Edinburgh Council electric refuse vehicles.
In an effort to reach net zero by 2030, the City of Edinburgh Council has successfully deployed five electric refuse collection vehicles.
The vehicles, procured with funding from Zero Waste Scotland, were introduced in exchange for traditional diesel refuse trucks.
Since their introduction in June 2023, they’ve led to reductions in fuel, servicing, and maintenance costs as well as a significant fall in carbon emissions.
Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Scott Arthur, said:
“I’m delighted that our electric refuse collection vehicles have been such a success, already saving over 100 tonnes of carbon emissions. They’re making a real difference to our residents, operating a quieter service, and improving air quality.
“We’re absolutely committed to tackling climate change here in Edinburgh and reducing carbon emissions to net zero by 2030. Electrifying our fleet, amongst other commitments, will help make our city a more sustainable and people-friendly place to live, work and visit. We’ve still got work to do but we’ll continue to do everything in our power to reach these goals.”
Zero Waste Scotland’s Recycling Improvement Fund Manager David Gunn said:
“These vehicles will help the City of Edinburgh Council cut carbon and other emissions in the city, which is a key step in the journey to net zero.
“I’m pleased to see the difference they’re already making, with Edinburgh being one of the many local authorities to benefit from the Scottish Government’s Recycling Improvement Fund.
“Thanks to the fund and other initiatives, councils are able to enhance and improve their recycling and waste services, fostering a circular economy for the benefit of everyone.”
From left to right are: Chair of Midlothian Integrated Joint Board, the decision-making body for the HSCP, Councillor Connor McManus, Chief Officer Midlothian IJB and Joint Director of Midlothian HSCP Morag Barrow, Grier Edmead Operations Director of Ogilvie Construction, Midlothian Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing Councillor Stuart McKenzie and Midlothian Council’s Head of Development Fiona Clandillon.
Work is underway to build a 40-bedroom care complex and 46 extra care flats alongside a day-care unit in Bonnyrigg.
Ogilvie Construction is building the development, which will be constructed to the Passivhaus green-energy standards, on behalf of Midlothian Health and Social Care Partnership and Midlothian Council. It sits at the former St Mary’s primary school site bounded by Polton Street, Moorfoot View and Moorfoot Place.
The Intermediate Care facility is for up to 40 short term residents and will provide assessment, rehabilitation, interim and respite care.
The extra care housing development, part of the council’s affordable housing programme, will offer tenancies with on-site care and housing support services for older people and those diagnosed with a variety of degenerative conditions.
The school annexe will be refurbished and become a community wellbeing space.
Chair of Midlothian Integrated Joint Board, the decision-making body for the HSCP, Councillor Connor McManus said: “This will be of enormous value to the local areas, offering older people and those with degenerative health conditions more choice to stay in their community, close to friends and family, for as long as possible.
“Working as part of the Health and Social Care Partnership and with the council on this project, we are committed to helping local people living well for longer.”
Chief Officer Midlothian IJB and Joint Director of Midlothian HSCP Morag Barrow said: “These facilities will help the partnership provide the right support, at the right time and in the right place for local people.”
Grier Edmead, Operations Director, Ogilvie Construction, said: “We are proud to be working with Midlothian Council to build these new care facilities which will serve the community for many years to come. We look forward to handing over two new centres built to the Passivhaus standard that puts energy-efficiency and environmental impact at the heart of the design and construction. Our team will engage with surrounding neighbours throughout the construction phase to keep them advised of progress and minimise disruption in the area.”
The work is due to finish in 2026.
A tree has been planted in King’s Park, Dalkeith to commemorate King Charles’ Coronation.
The Coronation oak is one of hundreds of saplings planted by local authorities across the UK in tribute to the King’s love of nature and the environment.
His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Midlothian is Lieutenant Colonel Richard Callander and Provost Debbi McCall did the honours on Thursday 2 May with help from the Green Tree Awards Group from King’s Park Primary and the school’s oldest and youngest pupils, Cathan Fallis, 12 and Lucy Snedden, 5.
Lieutenant Colonel Richard Callander said:
“It is only fitting we have a lasting tribute to His Royal Highness who, as we all know, is passionate about the environment. I am delighted, therefore, to plant the Coronation tree today and unveil a plaque to mark this important occasion.”
The Coronation of King Charles III and his wife Camilla took place on Saturday 6 May 2023 at Westminster Abbey.
Provost McCall said:
“It is a privilege, on behalf of the people of Midlothian, to plant this oak tree which will bring joy to local people, including the King’s Park pupils here today, for generations to come.
“His Royal Highness, who is dedicated to conservation and nature, I’m sure will approve.”
Land and Countryside Manager Justin Venton, Depute Lord-Lieutenant Harriet Dalrymple, Midlothian Council Gardener Graeme Crozier and King’s Park Head Teacher Laurinda Renton all helped the pupils plant pansies round the tree, which will have its own plaque to mark the historic event.
Lucy, 5, in the main picture with Cathan holding spades, said she would enjoy visiting the tree for years to come and would make sure it had plenty of water.
