First Minister confirms £70 million for first time buyers

OMSE scheme means ‘ome, sweet ‘ome’ for Scots first timers!

£70 million will be invested in a scheme to help eligible first-time buyers on low to moderate incomes buy a home, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon confirmed today.

The Scottish Government’s Open Market Shared Equity Scheme (OMSE) provides assistance to eligible buyers in the form of an interest free loan.

Eligible buyers are normally required to purchase between 60 per cent and 90 per cent of the value of a home within certain price thresholds that is for sale on the open market.

During a visit to Alloa The First Minister and Social Justice Secretary Alex Neil visited the home of Craig and Jude Deacons who purchased a home with assistance from the scheme.

Ms Sturgeon said: “”We want to help today’s generation of young people to access home ownership where this is sensible and sustainable for them.

“This scheme will have a huge impact on people’s life chances and will help them make a move from living in the social rented sector, the private rented sector or residing in the family home.’

“We will do all we can, within our powers and our resources, to help people like Craig and Jude get a foot onto the housing ladder”.

Jude Deacons said: ““Craig and I are grateful for the scheme as it has allowed us to secure a great first home fit for our family life.

“We got married in 2009 just as the housing market changed significantly. We were unable to buy our first home as we had no way of securing the sizeable deposit required, despite both being in full time employment.

“As both of us were first time buyers the OMSE scheme allowed us to purchase a house fit for purpose to accommodate our two children.

“Another benefit to the OMSE scheme was that we could look at all homes and not just new builds. This opened up more choice with regards to purchasing the right home for us.”

Social Justice Secretary Alex Neil said: ““The Open Market Shared Equity scheme has not only helped people to buy their first home, it has also helped ‘second-steppers’ to be able to sell their home and to move to a new property.

“The scheme has also helped free up houses in the social rented sector and it will continue to provide priority access to social renters, disabled people, serving members of the armed forces and veterans’.”

More local TV from today

STV’s city TV channels, STV Glasgow and STV Edinburgh, have enhanced their schedules for viewers in Scotland’s largest cities from today with extended hours and a range of exciting new original programmes.

The channels are now on air from 7am and will feature hourly week day news bulletins from midday. At 1800, 2000 and 2200, 30 minute news programmes will bring viewers across central Scotland all the latest updates.

The enhanced schedule will also include original, 30 minute Scottish programmes at 2030 each week day evening.

The schedule now includes:

The People’s History Show – Mondays 2030

Published authors and local historians, Dan Sweeney and Dan Gray take us on a journey through the streets of our modern Scottish cities into the past to reveal the real people’s history. This series takes viewers across the history of Scotland’s largest cities, including visits to Edinburgh’s St Bernard’s Football Club, the closes off the Royal Mile and Glasgow’s Merchant City in days gone by. The People’s History Show also takes a look at much loved familiar favourites such as The Sheep Heid Inn and Leith Theatre.

Jak and Eddie’s Scottish Kitchen – Tuesdays at 2030

Top chef Jak O’Donnell and master baker Eddie Boyle join forces to make delicious dishes from the very best of Scottish ingredients. Jak will be cooking culinary delights while Eddie bakes, both have a passion and talent for cooking and produce Scottish traditional favourites with a modern twist. This series is packed with delicious dishes, fabulous ingredients, helpful baking tips and inspired Scottish recipes that will be available on the STV website.

My Life in Ten Pictures – Wednesdays at 2030

Some of Scotland’s best known faces share their personal photo albums to give viewers an insight into their lives through ten carefully selected pictures. The series sees celebrated Scots pick ten pictures which sum up their life giving a fascinating insight into TV, politics, radio, music and comedy. Guests include TV presenter Carol Smillie, TV and radio presenter Ross King, and comedian Andy Cameron.

Grass Roots Music – Thursdays at 2030

This one of a kind show is at the forefront of the Scottish music scene giving brand new local bands and established Scottish artists a platform to share their talent. Scotland’s only weekly music TV show, Grass Roots Music will put local music first and host some of the biggest names in Scottish music, plus emerging new talent in Scotland. Presented by Paul Hughes, STV Glasgow and STV Edinburgh channel editor, the show offers an eclectic range of music from Scotland’s live scene, including interviews with Del Amitri front man and acclaimed solo artistJustin Currie, and singer-songwriter Donovan. Filming takes place in famous gig venues across central Scotland, such as Glasgow’s Nice N Sleazy’s and The Jazz Bar in Edinburgh.

Ch-Ewen the Fat – Fridays at 2030

Non-stop chatterbox Ewen Cameron hits the streets of Glasgow and Edinburgh to find out what real Scots think about his topic of the day. Ewen is a unique character who has a knack for bringing out the best in people and Ch-Ewen the Fat is a great opportunity for The Fountainbridge Show presenter to speak to people about topical issues events and ask the questions they may not want to answer. In the first few episodes, Ewen gets his groove on to see if he can get the Scottish public dancing in the streets with raves, tangos, and ultimately a mass Zorba the Greek style dance.

In the first month on air, STV Glasgow and STV Edinburgh reached a combined monthly audience of over one million viewers with an engaging mix of news, innovative formats and classic dramas from the STV archive.

Elizabeth Partyka, deputy director of channels at STV, said: “These exciting changes will serve to strengthen the range and distinctive offering of City TV and allow us to reach new audiences. The new STV Glasgow and STV Edinburgh schedules reinforce our commitment to delivering local programming for our consumers and we hope the 8.30pm slot will become appointment to view TV for viewers in Scotland’s largest cities.”

STV Glasgow broadcasts to a potential audience of two million viewers in the west of Scotland and STV Edinburgh has a potential reach of one million viewers in the east. The channels are delivered in partnership with Glasgow Caledonian University and Edinburgh Napier University, with over 100 students from the universities having gained experience so far through their involvement in broadcast operations of the channels.

STV Glasgow launched in June 2014 with STV Edinburgh following in January 2015. The channels broadcast on Freeview channel 23, Sky channel 117 and Virgin Media channel 159 within their transmission areas. STV, STV Glasgow and STV Edinburgh are available to watch live online with the STV Player.

Communities call: bring back our 42!

‘We want the 42 bus service to Craigleith Retail Park restored with immediate effect’ – DTCC’s Alex Dale

Four local Community Councils and a residents group have joined forces to call for the immediate reinstatement of a local bus service to Craigleith Retail Park.

Drylaw/Telford, Muirhouse/Salvsen, Craigleith/Blackhall and Stockbridge/Inverleith community councils, along with Easter Drylaw Residents Association, are urging Lothian Buses to bring back the 42.

Drylaw Telford CC chairman Alex Dale explained: “I have set up a CEC petition form (see below) calling for the return of bus service 42 to the retail park with immediate effect.

“The service was withdrawn by Lothian Buses at the end of last year. They said buses entering and leaving the retail park were held up because of congestion and that these delays meant the service couldn’t keep to its timetable further along the route.

“As the bus uses the section of the park owned by Sainsbury’s, I have been badgering away over the past months to try and solve the issues. In the end Sainsbury’s agreed to pay for equipment to both the buses and the traffic lights which will allow buses priority at these lights – this is now in place and Lothian Buses are at present trialling the system with the 38 bus, which still accesses the park.

“If the trial is successful Lothian Buses will look at a possibly returning the service at their Autumn timetable, but our community councils agree that the company should return the service 42 with immediate effect as part of the trial, and not wait till Autumn.”

service 42 Signature form of those individuals supporting the petition (1)

Members of the public/local businesses can also view and sign petition by going to www.edinburgh.gov.uk/petitions and selecting ‘Support a Petition’.

The Closing Date is the 13 March 2015.

Armed robber’s taxi to Pilton?

An armed robber is believed to have hijacked a taxi and taken it to Pilton after robbing a city centre jewellers at gunpoint this morning.

The man entered Laing the jewellers in Frederick Street at 9.30. He brandished a handgun and threatened staff before stealing a number of high value items – the jeweller specialises in high-end, expensive watches.

The thief then ran along Rose Street and into Hanover Street where he is understood to have hijacked a private hire car.

The cab driver was ordered to drive to the north of the city – it’s thought that there may have been a passenger may inside the taxi at the time of the hijack but police have yet to confirm the reports.

The suspect was last seen when he got out of the vehicle on the corner of in Pilton Drive North and Royston Mains Crescent.

The man is described as white, in his early 30s and 5ft 10in tall. He was wearing a dark padded hooded jacket, blue trousers and a blue and white scarf and was carrying a black and white rucksack.

Police are appealing for witnesses. Detective Sergeant Raymond Gray said: “This robbery left the staff badly shaken but thankfully unhurt.
We are keen to hear from anyone who may have seen the man, or has information about the crime, so that we can trace him as soon as possible.”

Anyone with information should call Police Scotland on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

EMT presents Chess: The Musical

The board is set, the pieces are moving: Edinburgh Music Theatre (EMT) will perform Chess: the Musical at the Church Hill Theatre next week (10-14 March)!

With music by ABBA’s Bjorn Ulvaeus and Benny Anderson, and lyrics by Tim Rice, Chess has one of the greatest musical theatre scores of all time including One Night in Bangkok, Pity the Child, Anthem, You and I and I Know Him So Well (made popular by Elaine Paige and Barbara Dickson).

The musical follows the story of two of the world’s greatest chess masters as they battle it out at the world chess championships, but their greatest contest is for the love of one woman. Amidst political intrigue and international conspiracies, the American and the Russian fight to win her heart in a romantic triangle that mirrors the heightened passions of the Cold War.

A highly successful concept album of Chess was released in 1984. The first theatrical production of Chess opened in London’s West End in 1986 and played for three years.

EMT was formed in 1982, to perform large-scale musicals in major theatres. They perform a yearly musical and also present two cabaret shows at the Fringe. Past shows include Boogie Nights, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, and a run of Sweeney Todd that incorporated British Sign Language into every aspect of the performance, including choreography.

The cast of amateur performers have been in rehearsals for Chess since October last year, working together in their spare time to put together a musical spectacular.

Mike Davies, the director, said: “We can’t wait to bring Chess to the Church Hill Theatre this March. “A team of over fifty performers and crew has been involved in putting together this fantastic, unmissable show.

“While ‘I Know Him so Well’ was the breakout song from Chess, the score is packed with stunning ballads, intricate chorus numbers and spellbinding duets. Grab your tickets while you can.”

Performances of Chess will take place in the Church Hill Theatre from 10-14 March at 7:30pm, with a matinee performance on Saturday 14 March at 2:30pm. Tickets are available through the Usher Hall website and booking line 0131 228 1155.

Listing Details:

Edinburgh Music Theatre presents Chess: the Musical.
The Church Hill Theatre, Morningside Road, Edinburgh.
7:30pm (Saturday Matinee 2:30pm)
Tickets: Tues and Sat Matinee – all tickets £12; Wed – Sat £14 (£12 conc.).

www.edinburghtheatre.co.uk

www.facebook.com/edinburghmusictheatre

Scottish Youth Parliament Elections: it’s time to vote!

‘We’ve seen from the success of young people voting in the Independence Referendum that there’s a real appetite out there for them to engage in politics’ – Cllr Cathy Fullerton

Young people in Edinburgh are being urged to vote in the Scottish Youth Parliament elections which start today – and for the first time young voters will be able to cast their vote online from today until Friday 13 March.

Anyone aged between 12 and 25 in the Capital is eligible to vote and to get involved young people can log onto the Young Scot website and use their Young Scot number to vote (temporary numbers for voting are also available from a selection of schools and community venues across the city).

There are 12 seats representing Edinburgh open to candidates who receive the most votes at the elections in March. These are in six city areas: Central, Eastern, Northern & Leith, Pentlands, Southern and Western.

The Scottish Youth Parliament is a non-party political organisation made up of 150 young people representing every constituency in Scotland. It campaigns to highlight the views of Scotland’s young people on a national and international stage.

Its members meet three times each year at a range of different locations, including in the main chamber at Holyrood’s Scottish Parliament.

Councillor Cathy Fullerton, Vice Convener for Education for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “We’ve seen from the success of young people voting in the Independence Referendum that there’s a real appetite out there for them to engage in politics.

“The Scottish Youth Parliament offers an ideal chance for young people to be heard on both national and local issues and I would urge everyone eligible to cast their vote next week.

“It’s great that modern technology means our young people can vote online for the first time for their preferred candidate. These elections are a great opportunity to develop young people’s citizenship and debating skills as well as demonstrating democracy in action.

“The council is committed to involving young people fully in the life of our city, so they feel that Edinburgh is a place where they can really make a difference. That’s why we are also actively encouraging them to come up with petitions which can be put to our Petitions Committee for consideration.”

Anyone interested in voting should visit the Young Scot website or contact the CEC Young People’s Participation Team on 0131 529 6502.

It’s National Digital Learning Week

#DigiLearnScot

What’s it all about?

National Digital Learning Week is your chance to give digital technology a go and join the national debate on how digital tools can help transform the way pupils learn.

We are encouraging all schools to make a pledge to develop their digital practice in school. These will be shared on our blog. This could range from trying a blog for the first time to using augmented reality to make your walls come alive!

Find out more – click on the links below:

https://vimeo.com/120819144

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8cmVLUU43f8&feature=em-share_video_user

The Yard is Tesco Bank local charity of the Year

Local children’s charity The Yard is one of three childrens’ projects that will be supported by Tesco Bank over the coming year.

Tesco Bank ‘colleagues’ from each of the three Bank’s three regions choose a local children’s charity to support, and this year the lucky recipients will be:

The Yard (Edinburgh)

The Yard is a playground for children with physical disabilities or learning difficulties. It gives children space to explore, join in and make friends – things that they can be excluded from in other environments.

The large outdoor playground is a perfect place to build dens, climb trees and charge around on one of their specially adapted bikes and trikes. Indoors there is also room to paint, bake, draw, smile, chat and be with others or be alone in the calming sensory room.

The Yard’s specialist Playworkers look to encourage children and young people to explore and be themselves, promote risk and challenge to help children overcome barriers to inclusion, and nurture natural curiosity.

HOPE For Autism (North Lanarkshire)

HOPE for Autism is a charity set up by parents who didn’t feel their children’s needs were being met. They have a great understanding of what is required to support the whole family, as they have been through it themselves.

HOPE for Autism currently offers services to families affected by an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), including evening groups for children and young people, parents’ group meetings and services for carers, such as one-to-one and group support, free training and social nights.

Grace House (Sunderland)

Grace House is a purpose-built children and young person facility in Sunderland which will offer short break and respite care services for children and young people with complex disabilities, health needs and life limiting conditions.

They are presently planning to increase the number of their en-suite bedrooms to eight before their planned opening in May 2015 which will allow them to have up to eight children visiting at any one time. Eight bedrooms will allow them to help between 250-300 children every year.

Congratulations to you all!

New sign language video call service rolled out

New video call service removes barriers to participation.

The nationwide roll-out of a new online interpreting service will allow deaf people across Scotland to use sign language to contact public sector services.

The Scottish Government has announced today the extension of the current NHS 24 online British Sign Language (BSL) Video Relay Interpreting Service pilot to the rest of the public sector in Scotland.

The new Scottish Government-funded service, contactSCOTLAND, will mean deaf people can now speak to public services, such as their local council, doctor’s surgery and the Scottish Government, without the need for someone to call on their behalf. This project is unique in the UK and is the first nationally funded public sector Video Relay Service.

Minister for Sport, Health Improvement and Mental Health, Jamie Hepburn, welcomed the new contactSCOTLAND service which is available from today. He said:

“There are estimated to be around 6,500 people living in Scotland who use sign language and these people deserve to have the same access to services as everyone else.

“By extending this programme to cover all public sector services in Scotland, we are removing the barriers that some deaf people face when trying to get in contact with their local services.

“For the majority of people who rely on sign language to communicate, they need to arrange to have someone to call on their behalf. This new project will mean deaf people can video call an interpreter at contactSCOTLAND directly who will then speak to the relevant public sector organisation and act as an intermediary for the deaf person.

“This is a fantastic project and gives British Sign Language users equal access to public sector services, allowing them to enjoy greater participation in daily and public life.”

Andrew McCafferty and his wife in are both profoundly deaf, The Greenock couple recently used the video relay service to call NHS 24 – receiving treatment that saved Andrew’s life.

He said: “My wife and l are profoundly deaf and use British Sign Language to communicate. It can be really difficult and frustrating to communicate with doctors, police officers and workman from the council that come to carry repairs in our home.

“Recently l took seriously ill and contacted NHS 24 through the online BSL interpreter service. The online interpreter assisted me throughout the call and later when l received treatment at the hospital, the doctors said the treatment saved my life.

“Being able to use contactSCOTLAND is amazing – it means my wife and l can understand what is being said, which makes us feel much more confident. This is a great service which Deaf people can use when they need it, no matter where they live in Scotland.”

Janis McDonald, Chief Officer, Scottish Council on Deafness (SCoD), said: “SCoD is proud to have been involved from the early days of the pilot work and sees many benefits to Deaf People wishing to access services that are readily available to hearing peers. It is terrific; accessible, discreet and confidential, designed with people in mind. Many have already received information and treatment because of it.

“We can see this type of access would have wider benefit – to help interaction with other public bodies and could be applied to many other situations of day to day life. It greatly reduces the inequality and access barriers Deaf, BSL Users face daily.

“We therefore welcome that the service is now being extended to all national and local public bodies ready to promote and support BSL and Deaf Users across Scotland and that Deaf users have access to public services like everyone else.”

The service is free and can be used to contact all public sector bodies in Scotland. It is not for emergency 999 calls. More information on how the BSL Video Relay Interpreting service works can be found on the contactSCOTLAND website www.contactscotland-bsl.org

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_WygONuSkdA

Granton’s Walled Garden – update

Hi all,

A quick update to say the deputation to the City Chambers went really well with a decision made to review the outdated ‘minded to grant’ planning permission for the 17 luxury townhouses.

I didn’t expect local councillors to be so surprised by this garden’s existence, age and rarity, or the fact that it was a council arms-length company’s responsibility. Heartening indeed was their decision to review the individual planning application by WEL from 2003, in light of new planning policies meant to protect the Historic Environment and Scotland’s Cultural Heritage. Hopefully this time they will refuse it in recognition of the value of this garden as incredibly rare and valuable heritage greenspace.

STV News wrote a good covering article on our deputation (link below):

plea-to-save-grantons-forgotten-walled-garden-put-to-council

Next meeting

Thursday 12 March

6-7.30pm at Royston Wardieburn Community Centre.

Please send in any agenda points you wish discussed.
Hopefully some of you can make this date and time.

Kirsty Sutherland,

Friends of Granton Castle Walled Garden

PS: Can everyone fill in a membership form if you haven’t done so already, postcode is handy to identify areas support is coming from, full address isn’t needed unless you wish to receive correspondence by post rather than e-mail.

For more information check out Friends of Granton Castle Walled Garden on FaceBook