North Edinburgh Time Bank and Speakeasy are organising a fun afternoon of play activities at Inverleith Park on the Monday 19 May school holiday.
Anyone and everyone welcome – meet at midday at North Edinburgh Arts!
Month: April 2014
‘Fantastical’ referendum myths must be debunked – Danny Alexander
It is time to debunk the calculations and claims that have been put forward by the Scottish government in this referendum, Chief Secretary Danny Alexander will say in a keynote speech to business leaders in Edinburgh today (30 April). And while Europe is a clearly a relevant referendum issue, the Eurovision Song Contest gets a mention for the first time!
Speaking on the day of publication by HMRC of new oil revenue data and ahead of publication of the Westminster government’s most comprehensive analysis of the fiscal consequences of separation yet, the Chief Secretary will challenge some of the ‘myths’ perpetuated by nationalists and call on the Scottish Government to be honest with people about the cost of independence.
He will also call on the Scottish government – and Finance Secretary John Swinney – to publish revised and realistic forecasts of oil and gas revenues.
Danny Alexander (pictured above) will say:
“The nationalists’ assertions on Scotland’s finances are at best ill-informed and at worst, deeply misleading to Scottish voters. The fact is that their £1.5 trillion figure for the value of oil left in the North Sea doesn’t include any costs for getting the oil out of the ground and into the petrol pump.
“Over the whole 5 year period of the Scottish government’s Oil and gas bulletin [2012 to 2017], their most cautious forecast for Scottish oil and gas revenues is £41 billion. Yet the independent Office for Budget Responsibility forecasts that whole UK revenues will be just £25 billion over the same period. It doesn’t matter how deep you drill into the figures, they simply don’t add up. The indisputable point is that we are better off together.
“It is time for the Scottish government to confirm what we all know: that the White Paper was wrong, to correct the discredited Oil and gas bulletin and the errors at the heart of the White Paper. The Scottish government must confront the fact that it is promising tax revenues and public spending that it cannot deliver. It should revise its oil and gas forecasts or better yet, follow international best practice and follow an independent forecast like the OBR’s. It is the very least that the Scottish voters deserve.
On the ‘myths’ perpetuated about independence, Mr Alexander will say:
It’s perhaps true that the Referendum campaign here in Scotland hasn’t provided many laughs so far and given both the enormity – and the irreversibility – of the choice we face, that is perfectly understandable. But as the campaign continues, when it comes to some of the statements and assertions made by nationalists, you really do need a sense of humour.
On some of the basic financial assumptions made in the White paper, he will say that the nationalists ‘ignore the reality, that when the financial crisis hit, it was the government of the United Kingdom that stepped in to recapitalise RBS and HBOS and the taxpayers of the United Kingdom that extended £275 billion of total support to RBS alone’.
On currency, he will challenge the: “…continued, belligerent, assertion that Scotland could – and would – keep the pound. Alex Salmond has to face up to the fact that the rest of the UK does not have to – and would not want to – continue to share the credit card.”
And on UK institutions, he will say: “There is also the fantastical claim, made in the White Paper that an independent Scotland would share a third of the UK’s institutions and services despite the fact that this is completely unprecedented anywhere in the world. This is a claim we have to listen to whenever an institution crops up that the nationalists haven’t had time to think about.
“So it won’t surprise me if next Saturday night Alex Salmond declares that an independent Scotland will share the UK’s automatic place in the final of the Eurovision Song Contest!”
The Treasury’s forthcoming fiscal analysis will set out the benefits of the UK and the costs of independence. In the absence of any detailed costings from the Scottish government, Treasury economists have spent months analysing data and forecasts and consulting with independent bodies to calculate in detail the figures that illustrate the benefits of the UK and the cost of independence.
That analysis will be published in coming weeks – but John Swinney’s response to Danny Alexander’s assertions will come considerably quicker than that. Nil points is a fair guess!
Tonight’s the night for Drylaw
A reminder that Drylaw Telford Community Council is meeting tonight at 7pm in Drylaw Neighourhood Centre. All welcome.
Free and easy: dial 111 for NHS 24
New free and easy-to-remember telephone number for NHS 24
A new free and easy to remember number for NHS 24 in Scotland is now up and running. People looking for medical help and advice can, from today (Tuesday 29 April), contact NHS 24 by calling 111.
It means callers in Scotland will no longer be charged when calling NHS 24 from a landline or mobile.
NHS 24 will continue to deliver the same high quality service for anyone seeking advice and support during the out of hours period until their GP surgery reopens.
It previously cost the price of a local phone call from a BT landline, with calls from other landline service providers and mobile providers often costing more.
Health Secretary, Alex Neil, said: “I strongly believe that our NHS should be free at the point of care for all, and this new number will help to protect these founding principles of the NHS.
“The new number is easy to remember, and free to call, which will ensure everyone across Scotland can access support and advice from NHS 24 whenever they need it.
“NHS 24 already provides a valuable service to patients across Scotland when their GP surgery is closed, and there will be absolutely no change to the high quality service provided through this new number.
“By introducing the 111 number we are removing any barrier for the public to access the health advice out of hours. “This will help to ensure people have access to health information and support, including access to a GP, when they really need it.
“In Scotland, the 111 number will be run by NHS 24 as a public service, in public hands – serving the needs of patients.”
“This is in complete contrast to the approach adopted by the NHS in England, where different organisations, including private sector providers, are contracted to provide the number in different regions.”
Mother-of-two Lee Armstrong, from Edinburgh, supports the change to the new number. Lee, 37, has a seven-year-old daughter Charlotte who has type one diabetes. Charlotte, who is a pupil at Wardie Primary School, was diagnosed with the condition when she was four and now uses an insulin pump.
Lee has contacted NHS 24 on several occasions looking for advice and reassurance when she is worried about her daughter’s blood sugar levels.
Lee said: “As a parent, I have always found it useful to have someone at the end of the telephone when GP surgeries are not open at the weekend or in the evenings. I have always been impressed that information about Charlotte and her condition is passed on quickly by NHS 24 to out-of-hours staff. On several occasions, staff have gone above and beyond to make sure Charlotte receives the right treatment or that I am given the correct advice as a parent.
“I think the move to the free telephone number will make it even easier for parents like me to contact the service in what is a positive development .”
NHS 24 Chief Executive John Turner said: “By dialling 111, patients throughout Scotland will receive the same high quality, trusted service that NHS 24 has delivered for more than ten years. We will continue to work with our partners across Scotland to provide high quality support to patients and their families on the new number, which is easy to remember and free to call.”
“NHS 24 has been serving the people of Scotland for more than ten years now and the move to a freephone number represents the next stage in the development of the country’s provider of telehealth and telecare services.”
Welcoming the introduction of the new free phone number, Dr Andrew Buist, Deputy Chairman of the BMA’s Scottish General Practitioners Committee, added: “Creating a new free phone number for NHS 24 will remove barriers to accessing this important part of our out of hours service. Patients will no longer have to worry about the cost of a phone call when seeking urgent health advice.
“NHS 24 provides an important service to patients at evenings and weekends for medical problems that can’t wait until the GP surgery reopens, with healthcare advice and, if necessary, access to a GP.”
More information on NHS 24 is available at www.nhs24.com
Muirhouse Community Shop – 1 year old!
The Community Shop on Pennywell Road will be a year old tomorrow. In conjunction with Pilton Community Health Project and Edinburgh Community Food volunteers offer cookery demonstrations and good quality food. Try it out.
For more information, go here: http://muirhouseresidents.co.uk/community-shop-1yr-on/
Michelle joins Crewe Toll firefighters for Big Lunch launch
Music and TV personality Michelle McManus visited Crewe Toll fire station yesterday to hear about how The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) are supporting The Big Lunch in Scotland in 2014.
Michelle, who backed The Big Lunch in Scotland last year, met with SFRS Group Manager and Station Commander for Crewe Toll, Steve Harkins and heard how station staff across Scotland are keen to lend a hand at Big Lunches happening locally and take the chance get to know neighbouring communities better.
The Big Lunch – the UK’s annual get-together for neighbours – is funded by The Big Lottery Fund and partnered by Halifax, ASDA and StreetClub by B&Q. Now in its sixth year, the simple idea from the Eden Project aims to provide neighbours with an opportunity to get to know one another better. The Big Lunch happens on the first Sunday in June each year – this year Sunday 1 June.
SFRS Assistant Chief Fire Officer Lewis Ramsay, the Director of Prevention and Protection in Scotland, said: “The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is delighted to team up with The Big Lunch Scotland, and as part of our support for local communities, we would encourage community fire stations throughout Scotland to actively participate in local neighbourhood Big Lunch events and activities. Community groups and neighbours planning events should not hesitate to seek support and assistance from their local fire crews.”
In 2013 over 3.65 million people took part in Big Lunches across the UK, including thousands from Scotland, like Michelle, who held street parties, picnics in the park and community hall gatherings.
Local Group Manager Steve Harkins, said: “The Big Lunch is an extremely worthwhile initiative which encourages neighbours to build upon community ties. We’re very pleased to have teamed up this year as it’s a fantastic opportunity for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to engage with members of the public in a positive, meaningful way.”
Communities further afield in the Lothians and across Scotland are being encouraged to host their own Big Lunch events with their neighbours to help build community bonds and enjoy a simple day of food, friendship and fun.
Michelle said her own community is particularly friendly. She said: “I’m lucky to have so many good friends on my doorstep and I have the best neighbour anyone could wish for – he’s one of the reasons that I haven’t moved!
“We pop in to see each other for a cuppa and a catch up every few weeks or so, he’s a fantastic friend and we help each other out. That feeling of community is invaluable to me, it means you’re never lonely and you always feel safe.”
Anyone interested in taking part this year can get started by requesting a free Big Lunch pack from www.thebiglunch.com to get events off the ground. Packs contain invitations and posters to adapt for your community, as well as seeds, a bunting template and an inspiration booklet with lots of ideas and information.
All pack materials are undated so communities can have Big Lunches when best suits them if they can’t join in on Sunday 1 June.
For more information, email Emma at The Big Lunch in Scotland on emma.smith@thebiglunch.com
or telephone 0141 559 5066.
Police issue safety warning following Pilton road accident
Police in North Edinburgh are urging local youngsters and their parents to heed a safety warning following a recent road accident in West Pilton that has left a 15-year-old in a critical condition in hospital.
Enquiries are ongoing and police are appealing for witnesses after two males riding on a motorbike collided with a car in West Pilton Gardens at around 5.40pm last Tuesday evening (22 April).
Inspector David Happs, who is based at Drylaw Police Station, said: “The dangers in riding a high-powered motorcycle without the relevant training, experience or protective headgear are clear.
“We have charged several young people over recent months in connection with the dangerous and antisocial riding of motorbikes in the area, but a small minority of local young people continue to cause disruption to their local community.
“We are committed to tackling this antisocial and dangerous activity and officers have this week visited a number of local young people and their parents to reiterate this safety message and highlight the danger these young people are placing themselves and others in.”
Police Scotland acknowledges the strong feelings in the local community regarding the motorcycle issue and Inspector Happs is keen to reassure residents that the force is continuing efforts to identify those involved in such incidents and is urging members of the public to report any relevant information to the police.
He added: “Given the increased risk to the rider and other members of the public, the circumstances in which we will pursue a motorcycle in a police vehicle are rare. However, we have and will continue to make appropriate use of the police helicopter, other specialist and plain-clothed police resources, as well as CCTV and other evidential opportunities to identify the riders and investigate any offences committed.
“Many of the bikes involved are stolen from elsewhere in the city and I would also encourage motorcycle owners to take what reasonable steps they can to prevent their bike from being stolen. We continue to respond to calls from the public providing information on the location of hidden motorcycles, and we work with local Council teams to locate the bikes to prevent further misuse.
“There is a wide range of diversionary activities and facilities in the local area for young people and we work closely with these groups, the City of Edinburgh Council, Total Craigroyston and other agencies to develop longer term strategies to reduce the offending behaviour and danger to the local community.”
Anyone with information can contact Police Scotland on 101 or, alternatively, the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Doors open at Great Junction Street
Great Junction Street development launched
Port of Leith Housing Association and subsidiary company Persevere Developments Limited’s latest development has been officially opened by Malcolm Chisholm MSP.
The new affordable housing development at Great Junction Street consists of 32 high quality and energy efficient homes – nine one bedroom and 23 two bedroom properties – providing 20 new homes for social rent and 12 for mid market rent.
Located in the centre of a busy shopping street, the ground floor has also been designed as a large commercial space which has been leased to local community group, The Junction, providing health, education and support services to young people.
Malcolm Chisholm, Labour MSP for Edinburgh Northern and Leith, said: “I am delighted to be officially opening this outstanding housing development which has been named as one of the top affordable housing developments in the UK. There is always a desperate need for more affordable homes in this city and I am pleased that once again Port of Leith Housing Association is providing such high quality, energy efficient homes.
“I am very pleased also that the superb The Junction is benefiting from spacious new premises on the ground floor.”
In keeping with the surrounding buildings, the exterior is stone and the properties feature Solar Thermal Heating provided by panels located on the roof.
The main contractor was CCG Limited and the architect was EMA. The £4.23million development was funded by a combination of private finance raised by PoLHA and a Government grant allocated by the City of Edinburgh Council.
Great Junction Street has recently been named as one of the top 50 affordable housing developments in the UK and is also shortlisted for a “Homes for Scotland” award.
Keith Anderson, Chief Executive of Port of Leith Housing Association, said:
“We are extremely pleased to have completed these new homes in what has been a complex and challenging process for us over the past few years. The development, design and construction team should be congratulated for their efforts.
“Working closely with the City of Edinburgh Council and other funders we are able to provide much needed additional high quality, energy efficient and affordable homes in the heart of Leith plus the added bonus of enabling The Junction, which is a highly valued local community project, to locate its services in new modern facilities.”
PoLHA has built the mid market rent homes on behalf of its wholly owned subsidiary company Persevere Developments Ltd (PDL) which was set up in 2011 to enable the Association to offer a wider variety of affordable housing in future.
PoLHA owns over 2700 properties throughout Leith and the wider North Edinburgh area and has plans to deliver 400 more new affordable homes over the next few years through the Association and its subsidiary Persevere Developments Limited.
Pictured: (left to right: Keith Anderson (PoLHA Chief Executive), Jack Hunter (PoLHA Chairman), Great Junction Street tenant Julie Crawford, Malcolm Chisholm MSP and Philip Neaves (Chairman of Persevere Developments Ltd).
Fidra Kitchen
On Saturday 3 May Pilton Community Gardeners are inviting you to a meal prepared with veggies produced in local gardens. All welcome!
Venue: Fidra Court, Muirhouse, between 5pm and 7pm-ish. Also, a look round the community garden at West Pilton Brae is offered.
Letter: Protecting our Parents – who cares?
Dear Editor
Part two of the BBC programme Protecting our Parents, shown on 24 April, revealed the inadequacy of all-round care provision for the elderly.
All staff shown were indeed caring but handicapped by having to work within existing rules and funding constraints.
A disturbing feature was the ‘test’ by a psychologist to determine the patients’ capacity to make decisions (in other words removing decision-making from them) with questions such as: ‘what day is it?’; I would imagine most people after being in hospital for weeks would hesitate before answering. There were of course other similar questions, and on their answers a decision is made on the patients capacity of doing so, with all that it implies.
The ‘test’ came across as inadequate and faulty, needing radical appraisal.
The second part of of the programme reinforced the first – that provision of care in all forms, from rapidly building NHS Hospitals for the elderly run by fully qualified staff, that care at home visiting time should be greatly expanded – if necessary to 24 hour caring operated by fully qualified staff.
This can be at least a start in showing we do care about protecting our parents.
A. Delahoy
Silverknowes Gardens