Inverleith House is hosting an Open Weekend on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 May from 10am to 5pm.
Events include talks by exhibition staff, performance, live music and special offers on limited edition exhibition catalogues and posters.
Events are free but booking is essential, so to reserve your place email
ihouse@rbge.ac.uk
The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) will mark the centenary of the start of the First World War by creating a poppy field at the centre of its Edinburgh site. The display will commemorate the employees who went to war, many of whom lost their lives, and will also remember others who were, or still are, affected by war.
RBGE’s Regius Keeper Simon Milne MBE said: “Plant symbolism is
an important part of cultures across the globe, particularly through representing emotions and spirituality. It is therefore fitting that at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, the heart of Scotland’s plant heritage, we mark the anniversary of the start of World War One with a poppy field. I hope that the flowers will encourage people to reflect on the 16 million people who lost their lives and the impact that the war had on the lives of everyone.”
The poppy field, located on the Garden’s prominently-positioned Glasshouse Lawn, will be sown in May using the common poppy Papaver rhoeas, an iconic symbol of remembrance and used to commemorate the Great War since 1921. This large, four-petalled, scarlet flower can lie dormant for many years before germination which is often triggered when the soil is disturbed.
During the First World War, battlefields that were blasted and bombed created ideal conditions for it to flourish. The sight of poppies, appearing to heal the torn earth, inspired Canadian Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae to write the memorable war poem ‘In Flanders Fields’.
RBGE’s horticultural team is planning for swathes of poppies to emerge in late July to mark the centenary.
David Knott, Curator of the Living Collection, explained: “We did trials with the poppy in our nursery last year in order to try and get the timing of flowering just right to coincide with the start of the commemorations.
Once the poppies are planted, we are pretty much in the hands of the weather as to the result but we all hoping our efforts will make a fitting and timely tribute.”
At the time of the Great War, the Garden had 110 staff and of the 88 men, 73 joined the forces and 20 lost their lives in action.
Police are seeking help to find a group of young men following a racist attack on a driver in Trinity on Friday. The assault, which happened at 5.10pm in Cargil Terrace, left the 38-year-old victim with a serious facial injury.
The victim, who is originally from Zimbabwe, was first abused by the group, who were in another vehicle, and then attacked. The men are all described as being white, late teens to mid 20s and wearing jeans and casual clothing.
Police said the man had been driving his car on Granton Road when the men began shouting racist remarks from the other vehicle.
Both vehicles then travelled in the same direction into Cargil Terrace, where the altercation ended with the victim being assaulted in the street.
Det Sgt Mike Leask said: “The victim was first subjected to verbal abuse before being attacked and sustaining serious facial injuries.
“I would like to thank the witnesses that have assisted police with our inquiries and would urge any additional members of the public who witnessed the assault to contact police immediately and help us trace those responsible. In addition, anyone with any further information relevant to this investigation is also asked to get in touch.”
One man has appeared in Court and another has been reported to the Procurator Fiscal as part of the ongoing Operation Monarda initiative to tackle the scourge of bogus workmen.
A 23 year old man has been arrested, charged and appeared in court for over 40 bogus workmen offences after targeting a number of residents in Edinburgh.
In total, 14 homeowners in the Currie, Balerno and other areas in the west of the Capital were visited and over-charged for substandard work, which was carried out on their properties.
The man was identified as part of Operation Monarda – a new partnership initiative to tackle doorstep crime across Scotland.
After being detained on Tuesday, he appeared at court the following day in connection with 44 crimes and has been remanded in custody.
Police also seized a number of the man’s assets and have applied for a six-figure sum of cash to be forfeited under Proceeds of Crime legislation.
Another man, aged 47, has also been reported to the Procurator Fiscal in relation to these offences.
Police Scotland, Trading Standards and other partner agencies are assuring the public they are committed to identifying those responsible for doorstep crime and bringing them to justice.
Chief Superintendent Mark Williams, Divisional Commander of Edinburgh City Division said:
“Doorstep crime can affect anyone within our local communities, but we are aware that in particular the over 60’s can be targeted due to a perceived vulnerability.
“Those who commit such crimes, like bogus callers and rogue traders, are extremely convincing in how they approach and interact with potential victims. Anyone can be convinced by the lies these criminals create.
“If you are aware of any suspicious activity taking place at the home of a neighbour, friend or family member then please contact police immediately.”
A spokesperson from Trading Standards Scotland said: “Doorstep crime remains the number one priority for Trading Standards services in Scotland and we are committed to working with our partners to tackle this unscrupulous crime.
“Unfortunately, doorstep crime still remains vastly under reported and we strongly encourage victims, potential victims and their families and friends to report any suspicions they have immediately.”
Please report any suspicious activity to Police on 101, or your local Trading Standards department. If the person refuses to leave your door, or you feel threatened or scared – call 999 and ask for the Police.
STAFF at Scotland’s national telehealth and telecare services are reminding people to help themselves look after their health this Easter.
The dedicated staff at NHS 24’s contact centre in South Queensferry – like many other people within the health and emergency services throughout Scotland – will be working for the national telehealth service over Easter to ensure that out-of-hours care is available to those who need it when their doctors’ surgeries are closed.
The comprehensive health advice line – which includes nurse advisors, dental health, pharmacy and mental health advisors among its specialist staff –is preparing to receive thousands of calls from patients across Scotland this Easter.
Julie Hunter will be one of the nurses working at NHS 24’s South Queensferry contact centre over the Easter holiday weekend. The mother-of-two from Grangemouth combines her job at NHS 24 with bank shifts on a Cardiology ward at the Forth Valley Royal Hospital. She said: “As a nurse, I always make sure I have over-the-counter medicines at home to treat the children when they are unwell. In fact, I am always the one my neighbours call on because I am a nurse and because they know my medicine cabinet has been re-stocked for the Easter period.”
NHS 24 is working closely with all Scottish Health Boards as part of a national NHS Scotland campaign encouraging Scots, particularly parents and older people, to be prepared for Easter and advises how they can look after themselves if they catch a cough or cold.
Professor George Crooks, Medical Director at NHS 24, adds: “Easter is one of the busiest times of the year for the NHS in Scotland and we expect to be busy taking calls from patients in need at our centre in South Queensferry during the holiday break,” he said.
“For many of our callers over Easter, we will be offering self-care advice – so making sure you are prepared in advance should help many people enjoy the break.
“By taking just a few minutes to ensure that you have enough regular or repeat medication to see you through, it may prevent you and your family from becoming ill and ruining your holiday.
“We would also remind people that they have a huge range of health information available at their fingertips at www.nhsinform.co.uk “
Deal gives students greater influence in decision-making at Edinburgh College
Edinburgh College Students’ Association (ECSA) will break new ground for the further education sector in Scotland with the best funding package of its kind, under a new agreement with the college.
ECSA – which was recently named the College Students’ Association of the Year at the National Union of Students (NUS) Awards 2014 – has signed a partnership agreement with the college that will ensure it has more influence on decision making and strengthen its ability to develop and meet students’ needs.
The college is providing a new funding package for ECSA, which is the biggest for a Scottish college students’ association and will allow the association to grow sustainably. The funding will ensure ECSA’s long-term employment of a permanent manager, a professional full-time position that provides continuity and support for the elected fixed-term sabbatical officers. ECSA is the first college students’ association in Scotland to employ a permanent manager.
ECSA president Kelly Parry said: “This agreement with the college gives us the opportunity to make sure we get the best for our students. We’ve already grown in size and influence over the last two years and I am proud of everyone who has contributed to getting the organisation where it is today. The college has shown great faith in ECSA, even when we’ve held opposing views, and our partnership approach is something that I hope will be adopted across the sector.”
“We’re absolutely delighted to win the NUS award. It’s the result of the hard work of so many people – students, student officers and staff – and it’s proof that college student associations can not only work but, given the right support, thrive.”
Under the new agreement, ECSA will have a stronger voice at all decision-making levels of the college. It already has a prominent role in key college decisions and is, for example, already being consulted formally about the development of the college’s regional outcome agreement. This sets out the targets the college aims to deliver in return for its funding from the Scottish Funding Council. The college has also just appointed a second student member to its Board of Management, increasing students’ influence at the highest decision-making level.
Edinburgh College chair Ian McKay (pictured above) said: “We’re immensely proud of ECSA and this new agreement demonstrates not just our faith in them but our wish to learn from them. They’ve proven to be tireless and effective advocates for our students and we’re supporting them to continue growing and developing their distinctive voice. The Board and college management need to have a robust, healthy relationship with our students’ association where views can be aired frankly on both sides. ECSA’s willingness to confer and consult with us – and strength of character to disagree with us – is both a tribute to their maturity and expertise and the bedrock for a healthy and honest future relationship.
“We’re thrilled that ECSA won the NUS award as we work very closely with the team and know how much they do behind the scenes to benefit our students. This is very much deserved.”
Cabinet secretary for education and lifelong learning Michael Russell MSP said: “I am delighted to welcome Edinburgh College’s steps to give students a powerful voice and enhance their influence over key decisions. A central aim of our college reforms was to put students at the centre, a promise we underpinned with legislation to increase their representation on boards and requiring institutions to have students associations.
“This announcement represents yet another step forward in strengthening the voice of students and I believe the college can only benefit from listening closely to the people who matter most.”
The agreement comes following ECSA’s award as the NUS College Students’ Association of the Year, which it picked up at the 2014 annual NUS Scotland Conference. The NUS Awards judges gave the honour to ECSA for its work over the last year, which includes vice president for women Katy Nixon’s efforts leading to a win at the NUS Scotland Women’s Awards as Inspirational Woman of the Year (a category that president Kelly Parry was also nominated in), and a win at the same awards in the Achievement of the Year for being the first college in the country to appoint a full-time women’s officer.
ECSA has worked closely with the college to help develop education provision, engaged students through a range of events and campaigns, provided opportunities through volunteering placements, and introduced new societies and sports clubs at the college to cater for students’ interests.
Although the college funds ECSA and works closely with it, it does not influence its ability to act as an independent voice for students and respects its right to disagree with the college and help find positive, common ground.
Anti-poverty protestors blockaded Edinburgh’s main Salvation Army shop for three hours last Saturday (5th April) over the charity’s support of the Westminster government’s ‘work for benefits’ scheme. The demonstrators – the group included members of local campaigning group North Edinburgh Fights Back – displayed a giant banner proclaiming IF YOU EXPLOIT US, WE WILL SHUT YOU DOWN at the Earl Grey Street shop.
Dubbed The Starvation Army by its opponents, Edinburgh Coalition Against Poverty (ECAP) says the Salvation Army is heavily involved nationally in the government’s controversial work-for-your-benefits schemes, and in Edinburgh is believed to be the main work placement for claimants ordered to participate in the Mandatory Work Activity scheme, administered by the provider learndirect.
ECAP claim The Salvation Army is also very involved in the Work Programme, under which even disabled claimants can be forced onto workfare. Claimants unable to take part in this unpaid work, or who decline to work for no pay, face having their benefits stopped under the government’s “enhanced sanctions” regime.
ECAP say the blockade was a success – the shop closed for a time and at least two women turned away and took their bag of donations to the nearby Shelter shop when they were informed of the ‘Sally Army’s’ involvement in workfare.
“We felt our action was very successful. We shut down a key workfare user for three hours at the busiest time of the week. And we gave out hundreds of leaflets to passers-by, stressing that workfare is an attack on the wages and conditions of all workers, and many people reacted positively,” said Esther McDonald of Edinburgh Coalition Ágainst Poverty.
The protest was aimed at galvanising opposition to the government’s plan for a new workfare scheme, Community Work Placements, which extends the period of compulsory work-for-benefits to six months. A Britain-wide week of action, co-ordinated through Boycott Workfare has seen actions in many towns and cities. On 31st March in London protestors invaded the YMCA and sang “Forced to work at the Y-M-C-A”.
“The Community Work Placements scheme is already in trouble, ” say ECAP. “Many charities have already said they will not participate – even the Salvation Army won’t touch it – and its start date has been postponed. We urge all charities and voluntary organisations to boycott the scheme. Research shows that workfare does not help the unemployed find jobs and being unemployed is not a crime.
The main contract for the Community Work Placements scheme in Scotland does not yet seem to have been awarded – we are researching which organisation is to be involved as we plan to take direct action against them and make this workfare scheme unworkable.”
For more information see:
www.edinburghagainstpoverty.org.uk
www.boycottworkfare.org
Edinburgh Coalition Against Poverty and Boycott Workfare are both on Facebook and on Twitter
Since earliest times, Newhaven in Edinburgh has been famous for its fishing, its shipbuilding and its unique cultural traditions, celebrated through song and photography. As part of Fishing Folk, Citizen Curator is working with contemporary folk musician Jed Milroy and artist Johnny Gailey to raise awareness of the importance of this heritage.
Events still to come in April:
Do You Sing? Would you like to Sing?
The main focus of our events this month is our new Newhaven Fishing Folk Choir.
With support from an experienced singer we are running weekly drop in rehearsals, Tuesdays from 7 – 9pm. Participants old and young have already joined us to find out more about the songs of Newhaven and to experience community singing at its best.
Every Tuesday April/May, 7 – 9pm at Victoria Primary School in Newhaven
Please note. During the school holidays rehearsals on 8 and 15 April are at the Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop.
This event is open to – all
Tickets – free
Working Lunch – an occasional get together – with musician Jed Milroy
Friday 25 April, 12 – 1pm at the Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop in Newhaven
Jed will talk about his life as journeying musician, playing in bands and producing participatory music. As part of Fishing Folk, Jed has been working with Victoria Primary School to create a new ‘Song for Newhaven’ and forming our new Fishing Folk Choir.
This event is open to all
Soup of the day will be Lentil Broth
A contribution of £1.50 covers the cost of lunch
Please RSVP to ensure supply!
For further information contact:
Citizen Curator
Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop
21 Hawthornvale, Edinburgh, EH6 4JT
07812167130
info@citizencurator.com
www.citizencurator.com
‘Citizen Curator is a contemporary arts organisation working with the history and identity of Leith and North Edinburgh. This project is supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund and the City of Edinburgh Council
Pilton Community Health Project has won an award for Moving Forward, a review featuring an innovative programme of activities with the local community.
Pilton Community Health Project (PCHP) is one of North Edinburgh’s longest-established community organisations, first set up as the Health Hut almost thirty years ago. Over that time the PCHP team has worked tirelessly to improve health and wellbeing across the area, so it’d great to hear that PCHP’s efforts have been recognised – PCHP has just won a prestigious Physical Activity and Health Alliance (PAHA) ‘Community Wide Programme’ award from NHS Scotland for the Moving Forward initiative.
‘Moving Forward’ used exciting, innovative research techniques to explore how to involve the community in encouraging people to become more active. It found that local people would like to be supported to take part in informal, community led activities in local spaces.
Lianne Pipskyj and Clare Symonds, Physical Activity Development Workers at PCHP who co-ordinated the Moving Forward review explained “The value of the work we do is that we do it together, in partnership with other organisations and local people. We have also established a forum which strengthens these relationships, lets us be creative and helps us all improve what we do”
The report also found out that increasing the use of local green spaces and cycle paths would remove obstacles to getting active.
Savita Purran (pictured above) who’s been dancing Bollywood for more than 20 years is dancing for joy at the news of the award. Savita is now sharing her skills and enthusiasm by leading her own class in Muirhouse, having been supported and encouraged by the PCHP team. Savita told us, “Its excellent news! I have been able to follow my dream of teaching Bollywood which gets people active while having fun.”
Shona Robison said: “I’m delighted to congratulate Pilton Community Health Project on their success in the Physical Activity and Health Alliance Awards (PAHA) 2014. It’s fantastic to know that there is so much innovative and truly deserving work taking place around Scotland to make the nation more active’’.
The award will be presented at the 7th National PAHA Conference, which is being held on 24 April at Murrayfield and will be aattended by Minister for Commonwealth Games and Sport Shona Robison.
Congratulations to all at PCHP!
Criminals’ cash to fund future football stars
Millions of pounds confiscated from criminals is to be invested in Scottish football for young people as part of the CashBack for Communities Scheme. Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill announced yesterday that the Scottish Football Association (SFA) is to receive £2.25 million over the next three years to provide free football activities for children and young people throughout Scotland.
Mr MacAskill unveiled the new funding on a visit to Shawlands Academy, Glasgow, to see young people train as part of the Glasgow All Nations Sports and Recreation (ANSAR) Easter holiday football programme.
The programme is supported by the SFA Equity Project, a unique initiative aimed at increasing the number of people from ethnic minorities participating in the game which has received £467,475 of CashBack funding since 2011.
Mr MacAskill said: “The CashBack for Communities programme has been incredibly successful in using money seized from criminals to fund projects in every part of Scotland. Today’s announcement brings the total amount we have invested and committed to encouraging young people into footballing activity through the SFA to more than £7.5m – with £74 million invested or committed through Cashback overall since 2008.
“CashBack has made significant investments in Scottish sport and our commitment to helping grass roots programmes is underlined by today’s announcement. This £2.25million award will help more than 50 clubs and groups continue their excellent work providing free sporting activities for their local community.
“As one of our CashBack partners, the Scottish FA is helping us ensure that the ill-gotten gains of criminals can be put to good use by keeping youngsters out of trouble and hopefully unearthing future star strikers for the Scotland football squad!”
The Scottish FA has undertaken significant investment in equity projects with 1,400 individuals from 43 diverse ethnic groups across Scotland now taking part activities including playing, coaching and volunteering.
Welcoming the investment, the SFA’S Director of Football Development Jim Fleeting said: “The Scottish FA is grateful for the continued support from the Scottish Government via CashBack for Communities funding.
“The grant will enable us to continue our objective to grow the national sport at grassroots level and in particular to make the game accessible to all, regardless of ability, sex, religion or ethnicity.
“I am delighted to be at Shawlands Academy to recognise and endorse the great work undertaken by Glasgow Ansar. This kind of activity highlights the work of our Equity officers and today’s announcement by the Cabinet Secretary will enable us to help clubs such as Glasgow Ansar to access coach education, volunteering and funding support.”
