Latest news with #Scandinavian-style
The Age
21-05-2025
- Politics
- The Age
The partners who can't live together, or apart
Who are the Liberals? So the federal Liberal Party, not to mention the state Liberal Party in Victoria, is now facing the prospect of its irrelevance as if it was not already apparent before the recent federal election. Party spokespeople repeatedly say they must define and return to their fundamental values. What are they? Small government and respect for personal freedom. Is that it? Could someone flesh this out? What does this mean for state education, for aged care, for workers' rights, for small and middle sized business and so on? The problem is that there is no one among the Liberals with the vision of a Menzies let alone his oratorical ability to sell his vision. There is no one who can move on from this moribund bunch of lightweights and rejuvenate, let alone start another party, as Menzies did in similar circumstances. Yes, that is what he did and this is where they are now. John Whelen, Box Hill Sth Power failure Net zero now describes the chances the Liberals and Nationals have of regaining power until they shed their ideological aversion to renewables. Craig Jory, Albury, NSW Hiding the truth The article ″ Australia rebukes Israel ″ (21/5) is notable for two revelations. One, the timidity of our response to Israel's weaponisation of starvation in Gaza in withholding backing for the direct warning of sanctions by our closest allies. We've been similarly exposed before, and there's not even an election now, as an excuse. The second is even more interesting: as Benjamin Netanyahu pushes on with the plan to take full control of a mostly empty Gaza, in which 'just enough aid to prevent hunger' will flow, the Israeli PM is disarmingly frank about the calculation behind this policy tweak. Dependent on international finance and materiel to further his campaign, he confesses the (limited) renewal of aid is to placate supporters who 'cannot handle images of starvation'. This is surely a new cynical twist to the old maxim: ″the first victim of war is truth″. Hide it if you can – just don't scare the horses. Ken Blackman, Inverloch It's not working for me Premier Jacinta Allan, would you please define 'working people' for us Victorians? I get confused because I forever see you and your colleagues in Hi-Vis vests and hard hats on those major infrastructure projects that have blown budgets and our state's debt levels. Charles Griss, Balwyn No boastful patriots Tim Soutphommasane (Comment, 21/5), rightly invokes ″an ethos of fairness, equality and humanity″ as central to an intelligent framing of patriotism for Australia. For too long, the lazy, reflexive boofheaded values of advertising copywriters embodied in the ″Come on Aussie, come on″ tradition have defined a love of this nation. A humbler Scandinavian-style pride in a society that treats its citizens as deserving of well-funded educational, health and aged resources should be our focus. Decency should be celebrated. If the Anzac martial tradition at Gallipoli is to be acknowledged, it should be in the context of recognising the common values shared in 1915 by young Ottoman Turk country boys with their prayer mats and Korans; and Anglo-Celtic bush lads from a Christian tradition acknowledging each other's courage, as attested in historical accounts of their encounters. Patriotism need not be boastful. Jon McMillan, Mount Eliza Applaud those protesters Well done to the farmers, firefighters and everyone else who protested in Melbourne on Tuesday. They managed to do what so many of us would love to but haven't, and that is to mobilise against the increasing cash grab by this state government to prop up its gross mismanagement. Jan Grutzner, Richmond The wasted years Correspondents to the Letters pages seem divided between the need for major infrastructure and the cost. The current problem is that developments like the Suburban Rail Loop and the North East Link are necessary components for a fast-growing Melbourne, but are seen as unaffordable in the eyes of many due to the state's parlous budget situation. Federal funding, which is really essential, is limited and in recent years has tended to favour the north-eastern states at Victoria's expense. On an Australia-wide basis infrastructure development has been too late, having regard to the speed of growth of the nation this century. It is regrettable that at the height of the mining boom, when federal funds were more than adequate, the financial benefits were dispersed in the Howard years as tax advantages instead of being invested in infrastructure development, which would have been far less costly then, and beneficial to the nation as a whole. Brian Kidd, Mt Waverley Change investment In relation to comments that the proposed changes to superannuation will hinder investment, I ask, why does this investment need to be within the superannuation framework? What's to stop the wealthy from investing outside of superannuation? Since superannuation is intended to provide a reasonable income during retirement, can't we simply stick to that vision, rather than turning self-managed funds into huge investment facilities, with incomes far beyond what most people have in retirement. Eileen Ray, Ascot Vale School parking jam I live opposite a state primary school and can say that the daily 'parking stoush' is not restricted to so-called 'privileged' schools. While I am unable to park outside my house during the 'drop-off' and 'pick-up' times, these restrictions do not seem to apply to some parents. They not only park illegally, but consider it OK to straddle private home crossovers and/or nature strips. This is not done just to drop off or pick up their children as they lock their cars, carry their child's bag and cross the supervised crossing to 'deliver/collect' their offspring at the school gate. Parking restrictions may be a nuisance to residents, but they exist to make it safer for the school's students. It is a pity that some parents do not seem to realise, or care, that their illegal parking eliminates this safety feature and causes traffic congestion. Tony Wheeler, Templestowe Lower Stop the heritage loss In ref to ' Melbourne's character and liveability is being bulldozed – we should be alarmed' (20/5) I am alarmed. I was alarmed in 2016 when the first planning zone laws came in. I kicked and screamed, wrote letters to the government and talked with locals about how the state was bulldozing us by rushed decisions to change the zoning on our streets. With no answers to my questions our neighbourhoods were starting to change – 12 apartments here, a high-rise there, a sign of things to come. Not content with this, the state government is coming back determined to take every piece of grass we have left, the air we breath and the safety we had as we walked, biked, and shopped in our local communities. This heritage we have in our very young country should be placed with pride. The pride in our single-fronted cottages, weatherboards, cream brick veneers, Housing Commission flats, and our grand Victorian, Edwardian, and Federation homes. All part of a history that if demolished can never be replaced again. I come again, kicking and screaming, asking the same questions. How do we stop this from happening? Sharon Hendon, Glen Iris Energy alternatives Australia started large-scale mining uranium at Rum Jungle in the Northern Territory in 1954, but has only ever used tiny amounts for medical purposes, exporting the rest. Who knows how much ends up in nuclear weapons? France started building nuclear power plants in 1956, now has 18 supplying much of the country's electric power. In Australia, the conservative parties have had long periods of government, but only now have decided nuclear is the thing. Can anyone believe they are real? Meanwhile, China has become the largest generator of electricity by both hydro and wind in the world. It has also built at least one heliostat mirror array using sun to heat molten salt, which retains heat overnight enough to make the steam to turn the turbines to make electricity just like burning coal and gas, but without adding to rapidly increasing planet overheating. Why does Australia not pay for these facilities by charging those who extract fossil fuels a whole lot more? Loch Wilson, Northcote Some are lucky Yes, some might enjoy seeing white fields covered in frost, but as I turn on our heater with the temperature hovering around 0 degrees, I can't help but feel for those people less fortunate, with no warm place to sleep, through no fault of their own. I feel so privileged living in my cosy and warm house. Pam Christensen, Leongatha North Gift of gratitude The article ″ My resurrection (thank you) cost $7 ″ (21/5) made my heart sing – along with the music the author Fotis Kapetopoulos describes. Gratitude is a wonderful asset and this writer has it in spades alongside his gift for describing eras, lifestyles and our public health system, which is so often criticised. Kay Cole, Hawthorn East AND ANOTHER THING Politics The Nationals remind me of my childhood. When I threatened to run away from home, my mother offered to help pack my bags. Peter Thomas, Pascoe Vale Sussan Ley has made her mark by stating that all policies will be reviewed given the election result. The Nationals, with no review of failed policies, served up a foolish ultimatum and failed. Mike Fajdiga, Beaumaris Backers of the previous coalition will now need to pick which independent party to finance. The Liberals or the Country Nationals. Interesting times ahead. Meg Paul, Camberwell The Nationals couldn't split the atom so they split the opposition. Geoff Allen, Parkdale Nuclear power brought the Coalition partners together on climate policy. But now it seems to have contributed to their split. Nuclear fusion has given way to nuclear fission. Anthea Hyslop, Eltham Forget about the doors being open for a reconciliation between the Liberals and Nationals because the knife drawers will always remain open. Rob Prowd, Box Hill South Have the Nationals finally signed their own death warrant? Chris Burgess, Port Melbourne Bridget McKenzie (″Stupid move: Howard slams Coalition bust-up″, 21/5) doesn't know the difference between reasonable requests and unreasonable demands. Les Aisen, Elsternwick It has taken a woman to stop the tail wagging the dog. Martin Crowe, Fitzroy North
Scotsman
05-05-2025
- General
- Scotsman
A future living among friends
Social isolation and the rural housing crisis is being tackled in a bold housing experiment on Orkney Sign up to our Scotsman Money newsletter, covering all you need to know to help manage your money. 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... A bold housing experiment is underway in Orkney that could redefine how communities live and thrive. In the far north of Scotland, a group of residents, many in their 70s, are leading a Scandinavian-style co-housing project aimed at tackling social isolation and the rural housing crisis. Their vision is simple yet profound: create a neighbourhood of private homes alongside shared spaces, fostering close-knit living. The project, Hope Cohousing, would be Scotland's first fully rental co-housing development, and it's already shovel-ready after six years of determined effort. As this innovative venture gains momentum, it challenges traditional thinking on planning, property values, and community cohesion. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Co-housing is an intentional housing model where residents design and manage their neighbourhood collectively. Originating in Denmark in the 1960s, it combines self-contained private homes with shared facilities like a common house, gardens, and recreation spaces. Daily life is semi-independent, promoting both privacy and regular social connection. The new cohousing project is centred on St. Margaret's Hope on Orkney (Picture: Adobe) Denmark has made co-housing mainstream, with around 50,000 Danes living in such communities, and similar models have spread across the US and England. Until now, Scotland has lagged behind, with funding and planning hurdles. Hope Cohousing is poised to change that. Hope Cohousing illustrates how this model addresses both loneliness and housing affordability. The founding members, older residents of Orkney, sought alternatives to isolated, hard-to-heat homes. By clustering six eco-friendly houses together in St. Margaret's Hope, the project ensures independence alongside community support. Importantly, these homes are all affordable rentals – not for sale. This opens cohousing to long-term tenants who might not have the means to buy, offering a secure home in a supportive environment. It also addresses broader pressures like fuel poverty and the ageing population, providing modern, energy-efficient homes at affordable rents. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Hope Cohousing demonstrates grassroots community development in a rural area often overlooked by mainstream builders. Initiated by a Community Interest Company formed by local residents, the project secured land from Orkney Islands Council and garnered planning permission after years of advocacy. All the Hope Cohousing homes are affordable rentals, says Rob Aberdein Support from Robert Gordon University architects and Scottish Government funding further enabled the project. Echoing Denmark's success, Orkney's model shows how rural councils and communities can collaborate to deliver alternative housing solutions. The Hope Cohousing journey exposed systemic barriers for community-led developments, requiring creative navigation through grants and permissions. Its success could inspire councils elsewhere to adopt more flexible planning approaches for community-driven housing. Hope Cohousing homes won't affect open-market prices directly, but their presence could unlock under-occupied homes as residents relocate, freeing up existing housing stock for families. Cohousing also reframes housing not as a mere commodity, but as infrastructure for well-being – offering long-term community benefits without undermining property markets. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad At its heart, Hope Cohousing is about combating loneliness by designing community into everyday life. Residents will share communal meals, gardens, and decision-making, creating a daily fabric of neighbourly support. In a rural area like Orkney, this closeness is vital for quality of life, especially for older residents. The initiative also empowers local people to tackle social challenges directly, setting an example for other communities. Its success could inspire wider uptake of community-led models across Scotland. This is more than a housing project – it's a proof of concept for a different way of living in Scotland. If successful, it could influence planners, policymakers, and other rural communities to embrace co-housing as part of the solution to Scotland's ongoing 'housing crisis'. While funding challenges remain, there is growing governmental and public support. The Orkney model suggests a more Scandinavian-inspired approach to housing – one rooted in community and well-being – could become part of Scotland's future.
The Guardian
28-04-2025
- Politics
- The Guardian
Fathers ‘betrayed' by Labour workers' rights bill, say paternity leave campaigners
New fathers have been 'betrayed' by Labour's flagship workers' rights bill, campaigners have said, after it emerged that a promised 'day one' right to paternity leave will not include the right to statutory pay. The Guardian has learned that while the bill will give an estimated 30,000 more new dads each year statutory paternity leave, they will still need to have worked for the same employer for at least nine months before the baby is due to be eligible for statutory paternity pay. The revelation has caused anger in Labour ranks and among campaigners for better paternity leave, and sparked manoeuvres to try to force ministers to change course, with a flurry of amendments tabled when the bill comes to the Lords for debate on Tuesday. The Fatherhood Institute, which is campaigning for six weeks' well-paid leave in the baby's first year, described the lack of day one rights to pay for new fathers as a 'betrayal'. Kathy Jones, the CEO of the charity, said ministers had repeatedly pointed to the employment rights bill as a significant step towards a better system and suggested further policy would come after their parental leave review later this year. 'Making paternity leave and pay a day one right – and the promise of bigger changes – felt like a sign of good faith, after many years of this important policy area being totally neglected,' she said. 'So to find out the pay element isn't included feels like a betrayal.' On Tuesday, the Labour peer Ruth Lister will ask for an amendment calling for the government's promised parental leave review to consider introducing a Scandinavian-style 'daddy month' of reserved parental leave, with better pay and including self-employed fathers. 'The partial extension of day one rights does not touch the sides when it comes to the current shoddy treatment of fathers,' she said. 'So long as women carry so much of the responsibility for childcare in the private sphere, they enter the public sphere of the labour market with one hand tied behind their back.' Joanna Penn, a Conservative peer, will also table an amendment in the Lords that would see new dads entitled to statutory parental pay from day one of a new job. 'The government says it is introducing the new day one right to paternity leave, but without any funding for paternity pay it's just hot air,' she said. 'The low rate of statutory parental pay already makes it impossible for many dads to take leave, but how many can afford to take two weeks off completely unpaid?' The Labour MP Stella Creasy, who helped secure a government review of all parental-leave rights by next year in the employment rights bill, said that if the government only improved maternity rights, they would only entrench maternity discrimination. Sign up to Headlines UK Get the day's headlines and highlights emailed direct to you every morning after newsletter promotion 'Many parliamentarians understand the need to make sure that women are not penalised for having babies, and men need time with their children – that's good for the economy and good for parents,' she said. A groundswell of support for better rights for fathers is growing in Westminster, with dozens of Labour MPs joining forces with the campaign group the Dad Shift. Campaigners have long argued that the UK has one of the least generous paternity offers in the world, with the UK ranked 40th out of 43 OECD countries. Employed fathers in the UK get two weeks' statutory paternity leave paid at £187.18 a week (less than half the 'national living wage'), which accounts for only 1.9% of all government spending on parental leave.
Scotsman
22-04-2025
- Scotsman
The Packhorse Inn: sure to be an odds-on favourite for a countryside escape and a day at the races
Just a short drive from Newmarket, the home of horseracing, this 17th century coaching inn is perfect for a getaway all year round 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... Overlooking an idyllic village green at the rural heart of English horse racing sits The Packhorse Inn, a refined countryside escape alive with history, awash with quintessential charm. The Packhorse has 16 bedrooms. Once a traditional 17th century coaching inn, now the newly-refurbished cornerstone of the tranquil Moulton community, if your dream getaway is a symphony of bygone charms, cosy crackling fires and atmospheric modern finesse, this sleek retreat is your odds-on favourite for a truly memorable stay. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad A beautiful blend of exposed brickwork, beamed ceilings, soft lighting and rustic warmth, the welcoming Inn enchants with a dash of old-world wonder, a splash of elegance and the trademark spirit of The Chestnut Group. The parade ring at Newmarket Racecourse (Photo by) A stone's throw from world-famous Newmarket races, stables and gallops, and a firm favourite for fabulous food, sociability, convenience and class, you can stay, dine and unwind long after the last winner passes the post. Originally The Chestnut Group's founding inspiration, now an ingeniously renovated five-star hotel, thriving pub and AA-accredited dining venue, every inch of The Packhorse Inn's inspirational transformation champions exceeding guest expectation. Uncompromising on comfort, each of its 16 luxurious guest rooms is an intimate home from home, with four bedrooms in the main building, four in the courtyard and eight in a striking barn conversion to the rear. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad From a Small King bedchamber with pretty garden views, to the dramatic high ceilings, chandelier and tub-for-two of the Luxury King Warren room, you can choose classic coziness, pampering elegance, or somewhere extra special in between. The Packhorse's luxurious guest rooms are an intimate home from home. For guests bringing dogs, four Medium King rooms with rejuvenating rainfall showers open onto the courtyard, whilst the new-build barn houses Scandinavian-style Large King rooms which are perfectly pooch-friendly and can be twinned on request. Add to this an exquisite Extra Large King option, with walk-in shower and oceans of space, the gorgeous Plantation room with magnificent mirrors and village green views, and the Luxury King Primrose showcasing stone bath and antique splendour, and – like a day at the races – you'll struggle to pick your favourite. Just three miles from vibrant Newmarket and a 10-minute car ride from the races, picture book Moulton blends striking architecture, thatched cottages and criss-cross country walks with historic must-sees, including the majestic 15th-century Packhorse Bridge spanning the River Kennett and the National Horse Racing Museum. Newmarket Races Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The Packhorse is renowned for regionally-inspired dishes with an artisan twist and fresh, home-grown appeal. One of the most prestigious racing venues in the world, nothing beats the buzz of an effervescent Newmarket meeting for a fast, thrilling spectacle on the flat. From the roar of the crowd and the adrenaline of the chase, to sun-kissed picnics and exciting live music, whether you're a racing novice or a seasoned punter following form, the vibe is infectious and the experience unforgettable. Premier, Grandstand & Paddock or the Garden Enclosures are ideal for atmosphere, whilst hospitality packages, private boxes and the Trackside Pavilion offer a distinctly VIP experience – but whatever your preference, the uplifting Newmarket effect is just the ticket for a fun, unforgettable day out. Dining at The Packhorse After all the excitement of a flutter, a delicious dining experience in the dimly-lit ambiance of the Inn's restaurant is a fitting nightcap for the sport of Kings. Effortlessly atmospheric, admirably attentive, whether the mood is chic evening a la carte, a casual lunchtime bite or a hearty full English to fuel the day, The Packhorse is renowned for regionally-inspired dishes with an artisan twist and fresh, home-grown appeal. The rustic ambiance of The Packhorse's bar and restaurant Enjoy connoisseur wine pairings, real craft beers and masterfully-mixed cocktails in the rustic ambiance of the bar and restaurant, or deliciously al fresco in the vibrant, parasol-dotted courtyard as you celebrate race day, staycation or romantic getaway your way, before retiring to a restful night's sleep in true Packhorse Style.
Scotsman
22-04-2025
- Scotsman
The Packhorse Inn: sure to be an odds-on favourite for a countryside escape and a day at the races
Just a short drive from Newmarket, the home of horseracing, this 17th century coaching inn is perfect for a getaway all year round 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... Overlooking an idyllic village green at the rural heart of English horse racing sits The Packhorse Inn, a refined countryside escape alive with history, awash with quintessential charm. The Packhorse has 16 bedrooms. Once a traditional 17th century coaching inn, now the newly-refurbished cornerstone of the tranquil Moulton community, if your dream getaway is a symphony of bygone charms, cosy crackling fires and atmospheric modern finesse, this sleek retreat is your odds-on favourite for a truly memorable stay. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad A beautiful blend of exposed brickwork, beamed ceilings, soft lighting and rustic warmth, the welcoming Inn enchants with a dash of old-world wonder, a splash of elegance and the trademark spirit of The Chestnut Group. The parade ring at Newmarket Racecourse (Photo by) A stone's throw from world-famous Newmarket races, stables and gallops, and a firm favourite for fabulous food, sociability, convenience and class, you can stay, dine and unwind long after the last winner passes the post. Originally The Chestnut Group's founding inspiration, now an ingeniously renovated five-star hotel, thriving pub and AA-accredited dining venue, every inch of The Packhorse Inn's inspirational transformation champions exceeding guest expectation. Uncompromising on comfort, each of its 16 luxurious guest rooms is an intimate home from home, with four bedrooms in the main building, four in the courtyard and eight in a striking barn conversion to the rear. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad From a Small King bedchamber with pretty garden views, to the dramatic high ceilings, chandelier and tub-for-two of the Luxury King Warren room, you can choose classic coziness, pampering elegance, or somewhere extra special in between. The Packhorse's luxurious guest rooms are an intimate home from home. For guests bringing dogs, four Medium King rooms with rejuvenating rainfall showers open onto the courtyard, whilst the new-build barn houses Scandinavian-style Large King rooms which are perfectly pooch-friendly and can be twinned on request. Add to this an exquisite Extra Large King option, with walk-in shower and oceans of space, the gorgeous Plantation room with magnificent mirrors and village green views, and the Luxury King Primrose showcasing stone bath and antique splendour, and – like a day at the races – you'll struggle to pick your favourite. Just three miles from vibrant Newmarket and a 10-minute car ride from the races, picture book Moulton blends striking architecture, thatched cottages and criss-cross country walks with historic must-sees, including the majestic 15th-century Packhorse Bridge spanning the River Kennett and the National Horse Racing Museum. Newmarket Races Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The Packhorse is renowned for regionally-inspired dishes with an artisan twist and fresh, home-grown appeal. One of the most prestigious racing venues in the world, nothing beats the buzz of an effervescent Newmarket meeting for a fast, thrilling spectacle on the flat. From the roar of the crowd and the adrenaline of the chase, to sun-kissed picnics and exciting live music, whether you're a racing novice or a seasoned punter following form, the vibe is infectious and the experience unforgettable. Premier, Grandstand & Paddock or the Garden Enclosures are ideal for atmosphere, whilst hospitality packages, private boxes and the Trackside Pavilion offer a distinctly VIP experience – but whatever your preference, the uplifting Newmarket effect is just the ticket for a fun, unforgettable day out. Dining at The Packhorse After all the excitement of a flutter, a delicious dining experience in the dimly-lit ambiance of the Inn's restaurant is a fitting nightcap for the sport of Kings. Effortlessly atmospheric, admirably attentive, whether the mood is chic evening a la carte, a casual lunchtime bite or a hearty full English to fuel the day, The Packhorse is renowned for regionally-inspired dishes with an artisan twist and fresh, home-grown appeal. The rustic ambiance of The Packhorse's bar and restaurant Enjoy connoisseur wine pairings, real craft beers and masterfully-mixed cocktails in the rustic ambiance of the bar and restaurant, or deliciously al fresco in the vibrant, parasol-dotted courtyard as you celebrate race day, staycation or romantic getaway your way, before retiring to a restful night's sleep in true Packhorse Style. Double bedrooms at The Packhorse Inn are available from £140 per night and include breakfast. To book, visit or call 01638 751818
