Social enterprise hit by 'disaster' as thief swipes £5,000 worth of equipment
Green Aspirations is a social enterprise focused on reconnecting people to their environment, through woodlands based at the Cardross Estate, Port of Menteith.
A rural Stirling social enterprise was left reeling this week after a brazen thief stole equipment worth £5,000.
Green Aspirations is a social enterprise dedicated to reconnecting people with their environment, operating from woodlands based at the Cardross Estate, Port of Menteith.
The enterprise was established by Paul Cookson, who now manages the company alongside his partner Jo Edwards.
They were devastated to find that several crucial tools had been pinched upon their return from holiday last weekend.
Green Aspirations offers workshops, kids holiday clubs, events, products (charcoal, traditional games, other small items), volunteering opportunities, and sustainable woodland management – all focused on imparting traditional rural skills, such as green woodworking and blacksmithing. The emphasis is on teaching people to create things themselves and encouraging them to consider the origins and manufacturing processes of items.
The enterprise has been operational since 2013.
An online fundraiser has now been launched to help the group replace the stolen items.
Jo told the Stirling Observer: "We had around £5,000 of equipment stolen that's really essential in what we do, so it's been a real blow, but at the same time, people are being really generous with their donations and offers of help, which has been amazing."
Among the stolen items were two chainsaws – a STIHL 231 and a STIHL 661 , am Alaskan chainsaw mill, a generator, a circular saw, and various hand tools.
Jo added: "The chainsaws are an integral part of the charcoal side of the business, and we're probably the second biggest charcoal producer in Scotland, so losing them is a bit of a disaster.
"We buy our charcoal wood from the Cambusbarron Development Trust, and then process it on our site, so we've had to borrow a chainsaw this week to keep that going.
"The chainsaw mill is used for preparing materials for workshops, so we've had to postpone the workshop we had planned for this weekend, as we can't get the pieces ready. While we've not cancelled, it does mean that the weekend we've moved it to now can't be used for any other workshops.
"The other tools are also used for workshop prep, as well as helping us make the traditional games – stocked in Made in Stirling, so we'll have to find another way to keep that going while we sort things out."
Regarding financial struggles, Jo added: "We're around 90 per cent supported through income we generate ourselves, rather than through grant funding, so all of this means that if we don't generate the income, then we can't pay our bills, or our one member of staff who works with us a couple of days a week.
"We rarely pay ourselves as it is, although we were nearly at that point before this happened, so [this is] just another frustration."
The Crowdfunder page states: "As a social enterprise, we operate on a pretty tight budget. So when something like this happens – the theft of a number of pretty expensive bits of kit – it really sets you back. We're looking for various sources of funding to help us replace what's been taken, but we're looking at all the avenues we can. So we're hoping you can help!".
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Record
14 hours ago
- Daily Record
Social enterprise hit by 'disaster' as thief swipes £5,000 worth of equipment
Green Aspirations is a social enterprise focused on reconnecting people to their environment, through woodlands based at the Cardross Estate, Port of Menteith. A rural Stirling social enterprise was left reeling this week after a brazen thief stole equipment worth £5,000. Green Aspirations is a social enterprise dedicated to reconnecting people with their environment, operating from woodlands based at the Cardross Estate, Port of Menteith. The enterprise was established by Paul Cookson, who now manages the company alongside his partner Jo Edwards. They were devastated to find that several crucial tools had been pinched upon their return from holiday last weekend. Green Aspirations offers workshops, kids holiday clubs, events, products (charcoal, traditional games, other small items), volunteering opportunities, and sustainable woodland management – all focused on imparting traditional rural skills, such as green woodworking and blacksmithing. The emphasis is on teaching people to create things themselves and encouraging them to consider the origins and manufacturing processes of items. The enterprise has been operational since 2013. An online fundraiser has now been launched to help the group replace the stolen items. Jo told the Stirling Observer: "We had around £5,000 of equipment stolen that's really essential in what we do, so it's been a real blow, but at the same time, people are being really generous with their donations and offers of help, which has been amazing." Among the stolen items were two chainsaws – a STIHL 231 and a STIHL 661 , am Alaskan chainsaw mill, a generator, a circular saw, and various hand tools. Jo added: "The chainsaws are an integral part of the charcoal side of the business, and we're probably the second biggest charcoal producer in Scotland, so losing them is a bit of a disaster. "We buy our charcoal wood from the Cambusbarron Development Trust, and then process it on our site, so we've had to borrow a chainsaw this week to keep that going. "The chainsaw mill is used for preparing materials for workshops, so we've had to postpone the workshop we had planned for this weekend, as we can't get the pieces ready. While we've not cancelled, it does mean that the weekend we've moved it to now can't be used for any other workshops. "The other tools are also used for workshop prep, as well as helping us make the traditional games – stocked in Made in Stirling, so we'll have to find another way to keep that going while we sort things out." Regarding financial struggles, Jo added: "We're around 90 per cent supported through income we generate ourselves, rather than through grant funding, so all of this means that if we don't generate the income, then we can't pay our bills, or our one member of staff who works with us a couple of days a week. "We rarely pay ourselves as it is, although we were nearly at that point before this happened, so [this is] just another frustration." The Crowdfunder page states: "As a social enterprise, we operate on a pretty tight budget. So when something like this happens – the theft of a number of pretty expensive bits of kit – it really sets you back. We're looking for various sources of funding to help us replace what's been taken, but we're looking at all the avenues we can. So we're hoping you can help!".
Daily Record
3 days ago
- Daily Record
Scottish Government group urges £55 a week Scottish Child Payment
The Minimum Income Guarantee Expert Group has issued a report on tackling poverty. Experts have called on the SNP Government to double a lifeline benefit for low income families to £55 a week. The hike in the Scottish Child Payment would be a step towards providing a 'minimum income' of £11,500 a year for people in poverty. The devolved Government set up an expert group to examine how Ministers could deliver a guaranteed income level for Scots. One of the measures recommended is a boost to the SCP, currently set at £27.15 a week, and which is paid for every child in eligible low income families. The group wants a doubling of the payment by 2031 and an end to the two child benefit cap and the five-week wait for Universal Credit payments. They claim these policies would deliver economic growth and reduce poverty and inequality. The experts have also called for an interim minimum income guarantee in Scotland by 2036, paid on a time-limited basis for those able to work. Based on 2024/25 prices, the level would be £11,500 for a single adult, with more for couples and parents. Russell Gunson of The Robertson Trust, who is also chair of the Government's minimum income guarantee expert group, said: 'If we've learned one thing in recent years it's that we can all need a helping hand from time to time. A minimum income guarantee could be transformative, putting in place a universal guarantee that's there for everyone in Scotland. 'Given the levels of poverty and inequality we see, we must act urgently. 'With technological change and an ageing population, we need to build security for all to make sure we can take the economic opportunities in front of Scotland. A minimum income guarantee could future-proof Scotland. 'With greater financial security, we can empower our people to live well, meet their potential and build a better future for themselves, for their families and for the country as a whole.' Case study Jo, 46, found herself unable to work and living off benefits after a breakdown in 2017. The former bar worker was eventually diagnosed with autism and ADHD and moved from Edinburgh to social housing in Falkirk. Surviving on just £300-a-month, she said he could not afford a washing machine or proper flooring. Now back in Edinburgh, she helped shape the new report as part of a lived experience panel and hopes to train as a counsellor. She said a minimum income guarantee would offer a vital safety net and help tackle the stigma faced by people in poverty. Jo said: 'If there had been a minimum income guarantee it would have helped prevent that massive decline. I stayed really isolated, very poor, very stressed and unable to access anything. That safety net would have made a huge difference. 'The shame factor is a big one too. When you're that poor, the shame is really tough.' Satwat Rehman, another member of the group and chief executive of One Parent Families Scotland, said: ' Single parents – 90 per cent of whom are women – are among the most economically vulnerable in our society, with 41 per cent living in poverty. 'Too many single parents are trapped in low-paid, part-time, insecure work while navigating complex and inadequate support systems that fail to reflect the true cost of raising a family alone. 'A minimum income guarantee would provide a lifeline, ensuring no single-parent household falls below a dignified minimum income – whether in or out of work, studying or training – and ensure families and children thrive and not just survive.'
Daily Record
3 days ago
- Daily Record
Christmas Day killer who murdered partner and neighbour jailed for life
Jazwell Brown carried out an unprovoked and "frenzied" attack, also trying to kill his own son and repeatedly stabbing a dog belonging to his partner Joanne Pearson. A murderer who killed his partner and neighbour on Christmas Day while high on cocaine has been jailed for life. Crazed Jazwell Brown carried out an unprovoked and "frenzied" attack which also saw him try to kill his own son and repeatedly stabbing a dog belonging to his partner, Joanne Pearson. He set upon Joanne, who was known as Jo, with a kitchen knife, stabbing her 31 times, then turned the knife and a baseball bat on his son, Jake Brown. The youngster remarkably survived, and Brown repeatedly stabbed Jo's dog Tilly, a Staffordshire bull terrier, who was later spotted on CCTV limping from the scene. The Mirror reports the attacks took place at their home in Bletchley, Buckinghamshire, at around 6.30pm on December 25 last year. Brown then headed next door to another flat and began attacking Teohna Grant. He also stabbed Teohna's boyfriend 29-year-old Bradley Latter, who survived. Teohna was also pronounced dead at the scene. Police previously said the dog had died, but they have since been informed Tilly survived. At a brief hearing back in April the 49-year-old defendant pleaded guilty to the murder of 38-year-old Jo, 24-year-old Teohna, and two counts of attempted murder for Mr Latter and the teenager. He also pleaded guilty to one count each of possession of a knife in a public place and causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal. Today he was jailed for life for the two murders, and was told he will serve a minimum of 38 years and 194 days behind bars. He was also sentenced to 18 years for attempting to kill his son, and 21 years for attempting to kill Mr Latter. The sentences will run at the same time as the murder sentence. He was sentenced to nine months in jail for injuring dog Tilly, and 18 months for possession of a knife, also to run concurrently. Charles Miskin KC, defending, said Brown had shown remorse for his actions and was 'profoundly sorry'. Prosecutor Deanna Heer KC told the court: 'The evidence suggests that the assaults were wholly unprovoked, committed by the defendant whilst he was under the influence of cocaine.' Brown and Ms Pearson had been in an 'unhealthy' relationship for several years, with both taking Class A drugs and the pair regularly heard arguing by neighbours, Ms Heer said. Jake Brown visited their flat on the evening of December 25 last year and Ms Pearson told him they had both been smoking crack cocaine. After Ms Pearson was reluctant to smoke the same drug in front of Jake, the defendant 'seemed to become suspicious' and sat quietly, Ms Heer said. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. 'The defendant then picked up a screwdriver and a kitchen knife from the table in the living room and approached Pearson, who asked him what he was doing and tried to walk away. Without saying a word, he began to stab her with the knife repeatedly in a frenzied attack. Jake Brown tried to pull his father away from her, only for the defendant to turn to him and stab him in the chest." Jake, now 18, called the police as he hid in the bathroom before Brown breached the room, holding the baseball bat. The lad told officers there had been no argument and nothing to justify the defendant's actions, and that the attack was like 'watching a horror film', the prosecutor said. Brown made his way across the communal landing to the flat next door, where Mr Latter and Ms Grant, who had left their door unlocked, were sitting in the living room enjoying a quiet Christmas day, the court heard. The defendant then stabbed both victims multiple times with a 'blank' face, Ms Heer said. The prosecutor added: 'He stared Mr Latter dead in the eyes and continued to stab him, without saying a word.' Soon afterwards, a witness living opposite the flat saw Ms Grant come out onto the balcony of the flat holding the front of her throat with her hands, shouting 'Help! I can't breathe.' Brown was later arrested by police after fleeing the scene in his car. A bloodstained knife was found on the passenger seat, with the defendant's fingerprint in blood on the knife, while spots of Ms Pearson's and Mr Latter's blood were found on his trainers. Both women's families released a statement following today's sentencing. Joanne's family said: "Jo was a loving daughter, sister, mother, auntie, cousin, friend and neighbour. "Her life was needlessly and cruelly cut short in horrendous circumstances on Christmas Day, in her own home at the hands of her partner. We will never be able to understand why. "Jo experienced many good and happy times and achieved lots in her short life. These should not be overshadowed by the difficulties she experienced. "Jo sometimes did not make the best decisions, but who of us can say we don't get things wrong from time to time. Jo always cared for everyone around her, which was evident even in her last moments of her life. She was inseparable from her dog Tilly who she told us was her rock. We are sure Jo will be remembered with love and affection by all who knew her. "There will certainly always be a huge Jo shaped hole in our lives." Teohna's family said: "She had a huge heart full of love and kindness, she was such a kind and caring daughter and sister. Teohna is irreplaceable and she has left a huge void in our lives and in our hearts. As a family we are heartbroken to have lost her. "The heartbreak is intensified by the realisation that we lost her due to the senseless, cruel actions of someone else. Our world is emptier, full of sadness and holds a lot less laughter now that she has gone. Teohna deserved more time to live and deserved the chance to experience the good things life still had to offer her. The world is a darker place without Teohna's beautiful smile. "We desperately wish that we could have made many more happy memories with Teohna, but all we can do now is cherish the past 24 years of treasured memories we made with Teohna when she was alive, which nobody can take from us. The pain will never go away, and there is no way of filling the void in our hearts. We know that Teohna would want us to live, not just survive. "So for Teohna, we will somehow find the strength to do just that in memory of the most loved and cherished daughter and sister. Teohna we will miss you every day for the rest of our lives, and we will love you for just as long." Detective Chief Inspector Stuart Brangwin said: "Today Jazwell Brown was given two life sentences for the murders of Teohna Grant and Jo Pearson." The Thames Valley Police officer added: "He was also sentenced for the attempted murder of Teohna's partner Bradley, the attempted murder of a teenage boy, possession of a knife and the wounding of a dog. The events that unfolded on December 25, 2024 were truly horrific and tragic. We may never know what prompted Brown to behave the way he did. "In his own home, he stabbed his partner Jo 31 times, before turning the knife and a baseball bat on a teenage boy. Brown also repeatedly stabbed Jo's dog, Tilly, who survived despite her injuries. What remains even more incomprehensible is why Brown then left his home and tried the front door of a nearby flat, taking the knife and baseball bat with him. "It was in this flat that he stabbed Teohna multiple times, causing fatal injuries. Teohna's partner Bradley was also brutally attacked, sustaining more than 20 injuries to his neck alone. Somehow, Bradley survived. The scenes that responding emergency services faced that evening are indescribable. "As a credit to their incredible bravery and dedication to protecting the public and saving lives, the outcome could have been even worse were it not for their decisive actions. The surviving victims and the families of Teohna and Jo have suffered enormously throughout this process. "I would like to thank them for placing their trust in Thames Valley Police and the Crown Prosecution Service, allowing us the time and space to thoroughly investigate and bring Brown to justice. Family members have described today's sentencing as 'part of the healing journey'. We know there is a long way to go but I hope that after today they can at least start that process."
