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The ScotRail Alliance – taking Pride in its appearance

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ScotRail Alliance brands trains with Pride rainbows to celebrate the LGBTI event

15/06/18 – 18061502 – SCOTRAIL
EDINBURGH WAVERLY STATION – EDINBURGH
Scotrail show their support for Pride Edinburgh by displaying their logo on the side of one of their trains

 

ScotRail trains have been branded with the rainbow symbol to mark Pride Edinburgh this weekend.

 

Two ScotRail Class 170 trains have been branded with Pride’s iconic rainbow symbol in support of Pride Edinburgh, which takes place tomorrow (Saturday).

 

The trains will be in service across the country, including on the popular Edinburgh – Glasgow Queen Street main line, and the Borders Railway.

 

The ‘Pride Trains’ are the latest demonstration of the ScotRail Alliance’s support of Scotland’s LGBTI community.

 

Alex Hynes, ScotRail Alliance Managing Director, said:

 

“I’m thrilled to support Pride Edinburgh with our specially designed rainbow trains.

 

“At the ScotRail Alliance we want our workforce to reflect the diversity of our customers. We’re building the best railway Scotland has ever had, and we need the best people to do this.

 

“I would encourage anybody attending Pride Edinburgh, or with an interest in LGBTI, to get in touch with us to find out more about the work the ScotRail Alliance is doing to celebrate diversity and promote equality.”

 

Jamie Love, Pride Edinburgh, said:

 

“We at Pride Edinburgh are very grateful that ScotRail is proudly supporting and promoting our celebration of love in the Scottish capital.”

 

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Helping It Happen Awards 2018

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People across Scotland are being urged to highlight the work done by local estates and land-based businesses to help their surrounding communities flourish, as nominations for the Helping It Happen Awards 2018 get underway.

Following a successful inaugural year in 2017, Scottish Land & Estates has declared the Helping It Happen Awards 2018 open for business. The national Awards, which aim to recognise the role of estates, farms and rural businesses in enabling and supporting success in rural areas, will once again be sponsored by The MacRobert Trust, with entries being considered in the following nine categories:

  • Rural Business Award
  • Tourism Award
  • Rural Housing Award
  • Education Award
  • MacRobert Trust Award for Working with Communities
  • Conservation Award
  • The Iver Salvesen Green Business Award
  • Innovation in Farming Award
  • Enhancing Our Environment Award

To nominate, people are being asked to share how their local estate, farm or rural business has made a positive contribution to their area. Entries can be submitted here before the closing date of 13 July 2018.

Entries for the Helping it Happen Awards 2018 will be reviewed by an independent judging panel with three finalists selected in each category. The winners will be announced at the Awards ceremony which will take place at The Balmoral Hotel, Edinburgh on 3 October 2018.

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NFU Mutual’s Inspirational Young Person Award 2018

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Entries and nominations are being sought for a new award that recognises the incredible talent and dedication being shown by Scotland’s young people within the food and drink sector.

This brand-new award is designed to bring out the inspirational stories of young people aged between 16 and 26 who own, work or study within businesses in the food and drink sector, and are driving success within the Scottish food and drink industry.

The winners of the ‘NFU Mutual and Scotland Food & Drink Inspirational Young Person Award 2018’ will be announced during Scottish Food and Drink Fortnight in September 2018 as part of the Year of Young People celebrations. The award aims to highlight not only the enormous contribution that young people make to Scotland’s food and drink businesses, but also the importance of the sector to the wider economy.

 

Enter here: http://fooddrinkfort.scot/get-involved/nfu-mutuals-inspirational-young-person-award-2018/ 

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Parliamentarians meet local farming representatives

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Iain Gray MSP and Martin Whitfield MP have met with local representatives of the National Farmers’ Union Scotland (NFUS) for any update on topical issues, including the potential implications of Brexit for farmers in East Lothian.

The county politicians met with Willie Thomson and Kelvin Pate at Wheatrig Farm. One of the matters discussed was Steps for Change, NFU Scotland’s discussion document on the need for a new agricultural policy for Scotland ahead of Brexit.

Speaking after the visit Iain Gray MSP said:

“Farming remains a crucial part of East Lothian’s economy and I try and have regular meetings with local farmers’ representatives. NFU Scotland does a fantastic job representing farmers and standing up for rural interests and it was good to catch up with Willie and Kelvin.

“This meeting was an opportunity to discuss a number of important factors which are set to affect farming here and across Scotland, not least the uncertainty around Brexit. The Steps for Change discussion document highlights a range of important issues NFUS feels are necessary for developing a bold Scottish agricultural policy for the future.”

Martin Whitfield MP said:

“East Lothian’s agricultural sector is such an important part of the local economy and jobs. The sector currently faces many challenges, including adapting to life outside the European Union, and I was pleased to meet with Willie and Kelvin to talk about some of these issues.

“Nearly two years on from the vote to exit the EU, many important questions remain unclear. NFUS has been proactive in ensuring the voice of farmers is heard and they are at the forefront of shaping the future of the agricultural sector. I will continue to listen to their concerns and speak up for the sector’s interests in parliament.”

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NFU Mutual and Scotland Food & Drink encourage young people to enter new award

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Entries and nominations are being sought for a new award that recognises the incredible talent and dedication being shown by Scotland’s young people within the food and drink sector.

Last month, specialist food and drink insurer, NFU Mutual, joined forces with industry leadership organisation, Scotland Food & Drink, to create a brand-new award, designed to bring out the inspirational stories of young people aged between 16 and 26 who own, work or study within businesses in the food and drink sector, and are driving success within the Scottish food and drink industry.

The winners of the ‘NFU Mutual and Scotland Food & Drink Inspirational Young Person Award 2018’ will be announced during Scottish Food and Drink Fortnight in September 2018 as part of the Year of Young People celebrations. The award aims to highlight not only the enormous contribution that young people make to Scotland’s food and drink businesses, but also the importance of the sector to the wider economy.

Brian Lochhead, Sales Development Consultant with NFU Mutual, said:

“As I travel throughout Scotland representing NFU Mutual, I frequently see how integral young people are to Scotland’s food and drink sector. Whether it be in primary production, utilising their skills to develop modern and appealing graphics and packaging or serving some of Scotland’s iconic products in our fantastic restaurants, young people thoroughly deserve a recognised place in our country’s food and drink story.”

James Withers, Chief Executive of Scotland Food & Drink, said:

“With this being the Year of Young People, I was incredibly keen that we afforded young people even greater recognition by working with NFU Mutual to seek out the most inspiring young foodies in Scotland. Scottish Food & Drink Fortnight this year will be a celebration not only of Scotland’s wonderful produce and outstanding producers but also of those people under the age of 26 who are helping to secure an exciting future for the food and drink industry in Scotland.

“I very much encourage employers, tutors, colleagues, customers or young people themselves to nominate any individual who is worthy of recognition for the way in which they contribute to Scotland’s worldwide reputation as a Land of Food and Drink.”

How to Enter

The NFU Mutual and Scotland Food & Drink Inspirational Young Person Award 2018 is open for entries until 31st July 2018, with winners announced in September 2018. Entries, which should comprise the submission of up to 750 words, can be submitted online at http://fooddrinkfort.scot/get-involved/nfu-mutuals-inspirational-young-person-award-2018/ or by clicking the relevant button on http://fooddrinkfort.scot/. Any individual between the ages of 16 and 26 who owns, works, or studies within a food and drink related business, organisation or institution can be nominated or enter on their own behalf. The winner will receive £500, with the second and third place finalists receiving £300 and £200 respectively.

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CHANGES Cycling for Health Programme for Beginners in Musselburgh

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This free six-week programme is supported by trained, friendly and supportive volunteer ride leaders, helping adults who haven’t cycled for some time or those wanting to improve their cycling skills build up their confidence on a bike.

All equipment is provided so don’t be put off if you don’t have a bike!

The sessions are due to start on Wed 30th May, 2018, Thu 31st May and Sun 3rd June so there is likely to be a session to suit most people.

The timing of the weekday sessions might be of particular interest to parents/grandparents who would like to build up confidence while their children are at school.

If you have any questions, contact Heather Cameron, Project Worker, CHANGES Community Health Project, 108 Market Street, Musselburgh, EH21 6QA

Main Office No 0131 653 3977

Direct Line No 0131 653 1080

Website  www.changeschp.com

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ScotRail Alliance to confirm improvements in East Lothian

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The ScotRail Alliance will confirm how they are improving rail services for customers in East Lothian at a public meeting on Thursday evening (03 May).

The most recent figures show the level of service on the North Berwick route has improved in recent months, with 94.1 per cent of ScotRail trains meeting their target arrival time, having stopped at all scheduled stations. This is up by 10 per cent from the most challenging period last year.

And, over the past twelve weeks, just one in almost 3,000 services to run on the route missed a stop in order to prevent disruption spreading across the network.

More carriages are also heading to services in East Lothian: a number of trains on the route already have six carriages, following a trial early last year that has since been made permanent. By the end of the year, the majority of peak-time trains between North Berwick and Edinburgh are expected to have six carriages.

Once the new Hitachi Class 385 trains enter service, these will be introduced on the Edinburgh to Glasgow Queen Street via Falkirk High route, followed by the North Berwick route.

This announcement comes ahead of a public meeting on rail services in East Lothian which will take place in Prestonpans Town Hall, on Thursday 3 May at 7pm where leaders from the ScotRail Alliance will meet customers, as well as Martin Whitfield MP and Iain Gray MSP.

Phil Campbell, ScotRail’s Head of Customer Operations, who will be at the meeting said:

“Along with ScotRail Alliance colleagues, I’m looking forward to meeting with our customers in Prestonpans, answering their questions about the service we provide and the improvements we will be making.

“We know that East Lothian is an exceptionally popular place to live, and there’s an ever-growing demand for our services to and from Edinburgh.

“With that in mind, we are doing all we can to ensure everyone has a comfortable journey. By the end of this year, even more of our customers will be able to benefit from longer trains with more seats and better services.”

Events

April Canteen Street Food Festival @ Archerfield

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WHAT ARE YOU DOING THIS SATURDAY?
How about having an AMAZING day of street food, music & fun at Archerfield Walled Garden?!

No booking required – £1 Adults, kids go free (dogs welcome)

April Trader Line-Up :

Chick & Pea (Middle Eastern)
Taste Like Crepe (Sweet Crepes)
Spice Pots (Indian)
Mac Shack (Mac n Cheese)
Sugar Daddys (Gluten Free Cakes)
Big Blu (Pizza)
Harajuku Kitchen (Japanese)
Mimis Bakehouse (Gourmet Toasties)
Fat Hippo (Burgers)
Hooked Street Food (Seafood)
Fizz Bar (Prosecco Bar)
Herringbone (Cocktails & Mocktails)
Archerfield Courtyard Bar (Craft Beers & Wines)

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ScotRail aiming to save lives with new app

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ScotRail has launched a new app for all employee phones and tablets to help prevent suicides on the railway.

Developed by Network Rail in partnership with Samaritans and the wider rail industry, the app gives employees guidance on possible warning signs and how best to support someone in need. It also provides a direct link to the British Transport Police for immediate support and advice.

The app is now available to all 4,500 ScotRail employees on their smartphones and tablets and is in addition to Samaritans’ specialist suicide prevention training that more than 300 ScotRail Alliance colleagues have completed.

The app has been available on all Network Rail Scotland employee devices since 2017.

The ScotRail Alliance is also supporting the ‘Small Talk Saves Lives’ campaign, which aims to give travellers the confidence to act if they notice someone who may be at risk of suicide on or around the rail network.

People are being reminded that if they concerned about someone they see on the railway or elsewhere, they should trust their instincts:

  • Suicidal thoughts can often be temporary.
  • Strike up a conversation with a simple question such as asking about the weather, or where they’re travelling today.
  • If you think someone may need help, introduce yourself, encourage them to talk and focus on listening. 
  • There’s no evidence that talking to someone who could be at risk can make things worse. 
  • It’s important to act. If you don’t feel comfortable approaching the person yourself, tell a member of staff, a police officer or dial 999.

David Lister, ScotRail Alliance sustainability & safety assurance director, said:

“The ScotRail Alliance takes its commitment to supporting those with mental health problems very seriously.

“Encountering someone in distress on the railway can be a daunting experience, even for the most experienced of our people. That’s why we’ve launched this app for ScotRail employees, to offer quick help and advice to those who come across someone who needs urgent support.

“Thanks to the work done by the rail industry and Samaritans, for every life lost on the railway, six are saved.”

James Jopling, Executive Director for Samaritans in Scotland, said:

“Suicide is not inevitable and any one of us could have an opportunity to save a life. By empowering their staff to act if they see someone at risk, the rail industry continues to make great efforts in reducing and preventing suicide across Scotland.”