The 29th Annual Art Exhibition by the Art Friends of St Columba’s Hospice is an excellent opportunity to view and maybe even buy some excellent art for this excellent cause. It will take place at the St Columba’s Hospice Education Centre, Boswall Road on:
Friday 5 June 12 noon – 8pm (incl informal drinks reception from 6pm)
Saturday 6 June – 10am – 4pm
Sunday 7 June – 11am – 4pm
More details to be found here
http://www.stcolumbashospicefu
Housing Convener Councillor Cammy Day opened the city’s newest affordable housing development at Shortbread Court in Granton earlier today.
The £2.9m construction of 27 homes used £767,000 funding from the Affordable Housing Supply Programme, which is managed by the City of Edinburgh Council on behalf of the Scottish Government.
Built by Queensberry Properties Ltd (Cruden Homes East Scotland), the properties consist of one-and two-bedroom flats and meet Link design standards for affordable housing.
Each home has gas central heating and hot water systems, high thermal insulation and double glazing to create warm, comfortable and energy-efficient homes that will be easy and economical to run.
Councillor Day said: “We were delighted to work with our housing partners to deliver this development of desirable, energy efficient homes in a regenerated area of the city, which hard working people can afford to live in. Joining forces with organisations such as Link is allowing the Council to build record numbers of much-needed affordable housing.”
Link Group Chairman, Roy Stirrat, said: “We are delighted to have been supported by the Scottish Government and the City of Edinburgh Council to enable us to continue to provide new, high quality homes at rents affordable to people on low or limited fixed incomes. Since 2013, Link has built 138 new homes for social and intermediate rent in Edinburgh which have played a part in tackling the Capital’s shortage of affordable homes.”
Cumbernauld project points the way forward to regenerate deprived communities
A project to build a new community centre at the heart of Cumbernauld has been hailed as a success of the Regeneration Capital Grant Fund (RCGF) which opens for new applications today.
The Regeneration Capital Grant Fund (RCGF) is planned as a £25m joint Scottish Government / COSLA fund, which contributes to the delivery of outcomes set out in the Regeneration Strategy.
It was developed in partnership with COSLA and local authorities. The initial agreement covered calls for projects over 2014/15 and 2015/2016 which has now been completed. The RCGF is open to all 32 local authorities, Urban Regeneration Companies and other regeneration Special Purpose Vehicles. It will primarily support areas which suffer from high levels of deprivation and disadvantage in both urban and rural areas.
The new Cumbernauld Community Centre, which was recommended support of £4 million, is helping to create and support jobs, training and community groups. Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice Alex Neil visited the site of the new centre today, following an announcement that the RCGF is now open to support projects in 2016/17.
Meeting at the old community centre next to the building site, Mr Neil spoke to some of the groups who will use the centre, including Women’s Aid, the Alpha Project and Cumbernauld and Kilsyth Unemployed Workers Centre. The new centre will include space for small businesses and third sector groups, a nursery, hall and café space as well as multi-function rooms for local organisations.
Mr Neil said: “This is a wonderful example of the one of the many projects the Regeneration Capital Grant Fund is helping to deliver. This centre is expected to create 74 new jobs, as well as supporting 59 in the construction sector and 60 existing jobs in the community centre, showing the grant will deliver social and economic benefits beyond the new building itself.
“Investment in regeneration projects like this new community centre is absolutely key for stimulating economic growth throughout Scotland, whilst at the same time tackling inequality in disadvantaged communities – an approach which is now at the core of Scotland’s economic strategy.
“It’s also a great example of how Scotland’s public bodies can work in partnership to deliver initiatives that revitalise our communities, but more importantly ensuring communities themselves are at the heart of the regeneration of their areas.
“I’m delighted that COSLA has agreed to work with us for a third term on this initiative and would encourage local authorities and eligible organisations to apply to the third round of this fund.”
Councillor Stephen Hagan, COSLA Spokesperson for Development, Economy and Sustainability, added:
“The RCGF really is the reality behind the rhetoric. We hear all the talk about outcomes and delivering for communities, well this fund really does do just that and that is why for the third year in a row COSLA is happy to fully support the government in its delivery
“I’m heartened to see the progress on the projects which have received funding from the Regeneration Capital Grant Fund to date; the difference this is making within local communities across Scotland; and the strong physical, social and economic outcomes that these projects are demonstrating. I look forward to seeing the projects that come forward within this next round of the RCGF announced today.
“This fund is of crucial importance in ensuring transformational change in areas of deprivation across Scotland, and I’m glad that COSLA and Scottish Government continue to work together proactively on this area of policy which is so crucial for improving the outcomes for communities across the country.”
North Lanarkshire Council’s regeneration convener, Cllr David Fagan, said: “The Cumbernauld Community Enterprise Centre is an innovative scheme to provide modern up-to-date office facilities for voluntary and social enterprise groups, new business start-ups and other local companies combined with high quality meeting and activity space for use by communities and community groups.
“When completed and landscaped, it will be a real showpiece for the residents in Cumbernauld and a superb successor to the Muirfield Centre, which served the community well for many years but was ripe for closure and replacement.”
Brian McQuade, Scotland and north-east England managing director of Kier Construction, which is building the new centre in Cumbernauld, said: “This vibrant mix of community, business and play facilities in the heart of the town centre will benefit thousands of people in Cumbernauld and the surrounding areas.
“The development will also generate a valuable boost to the local economy by providing employment opportunities for local construction businesses and apprentices throughout the build period.”
Michael McBrearty, Chief Executive of Hub South West, which is managing the construction, added: “The transformation of Muirfield Community Centre will make a significant difference to the community in Cumbernauld and the surrounding areas, whilst creating local employment opportunities.”
The RCGF was developed in partnership with local authorities, and provides financial support for projects which deliver large scale positive improvements to deprived areas. After an agreement approved by COSLA in May, Housing Minister Margaret Burgess and Cllr Stephen Hagan, COSLA’s Spokesperson for Development, Economy and Sustainability announced at the Holyrood Regeneration Conference today that the fund will be open for a third round of applications for projects which will get underway during 2016.
JAMES McGINTY reports on a popular new activity at Muirhouse Millennium Community Centre …
Pauline Nicol-Bowie( Making it Work) had a fantastic response from the community as a total of 13 children & 10 mums. The mums took part in a dough-making session (substitute for Plasticine) for play with their children at home.
The day was deemed such a success Pauline now has the choice of staying in the cafe or an expansion to this service forces her to use the big hall. Congratulations Pauline!
James McGinty
What will Pauline choose: move or stay? I just dough-no … !
It’s an age-old rivalry that stretches back as far as anyone can remember – and the latest in a long line of sporting battles between Edinburgh and Glasgow will be fought out at Meadowbank later this month. LUCY GLENNIE explains …
The ‘derby derby’ rolls back into the capital in an all-Scottish battle of all-female fitness, strength, and speed on skates later this month when Edinburgh’s Auld Reekie Roller Girls (ARRG) will take on their greatest Scottish rivals Glasgow Roller Derby (GRD) at Meadowbank Stadium.
The latest roller derby game will see ARRG fighting to regain their crown from GRD, who came out on top in their last battle.
GRD are the finest they’ve ever been right now, having swept to the top spot in the latest UK Roller Derby Association rankings for the first time too. The slip from #1 ranking for ARRG has seen them training harder and smarter than ever in the last few weeks to be on peak form to snatch back the gold.
Will the mighty ARRG be able to reclaim their top spot, or will the Glaswegians opposition be too strong and hold the lead?
It’s sure to be a fiercely-fought battle between the two highest-ranking teams in the UK. This is an incredible chance to see the love-hate rivalry of these Scottish opponents – come and see why people are getting so excited about the fastest-growing women’s sport in the world!
Auld Reekie Roller Girls v Glasgow Roller Derby
2pm, Sunday 28 June: Meadowbank Sports Centre, London Road
Tickets:
Tickets available from: http://www.brownpapertickets.com
Advance tickets – £5.00
On the door tickets – £7.00
Free for children aged 14 and under.
Five in the frame for national Awards
Edinburgh College students triumphed in all five student categories at the British Institute of Professional Photography (BIPP) Scottish Region Image Awards. The stash of prizes included the Student Photographer of the Year award.
As well as the Student Photographer of the Year award, HND and BA Professional Photography students picked up the top prizes in the Photojournalism, Advertising & Fashion, Social & Portraiture, and Open categories. They also claimed 21 second and third places and merits, with the college taking home all the prizes in some categories!
The results continue a six-year winning streak for Edinburgh College photography students at the BIPP Scottish Region Image Awards. Students and graduates snapped up 30 of the prizes on offer in last year’s competition.
Kinga Kocimska, who is studying for a BA Professional Photography, was named Student Photographer of the Year this year, and also received the prize for Advertising & Fashion (above).
Kinga said: “Receiving such positive feedback on my images has motivated me even more to further develop my skills and to explore subjects I am genuinely interested in. It feels great to be able to produce work that meets professional industry standards within only four years from the start of my photography journey.”
There was also success for Edinburgh College graduates in the professional photographer categories. Lee Howell took first and second place in the Scottish Commercial, Industrial, Advertising and Architecture category and won the Open category. Last year, Lee was named Professional Photographer of the Year 2014. Lee has his own commercial photography business in Edinburgh, specialising in creative advertising and contemporary editorial portraiture.
HND Photography student Oliver Henderson, who recently won the Calumet Student Photographer of the Year award, triumphed in the student Open category (above).
Marjory Crooks, curriculum manager for broadcast media, said: “It is fantastic to see our photography students recognised with these well regarded awards. The continued success of our students in these awards is testament to their professionalism and talent. It also highlights the quality of the teaching staff at the college, who do great work preparing our students for the workplace.”
Stockbridge-based LifeCare have had their work recognised by Her Majesty the Queen. LifeCare, which works with elderly people, has been honoured with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest award a voluntary group can receive in the UK.
Across the city, Duddingston Kirk Lunch Club has also received the highest accolade.
Both charities were recommended for awards by Edinburgh’s Lord Provost and Lord Lieutenant, Donald Wilson, who also takes on the role of the city’s volunteering champion and both LifeCare and Duddingston Kirk Lunch Club will be invited to attend a garden party at Holyrood Palace with the Queen in late Spring.
LifeCare Edinburgh, based at Cheyne Street in Stockbridge, works across the city supporting the independence and wellbeing of the elderly, people with dementia and carers, helping them to remain at home, connect with others and participate more fully in their community. This is done through a rang of services which includes day units, a popular community café and volunteer projects.
Su Millar, Chief Executive of LifeCare Edinburgh, said: “We are absolutely thrilled with this news and proud to be one of two organisations to receive such a prestigious award. We are delighted that it is recognising the excellent work our volunteers do here at LifeCare Edinburgh.
“We are grateful to Sopra Steria, Edinburgh for nominating us. It demonstrates our commitment to our volunteers and we could not offer all that we do without them. The volunteers who work with us complement our staff teams whether it is assisting in the day units, helping in the café, supporting our events, or helping older people with their shopping.”
“They all bring their own enthusiasm and expertise so without them LifeCare Edinburgh would not be able to make such a difference in the lives of the people we care for. Our volunteers range from students doing their Duke of Edinburgh Award, people who have retired and have more time to spare, to those looking to gain experience in the workplace.”
Duddingston Kirk Lunch Club provides a vital lunch club service for elderly and frail people in east Edinburgh. The service is provided on an entirely voluntary basis by a dedicated group of volunteers, many of whom are themselves elderly.
The local groups are two of 187 charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive the prestigious award this year. The number of awards handed out to groups have increased by over 60% from 2014, due to an increase in high quality applications, showing that the voluntary sector is thriving and full of innovative ideas to tackle community challenges.
Volunteers from LifeCare and the Duddingston Kirk Lunch Club will receive the award from Edinburgh’s Lord Provost later this summer.
The Lord Lieutenant Donald Wilson said: “The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service is the equivalent of an MBE for volunteer groups and recognises the outstanding work they provide within their local communities. I am delighted that not one but two of Edinburgh’s fantastic charities have been chosen by the Queen to receive this recognition.
“Both LifeCare and the Duddingston Kirk Lunch Club truly deserve the praise. It was an honour to recommend them personally for their voluntary service, and it will be my privilege to present them with their awards and certificates later this year.”
The Minister for Civil Society, Rob Wilson, added: “I would like to congratulate all groups who received this year’s Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, in recognition of their fantastic achievements. The hard work and commitment that goes into the work of these organisations is surpassed only by the passion and motivation of the individuals who volunteer.
“I hope these groups continue to inspire others to get involved and make a positive impact so that we can continue to build a bigger, stronger society.”
Any group of two or more people that has participated in voluntary work for more than three years can be nominated for the award. Full details on how to nominate are available at http://qavs.direct.gov.uk/
Nominations for the 2016 awards close on 18 September 2015.
Do you remember Pilton Community Health Project’s ‘Good Food For All’ event held last December?
Since that conference a group of local people and organisations have been meeting to develop ideas and to take the report findings on to the next stage – and you can be part of that!
The next food poverty meeting takes place this afternoon (Tuesday 2 June) from 1 – 2.30 at Pilton Community Health Project and is an opportunity to discuss what we can do to have our voices heard about food poverty. All welcome
Contact Anita for more information on 0131 551 1671
Former Lib Dem leader dies aged 55
Lib Dem politician Charles Kennedy has died, his family has announced. He was only 55. Kennedy was one of a rare breed – that rare phenomenon, a popular politician – and colleagues and opponents have been swift to praise the likeable wee guy known to many as ‘Chat Show Charlie’.
A statement released on behalf of his family this morning said: “It is with great sadness, and an enormous sense of shock, that we announce the death of Charles Kennedy. Charles died at home in Fort William yesterday. He was 55. We are obviously devastated at the loss.
“Charles was a fine man, a talented politician, and a loving father to his young son. We ask therefore that the privacy of his family is respected in the coming days.
“There will be a post-mortem and we will issue a further statement when funeral arrangements are made.”
Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted earlier this morning: “Sad beyond words to hear the news about Charlie Kennedy. A lovely man and one of the most talented politicians of his time. Gone too soon.’
Kennedy’s predecessor as Lib Dem party leader Paddy Ashdown remarked: “In a political age not overburdened with gaiety and good sense, he brought us wit, charm, judgement, principle and decency.”
Nick Clegg, who resigned as Liberal Democrat leader following last month’s general election, said: “Charles devoted his life to public service, yet he had an unusual gift for speaking about politics with humour and humility which touched people well beyond the world of politics.
“He was one of the most gentle and unflappable politicians I have ever known, yet he was immensely courageous too not least when he spoke for the country against the invasion of Iraq.”
