COVID-19-related support: Discretionary Fund for business

Do you know of any East Lothian businesses or self-employed people who have not yet qualified for any COVID-19-related support grant funding?

East Lothian Council’s Discretionary Fund will open for applications today (Wednesday 3rd February), with a closing date of 5pm on Monday 8th February – so it’s very important that applications are submitted quickly.

More details are in the news release issued yesterday.

The application form is on our dedicated business support web page – which also contains other really useful information on grants, loans & other financial support for businesses at this time.

FREE Coronavirus Vaccine Transport for people with mobility challenges

HcL are delighted to share that they are offering FREE transport for people with mobility challenges to get their vaccine. 

Please note:

– Any person who has challenges with getting out and about due to age, disability, heath issues, additional support needs or geographic remoteness is eligible to use the service.

– You do not need to be registered with HcL already.

Bookings are subject to availability so we recommend passengers call as soon as they have their vaccine appointment. We will do our very best to help transport a many people as we can, under current guidelines.

Call 0131 447 9949 to book for transport in Edinburgh, East Lothian or Midlothian.

Coronavirus Support

Community support briefing – Jan 2021

In light of the latest government restrictions, I am forwarding the attached briefing note to you on behalf of Sharon Saunders, our Head of Communities & Partnerships. I hope you find it useful to see this summary of the national position and the impact on some council services. I think you might find it particularly useful to see the summary of advice for the shielding community and our more vulnerable residents – and the information on financial advice too.

Pauline Gray

Communications Adviser, East Lothian Council

Financial Support during COVID-19 leaflet

Coronavirus information from East Lothian Council

Shielding advice & support

Briefing for community groups (Jan 2021)Download

Tribute to Derek Smith

We are sad to report that West Saltoun resident, Community Councillor and father of three Derek Smith, who previously taught PE and led the guidance team at Ross High School in Tranent before he retired, died on September 15th. His three children all went to Saltoun Primary School, Catriona, younger sister Debbie, who sadly passed away three and a half years ago and brother Euan.

Derek was a member of Humbie East & West Saltoun and Bolton Community Council, receiving a long service award. He rarely missed a meeting and was very committed to his home village of West Saltoun and doing the best for the Community. He was a key part of the resilience effort in the village during lockdown, collecting shopping for a number of people who could not venture out due to Covid-19 restrictions. He was very much a community person who did not expect the council to do everything for him.

Derek remained active in his retirement and was heavily involved in cricket and rugby. He continued to help Ross High in in many ways, not least his presence at the annual sports days. The Community Council bequeathed a cup in his name to be presented for Outstanding Sportsperson at Ross High School.

He was involved in many community activities. He ran wine tasting events in Gifford and Saltoun. He was an excellent quiz master in Bolton Village Hall.

He was a lovely man who will be missed by many groups of people.

30mph in Humbie

We have been advised that there will be a new 30 mph speed limit introduced through Humbie. Previously traffic had only to follow 40mph restrictions.

This will be a welcome change for many local residents who have campaigned for the lower speed limit. The electronic sign at the entrance to the village will be reset to match.