and those out of work, and free tickets for under 16s, the Usher Hall is helping to make classical music accessible to all.
Book Festival is set to return next year with two new programmers bringing the cream of the literary crop to the town for the new look event. The festival, which is delivered by OneRen, is set to run over four days from 16 - 19 February 2023 and will bring some of the best writers to Paisley for discussions and events.
Heather McDaid, an award-winning independent publisher, and Sha Nazir, a multi-skilled artist, writer and producer, will drive forward the Paisley Book Festival as its new programmers. Heather, is the co-founder and independent publisher of 404 Ink and runs the Year of Stories Programme at Publishing Scotland. She was also the Books Editor at The Skinny for the past five years, and formerly Co-Chair of the Society of Young Publishers Scotland. Heather, named a Bookseller Rising Star for 2022, said: “One of my first freelance roles was programming a festival back in 2016, and I’ve always loved the opportunity to find talented writers and
creators and share their work more widely. I’m really looking forward to being able to do so again, working with Sha to bring an exciting programme to Paisley in 2023, and find new ways to engage with books while continuing the brilliant work of Paisley Book Festival’s first few years.”
Sha Nazir runs the acclaimed comics publisher BHP Comics and is Events Producer at ACME Events, the company behind events including Glasgow Comic Con, Rai Con and the cornerstone ACME Scotland Comic Con, which takes over Glasgow’s SEC twice annually. He has worked with a number of organisations including Aye Write!, Edinburgh International Book Festival, the Scottish Book Trust, as well as a large number of cultural events and organisations. He said: “Programming and community engagement are at the heart of my practice and I’m really excited to work alongside Heather to help guide the Paisley Book Festival into a new era of live events at the heart of the city.”
OneRen’s Louise Oliver, Producer at Paisley Book Festival, said: “It’s a real pleasure to welcome Heather and Sha to the Paisley Book Festival team as joint programmers. They both bring years of experience in the literary world and diverse skill sets to the role, which I know will reflect and amplify the festival’s spirit of revolution, equity and quality. The Paisley Book Festival is moving into an exciting new phase in its journey, and Heather and Sha are going to be a vital part of that. They bring a wealth of new ideas to the festival’s programming remit, that will build on previous success and will help the Paisley Book Festival to continue to be a regular and beloved staple of the Scottish cultural events calendar.”
Sha and Heather have already begun work on next year’s festival and are inviting pitches of books and authors for the 2023 festival. The theme will be revealed in due course. Further info can be found at www.paisleybookfest.com.
Festival programmers Heather McDaid and Sha Nazir Above and below left: Previous events at the festival.
culture, music and arts organisation, founded the Awards in 2019, to celebrate Scots culture and language, alongside social media campaign success #GiesAScotsPhraseDay, as part of the United Nations Year of Indigenous Languages.
by Itchy Coo / Black & White Publishing: Mearns Academy (Aberdeenshire Council)
The glittering Tayside evening on Saturday 24 September 2022 saw live music and performances from Beth Malcom, Robyn Stapleton, Hamish MacDonald, and Bruce Fummey entertain the crowds, and a whole host of Scots Language champions taking home the prestigious Awards including zero waste sustainable retailer Re:Store, TikTok’s Doric Dad, and writer Liz Lochhead, all recognised after several thousands of public votes were recorded in this increasingly popular annual Scots campaign.
Karen Dick, Head of Place, Partnerships and Communities at Creative Scotland said: “It’s great to see the Scots Language Awards return again this year, highlighting the importance of Scots language, for arts and culture, and in daily life, education and business. Weel done tae a’ winners an’ nominees.”
Since starting, the Awards have seen leading authors including Graeme Armstrong and local heroes participate alongside well-known stars such as comedian Janey Godley, actor David Paisley, TikTok’s Littlest Chicken and singer Iona Fyfe. Presented by Sponsors and Scots legends, including the prestigious Janet Paisley Services to Scots Award, the night was hosted by social media star and poet Len Pennie, and presenter and columnist Alistair Heather, and was also live streamed to international audiences around the world.
Simon Thoumire of organisers Hands Up For Trad said:“I’m thrilled by the growth of our ongoing campaign for Scots Language, to have held our live event in Dundee again, a community which has supported the campaign from day one, and at the calibre of this year’s brilliant Winners for the Scots Language Awards 2022.”
Hands Up For Trad, Scotland’s traditional
The Awards recognise the heroic efforts and work of the people and organisations who all use and speak Scots’ unique culture, music and words, and voting was open to the public earlier this month and year for both the Nominees and the Votes to win. Scots Language has long been used by authors, spoken in our top films, and is experiencing a contemporary year on year resurgence via social media including a huge new audience of all ages on TikTok, as communities connect and realise their heritage, led by the public, influencers, and media alike.
For more information visit www. scotslanguageawards.com or follow on Twitter @handsupfortrad, Instagram @ handsupfortrad, Facebook @handsupfortrad and use hashtags#ScotsLanguage #HUFT.
The Scots Language Awards 2022 Winners are:
Scots Business of the Year, sponsored by Scots Language Society: ReStore, Lossiemouth Janet Paisley Services to Scots Award: Anne Donovan Scots Champion Award: Dr Jamie Fairbairn Young Scots Writer o the Year, sponsored by Education Scotland: Eva McMillan Scots Writer of the Year, sponsored by National Library of Scotland: Liz Lochhead Scots Media Person of the Year, sponsored by Dictionaries of the Scots Language: Doric Dad Scots Bairns Book of the Year, sponsored by Scottish Government: Doric Nursery Rhymes for Loons & Quines, translations by Gordon M Hay, illustrations by Rosemary Cunningham (Doric Books) Scots Speaker of the Year, sponsored by Scots Language Centre: Marjolein Robertson (Shetland) Scots Teacher of the Year, sponsored by Scottish Qualifications Authority: Amanda Dunn, Shortlees Primary School, Kilmarnock Scots School of the Year, sponsored
Scots Project of the Year, sponsored by Scots Radio: The Maiden’s Leap with Historic Environment Scotland and Perth High School Scots Book of the Year, sponsored by Scottish Book Trust: Be guid tae yer Mammy, Emma Grae (Unbound) Scots Performer of the Year, sponsored by TRACS: Alan Reid aka Bundy
Organising body, Hands Up for Trad funded by The National Lottery through Creative Scotland, was formed in 2002 and exists to increase the profile and visibility of traditional Scottish music and culture through information, advocacy and education to artists, participants and audiences.
In 2019, The United Nations Year of Indigenous Language, Hands Up for Trad launched this new annual award ceremony for Scotland’s vibrant cultural calendar, celebrating the best in the Scots Language, in association with Creative Scotland. In a prestigious ceremony at Glasgow’s Mitchell Library Theatre, the Award’s many other sponsors including Education Scotland, SQA, Scottish Government and Itchy Coo / Black & White Publishing gathered together for an evening of music and entertainment in the country’s national language spoken by over 30% of the population, particularly in the central and borders regions, rewarding excellence in schools, communities and arts, before regrouping on YouTube in October 2020 during lockdown.
Creative Scotland is the public body that supports the arts, screen and creative industries across all parts of Scotland distributing funding provided by the Scottish Government and The National Lottery. Further information at creativescotland.com. Follow them on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Learn more about the value of art and creativity in Scotland and join in at www. ourcreativevoice.scot
Presenters Lennie Pennie and columnist Alistair Heather at the Scots Language Awards, image by Alan Richardson.
Dr Gavin Beckett, Chief Product Officer at Placecube,
After21 years working inside Local Government, latterly as the Chief Digital Officer for Bristol City Council, my move to the private sector supplier was a big change. I wanted to find a company that understood the public sector, and somewhere I could help shape to become the supplier that I’d always wished I could buy from. A business that is open and collaborative, and where ‘digital transformation’ includes how technology is created and consumed.
We launched Placecube to provide the public sector with affordable, accessible, and transformational benefits of digitally re-usable, great public services. Re-using high quality code, services, and designs, already paid for, and which have been extensively tested and proven across the sector. We are passionate about open source and by doing the right thing. To us, it’s not enough to just be non-proprietary; as the public sector moves towards open standards, so too
should suppliers. We’ve done just that, and Digital Place is changing the way digital services are built and consumed by the public sector, because our product disrupts, both the traditional technology and the traditional commercial approach
Digital Place is the output of multiple co-creation projects between Placecube and the public sector. Work with Councils, including Brentwood Borough, Camden, Dorset, Greenwich and Rugby Borough has contributed to a well-designed, open-source ecosystem, boasting reusable components, immediately available to other Authorities through a single annual subscription.
Digital Place, has been built with local government, for local government. It uses the global leading Liferay Digital Experience Platform (DXP), ranked by Gartner as a leader for eleven of the past twelve years. It provides Councils with a strategic alternative to digital projects that all too often start from scratch and cost far more than they need to.
Digital Place provides five distinct advantages.
• Ownership of an open digital platform specifically cocreated with and already proven in local authorities.
• All functionality in one platform, under one subscription, from one supplier.
• The benefits of well-designed, reusable features that we continually co-create with other Councils and share with all Digital Place subscribers, automatically, so you avoid the time pressures, resource costs and compatibility concerns that would otherwise be a continuous burden for your team to manage.
• Extended and accelerated digital capability, far more affordably than any other solution offering even remotely similar features and functionality.
• Control of your Digital Platform, with full access to make changes and freedom to build out new digital solutions.
All of this is designed to make Digital Place a universally sustainable platform for Public Services. It provides a direct fit, today, with the flexibility to adapt to your future requirements, tomorrow.
Digital Place provides access to re-usable (Lego-like) digital components which we call ‘Cubes’. We recognise that although every organisation might build a different Digital Place, the components (Cubes) that make up that build are common. Quite literally, the common
building blocks that the Digital Service Standard and Local Digital Declaration promotes. The value in re-use is huge as it immediately benefits new Councils through the re-use of designs that have been commissioned and tested by other Councils, at no additional cost. This might mean no need for user research, design services or development, or it provides an opportunity to present pretested services to users for configuration and refinement and to focus user research and design on new services. This not only helps to meet the ethos of the Digital Service Standard and Local Digital Declaration, but it also means subscribing customers will continue to enjoy a conveyor belt of new digital developments as other Councils create new services, without changing your platform subscription. Subscribing Authorities accumulate increasing value and efficiencies, whilst your team focuses on your priorities. Recent co-creation projects include a Customer Contact Management application with Rugby Borough Council to replace their incumbent CRM system, a Case Management application with Camden Council, and low-code extensions that continue to put the control in the hands of our customers.
It’s thrilling to see how our platform is shaping and being shaped by how the local authorities digitally deliver their services. We’re eager to demonstrate the reusability beyond our existing customers through working with new authorities.
has enjoyed a 2022 that has seen it build on its position as the UK’s largest independent network provider and provider of choice in the public sector in Scotland.
In February, the Edinburgh-headquartered company was awarded a contract which could see up to £150m spent over 15 years to transform North Lanarkshire’s digital infrastructure and connectivity.
It will accelerate the roll-out of gigabit-capable fibre broadband across the local authority area, creating a free public WiFi network in town centres and significantly boosting internet connectivity to schools.
The contract adds to Commsworld’s growing reputation, having delivered massively enhanced infrastructure to Glasgow, Edinburgh, Renfrewshire and the Scottish Borders.
The 15-year framework agreement for Digital Connectivity Services with North Lanarkshire will ensure improved access to high-quality, reliable fire connections, which will make a transformative difference to investment opportunities for businesses, and tackle digital exclusion among its citizens.
This transformative work has already begun. In a phased programme, the council’s 155 schools will enjoy a significant uplift in internet connectivity with a minimum 1Gbps connection for primary schools – 20 times the current capacity – and secondary schools increasing to 5Gbps, boosting digital learning through faster upload speeds.
As well as bringing an additional digital fibre provider to the area to increase competition, there could also be the offer of vastly reduced rates for gigabit-capable fibre broadband of up to 1Gps to council tenants, residents and businesses. This could include Fibre To The Home (FTTH) delivered to homes with no previous gigabit connectivity of this standard, or indeed at all.
The past few months have also seen Commsworld expand its reach in England. An example is its partnership with Northumberland-based rural broadband expert Alncom to give businesses and organisations in remote areas significantly enhanced broadband connectivity, bandwidth and resilience.
As well as its public sector work, Commsworld has provided ultra-fast network connectivity to the £1bn St James Quarter
in Edinburgh. It has also teamed up with HALO Kilmarnock in a partnership that sees it provide communication solutions for the HALO Enterprise and Innovation Centre (HEIC) and the HALO’s low carbon emission smart homes, while providing health and education benefits to those living and working at the HALO.
Commsworld chief Executive Steve Langmead said: “North Lanarkshire symbolises a 2022 which has seen us further strengthen our position as the UK’s leading independent provider of networking and connectivity solutions.
“This success is built on our nationwide ultra-fast Optical Core Network, which allows us to deliver transformative connectivity to areas the length and breadth of Britain, connecting them to speeds of up to 10G now, and with scalability of up to 100G. By building capacity for the future we are transforming rural areas, villages, towns and cities right across the country.”
Steve Langmeed of Commsworld
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