Your city, your art

New exhibition opens at City Art Centre today

The Capital’s favourite Scottish paintings will be unveiled today at the City of Edinburgh Council’s City Art Centre.

The results of an interactive vote to establish some of the public’s most loved artwork, selected from the gallery’s collection of over 900 oil and acrylic paintings, goes on display today (Saturday 13 December) at the new You Choose: Favourites from the City Art Centre exhibition.

Every year the City Art Centre stages exhibitions drawn from its extensive collection of historic and contemporary Scottish art. Curators spend months selecting which artworks should go on display, and this project has been designed to allow Edinburgh residents and art fans to collectively curate their own exhibition based on their favourite pieces.

The You Choose exhibition features an eclectic mixture of 39 landscapes, portraits, still life studies and abstract images. Renowned Scottish artists have proven to be city favourites, with works from Stanley Cursiter, William McTaggart, Joan Eardley, John Duncan and F.C.B Cadell all due to feature in the exhibition.

Many of the paintings are accompanied by the words of those who voted for them. These quotations explain why individuals chose certain pieces and wanted to see them on display. They provide a fascinating insight into the many reasons why people connect with works of art.

One painting of a dog by an unknown artist was chosen by a voter because it reminded them of Greyfriars Bobby, while another image by Jane Stewart Smith of Dunbar Close in 1868 Edinburgh (pictured top) was selected because it made the voter wonder about the lives of the people who lived there in the 19th Century.

Councillor Richard Lewis, Culture and Sport Convener, said: “The City Art Centre Collections contain some of the most interesting and influential pieces of art in Scotland and the works are looked after by the City of Edinburgh Council, meaning that they belong to the people of Edinburgh.

“The You Choose: Favourites from the City Art Centre exhibition has given residents from across the city and further afield the chance to collectively curate an exhibition. This is a unique project for the City Art Centre and visitors will enjoy exploring the diverse collection, which features ‘old favourites’ hung alongside lesser-known artistic gems.”

Professor Richard Demarco, artist and art teacher, added: “I am pleased that this exhibition inspired by the physical reality and history of Edinburgh is opening in time for Christmas, as a true celebration of Edinburgh as a uniquely beautiful European city.”

The exhibition You Choose: Favourites from the City Art Centre will be displayed in the new Collection Gallery at the City Art Centre until 24 May 2015.

Opening times:

Monday – Saturday 10am – 5pm; Sunday 12pm – 5pm; please note the building will be closed on 25-26 of December, and 1-2 January.

Admission:

Admission to Collection Gallery exhibitions is free, but donations are welcome.

There are admission charges in respect of some temporary exhibitions; see the relevant exhibition page for details.

Happy and healthy young people: new guidance published

Pupils and parents should expect high quality education on relationships, sexual health and parenthood to prepare them for a healthy, happy life, Minister for Learning Dr Alasdair Allan said yesterday.

Speaking as updated guidance for schools is published, Alasdair Allan also welcomed the high level of participation in the consultation held earlier this year.

Dr Allan, Minister for Learning, Science and Scotland’s Languages, said: “The fundamental purpose of Relationships, Sexual Health and Parenthood education is to teach children and young people to have respect for themselves and others. This refresh of the guidance reflects the societal changes that have taken place since the old version was published, changes in laws and the successful introduction of Curriculum for Excellence.

“Our engagement on the guidance, which began last year, generated debate and attracted a number of responses and I am grateful to all who contributed.

“The issues covered by RSHP can be seen as the building blocks to how pupils look after themselves and engage with people for the rest of their lives. These classes allow pupils to think about their development and the importance of healthy living surrounded by their peers who will have similar experiences to them.

“The guidance recognises the professionalism of teachers, the expertise they bring to making lessons age appropriate and an invaluable addition to discussions that parents are likely already having with their children at home.”

Tam Baillie, Scotland’s Commissioner for Children and Young People, said: “This guidance puts into practice the commitment made in the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014, that the Government would actively promote the rights and wellbeing of children and young people.

“Recent high-profile cases of Child Sexual Exploitation and sexual abuse have highlighted the importance of ensuring that education in schools equips children and young people with information to help keep themselves safe. Giving children and young people the knowledge and understanding of healthy, respectful and loving relationships and the opportunity to explore issues in a safe environment protects them from harm and promotes tolerance.

“Young people have a right to get comprehensive, accurate and evidence-based information to help them to make positive, healthy and responsible choices in their relationships.

“Furthermore, there is extensive evidence that high-quality RSHP education helps reduce teenage pregnancy; delays the onset of sexual activity and increases the likelihood of young people using contraception when they do start sexual relationships.

“The implementation of this guidance in all schools across Scotland will be a positive step in keeping our children and young people safe.”

Martin Crewe, Director of Barnardo’s Scotland, said: “We warmly welcome the publication of the guidance on the conduct of relationships, sexual health and parenthood education. We think it delivers a much clearer link between the child protection system and the advice given to teachers on this important subject.

“We feel particularly pleased to see the inclusion of information about the steps that need to be taken to address the dangers of child sexual exploitation.

“We hope the guidance will be an important step in ensuring all Scotland’s children are supported and protected through high quality evidence-based relationships, sexual health and parenthood education.”

The guidance can be found at www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2014/12/8526

Once upon a time there was a library that grew and grew and grew …

READ ALL ABOUT IT: Edinburgh’s oldest public library reports an amazing leap in visitor numbers following a major refurbishment …

The new children’s library, which was relocated from its old home on 9 George IV Bridge in May, has been transformed to feature a special ‘under 5s’ room with artwork by renowned children’s illustrator Catherine Rayner.

The space has seen a 188 per cent increase in visitors (22,178 visits) with children’s book lending up by 45 per cent (10,543 loans) on the previous year, says a report going to the Council’s Culture and Sport Committee next week.

The children’s library now has a dedicated arts and crafts area and parent friendly access including nappy changing facilities. Since the refurbishment five months ago, 16 per cent more children and their carers have been attending events at the library (1,473 visits), including the library’s popular new Lego club.

The report shows that the new music library is also proving a hit with visitors. Launched as a hub for musicians, students and fans alike, the dedicated space for engaging with music has seen a 36 per cent increase in lending (10,543) and a 26 per cent increase in visitors (11,442). The music library’s new streaming service, from Naxos, provides access to a back catalogue of over one million classical and jazz tracks and has already received over 2,100 downloads.

The new facilities have been specially designed to be accessible to all, and for the first time in 40 years allow all of the Central Library facilities to be housed in the same building. The sustainable designs means that the installation of new lighting in some parts of the building saves the library 40 per cent in electricity bills without sacrificing light output compared to the previous lighting installation.

Councillor Richard Lewis said: “The new children’s and music collections have really transformed the Central Library and it is great that the new and enhanced facilities are being so well received by visitors.

“As someone who has worked as a musician and conductor, I’m excited that the music library space is being used more and more and I urge students and those keen to explore music in their own way to pay a visit to the library and experience the facilities.

“The refurbished library offers a unique space for relaxing, reading, and so much more and I think Edinburgh residents have been quick to recognise that.”

Three sought following Iceland robbery

Police probe possible link with robbery at nearby Gregg’s

Police in Edinburgh have launched an investigation after three men robbed a supermarket in Granton on Wednesday afternoon (10 December).

The incident happened at Iceland on West Granton Road around 5.15pm, when the first suspect approached the till with an item to buy. He indicated to the two other suspects, and one of these men reached over and grabbed a three-figure sum of cash from the till.

The three suspects ran from the store in the direction of West Granton Road.

This incident comes after a similar robbery at Gregg’s Bakery on Crewe Road North on Tuesday, around 3pm, which may be linked.

All three suspects are described as white, and around 26 to 27 years old.

The first suspect is described as 5ft 10 in tall, stocky build, wearing a dark coloured hoody, black scarf over his lower face, dark joggers, and white Nike trainers.

The second suspect is described as slim build and wearing a dark hoody, with grey hoody underneath, grey joggers, blue sandshoes.

The third suspect, who took the cash from the till, is described as slim build, gaunt face, and wearing a dark coloured hoody with hood up and grey hoody underneath, dark joggers, light coloured trainers.

Detective Sergeant Lynsey Thomson said: “This robbery was distressing for those who were in the supermarket at the time, and we are keen to hear from anyone who was on West Granton Road around 5.15pm who may have information that can assist. We believe there may be a connection to the robbery at Greggs bakery in Pilton on Tuesday, and if anyone recognises the description of the suspects, they are urged to contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Don't get stuffed this Christmas!

‘Ensure the only thing that gets really stuffed is the turkey!’ – BDA

The average person in the UK could consume around 6,000 calories on Christmas day alone (as against the guideline daily amount of 2,000 calories for women and 2,500 calories for men)!

In addition, over the festive period – which seems to kick off earlier and earlier each year – the average person could easily consume an extra 500 calories per day, equating to a possible weight gain of around 5lb by the time January the first comes around, assuming your festivities kick off at the start of December.

The British Dietetic Association (BDA) is on hand to highlight some handy tips to ensure the only thing that gets really stuffed this Christmas is the turkey!

The BDA, founded in 1936, is the professional association for dietitians in Great Britain and Northern Ireland. It is the nation’s largest organisation of food and nutrition professionals with over 7,500 members. The BDA is also an active trade union.

Best laid plan … If you’re eating out, eat smaller meals beforehand and cut out treats. Open one box of chocolates at a time rather than having a whole collection on the go and put unopened boxes away out of sight (out of mind)!

Buffet stalking … Don’t bother to hover by the buffet table and if you do indulge, visit only once using a smaller dessert sized plate, avoiding the high sat fat offerings like sausage rolls and quiche, in favour of fruit, skinless chicken and veggie crudités.

Office offerings … Avoid the office communal chocolate/mince pies etc, take festive fruit like satsumas into work. Also, remember to avoid the January chocolate amnesty when everybody brings in their leftover chocolates because they want to pass on the lbs to you! Give the chocs to charity as raffle prizes and start a fruit club.

Store wars … Make a list and check it twice, when going to the shops, and stick to it. Avoid those aisles of temptation, or at least, don’t go completely OTT. If you want some healthier festive snacks, try plain popcorn, pretzels, and veggie crudités with a low fat dip.

Big birdie … Turkey is a great source of protein and a low fat meat option. Most of the fat that is present in a cooked turkey will be found in the skin. Why not take the skin off before you tuck in?

Perfect portions … Around a third of your dinner plate should be veggies. Cook for the shortest length of time possible in the smallest amount of water necessary to keep all the nutrients in. Use the veggie water for your gravy and any leftover veggies for a winter soup. These make a great contribution to your 5-a-day.

Options open… If you want to go that extra step, try dry roasting potatoes on a non-stick baking sheet or use an oil spray instead of smothering them in goose fat. You can also make your gravy using veggie stock instead of meat juices, accompanied by a fruit-based stuffing with bread sauce made with low fat milk.

Bottoms down … Those who like to partake in a drink or two, tend to drink more over the Christmas period. It’s easy to forget the calories in alcohol which can tot up. Try avoiding sweet cocktails and creamy liqueurs. Alternate your drink with a glass of water or other calorie free drinks and if you do enjoy a short with a mixer, stock up on low calorie mixers and unsweetened fruit juices and beware the home measures (you know who you are)!

Pie-eyed … The average mince pie can contain about 250 calories and that’s before it’s covered in cream or brandy butter. Remove the lid to cut calories.

Sian Porter, consultant dietitian and spokesperson for the BDA, said: “Christmas is, of course, a time for lots of fun and special foods. The aim is not to make people feel guilty about indulging this time of year, it’s merely to outline the amount of calories that can get consumed and share a few tips people may want to take up to temper their Christmas eating and drinking.

“This time of year, it is so easy to unwittingly consume a lot more calories than normal. Make plans to get yourself and the family active – dancing, shopping and post-meal walks all will help to burn off some calories.

“Have a Very Happy and Healthy Christmas.”

Keep animals safe this winter

The Scottish SPCA is urging people to help animals stay safe this winter

Scotland’s animal welfare charity has issued advice to pet owners, farmers and wildlife enthusiasts as the temperature falls.

Chief Superintendent Mike Flynn said, “Freezing weather can be very dangerous for domestic pets, equines, farm animals and wildlife.

“Dog owners should keep their pets on the lead near frozen waterways and people must never go after their dog if it walks out onto the ice. Each year we hear of incidents where people have tried to rescue their pet from a frozen river or lake, often with tragic consequences, and we want both animals and their owners stay safe.

“We would always recommend owners wash their dogs’ feet after they have been walking on gritted roads as salt can be an irritant to the paws and can upset the digestive system if ingested.

“Those with cats should make adequate provisions for them by ensuring they have access to somewhere warm when the temperature drops and all pets kept outdoors will need extra food, bedding and access to unfrozen drinking water. In the worst winter weather, owners of rabbits, guinea pigs and other animals kept in outdoor hutches should move them inside where possible.

“Antifreeze is one of the most common causes of cat poisoning, particularly in the winter months, and can result in a horrific death. We would urge anyone servicing their car to take extra care and ensure any spillages are cleaned up and disposed of properly as it could save an animal’s life.

“Treacherous conditions makes it hard for farmers to monitor their livestock but, again, it is vital they have access to unfrozen drinking water and food.”

Anyone who finds an animal in distress over the winter period is being encouraged to contact the charity for help and advice.

Chief Supt Flynn added, “Last year we dealt with a large number of wildlife casualties such as underweight hedgehogs found struggling to survive and orphaned or injured seal pups.

“Wildlife lovers can feed birds to help them through the winter as their natural food sources will be scarce at this time of year.

“Anyone who spots a distressed animal should call our Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999.”

Ho, ho, ho – it's the PEP Panto!

It’s PEP’s Panto Time!

(Oh no it isn’t, oh yes it is!)

Pilton Equalities Project will perform ‘Cinderella’

at Granton Baptist Church, Crewe Road Gardens

on Thursday 18 December from 6 – 8pm.

Tickets are £4 – Adults, £1– Children – refreshments included

For catering purposes, please book a place – call Trish on 315 4466

PEP Panto Poster

Local robberies: can you help police?

Police are appealing for witnesses following two local robberies earlier this week:

Police in Edinburgh are investigating following a robbery at Greggs Bakery, on Crewe Road North, Edinburgh on Tuesday afternoon (9 December).

The incident happened around 3pm when a man entered the shop in possession of what is believed to have been a knife and stole a quantity of money from the cash register before making off in the direction of Boswall Parkway.

The suspect is described as white, 5ft 6 in tall, medium build, and wearing a sky blue hoodie with white writing, and with the hood up.

Police are appealing for anyone who was in the area at the time to contact police on 101.

The other incident happened at Farmers Autocare in the Blackhall dip on Queensferry Road, where there was a break-in between 8.20pm on Tuesday night and 7.45am on Wednesday morning.

Entry was forced to storage containers in the forecourt and around 70 tyres were stolen from the garage, with an approximate value of £3100. Enquiries reveal a transit type van may have been involved at some point during the night.

Police are appealing for any witnesses who may have seen this van to come forward.

PC Grimwood said: “The suspects have used a transit type van to transport the stolen property. We are asking for anyone who was driving past Farmers Autocare between 8.20pm and 7.45am and perhaps saw tyres being loaded onto a vehicle or persons acting suspiciously to contact Police Scotland immediately on 101 or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Council weather advice: be prepared

Well, winter’s here and the city council is offering advice on how to stay safe as the bad weather bites …

The Council’s website has information on what to do when gales and storms are forecast, such as parking vehicles in garages or away from buildings and trees etc or securing loose objects that could be blown away.

As temperatures look set to plummet once again towards the end of the week with snow in the forecast as well, residents can also log on to see an interactive map of salt bins across the city and find out the priority streets and pavements for gritting patrols. You can now use online forms to report problems with salt bins or to request a new one for your area.

Preparing for wintry conditions is strongly recommended and the Ready for Winter web page includes tips such as investing in a good, strong snow shovel and arranging a winter health check for your car.

During severe weather, remember to check on your neighbours, particularly if they are older or live alone. Keep up to date with roads, schools and travel information on the website, via Twitter and local radio.

Councillor Lesley Hinds, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “Winter is definitely here now and the Council has been hard at work for many weeks getting the Capital as prepared as possible for whatever the weather has in store for us.

“We’ve got 16,000 tonnes of salt stockpiled – more than three times the amount we used in the whole of winter 2013/14 – and gritting teams have been patrolling and on standby since late October, responding to the detailed and regular forecasts we receive from the Met Office.

“As always, we’d remind residents to do whatever they need to do to get themselves ‘winter ready’ and would urge everyone to look out for those in their community who might be less able to look after themselves.”

Schools stats annual report: could do better?

Rise in primary teachers welcomed but pupil teacher ratio “disappointing”

The number of P1 pupils in Scotland taught in classes of more than 25 has fallen to just 451 this year – 97 per cent lower than the 16,845 children recorded in 2006.

The figure can be found within the annual Summary Statistics for Schools in Scotland for 2014, which was published yesterday. The report also highlights continuing improvements to classroom conditions, with a record number of pupils in good or satisfactory school buildings and a further rise in the number of new teachers in work.

The figures show:

• The number of P1 pupils taught in classes of more than 25 has fallen to just 451 – 97 per cent lower than the 16,845 children recorded in 2006.

• The total number of teachers (full-time equivalent, FTE) in Scotland in September was 50,824 – 254 (0.5 per cent) fewer than 12 months previously.

• The number of teachers in primary schools has risen from 22,905 in September 2013 to 23,029 in September 2014. However, as a result of increased numbers of primary pupils, the pupil-teacher ratio (PTR) has risen slightly.

• The 2014 PTR for all publicly-funded schools is 13.6 compared to 13.5 last year and 13.3 in 2006.

• The proportion of schools reported as being in ‘good’ or ‘satisfactory’ condition has increased again, to 83 per cent – up from 61 per cent in April 2007. That means the number of pupils in poor or bad buildings has more than halved since 2007.

• The proportion of 3 and 4 year olds attending early learning and childcare centres that are reported as having access to a GTCS registered teacher rose to 85 per cent in 2014, from 83.5 per cent last year.

Commenting on the statistics during a visit to her old school Cuiken Primary School in Midlothian, Cabinet Secretary for Education Angela Constance said: “It is only a few years since more than 16,000 P1s were taught in unacceptably large classes of more than 25.

“These figures show we have virtually eliminated such classes. And, in the early years, we can see more 3 and 4 year olds in nursery have access to a registered teacher – giving them a better start to their education journey.

“We are also making more progress in improving school buildings with the proportion reported as being in ‘good’ or ‘satisfactory’ condition up again, to 83 per cent. That means the number of pupils in poor or bad buildings has more than halved since 2007.

“All of this has been achieved in the face of austerity. The budget available to us now is around 10 per cent smaller than when the current UK Government took office. Despite this, everyone, including councils, want to do more.

“That’s why we welcome the rise in the number of primary teachers but it is clear that this rise has been outstripped by the increase in primary pupils. That has led to a small but disappointing overall increase in the pupil-teacher ratio.

“We are already in discussions with councils, through Cosla, on the way ahead and these figures will now form part of those talks.

“Everyone involved in education from the Scottish Government to the local councils want to see real progress made. We must redouble our efforts to accelerate improvements in attainment and to ensure that all young people have the opportunity to fulfil their potential.”

Opposition MSPs have called for a funding rethink following the release of the pupil-teacher ratios.

Alison Johnstone, Green MSP for Lothian and education spokesperson for the Scottish Greens, urged Scottish ministers to rethink their squeeze on local authority funding after figures showed there are fewer teachers dealing with more pupils.

The Pupil-Teacher Ratio across Scotland has risen to 13.7 from 13 in 2007. The biggest annual increase has been in Edinburgh where the ratio is now 14.9 compared to 14.3 last year and 13.5 seven years ago.

Alison Johnstone MSP said: “Fewer teachers dealing with more pupils is a worrying indicator of a wider problem. Local authorities have had their funding squeezed by Scottish ministers, while teachers are dealing with an increasing workload. We’re also seeing councils considering options such as shorter school weeks to cope with budget pressures.

“I have real concerns that our councils are being put in an impossible position. Our schools have been relatively protected from the funding squeeze but unless local government has the flexibility to properly invest in education there’s a risk we cannot provide our children with the high quality learning experience they deserve.”

Summary statistics for Schools in Scotland 2014 can be accessed at:

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2014/12/7590