Cllr Gordon Munro has had the Labour group whip removed following his abstention on the Council budget vote.
The Leith councillor believes the SNP, Labour’s partners in the sc-called Capital Coalition, is not standing up for Edinburgh.
Gordon Munro said: “I stand by my decision to abstain in the budget vote. Edinburgh needs full and fair funding. It needs to prosecute its case forcefully which it commits to do in the coalition agreement.
“I accept the decision taken by Edinburgh Labour.’’
Labour Group leader Cllr Cammy Day said: “As part of our Labour Party rules, and by not supporting the budget proposals, an internal disciplinary process from Edinburgh Labour has agreed that the Labour Whip will be removed from Cllr Gordon Munro until return of Summer recess 2021.
“Gordon is a long standing, hard working councillor and a valued member of the Labour Group.”
Despite losing the Labour whip Councillor Munro, who also abstained in last year’s Budget vote, will still be expected to support the Capital Coalition in any forthcoming votes.
GMB Scotland is pressing for proper employment status for more than 2,800 HM Coastguard rescue workers based at 310 rescue stations around the UK. About 900 of these workers are based in 116 rescue stations around the coast of mainland Scotland and the Islands.
The duties of HM Coastguard rescue workers include help rescue people trapped on the coast, for example on cliffs, stuck in mud or in the water, search for missing people, report and deal with pollution and other hazards and help emergency services and local authorities during emergencies, for example flooding.
These HM Coastguard rescue workers can be called out at any time of the day or night so they work irregular hours. They may have to work in hazardous situations for long hours and may have to carry out physically demanding tasks.
HM Coastguard rescue worker can have other employment. Required skills include: first aid, water rescue, map work, search techniques, communications and skills needed in for local area, for example rope rescue, mud rescue etc.
GMB Scotland is demanding that their status as workers is properly recognised and the work they do is properly valued and recognised.
Like for other recent high profile workers in irregular employment across the UK the union is prepared to litigate to obtain justice for these brave men and women.
Numbers of HM Coastguard rescue workers on irregular hours by Areas across the UK
Area 1 Scotland & Orkney Islands
137
Area 2 North Scotland
126
Area 3 East Scotland
97
Area 4 Inner Clyde to River Tay and East Scottish Border
134
Area 5 North East England
122
Area 6 East of England (Yorkshire, Humberside & Lincolnshire)
134
Area 7 East Anglia
155
Area 8 South East England
152
Area 9 : Southern England including Isle of Wight
202
Area 10 : South West England
175
Area 11 : Cornwall including Isles of Scilly
162
Area 12 : North Devon including Severn Estuary
176
Area 13 : South East Wales to Mid-Wales
203
Area 14 : North West Wales
162
Area 15 : Great Orme to West Scottish Border including the Lakes
152
Area 16 : Solway to Firth of Clyde including Northern Ireland
190
Area 17 : Kintyre to Mull, Isle of Arran and Inner Hebrides
159
Area 18 : Loch Linnhe to Outer Hebrides including Skye & the Small Isles
160
Gary Smith, GMB Scotland Secretary, said:“These 2,800 brave men and women who work in all weathers to rescue people and save lives are denied even the most basic rights of respect and recognition by their employer HM Coastguard.
“Staff with over 30 years experience are being axed without the basic right of being represented by their Union. The HM Coastguard rescue workers risk their lives to help and save others but are treated worse than any other Government worker. Urgent action needs to be taken to show respect for these unsung heroes.
“The union is prepared to litigate for these workers, so they can be properly recognised as part of the HM Coastguard rescue workforce and to ensure their basic employment rights are respected.”
Police officers will be carrying out focused patrols following a recent increase in antisocial behaviour at Ocean Terminal
Community Inspector Colin Fordyce of Craigmillar Police Station said: “We’ve seen an increase in antisocial behaviour incidents at Ocean Terminal recently involving groups of youths.
“One of our priorities in Edinburgh is dealing with disorder and antisocial behaviour. We will be focusing our patrols in and around Ocean Terminal to tackle the issue with a zero tolerance approach. Enforcement action will be taken if anyone is identified as being involved in any criminal behaviour.
“Our local residents and businesses have had a tough enough time recently, and it’s not acceptable for them to have to put up with the reckless behaviour of a small minority of youths intent on causing trouble.
“I ask that all parents and carers speak with their children and young people about the impact that antisocial behaviour has on others.
“If you see any criminality in the area, call 101, or 999 in an emergency to help us hold offenders to account. Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
After over a year in and out of lockdown, many of us have turned to technology to keep ourselves entertained – from binging on hit Netflix shows such as Tiger King and Bridgerton, to making daily purchases via Amazon Prime.
But as things continue to ease up, and we edge ever closer to the Great British Summertime (and freedom!), we may be planning exciting days out with friends and family – many of whom we haven’t seen in several months, or even a year!
Before you step outside and enjoy the sunshine, take a moment to check around the home for any appliances which may be on standby. Doing could save you £30 a year – not bad!
Debra Clason, Hub Manager at the Utilita Energy Hub in Leith, Edinburgh, has shared her top tips for saving energy during this time:
Dust off the clothes horse
As the days get warmer, pull out the clothes horse from the back of the cupboard and dry freshly washed items quickly in the sun without the need of the tumble-dryer.
Check your heating
When the weather heats up, check your heating and make sure it’s either off because it’s warm enough outside, or that it set lower to save you in the long run.
Stay cool with cross ventilation
Create a cool breeze through the home by opening a window at the font and another at the back, to let air free flow through rooms – and save the fan until things really heat up!
Make the most of the great outdoors
As the weather improves after being cooped up inside for several months, make the most out of the great outdoors. Less time in the home enjoying ourselves means less energy used.
Debra comments: “Our research reveals on average, British homes have 10 unused items plugged in and switched on at any time. Across the UK’s millions of homes, those with at least one TV waste a staggering £432 million on unnecessary energy every year by leaving the set on standby.
“By simply switching your appliances off at the power source after using them, you could save £30 a year.”
“Find other tips on how you could save £163 each year on energy bills with our Energy High 5 movement.”
The Last Night In (a music film): STAY ODD live from Leith Theatre
Date: 8th May 2021 @ 8.30pm
Presented by Handsome Tramp Records in association with Creative Scotland
Tickets available here: https://bit.ly/2QNoQra
Scottish hip-hop mainstays Stanley Odd have announced they will be playing a unique performance of their latest album STAY ODD from the iconic main auditorium of Leith Theatre.
The band formed in Leith over a decade ago. Now, four albums and almost twelve years later, the six-piece are returning to the place where their journey began for a celebration of live music – and of Staying Odd.
The band are known for their electric live performances and, although we cannot dance together just yet, have decided to bring their explosive live show to fans’ living rooms.
The event will be ticketed however – recognising the uncertain times that we’re living through – fans have the choice of four price options. The standard price is £10, but fans will be offered an option of £5 – or nothing at all – to ensure the gig is as accessible to all. An additional option of £20 will also be available to folks who want to show some extra support.
The album itself, described by BUZZ Magazine as the band’s “most accomplished work yet,”, was recorded over a four-year period and showcases the sound of a band who are nothing but confident in their Oddness.
STAY ODD takes the listener on a journey through the global news cycle on a stolen bicycle, to a place where lying politicians are at odds with iconic female figures, and tales of witches are interspersed with classic hip-hop. Each track is as truly unpredictable as the last.
The album dropped on April 12th after being teased for over a year with the release of lead single Where They Lie in February, and then another every six weeks since July. This stunning music film of the band live from Leith Theatre is made possible by Creative Scotland’s Sustaining Creative Development fund.
The Last Night In was born out of the same desire to engage with their fans.
Frontman Dave Hook, aka MC Solareye, says of the show: “Playing in this beautiful, semi-derelict space – on the floor in the middle of the room – sort of represents all of the empty venues around the country just now.
“The Last Night In is a bittersweet celebration of live spaces as well as of STAY ODD getting played in full – start to finish.”
Connect with Stanley Odd: Facebook Instagram Twitter Bandcamp
Barratt Homes East Scotland is leading the drive to bring much-needed modern and affordable homes to popular areas of Edinburgh.
The homebuilder has announced a multimillion-pound investment that will see almost 100 new homes – a mix of social housing and mid-market rent – created across three developments.
Alison Condie, Managing Director of Barratt Homes East Scotland said:“We’re committed to using our position as one of the country’s leading housebuilders to work in partnership with housing associations to develop well-integrated and modern low cost homes all across Edinburgh’s diverse neighbourhoods.
“High quality affordable housing has a huge role to play in addressing some of the most important societal challenges of our time – and we’re proud to help communities thrive by creating homes that meet their needs.”
In south Edinburgh, this includes 24 homes at Lime Grove in Burdiehouse and 29 homes at Heritage Grange – bringing a total of 161 affordable homes to the site once the development is completed. Both projects, which are due to complete by spring 2023, are being delivered in partnership with Castle Rock Edinvar – one of the country’s largest housing associations.
Both developments will provide high quality housing for families in particular, with a new primary school near Heritage Grange, Frogston Primary School, due to open in 2021.
Barratt Homes East
In the vibrant district of Leith, a £6m project will commence to create 43 new affordable homes at Barratt Homes’ Merchant Quay development, built in partnership with the Port of Leith Housing Association.
The homes, which aim to welcome residents by summer 2023, will be the first delivered at the Baltic Street site in recognition of the urgent need for affordable housing.
Barratt Developments – which includes both Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes – has to date delivered over 1,000 homes across Edinburgh through the Affordable Housing Policy, making the group one of the biggest contributors to affordable housing land supply in the city in the last 15 years.
This feeds in to the wider Scottish Government goal of providing 50,000 new affordable homes – with work safely kickstarting with urgency following delays caused by national lockdowns.
For more information about Barratt Homes’ properties and locations, visit
Energy-Saving Tips from Debra Clason, Hub Manager at the Utilita Energy Hub in Leith:
As the nation eases out of lockdown, after a year of working, living and home schooling in the same four walls, many of us may be looking to spring clean our homes ready for the summer months of freedom that lay ahead.
But how can you spring clean your home cost effectively? Debra Clason, Hub Manager at the Utilita Energy Hub in Leith, Edinburgh, shares some tips:
Make use of the natural light –after polishing the windows from the inside, why not show off your hard work by pulling up the blinds and letting the natural light come in – saving £14 by switching off lights.
Turning electricals off at the plug – as you spring clean your way room-to-room, check that unused electricals are switched off at the power source to save £30.
Turn the heating down – Whilst clearing out the boiler cupboard, spend a couple of minutes readjusting the temperature for the summer months – by turning the heating down by just one degree, you could save £80!
Refresh the fridge and freezer – it’s easy to forget that the fridge and freezer are constantly consuming energy. Cleaning the fridge, especially at the back, will allow air to circulate more freely and use less energy.
Debra also explained the money saving advantages of washing at low temperatures:“Before you pop those bedsheets in the wash, did you know you could save £9 by simply switching from 40C / 60C to 30C – it might not sound like a lot, but when combined with our four other energy-saving tips with Energy High 5, you could save up to £163 per year. Not bad!
“And did you know that stains are not impacted by the temperature of the water? Instead, it’s about carefully breaking down of any residue on the item. You only need a higher temperature wash (40C / 60C degrees) for heavily soiled items, such as muddy football socks. If you rinse the soiled item under the tap before popping them into the wash, you could wash at a lower temperature – helping to save money!”
Working in partnership with the Energy Saving Trust and National Energy Action, Utilita – the only energy company created to help households use less energy – prepares monthly advice that every household can put into action, at no cost, to save up to £163 each year on their energy bills with its Energy High 5 movement.
Officers in Edinburgh are appealing for the help of the public to establish the movements of a man whose body was found in the Water of Leith.
The man, aged 67, was last seen around 6.35am on Friday, 9 April, 2021, in Leith Walk, outside a food store near the junction with Pilrig Street. His body was found around 7.55am the next day, Saturday, 10 April, in the water near to Couper Street.
His family are aware and the death is not believed to be suspicious. However, officers are still working to find answers for his family and are keen to speak to anyone who may be able to help in establishing the man’s movements after 6.35am on Friday.
He was wearing a dark red anorak with a fur trim hood, dark blue jeans, black leather Doc Martin boots and a black beanie hat. He is described as 5ft 5ins, of slim build and with grey hair.
Detective Constable Karen Durham said: “We do not believe his death is suspicious but it is important that we establish how and why the man came to be near the Water of Leith. In particular, we are keen to find out if he went home on Friday morning or not.
“Anyone who may have seen him or who can help is asked to call us on 101, quoting incident 0869 of Saturday, 10 April, 2021.”
During your trip to Edinburgh you will no doubt be exploring the top attractions that this city has to offer. Edinburgh Castle for the one o’clock gun, the view from the top of Arthur’s Seat, the dark history of the Vaults and the Royal collection at the Queen’s Gallery.
However, these hidden gems are loved by locals and those lucky enough to stumble across them.
If you are planning a visit to Edinburgh, be sure to add our top 10 to your must-see list:
Edinburgh Farmers Market
Situated on Castle Terrace every Saturday with stunning views of the Castle and only a hop, skip and a jump from the Royal Mile you will find an award-winning market showcasing the very best of Scottish produce. If you’ve booked a self-catering apartment it is the perfect place to catch the highest quality, local ingredients to cook up for dinner. You can find fresh scallops, smoked salmon, venison, cheese, seasonal fruit and vegetables from this renowned foodie haven.
Residents of Edinburgh’s New Town hold the keys to exclusive private gardens hidden amongst the town houses. There is none more desired than the splendid Queen Street Gardens, where Robert Louis Stevenson spent much of his childhood. Most visitors to Edinburgh must wait until the annual Open Door’s Day to venture inside but guests of 34a Abercromby Place, a new luxurious dog friendly self-catering apartment by the Royal Scots Club, receive a key to access this secret garden for the duration of their stay.
This marvellously modern milk bar in Edinburgh’s historic Grassmarket has been producing handmade gelato and chocolates since 2013 and its founder Mary is a graduate from an actual Gelato University in Italy. With weird and wonderful seasonal flavour combinations like Toast & Marmalade and Goats Cheese & Figs mixed with favourite staples like Salted Caramel and Milk, all ages will be pressing their noses against the window checking out the latest flavours.
Reopening in May, check out Mary’s Instagram for updates
If you are feeling bold, grab your swimming costume and head out for some wild swimming in the Forth. Don’t let the temperature put you off, wild swimming has been proven to boost your energy and happiness. The perfect way to start a day of sightseeing! Wardie Bay is within walking distance of the City Centre so enjoy a swim in this sheltered spot which is well cared for by the community and loved by locals.
Open every day of the year come rain or shine
Dunbar’s Close Gardens
Any Edinburgh visitor will be familiar with the Royal Mile which connects Edinburgh Castle with the Palace of Holyrood House. The network of Closes lead off the Royal Mile through the Old Town and are steeped in history. With over 70 Closes to explore don’t miss Dunbar’s Close, this beautiful garden sanctuary in the very centre of the City. You will find those in the know soaking up the sun or chatting with friends over lunch in this secluded spot.
Open from 07:00am, closing times vary throughout the year
Dovecot is a world-renowned tapestry studio and centre for contemporary art, craft and design in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town. The Tapestry Studio is in the former swimming pool that was once the old Infirmary Street Bathhouse and the original viewing gallery is open daily for visitors to observe the weavers create their masterpieces. Dovecot offers a programme of popular exhibitions and events with the likes of Grayson Perry and Mary Quant plus a shop full of beautiful hand-made gifts and a fantastic cafe ‘Pinks at Dovecot’.
Café Culture is thriving in Edinburgh with independent coffee shops showcasing the best roasters in Scotland and across the UK. If you are looking for exceptional coffee one of the local heroes is Little Fitzroy on Easter Road. Passionate about everything coffee, Little Fitzroy rotate their selection regularly, always making the perfect flat white. Not to mention their wonderful selection of cakes including one of the best vegan Cinnamon Buns in Edinburgh.
Open weekdays from 07:00am – 17:00pm and weekends from 08:00am – 17:00pm
The wonderful beach at Portobello (Porty to locals) is the perfect place to fill your lungs with sea air and go for a bracing walk along the sands or the fine promenade. Once you’ve finished building your sandcastles or taking a paddle, grab lunch at Edinburgh’s Little Chart Room on the Prom or take a stroll to the high street and visit the Montreal inspired Bross Bagel shop.
Open every day of the year come rain or shine
Alby’s
Not your average sandwich shop this is the home of the Big Hot Sandwich in Leith. Alby’s feature a rotating menu of inspired and delicious fillings sandwiched between a large wedge of soft focaccia. This is the perfect pick me up after a packed morning of sightseeing. Run by couple Natasha and Matt these sandwiches have cult status thanks to their strong Instagram following and adorable namesake Alby the Dachshund.
Open Wednesday to Saturday from 12:00pm – 20:00pm and Sunday 12:00pm – 16:00pm
You may have heard of the Festival Theatre, the Playhouse or the Lyceum Theatre but there is another institution tucked away in Leith which was given as a gift to the Burgh from the people of Edinburgh in the 1920’s when Leith was incorporated into the capital city. This lively creative hub caters for all ages so be sure to check out their programme of what’s on during your visit.
Reopening in June, check out their website for more details
