September 2014 – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

Muirhouse pair team up to offer ‘life-changing’ film course

Edinburgh College Inner City Arts students will make film of Irvine Welsh short story The State of the Party

A BAFTA-winning director has launched his second film course at Edinburgh College for young and unemployed people, with the help of the iconic Scottish writer Irvine Welsh.

Muirhouse man Garry Fraser (pictured above), who won the Scottish Newcomer BAFTA in filmmaking in 2013 and has had his film Everybody’s Child broadcast on the BBC, set up the Inner City Arts course for young people from poverty-stricken areas in Edinburgh. The filmmaking course aims to prevent young people from becoming involved in self-destructive lifestyles of gangs and drug abuse.

This year, Inner City Arts students will not only work alongside an internationally respected film director but will also get the chance to bring the work of one of Scotland’s best writers to life, by adapting Irvine Welsh’s short story The State of the Party. As part of the course, the students will devise a screenplay and learn how to use filming and editing equipment to bring the story to the big screen. Students will receive expert guidance from Garry – the college’s filmmaker in residence – and they will also get the chance to consult with and speak to Irvine Welsh using video link-up in the classroom.

Using social media, Garry sparked up a conversation with Welsh about his latest course at Edinburgh College over Twitter. Garry – who is from the same area as Welsh in Muirhouse and similarly uses his background and upbringing as a source of inspiration in his work – asked if his students could use The State of the Party as the script for his latest film. The writer not only gave his permission for the students to recreate the story in film but also offered to speak to the students to offer his expertise and advice!

Irvine Welsh said: “I’m delighted to be involved in this project and honoured to have the Edinburgh College Inner City Arts students work with Garry Fraser on The State of the Party. Garry is an astonishingly talented and driven filmmaker, and intimately understands the darkness and humour of the piece. He’ll be both inspirational to, and inspired by, the young people he’ll be working with on the project.

“The State of the Party is a drug-fuelled parable about two young men’s descent into a hyper-real urban hell, and based on the dark premise that ‘no good deed goes unpunished’ and things are never so bad that we can’t make them worse, through our own muddled decision making. I’m very excited to see their interpretation of this story.”

Garry Fraser said: “I’m very excited to launch the next Inner City Arts course and give the group of young people the chance to work on one of Irvine Welsh’s short stories. The students can relate to Irvine’s work because he uses Scots language, showing that screenwriting is within reach to these young people who speak with the same voice – and that art isn’t just open to an elite few. I believe that art can break down barriers and free a troubled and creative mind, which is why these courses can really be life changing for young people who are from a similar background to my own – to give them hope and the option of a better future.”

“For me, getting into filmmaking was either life or death. If I hadn’t discovered it, I wouldn’t be where I am today. It was brilliant to see the students develop skills and confidence in their abilities during last year’s course. This year, the course will focus more on developing practical skills in filmmaking and the skills to empower the students.”

Conner Dickson, who is 15 years old and took part in last year’s Inner City Arts course, said: “I was always interested in acting before the course but I wasn’t sure how to get into it. I gained a lot of confidence on the course and came out of my shell as it went on. I felt I could say anything in front of Garry as he’s in the same boat as all of us and has similar life experiences. I wasn’t afraid to act in front of the camera and take part in the improvisation sessions, and actually discovered I was pretty good at it. I’m now looking at getting into acting and have applied for courses at college too.”

Ray McCowan, vice principal education leadership at Edinburgh College, said: “We need committed individuals like Garry to provide support to young and unemployed people. The young people he works with see him as a role model and a sign of what can be achieved through getting a solid education.

“This is just one of the brilliant examples of the work the college is doing to engage with young and unemployed people on its doorstep. Colleges play a crucial role in enabling people from all backgrounds to improve their lives, and we are confident that the course will again be a big success.”

Places are still available on the Inner City Arts course. To apply, or if you have any queries, please contact Garry Fraser by email at: Garry.Fraser@edinburghcollege.ac.uk.

Sainsbury support is icing on the cake!

Sainsburys Blackhall are proud to have supported Dorothy and Joanna Bissett with their fundraising for Breakthrough Breast Cancer.

The ladies had organised a sponsored 5K run through Inverleith Park on 13 September to raise funds for Breakthrough breast cancer and Sainsburys Bakery Manager Scott McDowell from our Blackhall store made and donated 150 pink cupcakes to raise funds too!

Gail, Sainsbury’s Blackhall

Septemberfest: something special

‘So much to do, so much to see!’

Every September, Broughton High School hosts its annual ‘Septemberfest’. A free and action packed community festival and craft fair, Septemberfest has an excellent reputation for both raising the profile of the school and bringing the community together. This year’s event, which took place on Saturday, certainly lived up to expectations (writes Katherine Wright).

One of the first sights (and sounds) to greet Septemberfest goers was a large circle of bongo drums beneath the school’s gazebo, played by young children and adults alike. With balloons attached to buggies and drum beats ringing out, the tone was set for a great day ahead.

Septemberfest is always a great opportunity to try out new sports, and this year was no exception. Alongside more traditional sports such as football and athletics, there were a variety of activities that could certainly be considered more unique. ‘Bubble Football’ – involving two teams of people rolling around in giant inflatable bubbles and simultaneously trying to score a goal – was a particular highlight. One teacher commented that a recreation of the 1934 London Empire Games, complete with long jump and high jump, was ‘just as I remembered it!’

There were plenty of excitable children running around, and the Sumo suits section seemed to be the perfect activity to tire them out. The rules were the same as normal wrestling – each competitor had to try their hardest to force the other one out of a circular ring. But with giant inflatable costumes, it was both more difficult and a lot more fun for the participants and spectators. Quoting from Smash Mouth’s hit song ‘All Star’, Liam Brown of S6 aptly observed that there was ‘So much to do. So much to see.’

Away from the outdoor sports activities and into the school itself, people of all ages and from all walks of life enjoyed the multitude of stalls, bake sales and arts and craft opportunities available. Jack Curran, Broughton High School’s head boy, commented on how nice it was to see ‘Over six weeks of work and organisation finally paying off”.

From a Greenpeace supporter dressed as a polar bear to Pac man on projector screens, Septemberfest was an excellent showcase of the school’s creative and forward thinking approach. In just one room, people could learn about human rights abuses going on around the world at the ‘Amnesty International’ stall, and then buy an ice cream cupcake or some handmade soaps.

The effort to make Septemberfest informative as well as fun was particularly evident in the ‘Silly Science’ stall, with pH testing experiments that allowed children to learn more about chemistry while watching things ‘magically’ change to different colours.

Live music performances from the highly renowned City of Edinburgh Music School also attracted large audiences, with Jenny Rutherford’s piano solo of ‘Bach Prelude in A Flat Minor’ a particular highlight. An Ihayami Indian Dance family workshop in the Theatre gave both children and adults the opportunity to learn a completely new style of dance, with the instructors dressed in traditional costume, jewellery and makeup.

Part of what makes Broughton so special is its diverse range of pupils, and Septemberfest is perhaps one of the best examples of this. Alison, a helper who handed out programmes to people coming through the gates commented “There’s loads and loads of different people coming through the gates. Lots of different languages.” Indeed, this year’s Septemberfest had a ‘Commonwealth’ theme, and the indoor hub area was adorned with painted flags from all different commonwealth countries. In addition to other arts and crafts opportunities, children could paint a flag of their choice and then pin it to one of four tents around the school, each tent representing a continent. The selection of food available also linked to the Commonwealth theme, with Casa Roble paella, Blue Banana Caribbean food and La Favorita pizzas some of the many options available. As well as the more substantial meals, there was also a delicious selection of home-baking, with the lemon and poppy seed muffins a particular favourite.

Throughout the day, many parents and children commented on how well organised Septemberfest was. Indeed, this would not have been possible without the time and effort spent by parents, students and some school staff to ensure the day ran as smoothly as it could have. Theo Chornogubsky, an S6 pupil who spent his Saturday volunteering at the small games stall, said “It’s really nice to see the community come together”.

Marc Lazarowicz, MP for Edinburgh North and Leith, also commented on the excellent organisation and added: ‘I always try and come every year. It’s a great opportunity to meet people in the school community and beyond. It really shows off the school as part of the community, and that’s what makes it so special.”

As the clock hands approached four o’clock and the crowds became smaller, many people took time to rate their Septemberfest experience on a sticker board survey. The results speak for themselves. Out of the one hundred and twenty six people who answered the question ‘Would you come back to next year’s Septemberfest?’, only three people said they would not. They probably hadn’t tried one of the lemon and poppy seed muffins!

Katherine Wright, S6 Broughton High School

First class!

The first students to complete a groundbreaking project to boost young people’s aspirations and job prospects have been honoured at Edinburgh College’s annual Graduation ceremony.

School students who took part in the East Lothian Hospitality and Tourism Academy programme joined the college’s graduates at the Usher Hall ceremony to pick up their scrolls and mark their success.

Twenty two school students completed the two-year academy programme, designed to give them education and industry experience while still at school, and six of them attended Edinburgh College’s Graduation on Friday 26 September.

These academy students are in a unique position, having now left sixth year of school while also achieving a Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Hospitality. This secures them a place on specific courses at Edinburgh College or allows them to skip first year and move directly into the second year of the BA (Hons) in International Hospitality & Tourism Management at Queen Margaret University.

Fifteen of the students have now gone on to the QMU degree, two have gone to Edinburgh College to study Events and Tourism Management, respectively, three have gone to courses at other universities, and two have gone straight into the workplace.

The East Lothian Hospitality and Tourism Academy launched in 2012 as a partnership between Edinburgh College, Queen Margaret University and East Lothian Council. It was set up to give S5 and S6 pupils the chance to sample further and higher education and work experience while still at school, smoothing the transition into college, university and employment as well as raising aspirations and enhancing employability.

Following the Hospitality and Tourism Academy’s success, three other academies launched last year with a £4.6million award from the Scottish Funding Council, as part of the wider South East Scotland Academies Partnership (SESAP). These were geared towards other industries earmarked as growth areas by the Scottish Government: Health and Social Care; Creative Industries; and Food Science and Nutrition. This expansion brought new partners into the project including an additional 34 schools across south east Scotland and more employers and businesses. The original partners have now been joined by City of Edinburgh, Midlothian and Scottish Borders councils, and Borders College.

The academies work with key industry partners, including Skills Development Scotland and Creative and Cultural Scotland, to allow young people to develop an understanding of the full range of jobs available within these sectors. Working so closely with businesses ensures that the academies are designed to meet their needs and help develop the workforce these growth sectors need to thrive.

This year more than 400 pupils from more than 50 schools in Edinburgh, East and Midlothian, and the Borders have signed up to the academies.

Ray McCowan, vice principal at Edinburgh College, said: “We’re delighted to conclude the journey of the academies’ first students in such a fitting way, alongside our other students in the wonderful surroundings of the Usher Hall. The project would not have been such a success without their enthusiasm and dedication, and they’re a credit to themselves, their schools and the project partners.

“They’re all going on to positive destinations, either to further studies or straight into the workplace, and I know they’re doing so with real passion and determination to succeed. Some of these young people didn’t know what they wanted to do but the academy has opened their eyes to some amazing opportunities they didn’t even know existed before. The academies are successfully creating new opportunities for young people and meeting the needs of industry as well as the government’s priorities for growth. The model is working and it’s great to see them come out the other end with the skills, knowledge and confidence that will benefit them whatever they go on to do.”

Professor Alan Gilloran, Deputy Principal at Queen Margaret University, said: “The academies project is one which is delivering real results for Scotland’s young people and we are delighted to see our first graduating students progress onto the next stage of their educational and career journeys. Not only is the academy experience giving our students a competitive advantage over many of their peer group, it will help contribute positively to the Scottish economy by preparing a new and skilled young workforce to bolster key growth industries. This graduation ceremony is a milestone for the academies project. We are extremely proud of the academy students’ achievements and of the positive outcomes being delivered by this pioneering collaborative project.”

Pictured: Back row: Marisa Kerr, Alice McMillan, Jake Lavery, Holly Harrison, Rosie Allan. Front row: Rachel Scott and Shelby Dalgleish. Hospitality and Tourism Management Academy. HNC Hospitality Management.

Twenty days to raise three grand

MY Adventure’s race against time to raise funds

MY Adventure, Muirhouse Youth Development Group’ social enterprise arm, is using crowfunding site Crowdfunder.co.uk to try to raise £6000 for essential repairs to their very own Borders bothy. With twenty days to go, they’re halfway there – but if they don’t reach their target they receive NOTHING.

MY Adventure’s Jonny Kinross gives some good reasons why you should pledge your support:

‘We believe in beautiful idyllic peaceful and natural wilderness spaces being accessible to everyone – Towford is just that.’

For many years now registered Muirhouse Youth Development Group (MYDG) and its Social Enterprise MY Adventure have been looking to secure a building, a bothy, a place that people can get away to and relax in – that is basic, comfortable and affordable. A place where young children can play safely but adventurously in the outdoors, exploring Scotland’s natural heritage with their families and friends. A place where teenagers can get away from pressures and learn new skills. A place where groups of adults can build friendships but enjoy space to themselves.

Towford Outdoor Centre, near Jedburgh, set in the beautiful remote yet accessible Scottish Borders, is the place we have been seeking.

Towford Outdoor Centre lies in the upper Kale Valley, on the northern slopes of the Cheviot Hills and has been lent to MYDG absolutely free, initially for 10 years but for the longer term if we can sustain it and assure our landlord that people are using it.

Towford was formerly an Outdoor Education centre until it closed in 1996. Before that, it was a school from 1876 to 1964.

The school log reads on June 30th 1964: ‘Today is the last day of Towford School. We have closed today and will not be returning’. Let’s return to this building a playful spirit and keenness to learn about the natural world, each other and ourselves!

You couldn’t find a better location for a Centre as Towford. Feeling remote but a mere 15 minutes from Jedburgh, the area contains an abundance of features of educational interest, quite apart from its out-standing potential for hill-walking and the beautiful conservation grade grounds. The area is typical of the Scottish Cheviot country, with its rolling hills and wide valleys, clear streams, shelterbelts and rich grazings.

The widely scattered hamlets and hill-farms are linked by narrow, winding roads, little used but essential to settlement in the area. Roman remains, along with standing stones, hill forts, cultivation terraces and the like all add to the educational potential of the area. This area and this building with your help can make an outstanding contribution to the lives of many children, groups, adults and communities.

Why are we crowdfunding?

The building has been empty and unused for 17 years. It urgently needs some heating and a rewire if it is to survive its first winter in our care. We also seek to make it more sustainable and more importantly more accessible to people with disabilities. Many of the old systems are now considered unsafe. The roof needs patching and the grounds have become hugely overgrown and inaccessible. We have a fantastic community of volunteers who can provide the labour (we are of course always looking for more, especially people with trade’s experience). However, funds are needed specifically to:

Put in a wood burning stove
Re-wire the building
Replace two windows
Up-grade the Shower/toilet block – making it accessible to people with disabilities

Crowdfunding is the best way to fund this project because we can offer amazing incentives (see below) including use of the building once it’s fully operational. We also need the funding urgently to complete the essentials for Towford to survive the Scottish winter.

Rewards – What you get for your pledges

Exclusive to TIC TOC Backers

Pledge £5 or more – Your name (or a dedication) on the ‘wall of supporters’ in the Centre and on the website. You get this for all the other pledges

Pledge £10 or more – A unique ‘TIC TOC ! Time for MY Adventure’ snap band

Pledge £20 or more – a Commemorative ‘Key to Towford’

Pledge £25 or more – A designer TIC TOC T –shirt

Pledge £50 or more – A Tandem cycle hire for a day for two people (and 2 ‘TIC TOC Time for MY Adventure’ snap bands) – making this a fantastic unique Christmas or Birthday Gift !

Pledge £60 or more – A Scroll of an extract from the original Towford School Log book (dating back to the 19th Century)

Pledge £75 or more – A Limited Edition Print of an original painting of the Centre in its grounds (framed and posted) with a certificate of appreciation for your support

Pledge £100 or more – A 2 hour Archery Session for 12 people – a fantastic Christmas Gift, birthday party or work celebration – competitive, fun, enjoyable for all ages and abilities!

Pledge £120 or more – for a Family Weekend self-catering at Towford – enjoying the beautiful Scottish Borders!

Pledge £250 or more – A half day Family or Group Day out (Mountain Biking, Coasteering, Canoeing, Canyoning for 6 people) – as adrenaline rushing or relaxed as you wish!

Pledge £500 or more – A self-Catering weekend at Towford with an activity for up to 30 people! Tonnes of hills, a warm fire, isolated setting with the freedom to explore!

Pledge £600 or more – Your Company or Dedication details engraved onto a traditional wooden Bench

Pledge £1000 or more – A Dynamic Team Building Day (Wet/Dry/high-low impact) Activity of your choice and a plaque with your company details inscribed upon it – acknowledging your support

Pledge £6,000 or more – An idyllic water feature named after you and no one else for ever! (set in Towford’s beautiful 17 acre gardens).

Your pledge will benefit many people from all different walks of life. The organisations who have already stated that they will use this fantastic facility is huge and includes groups who organise or fund:

Family Respite breaks
Parenting – family strengthening groups
Alternatives to Crime Projects
Self-Directed Support – personal breaks or activities
Affordable Family Holidays
Youth work residentials
Schools and college field trips
Duke of Edinburgh groups
Employability groups and ready-for-work programmes
Conservation Charities
Courses, Therapies and retreats

We are a ‘hands-on’, ‘can-do’ social enterprise that look for creative and sustainable ways of changing young people’s lives – we do this on a daily basis. We can organise huge teams of volunteers – we have successfully done so on many projects – and this keeps costs down to a minimum (materials & technical advice only).

Due to this tremendous social capital your pledge will go far beyond how you imagined – making a huge difference to the long term prospect of this wonderful building becoming the source of so many positive memories and life-changing experiences.

Please pledge generously and remember – we’re not asking for something for nothing: you, your friends and family will love the rewards for your pledges that are exclusive to TIC TOC backers.

You have the opportunity to help create something that will benefit thousands of people every year – year on year.

Convinced? If you’d like to pledge your support to MY Adventure’s project go to www.crowdfunder.co.uk/towford

MORE Power to the People!

New session starts today at Royston Wardieburn

Discovering North Edinburgh’s Early History
30 September – 16 December

Power to the People is a group for adults who are interested in Scottish history, politics, arts and current affairs. Over the last two years we have been learning about Scotland’s history and the struggles of ordinary people through studying Scottish poetry, music, paintings, literature and films. We have also been trying to get to grips with many of the important issues concerning the Scottish Referendum (see our open letter, below).

P2TP – dear citizens of scotland

This term we will be exploring North Edinburgh’s early history and how this is linked to important social, economic and political events in Scotland through the centuries. The programme for this term will include:

• Speakers on specific topics relating to the early history of North Edinburgh and Edinburgh generally
• Visits to the National Museum of Scotland, the National Library of Scotland, RCAHMS)
• Workshops (using IT to access digital archive material)
• Films on Edinburgh’s early history

Material and resources uncovered during this term will contribute to the development of The Great North Edinburgh Tapestry, an exciting new project which will document the history of this area and the story of all the people who have settled here.

The Power to the People group is friendly, informal, fun and free. No qualifications or knowledge of history are required. New members are always welcome.

If you require more information about the course or require a creche contact Lynn McCabe, Community Learning and Development worker on 552 5700 (Tuesday – Thursday) or email on lynn.mccabe@ea.edin.sch.uk

See below for an article about the group:

PowertothepeopleStanistreet 2012

Inverleith Conservation Area: have your say today

Have your say on the Inverleith Conservation Area Appraisal

Conservation Area Character Appraisals help to manage change in a conservation area. They describe what is special about each conservation area. They help in making decisions on proposals that affect the area’s special character.

Each of Edinburgh’s 49 conservation areas has a Conservation Area Character Appraisal. However, some of these have not been updated for some time, changes have taken place, development pressures and community interest mean that a review is desirable. We are now beginning to review our Character Appraisals, starting with the Grange, Queensferry and Inverleith.

This first stage consultation involves talking to as many people as possible with an interest in the area – residents, businesses and any other group. This local knowledge and interest is invaluable in giving an accurate picture of what people value about an area and feel is special.

To capture this we have designed this on-line questionnaire which will make people think about recent development in Inverleith and whether they feel it has taken the special character of the area into account. Similar surveys carried out in the Grange and Queensferry produced a great amount of useful feedback.

The team will also be available at two drop-in sessions at Stockbridge Library if anyone would like to talk in more detail about these issues, or would like help filling in the survey on line or in a paper version:

TODAY – Tuesday 30 September, 10am-5pm

Wednesday 8 October, 1pm-8pm

The survey will be running for around 3 weeks. Once we have collected all the feedback we will use this to design the new version of the Inverleith Conservation Area Character Appraisal. The draft of this will go out for more detailed public consultation later in 2015.

More information here: www.edinburgh.gov.uk/CACAreview

Flood prevention scheme second phase gets green light

The second phase of a multi-million pound flood prevention scheme has been given the go-ahead following a funding agreement.

The Water of Leith Flood Prevention Scheme (WoLFPS) is a key infrastructure project to help protect hundreds of properties in vulnerable areas of the city from future flooding.

Following the completion of the first phase, which included defences at Veitches Square, Stockbridge Colonies, Warriston, St Mark’s Park and Bonnington, overall costs for a reconfigured Phase 2 at Murrayfield/Roseburn were estimated at £25.241m.

However, the available capital budget for this second phase stood at £20.539m, leaving a shortfall of £4.702m and jeopardising the delivery of this next stage of the WoLFPS.

The City of Edinburgh Council has now agreed to fund this shortfall through a realignment and transfer of existing Services for Communities capital budgets, meaning that the formal procurement process can now get under way, with flood prevention works starting in the Roseburn and Murrayfield area in autumn 2015.

Councillor Lesley Hinds, Transport Convener, said: “It’s fantastic news that we can now proceed with the next stage of this hugely important project, which will safeguard hundreds of properties from flooding in the future. We’ve been working extremely closely with the community and key stakeholders to make sure they were fully involved in the plans from the outset and with reinforced governance and protocols in place, we’re confident that Phase 2 will be delivered efficiently and at best value to the taxpayer.”

Local schools share the Commonwealth Games experience at Spartans

2014 has been a fantastic year for sport in Scotland. From hosting the Ryder Cup to fantastic performances from the national football team against the World Cup champions – what better time to capture the attention of the younger generation and engage them in sport?

Undoubtedly the most popular talking point in Scottish sport has been Glasgow having the privilege of hosting the Commonwealth Games this summer, and following this tremendous event, The Spartans Community Football Academy was keen to offer the young people of North Edinburgh the opportunity to try their hands at some Commonwealth sports.

With the support of Big Lottery Funding, we hosted our very own North Edinburgh Commonwealth Games Day last Tuesday (23 September). Our aim was simple – let young people experience Commonwealth sports they may never have had the opportunity to try before. We invited primary 7 pupils from five local primary schools to join us at The Spartans Community Football Academy – that’s over 200 young people! Thank you Pirniehall PS, Blackhall PS, Forthview PS, Granton PS and St Davids PS for making the day such a special occasion!

Local clubs and organizations were quick to offer help with our event allowing us to offer a great variety of sports. On the day, pupils got to try their hand at Hurdles, Long Jump, Javelin, Triathlon, Boxing, Judo, 100m and 400m relay.

There was great energy around the event and this stemmed from the coaches and volunteers we had on board for the day. We would like to thank coaches and volunteers from Kabo Boxing, Edinburgh Leisure and Jidel Judo for coming along and making the event such a success.

We were extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to offer a Triathlon station to the young people – this wouldn’t have been possible without the help and resources from Ainslie Park Leisure Centre and MyAdventure who offered us use of their swimming pool and bicycles.

We would also like to extend thanks to staff from the Nike store in Craigleith for all their help and support with this project. We would like to extend a final thank you to Big Lottery Funding for believing in our project – without their support this fantastic event would not have been possible.

Pictured above are pupils from St Davids PS and Granton PS who spent the afternoon at our Commonwealth Games.

Jamie Tomkinson (Youth & Community Worker)

The Spartans Community Football Academy

Sainsbury’s and D Mains double up to support Macmillan

Colleagues from Sainsburys Blackhall – with the help of the parents and pupils of Davidsons Main Primary School – held a Macmillan coffee morning on Friday (26 September) and raised an amazing £1,000 for the Macmillan nurses!

A huge thank you to all involved!

Gail Wilson
Sainsburys Blackhall