scottish local authority news July 2021

Scotland is Stunning! – Highland Council supports second phase Independent Living gets housing support

South Ayrshire beaches get prestigious award

East Renfrewshire roads maintenance gets the green light

PLUS Over fifty pages of local authority news Contents scottish local authority news July 2021

EDUCATION THE ARTS LEGAL 4-11 41-43 & CORPORATE 79-82

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Pupils from Rainbow Family Centre, Kieran Simpson and Jaxx Gillespie inspecting Pictured is Andrew Wilson from CCG with nursery staff member Jessie Friel and Sonia McKay with pupils Kieran their new nursery. children Kieran nd Jaxx. and Jaxx.

“These developments will increase by site manager Andrew Wilson, from “The parents and local residents have capacity for the number of young CCG. all been very patient and tolerant Thumbs-up for £2.4m people we can accommodate in each and have also been asking about the location to support the efforts to give Ms McKay said: progress and when will it be ready. all our children and young people the best possible start to their lives and “The visit went extremely well and “Once completed it will enable us to nursery project their education.” everyone is very excited about seeing continue providing the highest quality the finished product. of flexible early learning and childcare Children in Port Glasgow have given Both projects, designed by architects The expanded Rainbow Family Centre within upper Port Glasgow in line with the thumbs-up to an extension to their Holmes Miller, are expected to be and new Larkfield Early Learning “The extension itself is coming the already successful 1,140 hours nursery as work continues on the £2.4 completed this summer. Centre are being created to support along fantastically and is blending in expansion. million project. Inverclyde Council’s doubling of early beautifully with the existing building. Councillor Jim Clocherty, depute leader years provision to 1,140 hours per “This extension will be an invaluable and Youngsters from Rainbow Family of Inverclyde Council and convener of eligible child annually. integral part of the local community.” Centre made the short trip next door education and communities, said: “The children just wanted to to see how construction on a new wing The local authority managed to The new wing is being built in the for their pre-school is progressing. “You can see from the faces of the implement the policy in August 2020 know where the toys were, nursery’s car park which will then be young people that they are really as originally planned despite the and Jaxx actually counted connected to the existing building. The extension will increase capacity at excited about the expansion to their expansion being delayed by 12 months Rainbow, which will become Park Farm nursery and us adults can’t wait to see to August 2021 because of the impact the pipes in the toilets and The car park has been relocated to Early Learning Centre, by 64. the end product too. of the coronavirus pandemic. the site of the neighbouring former said there would be six Park Farm Community Hall, which was It is being built by contractors CCG “The expanded Rainbow Family Centre Among the Rainbow children and toilets in the new nursery.” demolished. Scotland and Inverclyde Council’s and new Larkfield Early Learning staff surveying the new wing of their development partners, hub West Centre will be welcome additions to our nursery were acting head of centre, The extension will feature a new main Scotland in tandem with a £2.9m new- already enviable school and nursery Sonia McKay, staff member Jessie “Andrew and his team have been entrance, staff and meeting area, build for Larkfield Children’s Centre in estate here in Inverclyde. Friel and children Kieran Simpson and a pleasure to be working alongside. playroom and an outdoor learning Greenock. Jaxx Gillespie, who were shown around space.

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Councillor William Grant, South Exciting milestones for new Ayrshire Council’s Portfolio Holder for Children and Young People said: South Ayrshire school campuses “I’m delighted that work has begun on both campuses. It’s Pupils and staff from schools in Prestwick Educational Campus is our priority to ensure Maybole and Prestwick joined set to provide a first-class learning our children and councillors and the Hub South West environment for over 800 children young people get the construction team to celebrate the from Glenburn and St Ninian’s Primary best possible start in life and thrive start of building works on the town’s Schools, and their associated nursery throughout their years at school. new campuses this week. provision when it opens in 2022.

Maybole Community Campus, set to Work on the new shared campus, “This investment in our school open in 2023, will incorporate Carrick being built on the existing Glenburn estate will bring fantastic Academy; St Cuthbert’s Primary School, Primary site, is progressing well and a new non-denominational primary with foundations already nearing learning facilities to Maybole school. This will bring together Cairn completion. The schools will continue and Prestwick, helping us to and Gardenrose Primary Schools and to operate individually on the site but their associated Early Years Centres, will benefit from the improved shared close the attainment gap in and will create an inspiring learning facilities. The combined Early Years South Ayrshire. environment for up to 1,370 pupils. Centre will operate separately within the new shared campus 52 weeks of “The new campuses will not only The campus will also benefit the the year. provide modern and engaging local community, with a brand-new environments for our young people, swimming pool to replace the existing Both campuses were designed by BDP but they will also become central hubs Construction work underway Maybole pool; a meeting space; and will be highly sustainable, with for the surrounding communities, and enhanced sporting facilities and a no use of fossil fuels, demonstrating I look forward to seeing the buildings changing pavilion. our commitment to reducing Council take shape.” at Ness Castle Primary School emissions to net zero by 2045.

Work has started on the new the building grow and evolve alongside Kier Construction are the Principal primary school to serve the housing the local community.” Contractor for the project which is developments at Ness Castle and being delivered in conjunction with the Ness-Side in Inverness. The school The building has been designed to allow Council’s in-house Property Teams. will have 12 classrooms and nursery it to be extended in a phased manner accommodation when it opens in to provide up to 24 classrooms to meet Philip McDowell, Regional Director August 2022. the future demand from housebuilding at Kier Regional Building North & in the catchment area. Scotland said: Chair of the Education Committee, Cllr John Finlayson said: Provost and Chair of Inverness Area “We are delighted to have started work Committee, Cllr Helen Carmichael at Ness Castle Primary School. “This is an exciting said: development for the “This project award continues our long- area and for members “This is fantastic standing relationship with The Highland of the community news for Ness Castle Council and we are looking forward to who I am sure are and Ness-Side in delivering this new school which will eagerly awaiting it’s Inverness. The new provide first-class educational facilities completion. The new school building will for families within this new housing school will not only serve the housing development in Inverness.” meet the needs of the school community developments in the but is also prepared to deliver against area and will continue to accommodate The total cost of the project is £14.8 any future accommodation demands and be a great asset to the community million and is funded from the Council’s that may arise. Hopefully we will see for years to come.” capital programme.

6 scottish local authority news scottish local authority news 7 EDUCATION EDUCATION Next phase of consultation on Galashiels Community Campus to be launched

the Campus will be submitted during the summer, after which another period of public consultation will commence to allow members of the community to feedback their views on final plans.

In addition, a statutory education consultation, focused on the educational benefits of the Campus, Highland Council's bilingual HQ sign. Image Source © Gary Anthony, www.northern-times.co.uk will also take place with the aim of gathering feedback from the school community.

The initial informal consultation which An early design concept of the proposed Galashiels Community Campus shows how it would sit in the landscape included videos outlining the vision Gaelic ‘set in stone and skin’ by Image Source © Scottish Borders Council. for the proposed campus, animated fly-throughs of what the facility may Members of the public will be given Updated designs of the Campus will look like and interviews with pupils Council’s translation service another opportunity to give their provide greater detail on the Council’s and members of the community can feedback on the plans for Galashiels vision for the project which continues still be viewed in full at: The work of The Highland Council’s includes plans to recruit a Gaelic He added: “While the Council’s Community Campus this summer. to be developed and refined. www.scotborders.gov.uk/galacampus Gaelic Translation service over the Graduate Intern to help improve the translator mainly responds to requests past year was commended by Highland level of Gaelic on the Council’s website for translating educational materials, A Proposal of Application Notice (PAN) The Council will also be staging Councillor Carol Hamilton, Executive Councillors recently in an online and to provide public engagement in corporate documents, and street and has been submitted to the Council this a public meeting in July with the Member for Children and Young meeting of the Gaelic Committee. Gaelic on the Council’s social media. building signage it was fascinating to week triggering a 12-week statutory local community, providing another People, said: hear from her that: ‘… a few requests consultation including a public meeting opportunity to go through the updated Members were updated on the range Members were also informed that were from the public for the translation during July. designs for the Campus in detail. The “The building of a new and output of the Council’s translation training will be provided to customer of house names and tattoos – so not new consultation will be available Galashiels Community service and future developments being services staff to help reinforce a Gaelic only has Gaelic been set in stone but This phase of the consultation will online in advance of the session. Campus is a major planned within the Council. welcome when customers contact the also in skin.’…”! focus on the Council’s preferred option development for the Council. These staff will continue to to build the Community Campus within As part of the Council’s commitment to town and surrounding Over 900 requests for translation ensure that if customers wish to speak The Council’s ‘Guidelines on bilingual the existing school boundary and a consulting with the public throughout area. were administered varying from to frontline services in Gaelic that signage for Highland Council staff portion of the town’s Scott Park. the development of this project, short phrases to projects running they will be provided access to Gaelic and additional Guidance for the use Councillors agreed earlier this month “In the period since the informal to thousands of words. Most of the speakers to enable this. of Gaelic’ were produced in 2010 and that a visioning working group is consultation closed, a significant translation requests were received require review. They will be updated created in response to the high level amount of work has been undertaken to from the Council’s Education Service, Councillor Calum Munro, Chair of the and aligned with the current Highland of feedback received in relation to the further develop plans and graphics for Gaelic Development Team, and Gaelic Committee said: Council Gaelic Language Plan and changes and improvements proposed the campus to present a more detailed Corporate services for committees National Gaelic Language Plan. to Scott Park. overview of the proposals. and news releases and corporate “Committee mem- documents. Public correspondence bers are very im- “...a few requests were from the The working group will work in “As a Council we are extremely aware (emails and letters), job adverts; pressed by the level collaboration with the local community of the importance of providing timely street, road and building signage and of output and quality public for the translation of house as the project progresses, with a broad updates to the community as the interpretation panels were also among of the Translation names and tattoos – so not only range of community representatives designs are developed and refined. This the many items translated through the Service provided to being brought together to help shape new consultation phase will provide service which works very closely with the Council. This high has Gaelic been set in stone but and influence the final design of the the perfect opportunity for members Ainmean-Àite na h-Alba (AÀA) the demand-led service also in skin...!” reimagined and expanded park. of the public to find out what progress Gaelic place names organisation. is commendable and provides a vital has been made and contribute their service in the Council’s delivery of its January 2021 Plans. Following the conclusion of this next feedback.” A key aspect for the future development Gaelic Language Plan.” Image Source © Scottish Borders Council. phase, a full planning application for of Gaelic within the Highland Council

8 scottish local authority news scottish local authority news 9 EDUCATION

Contemporary Sustainable Homes. Made on Skye.

Delivered throughout Scotland. Chair of the Housing and Property Committee, Councillor Ben Thompson, Work begins on new nursery said:

“It is great to hear that for Bun-sgoil Shlèite construction has started this week at Bun-Sgoil Work has started recently to build know that the space will support us in Shlèite. The new building a new nursery for Bun-Sgoil Shlèite providing the highest quality of care will be fit for purpose for in Skye. The Highland Council has and education to our youngest pupils”. pupils in Skye. I am looking forward awarded the contract to Skye based to hearing of the works progression.” James MacQueen Building Contractors Chair of the Council’s Education Ltd. Committee, Councillor John Finlayson James MacQueen Building Contractors was delighted: together with R.HOUSE are gifting an This will see the former nursery building additional building to Bun-Sgoil Shlèite, replaced with a new two classroom “Great news in challenging designed by Rural Design, which nursery unit to accommodate both times is always welcome. will allow the nursery and primary English and Gaelic Medium pupils This addition to Bun-Sgoil children to play and learn outside in all along with additional parking and Shlèite will be a fantastic weathers. James MacQueen Building drop-off areas. This will also enable the asset to Skye and the Contractors are the main contractor for expanded Early Learning and Childcare local community. The new setting will the Highland Council on an important service to be delivered in modern, fit provide a modern learning space for local project in Sleat, building a new for purpose accommodation. all children for years to come and will nursery. further support the Council’s Early Works began on site on Monday 22 Learning and Childcare expansion “We are delighted to be working with March and are expected to be completed plans”. the Highland Council on this important in September 2021. local project and we are proud to be Chair of the Gaelic Committee, able to work in our local community Katie Wight, Head Teacher for the Councillor Calum Munro, commented: and help build a new nursery for setting said: the children and families of Skye.” “I’m delighted that explained James MacQueen, Managing “The whole school community is children of Bun-Sgoil Director of JMQB. delighted and excited that work on Shlèite will have a new the new sgoil-araich/nursery building modern setting later this “This is such an important project for is underway. We look forward to year. The new nursery the community and we’d like to gift developing the space and making it building will be a great space for an additional building to Bun-Sgoil our own over the months and years to English and Gaelic Medium pupils to Shlèite, designed by R.HOUSE, which come. High quality, dynamic learning begin their education journey.” will be an outdoor learning structure spaces are so important, and we for the children to play, learn and shelter together, in all weathers. We feel this is really important as it’s a national priority for schools post Covid to provide outdoor learning spaces where children can connect to their environment and have a space to gather and play outdoors in all weathers, [email protected] / 01478 612899 which is pretty essential in Skye with our weather!”

@rhouseskye / www.ruralhouse.co.uk scottish local authority news 11 SLAN FEATURE SLAN FEATURE

CATERING FOR THE FUTURE! Tayside Contracts Revolutionises School Meals

In an uncertain world, one development of a state-of-the-art cook- Early Learning Childcare (ELC) initiative frozen and successfully regenerated cook-fresh menu and are mainly served thing we can be sure of is that freeze Central Production Unit (CPU) which required Tayside Contracts to whilst maintaining quality which by the same familiar, welcoming faces. to deliver school and nursery meals deliver an additional 1.2 million meals was validated through feedback at there will be ongoing pres- in Angus and Dundee and community per year on behalf of the Tayside numerous blind tasting sessions. The CPU was designed and built with sure to deliver more for less meals in Dundee. Councils from August 2020. considerable spare capacity to future and Tayside Contracts has The broad principles of the cook freeze proof against the anticipated further stepped up to the plate once “A key factor in our thinking A key factor in our thinking was how CPU service delivery model are that growth and the Scottish Government`s to best protect the quality of frontline elements of the meal are produced commitment for expansion of Free again with an exciting vision was how to best protect the services in a world of budget cuts and at the CPU in large production runs, School Meal entitlement to all primary For further information: for the future of school, nurs- quality of frontline services most importantly how to protect jobs. creating economies of scale. Menu pupils, by 2022. This subsequently E: enquiries@tayside-contracts. ery, and community meals. An options appraisal exercise identified items are frozen before distribution to has been borne out which means that co.uk in a world of budget cuts that the cook-freeze CPU model would hubs across Tayside in temperature- Tayside Contracts’ constituent Councils Tayside Contracts is the commercial provide the innovative solution required controlled vehicles. The frozen meals are in a very strong position to deal T: 01382 812721 trading arm of the three constituent and most importantly how which would deliver significant year on are then regenerated for service on site, with the demands of Universal Free Address: Tayside Contracts, Councils of Tayside. Since 1996 year cost savings. To ensure consistent or for delivery to their final location. School Meals. By sweating the CPU Contracts House, 1 Soutar Street, we have been exemplar model of to protect jobs.” high quality was maintained, exhaustive asset further, Tayside Contracts now Dundee, DD3 8SS. shared services. Our latest venture work was undertaken on recipe From the pupils’ perspective at point has capacity to supply frozen meals to which demonstrates the benefits The challenge that was the catalyst for development, cooking methods and of service, these freshly cooked meals other council customers and beyond. www.tayside-contracts.co.uk of collaborative working is the the CPU was the Scottish Government’s identification of meals which could be are indistinguishable from the previous

12 scottish local authority news scottish local authority news 13 ENVIRONMENT ENVIRONMENT

‘A small act is worth a million thoughts’ Ai Weiwei

Partners launch plan for Highland Nature action Image © Caroline Vawdrey, Highland Nature Biodiversity Action Plan 2021-2026 “Highland Nature is a important places for a species in plan links with Highland Community highly ambitious plan worrying decline; to continuing to Planning Partners’ plans to address The recent launch of Highland Nature, loss, with the UN Biodiversity and Highland Council tackle invasive non-native species.. these issues by working alongside the biodiversity action plan for 2021 Conference being held in Kunming in 70 are looking forward communities through their ‘Highland to 2026, shows the commitment to China in October, and the UN Climate to playing its part to Adapts’ programme. positive work for nature all across Conference in Glasgow in November. protect nature and “Highland Nature is the region. secure improvements Commenting on the launch of Highland “Working to protect and benefit nature for biodiversity. We a highly ambitious plan Nature, NatureScot South Highland Creating the plan has been coordinated is a vital undertaking at all levels – from will be developing existing partnerships Area Manager Chris Donald said: by the Highland Environment Forum international agreements to individual and building new relationships across and Highland Council and funded by NatureScot and The land managers. We are indebted to the Highlands to realise the actions are looking forward to “As funding partners we’re delighted to Highland Council, but the actions for members of the Highland Environment and commitments of Highland Nature welcome the launch of Highland Nature nature will be carried out by the 43 Forum for helping to identify priorities and help deliver positive outcomes playing its part to – a plan which sets out the ambitions partners who represent land managers, for the Highlands. It is remarkable to mitigate the current ecological of the 43 partners involved to protect local conservation groups, nature that forty-three partners have come emergency.” protect nature and and enhance nature across the region. conservation membership organisations together to share their ambitions for Now the real work begins and we’re and government agencies. Highland biodiversity. We also know The actions range from landscape- secure improvements calling on as many interested people that this is just some of the work being scale work, such as peatland for biodiversity.” as possible to get involved in helping The priorities in Highland Nature undertaken in the region, and that there restoration and woodland expansion deliver positive actions for biodiversity take their lead from international and are many other people undertaking to the smaller-scale activity so vital for in a way that is both inclusive and just. national strategies and focus on what positive actions for nature. We’d love individual species, like the work by the There are also ambitious plans for can be contributed at a regional level. them to be involved.” Caithness Biodiversity Group, growing Highland rivers, including expanding “Highland Environment Forum will and planting out kidney vetch to feed deciduous woodland to create shade be setting up working groups to drive Caroline Vawdrey of the Highland Welcoming the new biodiversity the rare small blue butterfly and help in order to protect salmon spawn biodiversity projects forward and help Environment Forum said: action plan Chair of the Highland it to thrive. and other species from rising water turn these ideas and ambitions into Council’s Economy and Infrastructure temperatures. Tackling and reducing reality. We know there are many more “2021 is a year of international Committee and the Council’s Climate There are many inspiring commitments the impact of climate change is organisations and individuals out there significance for making agreements to Change Working Group, Cllr Trish in the plan, from mapping curlew recognised as key to the work to doing fantastic work for nature and tackle climate change and biodiversity Robertson said: hotspots which will help to protect protect Highland nature, and this we’d love them to join us.”

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• A878 Station Road, Old Kilpatrick, Council Leader, spots that we leave no trace behind. Council introduce additional measures to from the A82 westbound slip road Councillor Jonathan The additional bins and litter patrol will to the Erskine Bridge slip road to McColl, said: mean these sites will not be scarred by the A82 eastbound carriageway discarded waste, and the signage will keep Kilpatrick Hills safe and clean with restriction on both sides of “We are lucky that we encourage all visitors to treat the area carriageway for a distance of 505 live in an area which with respect. A number of new measures have been will ensure the rural area is properly To ensure all visitors are aware of their metres has so much natural put in place at the Kilpatrick Hills to protected. responsibilities when enjoying green beauty to offer and I am delighted that “The traffic orders are necessary to ensure the beauty spot remains safe spaces around Scotland, information • Mount Pleasant Drive, Old Kilpatrick, our residents have been making the ensure that visitors are parking safely and enjoyable for all despite increased Two additional rangers will patrol will be shared on Council channels from Station Road to No.22 Mount most of these green spaces. in designated areas and minimising visitor numbers. the area seven days a week over the and new signage has been placed at Pleasant Road with restriction on any danger to other road users. I would summer season to ensure visitors have access points detailing the key points both sides of carriageway for a “These actions are not intended to ask that all visitors adhere to these.” Action is being taken after lockdown a positive experience at the hills. of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. distance of 105 metres discourage people from visiting and saw a vast increase in visitors – with enjoying the Kilpatrick Hills, but rather A supplementary report will be brought some weeks recording six times the In addition, a temporary car park at It is also expected that Temporary • Cochno Road, Hardgate & Faifley, are preventative measures to ensure to a future meeting to allow members amount of people attending compared Gavinburn in Old Kilpatrick, which is Traffic Regulation Orders (TTRO) will from Duncombe Avenue to the the area is properly protected and can to reflect on the effectiveness of the to 2019. the main access point to the Kilpatrick be introduced to impose restrictions boundary with East Dunbartonshire be enjoyed for many more years to measures. Hills, will be put in place from mid on a number of locations close to the Council adjacent to Loansdean come.” The heightened interest in the area May to ensure there is more space Kilpatrick hills. access. Restriction on both sides led to increased waste and littering, for vehicles and discourage road-side of carriageway for a distance of 2130 Councillor Iain “We are lucky that we live inappropriate road-side parking, parking. These will include: metres. McLaren, Convener in an area which has so increased traffic, negative effects on of Infrastructure, the environment, anti-social behaviour The Council’s Greenspace team will • A878 Station Road, Old Kilpatrick, Monitoring of these restrictions will be Regeneration and much natural beauty to and disruption to local residents. also carry out additional litter patrols from the railway overbridge carried out in partnership with Police Economic Develop- offer and I am delighted around all of the access points and car adjacent to Old Kilpatrick Station Scotland and the Council’s Roads team ment, added: Now West Dunbartonshire Council parks that serve the Kilpatrick Hills, to the westbound carriageway of will also programme traffic counts that our residents have is working with partners including and large bins will be installed at the Great Western Road with restriction and monitor vehicle movements to “It is vitally important that we take good Police Scotland and Forestry & Land entrance to Cochno Hill to assist with on both sides of carriageway for a determine whether traffic calming care of our natural environment and been making the most Scotland to implement measures which increased levels of littering. distance of 460 metres measures are required. ensure that when we visit these beauty of these green spaces.”

16 scottish local authority news scottish local authority news 17 ENVIRONMENT ENVIRONMENT More than 6,000 new trees branch out across Stirling

The Council has helped plant 6000 new Volunteers across the community, Convener of the Environment and trees across Stirling during 2021 with including residents and community Housing Committee, Councillor Jim more to come when planting season organisations, have worked alongside Thomson, said: resumes. the Council at various planting sessions, which have taken place at: “We have worked with The major tree planting programme is local communities across a key element of the Council’s Climate • Kildean – Council staff planted Stirling to increase the & Nature Emergency Plan with projects 3500 trees. number of trees being being undertaken throughout the planted. Stirling Council area as part of wider Funding for the tree planting at Kildean plans to tackle climate change and came from the RSPB Inner Forth “Trees are a cornerstone of our make the area a greener, healthier Futures Wetland Habitat Network landscape and countryside, crucial not place for all. which also funded the creation of ponds only as a home for wildlife and nature, and sowing of wildflowers. but also forming an essential and A number of native species have been cherished part of our cultural identity. planted which suit a wide range of • Thornhill – Members of the ground conditions, including goat community planted 600 trees. “This latest planting programme can willow, alder and birch that grow well make a real difference to our local in wetter ground. • Callander – Council staff planted environments and be enjoyed by 500 trees at Balvalachlan generations to come.” Prestigious award for South Ayrshire Crab apple, rowan and bird cherry Cemetery. trees that provide berries for wildlife, Vice Convener, Councillor Danny and hawthorn and blackthorn trees • Fintry and the surrounding Gibson, said: Council beaches for berry bearing hedgerows have also area – Fintry community and been planted. the Loch Lomond Fisheries “Trees are a hugely Trust planted 1300 trees. important part of our Girvan, Maidens, Prestwick and Maidens offers breath-taking scenery “It’s fantastic to have plans to address the Troon beaches have just received a and unique geology and wildlife. There been recognised climate emergency. prestigious Scotland’s Beach Award are three Sites of Special Scientific with these awards, They can help by for 2021! Interest (SSSI) within walking distance they highlight the reducing carbon dioxide of the beach. huge effort required levels, flood risk and improve air The four beaches have been recognised to maintain large quality. They can also provide habitat by Keep Scotland Beautiful for their Prestwick is popular with families and stretches of heavily for many different species, supporting amenities, maintenance, biodiversity for sailing, windsurfing and fishing. used land. biodiversity throughout Stirling. and cleanliness. To the north, the Pow Burn estuary and sand dune system are a haven for “With more and more people looking The awards are a benchmark for wildlife. to staycation this year, our beaches “The latest planting work quality, celebrating clean, well- are set to attract thousands of visitors, managed and sustainable beaches. Troon amenity beach is easily so we will regularly remind people to can only enhance our All four beaches have demonstrated accessible, with crazy golf, play park, dispose of their rubbish responsibly. beautiful outdoor spaces excellent management, environmental toilets and refreshments all close at best practice, and maintenance of a hand. Most of the beach is backed by whose value has become “We are extremely grateful high standard. sand dunes, which protect the town even more apparent during from coastal flooding. to all the community groups This is Girvan’s first Beach Award in recent lockdowns when several years and underlines recent Councillor Ian Cochrane, Environment and individuals who go out improvements. Not only is the beach Portfolio Holder for South Ayrshire we have not been able to well maintained with an array of Council said: of their way to help keep our facilities, the southern end is an travel far.” important habitat for breeding birds. beaches looking their best.”

18 scottish local authority news scottish local authority news 19 ENVIRONMENT SOCIAL CARE

Robert Watson / East Ayrshire Community Hospital / CC BY-SA 2.0 Council Leader welcomes news Wildflowers and promoting biodiversity of East Ayrshire Community Scottish Borders Council is seeking The Council is eager to receive feedback “When left to grow, wildflowers help the public’s help in promoting and from the public and get input to identify sustain a diverse range of insects, Hospital acquisition protecting areas of wildflowers across more potential sites that could be wildlife and plants. the region. turned into grassland or wildflower Councillor Douglas Reid, Leader of “This is greatly welcomed news as it meadows. “Not only do they brighten up our East Ayrshire Council, has welcomed provides an excellent opportunity to This is part of the Council’s plan to villages and towns with a colourful the recent announcement by NHS further develop strong partnership- promote more biodiversity across This is a result of a wider review of array of flora and fauna, but they have Ayrshire & Arran that it has acquired based health and care services for East Borders greenspaces and provide the Council’s services aiming to adopt a really significant biodiversity impact ownership of the company that owns Ayrshire residents. solutions to the challenges presented more sustainable ways of working as as well. and operates East Ayrshire Community by climate change. outlined in the forthcoming Climate Hospital. “Through my involvement with the Change Route Map. “As a Council we are committed to IJB, I’m very aware of the strong focus A number of designated wildflower sites looking at how we can become more The hospital, which opened in 2000, that is placed on community-based have since been developed as a result Since 2019, particular SBC services sustainable and environmentally had originally been procured through health and social care services and of this increased focus on protecting have been changed to reduce their friendly. By cutting grass in certain one of the first PFI health contracts have seen the care and dedication of the environment and in response to the overall environmental impact. This has areas less often we are helping promote in Scotland and the recent acquisition the teams who work at East Ayrshire public’s changing attitudes towards the included reducing the frequency that a wider range of wildlife across the has been fully funded by the Scottish Community Hospital. It’s a real part of local environment. grass is cut across certain locations. Borders and make positive steps Government. the community and I know how much towards tackling climate change.” the hospital means to local residents, A Friends of the Earth study These designated naturalised spaces The acquisition will allow the site to many of whom appreciate being able commissioned in 2017 found that 81% are left to grow long and will only be cut Members of the public can get in touch become the hub for the development of to receive the care they need close to of British people would support more once or twice a year to provide a more by filling out an online form future health and social care services home. I’m therefore delighted to see wildflower areas in parks and roadside suitable habitat for insects, plants and in line with the Caring for Ayrshire that the long-term future of the facility verges. other wildlife to thrive. www.scotborders.gov.uk/ programme. It will also provide the is now secure.” neighbourhoodservices flexibility and opportunity to embed new With a view to increasing the amount Promotion of these spaces is vital in models of service delivery which will of wildflower areas across the region, helping key pollinators including bees A full list of sites across the Borders be designed alongside communities, “This is greatly welcomed the Council is working closely with and butterflies thrive and supports where wildflower mixes are being those who use hospital services and local In Bloom and community groups their ability to create and maintain trialled can be found at: their families. news as it provides an to undertake trials of wildflower ecosystems fundamental to everyday excellent opportunity to cultivation. life. www.scotborders.gov.uk/info/20013/ Councillor Reid, who environment/849/grasscutting_and_ is also a member further develop strong Various trial sites have produced Councillor Robin Tat- bedding_plant_provision_faqs/2 of the Integration encouraging results in helping produce ler, Executive Mem- Joint Board (IJB), partnership-based health a diverse range of wildlife to date. One ber for Community the decision making and care services for such site, near the Council’s HQ in Development and body of the Health Newtown, has seen a native colony of Localities, said: and Social Care East Ayrshire residents.” Northern Marsh orchids flourish. Partnership, said:

20 scottish local authority news scottish local authority news 21 SOCIAL CARE SOCIAL CARE

The report to councillors says We have also carried out various “The ageing population of Perth and that over the last 12 months some refurbishment programmes within our Kinross along with increasing demands notable successes have been Sheltered Housing services, responding for complex adaptations to existing achieved: to issues affecting older people such homes, and for specialist housing and as dementia, social isolation, and support, means there will be challenges • The Council exceeded its annual loneliness. A focus on inclusive living ahead. We have a plan that will ensure new build target of 550 new ensures accommodation and support that our services and delivery models homes by delivering a total of can be accessed and used by as many are in place to enable us to meet these 861. 215 households moved into residents as possible. challenges, so that everyone in Perth new housing, designed to meet and Kinross can have the housing they changing needs, including those Housing and Communities Committee need to live independent and healthy with temporary or permanent Convener, Councillor Bob Brawn, said: lives.” physical disabilities. “A good house to • Working with its partners the live in is one of the Council ensured residents and foundations of a tenants had access to services healthy life, and to adapt their homes to meet housing plays a vital changing medical needs. 159 role in driving down major adaptations were carried health inequalities. out on private homes. 95 major High-quality, appropriate housing adaptations and 257 minor enables people with health or support Housing provision to support adaptations were undertaken needs to be empowered to live on Council tenants’ homes independent lives at home, which is what people have told us they want. • During 2019/20 a new multi- agency Independent Living Panel “As a result of our hard work over the independent living was set up. The Panel reviews last 12 months many people have been and authorises allocation of able to access housing of a type and in Good quality housing plays a vital role An updated Housing Contribution specialist housing provision for an area that is suitable for their current in ensuring that people with support Statement (HCS) has been developed individuals with independent and future household needs. We are and care needs can live healthy, in partnership with housing and living needs. enabling them to live independently independent and happy lives, a report health, and social care practitioners. at home for longer, which has had a to Councillors says. The Statement, which supports the • An Accommodation Guide hugely positive impact on their health outcomes of the Perth and Kinross to Independent Living was and wellbeing.” People who experience ill health, or Strategic Commissioning Plan 2020- developed to support people have support and care needs due to 2025, aims to enable people to lead as to understand the types of Vice Convener, Councillor Chris Ahern, mental health, homelessness, learning independent, healthy, and active lives supported accommodation added: disability or age, often need specific as possible in their own homes. available and how they can be accommodation and support to live supported to live independently. “We already have a independently in the community. The Statement sets out how the Local good range of adapted Housing Strategy can support the • A checklist of Independent Living accommodation The report to the Housing and delivery of suitable housing and support Needs was also developed, and support options Communities Committee sets out how to enable people to live independently. outlining the accommodation for people when Perth & Kinross Council is working standards and build features they need help. Our with the local Health and Social Care It also meets the aim of the Perth and required for people with specific second Housing Partnership and other partners to Kinross Offer, providing partners with support requirements. This Contributions Statement supports ensure that people with health or a platform for people and communities ensures accommodation will be the development of future supported support needs have the right kind of to work together to take the decisions built to meet people’s individual accommodation for people who need housing. that affect them locally. needs. help to live independently.

22 scottish local authority news scottish local authority news 23 SOCIAL CARE ROADS & TRANSPORT Capital allocation for strategic road schemes to be £7.4m

Members at the recent meeting of the Condition Survey (SRMCS) results Council’s Economy and Infrastructure to be allocated £553,000 as future Committee have agreed the distribution Area budgets were unlikely to be of the £7.4M allocation from the £20M able to cope with this work; and capital budget during years 2021/22 and 2022/23. • The remainder of the budget (£3.067M) to be allocated to surface In February of this year, Members treatments such as resurfacing of the Economy and Infrastructure and surface dressing, to improve Committee agreed the distribution of the road condition of the strategic an additional £20M of capital funding network. for road maintenance. The Committee split the funding into five categories, It is expected that underspends in Corporate Resources Committee approves agreeing to allocate £7.4M for strategic any project will be used for further assets and structural maintenance. carriageway and footway surface treatment works and ancillary items The Committee agreed the following: such as minor structures, cattle grids, £250k funding for The Haven Centre vehicle restraint systems (safety • Road improvement projects for fencing), signs, drainage, etc. The Highland Council’s Corporate Chair of the Corporate Resources He continued: “We anticipate that the A832 Slattadale (0.6km) and Resources Committee has approved Committee, Cllr Jimmy Gray said: the project will create 52 jobs during A890 Strathcarron (0.65km) which Chair of the Economy and Infrastructure £250,000 of capital funding towards construction phase, and 19 full time will include widening and a bridge Committee, Cllr Trish Robertson said: a dedicated, multi-purpose facility “The Council is delighted and 11 part time through the day- replacement. The designs for these in Inverness called The Haven to support The Elsie to-day work of the Centre once it’s projects are almost complete, at a “The £7.4m for roads Centre which will support children Normington Foundation operational. In addition, I am thrilled cost of £2.2M; is to be welcomed. and young people, up to the age of in their proposals to that further volunteering, training and Many of our roads 30, with multiple disabilities and build this much needed work placement opportunities are also • Infirmary Bridge in Inverness to be are suffering from complex needs. facility in Inverness expected.” allocated £550,000 for maintenance lack of attention due which will provide support to children works; to limited resources The project, developed by The Elsie and young people with multiple complex over a number of Normington Foundation (ENF) will needs across the Highlands.” Images sourced from www.havenappeal.org • Portree link Road to be allocated years. This allocation will allow us to comprise three two-bedroom respite £200,000; address the poor condition on some flats, a Community Café, outdoor/ of our roads and assets across the indoor play centre with childcare • Renewable Energy Developer Match region. The extra equipment will aid facilities and several meeting spaces. Funding to be allocated £500k; our programmes going forward”. The new facility will be located on land owned by the Council in Murray Road, • Match funding of £330,000 for The Highland Council has the longest Smithton. additional Strategic Timber road network in the UK with 4,000 miles Transport Schemes (STTS) on the of local roads, 1,000 miles of footpaths The Scottish Government has confirmed A897 (Sutherland) and B9176 (Ross and 1,400 bridges spanning a region funding of up to £1.7m for the project, and Cromarty); covering one third of Scotland. alongside other funding secured by the project including £1.1m from • Three schemes in Caithness and The National Lottery, the project has Sutherland identified as requiring now secured full funding towards the major maintenance from the estimated £4.1m capital project cost. Scottish Road Maintenance

24 scottish local authority news scottish local authority news 25 ROADS & TRANSPORT ROADS & TRANSPORT

Evan Drive in Giffnock, The Oval invest in roads in East Renfrewshire. in Stamperland, Overlee Road in We listened to the public’s views and Clarkston, Humbie Road in Eaglesham feedback when choosing the roads and and Broom Road in Newton Mearns. pavements for this year’s works, and the improvements will make a significant Councillor Tony difference to our transport network. Buchanan, Leader of Despite the difficulties that Covid-19 East Renfrewshire has presented, we were still able to Council, said: complete 35 road resurfacing projects in 2020/21The additional investment “It’s great to hear our for this year will not only be beneficial A class roads are to our residents but vital to our local continuing to rank high in Scotland, and economic recovery as businesses re- our B and C class roads are performing open following Covid-19 and we see better than the Scottish average. We an increase in footfall as more people want to continue to improve on our return to East Renfrewshire to work ranking so I am delighted my fellow and visit.” Kilpatrick Gardens, Clarkston Councillors today agreed to further

on the B970 Loch Garten Junction to Councillors approve £1.6m Mains of Garten. Overlay works are also planned on section one of the C1137 Glentrium Area Roads Programme and the U2264 at Balnagowan. There Turnberry Drive, Newton Mearns are also surface dressing works Badenoch and Strathspey Area A large portion of this year’s revenue planned for the A938 Balnacruie to Committee members have approved budget is being targeted towards cyclic Tullochgribban road, the A938 Foregin the area’s roads programme for maintenance, which includes drainage, to Baddengorm road and the Station 2021/22. footpath maintenance, gully cleansing, Road junction in Newtonmore. East Renfrewshire road maintenance temporary patching, renewal of road The £1.6m budget has been made up markings, maintenance of signs, verge Chair of the Badenoch and Strathspey of the revenue budget of £840,565 (for maintenance and other routine annual Committee, Cllr Bill Lobban, said: investment given the green light labour, plant and materials including work. salt for roads) and a capital budget “This year sees a of £765,310 (to undertake surface Capital works scheduled for this substantial increase In an ongoing effort to maintain and condition of its A class roads, which additional £3m allocation for 2021/22 dressing and surfacing). year include £88,000 of patching at in the Roads improve roads, East Renfrewshire are classed as the most important has been directed towards residential bell-mouths and junctions in various Maintenance budget Council has approved an additional routes for residents and visitors. B roads. villages in the area, £80,325 on 5100m and that will, at least, investment of £3million for roads and and C class roads are better than the of surface dressing on the B9102 prevent our roads pavement resurfacing across the local Scottish average for both categories. A number of factors are taken into Lettoch – Craigvarren – Advice Junction from deteriorating authority. consideration to prioritise which – Tulchan. even further but In its 2019/20 budget, the Council roads are chosen for the programme further substantial investment will be This programme, which will see committed an additional £15m capital each year. This includes the structural South Street in Grantown on Spey is required in the forthcoming years. improvements at 73 sites across East investment for roads infrastructure condition of the road or pavement, also set to see £35,000 investment Renfrewshire, will be carried out over over the following 5 years. The 2021/22 usage, maintenance costs for previous in structural drainage and £63,000 is “Road Maintenance is not just about and above the existing annual roads roads maintenance programme years, public feedback and geographic planned to be spent on the A939 Dava tar and potholes, it’s also about resurfacing works which were approved will use the additional £3million of spread. road, phase one. drainage, white lining and a host by the Council in March 2021. resources to improve the condition of of other functions.” roads throughout East Renfrewshire. Roads and pavements in this year’s There are also a number of roads All of East Renfrewshire’s roads are additional works programme cover a that will see new surface dressing, assessed and reported on nationally The Council’s A and B class road wide area across the whole authority including 1200m on the B970 Culreach each year. The Council is currently network is classed as in a relatively including: Robertson Street in (Balliefurth), 500m on the B970 sub- ranked second in Scotland for the good condition so the majority of the Barrhead, Hillside Road in Neilston, station to Loch Garten road and 600m

26 scottish local authority news scottish local authority news 27 ROADS & TRANSPORT ROADS & TRANSPORT

“The West Link will allow the peripheral growth of Inverness and reduce traffic congestion in Inverness City centre. It will also reduce existing canal bridge delays and waiting times. The associated developments enabled by the West Link will expand the active Photo above and below by Ewen Wetherspoon, photographer EW Photo travel network removing bottlenecks and barriers to cycling and walking and will release land for development identified in the local plan.” A final piece of Inverness’s West The Highland Council also acknowledged the enthusiastic public support for the project and would like to thank the Community Liaison Group for its Link swings into place valuable input during the consultation Photos from drone footage shot by HCVF, Inverness phases.

A vital stage of the city’s ambitious Inverness and Highland City-Region swing bridge. This tandem bridge greatly improved Chair of the Community Liaison Group, West Link project has swung into place Deal. The City-Region Deal included arrangement will allow the free flow infrastructure to former Cllr Graham Ross said: with the opening of the new Torvean £135m from the Scottish Government, of vehicle traffic on the A82 to continue, support the future Bridge in Inverness. supported by £127m from Highland while boats pass through one or other development, growth “The group’s input Council and its partners and another of the open swing bridges. and prosperity of has been extremely The swing bridge opening represents £53m from the UK Government. Inverness and the valuable throughout a core element of the transformational There will normally be two routes Highlands. the whole project West Link Project which is now drawing The project has seen the completion of available for vehicles to cross the canal and has ensured towards its conclusion. the link from the Southern Distributor and vehicles will be diverted over one “Despite the halt in works caused by that there has Road at Dores Road to the A82 including or other bridge, only while the other is the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns been excellent Cllr Trish Robertson, Chair of crossing the River Ness on the new open to allow boat passage. we are delighted to have been able to communication between the Council, the Economy and Infrastructure Holm Mills Bridge; new sports facilities deliver this project with such minimal the contractors and the community.” Committee, was the first person to at Canal Parks including synthetic pitch Chair of the Economy and Infrastructure delay and on budget.” cross the new swing bridge last week, and clubhouse; and a relocated golf Committee at Highland Council, Cllr A short aerial video has been uploaded ahead of today’s official opening to the course. Trish Robertson, said: She added: “The project also forms to YouTube (Inverness West Link and public. part of the Inverness and Highland Torvean Swing Bridge Opening - A core element of Stage 2 was the “This is a landmark day for the city City-Region Deal which is aimed at 31.5.21), highlighting the West Link The West Link Project was made inclusion of the second swing bridge of Inverness which sees the new stimulating sustainable, regional and the Torvean Bridge, from a bird’s possible through investment by over the Caledonian Canal to the swing bridge come into operation. economic growth. eye view has been made to mark the Highland Council and the £315m south of the existing Tomnahurich The West Link project will deliver a completion of the West Link Project.

28 scottish local authority news scottish local authority news 29 ROADS & TRANSPORT ROADS & TRANSPORT

Stage 1 of the West Link Project was The benefits of the West Link • Enable the development of completed in December 2017 and project include: significant areas for housing and Stage 2 began in 2018. This phase of other economic development the project was originally planned for • Reduced congestion at key at Ness-side and Torvean. To Highland secures major funding completion by the end of 2020, however junctions for both public date 1,500 houses have been the site was forced to close due to transport and private cars enabled. COVID-19 restrictions for a number of within Inverness City Centre. for sustainable transport future months. This inevitably meant a delay • Enable the development of a in completion, with the project then • Encouragement of cycling and City Gateway at the Caledonian projected to finish near the end of May walking within the city centre Canal entrance to the city, The Highland Council has secured funding bid that has the potential to fit for an age of Climate and Ecological 2021. by reducing congestion thereby working with partners such as £2.76M in a first round of funding unlock further funding of up to £21.7M. Emergency.” making for a safer and more Scottish Canals. to transform public transport in the pleasant environment. region. Councillor Trish Robertson, Chair of David Beaton, Managing Director of • Provides a new facility at Canal The Highland Council’s Economy and Stagecoach Highland said: • Improved journey times for Parks, managed by Highlife Following a successful bid to the Infrastructure Committee said: movements to/from the west Highland, for Highland Rugby Scottish Government’s Bus Partnership “We are delighted to hear the news of the City. Club and the wider community. Fund, the Council and its partners will “One of the best ways that the Phase 1 Bus Partnership now deliver quick wins and develop for us to reduce our Fund bid has been successful. This • Torvean Bridge is opened to • Provides a reconfiguration options for ambitious bus priority carbon footprint result demonstrates the strength canal traffic. It will also improve of Torvean Golf Course, with schemes that aim to tackle the negative is to change how of our partnership working and our response times for emergency enhanced facilities, golf impacts of congestion on bus services. we make everyday commitment to continuing to deliver vehicles and bus journey time development potential and a This work will provide the step change journeys. This bid a high quality public transport service reliability. centralised location. necessary to modernise the transport demonstrates the across the region. Getting our buses network by cutting congestion and car Council’s commitment to working through congestion hot spots is one Photo above and below by Ewen Wetherspoon, photographer EW Photo usage by car by offering more reliable with our partners and the Scottish of the best ways to reduce bus journey public travel choices that help to tackle Government to reduce congestion and times, improve reliability and therefore the climate and ecological emergency. cut back the number of journeys made make travelling by bus the best way by cars. to move around. We look forward to The Phase 1 funding secured will continuing this essential work with allow the Council to deliver projects “The Bus Partnership Fund centres Highland Council and our other at Raigmore Hospital and Rose Street on tackling congestion, which is most partners.” in Inverness as well as bus-only links pronounced in our biggest urban areas, at Blar Mhor and Upper Achintore in Inverness and Fort William. We look A bid for funding projects in Skye Fort William. The rest of the Phase 1 forward to developing options and was not successful, and officers are funding is allocated to prepare outline engaging on these exciting projects exploring other potential opportunities business cases, appraisals and other that will help to create a healthy, for the projects proposed in this bid. feasibility work to support a second sustainable transport network that is

Image © Glen Wallace, Flickr. (CC BY 2.0) Image © Mike McBey, Inverness, Capital of the Highlands, Flickr. (CC BY 2.0)

30 scottish local authority news scottish local authority news 31 SLAN FEATURE SLAN FEATURE

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32 scottish local authority news scottish local authority news 33 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Regeneration of Muir of Ord village square begins

The regeneration of Muir of Ord village to add a dash of colour. The additional bus timetable. New pavement and has begun in earnest as the square area can also be used by clubs and kerbing will also be laid, with minor undergoes a transformative makeover. groups to provide an opportunity to alterations to the car park. Bus stop create safe space events in the village markings will also be added to the road. A phased approach to the works began centre. An area of paving which has been lifted on 31 May 2021, and required the by tree roots and is causing drainage Oban depot redevelopment closure of the car park with pedestrian issues will be taken up, fixed and and emergency access maintained The Community Council survey re-laid. The works will provide 166 throughout. revealed that people would like square metres of space, compared to provides contract for the previous 122 square metres. The The contractors, Strath Civil Engineering, the area to be used for street raised bed in front of the library will are committed to liaising with markets, pipe band displays, also be removed and repurposed in local firm the school, local businesses and two future village projects. neighbouring properties on its phased Christmas carol concerts, gala approach, to ensure as smooth a The large concrete base for the village’s The re-development of the council’s The project, which faced some delay transition as possible. events and school project use. Christmas tree will also be removed Jackson’s Quarry Depot, Oban, is close because of Covid-19, provided a and replaced with a flush socket for to completion. significant boost to the Oban economy. The face-lift will include the creation Part of the project will include the this purpose. of a large public area, safely situated installation of a new CCTV camera As the council moves into the new The main contractor, Luddon at the back of the car park. The public system, to cover both the square and Dingwall and Seaforth Councillors fleet workshop and office, completed Construction Ltd, employed local area will allow access from both sides the Great North Road. The bus bay will recognise that Muir of Ord Community by Luddon Construction Ltd, Oban subcontractors throughout the of the village. be removed, creating an additional 81 Council have worked extremely hard to building firm, Gregor Morawski, has project, as well as using the Oban square metres. secure funding to take forward a long secured the contract to refurbish the accommodation market. Removable bollards will also be standing ambition of regenerating the existing building to provide new staff installed to keep the area safe and there A smaller bus shelter will be installed Square. welfare, storage and a horticultural Councillor Rory Colville, Policy Lead will be seating and flower containers which will feature a real time, digital workshop. for Roads and Infrastructure Services, said: This is the final stage that will bring all essential operational services for Oban “Pulling together and into one single, main site, reducing all the council’s from three depots to one. operations into one site will not only The site comprises: join up services, but also free up the Mill • a brand new four-bay fleet workshop Park and Appin depot to keep the council’s vehicles (bin sites for development. It’s a fantastic lorries, roads equipment, gritters opportunity for Oban. etc.) on the road; “As the main phase of the project ends, • a modern office and meeting I’d like to thank Luddon Construction room facility for all Oban-based Ltd for delivering a depot for the 21st operational services staff; and century. I’d also like to welcome Gregor Morawski on board – there’s never • an expansion of the overall site, been a better time to be working with with new hard-standing, drainage a local firm delivering its first council etc, to create a parking area for all contract.” vehicles. Image: Muir of Ord Village Square. © Richard Dorrell / Geograph (CC BY-SA 2.0)

34 scottish local authority news scottish local authority news 35 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Following completion of a package of they needed from the development. So, The Scottish Government's Community enabling works by Chamic Industrial it’s fantastic that this amazing building Wealth Minister, Tom Arthur, said: Services, the main contract will be will be available next year, supporting delivered by the construction services jobs by providing affordable work space This is a great project which will restore provider Sharkey, which has a strong for small businesses and local people, the previously abandoned category track record of delivering heritage alongside creating a flexible space for B-listed former stable block, transform projects in Edinburgh including the the community to use. it into a modern work and events space overhaul of the historic Dalry Swim and provide the local community with Centre. new places to work, learn and socialise. “It’s part of our wider regen- This project has been made possible The refurbishment of Powderhall eration of this site, delivering by £1.4 million investment from the Stables has been made possible by Regeneration Capital Grant Fund, support from the Scottish Government’s new affordable homes and with local community involvement in Regeneration Capital Grant Fund along facilities that will benefit progressing the plans. with Miller Homes’ Bonnington Micro Business Fund. the whole community.” The fund is playing a vital role, helping reinvigorate local communities and Powderhall Stables forms part of the town centres by investing in projects Final phase of Council-led regeneration of the old Councillor Mandy Watt, that provide jobs and support local Powderhall Waste Transfer Station and the Council’s Housing, businesses. We are committed to seizing adjoining former bowling greens. The Homelessness, and Fair Scotland’s economic potential, creating wider development will deliver over Work Vice Convener, secure, sustainable and satisfying jobs Powderhall Stables 200 homes and an Early Learning and said: and supporting businesses recover Childcare Centre, along with new green from the Coronavirus pandemic. As spaces and enhanced public realm, I’m looking forward to part of that work, we are continuing to including improvements to St. Mark’s seeing the development start to take empower local people to invest in their Path and two new squares. shape over the course of next year, communities’ future. transformation restoring the lovely stable blocks, Councillor Kate Campbell, the bringing them back into use and giving Mark Halliday, Contracts Director for Council’s Housing, Homelessness, and local residents back this area that has Sharkey, said: Fair Work Convener, said: been unused for so long. underway We are delighted to be involved in We’ve been talking Earlier this year we also saw planning delivering a restoration project that The final phase of the City of As part of the redevelopment of the is set to open in early 2022, with the about the potential permission submitted for the former will repair, protect and enhance the Edinburgh Council’s Powderhall wider site Powderhall Stables will Council preparing to seek expressions of the stables block Bowling Green site as part of the wider heritage of one of Edinburgh’s valued Stables refurbishment, which deliver a mix of individual studios of interest from potential operators. at Powderhall for a Powderhall development. This will public buildings. We very much look and co-working spaces aimed at long time – it’s so see one of the first intergenerational forward to working in collaboration will transform a historic 1890s microbusinesses, supporting dozens of The refurbishment of the building has good that work is now facilities built in Scotland and will offer with the rest of the project team and former stable block in the jobs. The building will also feature two been designed by the award-winning starting, and we’ll health and wellbeing benefits for the to sharing our skills and experience Broughton neighbourhood of flexible function spaces with kitchen practice Collective Architecture, see it back in use as a cornerstone of older residents and new learning on this exciting regeneration project. Edinburgh into work and events facilities suitable for hosting a wide supported by a design team including the whole development. and social opportunities for children spaces, is now underway. variety of events. The former stabling Currie & Brown, David Narro Associates, attending the nursery. For more information, please visit yard to the rear of the building will be and RSP Consulting Engineers. The community were very involved in www.edinburgh.gov.uk/powderhall. turned into a new plaza. The facility shaping these plans and telling us what

36 scottish local authority news scottish local authority news 37 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

McAslan + Partners plans for improving and preserving the square and its surrounding streets for everyone to enjoy. The UK Government is investing more than £1.5 billion into city region and growth deals across Scotland, helping communities everywhere to build back better from the pandemic.” The Department of Architecture at the University of Strathclyde and the Mackintosh School of Architecture at The Glasgow School of Art are collaborating with John McAslan + Partners through a range of socially and environmentally-led educational initiatives that will embed both students and staff in the design process.

The transformation of George Square and the adjacent streets will be funded through the Glasgow City Region planting, rain gardens, cycleways of gravity for Glaswegians who come to City Deal as part of Glasgow City and improved public transport. celebrate, play, relax, meet and when Council’s ambitious Avenues Project. Sustainability and community are at necessary protest. We are thrilled Construction work for Block C (George the heart of the brief with the aim of to help deliver the next phase of its Square and surrounding streets) will substantially enhancing the urban evolution as Glasgow’s most important commence in the Summer of 2023. environment and opportunities for civic space.” residents and visitors. Founded by Glasgow-born John Economy Secretary Kate Forbes said: McAslan in 1993, John McAslan + Councillor Susan Partners has considerable experience Aitken, Leader of “It’s great to see further progress in in working in Scotland. The practice’s Glasgow City Council, delivering the Avenues Programme, current Scottish projects include said: with the appointment of John McAslan the refurbishment of the Burrell “Avenues” play crucial part + Partners as architects tasked with Renaissance in Glasgow and the “The redesign of developing George Square and the National Galleries of Scotland’s new George Square and the creation of surrounding area to the benefit of Collection Facility in Edinburgh. Avenues and other new public realm residents and visitors alike. The in city centre regeneration on neighbouring streets is a crucial Scottish Government is a full partner The Avenues will be a network of part of the regeneration of the city in the Glasgow City Region City Deal, new, attractive, accessible, safe, centre. It is so important as not only will contributing £500 million over 20 years. sustainable and easily-maintained Glasgow City Council has recently its east side is the Beaux-Arts style John McAslan + Partners’ have been the redesign play a crucial role in the Investment in the City Region Deal will routes throughout the city centre appointed John McAslan + Partners City Chambers (1889) - headquarters commissioned to reconsider the transformation of what is undoubtedly contribute to the region’s economic that are people-focused, encourage as architects for a major public realm to Glasgow City Council since 1996 - synergy and balance between George Glasgow’s foremost civic space, but it recovery by creating jobs, and providing active travel and are more attractive scheme focused on George Square. The designed by William Young. Square and the surrounding streets is also a symbol of our vision for the the commercial infrastructure to to residents, workers, visitors and commission is for Block C of Glasgow in relation to contemporary life. This city centre – a place that will be far support and attract businesses to investors. City Council’s ambitious Avenues On the corner of the square with West involves clarifying the architectural and more attractive to Glaswegians and our Glasgow and the surrounding area. Programme - funded by the Glasgow George Street, the Merchant’s House spatial qualities of the Square and its visitors, and somewhere that illustrates The Avenues project also encourages City Region City Deal - comprising (1874/1909), designed by John Burnet relationship to the surrounding urban the economic, environmental and social active travel by supporting walking and More information on the Avenues George Square and approximately and extended upwards by his son JJ context. The scope of the improvements gains to be made from this project.” cycling infrastructure in the area.” programme - the biggest of its kind 2.5km of the surrounding streetscape. Burnet, is crowned with a dome bearing will include George Street and St in the UK - is available at: a ship symbolising Glasgow’s historic Vincent Street as well as John street Andy Harris, Leader of John McAslan UK Government Minister for Scotland, www.glasgowcitycentrestrategy. First laid out in 1781, named after King role as one of the great global trading and Dundas Street. + Partners’ Landscape Team said: Iain Stewart, said: com/project/city-centre-avenues. George III and developed in earnest 20 cities. At the heart of George Square, a years later, George Square is Glasgow’s tall Doric column (1837) bears a statue The scheme is part of the wider £115m “Located precisely at the point where “George Square is one of Glasgow’s principal civic, ceremonial and cultural by John Greenshields of the renowned Avenues initiative aimed at improving the original Georgian urban grid meets most iconic civic spaces, embodying the space, featuring several of the city’s Scottish Romantic era novelist and pedestrian connectivity and priority its Victorian extension, George Square city’s grandeur, heritage and cultural best-known landmark buildings. On poet, Sir Walter Scott. throughout the city, amid new tree has for centuries been a natural centre vibrancy. I look forward to seeing John

38 scottish local authority news scottish local authority news 39 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT THE ARTS Creative Funding scheme launched for organisations and individual artists

A new Creative Funding scheme from “We hope the funding will be just Aberdeen City Council was launched as popular as in previous years, recently that that will help cultural showcasing the immense creative organisations, community groups, talent to be found here in Aberdeen charities and individual artists deliver and supporting culture to continue The Masterplan and Borders Innovation Park Plans, Image courtesy of Proctor and Matthews Architects creative activity in the city. developing despite the impact of the previous year.” The fund will also help Aberdeen Committee on Monday 31 May, before recover from Covid-19 by facilitating In 2019/20, the Council’s Creative Guidance on future Tweedbank being presented to full Council in July. new work to enrich the lives of people Funding programme supported 49 living in and safely visiting the city, different projects across the city Councillor Simon Mountford, Executive supporting a sector that was hit hard involving 567 volunteers, 3,100 expansion to be presented Member for Enhancing the Built by restrictions. participants and more than 41,000 Environment and Natural Heritage, said: audience members. A range of projects can be considered Guidance detailing how the future The SPG is a key component of “The creation of the for a share of the £185,000 fund such as It supported activities such as local expansion of Tweedbank should take the Tweedbank Masterplan, a Supplementary Planning performances, exhibitions, networking company Ten Feet Tall’s secretly staged place is to be presented to Councillors. transformational prospectus which Guidance for Tweedbank events or even something completely theatre project in community venues, will encourage people to live, learn, is key to supporting the new and innovative. Previous years which removed financial barriers by Finalised Supplementary Planning visit and work in the local community. Council’s overall vision have seen awards for festivals, adopting a pay what you can model; Guidance (SPG) will outline the Land adjacent to the existing Tweedbank for future development in this area, community groups, brand new arts events celebrating the work and life of vision and overall direction for the village was initially earmarked as part whilst also making extremely clear our organisations and support for projects Scottish traveller Stanley Robertson; development, which will provide high of the Council’s Local Development expectations in terms of standards that run by individual artists and established and music being brought to some of quality residential and business space. Plan (LDP), via Housing Planning any potential developers will need to organisations. the city’s most at risk residents in care Guidance, in 2017 to address a shortfall meet. homes. Included in the finalised SPG is a of housing land in the region due to its The Council’s culture spokesperson comprehensive design guide outlining strong rail links, high-quality landscape “The scale of the development Councillor Marie Boulton said: Organisations, charities and community the expected standards in terms of setting and already established housing opportunities here represents a groups can apply for up to £10,000 sustainability and design that any market. considerable investment into the “As we recover from while individuals are able to apply for potential developers will be required Tweedbank area, creating hundreds the devastating ef- up to £2,000 for the delivery of activity, to meet. It’s estimated that the Tweedbank of jobs and significantly increasing fects of the pan- projects or artistic development, and development could create 350 jobs the amount of housing in the area. demic, more than 10 individual awards are available to The SPG and associated Design Guide and generate £150million of Gross Therefore it is vitally important we as ever Aberdeen City be allocated this year. will be used to influence planning Value Added (GVA) to the Borders a Council make the right decisions Council recognises applications for the development of economy, whilst also making a and support future development the importance of Application forms and guidelines for the site. significant contribution to meeting local that will help create a successful, investing in the arts, and this latest Creative Funding: housing need and associated Scottish integrated community that the people funding makes it easier than ever to A draft version of the SPG was Government requirements. of Tweedbank and the wider Borders access vital funds to enable cultural https://www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/ initially presented to and approved can be proud of. projects to happen in the city. services/leisure-culture-and-parks/ by the Council in January 2020 and The SPG also supports the Council’s creative-funding-awards. was followed by a 12-week public commitment to the Edinburgh and “I am confident that this high quality “We’ve seen over the last few years how consultation. This included a public South East City Region Deal, and the guidance will help us to deliver a important this funding is for allowing exhibition in the Tweedbank Community Borders Railway Blueprint programme. much-needed range of high-quality artists and organisations to create work Centre and offered members of the homes, commercial premises and in the city and increasing the quality of public an opportunity to provide Both the finalised SPG and Design recreational opportunities which will life for everyone in Aberdeen. feedback on the proposals. Guide were discussed at the Council’s deliver significant benefits for the Planning and Building Standards whole of the Scottish Borders.”

40 scottish local authority news scottish local authority news 41 THE ARTS THE ARTS Support for the return of the Royal National Mòd to Inverness and the Highlands this year

The Highland Council’s Resources traditional and virtual approaches whilst showcasing the City of Inverness Committee has agreed to a one-off whilst still providing economic and and the Highlands.” investment of up to £80,000 to support social benefits for the City of Inverness the return of the Royal National Mòd to and the Highlands. Councillor Calum Munro, Chair of the the City of Inverness and the Highlands Gaelic Committee said: this year. The proposed physical events within the Spirit of the Highlands lives on programme will cater for anticipated “I’m delighted to The Royal National Mòd was due to limited live audience capacities, which confirm that the Spirit:360, a commissioning programme professionally across all art forms, Creative Scotland’s Karen Dick said: be held in Inverness in 2020, but due would increase should there be an 2021 Royal National for emerging and established creative including textiles, visual art, crafts, to the restrictions imposed by COVID, easing of COVID restrictions. Mòd will take place professionals, is now open for jewellery, music, film, photography, “Spirit:360 is a great opportunity to the festival was held online. in the Capital of applications, it was announced by High dance, written word and theatre. showcase and develop the vibrancy The funding from The Highland Council the Highlands and Life Highland and Creative Scotland Working with the creative and cultural and breadth of creativity which exists in As the Inverness Mòd did not take will enable the event to proceed in the support of the today. sector in the Highlands, Spirit:360 will communities across the Highlands. We place in its traditional form last year, Inverness this year whilst supporting Highland Council is crucial to its celebrate the creativity rooted within are very pleased to be able to support An Comunn Gàidhealach has proposed economic development and social and success. The linguistic, cultural and Open to writers, musicians, filmmakers, the communities of the area. It will also the programme through the Highland altering the schedule to host the Royal cultural interaction to recover from the economic input of the Mòd is important visual artists, and others, the offer funding for the creative sector Place Partnership and look forward National Mòd in Inverness this year and impacts of COVID. to the Inverness and surrounding area programme will support the creation during this period of recovery from the to seeing the creative work produced in Perth in 2022. Perth was the original particularly during the pandemic. of new work inspired by stories that impact of the pandemic while further through Spirit:360.” scheduled location for 2021. Chair of the Resources Committee, We are adhering to the Government reflect the theme of the ‘Spirit of the developing the Spirit of the Highlands Cllr Jimmy Gray said: guidelines in relation to the pandemic, Highlands’. project. The transformation of Inverness An Comunn Gàidhealach has indicated therefore the Mòd will continue to Castle is supported by £15 million a strong desire to return to Inverness “With the Inverness develop both in a virtual and face to Spirit:360 is a partnership with the Spirit:360 is supported by the Creative Scottish Government and £3 million this coming Autumn, rather than wait Mòd falling victim to face format. The Mòd will be a great Highland Place Partnership and Scotland Place Partnership programme UK Government investment through until 2024, which is the next time that the COVID pandemic platform for people of all ages to £150,000 has been made available and is administered by High Life the Inverness and Highland City the festival is due to come back to the last year, The participate in events whether online through Creative Scotland Place Highland, as part of the Spirit of the Region Deal. It will create a gateway Highlands. Highland Council are or in the traditional manner. Partnership funding to support the new Highlands project. To find out more, for Highland tourism, contributing delighted to support He continued, “I wish to take this commissioning programme. contact: spirit.360@highlifehighland. to reinvigoration of tourism across Perth and Kinross Council has accepted the return of the Mòd opportunity to thank An Comunn com the area and providing much needed a postponement of their event, due to to Inverness and the Highlands this Gàidhealach, the Local Committee and Spirit:360 will support and promote investment for the industry to aid take place this year in Perth. year. all the participants as it is a challenging artists, with the completed Fiona Hampton, Director of the the recovery from the effects of the time for organisations who are striving commissions being showcased on a Inverness Castle – Spirit of the Covid-19 pandemic. The project will The Inverness Mòd 2021 will be a “It is an important celebration of the to organise quality key cultural events new online platform alongside the Highlands project, said: support economic growth throughout hybrid event model using a mix of Gaelic language, music and culture during these unprecedented times. On original story which has inspired the the Highland area, creating a behalf of the Highland Council I wish An work. It is anticipated that some of “We are delighted to be working with sustainable, viable and “must-see” Comunn Gàidhealach every success.” the works may inspire larger-scale Creative Scotland through the Highland attraction that will celebrate the spirit commissions for consideration within Place Partnership to deliver this unique of the Highlands. The Royal National Mòd celebrates the the new visitor attraction in the opportunity for creative professionals unique language, culture and spirit transformed Inverness Castle when it in the Highlands. This commissioning The Inverness and Highland City Region of the Gaels, promoting its relevance opens to the public. fund is open to people practising deal is a joint initiative supported by and value in modern Scotland and professionally in any creative medium up to £315m investment from the is a showcase and focal point for all Spirit:360 is open to creative and it offers support for new work at UK and Scottish governments, The Gaelic users and supporters, and it is professionals based within, or this challenging time. I’m very much Highland Council, Highlands and particularly relevant to new generations originally from, The Highland Council looking forward to seeing the creative Islands Enterprise and University of of confident young Gaels emerging area. Commissions are available up to ideas from applicants inspired by the the Highlands and Islands, aimed from schools and universities, and a maximum of £1,000 and applications ‘Spirit of the Highlands’ theme.” at stimulating sustainable regional who are the lifeblood and future of the are encouraged from those practising economic growth. Gaelic language. Image: © Ewen Weatherspoon / An Comunn Gàidhealach, The Highland Council, Flickr.

42 scottish local authority news scottish local authority news 43 TOURISM & RECREATION TOURISM & RECREATION

Preliminary discussions with Sport Several work packages will be and site constraints, land ownership, Aberdeen and Aberdeen Football Club developed as part of the Masterplan connectivity and accessibility Beach Masterplan to be have been undertaken to understand and these include public consultation assessment, landscape character the possible land that could be in and assessment of demand, an assessment, environmental impact scope. As part of further consultation outline design option, economic assessment, and financial appraisal. undertaken to improve with the public, this will also include impact assessment, detailed The estimated costs for these work engagement with appropriate site appraisal including planning packages including contingency is connectivity to city centre stakeholders in the area. considerations, ground investigation £1.2million. An update on the output of the technical feasibility studies, public consultation A Beach Masterplan is to be developed and also acts as a gateway to other and proposed Beach Masterplan will including public consultation and beaches to the north. be reported to the city, growth and technical feasibility studies after resources committee on 10 August councillors agreed to the move at The area received the Resort Seaside 2021. committee. Award in 2013 and given its location a short distance from Aberdeen city The members of Aberdeen City centre, it provides an opportunity to “The beach area is one Council’s city growth and resources attract new footfall to the city. It is of the best resources we committee approved a report outlining actively promoted by both VisitScotland the project which would improve and VisitAberdeenshire for its popular have in Aberdeen in terms of connectivity between the beach area recreational and sports area, and leisure, tourism, and future and the city centre. the Beach Leisure Centre, Linx Ice Area, a range of cafes, restaurants, potential so it is great we are The masterplan would capitalise on and a family funfair. It is therefore a embarking on a Masterplan.” the built and natural assets of the area component of the VisitAberdeenshire which is a tourism priority in its own destination planning and contributes to right and is likely to be more in demand wider development work on the North in a post-Covid-19 and recovery phase East of Scotland adventure tourism. as people seek safe, outdoor, wildlife, and active experiences. The beach area “In terms of wider economic is also an intrinsic component of the Aberdeen Coastal Trail, and the wide recovery of cities, the beach variety of tourism offer that includes area is an opportunity and Summer opening for new public park nature, golf, maritime history, and dolphin watching. tourism asset. As it is located and a cafe, events area, a network of “With play areas, walking and cycling almost in the city centre, it walking and cycling routes, a multi paths, an outdoor gym, seating and Aberdeen City Council City Centre sports pitch and an outdoor gym. A accessible facilities, there will be Masterplan spokesperson Councillor provides Aberdeen with a dis- feature path will be created along the something for everyone to enjoy. Marie Boulton said: tinct and unique advantage to line of the historic steel strip mill, Active travel links from the park will generate new visits and spend and seating areas will be located also connect it to other communities “The beach area throughout the park. beyond Ravenscraig. is one of the best over other UK destinations.” resources we have The play area will have climbing walls, “As more houses are built, and the in Aberdeen in terms The in-scope amenities and assets swings, trampolines, bouncing discs, overall masterplan for the site comes of leisure, tourism, within this beach area review would a climbing tower, zip slide, talk tubes, to life, the park will be a key element and future potential include, but are not limited to, the balance beams and posts, incorporating of its ongoing regeneration.” so it is great we are Beach Boulevard, a grand procession The new public park being created at accessible facilities for children and embarking on a Masterplan. to the beach encouraging pedestrian Ravenscraig is on schedule to open in young people with mobility issues. Local school pupils and community friendly active travel and developing time for the school summer holidays. groups have been invited to choose the “We look forward to the next stages activity along the route, connectivity Councillor Paul Kelly, Depute Leader name of the new park and the play area to find out what the public would like between the beach and city centre, The £3.7 million park is being built of the Council said: within it, and this will be announced from the area, and what is feasible.” Queens Links, Beach Ballroom with by the council, as part of its plans to before the park opens in July. a condition survey, Beach Leisure regenerate the former steelworks site. “The new park is really taking shape The one-mile long Aberdeen beach is Centre/Ice rink condition survey, Broad now, and it will be a fantastic green Funding for the park project has come in the heart of the city running from Hill, the cricket pitch, coastal defence, It will include a play area, sensory space for residents and visitors,” from the Scottish Government’s Vacant Fittie to Donmouth Nature Reserve, and ground conditions. garden, visitor hub with a disabled toilet and Derelict Land Fund and the council.

44 scottish local authority news scottish local authority news 45 TOURISM & RECREATION TOURISM & RECREATION

the arrival car parks as well. There will be more accessible and a great place boundaries of the City of Edinburgh also be welcome improvements to the for locals and visitors now and in the Council, Midlothian Council and West approach pathways. future.” Lothian Council. The City of Edinburgh Funding boost for Pentland Council is the managing authority of “In addition to the 12 temporary toilets the Pentland Hills Regional Park under installed for this summer following The Pentland Hills Regional the terms of a Minute of Agreement another successful funding bid with park was also successful in between the three local authorities. Hills Regional Park NatureScot, through the Better Places three further bids through Green Recovery Fund, we currently NatureScot, securing: Outdoor recreation has grown in have only two permanent public toilets popularity year on year, and with Additional car parking, entrance paths, bike stands and public bike pump and The recent announcement has been for park visitors which is not enough • £63,992 for the addition of six Scotland’s capital city Edinburgh on cycle parking and toilet facilities are repair stations. welcomed by the Convener of the City considering how many people visit the seasonal park rangers in the the doorstep, along with growing to be created in the Pentland Hills of Edinburgh Council’s Pentland Hills park. Building these four new unisex Pentland Hills between July urban settlements in Mid and West Regional Park after two separate Three new unisex and accessible Regional Park Joint Committee, Coun- and accessible toilet facilities is really and October. Lothian, the Pentlands have become funding bids to Visit Scotland were toilet facilities will be built at Bonaly, cillor Neil Gardiner. He said: welcome and much-needed. Lastly an important outdoor resource for successful. Threipmuir and Harlaw car parks and thanks must go to our hard-working • £72,720 for the provision of residents and visitors to the region. an extra set of toilets near Harlaw “This funding boost Pentland Hills Regional Park team and temporary toilets at the four The tourism organisation announced reservoir. Work on both the parking is great news for also our partners including ELGT who hot spots in Pentland Hills The Regional Park is used for a recently that the park had been and toilet facilities is expected to be the hundreds of helped put together such strong bids between June and October variety of recreational activities successful in its bids for funding from completed by April 2022. thousands of visitors to get this funding.” 2021. including hillwalking, dog walking, the Rural Tourism Infrastructure Fund who flock to the park mountain biking, angling, horse (RTIF) with £421,520 being provided Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace every year. Many of Charlie Cumming, Chief Executive, • £29,995 for the provision riding, orienteering, camping and wild towards the costs of the two projects. Trust (ELGT) are currently working them travel by car Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace of four Estate workers and swimming. There is also a golf course The fund was created by the Scottish on a visitor plan to identify what car and with visitor numbers increasing Trust said: 1 supervisor to deliver rapid and an artificial ski slope within the Government in 2018 and is managed by parking and path improvements can every year it’s been putting increased response and maintenance park boundary. Visit Scotland on their behalf. be made to help make access to the pressure on the limited parking “We were delighted to receive funding work at visitor hot spots in park more sustainable. The work will facilities available. I’m sure everyone from the NatureScot Better Places Pentland Hills and Edinburgh Visitors to the Pentlands can access The funding will see an extra 140 car also involve looking at what facilities will be delighted to hear we’re going to Green Recovery fund to develop city parks between July and information on routes on the Pentland parking spaces created, including more could be provided including an eco- put in an extra 140 spaces, especially sustainable solutions to address some October. Hills Regional Parks website or for blue badge holders, and electric campsite and public conveniences to local residents affected by vehicles of the issues that have arisen over the popular websites including Walk vehicle charging points installed in help manage the increase in use of being parked outside their homes. last year in the Pentland Hills Regional Highlands, Visit Scotland, and Scotland the four main car parks at Harlaw, the park. Cyclists will benefit too as we’re Park. ELGT look forward to working with The Pentland Hills Regional Park Starts Here. Threipmuir, Bonaly and Flotterstone. increasing the number of bike stands the different stakeholders to contribute covers approximately 10,000 hectares Cyclists will also benefit with additional and bike pump and repair stations in towards enabling the Regional Park to of land and straddles the local authority

46 scottish local authority news scottish local authority news 47 TOURISM & RECREATION TOURISM & RECREATION

The Highland Council is supporting the can enjoy our parks, beaches, hills, most people want to do the right second phase of the national award- woodlands and countryside, after you thing and take action to make all of wining Scotland is Stunning – Let’s leave, please put your rubbish in the Scotland stunning again. Our evidence Keep It That Way litter prevention bin, recycling it if you can.” shows that we’re facing a looming litter campaign. emergency across Scotland, so we’re As the country takes another step back delighted to support this campaign. We First launched last year to coincide to normality, rural and green spaces all can, and should, do more to tackle with tourism re-opening in Scotland, and urban parks are expected to see a litter. And while some people need to the campaign by Zero Waste Scotland, flurry of visitors in the coming months, change their behaviour, thousands of in partnership with the Scottish raising concerns about littering. In fact, people have pledged to litter pick as Government and Keep Scotland most people in Scotland are concerned part of our Summer Clean this month, Beautiful, aims to raise awareness of about litter levels in their local area, helping them turn their anger into the harm done by littering, encouraging with research carried out by Zero Waste action.” Scots to change their habits by taking Scotland indicating that a majority their litter home or binning it. (89%) see it as a problem in their area. Recently, a third (34%) of the population To support the campaign and Scotland is Stunning – Let’s Keep It have seen an increase in litter since encourage others to do the same, That Way aims to encourage people in the pandemic. please download the campaign the Highlands who are eager to go out toolkit, or visit and enjoy Scotland’s natural beauty Barry Fisher, CEO, Keep Scotland www.managingourwaste.scot/ and wildlife to bin their litter or take it Beautiful said: litter for further details. home with them. “We know from our work with The Leader of the Highland Council, communities across Scotland that Councillor Margaret Davidson said:

“Scotland really is stunning and this such a fantastic and worthwhile campaign to be a part of, we’re so passionate about preserving our beautiful Scottish countryside. We are looking forward to getting everyone involved and raising awareness. It’s all about reminding everyone out and about enjoying themselves to leave wherever they go exactly the way you found it.”

The Chair of the Council’s Communities and Place Committee, Councillor Allan Highland Council Henderson added:

“Litter isn’t just an eye sore – it harms our wildlife, backs Scotland contributes to the climate crisis and impacts on our health and wellbeing. Each year the Council spends over £2 million is Stunning on cleaning up litter, money that could be much better spent investing in our local communities and improving the road network. The campaign message Campaign is simple - to make sure everyone 48 scottish local authority news scottish local authority news 49 TOURISM & RECREATION FINANCE

Council agrees £2m Image source: © Hamza Yassin Photography anti-poverty fund Works Underway at Ardnamurchan Inverclyde Council has agreed a new and aim to help to focus on issues series of spending projects to help including employment, business, food tackle poverty in the area. and fuel insecurity and in supporting Lighthouse local organisations offering financial The £2m anti-poverty fund aims to help to residents.” tackle issues raised before covid as Major improvements have commenced Chairman of Highland Council’s work still to do - but I can’t wait to see part of the outcomes of the Scottish at the community-owned Ardnamurchan Community and Place Committee, Cllr this site looking its best, delivering Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD) The investment of £2m includes Lighthouse Complex which received Allan Henderson, said: maximum benefit to our remote rural which identified places across Scotland spending on: support from the Highland Coastal community and welcoming guests of suffering from deprivation. Communities Fund (HCCF). “We are delighted all abilities for a terrific west-coast • Local Employment pilots to have been able to experience.” Inverclyde Council Leader, Councillor £1,037,000 The site remains closed to the public support this excellent Stephen McCabe, said: (with no pedestrian or vehicle access) community-owned A partial reopening of the lighthouse • Dedicated business while TSL Contractors Ltd deliver the visitor attraction complex is expected in June 2021 – but “Inverclyde was development officer £167,000 most disruptive groundworks. by supporting the guests are strongly advised to check identified as the area Highland Coastal the Trust’s website and Facebook page with the largest local • School linked Social Workers The full programme includes Communities Fund (HCCF) application for updates before planning a visit. share of deprived £202,000 improvements to the condition of the and easing the Economic Development Due to restricted turning space and areas and the past year site’s much-loved heritage foghorn and Burden to allow funding from Scottish the presence of construction traffic, has only compounded • Food Insecurity Year 2 Pantry viewing platform, the resurfacing of Land Fund (SLF). people should avoid walking or driving how exposed some and Fare Share Membership parking areas, better provisions for EV out to the site until the access advice residents in the area have been. £124,000 drivers and cyclists, more accessible “This is the type of attraction that helps is updated. footpaths and a new scenic seating spread tourists across the area and “While there is a wider debate to be had • Fuel Insecurity £200,000 area designed by landscape architect they get a chance to visit one of our Funding to deliver these essential about areas like ours becoming national David Graham of Craignish Design Ltd. most fragile rural areas.” improvements was secured from priorities for investment, the council is • Financial Fitness £60,000 All actions are intended to make the Archaeology Scotland, the Highland putting its resources to work to support site’s infrastructure more resilient and Project Manager Stephanie Cope Coastal Communities Fund, the our communities through our covid • Starter Pack £74,000 more accessible. An overhaul of the said: “After a tricky first year Highland Council, the Scottish Land recovery fund, through our Inverclyde signage and interpretation offer will under community ownership, I’m Fund and VisitScotland’s Rural Tourism Works jobs recovery programme and • Early Intervention Support follow later this summer, in conjunction unbelievably excited to watch plans for Infrastructure Fund. through the anti-poverty fund. and Mentoring for Families with Archaeology Scotland’s outdoor areas of this site unfold. The £104,000 community-led ‘Ardnamurchan: The lighthouse complex is rightly beloved “The range of initiatives identified Real Wild West’ Adopt-a-Monument by local people,and our proposals were respond to the priorities set out by the • Credit Union £8,000 initiative. mandated by them. We have a lot of community through local engagement

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opportunity for local businesses and contracts coming through from those. zero carbon ambitions and mitigate the I would encourage participation in the The strategy sets out an intention to impacts of climate change. We have Local businesses get ready for online event. The Scottish Government bring on board other key Regional big asks too of businesses who win is a full partner in the Glasgow City public sector partners as part of the our contracts to support all of these Region Deal, contributing £500 million collaborative approach and also to go ambitions; to work more closely with over 20 years. Contracts awarded beyond the City Deal to include the wider us to open up supply chains to support over £150 million of City Deal through the Deal will contribute to the capital infrastructure procurement local SMEs; to deliver community region’s economic recovery by creating programmes of all eight councils in the benefits that really make a difference jobs, and providing the commercial Region. Work is already underway to – that help local young people, infrastructure to support and attract map out an overall Capital Investment communities and those that need it infrastructure contracts businesses to Glasgow and the Plan which will show planned capital most; and to support work in climate surrounding areas.” investment for public sector agencies change and reducing emissions.” Glasgow City Region has formally Councillor Susan Aitken, Chair of on a framework for – and then register across the whole City Region area for launched the latest contract pipeline the Glasgow City Region Cabinet and to attend the event to find out more. A new Regional strategy for Sustainable the next three years. for its £1 billion City Deal infrastructure Leader of Glasgow City Council, said: Procurement and Community Benefits programme, including details of over £150 UK Government Minister for Scotland will also be formally launched at the Councillor Aitken continued: million worth of tier one infrastructure “Our City Deal is Iain Stewart said: event. contracts due to go to open tender in helping to protect “We are determined that decisions the coming three years. the Region’s jobs and “The UK Government is investing £500 With procurement spend across the we make in procurement will address businesses from the million into infrastructure projects in eight Regional councils in the realm inequalities and climate change, benefit A free online business event, held impacts of Covid-19. the region and I welcome this latest of £2 billion per annum, there is local communities and, vitally provide in partnership with the Supplier In fact, to date local contract pipeline launch as these an enormous opportunity for local opportunities for local businesses. As Development Programme, will provide companies have schemes will bring many jobs to the companies and SMEs of all sizes the Region prepares to host COP26, a virtual platform to showcase details benefitted from over £110 million worth area. Communities should benefit to bid for and win not only tier one we are fully committed to exploring of the Region’s upcoming contract of City Deal contracts. This event will from start to finish from government contracts but all of the ensuing sub how procurement can support our net opportunities, with three Talking give our partner councils the chance to projects, so I encourage the region’s Tender workshops also taking place engage with the business community businesses to take full advantage of where business can hear more about at different stages of project timelines this latest round of contracts. Across specific upcoming City Deal projects to tell them about upcoming contract Scotland we are investing more than and their contracts. opportunities. “I’d urge local businesses £1.5 billion into Growth Deal projects in these industries to register for this that will help us to build back better Representatives from the eight City free online event to find out more and from the pandemic.” Region councils will be on hand at to hear what support is available.” Inverclyde in £4m recovery investment virtual exhibition stands throughout Economy Secretary Kate Forbes said: the day to talk through their City Deal The contract pipeline is being issued programmes and projects, as well before the event so that relevant “I’m very pleased that the latest The council is set to invest £4m to “The next level of “Our recovery programme includes as wider council capital investment businesses get advance notice of contract pipeline for the Glasgow boost recovery across Inverclyde. investment includes measures to support our towns and programmes, outlining what contracts contracts coming up that they could City Region Deal will be launched in a range of practical villages and other businesses." are coming up to award and when. either bid for or which they are already the coming weeks. This is a great The fund, approved by councillors areas where we recently, includes extra support for can support wider The interventions also bring universal business and town centres, extra recovery from covid free school meals for children in funding for the Duke of Edinburgh including supporting primaries four to seven across Award Scheme, increased place people to get better access to sport Inverclyde. marketing for Inverclyde, boosting and fitness to encourage our area to access to sports and fitness and earlier be more resilient. “The recovery plan also includes implementation of Universal P4-7 supporting our young people of all ages School Meals. “The recovery programme also focusses including extra investment in the Duke on support for business, especially of Edinburgh Awards Scheme to further Inverclyde Council Leader and conven- our towns and villages. Throughout boost Inverclyde’s position as one of the er of the council’s Policy and Resources the pandemic even when national most successful areas in the country. Committee, Councillor Stephen McCabe restrictions allowed it was our local Universal free school meals for primary said: high streets that were there to support pupils will also be introduced earlier local people including businesses doing than planned to support young people “We have already launched a significant more business online or delivering and families right across our school phase of our recovery interventions differently to keep customers safe. estate,” added Councillor McCabe. with the Inverclyde Works £6m jobs and employability programme.

52 scottish local authority news scottish local authority news 53 FINANCE FINANCE

Focusing on specific actions needed • the National Galleries of Scot- innovation and strong sectors like to revive the economy of the city’s land £22 million refurbishment technology, finance and business historic centre, The City Centre project; tourism are all collectively working Recovery Plan has been developed as together as a city to build a bright an accompaniment to the refresh of the • new uses on the way for key future for Edinburgh with opportunities city-wide Edinburgh Economy Strategy. buildings such as the former for all our residents.” BHS, Debenham’s shops, and This plan proposes two core priorities the iconic Jenner’s department I’d like to thank our partners and for the Council and its partners over store stakeholders for their support and the next few years: insights in getting our next Economic • and in the west end of the city, Strategy to this stage. Through this • ‘support the city centre to adapt the Edinburgh’s Haymarket next phase of wider engagement with and thrive’ by taking action to project delivering a £350m the City we will have a robust plan of provide high impact support to development transforming the actions to support businesses, protect businesses of all sectors, as well long-neglected brownfield site. and create jobs and continue to make as tailored, targeted support to progress. businesses in areas or in sectors under specific pressure. The new frameworks proposed for Depute Leader, Cammy Day, said: both the Economic Strategy and the • ‘build momentum for long term City Centre Recovery Plan will now go “A strong recovery for Edinburgh’s recovery’ by delivering strong through a consultation period with our economy as a whole requires a programmes of promotion and citizen’s and partners from this month. strong and vibrant city centre and by marketing the city centre, as Following this the final documents will developing The City Centre Recovery well as taking the steps needed be published in November this year. Plan, in tandem with the refreshed to help people safely return to Economic Strategy, we’re making sure work in the area. Meanwhile Both reports will also look to deliver that this vital area of our city continues look to enhance and repurpose on the Council’s broader approach to thrive. the city centre to make sure to recovery from the pandemic and it meets the post-pandemic meet its core priorities to end poverty, “In parallel with the development of needs of residents, businesses become a net zero city, and ensure the priorities we’ve set out, we have Edinburgh Economic Strategy and visitors. wellbeing and equalities are enhanced also committed to delivering many for all. innovative and regenerative schemes This will be underpinned by some of across the city that are at the heart of the largest and most significant retail, Welcoming the update on the new our communities. Yesterday we agreed takes “Refreshed Approach” commercial, and tourism developments frameworks, Council Leader, Adam on six key projects to be put forward for seen in any UK city centre. McVey, said: UK Government Levelling Up Funding As Edinburgh’s economy faces the the importance of the city centre to including the Granton Waterfront, the biggest challenge for more than a Edinburgh’s long-term economic These actions fall under five It is hoped that these major investments “Recent indicators North Edinburgh Art’s MacMillan Hub generation, the City of Edinburgh success – as a magnet for visitors, priorities which are: will provide a catalyst for recovery like City centre in Pennywell, Wester Hailes and other Council looks to forge a strong and cultural activity, investment and of Edinburgh’s city centre, creating footfall and key priority programme for the city. I’m sustainable recovery for Scotland’s innovation. 1. helping businesses to manage, new job opportunities and building investments bringing hopeful that we’ll be successful in our Capital by developing a new strategy adapt and innovate momentum needed to drive up footfall opportunities for bids for this funding and look forward that focuses on the city’s strengths, As part of the initial work that’s been and turnover to the benefit of all people in the Capital to seeing these projects benefiting our continued investment and collaboration. done so far with key partners a series 2. promote access to fair businesses in the area. show Edinburgh citizens in future years.” of actions have been proposed that the work and opportunities for in a strong position for a successful The Council has brought together key Council and other city stakeholder need progression These include: recovery. Oxford Economics suggested Funding regeneration partners, stakeholders and business to undertake to support the delivery that Edinburgh is the most resilient leaders to review the Edinburgh of a strong economic recovery for 3. lead a just transition to • the £1billion St James Quarter economy in Scotland, driven by our Alongside this, as part of the city’s wider Economic Strategy to develop a Edinburgh. a net carbon zero economy development opening in July; digital connectivity and the diversity ambitions for the economy, the need to refreshed approach that responds to of our economy. But the challenges for help fund and deliver key regeneration new pressures arising from both the 4. create vibrant places for • Diageo’s investment in whisky businesses of Covid and Brexit can’t be and infrastructure projects was also pandemic and Brexit, in addition to the businesses and people; and tourism culminating in Johnnie underestimated. on the agenda at yesterday’s Policy & long-term challenges identified in the Walker Princes Street opening Sustainability Committee. Six projects 2018 Edinburgh Economy Strategy. 5. maintain Edinburgh’s place later this summer; “By channelling our strengths, we can were agreed and will now be put as a global economy. overcome the challenges and continue forward for the 2021/22 funding round Agreed at the Policy & Sustainability • a £40 million repair of North to make our City a greener and fairer of the new UK Levelling Up Fund. committee the report outlines key Bridge; place to live, work and do business. priorities, while also highlighting Key growth sectors like data-driven

54 scottish local authority news scottish local authority news 55 FINANCE FINANCE

The Levelling Up Fund was announced next 10 to 15 years and will Building international by UK Government at the 2020 Spending incorporate the aspirations as partnerships Review as a £4.8bn package of funding set out by the community in the Improved finances at Dundee to provide capital investment in local Local Place Plan; Taking an international perspective infrastructure projects over four years, and continuing to build relationships from 2021-22 to 2024-25. • Inch Park Regeneration - across the globe to attract investment a proposed project for the and strategic links will be an important Health and Social Care Partnership All Scottish Local Authorities will development of a sports and part in growing Edinburgh’s economy. receive a flat amount of £125,000 community hub in Inch Park; The financial situation at the Dundee Chair of the Dundee Health and Social still seeing big demand and subsequent in capacity funding to support bid How Edinburgh maximises its global Health and Social Care Partnership Care Partnership Integration Joint financial pressures in our community development. This funding is expected • Craigmillar Town Centre connections and partnerships was has improved significantly in the Board Ken Lynn said: and home-based service and we are to be made available in late June 2021. Regenerations - a regeneration set out in an updated Edinburgh past year. already seeing a spike in demand for plan for the area to complete International Framework, developed “Throughout the pan- care as a result of the pandemic. years of housing led investment in collaboration with members of the A report submitted to the Integration demic the partner- The six projects are: to deliver wide ranging Edinburgh International Group. Joint Board will update the financial ship has continued “More people need support to live community led improvements; year end position. It reveals that the to provide vital ser- independently at home and this will • North Edinburgh Arts - a Refreshed in response to changing partnership ended the financial year vices to the citizens be a big focus for the partnership in proposed new creative and • City-wide active travel - building context and challenges arising from to 31st March 2021 with an operational of Dundee. the year ahead, but I am confident we community hub at MacMillan on the vision and objectives set the Covid-19 pandemic and the UK’s underspend of around £2.1m, which is a will meet the demand. Square in Pennywell; out in the City Mobility Plan, withdrawal from the EU, as well as new significantly improved position from the “It’s good news to see the financial the active travel investment developments in city wide priorities, the net overspend of £4m incurred during position improving which allows us • Granton Gas Holder - restoring programme will deliver on approach ensures international activity 2019/20. much greater flexibility to respond to “Having available financial the gas holder structure and of the UK’s most ambitious promotes the Capital’s equality and challenges and create and adopt new reserves allows us a remediating the wider site, safe, attractive and coherent diversity objectives. In the past year the Scottish ways to deliver services. forming a key catalyst to walking, cycling and wheeling Government has provided additional greater deal of flexibility delivering phase one of the networks. As part of the new framework, funding to the partnership to cover “The additional funding from the to tackle some of the wider waterfront regeneration Councillors also agreed that the Council additional spending for items such Scottish Government has made a programme; will support the University of Edinburgh as PPE, additional staff costs, and to huge difference to some of the most demand the partnership in joining the World Innovative Cities support third and independent social vulnerable people of Dundee during • Wester Hailes Regeneration Co-operation Organisation to develop care providers during the ongoing the pandemic. faces and lets us take a – a comprehensive, phased civic links and support innovative Covid-19 crisis. more creative approach regeneration plan for the collaborations with partner cities. “Ringfenced money for mental health In addition, a further £2.8 million has services will enable us to increase to the challenges.” been allocated to the partnership by access to dedicated mental health the Scottish Government to fund the professionals in a number of settings Primary Care Improvement Fund, across the city and I know this will be Mental Health Strategy Action 15 very welcome news.” Workforce and Alcohol and Drugs Partnerships. This and other additional Councillor Lynn continued: resources have helped boost the IJB’s “I have no doubt though that we have financial reserves position. a major challenge ahead of us, we are

56 scottish local authority news scottish local authority news 57 FINANCE FINANCE Local Economic Recovery Plan worth a look

Businesses, organisations and The Economic Recovery Plan (ERP) Community residents are being encouraged to identifies key issues and actions within check out the Economic Recovery four priority areas: The Council is prioritising capital Plan for East Dunbartonshire as projects to help our communities efforts continue to help the area Business and economy to recover, for example emerge from the shadow of the Allander Leisure and Day Care Centre, pandemic. The Council is continuing to work with local parks, early years facilities in Business Gateway East Dunbartonshire Bearsden, Kirkintilloch and Milngavie, The vital document includes work and other community partners to help and more. The Council will continue to being undertaken by Council businesses reopen and recover, access support town centres, local Business services and community planning support and grants, and secure advice Improvement Districts, and the partners - as well as a wealth and training resources. As of 30 April delivery of Place Plans in Auchinairn, of information and potential 2021, more than £26.5 million had Hillhead and Harestanes, Lennoxtown resources - to help mitigate been processed by the Council for and Twechar. It is also working with the devastating effects of the businesses during the pandemic - East Dunbartonshire Voluntary coronavirus emergency. over 5,700 grants. Provisional HMRC Association to aid the development figures (as of 28 February 2021) show of social enterprises and community The ERP has been informed by a Councillor Andrew Polson, Joint help support businesses during the More than £26.5 million has been 6,500 jobs were furloughed in East organisations. survey, held in November 2020, which Leader of the Council, said, pandemic - more than 5,700 grants processed by the Council to help Dunbartonshire as part of the Job found: - which is an incredible effort by all." support businesses during the Retention Scheme. Environment "The pandemic has pandemic - over 5,700 grants. • The pandemic had a clear impact had a devastating People Promoting environmental sustainability on local trade and turnover, with impact across East For more information visit For more information, visit: alongside economic resilience is vital 90% reporting lower customer Dunbartonshire The Council is working alongside - helping to ensure that progress numbers than normal and and beyond, with www.eastdunbarton.gov.uk/ www.eastdunbarton.gov.uk/ Skills Development Scotland and continues to be made towards a net- 51% ceasing all trade during unprecedented economic-recovery, economic-recovery and www. other partners to: support residents zero economy. Work is taking place to lockdown challenges for us all eastdunbarton.gov.uk/circular- facing unemployment or changed prepare a Climate Action Plan - www. - personally, socially and economically. www.eastdunbarton.gov.uk/ economy-strategy employment; address inequality; eastdunbarton.gov.uk/CAP - for East • 43% of businesses responding The ERP provides information and circular-economy-strategy help people access job and training Dunbartonshire, and a new Active to the survey had furloughed support to aid economic recovery opportunities; and provide benefits and Travel Strategy and Circular Economy employees, while 5% had made locally as we finally begin to emerge and www.eastdunbarton.gov.uk/ debt advice. Strategy are on the way. employees redundant from the long shadow cast by this covid-19-business-support worldwide crisis." • All residents surveyed said their use of local businesses Councillor Vaughan Moody, Joint and facilities had changed since Leader of the Council, added, the pandemic and 75% said their online shopping had increased. "Council teams have However, many residents vowed been liaising with to shop local in future. partners throughout the pandemic to • 56% of businesses said they help businesses were 'very worried' about the and residents continued impact of COVID-19 weather the storm, on their finances, while 79% and that good work will continue as were 'very worried' about the we hopefully look forward to brighter local economy. days ahead. Over £26.5 million has been processed by the Council to

58 scottish local authority news scottish local authority news 59 ASSOCIATION PROFILE

Some of the main initiatives that new officers can be brought into the SCOTSS is currently involved in are: profession more easily to safeguard succession planning. Approved Trader: Highlighted opposite, SCOTSS strongly supports the growth Tobacco Control: SCOTSS has worked of local authority ‘assured’ trader for over ten years with Scottish Professional Organisation: schemes, which provide consumer Government and councils, to ensure SCOTSS and community protection against a high priority is given to tobacco rogue and itinerant traders and help and NVP enforcement in Scotland, Sector: support and sustain local small to safeguard young people from the Trading Standards businesses in the service sector. The dangers of smoking and vaping, and number of councils running their own working with HMRC, to crack down Formed: scheme, after the launch of the Dundee on the illicit supply of tobacco within 1996 Trusted Trader scheme in 2005, has Scotland. grown rapidly with more than half of Scottish Contact: Scotland’s councils operating one. The Brexit and borders: SCOTSS work with Ken Daly launch of the SCOTSS Approved Trader the Ports and Borders team at OPSS T: 07720 538 349 Portal www.approvedtrader.scot three and with Scottish councils at ports years ago joins up all these schemes such as Grangemouth and Glasgow Website: within one consumer focussed portal, and Edinburgh airports, to make sure www.scotss.org.uk where consumers can search freely that consumer products imported into across all schemes by postcode, safe the UK via Scotland post-Brexit are safe in the knowledge that the traders listed and cannot cause harm to consumers. have been vetted and approved by We provide additional resource to these Trading Standards and can be trusted councils to make additional checks and In common with many Scottish local to do a good job around the home. In work with other agencies like Border authority services, senior managers in most cases, consumers can also view Force and HMRC to make sure Scotland trading standards services have a long- feedback from previous customers is safer. established professional association to to check for quality and satisfaction provide leadership and consistency with work. Schemes are usually self- across Scotland. funding, contact coordinator@scotss. More details on any of these areas org.uk for further details if you are can be gained by contacting: The Society of Chief Officers of Trading interested in starting one in your Ken Daly Standards in Scotland (SCOTSS), was council area. SCOTSS National Coordinator formed in 1996 carrying on the work of its predecessor the Society of Directors Covid-19 pandemic: SCOTSS, along www.scotss.org.uk of Trading Standards in the regional with colleagues in environmental @socotss councils and has members from each health, set up an expert group in 07720538349 of Scotland’s 31 council services, with March 2020 to advise local authorities Stirling and Clackmannan councils on the new Scottish Government operating a joint Trading Standards restrictions and liaise with officials service. SCOTSS is a charitable from government and other regulators. organisation and provides support to To date local services have dealt with local authority members, for example over 20,000 requests for advice from with training and development of business, 75,000 interventions by staff, with interpretation of legislation officers, and 20,000 complaints, and through SCOTSS’ expert groups, and the group has won several awards for with sharing of good practice between its innovative approach. councils. Workforce Strategy: An aging The Society liaises with local council workforce is at the root of a real viability colleagues across the UK as most issue for trading standards services Trading Standards duties are reserved and SCOTSS is working with COSLA and and engages with Scottish and UK others to try and ensure that resource governments and others around the levels are maintained or improved. We operation of the consumer protection are also working to ensure there is a fit landscape. for purpose qualification route so that

scottish local authority news 61 HOUSING HOUSING Scottish Borders joins the fight against empty homes

Scottish Borders Council is appointing don’t have the money, knowledge or “Empty homes have a dedicated Empty Homes Officer as motivation to know what to do next. a negative impact on part of plans to help owners bring the local community long-term empty properties back By investing in a dedicated empty and economy. They into use and reduce the impact that homes service and helping to bring can lead to a neglected empty homes can have on empty homes back into use, councils reduction in property communities in the Borders area. can provide a vital income stream to values and increases businesses and the local economy as in anti-social behaviour and vandalism, Supported by the Scottish Empty well as improving local communities all of which can result in increased Homes Partnership (SEHP) the officer and making more homes available for levels of stress and anxiety for both New homes in Dingwall will provide a range of services, advice those who need them. property owners and neighbours, and and assistance tailored to the individual a loss of community pride. needs of each owner who engages with The Empty Homes Officer will initially named after local stalwart the service. They will also lead on the be appointed on a two-year contract to “By employing an Empty Homes Officer development and implementation of enable the council to assess the value and increasing the help and support The Highland Council is looking Dingwall Gala week and other groups. an Empty Homes Strategy that will aim of both the dedicated empty homes we can offer to people by bringing forward to welcoming tenants to their He was very popular as Compere of The to ensure that empty properties in the staff and the sharing of best practice these properties back into use, we new homes in the heart of Dingwall at Highland Fling which was a Ceilidh that private sector are brought back into to address empty homes issues. will help to reverse these negative the recently completed Joe Yates Court was loved by Local folk as well as many use wherever possible. effects, increase the supply of housing, development, named after one of the visitors to the Town. Everybody loved Shaheena Din, National Project and support communities across the town’s greatest characters. Joe – he was a real character – a legend Scottish Government figures show Manager for Scottish Empty Homes Scottish Borders. and one of Dingwall’s beloved sons. that an increase in empty homes is Partnership said: The six, one-bedroom flats have being experienced across Scotland, “The evidence nationally is that Empty been designed by Trail Architects and “I was absolutely delighted to see with 1,542 properties being listed as “We are delighted that Scottish Borders Homes Officers can make a huge local developer Ark Estates along rounds the flats and I was very long-term empty in Scottish Borders in Council has decided to appoint an difference in reviving homes through with O’Brien Properties, Torrance impressed with the quality of the 2020. 61% of these properties had been Empty Homes Officer. We know that their expansive skills and knowledge in Partnership, Ramsay & Chalmers and workmanship. Six people will be so empty for a year or longer. SEHP have having a specialist member of staff the process. We are looking forward to CDMM. happy to be moving into their new home noted that the increase in numbers of dedicated to supporting owners and finding the right person for the position especially when they see how bright empty homes across the country is part neighbours in tackling empty homes and witnessing the good work they will After delayed starts due to COVID-19, and modern they are.” of the economic legacy of the pandemic and developing an empty homes do for our communities.” the team are delighted to complete this and that the full impact of Covid-19 strategy can make a real difference to development and bring much needed on long-term empty homes may not local communities across the country. Further information about the post, affordable housing into Dingwall town The Highland Council has be known for some time following the We are proud to be partnering with and how to apply, can be found via centre. launched a new campaign called second lockdown. Scottish Borders on this project.” www.scotborders.gov.uk/jobs #BuildingOurFutureHighland Local Councillors Margaret Paterson which is dedicated to keeping the Homes become empty through normal Councillor Mark Rowley, Scottish and Angela Maclean visited the site for public updated on the progress of life events; a death, people moving Borders Council’s Executive Member a sneak peek prior to handover. works for the re-profiled capital away for work, marriage or divorce. for Economic Regeneration and programme’s education, housing, They typically become empty for an Finance, said: Cllr Margaret Paterson said: and property projects across the extended period of time when people Scottish Government Figures region. Search for the hashtag on “Joe Yates was a social media to keep updated on dearly loved resident the latest developments across of Dingwall. He was the region or visit: involved in various 1,542 61% Increase in numbers of empty groups in the Town https://www.highland.gov.uk/ properties were listed as long- of these properties had homes across the country is over many years. The buildingourfuturehighland term empty in the Scottish been empty for a year part of the economic legacy Dingwall Fireman’s Borders in 2020. or longer. of the pandemic Club, Dingwall Highland Games,

62 scottish local authority news scottish local authority news 63 HOUSING HOUSING

important that we consider the needs of everyone when we are making plans First new council homes in Newton for new housing.” Vice Convener, Councillor Chris Ahern Mearns complete added: “The new block looks Tenants have begun moving into brand “I feel very happy and appreciative of build project back in 2018; the results of fantastic and will be new council houses in the Maidenhill this new home I have moved into. It is which continue to provide families and a welcome addition area of Newton Mearns as construction lovely up here in Maidenhill and I feel individuals with high-quality, affordable to this conservation on the first phase of the development settled already. There are many new homes in our communities. This Perth & Kinross Council building area in the centre of is completed. homes around me and with the new development reflects our aspirations our city, and to our school in place nearby, I look forward and I would like to thank Taylor Wimpey affordable housing Built for East Renfrewshire Council to the seeing the community and area for the work they have done.” stock. I’m sure the tenants who are by Taylor Wimpey West Scotland, develop over the coming months and Development delivers moving in will enjoy living in these high- these new affordable homes are the years. It is comforting to feel safe here Alison Henderson, Special Projects quality homes.” first new council houses to be built and I very much see this as my forever Manager for Taylor Wimpey West in Newton Mearns in a generation. home.” Scotland said: new Council flats in CCG Director, John Baggley, said: The development, which received £2.3million funding from the Scottish East Renfrewshire Council Housing “The completion and handover of the “Milne Street was a small yet Government, comprises of 12 one- and Maintenance Convener, Councillor first affordable homes for social rent challenging development. It is not easy bed cottage flats, eight two-bedroom Danny Devlin, who visited the site, said: at Maidenhill signals a key milestone Perth city centre to minimise the impact of construction cottage flats, two two-bedroom houses, for this flagship development and is in such a busy town centre. However, 16 three-bedroom houses and one “I am absolutely the result of true partnership working A new £1.65m development of The development was funded in our site team have to be commended four-bed house. delighted that and delivery between ourselves and the affordable Council homes has been partnership by Perth & Kinross Council as they operated with the utmost through Taylor local authority. These first handovers completed in Perth city centre. and the Scottish Government, and professionalism for the duration of the Following last year’s COVID-19 Wimpey we are able are part of our wider agreement to delivered by our construction partner programme despite the unprecedented lockdown, construction on site safely to provide people with deliver a total of 82 affordable homes The four-storey block at 6 Milne Street CCG Scotland Ltd. circumstances of the last year. The began in July and the team successfully such great flats and for social rent, as well as 20 homes is made up of eight new flats, including quality of workmanship is of the highest completed these first builds on time, houses here. There across the development which will be accommodation specifically designed Milne Street is the latest development standard. allowing tenants and families to begin is a strong community growing in provided at a reduced market value as for wheelchair users and people with delivered through Perth & Kinross moving into their new homes from mid- Maidenhill, with a state of the art new part of our affordable home obligation. specific needs. Council’s multi-million-pound building “On behalf of CCG, I thank Perth & April this year. It is expected that all school, so I know that these tenants Furthermore, these homes contribute programme, which has seen well over Kinross Council for their continued homes will be handed over by the end will be very happy in their new homes. to the wider masterplan vision and The block, which consists of four 1-bed 300 new Council homes built for tenants support throughout the programme. We of September. framework for the new community flats and four 2-bed properties, was since 2012. Our work supporting new will soon be handing over the remaining “East Renfrewshire continues to be an that is now emerging at Maidenhill, formerly the site of a disused church. builds through our local Housing properties on a second development - As well as providing these high quality extremely popular place to live and this Newton Mearns. Association partners has seen a total the former Glebe Primary School in affordable homes for social rent and is why we began our ambitious house The ground floor flats are wheelchair of almost 1,400 new affordable homes Scone - within the coming weeks and contributions towards the provision “In overall terms the Maidenhill accessible, with wet rooms, an open delivered across Perth and Kinross, all we look forward to working with Perth of land and funding for the new development is bringing significant plan layout and general supported built to the highest standards in areas & Kinross Council again in the future.” Maidenhill Primary School, by the investment and creating local jobs living adaptations. where there is a shortage of affordable end of 2020, Taylor Wimpey paid over across the area, including some exciting housing. Since 2012 Perth & Kinross Council’s £930,000 in developer contributions for opportunities for young apprentices, One of the main aims of the Perth and house building programme has completions of new homes. Further and we’ll continue to work closely Kinross Local Housing Strategy is to Housing and Communities Convener, delivered new homes in the towns and contributions are due in May for the with East Renfrewshire Council and support people to live independently in Councillor Bob Brawn, visited the settlements right across the region, first quarter of this year. the local community to ensure Newton their own homes, which is what people block today and said: including Methven, Scone, Alyth, Mearns reaps the benefits of our long- have told us they want. People who Inchture, Stanley. Blairgowrie, Meigle, The Council and developer have already term investment in the area.” have a disability or other specific needs “These new flats will Auchterarder, Balbeggie, Rattray and confirmed an additional 30 affordable often need suitable accommodation and provide affordable in many sites in Perth. homes for social rent, which are This development comes following two support to live independently. These one and two-bed targeted for delivery by mid-2022, and years of ambitious house building in new high-quality flats will empower accommodation for More new builds are in the pipeline discussions are also continuing for a Barrhead by the Council, with further tenants to live healthy and active lives. people right in the including at Glebe in Scone. Due for further 13 properties for 2022/23. construction continuing across East heart of Perth. I’m completion soon, Glebe will be the Renfrewshire. The block also has a bike store, drying particularly delighted biggest single build of Council homes Sue Gray, who moved into her new area and bin stores to the rear, as well that the ground-floor flats are suitable Perth and Kinross has seen in 40 years. home earlier this month, said: as controlled door entry off the street. for people with a disability. It’s

64 scottish local authority news scottish local authority news 65 HOUSING HOUSING

homes of differing sizes suitable for a sustainable integrated communities single people, flats for families, semi- range of tenants in community settings and places by delivering affordable detached family homes, terraced around the city.” homes designed for life which meet houses, wheelchair-friendly properties, residents’ current and changing needs, and a small number of amenity The other sites due to be built include while supporting the wellbeing and bungalows. They are being designed for Auchmill, Craighill in Kincorth, the resilience of tenants. exacting standards including housing former Kincorth Academy site at for various needs, dementia friendly, Kincorth, Tillydrone, and Kaimhill. They will meet the most demand for low carbon, low maintenance, and to council properties including flats for meet the Gold Standard. Planning applications for the 99 homes at Craighill, 72 new council homes in Tillydrone and the 213-home development in Kincorth have been submitted to the Planning Authority in recent weeks.

As part of the 2,000 homes project, 99 council homes were built in Councillor Jenny Laing with Edyta and Lukasz Kranz and their family who recently moved into the development. Smithfield in 2017 and 80 in Manor Walk in 2018. Construction has also started “These new homes in Dyce form part on 369 units at the former Summerhill of the biggest council house building Academy site at Lang Stracht. Phase One of Wellheads programme Aberdeen has seen in the last 50 years. This programme has The vision of the Aberdeen City Council’s been brought forward to address the Housing Programme is to create development complete long-term shortage of affordable social rental properties in Aberdeen and will Work has finished and tenants moved playground, plenty of green outdoor see more than 2,000 council homes into phase one in a development of new space, and cycle storage. These built across the city. The residents council flats/houses which are part of homes are heated by Aberdeen Heat at Wellheads are clearly extremely a huge programme building 2,000 new and Powers combined heat and power pleased with their new homes and we council houses across Aberdeen. plant which utilises waste heat from look forward to making many more the production of electricity to heat properties available for rent in the The 67 flats at Wellheads in Dyce are the homes. coming months.” phase one in a mixture of 2 to 8 people flats houses for varying needs with 283 Aberdeen City Council Leader Aberdeen City Council city growth and new properties in this development Councillor Jenny Laing said: resources convener Councillor Ryan being built by Aberdeen City Council. Houghton said: “I was absolutely The major project which is providing delighted to get the “It has been great council homes across the city is one opportunity to meet watching the build of several sites across Aberdeen which some of the residents progress for these form part of the wider Aberdeen City who have recently new council flats and Council Housing Programme aiming moved into the I’m sure our tenants to address a long-term shortage of new council homes who have moved in affordable social rented housing in the which have been completed in phase are settling in and city. one of the Wellheads development. exploring their new surroundings. These new homes provide top quality The homes at Wellheads, with Ogilvie accommodation for a variety of tenants “These new homes in Dyce are part of Construction as main contractor and including single people, families, and the exciting 2,000 new council houses Faithful and Gould as project managers, those with additional housing needs. project which will provide not only are also designed to have a high level They have been expertly designed to energy efficient buildings but they are of energy efficiency throughout and low be energy efficient throughout and the also low maintenance and built to an maintenance external amenity spaces new residents are also enjoying access extremely high quality. as well as support more walking, to quality external amenity space. cycling and wheeling through Active “We are proud of the work we are Travel. The Wellheads site includes a undertaking building high quality

66 scottish local authority news scottish local authority news 67 ASSOCIATION PROFILE ASSOCIATION PROFILE

ALACHO is the representative published a ground breaking report As an integral part of their work, organisation for senior housing on implementing the human right to • Ending homelessness through ALACHO members meet online every and homelessness professionals adequate housing: the roll out of rapid rehousing 2 weeks to discuss key housing issues “ALACHO works in working in Scotland's Councils and http://alacho.org/what-we-do/reports/ and housing first for those who affecting local authorities. The key partnership with its Health & Social Care Partnerships. ALACHO members have also appeared need it; issues discussed and debated are then Professional Organisation: Their purpose is to provide impartial regularly before Scottish Parliamentary generally set out in a “Work Plan”, but members, tenants and ALACHO advice and comment to support the committees. • Improving standards in the are also influenced by new or emerging development of legislation, policy and private rented sector through issues. They invite a range of relevant service users, COSLA, Sector: practice in housing and homelessness a combination of supporting guests to these meetings, to hear the the Scottish Local Authority Housing nationally and locally, and to promote These aims and ambitions improved, regulation and views of policy developers, experts and best practice and improved outcomes include: enforcement; academics; so that ALACHO members Government, the CIH, Formed: relating to housing at all levels. have the fullest possible understanding - • Supporting the development of • Working with owners, particularly of all the issues which affect local Scottish Women’s To achieve this, ALACHO works in a human rights based approach those in tenements, to ensure authority housing. Aid, registered social Scottish Contact: partnership with its members, to housing policy and practice; that their homes are safe and Tony Cain tenants and service users, COSLA, well maintained; For further information please contact landlords and others, T: 07908 460989 the Scottish Government, the CIH, • Improving housing options for Tony Cain, Policy Manager: Scottish Women’s Aid, registered social the Gypsy/Traveller community; • Improving the supply of social [email protected] to support their stated Website: landlords and others. Over the past housing through the new build aims and ambitions www.alacho.org year this partnership based work has • Ensuring a “just transition” to programme; and been extended to include a number of net zero carbon and ensuring for the housing and “master classes” on current issues that tenants in social housing • Improving housing outcomes including fire suppression, energy aren’t left behind by these for this with disabilities or other homelessness sector.” efficiency and the national planning changes; particular needs. framework. In June this year they also

East Whitlawburn Regeneration Project. Images © Anne-Janine Nugent, South Lanarkshire Council

68 scottish local authority news scottish local authority news 69 Call for backup. COMMUNITIES

Provost Simpson attends ceremony to mark 100 years of Legion Scotland

Stirling Provost Christine Simpson with services covering remembrance, attended a wreath laying ceremony comradeship and befriending, whilst to mark the 100th anniversary of the supporting the welfare services and Royal British Legion Scotland. fundraising initiatives of Poppyscotland.

Friday 18th June marked the centenary Stirling Provost Christine Simpson of the founding of the Royal British said: Legion Scotland in 1921, and Provost Simpson joined the City of Stirling “The Royal British Legion Scotland Branch at Stirling City Cenotaph to works at the heart of our communities, commemorate the occasion. supporting veterans of all ages and from all conflicts, providing much At the conclusion of the First World needed support for the armed forces War there were millions of service and veterans and their families. personnel seeking to re-establish themselves in civilian life, and many “This historic organisation helps provide hundreds of thousands of women Stirling veterans with comradeship and children were left widowed and and befriending, whilst raising much fatherless. needed funds every year through its Popppyscotland appeal. Established On 18th June 1921 four ex-service in the aftermath of World War I, its organisations came together at St work remains as vital as ever for the Cuthbert’s Church in Edinburgh to unite services community. for the greater good of the nation and Your time in the Forces never the British Legion was born. “Those who serve, past and present, are strengthened by the presence of leaves you. Neither do we. Now, the Royal British Legion Scotland Royal British Legion Scotland and I is the largest ex-Service membership offer my thanks to all those who have charity in Scotland with more than helped build this essential institution, 142 branches, 60 clubs and 20,000 and to all those who will be part of its 0131 550 1557 members. future.”

Visit: poppyscotland.org.uk The historic institution, working in Email: [email protected] partnership with other organisations, provides veterans in the community

Poppyscotland is a member of The Royal British Legion group of charities. Scottish Charity No. SC014096. A company limited by guarantee. Scottish Company No. 194893. Registered in Scotland at New Haig House, Logie Green Road, Edinburgh EH7 4HQ. The Royal British Legion, Haig House, 199 Borough High Street, London SE1 1AA. Charity Registration No. 219279. scottish local authority news 71 COMMUNITIES COMMUNITIES Former church bell rings for first time in decades

The bell of a former Perth city centre concerns. These now give the building church rang for the first time in more a more castle-like appearance. than three decades today recently. St Paul’s Church was built in 1807 and St Paul’s Church has undergone a was one of the first churches built in stunning transformation into a unique, Perth after the reformation. outdoor performance space. To transform the church, the roof was Perth & Kinross Council stepped into removed and work carried out the to rescue the building in 2017 after it stabilise the walls and the steeple. had fallen into disrepair and previous schemes to bring it back into public While working on the steeple, rotting use had fallen by the wayside. oak beams were discovered. These had to be removed and replaced with Situated in a prime spot on Perth’s concrete. Old High Street, the new performance space retains the 1807 building’s All stonework and rendered panelling octagonal shape. infills required the use of lime mortar in accordance with Historic Environment The steeple of the church has been Scotland guidelines. retained but its roof has been removed, creating a new public space. “It looks absolutely The open-air venue will be available for public use and can host events during The church’s bell mechanism has been stunning when lit the day and evening, with the space replaced and the original bell restored. suitable for everything from concerts up at night and I am and performances to markets. St It chimed at noon on Wednesday as the sure there will be Paul’s can also be lit up dramatically completed building was handed back to at night for performances and special Perth & Kinross Council by contractors. many memorable occasions.

Perth & Kinross Council leader Murray performances here Perthshire based Hadden Group Lyle said: provided the construction services for in future.” the project. “Hearing the bell sound was quite an emotional moment. Managing Director Steven Brady “This complements the cultural and said: “This building has been out of use for events spaces in Mill Street and Perth so long it had become forgotten and Theatre. Together with our plans for "As a local contractor we’re extremely unloved. Perth City Hall, we are investing making proud to have worked in partnership Perth an even more exciting place to with Council, their design team and “Now it has a new future and you can live and work.” our skilled construction team to bring hear from the comments people make this historic Perth landmark back into as they pass by how excited they to The £2.2 million project has seen the use to ensure it remains an integral see it brought back to life. It offers restoration of features such as the part of our historic city centre.” something completely new for Perth crenelated wall head and bartizans – and will give this part of the High Street the corner turrets – that had previously a real lift. been removed because of safety

72 scottish local authority news scottish local authority news 73 COMMUNITIES COMMUNITIES Caol & Lochyside Flood Prevention Scheme starts

A new £11m flood prevention Caol and Lochyside is one of 42 without modification. Highland Council scheme got underway recently prioritised flood protection schemes confirmed the scheme on 15 August to help protect residents and identified in the National Flood Risk 2019. Management Strategy for Scotland. homes in the Caol and Lochyside It will increase flood protection to The 2km long flood protection scheme areas of Fort William. over 300 properties in the Caol and consists of 1200 metres of embankment Lochyside area. and 800 metres of flood wall with two The works, being carried out by flood gates and associated drainage. contractor R.J. MacLeod, are projected The scheme has been designed to The flood defence will be constructed to last 104 weeks and are in response to protect against a 1:200 year storm between the Caledonian Canal and severe flooding in the area in the past. surge event from Loch Linnhe. The Soldier's Bridge in the River Lochy, Cowan Park Gate Lodge project scheme is being funded by the Scottish as well as providing environmental Pupils from Caol Primary School Government (80%) and Highland benefits to the wider community. attended the site last week to cut the Council (20%). gets underway first piece of turf signalling the start There will be improved access to the of the works. The scheme was published in April 2018 towpath at the Caledonian Canal and and received five comments and only improved walking and cycling routes East Renfrewshire Council is set to East Renfrewshire Council Leader, community impact. We can’t wait to The flood in 2005 caused damage to one objection during the notification along the length of the scheme. bring the Cowan Park Gate Lodge in Tony Buchanan said: bring this building back to life, with a around 20 homes and the sewerage period. An independent hearing was Barrhead back into community use. coffee shop, bike hub, meeting spaces, works. The 2005 flood was significant held in March 2019 to consider the Caol and Mallaig Councillor and Chair of “East Renfrewshire public toilets and creating new jobs, in that it was caused by a large tidal objection. The reporter published his the Housing and Property Committee, Following a successful public Council is committed alongside training and employability surge in Loch Linnhe. findings in July 2019 and it was decided Ben Thompson, said: consultation, the Council is proposing to upgrading the opportunities.” the scheme should be confirmed that local charity, Include Me 2 Club, facilities within "It is fantastic to see create a social enterprise hub, café, Cowan Park, so I Procast Managing Director Frank that works are now bike workshop and public toilets which am delighted to McManus said: underway on the will be used by the local community and see that works Caol and Lochyside visitors to the park. to bring the Gate Lodge back to life "We as a business are absolutely Flood Prevention are getting started. Cowan Park is a delighted to have been appointed Scheme. The project is part-funded by the fantastic public space which already to deliver this fantastic restoration Scottish Government’s Regeneration provides the local community and project for East Renfrewshire "This crucial work Capital Grant Fund and renovation beyond with opportunities for sport, Council. The existing Edwardian will provide peace of mind to residents works, led by Procast, began recently exercise and play – this project will not single storey sandstone building was and ensure they are protected from with contractors aiming to complete only provide additional, much-needed originally constructed circa 1830 so all the damaging effects of flooding in the handover to Include Me 2 Club in facilities, but it will also provide job and restoration works will be carried out in the future. The project will also bring October. During this time, the Gate training opportunities through the work a sympathetic manner respecting the extra benefits to the area, such as Lodge building will be fenced off to of Include Me 2 Club. I very much look great history of this beautiful building. an increase in cycling and footpath the public. forward to seeing the public enjoy this provision, landscaping, planting, wonderful building.” "The lodge is located within Cowan Park seating areas and play facilities which In 2019 East Renfrewshire residents grounds and directly at the existing will be a welcome addition to the Caol and visitors had an opportunity to have Paul McIlvenny, Include Me 2 Club SCIO main entrance from Darnley Road. The foreshore." their say on the facilities they’d like to chairperson, said: site team and our supply chain partners see in the Park and the overwhelming will share this access with members of The works will have an impact locally majority felt the priorities should be “We are delighted to be working on the public and the parks maintenance and the public is being urged to be toilets, food provision and CCTV. This this project with East Renfrewshire team with both vehicular and foot traffic patient and follow directions in the project will provide both toilets and a Council to bring about the changes so stringent traffic management and area, where necessary. cafe, creating a valuable community to a fantastic community asset that public protection protocols will be hub for Barrhead. The park is also set will benefit so many people within followed at all times.” to have CCTV installed later this year. the organisation, and have a wider

74 scottish local authority news scottish local authority news 75 COMMUNITIES COMMUNITIES

been developed through Barnardo’s The nominal cost of this land sale will Scotland’s Gap Home initiative, which allow the charity to offer the service aims to provide manageable, affordable to the council’s Children’s Services at accommodation and time and space a more economical rate. for young people which will help them transition into independent living. In Bailie Malcolm Balfour, Chair of the the past, many young people leaving Contracts and Property Committee at care have become homeless. Glasgow City Council, said:

No other charity provides such a service “The sale of this site will allow the between care and sole tenancies for development of a project to support young people, providing the care they young people as they move from care need to become independent. The to independent living, giving the chance support on-site will be tailored to the to make a positive start to their adult needs of each individual young person. lives. The building of these homes will offer the opportunity for this important Barnardo’s Scotland had approached transition to take place for the first the Glasgow City Health and Social time in Glasgow, and at the same time Care Partnership about potential regenerate a vacant site in the city.” opportunities in the city for this project, and both the latter and Glasgow City Negotiations on the conclusion of Council’s housing & regeneration and the sale will now follow between City community asset management teams Property (Glasgow) LLP and Barnardo’s were supportive of the proposal. Scotland.

Fostering Every day, Barnardo’s foster carers transform lives by showing their Image sourced from www.glasgow.gov.uk belief in the young people they care for. To help and support our foster Council to sell Maryhill site for carers we provide comprehensive training, access to therapists, and 24 hour support from our skilled £1 to Barnardo’s Scotland for social workers. accommodation project

Glasgow City Council is to sell a site The site - located at the corner of homes, of which four will be one- at Shiskine Drive in the city’s Maryhill Shiskine Drive / Duart Drive - is owned bedroomed and one larger home will to Barnardo’s Scotland for the nominal by the council and sits on the vacant be staffed full-time with one staff To learn more about fostering sum of £1, and the charity will develop and derelict land register. It is currently member on waking night-shift and with Barnardo’s Scotland and accommodation there in a pilot project a grassed area around a quarter of an another sleeping over. for Glasgow which will help young acre in size. how to apply contact our friendly people transition from being in care This is a pilot project for the city, team today. to being independent tenants. The accommodation to be developed offering the chance for young people Call 0845 894 9501 or visit: there will feature five one-storey to live semi-independently, has barnardos.org.uk/fostering

76 scottish local authority news Registered Charity No. 216250 and SC037605 More links [External links] Schools: www.bit.ly/Education-and-Learning University of Highlands and Islands www.uhi.ac.uk COMMUNITIES Highland Solicitors Property Centre LEGAL & CORPORATE www.hspc.co.uk/index.asp

Image: © Kirsty Foster. Sourced from the Depute Chief Executive Candidate Information Pack Council recruitment for Mill O’Mains Community Work Begins Depute Chief Executive Work has started on new community community and for us to bring forward “This project is a boost for both the facilities for a Dundee neighbourhood planned improvements to the school school and the wider neighbourhood The Highland Council is currently Depute Leader, Councillor Alasdair in a £3 million building project. building itself.” and I am sure people are excited to see recruiting for the post of Depute Chief Christie added: this work now underway.” Executive. The community extension at Mill Work totalling £3,264,506 includes “This is an extremely 21Welcome to the Highlands Sign by Kirsty Foster O’Mains Primary School will offer out the building of a 380 square metre Kevin Dickson, regional managing An ambitious individual is being important post of hours access to amenities including community extension with two linked director, Robertson Construction sought to provide strategic leadership which will play a a refurbished gym hall, stage and multi-purpose rooms, alterations to Tayside, said: and direction on major initiatives key role in taking changing facilities. form a new entrance and multi-purpose linked to the Council’s recovery and the Council forward space, new toilets, out of hours access “We are pleased to continue our on- transformation. at this crucial time The project is being carried out by to the refurbished assembly/gym, stage going relationship with Dundee City as we all start to exit Robertson Construction Tayside for and changing facilities. Council as the construction partner of The successful candidate will work from the impacts of Dundee City Council and was procured choice to deliver another quality facility as part of the Council’s Executive the pandemic. It is through Procurement Hub Major For economies of scale the council has within the region. Leadership Team, nurturing and an exciting time for a senior leader to Projects framework. also included the upgrading works of growing Highland Council’s vision join the Highland Council, providing the kitchen/dining area, renewal of roof “Mill O’Mains plays an integral role in of creating a strong and expanding strategic vision and with a focus on Two senior councillors have visited the coverings to various areas, and renewal the community and we look forward to sustainable economy built on fairness transformation and embedding a site to see work starting along with of boilers, ventilation plant and other delivering facilities that will enjoyed of opportunity for all. culture of continuous improvement.” Kevin Dickson, Regional Managing services to the school and the public by the entire community for years to Director at Robertson. is being urged to be patient and follow come.” Cllr Margaret Davidson, Highland The post will support the Chief Executive, directions in the area, where necessary. Council Leader said: providing strategic leadership Councillor Steven Rome, depute Louise Dodds, client relationship and direction on major initiatives convener of Dundee City Council’s city Work is expected to complete early manager, Procurement Hub, said: “This is a unique and strategies linked to recovery, development committee said: next year. opportunity to transformation, commercialisation, “At Procurement Hub we love that our work with us in organisational change, and redesign, “Many communities Councillor Stewart clients can benefit from the flexibility the Highlands. We including strategic workforce planning, across the city have Hunter children and of our direct award Major Projects are looking for the innovation, and research. already benefitted from families convener said: Framework. Dundee City Council are right person to similar arrangements working closely with Robertson to contribute, lead Recruitment for a Depute Chief with their local primary “We have undertaken deliver the new community facilities, and help make Executive follows Councillors’ or secondary school. major investment in our which once complete will benefit all public services in agreement on a slimmer top tier in a school buildings over the years, also in the community.” the region the very best they can be. revised senior management structure. “This project extends the same giving communities a chance to use We have ambition to take Highland opportunity to people in Mill O’Mains first-class facilities on their doorstep. into a low carbon future with our to access up to date facilities in their people supported and with good work opportunities."

78 scottish local authority news scottish local authority news 79 LEGAL & CORPORATE LEGAL & CORPORATE

before a decision on whether, and how, to proceed is made. All consultation Council to consult on disposal representations, responses and any final decision will be published on the of Invergordon Town Hall Council's website. The Highland Council is launching a Town Hall. Unfortunately, it has not been The consultation runs for longer than Common Good consultation giving possible to progress these plans. The the usual 8 weeks as detailed above the Invergordon community until 17 position remains that Invergordon Town closing on 17 September 2021. September 2021 to respond to the Hall requires significant refurbishment proposal to dispose of Invergordon and the viability of its continued use Town Hall by sale or long lease. is at risk. All attempts to source funding have proved unsuccessful Due to ongoing COVID-19 restrictions with maintenance and running costs - the consultation time frame given is continuing to outstrip income. As a longer than the statutory 8 week period result, the proposal to dispose of the and will help alleviate any community Town Hall is being considered again and concerns about the inability to hold a fresh consultation has commenced. public meetings and will provide New Chief Executive at Inverclyde sufficient response time. Any funds received in the event of the proposal proceeding will be credited The full consultation document is called A previous consultation in respect of to Invergordon Common Good Fund. Invergordon Town Hall consultation Inverclyde Council has appointed hope inspiring women and girls across staff have responded to supporting this matter was held in early 2019. The document (number 2) and is available: Louise Long as its new Chief Executive. Inverclyde.” the community especially during the proposal was not proceeded with at that The Council is keen to hear the https://www.highland.gov.uk/downloads/ pandemic. I aim to build on the work time to allow a community group time community’s views on the proposal and file/23707/invergordon_town_hall_ Louise replaces current Chief Executive “The role of Chief Executive will allow that has been done and ensure that to explore the viability of taking on the all submissions will be given full regard consultation_document_number_2 Aubrey Fawcett who is set to retire Louise to take all of the skills and Inverclyde continues to nurture our from the council in September after experience she has built throughout communities, deliver excellent public five years in the job. her career and to use those to lead the services and be a force for good for corporate management team through each and every part of our area.” Now, after interviews, councillors have covid recovery and beyond. agreed the appointment. Louise has been Chief Officer for Councillor Cullen, who has lived in “Covid presents public services with Inverclyde Integration Joint Board and South Ayrshire since 2012, is looking Louise Long is currently Chief Officer some unique challenges but looking Corporate Director of Health and Social New Economy and Culture forward to the challenge he said: for Inverclyde Integration Joint Board ahead Scotland’s councils face a huge Care Partnership (HSCP) at Inverclyde (IJB) and Corporate Director of Health number of challenges including how Council since May 2017. Prior to that “I’m delighted to be appointed Economy and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) at they are supported financially to deliver she was Head of Children and Families Portfolio Holder appointed and Culture Portfolio Holder. During Inverclyde Council. what is best for our communities. I have and Justice and Chief Social Work my travels I have seen first-hand how no doubt that Louise will be ready for Officer at Argyll and Bute Council from towns can be regenerated through Inverclyde Council Leader, Councillor those challenges from day one. 2015 starting at that council in 2012 as Councillor Chris Cullen has become the Council working closely with our Stephen McCabe, said: Head of Children’s Services. South Ayrshire Council’s new Economy communities and local businesses. “I would like to take time to thank and Culture Portfolio Holder. He takes “Louise has been the other candidates including those Louise started her career at Glasgow over from Councillor Siobhian Brown, “This is an important portfolio and corporate director interviewed and the ones who applied City Council as a social worker, held who gave up the portfolio when she with less than a year to the Council with the council who were unsuccessful. While the news social work management roles with was voted in as the new MSP for Ayr elections, I appreciate that it will be a for four years and will for them be one of disappointment, East Renfrewshire Council, head of Constituency. real challenge to achieve our ambitious has consistently I can say that it is heartening to see that service at South Ayrshire and also plans. shown both her there are so many committed, caring worked for five years with Aberlour The Economy and Culture portfolio leadership skills and talented public servants out there Childcare trust. is one of the Council’s key positions “However, I am fully committed to the and compassion in who will support local government in and is crucial to help encourage and task and I will do everything I can to the Health and Social Care Partnership. our country through the challenges Aubrey Fawcett, the current Chief promote economic regeneration as bring positive change for the people During the pandemic she has led form ahead.” Executive of Inverclyde Council, retires well as tourism and leisure. Councillor of South Ayrshire. I look forward to the front in ensuring that Inverclyde’s on 19 September 2021 and Louise is Cullen will oversee policy in Rural working with officers, stakeholders, health and care response has helped Louise, said: expected to take up post immediately Development; Economic Development and most importantly our communities, to protect and support our community. after. and Regeneration; culture, libraries to ensure that together we make South “I am delighted to be appointed Chief and museums; sport and leisure Ayrshire a better place to live for “Louise becomes the first woman to Executive of Inverclyde Council. My time facilities. generations to come.” hold the job of Chief Executive in the with Inverclyde since joining has been council breaking another barrier and I inspiring seeing how public service

80 scottish local authority news scottish local authority news 81 LEGAL & CORPORATE

Develop your career supporting our armed forces

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Find out about Image: © mike138, Flickr. (CC BY-ND 2.0) exciting graduate and apprenticeship opportunities in Best in the country? Engineering Inverclyde Council is officially one of the “The benchmark we are able to focus also on the areas Finance best performing councils in the country is an indicator that where we need to make improvements Commercial according to a national benchmarking shows how councils to ensure that residents continue to scheme which measures performance cross Scotland are get the best value possible from their Project Professional across all of Scotland’s councils. performing. It is local services.” hugely positive A report to the council’s Policy that Inverclyde is and Resources Committee on the currently sitting “In many areas such as our ‘Local Government Benchmarking at the top in the schools performance we are Framework’ highlights that Inverclyde country. is in the top two ‘quartiles’ used to already shown to be sector measure performance for 68 per cent “In many areas such as our schools leading and in recent years the of the measures. performance we are already shown to be sector leading and in recent years external reports into the council In addition, the council has seen year- the external reports into the council from the Care Inspectorate and on-year improvements since 2017 from the Care Inspectorate and the and is now first in Scotland with 50 Accounts Commission has confirmed the Accounts Commission has indicators at the top. that success. confirmed that success.”

Inverclyde Council Leader, Councillor “The challenge is in making sure that Stephen McCabe, said: we do not rest on our laurels and that

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