Graeme Dey, Minister for Higher and Further Education, officially opened the Outdoor Learning Hub and Discovery Trail at Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh.
The new facility aims to improve understanding of outdoor learning amongst the teaching profession, whilst also enabling the community to connect to the natural world in new ways. The Hub will now support activity, wellbeing, learning and teaching locally, as well as upskilling teachers across the UK in outdoor learning.
The move reflects the growing understanding of the value of outdoor learning, and QMU’s expertise in this field. The Hub will equip current and future teachers, community educators and volunteer leaders with the knowledge and skillset to confidently use outdoor spaces and places to enhance the learner journey of young people across Scotland. Also designed to be an asset for the local community, it is a resource for all to enjoy.
Located within the attractive leafy grounds of the QMU campus, the Hub is made up of outdoor structures, trails, woodland and developing natural spaces. Waymarkers featuring QR codes connect visitors to supporting online resources. With engaging multimedia content and the opportunity for the teaching professional to gain outdoor learning qualifications, the Hub will also develop as a national education facility.
Patrick Boxall, lecturer in education at Queen Margaret University, has led the development of the University’s outdoor education work. He said:
“It is well evidenced that outdoor learning supports mental health and wellbeing, engagement in learning, creativity, inclusion, and child development. Beyond that, it helps foster a great understanding of, and respect for, the natural environment and thus nurtures a commitment to sustainability in the next generation. Through the digital resources that we have created to augment our Outdoor Learning Hub, we will support teachers and children across the UK and beyond to understand their relationship with the environment, how we utilise nature’s resources to support health and wellbeing, and protect it for future generations.”
Patrick continued: “Beyond that, people enjoying time together outside can help build strong communities, and so we want to encourage teachers and community activists to use the Hub to meet, socialise, exercise and learn in the outside environment.”
The Hub has been created with the support of Architecture & Design Scotland and NatureScot. Its central feature is The Howff, a unique hand-crafted wooden shelter with a wildflower roof, skylight dome and windbreak. This can be used as a gathering place or teaching facility for students, staff and the community. This bespoke shelter was crafted by Tree-ditions, an East Lothian maker, using traditional skills and local timber.
The Discovery Trail is a route round the campus, following way-markers, that provides an accessible route through our woods, terraces, meadow, pond, hedgerows, and the University’s Wee Forest. Each point on the trail marks a different type of environment that gives people opportunities for activity, learning and wellbeing.
Higher and Further Education Minister, Graeme Dey attended the launch. He said: “Outdoor learning is an important part of Scotland’s curriculum and has a vital role to play in the wellbeing and attainment of children and young people across the country. It is clear that Queen Margaret University has taken this on board with their fresh approach to education. I have no doubt that the Outdoor Learning Hub will equip both current and future teachers with the skills they need to confidently utilise outdoor space to enhance the learning experience for pupils and students.”
“Our work supporting Scotland’s learning estate focuses on enhancing and extending learning experiences. We are delighted to have collaborated with QMU and supported them with the creation of the Outdoor Learning Hub and Discovery Trail. We believe the OLH, and associated resources, have the potential to improve and enhance the outdoor learning experiences and environments of young people across Scotland.”
Sir Paul Grice, Principal of Queen Margaret University, said: “When we introduced primary teaching and a PGDE (postgraduate teaching qualification) to our course portfolio at QMU in 2019, we resolved to take a fresh approach to teaching education. One aspect of this has been a focus on outdoor learning, and we have gone on to become a leading advocate for the inclusion of outdoor learning, and learning for sustainability, within education courses. The Outdoor Learning Hub is a physical manifestation of our commitment to outdoor learning.
“We are grateful to our partners who share our vision for the Hub, which will enrich our teaching curriculum, enhance our student experience, and support the delivery of outdoor learning qualifications for the teaching profession. We are proud to play an important role in linking education with the natural world, health, citizenship and environmental protection.”
Half of Edinburgh residents want to see more spent on walking, wheeling and cycling improvements across the city, according to a new report.
The biannual Walking and Cycling Index, delivered in partnership between Sustrans and the City of Edinburgh Council, draws on independent survey feedback from a cross-section of more than 1,200 residents in the Capital, surveyed in 2023. Today Sustrans joined the City of Edinburgh Council to officially launch the Index with a panel discussion on access to walking, wheeling cycling in the city.
Amongst the findings, the report shows that 50% would like to see more spent on cycling while 57% want investment in walking and wheeling and 68% support an increase in spend on public transport. Almost half of residents want to walk and wheel (45%) and cycle (49%) more too, along with a quarter who want to use public transport more, and improved infrastructure is key to this.
Regular walking and wheeling remains as high as 2021, with two-thirds of people travelling by foot or wheel five days a week. The annual number of cycling trips has increased to 30.7 million from 24.4 million in 2021, although the number of residents cycling at least once a week dropped slightly from 26% to 22%.
The majority of residents think their local areas could be improved through a 20-minute neighbourhood approach – with more and easier to access shops and everyday services (say 79%) and parks and greenspaces close to home (according to 78%) amongst the incentives to walking and wheeling more. Sixty-nine per cent agree they can already get to many places they need to visit without having to drive.
Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, said:
As ever, the Walking and Cycling Index makes an extremely interesting read, and it’s thanks to the many people from all parts of the city who took part in the survey last year.
Edinburgh is a compact, walkable city, as demonstrated by the many people who already regularly walk, wheel and cycle here. However, what’s clear from the Index is that there’s still much to be done to encourage even more people make the shift to travel on foot, wheel, bike or, in some cases, public transport.
Thankfully, we’re on the right track, with an ambitious programme of development underway which will transform the way people travel around the city, and the results of the Walking and Cycling Index reassure us that we have the backing of Edinburgh’s residents to invest in these kinds of changes.
The majority of residents think local areas could be improved through a 20-minute neighbourhood approach, and we will consult on this approach via our proposals to make Dalry greener, healthier and more vibrant.
From our recent ban on pavement parking to the completion of the City Centre West to East Link, as well as longer term plans like the tram line between Granton and the BioQuarter and City Centre Transformation, we’re working to make Edinburgh a truly people-friendly city.
Karen McGregor, Director, Sustrans Scotland, said:
I’d like to thank the people of Edinburgh who gave us their time to take part in the Walking and Cycling Index. The results show that making walking, wheeling and cycling the most accessible and desirable form of transport is of great importance to people, especially during the current cost of living crisis.
There is clear evidence that people in Scotland’s capital want the option to walk, wheel and cycle to where they need to get to more often. The recent ban on pavement parking in the city is a huge step forward, but the Index also shows that people living in Edinburgh want safe, accessible cycle paths and pedestrian crossings; and they want more investment in public transport.
The latest Index results show that The City of Edinburgh Council has the backing of the public to build on the work it has already started to make it easier for people to walk, wheel and cycle to get around.
Other findings in the Index include inequalities and varied perceptions of walking, wheeling and cycling amongst different groups. Twenty-eight per cent of men cycle at least once a week compared to 16% of women, while the proportion of white residents who walk or wheel at least five days a week (67%) is higher than people from ethnic minority groups (55%).
Participants in the survey shared their views on the kinds of improvements that would encourage them to walk, wheel and cycle more. Some of the changes that would encourage people to travel by foot or wheel are fewer cars parked on pavements (67%), nicer places on streets to stop and rest (71%) and wider pavements (68%).
Seventy-three per cent said more traffic free cycle paths away from roads and 65% highlighted segregated cycle paths on roads as improvements that would help them to cycle more, while 58% support building more cycle paths physically separated from traffic and pedestrians, even when this would mean less room for other road traffic.
The report also emphasises the benefits already being delivered by people walking, wheeling and cycling in the Capital. By taking up to 160,000 cars off the road every day, each year they help prevent 1,314 serious long-term health conditions, create £262.6 million in economic benefits and save 42,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions.
Read the full Edinburgh Walking and Cycling Index 2023 report.
STV Studios has secured a 40-episode commission from Warner Bros. Discovery UK & Ireland to produce a brand-new series of The Yorkshire Auction House, Celebrity Yorkshire Auction House, and spin-off version, The Derbyshire Auction House, for the Really channel.
The commission includes the fifth series of hit show The Yorkshire Auction House fronted by renowned auctioneer, Angus Ashworth. Across 23 new episodes, Angus will travel across the UK, clearing homes of unique treasures, whilst discovering the stories behind the objects and the people who owned them.
STV Studios will also produce a fourth 7 x 60’ series of Celebrity Yorkshire Auction House, which will see Angus joined by famous faces to hunt through cupboards for forgotten heirlooms and auction their once-prized possessions.
Following the success of the original show, which was one of the channel’s most-watched programme of 2023, Really has also commissioned STV Studios to produce a brand new 10 x 60’ episode spin-off – The Derbyshire Auction House. Coming to Really in July, the show features antiques dealer, Irita Marriott, one of the few women in the country to helm an auction house, as she builds her business in the heart of South Derbyshire. Rare medals, an unassuming yet expensive clock, and a huge collection of tractors go under Irita’s gavel as she helps her vendors make money from unwanted or inherited collections.
In total, 40 hours of the Auction House franchise have been commissioned as part of the new order:
- 23 hours of The Yorkshire Auction House
- 7 hours of Celebrity Yorkshire Auction House
- 10 hours of The Derbyshire Auction House
Craig Hunter, Creative Director of Factual at STV Studios, said: “We’re thrilled to be back in production with a new series of The Yorkshire Auction House and the popular celebrity version. It’s a much-loved format that holds great appeal for the Really audience, so the introduction of The Derbyshire Auction House, with Irita at the helm, is an exciting development for us and one we hope viewers will appreciate with equal enthusiasm.”
Following a refurbishment, The University of Edinburgh Hospitality & Events Collection has officially opened The Brasserie at The Scholar – offering a modern take on British cuisine, using the finest locally sourced ingredients.
Nestled on the edge of Edinburgh’s city centre, the restaurant forms part of The Scholar Hotel and provides a welcome retreat for both guests and locals alike at its tranquil location at the foot of Arthur’s Seat.
The Scholar’s Executive Chef, Ed Fortune, introduces seasonal menus that blend traditional favourites with innovative flavours, showcasing the restaurant’s partnerships with Scottish suppliers. As spring arrives, guests can savour delicacies like Shetland mussels, Scottish asparagus, and new season raspberries. Meanwhile, as winter bids farewell, comforting dishes like smoked duck with Stornoway black pudding, roast cauliflower with orange and cavolo nero, and lamb rump with maple bacon, green beans, miso neeps, and tarragon are available. Classic offerings such as fish and chips, along with a selection of sandwiches and burgers, complete the menu.
For post dinner drinks guests can enjoy a selection of expertly crafted cocktails and mocktails at the hotel’s Lounge Bar, including the Bee’s Knees – a mix of honey, lemon and gin in partnership with Summerhall’s Pickering’s Gin – and classic cocktails with a twist, like Coconut Mojito or Tiramisu Martini. The extensive wine selection, curated in partnership with Dalgety Bay based wine merchants l’Art du Vin, includes a range of bottles made with passion and integrity by ethical artisan producers.
Gavin MacLennan, Group General Manager – Operations, The University of Edinburgh Hospitality and Events Collection said: “At The Brasserie we are passionate about seasonal produce and providing our guests the fresh and rich flavours of Scotland throughout the year. Moving into spring, we wanted to offer a lighter, brighter menu that captures the very best of British cuisine, collaborating with the finest local suppliers to bring each dish together.
“We look forward to welcoming local residents and visitors to Edinburgh at The Brasserie. There are exciting developments in the works at all of our hotels within the collection and we cannot wait to share them with local community in the coming months.”
For more information, please visit: www.uoecollection.com/hotels/the-scholar/the-brasserie-lounge-bar
Further investment in high quality lab and research space is vital if the life sciences sector in Scotland is to continue to grow, according to leading real estate advisor CBRE.Speaking at an event in Edinburgh, Chris Dougray, Head of Development at CBRE Scotland, and Chris Williams, CBRE’s Head of Life Sciences, joined forces to examine the burgeoning sector’s place in Scotland.
The importance of world-class science parks and innovation hubs where academia and the public sector can collaborate was top of the agenda, with discussion highlighting Scotland’s success in this area and underlining opportunities for further development.
Dougray said: “Edinburgh is already the top spot for innovation in the UK outside the Golden Triangle of Greater London, Oxford and Cambridge, according to research from the British Business Bank, with Glasgow in third place. Both have thriving life sciences ecosystems built on a solid foundation of world-leading academic and research institutions and a rich talent pool.
“In the capital, Edinburgh BioQuarter was one of the first places in the UK to co-locate academic research, clinical delivery and commercial research at scale, providing state-of-the-art infrastructure, funding opportunities and collaborative spaces for businesses. Its dedicated incubator facility aims to help accelerate the formation and growth of innovative new ventures, including university spinouts.
“In Glasgow, specialist developer Kadans Science Partner has announced the construction of a Health Innovation Hub in the city’s Govan area, due to complete in summer 2025. Supported by Scottish Enterprise with links to the University of Glasgow and the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, the hub aims to pave the way for a burgeoning life sciences cluster in the area.
“By delivering first-class environments that facilitate collaboration between public and private sector, there is a unique opportunity for Scotland to take a leading role in the advancement of health innovation in Europe.”
The event also touched on timely opportunities for Scotland’s pharmaceuticals sector to capitalise on the current trend towards more localised supply chains.
Dougray explained: “In the UK there is an over-reliance on overseas markets for the manufacturing of many drugs, with only 25% of the UK’s medicines currently produced at home. These concerns were exacerbated by the pandemic. As an industry leader in pharmaceutical manufacture, Scotland is in a prime position to drive forward change by increasing homegrown output, bolstering UK supply chain resilience, attracting new companies and talent, and securing investment.”
While the stage has been set for notable acceleration in Scotland’s life sciences sector in the years ahead, ensuring supply of high-quality space was deemed crucial to maximising growth.
Dougray continued: “The provision of high-quality Grade A space will be critical to the further development of the science and innovation landscape in Scotland. Labs and technology generally consume a great deal of energy, therefore occupiers in the life sciences sector are increasingly calling out for energy efficient labs which can significantly reduce costs as well as helping to minimise carbon emissions. Without accommodation to meet the specific needs of occupiers, we risk losing spinouts and talent to England.”
Across Scotland, the Life Sciences sector provides 41,700 jobs across 700 diverse businesses and Higher Education Institutions, and CBRE’s 2023 Which City? Which Sector?1 report identified it as being in the top three growth sectors for Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow. Yet, the event highlighted the need for greater investment in this area if its full potential is to be realised in Scotland.
Dougray concluded: “The opportunity is clear but the development of space for second stage businesses that have moved on from start-up stage is desperately needed. That is the challenge we must collectively work together to solve.”
Miller Homes has launched a new partnership with Own New that could mean lower mortgage rates for people looking to buy a new build home in Edinburgh.
Own New Rate Reducer is a brand-new product that could enable customers to reduce the interest rate on their mortgage for a new Miller home for their initial mortgage term, while still owning 100% of their property. Since launching Own New Rate Reducer on 4 March, Miller Homes has seen a surge of interest.
Anne Marie Britton, Group Sales and Marketing Director for Miller Homes, said: “We are delighted with the initial response to our partnership with Own New and the interest it has generated amongst potential house buyers. Given the number of enquiries we have received since launching, this is clearly a product that resonates with individuals and families that are considering their options for buying a new home.
“I look forward to developing our partnership with Own New over the coming months, and I hope first time buyers and existing homeowners who are thinking of making a move will take the time to find out more about the many advantages Own New offers.”
Eliot Darcy, founder of Own New, said: “It’s great to see Own New Rate Reducer resonating so well with customers. Alongside the national lenders and housebuilders like Miller Homes who have signed up to the scheme, we believe that Own New Rate Reducer will be a significant boost to many people’s home-buying dreams.
“People can benefit from Rate Reducer whether they have a small or large deposit. For some people who already have equity in their home, it could herald the return of the sub-one per cent mortgage deal. By working together, we are increasing mortgage lending opportunities and bringing the possibility of owning a new-build home to wider range of buyers.”
Own New is open to anyone interested in buying a new build home, provided they have a 10% deposit. The Own New Rate Reducer mortgage is available on selected plots at Miller Homes’ West Craigs Manor development in Edinburgh now.
In addition to lower monthly mortgage payments, new build buyers will also benefit from lower energy bills. According to recent research from the Home Builders Federation, new builds are powered by 55% less energy than older properties, saving customers up to £2,200 on their annual energy costs.
Own New Rate Reducer is available across the country and has been launched with national lenders Virgin Money and Halifax.
Visit https://www.millerhomes.co.uk/ now to find out more about Own New and additional offers from Miller Homes that could help you purchase a property in Edinburgh now.
Miller Homes would encourage people looking to buy a new home to seek regulated advice from an independent mortgage broker on the options available for them.
- BCC survey of more than 1,000 UK businesses finds one third (33%) are negatively impacted by the current Bank of England interest rate.
- Small and mid-sized firms (39%), manufacturers (36%) and business to consumer firms (37%) are more likely to report a negative impact.
- Just one in 10 firms (9%) say they are positively impacted by the current interest rate – relating to higher earnings on surplus funds.
The main negative effect cited by businesses was increased costs for new and current finance, which is either restricting investment or limiting cashflow. Firms also referenced a tightening in consumer spending, reduced demand for housing, and higher costs for Covid recovery loans.
But the scale of the negative impact has fallen from 46%, when businesses were last asked the question in July 2023.
Firms were also asked what they would set the interest rate at, if they were in charge, and 4% was the median average response.
Alex Veitch, Director of Policy at the BCC, said:
“With all eyes on the Bank of England’s latest interest rate decision next week, our data is a timely reminder about the pain many businesses are suffering at the current level of 5.25%.
“Firms tell us every day that they are struggling to pay off debts, some dating from the pandemic, and finding it difficult to take out new loans.
“Business investment is fundamental to the economic growth everybody wants, but firms will only be able to invest when their financial burdens ease.
“Expectation continues to mount that a cut in the interest rate is on the horizon, and this is likely reflected in the lower negative impact cited by businesses now compared to July last year.
“But with firms indicating that a rate of 4% would be acceptable, it suggests there is some way to go before the squeeze on companies’ borrowing costs is relieved.”
Responding to the latest Office for National Statistics data on UK trade for January, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the BCC, said:
“There was a slow start to the year in export volumes for both goods and services, with a modest rise in volumes of goods imports. But the UK is not alone in experiencing this, with US and major European markets experiencing similar trends.
“While there are several global factors at play in this, it was interesting that the ONS did not detect any impact in terms of Red Sea disruption on imports.
“UK firms remain keen to see a more effective delivery of the government’s Exports Strategy to help them stay competitive. This means taking steps to secure supply chains through critical minerals agreements with key partners, and a reduction in the costs of doing trade with our key export markets.”
In-depth analysis
The start of 2024 saw a further drop in goods exports, but an increase in imports. Services trade was broadly flat for January, but this was an improvement on the decline in these exports, to the tune of 4%, which marked the final quarter of 2023.
Goods Exports
On the chained volumes measure, which removes the effects of inflation, Overall, UK goods exports fell by 2.2% (£0.5bn) in January compared to December. Goods exports to non-EU countries fell by 4.3% (£0.6bn) but this was offset by goods exports to the EU – which increased by just under £0.1bn. The value of fuel and chemicals exports to the EU rose during January, offset by lower values of exports in machinery and transport equipment, including cars and aircraft.
Goods Imports
After removing the effects of inflation, goods imports were up by 1.8% (£0.7bn) month on month, led by an increase in non-EU goods imports of 4.8% (£0.8bn), including a modest rise in clothing imports from China and Bangladesh. However, EU goods imports declined by 0.4% (£0.1bn), although the value of fuel and food imports increased.
Services
Services imports and exports increased very slightly by £0.1bn apiece in January, on the chained volumes measure, with rises of around 0.4% for both.
This year’s conference is taking place at The George Hotel in Edinburgh on 20th March and will cover a wide range of themes, such as market trends for 2024 and how investors should best position themselves, alternative investments, the importance of sustainability and ESG and the future of AI and the impacts on long term investment.
The lineup of speakers include:
- Tom Ham- Director at Calton Group
- Sri Chandran- Vice President, Product Specialist & ESG Product Lead ,
- Franklin Templeton Emerging Markets Equity
- Ben James- Investment Specialist Director, Baillie Gifford
- Mark McSherry- Editor and publisher, Scottish Financial Review
- Ola Abdul- CEO, Fundment
- Mark Beaumonth- Partner, Eos Advisory
- Pauline Cassie- Investor Relations Director, Par Equity
- Lucie Majstrova, CFA- Multi-Asset and Income investment specialist, Baillie Gifford (Client Department)
- Rhona Campbell- Chair, Investing Women Angels
- Matthew Parkinson, CFA- Fund Manager, Waverton
- Claire Armstrong- Scotland Managing Partner, Dentons
- Tom Edwards- Associate Director, Savills
- Connor Davidson- Senior Investment Analyst, North Capital
The 2024 event will be a full-day conference providing the opportunity to discuss and debate a broad spectrum of investment-related issues in the current economic climate, with a focus on the future.
We will welcome back Kim McAllister as our conference host who is a freelance business journalist and communications consultant at Connect. She presented seven series of Clever About Cash on BBC Radio Scotland and contributes to a number of BBC shows including Radio 4’s Inside Science.
British cyclist, Mark Beaumont, will join Kim for a fireside chat on his experience as partner at Eos Advisory.
To find out more information on the agenda or to secure a free ticket, visit- www.scotsmaninvestment.co.uk and use PROMO code EDINCHAMBER
Dales Marine Services (Dales Marine), a well-established national Ship Repair, Fabrication, and Engineering service provider for the marine, off and onshore oil, gas, and renewable industries, is seeking to appoint an experienced Commercial Sales & Business Development Manager to drive forward the company’s business development strategy.
The business is looking for a dynamic individual who is proactive, positive, innovative, customer-focused, responsive, and consistently delivers results to join the Dales Marine team. This role will play a crucial role in building upon its existing solid customer base and identifying future opportunities for growth.
Kevin Paterson, Dales Marine CEO, said: “This presents an exciting opportunity for an accomplished commercial business development professional to play a pivotal role in driving our company’s revenue growth. As we embark on a dynamic growth phase, we are actively seeking a Business Development Manager who thrives in diverse work sectors. Your primary focus will involve maintaining and enhancing our successful customer relationships while identifying strategic growth opportunities for Dales Marine.”
For more information about the role and to discover more about Dales Marine, visit our website: www.dalesmarine.co.uk/careers.
