Making Places: communities by design

People to have say in the design of their area

Communities across Scotland can bid to take part in a new £325,000 scheme to regenerate their neighbourhood, Local Government Minister Kevin Stewart has announced. The Making Places Initiative will help bring communities together to agree improvements for their area based on local need and priorities.

The expanded scheme has grown from the success of a previous Charette programme which teamed local people with design professionals to look at what would improve their places and communities. This new initiative will continue to offer support for events of this type alongside more comprehensive support to deliver on these ideas.

Minister for Local Government Kevin Stewart said: “From the Borders to the Western Isles, the people who live, work and socialise in our communities have the best local knowledge to consider how that place should evolve and regenerate and I would encourage people across the country to consider applying.

“This new Making Places Initiative allows more opportunities for communities to choose what works for them. It takes the success we’ve seen through community collaboration and increases the focus on encouraging and enabling more and more people to become involved.”

 

 

Scottish SPCA announces free Will writing service in partnership with McClure Solicitors

The Scottish SPCA has announced a new partnership with McClure Solicitors in Edinburgh that will provide a free Will writing service to supporters of the charity. Scotland’s animal welfare charity has partnered with McClure who, in 2016, raised a total of £15 million for charities through donations, Gift Aid and legacies. Continue reading Scottish SPCA announces free Will writing service in partnership with McClure Solicitors

Losing Arthur: BAFTA-nominated TV writer Paul A. Mendelson releases debut children’s novel

BAFTA nominated TV writer Paul A. Mendelson shares his debut children’s novel, “Losing Arthur” which is largely set in Scotland.

Paul A. Mendelson tells the story of Zack, quirky and imaginative, but bullied at school. He has only one true friend in the world: Arthur. The trouble is, only Zack can see him. One day his mum gets so fed up that she ‘grabs’ Arthur, dumps her handful of nothingness into a box and posts it to Zack’s long-departed father at some made-up Scottish address. Zack, usually so timid, has to set off on a perilous journey to rescue his imaginary friend before he fades away. But there are rogue elements out there who have dangerous plans for the two of them.

“Losing Arthur” author, Paul A. Mendelson lives in Harrow, Middlesex and is a British writer best known for his work on television and radio. Paul has written for the BBC, ITV and for DreamWorks Animation and is currently developing several feature films both in the UK and in the US. Mendelson released his debut adult fiction, “In the Matter of Isabel” earlier this year with great success!

With endorsements from Jamie Rix (Grizzly Tales for Gruesome Kids) and Elly Brewer, multi-award winning ex lead writer of Tracy Beaker Returns and The Dumping Ground, “Losing Arthur” is a must-read for children and young adults alike!

 

New support and companionship service launches in Edinburgh

A new premium alternative for those who require support or companionship but want to live independently in their own homes has launched in Edinburgh. Continue reading New support and companionship service launches in Edinburgh

Combustible cladding found, but health chief insists Royal Infirmary “remains safe”

NHS Lothian chiefs have assured the public the Royal Infirmary is safe after panels of combustible material were found during safety inspections at the hospital. The checks were initiated following the Grenfell Tower blaze in London. Continue reading Combustible cladding found, but health chief insists Royal Infirmary “remains safe”

Poet Alan’s set to become Edinburgh Makar

 

Alan Spence has been nominated to become the Edinburgh’s next poet laureate … and whisper it, but he was born in Glesca! A report to Tuesday’s Culture and Communities Committee next week recommends Alan as the next writer to be inaugurated as the Edinburgh Makar. Continue reading Poet Alan’s set to become Edinburgh Makar

Scotland sends support to South Asia

The Scottish Government’s Humanitarian Emergency Fund is distributing £300,000 to help support people left homeless following floods that ravaged South Asia. Severe monsoon rains have affected 40 million people in Bangladesh, India and Nepal. More than 1,200 people are known to have died. Continue reading Scotland sends support to South Asia