Five years after it was signed by the Prime Minister and First Minister, the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal has helped 15,000 people secure employment, and improved the skills and knowledge of over 103,000 of the region’s citizens.

The delivery milestones are captured in the Deal’s latest annual report.

Significant progress has been made on delivering 3,500 new homes in Winchburgh. Over 540 mid-market rent homes have been delivered by Edinburgh Living, and nine new industrial units have opened in Fife, with more on the way in the Scottish Borders.

£3 million has been secured to improve regional bus services, and over 700 small to medium-sized businesses have been supported.

Some of the Deal’s impacts are captured in a video series, highlighting the people and organisations behind the projects. Featured projects include data skills in primary schools, circular economy and low carbon in the Fife Innovation Zone, and a construction academy for members of the region’s Ukrainian community.

With an investment of £1.5 billion over 15 years, the UK and Scottish governments, along with regional stakeholders, are committed to enhancing transportation, housing, culture, skills, employability, and innovation across the region. This investment, in the region with more than 24% of Scotland’s population, is one of the most ambitious deals in the UK.

At the fifth anniversary, 18 out of 20 business cases are approved and either in their implementation or delivery phase. Project milestones in the last 12 months include opening the National Robotarium in September 2022, launch of the Usher Innovation Community in November 2022, and completion of the Edinburgh Innovation Park A1 grade separated junction in May 2023.

Councillor Euan Jardine, Convener of the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Joint Committee, said:

“The Edinburgh and South-East Scotland City Region Deal is a triumph of regional collaboration in delivering jobs, skills, opportunities, well-being and prosperity. It demonstrates what can be achieved when central and local government, higher and further education, and the business, social enterprise and third sectors work strategically and collectively. We are on track to significantly exceed the benefits anticipated through this transformative Deal and have exciting plans to maintain and enhance the region’s global reputation, become the Data Capital of Europe and to deliver sustainable and inclusive growth for the benefit of all who live in this diverse region.”

UK Government Minister for Scotland Malcolm Offord said:

“The Edinburgh City Region and South East Scotland deal has reached some remarkable milestones in the five years since its signing. We are already seeing the benefits the projects are bringing to the region through the breakthroughs in science and innovation and developments in infrastructure.

“The UK Government’s £300 million investment continues to support the deal to deliver sustainable economic growth in South East Scotland, part of more than £2.4 billion to level up right across Scotland.”

Scottish Government Wellbeing Economy Secretary Neil Gray said:

“I welcome great progress since the Scottish Government’s commitment to invest £300 million in the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal in 2018.  These projects build on the strengths of the region’s economy, delivering improvements in innovation, housing, culture and critical infrastructure plus a new skills programme; unlocking opportunities for communities across the area.”

Tales of magic, mystery and spectacular sorcery are set to storm the capital this winter, as Castle of Light conjures a charming start to the festive season.

Returning to transform the city’s skyline for a fourth fantastic year, Castle of Light promises to bring even more unmissable moments to Edinburgh Castle as the iconic landmark is illuminated with extraordinary light and sounds displays.

An enchanting experience for all ages, guests can uncover the secrets of Scotland’s past in the unique after-dark walking trail as a tapestry of all-new storytelling projections dance across the castle walls.

Brought together by a consortium of the finest digital and visual talent in Scotland, in partnership with Historic Environment Scotland, the larger-than-life installations are set to bring magic to locals and visitors alike throughout the festive season.

Andy McGregor, creative director of Castle of Light, said: “As Edinburgh’s summer season draws to a close and the darker evenings begin to creep in, the countdown to this year’s Castle of Light event can officially begin.

“This year’s theme of ‘Magic and Mystery’ allows us to bring tales from years gone by back to life through spectacular displays of visual ‘sorcery’ designed to brighten up the winter months. This year’s immersive trail will include interactive elements and unique experiences which truly bring the magic of Scotland’s history alive.”

A limited run of discounted early bird tickets will be available until midnight on Saturday 30 September for the popular light trail. Running for six weeks throughout the festive season, on select dates from Friday 24 November 2023 to Wednesday 3 January 2024, let immersive illuminations and enchanting installations guide you through the castle grounds in a sea of twinkling lights and colourful displays, with help from Rex, the beloved lion.

Ticketed entry slots will run every 15 minutes between 4.30pm and 7.30pm each evening, with last entry between 7.30pm and 7.45pm. The event closes at 9pm. Visitors can also enjoy bespoke offerings from a variety of local vendors who will be on site throughout the event run.

Adult early bird tickets cost £19.80 (using the promo code: COLSM23 at checkout). Concession rates, family tickets and discounts for Historic Scotland members are also available.

For more information and to get your tickets, visit www.CastleofLight.scot. Advance booking required.

 

Sir Chris Hoy, Val McDermid, Alexander McCall Smith, Barbara Dickson, Dame Prue Leith, Mary Contini and Sue Lawrence are just some of the names featured in a new fundraising cook book published this week (7 September) in aid of Scottish charity St Columba’s Hospice Care.

The stars have joined with other names, chefs, local restaurants and bars to contribute one of their favourite recipes to Generous, a cook book developed by St Columba’s Hospice Care to raise money to help the Edinburgh-based charity provide care to patients with life-limiting illnesses, as well as their families and loved ones.  Generous is also published in recognition of the local community and hospitality industry who have supported the work of the hospice over many years.

Mouth-watering dishes that readers will be able to recreate at home include Sir Chris Hoy’s BBQ Pulled Pork Buns, a Normandy Tart by Dame Prue Leith, Carlo Contini’s Pasta E Fagioli courtesy of Carina and Victor Contini, Val McDermid’s Corned Beef Stovies as well as recipes for Moroccan Chicken and Lebanese Lamb from former Scotland rugby players, Sean Lineen and Mike Blair.

Alexander McCall Smith has contributed a recipe for Dauphinoise Potatoes, a favourite of one of the characters in his Isabel Dalhousie novels, Sue Lawrence has included a Clapshot Soup with Haggis Croutons that’s always a hit with her grandchildren, while Barbara Dickson has added her Chicken, Fennel and Potato Traybake, an easy, hearty dish that’s perfect for a chilly night’s supper.

Other recipes featured in Generous include Quiche Comtoise from Morningside deli Chez Roger, Scottish Mackerel with Girolles and Courgette Chutney from the Harvey Nichols’ Forth Floor Brasserie Bar, Treacle Tart from Leith bistro The Walnut as well as cocktail recipes including The Alchemist’s Next-Spresso Martini.  Delicious Fruit Scones from St Columba’s Hospice’s own Iona Café are also included, along with some Peanut Butter Pup Cakes, a nod to the charity’s Therapy Dogs, whose regular hospice visits help to reduce anxiety, depression and feelings of loneliness among patients.

Jackie Stone, St Columba’s Hospice Care CEO said; “Generous is both a fundraising cookbook and a celebration of the many wonderful people who give their time and effort to the hospice to raise funds and awareness for our vital work.  We chose the title in recognition of the many wonderful ways in which all of them support us, from the pet owners whose dogs become much-loved visitors through our Therapy Dogs programme to the members of our Compassionate Neighbours scheme who bring friendship and light into the lives of patients living at home. Cooking gives us a chance to nurture those we care for, so as well as raising funds for St Columba’s Hospice Care, we hope that by cooking some of the delicious recipes from the book, readers will create some lovely memories with families and friends.”

Generous is a 128-page paperback featuring 35 recipes and retails at £15.  It is available to pre-order directly from St Columba’s Hospice Care and will also be available from bookshops including Waterstones and Amazon. Generous is published by Meze.

Participants who have kindly donated recipes for inclusion in Generous are:

Alexander McCall Smith, Barbara Dickson, Carina and Victor Contini, Charles MacLean, Sir Chris Hoy, Mary Contini OBE, Mike Blair, Dame Prue Leith, Sean Lineen, Sue Lawrence, Val McDermid, Anna Deacon, Dariusz Wedge, David Coates, Fiona Burrell, Gaby Soutar, George McIvor, Paul Dodds, The Alchemist, Bakery Andante, Bonnie and Wild’s Scottish Marketplace, Chez Roger, Cocorico, Harvey Nichols, Herringbone, Highland Fine Cheeses, Honeycomb & Co, Iona Café, Ka Pao, Lewis & Clarke, The Montpeliers Group, The Little Chartroom, The Rutland Hotel, South Loch, Tempo Perso, The Walnut and The Witchery.

Aberdeen, 31 August 2023 – Marks & Clerk, a leading international intellectual property firm, was pleased to announced the promotion of Tomas Karger as partner within its Aberdeen office. With degrees in Mathematics and Engineering from Queen’s University, Ontario and in Intellectual Property Law from the Munich Intellectual Property Law Centre, and being a qualified practitioner in North America, the UK and Europe, Tomas brings significant experience to the leadership team and clients at Marks & Clerk. Tomas has significant experience across multiple sectors, particularly in energy, wireless power, and telecommunications.

While Aberdeen’s reputation is firmly established as a global energy leader, its rapid trajectory towards sustainable innovation is also gaining increasing attention. Spearheaded by world-renowned research institutes, bolstered by a fast expanding life sciences sector and driven by an entrepreneurial spirit, the potential for breakthroughs in various industries is endless. Marks & Clerk is proud to support Aberdeen’s position at the forefront of this evolution. With expertise spanning diverse sectors, including medical devices, clean technologies, electronics, software, and AI, the firm is actively supporting innovation across Aberdeen’s burgeoning landscape.

Tomas commented: “I transitioned to Aberdeen from Marks & Clerk’s Toronto office in 2019 and I am delighted to be taking up this role at such an exciting time for the North East of Scotland and beyond. Local companies are dealing with significant transition and need a professional adviser who understands the challenges they face. I look forward to working closely with innovative businesses to develop and implement IP strategies to best achieve their commercial goals.”

Andrew Docherty, Office Managing Partner in Aberdeen and head of the firm’s Energy & Environment group said: “I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Tomas on his appointment to partner in an office that has been at the heart of some incredible technological advances over recent years. We have an enviable reputation in the Energy space which we have worked very hard to achieve. Tomas is a significant addition to our management team and we are confident that his expertise will be invaluable for our clients as well as continuing to drive forward our own growth strategy and ambitions.”

Dan Purkis, an award winning inventor and Technology Director at Well-Sense Technology Ltd commented: “I have worked with the Marks and Clerk Energy team in Aberdeen for many years and always found them to be excellent. When Tomas moved from Toronto to Aberdeen, he became our new point of contact at Marks and Clerk. We take our IP portfolio very seriously and were concerned that Andrew Docherty’s exacting standards may not be maintained. Tomas’s knowledge, diligence and attention to detail has dispelled all such thoughts. Our portfolio has grown under Tomas’s guidance and the service we receive is simply excellent. Congratulations on your promotion Tomas and we look forward to working with you for many years to come”.

Scotland’s only luxury floating hotel has launched its first proprietary gin brand in partnership with the award-winning Lind & Lime Distillery in Edinburgh.

Permanently berthed in the historic port of Leith, Fingal has teamed up with the neighbouring distillery to create a new gin exclusively for guests visiting the ship’s Lighthouse Restaurant & Bar.

Distilled and bottled locally in a small batch, Fingal Gin is a classic London Dry Gin with refreshing aromas of juniper, pine, orange blossom and a unique blend of Fingal tea.

The flavour combination includes candied fruit, subtle grapefruit peel and rich notes of tea leaves. There is a lasting impression of summer fruit iced tea and cinnamon.

Fingal Gin is contained in a 70cl darted glass bottle, which was specially designed to reflect the glass fresnel lenses in the lantern room of lighthouses. The own label branding is complete with Fingal’s ‘seafoam’ pantone, distinctive trident logo and blue ocean waves motif as a nod to the ship’s nautical past.

To celebrate the launch of the new spirit, the ship’s mixologists have also created a Fingal Gin-based Lighthouse Martini cocktail, including Fingal Gin and The Wermod Great British Vermouth, which is created within the Dalmeny Estate near Edinburgh. The vermouth is made using 24 different herbs, roots, and flowers from the estate.

Fingal’s Jennifer Campbell, said:

“We’re really excited to be raising a glass to Fingal’s first own brand gin thanks to our talented friends and neighbours at the Lind & Lime Distillery.

“We wanted to create a classic London Dry Gin with our own unique twist, so with a new distillery right on our doorstep, we’re perfectly placed to work closely together and create a spirit exclusively for our guests in the ship’s Lighthouse Bar & Restaurant.

“Fingal Gin has been handcrafted in a small batch. Refreshing aromas of juniper, pine, orange blossom and unique Fingal blend tea make it the perfect option to serve over ice with a splash of tonic. We’ve also used our new gin to create a Lighthouse Martini cocktail.”

Michael Kaplan from Great British Vermouth Ltd, added:

“We’re delighted to be featured alongside the new Fingal Gin as part of the ship’s signature Lighthouse Martini. Visitors to Edinburgh and Fingal’s renowned bar can now enjoy so much of what makes this country special – in a glass!”

Edinburgh began its long association with gin back in the 1700s. The Netherlands was a key trading partner for Scotland and as a result, juniper berries and a ready supply of spices and botanicals were imported in vast quantities into the port of Leith.

Ian Stirling is Founder and Co-CEO of Muckle Brig Ltd, which owns the Lind & Lime Distillery and The Port of Leith Distillery, a new single malt whisky distillery which is due to open to the public in autumn 2023. He added:

“Edinburgh’s historic port of Leith has a remarkable maritime and distilling heritage; for centuries this was Scotland’s gateway to the world. Our relationship with Fingal celebrates this unique story and draws on some of the traditions of the past.

“Today, we’re positioned right in the heart of Edinburgh’s vibrant waterfront and are both breathing new life into the port with our remarkable new vertical distillery and Fingal’s luxury floating hotel.

“We’re confident that the unique gin we’ve created for Fingal exemplifies the incredible glamour and style of the ship.”

As part of the ongoing partnership between these two iconic Leith venues, Fingal’s overnight guests are also being offered special VIP tickets for guided tours of The Port of Leith Distillery and the Lind & Lime Gin Distillery on Coburg Street from autumn 2023.

Bottles of Fingal Gin are expected to be made available for guests to purchase onboard and take home as a souvenir. There are also plans to add Fingal Gin to the ship’s exclusive online shop later in the year.

Launched in 2019, the former Northern Lighthouse Board (NLB) tender was developed by the award-winning team at The Royal Yacht Britannia. Fingal is now a world-class foodie destination with all the glamour and style of a superyacht, but with an air of old-world Art Deco luxury ocean liner elegance.

Open to non-residents for Afternoon Tea, dinner and cocktails, Fingal’s Lighthouse Restaurant & Bar offers a choice of self-contained private dining booths for small pre-booked groups. Fingal’s 22 luxury cabins are each named after Stevenson lighthouses, inspired by Fingal’s rich maritime heritage. The ship is now the ultimate in luxury accommodation and dining with a nautical twist.

Fingal is located opposite the new Port of Leith tram stop, which offers a direct and quick transport link between Leith and Edinburgh city centre.

For more information on Fingal, visit www.fingal.co.uk and follow on social media, including Facebook www.facebook.com/fingaledinburgh, Twitter https://twitter.com/fingaledinburgh and Instagram https://www.instagram.com/fingaledinburgh

For more information on The Lind & Lime Distillery, visit www.lindandlime.com and follow on social media, including Facebook www.facebook.com/lindandlimegin, Twitter https://twitter.com/lindandlime and Instagram www.instagram.com/lindandlime

For more information on The Port of Leith Distillery, visit www.leithdistillery.com and follow on social media, including Facebook www.facebook.com/leithdistillery, Twitter https://twitter.com/leithdistillery and Instagram www.instagram.com/portofleithdistillery

The BCC has called for action to improve the availability of finance for SMEs as accessibility, awareness and a lack of competition continue to hold firms back. 

In written evidence submitted to the Treasury Select Committee, the BCC said many smaller firms are no longer seeking finance as they consider it too limited and costly.

The committee has launched an inquiry into the challenges faced by small and medium sized firms (fewer than 250 employees) when seeking finance.

Using feedback from the thousands of businesses within its unique network of 53 chambers across the UK, the BCC told MPs:

• Current economic conditions are some of the most difficult seen in generations – and rising interest rates have left an increasing number of firms worried about borrowing costs
• Many businesses feel locked into their current financial provider and are fearful of shopping around
• A lack of competition due to poor awareness of options outside the traditional banking route is holding back progress
• Unlocking alternative finance options, increasing the flexibility of funding and a comprehensive drive to increase awareness are all needed to shift the dial.

Jonny Haseldine, Policy Manager at the BCC, said:

“Research has highlighted that in 2022 almost half of smaller firms (48%) did not borrow any funds. But among those that are currently using finance, half are using more than pre-pandemic and becoming more concerned about their ability to pay.

“This is an especially acute issue after many firms were forced to take on much higher debt burdens during the pandemic in order to survive.

“The continuing tough economic conditions also mean many SMEs have a huge amount on their plates and don’t have the time or expertise to find the finance options that work for them.

“More needs to be done to help firms find the right solutions. We also need to see the British Business Bank given more resources, greater support for social enterprise lenders, and improved flexibility in funding criteria.

“The system desperately needs to change. With investment in the UK economy continuing to toil in the doldrums, we must widen the pool of financial options available to firms to kick-start the growth we need.”

The Knowledge Transfer Programme will look at new ways to identify voters

Edinburgh Napier University and Democracy Counts, a company which runs elections around the world, are teaming up in a joint effort to give people more trust in their voting systems in the digital age.

The University’s Blockpass ID Lab will work with the firm over two years as part of a new Knowledge Transfer Programme, funded by Innovate UK.

While many electoral operators still rely on paper and pen to recognise voters, the partnership will look at developing new ways of identifying citizens, while keeping their personal information safe.

It is hoped that this will make elections more secure, transparent and reliable in future.

Professor Bill Buchanan OBE, who leads the Blockpass ID Lab at Edinburgh Napier University, said: “This collaboration will bring forward new methods, using our expertise in advanced cryptography, to properly identify voters at each of the key stages of an election.

“We will aim to replace our paper-based signatures with a more reliable and trustworthy digital approach. Through advancements like this, and digital wallets, we hope to provide more convenient and accessible ways for citizens to take part in the democratic process.”

Simon Verdon, CEO of Democracy Counts, said: “We run elections around the world, and each one differs in their scope and implementation.

“This collaboration will allow us to build the next generation of trusted voter registration and election systems which can integrate different levels of digital trust, and should make voting more transparent, more resilient, and more trustworthy.

“The opportunity is thus for the UK to continue to be an international leader in the setup of elections.”

Paul Keating, Technical Director of Democracy Counts, said: “Digital trust plays an ever-increasing role in our lives, especially as we move towards digital signing.

“As elections have to have high levels of trust and transparency, this work will bring forward the current state-of-the-art in digital trust.

“But there are challenges around using citizen data, and so the collaboration will bring forward the latest research in the preservation of privacy and make sure it has high levels of trust from citizens.”

Established in 2009, Democracy Counts is a market-leading provider of electoral management software, support services and training to the UK Government and local authorities across Scotland, England and Wales – as well as managed referendums and ballot services to public, private and community organisations.

Edinburgh Napier University’s Blockpass ID Lab has spent the last five years researching ways in which blockchain technology can protect personal data from online scammers and hackers.

Image attached L-R: Sheila Tulloch, Dawn Dickson, Musab Hemsi, Danielle Edgar, Gillian Murray, Chris Devlin, Caroline Pringle, Sarah Phillips, Neil Fraser.

“It’s great to see our next generation progressing and to hear their visions for the future… Making sure that Anderson Strathern is a great place to work, through initiatives including our Entrepreneurial Leadership Programme, extensive training opportunities, our Net Zero Working Group and various social, CSR and ED&I events is working.  – Fraser Geddes, Chair at Anderson Strathern

Independent Scottish law firm Anderson Strathern has significantly strengthened its partnership, with the promotion of seven new partners and the appointment of a further two.

Newly appointed to the firm are partners Dawn Dickson and Sheila Tulloch. Dawnjoins the employment law team fromEversheds Sutherland, where she has spent the past seven years as a partner. With strong experience in the manufacturing, finance, retail and hospitality sectors, Dawn has almost 25 years’ experience at the highest level in private practice.  She is also co-chair of the homelessness charity, Rowan Alba.

Sheila joins from Orkney Islands Council, where she was Service Manager for Legal Services. With extensive experience across the public and commercial sectors, Sheila will lead Anderson Strathern’s Shetland office, growing its market share across the islands and the North of Scotland.

Among the seven directors being promoted to partner is Chris Devlin. Accredited by the Law Society of Scotland as a specialist in planning law, he has particular expertise in the housing and renewable energy sectors. Chris also advises on environmental law. Leading directory Chambers & Partners 2023 describes him as “excellent and approachable” having “excellent specialist knowledge.”

Danielle Edgar holds specialist accreditations in both family law and child law from the Law Society of Scotland. She also sits as a member on the board of the charity, Sikh Sanjog. She appears regularly at Sheriff Courts throughout Scotland as well as running cases in the Court of Session with a particular focus on financial separations and also cases on behalf of local authorities in respect of children.

Also among the promotions is Neil Fraser, a leading specialist in property law. Neil handles complex issues, particularly in the housebuilding sector, although his experience is diverse, spanning commercial leasing, non-contentious construction and even the acquisition and disposal of lighthouses. He is a true advocate of Corporate Social Responsibility, being an active committee member who regularly champions the firm’s CSR events and initiatives.

Employment law specialist Musab Hemsi, who is accredited by the W.S. Society and doubly accredited as a specialist by the Law Society of Scotland, has also been welcomed to the partnership. He is a member of the European Employment Lawyers Association and Chair of the Scottish Discrimination Lawyers Association, and the Legal 500 recognises Musab for his expertise in advising corporate clients. In 2022, Musab was named as one of the Top 10 influential Muslims in the UK’s legal industry by EqualityX.

A commercial litigator with an interest in contentious insolvency, Gillian Murray acts for a wide range of clients from commercial businesses and private individuals to government bodies. She is also a tutor in civil litigation at the University of Strathclyde and a non-exec board member at Ayrshire College.

Experienced litigator Sarah Phillips, with over 25 years’ experience is also joining the partnership. Specialising in fatal accident inquiries and defending motor, employer and public liability claims in both the Sheriff Court and Court of Session, Sarah is frequently involved with complex, high value cases and has been recognised as a leader in her field by UK Chambers & Partners.

Caroline Pringle joined the firm’s private client team as a director in May 2022, bringing with her a decade of experience in estate planning and asset protection, with a particular focus on succession planning, inheritance and capital gains tax mitigation. She was previously named one of eprivateclient’s ‘Top 35 Under 35’.

Anderson Strathern Chair Fraser Geddes said: “Being able to promote so many of our directors to partner level this year is testament to the wealth of talent we have within the business. Sheila and Dawn are outstanding hires, both have strong reputations and impressive experience in their fields. And, it’s great to see our next generation progressing and to hear their visions for the future.

He added: “When I took over the reins as chair, I wanted to ensure we consciously invest in our existing team while continuing to attract Scotland’s top legal talent. Making sure that Anderson Strathern is a great place to work, through initiatives including our Entrepreneurial Leadership Programme, extensive training opportunities, our Net Zero Working Group and various social, CSR and ED&I events is working. These appointments give us every reason to be confident in the future and secure in the outstanding service we provide.”

The appointments come at the end of a strong year, as the firm’s Edinburgh team prepares to move to a newly-built Grade A office in Capital Square later this year.

A partnership of housing associations is working with leading environmental charity Changeworks to launch a new service, the Housing Association Energy Support Service. The service will give housing association tenants access to energy information, advice and advocacy. The pilot service is being supported by the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA) via the Scottish Government’s Fuel Insecurity Fund with Changeworks driving the long-term development of the service. Changeworks will work on the pilot in partnership with: Hanover Scotland, Bield Housing and Care, Blackwood Homes and Care, Cairn Housing Association and Trust Housing Association Ltd.

Over the past year, Changeworks has seen demand for energy support increase, particularly from housing providers. The energy crisis has brought soaring energy costs, putting huge financial pressure on households. Tenants are struggling to manage these increased costs, driving a real need for energy-related advice and advocacy.

With the support of SFHA, Changeworks sought input and evidence from its members to understand what was needed to serve this growing demand for support.  Bield Housing and Care recognised the need to convene partners to bring a solution to life and Hanover Scotland volunteered to lead the bid.

The pilot will provide 17,000 housing association tenants with timely and practical energy advice and information throughout the year. This support will empower householders to manage their energy and stay affordably warm at home. Tenants will be able to access practical advice which will encourage energy efficient behaviours in the home, helping them get the most from their heating systems. Those most in need will be empowered to talk with their suppliers and troubleshoot problems. Specialist support from expert advisors will be available to help tackle complex fuel poverty issues such as fuel billing and fuel debt. Changeworks will work in collaboration with the housing associations to provide tailored support, advice and advocacy for the most vulnerable tenants.

Morven Masterton, Head of Community Engagement and Energy Advice Services from Changeworks said “Right from inception we have worked with partners to develop this new and vital service for tenants. We’re looking forward to delivering and learning from the pilot project with an aim of making the service available to more housing associations longer term. We all share the same goal of supporting and empowering tenants to save energy, access financial support and be affordably warm at home”.

Nikki Fields, Customer Experience Manager from Hanover Scotland, said “Hanover is delighted to be working together with Changeworks and our housing association peers at Bield, Blackwood, Cairn and Trust to support tenants across Scotland with energy advice and advocacy. We know that the cost-of-living crisis and sharp increases in utility costs have affected our customers and are pleased this funding will enable us to offer practical help and advice to those who need it”.

Louise Moules, SFHA’s Director of Operations said “The cost of living crisis has put so much pressure on tenants’ lives, with energy prices still far too high for many people. We’re delighted to support Changeworks and our members in this vital service to help the most vulnerable tenants manage their energy and most importantly, to stay warm in the colder months to come.”

Beyond the pilot, Changeworks plans to develop the service further to open it up to other providers to enable a sustainable and equitable service for all tenants in need, avoiding the short funding cycles that promote competition and inconsistency of support. Housing associations interested in finding out more about this new service should email workwithus@changeworks.org.uk

Changeworks has over 35 years’ experience in delivering high impact solutions for low-carbon living. They work collaboratively with partners, organisations and householders to drive transformation in energy efficiency and to tackle fuel poverty.