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Glasgow Times
2 days ago
- General
- Glasgow Times
Bridgeton Community Learning Campus secures fresh funding
The Bridgeton Community Learning Campus (BCLC) received a grant from the Scottish Building Society Foundation, which will be used to upgrade its heating system. The improvements will support the centre's ability to offer free and low-cost activities to residents in the east end throughout the year. The centre delivers a wide array of activities, including fitness sessions (Image: Supplied) Lesley Ward, centre manager at BCLC, said: "As an anchor organisation, we serve Bridgeton with education, wellbeing, and a social connection for those who need it most. "We see every day how vital this space is for local people. Read more: Popular chippy unveils new creation dubbed the 'Glaswegian doughnut' "Whether it is older adults battling isolation or young families seeking support, our aim is simple – to provide opportunities that help people feel included, supported and empowered to thrive. "It's brilliant to receive funding from the foundation which will help us improve energy efficiency at our centre, ensuring we can provide comfortable and welcoming service throughout the year for all who attend." Established in 2006, BCLC has become a vital part of the Bridgeton community, offering inclusive classes and services for all ages and abilities. The centre delivers a wide array of activities, including fitness sessions such as karate, clubbercise, and chair yoga, as well as arts and crafts. It also offers educational programmes, including ICT training and English for speakers of other languages courses. The campus regularly holds community events, including an annual gala day, monthly meals, tea dances, and a community garden open to all residents. Paul Denton, chief executive of the Scottish Building Society, said: "We are thrilled to support BCLC and help it sustain a rich programme of activity which benefits everyone in Bridgeton. "BCLC is a pillar of the local community and showcases everything about the type of organisations our foundation aims to back. "As a mutual organisation rooted in community values, we recognise the transformative power of local initiatives in strengthening resilience, connection and opportunity." The Scottish Building Society Foundation, launched in May 2023, awards grants of up to £5,000 to community groups across Scotland. To date, it has distributed more than £155,000 to over 40 charities, with a recent funding round totalling nearly £30,000.
Scotsman
17-07-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Seven in ten Edinburgh residents expect savings to be hit by economic pressures
Seven in ten residents from Edinburgh expect their savings to be negatively affected this year as economic pressures continue to mount. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The figure comes from new data revealed by Scottish Building Society, which paints a concerning picture for many residents across the region as they assess their financial outlook for the year ahead. The Scottish Building Society Savings Barometer surveyed people across Scotland about their financial habits and attitudes amid persistent economic uncertainty. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad More than a third of respondents reported a decline in their savings over the past 12 months, with households continuing to grapple with rising costs, struggling wage growth in line with inflation, soaring property prices and higher interest rates. Paul Denton, Chief Executive of Scottish Building Society While 75% said they had been able to save some money in the last six months, just 40% said they had been able to do so without touching their savings accounts to pay for their everyday outgoings. A third of respondents from Edinburgh have either reduced or completely abandoned their savings goals this year. While there is a pessimistic outlook, some savers across Edinburgh are looking forward to reaching their goals, with 9% saving for a wedding, 18% looking to purchase a new car, and 17% saving for a big holiday this year. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Paul Denton, Chief Executive of Scottish Building Society, said: "The Scottish Building Society Savings Barometer offers a vital snapshot of the personal finances of Edinburgh's savers. The findings reveal pessimism across the region, with the majority of people concerned about their ability to save in the year ahead. "When 73% of people say their finances have been negatively affected by current economic conditions, it's no surprise confidence is low. Some 55% of people have dipped into their savings to cover rising costs in the last six months, underlining the real impact inflation is having on household budgets." The current outlook for savers in Edinburgh mirrors the national picture, with data showing age is a critical factor, with those aged 65 and over across Scotland in a significantly stronger position than working-age individuals. A combination of inflation-linked pensions, lower exposure to rising mortgage rates and generally larger savings pots has created a two-tier financial landscape. Among 25–34-year-olds, a significant 70% had to use their savings to cover day-to-day costs, while a third (33%) of over-65s reported no change to their savings in the last year- the highest of any age group. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The generational divide is especially stark, with 80% of 16–24-year-olds having postponed or reduced their savings ambitions, compared to just 40% of those aged 65 and over. Mr Denton continued: "We can't ignore the role age plays in financial resilience, particularly during such a challenging time for the economy. "Only 29% of those aged 16–24 were motivated by interest rates and financial products when choosing a savings product, compared with 57% of those aged 65+. Across Edinburgh there is a growing age-wealth gap and within the current economic climate, it doesn't look like closing anytime soon.'
Scotsman
10-06-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
SBS research shows the economic squeeze is hitting savers hard
Three in four people in Scotland expect their savings to be negatively affected this year as economic pressures continue to mount. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... This follows new data from Scottish Building Society, which paints a concerning picture for many people as they assess their financial outlook for the year ahead. The Scottish Building Society Savings Barometer surveyed people across Scotland about their financial habits and attitudes amid persistent economic uncertainty. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Almost half of all respondents reported a decline in their savings over the past 12 months, with households continuing to grapple with rising costs. Paul Denton from SBS While concerns were widespread, the data revealed particular pessimism among those aged 35 and under, which is unsurprising given both property prices and higher interest rates remain high. Indeed a significant 70% of 25–34 year-olds had to use their savings just to cover day-to-day costs. More than 30% of people have either reduced or completely abandoned their savings goals this year. The generational divide is especially stark, with 80% of 16–24-year-olds having postponed or reduced their savings ambitions, compared to just 40% of those aged 65 and over. Geographical differences also emerged, with savers in areas with below-average property prices more likely to have increased their savings. In contrast, those living in higher-priced regions have seen their savings impacted by elevated mortgage costs, often relying on their savings to mitigate this rising cost. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Paul Denton, Chief Executive of Scottish Building Society, said: "The Scottish Building Society Savings Barometer offers a vital snapshot of the personal finances of Scottish savers. The findings reveal widespread pessimism, with the majority of people having seen their savings take a hit in the past year and even more bracing for a tougher year ahead. Paul Denton, SBS CEO "When 75% of people say their finances have been negatively affected by current economic conditions, it's no surprise confidence is low. Nearly 60% have dipped into their savings to cover rising costs in the last six months, underlining the real impact inflation is having on household budgets." The data suggests age is a key factor, with those aged 65 and over in a significantly stronger position than working-age individuals. A combination of inflation-linked pensions, lower exposure to rising mortgage rates and generally larger savings pots has created a two-tier financial landscape. A third (33%) of over-65s reported no change to their savings in the last year – the highest of any age group. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Mr Denton continued: "We can't ignore the role age plays in financial resilience, particularly during such a challenging time for the economy. "Only 29% of those aged 16–24 were motivated by interest rates and product range when choosing a savings product, compared with 57% of those aged 65+. These figures suggest that the growing complexity of the savings market is making it even harder for young people to get ahead, underscoring the need for straightforward savings products and on the provision of financial education at a young age." While 40% of people managed to save something, it was less than they had planned, suggesting the appetite to save is there, but circumstances are making it difficult. Mr Denton concluded: 'Only 5% of people were able to save more than they had planned in the past year. Market conditions are constraining people's ability to save despite a clear appetite to do so. It is vital that the UK Government recognises these conditions and protects savers from additional tax constraints. In particular, the Cash ISA needs to be given protection from changes to give people the confidence to make sound long-term financial decisions.'
Scotsman
10-06-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
SBS Savings Barometer shows three in four people have seen their savings hit this year
Three in four people in Scotland expect their savings to be negatively affected this year as economic pressures continue to mount. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... This follows new data from Scottish Building Society, which paints a concerning picture for many people as they assess their financial outlook for the year ahead. The Scottish Building Society Savings Barometer surveyed people across Scotland about their financial habits and attitudes amid persistent economic uncertainty. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Almost half of all respondents reported a decline in their savings over the past 12 months, with households continuing to grapple with rising costs. Paul Denton, SBS CEO While concerns were widespread, the data revealed particular pessimism among those aged 35 and under, which is unsurprising given both property prices and higher interest rates remain high. Indeed a significant 70% of 25–34 year-olds had to use their savings just to cover day-to-day costs. More than 30% of people have either reduced or completely abandoned their savings goals this year. The generational divide is especially stark, with 80% of 16–24-year-olds having postponed or reduced their savings ambitions, compared to just 40% of those aged 65 and over. Geographical differences also emerged, with savers in areas with below-average property prices more likely to have increased their savings. In contrast, those living in higher-priced regions have seen their savings impacted by elevated mortgage costs, often relying on their savings to mitigate this rising cost. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Paul Denton, Chief Executive of Scottish Building Society, said: "The Scottish Building Society Savings Barometer offers a vital snapshot of the personal finances of Scottish savers. The findings reveal widespread pessimism, with the majority of people having seen their savings take a hit in the past year and even more bracing for a tougher year ahead. SBS CEO Paul Denton speaking at the recent AGM "When 75% of people say their finances have been negatively affected by current economic conditions, it's no surprise confidence is low. Nearly 60% have dipped into their savings to cover rising costs in the last six months, underlining the real impact inflation is having on household budgets." The data suggests age is a key factor, with those aged 65 and over in a significantly stronger position than working-age individuals. A combination of inflation-linked pensions, lower exposure to rising mortgage rates and generally larger savings pots has created a two-tier financial landscape. A third (33%) of over-65s reported no change to their savings in the last year – the highest of any age group. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Mr Denton continued: "We can't ignore the role age plays in financial resilience, particularly during such a challenging time for the economy. "Only 29% of those aged 16–24 were motivated by interest rates and product range when choosing a savings product, compared with 57% of those aged 65+. These figures suggest that the growing complexity of the savings market is making it even harder for young people to get ahead, underscoring the need for straightforward savings products and on the provision of financial education at a young age." While 40% of people managed to save something, it was less than they had planned, suggesting the appetite to save is there, but circumstances are making it difficult. Mr Denton concluded: 'Only 5% of people were able to save more than they had planned in the past year. Market conditions are constraining people's ability to save despite a clear appetite to do so. It is vital that the UK Government recognises these conditions and protects savers from additional tax constraints. In particular, the Cash ISA needs to be given protection from changes to give people the confidence to make sound long-term financial decisions.'
Edinburgh Reporter
08-06-2025
- Sport
- Edinburgh Reporter
Edinburgh's title at gathering of Inclusive rugby clans
Local inclusive rugby club, Edinburgh's Inclusive rugby team have been crowned champions at the fourth Scottish Building Society Inclusive Festival. For the first time, the celebration of inclusive rugby was held at Hive Stadium, Edinburgh, welcoming teams from across Scotland, including Borders Clan, Strathmore Clan and Ayrshire Clan. The festival followed a round-robin format, allowing each team to play against each other and with the teams using the same facilities as the full-time team, they each got a taste of what it would be like to be a professional rugby player. Inclusive rugby brings together both able-bodied players and individuals with physical or learning disabilities, playing side-by-side as unified teams. The multi-gender format promotes teamwork and inclusivity and proudly demonstrates that rugby is a sport for all. The tournament was established by Scottish Building Society and Edinburgh Rugby to spotlight grassroots rugby and highlight the exceptional work being done by inclusive teams across the country. Following the day's matches, players and coaches were joined by Edinburgh Rugby stars Luke Crosbie and Harry Paterson, who hosted a lively Queston and Answer session, sharing insights and encouragement with participants. During the recent sell-out Edinburgh Rugby v Ulster fixture, the victorious Edinburgh Rugby Inclusive Team, were invited to take a lap of honour around the pitch. Paul Denton, Chief Executive of Scottish Building Society, presented the winning trophy to the team in front of an enthusiastic crowd. Brian Smith, coach of Edinburgh Rugby Inclusive, said: 'It's never lost on everyone here how much the support of Edinburgh Rugby and Scottish Building Society benefits us. This is the first time the tournament has been held in the Hive, seeing how much it means to all the teams to play on the same pitch as they watch the pro team play on is brilliant, it means the world to them.' Paul Denton said: 'It was my pleasure to present Edinburgh Rugby Inclusive Team with their trophy; you can really see how much it means to the players and their families. The event is a brilliant way for players from teams across Scotland to come together and showcase their talents in a safe and positive environment, with many friendships being made along the way.' EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND – MAY 10: A squad photo of the Edinburgh Inclusive Rugby Team during a Edinburgh Rugby x Scottish Building Society inclusive festival at the Hive Stadium, on May 10, 2025, in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Ross MacDonald / SNS Group) That winning feeling for Edinburgh Inclusive Rugby team Like this: Like Related
