News

East Lothian hotel celebrates 4-star Gold Award

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A luxury hotel in East Lothian has achieved a prestigious Quality Assurance award from VisitScotland just one year after opening.

Garleton Lodge nestled in a countryside setting between Haddington and Gullane, has been awarded a four-star gold accolade from the national tourism organisation.

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Having worked in the property and catering industries in the Middle East, Angela and David Cockerton, decided to return to the UK and set up a small hotel offering a careful blend of understated luxury in a homely environment, which includes a restaurant, spa, outdoor hot tub and bar, all with spectacular 360-degree panoramic views across Edinburgh, the Forth and the East Lothian countryside.

The Quality Assurance Gold Award shines the spotlight on businesses within the QA Scheme who continue to exceed customer expectations on an on-going basis, whilst taking an innovative and proactive approach in delivering excellence within the tourism industry.

Garleton Lodge has also achieved a VisitScotland Taste Our Best Award. The award recognises businesses who are committed to serving and promoting high quality food and drink connecting the places people visit with first-class local produce. Already working very closely with East Lothian food and drink suppliers, Angela and David have plans to open a Cookery School later next year to help further showcase the best of Scottish food and drink. Ahead of this, next month will see the launch of their handmade chocolate business – The Chocolate Stag.

 Garleton Lodge also work very closely with VisitScotland and East Lothian Council to promote East Lothian as Scotland’s Golf Coast – host to no less than four competitions, the Scottish Open, Scottish Senior Open, Ladies Scottish Open and World Hickory Championship – attracting both international and domestic visitors to stay, play, eat and watch golf. The hotel is also part of the VisitScotland Information Partnership Scheme, giving guests the opportunity to enjoy the luxury and comfort of this accommodation whilst making plans to explore more of what East Lothian has to offer.

 David Cockerton, Co-owner of Garleton Lodge said: “Angela and I are delighted that VisitScotland has recognized our efforts to provide exceptional guest care, service and hospitality with this Gold Award.

 “After many years of planning, it was exciting for us to launch Garleton Lodge a little over a year ago. For VisitScotland to acknowledge what we are doing with this Gold Award is amazing and reinforces our enthusiasm to make all of our guests feel special during their stay. We have further exciting plans in the pipeline – including the introduction of a Cookery School aimed at showcasing not only Angela’s cooking but also East Lothian food and drink producers.”

 Neil Christison, VisitScotland Regional Director said: “Congratulations to David and Angela at Garleton Lodge on this outstanding achievement. The hotel is another example of high-quality accommodation in the East Lothian region which has a wide range and variety of visitor attractions, golf courses and food & drink establishments, making it a must-see visitor destination.”

 For more information, visit: http://www.garletonlodge.co.uk/

 To learn more visit:

https://www.visitscotland.org/

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More seats for commuters on North Berwick line

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The introduction of brand-new class 385 electric trains from December will deliver an improved experience for East Lothian commuters.

The key improvements at a glance:

  • Half of North Berwick to Edinburgh services will have 6 carriages
  • 08:07 from Prestonpans to Edinburgh will now have 4 carriages
  • 07:55 from North Berwick to Edinburgh will now have 6 carriages
  • 17:43 from Haymarket to North Berwick will now have 6 carriages
  • More than 1,500 additional seats each day between North Berwick and Edinburgh

Michael Matheson, Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity said:

“These changes mark the first significant phase of timetable improvements on Scotland’s railways with £475 million being invested in rolling stock during this franchise, introducing faster, longer, greener trains.”

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Independent review of the policing of the miners’ strike in Scotland

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You may be aware that following extensive campaigning by former miners,
their legal representatives, trade unions and MSPs, the Scottish government has established an independent panel to conduct an inquiry into the policing of the miners’ strike in Scotland.

The panel is seeking evidence from former miners, members of the
community, police officers and anyone who had an involvement or interest
in the strike.

The attached information sheet sets out the terms of inquiry and
provides information on how you can respond.

You can complete your response online at:
https://consult.gov.scot/justice/policing-during-miners-strike-independent-review/.

Alternatively, you can send it to:
Head of Secretariat
INDEPENDENT REVIEW OF POLICING DURING MINERS’ STRIKE
St. Andrew’s House
Regent Road
EDINBURGH EH1 3DG

RESPONSES MUST BE IN BY THE 30TH NOVEMBER 2018.

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Have your say on the new Historic Environment Policy

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Formal consultation is now open for Historic Environment Scotland’s draft policy for historic environment-related planning issues

Communities, local authorities, developers and heritage sector stakeholders are invited to comment on the draft Historic Environment Policy (HEP), a key document for decision-makers in the planning process and others managing heritage assets.

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) today launched a public consultation survey for the new policy, which will replace the current Historic Environment Scotland Policy Statement (HESPS) in 2019.

The result of extensive consultation and peer review, HEP sets out a series of principles and policies for the recognition, care, management and sustainable use of the historic environment. The policy is part of a range of documents that decision-makers use to help them manage heritage matters, such as the Scottish Government’s own planning policy.

Consultation for HEP began in 2017 with the “What’s Your Heritage?” campaign, which asked the people of Scotland what the historic environment means to them and how it should be looked after. The first ever public consultation of its type, “What’s Your Heritage?” gathered more than 2,000 responses.

Based on the campaign and stakeholder feedback so far, HEP aims to:

  • Consolidate HES’ role as the lead public body for the historic environment
    Focus on the whole of Scotland’s historic environment, not just the properties HES is responsible for or designates
  • Demonstrate that everyone has a stake in the historic environment and how it is looked after
  • Provide leadership and best practice direction for heritage management issues
  • Show that HES has responded to public and stakeholder views
  • Align with the “Our Place in Time” strategy, the first ever Historic Environment Strategy for Scotland

HES Director of Heritage, Barbara Cummins, said:

“First of all, I would like to thank everyone who has given up their time to help develop HEP so far. We cast a wide net to engage with the public on this new policy and the result is truly collaborative. The draft policy reflects the people of Scotland’s views on the cultural significance of the historic environment, while also addressing the needs of decision-makers.

“We want this policy to have a positive impact and provide guidance for anyone involved in the decision-making process, as well as for people interested in and impacted by the outcome of those decisions.

“I encourage anyone who cares about decisions affecting the historic environment to comment on the draft policy over the next 12 weeks and I look forward to your responses.”

HEP is a much shorter policy document than HESPS, as it will be underpinned by a series of more detailed “Managing Change” guidance documents. The Managing Change policy guidance will also be reviewed, starting with consultation on a revised ‘Demolition’ document in November. HES will also consult on revised designations, including listed buildings, policy and criteria in January.

These new policy guidance documents will be in place, alongside any other essential guidance, before HESPS is withdrawn in spring 2019.

Consultation on the draft HEP runs until Monday 3rd December.

Find out more and take the survey

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North Berwick station up for top award

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North Berwick station has been nominated as one of the best stations in Britain.

ScotRail has announced that North Berwick station has been shortlisted in the ‘Station of the Year’ category of the National Rail Awards 2018.

The East Lothian station will be judged against set criteria, including safety, infrastructure and customer-friendly presentation.

North Berwick station was reduced to a single platform in the 1960s and lost its traditional buildings in 1984.

However, it remains a pleasant and welcoming seaside terminus, thanks to the award-winning efforts of station adopters North Berwick in Bloom and to the work of station newsagent Craig McLaren who has produced a guide to the attractions of the town.

The National Rail Awards will be held on Thursday 13 September at the Grosvenor House Hotel, London.

James Ledgerwood, ScotRail’s Head of Economic & Community Development, said:

 “North Berwick station remains one of the most welcoming stations on our network, and we are absolutely delighted to see it shortlisted. 

“Making our stations a more pleasant and relaxing place to catch a train is a key part of our plan to build the best railway Scotland has ever had.”

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New electric train ready for North Berwick route

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ScotRail will take another step forward in delivering faster journeys, more seats, and better services for customers with the introduction of a brand new Hitachi class 385 electric train to its North Berwick route.

Passengers travelling between North Berwick and Edinburgh will be able to experience the new six-carriage train from Monday, 10 September, as ScotRail continues its commitment to building the best railway Scotland has ever had.

17/07/18 – 18071706 – SCOTRAIL
MILLERHILL DEPOT – MUSSELBURGH
The new Class 385 trains are pictured at the Millerhill depot

This is the third of the new Hitachi trains to be introduced, with two of the new fleet already operating between Edinburgh and Glasgow Queen Street via Falkirk High.

The trains are part of ScotRail’s £475 million rolling stock investment, following the £858 million electrification of the line between Edinburgh and Glasgow by Network Rail.

Customers using the North Berwick route will now be able to use the class 385 train on as many as 15 services throughout the week, with a further 12 on Saturdays.

It’s the latest in a range of improvements to services in East Lothian, with many of the trains on the route already operating with six carriages, and the majority of peak-time trains expected to run with this increased capacity by the end of the year. Further class 385 trains are due to be introduced on the North Berwick line before the end of the year.

ScotRail’s Chief Operating Officer Angus Thom said:

“I am delighted that we are able to introduce another brand new Hitachi class 385 train, this time to the North Berwick route. We know that our customers will really notice the difference from Monday.

“This is another step forward for ScotRail as we continue our commitment to building the best railway Scotland has ever had.

“The introduction of these trains will benefit customers all across the country, as they will allow us to move existing trains on this route out across the network. This will help us to deliver faster journeys, more seats, and better services for our customers.”

Transport Scotland’s Director of Rail Bill Reeve said:

“This latest introduction of the class 385 fleet brings the benefits of our new electric trains to North Berwick and Dunbar services and is just the start of delivering more seats across peak services and improved facilities to passengers along this route.

“This is all part of an ongoing Scottish Government commitment to ensuring Scotland’s railways are a popular choice and demonstrates the real benefits of our extensive programme of electrification. Work continues to deliver the remainder of the fleet which, once in service, will increase overall seating capacity by more than 23% across the Scottish network.” 

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Fit for Work?

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16-24? Left school and not currently working?

Street League will be running a 10-week employability and fitness course starting 8th October in J and L fitness, Prestonpans.

The aim is to get course participants into a positive destination which suits their skill set.  Interested?  Read on….

 

 

  • Workout in the gym Monday-Thursday
  • £70 per week (including travel expenses)
  • Achieve SQA qualification
  • Free Nike kit
  • Interview practice and CV building
  • Guaranteed work placement
  • Help with college application, job application or modern apprenticeship application

Get in touch

07824112470

Clair.duncan@streetleague.co.uk

Events

Local parliamentarians to host Macmillan coffee morning

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The county’s MSP and MP are hosting an event at the Loch Centre in Tranent as part of this year’s Macmillan ‘World’s Biggest Coffee Morning’ campaign.

Iain Gray MSP and Martin Whitfield MP will host a coffee morning with the assistance of Loch Centre staff, who are long-term supporters of the high profile annual fundraising event.

The event will take place on the official Macmillan world’s biggest coffee morning day, Friday 28th September, from 10 am to 11:30 am.

Iain Gray MSP said:

“I have always supported and helped promote Macmillan’s world’s biggest coffee morning, including organising my own event in the past. Staff at the Loch Centre have supported the campaign for many years too, so I’m delighted that we’re joining up with them to host an event this year.

“It’s open to everyone and I would like to encourage local people to bring home baking or just come along to the event on 28th September. We want to raise as much money as possible for Macmillan and all contributions will be welcome.”

Martin Whitfield MP said:

“Macmillan’s world’s biggest coffee morning has become well established as one of the highest profile fundraising campaigns on the annual charity calendar. It’s a cause everyone can get behind and I’m delighted to be working with Iain and Enjoyleisure to support it this year.

“These events are a great opportunity for communities to come together to enjoy a cake and a coffee whilst also raising funds to support Macmillan’s vital work. I look forward to a good turnout and hopefully raising lots of money on 28th September.”

Macmillan Cancer Support has been running the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning for nearly 30 years and last year alone the campaign raised £27 million for the charity.

Anyone wishing to hold their own event in East Lothian can get advice and support from Macmillan. It couldn’t be more simple to get involved – all you need to do is get together with family, friends or colleagues over coffee and cake.

You can register now for your free fundraising pack via the website https://coffee.macmillan.org.uk/

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Nominations open for the Inspiring Volunteering Awards 2018

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Nominations are now open for the East Lothian Inspiring Volunteering Awards 2018! The Awards are organised by STRiVE, the Third Sector Interface for East Lothian, to recognise and celebrate the wide-ranging achievement and significant impact that volunteers make within our county.

This is your chance to tell STRiVE who makes a difference in your community. Take a look through the categories below and complete the nomination form to tell them why you think your volunteer or volunteer team should receive an Inspiring Volunteering Award.

Shortlisted nominees will be invited to the award ceremony in late November 2018 where each category winner will be presented with an award trophy and all runners-up will be presented with a certificate.

Nomination Categories:

1. Fundraising & Retail Volunteer of the Year

2. Health and Wellbeing Volunteer of the Year

3. Environmental and Education Volunteer of the Year

4. Volunteer Team of the Year

5. Young Volunteer of the Year (Under 25)

6. Outstanding Trustee of the Year

7. Lifelong Commitment to Volunteering

The closing date for nominations is 17 September 2018.

Nomination packs are attached in both Word and PDF formats. Please return forms by email to admin@strive.me.uk or print and post to: STRiVE, 56 High Street, Tranent, EH33 1HH.

Alternatively, hard copies of the forms will be available from the STRiVE office in Tranent.

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Take a peek at peak times

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Have you ever wondered what ‘peak’ and ‘off peak’ times are on the Edinburgh – North Berwick railway line?

Unable to find an answer on their website, I tweeted Scotrail:

I didn’t find the information on the National Rail Enquiries website particularly easy to read so thought it might be helpful to set out the information clearly below:

Station

PEAK

 OFF- PEAK
NBW 06:07 06:47 07:17 07:55 08:45 09:27
DRM 06:14 06:54 07:25 08:03 08:53 09:34
LND 06:20 07:00 07:31 08:09 08:58 09:40
PST 06:25 07:05 07:36 08:07 08:14 09:03 09:45
WAF 06:28 07:08 07:40 08:10 08:18 09:06 09:48
MUB 06:32 07:12 07:44 08:16 08:22 09:10 09:52
Station

OFF- PEAK

PEAK

 OFF- PEAK
EDB

16:42

17:15

17:48

 18:14

So, in a nutshell, if you’re heading to Edinburgh in the morning, the first off-peak train is the one that leaves North Berwick at 09:27.  Coming back to East Lothian from Edinburgh, there are two peak trains: 17:15 and 17:48.  Weekends are always off-peak.

Hope this helps but please remember, this is only my interpretation of the current timetable, if you need additional information please contact Scotrail.