Tag Archives: Scotland

News

Record High Wait Times at Scotland’s Largest Children’s Hospital

By  Cameron Noble

 

Following the record attendance of 306 children at Glasgow’s Royal Hospital for Children in one day, parents are encouraged to avoid A&E wherever possible.

71.5% of those who arrived at the emergency department of the Royal Hospital for Children were seen and admitted, transferred or discharged within four hours.

Resulting from a dramatic decrease in Scotland’s emergency departments’ waiting time performance, nearly 500 children waited longer than four hours, and 17 waited more than eight hours in the week ending November 20th.

Attached to the Royal Hospital for Children, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital had managed to deal with 35.1% of attendees within a four-hour period – the worst figures for any individual hospital recorded, according to Public Health Scotland.

Over the entire of Scotland, wait time performance for the week ending November 20th dropped to 63.1% – an alarming figure, considering the Scottish Government’s target aims to deal with 95% of attendees within four hours.

Humza Yousaf, Scotland’s Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, commented on the issue: “The figures for Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow are especially horrendous – the worst ever for any individual hospital with just 35.1% of patients seen within four hours.

“This is completely unacceptable and incredibly alarming for the safety of patients and staff at the hospital.”

Figures suggest the NHS will be undertaking the heaviest challenge to date over the winter period to find a way to improve their wait time performance and strive for 95% efficiency. Yousaf identified apparent factors which have contributed to the decreasing wait time performance and explained the £600m plan which is to be set to tackle the issue.

“Covid continues to impact the performance of services and pandemic backlogs, Brexit-driven staff shortages, and inflation costs have all contributed to make this winter the most challenging the NHS has ever faced.

“Delayed discharge continues to be the single biggest factor driving up A&E waits and we are working hard to ensure people are leaving hospital without delay, freeing up vital beds for those who need them most.

“A key focus of our winter plan is on social care and actions to encourage authorities to help ease delays.

“Our £600m winter plan will see us recruit 1,000 new NHS staff and our £50m urgent and unscheduled care collaborative looks to drive down A&E waits through scheduled urgent appointments, hospital at home and directing people to the most appropriate care.”

News

Short-term lets in Scotland’s capital city are being blamed on the popularity of short-term holiday lets

By Katrina Goldsmith

Edinburgh has a total of 7,818 listed homes on Airbnb as of 13th September 2022. This is a decrease since 2019 most likely due to Covid and new regulations. With so many tourists coming to Edinburgh, the demand for short-term rentals has increased. Airbnb is a service which allows property owners to rent out their homes and spaces to tourists looking for an affordable place to stay whilst travelling. Airbnb is the second most demanded accommodation brand and location in the UK. In 2019 11,048 homes were listed on Airbnb. This was at its peak demographic before COVID-19 heavily decreased the demand for the service. Since then, this number has dropped to just under 8000 homes listed as Airbnb in Scotland.

It is known that Edinburgh is fully populated during peak tourist season (June – August) as Edinburgh plays host to numerous successful festivals and events. Edinburgh is popular amongst visiting tourists, with attractions such as the world-famous Fringe or Hogmanay shows, with 3,012,490 people attending the fringe and 184,566 in attendance at Edinburgh’s Hogmanay event in 2021. This can make it challenging to find short-term accommodation within the city centre. Out of all Scottish cities, Edinburgh has the highest population of Airbnb listings.

Data from September shows that currently there are over 7000 homes listed for Airbnb. The pinpoints on the map indicate the regions with the highest number of homes listed on Airbnb. All of which are close to the city centre. With the likes of Old Town, Princes Street and Leith Street having 683 homes to let. Meanwhile, regions such as Fairmilehead currently have 2 properties listed. Having vast numbers of homes only available for short-term lets has many impacts on the locals who live in that area. Although Airbnb increases tourism and the economy of Edinburgh, it can reduce the availability of houses for those who need it, and the service also has a heavy impact on the affordability of homes.

However, since the peak of demand in 2019, calls for the government to place regulations on Airbnb in Edinburgh skyrocketed after locals struggled to find accommodation within the city centre. On the 5th of September, a short-term let controlled area was introduced by Edinburgh City Council which covers the entirety of the local authority area. This regulation meant that individuals who owned a second property and is not a primary residence accommodation in the Edinburgh council area must gain planning permission in order to list their property on Airbnb or as a short-term let. This exempts properties which have been operating without any planning permission for at least a minimum of 10 years prior. This would cost second home property owners between £600 – £24,300 depending on the size of the space they wish to let.

Owners who do not comply can be prevented from operating by Edinburgh Council. An enforcement notice will be passed onto the hosts and 28 days will be given for them to comply with the regulations. Failure to do so will result in a fine of up to £2000. In serious issues and repeated offences, this can increase to up to £20,000.

Features, News

In a cost of living crisis, how do we future proof our high streets?

By Gregor Boyd

According to research by Retail Economics, the UK is set to face the “sharpest decline in spending” over the Christmas period compared to all other countries sampled.

Now on the road to recovery after the Covid-19 pandemic, the UK is in a new period of uncertainty with a cost-of-living crisis and skyrocketing energy bills, meaning that the public is expected to tighten their purse strings and spend less this year at Christmas. It is reported that sales forecasts are down as many companies are already bracing for the impact of a lacklustre Christmas.

If you take a walk down your average high street, you’ll see the retail casualties of the pandemic. Large retail chains that were once a mainstay now lie empty, yet the possibilities for those derelict retail spaces are still endless.  What used to be a multi-level department store could become a shared hub for several different businesses. A notable example of transforming retail spaces into experience-led spaces is the former BHS in Leith’s Ocean Terminal which is now ‘Transgression Skatepark’. 

One organisation that is setting out a more positive approach to Scotland’s high streets is Scotland’s Towns Partnership. They aim to highlight the potential diversity that can be achieved to showcase each town’s own identity. 

Scotland’s Town Partnership also aims to encourage developing the current infrastructure to allow town centres and local communities to thrive.  On their website, they have several key developmental actions focusing on community-led regeneration, an emphasis on living in town centres, supporting the local economies, maintaining accessible public services, and working with local businesses and residents to revitalize our high streets by bringing them into the 21st century and planning for the future.

Despite the positive approach to future-proofing our high streets. The current financial issues are affecting not just people but also those already struggling high street businesses. Retail owners are continually speaking out about how the uncertainty might put their business in the ground unless things changed. With the UK government offering some help but seemingly not going far enough to mitigate the ongoing troubles, a bigger discussion surrounding the future of retail in town centres and high streets is essential if we are to come out the other end.

Speaking to Leigh Sparks who is the Deputy Principal (Education and Students) and Professor of Retail Studies at Stirling University. He offered his perspective on how the cost-of-living crisis could hamper the development of Scotland’s high streets. Leigh points out that patching up high streets and town centres might momentarily work but as commercial activities continue to disappear from high streets, a bigger fiscal change that challenges vested interests is needed.

More information can be found on Leigh’s blog at Stirlingretail

 

News

How are the Creative Industries performing?

By Gregor Boyd

The Creative Industries are a huge player within the UK’s economy which generates billions in revenue each year, The key areas being London, The Northwest, and the Southeast of England.

But what exactly is Scotland’s contribution to the UK’s creative sectors? According to gov.scot, the creative industry is one of Scotland’s fastest-growing sectors.

According to the Office for National Statistics, Scotland’s highest contribution to the creative sector appears to be within the IT industry massively outperforming the other sectors with the lowest performing sector being the Craft sector followed by Museums & Galleries.

Within the IT sector sits the Games Industry, a behemoth.

Scotland is home to several games studios as well as leading universities offering courses on Games Design.

Dundee has in the past been dubbed the video game capital of Europe (as well as the drug death capital…).

However, it has cemented its status within the video game industry as the home of Lemmings and Grand Theft Auto as well as bringing Minecraft onto consoles.

In more recent years Rockstar North has shifted itself to headquarters in Edinburgh.  Dundee’s future as a game’s mecca is ongoing but not unrecognised. With future planning proposals to build an E-sports gaming arena as well, Dundee aims to cement itself as a key industry player for gaming.

All around roughly the same turnovers are Publishing, Design, Architecture, and Performing Arts. Sectors that are essential to Scotland’s goals of competing on the world stage

In Music & Performing Arts. Scotland’s nightlife tourism industry is essential to the growth and regeneration of towns and cities. Huge artists frequent venues throughout Scotland as well as smaller acts tour up and down the country providing residents in more urban areas with valued nightlife experiences.

The economic benefit is felt throughout bars, pubs, clubs, and hotels. The Runrig concert brought an estimated 45,000 fans from all over the world to Stirling with an estimated £ 7 million benefit to the local economy. A great success model for building on future events.

Though in recent years, the night-time economy has been suffering due to the Covid-19 Pandemic which led to several businesses having to close their doors temporarily. Combined with the cost-of-living crisis, the night-time economy is going to suffer seriously.

The UK is a global powerhouse when it comes to producing content for movies or television. Above is a breakdown of the Film Industry breakdown for Scotland, showing that the bulk of the turnover is generated through motion pictures.

Glasgow became an ideal filming location for some films over the past few years, most notably the Matt Reeves blockbuster adaption of Batman in which Glasgow was used as the murky backdrop of Gotham city. Several iconic locations were used throughout the film with the most recognisable being the Necropolis used at the end of the film. The cancelled Batgirl film was also filmed in Glasgow just recently with it being noted that Glasgow Council paid to have Warner Bros shoot the entire production in the city.

Forecasts done by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC) have found that the UK Creative industry is set to grow to be worth £97bn in revenue by 2026.

If the UK as a whole is to tackle the financial despair it’s been in for several years now. It needs to embrace the creative economy for the powerhouse it ought to be recognised as.

 

News

Edinburgh Filmhouse: Crowdfunder campaign launched to save independent cinema

A crowdfunding campaign was launched to raise £2 million to save the Edinburgh Filmhouse and its long-running international film festival.

The 88 Lothian Road building, the former home of Edinburgh Filmhouse, was put up for sale after the charity running the cinema went into administration in October.

A group of former senior staff launched the crowdfunding campaign on 16 November, aiming to raise £2 million by the end of this week and buy the building from the administrators.

“The loss of the building is catastrophic, not only for Filmhouse but also the provision of cultural cinema in Scotland’s capital city,” states the group’s crowdfunding page.

“Edinburgh will become the only UK city of its size and international cultural ambition to lack a cinema devoted to the full breadth and depth of cultural film”.

The group hopes to attract support from the screen industries and Scotland’s cultural scene.

Actor Jack Lowden supported the campaign and told the Scotsman that “the idea of our capital losing such an important cultural centre is deeply saddening.”

“With the Scottish film industry growing faster and faster, it’s more important than ever to have a truly independent platform in our city. And just as importantly, a welcoming place to have a great night out,” says Lowden.

Paul Sng, an independent filmmaker based in Edinburgh, started an online petition to save the Edinburgh Filmhouse and the Edinburgh International Festival. The petition now has over 24 000 signatures.

“It was mainly to show that there is a level of love and support, that there is the belief in the festival and in Filmhouse as an organization to be something that is in Edinburgh for the community, for the people that love cinema”, says Sng.

“As a filmmaker, being supported by these two organizations, the cultural linchpins, has been massively important to me.

“On that professional level, to lose either of them would impact the industry and also impact me personally. Being a filmmaker that is making documentaries on sometimes tricky subjects, you don’t have that many options,” explains Sng.

The Edinburgh Filmhouse was not only an important cultural institution, but for many people it was primarily a safe space.

Vivian Chang, an Edinburgh University student said: “The Filmhouse was a very important place to me and to my friends, it was a beautiful place where we can get tickets just for 2 pounds every Tuesday and enjoy art.”

So far, the crowdfunding campaign raised £138,644, which is 6% off the amount needed to save the building.

To get to the final number would mean every person who has signed Paul Sng’s petition needs to add at least £83.

Edinburgh International Film Festival and the Filmhouse are not the only cultural institutions forced to (completely) limit their activities, due to lack of finances.

Last week it was reported The Edinburgh International Book Festival (EIBF) is resizing its team and pausing its streaming activity.

Amanda Berry, Head of Marketing and PR of the EIBF, said: “it’s a difficult time and we are busy with a consultation and planning process to address the economic challenges that lie ahead.”

Due to time difficulties, the EIBF’s team refused to give any further comment.

News

The cost-of-living crisis is causing a record need of food banks, as more parcels were handed out than ever in the last six months.

By Julie Dvorakova

The cost-of-living crisis is causing a record need for food banks, as more parcels were handed out than ever in the last six months.

The Trussell Trust, a nationwide network of food banks providing support to those in poverty, revealed new statistics that show record-breaking levels of need across the UK.

Revealed figures prove that from April to September, more emergency food parcels were given out than ever before in this period.

Emma Reive, the chief executive at the Trussell Trust, said: “These new statistics show that, even in summer months, people are struggling to afford the essentials and we are expecting that this winter will be the hardest yet for food banks and the people they support. This is not right.”

In Scotland, food banks in the Trussell Trust network distributed over 116,000 emergency food parcels between 1 April to 30 September 2022, including 40,000 parcels distributed to children.

This represents an increase (34%) compared to the same period last year and an alarming rise (65%) since the same period five years ago – a period not affected by the pandemic or cost of living crisis.

 

As Scotland faces the crisis while still recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic, the charity says the Scottish, local and UK governments need to do more.

“Over the last few years, the government has acted to protect people who are struggling, and this action made a difference”, said Reive, adding that they must now act again to help people through the winter.

In July 2022, households received the first Cost of Living payment from the UK government. Scottish foodbanks distributed 15,098 parcels in July, which is significantly less than any other month this year.

Despite this, data show that this payment was spent quickly, and record levels of emergency food parcels were then distributed in the following months.

The crisis is forcing more people to use food banks, as they, mostly for the first time, don’t have enough money to afford the essentials. Food banks across the UK are changing opening hours to be available to those working.

Josie Barlow, manager at Bradford Foodbank said: “Someone who came to the food bank recently told me that buying milk is a luxury now. So many people are struggling with bills and food prices.”

The escalating need for emergency food parcels together with rising costs is likely to lead to the most challenging winter yet for Trussell Trust and other networks in the UK.

“We are fortunate to be able to help people and we work hard to support them in both the short and long term, but we are also facing challenges”, says Barlow.

 

The charity says food banks are now at ‘breaking point’, as more and more people seek help due to the crisis.

Compared to England, the number of parcels distributed in Scotland has either been lower or not risen in line with the UK average.

This is because alternative food aid is becoming more available in recent years in Scotland.

In January this year, the Scottish government promised to develop a national plan to end the need for food banks as a primary response to food insecurity.

The Government recently responded to the crisis as The Scottish Child payment was increased from £10 a week to £25, with the extension to parents of children aged under 16.

News

Independence rallies held in Scottish cities after supreme court ruling.

By Gregor Boyd

After the report from the supreme court ruled that Scotland cannot hold a referendum without Westminster’s approval. Several rallies were held throughout various parts of Scotland including Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee and Stirling.

The Stirling demo was small and didn’t have any official speakers from party affiliations despite purportedly being contacted. The demo’s low turnout was put down to the short notice of it.

One speaker gave a small speech before proceeding to pull out a guitar and play notable Scottish songs to get a singsong going. After offering up the platform for individuals to voice their consensus, one woman came up to speak, some technical difficulties arose which prevented a PA from being used so the women chose to speak without and encouraged unity.

The main theme of the demo was about uniting under a banner of independence from all party lines. The non-affiliated speaker took several potshots at SNP leadership which received some backlash from people within the crowd and the event fizzled out shortly after.

The demonstration went on with no major issues save for a couple of drive-by verbal heckles of God save the King.

Shortly after the ruling was returned, Nicola Sturgeon posted two tweets in response to the ruling stating that the UK supreme court doesn’t make law but only interprets it. As well as pointing out that a law that doesn’t allow Scotland to choose their own future without Westminster’s consent exposes as myth any notion of the UK as a voluntary partnership and makes the case for Independence.

She also noted that Scottish democracy will not be denied.

The event in Edinburgh was livestreamed online and featured several different speakers featuring Colin Fox of the SSP.

Large numbers turned out in Glasgow with various speakers and singers addressing a sea of saltire flags.

Over in Edinburgh, Nicola Sturgeon addressed a crowd of supporters outside of Holyrood and stated that “The UK is not a voluntary partnership of nations”.

It has been 8 years since Scotland voted to remain in the United Kingdom with a 55% vote returning No to the question of Scotland becoming independent.

News

Winter Wonderland Fiasco

by Katrina Goldsmith

Edinburgh’s winter wonderland has been a must-see attraction for the city that will get anyone, even Christmas humbugs in the festive spirit.

It looked like this popular Christmas market may be taking a break this year with its lead investor, Angels Event Experience Ltd pulling out from the contract after it was due Edinburgh council £5.5 million to host Edinburgh’s Christmas festivities for the next 5 years.

Luckily for the wonderland admirers, the Edinburgh Christmas market will be going on this year with the group, Unique Assembly – formally known as Underbelly – producing this year’s festival. Unique Assembly is the company behind the production of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations in 2021.

This is a contract lasting for one year, a one-year extension has been offered to provide that pre-agreed performance terms and measures have been achieved.

This news will come as a relief to the local businesses and 70 stallholders who have already secured their spots for the Christmas market this year, allowing them to continue planning their stock and trade for the busy Christmas period.

This market this year will feature the return of favourite festive attractions such as the funfair, the big wheel, and the Christmas market in East and West Princes Street Gardens as well as on the Mound. There will be a return of the Christmas Ice Rink which was introduced for the first time on George Square last year.

The Christmas Wonderland will see attractions for families to enjoy with the return of “Santa Land” where children can visit Santa’s Grotto, explore the Christmas tree maze, and enjoy munching on festive foods and drinks.

Council leader, Cammy Day, stated in The Herald: “There’s no questioning the popularity of our Winter Festivals or the benefits they bring to the Capital – the enjoyment and wellbeing of our residents, but also the economic impact for our businesses and the city as a whole”.

“Crucially, the new plans will deliver on the key elements of our public consultation, including reduced use of green spaces, more accessible and family-friendly attractions, greater use of local traders and a more even spread around the city centre”.

“I have no doubt Unique Assembly will help us make it yet another great festive period for our Capital city.”

News

Community Gardens in the Works over Midlothian

By Katrina Goldsmith

Planning is underway for a series of community garden projects around Midlothian.

The garden will provide a space where families, groups and individuals can get together to get away from the digital technologies which are so prominent in our daily lives. It is hoped that the garden will provide the community with a space to socialise and enjoy a range of activities in the great outdoors, thus improving the bond of the community and boosting health and wellbeing.

A Crowdfunder page was set up in early January and awareness for the Crowdfunder page was communicated by reaching out to communities on Facebook and getting involved in small village markets to spread the news through word of mouth. Wellbeing Essentials successfully raised over £30,000 in under 70 to fund their inspirational woodland garden. The money raised will go towards the construction and decorating of the garden. When the project is fully completed it will include gym equipment, outdoor table tennis, flower beds, Community spaces, food growing beds, model railway and e-bike hire and much more.

Roslin community garden plans have currently been put on hold as Wellbeing Essentials awaits planning permission from the council.

In the meantime, the social enterprise has been working on another community garden project in Glencorse. Land gifted to Wellbeing Essential by the Glencorse Association charity.

The land where construction of the garden will begin in November

Wellbeing essential’s officer, Jim Hiddleston stated: “We are optimistic about getting planning for the garden, but whilst we are waiting, we are preparing to start the hard work on our next project in Glencorse. We have started working on creating a Nature Activity Park around the Centre and are working with them to add many new features to the large grounds around the centre that are currently grass areas.”

The plot has plenty of space to create a thriving and natural environment for the community and wildlife to enjoy. The space is intended to serve the community, a Wellbeing Essential cabin is included in the plans and it is hoped the space will be used for the activity groups run by the centre, social events, and weddings.

The Glencorse community garden is set to begin construction on the 18th of November. With the aid of landscape gardeners and the local community, construction is to begin with building a landscaped deer relaxation station. Additionally, Volunteers from Glencorse Centre and Wellbeing Essentials have volunteered to help plant 600 trees will be planted around the woodland garden. Alongside this, a pétanque piste is set to begin construction on the 7th of November.