Family-friendly farm village, Craigies Farm in South Queensferry, is welcoming the arrival of October by inviting some spooky visitors to its pumpkin fields!
The popular day-out destination will once again open its popular pick-your-own pumpkin patch on October 1st, and new for this year will also host two Halloween-themed events out in the fields too!
The ‘Spooky Days’ daytime event is perfect for families with younger children, while the nighttime ‘Haunted Tunnels‘ have slightly more scares suitable for older children and families.
Both events will feature a spooky cast of roaming characters, spine-tingling props, interactive games, storytellers and at night time, there will be fantastic illuminated light shows too!
The North Edinburgh Create Community Wealth team would like to invite you to our End of Project Celebration Event at West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre, which has been the home of the project for the last two years.
There will be taster sessions, workshops, short film screenings and possibly a mini market where you can see the fantastic work and hear the stories of the talented Create Community Wealth participants. This is a drop in event from 5 – 8pm, and everyone’s welcome to come along.
Thursday 28 Sep 2023: 18.50 for 19.00 on Microsoft Teams
Item 1: Low Carbon Heating in Edinburgh; here, and now.
Bill Roger, Trinity Community Council, and Antoine Reguis from Edinburgh Napier University, members of the Clean Heat Edinburgh Forum (CHEF).
Low carbon energy and heat technologies are a central part of Scot Gov’s energy transition programme. This is change that is going to happen. Community councils need to be up-to-speed.
Item 2: Open Floor
a] The Community Council Scheme Review; b] Locality Improvememt Plans; c] Struggling community councils; d] The big development programme for West Edinburgh; e] Energy-saving residential housing retrofits; f] The move towards a Scottish Forum of Community Councils; g] How to strengthen EACC; h] The upcoming 23 November AGM.
Got an opinion to share on anything there? Something else on your mind?
I. Remember: The West Lothian Joint Forum of Community Councils (WLJFCC) is moving forward with its initiative to establish a Scottish Forum of Community Councils.
You’ll find the full background and a subscription-of-interest form on this link to the first Scottish Forum Newsletter: https://gem.godaddy.com/p/eb6537
The Steering Group met on 20 September and has offered this report
Here is the pitch, directed by WLJFCC to every community council in the country:
“We would be grateful if you could discuss this at your next meeting and decide if your Community Council would like to be involved”.
II. Locality Improvement Plans (LIP) 2024-2029: CEC’s Helen spoke to EACC on 31 August about the new LIP programme. Tommy McLean from Corstorphine CC has had a long involvement on this area. In the attachment to this email, he offers his thoughts on how community councils can best respond to the invitation they have to participate in this programme.
It’s about helping to improve the community in which we live. It’s not about having all the answers or about doing all the work. It’s about taking part. Please read what Tommy has to say.
III. EACC will meet again on Thursday 26 October. By way of Queensferry & District CC, Jane Iannarelli, CEC Senior Planning Officer, has asked to talk to us about the development of Local Place Plans in the context of the current 20 Minute Neighbourhood Strategy.
To refresh the context, go to the EACC site Front Page and to the 16 August reference to the Planning Democracy Blog. There is a very interesting piece there on Local Place Plans. If your local community is seeing big development, big change, on its doorstep, then time perhaps for some place planning by locals. Could your community council do something here?
Social Investment Scotland support for Leith credit union
CASTLE Community Bank, based in Leith, has received £1 million investment from Social Investment Scotland.
The credit union received the £1M sub-ordinated loan to support their growth and ambition to be a ‘business of scale’, providing ethical and affordable loans and excellent returns for savers.
Castle Community Bank Chief Executive Adrian Sargent said: “I’m delighted that Social Investment Scotland has confidence in Castle Community Bank and has invested £1 million.
“This fantastic investment will reap benefits for not only our organisation but also the communities and members we support in Leith and beyond. This is another important step in our journey to grow the credit union sector and promote financial inclusion in the UK.”
Social Investment Scotland Head of Investments Chris Jamieson, said: “We’re very happy to be supporting Castle Community Bank and its ambitious programme of targeted growth, which will positively impact people in Leith and the surrounding area.
“We see the important role that credit unions play in building a wellbeing economy, particularly when many individuals and households are struggling with the rising cost of living.
“That’s why we are committed to supporting organisations such as Castle Community Bank, who are providing fair and affordable access to finance for the people and communities who need it most.”
Following the temporary closure of Blackhall Library due to the discovery of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC), we can now confirm that there will be a mobile library vehicle situated in the car park of Davidson Mains Church.
The service will be available from tomorrow – Monday 25 September – to provide customers with the opportunity to collect reservations, return loans and borrow a limited selection of books, apply for bus passes, collect hearing aid batteries, free period products and buy food waste bags.
The mobile library will be available on the following dates:
Monday 25 September from 2.30 to 7pm Tuesday 26 September from 10.30am to 3pm Wednesday 27 September from 2.30 to 7pm Thursday 28 September from 10.30am to 3pm Friday 29 September from 10.30am to 3pm
Please see www.edinburgh.gov.uk/raacupdates for more information.
Produced by Imaginate and National Theatre of Scotland
Theatre in Schools Scotland brings MESS by Tenterhooks to ASN schools in Scotland as part of its touring schools programme of live dance and theatre productions
MESS is visiting ASN schools in Edinburgh, Livingston, Dundee, Tain, Dingwall, Inverness and Aberdeen in September and October 2023 with a first performance at Oaklands School in North Edinburghon Monday (25 September 2023).
Theatre in Schools Scotland (TiSS), the National Theatre of Scotland and Imaginate’s successful schools touring project is, for the first time, touring a show exclusively to ASN schools in Scotland, as part of its new 23/24 schools programme.
TiSS is bringing the playful, bold show, MESS by Scottish company Tenterhooks, to schools for young people with complex additional support needs in September and October 2023. The show will be touring to ASN schools in Edinburgh, Livingston, Dundee, Tain, Dingwall, Inverness and Aberdeen. Following the tour to schools as part of TiSS, Tenterhooks will bring MESS to CHAS children’s hospices Rachel House in Kinross and Robin House in Balloch.
Created by Tenterhooks and produced by Scottish Theatre Producers, MESS is a bold, playful and emotionally engaging theatre performance made especially for young audiences (age 5-18) with complex additional support needs. In the performance, an ordinary day in the life of a team of caretakers turns unpredictable when, for the first time ever, they attempt to clean a space which has people in it. MESS features comedy, surprise, celebration and mild peril!
Tenterhooks is led by Diane Thornton, Suzie Ferguson, and Fergus Dunnet, two theatre clowns and one visual artist putting audiences at the heart of their bold and playful performances. MESS was co-devised by the cast and creative team from an original idea by Ben Winger.
The MESS company includes performers/devisers: Ben Winger, Diane Thornton, Suzie Ferguson, Kerry Cleland, Ronan McMahon, Carmen Pieraccini and Lucy McGreal.
A number of the MESS ensemble performers work together as Clowndoctors (Hearts & Minds) and their therapeutic clowning practice, which includes spontaneity, complicity and playfulness has informed the development of the performance.
Julian Almeida, Theatre in Schools Scotland Project Managersays: “We’re delighted to be touring our first ever show made especially for young people with complex additional learning needs, which will exclusively visit ASN schools.
“The opportunity for children to experience and participate in performances in their own school environment is invaluable, and TiSS is committed to creating and developing new relationships with schools and teachers throughout Scotland.”
Theatre in Schools Scotland, produced by Imaginate and National Theatre of Scotland brings inspiring live theatre and dance productions, made specially for children and young people, into schools and nurseries.
The new TiSS programme also sees the welcome return of Cloud Man by Constellation Points/Ailie Cohen & Lewis Hetherington which had its original schools tour curtailed due to Covid-19 in 2020; and an extended second tour of Going for Gold: Me and Linford Christie by Victoria Beesley/Catherine Wheels Theatre Company which was first off the TiSS blocks to great acclaim in 2022.
TiSS is excited to be offering younger primary school pupils a brand new dance theatre performance, The Last Forecast, from Catherine Wheels Theatre Company/Bridie Gane.
The TiSS programme is available for schools to book anywhere in Scotland, offering performances in primary schools for all ages. TiSS continues to offer subsidised bookings to schools and create partnerships with local support organisations, ensuring live performances reach schools not only in cities and towns but in remote and rural communities.
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has issued fines totalling £590,000 to five companies for collectively making 1.9 million unwanted marketing calls which targeted the elderly and people with vulnerabilities.
This latest action is part of a wider crackdown to tackle rogue companies using pressurised sales techniques to sell insurance for white goods, such as washing machines and fridges, and other household appliances, including TVs.
£1.45 million in fines have now been issued by the ICO since October 2021 to 16 companies for making illegal, unwanted marketing calls, many to people who had taken steps to block nuisance calls by registering with the Telephone Preference Service (TPS). The fines resulted from detailed investigations by the ICO, assisted by intelligence from National Trading Standards
The companies often target older people and people with vulnerabilities, and in most instances, people who already had or did not need the service.
Andy Curry, Head of ICO Investigations, said: “We’ve heard harrowing stories of people being hounded with these nuisance calls, and feeling forced into handing over bank details for unwanted and unnecessary insurance.
“We’re working to protect people who are being deliberately targeted because they’re seen as easy pickings by unscrupulous cold callers.”
CASE STUDY:
Jonathan Young’s parents made payments totalling more than £2,000 to around a dozen companies after receiving marketing calls for insurance policies that they didn’t need.
Mr Young tracked the payments through his parents’ bank statements and spent months trying to recover the money. The ICO has today fined two of those companies as part of the latest round of its action.
Jonathan said: “Despite opting out of receiving marketing calls, my parents were bombarded by calls from companies selling insurance products. They were often left confused about who was calling them and high-pressure sales tactics led to them paying thousands of pounds for policies they didn’t need or really want.
“During one call, I believe my mother may have been coerced into making a payment using my father’s debit card while he was asleep. Companies should not be targeting elderly people and those with vulnerabilities in this way and I am grateful to the ICO for its continuing action to help prevent distress to other families.”
It is against the law to make a live marketing call to anyone who is registered with the TPS, unless the individual has informed the specific organisation that they do not object to receiving calls from them.
Andy added: “Registering with the TPS makes it illegal for companies to call you without your consent.
“We’d encourage anyone who wants to block unsolicited marketing calls, to either a land line or mobile phone, to sign up to this free service. Then, if you or your loved one is on the receiving end of this kind of call, contact the ICO so we can investigate.”
Jenny Ross, Editor of Which? Money, said: ““It is unacceptable that rogue companies are targeting elderly, vulnerable people through illegal and unwanted marketing calls pressuring them into buying appliance cover that they don’t need, and positive that the ICO is taking action on this issue.
“Which? has been warning about rogue firms cold-calling people about insurance for white goods or other household appliances for years and has reported over 100 firms to the ICO and Trading Standards.
“If you or someone you know has been cold-called about appliance cover, ask for the company name and report it to the ICO. If you are being inundated with cold calls, ask your phone network about the call blocking services it offers.”
UNISON Scotland has received a message of unwavering solidarity from Andrea Bradley, the General Secretary of the EIS Union.
In this message, she extends heartfelt support to our dedicated UNISON members within the Education sector who have taken a courageous stand for fair pay on behalf of all local government workers.
Highlighting the invaluable contributions of education workers to the growth and development of young minds and our society as a whole, Andrea Bradley emphasises the urgent need to address the undervaluation of their work:
Solidarity from EIS
“The EIS stands in full solidarity with UNISON members within Education who have been forced to take strike action in the just fight for fair pay.
Education is a vital public service within which workers are contributing massively to young people’s learning, care and development for the benefit of our whole society.
Yet we continue to see that work being undervalued by those who hold the purse-strings. All power to your members for their courage in standing up for themselves, their colleagues and their families… and for the future of Scottish Education. All school staff deserve to be paid fairly for the essential work that they do. No ifs, no buts, no maybes. Solidarity from the EIS!”
– Andrea Bradley, EIS General Secretary
COSLA’s Resources Spokesperson Councillor Katie Hagmann responded yesterday: “I am extremely disappointed with the news from UNISON today that not only are they recommending rejection of this half a billion pay package – they are putting our communities, especially our children and young people, through the turmoil and mayhem of strikes next week with their actions.
“We have met every ask of our Trade Union colleagues throughout these negotiations and this best and final offer was made on the basis that strikes would be suspended.
“We absolutely value all our Local Government Workforce and throughout these negotiations Council Leaders have re-iterated the value we place on the Workforce and the work that they do.
“It is totally unacceptable that with such a significant offer on the table that our Trade Union colleagues are putting our communities and our young people through the turmoil of strikes.
“It must be reiterated that we are talking about a pay package worth over £445 million, specifically targeted at the lower end of our workforce. A pay package which not only compares well to other sectors but recognises the cost-of-living pressures on our workforce and which would mean the lowest paid would see an in-year uplift of over £2000 or just under 10%.
“This would mean that a pupil support assistant currently earning £22,000 would receive a £2006 pay increase and a new salary of £24.000. This is an additional £748 from the offer in April.”
Over £3 million has been distributed to nature projects across Scotland to help them scale up their conservation work and ensure the benefits are shared with local communities.
The Facility for Investment Ready Nature in Scotland (FIRNS) is co-funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund in partnership with the Scottish Government and NatureScot. It aims to help create a pipeline of market-ready projects to help attract responsible private investment in Scotland’s nature.
27 diverse projects will share over £3.6 million this year; approximately £1.8 million from public funds and another £1.8 million matched by The National Lottery Heritage Fund. The funded projects are spread across Scotland: from the Solway Firth to Shetland, Fife, across central Scotland, and the Hebrides.
Examples include using private finance to restore river catchments to improve water quality and reduce flood risk, while creating community assets such as growing spaces and improved greenspace.
Environment Minister Gillian Martin visited the Water of Leith Catchment in Inverleith Park – one of the projects to benefit from the new funding. She said:“The Scottish Government is already investing in nature at scale – with £65 million in the nature restoration fund and £250 million peatland restoration alone.
“However, given the scale of the challenges we face, public investment alone will not be sufficient to meet our ambitious climate change and nature targets. That is why both public and responsible private investment in Scotland’s natural environment will be essential.
“As set out in our new Programme for Government, we are committed to taking forward our distinctive market vision in Scotland – that is a market for responsible investment that contributes to a just transition by benefitting the environment and supporting communities.
“The Facility for Investment Ready Nature in Scotland will support a diverse range of projects – from those seeking to restore coastal saltmarshes, to iconic Atlantic rainforests, peatlands, rivers, lochs, farmland biodiversity and green spaces for nature and people. Encouraging responsible private investment will help ensure these projects can continue to grow and thrive.”
NatureScot Chief Executive Francesca Osowska said: “As we tackle the climate-nature crisis with a growing urgency, everyone has the responsibility to get us to net zero.
“These first-round FIRNS grants offer communities, companies, charities and individuals across Scotland the opportunity to develop bold business cases and financial models which will attract the investment required to restore nature.
“I’m inspired by the creativity and ambition these projects show us as we scale up our efforts to halt biodiversity loss and create a nature-rich country for us all. A thriving natural capital market that benefits the restoration of our coasts, rainforests, peatlands, farmlands and urban greenspaces is great for communities and great for nature.”
The National Lottery Heritage Fund Director for Scotland Caroline Clark said:
“FIRNS is an exciting opportunity to explore new ideas on how we attract vital investment to support the restoration of nature in Scotland. We are funding over £1.8 million in grants to develop investment models that are good for nature, good for communities and good for the economy.
“At The National Lottery Heritage Fund we are passionate about communities being at the heart of what we fund, and community involvement is vital to these projects. It is thanks to National Lottery Players that we can support this innovative work.”
On Monday (18th September), the 7th Annual Asian Restaurant Awards Scotland, held at The Sheraton Grand Hotel in Edinburgh by the Asian Catering Foundation, saw over 70 of Scotland’s most loved Asian Restaurants and Takeaways battle it out for awards decided by over 10, 000 people’s votes.
This much anticipated night, hosted by BBC News anchor Samantha Simmonds, was a celebration of some of the best restaurants serving some of the finest food in Scotland.
Speaking following event, Foysol Choudhury MSP said: “The work these restaurants are doing in challenging circumstances is exemplary and I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to them all.
“I’d like to thank all winners and nominees for their participation in the night. We were treated to a great night with fantastic performances and food which showed the diversity of our wonderful catering industry. I would also like to put on record my thanks to ACF Chairman Yawar Khan for organising the event, in addition to the staff at the Sheraton Grand Hotel who helped the night run smoothly.”
The Lothians Labour list MSP also expressed concern at the lack of government support to tackle the long-term problems affecting the industry: ““Asian restaurants are a crucial part of the hospitality scene in Scotland, with their cuisine enjoyed by thousands of patrons every week.
“However, the challenges these restaurants face are unprecedented. Just as they were recovering from damage the Covid-19 pandemic inflicted on their businesses, they were struck with a drastic rise in energy prices and a cost-of-living crisis.”
“It’s also no secret that hospitality venues have struggled with staffing for a long time now.
“The UK and Scottish Governments must act now to support these businesses on issues old and new and ensure these restaurants and takeaways continue to thrive for many years to come.”
